HAPPENINGS
 

 

 

AT IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

CATHOLIC CHURCH

WE EXTEND OUR PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY—to Betty Cooper and the Cooper Family as we all mourn the death of George Cooper.  A Memorial Mass for George will be celebrated at IHM on Saturday, January 22 at 12PM.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR VERY OWN “FAT SUNDAY” DINNER!!—on Sunday, March 6th we will be featuring Guest Chef Dennis Barber of The Copper Door.  Enjoy wonderful New Orleans fare, music, and fun benefitting St. Vincent de Paul!

STAMPS—Sr. Terry asks us to save our cancelled stamps for her CND sisters.  They sold stamps and realized $694 for their Missions.  Sr. Terry has provided a box on the table in each of our parishes for this ministry.

STEWARDSHIP—The Blessed Virgin Mary was the model steward with her unqualified “Yes” and complete trust in God’s will.  When I put God first in my life, everything else falls into place.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE—If you have not already done so and wish to volunteer in any capacity within the Diocese of Charlotte you must complete a Volunteer Profile and an authorization for a background check.  Those wishing to work with children must also attend a mandatory workshop “Protecting God’s Children.”  For more information, please call the parish office or speak to your Committee Chairperson.

THE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY—meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 4:30 in the Commons.  All parishioners interested in assisting the needy of our community are invited to attend.  For more information, please contact Gary or Kathy Slagle at 828-835-2778.

LEGION OF MARY—meets every Thursday morning at 10AM in the Commons.  Their purpose is fellowship, prayer and reaching out to those who are unable to attend church.   They visit nursing homes, shut-ins and hospitals. If you are interested in this important ministry, please contact Howard Platz at 828-389-0335 or Judy Hancock at 706-896-4533.  All are welcome to attend.

 SOCIAL STEWARDSHIP—Get your chopsticks out and come enjoy the Chinese dinner at IHM on Friday, January 21st at 6PM.  Sign up sheets are in the Commons.  If you have any questions, call Maggie Magistro at 706-896-1285

THE FIRST ANNUAL CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE—with the theme “Being a True Catholic Man” will be held at Charlotte Catholic High School on Saturday, February 19.  For details go to www.CltCMC.org

WE BID FAREWELL—to the Augustinian Friars-Fr. Jack Denny, Fr. Tom Pohto, Br. Bill Harkin-who will be completing their ministry at the Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center, St. Margaret of Scotland Church and the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.  We are deeply grateful for their years of service to our area and wish them God’s blessings as they return to the Philadelphia area.

THE LUUUUV BASKET—We are collecting items for this year’s basket which will be raffled off February 13.  If you wish to donate an item or know of someone who will donate a gift certificate from their shop, please call Nancy Lorie or Susan Palmich.  Thank you 

SOMOTILLO ADVENTURE—We are organizing our annual trip for a few fortunate folks, adults and or teens, to travel to our sister community in Somotillo, Nicaragua in April.  You will be our ambassadors in faith who share our love and concern for our Nicaraguan friends while experiencing their incredible progress at the two schools we are invested in.  The cost would be less than $800.  Both parishes are open to fundraising especially to help young people participate.  For more information, contact Susan Palmich at 706-379-9686 or the parish office. 

SOUP FOR SHARING IS COMING THIS MONTH—Save lunchtime on Monday, January 31, for the OEO/CSS sponsored fund raiser featuring soups from the finest restaurants in Cherokee, Clay, Swain and Graham Counties.  More details to come.

 CATHOLICS COME HOME—The Diocese of Charlotte has undertaken an evangelization mission to invite our sisters and brothers back to the faith.  There are 20 million Catholics in the USA who no longer practice the faith or do so sporadically. In fact, if one takes the number of those who have drifted away, it adds to the second largest religion in the USA, practicing Catholics being the first.  We need to invite our brothers and sisters to join us!  While the ads might help, nothing is more effective than a personal invitation.  Invite someone you know to come back to the Catholic Church.  For more information, you may check the website www.catholicscomehome.org. And to anyone reading this bulletin that is returning to the Church this Christmas season, WELCOME!

IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY MEMBER—or a friend who is serving in the military of the US or another country and would like her/him listed in our bulletin for prayer, please call the parish office

 THE “BOOK OF LIFE”—is in the Commons.  You are invited to write the names of loved ones and friends you want remembered at Mass during the month of November.  The “Book of Life” will be placed in the Sanctuary at the altar during November.  If you have a member or members of your immediate family that have died during this past year and you want them remembered in the Mass on All Saints Day please call the parish office with those names.