Our Lady of Sorrows Church
and excessive drinking, smoking and
From the Pastor’s Desk
My Dear People:
Even though this Sunday is the Feast of the
Baptism of Jesus, I have difficulty taking
down the Christmas decorations so soon. I
am in good company. Pope John Paul II
would not take down Christmas decorations
until after the Feast of the Presentation of
Jesus in the Temple (forty days after His
birth). This feast we celebrate on February
2.
The church decorations, pointing to Jesus
born in the stable, are truly beautiful here at
OLS. Thanks to all who donated toward the
flowers and, again, to those who did the
decorating.
It is not too late to thank God for the
blessings of 2009 and to make our
resolutions for 2010.
It may not have been the best year
economically for the country and the world,
with the “economic meltdown,” but we did
enjoy so many blessings anyway. How many
times were we able to receive Jesus in the
Eucharist last year? How many times did we
have opportunities to help others and
respond this past year? What about those
times we had the grace to resist sin and gave
the right response? Did we enjoy health last
year or receive the medical assistance to
regain health? Did we retain our jobs when
many lost theirs? And what about our
families and friends? The best way to insure
blessings in the future is to thank Him for the
blessings already received!
It is not too late to make resolutions for 2010.
Maybe we need to make the same resolution
this year that we did last year but go further
into the year keeping it. Will the resolution
be more prayer in our daily lives, and just
which prayers, and at what time of the day?
Is there not an obligation of some kind to
take care of our health? These bodies are
temples of God according to the Scriptures
overeating just might not be that respectful to
God’s temples. Is there a new year’s
resolution to be found somewhere in that last
statement?
There was an interesting letter sent to the
church office saying that the 11:30 Mass
should be advertised as the 11:38 Mass
since the “older priest” starts Mass about that
time. I kept looking at my associates and
hoping that they looked older; but it did not
work. The writer of the letter said that for
eight minutes he twittles his thumbs, etc. I
see material for resolutions here. First, I
would suggest he take the extra minutes to
pray rather than twittle the thumbs. Second,
the “older priest” needs to aim higher than
11:38 for the 11:30 Mass. However, more
people than the priests have been a little late
for the 11:30 Mass. It is hard to start Mass
when people are still coming into the Church.
I apologized once for starting the 7:00 a.m.
Mass late and after Mass three “guilty
people” told me not to apologize. All three
admitted they were late and they were
praying that I would be late. What chance
did I have with those prayers? (I know, there
could be people already in church praying
that I would be on time.)
As we say “good-bye” to 2009 and reflect on
the year of our birth we realize that we are
one year closer to the end of our lives on this
earth. There is the added reflection that how
we lived 2009 is written in stone. It cannot be
changed. We have been given the
opportunity for another year and we say that
brings us one year closer to that great day
when we see the God to Whom we have
prayed for years and for Whom we say we
live our lives.
As the Scriptures say: TODAY IS THE DAY
OF SALVATION. We have not been
promised another day on this earth. Each
day is another gift from God to be used for
His honor and glory.
A million thanks to those who have turned in Immaculate Heart of Mary Guild will meet
their pledge cards. Next Sunday, I will report on Tuesday, January 12, at 6:15 p.m. in the
the percentage of our 1200 people who have Family Life Center Sodality Room. The
made a pledge to God. Also I will report on meeting portion will begin at 6:30 p.m. New
the enormous success of the Advent Tree. members are welcome. Any questions
Archbishop Marino who requested this please contact Wendy Green at 492-7058.
project of building a school to help _______________________________________
Christianize people in Bangladesh was
excited about the advanced report and he Our Lady of Grace Guild will meet on
promised a letter of gratitude to our people. Monday, January 11, at 10:30 a.m. in the
Sodality Room at the Family Life Center.
Many blessings this coming year to all our Please remember to bring your magazines,
people and their families. canned goods and toiletries.
_______________________________________
With prayers and blessings,
Fr. Muller Our Lady of Fatima Guild will meet
Thursday, January 14, at 11:00 a.m. in the
Sodality Room. For more information please
call Maria Lilly at 823-3058.
____________________________________
MASS INTENTIONS
OLS Singles needs volunteers for the John
Monday, Jan 11 Donors to the OLS School
Carroll International Food Festival. It will be
Foundation held on Sunday, January 31, from 12:00 to
Joseph Latsis 5:00 p.m. Call Grace Troncalli at 323-3000 if
Special Intention of Michael Milan you are able to volunteer.
Tuesday, Jan 12 Vera Sullivan _______________________________________
Mrs. Spatz
Donald Taccone
Wednesday, Jan 13 Spec. Int. of Members of BAPTISM CLASS will be held on Tuesday,
St. Ann’s Guild January 16, at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.
Josephine Sicola _______________________________________
Special Intention of Marie Romano
Thursday, Jan. 14 Special Intention of Mary Sella Join us next Sunday, January 17, for Adult
Rosalie Alesci
Edith Upchurch
Education at 9:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
Friday, Jan. 15 Special Intention Our speakers will be Amy Welborn and Marc
Anita Noto James Ayers. The topic will be “The English
Rosalie Alesci Reformation,” and on Sunday, January 24,
Saturday, Jan. 16 Lucy Gagliano Haynes the topic will be “Luther/Calvin.”
Vera Sullivan
Frank Diergo
Sunday, Jan. 17 People of the Parish
Lemuel Sapp
Sean Ryan

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS

At his baptism Jesus is supported by the presence of
the Spirit and of his Father. We, too, are affirmed in
our baptism and called to holiness. Are you being
called to live your baptismal commitment as a priest or
religious? (Matthew 3:13-17). For all baptized
Christians that the grace of our baptism may guide us
in our vocation.

Youth Groups and PSR classes will resume
meeting this Sunday, January 10.
PSR meets from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. in
the youth rooms. Please remember to bring
a notebook. Breakfast will be provided.
High School Youth Group will meet from
7:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Semester calendars will be distributed at this
meeting. Dinner will be provided.
Middle School Youth Group will meet this
Monday, January 18, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. in the youth room.
____________________________________
Additional Christmas flower donations in
memory of :
Fred Stickler
Lucille & Joe Larock
Joe Falconer, Sr.
_______________________________________
NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK
is January 10-16.
The observance of National Vocations
Awareness Week began in 1976 when
designated by the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops. Our holy fathers, Pope
Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II, have
urged all members of the church to be
convinced of their serious responsibility to
pray for and promote vocations to the
priesthood and religious life. The word of the
Lord must be proclaimed! Unless the tradition
of the faith is handed on, there will be no
faith. And certainly the faith is being
challenged today. What an important time for
many to follow the Lord’s call!
Friends, parents, relatives, and those who
care about the Lord’s Work need to
encourage and help those chosen individuals
who may be called to a life as a priest, sister,
brother, or deacon. We, the members of Our
Lord’s Church, need more priests and more
religious. It is our responsibility to make this
happen.
____________________________________
OLS Annulment Education and Support
would like to invite everyone interested in
learning more about the Declaration of
Nullity, commonly known as Annulments, to
join us on Sunday, January 24, at 11:30 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. in Room 102 of the Family Life
Center for Annulment Education. This event
is open to everyone to learn more about the
Declaration of Nullity. If you are a divorced
Catholic, know a divorced Catholic or just
want to learn more about what the Church
teaches about Annulments, we encourage
you to join us and learn more about the
Declaration of Nullity. Anne Marie Verchot,
RCIA Director at Our Lady of Sorrows and a
Diocesan Trained Advocate will be leading
the meeting. Snacks and drinks will be
available. For additional information, please
contact David Asbach at 383-5634 or
daa28@aol.com or Anne Marie Verchot at
482-8627 or verchot@bellsouth.net.
____________________________________
Firm Body Bootcamp is using the OLS
Family Life Center and Homewood Park to
get people in tip-top shape. This is for men
and women who want to lose body fat and
tone. If you are bored with your normal gym
routine, frustrated because you are buying
clothes in bigger sizes or just want to have
more energy to run around with your kids,
then sign up for the free week! They are
offering every member a free week and a
huge discount should you decide to continue
after the no obligation free week. This free
week and discounted offer will expire
January 25. Morning and evening times are
available. Call Romen at 835-9770 to
register.
The Family Mission Team to Mexico will be
meeting this Sunday, January 10, in the
youth rooms from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. All
missionaries must attend this meeting.
____________________________________
THANK YOU
Thank you to all the folks who helped with
the poinsettia delivery. You brought great joy
to many parishioners. I know it also brought
joy to all of the elves. God will bless you all
for your generosity.
_______________________________________
2010 United for Life Rally and March will
be held on Saturday, January 16, at 10:45
a.m. at Brother Bryan Park, 22nd Street South
at 10th Avenue, Birmingham. Respect Life
Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of
St. Paul. Rain or shine, legal and peaceful.
Bring your kids and come celebrate Life!
Sponsored by United for Life Committee.
_______________________________________
One Day Marriage Enrichment Retreat
On Saturday, February 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Holy Family Room
Fr. Peter Devereux, LC, from Atlanta, will be
the retreat leader with a program of practical
talks and reflections to help couples enrich
their marriage. There will be opportunity for
prayer, confessions, and spiritual direction as
a couple if desired. The retreat will end with
a very special marriage vow renewal
ceremony. Space is limited and reservations
are required. The cost is $30 per couple and
includes lunch, snacks and retreat materials.
You may also want to plan to attend the 9
a.m. Mass, just prior to the retreat or the 5
p.m. anticipated Mass, immediately following
the retreat at St. Peter’s. If you would like to
sign up or obtain more information in general
about the retreat, please call Dianne Hart,
243-2315.
Beginning Experience Ministry (formerly
New Beginnings) is a support group for the
divorced, widowed and separated of this
community. BE is a levels program with four
levels running simultaneously each 10
weeks. The next 10-week session begins on
Tuesday, January 12, at 6:00 p.m. We meet
in the Family Life Center at Our Lady of
Sorrows Church. The cost is $25.00 for the
10 weeks. Financial assistance is available.
Childcare is provided at no cost. Beginning
Experience is interdenominational and all are
welcome. For more information call Helen
Bowers at 802-6216 or visit our website at
www.birminghambeginningexperience.org
_______________________________________
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School—
Open House and New Student
Registration
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School
cordially invites you to our OPEN HOUSE for
prospective students and their families to be
held Sunday, January 24, 2010, between
2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Join us any time
during these hours, meet our teachers and
staff, tour our school and discover our faith-
enriched community for learning.
Applications will be available in the school
foyer and on the school website
olsschool.com. Applications do not roll over
from year to year. If you were on a waiting
list for 2009, you must reapply for 2010.
Please call 879-3237 if you need further
information.
Chapel of Our Savior Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center in
The Chapel needs permanent Committed Cullman and Contemplative Outreach,
Adorers for: Birmingham are sponsoring an Introduction
Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. (to share hour) to Centering Prayer retreat to be held in
Friday at 3:00 a.m. Cullman, Alabama January 29-31. This
Saturday at 4:00 p.m. retreat is designed for those new to
Our goal is to have a least two people on Centering Prayer, a form of Christian prayer
each hour. These are the hours needed, but rooted in the ancient Christian contemplative
do select an hour that best fits your tradition. Its purpose is to foster a deeper
schedule. Please call Ida Wilker at 879-7040 intimacy with Christ through the silence and
or Mary Claire Brouillette at 871-2909. stillness of contemplative prayer. Private
“When you awake in the night, transport rooms and the ability to maintain silence are
yourself quickly in spirit before the required. Registration will be from 6:00 p.m.
Tabernacle, saying: ‘Behold, my God, I come -7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 29, and the
to adore You, to praise, thank, and love you, program will end after the noon meal on
and to keep you company with all the Sunday. The cost for the weekend is
Angels’.” St. John Vianney $195.00 per person for a private room;
____________________________________ lodging, meals, and linens are included. For
registration information, please contact the
Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center –Learn Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center at (256)
to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours-Pope Paul 734-8302 or by email at
VI, in Laudis Canticum, recommended that retreats@shmon.org.
the Liturgy of the Hours be prayed by “all
Christ’s faithful.” and subsequent popes have
echoed this call. Come learn to pray the
Hours at the Liturgy of the Hours Retreat to
be held at the Benedictine Sisters Retreat
Center in Cullman, Alabama on January 22-
24. The Sisters will instruct participants in
the structure of the Hours, psalmody, and the
historical background of praying the Hours.
Retreatants will join the monastic Community
for Lauds, Vespers and Eucharist, and will
experience silence, meditative prayer, and
the rhythm of monastic life. Registration will
be from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday,
January 22, and the program will end after
the noon meal on Sunday. The cost for the
weekend is $195.00 per person for a private
room or $175.00 per person for a shared
room; lodging, meals and linens are
included. For registration information, please
contact the Benedictine Sisters Retreat
Center at (256) 734-8302 or by email at
retreats@shmon.org