January 20, 2008

Reverend Paul Pecchie, Pastor

Reverend Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

Deacon Richard Brady, Deacon Ralph Bufano

Deacon Kenneth Spaulding (Winter Months)

Retired Assisting Priests

Reverend Monsignor Richard Cahill

Reverend Kenneth Bonadies

Reverend Bernard MacAdam (Winter)

MASS SCHEDULE

Daily Masses .......................................... 8:00 AM

Wednesdays with School in Session9:00 AM

Saturday Vigil ........................................ 4:30 PM
Sunday........7:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM and 5:30 PM

Music Director:

Mrs. Paulette King......................................... x 316

Sacristans:

Sr. Lucy Mbuya, CDNK ................................. x 304
Sr. Castissima Masambo, CDNK .................. x 304

Directors of Religious Education:

K-8th grade: M/M Joseph & Julie Blum ......... x 320
Adult: Sr. Kathleen Luger, OSC .................... x 321

Outreach Ministries:

Sr. Rosamunda Massawe, CDNK ................. x 321
Ms. Claire Obordo......................................... x 302

Youth Ministry:

H.S.: M/M Pete & Marie O'Shea.................... x 322

Jr. High: M/M Robert & Sue Tassinari.......... x 322

Confessions are heard on Saturdays, 3:30 & 5:30
PM (also Thursdays before First Friday at 8:30 AM).

Baptisms are arranged at least two months in
advance by calling the parish office.

Marriages are scheduled with the priest at least six
months ahead of time.

Anointing of the Sick: If you anticipate a hospital
stay, please ask to be anointed prior to
hospitalization at one of the daily Masses. In case of
an emergency, please call at any hour. The infirm
may call the parish office to arrange for a priest to
anoint them at home.

Visits to the Homebound: Our Eucharistic
Ministers bring Holy Communion to our homebound
parishioners, usually on a weekly basis. Please call
the parish office if you are not able to attend Mass.

Parish Registration is done by attending a
Welcome Meeting and Breakfast. Please call the
parish office for details.

School Principal:

Sr. Veronica Visceglia, SSND .................581-4865

St. Patrick School, founded in 1959, provides an
excellent academic program to grades preK-8, in a
Christ-centered environment which nurtures each
student in mind, body and soul.

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

January 20, 2008 A.D.

1507 Trotter Road, Largo, FL 33770

Mailing Address: 2121 - 16th Ave. SW, Largo, FL 33770

Parish Office: (727) 584-2318; Fax: (727) 586-5413

Website: www.stpatrick-largo.org

Page 2 - Sunday, January 20, 2008

2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Fr. Paul Pecchie

ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH

(727) 584-2318 Tel.

Fr. Prakash Madanu, ALCP.

2121 - 16th Avenue SW, Largo, FL 33770

(727) 586-5413 Fax.

My Dear Friends in Christ,

What is the value of human life? How we value human life determines how we
treat ourselves and others: the poor, the immigrant, the handicapped, the unborn,
the infirm and the dying not to mention the person who makes my life difficult or

whom I just cannot forgive. The question is fundamental: Where does the value of human
life come from? Why does human life have value at all? Today's Gospel gives us the
answer. And to put it in a nutshell the answer is this: Human life has value for the same
reason that gold has value.

Gold has value for which we give it by our desire for it. For gold was used in the

concentration camps, by prisoners who wanted to save something for when they got out, but often were so starved
that they used this wealth to bribe guards to give them shriveled, almost rotten potatoes. This exchange of gold for
survival represented the exact scale of worth.

Something similar applies to the value of human life. This Sunday we hear the price someone is willing to pay

for a human life for yours and for mine. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of

God."

In the Old Testament, each year, they used to select a lamb that is, a young male sheep.

He was a year old, the time when his meat and wool fetched their highest price. Each family,
who could afford it, would offer a young sheep for the sacrifice. The priest placed the lamb on
the altar and opened its throat so blood would flow out. The blood of the lamb brought
forgiveness it restored people to God.

When St. John saw Jesus, he said: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin

of the world." Like a young sheep placed on an altar, Jesus would give his blood his life for us. That is the
greatest price, because Jesus is perfect man and true God.

If you were to ask where our value comes from, you would have to say: It is not because we are so intelligent,

nor because we are so charming, so good, so beautiful nor so strong. We may have some of those qualities, but
they do not last for very long. Ultimately, our worth does not come from our brilliance, virtue, beauty or strength.
We are valuable because someone is willing to pay a great price for us.

It is important for us to say that today. We live in a society confused about the value of human life. We equate

worth with function and try to decide who is worthy of life. As Christians we cannot do that. We know that life
has incalculable value. Someone is willing to pay an enormous price for it. The Lamb of God has paid the price.

This basic message ties in with an observance which commences this weekend:

The Week of Prayer for

Christian Unity

. Once someone asked C.S. Lewis if he thought it was a good time to

pray for Christian unity. He responded that it is always a good time to pray for Christian
unity. Still, in light of the assault on basic values including human life itself now
more than ever we need to pray for a united Christian witness. For sure, there are natural
reasons for valuing human life but ultimately human life has value for the same reason
that gold has value. This Sunday, St. John the Baptist tells us the price and who is
willing to pay it:

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

Please join us this week in our Prayer Service for

Life, as we pray to our God, who purchased us with
his blood, that he will restore the sanctity of human
life throughout our nation and world.

Praised be Jesus Christ!

Fr. Pecchie

JMJ

CANDLELIGHT ROSARY VIGIL

Our Respect Life Committee invites all parishioners to join our prayers with the
national Pro-Life Marchers in Washington, D.C. On this year's anniversary of
the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, we will have a
Candlelight Rosary Vigil on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7 PM in Church. Let us
make the sacrifice and lift up our prayers that 2008 will bring an end to the holo-
caust of abortions. Every single day in our country, 4,000 babies are killed by
abortion.

Photo from
University of
Minnesota;
Baby not
more than
6 weeks
old.

First Reading -- God has restored the land,

and brought great joy to the people. The
burdens that were once laid upon them have
been vanquished (Isaiah 8:23 -- 9:3).

Psalm -- The Lord is my light and my

salvation (Psalm 27).

Second Reading -- Paul exhorts the believers

at Corinth: As there is one Christ, so too must
there be no divisions among you. (1
Corinthians 1:10-13, 17).

Gospel -- After calling his first disciples,

Jesus goes throughout Galilee teaching,
proclaiming the gospel and curing the people
of their illnesses (Matthew 4:12-23 [12-17]).

What am I doing to attract those who are

questioning and searching? Am I involved in

some catechetical or evangelizing ministry?

We are . . . Disciples in Mission

Sharing our Faith in Christ

THREE MISSIONS

Today we begin with one of the "servant songs" from the book

of Isaiah, a song prophetic of Jesus' ministry of service. Isaiah's
mission is not only to bring back the children of Jacob to gather in
Israel; it is also to be "a light to the nations" (Isaiah 49:6). Jesus
Christ, as servant, will be the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy
and the basis of the new.

This Sunday we begin a series of readings from Paul's letter to

the Corinthians. Here Paul is identified by his mission: he is an
apostle of Jesus Christ. The church at Corinth to whom he
addresses this letter is also identified: it is part of the universal
church of God. The Corinthians are called to holiness, as are all
Christians.

Though the feast of the Baptism of the Lord was celebrated last

Sunday, today's Gospel also alludes to the importance of that
event. The reading emphasizes that Jesus "outranks" John: his
baptism in the Spirit will eradicate sin. Jesus accepts John's
baptism, even though it is he himself who is the Lamb of God.

Readings: January 27, 2008

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Parish & Evangelization - Page 3

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

ELEBRATING

YEARS

ARISH

EWS

Golden

Jubilee

Mardi

Gras

Tuesday, February 5th at 6 pm

in the Msgr. McCall Hall. Purchase your tickets (Adults: $5,
Children 13 and under are FREE!) today after all the Masses
for

our

Golden

Jubilee

Year

Mardi

Gras. Experience a real New Orleans style Mardi

Gras with costumes and homestyle Louisiana cooking. There
will also be live entertainment and dancing. Wear a costume
and bring your beads for our Fat Tuesday celebration!

SHARE-A-PRAYER:

you or someone you know
needs special prayers, let
us pray for you and your
loved ones. Phone 584-

6954 and to-
gether we will
lift our hearts
to God!

Golden Jubilee Concert:

"Around the World with Music"

With

Dr. William Picher

Director of Music/Organist at Mary, Queen of the

Universe Shrine, Orlando, and

Michelle Rego

Director of Music at the Cathedral of

St. Jude, St. Petersburg.

Friday, January 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM in the Church

Their concert will cover music from Baroque to contemporary as well as exciting new compositions. They
always bring you to many levels of your imagination and emotions. Come and enjoy this great concert as it is

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES: Sign up for our Lenten Small Christian
Communities after all Masses this weekend and next weekend. We will be
reflecting on Bishop Lynch's Pastoral Letter Living Eucharist: Gathered, Nourished,
Sent. It is the Bishop's goal that this reflection will revive a sense of wonder, awe and
gratitude for the gift that is the Eucharist. The groups meet weekly in parishioner's
homes. There are groups available morning, afternoon and evening. Please sign up
today or take a registration form home with you to pray about it. Return forms to the Religious
Education Office or drop it in the Collection Basket. For info., contact Sr. Kathleen, ext. 321.

VOCATION VIEW

VOCATION VIEW:::: January 20, 2008

January 20, 2008

January 20, 2008 ---- 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time A

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time A

Through your baptism you are God's servant and light to others. With whom will you share your light?

Consider a vocation to the consecrated life or priesthood. (Isaiah 49:3, 5-6)

All for the Greater Honor & Glory of God

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Page 4 - Faith Formation

The Great Bible Adventure Study
Sr. Kathleen

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CR)

Tuesday, January 22nd

Join us on this adventure with Jeff Cavins as

we journey through the Bible.

Adult Bible Study: Adventures in Matthew
Sr. Kathleen

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Wednesday, January 23rd

"Adventures in Matthew - the King and His
Kingdom" with Jeff Cavins. This liturgical year
we are in Cycle A where we focus on the
Gospel of Matthew. Cost: $25. To register,
contact Sr. Kathleen, ext. 321.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

RCIA: Are you interested in the
Catholic Faith? If you have never
been baptized, or have been
baptized

another

Christian tradition, we
invite you to journey in
faith with our parish
family in the RCIA

process. For more information contact Sr.
Kathleen at 584-2318 ext. 321.

St. Patrick's Religious Education

Religious Education (K-8) Sundays, 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Small Faith Sharing Group
Barb Murphy 9 AM - 10:30 AM (CR)

Friday, January 25th

Join us as we share our faith each Friday.

Mr. & Mrs.

Joseph &

Julie Blum

DRE, ext. 320

Going Deeper With Your Faith

Adult Education and Faith Formation

Religious

Ed.

PASTOR'S CLASS with

Fr. Pecchie

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (CR)

No class on Monday, January 21st

We will continue our Holy Father's
latest encyclical, Spe Salve, On
Christian Hope, on January 28th.

FOUNDATIONS OF PERSONAL PRAYER:

We meet every Monday evening at 7 PM

in the Msgr. McCall Library.

Have you seen our Web page? Check out

what's new and what you missed!

Visit www.stpatrick-largo.org today!

SACRAMENT PREPARATION

We will be celebrating the Sacrament of First Reconciliation for 29 of our
children on Saturday, January 26th at 10:30 AM in the church. Please pray
for our children and their families as they come to know of our loving and
merciful Heavenly Father.

Eucharistic Adoration every Wednesday

Come, pray with me!

Please consider spending even one hour each Wednesday to be with

Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, beginning after the 9 a.m. School Mass and concluding with
Benediction at 6:45 PM. Please sign up at the Church entrance. Wednesdays in our Diocese is
our designated day to pray for holy vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

A Child's Morning Prayer

My God, I offer to You this day

all I think or do or say,

in union with all You have done for me

by Jesus Christ Your Son. Amen.

Dear Lord, I rise from bed to pray;

Then soon go out to school or play.

Let all I meet along the way

see You in me throughout the day. Amen.

School & Youth - Page 5

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Principal:

Sr. Veronica

Visceglia,

SSND

Jr. High Youth Ministers: Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Sue Tassinari, ext. 322

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

ELEBRATING

OVER

YEARS

XCELLENCE

DUCATION

, L

EADERSHIP

& S

ERVICE

St. Patrick Catholic Youth

The Junior Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 7:00 to
8:30 PM in the Youth Room. Newcomers are always welcome!
If you have any questions, please call Sue & Bob at 585-5546.

IND

, O

EART

, O

PIRIT

ENIOR

OUTH

ROUP

"By This Sign, You Will Conquer"

H.S. Youth Ministers:

Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Marie O'Shea, ext. 322

The Senior Youth Group meets Sunday nights after the 5:30 PM Mass in
Msgr. McCall Hall. Youth in high school or older are welcome to attend.

NEWSPAPER RECYCLING: Please help
support your school by putting your old
newspapers in the big red bin located at
the east side of the church. Thank you!
Your support is always appreciated!

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Monday, January 21, 2008

MARTIN LUTHER KING BIRTHDAY

NO SCHOOL

. P

ATRICK

ATHOLIC

CHOOL

WEEPS

ONTEST

We are proud to announce that the winners of the American Essay Contest for
Eighth Graders sponsored by the Clearwater Chapter of the Daughters of the
American Revolution were all from St. Patrick Catholic School.

First Place: Thomas Wight

Second Place: Alexandra Aponte

Third Place: Kellie Cox

We congratulate the students and their families and thank their teachers.

REGISTRATION for 2008 - 2009 SCHOOL YEAR

OPEN REGISTRATION will begin in February for all
grades (Pre-K-8). St. Patrick is a fully accredited,
Christ-centered environment, known for academic
excellence. There will be an Open House on January
30, 2008 from 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM for all grades.

Come and see what makes St. Patrick so special. Tour the campus. For more
information call the school office. (727) 581- 4865.

All are welcome to attend our

School Liturgy, every Wednesday

at 9 AM, followed by Exposition

of the Blessed Sacrament.

Come, pray with us!

COMING JUBILEE EVENTS:

Mark your calendars. Details to follow!

Parish Mission ...............................March 17-21st

An Easter Egg Hunt for our children in March

Golden Jubilee Banquet .................... March 29th
International Mass & Dinner..................May 18th
Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Lynch ...June 1st
Children's Jubilee Picnic........................June 7th
Jubilee 50's dance ................................. July 19th

Page 6 - Stewardship

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's responsorial psalm is the theme song of the good steward:

"Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."

May I, too, stand ready to offer myself and my gifts in the service of God.

TEWARDSHIP

: T

IME

, T

ALENT

, T

REASURE

May God bless you

and your family !

Your generosity helps support our parish operating expenses and our

ministries each week, so that we may serve you, our parishioners, better!

January 13, 2008

$ 11,694.24 (372 Envelopes)

Building and Maintenance

$3,494.00

(109 Envelopes)

Children's Envelopes

$ 4.00

(2 Envelopes)

Helping Hands

$ 485.00

2007 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS: If you would like a letter listing the
summary of your 2007 parish donations (for tax purposes), please phone the
rectory office to place your name on our list. Contribution statements for 2007
will not be available until February 1st and will only be given upon request.

Please check one or

specify how many years

married

wedding anniversary this year.

Date of Marriage ____________ ____, _________

We're celebrating our:

25th (silver)

50th (golden)

50+_________

please specify

Please list any disabilities: _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

PRE-REGISTRATION: Please print clearly and return this form to the church office by Mon., January 21st.

Last Name ____________________________________ Phone Number __________________________

Address: ______________________________

______________________________________

Husband's First Name ____________________________

Wife's First Name ________________________________

ATTENTION: WEDDING JUBILARIANS

Bishop Lynch will be the principal celebrant of a Concelebrated Mass of Thanksgiving
honoring all couples throughout the diocese who will celebrate their silver anniversary, or
50 or more years of marriage during 2008. The Jubilee Mass will take place at St. Jude Cathedral
on Sunday, February 3rd at 3 PM. A reception with light hors d'oeurvres will follow. Professional
photos with Bishop Lynch will be available for a nominal fee. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER by sub-
mitting the following form into the parish office

NO LATER THAN MONDAY, January 21st!

Bus

transportation is available for $40 per couple from various locations and is NON-REFUNDABLE.

GIFT CARD SALE: St. Patrick School PTO is selling gift cards for numerous restaurants and stores such
as Chili's, Panera, Beall's, Albertson's, Chevron and many more. You purchase these cards at full face
value and the school will receive a percentage of the purchase. It costs you nothing extra. To order cards or
get information call Julie Wintermeier @ 743-7043 or Elaine Luker @ 595-3538.

"50 IS THE NUMBER"

The Jubilee Committee requests that if you are turning "50" in 2008 or you are celebrating 50 wonder-

ful years of marriage, please contact Ginny @ 403-3980 to be added to the list. Thank you!

Volunteers needed to help

with Panera pick-up. For

more information, please

call the parish office.

Mass Intentions & Schedule of Events - Page 7

Mass Intentions

The Week Ahead

January 19, 2008
Pierina Kaumo

January 20, 2008
St. Patrick Parishioners
Danilo Iglesias, Jr.
Mary Maltese
John Fucile

January 21, 2008
Carolyn Lavoy

January 22, 2008
Elizabeth Payeur

January 23, 2008
Edith Gariboldi
Charles Bauer, Sr.

January 24, 2008
Tommy Moffat

January 25, 2008
Leonor Cepeda

January 26, 2008
Tommy Moffat
Michael John Dube

January 27, 2008
Anne Falvella
St. Patrick Parishioners
Mary Maltese
Anthony Caruso

Pray for our Military

Staff Sgt. William J. Condon, US Army, New York
Second Lt. Tara Dawe, US Army, New York
Lt. Comm. Shawn D. Fitzpatrick, USN, Virginia
Pvt. Brendan Gaines, USMC, South Carolina
Sgt. Jason A. George, US Army, Kentucky
Sgt. Jorge Granados, USMC, Florida
Sgt. Joshua Harmon, Kentucky
Specialist Matthew Heaberlin, US Army, Iraq
Sr. Airman Sean Heaberlin, USAF, California
Staff Sgt. Matthew Hicks, US Army, Missouri
Airman Ryan Hines, US Air Force
Lt. Jr. William J. Howey, III, US Navy, Connecticut
Sgt. Anthony Jordan, US Army Calvary, Iraq
CWO2 Robert Kidney, USCG, Florida
Lance Corporal Nick Krege, USMC, Iraq
Specialist Daniel McCarley, US Army, Florida
Airman 1st Class Kevin McCarley, USAF, Germany
Ensign Christopher McDowell, US Navy, Iraq
Airman Theresa Newbill, US Air Force, England
Sgt. Scott Platzer, US Army, South America
A. B. Michael Pourteau, USAF, Texas
Pvt. Chris Reed, USMC, Iraq
Major Kristin Streukens, US Air Force
Major Scott Trapman, US Army, Washington
Staff Sgt. Saturnino Vilano, Jr., US Army, Afghanistan
Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller, US Air Force, Iraq

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Sun.

8:30 AM

10:30 AM
11:30 AM

6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Mon.

7:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Tue.

4:00 PM
6:30 PM

7:00 PM

7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Wed.

9:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:45 AM
3:00 PM
6:45 PM
7:00 PM

Thu.

9:00 AM
5:30 PM
5:45 PM
7:00 PM
7:00 PM

Fri.

9:00 AM
3:00 PM

7:30 PM

Sat.

8:30 AM

10:30 AM

3:30 PM
5:30 PM

01/20/2008
Coffee and Donuts (PC)
ERE: Religious Ed. for Children (School)
RCIA: Breaking Open the Word (CR)
Senior Youth Group Meeting (PC)
Junior Youth Group Meeting (YR)
Al-Anon Meeting (Lib)

01/21/2008
NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Day
Foundations of Personal Prayer Mtg. (Lib)
Contemporary Worship Band Rehearsal (CH)
Cub Scout Pack 465 Den Mtg

. (Café, Art, PE, Gr1)

01/22/2008
Mission of St. Patrick Class (Lib)
GriefShare Meeting (Lib)
Respect Life Candlelight Rosary (CH)
Great Adventure Bible Study (CR)
Boy Scout Troop 465 Mtg. (Café)

01/23/2008
Adult Bible Study
School Mass (CH)
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament (CH)
Weight Watchers Meeting (CR)
Benediction (CH)
Charismatic Prayer Group Meeting (CR)

01/24/2008
Legion of Mary Meeting (CR)
Finance Council Meeting (MC)
Children's Choir Practice (OLM)
Adult Choir Practice (OLM)
RCIA Class (CR)

01/25/2008
Faith Sharing Group (CR)
Challenge Club Meeting (REL, MC)
Golden Jubilee Concert (CH)
Our Lady's Oratory Prayer Group (CR)

01/26/2008
Diocesan Vocations Workshop (Off property)
First Reconciliation Celebration (CH)
Confessions (CH)
Confessions (CH)

Sat.

4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

Mon.

8:00 AM

Tue.

8:00 AM

Wed.

8:00 AM
9:00 AM

Thu.

8:00 AM

Fri.

8:00 AM

Sat.

8:00 AM
4:30 PM

Sun.

7:30 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
5:30 PM

Please pray for the members of our St.

Patrick Parish family and friends who

have died recently and their families and

friends who mourn them.

Parish Meeting Rooms: Art = Art Room (School Jubilee Building); Cafe =
School Cafeteria; CH = Church, CR = Conference Room in Msgr. McCall Hall;
FLD = Field; MC = Media Center; MR = Music Room (School Jubilee Build-
ing); PE-A/B = PE portables; OLM = Office of Liturgical Music; PC = Msgr.
McCall Hall; PCLib = Msgr. McCall Library; REL = Religion Room (old Span-
ish Room); RE Office = Religious Education Office in PC; YR = Youth Room

Page 8 - `Round the Diocese & Saints Spotlight

http://www.stpatrick-largo.org

Diocesan Announcements

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES: Join Fr. Gary Dowsey of
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Dunedin for a Spiritual
Journey you will not forget: June 10-17, 2008. The price
starts at $2,059. Call Goldmark World Travel at their toll
free number (866) 391-7872 for more info. or to make
reservations, or call Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Office at
733-3606 to receive a packet.

elebrate St. Patrick Church's Golden Jubilee

...

by joining Fr. Pecchie on a special tour of

IRELAND

IRELAND September 15-25, 2008. Journey with us as

we travel in the footsteps of St. Patrick, and see his

impact upon Irish faith and culture. Educational

Opportunities Tours presents an exciting and

educational 11-day experience for approximately

$2698*. Cost includes roundtrip airfare from New

York, first class hotels, traditional Irish

breakfast and Dinner daily, guided

sightseeing via deluxe motor coaches

and entrance fees. Please contact Margie

Feuser, pilgrimage coordinator, for

more information at 1-800-644-4659.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND: Join Fr. Patrick
Rebel of St. Matthew's Parish, Largo for a 14-day pil-
grimage to the Holy Land, Petra & Cairo: November 30,
2008. The price starts at $3,699 from Tampa. Call Blue
Chip Travel at (800) 654-4579 for more info. or to make
reservations, or call St. Matthew's Parish Office at 393-
1288 to receive a packet.

PINELLAS HOPE! Catholic Charities, working with Pi-
nellas County government, is providing a "tent city" on an
empty lot, at 49th Street and 126th Ave. North, from De-
cember 1 to April 30. The community will have facilities
to house up to 250 guests in tents. Showers, laundry,
security, transportation, and counseling services will also
be provided, as well as 24/7 security. Pinellas Hope is
asking faith communities and civic groups to provide at
least one hot evening meal for the five months the
tent city is open. FMI:

http://www.pinellashope.org

Natalie at (727) 582-7846, (727) 482-0064 or

njack-

son@pinellascounty.org

The Charismatic Prayer Group, The
Hearts of Jesus and Mary Prayer
Community at St. Patrick, invite you to

join us on Wednesday at 7 pm in the Conference
Room. Mass is celebrated on the third Wednesday
of the month. We praise God in song, learn from
the scriptures and pray for each other. For info call
Bobbie 584-0503 or Margie 559-7449.

Don't wait to feel great!
Start the year out right!

Keep that New Year's resolution!

St. Patrick's Weight Watchers will begin a new
session this week. It's not too late to join. We
meet every Wednesday at 3:00 PM in the
Conference Room of Msgr. McCall Hall. For
more information or if interested, please contact
Rosem ar y

I ng er so ll

58 4- 50 15

rose35@tampabay.rr.com for info.

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must

die so that you may live as you wish."

~ Mother Teresa

The conversion of St. Paul is
the story of a life- and world-
changing "U-turn." A man of
education and influence, Saul
used his knowledge of the
law and his standing among
the religious leaders of his
time to persecute the earliest
Christians. Then, after a personal encounter with the
Risen Christ, Saul is reborn as Paul, and becomes
the apostle to the Gentiles, using his persuasive pen
and enthusiastic zeal to spread the good news of the
Gospel. "I am the least of the apostles," he says. "In
fact, because I persecuted the church of God, I do not
even deserve the name. But by God's favor I am
what I am. This favor of his to me has not proved
fruitless. Indeed, I have worked harder than all the
others, not on my own but through the favor of God."
By God's favor we are what we are; in his goodness,
he has given us all that we have. We are good
stewards if, like St. Paul, we can say that God's favor
bears fruit in our lives -- if "[we] are grateful for what
[we] have received and eager to cultivate [our] gifts
out of love for God and one another."

The Conversion of St. Paul,

Apostle

Feast Day: January 25

Feast Days this week:

January 21:
St. Agnes

(d. 304) Virgin &

martyr

January 22:
St. Vincent of Saragossa

(d. 304) Deacon & martyr

January 24:
St. Francis

Sales

(1567-

1622)

Bishop & Doctor

January 26:
Sts. Timothy