Welcome to Little Flower

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Making New Year’s resolutions is a sign recognizing we still have a need to improve ourselves. Those improvements we cannot purchase at Home Depot, Lowes or Menards. They really have to come from our heart. Many people find it easier to keep their resolutions if they share their goals with a family member or a friend. This is very true when they involve breaking an old habit or trying to establish a new one.

Today you will find at all of our entrances a pamphlet entitled SCHOOL CHOICE. The first paragraph on the inside right-hand column is very important. “While Indiana legally upholds the parents’ right to choose the elementary and secondary school ….”

During this month of January, we expect the Indiana legislature to consider a bill which would make it easier for you to exercise your right to make a choice. It would offer tax credits if you choose to send you child to a private school, and this choice can include a Catholic School. Please read this pamphlet and fill out the card seeking more information.

You are also encouraged to write or phone the members of our state legislature, both the Senators and Representatives, expressing your support for this bill. If all of the private schools in this state were to close, our public school system would not be able to handle the increase in students. These private schools are a blessing to the education system in our state so it is fitting that you receive a tax credit. This will enable more to exercise the right to choose better schools for our children.

Just before Christmas, Little Flower received the plaque you can see in the gathering space in recognition of the direct assistance we give to people who are having difficulty meeting their house payments. Along with this plaque, we received a check for $500 for our Outreach Programs.

Have you noticed that the minutes of daylight are now increasing on a daily basis? This is important as long hours of darkness can have a negative effect on many people.

We look forward to having favorable weather next Sunday for our “Parish Appreciation Party.” It’s our Thank You for your participation in our parish ministries, volunteering your time, talent and treasure which keeps our ministries and programs functioning at a high level. Please RSVP by phoning us at 272-7070 before noon on Wednesday, January 7, if you are able to come so we can make sure to have enough food on hand to feed everyone.

May this be a year of great Happiness and Holiness for all of us and our families.

God bless you,

Epiphany Ministry Party
A Thank You for Sharing your Gifts!

Save the Date: Sunday, January 11, 2009

Details to follow!

Natural Family Planning

Tuesday, January 22, 7-9 p.m. St. Matthew Cathedral

The class is conducted by the diocesan Office of Family Life and is open to engaged and married couples. The fee for the session is $25. Registration is required — call 234-0687.

Paul Bible Study

In this, the year of Paul, we will do a bible study on the life, letters, and themes of Saint Paul. While we will do some history and look at how he crafts a letter, the focus of our time will be on his theological themes. What does he teach about baptism, Eucharist, grace, sin, forgiveness, works, and justification? Is following Christ a new religion or the fulfillment of Judaism? Most of all, we will delve into Paul’s understanding of conversion: what does it mean for us to live no longer for ourselves but for Jesus Christ.

The first session starts Monday, January 26, at 7 p.m. or Tuesday, January 27, at 9:10 a.m. in the parish center (both offer the same material). Anyone is welcome.

Read Bishop John M. D’Arcy's letter concerning the decision made by the Holy Cross Congregation to withdraw from Little Flower Parish, South Bend on July 1, 2010 - Click here....

Read Fr. Tyson's letter - Click here...

This Week in our Parish

Blood Pressure Screening this weekend
No Fair Trade Coffee this weekend

Sunday, January 4
Coffee & Doughnuts — after 9:30 Mass, Parish Center
RCIA — 11:15 a.m., Room 4, Parish Center

Monday, January 5
Co-dependent Grp, 6:30 p.m., Rms. 5, Fr. Payne Hall

Tuesday, January 6
Fit for Life — 7:15-9:15 a.m., Wellness Center
Centering/Silent Prayer — 4 p.m., Chapel
Taize Service — 6:30 p.m., Youth Chapel
Divorce Support — 7 p.m., Rms. 3-4, Fr. Payne Hall

Wednesday, January 7
Diabetes Support — 7 p.m., Rms. 3-4, Fr. Payne Hall

Thursday, January 8
Fit for Life — 7:15-9:15 a.m., Wellness Center
Knit & Crochet — 9:30 a.m., Room 1, Parish Center
O/A Group — 7-9 p.m., Room 5, Fr. Payne Hall

Youth Ministry