It’s time to register your children (grades 2 and up) for First Penance and First Communion. The sacraments will take place in May; exact dates and locations of classes and ceremonies will be announced at a later date. Registration forms are available at all 4 sites, on the parish website, and through the Church office. The deadline is February 15th.

Readiness for First Communion is an emotional, spiritual, and intellectual process. A child’s readiness is greatly influenced by the experience of participating in the liturgy each week with his/her family. Other readiness
factors include:

• Desire for the Sacrament
• The ability to distinguish Eucharist from ordinary bread
• Willingness to continue life in the community after reception of the Sacrament
• Appropriate faith formation for a child’s age, including 2 years of consistent Parish Religious Education classes or 2 years of attendance in a Catholic School
• Celebration of First Penance prior to receiving Eucharist
• Registered member of the Parish

Questions can be directed to Annette Larrabee @ 687-1068 annette.larrabee@dor.org

As of the first of the year, 2022, I have ceased granting permission for wake services to be done in the Church, including prior to the funeral mass. The reason for this is because the Church is simply not the proper place for wake services. It is a sacred space for the purpose of the worship of our Lord and God, especially as He is present in Blessed Sacrament. When wakes take place in the Church, the presence of our Lord is completely ignored and proper reverence and adoration that is due to Him is not given. Also, at times there has been difficulty bringing the wake service to a close when many people are in line to view the body and/or greet the family and the time scheduled for the funeral Mass has arrived. However, this is secondary, the primary reason is the first that has been given.

One exception has been made to this rule simply because permission was granted prior to my decision and notice being sent to the local funeral homes to advise them of this new policy. The funeral was originally scheduled prior to the January 1, so I grand-fathered them in.

I know some will be disappointed in this decision and I am sorry for that, however, I sincerely believe it is the correct and necessary decision.

Sincerely,
In Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,

Fr. Jeffery R. Galens

True Reformers, Saints of the Catholic Reformation will begin on Wednesday January 12th at 6 PM and Sunday January 16th at 11:30 AM in St. James Hall.

This new study is six sessions long, one session per week, and is available on Formed.org. No purchase is necessary as the study guide is available on the website as a pdf. All are welcome.

Heavenly Father,

As we begin the New Year please help us to seek Your daily will so that we and those we touch become all You intended. Let the New Year bring peace among nations. We beseech You to change the hearts of those who seek abortion and for our politicians to legislate a legal end to abortion and to lead wisely in all matters. We pray for Christian unity. We ask for
the acceptance of all races as was the wish of Dr. Martin Luther King. We also pray for the success of Catholic schools
and their graduates. We continue to appeal to You for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, deaconate and religious life. In the Most Holy Name of Jesus we ask these,

Amen.

My Jesus,
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if
You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen

Compassionate and Loving Father,
In the face of confusion and concern impart to us the calm of your presence.
In You allow us to find hope and healing.
Be with those who serve the sick and give them Your caring hands.
Be with those who lead and give them Your Spirit of wisdom.
Be with those who have fallen ill and give them Your comforting heart.
Wrap your arms around our world and hold us in your love.
Allow us at this time of trial to then serve as instruments of that love to all we meet.
We ask this in Your Name.

Amen.

With no Masses comes no collections, however, there are still bills that must be paid.

1. Mail your envelope to:
   309 Front St., Owego, NY 13827
2. Drop your envelope in the mailbox on
   the front porch of the Parish Center
   309 Front St., Owego
3. Sign-up for electronic giving.
   Email Diane Snyder-Bell at
   Diane.Synder-Bell@dor.org

Any help will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please call the office at 607-687-1068. Leave a message and we will return your call. Thank you.

Vincent A’Brunzo
Lori Argenio
Yvonne Bean
Kristen Berg
Janice Bouton
Jerry Bouton
Denise Brylinski
Ruth Colwell
Anne Comcowich
Pat Dewitt
Cindy Farabaugh
Jerry Flynn
Tom Hardick
Jim Hepp
Brody Hines
Jana Howell
Leonard Jozwiak
Noela Jozwiak
Rosie Kessler
Fran Kobziewicz
Mary Ann Larkin
Margo Lopreste
James Macchiano
Sue Maloney
Louisa Matula
Dan Miller
Hall Moore
Tom Moorehouse
Virginia Raftis
Linda Roden
Ann Rogers
Tom Rogers
Bridgette Romeyn
Jean Saltisiak
John Sandusky
Ruth Sandusky
John Schlee
Sean Spicer
Jennifer Stowell
Dick Testa
Dick Tierno
Roz Tierno
Nate Titus
Pam Vasilow
Peter Viviano
Mary Wisniewski