Pilgrimage with Bishop George Coleman to Washington, D.C. for the Annual March for Life is being organized by the Pro-Life Apostolate of our Diocese for the 21^st to the 23^rd of January, 2004. The Pilgrimage will include the principal Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and a group Mass for diocesans with Bishop Coleman. A special "Youth Bus" departing on January 21^st and returning on the 22^nd is being arranged to accommodate youth at a reduced fare. For information please call the Apostolate Office at 508 997-2290

The St. James Blood Bank is in great need of donations. In recent weeks one of our parishioners had needed several pints of blood. Anyone between the ages of 17 and 70 and in good health is acceptable. Hours ae 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the procedure takes between 20-30 minutes . Please help us offer others the gift of life.

St. Vincent de Paul will meet on Tuesday, September 30 at 4 p.m. in the church hall.

NORMS FOR RECEIVING COMMUNION

The slight bowing of the head is the recommended gesture before extending one’s hand or opening one’s mouth for the reception of Holy Communion. (Genuflection before receiving is not the norm that the Bishops’ Conference of our country has established.) It is important that this gesture of slightly bowing one’s head be done before extending the hand to receive Communion. Otherwise, the danger of the sacred Host falling from one’s hand could take place.

This gesture is an act of devotion is union with the worshipping community joined to celebrate Mass. It is a communal act. We need to keep in mind the communal aspect of each person receiving.

The New Creation Prayer Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New Bedford, invites everyone to attend a Mass to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of our founding. Join us on Monday, September 29 at 7p.m. in the church.

The ninth annual St. Mary’s Education Fund Fall Scholarship Dinner will be held at White’s of Westport on Thursday evening October 30. The proceeds from the dinner will assist the Diocese in meeting the ever increasing demand for "need-based" scholarships for students wishing to attend one of the 25 Catholic elementary and middle schools in our Diocese. This year alone due to the efforts and generosity hundreds of volunteers and contributors, the St. Mary’s Education Fund has awarded "need-based" scholarships to 702 children enabling them to attend the Catholic School of their choice. If you are interested in attending this event , wish to make a donation to the Fund, or want more information , please call the Diocesan Office of Development at 508-675-1311

On the eve of the Feast of St. Francis, Franciscans celebrate the death of St. Francis. On Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. the Franciscan Friars of Rivet St. invite all to come to be with them at St. James for this special celebration.

Anyone wishing to work at the Penny Sale please contact Maureen Lewis at 508-993-6965. Please note: We are no longer able to accept any used articles or appliances that require electricity for the White Elephant table. This is in accordance with the Insurance Company under liability.

November 17 at Mt. Carmel Church Auditorium on Rivet St.

At St. James Rectory at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 23

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 at 3 p.m.

It will be sponsored by the New Bedford Choral Society. The concert will comprise of the following pieces: "Laud to the Nativity"; "Magnificat"; "We wish you a merry Christmas".

DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER CENTENNIAL will be marked by each parish receiving an icon. The icon that our parish will receive will be placed beside the Holy Trinity icon that was given for the Holy Year 2000. The parish will receive the icon on November 23 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Parishioners are invited to venerate this new icon as they have been venerating the icon of the Holy Trinity. The Eastern Church looks upon icons differently than the Western Church looks upon statues. "Icons are the windows to Heaven."