GOD’S PROMISE TO ALL PEOPLE
Today Isaiah reminds the people of God that the land shall be restored to their possession, they shall rejoice to see their people return from the bondage of exile, and that they shall be a light to the nations. In other words, through the people of Israel, the Savior shall come to all people who seek God with a sincere heart. This brings joy and the radiance of God’s glory to all the world and to all people everywhere. Through the fidelity of the people of God, and through God’s fidelity to them, all people shall become God’s children and rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel. © Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD
A leader is needed for the Children’s Liturgy of the Word at the 9:30am Mass, beginning January 11th. If you would like to volunteer, please call the Rectory.

CATHOLICS RETURNING HOME—Beginning Thurs., March 5th, 7pm, in the Jubilee Room, we will offer a 5-week series “Catholics Returning Home” for non-participating Catholics who are seeking answers to questions about returning to the Church. For more information, call: Ted or Kathleen Flood
(562)434-3163.

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN
Committees have been established in parishes throughout the Archdiocese. A primary goal is to ensure that all children and youth experience safe environments in all parish activities and events. These committees also inform all parish personnel, committees, ministries, and volunteers of the available
resources for educating their constituencies on all aspects of child and youth abuse and neglect. For more information, call (213)637-7227, or the Rectory.

ST. HEDWIG SCHOOL ENROLLMENT TOUR
Ms. DeVaney, principal of St. Hedwig School, warmly welcomes you to tour classrooms and receive an enrollment packet on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 8:30am. Come and see how St. Hedwig Parish School can help you pass your faith on to your child in a loving and safe environment. (562)296-9060
www.sainthedwigparish.org


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Our program is still in need of an assistant for 2nd and 4th grades. Please call Director, Pat McGlynn (562)494-8149.


ST. BARTHOLOMEW ALUMNI
Our Lady of Refuge is having the annual Alumni Dance on January 31st, and all alumni of St. Bartholomew are invited to join in the fun, dancing and an evening filled with memories. For information: www.olrs.org, or call Frank @ (562)597-8383, or email to: alumnidance@verizon.net

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults):  What does it mean to be an RCIA Sponsor?
Have you been a sponsor, or are you thinking about becoming one? Are you a practicing Catholic and a person of faith? The ministry of the sponsor in the initiation process for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) can be joyous and enriching. Sponsors provide an important link to the Church community. They are also mentors and companions to Catechumens or Candidates as they journey towards full reception in the Church. If you’d like to know more about this ministry, there will be an information and training meeting in September.
Could you be an Initiation Catechist?
Are you someone who looks for connections between God’s action and human life? Do you enjoy sharing your life and faith with others? Are you willing to grow in your own knowledge and understanding of Catholic teachings? These are essential qualities for a catechist. Catechists are teachers of religious education and ministers of the Word. The RCIA needs additional catechists, who would be substitutes and would participate in Inquiry classes during Advent. We encourage you to join our team. After all, God provides the gifts needed so that the Church might grow and initiate new members! For more information about these enriching and faith-filled ministries, please call Earl Lovett 562- 439-3198.

CENTERING PRAYER
In Church on Monday, December 29th, at 7pm. For 2009, Centering Prayer will be in the Church every 2nd and 4th Monday at 7pm, and each First Friday at 7:30pm.

WOMEN’S COUNCIL
Monthly Meeting is this Monday, January 5th, 12:00 noon in the Jubilee Room.

MEALS ON WHEELS
Please consider volunteering to help Meals on Wheels deliver hot meals to ill, disabled, aged in our local St. Bart’s area. Volunteers can help one morning a week or even one morning a month from 10:30am until about 11:45am, delivering in-home nourishment. Please call Julie, (562)433-0232, for more information.

PARISH COMMUNITY GROUP: - SHARING OURSELVES
Our parishioner outreach service has been a longstanding mission of the Community Group and is still available to our parishioners. It is our mission to try to help home-bound or other parishioners who need assistance. Volunteers who want to assist and visit parishioners who require help are very much needed. If you would like to help or if you know of someone who needs assistance, contact: Linda Gager (562)433- 2985. Sponsored by our Parish Community Group.

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY
“Life “Changes” - Study of the Book of Acts. Every Thursday, 7:00pm, in the Jubilee Room. For more information, call: Patricia Goodman (562)434-7434.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH MEETING
Every First and Third Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm, in the Jubilee Room. Subject: “Purpose Driven Life”. For information, please call Jim or Susan (562)433-6137.

LEGION OF MARY
Meets every Wednesday, 8:45am, in the Jubilee Room. Everyone is welcome.