1st Way Easter Project

Our Lady of Joy has selected 1st Way of Maricopa County Pregnancy Resource Center as the recipient of the OLJ Easter Project this year.

We are asking for summer maternity wear, summer clothes for newborn babies as well as clothes for the young children that the woman may already have at home. The woman may be concerned that her other children will be neglected because of the new baby’s needs. 1st way has very limited storage space and would prefer to have donations made to a diaper fund rather than trying to store the bulky diapers. This diaper fund would enable diaper purchases to be made as needed.

On the weekends of March 6-7th and March 13-14th, bags and tags asking for various items will be displayed in the courtyard at all the masses. Parishioners will return their gift purchases to the courtyard on the weekend of March 20-21st.

We need courtyard volunteers before and after all Masses on all three weekends. OLJ parishioner generosity and participation can make a real difference.

To volunteer or for more information contact Billie McGivern bmcgivern@cox.net.

Marriage Enrichment

Make your marriage more than it is, and all that it can be. An Intro./Overview of Natural Family Planning to be presented at... St. Pius X in Flagstaff, March 7, Sunday at 1pm

For complete class schedule see website at www.phxnfp.org. Pre-registration is required. For more information call (602) 354-2122.

Kindergarten or PreK?

Many families who have a child turning five this summer are probably thinking about this question. We can help. OLJ school understands the importance of your child receiving the education which is congruent with where he/she is developmentally. The Gesell Developmental Observation Assessment tests just that! Within a nonthreatening atmosphere, your child is asked basic questions and asked to perform various “fun” tasks. The entire process takes approximately 20 minutes, and parents are welcome to observe. We are presently scheduling this test with families registered in our kindergarten for next year, and would like to also offer it to any parishioners who are trying to decide if their child (who might be eligible for kindergarten based on his/her age), is truly developmentally prepared. The gift of a year is something that could affect your child’s love of learning for a lifetime! Please contact Debbie Allen at (480) 346-3059 with any questions, or to schedule an appointment.

Our Lady’s Guild Upcoming Activity

March 13, 2010

Historical Tour and High Tea at the Arizona Biltmore at 12:15 pm. Tickets are $60. Mail your checks by 2-26 to Our Lady of Joy, PO Box 1359, Carefree, AZ 85377 ATTN Johanna Covert. For more information call Cindy Czarnik at (480) 664-1385.

Save the Date! Saturday, March 13

Now is the time to start gathering your ‘Gently Used’ household and clothing items for Donation to St. Vincent de Paul.

A truck will be parked at OLJ for collection on Saturday, March 13th from 8 am to 5 pm.Sponsored by the OLJ St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Contact Nancy Cisar at (480) 488-3105 for more information

The Catholic Relief Services Collection

March 14th “Give Hope to Jesus in Disguise”

What if you could provide critical medical care for HIV/AIDS patients, help crop recovery to end food crises for entire communities, reunite families, advocate against harmful immigration laws, and supply humanitarian care in disasters and emergencies?

What if you could give hope to a mother, a community, a family, or a child... to Jesus in disguise? The Catholic Relief Services Collection funds six Catholic agencies that do all of the above and so much more.

Please pick up an envelope in the back of church and give in next week’s collection. It is now one month since a 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti. The Haitian Government reports over 200,000 people were killed, 300,000 were treated for injuries and 250,000 were houses were destroyed. Seven organized settlements have been established for 42,000 homeless people; some 460,000 people remain in 315 makeshift camps. Despite this, the resilience of the Haitian people is heard in a popular saying on the streets and in the camps, “Nou bite men nou pap tonbe: We may stumble but we will not fall.” CRS, working with Caritas Haiti, the local Church1s charitable agency, has focused on the distribution of food and emergency shelter kits, and coordination with partners on water, sanitation, health and security issues.

To date, CRS has provided food to 533,422 people. Thank you for the tremendous outpouring of prayers and support for the Haitian people. Your contribution and that of other parishes has made it possible for our Diocese to send almost $560,000.00 to Catholic Relief Services for Haiti relief and development.

Sincere_Thanks

Sincere thanks to donors and transport drivers who delivered beds, clothing, linens, and household goods to the Rhoda Harvey family on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. The Harvey’s, a family of six, lost their home and all of their possessions in a recent fire. “We do not have thrift or 2nd hand shops - your gifts are a blessing from God. The Harvey family received more than they needed in donations and with your generous gifts, we were able to help other families in need. You have our sincere thanks and gratitude. I will remember you in my daily prayers.”- Sr. Ruth Barbara, St. Charles Apache Mission, (928) 475- 2460.We thank our parishioner families who donated emergency items. Heart-filled thanks goes to the Westgards, who drove to the reservation on Christmas Eve and transport drivers (Purcelli and DiPietro) who took emergency bedding and linens in early January. We also thank Tatum Ranch Storage Solutions in Cave Creek, who donated a full-size storage locker.

[ Catholic_Relief_Services ]

ST. VINCENT de PAUL Feed The Hungry

WE NEED HELP PREPARING TO FEED THE HUNGRY at ST. VINCENT de PAUL KITCHEN on SATURDAY February 20, 2010, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

The 3rd Saturday of every month, Our Lady of Joy volunteers work in the kitchen of SVDP's main facility at 420 W. Watkins, Phoenix. There are no special skills required, just the willingness to help prepare meals. They need about 10 volunteers each month.

To sign up to work on Saturday February 20, please email Sue-Ellen Smith at:

oljworksofmercy@hotmail.com or leave a message at (480)502-8843 BY Tuesday, February 16. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and wear closed-toe shoes in the kitchen. We always welcome past volunteers. Please contact Sue-Ellen each month to volunteer to ensure that there is enough space.

THANK YOU!

OLJ Sanctity of Life Committee

Meetings: First Thursdays of every month Location: Room 3 of Parish Center, 9am Contact: Karen Williams (602) 708-8809 kwilliams@catholicedition.com

Reminder: 40 Days for Life Begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. Please see the material in the back of church to find out how you can become involved this year.

Greet one another with a holy kiss ‖ Romans 16:16

On Valentine’s Day, many messages of affection are exchanged. A culture of life avoids two extremes – one, which looks down on all affection and things that the only good things are the things of the spirit; and the other; which allows the emotions to run out of control, with no discipline.

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, font of love both human and divine, bless us today with understanding, balance, and grace. Enable us to devote ourselves to the service of God and neighbor.

Special thanks to The Children of the Rosary for lending Our Lady of Joy the hundreds of small white crosses for our Crosses in the Courtyard display.

Pavone, F. (2009). Pro-Life Reflections for Every Day. Catholic Book Publishing, NJ

Annunciation Catholic School

Annunciation Catholic School is located on the St. Gabriel campus and was formed to serve Catholic families north of Loop 101, including families at Our Lady of Joy, St. Rose, and St. Gabriel parishes.

The school opened last August with grades one and two, and was blessed by the Bishop on Sept. 23, 2010. Next year Annunciation is adding 3rd grade and will continue to grow through grade 8. The schools at Our Lady of Joy and Annunciation will work cooperatively to provide a continuous Catholic education preschool-8. Annunciation has much to offer, including a faith-filled learning environment, highly qualified teachers, small class sizes, a rigorous academic program, technology, and before & after school care.

For more information about Annunciation Catholic School or to schedule a visit, contact the principal, Dr. Sharon Pristash at (480) 361-8234.

Lenten Retreat Series

Mount Claret Retreat Center is proud to announce the Lenten Retreat Series. Come to the desert to pray, reflect, and be refreshed by faith-filled Priests whose experience, witness and great love for the Lord inspire us to deeper holiness. $25 retreat (includes lunch)

Wednesday, February 17 – Fr. Paul Sullivan “Lenten Conversion in the Heart of Christ

Thursday, February 25 – Fr. Thomas Bennett, LC. “My Grace is Enough For You!”

Based on Corinthians 2 : 9 –12

Wednesday, March 3 – Msgr. Mike O’Grady “The Mass, Source and Summit of our Faith”

Thursday, March 11 – Fr. Mike Straley “ Discipleship” Based on Mark’s Gospel 3 :14-15

Call (602) 840-5066 to register.

Donations to St. Vincent de Paul

Save the Date! Saturday, March 13 Now is the time to start gathering your ‘Gently Used’ household and clothing items for Donation to St. Vincent de Paul. A truck will be parked at OLJ for collection on Saturday, March 13th from 8 am to 5 pm. Sponsored by the OLJ St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Contact Nancy Cisar at (480) 488-3105 for more information.

OLJ 2010 LENT & EASTER SCHEDULE

Ash Wednesday (Feb 17)

8:00 am Mass and distribution of ashes

12:00 pm Mass and distribution of ashes

7:00 pm Mass and distribution of ashes

Adoration & Confession Every Monday & Wednesday during Lent

6:00 - 7:00 pm & Confessions 3:30 - 4:30 pm on Saturday

Stations of the Cross Every Friday during Lent - 5:30 pm

Fish Fry Every Friday during Lent at 6:00 pm EXCEPT March 19th and Good Friday

St. Joseph’s Table March 21 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Palm Sunday Masses (March 28)

Saturday 5:00 pm

Sunday 7:00, 9:00, 11:00 am, 5:00 pm

Holy Thursday (April 1) 8:00 am No Mass No Confessions

7:00 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Adoration following Mass until 10:00 pm in Parish Center

Good Friday (April 2) 8:00 am No Mass No Confessions

12-3:00 pm Private prayer in Church

3:00 pm Stations of the Cross

7:00 pm Celebration of the Lord’s Passion

Holy Saturday (April 3) 8:00 am No Mass

12:00 pm Blessing of Easter Foods

5:00 pm No Mass No Confessions

7:00 pm Easter Vigil (liturgy lasts approx. 2.5 hours)

Easter Sunday Masses (April 4)

7:00 am Church

7:05 am Parish Center

9:00 am Church

9:05 am Parish Center

11:00 am Church

11:05 am Parish Center

No 5:00 pm Mass

NUN RUN

The Poor Clare Nuns invite you to participate in their 1st Annual Nun Run. Registration for the 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk is $25 (until March 6th) and includes a tee shirt and goodie bag. The race is on Saturday, March 20, 2010 in Glendale. To learn more about the Poor Clare Nuns and to register for the run, please visit their website at www.desertnuns.com. Thank you!

Lenten Way of the Cross

The Journey of Grief and Healing

St. Francis Cemetery 2033 North 48th Street

Phoenix, Arizona

Friday afternoon during Lent - 12:15 pm

Gather at the Main Altar, South side of cemetery (South of Oak)

February 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26

No Service on Good Friday, April 2