Bulletin Announcements
January 5, 2009

From the Office of Communications - To ensure that all Western New Yorkers receive digital television broadcast signals once analog signals are discontinued (as of Feb. 17, 2009), area broadcasters will join in two, two-minute "soft tests" on Jan. 15 from 7:58-8:00 pm. During the tests, viewers still receiving analog signals over an antenna will see a phone number to call with questions. Participating television stations are WGRZ, WIVB, WKBW, WNED, WNGS, WNLO, WNYB, WNYO, WPXJ and WUTV. Only viewers with antenna reception and television sets with non-digital tuners need to take steps to continue to receive U.S. television signals. Anyone with a paid television service (via cable, satellite or phone lines), newer TV sets with built-in digital tuners or DTV converter boxes will automatically receive the new, digital signals.

* Retrouvaille Weekend, Friday, January 23-25 from 7pm - Sunday, 5pm
* Spirit of the Seasons: "Water as Rebirth", a retreat for men and women with Sister Carolyn Gorny-Kopkowski, OSB. Friday, Jan. 30 at 5pm through Sunday, Feb. 1 after brunch.
Programs offered at the St. Columban Center, 6892 Lakeshore Road, Derby. Reservations are required, except where noted. Please call 947-4708 or email Columban@buffnet.net for information or visit http://www.stcolumbancenter.org for information.

Making a Difference Dinner -- A Celebration of Catholic Schools. We invite you to join the Western New York community in celebrating Catholic education at this ninth annual diocesan wide event to be held at Adam's Mark Hotel on January 29. Keynote Speaker: Patricia A. O'Hara, Dean & Professor of Law, University of Notre Dame. Rev. Msgr. Francis Braun & Sister Jeanne Eberle, SSJ, St. Mark's Parish and School, and Paul J. Koessler (posthumous) will receive the Bishop's Medal for leadership in the support of Catholic education. Mrs. Lyn Rezabek of Ambrose Catholic Academy will receive the Tim Russert "Making a Difference" award. Please contact the Diocesan Foundation Office at 847-8373 or visit www.frcdb.org to purchase a table or tickets. 100% of funds raised provide needs-based tuition assistance for Catholic school students throughout the Diocese.

Continuing Education Course. "Revitalizing the Sacraments of Initiation." Overview of the Sacraments according to the latest Church documents. Treatment of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. How can the Mass be experienced more deeply? Open to all (without academic requirement). Ten Thursdays, 7 to 9pm, beginning Jan. 22 at Christ the King Seminary. Instructor: Father Charles Amico. Registration: 655-7081.

Reunion for St. Gerard School/Parish/Neighborhood. We are looking for alumni. Please call Amy (Mazur) Griggs '84 at 731-4355 or email: stgerardreunion@roadrunner.com. Proceeds will benefit Gerard Place now in the former St. Gerard School.

Marriage Moment. Before God and spouse we stand naked. There is no use pretending or hiding that we are something that we are not. Is there any pretense or baggage that I bring to my marriage that I need to let go of? Pray to be able to do this. Consider asking your spouse for prayer support.

Parenting Perspective. It's a new year. Give your child a chance to be a new person. Too often we type our kids. He's so lazy. She's so self-centered. If you think you know your children well, you may; but give them a chance to prove one of your negative stereotypes wrong. They might surprise you. And you might surprise them with your new attitude.

Don't go through divorce alone! DivorceLINK is a volunteer organization offering support and healing help to men and women of all ages who are suffering through a separation or divorce. You are invited to our open-forum "rap groups" which meet twice a month throughout the year. Divorce recovery courses are also available each spring, summer and fall. DivorceLINK is affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. For more information or a DivorceLINK packet filled with information and resources, please call the Office of Family Life Ministries at 847-2210.

Don't put it off any longer! You've wanted to experience a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! February 13-15, 2009 at the Holiday Inn, Batavia. For more information, please call 877-NYS-WWME or http://www.wwme-wny.org.

*** New Announcements will be published again on January 12, 2009 ***