Blessed Sacrament Parish- Tonawanda, New York

† CONTINUATION OF THE SUNDAY 7:30 am MASS
In view of the turnout we have had this summer for this added Mass on Sunday morning, we will continue to offer this Mass for the foreseeable future. Mass Intentions for this 7:30 am Mass may be made by calling or coming to the Parish Office in Father Cotter Hall during our regular business hours – 834-4282.

† RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Blessed Sacrament Religious Education Program is taking registration for the Fall of 2008. We offer a Pre-K Program on Saturday morning from 9:30 - 10:45 am which is held during our regular Saturday program for Grades K through 6. Our 7th and 8th grade program along with our High School and Confirmation programs are held on Sunday morning from 10:30 till 11:45 am and on Monday evening from 6:30 to 7:45 pm. Please call us at 832-6161 for further information or to register.

† BLESSED SACRAMENT STUDENTS HONORED
Mount St. Mary Academy: 4th Quarter Honor Roll
Elizabeth Caputi, Erin Pope, Danielle Siefert, Kelsey Durphy, Allison Pullano
Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart: 4th Quarter Honor Roll
Kara DiRocco

† ANNUAL PETER’S PENCE COLLECTION
Each year, the annual Peter’s Pence Collection in support of the works of the Holy Father is held in parishes throughout the world. The proceeds fund emergency-relief assistance to those who suffer from war, oppression, disease, and natural disasters. Through the works of charity, Catholics stand in solidarity with the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and they sustain those who suffer. The annual Peter’s Pence Collection will be offered on the weekend of September 6th & 7th.Please place your special offering envelope or in an envelope marked “Peter’s Pence” in the regular collection basket. (There will only be one collection during Mass)

† MISSION REUNION PICNIC
Saturday, August 23rd, 2:00 pm until ? at Lincoln Park. Contact Vicky at 837-4541 or email bsmission@yahoo.com for additional information.

† CHOOSE LIFE
The argument that the government should not be involved in such a personal decision as abortion is fatally flawed. The government got “too involved” in abortion when it claimed (through the Supreme Court) to have the authority to deprive some human beings of their right to life. Also, when someone’s “choice” destroys some else’s life, that choice is no longer merely a personal, private matter. (Father Frank Pavone)

† PRE-BAPTISMAL CLASS
The next Pre-Baptismal Class will take place on Saturday, September 6th at 9:30 am in the Sacristy area of the Church. All parents are urged to attend the class in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy. If planning to at tend, please call the parish office at 834-4282 to make a reservation.

WEEK OF August 17th, 2008
Twentieth-Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year A
Readings for Faith Sharing

Reading I: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
* My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
Reading II: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32
* God delivered all to disobedience that he might have mercy upon all.
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
* "O woman, great is your faith!"

A message from your Pastor...
For those hooked up to the internet, the United States Bishops have a website that has been featuring a daily homily each day. this Wednesday, it's your pastor's turn. I was invited by our diocesan Daybreak TV Productions to tape a 2-3 minute homily, and preached into a camera back in May. Now, you can see it (if you wish...) at www.usccb.org/ccc Click on "daily reflection" and see if it works. I had to do two or three takes, so I can hardly remember what I said. The Aug. 20 homily will be on the webpage of the US Bishops for, I believe, 30 days.