You will be pleased to know that Corpus Christi helped to provide new shoes for seventy-six children at the annual St. Joseph Hospital ‘Motel Kids Christmas Party’ on December 6th. Celebrated at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Orange, the children were feted with numerous gifts, food, magic, song and lots of love. Our annual support of this endeavor is made possible through our use of the FIRST HOUR by which we set aside 1/40th of each weeks Stewardship/Offertory to provide for our Hands Across the County outreaches and other charitable services. Thanks for your generosity that enables the parish to be generous in your name!
The Los Angeles Times ran an interesting article two Sundays ago that elaborated on the ‘211 system’. The article said it is like 411 or 911 except you use it when you’re in such financial distress that you don’t have enough money or perhaps even a place to live. ‘This is a consumer guide for the nouveaux poor, individuals and families who find themselves in financial peril.’ The 211 system is described as a clearing-house of information about resources that are available and information on how to navigate the system. The 211 system does not provide direct aid, it is a referral and information resource.
Just a reminder for those who are looking ahead into 2009, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 25th and concludes with the start of the Triduum celebration of Holy Thursday – Good Friday – Holy Saturday, with Easter on April 12. A reminder that we will not be celebrating any Baptisms or First Eucharists during this season. For those of you who like to plan ahead…please make a note. Thanks.
December 31st: (Wednesday) Mary, Mother of God, New Year’s Eve, 5:00 p.m. Mass
January 1st, 2009 (Thursday) Mary, Mother of God, New Year’s Day, 8:00 a.m. Mass
The Parish Offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 31st and Thursday, January 1st and Friday, January 2nd.
The annual Evening of Prayer for Christian Unity will be celebrated on Monday, January 12, 2009 at Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, 566 South Glassell Street. Bishop Tod, along with leaders of other denominations will share the evening. For more information please call 714-282-3006. Thanks.
Calling all Moms, Don’t Miss Out! – Corpus Christi MOPS is Now Enrolling for Spring Session The purpose of MOPS is to nurture, support and encourage mothers of preschoolers in a faith-based group. Our Corpus Christi MOPS chapter is inviting all mothers (with at least one child between the ages of newborn through kindergarten) to enroll for our spring session. We meet at Corpus Christi every other Tuesday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for an evening of dinner, crafts and speakers sharing on relevant topics for busy mothers. Our first spring meeting is January 27th. The fee is $80. For additional information, call Beth Bell at (949) 362-0494. Please note, childcare is not available.
If you are a Registered Parishioner and have been using envelopes during 2008, our Parish Office will be happy to provide you, beginning mid-January, with a written statement of your financial donations to our weekly Financial Stewardship/Offertory, the Building Fund and second collections. Pastoral Services Appeal pledges will be acknowledged via the Diocese of Orange. Unless you are Registered and have been using envelopes we do not keep track of individual/loose checks or cash. We do send out letters of gratitude and acknowledgement for any financial gifts over $250, but we do not keep records of donors who are not registered/using envelopes. For a statement, please call Susie at 389-9008. We always get a flurry of these requests as April 15 draws near….so, to avoid any delays…please make your requests as early as possible beginning in mid-January. Thanks!
Our neighbor, St. Timothy Church in Laguna Niguel is offering a Divorce Recovery Workshop entitled: : Parenting Challenges and Solutions: How can I be the best mom or dad to my 6-year-old, my preteen, my teenager as a divorced parent? In this three-week group we will gather for support, wisdom and practical and creative solutions. Join us on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm in room 8 on January 15th, 22nd and 29th. For questions about location or to sign up, please call Kelly Klaus @ 949-292-7281.
The first meeting of the Book Club for 2009 will be January 5, 7:00 PM, Room 4. Please join us for a discussion of The Longest Trip Home: A Memoir by John Grogan.
In this time of celebration and Christmas joy, a troubled or lost pregnancy can be devastating and overwhelming. Just a reminder that our Elizabeth Ministry volunteers are always prepared to lend a compassionate heart in your time of pregnancy uncertainty or loss. For more information please contact Janice Neeson at 448-9029. Be well.
HAPPY NEW YEAR…Farewell 2008….Hello 2009!!!!


















