Immaculate Conception church

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PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
                                                Jorge Alonso     720-289-8806
                                                Alfredo Alvarado     303-859-4976
                                                David Dimond     303-665-9545

                                                Eva Distel      303-665-5109
                                                Carol Jackson     303-665-2471
                                                Richard Kohnert      303-673-0537
                                                Olga Marble     303-618-2897
                                                Vicki Peters     303-665-6752
                                                Jim and Rosabelle Rice   303-664-0852
                                                Bob and Maureen Russell     303-678-6481
                                                William Sehnert     303-665-2262

PARISH FINANCE COUNCIL
                                                    Brian Armstrong   720-890-8067
                                                    Boyd Bell               720-890-2686
                                                    Dolores Lopez        303-665-6358
                                                    Joseph Marr           970-215-5700
                                                    George Thierjung   303-926-5605
                                                    Joseph Schurwonn  303-233-8274
                                                    David Villalobos     303-828-2718
                                                    Mike Wengryn       303-926-8267
                                                    Chris Yetman          303-665-4060
                                                    Ex Officio:  Msgr. Bob Amundsen
                                                                         Fr. Tom Lynch O.P.
                                                                         Deacon Jim Wolfe
                                                                         Jenifer Canning

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FOR THE LENTEN SCHEDULE OF EVENTS,
PLEASE GO TO CALENDAR ON THE MENU TO THE LEFT

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PRAYER FOR HAITI

                                God of compassion and Father of all life,
                                            watch over the people of Haiti,
                                            and bring out of this disaster
                                            wonders of goodness and grace.
                                Bring those who have died
                                            into the fullness of your eternal glory.
                                Give your comfort and peace to
                                            those who are lost in grief.
                                And fill the survivors,
                                            who have been affected by tragedy,
                                            with your strength and hope,
                                            and hold them close to your loving heart.
                                Sustain with courage and strength those
                                            who are engaged in relief efforts,
                                            and guide us as a world community
                                            to find ways of providing assistance
                                           that heals wounds and provides hope.
                                And help us to remember that
                                            when one of your children suffers
                                            we all suffer.
                                We ask this through Jesus Christ,
                                            our resurrection and our life,
                                            who lives and reigns with you
                                            in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
                                            one God, forever and ever. Amen.

(The disastrous earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, 2010. 
In support of the Haitian people, please say this prayer on
the 12th day of each month throughout 2010)

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BULLETIN FOR WEEK OF
  MARCH 7, 2010

YEAR FOR THE PRIEST
Pope Benedict XVI has declared this year "A Year For Priests" and has invited Catholics throughout the world to pray for priests, pray for vocations and to encourage vocation awareness in our young people.  One of the things we will be doing here in the parish is keeping priests in our daily prayer according to the Archdiocesan calendar published last year.  You will notice that the name of a particular priest is highlighted each day in the daily schedule.  We ask you to offer special prayer for that particular priest that day.


SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
MARCH 7 - 14, 2010

SUNDAY March 7        Coffee and Donuts After the 8 and 10 a.m. Masses
Coffee, Beans, and Chocolate Sale after ALL Masses
Pray for Rev. Rocco Porter
8:00 a.m.    Mass Imm. Conception Parishioners
8:45 a.m.    Religious Education Classes
10:00 a.m.  Mass † Kelly Deininger by Her Family
                  Kids Word
                  Smith Baptism
12:00 p.m. Mass in Spanish
1:00 p.m.   Spanish Baptisms
4:00 p.m.   Bible Study “Genesis to Jesus”
5:30 p.m.   Life Teen Mass Deceased Valenta & Phalen Family by Kathleen P. Valenta
6:30 p.m.   Confirmation Class
                 Life Teen and Edge

MONDAY March 8
Pray for Rev. Roger Lascelle
6:40 a.m.    Adoration
7:40 a.m.    Rosary
8:00 a.m.    Mass    † Refugio Hernandez by Kemp Family
6:30 p.m.    Mary’s Hands meeting

TUESDAY March 9
Pray for Rev. Roland P. Freeman
6:40 a.m.    Adoration
7:40 a.m.    Rosary
8:00 a.m.    Mass    † Joseph Beranek by Anna Marie Osso
1:00 p.m.    Staff meeting
4:30 p.m.    Spanish Religious Education
6:00 p.m.    Spanish Altar Servers training
7:00 p.m.    R.C.I.A. Class

WEDNESDAY March 10
Pray for Rev. Salvador Cisneros, C.R.
6:40 a.m.    Adoration
7:40 a.m.    Rosary
8:00 a.m.    Mass † Carmella Preston by Eva Distel
12:00 p.m.  5 p.m. Choir practice
4:30 p.m.    Religious Education
5:30 p.m.    Priest Dinner
7:00 p.m.    PENANCE SERVICE
                   NO 10 a.m. Choir Practice
                   Neocatecheumen Group NH
                   Neocatecheumen Group LL

THURSDAY March 11
Pray for Rev. Sean McGrath
6:40 a.m.    Adoration
7:40 a.m.    Rosary
8:00 a.m.    Mass    † Marie Matusik by Maryann Petraitis
6:00 p.m.    Spanish Prayer Group
6:30 p.m.    Hepp’s choir practice
7:00 p.m.    Knights of Columbus meeting

FRIDAY March 12
Pray for Rev. Salvador Navarro
6:40 a.m.    Adoration
7:40 a.m.    Rosary
8:00 a.m.    Mass    Special Intention for Nicole Hall by James & Joann Hall
6:00 p.m.    Escuela para Padres
                  Soup Supper by Spanish Community
                  Spanish Parent Retreat
7:00 p.m.    Stations of the Cross

ALL Weekend Sister Carmen Food Collection
Catholic Relief Services Collection
Pray for parish Confirmation students on retreat
SATURDAY March 13
Spanish First Communion Parents Retreat
Pray for Rev. Shane Lambert L.C.
2:00 p.m.    Spanish Baptism Class
3:00 p.m.    Confessions
5:00 p.m.    Mass † Everett R. Tafoya by His Family
6:00 p.m.    Spanish Bible Study
7:30 p.m.    Neocatecheumen Eucharistic Celebration

SUNDAY March 14   Knights of Columbus Breakfast After the 8 and 10 a.m. Masses
Pray for Rev. Simon Kalonga
8:00 a.m.    Mass Imm. Conception Parishioners
                  2nd. Scrutiny
8:45 a.m.    Religious Education Classes
10:00 a.m.  Mass † Helen Wegemer by Andy and Maryann Marini
                  Kids Word
12:00 p.m.  Mass in Spanish
4:00 p.m.    Bible Study “Genesis to Jesus”
5:30 p.m.    Life Teen Mass † Frank Lilja by Lois Beasley
6:30 p.m.    Life Teen and Edge


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PARISH PENANCE SERVICE

On Wednesday March 10, at 7:00 p.m. we will have our Lenten Penance Service here at Immaculate Conception.  Fr. Bob and Fr. Tom have invited other priests to join them, and they will be available for the individual reception of the sacrament of Penance after the service itself.  Several of the priests are bi-lingual.  This service is only a few weeks before Easter, and a wonderful way to prepare for Holy Week and Easter.

PLAN ON  COMING

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READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Monday:    2 Kgs 5:1-15b; Lk 4:24-30
Tuesday:    Dn 3:25, 34-43; Mt 18:21-35
Wednesday:    Dt 4:1, 5-9; Mt 5:17-19
Thursday:    Jer 7:23-28; Lk 11:14-23
Friday:    Hos 14:2-10; Mk 12:28-34
Saturday:    Hos 6:1-6; Lk 18:9-14
Sunday:    Jos 5:9a, 10-12; Ps 34; 2 Cor 5:17-21; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES
Sunday:         Third Sunday of Lent
                       Girl Scout Sunday
Monday:        St. John of God
Tuesday:        St. Frances of Rome
Friday:           Abstinence


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NEXT ENGLISH BAPTISM CLASS IS:
April 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
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OPERATION RICE BOWL

          For 35 years Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl has offered Catholics in the United States a way to connect with our brothers and sister overseas. This Lenten season, Catholic Relief Services invites Catholics to pray with their families and faith communities; fast in solidarity with those who hunger; learn about our global community and the challenges of poverty overseas; and give sacrificial contributions to those in need.

The Transfiguration
Jesus’ transfiguration was a moment of Hope for the disciples, giving them the strength to endure the future sacrifices they would make as they formed the early Church.  As we continue our journey with Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl, let us be mindful that our Lenten sacrifices help to give hope to our brothers and sisters in need.

Please take a rice bowl box home you will find them on the table in the narthex.

Pray for: Farmers in Bolivia and around the world who are working to improve their harvests and preserve their natural resources.  May our generosity and prayers this Lent assist them with their cultivation of and care for God’s creation.

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REFLECTIONS

  PATIENCE
            God, give me patience!  This is something we often say when we are exasperated with the behavior of people close to us.  We become impatient when things are not done like we want them or in the time we want them; when we don’t see immediate results and when our spouses or children appear not to be listening to us.  We know we have to live with or accept the peculiarities of other people and even their bad habits.  Deep down we know they also have to put up with ours.  We are aware that at times, we can mess up things because of a lack of patience.  We rush in and wreck something that required a longer process.  This occurs often in the kitchen, when we don’t wait long enough for food to cook and we ruin the meal.  Or in life, when we rush things and don’t allow the time they deserve and in the end it turns out bad.  Furthermore, lack of patience with those around us can also lead to the breakup of relationships.  It is true that people can often test out patience, but what about us?  Is it not true that many times we test God’s patience and that of the people close to us?  Is it not true that many times we plan to do things better, work with enthusiasm, listen closely to our spouses and children, pray more, learn about our religion, study and advance ourselves?  But we are weak and often do not have the patience necessary to carry out our plans.  Sometimes we even demand more from others than we are willing to give.
            There is a difference between the frustration and exasperation that leaves us with no other option but to tolerate it,  and the real patience that comes from God, which is an expression of pure, uninterested and unconditional love.  God’s patience is wise and given time we are certain what we wait for, with much love, will be attained.  As the reading from Exodus remind us, God has given us many examples of his patience.  God walks with his people and even becomes one with them, but he expects a faithful response, one that bears fruits.
            Patience comes as a gift from God and as an established hope; it is our job to seek what God wants from you with both a certainty and guarantee that the outcome will not be harmful.  And this assurance and patience from God should inspire, console and motivate us.  It inspires us to extend this same patience toward others; consoles us because we know through our experience that we do not deserve for God to wait so long for us.  Despite living in a culture where we feel we deserve everything, deep down we know we have not earned anything.  God’s patience toward us should motivate us to change our lives and be prepared, not because God is going to punish us, but because we love him and are grateful to Him for his infinite mercy.
   
For reflection: In which aspect of my life do I test God’s patience and that of those around me?  What things should I change?  How patient am I toward others?


SAINT FRANCES OF ROME (1384-1440)
March 9
    Nature and human nature—plagues and wars—turned late medieval Rome into a living hell, particularly for the sick and poor. Frances, by birth and marriage well provided for, was a devoted wife and mother; but like Benedictine Oblates who, to this day, “pray and work” while living with their families and working in the world, she joined like-minded laywomen friends in ministering to society’s most vulnerable. Frances’ charity was not only “hands on” but “in home.” Her palace becoming a hospital after the plague claimed two of her three children. When her husband’s death ended their loving marriage of forty years, Frances joined other widowed Oblates in community. In an interesting link to the United States, our nation’s premier religious congregation for women of color, the Oblate Sisters of Providence, in 1833 established bonds of spiritual communion with these “Oblates of Saint Frances” in Rome. Though Black History Month is past, take a moment to learn about the good work that Mother Lange’s spiritual daughters are doing still and consider supporting them as a Lenten project: www.oblatesisters.com.             —Peter Scagnelli, © Copyright, J.


THE MYSTERIOUS ONE
    Last Sunday we gathered with Peter, John, and James at the mountain of Transfiguration and were summoned to listen to God’s chosen Son. This week the scriptures draw us into the mystery of just who that God is. The first reading, perhaps one of the best known in the Bible, recounts the story of Moses and the burning bush, when the mysterious divine name is revealed. The responsorial psalm is a hymn extolling the attributes of God. Saint Paul and the Lord Jesus describe a God who judges and metes out punishment. No matter the lengths to which the scriptures go, we know that no amount of words will ever come close to capturing who God is. Our lives and our Lents are really journeys toward that mysterious One who will one day welcome us into the heavenly home that awaits those who put their trust in God alone.
© Copyright, J. S. Paluch Co.



REGULATIONS ON LENTEN FAST AND ABSTINENCE
            Abstinence from meats is to be observed by all Catholics 14 years old and older on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of Lent. In earlier times the law of abstinence also forbade such foods that originated from such animals, such as milk, butter, cheese, eggs, lard and sauces made from animal fat. This restriction is no longer in force in the Roman rite. Present canon law allows the use of sauces made from animal fats, as well as their use in cooking, so the use of beef or chicken stock would enter into this category. While the use of chicken consommé (that is just the liquid) might fall within the law, it would be more in accordance with the spirit of abstinence to prefer a fish or vegetable soup.
            Fasting is to be observed on Ash Wednesday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59. Those who are bound by this may take only one full meal. Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid foods between meals is not permitted. The obligation does not apply to those whose health or ability to work would be seriously affected, as well as pregnant women and invalids. People in doubt about fast or abstinence should consult a parish priest.
            By the threefold discipline of fasting, almsgiving and prayer the Church keeps Lent from Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday. All of the faithful and the catechumens should undertake serious practice of these three traditions.

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WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Are you looking for ways to help in the parish?

ALTAR SERVERS for ALL Masses.  Especially URGENT for Sunday 8:00 a.m. Mass.
ALL children who have made First Communion are welcome and encouraged to become a server.

More Kid’s Word Leaders Needed  We need volunteers to help with Kid’s Word during the 10:00 a.m. Mass.  Please call Judy at the parish office  at 303-665-5103 ext. 103, if you are available and willing to help with this important ministry.

Ushers are need for All Masses, if you’re interested in helping please call Becky Ortega at 303-665-6166.

Fair Trade Coffee/Chocolate/Bean sale: Thank you to everyone who has signed up to volunteer for the fair-trade sale events on every first weekend of the month! We are still short on volunteers who are willing to cover the sale after the 5:30pm Mass on Sunday (Life-Teen Mass). Please contact Lee Anne Hazzard (Leehaz@msn.com) to sign up.
                                                                                               
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PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THE DATES OF OUR REMAINING 2010 BLOOD DRIVES:
Tuesday, May 11th
Tuesday, July 20th
Tuesday, November 30th

All blood drives take place from 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. in Nuoci Hall.  If you are on a six time per year schedule and wish to be eligible for the drives listed above, please donate between March 10th and 15th and between September 15th and October 4th. (Sponsored by the Social Justice Committee and the Knights of Columbus.)

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ALTAR SERVERS
Week of March 6 and 7, 2010
5:00 p.m.    Mass    Derek and Alyssa Wengryn
8:00 a.m.    Mass    Yves and Yancey Gonzales
10:00 a.m.  Mass    Lizzy Maierhofer, Jonah Muñoz
12:00 p.m.  Mass    Nancy Portillo, Alma Rodriguez
5:30 p.m.    Mass    Samantha Yetman, Joseph Hepp


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       Immaculate Conception Phone Prayer Chain
Immaculate Conception Phone Prayer Chain:    For prayer request call current leader, Mary Abila at 303-665-6213;   para las oraciones en Español llame a Mary Smario al 303-604-9099.   We are always seeking for new members. If you would like to become part of this ministry please call us at the parish office 303-665-5103.
Let us pray for those who are not in good health:
Jinny Adams, Harain Aldama, Rita Trinidad Amador, Don & Mary Anderson, Cora & Frank Archuleta, Brian Ballenger, Mary Banecks, Edith Binkley, Roy Bishop, Alice Lee Blazon, Carol Boeser, Louis Calvo, Allison Casias, Lois Childs, Nancy Commins, Fred Confetti, Kathy Craven, Velma Davis, Jack Delacroix, Joseph DeRiso, Joe Domenico, Joan Doyle, Tom Doyle, Claudette English, Anna Fatur, Todd Flores, Shad Fredericks, Mary Garcia, Shirley Gaz, Father Krzyzytoff Gazdowiz, Josephine Gomez, Johnny Green, Marcus Guidry, Theresa Hafner, Nicole Hall, Hall Family, Jeannie Harder, Sheila Healey, Josie Hepp, John Hunter, Carol Jackson, Karen James, Robert Jacobs, Pastor Steven Kelsie, Kelsey Klichman, Fr. Don Kros, Ed Lowderback, Joseph W. Lujan, Jessica Marquez, Betty Marino, Judith McGrath, Sadie Montano, Joe Montoya, Tara O’Connoraliss, Shambra (Fatur) Pekuri, James Riedel, Tom Roche, Adonis & Margaret Roybal, Jane Sagraves, Frances Salazar, Maria de Jesus Salazar, Jim Salden, Henry Santilli, Mike Schulz, Ilene Serano, Frank & Ascension Sigala, Manuel Silva, Jill Knapp, Jean Spensieri, Fr. Mark Stang, Marge Stanish, Manuela Tejado, Alex Thramer, Dave Toledo, Basurto Torres, Greg Tracy, Fr. Peter Urban, Guadalupe Valencia, Bobby Valenta, George & Betty Villegas, Alvirda Williams, Thomas Youngblood.

Please call the parish office if you know any parishioners who are sick.

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“MASS TRANSIT”
            We understand that there are some parishioners at IMC who need a ride to church regularly or occasionally. We also understand that there are many in the parish who would like to offer help to the parish in some way. Perhaps we can facilitate a solution to these situations.
            If you are no longer able to drive to Mass on the weekends but would like to attend, or if you know of a parishioner who needs a ride, please let us know. On the other hand, if you are willing to drive a fellow parishioner to Mass on a regular or occasional basis, we would like to know that as well. We will do what we can to match the need of a ride to a willingness to help, with “IMC’s Mass Transit.”  For information or to get on board with this program, please contact Margie Fontenot by phone at 303-828-4298 (do leave a message if there’s no one available to answer the call), or via email at Mrs_Fontenot@msn.com.


Food Collection for
Sister Carmen Center
March 13-14, 2010
The Sister Carmen Center is in desperate need of food. The weekend of March 13-14, we will be collecting food for the Sister Carmen Center.  Please bring some of the following items:  soups, canned vegetables, peanut butter, chili, beef stew, canned meats like tuna and chicken, canned fruit or applesauce, hot and cold cereals, shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet paper, diapers in size 5 or 6.


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  PARISH ACTIVITIES

MARY'S HANDS MEETING
WOMEN'S GROUP OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Prayer               Service            Fellowship
 
What:   All women of the parish are invited to attend our March meeting. Please join us for a time of spiritual reflection, the opportunity to fellowship with other women and to provide your input on the group’s support of our parish and community.
When:    Monday, March 8th at 6:30 p.m.
Where:   In the Chapel of the church

For more information: Contact Suzanne Lutter @suzanne.lutter@gmail.com or at (303) 926-9957

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Holy Week Choir
We will be having a choir for Holy Thursday and Easter Vigil.  Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm in the church.  Everyone is invited to join us, we need all voices.  If you have any questions or for more information, please contact Denise Beaber 303-665-5102 ext 115  or denise@lafayettecatholic.org

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Journey Through Scripture
"Genesis to Jesus" Bible Study
            Will be presented at Immaculate Conception Sunday afternoons beginning January 31st, 4:00 to 5:30 pm in a downstairs classroom. For information contact Joan Williamson-Kelly at 303-604-1493 or Genesis2Jesus@yahoo.com

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Mark your calendars
Parish Men’s Retreat March 20
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm



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WOMEN’S VOICES, WOMEN’S JOURNEYS
Who are we?  A group of women of all ages who enjoy reading stimulating books by Catholic authors.  Gathering with one another to share our spiritual journeys is also what we’re about.  Out of this comes wonderful insight, inspiration, laughter, and listening for the voice of God  in ourselves and in the group.

You are cordially invited  to join us for our winter session beginning January 20. We meet the first and third Wednesday of the month from 7-9pm in the church library.

Our next book is Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittister. Joan is a Benedictine nun, author, lecturer and the executive director of Benetvision.  Here are some excerpts from the book sleeve: “Neither a self-help manual nor a book offering pat answers, but supremely practical and relevant, this book will richly reward those seeking solace in the empathic, wise, and accessible meditations of a fellow struggler.” “We struggle against change, isolation, darkness, fear, powerlessness, vulnerability, exhaustion, and scarring.  But we can emerge with the gifts of conversion, detachment, faith, courage, surrender, limitations, endurance, transformation and most of all hope.”  It is a very rich book, rich in wisdom and inspiration for living life to the full.  It will lend itself to stimulating reflection and discussion as well as Lenten transformation.

The book can be purchased at Amazon.com for under $10.
For more information and to register please contact Pierrette Guidry at gandpguidry@gmail.com or 303-847-0112.

                                                                                         
             RESPECT  LIFE  MINISTRY           


RESPECT LIFE
        The social justice committee wants to support Catholic Social teachings relative to life issues through the formation of a Respect Life Committee. If you are interested in becoming involved with this committee, please contact Rita Albright (303-665-3800) or rita.albright@comcast.net.

MASS FOR THE UNBORN
First Saturdays at Nativity of Our Lord 

            Father Michael and Father Accursio are holding a Mass for the Unborn on First Saturdays, every month at Nativity of Our Lord, in Broomfield. “First Saturdays” is a special devotion to Our Lady originated from her apparitions in Fatima, Portugal. For those unfamiliar with this devotion check it out at http://www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/FIRSTSAT.htm. It is an awesome way to honor our Mother Mary as well!

REAL CHOICES PREGNANCY CENTER
Real Choices Pregnancy Care Center Presents: 
Calling All Dads….even if you didn’t plan on being a Dad! 
Let’s talk about stepping up to be a Father!  Join us for a group discussion centered on how you can be the best for your family.   When: Monday, Feb 22nd. Where: Boulder Real Choices office at 3340 Arapahoe Rd., Boulder.  Time: 6pm.  We will provide dinner and dessert, you bring an open mind and heart.  Bring a friend!  Just call 303-665-2341 and tell us the number coming!


                                                                                         
                   YOUTH MINISTRY                    


Volunteers Needed
We are in need of families to provide meals for our teens on Sunday evenings after the Life Teen Mass.  If you are interested, please contact Mark at 303-665-5103, ext. 104.  Thank you for your assistance!


LIFE TEEN
All high school teens are invited to join us in the social hall after the Life Teen Mass on Sundays at 5:30 p.m. followed with an awesome dinner and our  Life Night!  Please invite your friends to join us!  Come meet new friends, have fun and learn about Jesus and the Catholic faith! 


UPCOMING LIFE NIGHTS, EDGE NIGHTS AND EVENTS


March  7            
Stations of the Cross Practice, Edge & Confirmation
March 12-14      
Confirmation Retreat @ Covenant Heights, Estes Park
March 14           
Stations of the Cross Practice   & Edge
March 21           
Stations of the Cross Practice (No Edge /Confirmation) BVSD Spring Break
March 28           
Dress Rehearsal for Stations of the Cross
                           
(No Edge/Confirmation) St. Vrain Spring Break

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS DUE MARCH 7TH
Steubenville of the Rockies High School Youth Conference, July 16-18 @ Colorado Convention Center.  Join over 2,000 Catholic youth from all over the United States for a weekend of praise & worship, awesome speakers, Mass, Confession & Adoration and fun& fellowship!!!  (Open to all incoming freshman through graduating high school seniors!)  The cost for the weekend is $230 per person which includes registration, housing and some meals.  A $50 nonrefundable deposit is due by March 7th.  Space is limited – so register NOW!!!!!  Contact Mark for forms or more information.

Looking for something to do this SUMMER??  Check out Camp Wojtyla in beautiful Allenspark, CO for weeklong adventure camps for young people in middle school through high school.  Visit www.camp-w.com or contact Mark at 303-665-5103 ext. 104, for more information.


ATTENTION ALL CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES & PARENTS – Confirmation Ceremony Mass will be on May 6th @ 7 PM with Bishop James D. Conley, S.T.L.


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PREPARE MEALS FOR YOUTH!
We are still in need of families to provide meals for our teens on the following Sunday evenings after the Life Teen Mass:   February 28th, March 7th, April 11th, April 18th, April 25th,  & May 2nd.   If you are interested, please contact Mark at 303-665-5103, ext. 104.  Thank you for your assistance!

Teens & Parents!  Check out www.lifeteen.com – it’s a fun, informative and safe place to spend time online!


                                                                                          
              RELIGIOUS EDUCATION             

Religious Education Council Members
            Meet monthly with regards to the religious education program.  Guide teachers and staff in parish needs, incorporate new programs.  You do not need to have children enrolled in R.E to become a member, we are looking for members that are interested in helping our religious education program grow and be the best it can be.  *Must have safe environment training.  Contact Fr. Bob at 303-665-5103 or frbobamundsen@msn.com.

                                                                                          
                      MUSIC MINISTRY                   


SOUND SYSTEM TECHNICIANS
            If you would like to help run the sound system during Mass, please contact Denise Beaber at 303-665-5103 ext. 107 or denise@lafayettecatholic.org.  We are especially in need of more people at the 5:00 pm Saturday Mass.  No experience necessary, we will provide training.


NEW MUSICIANS ALWAYS WELCOME
            The music ministry is growing at Immaculate Conception.We are in need of piano players to help with Saturday and Sunday Masses as well as men and women to sing in the various choirs at the Masses.  If you are interested, please contact Denise Beaber for more information at  denise@lafayattecatholic.org or 303-665-5103 ext. 103.  

                                                                                          
                       SOCIAL JUSTICE                    

RESPECT LIFE COMMITTEE
        The Respect Life Committee will meet Monday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m. in the church library. All are welcome. This Committee was formed with the objective of fostering Catholic Social teachings relative to life issues. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Rita Albright (303-665-3800) or rita.albright@comcast.net.

COMMUNITY TABLE
         Immaculate Conception will host Community Table on Wednesday, March 31st at the Mountain View United Methodist Church in the Frasier Meadows neighborhood in Boulder. Six volunteers are needed for the 3:45 to 5 p.m. shift and 6 volunteers are needed for the 5-6:30 p.m. shift.  If you are interested in helping serve a hot meal to those in need and are available to volunteer on March 31st, contact Rita Albright (303-665-3800 or rita.albright@comcast.net).


CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES
        What your money is used for when you give to CRS: EMERGENCY RESPONSE
With 60 years experience delivering humanitarian assistance throughout the world, CRS has a strong background in emergency preparedness and response. CRS adheres to international standards to the greatest extent possible in all of its emergency work to ensure that disaster-affected populations are at least able to meet their basic right to live a life with dignity. CRS works directly with affected communities and local partners to help restore and strengthen their pre-disaster capacities.
    CRS responds to both natural disasters and, complex emergencies, a term coined in the post-Cold War era that describes today's violent conflicts often involving intra-state conflicts with regional implications. Complex emergencies result in massive numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons, gross violations of human rights and large-scale disruption of people's livelihoods. Complex emergencies are often exacerbated by natural disasters.
    Today, there are around 34 million displaced people in the world. Of these, 20.3 million are internally displaced within their countries and 13.7 million are refugees who have fled to other countries. The number of displaced people around the world doubles every seven to eight years.
    CRS assists countries with emergency preparedness, mitigation and response; nutrition and food; health; agriculture; shelter and community infrastructure; peace building and strengthening civil society.
    CRS was founded in 1943 to assist war-affected populations in Europe. Through the years, CRS has spent an average of 30% of its overall budget on emergency programs and has been present during some of the largest emergencies of the last decade including Hurricane Mitch, the Kosovo refugee crisis and in Afghanistan. To learn more about Catholic Relief Services visit www.crs.org.


OPERATION RICE BOWL
Every Lent, Operation Rice Bowl invites parishes, schools, families and individuals to make deeper connections with the poor and vulnerable overseas. Operation Rice Bowl helps you reach out to our brothers and sisters in need around the world through the traditional Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, while learning about their lives. Seventy-five percent of the money raised through Operation Rice Bowl supports CRS projects that ensure tens of thousands of hungry people in more than 40 countries have enough to eat. The remaining 25% support hunger and poverty alleviation efforts in dioceses across the United States (www.crs.org).
         

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING EFFORT
We meet on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 6:30 - 7:30
 in Nuoci Hall.   Everyone is welcome to come and participate.


         

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OUTSIDE THE PARISH
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RETREATS AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
Abbey of St. Walburga
Benedictine Nuns
1029 Benedictine Way   -  Virginia Dale, Colorado 80536-7633

Lenten Days of Recollection:
Spend a day in prayer and reflection at the Abbey of Saint Walburga. Discover the richness of the Lenten season as you prepare for the joy of Easter. Each retreat day lasts from 9:30 to 2:30 and the cost of only $25 includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. The days are conveniently arranged that there is unstructured time in the afternoon for more private prayerful recollection or you may depart after lunch at your leisure. If needed, please ask us about a financial hardship allowance.

The Abbey is located is located about 35 miles north of Fort Collins, 29 miles south of Laramie, on U.S. Highway 287. The entrance road is on the west side of the highway. We are in a beautiful valley near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Women and men of all denominations are welcome.

Sat. Mar 20 – Guest and Host: Welcoming Christ 
    Sr. Hildegard, OSB
    Welcoming the stranger is a fundamental biblical value. But when     we invite Christ to join us, just who is welcoming whom?

Also this Spring:     Weekend Retreats
Needle Felting Retreat with Ingrid Borah  April16-18
Contemplative Art Retreat with Suzanne Frazier  April 23-25

NEW!   Guided Retreats in Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius:
    Open to the clergy and laity Led by Fr. John Smith, Abbey Chaplain May 2-8 and July 18-24 

For more information, please call 970-472-0612, email us at aswretreats@gmail.com  or visit our website: www.walburga.org

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MONTHLY PRAYER VIGIL AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD
You Are Cordially Invited!! Year for Priests Prayer Vigil - Bilingual   Every First Saturday of the Month @ 9am Planned Parenthood, 7155 E 38th Avenue, Denver CO (38th/Quebec Exit Off off I-70 behind Renaissance Hotel)   Please prayerfully consider joining us as a community united in prayer.  Join us in wrapping planned parenthood in the loving and prayerful arms of the faithful.  Please join us in giving hope and showing love through visible prayer to the parents in crisis, the clinic employees and the abortionists.  Help us to show the world the merciful love of Our Lord Jesus with the show of people who are coming together sacrificing free time, gas, money and energy to pray for the end to the death of future human beings.

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  MARCH  2010  EVENTS


FRANCISCAN MYSTERY PLAY
The Way of the Cross, a dramatic multi-media presentation of the passion and death of Jesus, will be offered by the Franciscan Mystery Players in Denver area churches during this coming Lenten season.  DON’T MISS THIS UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!  wwwmysteryplay.org

2010 MYSTERY PLAY LENTEN SCHEDULE
                             Mar, 5th      Fri.    7:30 p.m.    Immaculate Heart of Mary   Northglenn
                            Mar. 12th    Fri.    7:30 p.m.    St. Ignatius Loyola   Denver
                            Mar. 19th    Fri.    7:30 p.m.    St. Louis   Louisville
                            Mar. 26th    Fri.    7:30 p.m.    Annunciation  Denver
                            Mar. 26th    Sun.    7:30 p.m.   St. Michael the Archangel    Aurora


MARCH 12-14, 2010

            Are you Separated, Divorced, or Widowed?  Do you know anyone who is experiencing the loss of a spouse or partner?  BEGINNING EXPERIENCE OF DENVER, an ecumenical peer ministry, will be having a retreat at Mother Cabrini Shrine from March 12-14  2010. We will deal with the grief process experienced and how to move forward. For registration and information call Sharron 303 255-8990 or Carol 303 464-9428  or tllskr@comcast.net.  Please visit our website:
https://www.beginningexperience.org.
 

MARCH 14, 2010
Radical Awareness of Discipleship (RAD) Retreat
Sunday, March 14, 2010        9:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
St. John Vianney Theological Seminary (Tihen Room), 1300 Steele Street, Denver, 80210
Registration Deadline: Friday, March 12, 2010 at noon
Cost to attend: Absolutely FREE—including lunch
        This retreat is for high school young men who are thinking about discerning God’s call to the Priesthood.  This retreat is an excellent opportunity to discover more about who a priest of Jesus Christ is and to learn how to discern if God is truly calling.  The retreat will include the celebration of Mass.  It is also a great way to meet others who are trying to understand their calling.  To register please call the Office of Priestly Vocations at 303-282-3429 or e-mail  Info@Priest4Christ.com.  For additional information visit our website at www.Priest4Christ.com


MARCH 20, 2010
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CATHOLIC MEN'S CONFERENCE
        Men, don’t miss it! The second annual, state-wide, Rocky Mountain Catholic Men’s Conference will be held March 20, 2010 in Colorado Springs at the Pikes Peak Center in celebration of our life in Christ.  The theme is “Seize Life” based on the Holy Scriptures in John 10:10.  From 1000-1500 men are expected to attend the conference which is being c0-sponsored by the Diocese of Colorado Springs, the Archdiocese of Denver and the Diocese of Pueblo.  Detailed conference information and registration is available online at: rockymountaincatholicmensconference.com  The cost is only $35 per man, $25 for college students, and boys under 18 are FREE with their father’s registration.  Check out the website and register today.


MARCH 24, 2010
2010 National Bereavement
Teleconference Living with Grief:
Cancer and End-of-Life Care
The 2010 teleconference will address care options related to cancer diagnoses as well as loss and grief reactions for patients, families, and professional caregivers. It will also examine psychosocial aspects of cancer, pain management, and ethical issues related to the disease, and will be followed by a half-hour local panel of experts. Pre-registration required,  kimmooney@hospicecareonline.org
When:        Wednesday, March 24,    11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
 Where:        UCAR Auditorium,   1850 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder
Cosponsored with Crist Mortuary/Mountain
View Memorial Gardens
Would anyone like to car pool?


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INFORMATION
  BRIEFS 
                                                                                                        
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FREE MATERIALS FOR THE BLIND
Do you know someone who has poor vision or is blind?  Do you know someone who has trouble holding a magazine or a book?  The Xavier Society for the blind has religious material in Braille, large print and audio CD’s, at no charge.  For more information, call 212-473-7800 or 800-637-9193.  Visit us on the web at www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org


CATHOLIC CHARITIES IMMIGRATION SERVICES
                As you may already know, Catholic Charities Immigration Services provides assistance and legal representation to Colorado’s indigent and low-income with valid claims to legal immigration status in the United States.  To that end, we provide direct legal assistance, outreach and public education to achieve our goals of equitable access to the law, family reunification and a more just and humane society.
                Our program was established in 1974 and has been accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) since 1980.  As a non-profit sector legal services program, it is with growing frequency that we are the only recourse for indigent immigrants to defend their right to stay in the U.S. or bring their family members to the U.S.  In addition to providing legal services in immigration, our staff conducts free trainings about discrimination in the workplace, immigration law and the unauthorized practice of law and also distributes educational materials.
                In order to ensure benefits to a maximum number of people affected by these issues, your help is urgently needed.  We would greatly appreciate your cooperation in referring individuals in need of legal immigration services to our office for assistance, in providing us with the names and addresses of other organizations/agencies that may have contact with the immigrant community and by requesting a presentation, from our staff to your staff and/or clientele.  Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Darren Latanick
Immigration Services Outreach Coordinator
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Denver
4045 Pecos St. Denver CO. 80211
(303)-742-4971 ext. 4
dlatanick@ccdenver.org


HOMOSEXUALITY  &  COURAGE  
 
If you are struggling with homosexual feelings, you can find spiritual support in the Courage group.  This group of men and women meets with a priest director and offers an opportunity to find support in living a chaste Christian life.  Confidentiality and anonymity are assured.  For more information, call Father Dan Norick 720-434-2638.

EnCOURAGE  
If you are a parent of a child who has homosexual tendencies, you can find support in the EnCourage group.  For more information, please call Father Dan Norick 720-434-2638.


CATHOLIC BOOK STORE IN BOULDER
                Looking for Catholic Books in the Boulder Area?  St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish has two small bookstores that have a wide variety of Catholic literary work ranging from fiction, spirituality, theology to philosophy.  The collections are located in the vestibule of the church on the corner of 14th. And Aurora and in the reception area of the Catholic Student Center on the corner of 15th. And Euclid.  Books may be paid for by cash or check.  For more information please call 720-564-1111.


WIDOWS’ SUPPORT GROUP
                Joyce Crispin who has begun a support group for women who find themselves alone after the loss of their husbands.  The group meets on Sunday afternoons beginning in June from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church (St. Teresa Room), 323 Collyer Street, Longmont. Following our sharing, we may decide to go out for coffee or some light form of entertainment.  To register, call Joyce Crispin 303-772-7859 or Michelle Black 303-776-0737.


FRIEND TO ISOLATED ELDER

            Would you like to befriend an elder?  Join a local volunteer program that allows you to become acquainted with an older adult who may have limited social opportunities, and needs the safety and reassurance of a weekly visitor.  If you are looking to have direct impact on the life of a senior, and provides support for that person’s family caregiver too, Boulder County Aging Services can place you in a situation where your friendship, emotional support and activities will go a long way in helping that individual remain independent in a home setting.  We seek caring men and women who can devote about 2 hours weekly of companion level assistance.  No hands-on care or experience required.  You’ll make a worthwhile difference and get a new friend in the process!
Upcoming trainings:  Wednesday, Feb. 24th, 9:00 - 12:00 noon in Longmont, or Thursday April 15th, 9:00 - 12:00 noon in Louisville.  For more information call Mary Jane Longanecker at 303-678-6286.



R.S.V.P. OF BOULDER COUNTY
Volunteers serving Seniors and the Community
                FREE grocery delivery service from Albertson at Highway 287 and So. Boulder Rd. to your door.  For homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.   RSVP of Boulder County, a United Way Partner Agency, can help those in need.  Call 303-443-1933 ext. 409, for more information, and brochure in the brochure rack in the narthex


VEHICLES FOR CHARITY
                Do you have you had an old car, truck, van or boat taking up space in your garage? With the end of the year upon us, now’s the time to take action!!The Capuchin Province of Mid-America will help you clear out those old jalopies. The Province has partnered with Vehicles for Charity (www.vehiclesforcharity.org) to accept donations of vehicles from anywhere in the United States.Vehicles should be in running condition and will be towed for you. Vehicles will be sold at an auto auction or to a salvage company and proceeds will benefit the Mid-America Capuchin Friars and Metropolitan Association for Retarded Citizens.For additional details, please contact Meghan Curtis at 303.433.0296 x106 or visit the Capuchins website at www.capuchins.org.



INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
What information and resources are available to seniors in our community?
A Federal Law “The Older Americans Act” was passed by Congress in 1965.  This law has been amended several times since it was passed.  This law requires every state in our nation to have a program that provides information and resources to all seniors.  The Boulder County Aging Services are located in Boulder, Colorado.  There phone number is 303-441-3570.  The Boulder County Aging Service has a Resource Specialist in every community in the county.  The Resource Specialist in Lafayette is Lorna Beard.  Lorna’s office is in the Lafayette Senior Center.  Lorna’s phone number is 303-665-9052.  If a senior in our community need information and or resources they would begin to seek help by calling the Lafayette Resource Specialist.  The role of the Resource Specialist is to assist the senior in determining their needs and pursuing what is available to meet these needs.
These services in the Lafayette Center for adults and their families include:
•    Identifying needs
•    Exploring options
•    Finding solutions
•    Care Coordination
Information is available about these and other services:
•    Health Care/Home Care
•    Housing
•    Financial Assistance
•    Transportation
•    Caregiving
•    Respite Services/Adults Day Care
•    Legal Services
•    Nutrition Services
•    Employment
•    Volunteer Opportunities
•    Medicare/Medicaid




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INTERCAMBIO DE COMUNIDADES
Join Us!
English Classes
Intercambio offers classes Tuesdays and Thursdays
at the Lafayette Public Library 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
for anyone interested in learning English.
For more information call 303-996-0275 x 3
Scholarships available.

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BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Can WIC help you?
WIC provides nutrition education, healthful foods, and other resources for women, infants, and children who qualify.  For more information see flier in the vestibule of the church.

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POWER WHEELCHAIRS AVAILABLE
Wheels for Seniors makes available power (electric) wheelchairs to seniors citizens and permanently disabled people of any age, usually at no out of pocket expense if they qualify. No deposit required.
The electric wheelchairs are provided to those who cannot walk and cannot self-propel a manual wheelchair in their home and who meet the additional qualifications of the program.
Call 1-888-294-9005 for more information and details of this program.







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