STATEMENT OF GIVING FOR INCOME TAXES: If you wish to receive a statement of your financial contributions to St. James Church for 2006, please indicate this on your Sunday offering envelope so that we can assure confidentiality. REVIEW OF MOVIES, FILMS, DVD: The Office for Film and Broadcasting of the United States Catholic Conference is responsible for reviewing and rating theatrical motion pictures, previewing and evaluating television programming as well as providing the Catholic public with information about the role of the entertainment and news media in influencing societal and personal values. In recognition of the importance of the videocassette player in the American home, the Office also prepares a volume of capsule reviews assessing the moral and entertainment values of more than 8,000 movies available on television or video. You can access all of this information on the Internet at the following web site: www.usccb.org/movies RESPECT LIFE COLLECTION: Monday, January 22 is the 34th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States through all nine months of pregnancy. Over 40 million children have been killed as a result. The plaintiff in the case, however, has changed her mind. Norma McCorvey, the former "Jane Roe" of Roe vs. Wade, now opposes abortion and works for the reversal of this tragic decision. Her conversion gives us hope that as millions of Americans pray, march, and speak up for the unborn, the conscience of the nation will again be stirred, and the blessings of liberty, equality, and prosperity will be granted soon to the children living in their mothers' wombs. Some 42 million children have been aborted in the United States since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision. Bishop Cunningham has authorised a Respect Life Collection, which will take place in all the parishes of the diocese next weekend. Money collection will be disbursed in the form of grants to local organisations active in pro-life ministry. A DAY FOR MASON: Mason Snyder, born January 1, 2005, son of Evan and Stacy Snider, members of St. James Parish, has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia. A benefit Spaghetti Dinner and Jamboree will be held for him at Assumption of Mary School, Redford on Sunday, January 28 starting at noon. Take out meals are available by phoning 293-7328. GIFTS FROM IRA’S: Recently Congress has taken important steps to strengthen America’s retirement system while also encouraging additional charitable giving. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 offers new opportunities for tax-free charitable giving. Of special note, the new law includes incentives for those 70 ? years of age and older who would like to make charitable gifts from potentially taxable Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) funds. In 2007, Congress is allowing individuals with traditional or Roth IRAs to make tax-free gifts directly to qualified charities. To qualify, gifts must be made directly to qualified charities and may not be given to donor advised funds, private foundations, or supporting organizations. By directing a portion of your mandatory IRA withdrawal directly to charity, you do not have to report that amount as income and it avoids having to pay taxes on those funds. It also prevents additional tax on your Social Security benefits, it that applies to you. Individuals who are required to take unneeded IRA withdrawals and others who have experienced limitations on tax benefits in the past will find the new law of particular interest.