Third Sunday of Advent : Advent is a time of patient waiting. This season gives us an opportunity to grow in patience and understanding of God’s presence in our world. How can we become more aware of the presence of God in our lives? How can we bring the presence of God to others? MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Those wishing to make a Marriage Encounter can meet on January 11-13, 2008 at the Best Western in Canton. For more information or to register call Bob and Deb Crandall at 315-593-2409 or 800-801-8463 FUNERAL: In your prayers please remember Timothy Vann whose funeral was this week, and also remember his Mother and family. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS COLLECTION: As in the past you will find envelopes at the entrance to the church for memorial donations for Christmas flowers and decorations. Place your envelope with your contribution in the collection basket. Your generous contribution is very much appreciated. DECORATING THE CHURCH: You are invited to decorate the church, prepare the manger scene for the festive Christmas season on Sunday afternoon, December 23rd starting at 1:30. It should take about two hours. Please come to help us as well as to give us your decorating suggestions. 2008 SUNDAY OFFERING ENVELOPES: Please pick up your 2008 Sunday offering envelopes. Anyone wishing to use envelopes who are not currently using them can take a box of envelopes. Be sure to print your name and address on the first envelope.. CHRISTMAS HYMNS WITH CHILDREN: Parents whose child will sing Christmas carols before the 4:00 Mass on Christmas Eve are reminded to pick up their child at 4:30 at St. James Church on Thursday December 20th. CHRISTMAS MASSES Christmas Eve, December 24   Children Hymns/Mass..............4:00 PM   Mass........................................8:00 PM Christmas Day, December 25   Mass.......................................10:00 AM Confession Times   December 22..........................1:00-3:45 PM   December 23...................7:00-7:45/ 9:00-9:45   (or any other time by phoning Father) NEW BEGINNINGS: “NEW BEGINNINGS” is a group of divorced and separated people that meet every Thursday at 7:00 PM at St. Peter’s Church, Plattsburgh in the Upper Room. For more information contact St. Peter’s Rectory at 563-1692. CHRISTMAS CONFESSION: Christmas is just two weeks away, and we'll pass the halfway point of Advent on Thursday of this week. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, we may not feel like we've had much time to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas. One very good way to slow down and take stock of our spiritual life is to set aside time to take advantage of the Sacrament of Confession. It's a good idea to go to Confession frequently, but we often let this sacrament slide. We shouldn't. Even if we're not aware of serious sin, the Sacrament of Confession can strengthen us to grow in our spiritual life. The grace of the sacrament helps us to avoid even venial sins, and frequent examination of our failings helps us to resolve to do better in the future. ST. JAMES CHOIR: Those who participate in the St. James Choir provide us with the gift of music as we participate in the Holy Eucharist. We thank them for their weekly dedication to this ministry of service to us. We thank Phil Rice, their director and organist. We also thank Tom Venne who is directing the choir and providing musical accompaniment during the weeks when Phil is recovering from hip surgery.