CHOIR NEWS

The Adult Choir will rehearse on Monday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m

CHURCH GROUP MEETINGS & CLASSES

Finance Council will be meeting on Monday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. in the Formation Center.

Picnic Meeting - A meeting to begin preparations for a June 24th parish picnic at Brush Mountain Sportsmen Club is scheduled for Monday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Formation Center. Anyone who is interested in helping with the picnic is asked to attend.

Sacred Heart Bus Trip - Bus trip to Sight and Sound to see the new play “Jonah” on April 27th. Cost is $100 and includes transportation, tickets to Jonah, lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasboard, tip and gratuity for meal is included, gratuity for driver, snacks and water . Also time to shop in gift shop. Must be paid by March 20th. No refunds after that date unless replacement is available. Please call Emma Helen Brolley at 944-9588.

Calendar of Cash - Last year, 2011, we sold 800 lottery calendars. Our income was $20,000. The winning cash that was paid out was $10, 325 resulting in a profit to the church of $9,675.00.

This year, 2012, we have only sold 431 calendars. The Calendar of Cash is our only fundraiser of the year. If you haven’t already purchased your lottery calendar, won’t you please consider doing so. Numbers are good for the entire year and calendars can be purchased at the rectory office or one can be mailed to you. Thank you for your support.

Love Feasts - This year, our parish will host “Love Feasts” at Simpson- Temple United Parish on Saturdays: May 12, June 23, and September 22. The meals are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Sign-up sheets will be placed in the vestibule the first weekend of April. Volunteers will be needed to prepare and serve the meals. Our parish will pay for the food and supplies

Pro-Life Rosary is held every Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church. Won’t you take an hour out of your week and join us in praying for an end to abortion.

Bereavement Committee - The Sacred Heart Bereavement Ministry exists to provide resources, support and comfort to anyone who has experienced a death of a loved one. For more information contact Patty Buckel at 942-0321 or Dave Zeak at 946-3715.

LOCAL CHURCH ACTIVITIES & FESTIVALS

Weekend of Directed Prayer - The Carmelite Community of the Word is sponsoring a Weekend of Directed Prayer: Preparing for Our Lenten Journey, February 17-18, begins at 7 p.m. on Friday and ends on Saturday at 3 p.m. Private room and meals are included. The requested donation is $40. Held at the Incarnation Center. Contact CCW Sisters at 886-4098 for more information.

“Protecting God’s Children for Parents” - Saturday, February 11, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Come learn what every parent or guardian should know about keeping children safe from sexual abuse. (This session will not fulfill the diocesan requirement to volunteer or work in a Catholic parish or school.) No charge. Reservations required by February 7. Family Life Office, Lilly. Phone 886-5551 to register.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser - St. Catherine’s Parish will sponsor a Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, February 19 from Noon until 2:00 p.m. in the Church Hall. $6 for adults and $4 for children from 4 to 12. Proceeds from the dinner will be split between St. Catherine’s and the Catholic Charities Energy Assistance Program.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church - February 22, Ash Wednesday Fish Dinner from 4-7:00 p.m. Serving at school cafeteria on 8th Avenue. $8 baked or fried fish. Tickets sold in advance at the parish office 806 11th Street.

St. Mary’s Memorial Hall - Ash Wednesday and every Friday during Lent (except Good Friday) 4:30-7:00 p.m. Buffet $10, Children 4-12, $5. Baked and fried haddock, crab cakes, fried shrimp, fried clam strips, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, clam chowder, vegetable, salad, rolls and butter, dessert, coffee and punch.

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - Ash Wednesday and Fridays of Lent, Lenten Lunches will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fish sandwich with macaroni and cheese or french fries, $6.

HOUSING FOR SENIORS

Marian House Manor - Apartments for seniors and mobility impaired adults located at 1408 4th Avenue. 21 apartments each with single bedroom, living-dining area, kitchen and bath. Common laundry area and a community room and large porch area. Heat, water, electric and trash included in rent. You can reach the manager at 942-5018.

Full & Part-Time Jobs

Music Teacher Needed - Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School is accepting applications for a full-time vocal/instrumental music teacher. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest, application, college transcripts, teaching certificate and all required clearances to: Principal’s Office, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, 2400 Pleasant Valley Blvd, Altoona PA 16602.

Altoona Central Catholic School is seeking a part time maintenance and custodial person. Twenty-five hours per week. Duties include cleaning, repairs and maintenance of the elementary building, which includes interior and exterior work. Please submit a resume, references and clearances to Altoona Central Catholic School, 1400 4th Ave., Altoona 16602.

St. Rose of Lima is seeking a part time organist/keyboardist. Duties include playing the 4:00 p.m. Saturday liturgy each week and the Sunday Noon once or twice a month. Some funerals/weddings. Please submit a letter of interest with experience to Fr. Brian Saylor at St. Rose of Lima, 5514 Roselawn Ave, Altoona 16602.

Bishop Guilfoyle Substitute Teachers Interested parties should submit a letter of interest, application, college transcripts, teaching certificate and all required clearances to: Office of the Principal, Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, 2400 Pleasant Valley Blvd. Altoona 16602

VOLUNTEERS & HELP NEEDED

St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store is in need of volunteers. Hours are 9 a.m. to3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Profits from the store help to provide financial aid for needy families in our area. For more information, call Bunny at 943-1981.

Volunteer at Garvey Manor - Volunteer opportunities are available at Garvey Manor to help transport residents from their rooms to the Beauty Shop where you can visit with them until they are ready to go back to their rooms. Could you assist in our gift shop with purchases, help transport residents to and from church of therapy? Please consider volunteering even two hours a month to make a difference in someone’s life. Volunteers receive complementary lunch and snack. Please phone Debbie Dorazio the volunteer coordinator at Garvey Manor at 695-5571 extension 4009. Thank you! Big Brothers Big Sisters is in need of volunteers. There are currently 54 unmatched children waiting to be matched with a volunteer. Call 944-6129 or email blairbbbs@aol.com

Teen Shelter - The Teen Shelter is much more than just a shelter for runaway, homeless and at risk youth ages 12-17. This shelter, located at 3718 6th Avenue has been operated by Family Services since 1991. No all youth are seeking sheltersome are just trying to find a place to spend a few hours. Youth drop in after school, get help with their homework, stay for dinner and participate in nightly group discussions dealing with issues pertaining to their age group. Student volunteers from Penn State Altoona assist with this program. Drop-in services are also available when school is in session. Phone 941-0975.

Partnering for Health is a free nonprofit medical clinic directed by Dr. Zane Gates, that provides medical care for the working uninsured members of our community. They are in need of volunteer RN’s, LPN’s and MA’s to check patients into the rooms. Also in need are office volunteers to help answer the phone, file, etc. Any assistance you can provide would greatly be appreciated. Please call Paula at 889-6111.

WIC Program - WIC is a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Health with funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. WIC helps you help your family in many ways. WIC foods are free. Are you pregnant or recently had a baby? Do you have a child under age 5? Are you the guardian for a child under the age of 5? Many working families qualify. A family of 4 may earn up to $40,793 and still qualify for the eligibility guidelines. Please call Home Nursing at 943-0481 to inquire about this program.

Healing from Addiction - Drugs and alcohol destroy lives, families, relationships and careers. They steal hope and ruin dreams. St. Joseph Institute has a team of experienced professionals and a program built on a strong Christian foundation. We know that God wants you to be healed and that you can get better with His help. The Institute has scholarships covering up to 50% of the treatment cost for those who qualify. www.stjosephinstitute.com or call 888-777-1098

Marian House Manor - Located at 1408 4th Avenue is currently taking applications for one bedroom apartments offered to senior (62+ or mobility impaired persons with limited income. Call 942-5018 Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m.—3 p.m.

Hollidaysburg Veterans Home - Seeking volunteers to visit and talk with the veterans, play games, do puzzles or sit in the smoking room and light their cigarette. Weather permitting they can be taken outside to the patio or for a stroll around the grounds. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Volunteer Office at 696-5371.

Garvey Manor Seeking Volunteers - Eucharistic Ministers are needed to assist with Holy Communion rounds to those who are not able to come to Mass. Volunteers are also needed to help wheel residents to and from 10:00 a.m. Mass. The Café’ needs someone to assist a staff person on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call Debbie Dorazio at 695-5571.

Saint Leonard’s Home, Inc. - Worried about an elderly loved one? St. Leonard’s Home in Hollidaysburg provides quality personal care for persons over age 55 for whom it is no longer safe to live alone, or who desire a supportive community living arrangement for their later years. We assist with financial aid applications. For more information and a tour, please call Sr. Cynthia Meyer at 695-9581 during weekday business hours.

Blair Senior Services - Blair Senior Services is seeking volunteers 55 years of age or older, who would like to make a difference in the lives of the residents of our community through RSVP. Please call Brian Querry at 946-1235, ext. 1041 to learn how you can help.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES SERVICES

Are You Pregnant? In Need of Financial Assistance or Support? Catholic Charities administers Real Alternatives, a program which assists women in crisis pregnancies by providing free and compassionate, practical and life affirming alternatives to abortion. They offer maternity clothing and diapers and other assistance. Please call them at 944-9388 for more information.

Overwhelmed by Bills? Need Help with Utility Terminations? Catholic Charities offers qualified applicants emergency financial assistance to help pay utility cost, medications, rent and temporary housing, and transportation expense. Please call them at 944-9388.

Depressed or Anxious? Need Help and Support? Catholic Charities, an agency of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, offers professional, confidential counseling for individuals, children and youth, families, and couples, Please call them at 944-9388 for more information.

LIVING WILL AND HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has created a form that can be used to create a Living Will (Advance Health Care Directive) and Health Care Power of Attorney. You can download the information from the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference website at Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Copies are available at the main entrance to the church in the pamphlet rack. You may also call the rectory and a copy will be sent to you.

REMEMBERING SACRED HEART PARISH IN YOUR WILL

Over the years, Sacred Heart Parish has been blessed with a remembrance in the wills of deceased parishioners and friends. Bequests have enabled us to purchase the nativity set that decorates our church at Christmas and replace what was a paved courtyard with landscaping. A bequest also helped to install the new heating boilers in our church

Adult Education and Family Literacy Programs

The Adult Education Program is available for those individuals desiring to achieve their GED, improve their academic or employment skills, learn English as a Second Language, or acquire computer skills. Classes are located at the former Steven’s School at 200 E. Crawford Ave. For more information contact 946-8229 or 940-6936.

Sacred Heart Church