GOD’S CALLThe person who has been “saved,” who has “heard the good news of salvation,” still lives in an unsaved world, a world sadly oblivious to the

presence of God.Today’s readings outline how the disciple is present in the world.The outline begins with Isaiah: “Share your bread . . . shelter the

oppressed . . . clothe the naked” (Isaiah 58:7). Those who hear the word of salvation are not insensitive to the urgent needs of others. Then Paul reminds

his flockthat he brought Christ to them not in eloquence or wisdom, but by being with

them in the “weakness and fear” of their daily lives (1 Corinthians 2:3). Finally, Jesus tells his disciples to go out into the gloom and darkness of the

streets of the world and let God’s light shine through their good deeds.We disciples don’t save the world. To the extent, however, that we have heard the word of God and been awakened to God’s presence, we may

spread that word and bring that presence to others.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary TimeF e b r u a r y 0 6 2 0 1 1

R e a d i n g s f o r t h e W e e k

Sunday: Is 58:7-10; Ps 112; 1 Cor 2:1-5; Mt 5:13-16Monday: Gn 1:1-19; Mk 6:53-56Tuesday: Gn 1:20 — 2:4a; Mk 7:1-13Wednesday: Gn 2:4b-9, 15-17; Mk 7:14-23Thursday: Gn 2:18-25; Mk 7:24-30Friday: Gn 3:1-8; Mk7:31-37Saturda y: Gn 3:9-24; Mk 8:1-10Sunday: Sir 15:15-20; Ps 119; 1 Cor 2:6-10; Mt 5:17-37

[20-22a, 27-28, 33-34a, 37]

Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate,

We hear in today's Gospel some very familiar words:  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  When we realize that everything comes from and depends upon God and that our very spirit in poor without God, then we begin to live a happiness and joy that only God can give us.  Today, Mary Immaculate School, has an Open House from 9 AM to 12 Noon.  Our parish school is an integral part of the ministry of Mary Immaculate parish and we are proud of all that is accomplished through the school, by the teachers, staff, parents and students.  We all form "one body with many parts", and the Mary Immaculate School family contributes to the building up of Christ's Body, which is the Church, and in particular, our parish.  As we continue to support our parish school, the whole parish will be blessed by that collaboration.    Thank you to everyone who participated in the March for Justice for Immigrants yesterday, January 29th.  We are a nation enriched and built by immigrants, and as Christians we are called to welcome the stranger in our midst.  Thank you to the Social Justice Committee, and so many others in the parish who supported the March.

Blessings for the coming week,  Fr. Bill

Question of the Week:

What are the things in life that bring you to true happiness?

Upcoming Meetings, Ministry, and Special Events at Mary Immaculate

Church:Every Friday – Weekly Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

From 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the ChurchFebruary 7, 8, & 12 – Meetings for the parents with

Children in the Religious Education ProgramRespectively during the RE Classes in the Auditorium

Tuesday, February 8 – ONE LA MeetingFrom 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium #1

Thursday, February 10 – Choir Coordinators Meeting

Question of the WeekJesus says to us: You are the light of the world. Are we willing to be this light and give testimony about the Lord

throughout our actions?

`

Ecology Corner: Kids, wouldn't it be great if there was a way to help save the Earth, get rid of stuff you don't want, and make someone happy,

all at the same time? There is. Instead of throwing away your old things, you can find a new home for them. Pass on to someone else

those old board games you don't play with anymore, books you outgrew, and puzzles that are now too easy for you.

Last Sunday’s Collection - THANK YOU!!!

Regular Collection $14, 252.66 St. Vincent of Paul $4, 809.40

A message from Fr. Bill

Office of Religious Education Announcement: There will be meetings for the parents with children in the Religious Education program on Monday (February

7), Tuesday (February 8), and Saturday (February 12) during the

Valentine’s Day DanceCome and celebrate Valentine’s Day here at Mary Immaculate

Church on Saturday, February 12, starting at 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall Fr. Luciano. General entrance will have the cost of $10 per person. There will be food and many appetizers. To buy tickets, please come to the parish office.

Tired of Banks Not Doing Their Job in Our Community

Do you pay high fees for bank services?  Are loans for cars, homes and businesses being made by banks in our community?

Tired of high interest rates on Bank credit cards? Two years after foreclosures started, Banks still don't give effective loan modifications.

WANT TO HOLD BANKS ACCOUNTABLE?  THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE!  LEARN ABOUT OUR PLAN TO MOVE OUR MONEY AND INVEST

IN OUR COMMUNITY!!   JOIN US....Mary Immaculate Church February 08, 2011 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Choir Coordinators Meeting: There will be a meeting on Thursday, February 10 in the Rectory, with all Choir Coordinators. If you are a coordinator and will not be able to make it, please send

someone to represent you. Thank you.

Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate,There are many families in our parish who have lost their homes to foreclosure, and others who continue to hang on and fight the banks.  We may feel like David fighting Goliath, but we know that David was successful in the end.  On Tuesday evening from 7 to 8 30 PM, we will have a meeting

in order to do find ways as a parish community to hold the large banks accountable and help families and individuals invest in the local

community.  Please look at the announcement here in the bulletin and participate in this struggle. I spoke with an Iraqi bishop earlier this week.  As you know, the Christians in Iraq are a minority, and they are also being killed and driven out of their homeland.  Our country is doing nothing to

defend the Christians in Iraq.  Perhaps we will find a time during Lent to understand this situation and find ways to add our voice in support of these brothers and sisters. We hear Jesus' words:  "you are salt of the earth....

you are light of the world".  Our faith, our baptism, our Christiansare all for a purpose.  Each of us carries into the world the message of God's love.  Let us live this week conscious of being salt and light

for this world.   Blessings,   Fr. Bill

Mary Immaculate and One L.A. Will hold a series of home meetings during Christmas of 2010. At the meetings people will share their concerns and ideas about the state of the economy and the environment. Fr. John invites all ministry and group leaders; homeowners interested in holding meetings at their home; as well those interested in leading the meetings to a meeting on Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium to learn more of the campaign.

One L.A. & MI Home Meetings

Saturday, February 19, 2011 NATURALIZATION INFORMATION SESSION Presented by USCIS

9:00 am - 11:00 am CIZENSHIP WORKSHOP 11:00 am - 2:00 pmPanorama High School, 8015 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City, CA 91402Free of Charge Assistance. Come and obtain more information on the Citizenship process from the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, including: Step-by-step review of the naturalization process, Mock naturalization interview, Question and answer session. Receive free-of-charge assistance with you Naturalization application N-400: application assistance, application review by an immigration attorney, and more. For more information call: (888) 839-8682 or visit www.yaeshora.info

Educational materials on the danger of abuse

The overwhelming majority of our clergy and lay leaders are hardworking individuals who are dedicated to serving the People of God in our parishes and schools. All of us together

are responsible for making sure that all of our ministries are as safe as possible for our children and young people.

That means each of us has a responsibility to educate ourselves about the real danger of sexual abuse. The Los Angeles

Archdiocese has produced two excellent pamphlets, “Respecting the Boundaries: Keeping Ministerial Relationships Healthy and Holy,” and

“Working Together to Prevent Sexual Abuse.” Both pamphlets are available online at: http://archdiocese.la/protecting.

For particular help, you may call Assistance Ministry at 213 637 7650.

Wedding Banns

Did You Know?

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2011 The 3-day Religious Education Congress is open to all who wish to learn more about the Catholic faith or seek personal growth. The registration fee covers

admission to all three days of workshops (tickets are required), exhibits, concerts and liturgies. The fee for Congress is $60 ($70 after February 4, 2011 early price deadline). Dates for RE Congress 2011 will be: March 18-20, 2011.

To register call (213) 637-7348 or e-mail congress@la-archdiocese.org, for more information about the congress please visit www.recongress.org

February 2011

Fingerprint Schedule for the

San Fernando Area:

ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE Wednesday, February 16th133 N. 5th St. BURBANK

12:00pm - 3:40pm & 5:20pm - 7:20pm

For appointment call (818) 846-3443

ST. BERNARD Wednesday, February 23rd2500 W. Avenue 33 LOS

ANGELES 12:00pm - 3:40pm & 5:20pm - 7:20pm

For appointment call (323) 255-6142 or

(323) 255-6242

RETROUVAILLE……A LIFELINE FOR MARRIAGES

Thinking about separation or divorce? Is your marriage or that of

a relative or friend heading for divorce? Do you know how to save

that marriage? Or do you feel helpless? Retrouvaille (pronounced

retro-vi with a long i) is designated to help troubled marriages regain their health. It helps spouse uncover or

re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought

them together. The program us highly successful in saving hurting

marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorce. For

confidential information about or to register for the February 18-20,

2011 call (661) 257-7980 or e-mail: ornelasdachs@sbcglobal.net or visit

the web site at www.helpourmarriage.com