I would like to extend my deepest expression of gratitude to Father McCormick, Father Jabo, Deacon Chuck, all the parish staff, all the school faculty, staff, and students and to all the faithful parishioners of Saint James Catholic Church for your prayers, support, and encouragement through the years on my journey to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. A special “thank you” to Sister Susan for so creatively designing all my ordination invitations and “thank you” cards. I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the planning and celebration of my Mass of Thanksgiving, as well as to Nancy Veshecco for organizing the wonderful reception overflowing with fellowship and camaraderie. A big “thank you” is extended to all the talented and generous bakers of the parish for the mouthwatering cookies and delicious cake. I would also like to thank the parish for the generous gift of stoles and chasubles, one in each liturgical color. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I have already begun my priestly ministry at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Greenville, and always be assured of my continued prayers for you and your families. Saint James will always hold a special place in my heart. May God bless you and Mary keep you in her constant care.

Yours in Christ Jesus through Mary,
Father Christopher M. Barnes
Parochial Vicar of Saint Michael Parish

It is a requirement of the Erie Diocese that all first-time parents attend a Pre-Baptismal class. The best time to do so is BEFORE your child is born, The next Pre-Baptismal Class at St. James will be held on Tues. September 21st at 7:00 pm in the rectory. Please DO NOT choose your Godparents until you have attended the Class!! Please call the rectory first to register at 899-6178 (Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.)

The 2010 Catholic Education Collection will take place on September 11-12. The Catholic Faith, which we believe and practice, has been handed on through twenty centuries and counting and now reaches our present generation in fullness, richly faithful to Jesus and the Gospel message. Our challenge as Catholic faithful is the same: to hand on the Catholic Faith to succeeding generations. Your help is needed to assist in this challenge. Please give generously to this year’s Catholic Education Collection. One half of this collection stays here at our Parish to help support our own religious education programs.

Sessions to “walk” the RCIA journey will begin on Monday, October 11th at 7:00 PM in the rectory. If you would like to register for this year’s full initiation into the Catholic Church, please contact the rectory at 899-6178 during normal business hours, or Deacon Chuck at 323-5738. I look forward to accompanying you on this spiritual journey.

Holy Trinity Parish is celebrating its 17th Annual Zabawa Polish Heritage Festival on the weekend of August 27, 28 and 29. Festival hours Saturday from 1 to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. In addition to the Polish bakery and multiple food courts (also available for take-out), the event includes special Polka Masses on Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.; live music on the festival stage, folk dancers, drawings, theme baskets, children’s area, adult games of chance and more.

With the coming of Fall, schools are coming back in session and your favorite football team is preparing for another heart-pounding season. Once again, Saint James will host its popular football contest. Tickets can be purchased for $10 and sellers get 1 free ticket for every 5 tickets sold. $455 in prizes are given away each week in addition to two bonus prizes worth $275.

Look for your tickers after Labor Day!

A Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction hour will be offered on Wed., August 18th by Deacon Chuck Adamczyk at 7:00 p.m. During this hour, Evening Prayer, silent reflection and benediction will be included in this celebration of prayer.

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year's Saint James Parish Festival a success! Congratulations to those who won our Grand Prizes.

• 2010 Ford Mustang Coupe Winner: Tom Faulkner, Ticket #D4596
• Gift Card Basket Winner: Linda Sobczak
• 50/50 Winner: Don Fuller, $238.00, #404

Stop back for next year's Saint James Festival! All proceeds benefit Saint James Parish and School

Do you know someone who is having a difficult time, having surgery, ill, a death in the family or they could just use a shawl full of prayers? Then please contact "His Circle of Love Ministry" and we will present them with a prayer shawl…There is no cost involved...All shawls are donated by the Ministry. Support donations are always wel-comed, but not necessary.

Please call Bernadette (Bernie) 899-8452. We meet at the rectory the 1st Thursday of the month. Please feel free to come and join us.

The Collection for the Church in Latin America/Mission of Friendship will take place the weekend of August 7 and 8. For the sake of our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Yucatán as well as all of Latin America, once again please be as generous as possible.

Car Tickets

If you haven’t returned your car tickets, we ask that you do so as soon as possible. Please help us by returning your tickets before the festival. This is a very important part of the success of the Festival!

Workers' Forms

Please help us by returning your workers form to the rectory with the time you are able to work. We just can’t assume that you are going to help and we need all the help we can get. The Casino Tent is in need of people to work. Please call Jim Yadeski at 899-3148 and share your talents with us. (Training will be provided if you need it.)

Chinese Auction

The Chinese Auction is still in need of gift baskets!! You may drop them off at the Rectory during normal office hours. This is a very popular table so all your donations are greatly appreciated. We still need baskets for the Theme Basket Auction valued between $50 - $75.

Also, be sure to dig out those favorite recipes for the Bake Sale.

Setup and Maintenance Crews

We will be needing men and high school students to help with setting up beginning on Monday morning, August 2nd at 9 am and each evening starting at 6 pm. High School Boys: this is a great way to get your service hours! We also will need help with maintenance on Saturday and Sunday during the Festival. We will also need help the Monday morning after the Festival to help tear down. Please call Tom Blais at 899-7128 for more information.

This year’s tournament will be held on Saturday, August 28 at Green Meadows Golf Course at Route 20 and Brickyard Road. This year’s honoree will be Nancy Veshecco. Registration forms are available in the church office.

Our next Mass for the sick and unemployed will be held on August 12th at 7:00 PM. That date is Saint Philomena’s former feast day. She is the patron of the sick, unemployed, mentally ill, students, youth, priests, desperate causes, and infertility. Please invite anyone you know who may be in need of Her intercession. Our Prayer Shawl Group, under the direction of Bernie Oatman, will distribute prayer shawls to those who are ill and would like one. They have also make Saint Philomena cords for all who attend. Come and pray for yourself or for a loved one in need.

It’s never too early to start thinking about the Annual Saint James Parish Festival. If you would like to make up a theme basket or donate items toward the Chinese Auction, you may drop them off at the Rectory anytime over the summer. Also we are still accepting baskets for a Theme Basket Auction valued between $50 - $75. Get together with some friends and donate to this auction. Also be sure to dig out those favorite recipes for the Bake Sale!