Twenty-first Sunday in ordinary time

August 23^rd, 2009

Parish Office Hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, but closed on Thursday afternoons from 12 to 4:30 PM for staff development, training and administrative meetings.

Last Week’s Collection: Regular Collection: $9,385.75, Building Fund: $2,006.61, Catholic University: $20.00, Assumption: $600.00, Synod: $5.00, Infirm Priests: $5.00, Army Chorus: $775.00, Candles: $127.75.

Total: $12,925.11.

Mass Attendance:

5:00 PM: 382; 8:00 AM: 348; 10:30 AM: 456 Total: 1,188.

FLOWER INTENTIONS for this week are in memory of Rose Bugle by Nancy Boyle

The 2009 FLOWER INTENTION CALENDAR has been posted in the hall by the literature rack in the church.  There are four intentions each week.  Please fill in for whom and from on the calendar. Your donation of $25 for each intention can be placed in the flower envelope located to the right of the calendar.  Please drop your envelope in the collection basket or turn in at the office.  Please call the office if you would like one of these dates.

Safe Environment Program at PBOC

Precious Blood is committed to ensuring a safe environment for our children and for upholding the “National Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People” as established by the

U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

All adults who work with children must:

¨ Attend the “Protecting God’s Children Program

¨ Be screened by Law Enforcement

¨ Adhere to the DOC Code of Conduct (copy available in the

Gathering Space)

¨ Read and sign the DOC Sexual Abuse Policy and Procedures

For more information on how to report an allegation of abuse,

go to www.catholic-doc.org and click on “Sexual Abuse Policies and Procedures” on the left side bar. Then click on “How to

Report an Allegation of Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel.”

Safe Environment Coordinator: Renee Faiella, 843- 485-3515

Diocesan Office of Child Protection Services:

843-853-2130, Ext. 209

Diocesan Victim Assistance: 1-800-921-8122.

ATTENTION ALL VOLUNTEERS! (Note: Date Changed!)

VIRTUS training for all adults who work with youth or vulnerable adults will be held on Thursday, September 3^rd in the PLC, Rm. 1. Two sessions will be offered: 10:00 AM -1:00 PM or 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Choose the one that is most convenient for you! You must register online at www.VIRTUS.org. Please call the church office if you have any questions.

Please note: Articles for the PRECIOUS WORD

are due by September 7.

Please email them to the church office.

SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS: August 23 - 29

Happy Birthday To: Sue Benati-Axtell, Ralph Burg, Kathleen Frank, Carmela Lanza, Joseph Ripard, Thomas Williams, John Faiella, Andrew Heck, Roxanne Hoyos, Joseph Moseh, Dominick Pontiere, Maryisabel Posek, Leslie Weiss, Elizabeth Attias, Bruce Boyer, Patty Cameransi, Vincent Caramico, Stephanie Cioni, Benjamin Ellerbe, James Fisher, Kaelin Milesky, Irene Crotts, Michael Kuiken, Stephen Magyera, Jean Robertson, Jennifer Sadler, Joyce Russo, Cy Bishop, Linda Breznicky, James Burke, Mary Cegledy, Molly Congdon, Rose Crucilla, Timothy Straight, Bill Wichrowski, Marie Williams, Virginia Bentley, Dennis Cangelosi, Richard Fedor, Hubert Gray, Linda Gurzenski, Theodore Kirkpatrick, Brianna Picard, Stephen Schneider, Lucas Skillman.

To: Michael & Jeanette Rice, Bernard & Liz Lanoue, Dennis & Barbara Pontierre, David & Patricia Robson, Dennis & Carol Kruis, Fred & Loretta Novak, John & Virginia Yorzinski, Gabe & Jo Timpano, Paul & Rosalyn Battaglino, Bob & Karen Hannan.

Service Men and Women are always in need of mail from home. Please drop a line to the following:

* Gy Sgt. B.M. Blonder, Force Recon PLT Task Force,

3/8 H&S Co. Unit 73275, FPO/AP 09510-3275

* Pv2 Jarrod Berger, ACO 1-12 CAV/TF 2-82 FA,

FOB Diamondback, APO AE 09334

* LCPL Thomas J. Maloney, VMM 263,

22d MEU Det A, Unit 74040, FPO AE 09502-4040.

* TSgt. Justin Campbell, CATT/ITAM-A Box 70022,

FOB Warrior K1, APO AE 09338

If you would like to add someone to this list, call Phyllis Bieger at 237-3444. *Please Note: These addresses could change.

Also, please call Phyllis or the parish office to let us know when any of these servicepersons have returned home.

AID TO OUR MILITARY: Thanks to the generosity of the members of the Heritage Home Owners Association, many of our troops will receive care packages. If you have a relative or friend in the military overseas, please let us know so we may be able to send him/her a package. Your prayers are also requested for their safe return. – John Glinka

In today’s first reading, Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling God’s faithfulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, “We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God.” May we, too, be mindful of God’s gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts.

(See Joshua 24:1-8)

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Church Debt 7/31/09 $270,538.71

PLC Debt 7/31/09 $1,374,776.63

Average weekly Collections for July

2008 2009

1^st Collection $12,164.61 $11,113.98

2^nd Collection $2,649.97 $2,583.93

Prayer & worship

ATTENTION: LITURGICAL MINISTERS

Chairperson of ministries must complete and turn in Fourth quarter schedules to the Church Office by August 31^st.

ATTENTION: LECTORS

Workbooks for the next quarter are available for pickup at the parish office.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) will begin at PBOC in mid-September. All adults interested in joining the Catholic Church are invited to attend this program of information, prayer and discernment that culminates with reception into the Church at Easter.

The RCIA is marked by classes on the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church, by individual counseling, and by special liturgical rites by which the person electing to join the Church is received by the parish community and the wider Church. The RCIA is conducted under the guidance and direction of the Diocese of South Carolina and our pastor, Father Pat Stenson.

If you are interested in participating in the RCIA, please contact the Parish Office. If you know any potential candidate for RCIA, please encourage that person to contact the Parish Office.

An information night will be held in the Parish Life Center at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15. Please let us know of your interest before that date so that we will be prepared to welcome all who wish to attend.

MINISTRY OF CARE

Let us know of your loved one confined to home, in the hospital or recovering from surgery and now home. Our ministry is to unite the sick and recovering followers of Christ with the Body of Christ, they are not ALONE. Please call the parish office at 237-3428, Christine at 237-2096, or Anne at 237-0401.

OUTREACH

Fr. Pat’s Lunch Kitchen continues to serve on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with people coming together to enjoy sharing meals and friendship. Last Wednesday we served 76 people Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Assorted Desserts and Sweet Tea. On Thursday we served 53 people Barbeque Sandwiches, Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Assorted Desserts, and Sweet Tea.

Saturday breakfast is served every Saturday morning, 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Last weekend we served 56 people French Toast, Bacon, Corned-Beef Hash, Fruit Cocktail, Cereal, OJ/Coffee/Milk.

We thank everyone who helps to make these meals a pleasure for all who come!

RESPECT LIFE

While attending Mass at St. Anne's parish in Gorham, Maine, we found a quote in the Sunday bulletin. The quote was from a woman seeking healing after an abortion. "If only one person had said 'you can do it'; if only one person had called the life within me 'a baby', the decision would have been different." These sad words are one of the many reasons that we support our local Birthright center.

FELLOWSHIP

In Prayer We Will Always Be Together

On Monday, August 24^th we will attend the 8:30 AM Mass in the church. Afterwards we are planning to have breakfast at Applewood’s restaurant. Come join us! Call Mabel at 235-0080 for information.

RELIGIOUS ED REVIEW

A “Back to School” luncheon for all religious education teachers will be held in the PLC on Sunday, August 30 following 10:30 Mass. Please respond to Maureen at pboc@aol.com.

The Religious Education Open House for students and parents will be held on Sunday, September 13 at 9:15 am in the PLC. Meet your teachers and hear about the exciting program we have planned for this year!

YOUTH MINISTRY

Jr. & Sr. Youth Groups (JYG & SYG) Grades 7 -12

TONIGHT!! - “Kick-Off” the New Year with a Kickball Game and Cookout, Sunday, August 23^rd, 6:00 to 8:00 PM on our fields. Hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 11028, will be served! Also look for Bridget’s Irish Ice!

Sr. Youth Group (SYG)

Sunday, August 30^th – New “Back-to-School” Year Resolutions & Prayer. 6:00 – 7:30PM in the PLC.

Jr. Youth Group (JYG) Grades 7, 8, 9

Friday, August 28^th 6:00 – 8:00 PM in PLC Gym –Kung-Fu Night.” KICKS Tae Kwon Do is giving a demonstration and lesson. Food and refreshments will be served.

Youth Music

Jr. & Sr. Youth Group Choir Rehearsals will resume Tuesday, August 25^th, 4:00-5:00 PM in church.

Any 1^st-6^th Graders interested in Youth Choir, please contact Renee Faiella in the parish office.

Women’s club

Welcome Tea – Sunday, August 30, 2:30 to 4:00 PM at Founders Hall. Time for the Women's Club to kick off another busy year.   Members, former members, friends, all women of the Parish, are invited to join in the fun and fellowship of the Women's Club. If you plan to attend please RSVP by August 24 to Debbie Desh at 235-3742.  Thank you.

Hold the date for our Arts & Crafts Festival on October 2 and 3, 2009.  Also, there is a box in the back of the church to collect your used books, books on tapes, CD's, DVD's. If you have more than 10 or 12 books or a large quantity of items you would like to donate at one time, or need help in getting items to the Women's Club, please call Kathy Knittel, 235-6939 to make arrangements.

Action Needed!! Crafter's in our Parish!  Our Arts & Crafts Festival is coming soon and we still need help in our workshop on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11:30 at the PLC.  You can help with our projects or work on your own.  Thank you.  Pam & Judy

Ladies we are in need of canned Soda and bottled Water for the Arts & Crafts Festival.  Please bring them to our next general meeting on September 3.

To submit information in the bulletin for the Women's Club, contact Debbie Desh at 235-3742.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Reminder! Golf Outing this Tuesday, August 25^th at 4:00 PM, Litchfield Golf Course.

Because of the Golf Outing, the Officers Meeting has been changed to Monday, August 31^st at 7:00 PM.

Diocesan news

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: DIVIDENDS FOR LIFE

Dear Precious Blood of Christ Family,

Thank you for your warm welcome to St. Michael Catholic School. I look forward to an exciting school year. As we begin, we will be “Companions on a Journey” with you. Our school family will be concentrating on discipleship this year and will be praying especially for our priests in this “Year of the Priest.” A prayer calendar will be coming your way that includes the names of the priests in our diocese to include in your daily intentions.

We know that we need a map to guide us on our journey. The map we will be studying this month and next is the Bible – the Word of God that guides our journey in faith.

Please plan to join us Wednesdays at 8AM for Mass. Following Mass we will hold our weekly assembly and recognize our young people’s successes and blessings.

Thank you to all of you who give of your time for our students and school. If you have talents with gardening or computers, or love to read with and to students, please contact the school office.

We appreciate all the prayers offered on our behalf and join with you in praying for our priests.

With warm G.A.T.O.R. [Giving All To Our Redeemer] regards,

Mrs. Miriam Jones

Principal, St. Michael’s School

POLISH MASS

Mass will be celebrated in Polish by Fr. Marcin Zachuta on September 13 at 2:00 PM at St. Thomas More Center – USC located on 1610 Greene Street, Columbia, SC . Confession will be heard prior to the Mass at 1:00 PM. A covered dish dinner will follow the Mass, so please bring your favorite Polish dish and drink. Parking is available at the School of Nursing parking lot on Greene Street (a block from the Center). For more information, call St. Thomas More Center (803)799-5870 or Teresa Chmura at (803) 540-1904 (w).

FIRE at the BEACH - September 18-19, 2009

Biennial conference for catechists, parish staff, volunteers, and all Catholic adults. hosted by St. Francis by the Sea Church, Hilton Head Island, SC. More information is available on the website: www.fireatthebeach.org.

Give to Catholic Charities through United Way

These are troubling financial times for all of us. The poor are inclined to be even more adversely affected in times of uncertainty when people tighten their financial belts. If you give to charity through work place donations to United Way, we ask that you consider writing in the name “Catholic Charities/Diocese of Charleston” on your donor form.

IF YOU’RE STILL ON THE FENCE: The pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of St. Paul” will be October 28-November 8. Three or four more people can be readily accommodated. Father ‘Rick would love you to join him on this visit to marvelous sites of Paul, our Blessed Mother, St. John, Early Christian communities, ancient Roman Empire, an the Byzantine Empire. The inclusive cost from New York is a remarkable $2,295 (plus taxes and fees). Turkey is a modern, friendly country that Fr. ’Rick has visited on his own. The weather is delightful at that time of year. Contact Fr. ‘Rick or Paula at 347-5168 now for information or to get on board!

LOCAL NEWS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! InCare Hospice serving all of Horry, Georgetown, and surrounding counties is seeking volunteers who are blessed with the gift of caring. If you have one hour a week, or one hour a month to share with, and add qualify of life to a terminally ill patient, you will be rewarded with gratitude and appreciation from both the patient and his or her family. Training is provided for all volunteers. For information, contact Judy Fontana, 843-293-4614 or 685-9922.

August 24 - 29

Monday Revelation 21:9b-14 / John 1:45-51

Tuesday Thessalonians 2:1-8 / Matthew 23:23-26

Wednesday Thessalonians 2:9-13 / Matthew 23:27-32

Thursday Thessalonians 3:7-13 / Matthew 24:42-51

Friday Thessalonians 4:1-8 / Matthew 25:1-13

Saturday Thessalonians 4:9-11 / Matthew 6:17-29