PARISH NOTES & UPCOMING EVENTS

• HELP!!! Is there anyone in the parish who has experience in photo layouts that could help with the Parish Directory? Deacon Dick says we “really don’t want him to do it!!!!”

• Thank you to those parishioners who have been most generous in supporting the Good Samaritan Fund, which provides aid to those who need help paying a fuel bill or buying food for their families. (We have a box for that purpose in the vestibule of the Church.)

• Please remember donations for the food pantry!

• Religious Education News: Confirmation Class – Please remember to mark your calendar for the New Spirit Retreat on Thursday, November 20 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. THIS IS MANDATORY for those making their Confirmation in September of 2009.
Grades 6-9: If you are planning to attend the Youth Rally on Saturday, November 22, please let me know ASAP. This promises to be a geat day with music, food, and of course, a major focus on our faith with hundreds of other Catholic kids. Give me a call to confirm your space (258-4157).

• Catholic Women’s Club News: The annual Christmas bazaar will take place on Saturday, December 2, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Needed: We are in need of donations for a gourmet food basket for a special raffle; also, lottery tickets in any denomination for a “Lottery Tree”. Items may be left in the special box at the entrance of Our Lady of the Valley. Thank you in advance for your support.

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 6:00 p.m. in the Rectory. We will be decorating “live” green wreaths and polishing the silver tea set in preparation for the Bazaar. Extra hands and happy conversation would be greatly appreciated. Please plan to join us! Refreshments will be served.

• PRAYING ALL WAYS is the next topic in Essential Catechist Training offered locally by our Diocese for all who volunteer in parish religious education in grades 1 through 8. Charlie Conaghan of the Berkshire Regional Office of Religious Education will lead this session on Thursday, November 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph Room on lower level of the St. Charles Church building, 89 Briggs Ave., in Pittsfield. Registration is requested by November 10.