ST. THOMAS BECKET PARISH center of unbroken praise 435 North Brooksvale Rd., Cheshire, CT 06410 Rev. Eugene J. Charman, Pastor, frgene@cox.net Rectory address: 435 N. Brooksvale Rd. Rectory Phone: (203) 272-3324 Parish Office: (203) 272-5777 Parish Fax: (203) 271-9210 Parish E-Mail : stboffice1@cox.net

Parish Secretary, Mrs. Margaret Irving, 203-272-5777; e-mail: stboffice1@cox.net
Coordinator of Religious Formation, Phyllis Provost McNeil, 203-272-5777; e-mail: stb-dre@cox.net
Web Site: http://www.stthomasbecket.org
Masses: Saturday Vigil - 4:00 P.M. (EST) Sunday - 8:00, 9:30, 11:00AM
Weekdays: 9:00 AM (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday); Holy Days: as announced.
Confessions: Saturday, 3:00 – 3:30 PM (EST)
Rosary - Monday at 7:00 PM, daily after the 9:00 AM Mass, and before the Saturday Vigil Mass.

4^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, January 31, 2010

Announced Masses:

AREA MASS SCHEDULE
St. Bridget - Daily (M-F) 7:00 AM, Sat. 9:00 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:30 PM, Sun. 7:30, 9:00 & 11:00 AM
Epiphany - Daily (M,T,W,F) 8:30 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:00 PM, Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 AM
O.L. Mt. Carmel - (M-F) 7:30 & 9:00 AM, Sat. 8:00 AM, Sat. Vigil 5:00 PM, Sun. 8:00, 10:00 , 11:30 AM
O.L. Fatima, Yalesville (M,T, W) 8:00 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:00 PM, Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 AM
St. Vincent Ferrer, Naugatuck (M,T,W,F) 7:30 AM, Sat. Vigil 4:00 PM, Sun. 8:00, 10:30 AM 4:15 PM

Financial Report. Offertory: $5,864 Catholic High Schools $2,151 Haitian Relief: $4,040 ($11,786). A basket is still available on the altar step for our continuing help to Haiti. Initial Offering (for cost of envelope system) $776 10% Casino/Bingo: $70 Thank you for your generosity. Be careful of getting “compassion fatigue”; so many people need so much help that we can become numb after a while.

First Communion Parents Meeting. Parents of 2^nd grade students will meet with Fr. Gene & Phyllis McNeil on Thursday, Feb. 11^th in preparation for First Communion in May. The 45 minute meeting will start at 7 PM in the church. At least one parent is required to attend but both are certainly welcome. Any questions call Mrs. McNeil at the CCD office 272-5777.

Blessing of Throats will take place this weekend January 30/31 after all Masses.

The Dominican Sisters will be with us next weekend to sell their bread, pies and brownies. Please support them in their charitable works.

Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet Friday at 10:00 AM in the Parish Center.

Save the date! The Men's Club will be hosting a St. Patrick's Day Dance on Saturday, March 13^th. Tickets will be sold after Masses on Feb. 13^th & 14^th. Reservations will be available by phone after that date. Details to follow.

Oil Assistance With the unusually cold weather we are experiencing there may be people in the parish who can't afford the oil or electricity to heat their homes. If you or a parishioner you know are in such a position please call Fr. Gene directly (272-3324) and leave a message on the machine. He will return your call and let you know what help might be available. All calls are confidential.

Lectors Needed. We are in need of lectors at the 8:00 AM Mass. If you would like to be part of this ministry please call the office. Training will be provided. High school teenagers are also welcome.

Men's Retreat begins on Friday, Feb. 19^th. It will be a relaxing weekend of peace and quiet, good rest, good food and inspiring talks, workshops and music that will bring you closer to God. A gift certificate is available for a “First-Timer”. For more information contact Fred at 203-271-2838 or go online at www.holyfamilyretreat.org .

Family Perspective. We can learn how to handle stress from today's gospel. When pressured by the crowd, Jesus got into a boat and “went a short distance and taught”. Juggling parenting, scheduling, and work can be stressful. Parents also need space. A “short distance” is a good parenting tool.

Stewardship. Jeremiah declares that the Lord knew him before he was born and dedicated and appointed him to his role as prophet even before he drew breath. We, too, are known and sent by the Lord. What deeds of love and service are mine to perform?

On February 14^th, World Marriage Sunday, we will renew wedding vows for all couples. If you are celebrating a special anniversary this year, and would like to renew your vows on the altar, please call the church office 272-5777.