Steward of the Week: Welcome Reception Helpers and Guests
This past Sunday the parish hosted a Welcome Reception for those who had recently joined our parish family!  We had wonderful stewards from the Welcome Committee and the Stewardship Council who brought food, set up and cleaned up, and were on hand to greet newcomers.  We also thank the many ministry heads who were available to answer questions about St. Andrew ministries!  And a big thank you to all the new parishioners who attended.  It was wonderful to welcome you!  

New Rosary schedule
In addition to the usual rosary schedule starting on Thursday, May 1st we will pray the rosary before Mass at 8:45 a.m. May is Mary’s month, please join us in this important prayer.

LADIES of  ST. ANDREW PARISH   
ALL ladies (jr. high and up) are invited to join us at our next meeting on Saturday, May 10th from 10:30 am-12:30 pm in Conwell Hall.  We hope that you will join this meeting for friendship, fun, and prayer.  For more information or to be on email list, call Jennifer Witt, 696-0425.  Free babysitting is available.

K of C Scholarship Applications:
2008 K of C Graduating Senior Scholarship and Adeline Campbell Award applications are available in the Church Narthex.  They are also available online on the Knights’ link on the parish website.  The application deadline is April 25th at 4:00 p.m. in the parish office.  This year we will award up to eight scholarships: one $1500, one $1000, two $750, two $500, and two $250. The Adeline Campbell award is $500.  For more information contact Mark Merrill.

ADULT SCOUTER RECOGNITION
Active adults involved in the Scouting ministry and serving Scouts for a minimum of three years may be nominated for recognition by the Archdiocese Catholic Committee on Scouting (ACCOS).  Contact St. Michael’s for forms—745-3229.  Nominations are due by Friday, May 2nd, 432 E. Fireweed Ave., Palmer 99645.  For more info contact Chuck Kaucic at 745-2554 or cic2050@mtaonline.net.

Alaska Catholic Youth Conference!
The 2008 ACYC is coming up from June 2nd to the 5th at St Elizabeth Ann Seton in Anchorage.  This four day event helps youth from 9th to 12th grade in their daily walk with Christ.  For $10 off registration please send in your application by April 15.  For more information please contact Fr. Jaime in the office, 694-2170.

WYD SPIRITUAL PREPARATION
The St. Andrew World Youth Day spiritual preparation is underway.  As we head toward our spiritual goal of WYD in Sydney Australia, we wish to thank all our benefactors who have helped us progress this far.  There will be a book to sign, in the Narthex, for all who have participated in our preparation.  Watch the bulletin for more details.  Please continue to keep our Pilgrims in your prayers as they embark on this wonderful journey. Our next meeting is Sunday, April 20 at 4:00 pm in the music room of the old church.  All WYD Pilgrims are required to attend.  Also, St. Andrew will host the Archdiocese WYD meeting on April 20.  Contact Dana at 696-2480 if you have any questions.  3 MONTHS TO SYDNEY!  See you there.

Voice Concert
This Sunday, April 13 at 4:00 p.m. Soloist Rachel Finley and piano accompanist Debbie Kontess will offer a concert.  Rachel will sing pieces by a variety of composers such as Claude Debussy and Sarah McLauchan.  A reception will follow.  Donations will be accepted and will be given to our parish.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
With Easter comes a new appreciation of encounter with the Risen Lord.  A powerful way to encounter Jesus Christ resurrected (outside of Mass) is Eucharistic Adoration, which resumes its normal schedule this week in the Mother of God chapel:  Wed at 10 am through Sun at 8 am, when Benediction takes place.  We are always looking to add adorers to the schedule: contact Lisa Cookson at cookson@gci.net or 622-7778 and she will find the perfect spot for you!  Thank you to all who have continuously kept their commitments and allowed Adoration to flourish!

You could be the answer to prayer
Is God calling you to help make decisions about how Love INC transforms our community?  The Love INC Board of Directors is looking for diverse backgrounds to serve in Christian unity.  The board is chosen by God to responsibly govern and develop policies that direct Love INC’s activities, and to give credibility to ministry in the community. The board is committed to Love INC’s mission: to mobilize the church and transform lives and communities in the name of Christ.  Board members meet the 2nd Thurs each month at 7 pm.  Love INC develops resources and manages the donations of churches and individuals.  Contact Love INC, your pastor or your church ministry coordinator for a Love INC Board application.

Sacramental Records
If you have a student who will make their First Communion or be Confirmed this year, please be certain that you have turned in a copy of your child’s sacramental records to the office.  For youngsters making their First Communion, this will be the Baptismal certificate, while those being confirmed will need to have a record of both Baptism and First Communion on file.  For those who were baptized or confirmed somewhere besides St. Andrew Parish, simply request the records from the parish where the sacrament was celebrated.  Records should be on file in our office before the sacrament is celebrated, so please act soon, if you haven’t already done so! 

Children’s Rosary
The Children’s Rosary Group meets Wed at 4 p.m. in  the Mother of God Chapel.  Please consider joining us for this most powerful prayer, truly the Prayer of the Gospel.  For more information,
call Sue, 696-3773.

Sing With the Saints
Please note: Schola Cantorum will NOT be meeting the Monday after Easter, March 24.  They will resume the following week at which point you can join company with other polyphony enthusiasts.

TORCHBEARERS
Catch us on Thurs, 7:30 p.m. at Jitters for “Catholic Coffee.”  Enrich your spiritual life with other young adults.  For more info. call Trisha, 317-1234.

MOMS & TOTS GROUP
Are you a new mom or new to the parish?  Looking for some playtime for the kids and grown-up talk for you?  Join us on Tuesdays at 10 am to Noon for moms and tots. Call Sally at 622-1888 or Tami at 694-1904.

Sunday Morning Hospitality Ministry
We are in need of a steward to coordinate the Sunday Morning Hospitality Ministry.  This person will work with volunteers to provide refreshments for fellowship following the Sunday morning Masses.  Activities include: setting up the table, making coffee and juice, replenishing between Masses, cleaning up after the last Mass.  There is a committee to help.  If you are able to coordinate this ministry, please call Marcia at the parish office, 694-2170.

Interested in being a Greeter?
We currently need more Mass Greeters, especially during the Sunday Masses.  Greeters arrive 20 minutes before Mass to welcome people as they come in.  If you feel called to this ministry please sign up on the welcome table or email Debbie Cormier at debc@mtaonline.net.  Thank you for your stewardship!

HELP TAKE CARE OF GOD’S HOUSE!
Don’t let dust and grime take away from the beauty of our new church!  Stewardship is: Parish families giving their time and talent back to GOD to keep His house clean.  We need 12-14 people each weekend to get everything done.  A sign-up sheet is on the welcome table.

MORNING PRAYER—Monday thru Saturday at 8:00 a.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in the Mother of God Chapel.

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT—Starting Wed. at 10:00 a.m. and ending on Sun. at 8:00 a.m. with Benediction.

ROSARY PRAYER GROUP—Join us to pray the rosary for world peace as requested by Mother Mary. We will be praying the rosary every Tues. morning at 9:45 a.m. and every Thurs. evening at 6:15 p.m. in the nave. For more info, call Lila McEwen at 622-1943.

RCIA Inquiry
If you or someone you know has questions about joining the Catholic Church, call Dina Sparkman 694-7778.

Reconciling Community
Most people do not return to the Church unless they are personally invited.  The Reconciling Community is meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays in the upstairs of the old office building.  Please bring someone who wants to return to the Church.  To learn more call the parish office at 694-2170.

MOVING/ADDRESS CHANGES?
Are you new to the parish, moving or planning to move? If so, please let the parish office know in advance so we can change or stop mailing your offering envelopes. This saves postage. Thank You.     

For Safety and Security
All children age 10 and under must be supervised by their parents at all times while on parish property.  We have had some mishaps and need to be concerned about our children and the welfare of our parishioners.  As always, our ushers are on hand to render assistance.

For the Hearing Impaired
St Andrew's has six receivers available for use during the Masses. These will allow you to understand what is being said and to hear and appreciate the music. They are on the small table in the Narthex. Please return them after Mass. If you wish to purchase your own receiver, please let me know (Mark 694-3722). I will order them on line.  By submitting a large order we can save on shipping.  They cost $65.95/unit +shipping.

HEARING IMPAIRED RECEIVERS
There are three receivers that have been borrowed and not returned. If you've ever used one, could you look around the house and see if it was accidentally put away.  Thank you.

Vacation Bible School
Believe it or not, it is time to start planning for this summer’s Vacation Bible School.  We will need lots of help to make VBS a success this summer.  Give Debbie Marino (694-2170) a call if the Spirit moves you to lend your talents to our summer program.  Go ahead—it will be a blast!

SAINTLY SECONDS/BREAD OF LIFE
Spring is on its way, of this I am sure.  As you clean your houses, think of us.  We always need gently used toys, outdoor equipment, small furniture and household items.  Baby items such as high chairs, playpens and strollers are in great demand.  New Catholic items are arriving—stop in!  Thanks for your support.

POSITION OPENING—PARISH ACCOUNTANT
St. Andrew Parish is accepting applications for a Parish Accountant.  Applicants should have a minimum of five years of experience and familiarity with Microsoft Excell and fund accounting.  This is a part-time paid position.  Call the parish office for details, 694-2170.

Prayer Request for Healing from Serious Illness
Are you or a family member suffering from a serious illness?  Your St. Andrew family, including the Ladies Group, would like to offer our prayers and support. We invite you to submit a prayer request in the “Church Prayer Box” in the narthex by the nave doors.  We pray that the Lord will bring you hope and healing!

Are you looking for an Eagle River Preschool?
St. John's Preschool nurtures whole child development (social, physical and intellectual) and school readiness within a safe, loving environment.  Preschool I: Tues/Thurs for 3-4 yr. olds, and Preschool II: MWF for 4-5 yr. olds.  St. John's is now enrolling for the ‘08-‘09 school year.  St. John's is a small Orthodox Christian school offering Preschool—6th grade.  What do parents love about us?  One parent says: "My boys love preschool at St. John's.  It’s a place where children are treasured, accepted and loved, free to be who they are and grow.  The wonderful, experienced teachers give each child great care and attention.  I am so thankful for the gift of self-confidence preschool has given my boys. Learning and making friends is fun and easy for them now." For information please call 696-3920.