St.

Marys Catholic Church

January 6, 2013 P.O. Box 70 Malta, MT 59538 Email: smp1435@hotmail.com www.SaintMarysMalta.org Fr. Cory StichaAdministrator Office: (406) 654-1446 RE Center: (406) 654-1311 Fax: (406)654-1467

Mass Schedule and Intentions

Jan. 7-11: No Mass or Holy Hour Jan. 12: Malta - 5:30 PM: For the repose of the soul of Ida Hammar r/b Willis & Laura McKeon Jan. 13: Dodson - 8:30 AM: For the parishioners Malta - 10:00 AM: For Mae & Gay LaFond r/b Darlene Froman Saco - 12:15 PM: For priests intention

St. Marys Ministers

Jan. 12 - Sat. 5:30 PM Lectors: Servers: Hospitality: Music: EMHCs: Gift Bearers: Sacristan: Margaret Hanson & Wilma Mavencamp Reba Doucette & Colt French Pat Doucette Family Kari Hould Anne Boothe & Bob Darrah Pat Doucette Family Brenda Rummel Jan. 13 - Sun. 10:00 AM John & Teresa McKeon Parker & Pierce Mortenson Intermediate Choir Diane Liebel, Colleen & Kelly Murray Paul Mortenson Family Diane Liebel

Sacred Heart Ministers

January 13, 2012 Lector: Iris EMHCs: Wendy & Don Gift Bearers: Don Wilkes Church Cleaning for January: Jennifer Best Ministers: Please come early to serve as greeters! Any announcements for next Sundays bulletin need to be in by 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.

Blessed Epiphany! Scriptural Rosary

Will be held on January 13, 2013 at 5:00 PM at St. Marys Church.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

9 AM to 6 PM Join us on February 1st!

Can you not spend one hour with me? (Mt 26:40)

Holy Fathers Prayer Intentions for January 2013

(Each month, Pope Benedict chooses two prayer intentions, one for the concerns of the whole church and one for missionaries. We are invited to join the Holy Father in praying for these intentions.) General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him. Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Please keep in your prayers:

Repose of the soul of Bessie LaBrie, Rich Nordquist, Joann Evans, Loretta Patrick, Lila Raymond, Sherman Doucette, Andrew Scott, Skip Erickson, Kathleen Jorgenson, Vera Mendelson, Noel Emond, Jack Munsinger, James Cantos, Jeanie Engebretson, Dawn Jones, Gloria Coombs, Larry Holmes, repose of the soul of Debbie Painter, Dave ONeil, Stella Faydo, Mae & Gay LaFond, Kathy (Hould) Iannacchione, Connie Wilkes, Gordon Cook, Don Kuszmaul, Repose of the soul of Marge Sundstead, those from our local area serving in the military, & the Poor Souls. Anyone who needs to have prayers said for someone can call: Allie Ereaux at 654-1012; Jean Niebur at 654-2822; or Doris Nicholson at 654-2692. Names will be listed in the bulletin for one month unless specified.

Collection Totals for Last Week

Malta: Dodson: Saco: Collected $3,055.45 $487.00 $203.00 Needed $2,758.26 $440.37 $183.05

Faithful Citizenship Quote

We get the public officials we deserve. Their virtue -or lack thereof -- is a judgment not only on them, but on us. Because of this, we urge our fellow citizens to see beyond party politics, to analyze campaign rhetoric critically, and to choose their political leaders according to principle, not party affiliation or mere self-interest.." (US Bishops, Living the Gospel of Life, 1998, n. 34).

Care & Share for 2012

(Includes remainder of 2011 assessment) Malta/WW: Dodson: Saco: Income $34,098.00 $4,665.00 $1,800.00 Assessment $37,668.32 $4,824.22 $1,613.43

Care Cups
Madeline Itcaina thanks everyone for the contributions for the Care Cups. These cups are used in the patient rooms at our hospital as a reminder that we care about them and are praying for them. There was a good response, and she has enough cups once again to continue this ministry. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone to has given to Care and Share so that we might reach our goals!

Sacred Heart PCCW Meeting Knights of Columbus

Jan. 8 - Meeting Jan. 13 - Coffee and Rolls Jan. 13 - Knights encouraged to attend Scriptural Rosary in memory of the unborn
Name: Address: Telephone:

Sacred Heart PCCW will have a meeting immediately following Mass on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013. Discussion will be on new windows for Parish Hall. Please do you best to be at this meeting. Thanks, Terri and Leona Co-Presidents

New to the Parish? Please fill out this form and drop it into the collection basket, or bring it to the Church Office during the week. You may also use this to give us a new address or phone number.

Retrouvaille: A Lifeline for Marriage

Rediscover Your Marriage - Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) simply means rediscovery. The program offers the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship in your marriage. 10s of 1000s headed for divorce have successfully saved their marriage by attending. Retrouvaille is not a spiritual retreat, not a sensitivity group, not a seminar, not a social gathering. The next weekend will be held March 8-10, 2013. For confidential information or to register call 800-470-2230 or 406-761-4830 or email montana@retrouvaille.org. Retrouvaille is NOT just for couples whose marriage is on the verge of divorce or considered irrevocably broken. Perhaps you would like to rekindle the love of those early years or improve your communication. Visit our Montana website for emotionally moving personal testimonials. www.retrouvaillemt.org. You also can visit the International website for additional information http://www.retrouvaille.org/

Popcorn and a Movie

Wednesday, January 16 at 7 PM St. Mary's Church basement Here is a chance for the adults of our parish to gather together for an evening of fellowship. Let the smell of popcorn lead you to our church basement theater. Ice water will be available but feel free to bring your favorite soda. Bring a friend or two. Plan to have a good time. Watch next weeks bulletin to find out more!

CD of the Month Club

If we are to be followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be continually learning about the faith and growing spiritually. Catechesis, the process of Faith education, doesnt stop at Confirmation or High School graduation, but is a life-long process. To aid in this process, the parish is making available the Lighthouse Catholic Media CD of the Month Club. Every month, a new talk or audiobook excerpt is released. Not only is the current months CD available - Dont Just Try Train by Matthew Kelly - but a number of previous months CDs can be picked up as well. Each CD averages about 1 hour long, and is filled with great Catholic teaching, uplifting stories, and excellent speakers. Theyre great in the car, working around home, or anywhere you have a CD player! Theyre also excellent resources whenever someone has a question about a teaching of the Catholic Faith. If you or someone you know wants to learn more about the Catholic Faith, or if questions come up, pick one up today!

Stewardship and Development

Stewardship Thought: Most of us are familiar with St. Matthews Gospel story of the Magi following a star to the infant Jesus and offering Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Before the Magi presented their gifts, they prostrated themselves and did Him homage. These kings did not kneel in homage, but laid themselves flat out, face down to praise our Lord. What a sign of humility and reverence! As faithful stewards, we emulate the Magis actions when we approach the Eucharist in a humble and reverent manner, acknowledging the consecrated bread and wine as the true presence of our Lord and Savior.

Mass Intentions
As Catholics, we have a long tradition of having Masses celebrated for those we wish to offer up in prayer. The Mass is the ultimate form of prayer, and each Mass is celebrated for an intention. Please consider having Masses celebrated for family and friends on special occasions and anniversaries, as well as those who are in need of prayers. Masses are also encouraged in memory of those loved ones who have died, especially on the anniversaries of their deaths. Contact Fr. Cory for more information!

Confessions: Saturdays 4 - 5 p.m., 1/2 hour before daily Mass (Mon.- Fri.) or by appointment Baptism: Normally celebrated at Sunday Mass. Parental sessions are required. Marriages: Six month couple preparation period required. Please Contact Fr. Cory before scheduling marriage date.

Sacred Heart PCCW Meeting

1st Sunday of each month immediately after Mass.

To reserve the Parish Basement or other St. Marys facility, please contact Fr. Cory or Lana at the Parish Office.

We Pray Together
Prayer for the New Evangelization
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? Romans 10: 13-15 Heavenly Father, Pour forth your Holy Spirit to inspire me with these words from Holy Scripture. Stir in my soul the desire to renew my faith and deepen my relationship with your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ so that I might truly believe in and live the Good News. Open my heart to hear the Gospel and grant me the confidence to proclaim the Good News to others. Pour out your Spirit, so that I might be strengthened to go forth and witness to the Gospel in my everyday life through my words and actions. In moments of hesitation, remind me: If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel? If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed? If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim? God, our Father, I pray that through the Holy Spirit I might hear the call of the New Evangelization to deepen my faith, grow in confidence to proclaim the Gospel and boldly witness to the saving grace of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Religious Liberty

O GOD OUR CREATOR, from your provident hand we have received our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. You have called us as your people and given us the right and the duty to worship you, the only true God, and your Son, Jesus Christ. Through the power and working of your Holy Spirit, you call us to live out our faith in the midst of the world, bringing the light and the saving truth of the Gospel to every corner of society. We ask you to bless us in our vigilance for the gift of religious liberty. Give us the strength of mind and heart to readily defend our freedoms when they are threatened; give us courage in making our voices heard on behalf of the rights of your Church and the freedom of conscience of all people of faith. Grant, we pray, O heavenly Father, a clear and united voice to all your sons and daughters gathered in your Church in this decisive hour in the history of our nation, so that, with every trial withstood and every danger overcome for the sake of our children, our grandchildren, and all who come after us this great land will always be one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Family Prayer for the Year of Faith

O God our Father, in Jesus you call all Christian families and homes to be signs of living faith. By the light of the Holy Spirit, lead us to be thankful for the gift of faith, and by that gift may we grow in our relationship with Jesus, your Son, and be confident witnesses to Christian hope and joy to all we meet. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Schedule of Devotions
Mother of Perpetual Help: Before Tuesday Mass. Rosary: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Hi-line Center - After Thursday 10 a.m. Mass Follow us on Facebook and Twier!

Facebook.com/SaintMarysMalta

Twier: @SaintMarysMalta

LIFE MATTERS: PORNOGRAPHY AND OUR CALL TO LOVE

We are created with a desire to love and be loved. We long to be known, understood and accepted for who we are. Ultimately, God alone is capable of such perfect knowledge and love. Yet, authentic intimacy in marriage offers a glimpse of this happiness, at least in a finite way. Pornography, in contrast, distracts us from our call to love. When we are preoccupied with pornography, our mind and heart easily lose sight of what holds real value, including those who are close to us. Instead, we start to view others through a lens of self-gratification. No one intends to trade his or her need for real love with a cheap thrill. It subtly slips away as one becomes distracted and disconnected from self, others, and the reality that ones mind and heart are changing. When someone is hooked on pornography he or she can lose the ability to be captivated by love. Impact on Youth Some parents think, This will never happen to my child, but young people are particularly vulnerable to exposure to pornography. The Internet has greatly increased this vulnerability, mainstreaming access into the homes and bedrooms of American families. A broadbased 2009 survey of American youth ages 8-18 found that 84 percent have Internet access in their homes and 33 percent in their bedrooms.1 In one survey of college students, 93 percent of young men reported that they were exposed to online pornography before age 18.2 Another study found that by the time they reached the young adult years (18-26), 86 percent of young men and 31 percent of young women on college campuses reported that they have accessed pornography to some extent.3 These data certainly heighten the concern that our youth have the potential to become addicted to pornography. Teenagers are influenced by online pornography at a time in their lives when they need healthy messages about human sexuality and the body. Research indicates that the average age of first exposure to online pornography is approximately 14 to 15.4 Teens experience a heightened awareness of their bodies as they grapple with their sexual desires and the importance of their peer relationships. Teens are exploring the world and testing how they measure up or fit in. They often introduce each other to sexual images in a social context. A teens initial encounter with pornography is often unwelcome, but boys are more likely to later seek it out. Sexual desire, like our appetite for certain foods, can be conditioned through experience. It creates a road map that can start to drive desires and patterns of arousal. Pornography is not a normal part of healthy exploration. It creates a fantasy world without the risks that exist in real relationships. It can often create a sense of shame that youth connect to their sexuality. Some will move on, but generally those who became addicted started when they were teens or preteens. Neurological Impact of Pornography Pornography is believed to function like a drug that stimulates the brain. Neuroscientists point to three fundamental effects that addiction has on the brain: 1) desensitization, a numbing of the brains ability to experience pleasure; 2) sensitization, an increased sensitivity to triggers and memories related to the addictive behavior; and, 3) hypofrontality, the reduced activity of the frontal brain, decreasing impulse control and creating a negative mood.5 These effects remind us that pornography robs our joy, and where there is little joy, there is often never enough pleasure. Based on recent brain imaging studies, behavioral addictions like gambling, food, and Internet gaming have been found to meet the above three criteria for causing changes in brain circuitry.6 They are related to pornography addiction in that they are all behavioral/process addictions, as opposed to chemical addictions. Internet pornography possesses characteristics very similar to Internet gaming addiction, and could arguably be more potent, as the object of compulsion is sexual arousal. This explains why some who are trying to break their addiction to pornography report having the same type of physical withdrawal symptoms that are experienced by those breaking an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Emotional Impact of Addiction Some of the original studies of sexual addiction found common emotional factors among the families of adult sexual addicts.7 One of these emotional factors relates to growing up in a family that was emotionally disengaged. Thus pornography can be used as a way to feel connected and close, at least on the viewers own terms. It can also become a solution to dealing with stress by seeking comfort. As this behavior continues, an individual robs himself (or herself) more and more of the opportunities to learn from difficulties and to grow in character. This cycle is reinforced by shame. Many make comparisons of themselves to others (I must somehow be lacking) and therefore remove themselves from relying on God and others for support. Shame makes an individual more vulnerable to continue using pornography as solace from pain.

The Impact of Pornography on Marriage A number of studies have found a correlation between pornography and an unhappy marriage. One study discovered that those who watched X-rated movies were 25 percent more likely to become divorced and 65 percent more likely to have an affair.8 In 2008 researchers found that 18- to 26-year-olds reported significant correlations between acceptance and use of pornography and desires for delaying marriage, financial independence between spouses and lower levels of child centeredness.9 One married man recalled his experience: My life almost fell apart. My wife found out that I had been struggling with lust and pornography. I lost her trust and almost lost our marriage. It was at that breaking point, when I realized that I couldn't put my life back together on my own. A trusted group of peers challenged me to regain control of my life, to remain accountable to them and to God, and to return to a life of purity. The Spiritual Impact of Pornography All addictions, and in particular pornography, affect our relationship with God, a relationship that rests largely on the development of trust and obedience in childhood. Whether or not we succeed in becoming trusting and obedient greatly impacts our openness and connection to God. Rather than trusting real affirming love, pornography creates a dependence on itself for satisfaction. Sexuality, in which mans belonging to the bodily and biological world is expressed, becomes personal and truly human when it is integrated into the relationship of one person to another, in the complete and lifelong mutual gift of a man and a woman (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2337). Fathers have a particular role in supporting the family through their purity. As protectors of the family, they need to guard their own purity. If men are living purely they will be more apt to take measures to protect their children from the influences of various media. Fathers struggling with purity will be less likely to guide their family and provide leadership in the faith. As purity affects ones motivation and willingness to receive from God, an addicted father will be less confident in leading his family. There is a connection between purity of heart, of body, and of faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2518). Our Sexual Integrity We are created with a basic integrity, or connection, between our mind, body and spirit. In essence, what we think about impacts our behavior. What we choose to do with our bodies impacts our desires and ability to see the value of others. Our sexuality is meant to be a reminder

that we are called to love with our bodies with integrity and purity. Pornography completely distorts this meaning. It says that fantasy will make us happy.
A common root of pornography use is a need to have control in our lives, yet pornography produces sexual frustration and the desire to act out. So what we seek to achieve from pornography in the form of control ends up controlling and enslaving us. But the gift of sexuality is not meant to frustrate or enslave. It is meant to free us in a lifelong relationship of complete giving to another. The commitment and mutual respect within marriage truly fosters this freedom. It is the only context that provides a safeguard for the expression of our sexuality to be a source of peace and joy in our lives. Daniel Spadaro, LPC, CSAT, a licensed professional counselor and certified sex addiction therapist, is founder of Imago Dei Counseling in Colorado Springs. He is a regular columnist for the Colorado Catholic Herald.
1

Victoria J. Rideout et al., Generation M2: Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds, The Kaiser Family Foundation, January 2010, http://www.kff.org/entmedia/8010.cfm (accessed March 17, 2011). 2 Chiara Sabina et al., The Nature and Dynamics of Internet Pornography Exposure for Youth, CyberPsychology & Behavior 11:6 (December 2008): 691-693. 3 Jason S. Carroll et al., Generation XXX: Pornography Acceptance and Use Among Emerging Adults, Journal of Adolescent Research 2:1 (2008): 6-30. 4 Most children have seen pornography online, The Brushfires Foundation, March 6, 2012, http://brushfiresfoundation.org/2012/03/06/most-children-have-seenpornography-online/#more-437 (accessed May 31, 2012). 5 N.D. Volkow et al., Addiction: Decreased Reward Sensitivity and Increased Expectation Sensitivity Conspire to Overwhelm the Brains Control Circuit, Bioessays 32:9 (2010): 748-55. 6 Marnia Robinson, Ominous News for Porn Users: Internet Addiction Atrophies Brains, Psychology Today, June 25, 2011, http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cupids-poisonedarrow/201106/ominous-news-porn-users-internet-addiction-atrophiesbrains (accessed October 1, 2011). 7 Patrick Carnes, Contrary to Love, Helping the Sexual Addict (Center City, MN: Hazelden, 1994). 8 Daniel Weiss, Pornography Infidelity and Divorce ROCK, March 31, 2011,http://www.myrocktoday.org/default.asp?q_areaprimaryid=7&q_ar easecondaryid=74&q_areatertiaryid=0&q_articleid=858 (accessed April 30, 2012) 9 Daniel Weiss, Pornography U.Emerging Adults and Pornography Use, ROCK, April 6, 2011, http://www.myrocktoday.org/default.asp?q_areaprimaryid=7&q_areasec ondaryid=74&q_areatertiaryid=0&q_articleid=860 (accessed April 29, 2012).

SECRETARIAT OF PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington, DC 20017-1194 Tel: (202) 541-3070 Fax: (202) 541-3054 Website: www.usccb.org/prolife
Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church are used with permission. All rights reserved. Models used for illustrative purposes only. Veer Images. All rights reserved. Copyright 2012, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C.