THE GOOD NEWS -- Today's readings begin with a few verses from the book of Job. First, Job complains that his nights drag on endlessly. Then, worse yet, "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle; / they come to an end without hope" (Job 7:6). Not exactly encouraging, these lamentations, not when taken alone.
Most of us have been there, though, and the antidote is the "good news" that Paul found so compelling that "an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it!" (1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul felt driven to announce the gospel to as many people as possible, "to save at least some" (9:22).
This good news is the mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who lifted Simon Peter's mother-in-law from her sickbed with a mere touch of his hand. "The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons" (Mark 1:33-34)). Our woes and demons are as real as Job's, and Jesus is our savior.
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MERCY VOLUNTEER CORPS -- Mercy Volunteers serve people within the continental U.S. and Guyana, South America. U.S. Volunteers make a one-year commitment beginning the first week of August. A small stipend, transportation to and from the site of service, housing, medical insurance, school deferment and inspiration to last a lifetime are part of the experience. Volunteers must be 21 years or older. Please visit www.ercyvolunteetrs.org or call 215-641-5535 for more information.

YOUNG ADULT SMORGASBOARD -- The Young Adults of the North Hills invite all 18-40 for Mass and Potluck. Come join us on Sunday, February 11, after the 4:15 Mass at St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 1000 Avila Ct, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. Dinner will be held in the hall under the church. Bring a dish and a friend! For details and to RSVP visit us on Facebook: *facebook.com/cyanorthhills* or email: cyanorthhhills@qmail.com.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION -- Marriage Preparation for Engaged Couples, Saturday, February 18, 2012. Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, Villa Maria, PA 16155. Cost is $150 per couple. For more information call 724-964-8886.

PASTORAL COUNCIL -- The Pastoral Council will meet this Sunday afternoon, February 5, from noon until 1:00 in the church basement. The members of the council will be discussing how to proceed with the focus areas identified through a recent analysis of parish's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Interested parishioners are welcome to join the discussion this afternoon.

MEALS ON WHEELS -- The Meals on Wheels program is now in its 36th year at Parkwood Church. Suburban North Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Volunteers provide a hot meal and a bag lunch 5 days a week (Mon-Fri.) for $20 a week. Volunteers who deliver meals provide a personal contact and a safety net for those living alone.We serve Hampton Township, southern Richland Township and portions of Ross Township and McCandless. Anyone interested in receiving meals should call 412-486-7115. To volunteer call 412-487-1072.

HELP WANTED -- The Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh is seeking an experienced person to conduct telephone survey calls from its North Hills Office of Pittsburgh. This is a part time position (15-20 hours a week) with an established hourly rate. Hours would be late afternoon/evening. (This office is NOT on a bus line.) Interested candidates should ask for Jan at 412-408-6139 or send your resume to careers@ccapgh.org.

WINTER OPEN HOUSE -- Vincentian Academy will be hosting a Winter Open House on Friday, February 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. The evening includes tours of the school, questions and answers on academics, meeting the faculty and new football coach, and admission to that night's boys basketball game.

VALENTINE RETREAT -- Celebrate World Marriage Day / Valentine Retreat Together with a Retreat for Married Couples on Sunday, February 12. 12:30-6:00 pm at the St. Joseph Spirituality Center, Sisters of St. Joseph, Baden, PA 15005. Fee of $55 per couple includes dinner. For more information call 724-869-6587.

AWAKENING YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH -- If it has been awhile since you have been to church and may feel like you need to reconnect with our faith, you are invited to six Awakening Faith sessions hosted by St. Richard Parish on Thursdays at 7:00 - 8:30 pm beginning February 16 through March 22. Maybe you know someone who may be ready to come back to church, please invite them and bring them to the sessions. No charge. For more information call the Parish at 724-444-1971 or go to www.saintrich.org.

FRENCH TOAST BREAKFAST -- Sponsored by the All Saints Music Ministry, Sunday, February 19th, 2012. All Saints Activities Building. Breakfast served from 9:00 - 1:00 pm. Menu: Texas Size French Toast, Sausage, Fresh Fruit, Coffee, Juice or Milk. Adults: $6.00; Children $3.00. Bake Sale and Raffles. Tickets available at the door.

Building a foundation that will last a lifetime. Visit the school Website at www.stursulaschool.org to learn more or call the school office at 412-486-5511 to schedule a tour.

POT O GOLD DINNER AUCTION -- Reservations are now being accepted for the 2012 Pot O' Gold Dinner and Auction which is on Saturday, March 10th, at La Roche College. Doors open at 5:30 and dinner is served at 7:00. There will be many great items up for bid in the silent and live auctions and lots of chances to win exciting raffles! Please plan to join us for a night of fun while supporting St. Ursula School! RSVP cards can be found in the church entrances or in the school office. Cost is $60/couple or $30/ individual. RSVP by Friday, February 17th for a chance to win a $25 certificate to be used at The Pot O' Gold on a silent or live auction item.

SHOPPING CERTIFICATE SALES -- Shopping certificates are available weekdays in the school office and at all weekend masses. Please use this program to shop (using the cards) or to give as gifts. If you work for or own a business that gives out gifts cards consider St. Ursula as the place to purchase them. We have a gift card that will satisfy everyone on your list. Thank your for your continued support of this valuable source of income for our parish.

YOU COULD HELP ... Our weekly Bingo is a source of a solid amount of financial help for St. Ursula. These good workers, and those attending, bring in about $25,000, net, each year. The people who attend really enjoy their evening out. The crew of workers enjoy it, too. -- They could use help. What about a second Tuesday a month, all this year? Or another regular spot "on the floor" or in the kitchen? Eleven times? And you will even get a week off!! Just appear and you will get a nice welcome.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION -- Please pray for our Confirmation Candidates as they travel to Martina Center, this Thursday, February 9, for an evening of guided retreat and reflection. We pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit!
Reminder to parents: Please drop off students at Martina Center, 5244 Clarwin Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 at 4 pm. The students will be returned to Saint Ursula Parish via school bus for pick up at 9:00 pm.

MARCH FOR LIFE -- Thank you to the parish for your great generosity. You allowed over 15 students to attend the March, see democracy in action at a meeting with Senator Casey, and see the beautiful Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. It is a trip to be remembered.

YOUTH MINISTRY has a bulletin in the back corner of the church. There is a lot of information on activities past and future. Take a look ....

SOUPER BOWL -- SUPER BOWL -- We will have Super Bowl celebrations with lots of food. Some will not even have a bowl of soup, though. We are asking each member of our church to donate $1 on Feb. 4-5 and help feed our hungry neighbors. THANKS!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: We will carpool to this event.
LOVEwalk for the Poor -- Everyone invited -- 22nd Annual Lovewalk for the Poor on February 12, 2012. Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Shadyside followed by a short walk to East End Ministries. The unique thing about the Lovewalk is participants carry collected items after Mass with them as a way of experiencing the hardships of the homeless who must carry with them at all times. Contact lvirostek@stursula.com or 412-486-3374.

ST. URSULA MISSION TRIP 2012 to Joplin, MO July 14-20, 2012. High School ages and older. Leaving morning of July 14, work in Joplin, MO for tornado relief efforts , return late July 20, 2012. We have 10 spots, 5 taken, 5 available. Deposit of $100 due by Feb. 15, 2012. Fundraising credit can be earned. Call Lale Virostek 412-486-3374 or lvirostek@ stursula.com.