Text Box: strongly endorsed by many women’s rights groups that had long sought to guarantee a woman’s right to choose an abortion. Since the Roe v. Wade decision, abortion has become one of the most divisive political issues in the United States. Views on abortion have influenced the outcome of many national and local elections. The issue of abortion has also played a decisive role in nomination proceedings for judges appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court and to lower federal courts. For those opposed to abortion, there is bad news on the horizon. For those of you who do not know, the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) may be signed, if Congress passes it, on January 21-22 of 2009. The FOCA is the next sick chapter in the book of abortion. If made a law, then all limitations on abortion will be lifted in the USA. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one! We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law. For Catholics, the prayer of choice will be the rosary, with the intention of stopping FOCA. We have very little time so we must act quickly. In our parish we will celebrate a NOVENA FOR RESPECT OF LIFE. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held in our church twice a day: after morning and evening Holy Masses from January 13 to January 21, followed by Benediction. On Sunday, January 18, at 5:00 p.m., a Holy Mass will be celebrated for the conversion of all those who are against LIFE. This will be followed by the LIVING ROSARY and Benediction. Thursday, January 22, is a day of PENANCE, FASTING & SACRIFICES. This is 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision. Please reserve this time. After the Mass and rosary on Sunday, January 18, a pot-luck dinner will be held in the parish hall. Please inform and invite others to come and to pray for the conversion of those who are against life. ST. ANNE’S GUILD CORNER: “Mardi Gras” Saturday, February 7, 2009. For reservations, please call: 510-482-0596, ext. 258. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION: Saturday, February 7, 2009 - DINNER, DANCE & AUCTION.     Mardi Gras Party 2009 Update: Four weeks only until our parish’s Mardi Gras party!! Wow! The Mardi Gras committee of the St. Anne’s Guild has taken a small break for Christmas but the clock is ticking, and we are starting up our efforts again to make this event another success! Formal Text Box: invitations were mailed out this week. Mardi Gras representatives will be in the vestibule of the church after all Masses starting this weekend to take your reservations. Space is limited, place your reservation ASAP! Auction: Many generous parishioners have donated exciting items for our auction. We have 3 vacation homes/condos, and lovely artwork, just to name a few. If you have something you would like to donate to the auction, please contact Sara Cumbelich at (510)655-9088. King and Queen? Next week we will announce the Mardi Gras King and Queen! Who could they be?... Why are we doing this?. This is a parish event which will raise funds for the purchase of a sacred object for our own Cathedral of Christ the Light from our parish. The sacred object to be purchased will be in keeping with the traditional values in our own St. Margaret Mary Church. Sacred objects for use in a cathedral are not inexpensive, and the funds we raise will help us make this purchase. How can you help? There are many small tasks that need to be done prior and during the party. The Mardi Gras Committee will be meeting during the month of January to finalize the details of the party. Please get involved! Contact Lily Mullen for more information at e-mail: lily.mullen@gmail.com or (925) 827-1946. VERY SAD NEWS By the decision of His Holiness Benedict XVI, our Bishop, the Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, after nearly 6 years with us, was appointed the Archbishop of Detroit; his native diocese. Bishop Allen Vigneron sent a special letter to all priests and religious of the diocese, and a 2nd letter to all the faithful of the diocese of Oakland. This letter is inserted in this bulletin. We, the parishioners of St. Margaret Mary church, would like to send him a special card with our signatures and a monetary gift. Please sign the card in the vestibule of church this Sunday. Near the card is a basket for donations. Please make your checks payable to “St. Margaret Mary” with the memo, “gift for the bishop.” CONGRATULATIONS TO BISHOP VIGNERON.