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St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish E-Newsletter
January 1, 2010
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 Merry Christmas
A Blessed New Year |
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MASS SCHEDULE
The Lord's Day
Saturday Vigil - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday - 8:00 a.m.,
10:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon
Weekdays
Monday through Friday -
8:30 a.m.
Holydays of Obligation
& Civic Holidays
As listed in the bulletin
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Saturday - 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Thursday before First Friday -
9:00-10:00 a.m. &
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Any time by appointment
DEVOTIONS
Eucharistic Adoration
Thursday 9:00 a.m-10:00 p.m.
Rosary
Monday through Friday -
8:00 a.m.
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Monday through Friday -
after daily Mass
PARISH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday until 8:00 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:00 p.m. - 1 p.m. |
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Greetings!
As previously mentioned, one of the follow-up activities from the Pulse of the Parish Neighborhood Meetings, based on comments people have made to me personally about current events in the Church and issues that have been raised in Sunday homilies, will be my hosting several "Everything You Wanted to Know about the Catholic Church and Were Afraid to Ask" meetings. I have scheduled seven times during the first week in February to hold these sessions. The sessions are a follows:
- Monday, February 1 - 9:30-11:00 a.m
- *Monday, February 1 - 5:00-6:30 p.m
- *Monday, February 1 - 6:45-8:15 p.m
- Tuesday, February 2 - 1:00-2:30 p.m
- *Wednesday, February 3 - 6:00-7:30 p.m
- Thursday, February 4 - 7:00-8:30 p.m
- Saturday, February 6 - 9:00-10:30 a.m
The three sessions marked with asterisks are scheduled during weekly RFY classes. These times are primarily (but not exclusively) scheduled for the convenience of parents who will already be on campus dropping off and picking up their children There are many current issues in our Church which are controversial and misunderstood:
- Why is there an obligation for Catholics to go to Mass every Sunday and holyday?
- How often do I have to go to confession?
- Is an annulment just a "Catholic divorce"?
- Why can't women be ordained?
- Why must priests be unmarried and celibate?
- Why do we have to heed the magisterium, i.e. the teaching authority in the Church?
- Why does the Church teach what it does regarding beginning- and end-of-life issues?
- Why does the Church teach what it does regarding human sexuality?
- Why is capital punishment wrong?
- Are the wars in which our country is involved "just wars?"
- What are social justice and the "common good?"
- What does it take to be a member of the Church or a member of a parish?
- Doesn't my conscience "trump" moral teachings if I don't agree with the teachings?
It is important that all members of the Church try to understand why the Church teaches what it does to the best of our ability. I am hopeful these meetings will allow for frank, open, honest and informal questions-and-answers about whatever is on the mind of our parishioners. Plan to attend one of these informal sessions during the first week in February. Room numbers will be listed later.
We will start celebrating the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick communally at the 4:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon Mass whenever there is a fifth Saturday of the month. For 2010 those fifth Saturday dates are this month, January 30, and then later in the year on May 29, July 31, and October 30. We hope these communal celebrations of this wonderful sacrament will be a great addition to normal liturgical schedule. There will be a more detailed explanation of this sacrament and who can be anointed in the January "Modern Saint" newsletter.
Thats all for now - God Bless
Fr. Geoff |
Attention:
All Teenagers - All Single Men/Women!
Have you ever considered a religious vocation?
Join us for our 3rd Annual Vocation Panel
Sunday evening , January 10, 2010 from 7-9pm
Come hear the vocation stories of Tom Fr. McCarthy, Deacon Tim Ralston (to be ordained in May 2010), 1st year seminary Chris Geiger from St. Susanna Parish, along with 2 nuns from the Dominicans and the Little Sisters of the Poor, and 2 lay consecrated women. We will also have refreshments and a Q & A session. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how you can hear God's will in your life!
St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church
Father John Porter Family Life Center
5720 Hamilton-Mason Rd, Liberty Twp, OH 45011
Interested in some FREE good entertainment?
Celebrate the Year For Priests at St. Max!
Come see the 1st showing in Ohio of
Faith of Our Father: The Story of a Priest.
Produced by nationally recognized Theater of the Word, Inc, this is a funny, profound, and heartwarming story dedicated to those who dedicate themselves to us-our priests. This play is geared toward a general audience. It is appropriate for adults, teenagers, and older children. Younger children (under age 10) may be able to understand parts of the play, but it is not specifically geared to them. "Faith of Our Father" is a four person play (three actors and one actress). Each actor plays multiple parts throughout the story. The live performance will be Saturday, January 16th, 2010, at 7:30pm in the main church. Seating is limited - RSVP at the St. Max website, www.saint-max.org. A free will offering will be accepted. For more information about Theater of the Word, Inc visit www.thewordinc.org. | |
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Walking In Faith
Walking in Faith while unemployed. After all masses the weekend of Jan 9-10, Deacon Jeff and Janet Merrell will be available to discuss a possible faith sharing ministry with those individuals and spouses who have recently suffered through unemployment, have been unemployed, or may have possible unemployment in the near future. If you are interested in sharing how your faith has and can help in this journey please drop in the conference room after Mass. For questions, contact the parish office, 777-4322, ext. 220. |
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SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
What is Spiritual Direction?
Spiritual Direction is a centuries old practice in
Christianity. It can provide the opportunity to explore more deeply your relationship with God. Our lives can be so very busy that it can be difficult to notice God's actions in our daily affairs. Yet, we all desire a deeper awareness of God's presence, love and action in our lives. A Spiritual Director can provide that opportunity to listen attentively to the events and stories of our lives to help us notice the presence and movement of God's Spirit.
How and where do meetings take place?
Meeting with a Director takes place in a confidential setting on a regular basis for a few months or longer.
My name is Margaret Sherlock and I am available as a Spiritual Director. My education includes a BA and MA in Pastoral Ministry from the College of Mt. St Joseph and Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, the Athenaeum of Ohio. I have completed two years of a Spiritual Direction Formation Program from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. and continued my formation at the Bergamo Center Dayton OH for two more years. I am also a Certified Catholic Chaplain and have worked as a hospital staff chaplain for the past 16 years. My husband, Jim, and I have been members of St. Maximilian Parish for 12 years. I would be pleased to meet with you to listen with an attentive ear to the presence of God in your life. I can be reached at 737 7969.
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Returning Catholics: Welcome Home
This program is for persons who have drifted away from the Church and will be held on Saturdays, January 16 through February 13 at 9am in the St. Max Hospitality Room. Most of us do not have to look far to find non-practicing Catholics in our family, circle of friends or neighborhood. As baptized Catholics, we have a precious gift of faith and love from the Lord that needs to be shared with our non-practicing brothers and sisters. First, we need to pray for them. Next, we need to extend a personal invitation to them to come home to the Catholic Church. Most people are just waiting for an invitation. Many mistakenly think they are excommunicated; others carry tremendous guilt and misinformation about the Church and fear rejection. St. John and St. Max are offering special programs to welcome our sisters and brothers back to active participation. Contact Carol Heuser at 777-4322 ext. 104 or Deacon Jeff Merrell at 777-4322 ext. 220 for more information. |
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CRHP Reunion Mass
As previously announced, the Christ Renews His Parish Reunion Mass will be on Friday, January 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in church. There will be fellowship following the liturgy. You can RSVP online at our parish website www.saint-max.org.
We will need some assistance with the fellowship after the Mass - if you would be willing to help coordinate this, please call the parish office at 777-4322.
It has also come to our attention that the records in the parish office concerning CRHP participants are somewhat sketchy. Please be in contact with those on your receiving and giving teams to make sure they are aware of the Reunion Mass and encourage them to RSVP.
They then drew lots... the choice fell to Matthias,
who was added to the eleven disciples. (Acts 1:26)
As part of the Reunion Mass, we will be discerning a larger CRHP Continuation Team. If you would be willing to serve on the CRHP Continuation Team, please call or email Fr. Geoff personally. This team would initially meet monthly, but that the meetings would become bi-monthly or quarterly as time goes on. The exact days and times of the meetings will be determined by the team once it is discerned.
We will put all the names of those interested "in a hat," and as part of the Reunion Mass, pray for an outpouring of the Spirit on those willing to serve and we will draw names.
Again, we are looking forward to spending this time of prayer and fellowship with all of you on January 8. |
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Junior High Youth Ministry "1X1"
During January and February we will enjoy our regular Sunday Meetings on Sundays - 1/24 and 2/28 from 6-7:30 starting in the gym.
Special Upcoming One-time Events
Youth are encouraged to attend the Vocations Panel on Sunday, January 10th with your family.
Kids Against Hunger 3/6 (note - wrong date was given last week, sorry).
Stations of the Cross on 3/12.
Save those cans!
Remember to save pop cans from your parties during the Christmas season. We appreciate every donation we receive for Haircuts from the Heart.
Pure Energy - Middle School Youth Rally for grades 6-8 Location: Immaculate Heart of Mary, 7820 Beechmont Ave. 45255,Time: 6-8:30pm, Contact: Patrick Reis 388-4185 or patrickr@ihom.org. The speaker is Michael Walsh, topic is 'renewal of your mind'; February 12 - speaker is Dan DeMatte, topic is 'deal or no deal - Catholic edition'; April 1-2 - 7-8th grade retreat, topic is 'Night to Remember'; May 14 - TBA
What's Happening in Youth Ministry Around the Archdiocese
Book mark the web page and keep up to date with youth events happening around the archdiocese at http://www.catholiccincinnati.org/youthmin/. |
RFY NEWS:
RFY Classes resume on Jan. 4 & Jan. 6
Progress Reports for all students in classes will be sent home Jan. 11 & 13.
Attention all 5th Graders! Mark your calendars for the ACRE test in January. (Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education). We ask that ALL FIFTH GRADERS PLAN TO TAKE THIS TEST. Please RSVP to the RFY Office (777-4322, X-109 or X-120) to advise us of the date and time you would like your 5th grade child to take the test. There is no charge for this test. You can select one of the following dates-times:
Mon., Jan. 25 5-6:30, OR, 6:45-8:15
Wed., Jan. 27 6-7:30
Attention all Current & Summer Home Study Students: If you have not yet signed up for your two extra activities during the year, please do so as soon as possible. The Grade Appropriate Parish & RFY Activities List can be found on the website, link to Faith Formation, Grades 1-8.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
1st Grade Vestments Talk: Jan. 4-5:30-6:00 or 6:45-7:15
Jan. 6-6:30-7:00
2nd Grade Church Tour: Jan. 4-6:00-6:30 or 7:15-7:45
Jan. 6-7:00-7:30
Human Sexuality/In Control Parent Meeting: Jan. 5 7:00 pm Conf. Rm.
Questions? Concerns? Please contact Mary Montour, 777-4322, X-120. |
First Reconciliation Make-Up Sessions for Winter:
Session One: CHURCH-Tuesday, Jan. 5, 7:00-8:00 pm
Session Two: CHURCH-Tuesday, Jan. 12, 7:00-8:00 pm
Session Three: CHURCH-Tuesday, Jan. 19, 7:00-8:00 pm
Session Four: RETREAT-Tuesday, Feb. 2, 6:00-8:00 pm
All children who have fully prepared by participating in four prayer/preparation sessions are welcome to celebrate Reconciliation at the Parish Services on:
Wednesday, March 10-7:00 pm
First Eucharist Preparation Sessions for Winter:
Session One: RETREAT-Saturday, Feb. 20, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
Session Two: COMPLEX-Tuesday, March 2, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Session Three: CHURCH-Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Session Four: CHURCH-Tuesday, March 16, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Children who are fully prepared for First Eucharist will be invited to celebrate with family and parish community during select Mass times during Easter season.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!
March 6 & 7 ALL Masses-Candidates for First Communion presented to the parish community. No sign ups-just go to your preferred mass.
All families of children registered to prepare for First Communion were mailed a First Communion Mass Choice Form. We would like these forms returned to the RFY Office by Jan. 31, 2010.
The sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated with the St. Max community on the following weekends:
April 17 4:30 Mass
April 18 12:00 Mass
May 1 4:30 Mass
May 2 8:00 Mass
May 2 10:00 Mass
May 2 12:00 Mass
May 8 4:30 Mass
May 9 12:00 Mass
If you have any questions about the sacrament preparation program, please call Mary Montour, 777-4322, ext 120. Thank you! |
Adult Faith Formation Events
We have a variety of opportunities for Adults in January.
Here are some highlights:
- Little Rock Scripture Study continues on Tuesday afternoons from 1-2:30pm with James, Peter and Jude: The Catholic Letters from January 5 through February 16 in Rooms 8 & 10.
- For the Year of the Priest: A Sacred Heart of Jesus scripture study will take place online and live on Mondays beginning January 11 at 9:30am (after Mass) in the Hospitality Room.
- For those who have been away from the Church, we invite you to Returning Catholics: Welcome Home on Saturdays, January 16 through February 13 at 9am in the Hospitality Room.
- Fr. McCarthy will share his enthusiasm for the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Tuesdays, January 19, February 2, 16 and March 3 from 7-9pm in the Youth Room.
- Dr. Terry Callan from Mt. St. Mary's Seminary will present The Early Church and Judaism: A New Testament Perspective on Wednesdays January 20, 27 and February 10 from 7-8:30pm in the Chapel.
- Come and learn about the Sacraments of Vocations: Holy Orders and Marriage at a coffee and donuts event on Saturday, January 23 from 9-11am in the Conference Room.
- What Parents Want on January 26 from 8-9pm in the Conference Room is an opportunity for you to ask questions about our faith or raising children in the faith.
- Learn why we do what we do at a Walk Through Mass on Thursday, January 28 from 7-8:30pm in the Church.
For more detail, contact information and other opportunities outside St. Max click here and you will be directed to our webpage and can view a monthly calendar of events.
YAM (Young Adult Ministry)
Rafftery's at Union Center has agreed to host a Theology on Tap for the West Chester Area. We now need your assistance with topics, speakers, dates and getting the word out. Connect with us at Facebook Group Bring Theology on Tap to West Chester.
You can also connect with St. Max Young Adults at the Facebook Group St. Max Young Adult Ministry or YAM@saint-max.org. |
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Are you interested in sending your child
to a catholic elementary school
but aren't sure where to begin?
Did you know Catholic schools offer:
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high academic achievement
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well rounded curriculums
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extra curricular activities
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faith based setting
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small personal schools where "everybody knows your name"
Find out more by attending the annual
Catholic Elementary School Fair
Following all Masses on
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High School Youth Ministry News! We will not be attending the March for Life this year in Washington D.C., but we won't let this date pass without notice! Please mark Friday, January 22 on your calendar as a Day of Penance, and plan to spend your evening at St. Max. We will have a Holy Hour and time after for reflection.
Excited about the retreat we just had? Bummed you missed it? Curious about what we are talking about? Plan ahead for the SPRING RETREAT March 5-7! Mark your calendars!
Common Grounds gears up again January 10th!
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ST. MAX BREAKFAST BONANZA
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 9AM-NOON
Our next Breakfast Bonanza is Sunday, January 24. Join us for a great hot breakfast:
"Big B" Breakfast
Scrambled Eggs, (2) Bacon or (2) Sausage,
Biscuit and Sausage Gravy,
Fried Potatoes,
Baked Apples
Choice of Coffee, OJ or Milk
$5.00 per person
Children's Meal
Waffle Stick, Scrambled Eggs,
(1) Bacon or (1) Sausage,
Fried Potatoes and a Choice of OJ or Milk
$2.50 per child
Pancakes were such a big hit at our last Breakfast Bonanza,
we will be serving them again!
We are always looking for a few more good people to volunteer. We are in need of cooks, servers, hosts, cashiers, floor workers, set up and clean up crew. We begin at 7 in the morning and are normally out of here by one o'clock. Work as much or as little as you are available. This is a great opportunity for service hours, plus we have a really great time! Please call or email Lakmé at 777-4322 ext 105 or lkodros@saint-max.org. |
2009 TAX STATEMENTS
If you would like a tax statement for your 2009 contributions to St. Max, please send your request via email to jane@saint-max.org or call Jane 777-4322 x.111. Thank you!
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STOCK DONATIONS
Donating stock has never been easier! An account has been set up at Fifth Third Bank exclusively to receive stock transfers for our parish. Please contact Lakmé for specifics 777-4322 x.105 or lkodros@saint-max.org.
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Upcoming Events
Holy Hour for Vocations - Monday, January 11th - 7:00 PM
Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest - Thursday, January 14th from 6-9 PM in the Gym - boys & girls aged 10-14
Welcome Weekend/Catholic Schools Week - Sunday, January 17th after Sunday Masses
Free Preview of Financial Peace University - Thursday, January 21st at 7 PM in Rooms 2 & 3
National Day of Penance - Friday, January 22nd
Breakfast Bonanza - Sunday, January 24th
High School Youth Ministry Pizza Sale and MTCES Pancake Breakfast - Sunday, February 7th
Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner - Tuesday, February 16th Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 17 - 8:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Men's Christ Renews His Parish Weekend - February 27 & 28
Fish Frys - Fridays of Lent - February 19th, 26th, March 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th. Way of the Cross at 7:30 pm
Holy Week - Palm Sunday, March 27/28; The Ancient Office of Tenebrae March 31st; Mass of the Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday) April 1st; Good Friday, April 2nd; Easter Vigil, April 3rd; Easter Sunday, April 4th. |
Contact Info
Description/Title
The St. Max Parish Staff
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