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E-Newsletter January 15, 2010
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Pray for
Encourage
Nourish
Support
Vocations |
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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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CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS IN HAITI
CRS has mobilized an immediate major aid response to quake-ravaged Haiti and invites all concerned supporters to join us in the outreach. Click here to go to Catholic Relief Services website to learn more and to offer support.
Archbishop Dennis Schnurr has requested that all parishes take up a second collection this weekend, Jan. 16-17, to support the humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts that will be taking place in Haiti. This collection will go to address as many aspects of this crisis as possible, including responses from the U.S. bishops and the Church in Latin America, and the work of Catholic Relief Services.
We offer the words of Pope Benedict....
I invite everyone to join me in prayer to the Lord for the victims of this disaster and for those who mourn their loss. I assure my spiritual closeness to those who lost their homes and all those who are suffering in various ways from this major disaster, and I ask God for comfort and solace in their suffering. I appeal to the generosity of all, to not abandon these brothers and sisters in a time of need and grief, and that the concrete solidarity and active support of the international community is not lacking. The Catholic Church will not fail to take immediate action through its charitable organizations to meet the most immediate needs of the population.
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Greetings!
In all the dioceses of the United States of America, Friday, January 22 shall be observed as a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion and of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life. (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, #373).
On this day, commemorating the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling Roe vs. Wade, legalizing abortion in our country, we pause to remember the millions of innocent lives which have been lost through the murderous act of abortion.
In observance of this day of penance, all are invited to choose one or more of the following:
At St. Maximilian Kolbe Church
· 8:30 a.m. - "Mass for Peace and Justice" will be celebrated
· At the end of Mass, day-long exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
· 2:00 p.m. - The Rosary for Life will be prayed
· 6:15 p.m. - Simple meal of soup, bread, drinks
· 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Holy Hour for the Unborn (quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament, vespers, benediction)
· 8:00 p.m. - Showing of the movie "Bella" with discussion afterwards. (2007, 91 minutes, rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief disturbing images. Bella tells the story of a young, unmarried waitress who finds herself pregnant and without work after coming in late several days because of morning sickness. The restaurant's chef, taken by her plight, becomes her sole confidant. He helps her walk through her decision on what to do with her pregnancy. In the process, he bears secrets from his own mysterious past, which reveal his tenderness and passion for her and the child she is carrying.)
In other churches and at home
· Make a visit to any Catholic church to spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
· Spend some extra time in prayer at home, e.g. pray a family rosary
· Use the prayer below remembering the millions of babies who have been aborted as well as those coping with and grieving the loss their aborted children
Some other suggestions
· Abstain from meat
· Fast for the day, from a meal, or from snacks between meals
· Give up television, music, video games, or some other entertainment
· Donate monies saved from above to any pro-life group or agency
Prayer to End Abortion
Lord God, we praise and thank You for the gift of our lives, and for the lives of all human beings. There is nothing more destructive to human life than abortion, yet we rejoice that You have conquered death by the resurrection of Your Son. Help us to do our part to end abortion - never to be silent, never to be passive, and never to be forgetful of the unborn. Give us strength to defend human life, especially in the womb, until all humans are protected. Guide our nation to truly be a nation with liberty and justice not just for some, but for all. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
That's all for now - God Bless!
Fr. Geoff
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Rite of Welcome/Acceptance
On November 15th at the 8:00 a.m. Mass we welcomed men and women from the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) into our Church community of St. Maximilian.
We also have adults and children who have just begun the process and are known as Inquirers. After time of preparation they will go thru the Rite of Welcome on January 31st at the 8:00 Mass.
We have both Candidates and Catechumens in the process.
A Candidate is a person who has been baptized in another faith or in the Catholic faith with no formal religious education. They are: Tiara Metcalf, Tracy Munafo, Lana Elliott, Kathleen Heffner, Brian Sedra, Steven Smith,
A Catechumen is one who has not been baptized.
They are: Elizabeth Black, Jake Butler, Zach Butler, Sabrina Diaz, Leona Edwards, Kalette Hittle, Samantha Siry, Chloe Thomas, Seth Thomas.
This phase of the process is known as the Catechumen period. They meet weekly to grow in their awareness of God's invitation to them of conversion and community.
They gather at Mass for the Liturgy of the Word, and are sent forth after the homily with a Blessing to pray and reflect on the Scripture of the day. This is Dismissal Catechesis.
We ask all of you to pray for a Candidate, Catechumen or Sponsor in your daily prayer intentions until Easter, this is an easy way for the whole family to pray. Also, pray for your own prayer life to be strengthen and grow closer to God as we build the Kingdom of God.
Please join us in Prayer!
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It's Not too Late!
Join us to see the first showing in Ohio of
Faith of our Father:
The Story of a Priest
Dedicated to those who dedicate themselves to us!
Saturday, January 16th, 2010 7:30pm
St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish
5720 Hamilton-Mason Road
Liberty Township, OH 45011
Welcome adults, young adults, teenagers and older children!
Cost: Free Will Offering
Written and produced for the Year of the Priest, this humorous and touching tale tells the story of Fr. Mike, a young priest recently appointed pastor at the suburban parish St. Somewhere. Thrust into the midst of parish politics, fundraising fiascoes, and the day-to-day challenge of caring for souls, Fr. Mike's faith begins to falter . . . until a visit by an angel, as well as examples of great priests of the past, show him the true way of love and sacrifice.
A funny, profound, and heartwarming story
Dedicated to those who dedicate themselves to us-our priests.
A show for the Year of the Priest, produced by Theater of the Word Incorporated
1-888-840-WORD
www.thewordinc.org |
Christ Renews His Parish
Men's Retreat
February 27th & 28th, 2010
We invite you to a weekend of renewal. Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is a spiritual renewal process that brings adult parishioners together in a small group setting, in order to deepen their relationships with Jesus Christ and each other. The retreat is a great way to meet other parishioners and renew your spiritual life in a relaxed and comfortable environment.
CRHP takes place at St. Max Parish and includes group interactions, prayers and reflection. Opportunities for scripture sharing, Reconciliation and Eucharist are also provided throughout the weekend. There is no cost to you for attending this retreat.
We hope you will attend the Men's CRHP Retreat. If you wish to attend, or would like to find out more about the retreat weekend, please contact Earl Hill at 6740 Weathered Oaks Court, Hamilton, OH 45011,
or Phone: (513) 889-0083, or Email at MPSER@aol.com.
For additional general information regarding Christ Renews His Parish,
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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. |
Adult Faith Formation Events
We have a variety of opportunities for Adults.
On Saturday, February 27 at Transfiguration Center for Spiritual Renewal in Ludlow Falls (approximately one hour from St. Max) a panel of speakers will lead couples in prayer, support and information on fertility treatments and adoption. For more information contact The Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in the Sydney location at (937)492-4449 or email at jborgert@catholiccincinnati.org Dreams: A path Through Life, sponsored by XU, begins on Saturday, February 13 and ends March 6. The class is from 9 - 11:30amFor registration or more information contact Nancy Sampson at 745-3477 or sampsonn@xavier.edu.
- 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.
Retreat for Teens
On Thursday and Friday, February 11 & 12 there is a retreat for teenagers whose parents are separated or divorced at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein (approximately 90 minutes from St. Max). For more information or to RSVP (by February 5, 2010) The Family Life Office of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in the Sydney location at (937)492-4449 or email at jborgert@catholiccincinnati.org.
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY
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!
Our summer trip to the Franciscan Youth Conference has undergone some changes and we will now be attending Steubenville Mid-America in Springfield, MO! Information about the trip from July 15-18, 2010 is in the gathering space and below. Register Now! The trip is open to current 8th grade students through current high school seniors.
Woo hoo!!! It's ski time! Come hit the slopes at Perfect North with us February 6! We will leave at 7:15pm and return around 3am. This year the lift ticket includes tubing!! Permission slips are on the website and in the gathering space. This is a great opportunity to meet people in a fun environment. Adult chaperones willing to ski and willing to chill in the lodge are needed.
Attention High School Seniors!! If you are interested in attending KAIROS, a retreat designed specifically for you, please visit the following website: http://youth.stjohnwc.org/kairos.htm
The retreat will be for those who attend St. John and their surrounding parishes. This is a great opportunity to get solid in your faith before you leave high school!
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The St. Max High School Youth Ministry is holding a Pizza Fundraiser to coincide w/Super Bowl Sunday on February 7. To pre-order delicious Take and Bake pizzas-handmade- by members of our Youth Ministry use this form. Pizzas will also be available to purchase on February 6 & 7.
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1X1 Junior High Youth Ministry
You know you have one...
or could borrow one...
or pick one up a Goodwill...
It's the Ugly Sweater Party
January 24th
6:00-7:30 PM
Can you top this?
Donations of baked goods, bags of chips/pretzels/etc. and liters of soda are always welcome! Other Parish Events - Fish Fry Bake Sale 2/26, Kids Against Hunger 3/6, Stations of the Cross on 3/12, we're always collecting aluminum cans! Just crush them and drop them in our big blue recycling contains. Thanks!!
BAKE SALE at the Fish Fry!!!
The bake sale will be Feb 26, 2010 to benefit Kids Against Hunger
Please sign up by Feb 5th to let us know what you are planning to bake!
cake (bring it whole, we will cut and serve it at the bake sale)
pie (bring it whole, we will cut and serve it at the bake sale)
2 dozen cup cakes (you do not need to wrap these)
3-4 dozen cookies (you do not need to wrap these)
2 dozen brownies cut 2" x 2" and individually wrapped in Saran
Drop off your baked goods to St. Max by 4:00 on Feb 26.
Help with the bake sale by signing up to work a one-hour shift selling the desserts. Shifts are 4-5, 5-6, 6-7 and 7-8. We need adults too!!
Contact info: Mrs. Doughman at 777-4322 or mdoughman@saint-max.org
Proceeds from the bake sale will be taken to Kids Against Hunger on March 6th when 1X1 (Junior High Youth Ministry) volunteers to pack meals. Permission forms will be on-line in Feb.
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Confirmation
1) Blessing of Candidates-candidates please attend any mass the weekend of Jan 23rd and 24th with your sponsor or a proxy. You will be asked to stand with your sponsor or proxy for a blessing. Please dress appropriately. Note - you do not need to arrive early, we will not be signing a book.
2) Prayer Service and Small Group Meetings-Tuesday Jan 26th 7:30-9. Candidates please attend the prayer service with your sponsor or proxy beginning at 7:30. After the prayer service, candidates will meet with their small faith groups in the classrooms and adults are invited to attend "What Parents Want" in the Conference room. Remaining prayer services are 2/9, 2/23 and 3/23. Interview/alb fitting is 4/11. Rehearsals are 4/29.
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RFY NEWS:
Progress Reports for all students in classes were sent home. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the RFY office.
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: Part of your commitment to the Home Study program is attendance and participation at two additional parish events. 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!!
Human Sexuality/In Control:
7th Grade: Mon., 1/18, 5:00-6:30, Conference Rm
Mon., 2/1, 6:45-8:15, Conference Rm
8th Grade: Mon., 1/18, 6:45-8:15, Conference Rm
Mon., 2/1, 5:00-6:30, Conference Rm
Questions? Concerns? Please contact Mary Montour, 777-4322, X-120. |
Remaining First Reconciliation Make-Up Sessions for Winter:
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:
Wed., March 10-7:00 pm
First Eucharist Preparation Sessions for Winter:
Session One: RETREAT-Saturday, Feb. 20, 9:00 am-12:00 noon
Se ssion Two:CHURCH-Tuesday, March 2, 7:00 pm-8:00 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! |
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Dividends and Values for a Lifetime
Choosing St. Gabriel Consolidated School means:
v A Quality Learning Environment
v A Christ Centered Education
v Advanced technology throughout the school
v Outstanding preparation for high school
v Personal attention from faculty and staff
v Full day Kindergarten
OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Personal tours will be offered to new families beginning at 6:30 p.m.
School is located at 18 W. Sharon Ave. in Glendale.
Parish Registration January 17, 2010 thru February 19, 2010
For more information please call the school at 771-5220 or visit us at www.stgabeschool.org
St. Gabriel ☺ St. Maximilian Kolbe ☺ St. John West Chester ☺ St. Matthias ☺ St. Martin dePorres
Five parishes committed to providing a quality education in one location |
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. |
TATIANA
St. Maximilian Kolbe is bringing the internationally known singer/songwriter that has been inspiring audiences across America.Tatiana (Tajci) Cameron grew up in communist Croatia (fmr. Yugoslavia), She made it to California, became a pop superstar at age of 19, lived the life of fame and fortune but longed for something more.
Please mark your calendar for Thursday, Feb 25th at 7pm. Come and experience Tajci's powerful concert event: the music she writes, the story she tells, the voice that will keep you spellbound.
"I Thirst" - the Crucifixion Story is a highly professional and artistitic musical experience of Christ's walk on Calvary. The saddest and yet the most hopeful story of all times told through songs you will recognize and those you will want to hear over and over again. The concert will enhance your Lenten experience.
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Financial Peace University Financial Peace University is a 13- week video based small group study that teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth and give like never before. The next FPU program will begin at St. Max on January 28. If you would like to sign up for Financial Peace University or if you have questions about the program please stop by the FPU table in the Gathering Space after Mass.
A Free Preview of Financial Peace University will be Thursday, January 21st at 7 PM in Rooms 2 & 3 |
| Join the LFN on Wednesday, January 27th at 7 p.m. as we celebrate a get-up-and-get-movin' healthy start to 2010! Women of St. Max (21 and up), please join us and our guest fitness instructor for a light workout and some positive motivation for keeping fit. Meet in the conference room dressed for a fun light workout, and we'll provide refreshments. Bring a friend or personal hygiene items for donation and earn an extra entry for the fabulous door prize! Questions? Contact Christy at lfn@saint-max.org or 759-4295. See you then!
LFN Annual Bake Sale takes place Feb. 13/14 (Valentine's Day weekend) after all masses. Please consider supporting this wonderful St. Max women's ministry by donating baked goods (cookies, cakes, pies, brownies, etc.) for the sale. Look for drop-off dates/locations in upcoming bulletin announcements.
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Men's Night Out - Social Event
When: Friday February 5th
Time: 8:00 pm - Midnight
Where: St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish Family Life Complex
Cost: $20 (includes 2 drink tickets and unlimited food!)
**$25 at the door Must be 21 A night of great fellowship and a variety of games: Corn Hole, Poker and Euchre Tournaments Beat the Dealer, Sports on the Big Screen and More! For More Information, contact Paul Groh (513-988-1981 or Paul.Groh@sbcglobal.net ) Or Larry Witsken (777-4322, ext. 110 or lwitsken@saint-max.org) Payment: If you PRE-REGISTER ONLINE print your e-mail confirmation from the online registration or pay at the door ($5 more). Mail registrations to Paul Groh, 939 Pheasant Run Drive, Trenton, OH 45067 or drop payment in the colletion basket in an envelope marked "BOYZ NIGHT OUT" |
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Walking in Faith while Unemployed
Jan 28th, Thursday 7PM Hospitality Room
If you or a family member are, have been or are pending unemployment and would like to share with others how our faith can help during these difficult times, please join Deacon Jeff and Janet Merrell at the above date and time.
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Upcoming Events
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 Sunday, February 7th
Ladies Fellowship Network Bake Sale - February 13th/14th after all Masses
Remembrance and Healing Service for Parents who have lost an infant through miscarriage, stillborn or abortion - Monday, February 15th 7PM Fat Tuesday Pancake Dinner - Tuesday, February 16th - 5-8 PM in the GYM - Mark the Date Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 17 - 8:30 AM & 7:30 PM
Tatiana Concert - "I Thirst: The Crucifixion Story" - Thursday, February 25th at 7pm
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.
Pretty in Pink, Girl's Night Out Fashion Show - Friday, April 16th - Mark Your Calendars! |
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