Dear Parishioners,
Along with the whole church we celebrate two important feasts this week. Today we rejoice in the Assumption of the Blessed Mother; when St. Mary was taken to heaven body and soul. On Friday we celebrate the day St. Bernard of Clairvaux entered eternal life in 1153. This is a special week of prayer for our parish. The Rosary will be recited together before all the Masses this weekend, and, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on Friday following the 12:10 Mass until 5pm in the church. Can you take a ½ hour to pray in the church that day? Sign up in the vestibule.
Kudos to Sue Kramer who single-handedly washed and ironed all the server cassocks and surplices. Thanks, Sue, for keeping our servers in fitting attire for the Lord. May the Lord bless you!
We had brief update sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist this week. It is to apply the diocesan norms to our ministry in this new parish. If you missed a meeting, please disregard any schedule you may have received and do not minister until you’ve observed the new procedures for distribution here at SB-SM. A final update session will be held on Sunday, September 12 at 7:00pm when UA students return.
Server training will begin shortly. We need servers at the altar who are entering the 5th Grade. We still welcome and encourage High School and University students to assist the parish at worship in this ministry.
A number of religious education programs are beginning soon: Our St. Bernard-St. Mary School is ready to begin another academic year. Mrs. Rosemary Capotosto, faculty and staff, welcome your support for our approximate 200 students. PSR or CCD will begin in September at the school. A Study Program for Adults will also begin next month. And as noted, the R.C.I.A. Program begins this week with an Inquiry Class. Please encourage any friends or family to attend who have questions about our Catholic Faith.
Finally, now that our new parish has been established, I cordially invite you to my installation as your pastor. Bishop Lennon will preside at the 11:30am Mass on August 29th and oversee the formal canonical rite. Coffee and Donuts will follow in the Social Hall.
St. Bernard and St. Mary pray for us to our Lord. And let us pray for one another!
God bless you all, Fr. Dan
