FROM THE PASTOR 

THE FEAST OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL

            This weekend we honor the two great pillars of the early Church:  Saint Peter and St. Paul .  After Jesus these two figures stand head and shoulders above any other early Church leader.  Peter, the Church’s first Pope, and Paul, its great evangelist.  They took the message of Jesus and set it our before the world, building up from a tiny band of believers a Church that remains today. 

            As we have noted over the past few weeks, we also begin the Jubilee Year for St. Paul this weekend, honoring the bicentennial of his birth. 

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

            Two people have expressed a desire to serve as members of the Parish Pastoral Council, and I have appointed them both to the position.  They are Minda Michels and Tom Stewart.  I am very glad to have their wisdom and insights as we seek to make IHM the best parish it can be.

            I want to express my thanks to Geoff Michael, who has served on the Council for the past four years, and is now going off.  He has always been a positive and supportive member of the Council, and I greatly appreciate his participation.

THE CONVERSION OF ST. PAUL

            Last week, in this column, I gave a brief introduction to the early life of St. Paul , from his birth in Tarsus to his persecution of the early Church.  When we last met him, Saul was “breathing murderous threats” against the infant community of believers, and was traveling the road to Damascus, carrying letters from the religious leaders of Jerusalem that would allow him to arrest the followers of Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. 

            The story of Paul’s conversion is told four times in the Scriptures:  three times in the Acts of the Apostles, and once (with little detail) in his letter to the Galatians (Acts 9:1-20, Acts 22:122, Acts 26:1-24, and Galatians 1:11-24).  Each adds something to the fullness of the story. 

            Saul was approaching the city of Damascus (the capital and largest city in modern day Syria ), with companions, though we are told nothing of their number or identity.  There is a great light from heaven that surrounds him, and he falls to the ground blinded.  He then hears a voice saying to him:  “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?”  “I am Jesus, who you are persecuting.”  It is interesting to see how fully Jesus identifies with his followers, who are the real object of Saul’s actions.  Later, Paul will develop a theology of the Church as the Body of Christ, most likely influenced by this event.

            The Scriptures do not mention a horse, although sacred art and culture throughout the history of the Church have portrayed Saul falling from his horse.  There is also some discrepancy between the story, where one says that Saul’s companions saw the light, but did not hear the voice, and another saying that they did hear the voice, but, not blinded themselves, saw no man speaking.

            Saul then heard the voice instruct him that he was to go into the city of Damascus , and that he would be told what to do.  His companions led him by the hand into the city, as he was still blind.  He remained blind for three days, and neither ate nor drank. 

            Jesus appeared to a disciple in Damascus, who was named Ananias, and told him that he was to go to a house on Straight Street, and seek out a man named Saul, and pray over him so that he would regain his sight.  Ananias had heard of Saul and of his intentions in coming to Damascus .  He expressed his concern to the Lord, who told him not to fear, for Saul would be a great witness for him to kings, Gentiles and to the children of Israel .  He went and did as he had been instructed.  Saul’s sight was restored, and he was baptized.  Ananias then introduced him to the Christian community, and Saul began to preach in the synagogues about what he had experienced, and that Jesus was, indeed, the Son of God.

            Saul’s is the greatest conversion story in the history of Christianity, and in his own time, it seems, everyone wanted to hear it.  Here, the great enemy of the Church is its greatest preacher and teacher.  We can only imagine the joy and the awe that filled them as they heard him share what Christ had done for him. 

All effective evangelization includes one person telling another what Christ has done for him or her, of how God’s grace has opened our eyes to the truth that sets us free.  It is important for each of us to reflect on the “story” of our own journey into faith.  That may very well include times of struggle and loss of faith.  We may be in the midst of that struggle now.  Where can I see that Christ was present in my life?  Who were the people who, like Ananias, brought healing and love to me?  Who were the witnesses of faith that taught me about Jesus and the Gospel and the Church he left behind?   What were the moments of grace?  How have I experienced the Gospel as the truth, and what are the aspects of the Gospel that most speak to my life?

Each of us in some way is an evangelizer, is an ambassador for Christ.  By reflecting on St. Paul we may gain some real insight into how we better serve him by bringing Good News to others.

QUARTERLY PLEDGE REMINDERS!

I want to apologize for all the inconveniences and anxiety the letter you received last week caused you.

          I contacted the Church Office Management Support Group and they discovered that the part in the letter that should have picked up your Sunday donations did not work.  They changed it and hopefully it will work now.  I need to do some checking on it to make sure it is correct.

 Believe me I was very stressed out about the problem and hope you will continue to support your church.  You all have been most generous despite the hard times we face today.

                                                                                    Rose

Wednesday, July 2       

          7:00-9:00 pm – The Prayer Needles MR 2 & 3

Thursday, July 3

            10:30-6:45 pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

          6:00 pm – Prayer Group for Mary

          7:00-9:00 pm – EDGE for incoming 7^th & 8^th grades

Friday, July 4

          10:00 am – First Friday Mass on Independence Day

Saturday, July 5

            7:00 am – Saturday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast

          10:00 am – First Saturday Mass

Sunday, July 6

          10:10 am – St. Vincent de Paul meeting in the library

          6:00-8:00 pm – Life Teen

Peter’s Pence Collection 2008

This weekend our parish is conducting the annual Peter’s Pence Collection for the works of the Holy Father.  We can help Pope Benedict ring emergency assistance and the hope of Christ to our brothers and sisters in need throughout the world.  Please remember the Holy Father in your prayers, and please make a generous gift.  If you are unable to donate this week, drop your envelope and/or check made payable to the Peter’s Pence Collection in the offertory basket next weekend.

Sunday Ministers!

Please check the schedule carefully.  You may be scheduled at your second choice of Mass.   And remember that the Mass on July 12^th will be at 4:00 pm due to the Festival.  Please do not assume someone will be at Mass to take your place if you do not come.  That is not always the case.

Retreat

I will be at St. Anne Convent in Melbourne , KY this week, June 30-July 4 for my annual retreat.  Be assured of my prayers for your intentions, especially the sick.  I ask for your prayers also, that this may be a time of grace and blessing.  Thank you.  Sr. Armella

CONFIRMATION GROUP LEADERS

Thank you to the generous men and women who have responded to be leaders this Fall for our Confirmation program.  We are still in need of six more leaders.  As God has blessed you show your gratefulness by blessing our youth with the richness of your own faith and a commitment to walk and pray with our candidates in love and support.  Please call Sr. Armella (689-5010, ext. 225) or srarmella@ihm-ky.org if you can assist or have questions.

Registration for PREP – (Parish Religious Education Program)

If you are a new family at IHM and have children in grades 1-6 or grade 7 & 8 who attend public school please register in the parish first and then register your children for religion classes as soon as possible.  Registration forms may be picked up in the gathering space of church or mailed to you at your request.  Please call Sr. Armella (689-5010, ext 225) or e-mail (srarmella@ihm-ky.org) if you have questions or need assistance.

PREP Teachers are needed!  (Parish Religious Education Program)

Religious Ed teachers are needed this fall for the 2008-2009 school year.    Positions are available in the primary grades 1-3 and in the intermediate grades, 4-6.  Classes are held on Tuesday or Wednesday evening from 7:00-8:15 p.m.  YOUR FAITH is one of your greatest blessings!  Consider sharing it with others.  Call 689-5010, ext 225 or srarmella@ihm-ky.org to apply or if you have questions.

Christ Renews His Parish

The next Women’s and Men’s weekends are fast approaching.  All women of the parish are invited to experience Christ Renews His Parish on the weekend of September 27-28.  Men’s weekend is September 20-21.  For information, women may contact Mary Clague (485-9151) or Deacon Greg.  Men may contact Deacon Jim.

Prayer Needles Raffle Tickets on Sale NOW!

Prayer Needles is having a raffle of many handmade items at the summer festival.  Come see us in the gathering space after Mass today.  We will have our items displayed and you can purchase raffle tickets at $1 each.  The drawings will be held at 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 13^th.

IHM Seniors

Thursday, July 10 at 12:15 pm in the K of C Hall.  Lunch, short meeting, bingo and door prizes.

Seniors at Marydale!

Two dates are available for lunch, surrey ride and games.  They are August 12 and August 26^th.  Call Rosie at Marydale, 371-4224 if you would like to go.  Price is approximately $14.00.

AG-118 (ALD 90)

IHM Parish Festival

Friday, July 11, 6:00-Midnight; Saturday, July 12, 5:00-Midnight, and Sunday, July 13, 4:00-Midnight

-         We are in need of festival volunteers.  Please sign up in the back of church after masses for available booths.

-         We are in need of volunteers to help set up for the festival.  Please show up the week of the festival at IHM between 6-9 pm to help.

-         Grand Raffle tickets and Family Day Ride tickets will be sold in the back of church after masses.

-         We are in need of baked goods for the Homemade Chicken dinner on Saturday, July 12^th.  Please drop off your baked goods in the cafeteria on Saturday, July 12^th after 10:00 am.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is in desperate need of fans and air conditioners.  Please donate to the Erlanger Store located at 2655 Crescent Springs Road , Erlanger , KY 41018 .  Donations can be dropped off Mon-Sat 9 am – 5 pm.  Any questions, contact The District Office, 341-3212, ext 12 and ask for Tracy .  Thank you for helping us help others.

Ed Colina Returns to Kenya

On June 22^nd former IHM principal Ed Colina returns to the Nyumbani Village in Kitui , Kenya .  He sends his gratitude for your prayers and overwhelming support.  He will continue work in this remote village but also hopes to assist a small Maasai slum near the capitol city of Nairobi .  Tax exempt donations may now be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission Fund at the parish address.  Follow along with Ed’s journal at www.emcjourney.blogspot.com < http:www.emcjourney.blogspot.com> and view the needs of the Maasai Slum Project at www.mwep.blogspot.com <http://www.mwep.blogspot.com>

The IHM Women’s Group is sponsoring the Combination/Silent Auction Booth.  We are in need of new or gently used household items, home décor, handmade items and electronics.  We would greatly appreciate event tickets and gift certificates.  Please bring items to the gathering space and place them in the box “IHM Women’s Group Festival Donations” or in our mailbox.  Thank you for your generosity!  Call Stephanie McManama at 586-1873 for questions or stephanie.mcmanama@gmail.com.

Immaculate Heart of Mary School is searching for a part-time nurse.  It is important that the candidate be certified and licensed as a nurse. This position includes the daily care and assistance with students, record keeping, and maintaining student health records.  Please call Mike Jacks at 859-689-4303 Ex. 232 if you are interested.

Congratulations!  Villa Madonna Academy

First Honors:  Katie Cunha, Katie Kurzendoerfer, Kimberly Yocom

Second Honors: Nick Iott

Nicholas Andrew Iott:  Mountain Challenge Fellowship Award from Maryville College .  Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship

Joseph A. Reser:  Pitt-Brandford Panther Scholarship from the University of Pittsburgh .  Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship

St. Charles Care Center in Covington is currently hiring LPN’s for full time or part time employment.  St. Charles offers excellent compensation, competitive benefits and shift differentials.  Those interested are asked to call Human Resources at 859-331-3224 for additional information.

Welcome to the Family of God:

Wyatt Michael, child of John & Kristin Garrison

Madelyn Cate, child of James & Jeni Demler

Anna Marie & Connor Robert, children of Mark & Shannon Maciejewski

Kenneth Lee II, child of Carey & Emmy Felix

Riley Anne, child of Steven & Shannon Puglisi

Kelcey Lyn, child of Patrick & Michelle Bollman

Rhonda Keita, child of Michael & Bridget Striker

Garrett Michael, child of Patrick & Heidi Gallagher

Chase Matthew, child of Sean & Amy Edwards

Calendar of Events for July 2008

Wed. July 2           7:00-9:00 pm – The Prayer Needles MR 2 & 3

Thu. July 3            10:30 am-6:45 pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             6:00 pm – Prayer Group for Mary

                             7:00-9:00 pm – EDGE for incoming 7^th & 8^th grades

Fri. July 4              10:00 am - First Friday Mass

                             Independence Day

Sat. July 5             7:00 am – Saturday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast

                            10:00 am – First Saturday Mass

Sun. July 6            10:10 am – St. Vincent de Paul meeting in the library

                             6:00-8:00 pm – Life Teen

Mon. July 7           7:30 pm – Boonedockers meeting

Tue. July 8            7:00 pm – Baptismal Preparation Program in the library

Thu. July 10          10:30 am-6:45 pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             12:15 pm – IHM Seniors meeting in the K of C Hall

                             6:00 pm – Prayer Group for Mary

Fri. July 11            6:00-Midnight – Festival

Sat. July 12            5:00 – Midnight – Festival

Sun. July 13           4:00 – Midnight - IHM Festival

Mon. July 14         7:30 pm – Knights of Columbus meeting in K of C Hall

Wed. July 16         7:00-9:00 pm – The Prayer Needles MR 2 & 3

Thu. July 17          10:30 am-6:45 pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             6:00 pm – Prayer Group for Mary

Fri. July 18            5:30 pm – Fish Fry

                             7:00 pm – Bingo

Sat. July 19            Blood Pressure Screening

Sun. July 20           Blood Pressure Screening

Thu. July 24          10:30 am-6:45 pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             6:00 pm – Prayer Group for Mary

Fri. July 25             5:30 pm – Fish Fry

                             7:00 pm – Bingo

Sun. July 27           Outreach Sunday

                   6:00-8:00 pm – Life Teen

Mon. July 28         7:30 pm – Knights of Columbus meeting in K of C Hall  

Thu. July 31          10:30-6:45 pm – Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

                             6:00 pm – Prayer Group for Mary

MBB-2 (ALD 50)

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

Monday – June 30

10:00 am – Mary Frances Flaherty

Tuesday – July 1

8:00 am – Intentions of Kunstek Family

10:00 am – Manuel Fonseca

Wednesday – July 2

8:00 am – Bill & Marguerite Ward

10:00 am – Sue Schutte

Thursday – July 3

10:00 am – Mary Frances Flaherty

7:00 pm – Sr. Louise Marie Balmut

Friday – July 4

First Friday – Independence Day

10:00 am – Clarence Boh

Saturday – July 5

10:00 am – Mary E. (Bess) Buttelwerth

5:00 pm – Gina Marie Shaw

Sunday – July 6

7:30 am – Immaculate Heart of Mary Parishioners

9:00 am – In Thanksgiving

11:00 am – Pat Reuthe

12:30 pm – Harry Keuper

Offertory Collection: $22,164.34

PRAY FOR OUR SICK

Nancy Taylor, Joyce Shaw, John DiMuzio, Loretta Keeling, Shirley Thompson, Teresa Seiter, Danny Brierly, Rita Koenig, Nancy Romer, Valerie Dicarlo, Patricia Breslin, Janet Lee, Austin Bailey, Ned Kleier, Jim Schneider, Donnie Loos, Marlene Whitley, Tommy Johnson, Janet Lee, Terry Roth, Cathy Dunhoft, Gerry Brewer, Dominic Wojtal, Joseph Ballard, Nathan Bisell, Dr. Thomas Wachtel, Edmond Waible, Jake Bossert, Beverly Graven

To ADD or REMOVE A NAME, please call Rose at the parish office, 689-5010, ext. 224. *** Once you add one, please call back to remove in order to keep the list from getting so long.  Thank you.

When being admitted to the hospital:  Due to changes in patient privacy laws, the parish is not notified if you have been admitted to the hospital.  If you are going into the hospital, please notify the parish office as soon as possible or have a family member or friend call us.

The Prayer Needles work for you.  If you have a loved one that is currently in need and would like to receive a prayer shawl, please contact Jean Schirtzinger 384-7072 or e-mail ihm-crafting@yahoo.com.  Check out our web page under Groups on the IHM website.

BE AN ORGAN DONOR!  Call 513-558-4444 TODAY!

DON’T WAIT!  YOU COULD SAVE SOMEONE’S LIFE!