If you've ever gone to any Catholic Mass, you've probably seen the folks dressed in clothes similar to the priests who get to ring the bells, carry the cross/candles, and have a first-hand view into the sanctuary.
Here at St. Michael Parish, anyone who has received their First Communion and is in at least the fifth grade can be an altar server, and to that end, we will be having our annual Altar Server Camp on Saturday, August 21 from 9 am to 3 pm and will include periods of prayer, training, lunch, and Mass. Sign up by emailing Amanda Crutchfield at acrutchfield@stmichaelsauburn.com by August 4.
WHY ALTAR SERVE?
In May 2021, Pope Francis "reminded altar servers of the good fortune they have to approach the altar where the host and wine are consecrated to become the Body and Blood of Our Lord, adding that though their eyes do not see Jesus, their lips and hearts adore Him."
Pope Francis further encouraged the altar servers to put all the enthusiasm of their age into the encounter with Jesus hidden under the Eucharistic veil. “Offer Jesus your hands, your thoughts and your time,” he urged, “and He will not fail to reward you, giving you true joy and making you feel where the most complete happiness is.” (source)
PARISH NEWS
PILGRIM VIRGIN STATUE PROGRAM
Pilgrim Virgin Statue program begins August 15, parish families are invited to renew their devotion to
Jesus through Mary by participating in the Pilgrim Virgin Statue Program. Each week the statue of Our Lady will travel to the home of one parish family for a weeklong visit. While the statue of the Blessed
Mother is in the home, families are encouraged to pray together either part of or the entire five-decade
Rosary for the intentions of our parish and their private intentions. You can sign up to participate at https://stmichaelauburnalabama.flocknote.com/signup/63345. The statue can be picked up at the Gift Corner on your scheduled Sunday between 9:30 – 11:45 am. Please return the Blessed Mother statue for her next pilgrimage between the 5 pm Vigil and 9 am on Sunday morning to the Gift Corner.
OFFERING REPORT:
General Collection: $18,356
Forward in Faith: $1,807
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament begins after 12:10 pm Mass and ends with Benediction at 5:30 pm Friday, August 6. Please sign up for a
particular time of adoration on the board in the vestibule.
CATECHESIS
We will begin training for "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd". It is a unique approach to Catholic catechism for children. The program will start
next fall with preschool religious education only. For those interested in participating in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our first training date is Saturday, September 11. You must be preregistered to attend monthly workshops. For more information contact Geri.
If you are at least 18 years of age, enjoy working with children, and would like to teach religious education classes during the 2021-2022 school year,
please contact Geri ASAP for more information. Catechists are needed for preschool through grade 1.
RESPECT LIFE
ACTION ALERT - Hyde Amendment
President Biden’s budget proposes forcing taxpayers to fund abortion on demand! Join the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ effort to oppose the repeal of the Hyde Amendment that prevents tax-payer funding of abortion. You can take action NOW by visiting this link and signing the petition: www.notaxpayerabortion.com
Don’t let our government make you pay for the taking of innocent human life. For more information visit:
https://www.respectlife.org/no-taxpayer-abortion.
