Dear Parishioners:

This weekend at the 12:10 Mass, we will welcome the Providence College Nashville-area alumni to St. Mary's. Following Mass, the alumni group will have a reception in the crypt. Providence College is a Dominican institution, and the Dominican connection is the reason for the visit to St. Mary's Church.  The first Bishop of Nashville, Richard Pius Miles, was a Dominican. He built St. Mary's as his cathedral, and we revere his memory at his tomb at the entrance of the church.

I also want to mention that I will be away with the Rome Experience program for seminarians from May 23 - June 9.  I will be serving as a spiritual director for the seminarians during their retreat in Ars, France and then for the first week of the program in Rome.  Count on my prayers, and I ask for yours.  I leave you in Fr. Fye's capable hands!

Faithfully, Fr. John Sims Baker

Adoration coverage needed:  Spending quiet time alone with the Lord in adoration can be a life-changer.  Adoration at St. Mary's is offered every Tuesday, starting at 1 pm, through noon on Wednesdays. To sign up, please contact Marilyn at marilyn.e.cox@me.com or 615-766-4119.  Free parking permits are provided.  He waits for you!

In commemoration of the Feast of Corpus Christi next Sunday, May 29, we will offer Eucharistic Adoration following the 9 am Mass.  Benediction will start at noon before the start of 12:10 Mass.

Newly engaged?  Sign up for the Three to Get Married Retreat for engaged couples, led by Fr. Baker and Fr. Fye.  The next weekend retreat will be held August 12-14.  Find out more details and register here.

May is the month of Mary.  Please stay in Church after 9 am Mass on Sundays to pray the rosary.

Christians from Bethlehem will visit  May 28-29 to sell their hand-made olive wood carvings and crafts. This is the main source of income for Christians in the Holy Land.  Please be generous in your support.

Totus Tuus is a summer Catholic youth program dedicated to promoting the Faith and igniting the hearts of participants. Totus Tuus will be held at the Church of Assumption July 16—22 for rising first through twelfth graders.  The cost is $25 and includes a t-shirt. Registration ends July 10. Contact Jerilyn (jrost@assumptionchurchnashville.org) or Margaret (simpsontomtn@comcast.net)

· 9 am Schola: There are openings in all sections -especially Alto and Tenor.

· Girls and Boys Schola rehearse at 3:15 pm in the Crypt/Parish Hall. 4th grade - Senior High School.  Join us!

Let us hear from you, if you are interested in singing in any of the above groups.  For more details, email Dr. Nancy Sutton at music@stmarysdowntown.org