Making the Most of the Opportunity

St. Michael & St. Francis Bulletin August 15 & 16, 2015 Pastor: Fr. Harry Tully Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

MAKING THE MOST OF THE OPPORTUNITY

The Letter to the Ephesians speaks to us, urging wisdom in our discernment of how to live the Christian life. We are to “watch carefully . . . making the most of opportunity,” and “try to understand what is the will of the Lord” (5:15).

We are promised a generous outpouring of God’s help in our attempts to live the gospel: the Eucharist. This is the “living bread,” the Body and Blood of the Lord. To those who can only think literally, this seems not only foolish, but repulsive as well. We need to have more wisdom, understanding, and faith to understand properly what we have been asked to believe.

For our bread, which is food, and our wine, which is drink, to be transformed from things that give life to the body into Christ, who gives life to the soul, another great transformation must take place. Not only are the physical elements transformed, we are transformed as well. If we become people of Wisdom, eating of this banquet, we become one with Christ, who is one with God. We become the Body of Christ, his living and real presence.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD

This wisdom for us is foolishness to the world. But there is a saying, “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” When we eat this bread and drink this cup, we become what we eat; that is, we become one with the Lord and with each other. The proof of this is in our love. If we love God, if we love each other, and if we love others and serve them in charity, our love will be living proof of God’s life and work in the world. We truly become the Body of Christ.

Today’s Readings: Proverbs 9:1–6; Psalm 34:2–7; Ephesians 5:15–20; John 6:51–58

Mass Schedule Mass Intentions

Pastor’s Corner

Dear parishioners,

The words of St. Paul to the people of Ephesus in our second reading for this weekend are as appropriate for us today as they were when first written. You and I find ourselves in troubled times, challenging our beliefs, the teaching of the Church as well as values all people aspire to. We are given opportunities to respond and challenge those who find fault with the 'norm'. We gather each week as followers and disciples of The Lord Jesus Christ to receive His life giving presence to strengthen us in the living of our faith. When we allow Him to fill us with His very life we become truly wise and capable of great things to the glory of God.

Just a reminder, all children in the parish should be enrolled in our Sunday morning religious education classes especially those who expect to receive sacraments. Parents are the first teachers in the way of the Faith, so your example and encouragement go a long way in helping you children grow in knowledge of what we believe and what our Church teaches. Please don't let them down. Let's give them the best.

Do you know of someone who has asked about being Catholic or someone who wants to know more of what our Church teaches? Let them know about the upcoming RCIA program.

Finally, please pray for an increase in those responding to God's invitation to priesthood and religious life. The witness of their generous response aids us all on our journey of Faith.

God bless you and keep up the 'good' work, Fr. Tully

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Weekend of August 15-16, 2015

Jesus announces that he is the “living bread.” And we understand that the Eucharist is the center of our life in faith: in our families, parish, local church and throughout the world. We are the stewards of Christ’s life in the Eucharist. We are called to put the Eucharist into action. How do we do that? St. Paul enjoins us to be always grateful, to worship, to try to understand the will of the Lord and to watch carefully how we live. What are some of the ways we can put the Eucharist into action this week?

Rosary for Vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the 12th of each month at 7:00pm in church.

Rosary at 5:00 before Saturday Evening Mass

Rosary at 10:30 before Sunday Mass

Saturday Evening Mass Intention: Florence & Calvin DeVary

Sunday 11:00 am Mass Intention: Paul McBride

Sunday 12:30 pm Mass Intention: The Latino Community

The Prayer Group at St. Michael welcomes everyone to come and pray with them at 6:00pm every Monday in the Church.

Bible Study Class

We will meet again on Monday at 7:00pm in Rectory basement. We will begin with the book of “Acts”. Let Steve Buit or Juliann know if you are interested in joining us.

Registration for the 2015-2016 Faith Formation for preschool thru high school. Registration forms and a Faith Formation Calendar can be found at Registration forms can also be put in the collection basket.

Sister Loretta from the Archdiocese Office of Catholic Education will make a visit to present a program to the children of the parish titled, “Helping children all over the world” on August 30th at 9:30am.

Our service project each week is to collect non-perishable canned goods for the North Clark Outreach Center.

Thanks to last week’s assistants: Cheryl Mann, Lindsey Wirthwein, Laura Minner, Myriam Nino, Stephen Dumeyer. We welcome the new families to the Faith Formation program and the parish.

Faith Formation Calendar

Aug 16 – Session Three

Aug 25 – Session Four

Aug 30 – Session Five

Sept 6 - No class Labor Day weekend

St. Michael and St. Francis Xavier Sacrament Preparation: The Faith Formation Commission, the Pastor, and the Archdiocese state that a child must be enrolled and attend classes the YEAR BEFORE and YEAR of receiving the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation.. Baptism of children under school age requires the parents to meet with the pastor before the sacrament is received.

Septemberfest/Kermes Meeting on August 19th at 6:45pm.

A Big Thanks

Joyce Schafer, Joe Wafford, Mary Wafford, Stephen Eickholtz, John Eickholtz, Brian Eickholtz, Kevin Traub, Joe Hoffman, Juanita Hoffman, Geniva Schlageter, Dinis Eickholtz, Phyllis Eickholtz, Annemarie Eickholtz, Becky Branstetter, Lawrence Lyons, Rovilla Lyons, Joan Corbett, Dorothy Smith, Rosi Kopp, Carol DeVary, Joe Rash, Raymond Eickholtz, Juliann Eickholtz, Anne Bryant, Neal Bryant, Robert Lindenmayer, Wanda Lindenmayer, Tim Baltz, Janet Pike, Rusty Pike, Nancy Williams, John Williams, and to all others who helped gather, shuck, clean, cook and freeze corn.

St. Michael Ministries Schedule

Sat. Aug 22, 5:30pm– St. Michael

Eucharistic Ministers: S. Seals, M.P. Beach, Volunteer

Servers: J. Worley

Gift Bearers: R/J Pike

Cantors: S/S Buit

Musician: C. Eickholtz

Lector: S. Buit

Sun. Aug 23, 11:00 am – St. Michael

Eucharistic Ministers: J. Kinder, J. Dean, C. DeVary

Servers: C. Jackson/T. J. Jackson

Gift Bearers: S/A Barker Family

Cantors: J/M Wafford

Musician: Nancy Kinder

Lector: C. Dunn

Please Welcome into The St. Michael Parish Family: Gordon & Maximina Curry and their children: Leydi and Alexander.

Michael & Rachel Thibideau and their children: Nicholas, Hannah. Lindsey Wirthwein and Alexis Hale.

Upcoming Church Picnics

Mt. St. Francis Annual Picnic

Sat. Aug. 29, 2015, 11:00am-Midnight

CHICKEN DINNERS

Games for all ages. Quilts,

Silent Auction Upscale Items

Gambling Tent and Beer Garden

$7,000 in Grand Prizes!

Mass at 4:00pm

Collection

August 8 & 9

St. Michael $ 3,419.50

St. Francis Xavier $ 1,141.00

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Sunday Mass Intention: Kenneth Yost

The Fish Fry at St. Francis for August is cancelled and will start again the first Friday in September

5-7pm. Come out and enjoy! The menu includes fish, fries, slaw, fried biscuits, drinks & desserts. Thanks to everyone for your support.

Faith Formation Classes

Aug 16-Class 1st Communion class parent meeting

Aug 23-Class

Aug 30-Class

Sept 6- Labor Day weekend, no class

St. Francis Xavier Ministries Schedule

Sun. Aug 23- 9:00am

Eucharistic Ministers: Darlene Reul, Lawrence Yochum,

Dan Young

Servers: Ben Ulrich, Andrew Banet, Gage Higdon

Ushers: Bill Short, Don Rue

Gift Bearers: Mike and Ann Harbeson Family

Lector: Joe Banet

Please Welcome into The St. Francis Xavier Parish Family: Lisa Dearmond and Johnny Price.

“To everything there is a season and a time to every

purpose under heaven a time to be born a time to love a time to heal a time to die and a time of peace.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR HEALTH & STRENGTH:

Allen Barker, Alicia Blair, Bea Beach, Joyce Bower, Billy Brand, Sherry Buit, Norma Carl, Darlene Carter, Alvin Collins, Jim Corcoran, Bernice Donahue, Patrick Dunn, Don Hamerla, Rita Hamerla, Bill Hawkins, Shannan Hawkins, Gus Hoefer, Curtis Ingram, Kenny Jackson, Andy Korte, Michelle Korty, Chuck Ledbetter, Terri Lynn Maples, Bob Masters, Michael Murphy, Ester Toby Nelson, Dora Nevins, Ian Newland, Mitch Newland, Janeson Payne, Ethan Phillips, Jennifer Richie, Krista Simpson, Clarence Smith, Dorothy Smith, John Speicher, Mariam State, Mark Thise, Teresa Thomas, Billy Wayne Upton, Tim Wafford, Nancy Williams, Paula Wolfe, Emma Yount. Names will remain on the list for 6 months unless you tell us to remove them or request that they be kept longer.

Keep College Students Connected - Do you have a son or daughter attending college? Catholic Youth Ministries would love to keep them connected to the Catholic community by updating them on college ministry opportunities. Email with your child's name, email address, school mailing address, and contact number so they can receive information on retreats, service opportunities, and gatherings!

Mission at St. Michael this Fall

St. Michael will host a 3-night drama mission performed by, Frank Runyeon. You really will not want to miss this, so mark your calendars.

LUKE: Stories on the Road

(highlighting the theme of Mercy)

on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 7pm,

The Sermon on the Mount

on Friday, November 13, 2015, at 7pm, and

HOLLYWOOD vs. FAITH

on Sunday, November 15, 2015, at 7pm

Question of the Week

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Theme: Eternal Life

For a large part of the liturgical year, we devote ourselves to listening to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects unfolded as we seek God’s truth and understanding.

Step 1: Listen to the Word: This is a familiar story. As you hear it proclaimed today what strikes you? What is there in this story that touches your own heart?

Step two: Look into your Life.

Children & Youth: How does receiving communion help you grow in your faith? How does in help you to love others?

Adults: Jesus promises us eternal life if we follow him and believe. What makes it hard for you to believe? What is easy about faith?

RCIA will begin September 8th. “The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” is an adult convert program. St. Michael and St. Francis work together with St. Paul and St. Joe Hill on the program. This is also a great opportunity for Catholic Adults (18years or older) to review their faith and/or to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This process is a period of learning as well as discernment about becoming Catholic. We welcome people of all faith traditions to learn more about our Catholic faith and have their questions answered about our practices. Most importantly, we hope that our RCIA process helps those interested to deepen their relationship with Christ and come to know Him through the Catholic Church. Please contact Fr. Tully or Juliann.

Golden Wedding Jubilee 2015

All married couples of the Archdiocese who will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary during 2015 are invited to the 32nd Annual Golden Wedding Jubilee Mass at 2:00pm EDT on Sunday, August 23 at SS.Peter and Paul Cathedral, Indianapolis. Registrations forms can be obtained online at

Retreat Training day, Saturday, Sep 12, 9am-12:30pm at the CYM offices, for high school youth and adults interested in volunteering for retreat ministry at their parish, school, or with the deanery retreat program. Pre-registration is required. Deadline to register is Friday, Sep 4. Find us at or call 812-923-8355.

Catholic Story Time Returns! August 19th is the first session after summer break! We will meet from 10:00 – 11:30 at the Aquinas Center on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. The morning will include prayer, stories and activities. If you have any questions please call or email Christina at the Aquinas Center: 812-246-5044/

To learn more about Pope Francis’s visit in September visit http: /

A Prayer for Our Troops”

Dear Lord… We thank you for the lives and service of our men and women in the Armed Forces. Strengthen them and give them guidance as they stand in harm’s way to protect our nation and way of life. May they face each day of their service the same way Your Son Jesus did: with courage dignity and faith. And if it be Your will when their work is through bring them safely home. Lord please also bless the families of our troops. Reward them generously for their sacrifices which are known only to You. May we never forget those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and safety: those who have died in the service of our country. May they rest in peace forever with You in Your kingdom. Amen