Twenty -Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 30 September 2018

Transcripción

1 Twenty -Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time 30 September 2018 Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose their reward. ~ Mark 9: 41 St. Michael Catholic Church & School Gastonia, North Carolina

2 This Week at St. Michael Sunday, September 30 Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time Monday, October 1 St. Thérèse of Lisieux Tuesday, October 2 The Holy Guardian Angels Sacred Liturgy 7:30 AM Holy Mass Eric & Liliana Wenger 10:00 AM Holy Mass For the People 12:00 PM Holy Mass (Spanish) Priest Intention 7:00 AM Holy Mass - Zachary Brown 7:45 AM Lauds No Holy Mass No Lauds Meetings & Events 8:45 AM Donuts & Dogma: PC/K 8:45 AM FF English: School/C-Hall 10:00 AM FF Spanish: All bldgs. 2:00 PM Spanish Dance Practice: Gym 7:00 PM SAA: C-Hall 2:30 PM Regnum Christi: HFR 3:00 PM Children s Choir Practice: Ch 5:00 PM Amor por la Vida: C-Hall 6:30 PM K/C 6700: PC/K 6:30 PM Spanish Mission Meeting: C-Hall 7:00 PM Fraternus/Fidelis: Ch/Gym/MC 6:30 PM Emmaus Groups: PC/C-Hall 7:00 PM Financial Peace: SMCS Media Center 7:00 PM Schola Practice: Ch Wednesday, October 3 Thursday, October 4 St. Francis of Assisi Friday, October 5 First Friday Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos St. Faustina Kowalska Saturday, October 6 First Saturday St. Bruno Bl. Marie Rose Durocher 5:00 PM Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5:00-5:45 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Holy Rosary and Benediction 6:15 PM Holy Mass Luke Wenger 7:00 AM Holy Mass Thomas PJ Walsh 7:45 AM Lauds 10:00 PM Nocturnal Adoration 7:30 AM Benediction 7:45 AM Lauds 8:15 AM Holy Mass Gilma Micheli 9:15 AM - 5:00 PM Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 3:00 PM Divine Mercy Chaplet 7:00 PM Holy Mass (Spanish) - Priest intention 8:00 AM Lauds & Miraculous Medal Novena 8:15 AM Holy Mass - John Foreman 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Confessions 4:30 PM Holy Rosary 5:00 PM Holy Mass For the People 7:00 PM Adult Choir Practice: Ch 7:00 PM Confirmation I: C-Hall 7:00 PM CSS (Gospel of Luke): PC/K 5:30 AM TMIY: PC/K 10:00AM Stitching Guild: PC 6:30 PM RCIA: HFR 6:30 PM Life Chain Workday: PC 6:30 PM Little Flowers: SMCS 7:00 PM Liturgy Committee Mtg: C-Hall 8:00 PM Vocations Prayer Group: Ch 9:30 AM CSS (Revelation): HFR 5:30 PM Legion of Mary: HFR 6:30 PM Spanish Youth Group: C-Hall 2:00 PM Cursillo: HFR 2:30 PM Wedding 8:00 PM AA Meeting: C-Hall Sunday, October 7 Twenty-Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time 7:30 AM Holy Mass Eric Wenger 10:00 AM Holy Mass Andrew Fierova 12:00 PM Holy Mass (Spanish) Priest Intention 8:45 AM Donuts & Dogma: PC/K 8:45 AM FF English: School/C-Hall 10:00 AM FF Spanish: All bldgs. 1:00 PM Spanish Social: PC/K 2:00 PM Spanish Dance Practice: Gym 7:00 PM SAA: C-Hall

3 Please Remember in your Prayers Parish Members & Friends: Fr. James Ebright, Fr. George Kloster, Sister Mary Olivia Shirley, Sr. Josepha Whi y, Anna Ashworth, Janet Atherton, Joe Bell, Janice Black, Burton & Beth Bradley, Jeffrey Brown, Robert Carothers, Eneida Ceballos, Hilario Chegue, Steven Cherry, Chuck Deal, Antonia Delgado García, Gail Driscoll, Be y Dow, Glenda Downey, Elizabeth Eddie, Logan Escandón, Pete & Rebecca Files, Shannon Frazer, Lynne Freeman, Kathy Geoffroy, Penny Godwin, Jean Goebel, Aleyda Gómez, Fred Halek, Lynn Hamm, Gwen Hart, Calvin Hebert, Dorothy Henley, Kevin Hornbeck, Beverly Hornbeck, Eric Hunter, Connie Hu er, Buddy James, Linda Johnson, Robin Johnson, Briceida Juya, Kay Landry, Maureen Lupton, Pat Lauzon, Olivia Levesque, Cookie Lynn, Georgia Mannering, Antonia Marin, Josefina Mar nez, Rita Mascarenhas, Doris McFee, Sadie Messer, Micheli Family, Andrew Milewski, Heather Monteleagre, Sarah Monteleone, Marion Moore, Wayne Moore, John Moore, Jack Neerincx, Sarah O Keefe, Gerald Orazem, Hernán Ortega, Mary Packard, Charles Pasour, David Peace, Henry Phillips, Ivo Raimundo, Penny Ramsey, Gladys Rodriguez, Sue Ruocco, K.S., Bill Saluke, Jo Santoro, Marie Seager, Gemma Servin Vega, Maureen Setlock, Jim Sneska, Pat Splawn, Bob Stauss, Michael Stone, McKenzie Reese Tapper, Mr. Tater, Alice Thornburg, Maerene Thomas, Tinsdale Family, Emperatriz Vidal, Jacqueline Wood, Paul & Marion Yager For all in service to our country: Stefan Zapata, Derrick Dobbins, Ma hew Barker, Kevin Haskins, Stephanie Miller, Kevin Tiddy, Jeffrey Kaldah For the repose of the souls of: Frank Boothe, Joseph Stanton Saturday, October 6 5:00 PM Mass Lectors: Gi s: EMHC: Sunday, Greeters: Lectors: Gi s: Sunday, Greeters: Lectors: EMHC: Our lady of the rosary, Pray for us! SERVERS OF THE SACRED LITURGY Rosemarie Weisenhorn, Micheline Schmidlin John Murawski Jeff Templeton October 7 7:30 AM Mass Ellen Roberts Helen O Daly, John Welsh Chip & De Watson October 7 10:00 AM Mass Jane Sheppard Ed Chase, Rece McSwain Bill Melton Highlights October ~ November 2018 Location: St. Michael Catholic Church Campus, Unless Otherwise Noted FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, VISIT OUR PARISH CALENDAR: Saturday & Sunday, October 6 & 7 - PB&J Two Can Weekend Sunday, October 7: 2-3PM Life Chain Thursday, October 11 - Room at the Inn Banquet Wednesday, October 17 - Day of Reflection: Hickory Thursday, October 18 - MIRAVIA Banquet Saturday, October 20 - Catholic Writers Guild-Greensboro Thursday, October 25 - Red Mass: St. Peter s (Charlotte) Friday - Sunday, Oct Rachel s Vineyard Retreat Saturday, November 3 Mothering with Grace St. Ann Catholic Church (Charlotte) Sunday, November 4th at 2:30 PM Couples Anniversary Mass: St. John Neumann Friday, Nov 9 to Sunday, Nov 11 World Wide Marriage Encounter (Atlantic Beach) A Prayer for Our Priests In Loving Memory of Joe & Ann Matovic by Their Children Eternal Father, we li up to you our priests and all the priests of the world. Sanc fy them; heal and guide them; mold them into the likeness and holiness of your Son, Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. READINGS FOR THE WEEK 10/01 10/07 Monday: Jb 1:6-22; Ps 17:1bcd-3, 6-7; Lk 9:46-50 Tuesday: Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23; Ps 88:2-8; Mt 18:1-5, 10 Wednesday: Jb 9:1-12, 14-16; Ps 88:10bc-15; Lk 9:57-62 Thursday: Jb 19:21-27; Ps 27:7-9abc, 13-14; Lk 10:1-12 Friday: Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5; Ps 139:1-3, 7-10, 13-14ab; Lk 10:13-16 Saturday: Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17; Ps 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130; Lk 10:17-24 Sunday: Gn 2:18-24; Ps 128:1-6; Heb 2:9-11; Mk 10:2-16 [2-12]

4 PB & J... A lunch staple for most of the children in the USA - but not all. There are actually children right here in Gaston County who, if it were not for your generosity, would go without lunch more o en than not. Therefore, as part of our Two Can Ministry, let s make October 6 & 7 PB & J Two Can Weekend - let no child go hungry for lack of a peanut bu er and jelly sandwich! DID YOU KNOW? There are behavioral warning signs of child abusers Training and education help adults recognize grooming techniques that are precursors to abuse. Some abusers isolate a potential victim by giving him or her undue attention or lavish gifts. Another common grooming technique is to allow young people to participate in activities which their parents or guardians would not approve, such as watching pornography, drinking, alcohol, using drugs, and excessive touching, which includes wrestling and tickling. It is also critical to be wary of ageinappropriate relationships seen, for example, in the adult who is more comfortable with children than fellow adults. MiraVia, a Catholic non-profit maternity and a er-care program, invites you to a end its 24th Annual Fundraising Banquet Chosen & Precious in God s Sight on Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Charlo e Conven on Center s Crown Ballroom. This year s guest speaker is Shawn Carney. He is the co-founder and president of 40 Days for Life, a breakthrough ini a ve consis ng of 40 days of prayer and fas ng for an end to abor on, round-the-clock peaceful vigils outside local abor on centers and a grassroots door-to-door outreach that has dropped local abor on numbers by 28 percent. Shawn s efforts have mobilized more than 750,000 pro-life volunteers, confirmed reports of more than 14,600 mothers choosing life and 177 abor on center workers who have had conversions and le their jobs, including former abor on center director, Abby Johnson. To make a reserva on or to host a table of 8-10 people, visit h ps://miraviabanquet24.eventbrite.com. Registra on deadline is Oct. 8. Reserva ons are free, but required. Check-in/Recep on begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. For more informa on, visit or contact Megan Whiteside at ext.13, meganwhiteside@miravia.org. Is This Your Year? Couples married 25 or 50 years this year will be honored at an Anniversary Mass on Sunday, November 4, 2018, at St. John Neumann Church in Charlo e. Mass begins at 2:30 PM and will be followed by a recep on. Simply call St. Michael s parish office to be included. Lectors, Gi Bearers, and Greeters are needed to serve at the weekend Liturgies. Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist are also needed to serve the homebound and assisted living residents. For informa on regarding training and scheduling, please contact the parish office during regular office hours. Knights of Columbus Social All parishioners of St. Michael Catholic Church are invited Saturday, October 20th, following the 5 PM Mass. Please sign-up in the Narthex so we know how much food to provide. St. Thomas More Society Red Mass The Annual St. Thomas More Society Red Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at St. Peter s Catholic Church at 12:10 p.m. (507 S. Tryon St., Charlo e, NC 28202). Abbot Placid Solari, OSB, will be the main celebrant. The Red Mass is celebrated annually in many large ci es throughout the country, typically in conjunc on with the opening of the new session of the United States Supreme Court. All are invited to a end. Although details are pending, there will be a lunch and CLE immediately following the Mass at Parker Poe (401 S. Tryon Street, Suite 3000 next to St. Peter s) with the Honorable Robert J. Conrad, Jr. giving a talk en tled, Speaking Truth to Power: Lessons for Lawyers from the lives of Thomas More and John Fisher. If you are interested in a ending the lunch and talk, please e- mail Michael Hoefling (mhoefling@jahlaw.com) and Ma hew Orso (MOrso@mcguirewoods.com) by October 4.

5 Around our Parish & Diocese CATHOLIC CHARITIES DAY OF REFLECTION How can silence and imagina on improve your prayer life? Come find out Wednesday, October 17, from 9:45 AM - 3 PM. Father Patrick Cahill will be the presenter at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. The program includes lunch and will conclude with Holy Mass. Deadline for registra on is October 8th. Cost is $18/person. Please contact Sandra Breakfield: or sabreakfield@charlo ediocese.org Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abor on? Rachel s Vineyard Weekend Retreat creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect individuals to themselves, their friends and family and to realize God s ever-present love. There is an upcoming retreat in our diocese October Please contact: Jackie Childers: /Jackie.Childers1@gmail.com NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING (NFP) Catholic Chari es of the Diocese of Charlo e is offering FREE NFP courses throughout the Diocese, through November 10. Included are such topics as: health, rela onal and spiritual benefits, effec veness of NFP methods, health risks of contracep ves, and Church teaching on marital sexuality. Course loca ons include, Charlo e, Hickory and Arden. To RSVP or for more informa on, please contact: Batrice Adcock, MSN, at (704) or bnadcock@charlo ediocese.org FAITH FORMATION for All Ages Class Time Cost PreK-12 th Grade Faith Forma on Sundays 8:45-9:45am $30 per student Children/Teens RCIC Sundays 8:45-9:45am Included in FF Fee 6th-12 th Grade Youth Group Monthly Events and more $25 per youth Adult Ed Luke: The Gospel of Mercy Wednesdays 7-8:30pm $55 per student Adult Ed Revela on Fridays 9:30-11am $55 per student Adult Ed Donuts and Dogma Sundays 8:45-9:45am No Fee Adult Ed RCIA Thursdays 6:30-8pm $40 per student 7 th Grade Confirma on I 1 st Wednesdays 7-8:30pm $25 per student 8 th Grade Confirma on II 2nd Mondays 7-8pm $25 per student For full schedules, to register, or for more informa on, contact Theresa Webster: tmwebster@stmichaelsgastonia.org

6 Prayer to Our Lady of Good Remedy O Mother of the Divine Redeemer, who under the title of our Lady of Good Remedy comes to the aid of all who call upon thee, extend thy maternal protection to us. We depend on thee, Dear Mother, as helpless and needy children depend on a tender and caring mother. Thrift Store Needs We s ll need fall and winter clothing and footwear for adults and children, as well as blankets and warm bedding. For addi onal informa on please contact Amy Prui at or Thank you for your generosity! Your word, oh Lord, is truth. Bring the Lord s truth into your marriage by a ending an upcoming Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend on Nov 9-11, 2018 in ATLANTIC BEACH, NC and Mar 1-3, 2019 in Hickory, NC. Early sign up is recommended. For more informa on visit our website at: h ps://ncmarriagediscovery.org or contact us atapplica ons@ncmarriagediscovery.org or You may give electronically at Prayerfully consider giving at least one hour's wage per week to the Lord. BULLETIN DEADLINE: All material for publica on in SMCC Sunday Bulle n must be submi ed to Lisse e Westover, Parish Secretary at secretary@stmichaelsgastonia.org in editable form, no later than 12 Noon, Thursday, ten (10) days prior to publica on. Contact informa on, i.e., name, and/or phone number must also be included. Thank you for your coopera on! In a life committed to stewardship we are called to possess lightly. Jesus taught about the dangers of clutching to material possessions and pointed to the real treasures available to us in life.

7 Pastor PARISH DIRECTORY 708 St. Michael s Lane Gastonia, NC In Residence Hispanic Priest (Ext. 112) Deacon Rev. Fr. Lucas Rossi LCRossi@stmichaelsgastonia.org Rev. Fr. James Ebright jaebright@charlottediocese.org Rev. Fr Jose Antonio Juya jjajuya@yahoo.com Rev. Mr. John Weisenhorn yourdeak@gmail.com Deacon / Facilities Manager Rev. Mr. Tim Mueller (Ext. 104) tmueller@stmichaelsgastonia.org Pastoral Care Sr. Carolyn Mary Coll, RSM mercy1827.9@gmail.com Administrative Assistant Mrs. Phyllis Mueller (Ext. 129) prmueller@stmichaelsgastonia.org Parish Secretary / Communications Ms. Lissette Westover secretary@stmichaelsgastonia.org Religious Education (English) Mrs. Theresa Webster (Ext. 114) tmwebster@stmichaelsgastonia.org Choirs Adult Mrs. Toni Keating tmkeating@stmichaelsgastonia.org Children Mrs. Kristen Levine tklehome@bellsouth.ne Schola Ms. Kristy Brown kristylynnbrown@gmail.com St Michael Thrift Store 1111 S. York Street Gastonia, NC Phone: Tuesday Friday:10 5:30 Saturday:10 4 Thrift Store Manager Ms. Amy Pruitt appruitt@stmichaelsgastonia.org St. Michael Catholic School 704 St Michael s Lane Gastonia, NC Phone: School Principal (Ext. 118) Mrs. Sheila Levesque salevesque@stmichaelsgastonia.org DIRECTORIO DE MINISTERIOS 708 St. Michael s Lane Gastonia, NC Vicaría de Gastonia - Ministerio Hispano Padre Jose Antonio Juya Bendición o Presentación de Niños: Betty Villegas Catequesis para Niños, Jóvenes & Adultos Mireya Rico Luzmar Go mez Charla para el Sacramento del Matrimonio Marıá y Dioney Consejería Espiritual - Jueves y Viernes Llame al Padre Jose al Coordinadora Comité Pastoral Hispano Reina Granadino Coordinador General de Liturgia John Herrera Julio Garcıá Graciela Lo pez Decoración para Celebraciones/Artículos Religiosos Nora Hospitalidad: Ariel y Diana Salazar Lectores: Luzmar Go mez / Ministros Extraordinarios de la Sagrada Comunión Julio Garcıá Graciela Lo pez Ministerio de Jóvenes Ivonne Segura Ministerio del Coro (incluyendo bodas/quinceañeras) Fa tima Brens Rolando Espinoza Ministerio Misionero Graciela Lo pez Alicia Alvare Misa para Difuntos Primeros viernes durante Misa de sanacio n Ano tese con Betty Villegas Monaguillos: Mireya Rico Ofrendas: Ariel y Diana Salazar Preparación Pre-Matrimonial: Marıá Luna Preparación Pre- Bautismal: Graciela Lo pez Quinceañeras: Luzmar Go mez Visita a enfermos: He ctor y Alicia Alvare Padre Jose

8 Around our Parish & Diocese CONFRATERNITY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY Each member strives to pray at least fi een mysteries of the Rosary each week (this does not bind under sin) and must have his/her name inscribed in the register of the Confraternity. There are no mee ngs and no dues. Lay Dominicans will be available in the Narthex a er Holy Mass to answer ques ons and offer informa on about how to sign up and be a part of the World-Wide Rosary Confraternity. October 6 & 7, 2018 BENEFITS: 1. The special protec on of the Mother of God. 2. A share in the prayers of thousands of members the world over, even a er death. 3. A share in the prayers, Masses and apostolic works of the en re Order of Preachers. 4. The intercession of the en re heavenly court. 5. Various plenary and par al indulgences. 6. Six mes a year the Rosary Center publica on THE ROSARY, LIGHT AND LIFE is sent to those members who wish it. Its purpose is to provide sound doctrine and spiritual guidance for readers everywhere. Invite Our Lady of Fa ma to Your Home! Every parish family is encouraged to invite Our Lady s Pilgrim Virgin Statue to visit for at least one week each year. The PVS Sign-up Book in the Narthex has many open weeks available. Please do not let Our Lady feel that she is not welcome in our homes! Sign up today and someone from the Legion of Mary will contact you to make the arrangements for your visit. For addi onal informa on, please contact Anne Tinsdale at or a nsdale36@gmail.com. FRATERNUS A Brotherhood of Disciples Mentoring Boys Into Virtuous Catholic Men. Calling all boys 6 th -12 th grade! Join us every Monday night at 7 pm at St.Michael s Gym/Media Center for games, food, catechesis, and brotherhood! For more informa on, contact Andrew Torres at andrewptorres@abbey.bac.edu or visit fraternusbrothers.org. A national pro-life prayer and witness event St. Michael Catholic Church Event Info Sunday, October 7, :00 3:00 PM (Please arrive early and bring your Rosary) St. Michael s location: North and south sidewalks of E. Garrison Blvd: Peachtree St. to Grier Middle School Parking: Gastonia Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., (in back & on both sides) If crossing E. Garrison Blvd, please cross at the stoplight at Churchill Dr. More Info: (704) or vpmooney@aol.com Signs provided along the sidewalks

9 Es cuestión de fanatismo? Marcos 9, Oración introductoria En Ti, Señor, encuentro mi gozo y felicidad. Eres dulce huésped de mi alma. Estoy tan a gusto cuando experimento tu cercanía en mi oración, por ello te pido tu gracia para prepararme a vivir este momento de oración con fe, en la esperanza que no defrauda y en la caridad que no espera recompensa. Reflexión Recuerdo lo que me sucedió hace ya muchos años, cuando vine a Roma por primera vez. Yo era un joven seminarista. Fui a la Plaza de San Pedro, al Vaticano, con un grupo de compañeros sacerdotes. Me tocó estar al lado de un señor napolitano y, al poco rato, comenzamos a platicar. Sin yo preguntarle nada, él me dijo que era muy católico y que creía mucho en Dios. Yo lo felicité y, después de algunos comentarios por el estilo, me atreví a hacerle una pregunta: - "Oiga, amigo -le dije- usted va a misa todos los domingos?". Y el buen napolitano, entre extrañado y sobresaltado, me respondió: -"Padre, yo soy católico, pero no fanático". Me quedé de piedra. Tristemente, yo creo que esto mismo es lo que piensan hoy en día muchos católicos... Tal vez no lo digan así, tan abiertamente, pero así viven. Sí, se proclaman católicos y muy creyentes, - no faltaba más!-, pero van a misa muy de vez en cuando, no frecuentan los sacramentos y dicen que sólo oran y van a la iglesia "cuando les nace". Qué tipo de católicos tenemos en nuestra Iglesia? Y si esto sucede en América, desgraciadamente en los países de Europa la situación está muchísimo peor en este sentido... En el Evangelio de hoy tal vez podemos encontrar una respuesta a este problema. Nuestro Señor no habla directamente del culto público de la religión o de la práctica de la fe. Pero creo que sus palabras nos pueden ofrecer una luz para iluminar esta situación. Nos dice: "Si tu mano te hace caer, córtatela, pues más te vale entrar manco en la vida que ir con las dos manos al abismo, al fuego que no se apaga. Y si tu ojo te hace caer, sácatelo, pues más te vale entrar tuerto en el Reino de Dios que ser echado al abismo con los dos ojos, donde el gusasno no muere ni el fuego no se apaga". Qué relación tienen estas palabras con la práctica religiosa? Es cierto que nuestro Señor está hablando aquí del escándalo, pero con un lenguaje tan claro y contundente que nos ayuda a entender bien su mensaje. Nos está invitando a adoptar una actitud de autenticidad en nuestros comportamientos y de radicalidad en nuestras opciones de vida; a no ser mediocres ni conformistas; a no contentarnos nunca con el "ahí se va" tan típico de nuestra cultura mexicana. Y a propósito de esto, me viene ahora a la memoria una simpática historia que nos puede iluminar. Se cuenta que un hombre recién convertido iba un día caminando a toda prisa, mirando por todas partes, como buscando algo con ansiedad. Se acercó a un anciano que estaba sentado al borde del camino y le preguntó: -"Por favor, señor, ha visto pasar por aquí a algún cristiano?". El anciano, encogiéndose de hombros, le contestó: - "Depende del tipo de cristiano que ande buscando". -"Perdone - dijo contrariado el joven-, pero soy nuevo en esto y no conozco los tipos de cristianos que hay. Sólo conozco a Jesús". Y el anciano añadió: -"Pues sí amigo; hay de muchos tipos y para todos los gustos. Hay cristianos por tradición, cristianos por cumplimiento y cristianos por costumbre; cristianos por superstición, por obligación, por conveniencia; y también hay cristianos auténticos..." -" Los auténticos! Esos son los que yo busco! Los de verdad!"- exclamó el hombre emocionado. -" Vaya! dijo el anciano con voz grave-. Esos son los más difíciles de ver. Hace ya mucho tiempo que pasó uno de esos por aquí, y precisamente me preguntó lo mismo que usted". -" Cómo podré reconocerle?". Y el anciano contestó tranquilamente: -"No se preocupe amigo. No tendrá dificultad en reconocerle. Un cristiano de verdad no pasa desapercibido en este mundo semipodrido. Lo reconocerá por sus obras. Allí donde va, siempre deja una huella". Y esto, querido amigo lector, no es fanatismo, sino autenticidad y coherencia de vida. Es ser cristiano y católico de verdad, de cuerpo entero, y no mediocre y conformista. No sólo de los que se llaman cristianos, sino de aquellos que se han tomado en serio el Evangelio y lo testimonian con sus obras y con su vida. No tengamos miedo tomarnos nuestra fe en serio y ser cristianos como San Pablo o al estilo de los santos y de los mártires. También tú dejas una huella allí por donde pasas? o ni siquiera se dan cuenta los demás de que eres un cristiano auténtico? Pues se debería notar, amigo mío! Propósito Hacer un sacrificio y oración especial por un miembro de mi familia que se encuentre alejado de la fe. Diálogo con Cristo Señor, cuánto esfuerzo desperdiciado por malos entendidos o envidias. Cuánta influencia negativa por un testimonio contrario a la caridad. Los medios que la Iglesia ofrece para conocer y vivir nuestra fe son muchos. Dame tu gracia para vivir mi misión en la unidad, porque la salvación es para todos y la forma de vivir el camino para alcanzarla es variada. Quiero tener algo que dar a las demás personas con las que conviviré este día. No quiero ser un sagrario vacío, quiero llevar lo mejor, para su salvación, a los demás, y eso mejor eres Tú.

10 PARISH INFORMATION SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM If you are interested in having your child baptized, please contact the church office at SACRAMENT OF HOLY MATRIMONY All weddings are celebrated inside the Church on Saturday at 10 AM or 12 PM. Please contact the church office at for more information. MARRIAGE TRIBUNAL ADVOCATE Please contact Donna Snyder at or at SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK Please call the church office ( ) to set a time before serious surgery or any time in an emergency. HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME Please contact Sr. Carolyn Mary Coll at or mercy1827.9@gmail.com FAITH FORMATION & SACRAMENTS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS Contact the Director of Religious Education Theresa Webster at ext 114 or tmwebster@stmichaelsgastonia.org RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS (RCIA) Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith or who wishes to become Catholic should contact the Director of Religious Education Theresa Webster at ext. 114 or tmwebster@stmichaelsgastonia.org DEVOTIONS Wednesday: 5:00 PM Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5:30 PM Holy Rosary and Benediction First Fridays: 10 PM Thursday 7:45 AM Friday: Nocturnal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Every Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM All Day Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3 PM Saturdays: 8:00 AM Lauds & Miraculous Medal Novena Fridays of Lent: 6 PM Stations of the Cross PARISH PASTORAL & FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS Pastoral Council Steve Cherry Juan García Reina Granadino John Keating Maureen O Keefe Dacia Beaver John Guglielmetti Dawn Nielson Kevin Spalding scherry@mrdacpa.com gaston.instructor@gmail.com reinaigranadino@hotmail.com keatingusa@gmail.com Finance Council mokeefe31@gmail.com dacia333@hotmail.com gccgolfer7@gmail.com dnielson1@bellsouth.net kevin@bzcoach.com ST. MICHAEL S PARISH APP Download the app by texting the word app to 88202, or by clicking the QR Code below (you have to have a QR scanner app on your smartphone in order to scan the QR Code), or you can also download the app to your phone by visiting the App Store or Google Play! ATTENTION NEWCOMERS Have you completed a parish registration form? Do you have any questions? Please feel free to ask one of our Greeters!