6th Sunday of Easter
Maria Hayes • May 20, 2025
Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!
What a difference a few days makes. Last week was the close of another amazing school year. We had our annual Field Day, 8th Grade Awards, & 8th Grade Graduation. With the start of Memorial Weekend, the parish campus watches the departure of school students and the arrival of various construction crews. It seems that summer break should just be called construction season. We do work throughout the year, but certainly, we take advantage of the longer student absence to do more extensive work.
On Monday, June 2, folks from Koetter Construction will be arriving to begin the two-week demolition on the old boiler smokestack. For safety reasons, we will have to disconnect the electrical power to the church, cafeteria wing & middle school wings of the building. All the power for those areas enters the building for distribution through the old boiler – now mechanical – room. Duke Utilities determined the proximity of the lines and need for an extensive personnel lift to be too close, so the system will have to be de-energized. This discovery last year during the Seventy & Strong Church refresh work is the primary reason the demolition did not take place last year. Fortunately, the Fr Marchino Gym is on a separate electrical feed, and we plan to continue with Masses in the Gym for the weekend of June 7-8th.
You may have noticed the huge pile of playground equipment sitting in the yard next to the Parish Office Building since April 23. With the start of summer break, work will commence installation of the new playground equipment. There will be one unit where the existing playground equipment is located. A new set east of the existing, near where the outdoor volleyball court is located. Plus, a new swing set in the northwest corner of the sports field where the current sunshade is placed. This upgrade is partially funded by generosity from parents & patrons at the HFS Gala back in February. It is also a response to the increased enrollment at HFS.
Memorial Day
Please pause this weekend to pray for and remember
those who gave all, for all of us.
Eternal Rest Grant unto them O Lord,
and let Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Congratulations to Cody & Makenzie
Married at Holy Family Saturday May 24!
Know of our prayer for you both.
Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.
Holy Family, Living Resurrection Glory, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries
Dear Parishioners of Holy Family, I write today to share that Fr. Tim Wyciskalla, Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, has asked me to temporarily assist our neighbors at St. Mary Parish here in New Albany. Their pastor, Fr. Nico, has returned to Guest House in Michigan for further treatment and healing in his ongoing recovery from alcohol addiction. Please keep Fr. Nico in your prayers during this time of renewal and grace. Effective immediately, I will serve as Administrator Pro Tempore of St. Mary Parish. In this role, I have been entrusted with the pastoral and administrative responsibilities of the parish for a defined period. I will remain Pastor of Holy Family and continue to be present with you, especially for Sunday Masses, sacraments, and our key parish ministries. While this added duty will stretch my calendar, I trust in God’s providence and your patience. There will be another statement in the coming weeks regarding the longer-term plan for Fr. Nico and St. Mary Parish. I will share additional information and plans once the Archdiocesan Personnel Board has had time to determine a longer-term solution. As Catholics, we are called to care not only for our own parishes, but also for the wider Body of Christ. This is one such moment of service and solidarity. I am grateful to parish staff and volunteer leaders who help carry the daily work of our mission, and I trust that together we can support one another as I share my pastoral care with our neighbors. Please continue to pray for the people of St. Mary Parish as they navigate this temporary transition. And please keep Fr. Nico in your prayers as he walks the path of healing. Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God. Holy Family, united in faith and love, pray for us. In Christ, Very Rev. Jeremy M. Gries Pastor, Holy Family Catholic Church
The Adorer Missionary Sisters of the Poor is an emerging, vibrant religious community of women in Tanzania. Deeply in love with Jesus, we seek to grow more intimately with Our Lord Jesus and Master. We behold the majesty of the Blessed Trinity and in thanksgiving spend quality time every day in adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament. We evangelize both in domestic and foreign missions, in the spirit of Jesus who came to bring the good news to the poor, set captives free and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. We do this by devotedly growing in intimacy with the Lord and embracing the Cross, living the Gospel, engaging in the ministries of the Church especially education at all levels, health and social services, catechizing and making a deliberate option to serve the poorest of the poor, the orphans and the marginalized. To radiate God's Love to All - especially the Marginalized . Our vision is to increase people’s capacity and ability to embrace gospel values like: justice, credibility and love and to apply them in everyday situations so that they become a reflection of God on earth. We envision ourselves with the mission to bring every human person on earth to a personal encounter with Jesus the Lord. Through our ministries of prayer, Eucharistic adoration and promoting the same: evangelization, teaching, healing and social services, we bring the message of Good News to people. We envision our ministries as facilitating people’s encounter with Jesus so they can begin to tell their new story of the love of God! A moment of an encounter with Jesus is a moment of invitation to be who we are created to be: a child of God. It is a moment of conversion as it was for Zacchaeus, Matthew, Mary Magdalene and others. This is our hope for ourselves and those we lead to encounter Christ! We also envision ourselves to be humble servants of hope for the poor and make a deliberate option for them. In addition to the expected courses in reading, arithmetic, sciences, and writing, the students at St. John Vianney school are blessed to receive a strong Catholic faith formation. Moral theology, practical understanding, and living out the faith through daily prayer and selfless acts of giving help our children develop into mature, socially-responsible adults. Each year, we celebrate with the students and broader community as young children receive the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist, Penance, and Confirmation. Our Lady of Fatima - Malowa Medical Dispensary is a Catholic institution operated by the Adorer Missionary Sisters of the Poor in the Diocese of Moshi, Tanzania. It was opened in 2013 for the care of the orphans and the local community. The facility has a small waiting area, filing room, two doctors, examination rooms, a small laboratory, one injection room, a wound treatment room, a pharmacy, and a classroom for 25 students. It is our goal to expand this to a nursing school and eventually a licensed medical school. There is a Second Collection to support the important work & outreach of the Adorer Missionary Sisters. Please be generous to our Eucharistic Lord made Flesh & Blood in the children of Tanzania and served by the Sisters. Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God. Holy Family, Adoring the Eucharistic Lord in the Poor, Pray for us. ~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries
"IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT" Catechism of the Catholic Church
New Playground Coming Soon to Holy Family School & Preschool We want to let our Holy Family School and Parish families know that our Eagle Stay & Play event, originally scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, has been canceled due to ongoing playground construction . While we were excited to welcome families for a morning of fun and connection, the safety of our students, families, and guests always comes first. With active construction happening on campus, we are pausing this event until the work is complete. The great news? Our brand-new playground is underway and will be ready in time for the 2025–26 school year ! This project will enhance our outdoor learning and play environment, giving students a space to grow, explore, and build friendships. We are working on rescheduling the Eagle Stay & Play event and will share a new date as soon as it’s safe to gather near the playground again. Be sure to follow us on social media or check our website for updates. Thank you for your support and understanding as we improve our campus for current and future Eagles. We can’t wait to invite you back to celebrate the new space once it’s ready!
"I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT" - Catechism of the Catholic Church 687 "No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God"(1 Cor 2:11). Now God's Spirit, who reveals God, makes known to us Christ, His Word, His living Utterance, but the Spirit does not speak of Himself. The Spirit who "has spoken through the prophets" makes us hear the Father's Word, but we do not hear the Spirit Himself. We know Him only in the movement by which He reveals the Word to us and disposes us to welcome Him in faith. The Spirit of Truth who "unveils" Christ to us "will not speak on his own" (Jn 16:13). Such properly divine self-effacement explains why "the world cannot receive (Him), because it neither sees Him nor knows Him," while those who believe in Christ know the Spirit because He dwells with them (Jn 14:17). 688 The Church, a communion living in the faith of the apostles which She transmits, is the place where we know the Holy Spirit: in the Scriptures He inspired; in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses; in the Church's Magisterium, which He assists; in the Sacramental Liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ; in prayer, wherein He intercedes for us; in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up; in the signs of apostolic and missionary life; in the witness of saints through whom He manifests His holiness & continues the work of salvation
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Paragraphs 665-667 “Christ's Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain, whence He will come again (cf Acts 1:11); this humanity in the meantime hides Him from the eyes of men (cf Col 3:3). Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father's glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with Him forever. Jesus Christ, having entered the sanctuary of heaven once and for all, intercedes constantly for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” From these three paragraphs of the Catechism, we learn that the Ascension of Jesus accomplishes 3 main things. First, Jesus takes human nature in the flesh to heaven. Second, we are given HOPE that we too in spirit & body may one day join Jesus in heaven. Last, Jesus and the Father will provide us with the Holy Spirit to pray & be sanctified. The glorification of our bodies, the promise of heaven, and the gift of the Spirit are gifts freely given by our Lord & God so we may more perfectly be who we were created to be. Lift your hearts, minds, souls & bodies to God in Praise. PRAYING FOR A NEW PENTECOST – A Holy Novena About a hundred years ago, Pope Leo XIII was inspired to call every Catholic Church in the world to pray for nine-days for the coming of the Spirit. This is drawn from the Apostles’ nine-day prayer between the Ascension and Pentecost. With the election of Pope Leo XIV, consider praying this novena for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Father, I repent of stifling the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) by giving in to selfish desires. May I let the Spirit lust against the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:17) so that I thirst much more strongly for the Holy Spirit (Jn 7:37). Father, stir into flame the gift bestowed when hands were laid on me (2 Tim 1:6). Father, by the power of the Spirit, may I devote myself "to the apostles" instruction and the communal life, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42). Jesus, the Holy Spirit bears witness on Your behalf. May I bear witness as well (Jn 15:26-27) right where I am and even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Father, without the Spirit I cannot please You (Rom 8:8-9). Not by my might or power but only by the Spirit can I live for You (Zech 4:6). Come, Holy Spirit! Lord, as the Spirit moved over the waters on the day of creation (Gn 1:1), breathe on me to receive the Spirit (Jn 20:22), send forth the Spirit and renew the face of the earth (Ps 104:30). Holy Spirit, take me in prayer to the foot of Jesus' cross. Reveal to me how I shared in crucifying Jesus through my sins. Crucify me to the ways of the world and the world to me (Gal 6:14). Crucify my flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). (This prayer is based on Pope John Paul II's encyclical on the Holy Spirit.) Holy Spirit, through Your gifts produce Your fruit in my life. Give me "love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity" (Gal5:22-23). Spirit of Truth, make me true and faithful in all my relationships -- in family, church, and work (Jn 16:13). Be the Source of unity in my life (Eph 4:3). Father, may the Spirit of the Lord rush upon me and may I be changed into another person (1 Sam 10:6). Jesus, thank You for giving Mary to me as my mother (Jn 19:27). Mary, Spouse of the Spirit (Lk 1:35), as you prayed in the upper room for the first Pentecost, pray for me now (Acts 1:14). "Let it be done to me" according to God's word (Lk 1:38). AMEN. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/praying-for-a-new-pentecost-12601 Reminder : Demolition of our boiler smokestack will begin Monday, June 2 by Koetter Construction. We anticipate it taking two-weeks. Electrical power for the church, cafeteria & middle school wings will be disconnected. Fortunately, the Fr Marchino Gym power will remain on. We plan to continue with Masses in the Gym for the weekend of June 7-8 th . Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God. Holy Family, With Eyes raised to Heaven, Pray for us. ~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries
Get ready for Catalyst Catholic’s exciting summer tradition— Theology on Tap is back! This June, join us every Thursday for an inspiring talk, great food, refreshing drinks, and time to connect with others. Open to all adults 18+ , this event is the perfect opportunity to grow in faith and community. New this year, your $10 ticket includes a free drink to enjoy while you listen and learn! Here’s our stellar lineup: June 5 – Dcn. Ned Berghausen: Crossing Over Jordan June 12 – Cassie Schutzer: Roots & Fruits of the Jubilee Year June 19 – Jamie Baxter: The Risk of Faith June 26 – Fr. Simon Herrmann: Making Sunday the Son day Doors open at 6:00 PM , with dinner served at 6:30 PM . On June 5 & 12, we’ll meet at Lanesville Knights of Columbus ; on June 19 & 26, we’ll be at the New Albany KofC . Grab your tickets today at catalystcatholic.org/tot and join us for an unforgettable summer!
We want to make you aware of upcoming schedule changes and campus impacts due to significant construction work. Beginning Monday, June 2, Koetter Construction will start the demolition of our boiler smokestack. This project is expected to last approximately two weeks and will require electrical disconnection to the church, cafeteria, and middle school wings. As a result, please note the following temporary changes to our Mass and Adoration schedule: June 3 : 6 p.m. Mass in the Gym June 4: No Eucharistic Adoration June 4–6 : 8 a.m. Mass in the Gym June 7: No 8 a.m. Mass 5 p.m. Mass in the Gym June 8: All Masses (8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.) in the Gym June 10: 6 p.m. Mass in the Gym June 11: 8 a.m. Mass in the Gym June 12–14: No 8 a.m. Mass June 17: No 6 p.m. Mass June 18–21: No 8 a.m. Mass June 24: No 6 p.m. Mass June 25–28: No 8 a.m. Mass We appreciate your patience and prayers as we improve our campus. Please use extra caution while visiting and stay tuned for updates.
Rosemary Unruh, New Albany, IN, passed peacefully in her sleep from this life to heaven on Monday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 100. She was born in New Albany on February 23, 1925, the daughter of Dorothy and Lawrence Haller. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, James Unruh; her daughter, Kathryn Unruh; and her sister, Doris Owens (Ron). She is survived by her children, William Unruh, Don Unruh (Denise), and Mary Lynn Spencer (Jeff); her grandchildren, Christy Wiseman (Brandon), Emily Simpson (Justin), Allison Unruh, Lindsay Engle (Tony), Sarah Unruh, Nick Spencer, and Steven Spencer - also surviving are ten great-grandchildren: Piper, Hunter, Asher, Rylan, Josie, Carter, Mason, Logan, Kaden, and Sloan.
Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!! “Many Catholics underestimate the power of hell and the possibility they may end up there", says pastor and author Msgr. Charles Pope. He said 21 of the 38 parables in the Gospels are about hell (often referred to as Gehenna)... “Nobody loves you and me more than Jesus, and yet nobody spoke of hell more than Jesus,” he told Raymond Arroyo on his EWTN television show The World Over on Thursday… “Jesus warns that many are on the wrong path. And we’ve got to stop and make a decision and be more urgent about this thing in our life,” he said. “And if I can say one thing about the Church today, we don’t have any sense of urgency. Everyone [assumes] ‘The deal is done; who needs to be saved? We’re already — it’s already taken care of.’ And that’s not true.” Even many daily Mass-goers reject hell, he said which he chalked up to what he called “a cultural trend where I think we’ve reduced love to mere kindness.” It’s possible for people to go to hell because people are free to choose God or to reject God, he said. “You can’t force someone to love you. And that’s why there’s a hell,” said Msgr. Pope, “It’s not about an angry God trying to keep people out of heaven, but rather a deeply loving God who is very reverential of our freedom, and He stands at the door and knocks. He doesn’t barge in.” “And we have to recover a sense that we have a decision to make, whether we really want to be with God in heaven one day — the real heaven, not a made-up one”… “But the ones I’m worried about,” he continued, “are the defiant, who shake their fist against the Church and the teachings of Scripture and say, ‘Look, I will not be told what to do. I’m going to celebrate my lifestyle, celebrate my abortion, celebrate a lifestyle that God calls an abomination,’ whatever, or celebrate greed or violence. ‘And I don’t think there’s anything wrong. I don’t need forgiveness.’” Msgr. Pope said a lack of urgency about salvation afflicts not only laypeople but is “among the clergy and bishops,” too. “We’re all distracted by minor worldly things and souls are being lost. And it’s like, ‘You need to make everybody feel nice and feel included.’ But what if they’re going to hell?” Msgr. Pope said. A second reason to emphasize what’s at stake in the spiritual battle for heaven and against hell, he said, is that without the battle for heaven, “there’s also no joy.” “If you don’t know the bad news,” he said, “the Good News is no news.” [Msgr. Charles Pope is a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington and the author of a new book called The Hell There Is: An Exploration of an Often-Rejected Doctrine of the Church, published by TAN Books and available at EWTN Religious Catalogue. < https://www.ncregister.com/news/msgr-charles-pope-new-book-on-the-doctrine-of-hell >] The quoted article excerpts above may seem like a very strange topic for a Pastoral Notes in the wonderful & glorious season of Easter! We are supposed to be rejoicing in Christ’s Victory. His vanquishing of death itself. Why speak of hell now in the season of Easter? Precisely because Christ’s suffering, death & resurrection was to open up the “narrow way” that leads to heaven (Mt 7:14). His victory & resurrection makes Heaven possible. Yet, this possibility requires more than His promise. It requires our purpose & choice. It requires us choosing the narrow way in our life. We indeed rejoice in Christ’s Resurrection, but we must see in that Resurrection also the call to make needed & necessary changes & choices in our life in the present, today, Now! It is said, “A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step.” Our journey to heaven started with Christ’s first step on the Road to Calvary. Will you take up your cross and follow Him? This is the only way that leads to heaven. Jesus is the only ‘Way, Truth & Life” (Jn 14:6). Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God. Holy Family, Living Resurrection Glory on the Path to Heaven, Pray for us. ~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries