November 04-05 will be the Pledge Weekend for the Unite Catholic Appeal – United in the Eucharist Archdiocesan Campaign. Each parish, school, agency, ministry, and all of you, put in so much effort to be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for all that you do in service to the Gospel. This appeal is a further means to advance the Gospel in those areas of ministry larger than any single parish or deanery, and so we all contribute to assist the universal Church The appeal is centered around three themes this year: Teaching – Shepherding – Serving. Support for the appeal assists with Catholic educational outreach across the Archdiocese, including here in New Albany. Support also assists in the formation and education of future Pastors – the shepherds – of our parish communities by way of forming seminarians, as well as ongoing support for her current pastors and retired priests.
The 2023-24 United Catholic Appeal goal for Holy Family Parish is: $73,301. We have a long history of surpassing our goal, so thank you in advance for your generosity.
All registered members of Holy Family Parish should receive information in the mail in the next few weeks. More information will be here in the bulletin and our multimedia.
No, that’s not a picture of me before I had to return from my sabbatical, but it might accurately picture my reaction when I opened my email inbox upon return! Since my return, a few folks have inquired if Holy Family has a Cry Room. Yes and No. The vestibule on the St Joseph side of the church has traditionally served that purpose and many still utilize it for such today. There is a speaker in there so adults can follow along with Mass and a window for viewing. Plus, there is a bathroom adjacent with a changing station. If you (with your little one) need the space, feel free to do so. I see others also utilizing the Daisy Street vestibule. Great! (FYI – We are looking into getting a speaker for that space in the near future.) But, please know that crying children do not bother me at Mass when I’m presiding. In fact, I’m glad they are there. I want them there. I long for them to be there with us in Mass. I fully believe children belong in Church at Mass. What is more worrisome to me is when I don’t hear fussing children. How else will they learn to participate? I once read a statistic that suggested some 85% of our behavioral habits are formed in the first 5 years of life. We want Mass to be part of that behavior formation. Whether the statistic is true or not, I know that if you keep your children out of Mass, they will be only that much more difficult to incorporate as they age. For the fellow parishioners, may I suggest you be patient and supportive of our parents with little ones. They are doing their best. They are undertaking the challenging, but most important, work of raising their child(ren) in the faith. We need to support them in this in word and deed. Take a moment and recall your challenges with your own children in days gone by and extend some empathy and encouragement.
Children are not the Church of the future. They are the young Church today!
+ Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God. +
Inspired by the Holy Family, we actively encounter Christ by…
Sharing the Gospel through prayer, Scriptures, and Sacraments
Forming intentional disciples within our parish and community
Engaging in fellowship as Catholic Christians
Serving others generously and sacrificially
Holy Family, Cradle of Life, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries