holyfamilychurch-newalbany-in-01-2075

Parishioner Dr. Stuart E. Harlowe Passes Away

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:26:35 GMT

Dr. Stuart E. Harlowe, of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born in Lexington, Kentucky, on December 8, 1927, Stuart lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty Harlowe; his sister, Catherine; and his parents, Stuart and Elizabeth Harlowe.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). His Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am on Friday, at Holy Family Catholic Church (129 W Daisy Lane, New Albany) with burial to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany.

Memorial contributions in Stuart's memory can be to In Heaven's Eyes ministry at Holy Family Catholic Church.

5th Sunday of Easter

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:21:02 GMT

A letter from Youth Minister- Valerie Huber

4th Sunday of Easter

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:28:46 GMT

A letter from Youth Minister- Valerie Huber

HFS is Hiring for 2026-27: Cafeteria Help

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:14:20 GMT

Holy Family School & Preschool is hiring for the 2026-27 school year!

Holy Family School & Preschool is looking for part-time cafeteria help to join our team! If you want to be part of a faith-filled, supportive community, we would love to hear from you. Our staff works collaboratively and supports one another to create a positive, engaging learning environment.

Contact Nicole Shavers nshavers@holyfamilyeagles.com , or Amy Huber for more info ahuber@holyfamilyeagles.com .

HFS is Hiring for 2026-27: Teaching Position

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:10:38 GMT

Holy Family School & Preschool is hiring for the 2026-27 school year!

Holy Family School & Preschool is looking for a passionate, dedicated teacher to join our team! If you love working with students, value strong relationships, and want to be part of a faith-filled, supportive community, we would love to hear from you.

At HFS, we focus on developing the whole child, academically, spiritually, and socially while building leadership skills in every student. Our staff works collaboratively and supports one another to create a positive, engaging learning environment.

What we’re looking for:

• A committed and caring educator

• A team player who values collaboration

• Someone who supports our Catholic mission and values

• A passion for helping students grow and succeed

Come be part of something special and make a difference each day! Contact Amy Huber for more info at ahuber@holyfamilyeagles.com .

3rd Sunday of Easter

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:25:59 GMT

A letter from Youth Minister- Valerie Huber

Let's Gossip About the Gospel- Bible Study

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:42:02 GMT

Join us as we sip coffee (and tea) and gossip about the Gospel of Matthew, which shaped the early Church and continues to shape our lives today. Dr. Scott Hahn will guide us through this engaging study of Matthew’s rich Old Testament roots and covenant themes, deepening faith and enriching prayer.

The video and discussion study will be held on Wednesdays, April 22 - May 27, from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Day Activities Center.
Sign up online by April 19 at bit.ly/Matthew2026 .

Parishioner Mary Busse Passes Away

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:57:23 GMT

Mary Catherine Busse, 98, passed away surrounded by her family in New Albany, Indiana, on April 6, 2026. Mary was born on October 13, 1927, in Floyd County, Indiana, to the late Floyd William Bott and Florence (Smith) Bott. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. A faithful member and one of the founding families of Holy Family Catholic Church, New Albany, Indiana.

A visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 East Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana, on Monday, April 13, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 129 W. Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery, New Albany, Indiana.

2nd Sunday of Easter

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:58:35 GMT

A letter from Youth Minister- Valerie Huber

Easter Sunday and the Octave of Easter

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:22:29 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 05 April 2026 – Easter Sunday and the Octave of Easter

Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!

Matthew 28:1-8

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to His disciples.

On behalf of all the ministerial staff of Holy Family Catholic Church , I wish you a happy and blessed Easter! As we enter into this wondrous season of Easter, may the New Life of Jesus Christ be boldly evident in each one of us as we live forth our Resurrection Joy & Grace.

Easter Octave Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Next Sunday, April 12, the entire New Albany Deanery will have a joint Divine Mercy Service . Several priests will hear confessions (including me) starting at 1230p. At 3p there will be a Holy Hour with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and a talk by Mother Olga from the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth , This will fulfill the plenary indulgence requirements.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living Resurrection Joy, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

6th Sunday of Lent

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 12:45:56 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 29 March 2026 – 6th Sunday of Lent

Next Sunday is Easter!!! Please plan to join us for the whole of the Holy Triduum .

Holy Thursday @ 7p + Good Friday @ 3p + Easter Vigil @ 8:40p

Easter Sunday @ 8a & 10:30a

[Note – No 6p Mass on Easter Sunday]

Not only does next Sunday mark the remembrance of the most profound moment in our Catholic Christian Faith – the Resurrection of the Lord, it reminds us of the new Life of Grace that flows forth from His Saving Paschal Mystery. Our lives can now be informed by the Word of God in the Scriptures and transformed by the Word of God manifested in the Sacraments of Grace.

Over the course of the last two decades, the Church has been slowly revising the first English texts of the Sacrament Rituals issued after the Second Vatican Council. In 2011, we received the revised order of the Mass with the 3rd edition, which among other changes (re)introduced such words as consubstantial and with your spirit . Since then, the Order of Celebrating Matrimony, the Order of Baptism of Children, the Order of Celebrating the Initiation of Adults, the Order of Penance, and the Order of Christian Funerals have all been revised & reissued.

Beginning next Sunday with Easter, a new translation of The Order of the Anointing of the Sick and their Pastoral Care must be used. We have been able to use the new Order since the start of Lent. I have been doing so. It is a little different. Anytime there is a change in the translations and procedures for something you’ve been doing for years, it takes a little time to get used to it. The new Order removes the simple rite for Anointing in hospitals or institutions that most of us priests had used. The intention is to present a fuller expression of the Suffering Christ’s closeness to His people and the ability of the people to unite their sufferings with His for salvation and sanctity. The fuller rite now includes a sprinkling with Holy Water, penitential rite, reading from Scripture, litany, and prayer of thanksgiving for the oil. These were not included in the previous simple Rite.

Of particular note is the clarification of who is eligible to receive the Anointing of the Sick, “the faithful who because of sickness, mental illness, or age are seriously ill”:

a. The inclusion of mental illness is still connected to serious illness. IF a mental illness is making someone seriously ill, they can be anointed. This is not intended to open the anointing of the sick to any instance of mental illness.

b. Before a surgical procedure, as long as serious illness is the reason for the procedure.

c. People of advanced age, even if no serious illness is present.

d. Children who have reached the use of reason may be anointed in the case of serious illness (Age 7 per Canon Law). In doubt of whether the child has reached the use of reason, the text encourages to err on the side of anointing.

e. Anointing should not be conferred to a dead person, but in doubt about whether a person is truly dead, a provisional text is provided to the priest to be used before the anointing.

The Order also reminds priests that before the celebration of Anointing, the opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession should be offered. It is important to remember that Anointing confers the forgiveness of sins only when necessary, which is to say, when a person has the inability to confess. All the faithful are to be reminded of the great importance of confession in danger of death. After confession, the apostolic pardon is given.

The Church also emphasizes anew with this Rite the importance of Viaticum (last reception of Holy Eucharist) accompanied beforehand by confession as the central Sacrament for the dying. So often, we priests are called to the hospital or to the bedside of the dying only after the sick person can no longer confess or receive Holy Communion as Viaticum. Please be attentive to the needs of your sick loved ones and contact us well before your sick loved one’s death is imminent, i.e., they are still conscious and able to partake in all three Sacraments of Last Rites: Confession, Anointing, & Holy Communion.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Embracing Suffering for Salvation, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Charles Marking Passes Away

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:47:22 GMT

Charles "Charlie" A. Marking, 94, passed away surrounded by his family on March 20, 2026, in Sellersburg, Indiana. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on June 6, 1931, to the late Arthur J. Marking and Antoinette A. (Schoenbaechler) Marking.

Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was a pipefitter on the LST 758. In his retirement years he worked with the restoration of the LST 325, and was an Honorary Crew Member of the LST 325.

He was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany.

A Visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 East Spring, New Albany, Indiana, on Wednesday March 25th from 2:00 pm- 8:00 pm & on Thursday March 26th from 9:30 am - 10:30 am.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana, on Thursday March 26th at 11:00 am. Committal Service with Military Honors will follow in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park.

Parishioner Patricia "Pat" Boesing Passes Away

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:38:13 GMT

Patricia Ann (Pat) Boesing, age 88, was born on May 8, 1937, in New Albany, Indiana. She attended St. Mary’s elementary school in New Albany and was a member of the first full graduating class of Providence High School in 1955. She married Joseph Anthony Boesing, Sr, of Starlight, Indiana, on May 26, 1956. They were married for 67 years, until Joe’s death in 2024.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 2:00 – 7:00 pm at the Market Street Chapel of Naville and Seabrook Funeral Homes( 1119 East Market Street, New Albany.) The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Church, 129 W. Daisy Lane, New Albany, at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026, with the burial to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

5th Sunday of Lent

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:23:30 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 22 March 2026 – 5th Sunday of Lent

This weekend the Crucifix and Statues are covered. We begin what is called “Passion Tide”. The final two weeks of Lent where we are challenged to be even more diligent than the already diligent first four weeks of Lent. Veiling the Cross & statues is meant to visually remind us that things are different. That we are waiting a new. That we want to really enter into, reimagine (as in ‘to re-image’ – see again from the first time), to focus on what is missing from our lives. “Hiding” Jesus on the cross reminds us how often we don’t see the Cross of Christ as the center focus of our lives ordinarily. What we live in everyday, we visualize this day, by the veiling of God’s Glory. God’s Glory was veiled prior to Jesus’s Incarnation. Until His taking on flesh, we could never quite grasp the Mystery of God. But Jesus reveals God. Jesus pulls back the veil – splits it – tears it down the middle – removes the separation between God and mankind. And yet, we so often live apart from God. We establish fences, barriers, veils between us. Like Adam & Eve after eating from the Tree, we hide ourselves from the God who desires to walk with us. We put up a veil, feeling our ‘nakedness’ before Him who sees all, knows, all, loves all. May this physical veiling of the visual reminders of Christ among us as Emmanuel – God with us – force us to see God truly & really. Below is the Passion Narrative from Matthew’s Gospel (27:20-54), which will be read next Sunday. I invite you to spend some time this Passion Tide, reading, reliving, re-imagining the Life, Suffering, Passion, and Death of Christ as if for the first time, as if the veil has been withdrawn, just for you and for your benefit. See Him, seeing you. Feel Him, loving you in His Cross & Crucifixion.

The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They answered, "Barabbas!" Pilate said to them, "Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?" They all said, "Let him be crucified!" But he said, "Why? What evil has he done?" They only shouted louder, "Let him be crucified!" When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood. Look to it yourselves." And the whole people said in reply, "His blood be upon us and upon our children." Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.

As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha — which means Place of the Skull —, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!" Likewise, the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. So, he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, 'I am the Son of God.'" The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way. From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, " Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani ?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Some of the bystanders who heard it said, "This one is calling for Elijah." Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, 'Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him." But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, "Truly, this was the Son of God!"

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Gazing upon the Face of God, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Holy Week Schedule 2026

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:40:10 GMT

4th Sunday of Lent

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:23:03 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 15 March 2026 – 4th Sunday of Lent

Spring Break has begun for the New Albany Deanery Catholic Schools and some of the area public schools. I am happy for folks to have time away. Certainly, in school & in work, we need a Sabbath rest, not only on Sundays – of course on the Lord’s Day! – but additionally, for longer periods to rest, recuperate, rejuvenate & regroup. Life flies so quickly and busily. We can exhaust ourselves in the coming & going without even seeing what’s happening. We can easily forget our true purpose; to know, love, and serve God in this life and to be with Him eternally in the next, which is accomplished by Loving God with all that we are and our neighbor as ourself. On the surface or first pass, that might sound like a job in itself. Yet, if it is truly of God & in God, His yoke is easy; His yoke is light. Ever notice two young persons ‘falling in love’. It hardly looks like work, but efforts are being exerted. Watch a child running back and forth from the surf to the sandcastle hauling a bucket of water or sand. It is work – I dare say invite that same child to take the trash to the curb! – and yet, they can do it until they literally collapse in exhaustion… and they still want more. I’ve experienced hiking miles and up elevations to a mountain top, water fall, or desired vista. Yes, it was labor, but love made it light. Or the smile and “I love you” a child might squeak out after being fussy & temperamental for so long. Remembering our why and more importantly our WHO can refresh our soul! I pray that those who have ‘gotten away’ for Spring Break are truly getting that kind of rest whether on a beach, in the mountains, or even a stay-cation. Jesus is always interested in giving Rest.

March 17 – Feast of St Patrick

For those blessed with Irish heritage, I pray you enjoy your St Patty’s Day festivities. Some good food, plenty of cheer, and quiet prayer of Faith, Hope, & Love in the Holy Shamrock of the Trinity.

March 19 – Solemnity of St Joseph

This week, we are also blessed to celebrate St Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Joseph was in no way embarrassed or belittled to be known as Our Lady’s husband. He was more than willing to take a second seat to her blessedness & grace. He was humble and righteous. He was protective, hardworking, & attentive to Mary and Jesus. He is the quiet strength of the Holy Family family. Once accepted, never shrinking from or pulling back from his responsibilities or role. Careful to lead with tenderness in a world facing challenges and threats. Jesus was of course the Son of God and Mary, and yet, Jesus was not bothered to be known as the “son of the carpenter” from whom He first learned to carry wood. From whom Jesus first learned the usefulness of timber, not just for home life & homes, but building a ladder to our eternal Home with the Father in heaven. Take a few moments, to invite St Joseph close to you, to teach you, like he first taught Jesus. His is an example worth emulating. And if you honor Joseph with Solemnity, you can also step back from your Lenten Fast to rejoice in his special day! Blessings.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Under the paternal care of St Joseph, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Rosemary O'Bryan Passes Away

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:08:55 GMT

Rosemary Heuke O'Bryan, a beloved matriarch, passed peacefully on March 9, 2026, in New Albany, Indiana, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on October 10, 1928, in Evansville, Indiana, Rosemary was a proud graduate of Holy Rosary Academy, where she developed an early passion for learning and the arts.

The memories of Rosemary will be lovingly held in the hearts of all who knew her. For those who wish to pay their respects, visitation will be held on March 12, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Southern Indiana, followed by a Mass on March 13, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church (129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana).

3rd Sunday of Lent

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:34:02 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 08 March 2026 – 3rd Sunday of Lent

Facility Updates - I wanted to apprise the parish of a few planned parish updates and projects.

In the coming weeks, you will start seeing some minor repairs and improvements to the drainage & swell that goes around our sports field and playground area. We will be regrading the ditch in an effort to allow proper grade and drainage. We have a problem of water ponding right at the playground equipment. Last summer, we invested in the new playground structures, but now we have water saturated mulch and standing water much of the year. This is not entirely a new issue. All the water from the west “back” gym parking lot and much of the roof water flows first to the southeast (towards the playground) and under the primary school wing via culvert. This directs the vast majority of our surface rainwater first to the playground area. It then makes its way, via the existing infilled ditch around our sports field along the parking lot all the way back out to Daisy Lane. It is far from ideal. We are hoping to help the process. Koetter Construction will be assisting with this project.

This past Wednesday, I had a Pre-Construction meeting with Arsee Engineers (Indianapolis) and B&L Metal Roofing Contractors (Bloomington) to prepare for two new building roofs to be installed this summer. We will be doing a complete tear-off down to the existing structural deck of the 1954 wing roof (over the cafeteria) and the 1964 wing roof (over the humanities & middle school). Both roofs have been re-roofed at least two times. The second re-roof was done over the first roof. The new ‘rubber’ roofs will have guaranteed 30-year life warrantees. The work will begin the Tuesday after Memorial Day with completion by the end of August 2026. Please be patient with the construction traffic & material storage this summer. These contracts are for a total of $568k. The funds will come from existing parish savings.

Arsee Engineers did a roof study of all the existing parish buildings during the spring of 2024. These two roofs were flagged as the most pressing. There is evidence of water penetrating the roofs currently. While we are not experiencing much damage to the interior, they must be addressed. The study was not favorable to any of our roofs. They all need attention in the next 3-10 years, depending on which roof.

Holy Family is blessed by your generous past and present financial support . This makes possible such substantial and necessary facilities work without the need of a major capital campaign or special request. Please continue in your generosity, so we continue to not only build up the temple of our souls in worship of God, but maintain the various building temples where we live, learn, and have liturgy.

We are moving into Spring. That means an increased risk of strong storms and tornadoes . If a strong storm or storm warning siren were to sound during Mass or another parish event, our evacuation storm safety locations are the interior hallways outside the cafeteria and along the humanities/middle school building. Implementing an evacuation will be facilitated by Father Gries, ushers, and other liturgical ministers designated for that Mass. Any parishioner trained is expected to assist in one of the areas. If weather and time permits, everyone on St Mary side of church (left facing altar) will exit through the doors to the left of the sanctuary outside and then back into the school through the first set of doors into the hall behind church and proceed to the refuge areas near the school office. Everyone on the St Joseph side of church (right) will exit through the cry room doors. People needing assistance go into the hall between the cry room and the cafeteria. Others will proceed left through the hall to the areas near the school office. If weather or time prohibits going outside, everyone will use the cry room lobby doors. If time or conditions do not allow an evacuation, everyone will be instructed to seek refuge between the pews and protect their heads. While I pray none of this is needed, it's good to be prepared.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Under the leadership of St Joseph the Carpenter, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner David Adams Passes Away

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:17:45 GMT

David Wayne Adams, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He was born August 13, 1959, the son of Harlan Adams and Catherine Lynch Adams.

David was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He worked at U of L School in the controller office as a CPA, where he retired after a lifetime of service. David could often be found playing music, taking trips, and building or creating things. He could truly do anything he set his mind to. Above all things he was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather to his family.

Funeral Mass will be conducted privately with family only. Friends are encouraged to leave memories on David's page through the funeral home.

2nd Sunday of Lent

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:27:06 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 01 March 2026 – 2nd Sunday of Lent

Marriage Catechesis – Part 5

Many of you may remember the school yard rhyme: “ First comes Love, then comes Marriage, then comes _______ pushing a baby carriage .” While not all married couples have children, marriage, by its nature, is open to life as one of its great ends & purposes.

CCC 2366 Fecundity is a gift, an end of marriage, for conjugal love naturally tends to be fruitful. A child does not come from outside as something added on to the mutual love of the spouses, but springs from the very heart of that mutual giving, as its fruit and fulfillment. So the Church, which "is on the side of life" teaches that "each and every marriage act must remain open 'per se' to the transmission of life." "This particular doctrine, expounded on numerous occasions by the Magisterium, is based on the inseparable connection, established by God, which man on his own initiative may not break, between the unitive significance and the procreative significance which are both inherent to the marriage act."

2368 A particular aspect of this responsibility concerns the regulation of procreation. For just reasons, spouses may wish to space the births of their children. It is their duty to make certain that their desire is not motivated by selfishness but is in conformity with the generosity appropriate to responsible parenthood.

Most often, the morally acceptable manner of ‘spacing births’ is a form of Fertility Awareness Methodology , often referred to as Natural Family Planning. This could be the Creighton Model, Billings Method, or some others that utilize the natural cycle & symptoms of the woman’s body to determine fruitfulness in advance of marital intimacy. Among the benefits of NFP, when adopted as a mindset as much as a methodology, is the strengthening of shared marital responsibilities & communication. NFP couples have a vastly reduced divorce rate. There are no adverse side-effects or environmental impacts from NFP. NFP has been known to help surface other health issues. Most importantly, it aligns with God's plan for the nature of our human bodies. More could be said. Interestingly, NFP use has been growing in recent years, but not by the Christians who largely developed this medical science. It is being embraced by couples interested in an organic & hormone free lifestyle. When we live in a manner agreeable to God’s plan, it equally aligns with what is healthy for people and the planet!

Sadly, many married couples who desire the good & wonderful gift of a child will struggle. It is a well-known & well-documented reality that infertility is on the rise among couples. There are many causes for this, use of artificial forms of contraceptives early in life, delaying the age when one attempts to conceive, environmental causes, lifestyle factors, and others. And yet, the struggle is certainly not a new one. Abram & Sarai struggled to conceive their long awaited Isaac. The Church compassionately acknowledges & accompanies such couples.

2374 Couples who discover that they are sterile [or struggle with infertility] suffer greatly.

2375 Research aimed at reducing human sterility is to be encouraged…

Although a couple’s desire for a child is true, good, & beautiful, how that child comes into the world matters.

2376 Techniques that entail the dissociation of husband and wife, by the intrusion of a person other than the couple (donation of sperm or ovum, surrogate uterus), are gravely immoral . These techniques (heterologous artificial insemination and fertilization) infringe the child's right to be born of a father and mother known to him and bound to each other by marriage…

Gravely immoral implies that it is an always & everywhere prohibited act for all Catholics. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) , not only violates the sanctity of the marital act between the husband & wife by introducing third party medical personnel into the actual act of conception, it often invites third party donors thus violating the sanctity of husband & wife. The IVF process is also a highly abortive technology. Numerous fertilized eggs (i.e., real living babies) are conceived in a lab only to be discarded, as the most viable are reintroduced into the mother for implantation. Even then, subsequent abortions can be required to reduce the number of babies that ‘took’ or implanted for a ‘manageable’ pregnancy. While it is easy to understand the deep desire for a child and the immense ache of longing parents. We must always remember “ A child is not something owed to one, but is a gift. The "supreme gift of marriage" is a human person ” (CCC 2378).

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Strengthened by Holy Marriage, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

1st Sunday of Lent

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:31:46 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 22 February 2026 – 1st Sunday of Lent

Marriage Catechesis – Part 4

A few final items about Marriage. Maybe as you read the requirements, expectations, and typical marriage preparation, you thought to yourself, “Hmmm, that’s not exactly what we did.” Sometimes marriage prep varies from parish to parish, diocese to diocese, and certainly from the 1940s to the 1970s to 2026. Sometimes what you may have done is not valid in the Catholic Church. Maybe you just went to the Justice of the Peace or the County Clerk and picked up a marriage license. At the time, perhaps your Catholic Faith was not particularly important, you’d drifted away, life happened, or whatever, but now you are back, active & engaged in your Catholic Faith. What does that now mean for your union? That is a good question. And not one that I can answer universally in a Pastoral Note. It is best we meet to discuss your situation. That said, it is quite possible that you can “get your marriage blessed in the Church” by a process called a “Convalidation” (which literally means “with validity”).

Convalidation is actually the wedding from the Church’s point of view, even if you did the white dress and tuxedo years ago somewhere else and you have no need to put either on again today. Believe it or not, but more than 50% of all “weddings” I assist with every year are Convalidations. In 2025, I officiated 16 wedding marriages. Of those 16, 10 were convalidations! And while the couple may dress up and invite some close family, friends, and children to the ceremony, rarely is it the full da-da-da-dum march down the aisle with a full bridal party, flowers, or music. You probably never heard word one about them, even though chances are good you knew one of the persons. I say this only to make the point, I’m here to help.

There are lots of reasons why a Convalidation may be required. Perhaps the proper Catholic form, ceremony, or ritual was not utilized. Maybe, there was some sort of obstacle or impediment that has now been resolved or been removed. Maybe, one of the couples gave improper or invalid consent the ‘first time’.

Sometimes, prior to a marriage or a Convalidation, it is necessary to walk with one or both of the couple through a Declaration of Nullity case, commonly called an “ Annulment .” These arise when one of the two persons desiring to marry was in a prior union. Per Canon 1060, “Marriage possesses the favor of the law; therefore, in a case of doubt, the validity of a marriage must be upheld until the contrary is proven.” What this means is, we presume all marriages are truly valid marriages until they are shown to not be. This includes those marriages by non-Catholics and Catholics where a prior spouse is still alive (It’s death do you part!). There are different types, reasons, and grounds for establishing that a prior union was not what God established as a marriage or was not in some way binding unto death. However, since Marriage is public, so too is the process of determining that validity. In all honesty, this can be a very time consuming and difficult process. Yet, I’ve assisted couples in that hard work and waiting. There are people on the parish staff, including myself, that are equipped to assist you with your particular situation. Please come talk, before trying to make that determination on your own.

A few last thoughts. As a Catholic, you should never officiate at a wedding ceremony. Not for a loved one, friend, or family member. If you knowingly ‘officiate’ at a union of another Catholic, both you and that other person(s) could be automatically excommunicated. It's serious stuff. Excommunication means you are not in a public state to receive Holy Communion. If you already did this before you ‘knew’, please speak with me. It can be lifted & forgiven, but – yes, you guessed it – you’ll be talking to me and maybe the Archbishop (will have to be consulted). Why? Because Marriage is a sacred holy thing. To step into the officiant role is to simulate a Sacrament and to give a public witness that Marriage is something other than what God has established it to be. In the Church, as in society, we have laws to protect and keep safe what needs protecting. (If you get elected/appointed/hired as a judge or county clerk, someday, let’s talk. Civilly that may be a required responsibility, but you must do so in a manner that is morally and spiritually in accord with your Catholic Faith.)

Similarly, if you are asked to attend a civil union or wedding ceremony of a Catholic who was previously married or of a same-sex union or some other situation, please feel free to contact me so we can talk through what would be best for you as a Catholic. One’s presence at events can be tacit approval. We should be slow to give approval to that which is not true, good, or holy.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Strengthened by Holy Marriage, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:41:18 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 15 February 2026 – 6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Marriage Catechesis – Part 3

Can. 1066 Before a marriage is celebrated, it must be evident that nothing stands in the way of its valid and licit celebration.

For this reason, Marriage Preparation is generally required for persons engaged to be married. The intention of Marriage Preparation is to educate & ensure that both the bride & groom understand the institution of marriage with all its inherent responsibilities and burdens as well as helping the specific couple to prayerfully discern if marriage to this specific other is desirable and good. It is not the role of the preparer (priest, deacon, delegated lay person) to tell the couple yes or no to their particular marriage, but to help the couple to attain the mental, emotional, physical freedom & knowledge to say yes or no. I often tell engaged couples, “If you can’t say ‘no’ to this marriage, you are not free to say ‘yes’… even while, I hope you will keep saying yes!”

Most Marriage Preparation includes: 1) meetings with the priest/preparer to discuss the theology of marriage and general readiness, 2) an Engaged Encounter Experience (where presentations of pertinent areas of marriage success are discussed, such as communication & conflict resolution skills, Natural Family Planning, family finances, family of origin discussions, etc.), 3) a premarital inventory assessment (which helps identify areas for growth & discussion) for the couple, 4) meeting with a parish sponsor couple to discuss the identified areas of growth or discussion, and of course, 5) regular participation in parish life & Mass. [The Church generally expects a Catholic to have received the Sacrament of Confirmation prior to Marriage as well (Can 1065).]

Part of the Marriage Preparation looks to ensure there are no known obstacles (aka, “Impediments”) to the engaged couple getting married. Each of the couple must be free to marry (i.e., not previously married, ordained, or in a permanent religious vow). They must be old enough (>17 by Indiana civil law). Not related by blood, marriage, or adoption. Of general sound mind & body, including the ability to have conjugal relations and no known psychological issues or addictions – if treated or under appropriate care, these need not be an impediment. The Church wants to make sure the couple gets the help it needs, even if that means medical or mental assistance! We also want to make sure there is no form of force, fear, or coercion. Each person must be capable of giving free consent to the marriage. As you can imagine, when I go through the standard, Archdiocese of Indianapolis provided, intake questionnaire to verify no obstacles, I get more than an occasional chuckle or laugh. They always “hope they’re not related!!!”

Generally speaking, the Church expects a minimum of 6 months for this marriage preparation and prayerful discernment prior to the Wedding Date. Realistically, in today’s world of venues and full calendars, the couple and I generally start meeting more than a year before the wedding. Once you get engaged, before lining up the reception venue, caterer, etc, please, please, please, reach out to your pastor!

Especially, since as a Catholic, you are expected (and if both are Catholic) required to have your marriage in a Catholic Church or Chapel (Can 1118). Sorry no barns, lakes, or beaches – also no courtrooms, county clerk’s offices, backyards or parks. Remember, Marriage is a Sacrament, and Sacraments typically take place in Church! That is one of the reasons we Catholic Christians have consecrated such spaces – for holy & sacred acts. And the joining of a Christian man & woman in the Holy Sacrament of Marriage is most certainly a holy & sacred act. If either the bride or the groom is not Catholic (i.e., a baptized non-Catholic Christian or non-baptized person), then with permission of the Archbishop, it may be possible to arrange to hold the marriage in another church, oratory, or suitable place. I’ve even been present to assist at weddings in Protestant denomination wedding ceremonies. It is always best to speak with your pastor to discuss your particulars long before you make arrangements so I can assist & guide you in what we do as Catholic Christians.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Strengthened by Holy Marriage, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

5th Sunday Ordinary Time

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:15:35 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 08 February 2026 – 5th Sunday Ordinary Time

Marriage Catechesis – Part 2

CCC 1604: God who created man out of love also calls him to love the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love. Since God created him man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man. It is good, very good, in the Creator's eyes. This love, which God blesses, is intended to be fruitful and to be realized in the common work of watching over creation: "and God blessed them, and God said to them: 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it.'"

CCC 1605: Holy Scripture affirms that man and woman were created for one another: "It is not good that the man should be alone." The woman, "flesh of his flesh," i.e., his counterpart, his equal, his nearest in all things, is given to him by God as a "helpmate"; she thus represents God from whom comes our help. "Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh." The Lord himself shows that this signifies an unbreakable union of their two lives by recalling what the plan of the Creator had been "in the beginning": "So they are no longer two, but one flesh."

The Code of Canon law is not exactly a page turner. And while it is available for free on the Vatican website, I doubt too many folks have ever read much of it. Fair enough. If I’d not taken 3 classes in seminary (2 of which were required) and had to occasionally figure out some parish or parishioner's need, I would not spend much time with the code either. That said, as Baptized Catholic Christians, we are all bound to the Code. It helps clarify rights, responsibilities, and communal order for us as members of the Universal Church. Since the Church is a community of persons, we need guiding rules, laws, and norms for our communal relationships. And since Marriage is a fundamental cell of our greater community both in the Church and civilly, the Code speaks about marriage.

Can. 1055 §1. The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring, has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament between the baptized.

This initial definition of what constitutes marriage is important. It identifies 3 specific characteristics (or “goods”) that make marriage unique among all the many kinds of human relationships. First, covenantal partnership between a man & a woman. This partnership is a chaste fidelity for the whole of each partner’s life. Covenant implies the total, faithful & free gift of each party to the other. Much as God entered a covenant with the Israelites through Moses and us in Christ. It is not merely a civil contract of human making, desire, or design. We discern from our human nature and Natural Law the truth of marriage, rather than writing it for ourselves. Second, “ordered by its nature for the good of the spouses.” Marriage is intended to bless, enhance, gift, grace the spouses. Third, “ordered by its nature to… the procreation & education of offspring.” Of all relationships, marriage is the proper context into which a child should be born, raised, and cared for – and since maternity & paternity never cease, neither can earthly marriage. These are drawn from St Augustine’s reflections on marriage.

Can. 1056 The essential properties of marriage are unity and indissolubility, which in Christian marriage obtain a special firmness by reason of the Sacrament.

Can. 1057 §1. The consent of the parties, legitimately manifested between persons qualified by law, makes marriage; no human power is able to supply this consent.

Can. 1059 Even if only one party is Catholic, the marriage of Catholics is governed not only by divine law but also by canon law…

 Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Strengthened by Holy Marriage, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Doris Wilson Passes Away

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:44:48 GMT

Doris adored being Mom, Grandma, and Gigi to her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandsons. We loved her more than anything and will miss her so much. She enjoyed making our favorite foods (including her chicken salad, fresh tomatoes with cottage cheese, mouse sandwiches, curly noodles, chili, fruit faces, sunshine salad, meringue pie with “syrup,” and chocolate pudding pie), sewing (especially our Halloween costumes), throwing helicopter seeds, seeing our performances and games, watching the UK Wildcats play, and spending time with her family. Providence alumni may remember her smiling face and helping hand behind the desk in the front office, where she served as secretary for many years. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on February 3, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN 47150). Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on February 4, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church (129 W. Daisy Lane, New Albany, IN 47150), with burial to follow at Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

4th Sunday Ordinary Time

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:48:47 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 01 February 2026 – 4th Sunday Ordinary Time

As we move into the month of February, with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, I thought it might be a good time to talk about Marriage! If you remember, early last Fall, I did a series of Pastoral Notes on Baptism, Godparents, and Confirmation Sponsors. I cannot say I received too much feedback – positive or negative – on those PSA-styled notes, except one. It was suggested that a similar series might be helpful on Marriage and various associated matters. Well one request is just one request, but as your pastor, I’m bound to help form, shape, and catechize the laity in the Faith. And well, few things impact our collective practice of the Faith, except for the Eucharist & Liturgy, as the wonderful gift of Marriage.

First, if you do not believe I am literally required to teach about Marriage (and other aspects of the Faith), you might be interested to see part of my job description as clarified in Canon Law for a Pastor’s responsibilities:

Can. 1063 Pastors of souls are obliged to take care that their ecclesiastical community (i.e., parish(es)) offers the Christian faithful the assistance by which the matrimonial state is preserved in a Christian spirit and advances in perfection. This assistance must be offered especially by: 1) preaching, catechesis adapted to minors, youth, and adults, and even the use of instruments of social communication , by which the Christian faithful are instructed about the meaning of Christian marriage and about the function of Christian spouses and parents. (emphasis added).

The first place to begin is to ask, what is Marriage? While there are many places for us to look for that understanding, I’m going to utilize two particular sources here: the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and the Code of Canon Law (Can.) Yes, the Scriptures have a tremendous amount to say about Marriage. In fact, Jesus spoke directly to Marriage on a number of instances – upholding its earthly permanence, fidelity, inherent giftedness, created order as male & female, and blessing in children. Such investigation, meditation, and reflection are helpful. In this particular series, I would like to focus more particularly on specific expectations, requirements, and practices drawn from Christ as discerned, lived, and defined by the Catholic Church. Yet, the Catechism itself starts with this Scriptural context.

CCC 1602: Sacred Scripture begins with the creation of man and woman in the image and likeness of God and concludes with a vision of "the wedding-feast of the Lamb." Scripture speaks throughout marriage and its "mystery," its institution and the meaning God has given it, its origin and its end, its various realizations throughout the history of salvation, the difficulties arising from sin and its renewal "in the Lord" in the New Covenant of Christ and the Church.

CCC 1603: "The intimate community of life and love which constitutes the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws.... God himself is the author of marriage." The vocation to marriage is written in the very nature of man and woman as they came from the hand of the Creator. Marriage is not a purely human institution despite the many variations it may have undergone through the centuries in different cultures, social structures, and spiritual attitudes. These differences should not cause us to forget its common and permanent characteristics. Although the dignity of this institution is not transparent everywhere with the same clarity, some sense of the greatness of the matrimonial union exists in all cultures. "The well-being of the individual person and of both human and Christian society is closely bound up with the healthy state of conjugal and family life."

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Strengthened by Holy Marriage, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Lenten Adoration

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:14:49 GMT

Adoration will be every Monday - Friday during Lent, and the first week of Easter. By signing up for an hour, you are committing to that day and time for each week of Lent and the first week of Easter.

Parishioner Evelyn Baumann Passes Away

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:35:20 GMT

Evelyn Rose Baumann, 102, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the Waters of Georgetown in Georgetown, Indiana. Evelyn was born on February 3, 1923, to the late Martin Libs and Caroline Zimmerman Libs. Evelyn retired from Floyd Memorial Hospital after being a loyal and caring nurse for 22 years. She was a devoted catholic and attended Holy Family Catholic Church, New Albany, Indiana. She was a proud member of Holy Family's quilting group. Evelyn also enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, making crafts including counted-cross stitch, and was an excellent seamstress.

Evelyn in preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Irvin "Bud" Baumann; her siblings, Irvin Libs, Raymond Libs, Bertha Eckert, Mary Morthorst, Dorothy Sprigler, Sister Dolorita Libs, and Anna Lee Gesenhues.

Evelyn is survived by several loving nieces and nephews; and many extended family and friends.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana, on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 11:00 am and Evelyn will be laid to rest at Saint Mary's of the Knobs, Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

3rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:11:03 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 25 January 2026 – 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Further selection from St Francis de Sales classic, An Introduction to the Devout Life . I would share some excerpts of his sage advice. Perhaps, it will be of help to you.

Part IV – Chapter XV: An Illustration. [Final Thoughts]

1. That God is wont to give some foretaste of His heavenly joys to beginners in His Service, the better to wean them from earthly pleasures, and to encourage them in seeking His Divine Love, even as a mother attracts her babe to suck by means of honey.

2 . That nevertheless it is the same Good God Who sometimes in His Wisdom deprives us of the milk and honey of His consolations, in order that we may learn to eat the dry substantial bread of a vigorous devotion, trained by means of temptations and trials.

3. That sometimes very grievous temptations arise out of dryness and barrenness, and that at such times these temptations must be steadfastly resisted, inasmuch as they are not of God; but the dryness must be patiently endured, because He sends that to prove us.

4. That we must never grow discouraged amid our inward trials, nor say… “I shall never be glad;” but through the darkness we must look for light; and in like manner, in the brightest spiritual sunshine, we must not presume to say, “I shall never be sad.” Rather we must remember the saying of the Wise Man, “In the day of prosperity remember the evil.” It behooves us to hope amid trials, and to fear in prosperity, and in both circumstances always to be humble.

5. That it is a sovereign remedy to open our grief to some spiritual friend able to assist us. And, in conclusion, I would observe that here, as everywhere, our Gracious God and our great Enemy are in conflict, for by means of these trials God would bring us to great purity of heart, to an entire renunciation of self-interest in all concerning His Service, and a perfect casting aside of self-seeking; but the Evil One seeks to use our troubles to our discouragement, so as to turn us back to sensual pleasures, and to make us a weariness to ourselves and others, in order to injure true devotion. But if you will give heed to the above instructions you will advance greatly towards perfection amid such interior trials, concerning which I have yet one word to say. Sometimes revulsions and dryness and incapacity proceed from bodily indisposition, as when excessive watching, fasting, or overwork produce weariness, lassitude, heaviness, and the like; which, while wholly caused by the body, interfere greatly with the soul, so intimately are they linked together. When this is the case, you must always remember to make marked acts of virtue with your higher will, for, although your whole soul may seem to be sunk in drowsy weariness, such mental efforts are acceptable to God. At such a time you may say with the Bride of the Canticles, “I sleep, but my heart wakes.” And, as I have already said, if there is less enjoyment in such efforts, there is more virtue and merit. But the best remedy under the last-named circumstances is to reinvigorate the body by some lawful recreation and solace.

St. Francis enjoined his religion to use such moderation in their labors as never to impair the fervor of their minds. And speaking of that great Saint, he was himself once attacked by such deep depression of mind that he could not conceal it; if he sought to associate with his religious he was unable to talk; if he kept apart he only grew worse; abstinence and maceration of the flesh overwhelmed him, and he found no comfort in prayer. For two years he continued in this state, as though altogether forsaken of God, but after humbly enduring the heavy storm, his Savior restored him to a happy calm quite suddenly. From this we should learn that God’s greatest servants are liable to such trials, so that less worthy people should not be surprised if they experience the same.

https://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/devoutlife.pdf

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living in Spiritual Closeness, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:55:52 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 18 January 2026 – 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time

Further selection from St Francis de Sales classic, An Introduction to the Devout Life . I would share some excerpts of his sage advice. Perhaps, it will be of help to you.

Part IV – Chapter XIV: Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness

So much for what is to be done in times of spiritual consolations. But these bright days will not last forever, and sometimes you will be so devoid of all devout feelings, that it will seem to you that your soul is a desert land, fruitless, sterile, wherein you can find no path leading to God, no drop of the waters of Grace to soften the dryness which threatens to choke it entirely. Verily, at such a time the soul is greatly to be pitied, above all, when this trouble presses heavily, for then, like David, its meat are tears day and night, while the Enemy strives to drive it to despair, crying out, “Where is now your God? How do you think to find Him, or how will you ever find again the joy of His Holy Grace?” What will you do then, my child? Look well whence the trial comes, for we are often ourselves the cause of our own dryness and barrenness.

1. Humble yourself profoundly before God, acknowledging your nothingness and misery. Alas, what am I when left to myself! no better, Lord, than a parched ground, whose cracks and crevices on every side testify its need of the gracious rain of Heaven, while, nevertheless, the world’s blasts wither it more and more to dust.

2. Call upon God, and ask for His Gladness. “O give me the comfort of Thy help again! My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” “Depart, O ye unfruitful wind, which parched up my soul, and come, O gracious south wind, blow upon my garden.” Such loving desires will fill you with the perfume of holiness.

3. Go to your confessor, open your heart thoroughly, let him see every corner of your soul, and take all his advice with the utmost simplicity and humility, for God loves obedience, and He often makes the counsel we take, especially that of the guides of souls, to be more useful than would seem likely; just as He caused the waters of Jordan, commended by Elijah to Naaman, to cure his leprosy in spite of the improbability to human reason.

4. But, after all, nothing is so useful, so fruitful amid this dryness and barrenness, as not to yield to a passionate desire of being delivered from it. I do not say that one may not desire to be set free, but only that one ought not to desire it over-eagerly, but to leave all to the sole Mercy of God’s special Providence, in order that, so long as He pleases, He may keep us amid these thorns and longings. Let us say to God at such seasons, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me;”—but let us add heartily, “Nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done,” (Lk 22:42) and there let us abide as trustingly as we are able. When God sees us to be filled with such pious indifference, He will comfort us with His grace and favor, as when He beheld Abraham ready to offer up his son Isaac, and comforted him with His blessing. In every sort of affliction, then, whether bodily or spiritual, in every manner of distraction or loss of sensible devotion, let us say with our whole heart, and in the deepest submission, “The Lord gave me all my blessings, the Lord takes them away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.” If we persevere in this humility, He will restore to us His mercies as he did to Job.

5. And lastly, my daughter, amid all our dryness let us never grow discouraged, but go steadily on, patiently waiting the return of better things; let us never be misled to give up any devout practices because of it, but rather if possible, let us increase our good works, and if we cannot offer liquid preserves to our Bridegroom, let us at least offer Him dried fruit—it is all one to Him, so long as the heart we offer be fully resolved to love Him….

https://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/devoutlife.pdf

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, persevering in Spiritual Dryness, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

The Baptism of the Lord

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:37:23 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 11 January 2026 – The Baptism of the Lord

I am frequently asked questions about dryness in prayer. In reading St Francis de Sales classic, An Introduction to the Devout Life , he beautifully addresses consolations and desolations in prayer. I thought I would share some excerpts of his sage advice. Perhaps, it will be of help to you as you foster Prayer in the new year.

Part IV – Chapter XIII: Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and how to receive them

1. Devotion does not consist in conscious sweetness and tender consolations, which move one to sighs and tears, and bring about a kind of agreeable, acceptable sense of self-satisfaction. No, my child, this is not one and the same as devotion, for you will find many persons who do experience these consolations, yet who, nevertheless, are evil minded, and consequently are devoid of all true Love of God, still more of all true devotion…

2. Nevertheless these tender warm emotions are sometimes good and useful, for they kindle the spiritual appetite, cheer the mind, and infuse a holy gladness into the devout life, which embellishes all we do even externally. It was such a taste for holy things that made David cry out, “O how sweet are Thy words unto my throat, yea, sweeter than honey unto my mouth.” (Psalm 119:103) And assuredly the tiniest little comfort received through devotion is worth far more than the most abundant delights of this world. The milk of the Heavenly Bridegroom, in other words His spiritual favors, are sweeter to the soul than the costliest wine of the pleasures of this world, and to those who have tasted thereof all else seems but as gall and wormwood…

3. But, perhaps you will say, if there are sensible consolations which are undoubtedly good and come from God, and at the same time others which are unprofitable, perilous, even harmful, because they proceed from mere natural causes, or even from the Enemy himself, how am I to know one from the other, or distinguish what is most profitable even among those which are good? It is a general rule, with respect to the feelings and affections, that their test is in their fruits. Our hearts are as trees, of which the affections and passions are their branches, and deeds and acts their fruits. That is, a good heart, of which the affections are good, and those are good affections which result in good and holy actions. If our spiritual tenderness and sweetness and consolation make us more humble, patient, forbearing, charitable and kindly towards our neighbors, more earnest in mortifying our own evil inclinations and lusts, more diligent in our duties, more docile and submissive to those who have a claim to our obedience, more simple in our whole manner of life, then doubtless, my daughter, they come from God…

4. If we are favored with any such sweetness, we must humble ourselves deeply before God, and beware of being led to cry out “How good I am!” No indeed, such gifts do not make us any better, for, as I have already said, devotion does not consist in such things; rather let us say, “How good God is to those who hope in Him, and to the souls that seek Him!” If a man has sugar in his mouth, he cannot call his mouth sweet, but the sugar; and so although our spiritual sweetness is admirable, and God Who imparts it is all good, it by no means follows that he who receives it is good… As a general rule, we shall do well to receive all such graces and favors humbly, making much of them, not for their own importance, but rather because it is God’s Hand…

Lastly, I advise you to take counsel with your director concerning any unusual flow of consolations or emotions, so that he may guide you in their wise usage; for it is written, “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee” (Prov. 25:16). https://www.catholicspiritualdirection.org/devoutlife.pdf

God indeed gives Spiritual Consolations. Yet, being God, they are given to us only when and to what extent that they are truly for our good. Next time, we will hear St Francis de Sales on spiritual dryness.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Filled with Spiritual Consolations, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Christmas Mass Schedule 2025

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:20:24 GMT

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:49:32 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 28 December 2025 – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Pictured above: “The Holy Family at Rest” sculpture: A bronze sculpture donated by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington in 1963, located in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington DC at the East entrance to the Shrine's crypt.

The last several years, I’ve met the Holy Family School 8th Graders in Washington DC during their annual trip there. I meet them at the National Basilica to tour the church and celebrate Mass. This bronze statue of the Holy Family resting on their flight into Egypt – fleeing Herod’s reach for the Christ Child – greets us as we enter the Crypt. It depicts a very weary Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Even the donkey is weary of the urgent and rushed retreat to a foreign land to find safety. There is certainly a commentary to be made about modern immigrants fleeing desperate situations, but I’ll not make that here today.

Today, it struck me that the Holy Family worn out and exhausted might be how we feel ourselves after the rush of the pre-Christmas and Christmas day activities. I certainly feel a certain tiredness. We may find ourselves wanting to put some distance between ourselves and the family confrontations that might have occurred. We might want to simply leave Christmas behind. After all, the rest of the world – even our non-Catholic Christian brethren – celebrates for but 1 day on Dec 25th, while we persistent Catholic Christians stretch out Christmas for a full Octave of days and longer still until January 11 after we have rejoiced in the Epiphany of the Magi and the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan River by John. It can seem that this journey of Christmas will go on and on. It can leave us tired, worn, and weary. It can leave each of us pulling inward to collect ourselves and gather a little inner peace. It is possible to become hardened or deaf to the Christmas Joy of Jesus’ Birth. The world presses in to remind us – like Mary & Joseph, you can’t forever remain in there in that Silent Night . Rest if you must, but remember, this journey is an important one. It is a necessary one. These are the first steps leading the People of God from Egypt – that ever symbolic land of slavery & sin – to freedom & Life, to the Promised Land of Eternal Rest. It is all too easy to grow weary on this journey. Stop & with Jesus, Mary, & Joseph, Rest. But do not dally too long, for the road ever rises out before us. “Constricted [is] the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few” (Mt 7:14).

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Holy Family Home for Christmas with Cross Catholic International . You can still contribute on Parish Soft (e-giving) or by dropping a donation in the offertory basket clearly labeled “Advent Home”. Thank you.

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Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Resting in the Father’s Protection, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

4th Sunday of Advent

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:14:10 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 21 December 2025 – Fourth Sunday of Advent & Christmas

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After the Babylonian exile,

Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,

Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.

Abiud became the father of Eliakim,

Eliakim the father of Azor,

Azor the father of Zadok.

Zadok became the father of Achim,

Achim the father of Eliud,

Eliud the father of Eleazar.

Eleazar became the father of Matthan,

Matthan the father of Jacob,

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

~ Matthew 1:12-16

The upper section of the Jesse Tree window at Chartres Cathedral, France showing Jesus at the apex and Mary below Him.

The whole Holy Family parish staff wish you a Merry & Blessed Christmas.

As we rejoice in the coming of Christ, Emmanuel, once again, may we be renewed in the Love & Mercy of the Father for all of Creation. And may we share that Love & Mercy that flows from His Birth to all we encounter.

Christmas Mass Schedule: Dec 24 @ 4p and 6p. Dec 25 at Midnight & 8a

Holy Family Parish Office will be Closed Wednesday 24 December 2025 until Monday 05 January 2026 for the Holiday Break. We will have our normal Mass schedule, except the special times for Christmas Eve and no Mass on Friday Dec 26. I will be around, so of course, if there is an emergency or pressing need, please call.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Rejoicing at Christ’s Birth, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

3rd Sunday of Advent

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:01:36 GMT

PASTOR’S NOTES for 14 December 2025 – 3 rd Sunday of Advent

Gaudete in Domino semper; iterum, dico Gaudete. Dominus prope.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.

~ Philippians 4:4-5

Recently, I read an article on the Vatican website, entitled, “ An Economy of Enough: Limits as pathways

to renewal ” <https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2025-11/economy-of-francesco-project-restarting-jubilee-environment.html> In the very brief reflection, the author attempted to tie together the importance of Limits for us as human persons, sharing in the hope & mercy of God as the purpose of a Jubilee Year, and a just & sound economy, especially for the poor. That is a tall order, and yet, thoroughly Catholic, Christian, & Scriptural. Without limits, borders, edges, we fail to know where we end and another begins. We lack the excitement and joy of discovery of another. We fail to appreciate our finite nature as an authentic gift from an All-Powerful God that deigns to love & care for us, His beloved creatures. While we humans naturally push against limits (remember the Tree in theGarden), lacking limits we could not understand who we. The Jubilee Year reminds us of God’s mercy spilling over our limits into authentic love of neighbor and care for the most in need. Mercy can be defined simply as, Love in action to those in need. Needs are rooted in limits. Love is rooted in gift of self to another across those limits. Jubilee Years are intended to remind us of God’s Mercy in our life and His call for us to extend that same Mercy to others. Few places is this idea needed more than in our modern economies, where the wealthy can easily leverage their possession & power to live ever more limitless lives, while the poor pay the price by ever more restricted opportunity. The poor struggle to have basic needs met while the wealthy give into wanton waste. The author suggests a better way forward is an “Economy of Enough.”

“An economy of enough can be a gateway to a simpler lifestyle in which we share more, knowing that

neither we nor anyone else is defined by material goods but by who we are. It is not about living worse

or being unhappy, but about resting in gratitude, liberating ourselves from the idea that things — and

ourselves — are never enough, and about becoming guardians of one another. It is about creating time

and space for what truly matters. A hug, for example, is a limit that allows us to experience love!”

I thought about this “Economy of Enough” as we move through this Advent Season. For most, it is a busy, hurried, rushed season of parties, lights. events, preparations and buying. Materialism seems very much at the forefront. I wonder if a better way of showing love to your loved ones has much less to do with more stuff; and rather, a much more intentional offering of more self. How do you bring yourself to the other as Gift? How do you encounter them as a person – worthy of receiving love & mercy – rather than a name on a list to check off. How much is enough? Our houses are all too often full of stuff, while homes are empty of love. And more broadly speaking, what is the cost of our materialism beyond the dollars & cents to the poor who manufactured them, often on continents far away, often while going without. I’m not trying to be a Grinch. I’m not interested in needless guilt or shame. But if I recall correctly, the message of The Grinch who Stole Christmas, was that people, not possessions matter most this time of year… and always. Limits, Jubilee, and an Economy of Enough might be helpful reminders. And that brothers & sisters, is something in which to rejoice!

For the 5th year, I’m inviting our Holy Family family to fund a Home for Christmas to a family in need. We are once again partnering with Cross Catholic International to build a home in Guatemala. As we decorate our homes for Christmas, consider providing a home for our impoverished neighbors to call their own in which to celebrate the Lord’s arrival at Christmas. You can contribute on Parish Soft (e-giving) or by dropping a donation in the offertory basket clearly labeled “Advent Home”. Thank you.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Rejoicing in the coming of the Lord, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Mildred C. Fessel Passes Away

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 14:11:15 GMT

Millie lived a life filled with creativity, love, and spirited joy. Exceptionally crafty, she poured her heart into making ceramics and sharing her work at local shows. A self-taught seamstress, she stitched dresses for her family and even created tiny wardrobes of Barbie clothes that delighted all who received them. She shared her talents generously as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader at Holy Trinity, guiding young people with patience, humor, and her signature sass.

A wonderful cook, Millie made every holiday memorable with meals prepared from scratch. She cherished the simple pleasures of life-her favorite soap operas (Days of Our Lives and As the World Turns), time spent outdoors tending her garden, and the joy of making homemade jams and jellies. She also enjoyed her time on her father’s farm, where many of her happiest memories were formed. Millie was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where her faith was a steady and meaningful presence throughout her life.

Visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Home (708 E Spring Street, New Albany, IN) on Tuesday, December 16th from 12pm- 8pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church (129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana 47150) on Wednesday, December 17th at 10am. Burial will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

National Catholic Youth Conference 2025

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:07:49 GMT

National Catholic Youth Conference 2025

Nine youth and their chaperones attended the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) on November 20-22 in Indianapolis! They spent time growing in their relationship with our God, who is "I AM," as revealed to Moses in the burning bush, the theme of this year's conference. They also learned about how we encounter Jesus in each of the seven sacraments. Youth attended general sessions, one of which was a live digital encounter with Pope Leo. They participated in the exhibit hall activities and breakouts. NCYC also included Adoration and the closing Mass with 16,000 other teens from all over the country. They are so grateful for this opportunity to encounter the Lord through the young church, made possible by your generosity!

USCCB Pastoral Video on Immigration

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:49:25 GMT

USCCB Pastoral Video on Immigration

First Sunday of Advent

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:06:47 GMT

PASTOR’S NOTES for 30 November 2025 – First Sunday of Advent

Excited by the Coming of Christ at Christmas! Loving all the Holiday tunes! Energized by the lights & décor! Enthralled by all the gatherings, parties, and presents! Wonderful. I hope that excitement, love, energy, and enthrallment does bring you closer to Jesus through Mary. Next weekend, we will host our annual 40-Hours Advent Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament . In the midst of all the busy, slowdown to really savor the reason for the season: Jesus, Emmanuel, God come into the World.

+ Friday 2 December @ 2p until Sunday 4 Dec at the 8a Mass +

Welcome Fr Jose Neri to St Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, New Albany. He will take on the role of pastoral care on 01 December 2025. Fr Jose was ordained for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis on 03 June 2023. Fr Jose and I are being appointed Pastors In Solidum for pastoral care of St Mary. “In Solidum” means in solidarity or in conjunction with. In essence, Fr Jose and I will be co-pastors for the time being. Fr Jose will move into the role as the primary pastoral minister for St Mary immediately with continued oversight & mentoring by myself. Fr Jose is no stranger to many of you. You may recall him from his days as a seminarian and then Deacon here at Holy Family as part of his last 2 years of study at Saint Meinrad. It will be great to have him back in the New Albany area & deanery. I’m looking forward to working with him and getting him settled in his new role of pastoring (plus I will greatly appreciate his cheerful help!). St Mary is blessed to receive Fr Jose as a future pastoral leader.

We also welcome Fr Doug Marcotte to our neighbor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, New Albany. Fr Doug finished a full term as pastor at St Simon the Apostle Catholic Church on the northeast side of Indianapolis. Prior to that, he was the pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Augustine Parishes in Jeffersonville. It will be great to have him back in the New Albany deanery.

Welcome home to me! Not to be self-centered, but I feel like I’ve been away after all the travel & events of the past month. The month of November was full of amazing experiences – Pilgrimage to France with wonderful, faith-filled people – NCYC, all those teens drawing closer to Christ in the Church – Thanksgiving Day with its family, food, & fellowship. Yet I feel like I’ve been very absent from my Holy Family family. I’m grateful for all that has been enjoyed & experienced, but I’m also content to be home again.

If you have not yet returned your Archdiocese of Indianapolis

United Catholic Appeal – Go Forth – Pledge Card, please consider doing so soon. They may be dropped in the offertory basket, at the parish office, or mailed in directly.

Saturday Dec 6 – Feast of St Nicolas – during the Holy Family 40-Hours of Advent Adoration, will be the last Saturday 8a Saturday Mass here at Holy Family. St John Paul II has decided to add a weekly Saturday 8:30a Mass to their schedule. With the arrival of two sisters from the Catholic religious community of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth , they require a daily Mass.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, heirs to the House of David, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:48:20 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 23 November 2025 – Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving Day

May we be ever more grateful for all our many gifts and graces. Gratitude is a great giver of happiness. The more we are grateful, the more content we are with ourselves, our neighbor, and even with God. This contentment steeps us in peace & joy. Foster Gratitude today & every day – not just Thursday!

Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday November 27 @ 8a. Come give Thanks & Praise!

Every registered household in Holy Family should have received an invitation to participate in the annual United Catholic Appeal. This annual Archdiocesan Campaign helps to support ministries and mission essential services that extend beyond any single parish. For the last few weeks, the bulletin has contained literature provided by the Archdiocese explaining those ministries. Everything from formation of future priests and carrying for “retired” ones (in quotes, because they seem very much to still be serving our parish communities!) to Catholic School support and Catholic Charities. Many different initiatives benefit from your intentional, sacrificial, generous contributions.

As always, while Holy Family has a long history – even predating my arrival – of attaining our particular parish goal, my focus is on participation. I invite all to participate at some level with which they are comfortable. Participation in this appeal is an expression of our common & shared call to “Go Forth” with the Gospel, not just here in New Albany, but throughout the Archdiocese. Please prayerfully discern your participation.

Having just returned from France and a pilgrimage visit to Lisieux, I am mindful of St Therese of the Little Flower’s quote: “ Our Lord does not so much look at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them. ” This applies not just to action and difficulty but to the quantity of the offering. Small or large in amount, every gift makes a difference if offered with Love. St Therese also stated about Love: “ When one loves, one does not calculate ." Thank God the Father, Jesus did not ‘calculate the costs’ that were asked of Him. He gave much because He loved much. In fact, Jesus gave all, because He loved all.

I invite every parishioner and/or household to participate in the pledge process. Some of us have significant financial resources, and some of us have lesser resources. But all of us can be united and equal by our simple participation in the appeal, by proportional giving, by sacrifice united in the Cross & Resurrection of Jesus. While we have a parish goal (see below), as I’ve promoted in past years, my goal is participation. That more engage and take part in this united request by a personal response to the Archbishop’s call. That is something we can all do no matter where we find ourselves with regard to resources.

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40 Hours Advent Adoration

Our annual 40-hours of Eucharistic Adoration, Devotion, & Praise is coming quickly. Please sign-up to participate in this around the clock call to pray, as we spend 40-hours with Christ to emulate Mother Mary’s 40-weeks with Christ in her womb. Graces & gratitude always flow forth from this blessed time.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054DABAF2BABFE3-59654253-40hours#/

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Host to Gratitude, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Leon "Lee" J. Weber Sr Passes Away

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:44:25 GMT

Leon John Weber Sr., 99, of New Albany Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday November 14, 2025, after a long fun life with family and friends from here and Newport, Kentucky/Cincinnati, OH.

Lee was a man of simple pleasures and deep passions. He was known for his quick wit, chicken dance skills, love of dogs, and his extensive collection of hats, each chosen with care for the occasion.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation on Wednesday November 19, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home in New Albany, Indiana. In true Lee fashion, attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite hat.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Holy Family Church in New Albany on Thursday 11/20/25 at 10:30 am.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

All Souls' Day

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:23:54 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 02 November 2025 – All Souls Day

All Saints Day in New Orleans

Decorating the Tombs

(Engraved by John Durkin

in Harper's Weekly

November 1885)

I know many parishioners, often the surviving spouse, who will visit their beloved’s grave with great regularity – even weekly, and always on important dates like birthday, anniversaries, and death days. The physical location gives them a way to spiritually relocate their loved ones in their grief while maintaining a connection with one who meant so much to them in life. Our bonds endure with those who have passed on before us. In many ways, the faithful departed of yesterday are more alive than we are today – for they are in the unmediated Presence of God – the Beatific Vision!

Yet, I’m sometimes amazed how few people visit the grave sites of loved ones. There are many and varied reasons for not doing so. I realize, as we all do, that the ‘person’ is not there, just their earthly remains. And as for praying for, with, and ‘to’ our loved ones, we need not be at the graveside. Yet, we also need to remember that our bodies are not just ‘extras’ or ‘add-ons’. They are us. The temporary separation of the body & soul at earthly death will not be fully rectified until the full final Second Coming, when the Lord will have all risen in Glorified Bodies like His own. Yet, I also realize some don’t go to cemeteries, funerals, and even nursing homes because of a fear of death. It makes it too ‘real’. We ought not live from fear. And as Christians, we definitely ought not to fear death for we have already experienced death in our Baptism and now live in a confidence of Resurrected Truth. Our modern world likes to sanitize death – rose colored lights, make up, and perfectly curated displays of our beloved dead at the Funeral Home. For many, this is a comfort and gives them a reassuring last memory of them in their passing – especially as a corrective to the sometimes sickly & suffering view experienced in the weeks and months leading up to the passing. But it is also sometimes meant to ‘fool’ us or make it palatable, when the only thing that makes physical passing ‘acceptable’ is our Faith in the Resurrection.

There is also a growing sentiment within the secular world that sees no point to remember or pay attention to the past or to our beloved departed beyond a sentimental familial or friendly connection. In a world view where this is all there is, once one has died, they are dead. Forever in the past, forever history, forever beyond influence or import. This is a logical conclusion for one who sees the human person as essentially a highly evolved and self-reflective animal, but no more. Apart from a deep understanding that humans are not merely animals – we indeed have an animal nature – but are in fact made in the Image & Likeness of God with eternal – not merely temporal – existence.

Cemeteries, All Souls Day, and deep connections in prayer and action towards our beloved dead, keep us rooted in an authentic Christian understanding of the human person. And that deep rooting, allows us to be ever so more connected to the living here and now. I encourage you to really think, pray, and act out All Souls Day.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, heirs to the House of David, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Robert "Bob" C. Hubler Passes Away

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:39:44 GMT

Robert C. "Bob" Hubler, a resident of New Albany, Indiana, was born on June 20, 1926, and passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 99. Bob was born in New Albany, Indiana, to the late Roy H. Hubler and Agnes (Steinert) Hubler. Bob was a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church in New Albany. He also spent time as a member of Floyd County Post #3281 Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion #28. Bob was a proud veteran of World War II and that service extended in his life as his return following the war. He first served the country as a railroad postal worker and then settled into his career in the postal service as a mail carrier. Bob eventually retired from the U.S. Postal Service in New Albany, Indiana.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Alice A. (Hammond) Hubler.

Bob is survived by his daughters; Mary (Rickie) Hurrle and Roberta Culwell.

A visitation will be held at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 East Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 129 West Daisy Lane, New Albany, Indiana, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11:00 am.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:03:52 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 26 October 2025 – Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

All Souls' Day

By Jakub Schikaneder

1888

National Gallery in Prague

In the coming weeks, we have a number of Holy Days to observe that will alter the normal flow of readings and celebrations. To offer some clarity regarding upcoming feasts in the Latin Rite, and how they interact with the choices of which Mass to celebrate as well as the obligation of the faithful to attend:

+ Saturday, November 1: Solemnity of All Saints . There is no obligation for the faithful to attend this year in 2025. Holy Family will host an All Saints Mass on Saturday morning at 8a. [The US Bishops have a quasi-cryptic rule about the obligatory nature of Holydays for the faithful in the USA. The obligation to attend Mass is lifted when the Holy Days fall on a Saturday or a Monday, except for the Solemnities of Christmas and the Immaculate Conception (Patroness Title of the USA).

+Sunday, November 2: Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day) . This day has enjoyed great devotion among the faithful since ancient times, and so is accorded a high place on the Table of Precedence of Liturgical Days in the General Roman Calendar. Because of this, All Souls is celebrated for the Sunday Masses instead of the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time. Also, because of its importance, the anticipatory Masses on Saturday evening (our 5p Mass here at HF) is also a celebration of All Souls. Readings for this Mass can be chosen from any readings for the Mass for the Dead in the Lectionary. Please also note that, as in other Masses for the Dead, Gloria is omitted.

+Monday, December 8: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception . This is a Holyday of Obligation even when it falls on a Monday, so the obligation for the faithful to attend Mass on this day is still retained. Holy Family will have an 8a Mass (with the HF School), Noon, and 6p Mass.

+Sunday, November 9: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome . Though this is only a Feast and not a Solemnity, it takes precedence over the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time because of its importance, due to the Archbasilica Cathedral of St. John Lateran being the “Mother church of all the churches in the city [Rome] and the world” (the inscription over the formal entrance of the Archbasilica).

Also worth noting. Changes to the weekly Saturday 8a morning Mass . There will be no Mass on Nov 8 (Fr Gries will be away on Pilgrimage to France). And the weekly 8a Saturday Mass will be discontinued starting Dec 13 . St John Paul II has decided to add a weekly Saturday 8:30a Mass to their schedule. With the arrival of two sisters from the Catholic religious community of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth , they required a daily Mass. The area does not need multiple Saturday morning Masses.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Rooted in Worship of Almighty God, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:17:40 GMT

PASTOR’S NOTES for 19 October 2025 – Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Above is a beautiful stained glass depiction of Pentecost from St Vitus Cathedral in Prague. The picture does not do it justice in terms of grandeur or impact. When the sunlight was streaming through it, making it come to life, it looked like the Holy Spirit had indeed come. I pray it comes anew each day in you with the rising of the sun.

“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘Sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded… The reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For ‘by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (CCC #1285, emphasis added).

For those of you who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation and have been fully initiated into the Church and the Triune Life of God, you are “obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” You’ve been granted the very gifts of the Holy Spirit to enable you to do so. are meant to bring the Light of the Holy Spirit into the world. Just as the light shines through the beautiful stained glass window, the Holy Spirit is meant to shine through your beautiful Catholic Christian Life into the world. So that others may see and believe. So others may be enlightened. So that others may simply see God’s great Beauty, Truth, & Goodness in the world in & though you by the Holy Spirit.

This weekend, teens across the New Albany Deanery will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation in Masses presided over by Archbishop Thompson. Holy Family will be hosting one of the three Confirmation Masses on Sunday 19 Oct. We will have some 54 teens from Holy Family; St Joseph, Corydon, St Mary, Lanesville; St Michael, Charlestown; and St Anthony, Clarksville. It be a truly catholic –universal – experience of the Catholic Church. Over the past year, these teens learned about the Jesus Christ, the Catholic Faith, the Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the Church. They participated in Fire & Water Confirmation retreats hosted by Catalyst Catholic performed Christian service, and even wrote letters to the Archbishop explaining why they wanted to be Confirmed. In their letters, they had to explain why they wanted to be Confirmed, who they chose for their sponsor & why, who they chose for their Confirmation Patron Saint & why, and how service helped them to see Christ in others. Please pray for them. Please pray that they are filled with the Spirit to ‘spread and defend the faith in word and deed’ with the whole of their lives.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, animated by the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:02:31 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 12 Oct 2025 – Twenty-Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time

Mental Health Sunday

Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. ~ Colossians 3:2

This October, the Catholic Church in the United States is renewing its National Catholic Mental Health Campaign (NCMHC) , encouraging all people to become more aware of the issues, eliminate the stigmas around mental illness, and seek creative ways to journey with those who struggle. This can be done now through personal and community accompaniment and by advocating for effective and compassionate public policy around mental health and wellness. As the late Pope Francis once said, “Caring for others is not just a skilled job but a real mission.” The mental health crisis is a profound challenge to the Church and to society. Catholics can respond with generosity, hope, and compassion to everyone who needs help. The USCCB invites all people of good will to pray for mental health and wellness with a special nationwide novena beginning on World Mental Health Day.

“The Holy Family reveals to us the beauty and intimacy of family life: “May Nazareth remind us what the family is, what the communion of love is, its stark and simple beauty, its sacred and inviolable character” (Paul VI, Address at Nazareth, Jan. 5, 1964). Pope Francis reminds us that the intimacy of family life includes accompanying each other through suffering: “In the Gospel, we see that even in the Holy Family things did not all go well: there were unexpected problems, anxiety, suffering. Every day, families have to learn to listen and understand one another, to walk together, to face conflicts and difficulties” (Pope Francis, Angelus, Dec. 26, 2021). The Holy Family’s life on earth gives us a model of love in the midst of suffering, and they stand ready in Heaven to intercede on our behalf.”

Healthy and loving families can help ensure that persons with mental health challenges receive the support they need. Research indicates that healthy family relationships are associated with positive mental health outcomes. Through listening to one another—especially our youth—families can love and support each other during times of poor mental health or mental illness, including by reaching out to the larger community for professional mental health treatment.

Families face many challenges today, and trauma can come in many forms. When one family member suffers, all suffer. Families face “financial instability, unemployment, sickness, and medical issues; immigration challenges and family separation; and other societal ills that afflict families today: racism, ageism, misogyny, human trafficking, and medical/reproductive technologies that objectify and demean the dignity of life, sexuality, and the human person” (Called to the Joy of Love: National Pastoral Framework for Marriage and Family Life Ministry).

A Prayer for Families:

Lord Jesus, may our families draw ever closer to you and to one another. We lift up all families, particularly those with members facing mental health challenges. May family members help remove the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, both within their families and in their communities. Comfort, hold, lead to safety, and heal families affected by every form of trauma, mental health challenge, and mental illness. You know every family’s specific situation, wounds and needs, and you can restore and make all things new. Lord, pour your grace into their hearts, minds, souls, and bodies, filling them with light and peace amid their suffering. Help all families, unite their suffering to your Passion and Death, mindful of the resurrection to new life to come.

Amen.

< https://www.usccb.org/mental-health-novena#tab--day-2-%E2%80%93-families >

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Thinking with the Mind of God, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Founding Member of Holy Family Church, Audrey Capper, Passes Away

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:17:04 GMT

Audrey Francis Capper was born on September 19, 1926, in Lanesville, Indiana. She died on October 5, 2025. She was a founding member of Holy Family Church. She led a wonderful, full life and is survived by her nieces and nephews, Jean Moss (Dale), Tom Crone (Julie), Mark Crone (Gina), Anne Spaulding (Sean), Joan Antoine, Bill Crone and James Capper. She was also survived by her great nieces and nephews, Michael Crone (Leah), Sam Moss (Shannon), David Crone (Jayme), Philip Crone (Anna), Sarah Klarer (Ian), Allison Moss (Matt Parker), Kristen Spaulding, Kevin Crone, Alan Wells, Jael Capper, and her great-great nieces and nephews, Avery and Noah Crone, Harper and Piper Moss, Lenora and Oscar Capper Klarer, Ben Crone, Maylin Audrey Crone and Lily Wells and close friend, Ginny Gohmann. She was known as “Aud” to her close family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and A.G. Capper; her sisters, Mary Jean Capper and Doris Capper Crone; her brother-in law, Doris’ husband, Marion Crone, and brother, James Capper.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 18:49:56 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 05 Oct 2025 – Twenty-Seventh Sunday Ordinary Time

Thou Shall Not Kill

95% of the time, as this, my Pastor's Notes have to be written & submitted weeks before the actual weekend in which it is published due to print deadlines & my own schedule. So it's admittedly not the best outlet for our immediate 24 hr. news cycle world. I say this, because a few weeks ago, I was “criticized” (to use their word) for having Pastor Notes about Immigration when a number of tragic & senseless shootings had happened (recently… seemingly always). The tragic school shooting during School Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, a school shooting in Denver on the same day as assassination of Charlie Kirk (and honestly, whatever senseless shootings happen in the interim between my authoring this and its eventual publication).

The recent shootings are indeed heartbreaking & incomprehensible. All such shootings are indeed heartbreaking & incomprehensible. As killing, murders & assassination are pretty universally & immediately acknowledged as wrong in the eyes of God & man, it seems less catechesis is needed in such areas where innate human dignity is undermined & disregarded than others. Yet, maybe my critic is right. Maybe some catechesis on the Sanctity of Life is required. So, also from the Catechism of the Catholic Church :

2258 "Human life is sacred because from its beginning it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end. God alone is the Lord of life from its beginning until its end: no one can under any circumstance claim for himself the right directly to destroy an innocent human being."

2261 Scripture specifies the prohibition contained in the fifth commandment: "Do not slay the innocent and the righteous." The deliberate murder of an innocent person is gravely contrary to the dignity of the human being, to the golden rule, and to the holiness of the Creator. The law forbidding it is universally valid: it obliges each and every one, always and everywhere.

2268 The fifth commandment forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful… Infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and the murder of a spouse are especially grave crimes.

2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person. [i.e. Intentional abortion is morally unacceptable.]

2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.

2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies… Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

2302 …Our Lord asked for peace of heart and denounced murderous anger and hatred as immoral. Anger is a desire for revenge… If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin.

2307 The fifth commandment forbids the intentional destruction of human life. Because of the evils and injustices that accompany all war, the Church insistently urges everyone to prayer and to action so that the divine Goodness may free us from the ancient bondage of war.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Open to & Protecting the Sanctity of Life, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

26th Sunday In Ordinary Time

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:16:55 GMT

Pastoral Note for September 28, 2025

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:12:12 GMT

Pastor’s Notes for 21 September 2025 – Twenty-Fifth Sunday Ordinary Time

The teaching of the Church regarding Immigration is categorized under the explanation of the 4th Commandment to honor & obey your mother & father. Continuing that presentation, we get to the Catechism’s specific comments on Immigration.

2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.

2242 The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel. Refusing obedience to civil authorities, when their demands are contrary to those of an upright conscience, finds its justification in the distinction between serving God and serving the political community. "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." "We must obey God rather than men":

When citizens are under the oppression of a public authority which oversteps its competence, they should still not refuse to give or to do what is objectively demanded of them by the common good; but it is legitimate for them to defend their own rights and those of their fellow citizens against the abuse of this authority within the limits of the natural law and the Law of the Gospel.

The Catholic Church most always presents morally challenging issues in terms of both duties and responsibilities. The same is true here with Immigration. Countries – and more importantly the people living within them – have a responsibility to be their “brother’s keeper” (Gen 4:9). Acknowledging the innate dignity and attending to immanent needs of others, especially when one has more than enough, is absolute. It is more than a mere duty. It is in fact a God given blessing to put the Gospel into action towards our fellow neighbor. On the other hand, beneficiaries of such attention have a duty to gratitude, to adherence to the receiving nation’s laws, and reasonable integration into their new home. The Church recognizes that these duties & responsibilities can be difficult to parse out and see clearly. Right reason informed by Revelation is necessary. The Church recognizes that sometimes forms of ‘civil disobedience’ can even be morally invoked – for our first duty is always to God.

2246 It is a part of the Church's mission "to pass moral judgments even in matters related to politics, whenever the fundamental rights of man or the salvation of souls requires it. The means, the only means, she may use are those which are in accord with the Gospel and the welfare of all men according to the diversity of times and circumstances."

As Catholic Christians, our first citizenship is that of Heaven. And our first obligation is to Christ the King. From Him and His Gospel, we are challenged to live in the world but not of it. We are called personally to strive to make Christ’s Kingdom visible – if not in structure – at least, in moral & political action towards our neighbors – whether native born or immigrant – since all neighbors are created in the image and likeness of God. As citizens and residents of the United States of America, a nation founded upon democratic participation & ideals, we Christians ought to utilize our voices & votes to help advance a Catholic Christian understanding of the human person in the public realm of our laws and civic institutions.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Laborers in Love, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:02:07 GMT

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The teaching of the Church regarding Immigration is categorized under the explanation of the 4th Commandment to honor & obey your mother & father. It is under this commandment that our duties & responsibilities towards society are also expounded. Society is not specifically family, but it has many parallels. And made in the image & likeness of God, all humanity is part of God’s family. As such, we are taught & challenged to engage with immigrants as part of our “extended” family. And if they are Baptized, then they are spiritually our sisters & brothers in the Family of God.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church : <https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P7S.HTM>

2212 The fourth commandment illuminates other relationships in society. In our brothers and sisters, we see the children of our parents; in our cousins, the descendants of our ancestors; in our fellow citizens, the children of our country; in the baptized, the children of our mother the Church; in every human person, a son or daughter of the One who wants to be called "our Father." In this way our relationships with our neighbors are recognized as personal in character. the neighbor is not a "unit" in the human collective; he is "someone" who by his known origins deserves particular attention and respect.

2236 The exercise of authority is meant to give outward expression to a just hierarchy of values in order to facilitate the exercise of freedom and responsibility by all. Those in authority should practice distributive justice wisely, taking account of the needs and contribution of each, with a view to harmony and peace. They should take care that the regulations and measures they adopt are not a source of temptation by setting personal interest against that of the community.

2237 Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person. They will dispense justice humanely by respecting the rights of everyone, especially of families and the disadvantaged. The political rights attached to citizenship can and should be granted according to the requirements of the common good. They cannot be suspended by public authorities without legitimate and proportionate reasons. Political rights are meant to be exercised for the common good of the nation and the human community.

2239 It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. the love and service of one's country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.

2240 Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one's country:

Pay to all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.
[Christians] reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners.... They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws.... So noble is the position to which God has assigned them that they are not allowed to desert it.
The Apostle [Paul] exhorts us to offer prayers and thanksgiving for kings and all who exercise authority, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way."

When we think about the political issue of Immigrant, we are challenged to remember that we, Christians, are instructed by St Peter & St Paul to always consider ourselves just temporary residents (I Pt 2:13 & Heb 11:13) – to use the Catechism’s language “Resident Aliens” – even in our own native country. For while we should love our native land, it is not our final destination. We are citizens of Heaven! (Phil 3:20) And this place, whether were or others were born here, are just passing through. We should be productive & responsible in that journey, yes! Yet, we must also extend welcome, companionship, & compassion towards those who also find themselves journeying through alongside us. Such a notion, might shift our understanding of responses to the political issues of immigration.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Laborers in Love, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Janice Starr Renn Passes Away

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:29:21 GMT

Janice Starr Renn, age 80, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Janice was born in New Albany, Indiana, on February 20, 1945, to the late George W. Gilmore and Gertrude M. (Weinmann) Gilmore. She was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church, New Albany, Indiana. Janice spent several years serving the American Legion Post #28. She enjoyed playing golf as a member of Valley View Golf Course and founding member of her local bunco club with friends and former classmates.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents; her loving daughter, Kimberly; her grandchildren, Brad and Jill Camm; and her sister, Carol Miller-Gilmore.

Janice is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Frank Renn; daughter, Deborah (Greg) Karem; her sister, Georgie and Mary Catherine; her brothers, Dennis, Eddie, Nelson (Cindy), and Tony (Martha); many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:03:40 GMT

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’

~ Luke 14:28-30

Last year, when in Ireland, I was able to see a few of the many Round Towers dotting the countryside. At left is the O’Rourke Round Tower on the lovely River Shannon at Clonmacnoise – an abbey site dating from the 6th c. – the tower likely dates from the 10th century. They are often located at the remains of old monasteries and castles. While their use is not entirely clear, they were impressive structures towering 100 or more feet into the air. Used for storage, lookouts, secure havens under siege, they are a beautiful – if slightly haunting – example of tower building in days gone by. The O’Rourke Tower was later struck by lightning in 1135 and lost about 1/3 of its height.

Hearing today’s Gospel, I wonder at the labor involved in building a 100 foot in those days by hand, wench, timber & ropes. The need to dig a deep foundation. To gather sufficient high quality stone. To fit, mason, and mortar it together. There was tremendous labor & cost. I wonder if such towers were sort of like the gothic cathedrals across Europe that often took decades, sometimes centuries to build – in fits and starts – having to survive plagues & politics, wars & weather, finances & fickle interest. It took planning. It took foresight. It took Faith.

It also took labor. Last Monday we celebrated Labor Day. The value of human labor. We have tremendous skilled laborers across the country. Everything from handyman solo persons to international corporations that build the world. A few weeks ago, I was invited for a birthday dinner. A crew was down the street putting on a new roof. The host mentioned all homes in the neighborhood were getting new roofs after a hail storm earlier this spring. That same week, I visited a home for one of my “You Sign Up – I Show Up” dinners and I had to take a long detour as the contractors were widening a major thoroughfare including new utilities and sidewalks. Construction takes place all around us. People using their minds, hands, & backs to build & maintain our facilities.

Historically, immigrants have been a huge source of construction labor, of entry level labor in general. Certainly, there are many immigrants who bring advanced skills in tech, medical, & engineering, but the world can be enriched by each person utilizing their God given talents and skills for the betterment of the community. We are better off with such help. I’m well aware that immigration is a complex issue. Laws must be followed, but so too must the dignity of the human laborer be upheld.

Next, week, I’ll share some basic teachings of the Catholic Church on Immigration. As with most ‘political issues’, it’s not as easy as stay out or come on in. Catholicism is rarely a faith of extremes – except when it comes to the extreme call to “Love one another as Christ has loved us” (John 13:34).

That tower built in the Clonmacnoise Abbey served a perceived practical need for the well-being of the residents. It was a labor yes, but most importantly a labor of love for God and Neighbor. Before the abbot, or whomever, sat down to calculate the cost in time, resources, & labor, he recognized it would somehow serve the people – which is what ultimately made it worth all that labor.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Laborers in Love, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:58:51 GMT

Leo's Labor Day

Pastor’s Notes for 31 August 2025 – Twenty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time

Leo’s Labor Day

It is no secret that Pope Leo XIV took his name “Leo” in part as a nod to Pope Leo XIII. Our current pope sees his as a carrying forward of the sacred duty upheld by his name-sake predecessor to defend workers in this time of economic & global upheaval, especially in the area of human labor & employment.

In a particular way, Leo XIII addressed the value of human labor in the unfolding aftermath of the Industrial Revolution. While the Industrial Revolution allowed for the great increase in goods for purchase, it also replaced cottage industry & personal labor with that of machines. In the process, it belittled the human input into production. Leo XIII issued the encyclical Rerum Novarum (‘On New Things’) to address the connection between capital & labor from a Catholic Christian perspective. While capital & labor are not strictly matters of faith & morals, the application of capital & the utilization of labor can certainly be done by either moral or immoral means. Since humanity has been entrusted with care & stewardship of God’s creation, how we do so – personally & communally – has faith implications. Additionally, Leo XIII made his case in an age where socialism was on the rise, which desired to nationalize all capital & labor as a means to provide for all. While there is certainly a Christian moral imperative to care for the poor, sick, elderly, weak, and marginalized, Leo XIII affirmed this should primarily be done from a human heart of free charity not state mandate. Leo XIII affirmed the role of private property, personal initiative, and benefiting from the fruits of one’s own efforts/labors. Yet, he balanced this acknowledgment with the fact that all first & foremost comes from God. He upheld the need & usefulness of associations & unions, while calling both employers & workers to mutual justice in work & pay. Leo XIII outlined a list of these mutual duties & responsibilities:

“Of these duties, the following bind the proletarian and the worker: fully and faithfully to perform the work which has been freely and equitably agreed upon; never to injure the property, nor to outrage the person, of an employer; never to resort to violence in defending their own cause, nor to engage in riot or disorder; and to have nothing to do with men of evil principles, who work upon the people with artful promises of great results, and excite foolish hopes which usually end in useless regrets and grievous loss. The following duties bind the wealthy owner and the employer: not to look upon their work people as their bondsmen, but to respect in every man his dignity as a person ennobled by Christian character. They are reminded that, according to natural reason and Christian philosophy, working for gain is creditable, not shameful, to a man, since it enables him to earn an honorable livelihood; but to misuse men as though they were things in the pursuit of gain, or to value them solely for their physical powers - that is truly shameful and inhuman. Again justice demands that, in dealing with the working man, religion and the good of his soul must be kept in mind.” ( Rerum Novarum , 20).

Further, Leo XIII highlights two characters of true human labor: “First of all, it is personal, inasmuch as the force which acts is bound up with the personality and is the exclusive property of him who acts, and, further, was given to him for his advantage. Secondly, man's labor is necessary; for without the result of labor a man cannot live, and self-preservation is a law of nature, which it is wrong to disobey” ( Rerum Novarum , 44). True human labor acknowledges the true human contribution and true human good of labor itself for humanity. Work makes us more human and benefits our very being.

Leo XIII made efforts throughout his Papacy to advocate for the human person at the heart of human labor. In his day, much of that labor was manual hands & back work. Manual labor was being supplanted & replaced by machines & factories. Today, Leo XIV takes up the same call of the innate goodness of human work in the face of modern threats to intellectual labor being unleashed in the world of the digital economy, especially Artificial Intelligence - AI. Neither Leo was or is against the utilization of human intellect to promote the prosperity of ALL humanity (not just the capital & materially rich). Yet, both want to see the economic revolution of their day do so in a manner that morally, ethically, & equitably attends to the innate contribution of the human person to capital & labor while upholding the Human Person – you & me – male & female – made in the Image & Likeness of God. So we can all truly worship God, not just with hearts & minds, but through our application of capital & labor – God’s Tremendous Gift of Creation.

Happy Labor Day – may it benefit you, assist your neighbor, & glorify God!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Laborers in Love, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Charlotte E. Koch Passes Away

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:08:58 GMT

Charlotte E. Koch, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday August 12, 2025. She was the former Charlotte Cooper, born in Vine Grove, KY. to the late James and Laura Cooper. Charlotte was a registered nurse and worked at Floyd Memorial Hospital for over 35 years. She was a Red Hat Lady and a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she volunteered for many of the parish ministries for over 55 years. Her passion however, was that she loved going to her many grandchildren’s events and attending New Albany High School basketball games. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson: Mason Brown.

Charlotte is survived by her husband of 64 years: William P. Koch Jr., her children: Jeannine Michell(Steve), Steve Koch(Annette), Bill Koch(Shawn), Kevin Koch(Renee) and Michelle Kristiansen(Dave), her sisters: Lauren Hobbs(Ronnie) and Stephanie Clark(Kenny), 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

We’re Hiring: Director of Mission and Outreach

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 16:32:01 GMT

Holy Family Catholic Parish in New Albany, Indiana, is seeking a Director of Mission and Outreach —a dynamic leader passionate about sharing the Gospel, welcoming others, and building a vibrant parish community.

The Director of Mission and Outreach will work closely with our pastor to:

Lead evangelization and hospitality efforts to welcome new members and engage the unchurched.
Coordinate outreach ministries, volunteer opportunities, and parish service projects.
Support pastoral care efforts such as Communion visits and ministry to the homebound.
Foster spiritual growth and community life through small groups and parish-wide initiatives.

This ministry role is an opportunity to bring our parish mission to life —forming intentional disciples, strengthening parish engagement, and extending Christ’s love beyond our walls.

The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic who is deeply committed to their faith, gifted in communication and organization, and eager to serve others.

How to Apply:
View the full job description here and send your resume and cover letter to Fr. Jeremy Gries at frgries@holyfamilynewalbany.org .

Please join us in praying that God will send the right person to serve in this vital ministry!

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:30:09 GMT

Faith and Understanding

Over the summer, I’ve spent some of my ‘extra’ time re-reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I’m not quite done yet. Like the Scriptures, we can’t just read & study such a text once and think we have it all figured out. Return to the sources – one of the great cries of the Second Vatican Council, in part means looking at our most basic texts, experiences, and expressions of God’s Divine Revelation anew. I’ve read the Bible numerous times. In 16-years of priesthood, I’ve preached on the daily & Sunday cycle of readings 8 and 5 times respectively. And those cycle of readings cover nearly 85% of the whole of the Bible. Each time, there is something else to find in God’s Revelation. This is true in a certain sense with the Catechism. While it is not divinely revealed in the same way that Scriptures are, we Catholics hold that the Catechisms is a sound & solid deposit of the Sacred Tradition of the Faith, which is part of God’s Revelation. We hold that God’s Divine Revelation is not just in the Book (or books) of the Bible, but in Scripture AND Tradition. The Prophets of the Old Testament, Jesus & the Apostles of the New Testament, did not merely write. They preached, taught, formed orally & in-person. And so, our Faith rests upon the two expression of Scripture & Tradition to experience the fullness of God’s Revelation.

We accept the Scriptures & Tradition because the One who tells us is reputable, reliable & true – God! Certainly, fallible humans have assisted in the transmission under the guidance & protection of the Holy Spirit. But we hold such transmissions to be True because we equally trust that God is truthful. He has no desire to mislead or misdirect us. In fact, we hold that God is incapable of being deceptive or deceitful. God is Truth, as much as God is Love, Mercy, & All-Powerful.

As school is resuming for so many of our young people, I am reminded of this understanding of Faith. Our children will fill desks & classrooms & activities receptive of new content, learning, & understanding. They will accept – more or less – that what their teachers present to them is true. Teachers (generally) want what is good for their students. They don’t want to mislead or misdirect. They don’t strive to be dishonest or deceptive. Doing so would break down the needed & necessary trust factor and therefore stymie the very possibility of learning. And in this way, the general learning in every classroom is a kind of faith. The student has to trust that what the teacher is telling them is true. Now, much of what any one particular teacher presents could be verified by other means or by other people etc. As such, the learning is not merely ‘faith’ as we speak of it in the religious realm; yet, that kind of experience can help us as we reflect on our own experience of religious faith. Think back on your teachers. Would you have learned what you did, as well & effectively, if you’d not trusted them? If you’d had to go independently verify every fact or truth claim? I suspect not. And generally, at least in my experience, I learned by much repeated experience that my teachers were, in fact, trustworthy. That what they told me, was in fact, generally & to the best of their abilities, the truth. That set me up to accept more readily what they taught next.

Now think of Jesus – the Good Teacher. Think of Paul the Evangelist. Peter the First of the Apostles. Even Moses the Old Testament Law-Giver. Do we trust them? Do we trust their writings? Similarly, do we trust what subsequent Christians have handed on? Granted, we don’t know all of them personally. We’ve not had the opportunity to develop through repeated experience that all were trustworthy. Yet, the Catechism, especially under the added charism of the Magisterium, is the collective truths of trustworthy Catholic Christians who have gone before us. It summarizes and expresses the ways that prior Christians have experience God’s Divine Revelation in Scripture & Tradition and responded by lived discipleship. It serves as a sound source for you and me – and all persons open to greater understanding to grow in Faith. Studying what Christians have believed, taught, & formulated before us, helps us today to believe, teach & express our Faith. We can do this, and, in fact, we do ‘do this’ precisely because they are trustworthy. Because their lives give testimony to the truth they tried to live. All of this is an active engagement with God and God’s Revelation. And it is mediated by the Church in & through Her members who went before and are present today in you. The Catechism pronounces: “In faith, the human intellect and will co-operate with divine grace: ‘Believing is an act of the intellect assenting to the divine truth by command of the will moved by God through grace’” (CCC 155). So faith & understanding are united & mutually strengthening. Additionally, the Catechism quotes St Augustine: “I believe [have Faith], in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe [have Faith]." (CCC 158). Let’s all keep trusting, so as to keep the learning, so as to keep the Faith!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Learning God’s Plan for Salvation, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:17:44 GMT

BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

This Sunday after the morning Masses, the school & parking lot will be filled once again with students, parents, & guardians coming back to school. Holy Family School & Preschool is holding its Back to School meetings. It’s a chance to reconnect with fellow classmates, meet new teachers, and be reminded of expectations. Many will bring in their school supplies and check out their classroom and desk. Some will get their cafeteria accounts started. No doubt, there will be a few checking out the new playground equipment. All the little details that are involved in getting a new school year up and running. I know the different school corporations in our area have slightly different start dates. HFS begins this Wednesday August 6 ^th !

One of the first things we will do on Wednesday is gather together for Mass. In part, we always have Mass on Wednesdays and Fridays when school is in session. On the first day of school, we do push the start time back from 8a to 8:30a to give the teachers a few extra minutes on the first day to gather the children. But it’s important that we start with First Things First . Not only because this is a leadership principle for our Lighthouse certified, Leader in Me school, but because worship of God must always come first. There is no ‘first thing’ before God. All we are; all we have; all we can hope to be as human persons comes first from God. And so, all must be rooted in the first fact that we are created by a loving God in His Image & Likeness, who are made for love & communion with God and neighbor. There is no more perfect way to love, honor, & worship God than to “Do this [the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass] in memory of Me [Jesus]” (Luke 22:19). Why is it the best way? Because it is the specific way that Jesus, our Lord & Savior, instructed us. Can we love God – Father, Son, & Spirit – in lots of ways? Yes, and we should. But, we should first and foremost love & honor God – Father, Son, & Spirit – in the one most perfect way that He has told us to – the Mass. Why the Mass? Because it is the source & summit of our Christian Life. It is the perfect celebration of and participation in the re-presentation of Jesus Christ’s Paschal Mystery – His suffering, death, & resurrection – from which flows our faith, our hope, our love. It is in Christ’s Paschal Mystery that we can rejoice in salvation, forgiveness, and new life. It is from Christ’s Paschal Mystery that we can undertake any challenge with Christ in His Cross & Resurrection.

All of this is true on that first day of school. We undertake not just the education of the children’s minds, but the formation of their whole beings and the salvation of their souls in and through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ. As we come back to school, this particular parish ministry of our school resumes its partnership with the parents and guardians of the students in their primary duty as first Catechist and formators in the Faith. We undertake the holy labor of not just handing on the precious knowledge accumulated through the ages of humankind in science, math, literature & the arts, but also the rich treasures of God’s own Revelation handed on ( tradere – to hand on, the root for tradition) through Christ’s Catholic Church.

Yet, as important as it is to start our Back to School with Mass on Wednesday, is the importance of attending Mass every Sunday and Holy Day with and as a family. Not only does this fulfill God’s Command to ‘keep holy the Lord’s Day’, it reinforces, reaffirms, and recommits the whole family to true Worship of God each week. Resting in God’s peace and remembering who we are as God’s People. It is here together, that we receive the Gifts of God handed on to us in Scripture & Sacrament. It is here together as the Holy Family family.

Welcome back to school – welcome back to your place as God’s People!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Learning God’s Plan for Salvation, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

2025-2026 Sunday Missal Pre-Order

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:11:30 GMT

Again this year, we are only pre-ordering Sunday missals. Missals will be distributed in November. Payment will be due at the time of pickup. Adult missals are $5 each, and children's missals are $8 each. (Adults and children in OCIA, children in 2nd Grade preparing for First Communion, and all Family Formation students will receive a missal in their classes and do not need to order one.) Pre-orders must be placed by Sunday, September 14, at bit.ly/4lS3VMH (case sensitive). We will contact you when the missals arrive to pick yours up and turn in your payment. Contact Kristina Seipel with questions at kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org or 812-944-8283, ext 4.

Magdalenes Fall Series Registration Open

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:08:28 GMT

You're invited to join our women's ministry program! Magdalenes exists to provide a space for relationships to grow—with God and with others. Each night, a recorded "Voice of Influence" will present a topic related to our discipleship walk, followed by time for discussion and prayer. Father Jeremy will lead the final session live. Please register at the link below so we can ensure we have enough seats and snacks, and so we can send you all the necessary information.

Gatherings are held on Mondays from 6-7 PM. Please save the following dates: September 8, 22, October 13, 27, November 10, and 24. Contact Kristina Seipel with questions at kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org or 812-944-8283, ext. 4.

"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9)

Apologetics Returns on September 2

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 00:04:56 GMT

Often, as Catholics, we get asked questions about why we believe what we believe. People are searching for the truth, and sometimes this comes out as an argumentative question. As Catholic Christians, it is important that we know our faith, not only so we can defend it but also so that we can put it into practice in our daily lives. Join us on the first Tuesday of the month after Mass for Apologetics. We will dive into a “common question” topic, looking at Scripture and the Catechism.

Save the date: September 2, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, April 7, and May 5. Apologetics meets from 6:45 to 7:45 pm in the Cafeteria. No RSVP is required. Contact Kristina Seipel at the parish office or kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org with questions.

“There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” (Archbishop Fulton Sheen)

Family Game Night – Friday, September 5!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:59:06 GMT

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with other Holy Family families? Join us for Family Game Night on Friday, September 5 from 6:30–8:00 PM in the school cafeteria !

This is a casual evening for school and parish families to enjoy time together, build community, and play your favorite board or card games.

�� Pizza will be provided by Holy Family Parish
�� Bring a favorite game to share
��‍��‍��‍�� All ages welcome
�� No RSVP needed—just show up and play!

Whether you stay for 30 minutes or the whole time, we’d love to see you there!

Interested in Becoming Catholic? OCIA Inquiry Session

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:53:56 GMT

Join us for an OCIA Inquiry Session on Wednesday, August 20, at 6:00 p.m., in the Guerin Room.

If you—or someone you know—are curious about the Catholic faith, seeking Baptism, or are a baptized Christian looking to be received into the Church, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the place to begin.

This informal session is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the journey of becoming Catholic. All are welcome!

We’re Hiring: Communications & Marketing Director

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:45:47 GMT

Join Our Team: Director of Communications & Marketing

Holy Family Catholic Church & School in New Albany is hiring a full-time Director of Communications & Marketing to help us share the Gospel with clarity, creativity, and consistency.

This vital role supports both the parish and school by overseeing the messaging and marketing of our ministries, events, and service opportunities to a wide audience—including parishioners, students and families, staff, visitors, and prospective school families.

Primary responsibilities include:

Managing websites, social media, and email newsletters
Designing print and digital materials for parish and school use
Producing the weekly bulletin
Creating communication and marketing plans
Supporting and promoting major school and parish events
Coordinating signage, photography, direct mail, and advertising
Providing secondary support to the front office team
Leading special communication projects and vendor relationships

The ideal candidate will have experience in social media, graphic design (Adobe Creative Suite), WordPress, print production, and email marketing platforms like Mailchimp. Strong writing, project management, and collaboration skills are essential. A practicing Catholic is desired.

Please note: The current job description is pending final review by the Archdiocese and may be subject to updates.

This is a 12-month, full-time position reporting to the Pastor and Principal.

Interested candidates may apply by contacting Fr. Jeremy Gries .

We look forward to welcoming a new team member to help amplify the mission of Holy Family!

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

World Day of Grandparents

July 26 is the Feast of Saints Joachim & Anne, the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and therefore the grandparents of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are silent on whether they were still living during any or all of Jesus’ life. But given that Mary was engaged to Joseph, and that would typically have been arranged in part by Joachim, they likely had the honor & blessing of knowing of Mary’s pregnancy and perhaps meeting Jesus (maybe more so, after Joseph & Mary returned from Egypt and settled in Nazareth.) Can you imagine Anne’s worry & concern at her daughter’s situation? Her journey with Joseph to Bethlehem to be enrolled in the Census? The long delay when they did not return immediately, especially after word of the slaughter of innocence by King Herod reached her ears. Joachim too would have been worried about the plight of his precious daughter. To what extent they had an active role in Jesus’ life day to day is mere speculation. But they did influence His holy life & ministry, by virtue of their influence, parenting, and love of Jesus’ mother Mary when she was young. It is a comforting thought to think of them praying for, if not actively supporting, Mary and Jesus and Joseph in their early years as a Holy Family. Grandparents can still play that important and vital role today.

Pope Francis wrote: “I would invite you to make a concrete gesture that would include grandparents and the elderly. Let us not abandon them. Their presence in families and communities is a precious one, for it reminds us that we share the same heritage and are part of a people committed to preserving its roots. From the elderly we received the gift of belonging to God’s holy people. The Church, as well as society, needs them, for they entrust to the present the past that is needed to build the future. Let us honor them, neither depriving ourselves of their company nor depriving them of ours. May we never allow the elderly to be cast aside! The World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is meant to be a small but precious sign of hope for them and for the whole Church.”

< https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/nonni/documents/20230531-messaggio-nonni-anziani.html >

In this Jubilee Year of Hope , if they are still living, perhaps you should consider a pilgrimage to your Grandparents. Visit with them. Acknowledge them. Thank them. Support them. Love them. We are who we are by virtue of numerous influences, factors, and people. Certainly among those influential people is our grandparents, living or dead. Our Grandparents are vital in you becoming you. Pray for them today.

I know this is true for myself. My grandparents have all passed on to the Lord. At the left are my mom’s parents on their wedding day. At right are my dad’s parents about 5 years before my grandfather passed away. My paternal grandfather was influential in my becoming a priest. He himself studied at St Meinrad for the priesthood, before serious health issues sent him home and eventually on to work in the world. He prayed & actively supported priestly vocations all his life. His wife, my grandmother, must have prayed a million Rosaries (no exaggeration!), and among her intentions were her grandchildren & holy priests. Living in Indy, I spent substantially more time with my mom’s parents. I learned from them the joy of family closeness, sharing stories, patience & forgiveness, love & tenderness. As well as my love of the outdoors. One of our most common ‘vacations’ was long weekends at my grandparent’s cabin outside Nashville, IN, where I’d spend the days hiking, creek stomping, and getting dirty… after I’d finished helping grandpa with any cabin chores! Good memories all, for which I am grateful. Grandparents, who helped make me, me.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Supported by Holy Grandparents Joachim & Anne, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Our Summer in Youth Ministry

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:00:14 GMT

Summer is always an awesome time in youth ministry! With more free time and the warm weather, there’s so much fun to be had with the teens of Holy Family! And as the Director of Youth Ministry, I have the privilege of hanging out with our students all summer long!

First up was Summer Daze ! Summer Daze is a middle school service and social event that has been happening in our deanery for decades. Middle school students from across all 16 parishes are invited to join in four days of service in the community and an afternoon of social and fun! This year, a total of 21 students from Holy Family participated. From serving those in need at Harrison County Community Services to baking cookies and visiting some of our parishioners, our students had the opportunity to live out the principle that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. We ended each day with some fun: visiting Strike and Spare, Corydon Cinemas, and Malibu Jack’s!

Some of our high schoolers attended Faith in Action , a local mission trip based at Mount Saint Francis, at the beginning of July. Some may know that FIA was a deanery staple, and it was reintroduced this year! Three students from Holy Family (and a couple of college and adult leaders) spent a week at a particular work site, refinishing and moving furniture for St. Vincent de Paul, serving the homeless at Harrison County Community Services, and so much more! The nights were spent back at the Mount, playing games, hearing witnesses, and worshipping the Lord in prayer and Adoration.

Outside of service and mission opportunities, 13 students and some awesome parents joined us for our annual Holiday World adventure! Roller coasters, water coasters, and lots of walking always equal a fun day with friends!

While summer continues to draw to a close, please keep our young people and our ministry in your prayers! Be sure to keep yourself updated on all things youth ministry on our website!

In Christ,

Abbi Harbeson

Job Opening: Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) at St. Mary Parish

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 01:11:05 GMT

Do you have a passion for forming disciples and sharing the Catholic Faith?

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in New Albany is seeking a Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE) to help lead and support our parish’s catechetical mission.

This vital role focuses on guiding children and families from Pre-K through Grade 12 in growing closer to Christ through vibrant, faithful religious education. The ideal candidate will be bilingual (English & Spanish) and have a strong understanding of Church teaching, along with the skills to support catechists and lead engaging formation programs.

The CRE partners with the pastor and parish community to ensure that the Gospel is handed on with joy and clarity to the next generation.

Full-time and part-time applicants will be considered.
Full Job Description Here

Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to:
Fr. Jeremy Gries at FrGries@HolyFamilyNewAlbany.org

Now Hiring: Cemetery Director for St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, New Albany

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 01:08:56 GMT

Are you called to serve the Church through stewardship and sacred care?

St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in New Albany, Indiana, is currently seeking a Cemetery Director to oversee the daily operations and long-term planning of our historic and holy grounds.

As Cemetery Director, you will provide leadership and compassionate service in accordance with Catholic teaching, civil regulations, and Archdiocesan standards. This role includes oversight of all administrative, maintenance, and financial functions while ensuring that the cemetery remains a sacred and respectful environment for Christian burial.

We are looking for someone who is mission-driven, experienced in operations or facility management, and committed to upholding the dignity and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church.

Full-time and part-time applicants will be considered.
Read the Full Job Description Here

Submit your resume and cover letter to:
Fr. Jeremy Gries at FrGries@HolyFamilyNewAlbany.org

Parking Lot Maitenance - July 21 - 24

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:46:55 GMT

Please be aware that sections of our parish parking lot will be closed the week of July 21–24 for sealing and striping.

July 21 & 22 – The White and Blue sections will be closed
July 23 & 24 – The Red section will be closed

A color-coded map is included to help guide you during this time. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we maintain our campus for the safety and benefit of all!

Discover the Story of Salvation: “Genesis to Jesus” Bible Study at Holy Family

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:40:46 GMT

Want to understand the Bible as one unified story of God’s love?

Join us this fall for “Genesis to Jesus” —a 12-week Catholic Bible study hosted by parishioners from the Holy Family Genesis to Jesus Men’s Prayer Group . This accessible and inspiring study helps you see the big picture of Scripture through the lens of Catholic teaching and salvation history .

What You’ll Learn

“Genesis to Jesus” explores the five key covenants God made with His people—through Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David—and shows how each one points forward to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the New Covenant. You’ll walk away with:

A deeper understanding of how and why to read the Bible
A clear view of the story of salvation from Genesis to the Gospels
Tools to study Scripture through the heart of the Church

Whether you’re new to Bible study or want to deepen your faith, this series will help you unlock the richness of God’s Word.

Class Details

Dates: Wednesdays, August 20 – November 5, 2025
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Location: Daisy Activity Center (DAC) at Holy Family Catholic Church
Cost: Free – No registration fee required

Register by August 10

(one form per person)

Questions?

Contact Kristina Seipel at kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org or call 812-944-8283 ext. 4

Save the Dates for 2026!

The Journey Through Genesis study with Kathy Wilt will return in 2026, continuing with Genesis Chapter 12.
Dates: February 4, 11, 25 and March 4, 11, 25

“You Sign Up – I Show Up”: Dinner & Conversation with Fr. Jeremy

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:35:25 GMT

Looking for a meaningful way to connect with your pastor? Fr. Jeremy Gries is inviting parishioners he hasn’t yet had the chance to visit with for dinner, conversation, and community — all in the comfort of your own home.

What is “You Sign Up – I Show Up”?

It’s exactly what it sounds like! You sign up for a dinner, and Fr. Jeremy will show up — ready to share a meal, engage in faith-filled conversation, and even offer a Home Blessing if you'd like.

This is a casual, 90-minute visit designed to build stronger relationships between pastor and parishioner without taking over your evening (or his!). Whether you're a young family, retired couple, or single parishioner, this is a great opportunity to get to know Fr. Jeremy better and share your experiences of parish life.

How to Sign Up

Spots are limited, so if you haven’t had a meal with Fr. Jeremy before, we encourage you to sign up soon. If you’ve already participated in the past, we kindly ask that you give others a chance this time around.

�� Sign up now to host Fr. Jeremy for dinner – and let him come to you!

(Insert link or instructions for sign-up here)

Sacred Heart of Jesus Icon Holy Hour – July 16 at Holy Family Catholic Church

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:31:52 GMT

Experience the love and mercy of Christ in a special evening of Eucharistic Adoration and prayer.

Join us for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Icon Holy Hour on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 , at Holy Family Catholic Church , hosted by the Knights of Columbus .

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Holy Family Catholic Church, New Albany, IN

This powerful Holy Hour centers around the Sacred Heart of Jesus , a beloved Catholic devotion symbolizing Christ’s divine love for all humanity. Together, we will reflect on Christ’s mercy and sacrifice through:

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Scripture Readings and Reflections inspired by Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Sacred Heart
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Litany of the Sacred Heart
Act of Reparation and Consecration

Whether you're new to the devotion or have a deep love for the Sacred Heart, this is a beautiful opportunity to grow in your Catholic faith and experience God's grace.

All parishioners and families are welcome. Come and draw near to the Heart of Jesus — burning with love for you!

“In the heart of Christ, we see the heart of the Father.”

– Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly

Register Now for Family Faith Formation at Holy Family – Begins September 21

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:25:19 GMT

Registration is now open for Holy Family’s 2025–26 Family Formation Program!

This liturgically based Catholic faith formation program is designed for families with children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade , offering an engaging way to grow in faith together.

What is Family Formation?

Our Family Formation program equips both parents and children to live and learn the Catholic faith in a deeper way. Each monthly session includes:

Children’s Classes – age-appropriate lessons led by catechists
Parent Sessions – focused on guiding and empowering parents as the primary educators of the faith
Take-Home Materials – resources to continue formation at home during the rest of the month

Classes meet on select Saturdays from 9:10–10:20 AM in the Daisy Activity Center (DAC) .

2025–2026 Family Formation Class Dates:

September 21
November 2
December 7
January 11
February 1
March 1
April 12
May 3

Register Online by August 10

Please register your family online no later than August 10 to ensure we have enough materials prepared.

�� Cost: $75 per child — due at the first session on September 21 (check or exact cash preferred).

Questions?

Contact Kristina Seipel at kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org or 812-944-8283 ext. 4

Totus Tuus & VBS Recap

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:17:34 GMT

130 children had a blast at this year’s Deanery Totus Tuus and Vacation Bible School, held June 9–13 on Our Lady’s campus!

Our PreK4–Kindergarten group explored the Sacraments through Bible stories, crafts, games, songs, and snacks. Students in grades 1–6 learned about the Sacraments and the Joyful Mysteries through classroom lessons, songs, prayer, games, daily Mass, and more, all led by our amazing missionary team: Stephanie, Mia, Nathan, and Ethan.

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers and donors who helped make it a joyful and faith-filled week!

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:09:15 GMT

1977 International Harvester 184 Lo-Boy Tractor

For Sale

Own a little bit of Holy Family history! Holy Family has International Harvester 184 Lo-Boy tractor for sale. The 184 Lo-Boy was produced from 1977 to 1980 in Louisville, Kentucky. This compact utility tractor has an 18-hp, 1.0L 4-cyl gasoline engine with a 3-speed unsynchronized gear transmission. The PTO lists 11-hp output at 1600 RPM (counter-clockwise) with an electro-magnetic clutch. It has 2-wheel rear drive with mechanical drum brakes and manual front steering. It has an 8-gal gas tank. The 1.75-gal hydraulic system runs on a gear pump at 2000-psi and 2-gpm rate. It runs well, when the 12V battery is kept charged. It includes tire chains and a front snowplow blade. It is being sold as is.

I’ve been told (which someone might correct!) this tractor was purchased new by the parish. Msgr. Marchino used it to mow the parish lawns and do other miscellaneous chores around the campus. In the years since, it has occasionally been used to push snow from the sidewalks during the winter The last 7-years, it has been used for this purpose 4 or 5 times. Given its infrequent use & the space it takes up in the parish garage, we’ve decided it’s time for it to find a new home and a second take on life. Since it was purchased by the parish, it seemed just & right to offer it first to members of the parish before releasing it to the general public.

A few parishioners, including one who collects tractors, estimated its value at $3500. All reasonable offers will be entertained.

Please contact Fr Gries at: frgries@HolyFamilyNewAlbany.com or 812-944-8283x1.

I’m sure someone will quote to me Jesus’ admonition, “Stop making My Father’s House a marketplace” (Jn 2:16). And of course, they would be right & just. This isn’t your typical pastor’s column to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. It is a blatant sales advertisement. Yet, as a good steward of our parish resources, I’d like to see this tractor find a new home where it can be used & appreciated, since it has served our parish well & long.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Working to Build the Kingdom, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:02:32 GMT

Diocese of Goasi – Ghana, Africa

At left is the Coat-of-Arms for the Most Reverend Peter Kwaku Atuahene, bishop of the diocese of Goasi, Ghana. These medieval marks of heraldry can be very interesting curiosities for us Americans. (Yes, even modern American Bishops have a coat-of-arms, as does our Archdiocese). When I saw this on their webpage, I was intrigued; and with the explanation even more so! The upper left is the Lamb of God. The upper right is the Dove of the Holy Spirit, and the lower right are scales of justice. Typical enough symbols for the Church & a bishop. But the lower left (shown in the box) grabbed my attention. The image doesn’t quite do it justice. It is: Two Crocodiles with one stomach! That’s not something you would see in the USA! And what does such a ‘mythical beast’ represent? Why is it on the good bishop’s coat-of-arms? Two Crocodiles with one stomach will fight for food, but the food goes to one stomach; so there is the need for unity. How true! And what a very different way of thinking of things. A way, we would never experience without exposure to the wider Church throughout the World. It is the same Gospel everywhere, but the Gospel is explained in very local ways!

Holy Family is hosting Rev. Fr Benjamin Asibuo Kusi this weekend to make our second summer Mission Appeal through the ArchIndy Mission Office for his home Diocese of Goasi, Ghana, Africa. He will share with you many of the beautiful ways the Gospel is being spread and the Kingdom of God is being built among the people there. There appears to be much life there! They have 81 priests serving in their diocese and another 21 serving in the Church throughout the world, especially here in the USA. In addition, there are more than 80 religious sisters, brothers, and priests ministering there. Those are impressive numbers by any measure, but when you realize that the diocese is only 28 years old! The Catholic Diocese of Goaso is the sixteenth diocese in Ghana. It was created by Pope St John Paul II in October 1997. Education is an important and vital ministry of the Diocese. The Diocese has 75 Kindergartens, 76 Basic Schools (1 ^st – 6 ^th grade), 59 Junior High Schools, one Girls’ Senior High School (OLA) at Kenyasi, St. Joseph’s College of Education at Bechem, and St. John of God College of Health, Duayaw Nkwanta. The Catholic Diocese of Goasi also takes an active role in the health of the people by operationg many health institutions including St. Elizabeth Hospital, St. John of God Hospital, St. John’s Health Centre, St. Edward’s Hospital, Holy Spirit Clinic, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Clinic, St. Peter’s Clinic, and St. Raphael Clinic. The parishes & diocese are enriched by the pious support of numerous lay organizations for prayer, service, & evangelization. And of course, all this is secondary to the primary mission of spreading the Gospel, celebrating the Sacraments, and worshiping God in the Liturgy of the Mass.

There will be as second collection this weekend. The Church is vibrant and growing in Ghana Africa. While there are real threats and challenges, Christ is alive and the Church is expanding. What the folks of Ghana may lack in material resources, they more than make up for in spiritual riches. Please be generous with them to support the missionary work of the Gospel among the People of God in Ghana with your financial contribution.

We are all part of the same saving Church with the one Savior Christ. It isn’t just wrong, but foolish for the Church to fight against itself – like a two headed crocodile, when all grace benefits the same ‘stomach’ for the same end – Salvation & Eternal Life! As part of the Church in the USA, let us, who have much, help feed the one ‘stomach’ of the Church, especially where there is less materially, like in the Diocese of Goasi, Ghana.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Building the Kingdom around the World, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Fr. Jeremy Gries to Temporarily Serve St. Mary Parish While Continuing as Pastor of Holy Family

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:38:40 GMT

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 Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:33:49 GMT

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

The Most Holy Trinity

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:27:20 GMT

"IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

Catechism of the Catholic Church

232 "The faith of all Christians rests on the Trinity."

234 The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in Himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the ‘hierarchy of the truths of faith’. The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals Himself to men” and reconciles and unites with Himself those who turn away from sin".

236 The Fathers of the Church distinguish between theology (theologia) and economy (oikonomia). "Theology" refers to the mystery of God's inmost life within the Blessed Trinity and "economy" to all the works by which God reveals himself and communicates his life. Through the oikonomia the theologia is revealed to us; but conversely, the theologia illuminates the whole oikonomia. God's works reveal who he is in himself; the mystery of his inmost being enlightens our understanding of all his works. So it is, analogously, among human persons. A person discloses himself in his actions, and the better we know a person, the better we understand his actions.

237 The Trinity is a mystery of faith in the strict sense, one of the "mysteries that are hidden in God, which can never be known unless they are revealed by God".58 To be sure, God has left traces of his Trinitarian being in his work of creation and in his Revelation throughout the Old Testament. But his inmost Being as Holy Trinity is a mystery that is inaccessible to reason alone or even to Israel's faith before the Incarnation of God's Son and the sending of the Holy Spirit.

It is an amazing reality that the One True God is a Holy Trinity of Three Persons. And that, in fact, our Triune God has revealed His innermost reality of communion and love by intimate communion with the human race through the love of the Son for the Father in the Spirit. As Jesus the Son walked, taught, suffered, died & rose for us, like us, & with us to unite us to the Father in the Spirit, we were invited into deeper personal relationship with God. God was not far away or just Almighty. God is close & comforting. God is relational internally as Father, Son, & Holy Spirit and externally as God to human person through the fully human Person of Jesus who is equally fully God. Our Triune God amazingly wants to bring us into the mighty Mystery of His own mystical love. A life that becomes similarly true for each of us by Baptism in the Holy Spirit & water. The Father has been revealed by the Incarnate Son. And together, the Father & Son have revealed & shared the Holy Spirit. Each act, each progression, each revelation is a deeper invitation into the love & communion of God Himself. We were never made for individualism or isolation. We were made from Communion for communion always & eternally.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living Witness to Triune Love & Communion, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Eagle Stay & Play Canceled on June 24 Due to Playground Construction

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:20:39 GMT

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!

Pentecost Sunday

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:37:39 GMT

"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

Sort of like light passing through a stained glass window, we don’t directly ‘see’ the third Person of the Trinity. Yet, we can clearly see the impact & influence of the Holy Spirit. Today, we celebrate the gift of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was first poured out upon the Apostles to form the Church. The continuously present Church in which we worship is among the most evident, visible effects of the Holy Spirit, Itself. After receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles went forth boldly to light the world on fire with Love & the Gospel. People could not see the Spirit, but they could see the Love shining through the Apostles & early Christians. People heard, received, & believed. Being baptized & Confirmed, others have continued to share the Gospel through the ages. The Spirit has enlivened Christian faithful and ensured the presence of God’s People upon the earth.

Do you feel Holy Spirit-filled? If not, the places we encounter & recognize the Holy Spirit listed in the Catechism (688) are great opportunities for you to open yourself more fully to the Spirit’s presence in your life. Reading the Scriptures, not just for Truth & moral wisdom, but to be more Spirit filled. Adhering to the unbroken Tradition and listening to the Magisterium of the bishops opens us to the Spirit. Worthy, open hearted celebration of the Sacraments and peace filled prayer are encounters with the Holy Spirit. Service & evangelization where your particular charisms & witness impact others with the grace of God express the Holy Spirit to the world. One cannot see the Holy Spirit Itself, but one can – and most certainly should – see the impact & influence of the Holy Spirit in the Church, in You.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Giving Witness to the Power of the Holy Spirit in Them, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

The Ascension of the Lord | 7th Sunday of Easter

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:32:08 GMT

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

Theology on Tap – Summer Speaker Series

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:24:14 GMT

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!

Temporary Mass Schedule Changes – Construction Alert

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:10:02 GMT

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.

Parishioner Rosemary Unruh Passes Away

Tue, 27 May 2025 12:35:27 GMT

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.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon her.

May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

6th Sunday of Easter

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:12:47 GMT

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 7-8 ^th .

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

4th Sunday of Easter

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:09:03 GMT

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

5th Sunday of Easter

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:03:25 GMT

Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!

Nearly every year during Lent, someone will tell me, “I don’t fast from anything during Lent. I just add something extra!” Certainly, I highly encourage the addition of an extra devotional, Holy Hour, Stations of the Cross, Rosary, daily Mass attendances during the week, etc. It is a great means to increase the time spent focusing on God amid the many distractions of the world. Of course, adding in that extra devotion during the 40-days of Lent, might lead to it becoming a holy habit in the Easter season & beyond. Typically, I’ve always thought about fasting as an essential step to the adding new. We fast to make room in our lives & then infill that space with the new holy habit.

Even now in the Easter season, we can still think about Prayer + Fasting + Almsgiving. They are not set aside for another year, even while they are less of a focus in the writing & preaching of the Church now. But the real reason, I bring up the practice of adding versus fasting is because of the world around us. It is interesting how much Catholic Christians struggle with, resist, & fully ignore the importance of Fasting as a spiritual practice. There can be this sort of unspoken & unrecognized subconscious thought that “we’ve out grown those ‘medieval practices’, like Fasting.” We haven’t. The struggles against sinful flesh, while conquered by Christ’s victory upon the Cross precisely by the sacrifice of His human flesh, are still present. What is new, is His Victory has unleashed grace to make our victory possible in our personal struggles with our flesh, whether sexual, stomach, sleepiness & the like.

But what I also find even more strange is that, just when we Catholic Christians seem to be fasting from Fasting, the world is promoting it. Many in the world are embracing it whole heartedly, even spreading the word of its value as if it were the Gospel Good News. In fact, just talk to someone who has recently discovered the value of “intermittent fasting” and they do their best to encourage, cajole, convince you that you should try it too!

A search of the web of ‘benefits of the intermittent fasting’ will provide you a whole string of websites extolling its physical, mental, & emotional benefits. From the Mayo Clinic’s website: “Intermittent fasting is a pattern of eating based on time limits. For a set time of hours or days, you eat a typical diet. At the end of the set time, you switch to very few or no calories, called fasting… The idea is that intermittent fasting causes the body's cells to change how they work. Timed eating may push cells to focus on repair, energy use, and balancing body-wide functions. Research shows that intermittent fasting may improve some signs of health in the short term. These include: blood sugar, weight, blood cholesterol, blood pressure & chronic inflammation.” Now in full disclosure, on the same Mayo Clinic webpage, they also caution that such fasting may or may not have long term benefits. There is a lack of long-term studies & data from which to draw conclusive conclusions. < mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/intermittent-fasting/faq-20441303 >

We Catholics should know (& promote!?!) the value of Fasting. But not for its physical, mental & emotional benefits (although those too are good!!!), but because of its spiritual benefits. Its aid in self-mastery. Its contributions to conquering sin in our lives. Yet, rarely have I heard a lay Catholic try to encourage, cajole, or convince their non-Catholic or especially a non-Christian friend of the importance of such a practice in their lives. Why is it the secular world has no difficulty taking a perfectly sound religious practice (not just Catholic) and promoting it; yet, we faithful cannot do the same for specifically religious reasons?!?

Fasting is just one such area which the Church has promoted that has since been adopted & expounded by the secular world, but stripped of its religious significance. Did you know that Natural Family Planning (the only approved method of regulating births & stewarding a couple’s fecundity) is more readily preached & promoted & implemented by the all-natural secular crowd than talked about or practiced by the Catholic Christians who did much of the work to develop the medical science behind it. Women who want organic, non-hormone infused foods, more readily adopt the non-hormonal NFP than Catholic Christian women whom God has instructed!?! Similarly, someone sent me an online article expounding the value of ‘resting one day a week’, from a completely secular perspective. Go figure?! God rested on the seventh day, but that’s not a good enough reason?!?! There are many articles touting the transformative power of daily meditation… but when Holy Mother Church reminds us its necessary to pray every day, we’re too busy. It’s interesting that the world is re-discovering the value of practices that used to be common place practice among Christians? Yet, how is it that the Christianity has nothing to offer, when the world is going the long way round just to arrive at what we already know – lives directed & shaped by Faith in Jesus Christ?!?

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living Resurrection Glory through our daily practices, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner James “Jim” Cain Passes Away

Thu, 15 May 2025 16:20:25 GMT

Cain, James (Jim) age 84, entered his heavenly rest after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease on May 13th, 2025. The son of the late Marie and Bill Cain, Jim was born January 15th, 1941 in Louisville, Kentucky. The oldest of three children, he attended St. Helen’s grade school and graduated Flaget High class of 1959. Jim met the love of his life, Juanita, when they both attended the same kindergarten. Reconnecting in 8th grade, Jim followed her to Butler High School before transferring to Flaget. They were married the year following graduation.

In the late 1960s, Jim accepted a position in Civil Service for the United States Navy on the island of Guam. Jim and Juanita packed up their young family and moved across the world, living the island life for 10 years. Jim felt called to serve and joined the Naval Reserves, then active duty aboard the U.S.S. Iowa. A true patriot, Jim was immensely proud of his years of service. He returned to work in Civil Service, retiring from Naval Ordinance in 1993 to pursue his dream.

Jim developed an early love of all things automotive and enjoyed working with his hands. When the opportunity presented itself, Jim purchased an old lumber yard on Dixie Highway and converted it into “Antique Car Company”. Jim spent countless hours restoring and repairing old cars, especially Studebakers. In his later years, he found great comfort in his time spent with his Saturday shop crew; Alan, Steve, Kenny and Ronnie. Jim had a love for his cigars, Milwaukee’s Best, and bourbon. He was proud to be a South Louisville resident, active in Shively Area Ministries and in his parish.

Jim was proud of many things, but nothing brought him more joy than his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dickie, son Danny, and grandsons Mikey and Jacob. He is survived by so many who love him, including his wife of 65 years Juanita, children Willy (Leilani) and Melissa (Jeff), grandchildren and great grandchildren: Shaun (April), Kyle (Maria), James (Ashley), Daniel, Sara (Ryan), Erin (Kevin), Amanda (Scott), Jonathan, Kevin, Mikey and Joey(Maria), Luana, Jacob, Lanea, Lilli, Gracelyn, Brennan, Bradley, Sawyer, Jackson, Emma, Madison, Abigail, Sedona, Lanie, Henry, James, Marc, Joelle, Teddi, Finley and Scarlett.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child: A Time to Remember

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:36:03 GMT

If you or someone you know has experienced the loss of a child, we invite you to join us for a Memorial Mass for the Loss of a Child on Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 PM at Holy Family Catholic Church.

This Mass is offered for parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends who mourn the loss of a child through:

Miscarriage or stillbirth
Early infant death
Abortion
Illness, accident, or suicide
Any reason or circumstance

No matter how long ago the loss occurred, you are not alone . We gather in prayer to remember, to grieve, and to lift our hearts to the healing love of Christ.

All are welcome to this sacred and compassionate time of remembrance and hope.

Celebrate Mass on the Grass with Us

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:30:30 GMT

You're invited to a special outdoor celebration of the Eucharist at our annual Mass on the Grass on Wednesday, May 21 at 8:30 AM .

This joyful Mass will be celebrated on the Holy Family soccer field , followed by our student Field Day festivities.

Bring your lawn chair or blanket , and join our school and parish community in giving thanks to God under the open sky.

All are welcome—come be part of this beloved end-of-year tradition!

Swing for a Cause: Register Now for Our Golf Scramble!

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:00:58 GMT

Get your team together for the 5th Annual Holy Family School Golf Scramble on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Champions Pointe Golf Club !

This fun-filled day supports our 8th grade students’ Washington, D.C. trip and includes:

�� 12:15 PM – Registration
⛳ 1:00 PM – Shotgun Start
��️ 5:00 PM – Dinner & Awards

Enjoy 18 holes of golf , lunch , dinner , contests, prizes, and fellowship — all while helping create lasting memories for our students.

��️ If weather cancels the event, a free round voucher will be provided.

�� Sponsorship opportunities are available!

Let’s tee off for a great cause!

Honoring Mary: Join Us for Our May Crowning Mass

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:57:31 GMT

Join us on Friday, May 9 at 8:00 AM for a beautiful tradition in the Catholic Church: our May Crowning Mass at Holy Family.

Each year, we honor Mary, our Blessed Mother , as Queen of Heaven and Earth, entrusting ourselves and our school community to her loving intercession. Our students will help lead this special liturgy, offering flowers and prayers in her honor.

This joyful celebration is a reminder of Mary’s faithful "yes" to God and a call for each of us to imitate her trust and love. All are welcome to attend this special moment in our parish and school life. Come, pray with us, and celebrate the gift of our spiritual Mother.

3rd Sunday of Easter

Thu, 01 May 2025 16:42:15 GMT

Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!

One really knows they were not raised in the Louisville metro area on the first weekend of May. Every year I’ve been here, I’ve had to ask the principal, “Do we really need to give the First Friday of May off from school?” when I approve next year’s school calendar. When I see all the interest in hats, and I’m just fine with my old Holy Family or HFS ball cap. When I hear about traffic, air shows, and fireworks, I’m like, “Oh, that’s nice!”, but I can quickly tell in the face of the other person, that I just made some sort of faux pas or social snafu by not giving enough energy & excitement to it. I’m aware (as I approach my 7 ^th May on the ‘Sunny Side’ of Louisville) about the high-dollar, quick-footed, four-legged, beautiful athletes who have been running this week. I’m aware of all the intensity of “ The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports ^® ” performed by the three-year-old Thoroughbreds. I recognize the millions of dollars at play. I’ve even toured the museum, the stands, the barns, and the “Backside”; all to my enjoyment. But some part of me still struggles to reorient my life for this weekend. I know that just admitting that in print means I just lost the loyalty & respect of some of my parish members. Sorry.

The Kentucky Derby is steeped in rich tradition, history, fanfare, and customs. It is social. It is fun. It is communal. It is exciting and all the rest. Without a doubt, 2-minutes of one’s life can make a huge difference. Most person’s lives are changed in serious & substantial ways by just a few minutes in the midst of and among all the minutes of a whole life. For the horse & rider who won yesterday, those 2-minutes will certainly be counted as among the most precious few of their entire lives. The victory is amazing. Yes, those 2-minutes will matter, and I suppose they should. What the world will remember, in fact, is those 2-minutes… probably just the last 10-seconds, the final few furlongs, and even just the photo finish! Beyond the true fans of the sport, most folks don’t give too much attention to all that went into that single photo. The training, sacrifices, funds, the constellation of a million little things that had to happen just right for that brief window of eligibility, of competition, of victory! Certainly, the media did their best to build interest this week by giving back stories, longshots, and human interest. These are efforts to highlight all that came before to culminate in the day. I don’t want to take away from all that.

But – and you knew I’d have a ‘but’ – but when I look at the grand purpose of life – my life & yours as Christians, I wonder if those 2-minutes are really as important as they are played off. I mean, there will be another race next year. There will even be the intrigue over whether this particular Thoroughbred can be the next ‘Triple Crown’ winner. But beyond kicking off the summer celebrations and having some communal fun, does it matter? Does it matter as much to you as what we celebrated 3 Sundays ago? Or have you moved on from Easter? Every Sunday is a mini-Easter, especially in what the Catholic Church calls the Easter Season. Is our life still focused on Christ’s Victory? Upon His 3-hour (not 2-minute) sacrifice? Upon His prayer for our Forgiveness in not knowing what we did ? Do we still wrestle with the betrayals of Judas, Peter, & the other 9? Do we still feel the pain of Mother Mary, John the Beloved, & the faithful women as they stood watching in horror & heartbreak? Are we still moved emotionally, psychologically, spiritually by the power of the Passion & Resurrection? 40 days we spent preparing for the Holy Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Dark Saturday, & Easter Sunday. Yet, 21 days later, it is quite possibly a distant memory except when we darken the door of a Catholic Church.

According to Statista.com, which polls & tracks all sorts of American behavior, an average of 80% of Americans celebrate Easter in some way annually since 2009. [1] Maybe Church attendance, but at least a family gathering, egg hunt, & meal. Of course, most of the USA considers Easter just a single day, even most of our non-Catholic Christian sisters & brothers. Yet, in the Catholic Church, the silly, outdated, Catholic Church, we stand forth that something world changing happened on Easter Sunday that is worth remembering not for 2 minutes, 1-day, even an Octave, but for 50-days, and in fact every, day of our life. That in fact, it matters more than any race, competition, or any other 2-minutes anywhere, anytime, anyplace. I’m not jaded or just out of touch. This isn’t just my priestly or pastoral sensitivities showing through. This isn’t just because I wasn’t born & raised here. It’s because I actually believe that Christ’ Resurrection changed everything, & so everything in my life must change.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living Resurrection Glory, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/221108/share-of-americans-celebrating-easter-since-2007/

Divine Mercy Sunday

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 14:33:14 GMT

Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!

The theological experience of Divine Mercy was at the core of Jesus’ Passion, Death, & Resurrection. Yet, in more recent years, Christ’s Message of Mercy has in a particular way been conveyed through the mystical visitations of our Lord to St Faustina Kowalska recorded in her Diary. Below are some excerpts worth praying with collated by Sara & Justin Kraft .

“Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.” (No. 301)
“Have fear of nothing; I am always with you” (No. 431)
“The Lord said to me, ‘The loss of each soul plunges Me into mortal sadness. You always console Me when you pray for sinners. The prayer most pleasing to Me is prayer for the conversion of sinners. Know, My daughter, that this prayer is always heard and answered.’” (No. 1397)
“Jesus: ‘My child, life on earth is a struggle indeed; a great struggle for my kingdom. But fear not, because you are not alone. I am always supporting you, so lean on Me as you struggle, fearing nothing. Take the vessel of trust and draw from the fountain of life – for yourself, but also for other souls, especially such as are distrustful of My goodness.’” (No. 1488)
“All grace flows from mercy, and the last hour abounds with mercy for us. Let no one doubt concerning the goodness of God; even if a person’s sins were as dark as night, God’s mercy is stronger than our misery. One thing alone is necessary; that the sinner set ajar the door of his heart, be it ever so little, to let in a ray of God’s merciful grace, and then God will do the rest.” (No. 1507)
“Today the Lord said to me, ‘Daughter, when you go to confession, to this fountain of My mercy, the Blood and Water which came forth from My Heart always flows down upon your soul and ennobles it. Every time you go to confession, immerse yourself entirely in My mercy, with great trust, so that I may pour the bounty of My grace upon your soul. When you approach the confessional, know this, that I Myself am waiting there for you. I am only hidden by the priest, but I Myself act in your soul. Here the misery of the soul meets the God of mercy. Tell souls that from this fount of mercy souls draw graces solely with the vessel of trust. If their trust is great, there is no limit to My generosity. The torrents of grace inundate humble souls. The proud remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls.’” (No. 1602)
“Oh how much I am hurt by a soul’s distrust! Such a soul professes that I am Holy and Just, but does not believe that I am Mercy and does not trust in My Goodness. Even the devils believe in My Justice, but do not glorify My Goodness. My Heart rejoices in this title of Mercy.'” (No. 300)
“I realize more and more how much every soul needs God’s mercy throughout life and particularly at the hour of death. This chaplet [of Divine Mercy] mitigates God’s anger, as He Himself told me.” (No. 1036)
“Then I heard the words, ‘I am glad you behaved like My true [child]. Be always merciful as I am merciful. Love everyone out of love for Me, even your greatest enemies, so that My mercy may be fully reflected in your heart.’” (No. 1695)
“When once I asked the Lord Jesus how He could tolerate so many sins and crimes and not punish them, the Lord answered me, ‘I have an eternity for punishing [these], and so I am prolonging the time of mercy for the sake of [sinners]. But woe to them if they do not recognize the time of My visitation.’” (No. 1160)

This Sunday, April 27, the entire New Albany Deanery will have a joint Divine Mercy Service . There will be several priests hearing confessions (including me) starting at 2p. At 3p there will be a Holy Hour with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. This will fulfill the plenary indulgence requirements.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living Resurrection Mercy, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Easter Sunday

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:33:50 GMT

Resurrection of Christ by Annibale Carracci, 1593 Louvre

Christ has Risen, as He said He would, Alleluia!!!

Victimæ paschali laudes

Christians, to the Paschal Victim

Offer your thankful praises!

A Lamb the sheep redeems;

Christ, who only is sinless,

Reconciles sinners to the Father.

Death and life have contended

in that combat stupendous:

The Prince of life, who died,

reigns immortal.

Speak, Mary, declaring

What you saw, wayfaring.

“The tomb of Christ, who is living,

The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;

bright angels attesting,

The shroud and napkin resting.

Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;

to Galilee he goes before you.”

Christ indeed from death is risen,

our new life obtaining.

Have mercy, victor King,

ever reigning!

Amen. Alleluia.

Easter Octave Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Next Sunday, April 27, the entire New Albany Deanery will have a joint Divine Mercy Service . There will be several priests hearing confessions (including me) starting at 2p. At 3p there will be a Holy Hour with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. This will fulfill the plenary indulgence requirements.

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Living Resurrection Joy, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Divine Mercy Sunday Holy Hour & Confession

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:35:02 GMT

This year, deanery parishes are collaborating to host a single Divine Mercy Sunday Celebration at St. John Paul II Parish in Sellersburg. The event includes Confessions from 2-3pm, a Holy Hour with hymns, scripture reading and reflection, and singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and concluding with a reception at 4pm. Jesus said to St. Faustina in a private revelation about the Divine Mercy Feast: " The soul that would go to Confession and receive Holy Communion will obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment... " (Diary, 699). Please join us at St. John Paul II to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, on April 27th!

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:04:15 GMT

Blessed Palm Sunday to you. As we enter into to this Holy Week, I invite you to truly make it holy. Yes, I know you still have to go to work and school, the grocery and gas station, but really try to quiet down and cut out all those things that are not truly necessary. And we know the difference. Necessary means required to be done, needed, essential. Maybe one of the best exercises we can engage in this week, is to really evaluate the words & actions of our lives in terms of necessary and unnecessary. If the purpose of our life, our birth, our daily struggle, our sufferings, our successes, our whole life is to know, love, and serve God in this life so as to be with Him forever in the next, we must figure out here and now, what is necessary. Use the added holiness of this week to prayerfully discern over the various pursuits of your life in terms of necessity. For this week, set aside those things that are not necessary so as to be more faithful & focused upon that which is truly necessary. Allow this week to unite you to the necessity of your Catholic Christian Faith, of the Sacrifice of Christ, of His immense Love & Mercy, of our need for God in a godless world. If Lent is Catholic Christians at their best, then Holy Week should necessarily be Catholic Christians fully for Christ.

For much of the world and most people, this is just another week. They will go along as if nothing in particular is happening. They will follow their normal routines, engage in their normal activities, pursue their normal professions. Will that be us as well? Is this going to be Wholly a week for Christ and therefore a Holy Week, or will we just make a whole in our normal endeavors to admit Christ’s cross for a moment or to rejoice in the empty hole in the ground, known as tomb. If your faith is more than words upon our lips or a few pious thoughts from time to time, it should be manifest itself in the whole of your life, especially as we enter into Holy Week.

We all engage in unnecessary endeavors. I do to! Some unnecessary pursuits could, maybe should, just be abandoned altogether. Yet, unnecessary does not always mean unimportant. There could be unnecessary pursuits given the greater religious significance of this week, that simply allow those unnecessary pursuits to take their proper place, so as to justly recognized the real priority and right relationship with God, neighbor, and self. And learning to know the difference between distractions and definitives will help make you Holy.

Lenten Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Didn’t sign up? Don’t worry. Just Show up & Pray!

Holy Week Schedule

Tuesday Mass at 8a

Tuesday Stations of the Cross at 6:30p

Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7p

Altar of Repose & time for quiet prayer with Christ in DAC until 10p
Compline & Night Prayer in community in DAC at 10p

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion at 3p

Saturday Confessions in the Garden from 8a to 10a

(in the church confessional if weather is incremental)

Saturday Easter Vigil with Sacraments of Initiation at 8:55p

Sunday Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection at 8a and 10:30a

[No Sunday 6p Mass]

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Led by the Holy Spirit to the Lord’s Suffering, Death, & Resurrection, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Patrick C. “Pat” Lancaster Passes Away

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:46:07 GMT

Patrick C. “Pat” Lancaster passed away Wednesday April 9, 2025, just two days shy of his 83rd birthday. He was born in New Albany to the late Muriel and Thomas “Tommy” Lancaster. He was a Kentucky Colonel, a member of the Kentucky Restaurant Association, an animal rescuer and a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Pat was an entrepreneur and a visionary in the restaurant and catering business. At 21, he expanded the family restaurant business, Tommy Lancaster’s. He launched a catering and tent rental division, which grew into one of the largest privately owned restaurant/catering operations in the country—ranked 8th nationally.

They served major events such as Pan American Games, Kentucky State Fair, Keeneland, Louisville Redbirds concessions and political functions, including dinners for President Ronald Reagan, Nelson Rockefeller and Kentucky governors. He took great pride in building on his family’s legacy and became known for his dedication, vision, and impact in the community.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson: Robbie Lancaster, Jr., his nephew: Michael Kapfhammer, his brother: Mike Lancaster, and his brother-in-law: Mike Kapfhammer.

Pat is survived by his daughter: Debbie Leist and her husband Steve and their sons: Matthew (Elizabeth), Michael (Emilie) and Maxwell Leist, his son: Robert Lancaster and his children: Garrett (Hila) and Travis Lancaster, his son: Steve Lancaster and his children: Jessica, Alex and Carissa Lancaster, 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way, his brother: Terry Lancaster, his sister: Eva Sue Kapfhammer, his partner of 25 years: Kathy Dunn and his former wife: Jeanie Landgraf.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Journey Through Holy Week with Us at Holy Family

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:36:35 GMT

As we prepare our hearts for the Resurrection of Christ, we invite you and your family to join us for the beautiful liturgies and prayer opportunities offered during Holy Week. Whether you’re a regular at Holy Family or seeking a place to reconnect with your faith, you are welcome here.

Below is our full schedule for Holy Week 2025:

Tuesday, April 15

Mass: 8:00 a.m.
Adoration: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Living Stations of the Cross: 6:30 p.m. (led by our 7th & 8th grade students)
Please note: There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass or Confessions this evening.

Wednesday, April 16

Mass: 8:00 a.m.
Adoration: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 17 – Holy Thursday

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 p.m.
Procession to the DAC and Altar of Repose: immediately following Mass
Compline (Night Prayer): 10:00 p.m.

Friday, April 18 – Good Friday

Good Friday Service: 3:00 p.m.
The Parish Office will be closed on Good Friday.

Saturday, April 19 – Holy Saturday

Confessions in the Garden: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. (weather permitting; otherwise, in the church)
Easter Vigil Mass: 8:55 p.m.

Sunday, April 20 – Easter Sunday

Masses: 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Please note: There will be no 6:00 p.m. Mass on Easter Sunday.

Join us as we walk with Jesus through His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. This sacred week is a time of deep reflection, hope, and renewal — and we look forward to celebrating it with you.

The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, April 21.

Totus Tuus | Vacation Bible School

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:20:15 GMT

It's a week-long summer celebration of all things beautiful, bold, and Catholic in the New Albany Deanery. Each day age-appropriate activities will include music, drama, arts & crafts, and more fun! This year, we will focus on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary and the Apostle's Creed. We can't wait to spend the summer with your child(ren)!

To make this exciting ministry successful and safe for our youth and children, many hands and donations are needed. See the bottom of this page for volunteer opportunities.

Date: Monday, June 9 through Friday, June 13, 2025

Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (1752 Scheller Ln. / New Albany, IN)

Cost: $20 (with a maximum family payment of $60) Deadline for registration is June 2, 2024.

Trivia Night at Holy Family – April 11

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:08:15 GMT

Mark your calendars and gather your team— Holy Family Trivia Night is back and promises an evening full of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition!

Join us on Thursday, April 11 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. in the Holy Family School Cafeteria as we test our knowledge in a wide range of categories including Geography, Catholic Facts, Sports, and more! Whether you're a trivia buff or just in it for the laughs, there's a spot for everyone at the table.

How to participate:

Teams can consist of 4 to 6 players, or you may register as an individual and we’ll pair you up with a team. One person may register for the whole group—no need for each team member to sign up separately.

Participants are welcome (and encouraged!) to bring their own snacks and refreshments to enjoy during the evening.

This event is open to all parishioners, school families, alumni, and friends of Holy Family. It’s a great way to connect with others in our community while having a great time.

We hope to see you there—may the best team win! ��

5th Sunday of Lent

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:54:08 GMT

Passiontide – the Home Stretch of the Lenten Journey

Our 3 ^rd through 8 ^th graders in the New Albany deanery have a track meet today, which got me thinking. When I was in high school, I ran track. I wasn’t any good, but I was on the team. The longer the race, the more you knew that at the end you would need to give the ‘kick’. On a short 100m sprint, the entire race is the ‘kick’: all you have for all the distance. As one progresses in level of competition and skills and strengths increase, the distance where it is really all out increases. Yet at some distance level, which varies, there is a need to manage one’s energy and pace to be able to compete well throughout, while still having something left for the last push or kick. Whether that’s the last lap of a 2-mile (3200m) or the last 100m of an 800m race, there is this drive to finish even stronger than you’ve been running so far. This is all to win the race!

I doubt St Paul ever ran track, but he understood the Kick, finishing strong, and the desire to win!

“For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” (II Timothy 4:6-8)

This reading is often selected as an option for funerals, and not just for former athletes. Our faith journey is also a race. More a marathon than a sprint, but winning still has much to do with the finish, as well as the start and middle. How many Christians through the ages have had immense encounters with Christ and are then filled with zeal for the Lord, only to ‘burn out’ and ‘fizzle’. Going astray or going cold as the grind of the journey continues on. The real mark of Christian life has much more to do with the daily living of it than it does with the momentous acts of faith or temporary experiences of the Spirit. Our Faith must be lived from beginning to glorious end. We must “Run so as to win!” (I Corinthians 9:24). This is not just true at the race’s beginning or its glorious finish line, but throughout. It is often that difficult middle where we can stumble and fall. Where the fatigue, the boredom, the pain can make us want to just stop. If we manage to push through those difficult days of the middle, then we come to the final kick. Keeping the faith at the end. For those who do so, something that can often be best judged after the race is finished – that is at once the person has finished the race and moved on to the Lord at physical death – we can see how the dearly departed has ‘finished the race & kept the faith’. We can see the full arc, the full track, of their life leading to Christ in the Church. A funeral can, in this sense, be an immense experience of Faith & Grace. It can be the final witness for the faithful disciple who lived that discipline throughout life through the kick at the finish line.

As we approach these last few days of Lent and are ready to walk the Way of the Cross with Christ, we see His final ‘kick’ on display. We see our Lord Jesus truly ‘being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.’ He finished strong. He loved truly. He forgave freely.

Lent is meant to be a mini-experience of the whole of our Christian Faith race. We had the eager start on Ash Wednesday (when the Church is filled to capacity.) We have the more challenging grind of 40 days in between filled with their embrace of Prayer-Fasting-Almsgiving. With today, the 5th Sunday of Lent we enter into what is know as Passiontide. The last stretch of Lent. It is the Church encouraging us to finish strong. To get primed for the Holy Week Kick. During these last days of Lent, we are challenged in a particular way to pour out the libation of ourselves like Christ. Leaving it all out there. To set aside the goods of this world more intentionally, so as to embrace the tremendous holy work of Christ’s salvation. He accomplished and is accomplishing in us His perfect Sacrifice upon the Cross and Resurrection. Just as a track coach might ring a bell to mark the final lap and the clarion call to give it your all – to start the kick – the Church coaches us into this last leg of Lent with the visual reminder of Passiontide: covering the statues and the cross. Encouraging us to ‘run by faith and not to by sight’ (Cf. II Corinthians 5:7). Run! Not for a fading crown of laurels, but for a thorny crown of Eternal Life.

Lenten Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Didn’t sign up? Don’t worry. Just Show up & Pray!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Led by the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Eucharistic Adoration Canceled

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:33:18 GMT

Due to a power outage, Lenten Eucharistic Adoration scheduled for today has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to take time for prayer and reflection at home.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to gathering in prayer again soon!

4th Sunday of Lent

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:48:34 GMT

Congratulations to parishioner Karen Schueler!

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities has selected Karen Schueler as a 2025 recipient of the Spirit of Hope Award. This will be presented at St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities’ annual “Changing Lives ~ Giving Hope” Gala on Thursday, April 10 ^th at the Galt House in Louisville. Karen served on the Advisory Council for fifteen years, including thirteen years on the Executive Committee and four years as Council Chair. During Karen’s service the agency experienced tremendous growth. This includes:

New programs providing care to those in need.
The agency becoming an accredited social service agency.
Growth of the St. Elizabeth campus to house more women and children.

In her leadership role, Karen always kept the agency focused on our mission. Karen was the agency’s biggest cheerleader and made sure the staff always felt appreciation from the Council. Karen also served on the Development Fundraising Committee and was instrumental in developing relationships that lead to new funding and connecting the agency to valuable community partners. Karen was always working in the background promoting St. Elizabeth attracting those willing to share their time, talent and treasure to support the agency. And while she has stepped down from the Board, she continues to be a huge supporter of the important work of St Elizabeth to women and children in our Kentuckiana area. Karen Schueler is well deserving recipient of the Spirit of Hope! We are very grateful for her and glad she is such a vibrant part of the Holy Family family.

As we have a “mini-celebration” this Laetare Sunday, rejoicing that we’ve passed the half-way point of Lent, there is hint of the rising Son painting the horizon in shades of pink & rose. Hopefully, that is true in your heart & soul, as much as in the Mass vestments this weekend. Jesus through the Spirit wants to lead us into the loving embrace & eternal care of the Father. This graced time of freely chosen sufferings of Prayer + Fasting + Almsgiving help configure us to Christ’s Cross of Good Friday so as to share in His Empty Tomb Sunday.

Special Thanks to all those who helped make our two Holy Family Fish Fry’s a swimming success. A core group of parishioners has led the charge – and monitored the fryers – the last several years. It is greatly appreciated & very delicious. We are also assisted by current 7th grade HFS students & their parents. They assist in the dining area with serving, cleaning, and cashiers, as well as the dessert table (even in Lent a little joy must be found!). Some of the proceeds from the two nights will go to their Washington DC trip at the start of 8th grade. So, thank you for coming out to support both the events, building up the Holy Family family, and enjoy some delicious fish!

Lenten Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Didn’t sign up? Don’t worry. Just Show up & Pray!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Led by the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

Parishioner Raymond Lee Heckman Passes Away

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:41:29 GMT

Raymond Lee Heckman, born on August 2, 1931, in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on March 22, 2025.

Ray found great joy in nature and the outdoors. His love for hunting and fishing was matched only by the delight he took in watching birds. This appreciation for the environment underscored his generous spirit, as he often shared his passions with those around him. As a dedicated coach of many youth sports, he inspired and mentored countless young athletes, instilling values of teamwork and perseverance.

An avid fan of the University of Louisville Cardinals, Ray's enthusiasm for sports was only rivaled by his creative pursuits. He began making jewelry, which he lovingly crafted to give as gifts, sharing his talent and thoughtfulness with family and friends.

He is survived by his children, David (Kathy) Heckman, Gary (Linda) Heckman, and Carol (John) Goodman; his grandchildren, Lisa Pennington, Melanie Cook, Vanessa Kennedy, Chris Heckman, Sarah Heckman, Scott Heckman, Ben Heckman, John Goodman, and Chloe Goodman; as well as eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond B. Heckman and Nancy Morris Heckman; his beloved wife, Georgenia "Genie" Heckman; and his daughters, Sherry Quinn and Debbie Nall. His legacy of kindness, passion for life, and love for his family will always be remembered.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

3rd Sunday of Lent

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:48:32 GMT

Parish Work Day – Saturday March 29 from 9a to noon

I’ve spoken about getting more engaged once or twice before… ok, I know more times than that! Yes, here this is one more time. I’m not so much interested in engagement as a ‘volunteer’ but as a natural expression of who we are as valued & active members of the Holy Family family Family helps the family because we are family. I realize that not every member of our family has the same innate calling to visit the homebound or our nursing home parishioners. I realize not everyone has been so gifted by God to be a cantor, usher, or lector. I realize not everyone is ready to assist as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. I realize not everyone can be a coach for one of our youth sports teams nor an adult companion in our youth ministry activities. I realize not everyone can be a sponsor, godparent, or catechist. Just as not everyone can help rake leaves, paint, clean, and help make our campus more attractive.

Yet, some persons certainly can be leaf rakers and painters or cleaners. Some can assist in providing a deep spring clean of our recently refreshed church. Some can step in to do assist with a few minor maintenance projects that would be a help to our grounds. And to those of you with these particular gifts and abilities, I’m inviting to join the Holy Family family next Saturday March 29 from 9a to noon for a few hours to care for our campus home. This is a one-time commitment of time (not a lifelong committee!) to come together with fellow members of the Holy Family family to do a few Spring cleaning activities around our campus . We will do some spring cleaning inside the church as well as look at some of the flowerbeds and exterior projects. It is a different kind of ask for a different kind of work, work that is still ministry to Christ & the Church, that you might have the ability to provide. In full transparency, I do hope this becomes an annual one-time opportunity but it will be a separate ask & invitation each year. If you can bring work gloves, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, that too would be greatly appreciated. All paint & cleaning supplies will be provided. Looking forward to getting a little ‘dirt on my hands’ with some of my family next week. To further build up the Holy Family family, we will have a lunch at noon after the work morning provided by our funeral meal members. Thank you!

We have finished the first third of Lent this Sunday. Hopefully you’ve been able to start implementing some of the Led by the Spirit recommendations we received from John Beaulieu’s wonderful Parish Mission a few weeks ago. Pausing to receive the Father’s deep personal & specific love for you. Allowing the Lord more permission in your life. Letting the Spirit wash you in Mercy through your gifts of prayer, fasting, & almsgiving. It helped focus my ‘spiritual’ energies to live this Lent in the Holy Spirit.

Lenten Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

Didn’t sign up? Don’t worry. Just Show up & Pray!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Led by the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

2nd Sunday of Lent

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:43:05 GMT

“The fast of Lent has no advantage to us unless it brings about our spiritual renewal. It is necessary while fasting to change our whole life and practice virtue. Turning away from all wickedness means keeping our tongue in check, restraining our anger, avoiding all gossip, lying and swearing. To abstain from these things— herein lies the true value of the fast.”

~St. John Chrysostom

So we are now 11 days into Lent, a week and a half. By now, most of us have fallen short a time or two in our planned & promised Lenten Fasts. I have. We may have bitten off more than we can chew…. or simply ate more than we pledged. We may have been too optimistic or to zealous in our initial take. We often approach the ‘works’ or ‘tasks’ of Prayer, Fasting, & Almsgiving in terms of what ‘we will do.’ It has the very real tendency to become a personal project of self-improvement. Even when the desired outcome of giving up some particular vice is praiseworthy and true in itself, we must accept that the first step is rarely what ‘we will do about it’ and simply ‘surrendering to God in it’. If we could fix ourselves, then Jesus would not have needed to come. If we could just smooth our own faults & failings with a bit more attention and intention, then there would have been no need for the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit. If we could straighten the whole of our lives out (and those of our family, friends, and even enemies, while we are at it!) by our own wisdom, insight, intelligence, then we would hardly have had need of the Word made Flesh, of Wonder Counselor, the God Hero.

To properly enter Lent, we would do well to remember we are like the drowning man. If they could swim, or fight the undertow, or power stroke through the waves on their own, then they would not, by definition, be drowning. If the drowning man could breathe oxygen from the water like a fish with gills, then he would not be drowning. If he were not in dire straits, on the verge of going under, and facing imminent death, then drowning would not be so bad. But it is, because he can’t – not on his own – rescue himself. He needs the life guard, the Coast Guard, the lifesaver. He needs something that is beyond himself. We too need this in Lent. We want to address our problems, do for our self, and get ourselves better. But, if we could really, truly do those things, then we would not need Lent, nor Good Friday, nor Easter Sunday. We would not need our Savior Jesus Christ, or the Grace of Almighty God. Like the drowning man being saved, we need to cooperate with our Savior. Many a person has drowned after the arrival of the life guard, because in their panic, or their arrogance, or struggle, they refuse to accept his help, to listen to their instructions and try to pull the lifeguard under. They don’t work with the First Responder, and allow themselves to be saved. We are not without responsibility in Lent, but it more resides in pliability and responsiveness to Christ’s work in us than our external work for Christ.

St John Chrysostom reminds us that “fasts of Lent” are to bring about “spiritual renewal”. That our “fasts of Lent’ should have ‘advantage to us’. This is true. As we offer, surrender, hand over the ‘whole of ourselves’ to Christ our Savior. Allowing His words, His deeds, His sacrifices, His Sufferings, His Peace, to not only reside in us, but to guide & govern us, so we may be truly transformed from the inside out & outside in. External bodily fastings changing interior spiritual faults, and interior faith changing exterior facets of our being.

But such transformation is not free, nor easy, nor painless. There will be suffering in the change. And the suffering freely embraced through Prayer, Fasting, & Almsgiving can be the helpful – but difficult – medium by which God will work in you. These sacrificial offerings & challenging endeavors can be sanctifying – are sanctifying – to the extent that they are rooted in openness to God’s work of spiritually renewing each one of us. All to the extent that the exercises embraced are rooted in what God really wants for you. If this holy Lent began with guidance from God and surrender to His Holy Will, then embrace the suffering. Do not turn from the hardship. Pay the price. For such suffering will sanctify you, by shaping you to Christ upon the Cross.

Lenten Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

didn’t sign up? Don’t worry. Just Show up & Pray!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Led by the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

1st Sunday of Lent

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:28:43 GMT

Back in January, I was away for 12 days. The first 7 days were just time away. I took a little road trip, which included stopping by some cathedrals, churches, & chapels as well as other historical & cultural sites. One chapel I visited & prayed at was the Saint Anthony's Chapel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is known for housing the largest collection of relics outside the Vatican, containing more than 4500! While I’m not the biggest relic’s buff in the world, it was an interesting place to pause & pray – not just with “so great a cloud of witnesses”, but literally “ surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Cf Heb 12:1).

The second, and arguably much more important, part of my time away was spent on retreat at the Passionist Monastery of St Joseph in Whitesville, KY. The Passionist nuns are a group of cloistered women religious whose whole life is dedicated to and organized around Prayer & Praise of God, so as to grow in personal holiness and to lift up the whole Church for universal holiness. As their name suggests, the Passionist have a particular devotion to Christ’s suffering & death upon the Cross – His Holy Passion. I’ve been blessed to retreat with the Passionist nuns each year now for the last 6 years. Canon law states that bishops, priests, and deacons “are equally bound to make time for spiritual retreats” (Canon 276.2.4). The Church binds, that is, requires, us ministers to set aside dedicated time to spend in prayer with God each year. This is on top of the many other forms of prayer we engage in daily, such as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, meditation, and devotions.

Retreats are not vacations, even while retreats most certainly include getting added rest – spiritual as well as physical – and stepping back from typical daily responsibilities. Yet, they are so importance that the Church actually embeds the clerical right & responsibility to an annual retreat in the Code of Canon Law. Including it in Canon Law also has the added purpose of reminding (insistently!) bishops, priests, and deacons just how important such dedicated time of Retreat with God is, if we are going to minister well for Christ and the Church. I look forward to my annual time of retreat, and I can’t imagine missing it.

I bring up retreats because bishops, priests, and deacons are not the only ones who can benefit by dedicated & intentional times of prayer & Godly encounter. I realize a week of silence at a monastery might not be everyone’s calling, but growing in holiness & relationship with Jesus most certainly is. And yet, it will look differently according to one’s particular vocation and state in life. I do know some laity who make retreats to monasteries, but such persons tend to be the exception rather than the rule. Yet, it is the idea of a universal call to holiness, the need for dedicated time for prayer, and the need to step back from daily pursuits so as to encounter God in some new way, that encourages many parishes to host Parish Missions . A Parish Mission is a kind of retreat for the whole parish family. It is better structured to accommodate the busy life of laity who can’t necessarily step away for multiple days at a time, but who still want to grow in their faith in a sustained way. Rather than just silent personal prayer, Parish Missions are typically a series of spiritual talks or sermons on a certain aspect of the Christian life typically given by a visiting priest or spirit filled lay person.

This week, Holy Family is hosting a 3-night Parish Mission titled: Led by the Spirit with speaker John Beaulieu. Mr. Beaulieu serves Franciscan University, Steubenville, OH as the Director of Evangelization and Formation. He is going to empower us to bring the Holy Spirit more fully into our lives, especially in this blessed season of Lent. While you are not obligated by Canon Law, I do hope you take advantage of this Blessed Opportunity to join us each night, Monday to Wednesday @ 6:30p in the church with an open heart to receive some spiritual rest and renewal.

Lenten Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist

didn’t sign up? Don’t worry. Just Show up & Pray!

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Led by the Holy Spirit, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries