The Ascension of the Lord | 7th Sunday of Easter

Maria Hayes • June 6, 2025

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 7-8th.

 

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, With Eyes raised to Heaven, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Maria Hayes • August 7, 2025
Faith and Understanding

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

2025-2026 Sunday Missal Pre-Order

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
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

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
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

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
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!

By Maria Hayes • July 29, 2025
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

By Maria Hayes • July 29, 2025
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

By Maria Hayes • July 29, 2025
Join Our Team: Director of Communications & Marketing

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Maria Hayes • July 23, 2025
Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary World Day of Grandparents 

Our Summer in Youth Ministry

By Maria Hayes • July 18, 2025
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