Please bring in your Old Blessed Palms to Church by Sunday, Feb. 23rd for Ash Wednesday Ashes. You can place them in the basket in the back of Church.
FROM SAUL TO ST. PAUL: UNDERSTANDING THE MAN, HIS MISSION & HIS MESSAGE presented by Kathleen Mitchell
Monday, Feb. 3 | 6:30-8:30 PM
or Tuesday, Feb. 4 | 9:30-11:30 AM
Saint Paul has more writings in scripture than anyone else but do we really know him? You’ll come to know Paul like never before and to understand fully the mission to which he devoted his life and the message he proclaimed to the world. Bring your bible, no other materials needed. No cost or sign up is required. For further information, contact Kathleen Mitchell at 865-776-1223.
60 MINUTES WITH JESUS
A PARISH MISSION W/ FR. JIM SICHKO
(Priest, Preacher, Storyteller, Evangelist, Missionary of Mercy)
February 10, 11 & 12 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Reception to follow in the Hospitality Room)
Fr. Jim will be preaching at all Masses February 8th-9th
Jim Sichko is full time preacher, evangelist and motivational speaker based in the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. In February of 2016, Pope Francis commissioned Fr. Jim as one of his Papal Missionaries of Mercy, of which there are only 1000 in the world and only 100 in the United States. Before he became a priest, Fr. Jim performed as an opera singer. Since becoming a priest, he has made headlines for random acts of generosity and kindness, giving away thousands of dollars to people at the grocery store and on the street. Fr. Jim also has had the opportunity to meet & work with many celebrities and was honored by the U.S. Congress for his work.
TASTE OF ST. MARGARET MARY
WHAT: St. Margaret Mary Bites & Brews 2020 WHEN: Saturday, February 22, 2020 | 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. WHERE: SMM Gym and PAC
What is Bites & Brews & what does my ticket get me? Traditionally and more formally known as St. Margaret Mary PTO’s winter Gala, we had the idea to turn this year’s event into a more casual tasting experience and are calling it Bites & Brews. We will have locally and nationally recognized food and drink vendors there helping to make our committee’s vision a reality.
Unlimited Free Food – Sample Drink Tastings – Cash Bar cocktail on us – Live Entertainment & Games – Live/Silent Auction – DJ Dance Party – Commemorative Souvenirs – AND MORE!
Where do the proceeds go? All money raised will support the SMM PTO’s mission of enhancing our children’s educational experience.
Is it okay to come by myself? Absolutely! We have actually had quite a few solo ticket orders already. We’ve also been caught telling people, “bring your friend, your boo or neighbor too.” There’s laid back fun for everyone!
What do I wear? Come as you are. Seriously. It’s casual. The committee members will be in easily-identifiable t-shirts and some attendees have said they’re going to dress up their casual a bit. The point is to be comfortable & have fun.
What vendors will be there? Here is just a sneak peak of some of our food and drink vendors.
EARLY BIRD $55 – Available until 2/14 | GENERAL ADMISSION $70 – After 2/15
This is 21+ event. Thank you for supporting our St. Margaret Mary PTO.
February 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church
We often go through life without noticing the hand that is upon us, leading us to where we were meant to be. Deacon Chuck Bent went through much of life, oblivious to just how involved God was, and even doubting His very existence. ALL OF A SUDDEN – GOD HAD MY ATTENTION. Come hear Deacon Chuck tell the story of how through a series of events, he began to recognize just how instrumental God had been in every aspect of his life, a life of miracles, and stepping stones, leading him to live out his mission. A mission to serve.
Talk is in the Church with light refreshments offered in the Hospitality Room afterwards.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
SNOW INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
With winter’s arrival this is a good time to publish our inclement weather policy. It is our policy here at St. Margaret Mary that whenever our school is cancelled due to inclement weather, then all activities on the campus are also cancelled. This includes all evening events and programs. Masses will not be cancelled because our priest lives on our grounds. We would hope, however, that if travel is dangerous and hazardous, you use your best judgment in deciding if you should try to get here. Updated information about closings & cancellations can be found on our website or by calling the Parish Office.
SCHOOL REMINDERS
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC) NOMINATIONS
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is currently accepting nominations for new members. New members will be elected by school families. The primary purpose of the SAC shall be to give guidance and advice to the Pastor and Principal. The SAC will consider the interest of all parents, students, and faculty. The term for a SAC member is three years. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, February 14th.
If you are interested and have questions, please contact Abigail Costello regarding this stewardship opportunity. For more information, nomination forms will be sent home in the Friday Folders TODAY, January 31st to the youngest or only child in each family.
PASTORAL CARE
DIVORCE CARE
DivorceCare is a weekly seminar/support group that helps divorced or separated people heal from the hurt. It provides a warm, caring, and confidential environment in which participants can learn practical information and gain hope for the future. Weekly: Tuesdays, NOW through May 5 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: St. Margaret Mary, 7813 Shelbyville Rd. Donation: $15 Contact: Denise Ruiz, 426-1588 (126) or druiz@stmm.org
It’s not too late to join!
DIVORCE CARE 4 KIDS
DivorceCare for Kids, DC4K, provides a safe, fun place where your children will learn to understand their feelings, express their emotions appropriately, feel better about themselves and develop coping skills. Weekly: Tuesdays, NOW through May 5 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Location: St. Margaret Mary, 7813 Shelbyville Rd. Donation: $25 RSVP: Denise Ruiz, druiz@stmm.org / 426-1588 (ext. 126)
It’s not too late to bring your child(ren)!
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB Thursday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Spirituality Center A 40-Day Spiritual Workout for Catholics by Bob Rice
Prayer is at the heart of the Christian way of life. This month’s selection of A 40-Day Spiritual Workout for Catholics aims to complement your Lenten journey. Women’s Book Club meets the 3rd Thursday of the month and is open to all women. Questions, contact Jennifer Barker 502-314-9080 or Amy Craft at 513-519-1816. [Amazon Review] “Are you ready to get your faith in shape? A 40-Day Spiritual Workout for Catholics is designed to bring about deeper transformation and conversion in your life. Rice challenges his readers to spend forty days developing a habit that will last a lifetime. Each of the forty days includes a Scripture quote, a quote from a saint or the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a short reflection, thought-provoking questions, and a prayer. Your spiritual workout borrows concepts from physical training, including stretch, cardio, muscle-building, hydration, fat-burning, and cool down.”
MOM 2 MOM Mom 2 Mom provides the opportunity for mothers & children in our parish to meet in a friendly, supportive & Christian environment. We’re open to mothers enjoying all stages of parenthood. So whether you’re pregnant with your first child or just sent your last one to college, we’d love for you to join us each month. No one is a stranger & you are welcome to bring a friend. Here is our current schedule:
February 20th at Coals pizza at 6:30 PM.
Please RSVP to: SMM.mom2mom@gmail.com
MARRIAGE MINISTRY
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE DAY SMM Marriage Celebration Reception after the 10 AM and Noon Masses in the Hospitality Room on February 9th to kick off National Marriage Week, February 9th – 15th. Cake, punch and coffee will be served. All engaged and married couples & SMM families are invited to attend.
Sunday, February 9th is World Marriage Day, an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. National Marriage Week is celebrated from February 7-14. This year’s theme is “Stories from the Domestic Church.”
What is a “Domestic Church”?
Every family is called to be a place of prayer, service, and love—a “little Church of the home.” Families naturally do this in their day-to-day lives: “The spirituality of family love is made up of thousands of small but real gestures” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia, no. 315). They do this by strengthening the bonds of love among their members, and by asking the Lord’s presence into their homes. Click here for more tips, prayers and blogs that promote healthy Catholic marriages. #MarriageWeek
Prayer for Married Couples
Almighty and eternal God, You blessed the union of married couples so that they might reflect the union of Christ with his Church: look with kindness on them.
Renew their marriage covenant, increase your love in them, and strengthen their bond of peace so that, with their children, they may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen