From the Pastor’s Desk Christ back into Christmas.

That picture was

drawn by the seven-year old, Sophia
My Dear People: Ragusa, child of Chris and Pam. So, Sophia
also gave back to the parish.
A parish is a community of faith. This means
worshiping in the same church and The secret to the success of OLS is that so
supporting that church community. It means many are willing, one way or another “to give
talking to one another and praying for each back to the parish.” To borrow the format of
other. Our parish is the venue for the JFK, let me say: “Ask not what your parish
sacraments. We support the parish not only can do for you, but what you can do for your
financially but with our time and talents. We parish!” Remember, “It is in giving that we
need to give back to the parish. receive and it is in loving that we are loved.”
We all are familiar and admire one who With prayers and blessings,
becomes an Eagle Scout because it is the Father Muller
top rank in the scouting program. Among
training in skills and outdoor survival,
scouting teaches SERVICE to others. To
become an Eagle Scout one must perform a
MASS INTENTIONS
large service project. Two from OLS this year
worked on a service project and chose to Monday, July 28 Lauren Bourgeois
“give back to the parish.” Matthew Beidleman Bruce Kime
studied the needs of the Learning Center and Tuesday, July 29 Special Int. of Beth Scalise
worked to make the playground more safe, Angela Quintanilla
along with other services inside the building. Wednesday, July 30 Special Intention
Ann M. Scozzaro
Philip Zicarelli also looked at the needs of his Thursday, July 31 Robert & Josephine Zuber
parish and took on the cleaning and painting Angela Quintanilla
of the restrooms and foyer of the gym. Again, Friday, August 1 Robbie Yeager
it is “giving back to the parish.” Charles Woods
Saturday, August 2 For Donors to the
Our July 4th Festival is a great example of OLS School Foundation
Bill Stephens & Intention of the Blessed Mother
people “giving back to the parish.” Serving on Sunday, August 3 People of the Parish
the parish council and building committees Fred Henning
are more examples of “giving back to the
parish.” Adoring Jesus in the Chapel with a
committed hour is one of the greatest FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONS will be held on
examples of “giving back to the parish.” Also, August 1st at 6:00 a.m.
let us never forget the extraordinary ministers FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTIONS will be
of the Eucharist in the church and for the held on August 2nd at 7:15 a.m.
homebound. The priests see all too clearly ____________________________________
the daily work of Jude Tombrello, our ace
sacristian, and those who serve daily
Masses. Service is the Christian way of life The Bishop has written a letter on Humanae
and only God can keep the record of what Vitae celebrating its fortieth anniversary and
we all do for each other in our community of since it is too long to read from the pulpit, he
faith. has stated we are to insert it in the bulletin
and that we read it.
John Tighe and his wife Beth, took and
chose the pictures for the front part of the
pictorial directory. On the back they chose
the winner from the poster contest of putting
The Appeal for Ushers continues. If you
are interested please call the church office.
The Knights and Sodality volunteered to help
distribute the pictorial directories after the
Masses this Sunday. Coffee and oatmeal
cookies help people stay after Mass and
socialize with one another while obtaining
their pictorial directory.
_______________________________________
JR. HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE
STUDY – Each Wednesday night we will have
Bible Study for all Jr. High and High School youth
at 7:00 p.m. in the Youth Room in the Family Life
Center.
The flowers under the Blessed Mother are in
memory of Robbie Yeager.
The statue of the child Jesus near the
nursery was given by Florence DiPiazza and
her family in memory of her husband, Sam.
The garden is a quiet place to pray.
The 4th of July Appreciation Dinner will be
held on Thursday, August 7th at 6:00 p.m. in
the Parish Hall. Sign up sheets are located
in the vestibule.
____________________________________
Catholic Family Services is a Catholic
Charities agency that offers marriage, family
and individual counseling. Along with these
services, the agency offers counseling to
women in crisis pregnancies, adoption
services and infant care services. Please
consider the agency as a resource for
individuals or families going through difficult
situations. For more information, or an
appointment, you can call 324-6561, or go to
the website at www.cfsbhm.org
Teachers needed for Growing with God
We are looking for parishioners who are
interested in helping teach Growing with
God. Growing with God is a Sunday school
program that engages 2-and 3-year-olds in a
fun, hands-on, Catholic learning experience.
The commitment is only one Sunday a month
for one hour and the schedule follows the
PSR calendar. This is a great way to get
involved in the church and meet other
families in our parish. Please contact Marna
Dickinson 747-0455 or Ann Morel 426-2376
for more information.
Chapel of our Savior
The Chapel needs permanent Committed
Adorers for:
Monday at Midnight to 1:00 a.m. (to share
hour)
Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. (to share hour)
Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. (to share hour)
Saturday at 8:00 a.m. (hour not covered)
Our goal is to have at least 2 people on each
hour. Please call Ida Wilker at 933-2281 or Mary
Claire Brouillette at 871-2909
“All my sermons are prepared in the presence
of the Blessed Sacrament. As recreation is
most pleasant and profitable in the sun, so
homiletic creativity is best nourished before
the Eucharist. The most brilliant ideas come
from meeting God face to face. The Holy
Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the
best atmosphere for illumination.”
Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
God invites us to ask for what we need. Consider
what Solomon requested – an understanding heart.
What do you need as you seek to follow Jesus?
(Kings 3:5, 7-12)
Please pray for world and Church leaders, that they
may work for the reign of God with an understanding
heart. This ad is sponsored by the Serra Club
Catholic Radio is on the air in
Birmingham! WQOH, AM 1480, is now
airing Catholic programming, from sunup to
sundown, throughout most of the
Birmingham area. To view a program
schedule, check out their website at:
www.queenofheavenradio.com.
____________________________________
The 13th Annual Healing Grief Retreat will
be held August 1-3 at the Benedictine Sisters
Retreat Center of Sacred Heart Monastery in
Cullman, AL. This retreat will provide a
spiritual framework for helping to heal the
grief of those who have experienced the
death of a loved one. The experience can
also be beneficial for those who minister to
the grieving. The retreat will be led by the
Rev. Carl Malm, grief minister and healthcare
chaplain, and Margaret Anne Whitsett and
Maggie Little of the grief ministry of First
United Methodist Church in Huntsville. The
cost is $175.00 per person for a shared
room; $195.00 for a private room. The
retreat will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night,
August 1st, and conclude after the noon meal
on Sunday, August 3rd. To register, phone
(256) 734-8302; for more information, phone
(256) 883-6539.
____________________________________
After School Care Program at Our Lady of
Sorrows School is accepting applications
for part-time staff positions. The primary
qualifications are to like working with children
and have an interest in their care. Please call
Vivian Bonamy at 823-7096 or the OLS
School office at 879-3238. Weekly Schedule:
Monday-2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday-3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
(Work schedule is flexible.)
Daytime Ultreya Meets
As part of the Birmingham Diocesan Cursillo
Movement, a daytime Ultreya has been
formed for Cursillistas who find this time
more convenient. This Ultreya is an
alternative to the night Ultreya held on the
fourth Tuesday of the month at Our Lady of
Sorrows Church. However, Cursillistas are
welcome to attend either or both. The
morning Ultreya will meet the fourth Monday
of this month, July 28. It will take place at
Saint Peter the Apostle Church, room 203,
after the 9:00 a.m. Mass. The regular agenda
will be followed with group sharing and a
witness talk given by Catherine Barrett. For
additional information, please contact Susan
Ragsdale at (205) 668-7419.
___________________________________
Weight Loss Class/Competition beginning
Monday, July 21st, at 5:30 p.m. in room 102
of the Family Life Center. Call to pre-register
at 205-527-5835.
____________________________________
Marriage Encounter
“Come to me, all you who labor and are
burdened, and I will give you rest.” Do not
burden, for God knows that you want to have
peace and love in your marriage. The next
Marriage Encounter Weekends are August
22-24 in Cullman and October 24-26 in
Huntsville. Early registration is highly
recommended. For more information visit
our website at: wwmealabama.org or call
(800) 540-WWME or (256) 430-0982