Another great feature of our newly installed sound system is the ability to amplify the sound for those who need additional assistance. While the system is set for the “average listener,” there are two additional options to boost your ability to hear well. The first option is a receiver and headset, made for those who do not use a hearing aide or whose hearing aide does not connect via blue tooth. The second option is a receiver with a lanyard that connects wirelessly to blue-tooth enabled hearing aides. Both styles are provided with detailed instructions and can be checked out by seeing a Usher at the doors of the church. It is our hope that these devices provide an added layer of sound and allow our parish family and guests to hear and participate in the Mass comfortably.

St. Mary’s Widows, Widowers and Senior Singles group will meet on  Sunday, January 27 at noon for a regular pitch-in luncheon.  The group meets in the lower level (cafeteria) of the Parish Life Center. Joe Dotson will be our special guest, providing afternoon entertainment with guitar and vocals. Bring a friend and your "tapping feet!"

The first Theology on Tap of 2019 is just around the corner! Head out to Wick’s (225 State St. / New Albany, IN) on January 8 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. to grab a drink, a pizza special and hear straight talk and honest answers to your questions about faith, love, work and other real-life experiences. All are welcome, Catholic or not! Bring your friends and meet other deanery young adults. Hosted by Catholic Youth Ministries, 812-923-8355.

St. Mary Catholic Church is looking for several adults willing to become a part of our “Root” group initiative. Root Groups are small faith communities of 4-8 people, who gather to share, study and grow in their faith.  Training on recruiting, inviting, hosting, and developing your Root group community will be provided in January and February of 2019.  For more information, please contact Michelle Fessel at (812) 952-2853 or faithformation@frontier.com

You are invited to join a study of the Letter of James titled James – Pearls for Wise Living. We will begin the class at 7pm, January 2 in Room 102 of the Parish Life Center. The group will then meet every Monday evening thereafter, finishing just before Lent. Facilitated by Melanie Wermuth, Susan Wohlfarth, and Chuck Lynch, James is one of the most practical books of the bible. Like Proverbs, it is a book of wisdom, a collection of teachings on issues faced by ordinary Christians in everyday life. It speaks loudly to those who feel torn between the competing demands of this world and their faith. Join us for any or all of the ten sessions in this study. All are welcome.

Individuals of all ages and families are invited to ABIDE, an opportunity for Adoration, reflection, confession and praise, at Mt. St. Francis (101 St. Anthony Dr. / Mt. St. Francis, IN) on December 18 from 7pm-9pm in the Chapel. Childcare will be available on site, courtesy of the New Albany Deanery Youth Ministry. If your family would like to take advantage of childcare, please RSVP to chris@nadyouth.org.

The holidays can be stressful for couples who are struggling. Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vī) is a worldwide program that helps hurting couples rediscover a loving marriage relationship. No matter how bad things may seem, Retrouvaille can help. Indianapolis Retrouvaille begins its next program with a weekend on February 22 - 24 at St. Joseph's Retreat Center in Tipton. No one is turned away for lack of funds. Learn more at www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call (317) 489-6811 for confidential registration information.

All St. Mary parishioners are invited to borrow books from the Lending Library located in the hallway of the Parish Life Center. The shelf located nearest the restrooms feature books that are suitable for children, including easy-readers and pray-me-a-story books. Further down the hall, near room 105, is a book shelf that holds reference books, fiction and non-fiction for adults and youth. Please be sure to return your selections once finished so others may enjoy these great reads!

Regroup, refresh and renew during a Advent day-retreat at Mt. St. Francis (101 St. Anthony Dr / Mt. St. Francis, IN) on December 15 from 9am until 1pm. The day will include prayer, activities for children and adults, Mass and lunch. The cost for the day is $25 per person or $50 per couple/ family. To register, go to www.mountsaintfrancis.org.

Join young adults from the New Albany Deanery for Young Adults on Saturday, December 15. The group will gather at 6:00 pm at the Eichhorn’s home. Check out our Facebook page New Albany Catholic Youth Ministry for event information. Want to get alerts or need an address to the Eichorn’s home? Email Philip@nadyouth.org to get connected or call (812) 923-8355.