The New Albany deanery is looking for new members to SALT, the Student Ambassador Leadership Team! Dedicated to the Great Commission in Matthew 28, our Lord tells us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”. Teens selected to SALT will be formed in Christian discipleship and peer ministry. Members will act as ambassadors of their faith while heading and promoting deanery programs and events geared toward middle school students throughout the year. SALT will also engage their peers in Christian fellowship and be a witness to their faith by living the Gospel and challenging the expectations of teen culture in 2019. This will require sacrifices of time and talent. SALT members are required to attend DWEEK from Monday June 10th to Thursday June 13th. D-Week or “Discipleship Week” is hosted by Net Ministries in Maria Stein, OH. For an application form or to learn more about this opportunity, go to catalystcatholic.org or contact St. Mary’s Parish Office at (812) 952-2853.

A great new selection of Catholic resources from Lighthouse Media, Dynamic Catholic, Real Life Catholic and Care Notes will be on display this week in the entryway of the Parish Life Center. These great resources are perfect for your own reflection, consideration and prayer… or can be shared with friends and family! To help us continue to provide these valuable resources, a suggested donation (at very reduced prices) is marked on each item. Included in this selection is Praying with a Pen (click to learn more).

Saint Meinrad Archabbey’s pilgrimages to honor the Blessed Mother at the Monte Cassino Shrine have been scheduled for the Sundays in May. Each pilgrimage begins with an opening hymn and a short sermon, followed by a rosary procession. The service ends with the Litany of the Blessed Virgin and a hymn. Services begin at 2 p.m. Central Time. The public is invited. Monte Cassino Shrine is located one mile east of the Archabbey on State Highway 62 in St. Meinrad, IN. For more information, including a full list of speakers and topics, call Mary Jeanne Schumacher during business hours at (812) 357-6501 or call (812) 357-6611 on the day of the event.

Been wondering what it’s like to serve God as a Franciscan friar? Perhaps God is calling you to a religious vocation. Perhaps you're uncertain, but would like to learn more. The Conventual Franciscans are offering a Come & See Retreat, at nearby Mount Saint Francis, IN. Meet Franciscan priests and brothers, talk to some of our students in formation (seminary) and see first-hand what our life is like. Spend some time in prayer and fraternity to listen to the call of the Lord. The retreat weekend provides an opportunity for reflection and to learn about Franciscan life Friday, May 3 (7pm) through Sunday, May 5 (1pm). There is no cost for the weekend. Contact Friar John Bamman, OFM Conv. for more information or to register by calling (419) 396-1523 or emailing franvoc@aol.com.

All ages are welcome to attend St. Mary's annual kick off to Holy Week, the Simple Soup Supper. Guests are invited to bring a pot of homemade soup or a loaf of bread to share with others. After the meal, which will be held at 5:30pm on Sunday, April 14, we will hear from guest speaker Fr. Christian Raab. Originally from Michigan City, IN, Fr. Christian Raab entered Saint Meinrad Archabbey in 2003, professed solemn vows in 2008, and was ordained to the priesthood in 2009. Fr. Christian taught history and theology at St. Benedict High School in Chicago, IL, served as a priest-in-residence at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and is the co-editor of The Tradition of Catholic Prayer (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2007). In addition to duties on the faculty and formation staff of Saint Meinrad, Fr. Christian is coordinator of the "One Bread, One Cup" College Ministry Internship Program. He has extensive experience in high school and university campus ministry and loves working with young people.

St. Mary Catholic Church will be teaming up with Repair Affair again in the fall of 2019, providing workers to do various building and remodeling projects throughout Harrison County. (Past projects have included building ramps, repair roofing, winterizing homes, etc.) At this time, we are asking parishioners to consider their own needs, the needs of family and friends, and those in our community. Do you know someone who could use assistance to continue to live independently in their home? If so, please consider submitting a referral for Repair Affair before May 31. Priority will be given to homes that need work to make them safer or more accessible for the elderly and low-income residents in our county. Referrals should be made, in person, at Harrison County Community Services (101 Hwy 62/ Corydon, IN) or by calling (812) 738-8143.

As Spring Break ends, our sights shift to summer vacation. And what better way to vacation than Vacation Bible School?!  We are looking to pull together a team of enthusiastic leaders to help make this the best year yet!  If you have an interest in being a part of this team contact Sara Trickle in the Parish Office at (812) 952-2853 or email sarahollowell@frontier.com today.

Registration for the annual New Albany Deanery (Clark, Floyd and Harrison County) High School mission team is now open! Every year a group of young Catholics endeavor to put their faith in action. The weeklong mission trip, July 9-14, to Campton, Kentucky is based on hard work, prayer, honest discussions, and exciting socials. For more information contact Sara in the Parish Office or check out details and registration at www.catalystcatholic.org.

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities reminds all parishes that mother/baby and household goods are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis to any family in need. Whether you or someone you know needs assistance, please feel welcome to  Marie’s Community Distribution Center (305 E. 7th St. / New Albany, IN) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm.  Currently, the organization has a large stock of boy’s and girl’s clothing (newborn-size 6) for all seasons on hand. Whether children need longer pants to get through the last cold days of winter or the next size up in preparation for warmer weather, Catholic Charities is able to help!