In honor of our parish’s 175th anniversary, St. Mary Church is pleased to offer a one-woman-play on October 7, 2018 at 1pm. ‘In Her Own Words’ is based on the journals and letters of Indiana’s first saint, Mother Theodore Guerin, foundress of the Sisters of Providence at St. Mary-of-theWoods near Terre Haute, IN. The performance will highlight the founding of the first school at St. Mary Church by St. Theodora in the fall of 1854. Actress Sandra Hartlieb will bring the saint to life, centering this historical portrayal of Mother Theodore on her strength, humor, pioneering hardships, determined spirit and a profound trust in Providence. The performance will also include interludes of music and creative movement by Nora Pritchett of Sisterhood Drama Ministry. Reservations are not required and there is no cost to attend this anniversary event.

Please save the date for our 175th Anniversary Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Charles Thompson, Archbishop of Indianapolis. on Saturday, October 13, 2018. Mass, which will feature the Confirmation of 20 youth and adults, will begin at 5:30pm. An anniversary banquet, hosted by St. Anne's Altar Society, will follow at 7pm. Reservation details to follow.

•Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic? •Has a child over the age of seven who has not been baptized? •Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and/or the Eucharist? St. Mary Church offers an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about our Catholic faith. Sessions focus on the teachings and experience of Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the appropriate time in their faith journey. There are separate sessions for children or youth. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and yours story in a warm accepting setting. For information please contact Michelle Fessel at (812) 952-2853 or faithformation@frontier.com today. Small group gatherings occur year round, so it is never too early (or too late!) to join in.

Each Sunday morning, prior to the 8am Mass, the Holy Rosary is prayed at St. Mary Church. We are in need of several more individuals or couples willing to lead the rosary, reciting the mysteries and prayers. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry opportunity, please contact David or Esther Wheatley at (812) 952-3065. All are welcome to join in and pray the rosary each week before Mass! Please consider joining us, even if the role of leader is not your calling.

Taylor Fulkerson is our (only) seminarian currently in formation. He is the son of David and Carol Fulkerson. Taylor is a Jesuit scholastic of the USA Midwest Province and is currently in formation at the PONTIFICAL CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF PERU (Lima, Peru). Please remember him in your prayers

Eucharistic ministers are needed for each weekend Mass. Please consider this ministry, follow the linl above for more information.

Children and youth from our parish are preparing their hearts to receive the Sacraments of Initiation in the spring. Would you consider joining them on their special day and give them your prayerful support?

Prepare for the coming of the Lord by reconciling yourself with God and with the Church. The sacrament of reconciliation is available at the following parishes during Advent:

Your family is invited to witness young people from our parish and the surrounding deanery parishes, as they become fully-initiated members of the Catholic faith! The Mass, which will be celebrated by Archbishop Joseph Tobin, will be hosted by Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church (1752 Scheller Lane / New Albany, IN 47150) on May 14 at 11am.

Please consider celebrating Mass with this year’s class, as a sign of unity and support, on Sunday, April 17 at the 10:30am Mass.

Families of Faith: Advent Penance service also marks First Reconciliation for children. Children in our 2nd grade class are preparing to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time on Thursday, December 10 (7pm) during the annual Advent Penance Service. Please consider lending your support to our young people by planning to participate in this communal service. You need not be a parent or family member to participate—the grace of the sacrament is open to all!