The Harvest is Plentiful, but Laborers are Few
The Church's liturgy and feasts often reflect the seasons of the year and how man is both a spiritual and physical being. During the harvest season, as Christians we recall God's constant protection over his people and give thanksgiving for the year's harvest.
Yet our Lord Jesus tells us that because the spiritual harvest is so plentiful, we are to pray for more laborers for his harvest: to pray for vocations to the priesthood. The annual Vocations Collection will begin September 18-19, a great opportunity to pray for and support our seminarians who are studying to become diocesan priests. Look for information in the mail, and thank you for your generosity.
Two feasts we celebrate this month: September 14 is the Feast of the Holy Cross, recalling the glorious instrument of our salvation, followed by the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15, for Mary's heart was pierced by a sword of sorrow as she united herself to her Son's offering on the cross.
Bookmark our Website at home.windstream.net/stmaryashland
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CCD, Youth Group and K4J
CCD and Youth Group begin with their first class Wednesday September 1. Please note that the time is 7:00-8:15 PM each Wednesday. We hope all K-12 students not in Catholic schools will attend.
Coffee and Rolls have been moved to Sunday September 19 this month at Ashland, and the 8:30 AM Mass will include a CCD Teachers' Appreciation. Please come meet and thank our teachers.
Look for K4J (Kids for Jesus) to also begin in September. K4J is a program on virtue for all children age 3 to Kindergarten. Contact Tanya at 944-2167, bghkeith@hotmail.com to register for K4J.
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September Conferences/Events
Consider attending an incredible one-day seminar on the topic of "Spiritual Warfare" by Fr. John Corapi on Saturday September 11th at the Omaha Quest Center. Full information can be found at www.FatherCorapiOmaha.com.
All are invited to join us for the annual Marian Mass and Rosary Procession at the Waverly Marian Center (Retreat House) 7:00 PM on Wednesday September 15. The 5th-12th grade CCD and Youth Group classes will be departing from Ashland at 6:15 PM.
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Adult Education
A new Adult Education Class is forming at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Greenwood. Come to an Inquiry Meeting on Sunday September 26, 7:00 PM, at the Greenwood church hall.
This is for anyone interested in learning about the Catholic Faith, including: fellow Christian seekers, Adults and Teens desiring to be Baptized or Confirmed, Catholics looking for a refresher course. No commitment required. Books provided. Refreshments served.
Sometimes called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), this class will meet from September to March, not just for those who may want to join the church, but for anyone who has questions or wants to learn about Jesus Christ and what Catholics believe, teach and practice. Bring a friend. Contact Fr. Coulter: 944-3554 or stmaryashland@windstream.net for more info.
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Fellowship and Community
Both our parishes are invited to our annual Parish Picnic on Sunday September 26, with a new time and location, at the city park in Greenwood. Bring yard games beginning at 11:30 AM after Mass, and a potluck lunch will begin about Noon. Meat and drinks provided, bring a salad and/or dessert.
Our community's Crop Walk will be Sunday September 26, 1:30 PM at Oxbow Lake, Ashland. This worldwide event collects gifts and pledges while raising awareness of world hunger. All are invited to collect donations, and then walk 10 laps around the lake for solidarity with the poor. Catholics should designate their gifts to go to CRS (Catholic Relief Services), and 25% or all gifts will come back to the Ashland Ministerial Association for the Christmas food baskets. Contact Fr. Coulter if you would like to help our parish participate in the Crop Walk.
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St. Mary Preschool
As many of you know St. Mary Catholic Church in Ashland is making preparations to open a Catholic Preschool in our Education Center. Unfortunately due to the long zoning change process it would not open until October at the earliest. In the meantime:
- St. Mary Preschool would be a Catholic school open to all faiths, offering Mon-Wed-Fri. classes for 2.5 hours, morning or afternoon, for 3- to 5-year-olds.
- If you would like to donate any new or gently used preschool-age appropriate books, toys and manipulatives, they can be brought to the Education Center during CCD on Wednesday evenings.
- To find out more information about the preschool, or to add your child to the registration list, contact Tanya at 944-2167, bghkeith@hotmail.com.
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October Conferences
Plan ahead: Evangelization Conference Oct. 1-2 on "Angels and the New Age" with Fr. Mitch Pacwa and Johnette Benkovic. Registration Form (PDF).
Plan ahead: Pro-Life Conference Oct. 22-23 featuring Dr. Alveda King, niece to Dr. Martin Luther King and several other nationally-known speakers. Conference Flyer (PDF).
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