Remember in your prayers: Mary Sexton, Archbishop Kurtz, Helen Lucas, Gavin Francis, Jo Ellen’s mom, Mary Ellen, Dolores Hayden, the Boniewski family, Lonnie Howard, Katie Kon, and Mary Beth Norris.
Also remember in your prayers the homebound, those in nursing homes, those who have no one to pray for them, those in prisons, physical or mental and those who have unspoken prayer requests.
MASS INTENTION today is for the repose of the soul of John Hooker.
LETTER TO A SUFFERING CHURCH, a book by Bishop Robert Barron, is in the narthex. It is written by a bishop on the sexual abuse crisis for his fellow Catholics who feel, understandably, demoralized, scandalized, angry beyond words and ready to quit. Feel free to take a copy and read why he urges us to stay and fight.
The annual Bishop’s Appeal commitment is this weekend.
BLESSING OF THROATS after Mass today.
FATHER MICHAEL will be away this week from tomorrow, Monday, February 3
rd through Wednesday, February 5
th. He will be in Gatlinburg with the other priests of the diocese for continuing education. If you need him, his emergency number 865 216-6453.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT will be this first Friday, February 7
that Blessed Sacrament Church. Mass at 6 p.m., followed by adoration until 7:30 p.m., ending with Benediction.
Happy February Birthday to:
1 Lonnie Howard 23 Lynn Pemberton-Werner 26 Tom Ogle
THE SUNDAY MORNING “CLASSES” at St. Ann that Father Michael started holding several weeks ago, are still ongoing. We will soon begin a study of the Mass. Fr. Sweeney has topic ideas for each week but there is no set agenda, so if you come with questions, the answers might be that week’s agenda! There is no assigned homework and no tests! Informal and very informative. Those who have attended, even cradle Catholics, have learned a lot and now have a much deeper understanding of, and greater appreciation for, our Catholic faith and customs. Feel free to join us and see what you think. Starts at 7:30 a.m. Sunday mornings in the Holy Family Room. No pre-registration required!
*Father Michael's "Penny Catechism"(A fun and informative little morsel of Catholic teaching and trivia)* Last week's question along with the answer:
Question #156: Some prayers are traditionally referred to as "Acts" such as the Act of Contrition. Why?
Answer:There are a number of prayers known by the title "Act," such as the Act of Faith, the Act of Hope, etc. These are prayers more closely associated with faithful action on the part of the person praying. That action is most usually internal. It involves an openness to be truly receptive of the Lord's grace and a willingness to allow that grace to be life changing. All prayers share these attributes to some degree, but the prayers known as "Acts" are particularly dynamic.
Question #157: What is the sanctuary lamp?
(The answer will appear in next week’s bulletin along with a new question)