Saint Mary's Tulsa

Lent 2012, Ash Wednesday is this Week

2012-02-20T06:16:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday is this week. See the Lent page on our website for schedules and ways you can deepen your faith during Lent this year.

Preschool Dad's Boxed Supper

2012-02-17T06:49:00.000-08:00

St. Mary Preschool Frog Classstudents and their dads recently got together for an annual evening event calledthe Dad’s Box Supper. The students spent classroom time decorating andwrapping a framed copy of a father’s prayer and making cookies to present totheir dad during their evening together.

That evening, dads brought their Frog Class children to the cafeteria to share a “box supper” that each had brought. Once dinner and the cookies had been eaten, each child and dad worked together to build something. The crafts were made of donated scrap wood assembled with glue and nails and decorated with a variety of accoutrements which included popsicle sticks, doilies, stickers and wooden shapes. The ideas were endless.

The evening ended with the fathers being presented with their framed prayer. Everyone gathered for a picture to show off their completed project. There were lots of smiles… the dad’s smiles might have been the biggest.

Posted by

Carla Lechner

Preschool Director

EDGE Kick-Off Night a Success!

2012-02-15T11:45:00.000-08:00

Saint Mary's new middle school youth program, the EDGE by Life Teen, kicked off January 22nd with an overwhelming response. With over 40 middle school youth in attendance, the Edge Team's hard work was well received and everyone had a wonderful time.

The night began with a prayer led by Fr. Jack, followed by a choreographed EDGE team dance routine. It was pretty funny and the youth really enjoyed it. We played a group icebreaker, "Do you Love your Neighbor," which started off the evening with smiles and laughter. Our small group time consisted of going over the Goals and Expectations of the Edge and getting to know one another. As this was more of a social night than lesson, we played two games, Gimme 5 and Quick Sort.

The youth did wonderfully throughout the night, and we could not have been happier. Fr. Jack closed the evening with prayer for each individual grade, focusing on their age and this time in their lives.

It truly was a blessed evening.

Enjoy the slideshow, courtesy of Mr. Eric Sack, Edge Volunteer Parent.

posted by Sarah Bluhm

Students Raise Funds for Haiti Mission

2012-02-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

A Note About the Catholic School's Week Fundraising Project

Second grade showing their success in the coin drive to help the Haiti
Mission purchase animals.

For Catholic School's Week philanthropy, School of Saint Mary students did a coin collection to help the SOLT Haiti Mission with which Saint Mary has a close relationship. Funds will support the Animal Husbandry Program and allow people at the mission to purchase animals that they can then use to create a sustainable income for their families.

Students collected $3,669.78! What a phenomenal coin collection! This donation will allow for the purchase of 15 goats, 14 pigs and 30 chickens. These were carefully chosen by the classes, including the preschool.

Father Glen Meaux, mission founder, was so thrilled to hear about how the students embraced this project. His heart was touched by their stories. The Animal Husbandry Project was chosen for Saint Mary to support during Catholic School's Week because it was a top priority for the mission this year. These animals will make a difference in many lives and will allow families to support themselves.

Preschool's Fundraising Chart

Principal Maureen Clements reported how excited the students were all week about this project. She stated there were many discussions about the animals and which ones were being chosen. Many parents reported their children asked to do extra chores to earn money for the collection. Piggy bank money was used and money that had been earmarked for a very special toy was now generously and joyfully being offered to the program. Grandparents, viewing graphs of the program in the classrooms after the Catholic School's Week Mass, wanted to contribute. Parents and teachers contributed as well!

During the week, teachers and parents helped students to count and track all of the coins coming in each day. Special math assignments were incorporated into classes to include graphing and charting the coin collection results. This project needed many loving hands and many generous hearts in order to succeed.

Please accept our sincerest thanks for your absolutely incredible and humbling generosity and support of this endeavor. It was a true blessing to watch it all unfold!

-The Christian Ministry Committee

School of Saint Mary Home and School

A little video of the preschoolers sharing about their 11 chickens they purchased for Haiti!

Saint Mary Annual Golf Tournament May 4th

2012-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

17th Annual Saint Mary Parish Golf Tournament

Benefiting the School of Saint Mary

Friday, May 4, 2012

LaFortune Golf Course

4-Person Scramble Format: 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start

Lunch buffet opens at 11:30

ENTRY FEES: Hole Sponsor …………………. $1,000

 Entry fees for 4 players

 Sponsor hole signage at the clubhouse and on the course

 Scoreboard signage

 Church Bulletin Recognition

 School FYI recognition

 Golf Cart Signage

 Lunch, beverages, driving range, and carts

Supporting Sponsor ……………. $750

 Entry fees for 4 players

 Sponsor signage at the clubhouse Tournament Day

 Lunch, beverages, driving range, and carts

Team……………………………….. $500

 Entry fee for 4 players

 Lunch, beverages, driving range, and carts

 Reduced entry rate

Single ………………………………..$135

 Individual green fee, lunch, beverages driving range and cart

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM HERE

SPECIAL COMPETITIONS: Hole in One - Closest to the Pin - Longest Drive - Straightest Drive

Tournament is open to male and female players. Enter as a team, pair or individual.

Questions: Dave Miley (918) 492-7094.

Edge Registration Extended!

2012-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

EDGE REGISTRATION EXTENDED!

We will be accepting completed Edge registration forms, as well as have packets available,

at the 5 PM Saturday Mass and the 10:30 AM Sunday Mass this weekend at Saint Mary.

If you miss this deadline, your youth can not attend the

EDGE kick-off night on January 22.

We must receive completed registration forms at least one week prior

to an EDGE Night before your youth can attend.

These can be turned-in at anytime throughout the semester.

For more information, please contact youthministry@churchofsaintmary.com

Fundraiser for Sisters

2012-01-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

Fundraiser forSisters- Two young women from the Tulsa diocese, Sr. Servant of the Cross,formally Angela Kmetz of St. Mary’s parish and Sr. Our Lady of DivineProvidence, formally Meredith Schneider of Christ the King Parish, are nowreligious sisters in a missionary order, "The Servants of the Lord and theVirgin of Matara." For those peopleinterested in learning about and sharing in their mission, the families ofthese girls are having a free pasta dinner at the Bishop Kelley High Schoolcafeteria on Sunday, January 29 at 5:30. Proceeds from the “free will” offering at the dinner will be used tohelp purchase a new van, a desperate need for these sister’s Novitiate house inMaryland. Their current van has 310,000miles and is unreliable.

Contact Carol Kmetzat: akmetz@cox.net or 918-557-3496 for questions or to donate.

Sr. Servant of the Cross,
Angela Kmetz from
Church of Saint Mary.

Sr. Our Lady of Divine
Providence, Meredith
Schneider of Christ the
King Parish.

Important Weekend Traffic Information

2012-01-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Important Traffic Information for this Weekend

What you need to know:

Peoria Avenue near the I-44 bridge will be closed in both directions this weekend.
Access roads to Riverside Drive and Lewis Avenue will be open still.
The Lewis Avenue entrance ramp to I-44 westbound is closed, so you will need to use the Harvard or Peoria entrance ramps.
Westbound and eastbound bound highway lanes are diverted to the eastbound bridge for now.

Suggested path:

Take Riverside to 41st, then turn south on Peoria. If you turn left (east) on E. 48th Place, then right on S. Quaker Avenue, you can skip the long traffic line and wiggle through the neighborhood to the north side of the parish where the rectory is.
Another option is turning west onto the highway access road off of Lewis (just north of 51st), then taking a right on Rockford Avenue and a left on 49th Place.

To learn more about this project, please see the Tulsa World article. http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20120111_11_A7_Highwa725136

We'll keep you updated on anymore traffic issues. We appreciate your patience! Safe travels!

Seeking Volunteers!

2012-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

WE NEED YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER!

OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH NEED MEN AND WOMEN TO JOURNEY WITH THEM IN THEIR DISCOVERY OF FAITH.

JOIN OUR EDGE TEAM AND HELP BRING CATHOLIC FAITH TO LIFE!

VARIETY OF ROLES, BOTH BIG AND SMALL, BUT ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

EMAIL: youthministry@churchofsaintmary.com FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Fundraiser

2012-01-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Program Assists PregnantWomen

On January 22, 2009, the 36^th anniversary of theSupreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade legalizing abortion on demand, the Knights ofColumbus launched a new initiative aimed at providing women consideringabortion a new way of viewing the life within them.

Ultrasound exams, which are medically indicated throughoutpregnancy for a variety of diagnostic reasons, use ultrasound waves to scan awomen’s abdomen, creating a picture or “sonogram” of the baby in heruterus. Without the Knights of Columbussupport, most pregnancy care centers would be unable to purchase the ultrasoundmachines, each costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Reports indicate that up to 90 percent of women consideringan abortion choose to have their baby after seeing an ultrasound image. They hear their baby’s heartbeat; they seetheir baby’s head and fingers. They knowit is a child, not a “choice.”

The Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s is sponsoring anultrasound program to assist pregnant women. We are doing a bank drive through the school and church to pay offUltrasound equipment for Catholic Charities in Tulsa, and if enough is raised itwill go toward other equipment in our state. A cup bank will be offered to your children through the school or youcan pick up one after mass in the vestibule from 12-14 thru 1-23. The drive will last 40 days and ends on 1-23,which is “March for Life”. All money canbe returned after each mass through this timeframe.

Christmas Luncheon at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless

2011-12-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Each year Saint Mary Justice and Peace Ministry partners with parishioners, who bake tons of desserts, and The Catering Connection, who makes an entire luncheon, to bring a nice Christmas meal experience to those at the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless. Thank you to all who helped!

Carol King, School Wednesday Secretary, Retires

2011-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Carol King, our Wednesday school office secretary, has officially retired. Her 24 years of dedication to our students, teachers and parents have been greatly appreciated. Carol will celebrate her retirement with a trip to Paris in April. Our gratitude, prayers and best wishes go with her.

Saint Mary Third Grade Visits Catholic Charities

2011-12-14T13:21:00.000-08:00

Saint Mary third grade has proven that they are ready, willing and very able to assist at Catholic Charities. With the help of so many wonderful parents staying to assist, an amazing amount of work was accomplished. The team sorted clothing and repackaged onions for immediate distribution to the poor.

Their enthusiasm and loving hands and hearts impressed Catholic Charities staff, parents and their teacher Anna Marie Rice. After phenomenal success last year as well, this grade will now be included in the ongoing annual commitment from the School of St. Mary for grades 3-8 to serve the needy at Catholic Charities and the Food Bank.

Haiti Dress Sewing Sessions

2011-12-13T14:20:00.000-08:00

Saint Mary ladies got together again to sew dresses for the SOLT Mission in Haiti. In addition to the sewing that night, individuals who had sewn at home were stopping in to drop off dresses. The Saint Mary Haiti mission team were able to bring 87 dresses with them for distribution to the poor while there.

Mission team member, Kathy Elliott shares a little more with you, "A huge thanks to so, so many people involved in helping. Feedback has been incredible. Many helpers have not sewn for years and are doing so, experiencing great joy while doing it. Moms and daughters and grandmothers and granddaughters are all working together. The next get together we will be calling upon experienced seamstresses willing to help mother daughter teams. They would need to be willing to help a mother daughter team use their own sewing machine to sew a dress."

Want to learn more about sewing dresses for Haiti? Email Kathy Elliott.

The ladies also made two short film clips of the sewing session.

Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Program Assists Pregnant Women

2011-12-07T06:31:00.001-08:00

Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Program Assists Pregnant Women

On January 22, 2009, the 36^th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe vs. Wade legalizing abortion on demand, the Knights of Columbus launched a new initiative aimed at providing women considering abortion a new way of viewing the life within them.

Ultrasound exams, which are medically indicated throughout pregnancy for a variety of diagnostic reasons, use ultrasound waves to scan a women’s abdomen, creating a picture or “sonogram” of the baby in her uterus. Without the Knights of Columbus support, most pregnancy care centers would be unable to purchase the ultrasound machines, each costing tens of thousands of dollars.

Reports indicate that up to 90 percent of women considering an abortion choose to have their baby after seeing an ultrasound image. They hear their baby’s heartbeat; they see their baby’s head and fingers. They know it is a child, not a “choice.”

The Knights of Columbus at St. Mary’s is sponsoring an ultrasound program to assist pregnant women. We are doing a bank drive through the school and church to purchase equipment for Catholic Charities in Tulsa. A bank will be offered to your children through the school or you can pick up one after mass in the vestibule from 12-14 thru 1-23. The drive will last 40 days and ends on 1-23, which is “March for Life”.

School of Saint Mary Kindergarten 2012-2013

2011-12-01T08:37:00.001-08:00

The School of Saint Mary will be accepting applications for kindergarten January 3rd through January 20th. If you are an active Saint Mary parishioner and have a child who will be 5 by September 1, 2012, please call the School of Saint Mary office at 918.749.9361 or email the school to reserve an application packet. Reserved packets will be available for pick up on Tuesday, January 3rd, in the school office.

Kindergarten Open House

St. Mary Kindergarten classrooms

Monday, January 9th or Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

10:00 am - 11:00 am

If you are interested in finding out more about the School of Saint Mary Kindergarten Program, please come to the Open House and observe the kindergarten classroom in action anytime between 10:00 and 11:00 am. Tours of the school will be provided at 10:40 am each of those days and are optional.

School of Saint Mary First to Undergo the Reaccreditation Process

2011-11-17T07:17:00.001-08:00

As of this week, Saint Mary’s school will be the first Catholic school toundergo the reaccreditation process by the Oklahoma Conference of Catholic Schools Accrediting Association (OCSAA). We are extremely proud of our school and its staff. What amazing work they have done to be prepared for this visit.

Our school is at the heart of our parish's mission. The School of Saint Mary is our part in providing quality Catholic Education for the Tulsa Diocese. Many studies reveal that Catholic schools produce high-achieving students who become philanthropic and faith filled adults committed to the community around them. Thank you to all who contribute to the operation of our school.

A little more about the process:

The evaluation is the culmination of a 7 yearself-study evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of 6 key areas.

Those areas include: 1. School and Community,2. Mission, Philosophy, and Objectives, 3. Teaching and Learning Environment,4. School Staff and Administration, 5. Student Services, and 6. Plant andFacilities.

This week an evaluation team from the OCSAA is visiting. During their stay, the will conduct interviews with the principal, teachers, pastor, students,School Board and Home and School Association.

This team is made up of representativesof both Oklahoma (Arch)dioceses, a representative from the Oklahoma PrivateSchool Accreditation Commission and from Newman University. *

Thecommittee periodically examines the principles and standards used as criteriafor accreditation to be certain that they are based on desirable and currenteducational practices.*

TheOklahoma Private School Accreditation Commission, OPSAC, assists the OklahomaState Board of Education by monitoring and approving organizations thataccredit nonpublic (private) elementary and secondary schools in Oklahoma, suchas the Oklahoma Conference of Catholic Schools Accrediting Association.*

*From the Oklahoma Archdiocese website: http://www.catharchdioceseokc.org/Education/schools/accreditation.htm

Join the Christmas Eve Choir - kids and adults welcome

2011-11-16T08:21:00.001-08:00

Music at Christmas Eve 5pm Vigil Mass

You can be a part of the choir which sings at thisMass. Kids and adults are welcome. Weare the Family Choir.

There will only be 3 Sunday rehearsals, so eachone is important to attend. Rehearsal CD’s are made so you can take them homeand listen to the music and practice as much as you want.

Come join us each Sunday in December from11:30am to 12:15 to rehearse. The choir will learn 2 anthems and lead the churchfrom the choir loft.

Just think….reserved seating….making a joyful noise unto the Lord. For more information or to sign up please contact Karen Hiller, so shecan have your music ready.

Coming Soon! Edge...by Life Teen

2011-11-14T07:52:00.001-08:00

by Life Teen

Middle School Youth:

Are you ready to live life on the Edge?

Stay Tuned... Registration info coming soon!

Trunk or Treat 2011 Photo Slideshow

2011-11-02T06:13:00.001-07:00

Trunk or Treat was held last Wednesday in the parish parking lot. Parishioners decorated their cars and passed out candy to kids in their costumes. Everyone had a great time. Thank you to all who helped!

*And thank you to those who sent in photos of the event.

Parishioner Post: Visit to Saint Mary Joplin

2011-10-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Procrastination……… It’s a Process

By Celeste Cole

I have procrastinated on writingthis. I knew I should do it, I wanted todo it. But I procrastinated. Was itbecause I am easily distracted or because I work better under pressure? No, I realize now it is because I had toprocess all that I had experienced.

On October 19^th, I hadthe wonderful privilege of going to Joplin. I’m not being sarcastic, it was a privilege. A privilege to ride up with my fellowMaryFair co-chair Margaret Ellison along with Ashley Daly and Aimee Mehl. A privilege to be part of something thatwould forever change us. We delivered acheck, this year’s MaryFair Auction Final Appeal, to St. Mary School inJoplin.

On May 22, as you may remember,their school and parish along with so many other homes and businesses inJoplin, were completely destroyed by a massive tornado. As our journey began, we all discussed thetornado, the damage, the school and the people we were about to meet. And now we were there.

As we pulled up to the building,and old warehouse, the mood was somber, and apprehensive, almost odd. Were these children really going to school ina warehouse? How could this be? But aswe entered the building, the transformation process began.

This old brick building that onceheld hardware was now filled with precious cargo. Walls had gone up to create classrooms anddesks and chairs replaced boxes of merchandise. Children’s voices filled the air, drowning out any ghosts of forkliftspast. In the entry stood a statue of St.Mary, which once stood at the old school but was miraculously spared from thestorm. Her arms outstretched as if towelcome us to this place and introduce us to Renee Motazedi (directorof development for Joplin Catholic Schools) and Stephen Jones (principal of St. Mary/Joplin).

As we toured the school, I beganto feel extremely out of place, uncomfortable if you will. I felt as though I was “one of those”, a“gawker” come to see the damage. Butthen I realized, what I saw wasn’t damage. Don’t get me wrong, there is still plenty of destruction. Vacant lotsabound and buildings stand with sides ripped off exposing what must resemble awar zone from and old WWII movie. But Isaw something different, something strangely wonderful. I saw Angels on earth, children and teachers,going through an everyday routine and loving it. Smiles and laughter rang through the hallwaysas if to say “WE ARE HERE! THANK YOUGOD!” And I felt hugs, hugs fromteachers and staff who greeted us as if we were long lost family.

Family, that’s it! WE are family,joined and called by the voice and grace of God to do his work. Called to reach out and open our hearts, tobe listeners, to be whatever is needed at the moment. So many of us walk through life without everknowing what our purpose is or even hearing the voice of God. I heard it thatday in the laughter of children and the voices of their teachers.

We left Tulsa thatmorning to take a check to those in need. I came away realizing that they, our Family at St. Mary’s in Joplin, hadgiven me so much more.

MaryFair Final Appeal for Joplin

2011-10-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

At our MaryFair Auction, the Final Appeal raised funds for Saint Mary School in Joplin. We raised $16,450! A small group traveled up to Joplin to personally deliver the funds. Here are a few photos from that trip, as well as some thank you cards the staff and children made for you, Saint Mary in Tulsa parishioners.

They said this donation was the largest one they'd received from a fellow parish. Our MaryFair chairs (and I, Ashley Daly, Saint Mary Tulsa staff) were so proud to represent the generosity of our wonderful Tulsa parishioners.

This school community in Joplin has a long way to go, but they have done so well to create a loving and warm environment for their children and staff. It was truly amazing to see what could be accomplished in so little time. It was great to stand among such excellent leaders. They made their space seem so comfortable and safe that it was almost easy to forget all that they still have ahead of them. They face challenges to continue preparing their current space for students, planning for the rebuild of their parish and school, individual teachers and staff are fighting insurance companies for the rebuild of their homes, and even just day to day things like the cool winter weather approaching and realizing they do not have their winter clothes anymore. What amazing people who can create a learning space this vibrant while swimming in these issues.

I know our funds will go to good use as they continue to recover from and grieve the disaster they suffered this past spring.

Thank you for your generosity and beautiful hearts, Saint Mary Tulsa.

In the words of two of the Saint Mary in Joplin students on the giving spirit between our parishes, "We are one big family," and "this shows that Jesus is always with us."

LIFE TEEN – Coming Soon

2011-10-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

After much prayer and research we have chosen to implement LIFETEEN for Middle and High School youth at St Mary. We are in the initial stages of implementation, and you will be hearing much more aboutit throughout the fall.

ROCKsolidWednesday meetings will not be held in November or December in order to provide time for our Core Team of youthvolunteers to plan and implement this new ministry.

LIFETEEN is targeted to kickoff in mid-January.

We welcome any adultwho loves teens and who wishes to participate in this ministry to join our CORETEAM – especially if you have had experience with LIFE TEEN in the past. Wealso ask the entire parish to pray for our youth, our volunteers, and ourparish as we make this transition.

Parish Cub Scout's Mom & Me Camp Out

2011-10-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Church of St. Mary Cub Scout Troop had 15 excited cub scouts and their moms attend the Catholic Committee on Scouting and Camp Fire (CCSCF) Fall Retreat for their Mom & Me Camp Out on October 15th.

The group caravan left St. Mary at 8:30AM and headed for Camp Waluhili on Lake Ft. Gibson for a day and night filled with fun and scouting. The boys took part in various activities including, craft cross paintings, leather crafts (demonstrated by St. Mary's own, Bob and Virginia McClain), obstacle course challenge, character building & team games, as well as an impromptu nature hike and lake shore clean-up! The boys also enjoyed their time down on the lake throwing rocks and finding hidden treasures.

Saturday evening, everyone celebrated Mass with Fr. Leo Ahanotu of St. Clement in Bixby, followed immediately by a large campfire and skits. As the boys climbed into their sleeping bags, either in the bunk house or tents, I know us Moms were very thankful for the opportunity to fellowship with one another and spend quality time with our sons.

A special thank you to Anne Daubney, Retreat Committe Chair, and Dennis Zvacek, Diocesan Committee Member on Scouting and Camp Fire, for all their wonderful work making the retreat great!

Photos and Words by
Parishioner, Sarah Bluhm

Want to send in photos or parish new stories too? Just send Ashley Daly an email to inquire- we'd love our blog to feature all areas of our parish life!

Priesthood Sunday this Weekend

2011-10-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Priesthood Sunday is this this weekend (Oct 29 and 30). This is a great opportunity to celebrate and show support for your parish priests and deacons. You may have seen banners around church and you will hear special prayers for them this weekend, but there are three ways you can help support your priests directly.

1. Pray! If you click "Read More" below, there is a short reflection and prayer for your priests. Read this and pray for priests throughout the week.

2. Donate. For those who would like to make a modest donation, please make checks out to Church of Saint Mary Vocations Committee – stop by the table in the gathering space before or after Mass this weekend or and mail your contribution to Meg Hays, 7345 S. College Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74136. All donations will be pooled to purchase gift cards for our priests and deacon to their favorite restaurants.

3. Wristbands. This weekend, all parishioners are encouraged to wear a black wristband on their right arm to show support for your priests. The wristband can be a rubber band or hair band (not too tight!), string, construction paper or whatever you can find – just make sure it’s BLACK! Wear it all weekend but especially to Mass!

ON THE PRIEST (EXTRACTS FROM THE WRITINGS OF SAINT JOHN VIANNEY – MEDITATION RECOMMENDED TO YOU BY THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY VOCATIONS AND ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE)

“What is the priest? A man who holds the place of God, a man clothed with all the powers of God. Go, our Lord said to the priest, As my Father hath sent me, I also send you.

“At the consecration the priest does not say, ‘This is the Body of our Lord.’ He says, ‘This is my Body.’

“At sight of a spire you may say, ‘What is it there? The Body of our Lord – Why is it there? Because a priest has been there and has said holy Mass. The priest is everything, after God!

When men [and Satan] want to destroy religion they begin by attacking the priest, because where the priest is no more, there is no more sacrifice [of the Mass], and where there is no more sacrifice, there is no more religion. The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see the priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

O Jesus, we pray:

for Your faithful and fervent priests;

for Your unfaithful and tepid priests;

for Your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields;

for Your tempted priests;

for Your lonely and desolate priests;

for Your young priests;

for Your dying priests;

for the souls of Your priests in purgatory;

But above all we recommend to Your servants who are dearest to us:

The priests who baptized us;
The priests who absolved us of our sins;
The priests at who gave us Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion;
The priests who taught and instructed us;
The priests and deacon who currently serve our parish:
Father Jack, Msgr. Dorney, Father Swift and Deacon Bender;
The priests and deacons who have served our parish in the past; and
All the priests to whom we are indebted in any other way.

O Jesus, keep them all close to Your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity.