Procession for Body and Blood of Christ         Via Crucis

Special Events :

           The Hispanic Community celebrated First Communion for 41 children on Sunday, May 4, 2008 in St. Mary Church, plus three more who will be receiving communion elsewhere.  This was the biggest group yet, and the church was overflowing, with 50 to 75 people standing.  Many thanks to Juanita Richardson, the religious formation coordinator and one of the teachers, and to the other teachers--Julie Cisne, Martin Ignacio, Aydee Tamez, and María Contreras!

Upcoming Events:

              The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe is always a big event for the Hispanic community at St. Mary Church!  They will begin with a novena on December 3rd, and for nine days they will gather in different homes throughout the parish to pray the rosary, sing songs, and prepare themselves for the upcoming Feast.  At 11:00pm on the evening of December 11th, they will celebrate Las Mananitas, a series of songs, prayers, and joy anticipating the Feast.  In some churches, such as St. Rita in Louisville, the vigil goes all through the night, but here it will last only an hour or two.  Then on December 12th at 7:00pm, St. Mary Church will be completely full to celebrate the Mass in honor of the patron of Mexico and all the Americas.  Finally we will go to the school cafeteria for a meal donated by local restaurants and music for listening and dancing.  All are welcome to this special part of the hispanic Catholic heritage.

PAST EVENTS:

                 Sunday, July 6th, the Spanish mass was celebrated at Mt. St. Francis instead of at St. Mary Church.  For the past several years, to commemorate Independence Day, the people have been invited to the shelter near the lake where we have an outdoor Eucharist, followed by a picnic, soccer, canoeing in the lake, and other games.  Alejandro Torres provided music for listening and dancing, and it is a very pleasant time for all.  People from Charlestown, Corydon, and St. Rita in Louisville also attended.

                 Education signups!  On Sunday, August 3rd, the Hispanic Ministry had a special event after Mass to encourage children to prepare for school and for children and adults to sign up for various educational opportunities.   The youth from Sacred Heart Church in Jeff collected school supplies and donated backpacks to help students get a good start for the year.  "In Heaven's Eyes" from Holy Family parish and others also contributed more school supplies.   About 80-100 students received things their parents may have a hard time providing. 

                The same day, we registered students for First Communion and Confirmation classes,  and adults for RCIA, Scripture class, computer training, citizenship classes, and English as a second Language.  Our goal is to help each person enhance their life through better education and formation.   

                  The Annual Hispanic Health Fair was on Sunday, May 18, 2008 from 3:00 till 5:00 in the St. Mary School gymnasium.  Over 300 people came to this event to receive information about a wide variety of health services in the area.  Hospitals and clinics test for blood pressure, sugar level, cholesterol,   and other concerns.  People who know limited English or do not have medical insurance can ask questions in Spanish and learn what their options are for their families.  The Spanish Club from Providence High School provided donated bicycles, training, and other ways to get good exercise. 

           The Via Crucis, a bilingual outdoor Way of the Cross in the streets, will be on Good Friday, March 21, 2008, at 7:00pm.  This draws not only people from the Hispanic community and St. Mary English community, but also neighbors and non Catholic participants who want to share in the faith.