Anne Marie Verchot

From the Pastor’s Desk My Dear People: If God has a plan for the smallest worm on the earth, why wouldn’t He have a plan to support His Church? If we believe the Bible, the answer is that He does have a plan: All who earn wages are to give God the first tenth of what they earn. It is stated in the Bible, 44 times in the Old Testament and two times in the New Testament. He lets us use the other 90%. Can’t you hear an angel asking, “Why let them use 90%? Just let them use 60% and tell them they are to give 40% back to You.” God’s response is, “I just want the first tenth of what they earn.” Twice a year, I speak on God’s plan to support His Church, and I take the opportunity to say: Thank you for your most generous pledges to the parish and to Catholic Charities. The American Bishops recommend 5% to the parish and 5% to be given to God in so many other ways such as Catholic education, United Way, Red Cross, special collections. We highly recommend a good part of that other 5% be given to Catholic Charities. This is money given to God, administered by the Bishop, with only 3% going to administration. Other organized charities use about 10% to 12% of the money for administration. Even though everything we have is His and we owe Him that first tenth as He requests in the Scriptures, still, if we do this, He promises a great reward. (Personally, I am so accustomed to God’s blessings, I would be afraid not to tithe. I could not readjust my life to live without His blessings.) When I taught at McGill in Mobile from ’57 to ’60, I taught the students God’s plan to support His Church. One year the students wrote a short essay on the subject; and to this day I remember one of the most quotable quotes on the subject. This student wrote: “HOW CAN WE GIVE GOD THE LEFTOVERS?” He does not do that to us. He has given us His Son and the promise of

happiness for all eternity. He certainly does not give us the “leftovers”! How can anyone dare to give God the leftovers? If God is number one in our lives, then, in planning our budget, He should be given the first part of what we earn. Catholic Charities supports the Catholic Centers of Concern as the sisters distribute money for rent, utilities and prescription drugs to the needy. The centers also administer the food gifts to those in need. When we give to Catholic Charities, we support future priests who are in the seminary today. We support programs for the mentally retarded, the elderly, and the office of religious education which helps each parish with its Parish School of Religion. We also support Campus Ministers for some sixteen colleges and universities, the Black ministry, the Hispanic ministry and Catholic Family Services (adoption services, foster care for children and assistance for unwed mothers). Being a member of Catholic Charities means we love our neighbor in so many different ways. Our neighbor has been defined as the person in need! This coming week, you will receive a pledge card in the mail. Pray over it. Everyone should sign a card. If you are not pledging, simply write on it your disposition. Look forward to this pledge to God. Bring the pledge card to Mass next Sunday. We will put them all in a basket and place this offering at the foot of the altar in gratitude to God for all He has done for us, and as part of the tithe we owe Him. On behalf of the good Lord, I thank you a million times for your extreme generosity to the parish and to other works of charity, especially Catholic Charities. With prayers and blessings, Father Muller

MASS INTENTIONS Monday, Sept. 15

Rosalee Gagliano Ernie Eltz Tuesday, Sept. 16 William Rogan Ernie Eltz Wednesday, Sept. 17 Sylvia Ivey Paul W. Boyd, Sr. Thursday, Sept. 18 Donors to Our Lady of Sorrows School Foundation Special Int. of Linn Newell Friday, Sept. 19 Gary Dent Charles Woods Saturday, Sept. 20 Special Intention Ernie Eltz Sunday, Sept. 21 People of the Parish Special Int. of Ruby Lee Horton

Youth Minister Kenny Skellie resigns-OLS is looking for a new minister of the Youth. We owe Kenny Skellie a great debt of gratitude for a wonderful job. Due to health reasons Kenny has resigned as of September 15th. We are searching for a replacement. If you are interested or know of anyone interested in the position of Youth Minister at OLS, please call the church office, leave your name and pick up a job description. We will have a search committee that will study the applicants. Please pray that God brings us the right administrator for our Youth. ____________________________________ Columbarium Update II - Niche space reservations are being received in the church office daily. The idea of an appropriate, alternative resting spot, on our parish grounds, is being accepted by our church members. Economic, safety, ecological and accessibility considerations are the main reasons for acceptance of our Columbarium. Consider -A Memorial Wall is being incorporated in the design of our Columbarium Gardens. Constructed of polished, black granite, it is a dignified memorial to those people whose names are

simply and elegantly engraved on it. The OLS Memorial Wall provides our parish members an opportunity to remember those they love who may be interred elsewhere. Location on the wall will be allocated in order of receipt of payment. Only names of deceased parishioners may be placed on the memorial wall. Pricing for the engraving on the Memorial Wall is set at $500.00 for each name. Price includes engraving of the name, and date of death. No other information will be permitted in the engraving. Contact the OLS church office for space and location reservations. ____________________________________ The schedule for altar servers, lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion will soon be prepared for the months November through February. The following information is requested prior to October 1: 1. Weekends you are not available to serve 2. Any changes you want to make in the times you are scheduled to serve 3. Preference, if any, for the time you serve at Christmas or New Year’s Masses Kent Graeve 423-0092 [email protected] ____________________________________ CHAPEL OF OUR SAVIOR The Chapel needs permanent Committed Adorers for: Monday at 8:00 PM (To Share Hour)Monday at Midnight to 1:00 AM (To Share Hour)Thursday at 11:00 PM (Top Share Hour) Our goal is to have at least 2 people on each hour. Please call Ida Wilker at 933-2281 or Mary Claire Brouillette at 8712909..“Without Adoration, there is no Transformation of the World.” Pope Benedict XVI Excerpts from First Mass as Holy Father

Adult Education Program September 14 - "Discovering the Richness of Prayer" presented by Amy Welborn, now a Birmingham resident and member of Our Lady of Sorrows, whose spiritual writings are familiar to readers of the "Living Faith" daily devotional booklet. She is also the author of sixteen books on a variety of Catholic topics. September 21 - "Sabbath Rest and Delight" presented by Sister Mary McGehee, O.S.B., a well-known member of the Benedictine Sisters community at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, and a gifted speaker and writer on spirituality. September 28 - "St. Paul's Guide for Daily Living," presented by Michael Dubruiel. He recently joined Bishop Robert Baker's staff as Director of New Evangelization and is an experienced writer and speaker on Catholic subjects. He is also the husband of Amy Welborn, and a member of Our Lady of Sorrows. ____________________________________ Children’s Liturgy of the Word begins Sunday, September 21st, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass. All children in grades K-6 including those in the Parish School of Religion and those attending Our Lady of Sorrows school are invited to attend these liturgies which have been especially prepared for them. We will gather in the main sanctuary for the Introductory Rites and be dismissed from there to process to the Parish Hall together. There are a number of ministries available to the children within Children’s Liturgy of the Word, including Cantors, Lectors, and Actors & Actresses for special homilies. All interested children are encouraged to sign up for these ministries at the 8:30 a.m. Masses

on the Sundays prior to our September 21st start date. For more information call Greg Harber, 251-2133 (evenings).

PRAY FOR VOCATIONS The Lord is kind and merciful; slow to anger, and rich in compassion. Are you following in Jesus’ Pray for the grace to forgive. (Psalm 103) For those who suffer from a hardened heart, may they be touched by the gift of mercy and compassion, we pray to the Lord. This ad is sponsored by the Serra Club.

PARISH BLOOD DRIVE Mark your calendar for the parish blood drive on Sunday, September 28th. ____________________________________ R.C.I.A.–Reserve October 6th on your calendar for the first RCIA class at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. You or your relative may have been thinking about going. There is a light meal every Monday at 6:30 p.m. and a nursery is provided. RCIA is for people wanting to learn about the faith, people who want to become Catholic, and people who want to come back to the Church. ____________________________________ There is a parent meeting for PSR parents whose children are preparing for First Reconciliation, with last names ending in *A-K,* *next Sunday, September 21st, at 10:00 a.m. in the PSR office. At least one parent is required to attend. Thank you.

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The OLS Singles would like to invite everyone interested in learning more about Annulments to join us for Annulment Education Thursday, September 18th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in Room 102 of the Family Life Center This event is open to everyone to learn more about the Declaration of Nullity. Anne Marie Verchot, RCIA Director at Our Lady of Sorrows and a Diocesan Trained Advocate on the Declaration of Nullity, will be leading the meeting. She will be educating and assisting persons on the Declaration of Nullity application process. For those who have submitted their applications, Anne Marie will be providing guidance and fielding questions as the application proceeds through the process. Catholics who have completed the process are also encouraged to join us in support of the applicants. Snacks and drinks will be available. For additional information, contact David Asbach at 383-5634 or [email protected] or Anne Marie Verchot 482-8627 at [email protected].

The OLS Singles would like to start a weekly gathering for fellowship and to reflect on the Sunday Mass Readings. If you are interested, please contact David Asbach at 383-5634 or [email protected]. ____________________________________ •

"Jazz It Up" - Mark your calendar for the Fall Luncheon Friday, November 7, in the Family Life Center. This will be first time we have held our luncheon in the Family Life Center and we have planned a real celebration. Doors will open at 10:00 AM. Highlights include Teacup Auction, "Surprise Entertainment," door prizes, scrumptious lunch and guest speaker - Phyllis Hoffman -

Editor and Publisher of "Southern Lady Magazine." Everyone is welcome; invite a friend, and make plans to join us. Tickets are $20.00. Contact Wendy Green, 492-7058, or your guild representative for tickets. ____________________________________ BINGO LUNCHEON The St. Elias Ladies’ Altar Sodality’s annual Bingo Luncheon to benefit the orphans in Lebanon will be on Wednesday, September 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Church Hall... Take-outs are available. Free delivery for ten or more lunches (822-5228). Please call in advance. ____________________________________ The Cursillo Movement of the Birmingham Diocese announces that the September School of Leaders will be held on Sunday the 21st, at Sacred Heart Parish Family Life Center in Cullman. The regular meeting date of the third Saturday coincides with the Men’s Cursillo Weekend #114, which concludes on Sunday, the 21st. By scheduling the School of Leaders on Sunday from 1:45-4:15 p.m., the Secretariat views this as an opportunity to minimize travel and expenses for Cursillistas. The regular agenda, which concludes with a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, will be followed. ____________________________________ You are invited to join The Helpers of God’s Precious Infants for the 3rd Saturday Rosary Vigil at New Women’s Abortion Center. We start with Mass at St. Stephen the Martyr Church at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20th , celebrated by Fr. Mackey, and then process to the center to pray the Rosary. We conclude at 10:30 a.m. You do not have to stay the whole time. For more information please call Kay Hill at 916-1094.

Catholic Bible Study-The Steward of the Mysteries of God based on Father Pacwa’s “St. Paul” Jubilee Year Edition. The first session will start on Wednesday, October 1st from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Father Pacwa’s book is required reading. You may get your copy from the Church Office. ____________________________________ Enjoy the premiere of “Stories and Songs,” an original one-man show created and performed by Veteran Birmingham ActorSinger John Wright, Jr. Two shows only: Sunday, September 28th, at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Virginia Samford Theatre’s Martha Moore Sykes Studio Theatre, 1116 South 26th Street. Tickets are $12.00. To order tickets, call the box office at 251-1206 ____________________________________ 40 DAYS FOR LIFE Christians throughout Birmingham are invited to take part in the national 40 Days for Life effort from September 24th through November 2nd. Fliers in the pews give more information and there are tables in the vestibule you may sign up for prayer support or for the vigil. To get more information or to volunteer to help, please contact Sue at 256338-7316 or go to the web site www.40daysforlife.brimingham.com to sign up.