St Lucy Bulletin

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 8, 2024

TEMPORARY SCHEDULE CHANGE – Fr Marascalco will leave for Poland on Monday, September 9 and return Tuesday September 17. There will be no weekday masses, adult catechism, or Bible Study starting this week and continuing during that time. Fr. Carver will be celebrating the masses next weekend. Weekday Masses will start again on Wednesday, September 18.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – We are now registering for classes from age 4 through and including high school. For students to be sufficiently prepared to receive the Sacraments (Communion and/or Confirmation) they should be in class EVERY WEEK for one or more years.  We have so many exciting learning activities planned, that you won’t want your child(ren) to miss even one day! Classes are held every Sunday at 9:15 AM and finish at 10:30 AM which is just enough time to go to 11:00 AM Mass as a family.  Classes will begin on September 22nd which will be here before you know it.  Registration forms can be found at the back of the church.  If you have any questions please contact our DRE Lucille D’Elia at 512-318-5149 or lucilledelia23@gmail.com or speak with her after Mass.  

UPCOMING LIFT RETREATS – There will be a LIFT BOYS’ RETREAT Nov 8-10. Contact Tim Adam at 228-697-2134 or mpclineman@bellsouth.net or Doug Seal at 228-222-0097 for more information on the Boy’s Retreat. There will be a LIFT GIRLS’ RETREAT Nov 15-17. Contact Bridgett Bermond at 228-209-9281 or youthminister@Saintjamesmescc.com for more information about the Girls’ Retreat

PILGRIMAGES – Fr. Marascalco will be the Spiritual Director for the 2025 Tour of Cusco Machu Picchu.  Visit Saint Martin de Porres.  Enjoy Peruvian Cuisine. Ride the Hiram Bingham Train. Enjoy a pachamanca lunch in the Sacred Valley, a Peruvian Paso horse demonstration, and champagne brunch aboard the elegant Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu.  Experience world-class food in Lima, and visit Cusco, Shrines of St. Martin de Porres, Rose of Lima, and Juan Macias.  Try to solve 8 unsolved mysteries of Machu Picchu with your visit.  Lima is the food capital of South America.  Some of the best restaurants in the world are located in Lima, Peru. Find out why Anthony Bourdain visited Lima for Peruvian cuisine during his first TV season!  Feed your body and soul on this premium food and faith pilgrimage tour sampling world-famous Peruvian cuisine.  Why don’t join Fr. Marascalco and book the new Peru Food and Faith pilgrimage for 2025 — Perfect for Catholic Foodies!

MERCY CROSS CENTER – in Biloxi, is requesting the following donations: Backpacks, men’s clothing and shoes, tents, sleeping bags, sheets and blankets, zippered pouches, new underwear for men and women, socks, toilet paper, feminine hygiene, products, books, puzzles, playing cards, colors and coloring books. The center is located at 390 Crusaders Dr. in Biloxi.

DID YOU KNOW? – There is an exhibit at the George County Museum on churches in George County. It is located on the Courthouse’s first floor and is open Tuesday – Thursday from 10 – 4. Check it out!

PRAYER FOR PROTECTION AGAINST STORMS AND HURRICANES – “Our Father in Heaven through the intercession of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, spare us during this Hurricane season from all harm. Protect us and our homes from all disasters of nature. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”  

FRIDAYS – Join us every Friday at 3:00 PM in the church for Holy Hour, Divine Mercy, and the Rosary. Everyone is welcome to attend. For any questions or further information, please contact JoAnne Bowie or Barbara Robicheaux.

ADULT ED – Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm.

MONDAY – Adoration at 8:30 am followed by Mass at 9:30

TUESDAY – Mass at 8:30 am followed by Bible Study

PRAY FOR PRIESTS – Visit the “Pray For Priests” page to remember our Diocesan Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians in your daily prayers. The website features a calendar with a daily schedule of priests to pray for. There are also a few hard copies in the back of the church. Please consider taking one home as a reminder of the support and prayers our priests require. 

PLEASE PRAY –  for our sick and homebound friends, family, and parishioners who are unable to celebrate the liturgy with us.  

CHURCH CLEANING MINISTRY – Thank you to all who have been participating. You are all greatly appreciated. 

JOIN OUR GROWING CHOIR – If you would like to be a part of helping us make a joyful noise unto the Lord, please see Fr. Marascalco or Ken and Alecia Rolling.

Upcoming Readers – subject to change as needed

September 8 – Michele

September 15 – Barbara

St. Lucy Biography

St. Lucy was a Christian martyr who lived in the Roman Empire in the third century AD. She was born in Syracuse, Sicily, to a wealthy and noble family. Her father died when she was young, and she devoted her life to God and vowed to remain a virgin.

St. Lucy dedicated her life to Christ and she loved the poor. She frequently delivered wheat and bread to the needy, homebound, and Christians hiding in the catacombs, often in the darkness of night to avoid detection.

As Lucy reached the age of marriage, her mother arranged a marriage between Lucy and a pagan suitor. However, Lucy had already consecrated her life to God and vowed to remain a virgin.

Lucy’s refusal to marry angered her rejected suitor, who reported her Christian beliefs to the Roman authorities during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Lucy was subsequently arrested and faced brutal persecution.

According to legend, her eyes were gouged out, and she gave them to her suitor. Miraculously, God restored her sight. For this reason, St. Lucy is often depicted holding a small plate with two eyes on it. The authorities’ attempts to execute her by fire failed, leading to her eventual martyrdom by the sword in 304 AD.

Today, St. Lucy is regarded as the patron saint of the blind and those with eye disorders. Her feast day is celebrated on December 13th, and she remains an inspiration and role model for Catholics.

Learn More: To learn more about St. Lucy, visit https://christianapostles.com/St-Lucy

If any parish organizations have news to be included in the bulletin, please contact Cathy Tindall (CaTTyT46@gmail.com or call/text 601-530-6151).  Parish information can be found on our website (www.stfxstl.org).  Our website now has language options.  If you would like your native language included, please see Fr. Marascalco or Cathy Tindall