Saint Margaret Mary Parish

Through Formation at Saint Margaret Mary we educate and instill Catholic beliefs and values, foster lifelong religious formation, and nurture spiritual growth for all ages:

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NOTE: See "Sacrament Preparation Schedule" below.

For Children

P.R.E.P. (Parish Religious Education Program) assists in the religious education and Christian formation of children attending public and other private schools, from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, by providing formal instruction (Catechesis).

St. Margaret Mary Catholic School is a key component in the education work of the parish. It is committed to nurturing the uniqueness of each student while providing a quality educational program. The school strives to prepare students to become moral, responsible, and self-motivated members of our church and community.

Gather The Children provides children in Kindergarten-3^rd grade the opportunity to learn the readings and the Gospel proclamation on their level during the Liturgy of the Word at our 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Sunday School, for 3-5 year olds, provides Sunday School lessons during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass.

For Adults

R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) is a process for friends and family members who are interested in learning about our faith. Parishioners interested in "walking with" these inquirers are always welcome to join us as we explore our faith.

Small Christian Communities bring the presence of Jesus Christ to everyday life. These communities provide opportunities for acceptance, support, and growth of the faith lives of its participants. The primary functions of these communities are experiences of prayer, study of scripture, and discussion of the teachings of the Catholic Church. They also bring about a commitment to evangelization, Christian service, and revitalization of the parish community.

Please call Carrie Williamson, Pastoral Associate/DRE

at 426-1588 Ext. 190 for additional information

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NOTE: See "Sacrament Preparation Schedule" below.

Sacraments 2007-08NOTE: See "Sacrament Preparation Schedule" below.

Baptism, the first "Sacrament of Initiation," is the sacrament through which we are joined to Christ. Members of our parish community guide parents as they explore their faith in preparing their children for Baptism. Infant baptisms are usually celebrated the second and last Sunday of each month. Parish registration required please contact the Parish Office early in the pregnancy for dates of the required instruction class.

The preparation for Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation involve children in the Parish School as well as in the Parish Religious Education Program (P.R.E.P).

Reconciliation and Eucharist (Sacraments of Initiation) are celebrated for the first time in the 2^nd grade.

First Reconciliation for 2008 date to be announced. The Sacrament of Reconciliation celebrates God’s forgiveness and mercy. A priest is available for Reconciliation on Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith and life as we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. First Eucharist 2008 for our 2nd Graders was celebrated on April 26 at 11:00 a.m. and April 27 at 3:00 p.m.

Confirmation (Sacrament of Initiation) celebrates the strengthening of the gift of the Holy Spirit within us. Preparation begins in the last part of the school year for 7th Graders. Students are given the course of the summer break to locate a sponsor, perform service projects, and prepare for the related lessons that take place during the first semester of their 8th Grade year. Confirmation for 2008 was celebrated on April 3, 2008.

Matrimony is the sacrament that unites a man and woman forever in love as husband and wife. The Sponsor Couple Program at St. Margaret Mary allows an approved sponsor couple to share their experiences of married life with an engaged couple. This program is a parish-based option for pre-marriage preparation.

Holy Orders is the sacrament that celebrates the ordaining of a man as a bishop, a priest, or a deacon to serve the Church community as a sign of Jesus at work among people.

Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that strengthens our faith and trust in God when we are seriously ill or dying. Call the Parish Office, 426-1588 if this sacrament is desired or needed.

Please call Carrie Williamson, Pastoral Associate/DRE

at 426-1588 Ext. 190 for additional information

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Sacrament Preparation Schedule 2007-08

Rite of Enrollment for Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist

16-17 September At All Masses

Reconciliation

TBA September Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m.. Hospitality Room

TBA September Rite of Enrollment of the Sacraments; All Masses

29 October “Reconciliation at Home Family Workshop”

5 November Communal Celebration of Reconciliation, 7:00 p.m.

Eucharist

TBA September Parent Meeting (with the Sacrament of Reconciliation)

TBA September Rite of Enrollment of the Sacraments; All Masses

5 March Eucharist Workshop 6:30 p.m.

23 April First Eucharist Rehearsal (2D and 2M)

24 April First Eucharist Rehearsal (2H and 2Z)

26 April First Eucharist Liturgy, 11 a.m. (2D and 2M)

27 April First Eucharist Liturgy, 3 p.m. (2H and 2Z)

27 April PREP Class does not meet

28 April No school for St. MM 2^nd Grade

Please call Carrie Williamson, Pastoral Associate/DRE

at 426-1588 Ext. 190 for additional information

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Going in the Hospital?

Have you even been in the hospital for longer than a day and would have liked a visit from a fellow parishioner?

Well, the SMM Hospital Visitation Ministry is ready and waiting for you to call. The members will visit you in any of Louisville's hospitals and in the Frazier Rehab Institute. Many people incorrectly believe that their parish will be notified when they are in the hospital, but the hospitals are no longer legally permitted to call churches when parishioners are patients.

Ann Stosberg and Eva Blanford chair this important ministry. They invite you to call the Parish Office, 426-1588, whenever you or a loved one will be in the hospital and would like a visit from a caring parishioner. Your name will also be forwarded to our parish Prayer Ministry, which will support you in prayer.