Posted on September 5, 2026 View all news
Laudetur Jesus Christus! As summer draws to a close and our children and young people return to school, September brings with it the beginning of what we might call a new “pastoral year.” The quieter rhythms of summer give way once again to parish activities, classes, feast days, and opportunities for us to grow together in faith and friendship.
One of the first of these opportunities will be our Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 13, beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Kolping Grove. I hope that many of you will be able to join us. The picnic is always a good opportunity for parishioners from both Old St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart to enjoy good food and conversation and to strengthen the bonds of our parish community.
The following day, Monday, September 14, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with a High Mass at 6:30 p.m. This beautiful feast reminds us that the Cross, once an instrument of suffering and shame, has become through Christ the sign of our salvation and victory.
On Thursday, September 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Fr. Felten Hall, we will have a special talk on St. Francis of Assisi, fittingly held on the feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis. This year marks the eighth centenary of his death, and this evening will give us an opportunity to reflect upon the life, spirituality, and continuing witness of one of the Church’s most beloved saints.
September also marks the return of our parish formation programs. Conversion classes for those interested in the Catholic Faith begin Monday, September 21, and our children’s catechism program begins Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m. at Old St. Mary’s. If you know someone interested in becoming Catholic, please encourage them to attend the conversion classes. They should contact the parish office for more information.
I am especially grateful to all those who give their time and energy to teaching the Faith, both to those preparing to enter the Church and to the children of our parish. Passing on the Faith is one of the most important works entrusted to us, and these programs depend upon the generosity and dedication of many parishioners.
May this new pastoral year be a fruitful one for our parishes: a year of deeper faith, stronger community, and renewed devotion to Our Lord and His Church.
