We had several staff members attend the National Eucharistic Congress. They will be sharing some of their thoughts and experiences about this awe inspiring event with us over the next few weeks.
Wow! Where to begin! What a blessing for me that I was able to be a part of this National Eucharistic Congress that has not happened for 80 years! I absolutely had no idea what to expect but I can say it way surpassed any of my expectations. Being in the presence of so many faith filled people made me so proud to be a Catholic. The speakers, the music – both praise music and sacred music was so moving, and Adoration each evening with 50,000 people kneeling on concrete at Lucas Oil Stadium was so heart moving... Read the entire reflection from Laura Graven, our Pastoral Associate, below.
Wow! Where to begin! What a blessing for me that I was able to be a part of this National Eucharistic Congress that has not happened for 80 years! I absolutely had no idea what to expect but I can say it way surpassed any of my expectations. Being in the presence of so many faith filled people made me so proud to be a Catholic. The speakers, the music – both praise music and sacred music was so moving, and Adoration each evening with 50,000 people kneeling on concrete at Lucas Oil Stadium was so heart moving.
From a Pastoral Care focus, I was especially touched by two different events. We began each morning with the Rosary at the Stadium which in itself was phenomenal to hear the Rosary prayed with that many voices, but what touched me the most was the people there from all over the country that were chosen to share a prayer intention on each decade of the Rosary. Sharing in the trials and sufferings of our brothers and sisters there brought to renewed light the burdens we all carry and how we are called to walk with each other and be the gentle touch of the Lord through our words and our hands.
The second event was healing sessions that made up our Friday morning and evening Revival time together. In the morning, Mary Healy and Fr. Mathias Thelen lead us through a quiet, centered healing experience where we were invited to call to mind the ways we needed healing in mind, body and soul. And then gently we invited the Lord in to heal us in the ways we most needed. It was also a powerful experience and a good reminder that we are all wounded and in need of healing in different ways – and we were there seeking the Lord’s help together. What a bond of unity it created and a softening of hearts for all those around us as we recognized our need for healing and witnessed our brothers and sisters so moved by the experience.
Our Revival team is working on ways to continue sharing our experiences with all of you so stay tuned!
Laura Graven, Pastoral Associate
Join us for "Updates with Fr. Chris" on Facebook Live on Friday mornings. Stay up to date on worship, formation, service, and parish life! Each update begins and ends with a prayer and includes a teaching moment about the Catholic faith. Find us on our Facebook page @stalbertchurchky
The church is working to complete the yearly Family Directory & Guide that will be mailed to the parishioners. It will provide information about the parish along with the ministries offered. In addition, it will be given to all new parishioners who join the church throughout the year, as well to families new to the area who are looking for a place of spiritual growth and worship.
Guide Book Publishing will develop, publish and mail at NO COST to the church or members. Local businesses are being solicited to advertise in the book to cover the costs. Vicky Boudreaux and Connie Ramsey, will be the account manager's that will be contacting businesses to see if they want to participate. If you own a business and would like to take part, you can reach Vicky at (225) 264-0569, or Connie at (573) 631-5220.
The parish is looking to hire someone to clean the Rectory once a week. If you or someone you know would be interested in the job please contact Fr. Chris or the parish office.
Thursday, August 15th is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Masses for this holy day of obligation will be at 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. School children will attend Mass at 9:45 a.m. We will also have a Vigil Mass on Wednesday, August 14th at 5:30 p.m.
On this great solemnity, the Church declares our belief that Mary has gone before us, body and soul, into heaven. Her entry into Heaven prefigures our own hope of experiencing the same eternal life. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the oldest Marian Feast, returns every year in the heart of summer. It is an opportunity to rise with Mary to the heights of the spirit where one breathes the pure air of supernatural life and contemplates the most authentic beauty, the beauty of holiness. The atmosphere of today’s celebration is steeped in paschal joy.”
Saturday, August 10th & Sunday, August 11th
Bring your school backpack or bookbag to Mass on the weekend of August 10th and 11th for a back to school blessing and tag. Whether you are starting pre-school or graduate school, start the year off with a prayer for a GREAT school year!
On the weekend of August 17-18, the Archdiocese takes up the Peter’s Pence Collection, which supports the Universal Church and the work of the Holy See, including helping Pope Francis with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works around the world. The proceeds benefit our brothers and sisters on the margins of society, including victims of war, oppression, and natural disasters. Take this opportunity to join with Pope Francis and serve as a witness of charity to our suffering brothers and sisters. For more information, visit https://www.obolodisanpietro.va/en/cos-e-l-obolo.html.
SEPT 4, 2024 - APR 16, 2025
DAY & TIME TBD
Fr. Chris will be offering a yearlong study of Mary consisting of three sections: Mary in Sacred Scripture by Ascension Press (7 weeks); Mary in the Teaching documents of the Church (9 weeks); Marian Consecration- Fr. Gatley's 33 days to Morning Glory group & self study (6 weeks). The study will end with a Mass and Consecration.
The study could be offered on a weekday morning at 9:30-11:00am or on a Wednesday evening 7:00-8:30pm. A minimum of three participants per group is ideal. The cost of the study is estimated at $55 to purchase a workbook, retreat packet and book.
If interested in joining the study contact the parish office or Fr. Chris at frchris@stalbert.org by August 19th. To see a week-by-week schedule of topics click on the button below.
Dates: Wednesday, September 4, for 8 weeks, ending Wednesday, October 23.
Times: Morning, 10:30 to noon; Evenings, 7:00 to 8:30
Location. St. Joseph's Room, inside the church
Everyone is invited; however, it is recommended that you watch Seasons 1, 2 and 3 beforehand. No fee is required, no materials are needed.
Any questions or concerns, you may contact Diane Thompson at dt101thompson@gmail.com and/or 770-722-0443 (please leave a message).
SEPTEMBER 7th, NOVEMBER 2nd, FEBRUARY 8th, APRIL 12th
8:30am-1:00pm in the PLC
Cost: $200 for 4 sessions (breakfast, coffee, refreshments included)
Come join us for Year 3 of Grace Marriage! After last year’s amazing response from the St. Albert community, we are excited to continue to grow this ministry. Last year, 27 couples (ranging from 3-47 years married) spent time investing in each other. Grace Marriage is an intentional, ongoing, small group approach to marriage enrichment where couples spend time every 90 days in conversation focusing on their relationship. To learn more about Grace Marriage, please visit www.gracemarriage.com. To sign up, please scan the QR code. Contact Mark and Erin Morris at erin.ebelhar@gmail.com if you have any questions.
PREP is the religious education program here at St. Albert for children in grades K-8 who do not attend St. Albert the Great School. It is a great opportunity for children to learn about their Catholic faith and grow in their relationship with God. PREP students in sacramental grades receive preparation as part of their PREP classes, along with some additional activities. Registration for PREP Academic year 2024-25 is now open.
Those who were in the PREP program last year are encouraged to turn in their registration forms for this year. We welcome and encourage new families to the PREP program!
On Wednesday, August 28th at 6:30pm in the PLC, there will be an information meeting for all parents of students who will be receiving the sacrament of First Holy Communion in November 2024. Please contact Sr. Sarah at syungwirth@stalbert.org if you have questions.
AUGUST 3RD & 4TH
Our next Loaves & Fishes Collection benefiting the Schuhmann Center will be the weekend of August 3rd & 4th. They are in need of the following.
Pantry items: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce, Pancake mix and syrup, Macaroni & Cheese box, Tuna, Pork and Beans, Spaghetti-o’s, Beef stew, Ramen Noodles, Cereal, Bag Rice, Mixed Vegetables.
Personal items: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Women’s Hygiene Items, Deodorant, Razors, Shampoo, Toilet Paper, Bar Soap.
AUGUST 10TH - 25TH
Save the date and your gently used shoes!
Our Social Concerns committee in conjunction with our Grade School and PREP Program are sponsoring a Gently Used Shoe Drive for Waterstep from August 19th-September 3rd.
Waterstep uses the profits from selling these shoes to provide water treatment facilities where desperately needed throughout the world. Please deposit them in the boxes in the gathering space or give them to a child in our school or PREP class.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11TH
8:00AM - 12:30PM in the PLC
You have the power to save a life in your hands and "pay forward" your gratitude for good health!
The Social Concerns Team and the St. Albert school children are sponsoring our quarterly Red Cross blood drive in the Parish Life Complex on Sunday, August 11th from 8:00am until 12:30pm. Appointments are recommended but not required. For appointments, please call Mary Jo Bird at (502) 552-2093 or email kybirdsnest@aol.com. Appointments can also be made directly with the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www. Redcrossblood.org. Donors who register are also encouraged to fill out the “Rapid Pass” online within 24 hours of their donation to expedite the donation process.
St. John's Center for Homeless Men is in need of the following items. You can leave sundries in the basket in the back corner of church by the 10th Station of the Cross.
Backpacks
Toothbrushes
Wash Cloths
Rain Ponchos
The Gospel tells us “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” By “listening” we are able to live the gospel. Gospel living is something so simple as taking the time to listen to those who need to spill out their hearts when seeking help.
Through your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul you enable the members of the Society to become a “listening heart” to the hungry, the homeless and the struggling poor.
Do you have little or no communication in your marriage? Are you actively thinking about separation or divorce or are you already separated or divorced but want to try again?
Retrouvaille, a proven effective, peer ministry for hurting marriages consists of a weekend experience and six additional four-hour-long Post Weekend sessions. The next Louisville Retrouvaille program is set to begin the weekend of September 13-15, 2024.
For more information or to register for the upcoming weekend, email 3012@helpourmarriage.org, call (502) 479-3329 or check out Retrouvaille's website www.HelpOurMarriage.org. Registrations are accepted on a space-available basis and confidentiality is assured.
AUGUST 20th | 5:00pm
The next gathering for Markey’s Group will take place on Tuesday, August 20th at 5:00pm. We will dine at The Blackstone Grille located at 9521 US Highway 42 in Prospect. Markey’s Group invites anyone who has experienced the death of a spouse to join them for their monthly evening out. We select a different regional restaurant each month for fine dining, conversation, and fun. The group is very welcoming.
If you plan to attend the dinner on August 20th or for more information, contact Mike Ahrens at (502) 836-7847 by Noon on Monday August 19th .
AUGUST 21st | 6:30pm
St. Albert the Great hosts a monthly support group for those who have lost a loved one from any type of substance use. Third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:00pm (SHC). The next meeting will be August 21st. Contact Laura Graven at lgraven@stalbert.org or 425-3940 ext. 169 for more information.
AUGUST 18th | 7pm
The group provides a safe space for family and friends of people with mental health conditions to discuss their loved ones mental health while receiving knowledge, encouragement and support. The group meets on the third Sunday of the month in the Parish Life Complex. The next meeting is Sunday, August 18th at 7:00pm. Please share with friends and family outside the parish. Contact Blair or Gretchen McBride at blair.mcbride.ky@gmail.com or gllm3112@gmail.com.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Louisville: Strengthening Families & Individuals Affected by Mental Illness.
The Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach ministry in which volunteers in the parish provide meals for a new mother/family to provide support and congratulations upon the arrival of their new baby. If you are interested in more information please contact Audra Kenyon at (502) 599-8909 or abkenyon@gmail.com
Do you know someone in need of physical and spiritual comfort?
We have blessed prayer blankets available at the parish office to give to someone you know who might benefit from being wrapped in warmth and prayers. The blankets are handmade by parishioners. Contact or stop by the parish office to request a blanket. Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm or call 425-3940.
If you are interested in touring and/or applying for the 2025/2026 school year, please refer to our school website under the Admissions tab for detailed information about the Admissions Process. We have made several changes to our application dates and admission policies. For questions, contact Janelle Richardson at jrichardson@stalbert.org.
For detailed information about our 2025-2026 admissions process and to download our new student application, please visit the links below. Or read or download the School Admissions Process PDF document.
This position is for a server. The hours are 10:45-1:15. Monday through Friday when school is in session. Fast paced, busy, fun filled atmosphere. Applicants must be able to lift 25lbs, pass a background check, and take the safe environment class. If interested please contact mpeterman@stalbert.org
Are you interested in a part time position with no nights, weekends or holidays? Do you enjoy working with children? Retirees, college students and parishioners Come work at St. Albert after school care program. Play cafe hours are from 2:15-6:00pm Monday - Friday. $15/hour. If interested please email Debbie Lynch at dlynch@stalbert.org.
Sprouts is a parish ministry geared to families with children aged 3 years- 7 years old. Typically, there are 4 events a year. We are looking for Sprout team members to help lead, plan, and provide support for events this year. If you are interested in helping with this amazing and joyful program, please contact Sr. Sarah at syungwirth@stalbert.org or 502-425-3940.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Come join us for Viking Fest 2024! Let's PACK THE PEWS at 5:00 for Mass and then head outside for some good fellowship and fun to start the school year! Food, Drinks, Entertainment, Bouncies, Pull Tab, Face Painting and so much more...
The Archdiocese of Louisville is committed to ensuring that children and youth who worship, study or participate in church-sponsored activities can do so in the safest and most secure setting possible. In an effort to fulfill this commitment, all employees or volunteers who have contact with children or youth (18 and under) for ANY length of time are required to participate in one of the 2-hour Safe Environment Training Workshops. No registration is necessary. Sign-in sheets will be available at the workshops.
8/06/24, 6:30 p.m., St. Gabriel, Church
8/10/24, 9 a.m., St. Peter the Apostle (THIS IS A SPANISH SPEAKING ONLY PRESENTATION)
8/12/24, 6:30 p.m., Flaget Center, Gymnasium
8/13/24, 6:30 p.m., St. Joseph (Bardstown), Parish Hall
8/19/24, 6:30 p.m., St. Bernard, Gymnasium
8/20/24, 6:30 p.m., St. James (E-Town), Batcheldor Hall
8/26/24, 6:30 p.m., St. Patrick, Schindler Hall
The Archdiocese is now requiring a refresher course for anyone that has a certificate of completion over five years. To take the online refresher course go to https://louisville.cmgconnect.org and create a new account. You can access a completion certificate after you finish the training.
Join us for the 24th Annual “Tee Off Fore Life” Golf Outing hosted by the KY Right to Life Educational Foundation on October 7th at Shelbyville Country Club. This year’s event celebrates the 51st Anniversary of Kentucky Right to Life and introduces the “Her Future – Pregnant & Parenting Scholarship,” aiming to support young mothers and their children with essential resources and educational opportunities. With a goal to raise $175,000, including a $50,000 institutional match, your participation will make a meaningful impact. Save the date for a day of golf, camaraderie, and advancing life-affirming values. Stay tuned for registration details and further updates. Mark your calendar and get your team together! Call the Kentucky Right to Life office at 502-895-5959.
WEEK ENDING July 28:
Cash & Check: $27,932.55
Online Giving: $7,380.49
Total Rcvd as of July 29th for FY 2024-25: $145,495.96
Needed Budget as of July 29th for FY 2024-25: $155,394.35
Total Over/Under Budget: ($9,898.39)
Thank you to all who have blessed St. Albert the Great with gifts of treasure! It is through your generosity that our parish is able to meet our financial obligations and continue God's work of supporting and serving our community and those in need.
Use Online Giving (scan the featured QR code, visit www.stalbert.org, or download the Give+App--available free in Apple and Android app stores).
Text 877-254-4667 your gift amount and follow the prompts. Click here for more information about Text-to-Give.
Mail gifts of treasure to the Parish Office. Our mailing address is 1395 Girard Drive, Louisville, KY 40222.
Drop off donations to the Parish Office or leave securely in the black security mailbox located on the brick wall to the immediate left of the Parish Office entrance doors.
Planned Giving: Visit https://stalbert.org/giving for more information.
Please call 425-3940 with any questions about giving.
Another way you can give to the Parish this Christmas is through gifts of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. For more information about this type of donation please contact Larry Brunner at the parish office (lbrunner@stalbert.org).
St. Albert the Great, Pray for Us.