We thank you, Lord, for the gift and opportunity of work; may our efforts always be pure of heart, for the good of others and the glory of your name. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! Amen
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.
St. Christopher was definitely watching over us as we made our way to Indianapolis on July 17, 2024, and safely returned on July 21, 2024. Four women, loading up an SUV with everything but the kitchen sink, were bound for what we anticipated would be a faith-filled, hope-filled, spirit-filled and joy-filled weekend with 55,000 other hopeful Catholics. It has been a month since we left the crowded, downtown streets of Indianapolis... Read the entire reflection from parishioner, Diane Thompson
FOUR WOMEN AND AN SUV BOUND FOR INDIANAPOLIS
Quotes and takeaways from the National Eucharistic Congress From Diane Thompson, Parishioner at St. Albert the Great
St. Christopher was definitely watching over us as we made our way to Indianapolis on July 17, 2024, and safely returned on July 21, 2024. Four women, loading up an SUV with everything but the kitchen sink, were bound for what we anticipated would be a faith-filled, hope-filled, spirit-filled and joy-filled weekend with 55,000 other hopeful Catholics. It has been a month since we left the crowded, downtown streets of Indianapolis that were full of nuns, priests, deacons, bishops, cardinals, lay people of all ages and ethnicities; the convention center and a stadium full of joyful Catholic leaders and speakers gathering together singing and sharing their faith journey and wanting to be in union and communion together with Jesus Christ. Dear friends, I am here to tell you we are not alone. Walking among our fellow Catholics was a testament to our faith. It is growing. It is strong and it is vibrant.
The whole Congress was based on talks and testimonies in explaining the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist (which is the Greek word meaning Thanksgiving), or you may have heard the word Todah (Hebrew) from the Old Testament, which also means thanksgiving, God alone. To quote, Catholics believe that bread and wine become the actual body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the priest’s actions. He lives.
Father Josh Johnson, one of the Emcees, talked about how David led the Levites in liturgical worship. (Psalm 33) They would sing and praise God every morning and evening. David divided them into groups of 24; a day shift and a night shift, perpetual adoration. Sound familiar? The Eucharist is present in all of our Catholic churches 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That’s why when we pass by a Catholic church we genuflect and/or make the sign of the cross. It was a reminder of how the Old Testament comes to fulfill the New Testament. He lives.
Father Rocky, with Relevant Radio, a Catholic radio station, reminded us that when we go to mass we are “entering” into the same sacrifice from the past. Father Rocky also reminded us of Jesus asking Peter three times, Do you love me? As we look at Jesus in the Monstrance, do we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist? Do we love Him? He quoted Pope Benedict XVI, “The Eucharist is the event that is at the center of absolutely everything.” He lives.
Bishop Joy Alappatt from India was there and shared what was most astounding. He shared how the Catholic faith is growing in India. The fruits of St. Thomas the Apostle, who went to India to minister, even when he was reluctant to do so, can now look back and learn that there are over 5 million Catholics in India, 10,000 priests, 30,000 nuns and so on. Talk about the power of the Holy Spirit. He lives.
Dr. Edward Sri spoke as well, urging Catholics to deepen their understanding of the Mass. Jesus is the bridegroom. We are invited to a wedding. You are a tabernacle when you receive Jesus. Be like burning coals, run and have fellowship with others, love people, build community, participate in Bible studies, share Jesus with the world. He lives.
Monsignor James Shea shared a story about hunger. (Paraphrasing.) “We are hungry, starving, malnourished, take it while we can. And then, He gave us manna, bread from heaven. You are what you eat. You become what you feed on. Idolatry was discouraged, turning from the true food to a counterfeit food and offering unlawful sacrifice to teach them lawful sacrifice. God was now going to give us real food, food that restores us to life, but he did not force feed us. The true food is my flesh, my blood. I am the bread of life.” John 21:12. “We, as Catholics, should stop living “for” God but live “from” Him. Let’s eat and drink every day and share with everyone where the food is!”
To say that we were faith-filled, hope-filled, spirit-filled and joy-filled is an understatement. A takeaway for me was that I wanted to learn more. I wanted to hear more about Jesus Christ and His ministry. I came away realizing I can be fed and receive Him every day, why am I not taking advantage of this? Four women and a loaded SUV or not, I want more. Let’s GO. He lives.
QUOTES
Two-thirds of God’s name is GO. (Chris Stefanick)
Whenever the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future. (Dr. Scott Hahn)
If the seed is not there, it cannot grow. (Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers)
Knowledge can make someone great, but only love can make someone a saint. (Father Michael Schmitz)
There is a command of Jesus that we have, over the centuries, consistently obeyed, and that is, “Do this in memory of me”. (Father Ronald Knox, English Catholic priest)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th AFTER the MASSES
God has given every member of St. Albert a unique talent to share! Come to the St. Albert Ministry Fair to learn how you can share the talents you have been given and meet other members who have similar interests to you. (singing, teaching, community outreach, leadership, cooking, landscaping, decorating, athletics and many more...) Learn about the many ministries and volunteer opportunities in our parish. Ask questions and discover where God is calling you to serve!
And come for the donuts and coffee! Hospitality weekend will be held in the cafeteria at the Ministry Fair and not in the gathering space in September.
Beginning September 10th, the rosary will be prayed every Tuesday for the 9 weeks leading up to the election, including election day on November 5th. We will begin “after” the daily mass in the church. All are invited to participate and pray for our leaders and ask for Mary’s intercession and protection for our country.
SEPTEMBER 22nd - OCTOBER 1st
MASS at 5:00pm | CONFESSIONS 6:00-9:30pm
September 22, Day 1: Healing of the Evils & Victims of Wars
September 23, Day 2: Healing for Chronic & Terminal Illness (Anointing of the Sick during Mass)
September 24, Day 3: Healing After the Loss of a Loved One
September 25, Day 4: Healing of the Disease of Addiction
September 26, Day 5: Healing for Broken & Struggling Marriages
September 27, Day 6: Healing for Those Who Have Journeyed through Abortion
September 28, Day 7: Healing for Those Who Struggle with Mental Illness
September 29, Day 8: Healing for Past Sins
September 30, Day 9: Healing for Victims of Abuse
October 1, Day 10: Feast Day Mass in Thanksgiving (Celebrant will be Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre)
You are invited to place intentions in a basket for yourself, for family & friends, or any other cause which will be brought before an image of St. Thérèse during the Novena. You are also invited to bring roses for the altar & sanctuary each night of the Novena. A blessing with her relic will be given after each Mass.
*Masses on September 22nd, 28th & 29th fulfills obligation for Sunday Mass.
“The choir enhances the beauty of the liturgy by contributing a musical dimension to the celebration that the congregation alone cannot achieve” (Sing to the Lord: Music in Catholic Worship, USCCB). The new choir season is about to begin! Rehearsals are held every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the church beginning September 4th. The choir sings at the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass beginning September 8th. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Laura Sullivan, Director of Music and Worship at 425-3940 or lsullivan@stalbert.org.
All are invited to join us for an information meeting about an upcoming travel adventure to Ireland. The meeting will be held at St. Albert the Great on Monday, September 9th at 7p.m. in Visitation Hall.
This trip, scheduled for July 17-29, 2025, is open to anyone who would like to see the sights and sounds of beautiful Ireland. Along with various sightseeing opportunities, members of the St. Albert the Great and St. James choirs will have 3 performances including a Sunday Mass at Galway Cathedral. Brochures with more details are available in the entryways of church.
SEPTEMBER 15 & NOVEMBER 3
CATHEDRAL OF THE ASSUMPTION, 12:00 PM
We have TWO special masses with Archbishop Fabre recognizing married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024.
Registration is now open for the first of the two events which recognizes those married 30, 40, 50, 60 years and beyond and will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Shelton at NOON at the Cathedral of the Assumption and all those recognized will receive a special certificate.
Couples are invited to send their names, address and number of years married to the parish office so they can be recognized at this special mass. Email rnash@stalbert.org or call the parish office at 425-3940. Registration deadline is Tuesday, September 3rd.
The dates, times and locations are as follows:
The Anniversary Mass for couples celebrating 30, 40, 50 and 60+ years married will take place at noon at the Cathedral of the Assumption on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
The Anniversary Mass for couples celebrating 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years married will take place at noon at the Cathedral of the Assumption on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
Please come join us to celebrate so many wonderful years of married love!
Thursday evenings at 7pm beginning October 3rd.
RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is a program for adults who wish to become Catholic or are missing sacraments. We offer an opportunity to come together in a small group to learn more about the Catholic faith. Sessions focus on the scriptures, teachings and experience of the Church and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, your insights and your faith story in a warm, accepting setting. You will be accompanied on your spiritual journey by a Catholic sponsor who is there to help answer questions and support you. For information please contact Deacon Mark Preischel at 297-2406. Sessions take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm in the Sacred Heart Center.
Dates: Wednesday, September 4, for 8 weeks, ending Wednesday, October 23.
Times: Morning, 10:00 to 11:30am; 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).
We are in the process of scheduling and starting special sacrament classes for students who need to catch up on their sacraments or who wish to become Catholic. If that is the case, please contact Sr. Sarah at syungwirth@stalbert.org or use the link below and return to the parish or school office.
This 10-week study will help you navigate your loss and find ways to love and find joy again.
Wednesdays from 3:00 to 4:30 in the Sacred Heart Center, Room C. Beginning October 23rd
Contact Laura Graven to register at 425-3940, Ext. 169 or lgraven@stalbert.org
+ Let us journey together +
Our next Loaves & Fishes Collection benefiting the Saint Vincent de Paul will be the weekend of September 7th & 8th. They are in need of the following: Proteins such as canned tuna, canned chicken, SPAM & peanut butter. The are also in need of cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, dish soap, all purpose cleaners and bleach.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th
9AM to 3PM | Truck will be located behind the rectory
Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services is resettling around 180 people in the months of August and September. The Social Concerns Committee will be hosting thier annual drive on Saturday, September 14th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Your generous donations of gently used home good items can make a significant difference in the lives of families as they rebuild their homes and communities. They are in particular need of kitchenwares, unopened hygiene products, cleaning products, *warm clothing and gently used furniture. To view the list of accepted items click the button below.
*winter coats, jackets, hats, gloves, boots
NOT ACCEPTED FURNITURE
Singular Loveseats
Sleeper Sofas
Chaise Lounges
Recliners
Bed Frames, Box Springs, Mattresses
Desks
Office Chairs or Storage
Framed Artwork
Home Decor Items
Closet or Armoire Systems
Large Entertainment Centers
Curio or China Cabinets
Tech older than 10yrs. (laptops, TVS, etc.)
Cribs older than 5yrs
NOT ACCEPTED KITCHENWARE
Tea Plates
Decorative Dishware
China
Crystal or Silver Serve ware
Niche items (dip trays, gravy boats, etc.)
Stemware
Steins
Reusable Water Bottles
Tupperware
Tablecloths
NOT ACCEPTED LINENS
Queen Size Sheets
King Size Sheets
Queen Size Blankets or Comforters
King Size Blankets or Comforters
Decorative Pillows/Throw Pillows
Throw Blankets w specific iconography
This autumn will provide a unique service opportunity for our parish community. In late October, we will participate with four other regional parishes in the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home. A purchaser has been selected to become the recipient of this new property making this project very real and creating a good deal of excitement. We will be making further announcements and calling for volunteers to serve on our parish team. Watch for more details during the month of September.
In the meantime, we are looking for someone with organizational skills to coordinate scheduling and provide communication to volunteers. That individual does not necessarily have to be on site to do construction, but should be a good organizer. If you have interest in the coordination ministry, contact Mike Ahrens at 836-7847.
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.
The September meeting and guest speaker event has been moved to the Parish Life Center and WILL NOT be in church due to a funeral. Parking will be available by the PLC.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 | 6:00-7:30pm | PLC
Join us for Fun & Fellowship for families with children 7 and under! Immediately following the Saturday evening 5pm Mass. Crafts, Face Painting, Photo Booth.
Looking for brotherhood and a strong sense of community? The St. Albert Men's Fellowship is just for you!
All our parish brothers are invited to come meet other like-minded men interested in forming strong friendships, deepening their faith, and participating in service. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Proverbs 17:17
Join the Fellowship on Thursday, September 5th at 7:30pm in the Cafeteria to kick off the NFL season, tailgate potluck style! Bring your best tailgate dip/snack/appetizer and join us for a night of football, drinks, cornhole, and fellowship. Ravens @ Chiefs kicks off at 8:20PM.
The group is always brainstorming ideas for future social gatherings and ways to get involved in parish life. If interested in attending, please click the link (https://share.hsforms.com/1UGo6tc_4TNCgtkg4NjwcVgpyaxe) to fill out the form and tell us more about yourself. If you have any questions, please contact Nick Norcia at NLNorcia@gmail.com
Proceeds benefit the Steven Vanover Foundation!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th, 1:30pm
EAGLE CREEK GOLF COURSE
The foundation supports initiatives that meet patients' needs and fund the science that leads to cures for sarcoma and other rare cancers. The foundation also provides academic scholarships including The Steven Vanover Award & Scholarship at St. Albert the Great Catholic School, where Steven graduated in 2004. The annual award and scholarship is presented to an eighth-grade student, and can be used toward high school expenses.
The 8th Grade Class of 2025 is selling mums to raise funds to help offset the cost of their spring trip to Washington, DC, Gettysburg, and New York City. Please consider pre-ordering your mums by sending an email to Lizzie Minton (lizzie.minton@gmail.com). Mums are $20 and come in 10 inch pots. They would be a beautiful addition to your home or business this fall! Pre-sales end on September 10th, and mums will be delivered the week of September 16th. The 8th graders will also be selling mums after all masses the weekend of September 21 and 22, but pre-ordering is the best way to guarantee you get the colors you want!
Attention Scrapbookers! Grab a friend or family member and make some memories while preserving your memories!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12th, 9am-9pm IN THE PLC
WEEK ENDING August 25:
Cash & Check: $9,443.50
Online Giving: $13,185.49
Total Rcvd as of August 26th for FY 2024-25: $261,617.32
Needed Budget as of August 26th for FY 2024-25: $279,709.83
Total Over/Under Budget: ($18,092.51)
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.