Parish Update: 2024-25 Performance Letter & 2025-26 Budget

This week, we share with you a letter and financial report form the Finance Council highlighting the blessings of the past year—our celebrations of the sacraments, the growth of our parish family, and the stewardship of our resources. These pages reflect the faith, generosity, and dedication of so many. We invite you to take time to read and reflect on the report, and to join us in gratitude for all that God has done and continues to do in our midst. — Fr. Chris

Travel to the Holy Land & Jordan with Fr. Chris!

January 7-17, 2026

Jerusalem | Bethlehem | Nazareth | Galilee | Amman 

Join Fr. Chris on a 10-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land & Jordan! Journey through the sacred sites of Scripture—from the Sea of Galilee to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and more—where the Bible comes to life and faith is deepened with every step. This faith-filled trip includes daily breakfast and dinner, accommodations in 4 & 5-star hotels, guided tours, and time for prayer and fellowship. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity! Cost is $5,499.00. Brochures located in the parish office.

Substitute Teachers Needed

St. Albert the Great is always in need of substitute teachers. Interested candidates should contact Assistant Principal, Debbie Abbott at dabbott@stalbert.org. Safe environment Training is required. Previous experience in a school is preferred, but not required.

Our Lady of Sorrows 

Monday, September 15th

Each year, the Church’s liturgical calendar celebrates in succession, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th, followed the next day by the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15th. These back-to-back feasts call us to reflect on the inseparable bond between the glory of the Cross and Mary’s maternal solidarity while standing at the foot of the cross.

The Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on the day St. Helena is said to have miraculously discovered the Lord’s Cross in the 4 th century. Pope Francis, in a homily on the feast of the Holy Cross explained that “the Cross of Jesus is the ultimate sign of God’s love for humanity. Through this act of ultimate love and obedience, the Cross is the source of our salvation, a symbol of divine mercy, and the means by which evil is overcome, death is defeated, and hope is restored.”

On September 15th, we turn from the wood of the Cross to the sorrowful heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who stood at the foot of the cross, sharing in her Son’s suffering. Every year the church dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows. These sorrows traditionally include: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, Jesus being lost in Jerusalem for 3 days, Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary as he carries his cross, the crucifixion, the taking down of Jesus’ body from the cross and His burial.

Healing Novena in Honor of St. Thérèse 

September 22nd - October 1st

Join us for a special 9–day Healing Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower.” Each day we will gather for Mass and prayer, seeking her intercession for healing of body, mind, heart, and soul. We invite you to bring flowers in honor of St. Thérèse and to write down your prayer intentions, which will be placed before the altar throughout the novena. Come and experience the gentle love of God through the prayers of St. Thérèse, who promised to spend her heaven doing good on earth.

Catholic Higher Education Collection

September 20th & 21st

Next weekend, our parish will take up the annual collection for Catholic higher education. Catholic colleges and universities strive to form students in the spirit of faith and educate them in the richness of the Catholic intellectual tradition. This collection supports the Catholic University of America as well the two Catholic universities in our Archdiocese – Bellarmine University and Spalding University.

Family Friendly Adoration 

Thurs., Sept. 18th  |  6 pm

Families and individuals of all ages are welcome!

This holy hour will take place in the church and will include prayers, music, scripture and time for silent reflection. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist is real, true and substantial. We have an amazing opportunity to spend time with Jesus who is physically present in the Eucharist that is exposed on the altar.

Annual Green Mass

Thursday, September 25th  | St. Raphael | 6:30pm
You are invited to join Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre as he celebrates the Green Mass which is dedicated to taking care of creation. The Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Raphael Parish in Louisville. Hosted by the Archdiocesan Creation Care Team, this will be the first Mass in Louisville celebrated under the new Mass for the Care of Creation formulary issued by the Vatican in July.  Following the Mass there will be a reception in the school cafeteria.

Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet & Rosary Before Mass

All are invited to join in praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet followed by the Rosary in the church before daily Mass.

• Mondays & Thursdays at 11:25 a.m. (before Noon Mass)

• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:55 a.m. (before 8:30 a.m. Mass)

We will finish five minutes before Mass begins to allow time for quiet reflection. Please note: prayers will be held in the church, not the Adoration Chapel.

Save the Date! Catholic Fundamentals Class

“Whether new to the Church or Catholic all your life, there’s always more to learn!”

Join us for Catholic Fundamentals, an overview of our faith. This formation class begins Monday, October 13th. Perfect for newcomers and lifelong Catholics alike—especially if you’ve ever wondered, “Why do we do that?” No registration required—just come and grow in your knowledge of the faith! We will meet very other week at 6:30pm in the PLC. To learn more, contact Flynn Mudd at fmudd@stalbert.org or call the parish office at 425-3940.

• Oct 13th: Meaning of Life

• Oct 27th: Creation and Fall

• Nov 10th: Salvation History

• Nov 24th: Incarnation

• Dec 15th: Life of Christ

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Leaders Needed

We have many children who love to attend Children’s Liturgy of the Word at our weekend Masses, but we need your help! Lessons and materials are provided—just bring your love for sharing God’s Word with children. Without volunteers, we cannot continue this program. If your children attend, please prayerfully consider helping so this ministry can thrive. To learn more or sign up, contact Rebecca Nash at rnash@stalbert.org or call 425-3940.

Nursery During Sunday 10:30am Mass

We are back and in a new location! Nursery care for 1–4 years is available during the Sunday 10:30am Mass, located in classroom 1A in the primary school wing. Our staff is ready to care for your little ones while you enjoy Mass!

Baptism 

Does your child need the Sacrament of Baptism?  Our next Baptism service is scheduled for Sunday, October 19th at 12pm, with parent preparation class on Tuesday October 14th at 6:30pm. Contact Rebecca Nash rnash@stalbert.org for more information. 

Seasonal Flower Ministry

The Weekend of September 20th & 21st 

Let our parishioners know you care by bringing a flower to one of our ill, homebound or bereaved. Just choose a flower with name and card attached provided by your Pastoral Care Team and deliver. It’s that easy! Thanks for spreading the love!

You're Invited: Grief Support Group

A 10-week grief support group will meet Mondays from October 20 through December 2025, from 12:30–2:00 p.m. at St. Albert the Great. Led by Lisa Ratterman and based on Alan Wolfelt’s book Understanding Your Grief, the group will provide guidance and support for those who have lost a loved one, helping participants honor their grief and discover new hope. Free and open to all. Register at https://stalbertky.flocknote.com/signup/223502. Contact Kristina Hellmann at khellmann@stalbert.org for questions.

Markey's Group

The next gathering of Markey’s Group will take place on Tuesday, September 16th at 5:00pm. We will meet for dinner at Bravo! Italian Kitchen located at 206 Bullitt Lane.

 Markey’s Group provides an opportunity for those who have experienced the death of a spouse to meet socially for an evening of fun, conversation, and good dining. The goal is an evening of relaxation. New members are always welcome. If you plan to attend the dinner on September 16th, call or text Mike Ahrens at (502) 836-7847 by Noon on Monday, September 15th. This will allow us to inform the restaurant of our anticipated number of spaces needed and insure timely seating.

Hildegard House Volunteers Needed

Hildegard House, part of our Respect Life Committee, is seeking volunteers to help provide compassionate end-of-life care. Hildegard House is Kentucky’s first and only comfort care home, offering a loving home and dignity to those who have no one to care for them in their final days.

A volunteer training will be held on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. If you feel called to serve, please contact Karen Cassidy at kcassidy@hildegardhouse.org for more information.

Loaves & Fishes

Thank You!

Sr. Visitor extends sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed food and cleaning supplies to our pantry. Your generosity makes it possible for us to continue providing for families in need within our community. Through your kindness, we are able to share Christ’s love in a tangible way and bring hope to those experiencing hardship.

8th Grade Mum Sale

Fall is almost here! Add some color to your home with Kentucky-grown mums and support our 8th-grade fundraising!

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. Order directly from a student or purchase on the St. Albert campus on the following dates:

• Carpool Sales: After school on Sept. 18 & 19.  Just look for the eighth graders with signs!

• Mass Sales: After Masses on Sept. 20 & 21. Look for us outside the entrance of church!

You may also order your mums by contacting Candace Soward (sowardc@millcraft.com or 502-649-2375). Orders end on September 23rd. Single-colored mums are $20. Double-colored mums are $30.

Safe Environment Training Dates

Back to school trainings are underway!  These very important training sessions are designed to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all—this training, along with an Archdiocese of Louisville-issued background check, is mandatory for anyone working with children. Even if you think you will be working with children in the future, but are unsure, you’re strongly encouraged to take advantage of these upcoming sessions.

All trainings begin promptly at 6:30pm (unless otherwise noted) and children under 16 will not be admitted given the content discussion.  

• 9.18.25, St. Margaret Mary 

• 9.22.25, Flaget Center: 

Trainings are subject to postponement due to weather, etc... It’s best not to wait if you think you will be serving in your  parish or school.