106 N. Western Ave. Girard, KS 66743 Tel.

(620)724-8717

Weekly Bulletin Saint Michael Church, Girard www.stmichaelgirard.com

of

0$666&+('8/(
GIRARD Sat. 5:30pm Sun. 10:00 am

ARMA 4:00pm 8:00 am

We the parishioners of Saint Michael the Archangel, through leadership and strong traditions are faithful disciples of the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church. We commit ourselves to be generous stewards of our faith, our parish, and our community. We strive to involve all members to be united in one parish family for the salvation of all. Notes from the Pastor: Independence Day is coming again. More than barbecue and fireworks, let us remember that our freedom is Gods gift to us. God never forces any one to do what He wants us to do. He just shows us the difference between good and evil and invites us to choose good or bear the consequence of doing otherwise. May we always realize that though we are free we can never be truly happy without obeying Gods will in our lives. Real independence is total dependence in God. Ironically, as we are about to celebrate our independence, the US Supreme Court decided on June 26 striking part of the Defense of Marriage Act and refusing to rule on the merits of a challenge to Californias Proposition 8. I am quoting below the statement from Cardinal Timothy Dolan on the Supreme Courts Decision. Please continue to pray for a renewed vigor in praying for the protection of Life, the defense of Marriage and Religious Freedom. Today is a tragic day for marriage and our nation. The Supreme Court has dealt a profound injustice to the American people by striking down in part the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The Court got it wrong. The federal government ought to respect the truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, even where states fail to do so. The preservation of liberty and justice requires that all laws, federal and state, respect the truth, including the truth about marriage. It is also unfortunate that the Court did not take the opportunity to uphold Californias Proposition 8 but instead decided not to rule on the matter. The common good of all, especially our children, depends upon a society that strives to uphold the truth of marriage. Now is the time to redouble our efforts in witness to this truth. These decisions are part of a public debate of great consequence. The future of marriage and the well-being of our society hang in the balance. Marriage is the only institution that brings together a man and a woman for life, providing any child who comes from their union with the secure foundation of a mother and a father. Our culture has taken for granted for far too long what human nature, experience, common sense, and Gods wise design all confirm: the difference between a man and a woman matters, and the difference between a mom and a dad matters. While the culture has failed in many ways to be marriage-strengthening, this is no reason to give up. Now is the time to strengthen marriage, not redefine itWhen Jesus taught about the meaning of Next Sunday(07/07/13) 10:00 AM C. & C. Puckett, A., C., E. Doherty, Mitch Adams Joan Davied Ruth Duling Butch & Mary Reif Family
marriage the lifelong, exclusive union of husband and wife he pointed back to the beginning of Gods creation of the human person as male and female (see Matthew 19). In the face of the customs and laws of his time, Jesus taught an unpopular truth that everyone could understand. The truth of marriage endures, and we will continue to boldly proclaim it with confidence and charity. Now that the Supreme Court has issued its decisions, with renewed purpose we call upon all of our leaders and the people of this good nation to stand steadfastly together in promoting and defending the unique meaning of marriage: one man, one woman, for life. We also ask for prayers as the Courts decisions are reviewed and their implications further clarified. Editors: Background information can be found at http:// www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriage-and-family/ marriage/promotion-and-defense-of-marriage/backgrounder -on-proposition-8-and-doma.cfm Very timely with this development, the U.S. bishops conference has announced a second Fortnight for Freedom, scheduled for the two weeks leading up to Independence Day, to raise awareness and support for the right to religious liberty. The kick-off for the event for our diocese was last June 21 with a 7 p.m. Mass at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Wichita. Additional Masses, rosaries and Holy Hours are being offered throughout the diocese for the defense of Life, Religious Liberty and the Defense of Marriage including one at our Lady of Lourdes Pittsburg, Saturday, June 29 at 8AM. There are daily reflections available during the Fortnight on the USCCB website. The reflections and readings from the Vatican II document Declaration on Religious Liberty (Dignitatis Humanae) are intended for daily use during the Fortnight for

Saint Michael Parish Mission Statement:

&21)(66,21 Sat. 2:00-2:45pm 3:15-3:45pm Weekdays before Mass; anytime by appointment.

STAFF Fr. Roger Lumbre Pastor Janel Scales Bookkeeper/Bulletin Editor Faith Paoni Secretary Rectory Office Hours Tues-Fri 9AM-Noon Closed on Mondays Tel. (620) 724-8717

Next Saturday (07/06/13) Altar Servers: E. M. E. Lectors: Gift Bearers 5:30 PM Luke Martin Linda DeGarmo Teresa Davenport Jim & Margaret OToole

Mass Schedules & Intentions for June 29th-July 7th:

June 29 30 July 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 AM Sunday 10:00 AM 7:00 AM Monday 5:30 PM Tuesday Wednesday 6:30 PM 8:00 AM Thursday 8:30AM-3PM 7:00 AM Friday 8AM-6PM 4:00 PM Saturday 5:30 PM 8:00 AM Sunday 10:00 AM Saturday Ad Dantis Jack McClaskey Ad Dantis Pro Populo Kay Arthur Ad Dantis Theda Westhoff Ad Dantis NO Eucharistic Adoration NO MASS NO Eucharistic Adoration Clarence & Ida Buche Ken & Helen Norris Ad Dantis Pro Populo Arma Girard Arma Girard Girard Arma Girard Arma Arma Girard Girard Arma Girard Arma Girard

July 4: Our Freedom Date; And Date of Other Historical Events July 4 is best known to Americans as Independence Day--celebrated with parades, Last Week July 2012 to date fireworks, and picnics. But, this date also saw major happenings occur in our nations Contributions $2,250.00 $136,416.50 history. On July 4, 1817, New Yorks Gov. DeWitt Clinton, presided over the ground Children's Offering $7.00 $1,243.06 breaking for the construction of the Erie Canal, which joined the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. And on July 4, 1828, the U.S. witnessed another historic event--the Expenses $126,248.56 start of the nations first railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio. On that occasion, Mr. Over/ (Under) $11,411.00 Charles Carroll, the only surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, was chosen to turn the first shovelful of dirt. July 4, 1848 marked the laying of the cornerstone of the Washington Monument in Saint Michaels Upcoming Events the nations capital. In 1903, Pres. Theodore Roosevelt sent a July 4th message around the world in 12 minutes, marking the opening of the first Pacific cable. And on Finance Council Parish Council July 4, 1946, Pres. Harry S. Truman granted independence to the Philippines. Alaska Tony Stonerock-Chair Dale Coomes-Chair was admitted as our 49th State on July 4, 1959, when Pres. Dwight Eisenhower July 11th at 5:00pm September 10th at 6:30pm signed the Admissions document. On July 4, 1826, the nation commemorated the 50th anniversary of its birth with a Rosary Altar Society Knights of Columbus somber ceremony filled with pomp. All former presidents of the U.S. were invited, Next meeting, TBA 1st Tuesday of Month, 7pm but only Pres. James Monroe attended. The occasion was chaired by then Pres. John At 6:30pm in the Hall. St. Michael Parish Hall Quincy Adams. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Madison were unable to attend due to health, but each wrote a letter to Pres. Adams to be read at the event. Helping Hands Daughters of Isabella The nation learned two days after this ceremony that Jefferson and John Adams had Need help or want to volunteer, Call Marilyn Bradshaw, both died on July 4th. In 1831, Pres. James Monroe became the third president to pass Call Carrie Smith, 724-6684 724-7133 away on July 4. The date represents patriotism and the past; the flag, and the future. It is OUR day--a gift from the founding fathers who conceived it and also from the That Man in You Friday mornings at 6am thousands of fighting men and women who continue to sustain it. Take the day, enjoy it with your family and friends, and REMEMBER WHY youre not at work! for Freedom. Educational materials, readings, and the questions that The Story of St. Maria Goretti follow can be used for group discussion or for personal reflection are Next Saturday, July 6, the Church honors a 12 year old Italian peasant girl, Maria available at www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/fortnightGoretti, virgin and martyr, who chose death at the hands of 20 year old Alessandro for-freedom. Serenilli, rather than submit to his sexual advances. Both Serenilli and young Maria Happy 4th of July and God bless the USA and all of you! Fr. Roger were among Italys poorest of the poor. Their families lived in the same farmhouse along the swampy marshes south of Rome. Maria was one of six children of Assunta, Totus Tuus-St. Michaels Totus Tuus week is scheduled for Sunday, a widow. Maria took care of the house while the rest of the family were in the fields July 7 through Friday, July 12 this summer. For grade school age chiltrying to earn a meager living from the malaria-laden swamps of the region. Serenilli dren (grades 1-6) the program runs from 9:00am-3:00pm. The day inherded sheep, but his job gave him more leisure time, and so he came upon some cludes catechetical instruction, daily Mass, songs, games, and reobscene literature in one of the nearby villages. Witnesses speculated that his reading cess. Children should bring a sack lunch. For high school and junior had fed his lust and desires. Maria knew his advances were wrong, but, living in the high youth, the program runs Sunday - Thursday 7:30pm-9:40pm. The same house, she found it difficult to avoid them. Whenever he tried, she defended evening sessions include talks on topics of interest to young Catholics, the opportunity for Adoration and the sacrament of Reconciliation, and a herself, but told no one, for fear of causing trouble between the two families. On July 5, 1902, Serenilli caught Maria alone at home and demanded she give hernight of fellowship with the team members. Cost of the program is one self to him. She knew she couldn't do what he wanted and she fought to free herself. dozen healthy snacks (granola bars, cracker packs, fruit, etc. per famiShe yelled to him, It is a mortal sin and you will go to hell! He put a knife to her ly. Registration forms are in the back of the Church. throat, she refused to give in, so he stabbed her 14 times, then fled. She lived through the night; her last words that next morning were: I forgive him. Serenilli was arrestTotus Tuus Help Needed-Our Totus Tuus team will be here from Sunday, July 7 through Friday, July 12 and we are still in need of families to ed, tried in court, and sentenced to 30 years solitary confinement. Because he was a host a lunch and/or dinner for our four member Totus Tuus Team. Please minor, the death penalty was not considered. While in prison, he had a dream of Maria gathering lilies in a field and giving them to him. By this, he felt that she had forcontact Nancy Bauer at 724-8533 if you are interested. given him and he became a model prisoner. After 27 years, he was freed and he spent Anniversary Committee-The Anniversary Committee will meet on July his remaining time living in a monastery and working as a gardener. In 1937, he found the courage to visit Assunta, Marias aging mother, to beg her forgiveness. She 11th at 7:00pm at the hall. gave it freely, as a Catholic, but also because she recalled Marias last words. This next part may be hard to believe, but on Dec. 25, 1937, during midnight Mass, Catechist Meeting-We will have a Catechist Meeting on Sunday, July Marias mother and Serenilli knelt side by side to receive Holy Communion! Pope 7th, after the 10:00am Mass. This is for all Catechists for the 2013-2014 Pius XII became deeply interested in Marias cause for sainthood as pilgrimages inschool year. creased around her gravesite. The Pope saw, in her life and death, a modern symbol and example of purity. Pius XII beatified Maria in an outdoor ceremony at St. Peters

COLLECTIONS

We Thank our advertisers for their support!

Please support our Parish Bulletin! Advertise Here! Please support our Parish Bulletin! Advertise Here!

with Marias mother & Serenilli present. Three years later, 1950, he canonized her as a Saint. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and the power of rehabilitation. Articles by Marcel Normand

Please support our Parish Bulletin! Advertise Here!

St. Michael Parish Office will be closed July 4th & 5th. Thank you!
Hickory Bend, LLC