Saint Joseph Catholic Church Fr. John Walsh, Pastor 87 Lacy Street Marietta, Georgia 30060-1111 Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Marietta, GA Permit No. 264 JULY 2012 Summer issue Welcome Fr. Mark Starr Come One, Come All To A Special Supper Celebrating Small Church Communities On Saturday, August 25, directly after the 5:30 PM Mass, there will be a celebration in Marist Hall for all those parishioners involved in Small Groups and those who would like to hear what being in a small group is all about. When Jesus left this world, the Church began a lifelong period of formation. They began meeting in small groups, usually in someone’s home. It was at these homes, during the meal, that they remembered and celebrated “the Breaking of the Bread” or the Eucharist as we know it today. It may have been rough and rudimentary, but the apostles and disciples of Jesus practiced what they heard Jesus proclaim and saw Jesus do. So they preached, they prayed, they healed, they listened, they looked out for one another, and they supported one another. It was through the words and actions of these early Christians that the Word of God grew and flourished, until “home” churches were not big enough to contain all the people being converted. Church buildings began to be built to accommodate these new Christians. Small Church Communities began at Saint Joseph Church in 1986 with the RENEW process. Since that time we have seen many people grow and participate in Small Groups, sometimes known as Bible Study groups. We have often studied the Bible through the Little Rock Scripture Study Program, and many groups participated in the Great Adventure Bible Study with Jeff Cavins. We also grow through studies provided for specific liturgical seasons in the Church, such as Advent and Lent. Most groups meet during the week and then participate in the large Church worship service on Sunday. Both become extensions of one another. I have known people who have found their way back to regular Church attendance through their small Church community. The major components of small Church communities is a group of 8 – 12 people who come together to pray, listen to Scripture, share in discussion with one another, and discuss ways to be more involved in service. The regularity of meetings gives us a much greater opportunity to come to know one another and be available to one another. On August 25, everyone who is involved in a small group is asked to invite ONE other person to our special dinner celebration; Just ONE other person who is currently not involved in a small group. After our dinner, you will be invited to listen to a short talk on Evangelization, focusing on how small groups can lead to spreading the Gospel. We hope to have live entertainment as well, and we’ll have tables set up with more information about small groups and the invitation to sign up for a group available to all who attend. Please set aside this date and plan to join us. COME ONE, COME ALL! Georgia Bulletin Photos by Michael Alexander. Fr. Mark Starr, the oldest of seven children, was born in 1960. (He grew up in Ohio and Florida and moved to Atlanta to attend Georgia Tech, where he graduated in 1993 with a degree in mechanical engineering.) Upon graduation from Georgia Tech he began working in the consulting engineering field, ultimately spending his last six years as an engineer with his own mechanical/electrical consulting firm in Douglasville, Georgia. He is a registered professional engineer in Georgia and several other states. In 2006, after a few years of discernment, he left his business behind and entered Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. He completed his Master of Arts in Philosophy and Master of Divinity degrees, graduating May 4, 2012. Fr. Mark’s summer seminarian assign- ments have included St. Matthew, Tyrone; St. Mary’s, Rome; St. Brigid, Alpharetta; and St. Thomas Aquinas, Roswell. He was ordained by Archbishop Wilton Gregory on June 2 and celebrated his first masses of thanksgiving the following day at St. Theresa, Douglasville his home parish. During his time in seminary he also attended an eight-week Spanish immersion program in Queretaro, Mexico. His last year in seminary, he served as a deacon at St. Mary’s in York, Pennsylvania, ministering to both the Anglo and Hispanic communities. Fr Mark’s interests include “anything mechanical” as well as camping and hiking. He looks forward to his first assignment as a priest, ministering to the people of Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph Catholic Church • Fr. John Walsh, Pastor • 87 Lacy Street • Marietta, Georgia 30060-1111 Saint Joseph Preschool Saint Joseph Preschool recently celebrated the end of its fourth school year. On Wednesday, May 16, the preschool held their annual Spring Festival for its current students and families. The morning activities included songs performed by the children, a display of their artwork, and a blessing by Father Michael Sherliza for the graduating Pre-K children. Congratulations to Peyton Fortner, Daniel Uhurebor, Sarah Stadelmeier, Nola Lepp, Logan Masters, Gabriel Salazar, Preston Wissler, Susan Kramer, Ethan Vargas, Genevieve Goff, Cuong Dinh, and Jessica Maflin who will all be starting kindergarten in the fall. Saint Joseph Preschool has a Twos Class that meets on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM. The Threes Class meets Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The Fours Class meets on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The weekday preschool program offers a variety of experiences including religion, art, music, creative movement, literacy, science, and math. Saint Joseph Preschool will begin the 2012-2013 school year on Monday, August 20, with an orientation night for incoming families. For more information about our program or class availability, please contact Pat Roberts, (770)422-5633, ext. 75, proberts@ saintjosephcc.org. Welcome To Our Seminarian Junot Nelvy! My name is Junot Nelvy, from Cayes, Haiti. I’ve been in the US for the last three years. I’m from a family with four children; three boys and one girl. I am the youngest. I am in my third year of Theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus Ohio where I am studying for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. I’ll be ordained as a deacon in May 2013, God willing. I am a very reserved person. I like music, sports (biking, soccer), and movies. I am already very excited to be here at Saint Joseph, and I look forward to having a great learning experience with you all at the parish. 2 PSR News We hope everyone is enjoying their Summer Vacation. Below is information and reminders of important dates for our families, catechists, and interested volunteers as we approach the beginning of the 2012-13 PSR year. • PSR registration continues throughout the summer. PSR registration forms are available online, in The Narthex, or from the PSR office. Please register ASAP to ensure registration in your first session choice. • Interested in becoming a member of the PSR volunteer staff? Please contact Kathy Christianson, kchristianson@saintjosephcc.org, or (770)422-5633 ext. 52 for more information. There is a special need for preschool catechists. PSR staff will be in The Narthex from 8:00 AM to12:00 PM on Sunday August 5, 12, and 19 to answer questions about PSR volunteer needs or to assist with registration. • August 22: Catechist Kick-off meeting at 7:00 PM in Marist Hall. This meeting is for all returning and new catechists. • August 25, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM: Catechist Faith Formation Day at Transfiguration Catholic Church. We are a sponsor parish of this event. There will be over 65 workshops offered in English and Spanish. Classes can be credited toward Catechist Certification. We encourage all of our catechists to attend (no cost for Saint Joseph volunteers). Conference details can be found at http:catechistconference.wordpress.com. The deadline to register is August 13. • August 26, 28, and 29: PSR Open House. Watch for a postcard in the mail with class assignments and more ? ? ? ? ?? ? ? ? ?? ? ?? ? ? ? ? ? La Comunidad Hispana de San José le da la más cordial bienvenida. Nos sentimos muy felices de recibirle y celebrar juntos como comunidad sus primicias Sacerdotales. ¡Sea Bienvenido! Agentes de la Nueva EvangelizaciónDía de Formación para Catequesis Catequistas-reserven el Sábado, 25 de Agosto 2012! Cada año nuestras catequistas asisten a un taller de preparación. Este taller tendrá lugar en la Iglesia Católica Transfiguración en Marietta, GA de 8:30 AM a 4:30 PM. Catequesis Le recordamos a toda la Comunidad Hispana que el programa para la catequesis del nuevo año comienza el sábado 8 de Septiembre a las 5:30 PM y el domingo 9 de Septiembre a las 12:30 Medio día. Esperamos que estén atentos para el día que inician las clases. Confirmaciones Nos alegramos con nuestros jóvenes Hispanos que recibirán el Sacramento de la Confirmación el próximo sábado 22 de septiembre. Oremos por ellos y por nuestra comunidad. ? ?? contact tharding@saintjosephcc.org to register. There is a new singles social group forming at Saint Joseph. If you are between 35 and 55, and looking to meet other parishioners for fellowship and fun, watch the bulletin for more information or contact Carla, StJosephSinglesGroup@gmail.com. Beyond Life Teen Helping teens and young adults to live their Catholic faith is the mission of Life Teen. To help the older teens and college adults integrate faith with everyday life challenges, we have started a new program that combines scripture and life principles into a practical and meaningful model of living. Beyond Life Teen, (BLT), is a discussion led by Core members that explores the practical problems and obstacles of implementing Christian principles, along with the many blessings. College students especially are invited to attend the summer meetings on Sundays after the Life Teen mass. Meeting dates for the summer are: July 1, 15, and 29. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Ralph, (770) 422-5622, ext. 50, or rkeene@saintjosephcc.org. Life Teen & Bible Study Life Teen continues to meet in the summer on an abbreviated schedule. Attendance at the summer Life Teen Sunday meetings and Wednesday night Bible Study can be counted toward the attendance requirements that confirmation students will need to complete. Meetings are held on Sunday nights after the Life Teen Mass: July 8, July 22, and August 5. Bible Study is every Wednesday night from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, except July 4. Join us at 6:30 PM for fellowship and a light meal. For more information contact Ralph, (770) 422-5622, ext. 50, or rkeene@saintjosephcc. org. Back To School Dance Preparations are underway for a Back to School Blacklight Bash on Saturday, August 4. Proceeds help provide school supplies for children in need in our local area. Mark your calendars and spread the word. Tickets go on sale soon! Watch the bulletin and our Facebook page, St. Joseph Catholic Church Life Teen, for more information and updates. ? Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross? Why are there statues in the Church? What is holy water for? What do Catholics believe and practice? Call Tina Harding, (770)422-5633, ext. 24 to register or New Singles Social Group Padre Mark Middle School Youth Group Our summer meeting will be Friday August 17 in the Life Teen Room, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The evening will include games, snacks, fellowship, and prayer. Parents are invited but not required to stay. For more information contact Laura, (770)422-5633 ext. 53, or lfenton@saintjosephcc.org. Registration forms for PSR and EDGE 2012-13 are available on the parish website, www.saintjosephcc.org. Open House for PSR is Sunday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 29. Kick off for EDGE will be Sunday, August 26. 3