St.

Marys Catholic Church

September 2, 2012 P.O. Box 70 Malta, MT 59538 Email: smp1435@hotmail.com www.SaintMarysMalta.org Fr. Cory StichaAdministrator Office: (406) 654-1446 RE Center: (406) 654-1311 Fax: (406)654-1467

Mass Schedule and Intentions

Sept. 3: Malta - 5:30 PM: For the repose of the soul of Fran Van Houdt r/b Michael Fred & Nancy Ereaux Sept. 4: Malta - 8:30 AM: Thanksgiving for Maynard & Mary LaFonds 50th Anniversary r/b Susan Matthews Sept. 5: Malta - 8:30 AM: For the repose of the soul of Del Fried r/b Tom Golik Sept. 6: Hi-Line - 10:00 AM: For the repose of the soul of Rita Munson r/b Michael Fred & Nancy Ereaux Sept. 7: Malta - 8:30 AM: For the repose of the soul of Francis Van Houdt r/b Gary & Julie Howell Sept. 8: Malta - 5:30 PM: For the repose of the soul of Myrtle Holte r/b Tom Golik Sept. 9: Dodson - 8:30 AM: For the repose of the soul of Trevor Holstien r/b Wanda Durocher Malta - 10:00 AM: For Bob & Bridget Ereaux r/b Tom Golik Saco - 12:15 PM: For the parishioners Confessions: Saturdays 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. or by appointment Baptism: Normally celebrated at Sunday Mass. Parental sessions are required. Marriages: Six month couple preparation period required. Please Contact Fr. Cory before scheduling marriage date.

St. Marys Ministers

Saturday, September 8 - 5:30 PM Mass Lectors: Wilma Mavencamp & Brenda Rummel Servers: Jillian & Raina Hospitality: EMHCs: Jerry Depute & Mike Ereaux Gift Bearers: Sacristan: Lynne Nevrivy Sunday, September 9 - 10:00 AM Mass Lectors: Ken & Lana Ulrich Servers: Taylor & Reese Hospitality: Colleen & Kelly Murray Music: Rick Starkey EMHCs: Kathy King & Karen Tollefson Gift Bearers: Pat Doucette Family Sacristan: Corky LaBrie

Collection Totals for Last Week

Malta: Dodson: Saco: Whitewater: Collected $1,749.00 $254.00 $140.00 $0.00 Needed $2,758.26 $440.37 $183.05

Care & Share for 2012

(Includes remainder of 2011 assessment) Malta/WW: Dodson: Saco: Income $18,077.00 $3,565.00 $835.00 Assessment $37,668.32 $4,824.22 $1,613.43

Sacred Heart Ministers

September 9, 2012 Lector: Wendy EMHCs: Myrna & Wink Gift Bearers: Barbara Haubrich Church Cleaning for September: Sharon Munsinger Ministers: Please come early to serve as greeters!

Any announcements to be published in the September 9th Bulletin need to be in by 11:00 a.m. on Thurs. September 6th.

Holy Fathers Prayer Intentions for September 2012

(Each month, Pope Benedict chooses two prayer intentions, one for the concerns of the whole church and one for missionaries. We are invited to join the Holy Father in praying for these intentions.) General Intention: That politicians may always act with honesty, integrity, and love for the truth. Missionary Intention: Help for the Poorest Churches. That Christian communities may have a growing willingness to send missionaries, priests, and lay people, along with concrete resources, to the poorest Churches.

Please keep in your prayers:

Bessie LaBrie, Rich Nordquist, Joann Evans, Loretta Patrick, Lila Raymond, Sherman Doucette, repose of the soul of Sr. Laura, repose of the soul of Tom Taylor, Andrew Scott, Skip Erickson, Kathleen Jorgenson, Vera Mendelson, Noel Emond, Jack Munsinger, James Cantos, Fr. Bob, Jeanie Engebretson, Dawn Jones, Gloria Coombs, Larry Holmes, Debbie Painter, Dave ONeil, Stella Faydo, Mae & Gay LaFond, All of Our Military, especially those from our local area, & the Poor Souls. Anyone who needs to have prayers said for someone can call: Allie Ereaux at 654-1012; Jean Niebur at 654-2822; or Doris Nicholson at 6542692.

Diocesan Council of Catholic Women Fall Conference

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! The Great Falls Billings DCCW will be holding their annual fall conference in MALTA, ON SEPTEMBER 14TH & 15TH, 2012. The conference will start with mass at 10AM on Friday, September 14th with the official beginning at 11AM. The speaker will be Sister Helena Burns of the Daughters of St. Paul, who will share the focus of the conference, celebrating your feminine side of Christ. More information on Sr. Helena can be found at www.pauline.org There will also be several workshops pertaining to new commissions of Spirituality, Leadership and Service. Sign up now to join us for this wonderful local opportunity for enlightenment and enjoyable time with catholic women from around Montana.

Please consider donating to the Seminarian Education Endowment Fund

The Catholic Extension Society is providing a matching grant of up to $50,000 until December 31, 2012 to help fund the education of future priests within our diocese. All donations of any size are welcome, in addition to your prayers for vocations. The May edition of The Harvest had a more indepth article and also included envelopes to mail your donation to the Chancery. Gifts of $1,000 or more will not only be matched, but can qualify for the Montana Endowment Tax Credit of 40%. If you would like more information, please contact Judy Held at 800-332-9998.

Knights of Columbus Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

Starts at 9:00 AM Benediction at 6:00 PM Join us on September 7th!

Sept. 4 - Meeting 7 PM with Rosary @ 6:30 PM

Scriptural Rosary
Will be held on September 9, 2012 at 5:00 PM at the church.

Can you not spend one hour with me?

(Mt 26:40)
New to the Parish? Please fill out this form and drop it into the collection basket, or bring it to the Church Office during the week. You may also use this to give us a new address or phone number. Name: Address: Telephone:

Affirming the Culture of Life

Join Most Rev. Michael W. Warfel and Most Rev. George Leo Thomas for the Affirming the Culture of Life Conference September 28th-29th in Great Falls at the Universitys McLaughlin Center. Hear messages from both of Montanas Roman Catholic Bishops, along with musician Tony Melendez; Darrell Kipp, founder of the Piegan Institute to study and preserve the Blackfoot language; John Carr, former Executive Director of the USCCB Office of Justice, Peace and Human Development; Susan Wills, Esq., who oversees preparation of the annual Respect Life Programs and develops training materials for Project Rachel; and Fr. Leo Patalinghug, author of Grace Before Meals. For more information and to register, visit www.MontanaLife.org or contact Montana Catholic Conference at 406-442-5761 or via email to mccadmin@bresnan.net.

Retrouvaille
Thinking about Separation or Divorce? Is your marriage or that of a relative or friend heading for divorce? Do you know how to save that marriage? Or do you feel helpless? Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) is designed to help troubled marriages regain their health. It helps spouses uncover or re-awaken the love, trust and commitment that originally brought them together. The program is highly successful in saving hurting marriages, even bringing reconciliation to couples who have already separated or divorced. If your marriage suffers from disillusionment or misery please contact Retrouvaille. The final weekend for 2012 will be held Oct. 5-7. For confidential information or to register call 800470-2230 or 406-761-4830 or email montana@retrouvaille.org. Retrouvaille is NOT just for couples whose marriage is on the verge of divorce or considered irrevocably broken. Perhaps you would like to rekindle the love of those early years or improve your communication. Visit our Montana website for emotionally moving personal testimonials. www.retrouvaillemt.org. You also can visit the International website for additional information http://www.retrouvaille.org/

Faithful Citizenship Quote

"Respect for the dignity of the human person demands a commitment to human rights across a broad spectrumYet abortion and euthanasia have become preeminent threats to human dignity because they directly attack life itself, the most fundamental human good and the condition for all others. They are committed against those who are weakest and most defenseless, those who are genuinely 'the poorest of the poor'" (US Bishops, Living the Gospel of Life, 1998, n. 5).

A Message from Rachels Vineyard

A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers. - Robert Quillen Strengthen your union and renew the love within your marriage. Forgiveness after abortion begins at a Rachels Vineyard Retreat. Rachels Hope is hosting a Rachels Vineyard Retreat for anyone hurting from a past abortion, October 26-28, 2012. Inquiries and registration are strictly confidential. 888-456-4673 or SusanMTRV@msn.com. www.rachelsvineyard.org

Mass Intentions
As Catholics, we have a long tradition of having Masses celebrated for those we wish to offer up in prayer. The Mass is the ultimate form of prayer, and each Mass is celebrated for an intention. Please consider having Masses celebrated for family and friends on special occasions and anniversaries, as well as those who are in need of prayers. Masses are also encouraged in memory of those loved ones who have died, especially on the anniversaries of their deaths. Contact Fr. Cory for more information!

Voter Registration Information

Voting gives a voice in the future of the United States. 25% of registered Christians citizens vote. Please register! Please vote! Mailed voter registration must be received by October 9. Walk in registration must be done by Monday, November 5. Election day is Tuesday, November 6.

Stewardship and Development

Stewardship Thought: Todays readings have a common theme: God, through His commandments, gives us guidance on how to live good and holy lives. Moses makes clear how blessed are Gods people to be called close to Him. In St. Marks Gospel, Jesus teaches that following strict rituals may actually lead to disregarding the spirit of Gods commandments themselves. St. James expresses two important stewardship principles: First, that all good gifts come from God and, second, that good Christians are to act on His Word. Christian stewards acknowledge Gods abundant gifts and strive to embrace Christian stewardship as a way of life. We witness this through gratefully giving back to God our gifts of our time, talent, and treasure feeding and clothing the needy, giving shelter to the homeless, and visiting the sick and those in prison. These Corporal Works of Mercy put our faith into action for Christ. Development/Planning Thought: This Monday we celebrate Labor Day, an annual national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Americans are well-known for being industrious and sharing their prosperity to help others in need through the trueness of stewardship and charity. Catholics who labor faithfully and then commit to giving of their first-fruits back to the Lord for all He has given us make it possible for our parish and diocese to bring others to the Catholic faith and minister to our parishioners in their daily lives. Thank you, God, for the gift of work and the ability to share our blessings with others in your Holy Name! To reserve the Parish Basement or other St. Marys facility, please contact Fr. Cory or Lana at the Parish Office.

Religious Education
As I am sitting at my computer, trying to write a letter of encouragement to our parish, on our need for Religious Education teachers/leaders/sharers, the words that are beckoning me are USE OUR CHILDREN To help us! To inspire us!! To encourage us!!! Wow, that seems to be a pretty cool idea. And HE has already inspired us to have our families be the real teachers of our children in their faith lives. I believe that so many of us do not feel we are qualified to teach what we may think is needed to be learned. But, we, as parents are the ones that God entrusted with these children. He knows we are qualified. He will give us all that we need So dear LORD, we are asking YOU to guide us through this Year of Faith.through Jesus name we prayAMEN But, as with all good ideas there is the but..we need the help of our whole parish family to do this. Remember at baptisms, we promised to help raise these children in the way they should go. We cant let this phrase be just words.we need these words to be action real, to be active words. So, I believe this letter was started by asking for help with Religious Education on Wed nights. The needs are great, class leaders to help with reinforcing what is learned at home, craft people, food people, prayer people.. We will have a RE registration kickoff POTLUCK on Wednesday night, Sept 5th beginning at 5:45. Bring your favorite dish and share a fellowship with us. We will have a short lesson at about 6:30 to share what our year holds for us and what that means for each of us!!! Please bring a BIBLE to the potluck!! THIS IS FOR ALL PARISH MEMBERS As we remember that it takes a whole parish to raise a child. God bless, Dianne Salsbery, Cell 654-4675 Home 654-1443 Email kdsals@itstriangle.com Twi er: @SaintMarysMalta

Schedule of Devotions
Mother of Perpetual Help: Before Tuesday Mass. Rosary: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Hi-line Center - After Thursday 10 a.m. Mass

Sacred Heart PCCW Meeting

1st Sunday of each month immediately after Mass. Follow us on Facebook and Twi er!

Facebook.com/SaintMarysMalta

Basics of Catholicism
Of course, being in the state of grace and one hour fast are the bare minimums necessary before receiving. If we truly wish to be prepared to receive Our Lord and open ourselves to His While the obvious first question is Why?, its important grace, we can prepare ourselves further. As mentioned earlier, the one hour fast is pretty minimal as a fast, and there is great spiritual to remind Catholics of what we need to do to prepare. As with benefit to maintaining a longer fast, such as three hours. By fasting anything that involves our relationship with God, we need to for a longer period, we can enter into a point where we truly desire ensure that were in the state of grace, meaning that we have no the reception of Our Lord in the Eucharist in a physical sense out unconfessed mortal sins on our souls. Its been said before, and will be reiterated many times, that mortal sins are those sins which of hunger, as well as the spiritual desire to unite the suffering of the fast to His suffering on the Cross. are a complete turning away from God and His commands. By committing a mortal sin, no matter how insignificant we may Just as someone who plays sports prepares himself or consider them to be, we turn completely away from God and cut herself before games by exercising and stretching, we can also ourselves off from His grace. Because mortal sin cuts us off from enhance our spiritual preparation by taking time before Mass for God, we are no longer in union with Him. To receive spiritual exercises. This, of course, means arriving at Mass early Communion in this state is to receive Our Lord unworthily, which instead of right as the processional is beginning (or worse yet, after St. Paul warns us against in his First Letter to the Corinthians: Mass has started!), and spending time in silent prayer. It is always Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord beneficial to take a few minutes before Mass to reflect silently on unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the the Eucharist, as well as ask for the openness to Gods grace as we Lord. (1 Cor 11:27) hear His Word proclaimed and receive Him in Holy Communion. Of course, maintaining a state of grace is only the first step to preparing for Mass, and one we should be conscious of Another practice which is highly encouraged before Mass throughout our lives. We should not seek to be in this state of is to enter into the Liturgy of the Hours or devotional prayer, such grace only before receiving the Eucharist, but should make every as the Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet. By entering into devotions effort to maintain our relationship with God throughout every that focus us on Our Lord and His life, we become more open to moment of our lives. Frequent Confession and Communion His work in our lives and draw us closer to Him. Likewise, praying should be an essential part of any Catholics life. the Liturgy of the Hours unites us to those throughout the world The second part of preparing for Mass is to undertake a who are praying with one voice the same psalms and Scriptural passages. one hour fast before reception of Communion. This is probably the most misunderstood precept of the Church, as its not a fast for Unfortunately, this practice of entering into prayer before one hour before Mass, but before receiving Our Lord in the Mass has fallen into disuse for many of us. In its place, many Eucharist. During this one hour, we are to fast from any food and Catholics engage in chatter with others who are attending Mass and drink, including gum, coffee, soda pop, and the like. The only neglect any kind of spiritual preparation. While being social with exceptions are water, medicine, and any medically necessary food our fellow parishioners is a worthwhile activity and is an important or drink. For most of us, this minimal fast should be no difficulty part of parish life, it is also disrespectful to those in the pews trying to accomplish every time we receive Communion. to pray if it is done before Mass in the church nave (also commonly known as the worship space). If we wish to visit with So, with that reminder of what we are called to do in others before Mass, it would be more respectful to other preparation for Holy Communion, we need to consider why we parishioners to do so in the entrance to the church - if not outside, even have the idea of preparation. Preparing ourselves to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist is something extraordinary in our lives, weather permitting. The best practice, of course, is to remain after Mass and spend time with other parishioners instead of rushing off as there are very few things for which we make a conscious effort to whatever other plans we have. to prepare: special meals, quizzes and tests at school, certain appointments (doctors, tax preparation, etc.) and so on. For the All this is important, because we need to remember who most part, we dont go through our lives preparing for upcoming we are receiving in Holy Communion, and prepare to receive events, unless they are special occasions or important things that Him. Just as the wise virgins in Matthew chapter 25 were prepared need some steps or time to get ready. to receive the bridegroom, may we be prepared to receive Our Lord! We take the time to prepare ourselves to receive Communion because we are receiving Our Lord Jesus Christ, and In the earlier discussion on the Eucharist, the need to prepare for receiving Our Lord was mentioned several times. While I hope this is not a new concept for people, the unfortunate reality is that many Catholics either dont remember how to prepare themselves for Mass, are unclear about what preparation for Mass involves, or simply have never heard of the idea of preparing ourselves to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist. In response, we will look at what Catholics are called to do in order to prepare themselves for Holy Communion. is the most special and important thing that we can do in our lives. To get the most benefit out of the Eucharist, we need to make the effort to prepare ourselves physically and spiritually before receiving Him. We prepare spiritually by being the state of grace, and prepare physically by consciously abstaining from food and drink for a short time.