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228 North 4th Street

Fernandina Beach, Fl

32034

 

Parish Events

DATES TO REMEMBER:

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE........Fire regulations prohibit parishioners from standing or sitting on the steps leading up to the choir loft.  This is a real safety issue and we cannot block this escape route in case of fire.  The state fire codes will not allow it.  Parents, instruct your children to walk up and down the stairs.  Also, if all seats are occupied and an usher asks you to move up an aisle, please do so to keep the church entrance clear.

SMCCW (St. Michael Council of Catholic Women)

The Gift Shop is currently closed for the summer.  During the next month we will be painting and refurbishing.  Look for the “new and improved” version to reopen in the fall.  If you need items during the summer, check with the office, 261-3472.

DIRECTORY OF MINISTRIES

We are pleased to announce that a St. Michael Directory of Ministries has been compiled.  It is our first attempt, so please be patient with any mistakes!  Our thanks goes to Fr. Brian, Sr. Bridie and Elizabeth Layman for their many hours of hard work.  Elizabeth typed the final draft and coordinated with J.S. Paluch, the publisher.  We are very pleased with the final product.  This booklet will inform you and our newcomers of the available ministries in St. Michael Parish.  If interested in having one, look for them on the credenza at the church entrance or call the parish office, 261-3472. -  one per family, please.  “...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...But for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  - Joshua 24:15 

ST. STEPHEN THE MARTYR

Many have inquired about the stained glass windows above our St. Michael altar.  The window on the left is of St. Michael, the archangel; the one on the right is of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. All we know of St. Stephen  is related in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6 and 7.  He was among the first seven chosen by the apostles to care for the temporal relief of the poorer members “a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5).  While preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews believed his message to be blasphemy, but Stephen looked up intently to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God..’  They dragged him outside the city to stone him to death. In the crowd, on the side of the mob, was a man who would later be known as St. Paul the apostle.  As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit...Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ (Acts 7:59-60)  St. Stephen, whose feast is December 26, died around 33 A.D. and is often represented carrying a pile of rocks gathered in his vestments and a palm of martyrdom.  He is a patron saint of deacons, masons, casket makers, horses and against headaches, among others. 

FYI

The Greater Nassau Pregnancy Center at 2227 Sadler Road is changing its name to TLC Pregnancy Center and is inviting members of St. Michael Respect Life (or anyone interested in learning more about the center) to an Open House on Thursday, June 19 anytime from 11am - 1pm.  St. Michael is their top contributor whose generosity has had a great impact on the community.  Thank you.

 

The Amelia Island Museum of History is sponsoring a free Children’s Craft Program for ages 5 - 7 every Tuesday beginning June 10 - August 12.  Please call 261-7378 x100 to reserve your place. 

 

YOUNG PEOPLE & YOUTH ALTAR SERVERS

Please call let us know what Saturdays or Sundays you will NOT be available to serve.  You may call the parish office, 261-3472 or your coordinator Anne Martin, 277-3410.   

Thanks to all who faithfully serve the priests at the altar every weekend.  A special thanks to their parents for supporting them in this privileged and important ministry.  May God bless you all!

 

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

VBS will be Monday, July 14 - 18 at St. Michael from 6pm - 8:30pm.  VBS is open to all children that will be in K-6th this fall.  This year’s theme is “Power Lab”, the Miracles of Jesus.  Volunteers are needed for various positions - if interested please call Lori, 261-3472 x 12 You may view the theme, video clip and register - www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/VBS122058  - as well as have the dates and times.   

 

Guided Retreat - Fri. June 20, 4pm -Fri. June 27, 11am - Cost $600/Private - $460/Double.

For reservations or questions, call 1-888-287-2539.

 

FYI

Pilgrimage - Fatima, Lourdes and Garabandal - Sept. 12 - 23, 2008 - hosted by Sr. Joan Grace Gabbin - for further information, contact Sr. Joan at 904-280-7321

 

Disclaimer: “This pilgrimage is not sponsored by or associated with St. Michael Parish or the Diocese of St. Augustine.  St. Michael Parish and the Diocese of St. Augustine make no representations or guarantees concerning this pilgrimage.”

 Bishop John J. Snyder High School is looking for the following full time positions that include diocesan benefits: Chemistry/Honors Chemistry/AP Chemistry teacher and a Guidance Counselor (high school experience required) for the 2008-2009 school year. 

ST. MICHAEL ACADEMY NEWS
Calling all parishioners who shop at Harris Teeter! Please help our school raise money by registering for a VIC card at the customer service desk or online at www.harristeeter.com. A percentage of your sales are donated to the school. The school account # is 4471. We would be very appreciative of your help; it’s a painless way to contribute. You must register your card every year at your local store or online. Thank you.

 

Items of Interest

WHAT IS ACTIVE PARISHIONER STATUS?
The question of active parishioner status is important. Active parishioners rightfully look to their parishes for any number of services. Among these services are:
Enrolling their children in our Religious Education Programs and programs leading to the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.
Use of our facilities for liturgical services such as Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals.
Active parishioner tuition rates in our Catholic Schools.
Certification as sponsors at sacramental celebrations.
These rights and services within the Church bring with them certain obligations, as in any form of community. The criteria for determining active parishioner status include the following:
Attend Mass on a regular, weekly basis and on Holy Days.
Be an officially registered member of the parish
Children have received sacraments appropriate to their level of maturity (i.e., Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.)
Be an active volunteer in some of our various ministries.
Financially support the parish on a monthly, weekly or yearly basis by using the envelope system. The use of envelopes is not primarily about money; the envelopes provide a record of Mass attendance. If you cannot make your expected contribution, be sure to drop an envelope into the offertory basket anyway, even if it contains only a minimal contribution.
Support any Capital/Building Campaign of the parish.

BULLETIN and ANNOUNCEMENT DEADLINE
All notices, including bulletin inserts and pulpit announcements, are subject to approval and must be submitted to the office by 12:00 noon on Thursday, 10 days prior to distribution. We reserve the right to edit (or reject) all contributions. Pilgrimages and travel notices will be published on a space available basis only. Neither St. Michael Church nor the Diocese of St. Augustine sponsor or endorse these trips which are published as a courtesy.


The Diocese of St. Augustine sponsors a post-abortion program, Project Rachel, which provides reconciliation and healing through compassionate, confidential counseling to those suffering from a past abortion. Please call 1 -877-908-1212 www.hopeafterabortion.org

“HAPPY HOUR”
You are invited to “Happy Hour” Sunday in the parish hall following the 10:00 am mass. We have donuts, coffee, juice, bagels and more! We are also looking for volunteers to help with “Happy Hour” once a month. Please call Joan, 491-0590.

NEWCOMERS
All new members of the parish are invited to the parish hall after the 10:00am mass (during Happy Hour) to receive your folder containing contact information for each parish ministry. We look forward to meeting you!

BULLETIN and ANNOUNCEMENT DEADLINE
All notices, including bulletin inserts and pulpit announcements, are subject to approval and must be submitted to the office by 12:00 noon on Thursday, 10 days prior to distribution. We reserve the right to edit (or reject) all contributions. Pilgrimages and travel notices will be published on a space available basis only. Neither St. Michael Church nor the Diocese of St. Augustine sponsor or endorse these trips which are published as a courtesy.

PLEASE NOTE:
We ask you NOT to pick the beautiful roses growing in the church parking lot. They are there for ALL to enjoy their beauty.