MESSAGE FROM FR. JEFF

Hello everybody!

Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday, a sacred invitation to slow down, refocus, and allow the Lord to do His work in us. We will celebrate Mass with the distribution of ashes at Noon and 7:00 p.m. I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities and resources offered this Lent highlighted below to deepen your faith through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Lent is not about doing everything perfectly. Lent is about intentionally making room for God. One further way to do that as we enter Lent is by joining our parish in community prayer on the Hallow app. Our Lenten prayer journey, Pray40: The Return, begins on Ash Wednesday. Praying together, even when we are physically apart, can strengthen our sense of shared purpose and keep us grounded in Christ throughout the journey of this season. I also hope to see you at the Fish Fry!

I would also be remiss not to share how profoundly beautiful this past Sunday was. At the 11:00 a.m. Mass, we witnessed an entire family receiving baptism for the children, and reception into full communion, confirmation and first communion for the parents. It was a powerful reminder of what the Church is always about: new life in Christ. There were six other baptisms at our weekend Masses as well, and each one is a moment of grace not only for the individuals and families, but for all of us. As a priest and pastor, moments like these touch the very heart of my vocation, serving in persona Christi, serving as an instrument through whom Christ welcomes, heals, and gives new life. They never get old!

That spirit of welcome was also evident at our recent New Parishioner Gathering. The feedback we consistently receive from new families affirms that our collective efforts to be a parish that is welcoming, supportive, and engaged truly resonate. As Pope Leo XIV recently said, “A true parish is where we all learn to say ‘Welcome,’ not only with words, but with a spirit of hospitality, opening the door and welcoming everyone.” That vision is not abstract. It is lived out in moments like these, through the faith, kindness, and generosity of this community. Thank you for being who you are.

Finally, a brief note looking ahead: in the coming weeks, I will be sharing more with you about an important initiative related to how we communicate and engage with one another as a parish community. While Lent rightly begins with prayer and conversion of heart, this is a conversation that matters for our life together, and I look forward to addressing it thoughtfully very soon.

May this Lent be a time of honest reflection, renewed hope, and deeper trust in the Lord who always calls us home.

Peace,

Fr. Jeff

First Fish Fry - Volunteers Still Needed

In order to keep volunteering organized, we are utilizing Helper Helper, a volunteer management system. It takes 40 volunteers each week - plus our dedicated Concession Ministry team working behind the scenes on prep and cooking - to make a Fish Fry possible. This weeks needs are:

Friday, February 20

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Volunteers needed in the kitchen to hand out food at the window, replenish condiment station, work the food and soup line.
• 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. - Volunteers needed to break down tables and chairs and clean gym floor

Please click VOLUNTEER NOW to sign up. It will ask you for your email address which you will then confirm through your personal email. Once you sign up, you will be able to use the system for not only Fish Fry but any volunteer opportunities that are set up in the system. Thanks to those who have already signed up.

If you have any questions regarding Helper Helper or signing up, please reach out to Carrie Williamson at cwilliamson@stpatlou.org or by calling the Parish Office at 244-6083, ext. 119. 

Important Security Alert: Phishing Scams

Please stay vigilant! Scammers are once again sending fraudulent emails to parishioners impersonating Father Jeff. Please be advised that Fr. Jeff, Fr. Will, and Fr. Tony will never solicit help or gift cards via email or text. While you should always verify the sender's address, please note that sophisticated bad actors can sometimes mimic valid addresses. If you are unsure, do not respond - instead, contact the parish office directly for verification.  

Sunday Homily HERE

Children's Bulletin

Be in the know about all our upcoming children's events, see who you can help in our community with your prayers, weekly children's comics that blend faith and imagination to explain the readings and gospel and learn about the saints. Hard copies only available at the Welcome Desk in the gathering space each weekend.

Ways to Submit Increased Offertory Commitment:

• Submit online HERE.
• Hard copy forms are available at the Welcome Desk
• Your new offering is effective immediately, unless you specify otherwise on your commitment card
• Questions? Contact Lynne Marshall at 244-6083 or lmarshall@stpatlou.org.
• Reminder - this will serve as your 2025/26 Annual Stewardship Commitment

Parish: (502) 244-6083

ourparish@stpatlou.org

1000 North Beckley Station Road,

Louisville, KY 40245

School: (502) 244-7083

www.school.stpatlou.org