Every January, thousands of pilgrims travel to Washington to pray together for an end to abortion at the National March for Life.  The over 56 million abortions since the decisions of Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton on January 22, 1973 reflect with heartbreaking magnitude what Pope Francis means by a “throwaway culture.” However, we have great trust in God’s providence. We are reminded time and again in Scripture to seek the Lord’s help, and as people of faith, we believe that our prayers are heard.
 
I’ve been blessed to participate in the March for Life on several occasions.  It is very much an ecumenical event.  It is actually open to all people of good will, but is largely a Catholic gathering.  There is little news coverage, yet it is one of the largest demonstrations that is seen in our nation’s capital every year.  To see so many young Catholics practicing in their faith by attending a jam packed Mass at the National Shrine and thousands going to confession at the Verizon Center and braving the cold weather during the March lifts my hopes for the future of the Church.
 
In recent years the Bishops of the United States have asked us to pray on January 22 ^nd for the legal protection of the unborn.  I will offer Mass on Monday morning for this intention.
I’d be thrilled if you considered making a little sacrifice and joining with our regular daily Mass folks to pray for the right to life for unborn children from the moment of their conception.  While many speak of a woman;s right to choose, the unborn have no voice and it would seem no rights.  We will conclude Mass with a Litanu for Life.  As people of faith that us to this very little thing and ask God to stir up in our country a willingness to pass laws that support the cause of the unborn.
 
 
 
Lenten Program to Begin at St. Michael’s
Are you ready to grow closer to God? If your answer is “YES,” you will be delighted to know that here at Saint Michael’s we are preparing a wonderful Lenten Program to help you do just that!   Living the Eucharist is a parish program designed to bring you closer to God through a more profound experience of this core mystery of our Church. Adults may become part of small faith sharing groups, while teens can be part of a group designed just for them.
 
Bishop Hartmayer has asked every parish, mission and school in the Diocese of Savannah to participate in this important program.  Living the Eucharist will promote a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the gift of the Eucharist for everyone. Even if a person has been faithfully attending Mass for 80 years, there is always something more to perceive in the great mystery of the Lord’s death and resurrection which is celebrated in the Eucharist.   There will be a Sign-up Sunday on February 2nd after all Masses (including the 6:00 p.m. Mass on Saturday,  February 1st).
 
 
 
 
 
St. Michael’s Night Out
WOW!!!  What great fun we had!  I was thrilled with the turnout.  Thanks to all who turned out and make it such an outstanding gathering of our faith community.  Mark your calendars for our next Night Out, Mardi Gras, February 13 ^th.  This is meant to be a monthly off season event at different restuarants but the folks at the 80E Gastropub were so happy to have us, we’ll be headed back there before we move on to another location in March.
 
On the Way Home: Jesus calls is disciples to be fishers of men; to use their skills for the building up the Kingdom of God.   Which gift or skill do you bring to the building up of our Faith Community?

Fr. Jerry Ragan