Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church

* This weekend is Stewardship Commitment Weekend. Please prayerfully consider how you can get involved with our parish community and share your talents and gifts with others. Please see pages 9-10 for the Commitment Card.

* The traditional blessing of animals for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi will take place on Saturday, October 1 at 10am in the parking lot at the statue of St. Francis in front of the Parish Office Building. Please park away from the building to allow space for our “rambunctious” pets. Please also come prepared to clean up after your pet in case of “accidents.” All animals should be contained or leashed.

* Next Sunday, October 2, is Respect Life Sunday. Saint Mary Parish will again participate in the Annual Life Chain. We will meet in the Parish Life Center at 2pm to pick up our signs and walk up to Route 1, where we will form a chain along Route 1 from Route 3 to College Avenue. lease join us and take a stand for the unborn.

* The Saint Mary Choir’s Cabaret Night fundraiser, featuring lively music and silent auction is Saturday, October 15 at 7:30pm at Holy Cross Academy. Tickets are $50. Buy tickets after Mass, at the parish office or by calling Joyce O’Toole at 540-371-2365.

* Saint Mary’s fall social, the Parish Ice Cream Social, Cakewalk and
Dance, is TODAY from 4-7pm. Come see everyone, enterthe cake
decorating contest, and put on your dancing shoes. Before the Social, join us for our annual 1-mile Fun Run/Walk at 3:15pm, starting at Walmart Garden Center and going to the school. Children 12 and under (and parents), join us! More information on Page 4.

* Don’t forget! Manna Food Drive for the Fredericksburg Food Bank
after all Masses this weekend. Bring food and donations forthose who are hungry.

* Please join us for our monthly Taizé Prayer Service this Monday, September 12 at 8:15pm. Now in our 9th year, we have met
each month to pray for Christian unity in our community and in the world. All Christians are warmly invited; invite your friends!

* This year’s Parish Life Weekend is next weekend, September 17-18. Please plan to visit with our many parish ministries and learn more about how you can get involved in the life of our Parish.

* The Second Collection next weekend supports the Religious Education of our Parish. Forthe fiscal year ending June 30,
2016, parish expenses for our Religious Education Program were $42,220.73, and your generosity in supporting the faith
formation of our children is sincerely appreciated.

* Nar-Anon Support group is now meeting on Thursdays at St. Mary at 7pm in the Fr. Don Rooney Community Room. Help is offered by sharing experiences, strengths and hopes; please see the page 11 for more details about this program.

* There will be no 6:30am Mass nor evening novena tomorrow, Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.

* Religious Education Save-the-Dates:

• September 3-4, Catechetical Sunday
• September 6, Special Training
• September 12-15, First week of RE

* Saint Mary’s fall social, the Parish Ice Cream Social, Cakewalk and Dance, is next Sunday from 4-7pm. Come see everyone, enter the cake decorating contest, and put on your dancing shoes. Before the Social, join us for our first 1-mile Fun Run/Walk at 3:15pm, starting at Walmart Garden Center and going to the school. Children 12 and under (and parents), join us! More information on page 7.

* Don’t forget! Manna Food Drive for the Fredericksburg Food Bank is coming up the weekend of September 10-11 at all Masses! Bring food and donations for those who are hungry.

* Please join us for our monthly Taizé Prayer Service next Monday, September 12 at 8:15pm. Now in our 9th year, we have met each month to pray for Christian unity in our community and in the world. All Christians are warmly invited; invite your friends!

* This year’s Parish Life Weekend will be in just two weeks, September 17-18. Please plan to visit with our many parish ministries and learn more about how you can get involved in the life of our Parish.