Feast of St. Michael, the Archangel

We call them messengers of God, protectors, companions, defenders and allies, but in reality, they are known as Archangels. In the Roman Catholic faith, we have three Archangels and they are Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Some might ask, what is the difference between an angel and an archangel? Aren't they the same? Pope St. Gregory the Great clearly makes a differentiation where he says "Those who deliver messages of lesser importance are called angels; and those who proclaim messages of supreme importance are called archangels." Ideally, archangels hold a higher rank than regular angels. Today, we celebrate one of our Archangels, St. Michael and the role in which he plays. We also learn about the other two Archangels (St. Gabriel & St. Raphael) whose feast days are venerated on March 24th and October 24th respectively. Let us now see why these three archangels are held in such high esteem:

St. Michael (whose name means "Who is like God?") was the archangel who fought against Satan and all the evil Spirits. He is the protector and defender of all humanity against the snares of the evil one. 

St. Gabriel (whose name means "Strength of God") proclaimed to Zachariah the birth of John the Baptist and to Mary that she would bear a son and his name is to be 'Emmanuel' which means 'God with us'. 

St. Raphael (whose name means "Medicine of God") is the archangel who cared for Tobias during his journey. 

We continue to call on St. Michael to protect us in all our undertakings and also protect our world especially during this time of injustice. 

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Holy Mass in honour of St. Michael is celebrated at 6.30PM at St. Michael's R.C. Church, Maracas Valley, St. Joseph.  St. Michael, Pray for Us and Protect Us!

Iconic St. Michael statue which is represented on the altar of St. Michael's R.C. Church, Maracas Valley, St. Joseph.

Thank You!

The Steering Committee would like to say Thank You to All those who supported our Annual Parish BBQ. Without your support and donations, this BBQ would not have been possible. So again, we would to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone and we do hope that you support our next big Parish event, Our Parish Christmas Dinner! More details coming soon!

Feast of St. Matthew, The Apostle

On Sunday 21st September, the Holy Catholic Church remembers and celebrates the life of St. Matthew, the Apostle. Matthew is the author of the first Gospel and today he is known to be the patron saint of Bankers and Accountants. Son of Alpheus, Matthew was called to be one of the twelve while he was a tax collector. As we honour such a great Saint, let us remember that no matter what our past may hold, Jesus is ready to forgive and use us in a mighty way. 

Prayer to St. Matthew

God of mercy, You chose a tax collector, St. Matthew, to share the dignity of the apostles. By his example and prayers, help us to follow Christ and remain faithful in Your service. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Parish Notices for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1. This is it. Our Annual Fund Raising BBQ is next Saturday Sept. 27th. Our BBQ this year is even better with a combination of vegetable rice, pasta, or cassava, three bean salad,  and D’ Best mouth-watering, finger-licking BBQ Chicken OR Fish OR PORK.  There are still some tickets available. 
2. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – RCIA. We meet every Friday @ 6.30pm in the Parish Hall. This program is open to all persons -17years & over - who would like to complete their Christian Initiation (First Communion and Confirmation) or persons (non-Catholics or non-Christians) desirous of being baptized or received in the Catholic Church.  As Jesus says “Come, & See” as we journey to Easter 2015. 
3. Saturday 27^th September is the last day for registration for the new confirmation program. Registration will be from 8.30am to 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Please bring a copy of the child’s birth and baptismal certificate along with a passport size photo when registering. 
4. St. Michael's Parish is having back to back events. Next Sunday, September 28th, they will be staging their annual 5K race beginning from St. Cecelia's Church at 6AM. On the following Sunday, October 5^th is their Annual Harvest. Holy Mass begins at 8.00AM at Maracas R.C. School followed by the day’s activities. Let us support our friends and family at St. Michael’s. 
5. Office Hours. Msgr. Alexander’s office hours beginning this week is Tuesdays from 5pm to 6pm and Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm. Parish Office hours remain unchanged. 
6. Sunday, 28 September is to be set aside as a Day of Prayer in preparation for General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops meeting to discuss Pastoral challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week! 

St. Michael's Back to Back Events

 

PLEASE SUPPORT IN WHATEVER WAY YOU CAN!

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today a special feast has superseded our usual Ordinary Time liturgies and it is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Cross, which is used as a symbol of salvation, is usually venerated on Good Friday. Today, we are called to look to the cross as a sign of hope. Jesus tells us to pick up our crosses and follow him and even though those 'crosses' may be a bit difficult, we are reminded that there is always victory in the end. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus bless us to persevere in all our trials and tribulations so that we may reach that point of victory.

Parish Notices for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

1. Our annual fund raising barbeque is on Saturday 27^th September is just two weeks away. Tickets are still available. Persons wishing to make a contribution to purchase a case of chicken or other ingredients can check with Deacon Jeffrey. We are still accepting contributions.
2. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – RCIA. We meet every Friday @ 6.30pm in the Parish Hall. This program is open to all persons -17years & over - who would like to complete their Christian Initiation (First Communion and Confirmation) or persons (non-Catholics or non-Christians) desirous of being baptized or received in the Catholic Church.  As Jesus says “Come, & See” as we journey to Easter 2015.
3. Saturday 27^th September is the last day for registration for the new confirmation program. Registration will be from 8.30am to 10.30am in the Parish Hall. Please bring a copy of the child’s birth and baptismal certificate along with a passport size photo when registering. 
4. IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY WORSHIP. The second in our series of Synod events seeking to Regenerating the Moral & Spiritual Values of our Society. Mr. Peter Timothy and his family will be presenting on this topic tomorrow (today) Sunday 14^th Sept @ 4pm in the Church. 
5. The 7-Week Pre-Marriage preparation classes started last Wednesday. Registration closes this Wednesday (17^th Sept.) after which no new participants will be accepted. 
6. Laventille Marian Devotions is this Sunday.  The Maxi leaves at 1.15 pm. There are a few seats left on the maxi and interested persons can leave their name in the book at the Sacristy.  Cost is $25. The final Laventille Devotion will be on October 12th. 
7. Reminder to all Catechists to register for the Virtus Programme. Registration can be completed either online or through the parish office. All catechists, involved in First Communion, Confirmation, RCIA and Children's Liturgy are kindly asked to be a part of this program.

Blessings to ALL our parishioners this week! 

Our Lady's Birthday

Today, we celebrate the Birthday of our Blessed Mother, Mary. Let us ask her to continue to blaze the trail for us which leads to her Son and our King, Jesus Christ. Happy Birthday Blessed Mother!