Centennial Kickoff

Nearly 100 years ago, the first Catholic priests to serve in this part of East Alabama arrived in Opelika to take up residence at The Pines. That Victorian house, on the corner of 4th Avenue and 10th Street in Opelika is still the rectory for St. Mary’s Church.

On Sunday, September 13, St. Mary’s celebrated a bilingual mass followed by a potluck picnic to kick off the celebration of our first 100 years. The Centennial Celebration will be in full force during 2010 and 2011. Until that time, take a look at the people of St. Mary’s. See those who are “old timers” as well as the children who represent the future of the parish. Parishioners: consider what the community at St. Mary’s has meant in your life. Share the word. Join the celebration.

Photos from the event can be viewed at the St. Mary’s Picasaweb site.

The Year for Priests

Fr. Kane calls our attention to the Year for Priests which begins June 19, 2009 and ends June 19, 2010. Pope Benedict XVI called for the special year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, who was famed for his priestly ministry.

Cardinal Hummes offers his reflections on this Year for Priests at the Independent Catholic News Site.

Priests, just like all other Christians, need the love and support of the community – the church – to succeed in living the call of Christian life. On Thursday evening, June 18, the Prayer ministry will be sponsoring a our of prayer and exposition from 7-8pm in the church to begin this year long celebration. Come and pray with us – for a few minutes, or the entire hour.