Mass Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8:00am, 12:10pm

Wednesday 8:00am and 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am and 4:00pm

Sunday 7:00am, 9:00am, 11:00am, 8:00pm

Confessions: Monday 8:30 am, Saturday 3:00 pm, or anytime by appointment

Marriage: Contact the priest at the parish office six months before the wedding date.

Baptisms: Contact the office

A.A. and Al-anon: Meeting Sunday 8:00 pm, Cafeteria

Parish Office: Phone 270-233-4196

www.stmaryofthewoodswhitesville.org

St. Mary School: Phone 270-233-5253

www.stmarywoods.com

Trinity High School: Phone 270-233-5533 www.trinityhs.com

Rectory: 270-233-4529

Horn Community Center: 270-233-5405

St. Mary of the Woods Parish

Mission Statement St. Mary of the Woods is a family of faith, committed to Catholic

values, centered in the Holy Eucharist and dedicated to serving the needs of the universal Church with compassion and care.

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

Easter Greetings!

The Divine Mercy message is one we can call to mind simply by remembering ABC:

A - Ask for His Mercy. God wants us to approach Him in prayer constantly, repenting of our sins and asking Him to pour His mercy out upon us and upon the whole world.

B - Be merciful. God wants us to receive His mercy and let it flow through us to others. He wants us to extend love and forgiveness to others just as He does to us.

C - Completely trust in Jesus. God wants us to know that the graces of His mercy are dependent upon our trust. The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive.

The month of April is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. To believe in the Holy Spirit is to profess that the Holy Spirit is one of the persons of the Holy Trinity, consubstantial with the Father and the Son: "with the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified." (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

The Holy Spirit is the Person of Love in the life of God. He is also like a breath, an aspiration of infinite Love, from which we draw the breath of life. On the day of Pentecost the Divine Spirit communicated such an abundance of life to the whole Church that to symbolize it "there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they (the Apostles) were sitting." But it is also for us that the Holy Spirit has come, for the group in the Cenacle represented the whole Church. The Holy Spirit came to remain with the Church forever. This is the promise of Jesus Himself. He dwells in the Church permanently and unfailingly, performing in it without ceasing His action of life-giving and sanctification. He establishes the Church infallibly in the truth.

When he proclaims and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, Jesus calls him the "Paraclete," literally, "he who is called to one's side," ad-vocatus. "Paraclete" is commonly translated by "consoler," and Jesus is the first consoler. The Lord also called the Holy Spirit "the Spirit of truth." Besides the proper name of "Holy Spirit," which is most frequently used in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Epistles, we also find in St. Paul the titles: the Spirit of the promise, the Spirit of adoption, the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit of the Lord, and the Spirit of God — and, in St. Peter, the Spirit of glory.

Everything depends on the Holy Spirit's operation in us. The more fully we allow ourselves to be drawn and guided by the Holy Spirit, the closer we shall come to Jesus and His mysteries and graces. The Holy Spirit must draw us to every good thought, word and deed. Every act of faith, of hope and of love for God requires the inspiration and help of the Holy Spirit. If our virtues and our deeds are to be truly perfect and worthy of God, they need the special and continual touch of the Holy Spirit. Even though we are endowed with all the supernatural virtues, we still remain mere apprentices in the spiritual life. We know what we must do; and yet lack the virtue and the faculty to perform these things with ease. The Holy Spirit must guide us. He must seize our intellect and our wills and guide us in prayer, in work, in the decisions we have to make, and in the difficulties we encounter every day. He must share with us His manner of seeing, of loving, of thinking, and of working.

Our works and our conduct will be perfect only when the Holy Spirit has taken complete possession of us. Therefore, in addition to the supernatural virtues of faith, hope, charity, justice, fortitude, temperance and wisdom, He gives us also His seven gifts. Thus He equips the tiny boat of our soul with sails upon which He Himself, the Spirit of God, blows. Our progress across the sea of life is then no longer slow and painful. We are propelled and guided by the Spirit. If the Spirit of God breathes upon the sails of our boat, then our journey will be a happy one. Then through the work and the help of the Holy Spirit, who lives in our soul, we shall come to the Father.

The litany of Thanksgiving continues: Hats off to those who assisted with snow removal this winter- The Beyke families, the Nash families, Billy Brey, and Randall Hamilton. Hats off to our Art and Environment Committee for a job well done during the seasons of Lent, Holy week, and Easter- Cathy Bland, Kathy Henson, Sharon Boarman, and Barbara Evans. Hats off to David Morris, all our Liturgical ministers, Musicians & Cantors who assisted with ministry during Holy Week. Hats off to Carrie Howard and all our Sponsors who have faithfully served our newly initiated through the RCIA program. Hats off to Carrie Howard, Heather Chubb and all who assisted with serving the parish reception for our newly initiated. Hats off to all who contributed food for the parish reception to welcome our newly initiated- too many to name! God loves a cheerful giver. Thank you for sharing time, talent and treasure. Wishing you new life, new hopes, and new dreams! Fr. Brian J. Roby, Pastor

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Christine Westerfield, Easton Pedley, Ashley Johnson, Lafern Ling, Mary C. Roby, James Evans, Imogene Fitzgerald, Ellen Roby, Dick/Genevieve Boarman, Margaret Beyke, Mary Howard, Dar-lene Dickens, Blaise Mills, Stewart Payne, Augie Cecil, Donna McKinley, Anna Keller, Geri Higdon, Tony/Bernadine Dean, Marcella Schepers, Cindy Ward, David Hamilton, Wilbur Phelps, Jr., Joseph Morris, Janet Aud, Ben Cecil, Brittney Lindsey, Joe P Payne, Roy Allen, Laken Tucker, Ruth Anderson, Stephanie Mattingly, Lou Boarman, Charles Aud, Dorothy Barnard, Denise Wilson, Mary Jane Whittaker, Karen Logsdon, Bonnie Glenn, Arthur Clark, Charles D Payne, Emma Burch Parker, Garnett Beatty, Nash Hamilton, Florence Brown, Brandon Church, Wayne Knott, Jacob Russelburg, Jeff Hardesty, Michael Nugent, Betty L Thompson, Larry Shouse, Keaton Barnes, Sheri Clark, Margaret Aud, Mike Barnard, Tammy Velcher, Betty Mayfield Clark, Lisa Mayfield, Minnie Clark, Tammy Hamilton, Donna Moore, Robert/Mary Jo Haynes, Denny Joe Howe, Lisa Case

ALTAR CARE APR: Gwen Howard, Doris Rhodes, Marla Smith Altar Society Dues: are now due! Please place your dues in the collection basket at-tention to Veda Mattingly or Debbie Aud

APR 8 - 15 READINGS

ST MARY OF THE WOODS CATHOLIC CHURCH 10534 Main Cross Street, Whitesville, KY 42378

Phone 1-270-233-4196 Fax 1-270-233-5557 Catholic Radio WJOR 95.5 Find us on Facebook at St Mary of the Woods Catholic Church

Online Giving - go to www.stmaryofthewoodswhitesville.org & click Online Giving

To put a Prayer Request On the Parish Telephone Prayer Line

Call one of the following:

Norma Kaelin 270-315-8642 Alice Howard 270-233-5941, 270-314-7675 Katie Christian 270-233-5081

FLOWER MEMORIAL Anyone wishing to put flowers in the front of the altar in Honor or In Memory of someone the following dates are available: 2018: July 28-29, Aug 4-5, Dec 15-16; 2019: Jan 12-13, 26-27, Feb 2-3, 16-17, 23-24. Cost $50. Call Deb-bie at the Parish Office to schedule 233-4196.

Bulletin Sponsor of the Week

Hagan Farms Whitesville, KY

Corn - Popcorn - Soybeans - Tobacco 270-313-2976

Sun: Acts 4:32-35 Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 Jn 5:1-6 Jn 20:19-31

Mon: Is 7:10-14; 8:10 Ps 40:7-11 Heb 10:4-10 Lk 1:26-38

Tue: Acts 4:32-37 Ps 93:1-2, 5 Jn 3:7b-15

Wed: Acts 5:17-26 Ps 34:2-9 Jn 3:16-21

Thur: Acts 5:27-33 Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20 Jn 3:31-36

Fri: Acts 5:34-42 Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 Jn 6:1-15

Sat: Acts 6:1-7 Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 Jn 6:16-21

Sun: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 Ps 4:2, 4, 7-9 Jn 2:1-5a Lk 24:35-48

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Mark your calendars to join Bishop Medley in pray-er on Monday, April 23 at 6 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Hopkinsville. Please pray for protec-tion and healing for all impacted by child abuse.

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

MINISTER’S SCHEDULE

4:00PM SATURDAY - APR 14 LECTORS: Delilah Higdon/Emily Payne SERVERS: Colby Haynes/Gracie Millay/Dalton Millay MUSICIANS: Connie USHERS: Al Howard - Captain/Heather & Henry Chubb/Bobby Howard/Dustin Merritt/Brian Rhodes EUCH MIN: Mark & Donna Dorth/Mary Linda Kreisle/Ralph & Rose Bemboom

7:00 AM SUNDAY - APR 15 LECTORS: Sam Coomes/Randall Howard SERVERS: Aaron Howard/Toby Cox/Sabrina Ward MUSICIANS: David USHERS: Phil Beyke - Captain/Michael Knott/ Nathan & Colby Mills/Taylor Gregory/ Donnie Ward EUCH MIN: Kim Howard/Melanie Beyke/Sandy Merritt/Alice Howard/Bruce Hagan

9:00 AM SUNDAY - APR 15 LECTORS: Paul Howard/Natalie Gray SERVERS: Joseph Hatfield/Noah Gray/Will Jenkins MUSICIANS: David USHERS: Kenny Mills - Captain/Chuck Hardesty/James Jarboe/Caleb Mills/Bert Payne EUCH MIN: Stacey Fulkerson/Tammy Hagan/ Teresa Smith/Tommy & Vickey Fulkerson

11:00 AM SUNDAY - APR 15 LECTORS: Jamie Clark/Bob Cinnamond SERVERS: Ashton Ward/Blake McBrayer/Jake Nash MUSICIANS: Laura & Choir USHERS: Allen Bickett - Captain/Pat Hardesty/ Mike & Leland Isbill/Bruce Roberts EUCH MIN: Susan Driskill/Martha Crabtree/ Peggy Clark/Rachel Crabtree/Robert Payne

8:00 PM SUNDAY - APR 15 LECTORS: Volunteers SERVERS: Volunteers MUSICIANS: Alicia Jones USHERS: Volunteers EUCH MIN: Volunteers

CHILDREN’S LITURGY SCHEDULE APRIL 14-15

4PM - Alice Johnson/Theresa Bickett 9AM - Sonya Beyke/Brittney Brasher 11AM - Regina Jarboe/Laura Castlen

St Mary’s Prayer Bible Study Group

7-8:30PM Wednesdays St Mary’s Cafeteria Studying Corinthians - Singing -

Praying Sharing Together

Want to participate in Perpetual Adoration Overall Coordinator Majella Mills 233-5481

Quarterly Division Leaders: Sandy Merritt 233-4009 Midnight —6AM

Hope Brey 314-1638 6AM—Noon Sharon Boarman 233-9697 Noon—6PM

Dottie Pogue 233-4943 6PM—Midnight

Here are some hours that need adorers. Please prayerfully consider spending 1 hour with “Him” in adoration.

Mon 3am, Tues 1am, Sat 7pm

WEEKLY MASS SCHEDULE

7 Sat 8:00am 4:00pm

L/D Bud & Margaret Aud Family †Charles Hamilton

8 Sun 7:00am 9:00am 11:00am 8:00pm

L/D Caroline Goetz Family Gerald & Cindy Mattingly 35th Wedding Anniversary L/D Orville & Goldie Howard Family †Nora Edge

9 Mon 8:00am 12:10pm

†Porter Rogers †Rose Catherine Hardesty

10 Tues 8:00am 12:10pm

†Pauline Aud †Kim Higdon Payne

11 Wed 8:00am 6:00pm

L/D J W & Maud Aud Family †Kenneth Cole

12 Thurs 8:00am 12:10pm

†Barbara Morris †Doe Hamilton

14 Sat 8:00am 4:00pm

†Patsy Phelps †Nannie Mae Aull

15 Sun 7:00am 9:00am 11:00am 8:00pm

†Pauline Aud Becca Doyle L/D Butch Edge Family †Florence Roby

13 Fri 8:00am 12:10pm

†M C & †Barbara Roberts †Lee Ann Schrecker

Minutes 2-26-18 Meeting

Present: Fr. Brian Roby, Chris Coomes, Tim Edge, Jessica Morris, Sheila Nash, Tara O’Bryan, Terra Knight, Mark Dorth, Emily Payne, Chad Mills, Lane Rhodes.

I. Opening Prayer

II. Review of Minutes

III. Old Business a. St. Mary of the Woods School Endowment:

The endowment committee met in November to discuss the plan for an endowment for St. Mary of the Woods School. The committee reviewed the bylaws and discussed getting some information regarding managing it with the Catholic Foundation of Western KY within the Diocese of Owensboro. More specific information on the Foundation will be provided by the Diocese and presented to the endowment committee for its consideration. The endowment committee will meet again to further discuss the plan for the endowment and possible changes that need to be made to update the bylaws.

b. Conclusion of Long Range Plan: The council discussed where we are in our long-range plan created in 2013. There was a discussion of creating and sharing a summary of where we are on our long-range plan with the parish, and what will be our next steps.

IV. New Business a. Stained Glass Window Restoration

Father Brian shared with the council that in two years the parish will celebrate their 175th anniversary and the planning for this has already begun. The stained glass windows currently in St. Mary of the Woods Church are from the old church building. Due to age, some of the windows have begun to deteriorate. The building and grounds committee contacted Mominee Studios, INC. to restore the stained glass windows. This company is highly recommended. The council came to the consensus in favor of the restoration of the stained glass, and the council discussed options for the funding of the restoration.

b. Trinity High School update: Father Brian provided an update on things taking place in Trinity High School and the new security system being installed in both schools.

V. Committee Reports a. Stewardship- Lane Rhodes reported on the plan created by the stewardship committee. The plan is to

grow our stewardship throughout the whole year. b. Finance- Chris Coomes reported that the finance committee followed up on several

ongoing things, and that the finance committee is happy with the way the current finances look. c. Worship and Spiritual Life- Mark Dorth shared a report from the committee. The parish retreat was a

success. There has been positive feedback on the Stations being moved to an earlier time slot, the music during advent, and several other changes that have been made in the Parish.

d. Family and Social Life- Tim Edge shared information on the Cultural fest coming up on March 17th. e. Education/Formation- Emily Payne shared information from Catholic Schools week and its success.

Both schools received positive accreditation. The information about accreditation is going to be shared with the Parish. The attendance for the Youth group has been around 25. We have 8 people joining the Catholic Church. Information about Vacation Bible School was also discussed.

f. Outreach- Sheila Nash shared that donations have been wonderful for Bottles for Birthright, Pitino Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul and several other charities that our parish gives to.

g. Building and Grounds- Chris Coomes shared the roofs on St. Mary of the Woods school, Trinity, and the Rectory will all be replaced due to weather damage. The roof on the old Trinity gym is in need of replacement and bids are currently being gathered. He also provided the council with a bid from Mominee Studios, INC. for the stained glass window restoration.

VIII. Closing Prayer

Next Meeting: 03/26/18

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

St. Mary of the Woods School and Trinity High School

Calendar of Events 4/9 – Baseball vs McLean Co. @ Edmonson Co – 7:30 p.m. (THS) 4/9 – Softball vs. McLean Co. – 5:30 p.m. (THS) 4/10 – Softball vs. Butler Co. – Home – 5:30 p.m. (THS) 4/12 – Softball vs. Ohio Co. – Home – 5:30 p.m. (THS) 4/12 – Baseball @ Cannelton (SMWS) 4/13 – Softball vs. Edmonson Co. – Home – 6:00 p.m. (THS) 4/14 – Baseball @ Butler Co. – 2:30 p.m. (THS)

SCRIP Hours The Scrip office will be open on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The weekend hours are Saturday following the 4:00 p.m. Mass and on Sunday following the 7:00 a.m. Mass until 11:00 a.m. Please know that if you plan to send your child to St. Mary of the Woods School you can begin to bank your Scrip now.

OUR SCHOOL HAPPENINGS I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Spring Break! In case you have not heard, we have a new team, the Trinity Archery Team! At their first outing at Yellow Creek Park a few weeks ago, they placed third out of six teams. Way to go! We had two teams compete in the ele-mentary volleyball league hosted by Trinity High School Volleyball. The team coached by Carrie Mills and Kim Hall went undefeated and won the championship. The team included Hope Boarman, Caroline Hall, Raylee Higdon, Audrey Jackson, Haylea Lehecka, Emily McDaniel, Addison Millay, and Olivia Ward. Congratulations girls, we are so proud of you! Pre-registration began on March 1, 2018. If you are thinking about sending your child to St. Mary of the Woods School and/or Trinity High School and would like to tour the school, please call the school office to make arrangements. We would love to show you our schools! Also, if you need tuition assistance please apply, the deadline is approaching! God Bless You All, Emily Hernandez Principal Emily.hernandez@stmarywoods.com

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

St. Mary’s Offers Online Giving With Online Giving you have one less thing to remember!

♦ Online Giving requires no special knowledge other than how to access the internet. ♦ Easy for you since, once you determine the amount, funds are automatically transferred to the Parish bank

account. ♦ Make changes to the amount anytime. ♦ Use your checking or savings account. ♦ Online Giving helps you to maintain your giving even when you’re out of town. ♦ It helps the Parish to streamline our cash flow.

How do I sign up for Online Giving? Go to www.stmaryofthewoodswhitesville.org and complete the online registration form. Select the donations and the amount you would like to donate along with your checking or savings account information.

PLEASE NOMINATE A 2018 SOPHIA AWARD RECIPIENT!

Do you know of someone in your parish that lives a life of stewardship (giving of time, talent and treasure)? We would love to honor her/him with a Sophia Award!

Who is eligible? Anyone sixty-five or older who has not previously received a Sophia Award is eligible for nomination (lay person – individual or married couple, member of a religious community or an ordained deacon or priest). A person can be nominated on past outstanding contributions (living or deceased) and can be homebound.

I/We Nominate:___________________________________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip, Phone #:____________________________________________________________________________

Parish:___________________________________________________________________________________________

I/We believe this person should receive the Sophia Award because: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________________

Please submit this form by July 16, 2018 by mail to: Cathy Hagan, McRaith Catholic Center, 600 Locust Street, Owensboro, KY 42301-2130; or e-mail to: cathy.hagan@pastoral.org; or submit on our website at: www.owensborodiocese.org/sophia.

The person receiving the most nominations from their parish will receive the Award from Bishop Medley on Sunday, September 9th at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Stephen Cathedral. A reception will follow in the Father Vaughan Community Center (formerly known as the Undercroft).

Thank you for helping us to express our gratitude to those who have served faithfully in our parishes throughout the Diocese of Owensboro.

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

Please pray for our American Men & Women who serve our country in all parts of the world. Keep them safe O Lord & bring them home soon. Casey Brey, Tony Burch, Greg Roby, David Stiff, Ad-am Roberts, Scott Connor, Michelle Roberts, Jody Roberts, Heath Conder, James S. Hunt, Phillip Mills, Todd Jump, Michael Bickwermert, Jacob Mills, Vanessa Clark, Eric Bales, Robbylyn Sanchez, Emily Merritt.

St Mary of the Woods Weddings 2018

April 28 - Barry Howard & Sara Burns 1 PM

May 5 - John Kirkpatrick & Tara O’Bryan 6PM

June 9 - Brandon McMichael & Samantha Coomes 6PM

September 8 - Patrick Tierney & McKallen Boarman 6PM

September 22 - Marcus Payne & Ashley Greenwell 6PM

October 13 - Matthew Boehman & Cortney Morris 6PM

PM

October 20 - Matthew Roby & Rebecca Bickett 6PM

Marriage and Family Life The Office of Marriage and Family life is sponsoring a marriage retreat called “Encountering the Gift of Marriage” at Kenlake Resort April 13-14. Retreat master will be Bob Perron, co-founder of Catholic Marriage and Family, Inc. Registration information can be found on their Facebook page @OboroFamilyLife.

Stories of Hope & Healing: Rebuilding After Divorce Tuesday, May 1, 2018 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Owensboro. Attendees will hear short witness stories from panel who have gone through the pain of divorce and the process of healing. Contact Charlotte Hedges to register to attend: charlotte.hedges@pastoral.org or 270-683-1545. The Tribunal Office will hold information ses-sions, as a follow up to the panel discussions, to ad-dress specific questions and issues regarding Declara-tions of Invalidity (Annulments) on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 6:30 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Owensboro.

Gasper River Summer Camp Registration is open to attend summer camp at Gasper River! Camps fill up quickly so visit www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org to get signed up today! Camps available for incoming 3rd graders through young adults. Come and Encounter Jesus Christ this summer!

Walking With Purpose Opening Your Heart: The Starting Point

Will be meeting this week, Thursday, 12, 2018 - 7:00-8:30PM, St Mary’s Parish Hall

Activity Room The Topic for this week is: Lesson 20: What is the

Relevance of Church in My Life?

Sacramental Dates to Remember! First Communion Prayer Night – April 13th from 5:00-8:00 PM with Practice immediately following in the Horn Community Center

Confirmation Retreat at Gasper River April 14th leaving at 7:30 AM from St. Mary of the Woods Parking Lot. First Communion – April 15th at 2 PM in the Horn Community Center Confirmation Practice at 9:00 AM in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday April 21st. Confirmation on Sunday April 22nd at 2:00 PM in the Church.

Owensboro’s Theology on Tap to feature Fr. Richard Powers

On Monday, April 9, from 6-8:30 p.m., Owensboro’s Theology on Tap will host Fr. Richard Powers at Fetta Specialty Pizza on St. Ann Street in downtown Owensboro. The gathering is open to ages 18-39, and all faith traditions are welcome too. To learn more, contact Charlie Hardesty, director of the Dio-cese of Owensboro’s Youth & Young Adult Minis-try, at charlie.hardesty@pastoral.org, or visit Face-book.com/OwensboroYoungAdult.

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

FAITH FORMATION/ YOUTH GROUP

YOUTH GROUP – Sunday April 8th Youth Group – Mega Youth Group – Movie Night – 4:00- 7:00 PM Bring a Snack to Share! In the Horn Community Center Sunday April 29th Youth Group – Grades 7-12 5:00-7:00 PM in the Horn Community Center

RCIA – Tuesday April 10th – 6:30-8:00 PM Tuesday April 17th – 6:30-8:00 PM

PREP – Wednesday April 11th – 6:45-8:00PM - Catechists Meeting at 6:00PM in the Library!

Wednesday April 18th – 6:45-8:00PM - Reconciliation

**Reminder – All students and teachers to enter on the end of the school closest to the Horn Community Center.

We are still needing Adult Leaders for Children’s Liturgy at the 9AM and 11 AM Masses, please consider offering one weekend a month to this wonderful pro-gram! Contact Carrie at the office if you are interested in helping!

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION Today’s reading from the Gospel of John is pro-claimed on the Second Sunday of Easter in each of the lectionary cycles. This fact alone should alert us to the significance of the encounters with the resur-rected Jesus that are described in this reading. This Gospel combines two scenes: Jesus’ appearance to his disciples after his Resurrection and Jesus’ dia-logue with Thomas, the disciple who doubted.

Part of the mystery of Jesus’ Resurrection is that he appeared to his disciples not as a spirit, but in bodily form. We do not know, however, exactly what this form looked like. Earlier in John’s Gospel, when Mary of Magdala first encountered the risen Jesus, she did not recognize him until he spoke to her. In Luke’s Gospel, the disciples walking along the road to Emmaus did not recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. We know from readings such as today’s that in his resurrected form, Jesus was not bound by matter; he appeared to the disciples inside a home even though the door was locked. Yet the disciples could still touch the marks of his Crucifix-ion.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus greets his disciples with the gift of peace. Jesus then commissions his disciples to continue the work that he has begun; as Jesus was sent by God, so Jesus sends his disciples. He gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit so that they will be able to accomplish this task. Jesus’ words to his disciples also highlight the integral connection between the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can share forgiveness and reconciliation with others.

Thomas, the doubting disciple in today’s reading, represents the reality of the Church that comes after this first community of witnesses to Jesus. All but the first disciples of Jesus must believe without see-ing. Like Thomas, we may doubt the news that Je-sus, who was crucified and buried, appeared to his disciples. Our human nature seeks hard evidence that the Jesus who appeared to his disciples after his death is indeed the same Jesus who was crucified. Thomas is given the opportunity to be our repre-sentative in obtaining this evidence. He gives wit-ness to us that the Jesus who was raised is the same Jesus who died. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are among those who are blessed, for we have not seen and yet believe.

Are you ready for some Vacation Bible School Fun!!!

Make your plans now! St Mary’s Vacation Bible School June

25 - 29, 2018! Volunteer Planning Meeting Set for April 20th at 6:00 pm in the Activity Room of the Parish Hall. Volunteers from 6th grade and up are needed!!!!

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

Bulletin Bites “Peace be with you!”

Despite all that Jesus had taught his disciples, all that he had done in their presence, all that he had endured, his death and resurrection, they were hid-ing behind locked doors. They had not lost faith in Jesus, but they we not sure what to believe. When Jesus appeared to his disciples after his Resurrec-tion, he greeted them with his wish for them: “Peace be with you!” And that is what Jesus wants for us. God, in his infinite mercy, reaches out to us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation so we can know true Peace. In the early church the forgiveness of sins occurred in the context of a community of fol-lowers of Jesus Christ. The story of Ananias and his wife is such an event. Today the Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to us in a private encoun-ter with Jesus through a priest who acts in persona Christi. It is an opportunity for us to experience the Divine Mercy of God for us when we fail to be all that He created us to be. When the priest speaks the words of absolution, Jesus is saying to us “Peace be with you.”

ONLINE GIVING Are you interested in Automatic Withdrawal? The secure site for parishioners to create an account is https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/1674. Any ques-tions call Lane at Parish Office 233-4196.

March 19th - 25th Collection…………….1200.00

March 26th - April 1st Collection…………970.00 Building & Grounds………………………...50.00 Special Collections…………………………100.00

BUDGET NEWS BB&T Checking Balance………........…..49,158.79 Weekly Parish Budget Needs…….............20,443.00 Building & Grounds Fund Balance ….…....5,406.19 Cemetery: Checking 9353.68; Savings......80,556.08 Tuition Assistance ………….....…......…..49,511.01 THS Endowment Fund.……........……...739,871.00 Build It Now Collections………...…...1,041,103.28

3/25 Collection…………………………..19,425.88 Buildings & Grounds………………………240.00 Special Collections…………………...…….150.00

4/1 Collection…………………………....20,578.08 Buildings & Grounds……………….….…..148.00 Special Collections………………….…….1363.00

From the Editor

Bulletin announcements must be submitted in writing by 10:00AM on Monday to Debbie at debbie.aud4211@gmail.com. Deadline is firm. Use of graphics/color at discretion of editor. Thank you.

Diocese of Owensboro 2018 YTD Collections Catholic Relief Services………………...…..497.00 Diocesan Good Works……………..…………50.00 Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica…………….863.00 Good Friday - Holy Land……………...……580.00 Opportunities for Life……………………….360.00 Parish Charities…...……………………....…477.00 Rice Bowl………………………………….…10.00 Seminary…………………………………….910.00 Sick and Infirm Priests…………………….1,237.00 The Catholic Home Missions Appeal………...20.00

2nd Sunday of Easter April 8, 2018

St. Mary’s Community Outreach News

Pitino Shelter Apr 21, May 5

Please pray for the sick and shut-ins/persons in nursing homes associated with our parish.

SHUT-INS: Tony/Bernadine Dean, Ellen Roby, Stewart Payne, Donna McKinley, James Cecil, Dick/Genevieve Boarman, Joe P Payne, Marga-ret Aud, Ruth Anderson, Mary Ann Wright, Mary C Roby, Anselm Bickett, Esther Pereira, Joseph Donald Howard, Bill Rhoades

NURSING HOMES: Cecelia Lafern Ling, Joseph Jody Morris, Mary Imogene Fitzgerald, Anna F Keller, Margaret Beyke, Marcella Schepers, Edith Payne, Martha Rose Hagan, Dorothy Higdon, Elizabeth Hamilton, Barbara Sue Morris.

HORN COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS

Fitness Membership Available Contact Janetta Booker, Director, at 270-233-5405 or bookerjanetta58@gmail.com. Cost $10 Month - $20 off if prepay for one year! Gift Certificates Available for Memberships to Horn Fitness Room. Sponsorship: Rooms still available for honoring a loved one at the Horn Community Center. Storage Room $1000, Stage Storage $1000. St Mary’s Gym (Old Gym) is available for rent, contact Janetta for details.

Open Gym April 8th & 22nd Only 4:00-6:00PM all ages

New session of fitness classes began Monday March 19th, 3 times per week: 5:00AM and/or 5:45 PM. Our class instructors, Robbie Merritt

and Ron O’Bryan are great motivators!

We have stadium seats for sale in the concession stand for $45. They have both Trini-

ty and St Mary of the Woods School logos.

Please check out our “Horn Center Facebook Page” for all the latest activities!

Hwy 54, 764 and Whitesville City wide yard sale May 3rd, 4th & 5th We will have booths available to rent at $30 per booth (8’x8’ area with table) inside at St

Mary Gym (Old Gym) for that weekend. Must have at least 10 rentals to proceed.

If you are interested in setting up a booth or table, please contact Janetta Booker at

270-233-5405 or bookerjanetta58@gmail.com

PICNIC NEWS ST. MARY OF THE WOODS PICNIC

SUNDAY MAY 27

PICNIC MEETING Monday, April 16th at 6:30 PM in the Activity Room of the Parish Hall for Stand Managers.

COUNTRY STORE The word is out! “ST.MARY’S HAS ONE OF THE BEST ALL AROUND COUNTRY STORES IN THE AREA!” Let’s keep it go-ing! Help us fill our baskets with the following popular items: towels, kitchen items, baby items, baby quilts, garden décor…..and much more!

If you would like to donate any of the above, please call Sharon @ 270-993-6094

VARIETY STORE/GRAB BAGS We could use any and all small girls and boys toys, games, etc. that would fit inside a grab bag. Please check clearance aisles in your fa-vorite store!!

INFORMATION SHEET: Church name & address: St. Mary of the Woods #604850 10534 Main Cross St. Whitesville, KY 42378 Contact person: Debbie Aud @ 270-233-4196 Software: XP-SP3, MSPub 2003, AA-X Date of publication: Sunday April 8, 2018 Copy turned in Tuesday, April 3rd at 5:00PM Color:

FedEx shipping address: 10534 Main Cross St., Whitesville, KY 42378 Special delivery instructions (if any); FedEx tracking e-mail: debbie.aud4211@gmail.com