Who would have thought July would be packed with so much summer excitement for parishioners. See this sampling of what is happening at St. Alphonsus as well as in the deanery and diocese. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom ... for some new events making their summer debut as well as links to popular event calendars for even more activities.
Habitat for Humanity projects - month of July
Parishioners are jumping on board to help three families in Boone county. You can help volunteer to build homes for families in need, serve meals to those building or give a gift toward the projects through a second collection that will take place at Masses the weekend of July 21 and 22. Visit ZionsvilleCatholic.com/habitat to learn more about these projects and to sign up to help volunteer.
Pilgrimage Information Meetings - Sunday, July 1 & 8 at 11:45 a.m. in the day chapel
Father Roberts is planning an exciting parish pilgrimage to Spain and Portugal in the summer of 2013. This remarkable experience will take pilgrims along the English path to Santiago de Compostela - a five day journey by foot to the ancient shrine of the relics of the Apostle James. Learn more about this trip
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Rosary - Wednesdays following the 7:10 p.m. Mass
Led by the Knights of Columbus, this community rosary is prayed following Mass in the day chapel. Celebrate Mass and pray the rosary midweek as a summer family activity, or throughout the year!
Independence Day - Wednesday, July 4
A day to celebrate the U.S.A and the freedoms we as Americans are grateful to have. This fourth of July also marked the conclusion of the "Fortnight for Freedom" campaign created by the USCCB. Even though the campaign has finished, remember to keep praying for religious freedom for all.
First Friday Adoration - Friday, July 6 at 9:30 a.m. to Saturday, July 7 at 7:30 a.m.
Spend time with Jesus in the Day Chapel during this period for Eucharistic Adoration. This is a wonderful opportunity to offer your prayers and petitions whether individually or as a family. If you'd like to commit to a half hour of keeping watch with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, please use the signup sheet in the narthex. Learn more about this ministry
Bible Study Group - Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in St. Brigid room
Looking for some summer reading? How about taking a deeper look at Scripture and sharing stories from the Bible with fellow parishioners and friends. This Monday group offers a great way to begin your week with the Word of God. Swing by and spend an hour with Scripture and friends. Bibles are even available if you happen to forget your own.
Embrace Life Committee - Tuesday, July 10 at 7 p.m. in the cry room in church
The Embrace Life Committee meets monthly to plan family-friendly activities as a way to promote the dignity of all human life. Feel free to join them at their next gathering in the cry room inside the church to learn what new activities are being planned for parish families.
Summer Dayz Service Trip - Tuesday, July 10 through Thursday, July 12 at Guerin Catholic H.S.
Middle school youth from the youth ministry program at St. Alphonsus are offering their time to serve others throughout the central Indiana area. Summer Dayz brings Catholic youth together to venture out on different community service projects and have fun while making friends and celebrating Mass. Pray for our youth, that they may see Christ in each person they serve during this experience.
Outreach Committee - Tuesday, July 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. in St. Robert room
The parish Outreach Committee has been helping our St. Alphonsus family make a positive and loving difference in the lives of others throughout our community and even overseas. Email [email protected] to learn more about being a part of their exciting team.
Knights of Columbus Officer Induction - Wednesday, July 11 from 8 p.m. in St. Robert room
The Knights of Columbus are inducting new officers to help lead their ministry into another year of serving. The Knights' organization is an exceptional opportunity for Catholic men to grow in faith, make a difference in the lives of others, promote the Catholic Church and make lifelong companionships with others. Learn more about the Knights by visiting their website www.stalkofc.com.
Theology O' Tap - Thursdays, beginning July 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Claddagh Irish Pub (96th Street)
As part of a young adult speaker series, Theology O’ Tap (TOT) will be offering informative presentations on the Catholic faith by inspiring speakers throughout central Indiana. If you're between the ages of 18-35, join others from across the deanery for food n’ drink specials beginning at 6:30 p.m. and presentations at 7 p.m. Learn about TOT events at ZionsvilleCatholic.com/tot.
Frassati Conference: Freedom - Saturday, July 21 to Sunday, July 22 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Another deanery event for young adults is the annual Frassati conference. This year's theme focuses on religious freedom and other topics that can be found in current news while elections approach. Learn what the Catholic Church teaches, celebrate the Sacraments, meet others, and grow in faith during this two day conference for those 18 to 35 years old. Learn more at YoungAndCatholic.org.
You Can Call Me Al 5K - Saturday, July 28 at 8:30 a.m.
With construction underway ... festival activities had to be put on hold until next year. However, the annual "You Can Call Me Al" 5K family race/walk is still a go! Registration is open and includes great family discounts. Other volunteer and even race sponsorships are available for those who would like to help keep this event running each year for our parish and the local Zionsville community. Learn more at ZionsvilleCatholic.com/race.
Hotdogs & Ice Cream Social - Sunday, July 29 following 10:30 a.m. Mass
Members of CRHP ministry apparently love summer so much ... they are spreading their joy with yummy treats! See these volunteers as they greet families before Mass and welcome everyone over to their tent for a little summer celebration afterward! While you're there, ask them why they are so happy to be part of the parish and CRHP ministry. Learn more about CRHP at ZionsvilleCatholic.com/crhp.
Parish Information Night - July 30, 31 or August 2 at 7 p.m.
The diocesan Pastoral Office for Catechesis invites you to learn about fundamental programs offered to teach adults more about the Catholic faith and even prepare them to teach others in parish ministry. Event locations include the Alumni Hall II at St. Francis of Assisi in Muncie on July 30; John Paul II building at St. Mary in Frankfort on July 31 and the music room at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmel on August 2. Learn more about the Pastoral Office of Catechesis at www.dol-in.org.
COFFEE Chat for Parents - Tuesday, July 31 at 9:45 a.m. or 7 p.m. in St. Robert room
The friendly and casual faith formation gathering for adults continues. "COFFEE," Catholics Offering Faithful Friendly Experiences and Examples, presents special book studies with conversational gatherings. Parents are welcome to attend and bring their favorite coffee mug or brewed beverage while building community and growing spiritually.