St. Philip Neri Oratorio presents the Last Comic Standing, May 2: The Oratorio is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Last Comic Standing Night.  This fun comedy night is an opportunity for all funny people to present their best lines in front of an audience that will be kind!!  Along with the great comedy, food and babysitting will be provided.  The night begins at 7:00 in the Parish Narthex.  Questions, email us at oratorio@smgonline.org .

MOTHER/DAUGHTER RETREAT

The Confraternity of Christian Mothers is hosting a retreat for all women and daughters. Sisters from the surrounding area will be speaking on various topics including virtues and vocations. The retreat is on May 10th at 9 am in the Parish Hall. Come enjoy a light lunch and a special morning with your daughter. The cost is $7.00 per person or $25.00 a family. Registrations forms are available in the Church Narthex and in the Parish Office. The RSVP date is May 2.

WHY WE SING

An excerpt from the new US Bishops' document Sing to the Lord: WHY WE SING.

1. God has bestowed upon his people the gift of song. God dwells within each human person, in the place where music takes its source. Indeed, God, the giver of song, is present whenever his people sing his praises. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy” (1 Cor 3:16-17).

2. A cry from deep within our being, music is a way for God to lead us to the realm of higher things. As St. Augustine says, “Singing is for the one who loves.” Music is therefore a sign of God’s love for us and of our love for him. In this sense, it is very personal. But unless music sounds, it is not music, and whenever it sounds, it is accessible to others. By its very nature song has both an individual and a communal dimension. Thus, it is no wonder that singing together in church expresses so well the sacramental presence of God to his people.

3. Our ancestors reveled in this gift, sometimes with God’s urging. “Write out this song, then, for yourselves,” God said to Moses. “Teach it to the Israelites and have them recite it, so that this song may be a witness for me.” Dt 31:19 The Chosen People, after they passed through the Red Sea, sang as one to the Lord. Ex 15:1-18, 21 Deborah, a judge of Israel, sang to the Lord with Barak after God gave them victory. Jgs 4:4-5:31 David and the Israelites “made merry before the Lord with all their strength, with singing and with citharas, harps, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.” 2 Sm 6:5

ITALY 2008 MEETING

There will be a meeting for all those going on the youth pilgrimage to Italy this June, on Monday, May 12th, at 7pm in the St. Augustine room. Please bring your passports to the meeting. Grazie!

Temple Knights Invitation

To all high school teens (and any 8th grade boys graduating in 2008), you are cordially invited to attend an upcoming information session regarding the Temple Knights of the Holy Eucharist on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 6:15 pm in the main Church (please note new time).    The Temple Knights are a fraternal order of young men who serve at special masses such as solemnities and other important events.   The Knights live by code of honor, are self governing, perform service projects, and enjoy various social activities.  If you are interested in joining this important ministry in the Church, please come to the information session.  If you plan to attend the session, please contact Deacon Steve Miller at 445.1706 or Nick Meguschar, Master Knight, at 217-9308 to RSVP. 

This week's Marriage Builder

Honor Your Commitment. Do you want to know how to honor your commitment to your spouse?  Start the habit of having a daily shared prayer time.  It will keep you focused on the role that God plays in your marriage and it will help to keep the lines of communication open!

FOURTEEN FLOWERS OF PARDON

EWTN Global Showcase. This engaging docudrama takes an in-depth look at the life of Maria Goretti, the youngest canonized saint in the history of the Church. She gave up her life defending her purity and eventually converted her assailant, offering him a pardon in a heavenly vision. Airs May 3 at 8PM, May 4 at 2 AM & May 8 at 1PM. (60Mins)

HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

“Holiness starts in the home…” Join us May 17-18 for the Annual Indiana Holy Family Catholic Conference in Kokomo, IN. Inspirational entertainment, a host of renowned speakers, uplifting worship services...all designed to bring you a deeper understanding of the One True Faith. Programs for children, teens, and adults, For more information and registration, go to www.holyfamilyconference.org or call 765-452-6021.