Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church & School

Sunday August 14, 2016– Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Address 708 First Street, South Birmingham, AL 35205

Contact Information Rectory: (205) 322-1205

Fax: (205) 714-5056 School: (205) 251-8395

Email: olf@josephite.com Website: olfbirmingham.org

Sacraments Baptism: Parents desiring Baptism for their children are encouraged to contact the Rectory to arrange for the required preparation class for parents and Godparents Funeral: Please contact the Rectory for Funeral Arrangements. Funerals are not permitted on Sundays or Holy Days of Obligation. Anointing of the Sick: If you or a family member is Sick or Shut-in, please inform the Rectory so that we may arrange to bring the Sacraments to your home, hospital or nursing home. Marriage: For Marriage Arrangements, please contact the Rectory at least 6 months before intended marriage date. Confessions: 30 minutes before weekend Masses or by appointment.

Mass Schedule Weekends Saturday Vigil 6:00 P.M. Sunday 7:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Weekdays Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00 A.M. Thursday 9:00 A.M. (School Mass) Holy Days of Obligation: As announced Eucharistic Adoration: 1st Monday of the month 6-7 P.M.

Parish Ministries Parish Council

Valerie Johnson (205) 856-4662

Finance Council Melanie McNary (205) 908-4885

Eucharistic Ministers Bertha Randall (205) 202-5143

Lectors Melanie McNary (205) 908-4885

CCD Theresa Nalls (205)798-3123

Altar Servers Greta Chapman (205) 902-0429

Ushers Keith Boykin (205) 222-2011

Music Ministry Erma Hinton (205) 620-0787 Ruby Moore (205) 821-2370

Tanisha Jones

Grounds & Maintenance Garry Cauthen (205) 901-9792

Church Membership There are levels of Church

Membership. Anyone living within the boundaries of our Parish for at least 6 months is

automatically a member. Those who live inside or outside our

boundaries and choose to “register” are members.

“Contributing members” are those who choose to use the

envelopes on a regular basis and are entitled to regular financial

reports from the Rectory.

Parish Ministries Season Stars {Seniors Club} Constance Smith (205) 591-4087

Bereavement Lenora Bolling (205) 251-3903

Bettye Kelly (205) 942-2576

Ladies Sodality Juanita Harris (205) 856-0515

Photographer George Mauldin, Sr. (205) 566-3349

Bible Study Doug Coutee (Men) to (205) 352-3533 Susan Nolan (Women) (205) 541-7277

Knights of Peter Claver John Bolling

KPC Ladies Auxiliaries Lenora Bolling

RCIA Rev. Mr. Douglass Moorer

Liturgical Dance Louise Purdue (205) 821-4362

Pastor Father Godwin Ani, SSJ

Deacon Rev. Mr. Douglass Moorer, (205) 427-7885

Principal Mr. Al Logan, (205) 251-8395

Mission Statement

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church & School is committed to proclaiming our belief in the

Message and Mission of Jesus Christ. Also, the members are committed to sharing our time, talent,

and treasure through Sacramental, Educational and Pastoral ministry, Service to those in need and

working for Social Justice.

Do you want to be on fire for God? Jesus shocked his disciples when he declared that he would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here? The fire of God's purifying love and cleansing word The image of fire in biblical times was often associated with God and with his action in the world and in the lives of his people. God sometimes manifested his presence by use of fire, such as God's revelation to Moses through the burning bush in the wilderness which was not consumed by the flames. God assured the Hebrew people of his continual presence, guidance, and protection for them through the wilderness for forty years with the pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. The prophet

Elijah called down fire from heaven to reveal God's presence and power and to purify the people of false idols. The image of fire was also used as a sign of God's glory and holiness, his protective presence, and his righteous judgment and holy wrath against sin. Fire is also a sign and symbol of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist said that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples at Pentecost "tongues of fire" appeared above their heads. We can see from both the Old and New Testament Scriptures that God's fire purifies and cleanses to make us clean (sins washed away) and holy (fit to offer him acceptable praise and worship), and it inspires a reverent fear (awe in God's presence) and respect (obeying and giving God his due) for God and for his holy word. Loyalty unites - division separates Why did Jesus link fire from heaven with costly division on the earth? Did he expect his followers to take his statement of "father against son and son against father" and "mother against daughter and daughter against mother" literally? Or was he intentionally using a figure of speech to emphasize the choice and cost of following him above all else? Jesus used a typical Hebrew hyperbole to drive home an important lesson. We often do the same when we want to emphasize something very strongly. Jesus' hyperbole, however, did contain a real warning that the Gospel message does have serious consequences for our lives. When Jesus spoke about division within families he likely had in mind the prophecy of Micah: a man's enemies are the men of his own household. The essence of Christianity is loyalty to Jesus Christ - the Son of God and Savior of the world - a loyalty that takes precedence over every other relationship. The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship (or anything else) above God is a form of idolatry. Who do you love first and foremost? Jesus challenges his disciples to examine who they love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for Jesus Christ. Jesus insists that his disciples give him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus Christ compel you to put God first in all you do? The Gospel message is good news for those who seek pardon, peace, and the abundant life which God offers us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus offers true freedom to those who believe in him - freedom from slavery to sin, Satan, and the oppressive forces of hatred and evil that can destroy body, mind, and spirit. Do you listen to the voice of your Savior and trust in his word? Commit your ways to him, obey his word, and you will find true peace, joy, and happiness in the Lord your God.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stewardship Update

Thank you for your generous offerings! “For where your treasure is, there also will your

heart be.” -Matthew 6:21

Serving This Week August 13th & 14th Saturday 6:00 P.M. Lectors: Dawn Patterson, Brent Patterson Eucharistic Ministers: Minnie W hite, Pat Sim pson Sunday 7:00 A.M. Lectors: Beverly Beacham, Delores Germany Eucharistic Ministers: Lela Flood, Alice Ramsey Sunday 11:00 A.M. Lectors: Iris W illiams, Deborah Poe Eucharistic Ministers: Adrian Polk , Tyrone W ebb, Veronica Boykin, Andria Caldwell

Serving Next Week August 20th & 21st Saturday 6:00 P.M. Lectors: Rafael Brathwaite, Natalie Brown Eucharistic Ministers: Fani Hasberry, Patricia Ross Sunday 7:00 A.M. Lectors: Lewis Burks, Brantley Jones Eucharistic Ministers: Roderick & Phyllis Palm er Sunday 11:00 A.M. –Youth Sunday Lectors: Paige Abbott, M organ M auldin Eucharistic Ministers: Denise Bell, Ethel W hite, Rosalind Crowder, Victoria Jackson Welcome & Announcements: Nefertari Brown

Daily Readings for the Week Monday: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab I Corinthians 15:20-27 Luke 1:39-56 Tuesday: Ezekiel 28:1-10 Matthew 19:23-30 Wednesday: Ezekiel 34:1-11 Matthew 20:1-16 Thursday: Ezekiel 36:23-28 Matthew 22:1-14 Friday: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Matthew 22:34-40

Flowers donated by:

~Melanie Taylor-McNary & Blair McNary~

In Loving Memory of : ~Maria Taylor-

Happy Birthday Mom! Rest in Heaven!

Prayers for Sick & Shut-In Lenora Bolling Gwendolyn Brooks, James Collins,

Fannette Kennedy, Darron Hunter, Anthony Johnson, Charles McCord, Lucille Meeks,

Marie Purnell, Leroy Willis, Rebecca Owens, Katherine Willis, Naulbert Nolan, Bonnie Lee

**If you know of anyone who is very ill and confined (at home, in a nursing home or in the hospital), please contact Father Ani at the Rectory or someone who serves with the

Pastoral Care to the Sick Ministry

You are remembered in our prayers!

Birthdays for August Patricia Anderson 8/9 Jocelyn Bayles 8/20 Keith Boykin 8/26

Aletha Brathwaite 8/20 Carolyn Brown 8/8 Melvin Brown 8/10

Lewis Burks 8/30 Brandon Cleveland 8/8 Jared Danks 8/30 Katherine Danks 8/6

Charles Dorsey 8/19 Travaris Ephraim 8/23 Susan Ford 8/9 Shelia Glover 8/2 Shakir Hasan 8/26 Olivia Hill 8/30

Cassandra Hunter 8/24 Lanettia Johnson 8/25 Constance Jones 8/12 Joseph Juzang 8/4

Bonnie Lee 8/18 Claudette Lewis 8/4 Melanie McNary 8/10 DeAndrea Minard 8/13

Joanna Prewitt 8/15 Theta Rollins 8/23 Craig Samuel, Jr. 8/28 John Simpson 8/3

Deborah Stennett 8/25

Anniversaries for August

Michael & Denise Bell married on August 24th Wilbur & Dolores Johnson married on August 31st Willie & Carmen McCall married on August 25th

Darrell & Sybil Sims married on August 2nd Sammy & Deborah Woods married on August 1st *Birthday, and anniversary greetings are extended to

all parishioners who are celebrating this month. (Dates for both celebrations are generated from the parish

registration forms).

Test Your Memory In a parable, Jesus likens the kingdom of heaven to treasure hidden in a field. When someone finds it, what does he do? A. Takes the treasure and keeps it for himself B. Buries it again, then sells all his possessions in order to buy the field C. Approaches the owner of the field, offering to buy the treasure D. Takes the treasure, sells it and gives the money to the poor

OLF, get ready for our Youth Day "take over" on Sunday, August 21st at 11:00 A.M. In preparation for OLF's Youth Sunday, the Children's Ministry will be ordering T-shirts for all of our children/youth to wear on that Sunday. Parents are asked to donate $8.50 per ordered t-shirt. Don't have a child.....not a problem...adult size t-shirts are also available for purchase!!!! This year's t-shirt reads "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" and we are believing that OLF will show our strength in numbers by supporting the Children's Ministry.

The Children's Ministry and Family Life Committee have partnered together to plan a Family Fun Day at the Birmingham Barons Baseball game on Sunday, August 21, 2016. We understand that the cost associated with the purchase of the youth t-shirts as well as tickets for the game may impose an unforeseen burden on some parents. We are asking our church family to prayerfully consider sponsoring a child in

need. If you are willing to sponsor a child or are in need of sponsorship please contact San Robinson at 205-382-5000. Parish Council Updates & Information

Please join the Parish Council in supporting newly appointed leaders of our church ministries! Children's Committee - Kassander Robinson Youth Group - Frederic Bolling Young Adults - Michael Bell, Jr. Liturgy - Clara Parnell Education/Faith Formation - Andria Hurst Family Life/Social Concerns- Velda Gilyot Building/Maintenance - Garry Cauthen 7:00 Mass Reps: Liz Arrington & Pauline Murphy

Thank you for your willingness to serve!! General Announcements Parents, now is the time to register your child(ren) for their CCD Sunday School Classes. Both First Communion and Confirmation require at least one year preparation. Registration forms (one per child) are located in the rear of the church. Please deliver the completed form to the Church Rectory. For any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Theresa Nalls.

The Holy Family High School Class of 1970 will hold a class reunion luncheon at the Arlington Antebellum House on Saturday, October 22, 2016. The deadline for reservations is September 2, 2016. Other alumni of the school, staff and friends of the class of '70 are welcome and encouraged to attend. Please contact Cheryl Townsend Smith (205) 322-8603 or Delmarsha Parker Knight (205) 923-1345 for more details.

New program to help free people from PAYDAY Loan traps The “lightenup” program through Gateway and Alabama Central Credit Union, is designed to help free people from payday lending traps, erase debt and put them on a path to long-term financial success. Call 205-251-1572 Monday – Friday from 8:00 – 5:00 to schedule an appointment. AARP – CAREversations: FREE FAMILY CARGIVER EVENTS Connect with other family caregivers and enjoy complimentary food and drinks and learn how to build a caregiver support network, tips to care for yourself, and where to find local resources. Seats are limited to the first 40 RSVPs- Dates are August 13th, August 20th and August 23rd. Call 1-800-278-1045 or register online at: www.aarp.cvent.com/aarpcareversationsbirmingham