BLUE GRASS — St. Andrew Parish is sponsoring a parish mission May 1-5. There will be five evenings of prayer, singing and reflections in response to the preaching of Father Pete Schavitz, C.Ss.R., a Redemptorist priest from St. Louis.
The themes, symbols, topics and goals of the preaching, reflections and renewal during the mission are different each evening:
May 1, 6:30 p.m. — The symbol this night is the Bible, representing God’s communication to all people. The topic is “Salvation: God’s dream for our happiness . . . and our response.” The goal is to deepen Catholics’ acceptance of God’s tremendous love for them.
May 2, 6:30 p.m. — The symbol this night is the crucifix, representing Jesus’ way of life through death. The topic is “Jesus as Savior: Who is Jesus for us?” The goal is to renew personal faith in Jesus as savior.
May 3, 6:30 p.m. — The symbol this night is ashes, representing the risen Jesus, the Lord of light and healing. The topic is sin, reconciliation and healing, living the life of conversion. The goal is to be freed of the burden of sinfulness and of past grudges and pains.
May 4, 6:30 p.m. — The symbol this night is bread, representing Jesus, the bread of life. The topic is the Eucharist, nourishment for the journey through life. The goal is appreciation of the Eucharist and how its grace strengthens Catholics’ witness of faith to others.
May 5, 6:30 p.m. — The symbol this night is the altar, representing Jesus pouring himself out for people. The topic is the mission to go out and share in the work of Jesus Christ and the Church. The goal is to become more aware of the need to proclaim the Good News.
All members of St. Andrew’s and all Christians in the area are invited to attend any or all of the evenings. There will be an opportunity for fellowship each evening after the service, which will last one hour and 15 minutes. Transportation and baby-sitting will be provided for families. For more information, contact St. Andrew Church at (563) 381-1363 or Judy Freeman at (563) 381-1511.
