Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church

Sunday, October 29, 2017– Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Address 708 First Street, South Birmingham, AL 35205

Contact Information Rectory: (205) 322-1205

Fax: (205) 714-5056 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, Thursday 7:00 A.M. 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) 567-3123

Altar Servers Greta Chapman (205) 902-0429

Ushers Keith Boykin (205) 222-2011

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

Tanisha Jones (205) 936-0048 Jillian Johnson-Rogers 205-531-1641

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

Mission Statement

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church 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.

What is the purpose of God's law and commandments? The Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law of Moses and the ritual requirements of the law. They made it a life-time practice to study the 613 precepts of the Torah - the books of the Old Testament containing the Law of Moses - along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries on the law. The religious authorities tested Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose. God's love rules all Jesus summarized the whole of the law in two great

commandments found in Deuteronomy 6:5 - "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might" - and Leviticus 19:18 - "you shall love your neighbor as yourself". God's love directs all that he does - His love is holy, just, and pure because it seeks only what is good, beneficial, and life-giving - rather than what is destructive, evil, or deadly. That is why he commands us to love - to accept and to give only what is good, lovely, just, and pure and to reject whatever is contrary. The nature of love - giving to others for their sake What is the nature of love? Love is the gift of giving oneself for the good of others - it is wholly other oriented and directed to the welfare and benefit of others. Love which is rooted in pleasing myself is self-centered and possessive - it is a selfish love that takes from others rather than gives to others. It is a stunted and disordered love which leads to many hurtful and sinful desires - such as jealousy, greed, envy, and lust. True love, which is wholly directed and oriented to what is good rather than evil, is rooted in God's truth and righteousness. How God loves us God loves us wholly, completely, and perfectly for our sake - there is no limit, no holding back, no compromising on his part. His love is not subject to changing moods or circumstances. When God gives, he gives generously, abundantly, freely, and without setting conditions to the gift of his love. His love does not waver, but is firm, consistent, and constant. He loves us in our weakness - in our fallen and sinful condition. That is why the Father sent his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to redeem us from slavery to sin and its disordered cravings, desires, passions, and addictions. God the Father always seeks us out to draw us to his throne of mercy and help. God the Father corrects and disciplines us in love to free us from the error of our wrong ways of thinking and choosing what is harmful and evil rather than choosing what is good and wholesome for us. Do you freely accept God's love and do you willingly choose to obey his commandments? Love grows with faith and hope What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord Jesus, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves. Paul the Apostle writes, "For freedom Christ has set us free... only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh [sinful inclinations], but through love be servants of one another" (Galatians 5:1,13). Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart?

************************ "Lord Jesus, your love surpasses all. Flood my heart with your love and increase my faith and hope in your promises. Help me to give myself in generous service to others as you have so generously given

yourself to me."-Amen

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Stewardship Update Last Week—October 21st & 22nd Attendance: 186

“What shall I give to the Lord for all His bounty to me?” Psalms 116:12

Serving This Week October 28th & 29th Saturday 6:00 P.M. Eucharistic Ministers: Pat Ross, Fani Hasberry Lectors: Wilbur & Dolores Johnson Greeters: Linda Jolicoeur Sunday 7:00 A.M. Eucharistic Ministers: Conni Smith, Annie Bryant Lectors: Katie Riggins Greeters: Roy Johnson Sunday 11:00 A.M. Eucharistic Ministers: Darrell & Sybil Sims Doug & Jackie Coutee Lectors: Ibelia Johnson, Iris Williams Greeters: Jetaun Murrell, Deborah Poe

Serving Next Week November 4th & 5th Saturday 6:00 P.M. Eucharistic Ministers: Nathan & Bettye Kelly Lectors: Erik Craig, Pam Jacobs Greeters: Ann Mardis Sunday 7:00 A.M. Eucharistic Ministers: Roderick & Phyllis Palmer Lectors: Rafael Brathwaite, Olivia Hill Greeters: John Jenkins Sunday 11:00 A.M. Eucharistic Ministers: Doug & Jackie Coutee Doug & Jackie Coutee Lectors: Juanita Harris, Deborah Poe Greeters: James Collins, Jetaun Murrell

Daily Readings for the Week Monday: Romans 8:12-17 Luke 13:10-17 Tuesday: Romans 8:18-25 Luke 13:18-21 Wednesday: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 I John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12a Thursday: Wisdom 3:1-9 Romans 5:5-11 John 6:37-40 Friday: Romans 9:1-5 Luke 14:1-6

Prayers for Sick & Shut-In Lenora Bolling Gwendolyn Brooks, Albert Carson James Collins, Fannette Kennedy, Darron Hunter, Leon Hunter, Mildred Hunter, Anthony Johnson, Claudette Lewis, Jessie Nelson, Lucille Meeks, Leroy Willis, Katherine Willis, Naulbert Nolan,

Ronald Greene, Yolanda Collins **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 one of these members who serve

with the Pastoral Care to the Sick Ministry: Bettye Kelly, 205-942-2576, Lela Flood. 205-798-6355, or

Elizabeth Harris, 205-8338412

You are remembered in our prayers!

Altar Flowers In Memory of:

Mable Collins Keith Collins

John Rodriguez Sr. Julie Johnson

************ Donated by:

Debra F. Collins Woods, Gwendolyn A. Williams & James S. Collins

Birthday Wishes!!!! Denise Bell 10/30

Lenora Bolling 10/28 Benjamin Caldwell 10/11

Darryl Colston 10/1 Jacqueline Coutee 10/14

James Craig 10/24 Carolyn Crawford 10/5

Matthew Edosomwan 10/19 Lela Flood 10/26

Majella Hamilton 10/27 Kathryn Hill 10/01, Terry Johnson, II 10/9, Darcy Prince 10/13, Nathaniel Mays 10/23,

Dwight Russell 10/30 Darrell Sims 10/07 Tyuan White 10/18 Juanita Webb 10/6

Anniversaries for October John & Claire Benjamin married on October 25th

Darron & Cassandra Hunter married on October 12th *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).

There will be TWO services on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 in recognition of The Solemnity of All Saints. Mass will be held at 7:00 A.M and 6:00 P.M. respectively. Also on Thursday, November 2, 2017,

Solemnity of All Souls Mass will be held at 7:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. respectively. Please remember to fill the purple memory form with the names of your deceased family members and friends, which is located in

the vestibule. They will be remembered through the entire month of November at each Mass

General Announcements & Church Updates Parish Council Elections for 2018 will be held the weekend of November 11-12,2017

Please note the following: • Membership on the Parish Council is open to all registered members of the parish who are 18 years of

age or older and have been a member of the parish for at least 3 years. • Nominations for the position of president, vice-president, secretary and 2 mass representatives per

Mass are now being accepted. Position descriptions are located in the vestibule. • If you would like to nominate yourself or nominate a parishioner, please submit

the name(s) and contact information to any member of the Nominating Committee. All candidates must consent to nomination.

• Submit names and contact information to any member of the Nomination Committee: Garry Cauthen, Patricia Simpson, Liz Arrington, Elizabeth Harris, Deborah Poe by November 5, 2017.

SAVE THE DATE – Wednesday, November 15th 5:30 P.M.-7:30 P.M.

• What are YOU grateful for? Life, family, love, good health…even in the midst of storms, we all have so much to be grateful for. A heartfelt invitation is extended to ALL PARISHIONERS to attend an “Evening of Thanksgiving” to share the goodness of God with a reception starting at 5:30 P.M. and dinner promptly at 6:00 P.M. More information to follow and will be shared in bulletins, website, and social media - but MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! This is a collaborative effort of the Parish Council, Children, Family Life, and Community Affairs committees! Thank you for your planned support!

The OLF Children's Ministry will provide Thanksgiving Dinners to families in need during the holiday season. Our goal is to provide 15 families with Thanks-giving meals. We are asking that each family donate $5/family (or more) to help us reach our goal. We will collect donations on Sunday, November 5th AND Sunday, November 12th. Thank you in advance for your continuous support of the OLF Children's Ministry

Our Lady of Fatima Line Dance Group invites you to join us on a bus trip to Silver Star Casino in Philadelphia, MS Saturday, Nov. 11th. The cost is $30. We will leave Fatima at 12 noon and return to Birmingham around 12 midnight. There are drawings on the weekends for cash or free play money that start at 7 P.M. If anyone would like to go, please contact Beverly Jones. 205-266-2501. This is a fund raiser trip for the line dance group’s end of the year party.

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Naulbert Nolan was inducted into the Miles College Sports Hall of Fame on October 13, 2017. Please be sure to extend congratulations to him for this honor

********************************** Mary, Woman of Faith Chapter, invites you to our Prayer Breakfast for Catholic women of the Birmingham Diocese where we will share together in that same spirit of gratitude and praise of God. We are honored to present as our speaker for this prayer breakfast: Janice Nelson! Our prayer breakfast will be held at St. Elias Parish Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 4,2017. Doors open at 9:15a.m. for open seating. The cost of the tickets are $16.00. For tickets and more information, contact Melanie McNary at 205-908-4885.