From the Pastor’s Desk
He certainly does
My Dear People:
If God has a plan for the smallest worm on
the earth, why wouldn’t He have a plan to
support His Church? If we believe the Bible,
the answer is that He does have a plan: All
who earn wages are to give God the first
tenth of what they earn. It is stated in the
Bible, 44 times in the Old Testament and two
times in the New Testament. He lets us use
the other 90%. Can’t you hear an angel
asking, “Why let them use 90%? Just let
them use 60% and tell them they are to give
40% back to You.” God’s response is, “I just
want the first tenth of what they earn.”
Twice a year, I speak on God’s plan to
support His Church, and I take the
opportunity to say: Thank you for your most
generous pledges to the parish and to
Catholic Charities. The American Bishops
recommend 5% to the parish and 5% to be
given to God in so many other ways such as
Catholic education, United Way, Red Cross,
special collections. We highly recommend a
good part of that other 5% be given to
Catholic Charities. This is money given to
God, administered by the Bishop, with only
3% going to administration. Other organized
charities use about 10% to 12% of the
money for administration.
Even though everything we have is His and
we owe Him that first tenth as He requests in
the Scriptures, still, if we do this, He
promises a great reward. (Personally, I am
so accustomed to God’s blessings, I would
be afraid not to tithe. I could not readjust my
life to live without His blessings.)
When I taught at McGill in Mobile from ’57 to
’60, I taught the students God’s plan to
support His Church. One year the students
wrote a short essay on the subject; and to
this day I remember one of the most
quotable quotes on the subject. This student
wrote: “HOW CAN WE GIVE GOD THE
LEFTOVERS?” He does not do that to us.
He has given us His Son and the promise of
happiness for all eternity.
not give us the “leftovers”! How can anyone
dare to give God the leftovers?
If God is number one in our lives, then, in
planning our budget, He should be given the
first part of what we earn.
Catholic Charities supports the Catholic
Centers of Concern as the sisters distribute
money for rent, utilities and prescription
drugs to the needy. The centers also
administer the food gifts to those in need.
When we give to Catholic Charities, we
support future priests who are in the
seminary today. We support programs for
the mentally retarded, the elderly, and the
office of religious education which helps each
parish with its Parish School of Religion. We
also support Campus Ministers for some
sixteen colleges and universities, the Black
ministry, the Hispanic ministry and Catholic
Family Services (adoption services, foster
care for children and assistance for unwed
mothers).
Being a member of Catholic Charities means
we love our neighbor in so many different
ways. Our neighbor has been defined as the
person in need!
This coming week, you will receive a pledge
card in the mail. Pray over it. Everyone
should sign a card. If you are not pledging,
simply write on it your disposition. Look
forward to this pledge to God. Bring the
pledge card to Mass next Sunday. We will
put them all in a basket and place this
offering at the foot of the altar in gratitude to
God for all He has done for us, and as part of
the tithe we owe Him.
On behalf of the good Lord, I thank you a
million times for your extreme generosity to
the parish and to other works of charity,
especially Catholic Charities.
With prayers and blessings,
Father Muller

MASS INTENTIONS
Monday, Sept. 15 Rosalee Gagliano
Ernie Eltz
Tuesday, Sept. 16 William Rogan
Ernie Eltz
Wednesday, Sept. 17 Sylvia Ivey
Paul W. Boyd, Sr.
Thursday, Sept. 18 Donors to Our Lady of
Sorrows School Foundation
Special Int. of Linn Newell
Friday, Sept. 19 Gary Dent
Charles Woods
Saturday, Sept. 20 Special Intention
Ernie Eltz
Sunday, Sept. 21 People of the Parish
Special Int. of Ruby Lee Horton
Youth Minister Kenny Skellie resigns-OLS
is looking for a new minister of the Youth.
We owe Kenny Skellie a great debt of
gratitude for a wonderful job. Due to health
reasons Kenny has resigned as of
September 15th. We are searching for a
replacement. If you are interested or know of
anyone interested in the position of Youth
Minister at OLS, please call the church office,
leave your name and pick up a job
description.
We will have a search committee that will
study the applicants. Please pray that God
brings us the right administrator for our
Youth.
____________________________________
Columbarium Update II - Niche space
reservations are being received in the church
office daily. The idea of an appropriate,
alternative resting spot, on our parish
grounds, is being accepted by our church
members. Economic, safety, ecological and
accessibility considerations are the main
reasons for acceptance of our Columbarium.
Consider -A Memorial Wall is being
incorporated in the design of our
Columbarium Gardens. Constructed of
polished, black granite, it is a dignified
memorial to those people whose names are
simply and elegantly engraved on it. The
OLS Memorial Wall provides our parish
members an opportunity to remember those
they love who may be interred elsewhere.
Location on the wall will be allocated in order
of receipt of payment. Only names of
deceased parishioners may be placed on the
memorial wall. Pricing for the engraving on
the Memorial Wall is set at $500.00 for each
name. Price includes engraving of the name,
and date of death. No other information will
be permitted in the engraving. Contact the
OLS church office for space and location
reservations.
____________________________________
The schedule for altar
servers, lectors and
extraordinary ministers of
Holy Communion will soon
be prepared for the months
November through February. The following
information is requested prior to October 1:
1. Weekends you are not available to
serve
2. Any changes you want to make in the
times you are scheduled to serve
3. Preference, if any, for the time you
serve at Christmas or New Year’s
Masses
Kent Graeve 423-0092
kentgraeve@yahoo.com
____________________________________
CHAPEL OF OUR SAVIOR
The Chapel needs permanent Committed
Adorers for:
Monday at 8:00 PM (To Share
Hour)Monday at Midnight to 1:00 AM (To
Share Hour)Thursday at 11:00 PM (Top
Share Hour) Our goal is to have at least 2
people on each hour. Please call Ida Wilker
at 933-2281 or Mary Claire Brouillette at 871-
2909..“Without Adoration, there is no
Transformation of the World.” Pope
Benedict XVI Excerpts from First Mass as
Holy Father

Adult Education Program
September 14 - "Discovering the Richness
of Prayer" presented by Amy Welborn, now a
Birmingham resident and member of Our
Lady of Sorrows, whose spiritual writings are
familiar to readers of the "Living Faith" daily
devotional booklet. She is also the author of
sixteen books on a variety of Catholic topics.
September 21 - "Sabbath Rest and Delight"
presented by Sister Mary McGehee, O.S.B.,
a well-known member of the Benedictine
Sisters community at Sacred Heart
Monastery in Cullman, and a gifted speaker
and writer on spirituality.
September 28 - "St. Paul's Guide for Daily
Living," presented by Michael Dubruiel.
He recently joined Bishop Robert Baker's
staff as Director of New Evangelization and is
an experienced writer and speaker on
Catholic subjects. He is also the husband of
Amy Welborn, and a member of Our Lady of
Sorrows.
____________________________________
Children’s Liturgy of
the Word begins
Sunday, September
21st, at the 8:30 a.m.
Mass. All children in
grades K-6 including
those in the Parish
School of Religion
and those attending
Our Lady of Sorrows school are invited to
attend these liturgies which have been
especially prepared for them. We will gather
in the main sanctuary for the Introductory
Rites and be dismissed from there to process
to the Parish Hall together.
There are a number of ministries available to
the children within Children’s Liturgy of the
Word, including Cantors, Lectors, and Actors
& Actresses for special homilies. All
interested children are encouraged to sign up
for these ministries at the 8:30 a.m. Masses
on the Sundays prior to our September 21st
start date. For more information call Greg
Harber, 251-2133 (evenings).
PRAY FOR VOCATIONS
The Lord is kind and merciful; slow to anger, and
rich in compassion. Are you following in Jesus’ Pray
for the grace to forgive. (Psalm 103)
For those who suffer from a hardened heart, may
they be touched by the gift of mercy and
compassion, we pray to the Lord. This ad is
sponsored by the Serra Club.
PARISH BLOOD DRIVE
Mark your calendar for the parish blood drive
on Sunday, September 28th.
____________________________________
R.C.I.A.–Reserve October
6th on your calendar for the
first RCIA class at 7:00 p.m.
in the Parish Hall. You or
your relative may have been
thinking about going. There is a light meal
every Monday at 6:30 p.m. and a nursery is
provided. RCIA is for people wanting to learn
about the faith, people who want to become
Catholic, and people who want to come back
to the Church.
____________________________________
There is a parent meeting for
PSR parents whose children
are preparing for First
Reconciliation, with last
names ending in *A-K,* *next
Sunday, September 21st, at
10:00 a.m. in the PSR office.
At least one parent is required to attend.
Thank you.
 Editor and Publisher of "Southern Lady
Magazine." Everyone is welcome; invite a
friend, and make plans to join us. Tickets are
• The OLS Singles would like to invite
$20.00. Contact Wendy Green, 492-7058, or
everyone interested in learning more
your guild representative for tickets.
about Annulments to join us for
____________________________________
Annulment Education Thursday,
September 18th, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
BINGO LUNCHEON
in Room 102 of the Family Life Center
The St. Elias Ladies’ Altar Sodality’s annual
This event is open to everyone to
Bingo Luncheon to benefit the orphans in
learn more about the Declaration of
Lebanon will be on Wednesday, September
Nullity. Anne Marie Verchot, RCIA
17, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the
Director at Our Lady of Sorrows and a
Church Hall... Take-outs are available. Free
Diocesan Trained Advocate on the
delivery for ten or more lunches (822-5228).
Declaration of Nullity, will be leading
Please call in advance.
the meeting. She will be educating
____________________________________
and assisting persons on the
Declaration of Nullity application
process. For those who have
The Cursillo Movement of the Birmingham
submitted their applications, Anne
Diocese announces that the September
Marie will be providing guidance and
School of Leaders will be held on Sunday the
fielding questions as the application
21st, at Sacred Heart Parish Family Life
proceeds through the process.
Center in Cullman. The regular meeting date
Catholics who have completed the
of the third Saturday coincides with the Men’s
process are also encouraged to join
Cursillo Weekend #114, which concludes on
us in support of the applicants. Snacks
Sunday, the 21st. By scheduling the School
and drinks will be available. For
of Leaders on Sunday from 1:45-4:15 p.m.,
additional information, contact David
the Secretariat views this as an opportunity
Asbach at 383-5634 or
to minimize travel and expenses for
daa28@aol.com or Anne Marie
Cursillistas. The regular agenda, which
Verchot 482-8627 at
concludes with a visit to the Blessed
verchot@bellsouth.net.
Sacrament, will be followed.
____________________________________
• The OLS Singles would like to start a
weekly gathering for fellowship and to
You are invited to join The Helpers of God’s
reflect on the Sunday Mass Readings.
Precious Infants for the 3rd Saturday Rosary
If you are interested, please contact
Vigil at New Women’s Abortion Center. We
David Asbach at 383-5634 or
start with Mass at St. Stephen the Martyr
daa28@aol.com.
Church at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September
____________________________________
20th , celebrated by Fr. Mackey, and then
process to the center to pray the Rosary. We
conclude at 10:30 a.m. You do not have to
"Jazz It Up" - Mark your calendar for the Fall
stay the whole time. For more information
Luncheon Friday, November 7, in the Family
please call Kay Hill at 916-1094.
Life Center. This will be first time we have
held our luncheon in the Family Life Center
and we have planned a real celebration.
Doors will open at 10:00 AM. Highlights
include Teacup Auction, "Surprise
Entertainment," door prizes, scrumptious
lunch and guest speaker - Phyllis Hoffman -
Catholic Bible Study-The Steward of the
Mysteries of God based on Father Pacwa’s
“St. Paul” Jubilee Year Edition. The first
session will start on Wednesday, October 1st
from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Father Pacwa’s book is required reading.
You may get your copy from the Church
Office.
____________________________________

Enjoy the premiere of “Stories and Songs,”

an original one-man show created and
performed by Veteran Birmingham Actor-
Singer John Wright, Jr. Two shows only:
Sunday, September 28th, at 2:00 p.m. and
4:00 p.m. at the Virginia Samford Theatre’s
Martha Moore Sykes Studio Theatre, 1116
South 26th Street. Tickets are $12.00. To
order tickets, call the box office at 251-1206
____________________________________

40 DAYS FOR LIFE

Christians throughout Birmingham are invited
to take part in the national 40 Days for Life
effort from September 24th through
November 2nd. Fliers in the pews give more
information and there are tables in the
vestibule you may sign up for prayer support
or for the vigil. To get more information or to
volunteer to help, please contact Sue at 256-
338-7316 or go to the web site
www.40daysforlife.brimingham.com to sign
up.