This week is the autumn Ember Days, a 3 day period (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) during the change of seasons in the traditional calendar of prayer, partial abstinence and fasting (now voluntary) to thank God for His creation and to pray for holiness in the upcoming season. You can learn more about the Ember Days at Sensus Fidelium: https://sensusfidelium.us/the-liturgical-year-dom-prosper-gueranger/september/ember-days-of-september/

We also have several updates to share:

Ember Week Masses: Tonight 6pm St. Ann, 7pm St. Thomas; Friday 7am St. Ann, 12:30pm St. Mark; Saturday 8am St. Ann (see below).

Solemn High Mass this Saturday September 21 at 8am (St. Ann parish): This Saturday is Ember Saturday, but also the feast of St. Matthew. As such, the priests at St. Joseph Seminary will offer a Solemn High Mass at 8am for this great apostle at 8:00am at St. Ann parish.

Annual Latin Mass Homecoming Sunday September 22^nd, 12:30pm (St. Ann): This Sunday is our annual Latin Mass homecoming, where we welcome all newcomers home to the Latin Mass. Mass will a High Mass at 12:30PM followed by a welcome reception in the plaza after Mass. Please consider bringing a desert to share and to great newcomers after Mass.

Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (Michaelmas), Sunday September 29, 12:30pm, St. Ann: Next Sunday September 29^th is the Feast of St. Michael (traditionally called Michaelmas). After 12:30pm Latin Mass, we will be venerating a relic of St. Michael the Archangel (yes a relic).  St. Michael appeared in a cave in Italy in the 5^th century and sanctified it, and as such the rocks are considered relics. The feast day commemorates the Basilica built on this cave. You can learn more here: http://atxcatholic.com/index.php/2017/09/angels-dragons-iii-st-michael-relic-stone/#.XXnAm397nwd

Bishop Athanasius Schneider update: As many of you fondly recall, Bishop Athanasius Schneider visited St. Ann in 2017. Crisis Magazine has a wonderful write up about how he continues to defend the Catholic faith in these confusing days.  https://www.crisismagazine.com/2019/the-courage-of-bishop-schneider

Prayer and Fasting campaign Sept 17 – Oct 26: If you haven’t heard, both Bishop Schneider and Cardinal Burke have called for a period of prayer and fasting in the run up to the Amazon synod. They ask the faithful to pray a decade of the Rosary each day and fast once a week for the following intentions: 1) That theological errors/heresies may not be approved during the Synond; and 2) Pope Francis will reject heresy and uphold celibacy for men in the priesthood. Campaign started yesterday but you can join in at any time. You can read the full document here: http://www.ncregister.com/images/uploads/BurkeSchneider.pdf