Welcome to our August 2025 Newsletter. Below you will find what's happening this month. Please take a moment to scroll through it all, because there are so many things happening at Holy Family! If you have any questions about anything you read here, please just respond to this email or you can use the color boxes throughout that will take you to different sources for more information. Our website also has a calendar on the home page where you can find a quick glance at all that is happening at our parish. Check it out!
At this time of year, our office is working on our parish database and making sure that all our information is up to date for our parishioners. That includes things like email addresses, phone numbers, mailing addresses, birthdays and more. We would appreciate it very much, if you'd take just a few moments to check your info by clicking the blue button below. It will let you update anything that's missing or has changed since you originally registered. For some of us, that was a long time ago, so please make sure, for example, we don't still have you living at your original Abilene address if you have moved. Thanks for helping us with this matter.
October will be the 40th Anniversary of our church building, where we worship each weekend. We will be celebrating this milestone in conjunction with our Fall Fest Celebration on Oct. 11. We are looking for photos you may have of your family at our church. Maybe it's a wedding, a baptism, a First Communion or Confirmation. Maybe it's just your family in front of our statue or praying in the church building.
We are also looking for memories or stories you have from your time here at Holy Family. Maybe you were here when it all started, or you just recently started attending but already have a great story to tell. Please jot down your story for us. If you have anything you can share with us (photos or written memories) or would like to talk with someone about your stories, you can contact Barb Moore at barb@holyfamilyabilene.org. Thank you!!!
And... Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Holy Family becoming a parish in Abilene! So, get ready... because we have a whole year to celebrate this amazing Jubilee. 2026 will be the Year of Holy Family!
Prayer Opportunities at Holy Family
August is dedicated to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary
“Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor.”
Holy Family Prayer Chain
Would you like to join our Prayer Chain and become a prayer warrior lifting the intentions of our people to the Lord? We need people who have a heart for intercessory prayer and can be confidential with the prayers that come in. If you'd like to join the prayer chain group, please use the button below. If you would like to submit a prayer request, you can visit our website anytime and use the form there to submit a request for yourself or a loved one.
Nocturnal Adoration this Month
Nocturnal Adoration will be August 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. in the church. Please consider taking an hour to spend with Jesus. Or come and go as you wish. Please note that the first hour (7-8 p.m.) will have praise music to sing along. If you wish silent prayer time, consider starting to sign up after 8:00 p.m.
We are also looking for someone who can help us with the monthly Nocturnal Adoration as a contact person. You would work with the office and our deacon to help people get signed up for shifts and make sure everything is set up. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Barb Moore at barb@holyfamilyabilene.org. Thanks!
Back to School Blessings will happen for all age students at each Mass the weekend
of August 9 & 10.
Pray the Rosary with Our Lady of Grace Legion of Mary
With hearts full of devotion and gratitude, we joyfully invite you to join us, Our Lady of Grace Legion of Mary, in the prayerful recitation of the Holy Rosary on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This sacred day, which commemorates the glorious assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven, invites us to reflect on her unwavering faith and her role as our compassionate Mother and Queen. Let us gather as a community in reverence, raising our voices in unison as we meditate upon the glorious mysteries, seeking her intercession and drawing closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
- Date: Friday August 15th
- Time: immediately following the 12:15 pm Mass
- Location: Holy Family Church
Come as you are, whether seasoned in prayer or newly drawn to the Rosary, and let us unite in faith, hope, and love. Together, may we celebrate the triumph of Our Lady and entrust our intentions to her motherly care. May the gentle presence of Mary accompany you always.
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)
Our Lady of Grace, Pray for Us
If you are interested in joining our Legion of Mary, please learn more on our website or use the button below to join our Flocknote group to stay informed. The Legion meets each Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 120 in the church and all are welcome.
Watch for exciting news coming soon about First Friday Rosaries starting in September.
Would you be interested in receiving weekly emails through Holy Family from Bishop Barron's Word on Fire Engage? These are featured emails and reflections for each Sunday, special feast days, and more this month. If you do, use the button below. Thanks.
Do You Know Someone who is Curious about the Catholic Faith?
Are you or someone you know searching for deeper meaning, truth, or a sense of belonging? Have you ever felt drawn to the beauty, history, and tradition of the Catholic Church? We warmly invite you to explore the Catholic faith as a journey into a relationship with Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, and the Sacraments. Whether you are new to Christianity, coming from another faith tradition, or simply curious, Holy Family welcomes your questions and your story. Our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) classes start September 7 at 9:00 a.m. in Room 202 in the Parish Center. These classes are for anyone who has not been baptized or has been baptized in another denomination, and they meet weekly (excluding holidays). There is no pressure to join the Church. These classes are simply your chance to learn and ask questions with others who are on this same journey. If you have questions, please contact Bob Moore at 210-284-8079 or use the button to join our group. You are welcome here.
What activities do we offer this month
at Holy Family?
All Altar Servers!
We want you to come join us for an Abilene Deanery Altar Server Retreat on Saturday, August 2 from 1:00 to 7:30 pm. (Includes 5:30 pm Mass)
Location: Holy Family Catholic Church
RSVP or questions? Contact Karen at 325-370-4847
Location: Holy Family Catholic Church
RSVP or questions? Contact Karen at 325-370-4847
Come dressed for play and comfort. Bring an outfit for the Vigil Mass.
Sign in at 1:00 in the Youth Center Gym. Special guests will be Fr. Ryan Rojo and our diocesan seminarians, as well as Thomas and Tracy Shows.
Dinner will be provided by Raising Canes.
Parishioners of all ages are invited to join us Sunday, August 3 at 6:30 p.m. for a Parish Game Night. We will have burgers and hot dogs grilled by our Knights of Columbus. You are invited to bring a side dish or dessert if you would like. There will be games outside, in the gym, and even in the parish center. You will find everything from pickle ball to gin rummy. Bring your favorite card or board game and let’s all have some fun together before the busyness of the fall begins. Any questions, please contact Bob Moore (210-284-8079) or Diana Masga (940-447-1921).
Faith and Family Wednesdays
Historically, Wednesdays have been a time for religious education classes with our older children. Over the years there have been bible studies for adults or men’s and women’s groups that have met as well. But we’ve never made a coordinated effort to bring entire families together. Now, each Wednesday will be a time when all our parishioners, no matter their age, are invited to come and be fed, physically and spiritually. You can choose to attend all or some of what’s provided. You may even find a place you feel called to serve.
5:15-6:20 p.m. Simple Dinner: Food will be provided for you. (Hey, you don’t have to cook!)
6:30-7:30 p.m. Faith Formation Classes for grades PreK-12th grade: Teachers will have students in classes helping them grow in their understanding of the faith.
6:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Options: This is time for all adults in the parish to grow. We will offer Men’s & Women’s groups, praise and worship, Adoration, relaxed fellowship opportunities, mini sessions on the Catholic Faith, and more! (Some of these will meet each week and some will vary. A full schedule will be published soon.)
7:40-8:00 p.m. Optional Time for prayer or games: Open to anyone who wants to stay as a family or individuals. This could include games in the gym or prayer in the church.
If you can help fill any of the needs we have for this endeavor, please contact Victoria Garcia in the office. We are looking for help with games, food, prayer and more. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office at 325-692-1820.
Holy Family is ready to help you find the place you belong, where you can be formed in the faith, and help you feel prepared to be sent into your community with Christ’s love. Wednesdays are going to be your faith-filled pick me up.
Youth in Grades 6-12
Please mark your calendars for our August events. If you have any questions or want to know more details, please contact Diana at 940-447-1921.
Ladies Share Group
Hey Ladies! Come join us August 12 at 9:45 a.m. in room 202 of the Parish Center
to celebrate August birthdays and welcome Dr. Kathy Robinson, our Guest speaker.
Our regular meetings will start back up on September 2 in Room 202 of the Parish Center each Tuesday at 9:45 a.m.
Celebrating Seniors Luncheon
August 19 at 11:30 a.m.
Join us for some delicious food and fellowship in the Parish Center. All are welcome. We will enjoy lunch, have a guest speaker (see details below) and play some bingo with fun prizes. We would love to have you join us! If you have any questions, please contact Mary Kossbiel at 325-370-8123.
A Bullet, A Pope & The Message of Fatima
This two-part lecture series, (August 19 & December 4) presented by Dr. Roberta Kalafut Brandecker will explore the miracles at Fatima and their relationship to Pope Saint John Paul II. She will present her photos from her recent travel to Fatima as well as Poland, the birthplace of Pope Saint John Paul II. Learn how the three Fatima “secrets” pertain to today’s world and had a special significance for the late Pope.
Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study
Each Thursday morning, starting Sept. 4 in room 101 of the church, our Women's Scripture class will be studying the Gospel of Mark. Our class begins at 9:45am and ends at 11:30am. You are welcome to attend Mass with us at 9:00 a.m. Snacks and coffee are provided.
Holy Family Young Adults
Holy Family Young Adults are having a wonderful summer! Young adult women have formed ‘Rosaries and Roses,’ a group for prayer, fellowship and study of meaningful topics. Every Thursday in July, they gathered for a scriptural rosary focused on the Luminous Mysteries. Rotating coffee shops and leaders, each meeting was enriching and fun! Young adult men have gathered as well for fellowship and study, including a mini pilgrimage from a downtown restaurant to the Sacred Heart adoration chapel. We are excited to begin planning for the return of our college students and some fun fall activities. Please join us! Contact Kate Ferguson for more info: 214.532.6707.
Fall Fest October 11
It’s already time to begin thinking about Fall Fest 2025. In an effort to minimize the strain on volunteers and resources, the Fall Fest committee has decided to alternate a full-day event with a smaller event every other year. This year it is scheduled for Oct. 11. It will include a raffle, dinner, Bingo, and the ever-popular cake walk. It is critical that we find volunteers who are willing to assist in planning and coordinating these events. Please contact David Sanchez at 325-725-2277 if you’re interested in helping. Thank you for your continued support!
Going Away Reception
Please join us in saying farewell to two women who have served Holy Family as they begin new journeys. Our organist, Yuanhung Lin and our Parish Choir director, Kim Nyguen and her family are both moving out of Abilene. We will have a going away reception for both of them on Aug. 10 after the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mass in the foyer of the church. Please stop by to wish them well and share your memories of the beautiful music they brought to our worship over the years. We pray that wherever the Lord is taking them next, those communities will be as blessed as we have been with their service.
Welcome Wheels Ministry
Like to drive a golf cart? Are you friendly and outgoing? Then the Welcome Wheels ministry needs you! You will help shuttle parishioners from the back and overflow parking lots to the church entrance, assist those entering by holding doors with warm greetings, and keep the front entrance area clean and safe. Training will be provided. If you’re interested, call Victoria Garcia at 325-692-1820.
Diocesan Basic and Advanced Formation Classes
We encourage any adult who is interested in growing in their understanding of the faith to register for the Basic or Advanced Formation program. Registration for Year Two (2025-2026) is due on August 14, 2025. To register for Basic Formation and to access a full schedule and syllabus, please use the buttons below.
2025 San Angelo Catholic Women's Conference
Mark your calendars for September 12th & 13th!
Join us for an inspiring event!
Immerse yourself in a supportive community of like-minded women, where you can find encouragement, guidance, and a renewed sense of purpose. This event is designed to uplift your spirit, strengthen your relationship with God, and inspire you in your daily life.
Don't miss this opportunity to grow in faith and deepen your connection with God. We will also provide lunch on Saturday and will have some fabulous Christian vendors available for shopping.
We're praying for all of you and looking forward to seeing you at this year's conference!
Save the date and grab your tickets!
