Welcome to our September 2025 Newsletter. Below you will find what's happening this month and with the school year starting, things are busy here too. Please take a moment to scroll through it all. 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!
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.
We still need more pictures & stories!
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!!! (Photos will be returned.)
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
September is dedicated to
Our Lady of Sorrows
“Turn your eyes incessantly to the Blessed Virgin; she, who is the Mother of Sorrows and also the Mother of Consolation, can understand you completely and help you. Looking to her, praying to her, you will obtain that your tedium will become serenity, your anguish change into hope, and your grief into love.”
Read the attachment below for more information on the Month of September's beautiful Marian days.
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 Sept. 4 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!
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 each month on the First Friday after the 9:00 a.m. Mass in the church. Our first rosary will be September 5. 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 entrust our intentions to her motherly care. May the gentle presence of Mary accompany you always
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.
Holy Light Charismatic Group
They will begin meeting on Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 8:30 pm in the chapel at church. They begin Sept. 4 with the Jesus Serenade during the first hour of Adoration (7-8 pm). The following weeks each month, they meet for prayer and praise. Please join them!
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.
The Liturgical Minute
The Art of Bowing
We bow in church as a sign of reverence and respect, particularly towards the presence of God, the altar, and the Blessed Sacrament (the Eucharist). It's a physical expression of humility, adoration, and faith. It is a way of acknowledging God's greatness and one's own smallness.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal last revised in 2002 (2002 GIRM) presents norms about the actions used to express reverence and respect at Mass and includes directions about when to genuflect (n. 274) and when to bow (n. 275). In addition to these signs of respect, reverence, and adoration, the kiss is also used to honor the altar and the Book of the Gospels (n. 273). Let’s focus this month on bowing.
There are two different types of bows in Catholic liturgy, a bow at the waist (profound bow) and a head bow.
A bow of the head [bending the neck] is made inside and outside Mass when:
- the three Divine Persons are named together
- at the name of Jesus
- at the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary during Mass
- the name of the saint in whose honor the Mass is being celebrated. This is a gesture of respect for the persons being named.
- Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads to the altar (GIRM 274)
- when approaching or leaving the ambo (lectern) where they will proclaim the readings. These bows are reverences to the altar, which represents Christ.
A profound bow [bending from the waist] is made when:
- by all who enter the sanctuary, leave it, or pass before the altar and the bow is towards the altar” (Ceremonial of Bishops CB 72).
- toward the altar, during the Incarnatus when we are reciting the Creed (“and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man”). This posture expresses our shared acknowledgement of the central Christian belief in the Incarnation – the fact that God loved his people so much that he became a human being and dwelt among us. An interesting variation on this practice happens on the solemnities of the Annunciation and Christmas, which are both celebrations of the mystery of the Incarnation. When we profess the Creed in those Masses, we all genuflect during the Incarnatus. This gesture expresses more powerfully our great appreciation for God becoming a human being.
- in the Roman Canon at the Supplices te rogamus (In humble prayer we ask you, almighty God).
- by the Deacon when he asks for a blessing before the proclamation of the Gospel.
When we obey the Church’s liturgical norms, we honor our Lord Jesus Christ himself, because these norms are designed to reflect his teachings and encourage the reverence due to him.
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?
Faith and Family Wednesdays
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.
5:30-6:20 p.m. Simple Dinner: Food will be provided for you. (Hey, you don’t have to cook!) Please RSVP below if you are eating with us on the 3rd. RSVPs will go out each Sunday at 1pm for the week. Thanks!
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. See our September schedule below.)
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 September events. If you have any questions or want to know more details, please contact Diana at 940-447-1921.
Tues. AM Men's Spirituality Group
This group will resume meeting at 6:30 am on Tuesday, September 2 in room 101 of the church. They meet each Tuesday. They will be reading the book Catholic and Christian by Alan Schreck. You can grab a copy off Amazon. They would love to have you join them. Contact Dennis O'Connell with questions. 325-669-6823.
Ladies Share Group
Hey Ladies! Come join us as we kick off our new year. We will gather for lunch 11:00 am at Casa Herrera on Tuesday Sept 2.
Then join us beginning Tuesday Sept 9 after the 9am Mass as we explore a 12-part program " The Bible and the Virgin Mary". We will meet in the Pariah Center. Questions call Pam 325-668-8595.
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
The Holy Family Young Adult Group has been busy this past month. The young women finished their study over the Luminous Mysteries and many of the young men have joined the Knights of Columbus in service to the church. Everyone has had fun meeting for dinner and golf. We also had the pleasure of welcoming new young adults at the ACU and HSU College Fairs. We have more fun things planned for September so watch for details coming soon! We'd love to have you join us if you are between the ages of 18-29! 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!
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.
Knights of the Altar News
The primary role of Knights of the Altar is serving God and our parish during Mass, but, as a ministry, we can do so much more!
Two service projects are in the works:
Sept 21 - Nov 2, 2025 - Box of Joy Service Project - Send a specially packed shoe box of gifts to boys and girls your age who are the poorest of the poor. Specific times, dates, and events to be announced.
February 2026 - Marian Garden and Rosary Garden Service Project - Be involved in preparing the beds and planting flowers to honor Our Blessed Mother, Mary. Specific times, dates and events to be announced.
Sept 21 - Nov 2, 2025 - Box of Joy Service Project - Send a specially packed shoe box of gifts to boys and girls your age who are the poorest of the poor. Specific times, dates, and events to be announced.
February 2026 - Marian Garden and Rosary Garden Service Project - Be involved in preparing the beds and planting flowers to honor Our Blessed Mother, Mary. Specific times, dates and events to be announced.
Thank you, Knights of the Altar, for all you do!
Thank you for taking the time to sign up each month to serve!
Thank you for arriving 30 minutes prior to the Mass to prepare to serve!
Thank you for studying your personal training log in order to be promoted to the next rank!
Thank you for helping each other out, working as a team, and encouraging each other!
Most of all, thank you for honoring God by serving at the altar!
Let's celebrate all you do and all you are with a fun trip in the Summer of 2026! We're kicking around the idea of a trip to Sea World and to visit the Catholic Missions in San Antonio. Of course, we'll have to include a stop at Buckee's and a meal at Cane's. This is your heads up that we will be doing a fund-raiser, asking for parental involvement, and making big plans.
Ad Vitam Aeternam,
Karen, Penny, Sean, Grayson & Edgar
The Knights of Columbus will be hosting a pancake breakfast on September 28 after the 9 am and 10:30 am Masses. Please come and enjoy some delicious food. The cost per plate is up to you. They are accepting donations, and all proceeds will go to Holy Family. Thank you.
Music Ministry:
There are lots of opportunities to join a choir as we will soon begin to work on music for Advent and Christmas. We are also looking accompanists (organ or piano) and a choir director for the 10:30 Mass. Contact Ronnie Kidd for more info 325-668-4295.
Natural Family Planning Training –
Natural Family Planning is endorsed by our Catholic Church. Practicing it in your marriage offers any couple a rich opportunity to grow in trust and faith in their marriage. David and Jessica Stegenga are trained in the Billings Ovulation Method and are interested in teaching how this method could enhance your marriage. If you wish to learn more, please contact David or Jessica at (David Stegenga 325-668-0821 davidjstegenga@gmail.com) or Jessica Stegenga 432-208-2850 jesstegenga1314@gmail.com
From Bishop Sis:
Help for Gaza
Dear friends,
In the ongoing crisis in Gaza, Christians and other innocent victims of violence are struggling to survive, protect their children, and live with dignity in dire conditions. The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV continues to call for aid to enter the territory, noting with great sorrow that “Gaza is starving.” The Catholic Church is there providing emergency humanitarian relief through the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
If you would like to help provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in Gaza and surrounding areas in the Middle East, you can send your donations directly to CNEWA or CRS. Both organizations have well-established partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region which allow them to respond quickly and efficiently.
Here is how you can donate to these Catholic organizations:
For CNEWA:
Donate by check: Catholic Near East Welfare Association, Gaza Emergency Relief, 220 East 42nd Street 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017
For CRS:
Donate online: support.crs.org/donate/holy-land-conflict
Donate by phone: 1‑877‑HELP‑CRS
Donate by check: Catholic Relief Services Holy Land Response, P.O. Box 5278, Tipton, IA 52772-0517
Thank you for your generous support of our brothers and sisters in need.
Bishop Michael J. Sis
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!
