If a child returns to sports, music or dance instruction after an absence of four years, he or she is most likely going to struggle. Yet kids are placed in this exact situation when they skip HMKids classes between sacramental years. When children aren’t being brought to Mass and they …
Both non-Catholics and Catholics have questions about some of the rituals practiced during Mass. By knowing the meanings behind these rituals, Catholics can better understand their faith. Some may wonder why reciting the Confiteor includes tapping their chests in the middle of it. Father Mark Ott explained that this tradition …
We have all had the experience of being new or starting out somewhere. The best experiences give us a real sense of being warmly received, welcomed and encouraged. It begins with creating an inviting atmosphere that does a lot to help someone feel “at home.” Most important are the people …
Our parishioners have a long history of helping those in need in our local community and beyond. Our faith comes alive through the Social Concerns Ministry’s more than 10 community outreach programs supporting the overall mission of providing care, compassion and hope to the less fortunate. Our community outreach efforts …
Many Catholics have noticed that the Gloria is not recited at Masses during Advent or Lent. Father Mark Ott, our weekend associate, said since the Gloria is a hymn of joyful amazement at God’s mercy, it is not recited during Lent, when the church takes an extended amount of time …
For those who are non-Catholic, Holy Martyrs’ Journey (formerly RCIA) welcomes each unique person into the threshold of full adoption of our Catholic faith. Chris Schaefer and Lisa Bogdanski have two meaningful, yet different pathway stories to share. Chris and Lisa are both married to cradle Catholic spouses who supported …
Serving the church has brought a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist to those who distribute communion and care for the items used during liturgies. Liz Harter is a Eucharistic Minister, a role she also had in high school and in college. She said she has grown in faith since then, …
The practice of praying at Mass for loved ones who have died is as old as Christianity itself. Inscriptions found in Roman catacombs attest to the practice of praying for the dead when we gather for the Eucharist. At Mass, we remember those who have died, those who belong to …
Taizé offers an opportunity for quiet repose in the midst of busy lives. The prayer tradition of Taizé, based on the monastic hours of prayer each day, can help us let go of our own preoccupations and get in touch with the spiritual realities that, ultimately, are what bring true …
We are using a new app that will help us communicate quickly with parishioners. Our hope is that we can quickly notify parents of a weather-related cancellation, for example. Please download the We Connect Parish App, select Holy Martyrs Catholic Church as your parish and then subscribe to HMKids, SPIRIT …
