Prepare for Lent and Celebrate Mardi Gras Early

Since Lent will be beginning soon, this First Thursday at Assumption would be a good time for us to prepare. We'll be having some brief lessons for kids on getting ready for Lent, which will be split into two age groups.

But before Lent begins, people often like to have a little fun. Therefore, we'll also be decorating some Mardi Gras masks and having a little dancing after Mass.

What: First Thursday Mass at Assumption, preparation for Lent and a pre-Mardi Gras party

What should I bring? Bring a frozen pizza or two to share, ice cream or favorite toppings for banana splits, any dress up clothes your children would like to wear to dance in after Mass

I am looking forward to seeing you all there.

Advent Program at Assumption

Fr. George McGinnis, a member of the Fathers of Mercy, will lead an Advent Mission at Assumption.

WHEN: Sunday, December 13 through Thursday, December 17, 2009.

WHAT TIME: The schedule will be the same for each evening:

5:30 - Dinner in the Assumption Parish Hall
6:30 - Holy Hour in the Church with Exposition, Adoration, Homily, and Benediction
7:30 - Dessert in the Assumption Parish Hall

Fr. McGinnis will be available for Confession before and after the Holy Hour.

CHILDCARE: Childcare will be provided during the Holy Hour for children who have not made First Holy Communion.

All Saints Day Party

The annual MARCH All Saints Day Party will be held at 3 p.m. on November 1. Kids should dress as their favorite saint and come prepared to tell the rest a little bit about that saint and their story.

E-mail Jordana Adams at adamsjct -- at -- gmail dot com for more information about location and what to bring.

First Thursdays at Assumption

During this Year for Priests, a plenary indulgence can be obtained on the first Thursday of the month by attending Mass, offering prayers to "Jesus Christ, supreme and eternal Priest, for the priests of the Church, or perform any good work to sanctify and mold them to his heart," going to confession and praying for the intentions of the Pope.

Fr. Michael has agreed to say the Mass for MARCH and all parishioners at Assumption on the First Thursdays beginning on September 3. Confessions will begin at 10:30 and Mass at 11.

First Fridays at St. Philip's

South MARCH has a wonderful program planned for First Fridays after mass at St. Philip's. They will be using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline as the basis for their program and dividing kids into 3 groups by age. Contact Erin Morel for more details about the curriculum and program. MorelFam -- at -- aol dot com

Rustic Cabin Family Camping

This is an event not to be missed. A trip into the woods is planned for all members MARCH. No need for a tent because 43 rustic (and I mean rustic) cabins are available for our group. The cabins have either 4 or 2 bunks with room on the floor for more. There is a dining hall for meal preparation, 3 bathhouses, a field for sports, other structures for activities, and a lake. All of this is in an area that is secluded and for the use of our group only. Here are the details so far:

Who: All families of any MARCH

What: Rustic Cabin Family Camping

Where: Montgomery Bell State Park located in Dickson just west of Nashville

Cost: Currently estimated to be $75 per family for the entire weekend (less for day trips) including food. This is subject to change but would not change dramatically

For more information e-mail Steven Glynn nolapark1 -- at -- bellsouth dot net

Civil War and Belle Meade Plantation

The MARCH group is scheduled as a group to go to the Home School Days Civil War and Belle Meade Plantation program on August 24, 2009 at 9:30. Cost is $5 per child who will participate in the event. Preschool siblings are welcome as observers at no cost. E-mail Robin Sparks nashvillesparks -- at -- bellsouth dot net to reserve your spot.