We will welcome Chris Brunelle to Saint Mary's Parish on Tuesday, October 4th at 7:00pm in the Upper Church. All are welcome. Free admission. A free-will offering will be taken to support Chris' ministry. Chris Brunelle is an accomplished guitarist with a voice that is beautiful in its simplicity and warmth. This combination of talent and heart has led to his success in Catholic music ministry. Chris began his career playing guitar at his neighborhood church in 4th grade, and was leading a parish choir by the time he was 16 years old. He is currently the music director at his home parish, Holy Family Catholic Church in Portland, Oregon, a role he has held for 27 years. Having helped lead music at many other local churches, Chris has become a well known and respected leader in ministry in the Portland area and now throughout the world as the result of his YouTube channel. Chris’s channel features over 1200 videos, with approximately 35,000 subscribers, and views surpassing 450,000 per month. Viewers are drawn to Chris’s channel for inspiration, comfort, and connectedness in God’s love, and as an invaluable practice aid supporting music ministries all over North America and in countries as far away as Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, Scotland, England, India, and Uganda. Having touched the hearts of Catholics far and wide, Chris has been called to share his music and story in concert. Recent concert stops have included Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Arizona, Washington state, and his home state of Oregon.

The comradery of our Lenten Fish Frys have encouraged our volunteers to offer a different fare for the fall. Beginning on Friday, September 30th, we will be hosting a different menu each Friday of October. These Fall Friendship Feasts will begin with the last Friday in September before October 1st (missed it by a day, so we included it). We will have 2 seatings, one at 5 and another at 6:30 pm. And will be as a sit down or take away meal. Sorry, it's not gonna work as a drive by this time. Menus will be announced later. We're looking at "The Fabulous Fifties" (franks & beans), "Italian Indulgence," "Pulled Pork," and "Meatloaf (the meal!) and ending with "Tacos & Tequila!" Save your Fridays and plan to join us for an evening of good food - and good times! With old friends, and the chance to make new ones - Friendship Feasts!

This is the 9th effort at raising funds for our youth. Proceeds help fund the expenses of the annual high school retreat for Confirmation preparation, a diocesan requirement. They also help mission efforts by our teens during their summer break. And it helps fund the annual Jackie Gray Scholarship to a graduating senior who embodies Jackie's spirit, energy and life. "Her light shines on!"