As part of an ongoing, diocese-wide effort, St. Aloysius is taking part in the Making Room Challenge: For More to Know the Love of Jesus. This philanthropic challenge invites us to give charitably through prayerful consideration rooted in a sense of desire to give, not out of a sense of surplus. Bishop Martin is leading this effort and has pledged to raise $50,000,000 of the $150,000,000 overall goal. We have already raised $694,000, or 49.2% of our overall goal of $1,410,000, and we are receiving new pledges every week! Of the commitments received, 50% will go towards critical funding elements here at St. Aloysius, and 50% will go to shared diocesan ministries.

In the coming weeks and months, parishioners will be visited by clergy and volunteers who will share the story and goals of Making Room and invite you into a thoughtful conversation about the gifts we have received and how we can contribute to something larger than ourselves. We ask you to welcome these ambassadors warmly and to receive their invitation. This challenge invites equal sacrifice, not equal contribution, and seeks to draw us closer together as a parish and as a diocese here in western North Carolina. Together, we will reach our goal and continue to grow in God’s word, as one united body in Hickory and across the Diocese of Charlotte.

On the weekend of Sept.19-20, our parish will participate in the Priests’ Retirement Benefits Collection.

Your generous support helps provide future pension and retiree health benefits for the 147 priests from our diocese, other dioceses and religious orders who minister throughout the Diocese of Charlotte. Your gift helps ensure these benefits will be available when each priest becomes eligible for retirement.

Thank you for your generosity and for supporting the priests who faithfully serve across our diocese. Please see the bulletin for more information about the various ways you can donate.

El fin de semana del 19 y 20 de septiembre, nuestra parroquia participará en la colecta para los beneficios de jubilación de los sacerdotes.

Su generoso apoyo ayuda a financiar las futuras pensiones y los beneficios de salud para la jubilación de los 147 sacerdotes —pertenecientes a nuestra diócesis, a otras diócesis y a órdenes religiosas— que ejercen su ministerio en toda la Diócesis de Charlotte. Su donativo contribuye a garantizar que estos beneficios estén disponibles cuando cada sacerdote reúna los requisitos para jubilarse.

Gracias por su generosidad y por apoyar a los sacerdotes que sirven fielmente en nuestra diócesis. Por favor, consulte el boletín parroquial para obtener más información sobre las diversas formas de realizar su donativo.

Jesus still calls ordinary people into extraordinary purpose.

Don’t miss the 2026 Eucharistic Congress Friday-Saturday, Sept. 11 & 12, at the Charlotte Convention Center as we come together with Catholics from across the Diocese of Charlotte and beyond! Be inspired by talented Catholic speakers and uplifting music, experience one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the U.S., and renew your relationship with Jesus. Drop in for an hour or come both days – it’s completely free and flexible! Details at www.GoEucharist.com.

The Scally Brothers to open the 2026 Eucharistic Congress

Experience a weekend of inspiring music, praise and worship at the 2026 Eucharistic Congress Sept. 11&12 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Don’t miss the free Friday night concert at 8 p.m. featuring The Scally Brothers, the nationally acclaimed Christian pop duo known for their energetic performances and faith-filled music. Returning this year, The Vigil Project will lead pre-Mass worship, bringing their mission of enriching Catholic prayer through music. Also performing is Marieth Quintero, a Colombian soprano and liturgical musician with more than 24 years of experience in sacred music and parish ministry

Come to the Eucharistic Congress and get 3 months of Hallow FREE – and meet its co-founder!

Every attendee at the 2026 Eucharistic Congress will receive three months of Hallow FREE, the world's leading Catholic prayer and meditation app. Meet Erich Kerekes, Hallow's co-founder, along with Mariana Lacouture and Nathan Crankfield from the Hallow team. Plus, hear from an inspiring lineup of Catholic speakers and digital evangelists, including Katie Prejean McGrady, Ana Munley and Marieth Quintero. It’s all part of this free, two-day event Sept. 11-12 at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Jesús sigue llamando a personas ordinarias a una misión extraordinaria.

¡No se pierda el Congreso Eucarístico 2026, que se llevará a cabo el viernes y sábado, 11 y 12 de septiembre, en el Centro de Convenciones de Charlotte! Acompáñenos junto con católicos de toda la Diócesis de Charlotte y de otros lugares. Déjese inspirar por talentosos conferencistas católicos y música que eleva el espíritu, participe en una de las procesiones eucarísticas más grandes de los Estados Unidos y renueve su relación con Jesús. Venga por una hora o acompáñenos los dos días: ¡es completamente gratis y puede participar con total flexibilidad! Más información en www.GoEucharist.com

¡Escuche a nuestros extraordinarios conferencistas en el Congreso Eucarístico 2026!

Déjese inspirar por la predicación del reconocido evangelizador internacional, el P. Marcos Galvis; profundice su aprecio por la rica tradición musical de la Iglesia y el papel fundamental de la música sacra en la liturgia junto a Marieth Quintero; y descubra formas prácticas de enriquecer su vida de oración con Mariana Lacouture, de Hallow. El fin de semana culminará con una Misa de Clausura presidida por el obispo Michael Martin, que reunirá a miles de católicos de toda la Diócesis de Charlotte en una alegre celebración de nuestra fe. ¡Traiga a toda su familia y no se pierda esta oportunidad única de encontrarse con Cristo en la Eucaristía, profundizar su fe y celebrar junto con la comunidad diocesana!

We’re taking a little time to update our church records—and we’d love your help. Please contact Diana in the office if your address or phone number needs to be updated.

 

Estamos dedicando un poco de tiempo a actualizar los registros de la iglesia, y nos encantaría contar con su ayuda. Por favor, comuníquese con Diana en la oficina si necesita actualizar su dirección o número de teléfono.

 

If you are no longer actively volunteering in any ministry, please contact the office so we can update our Safe Environment Training records accordingly.

 

Si ya no participa activamente como voluntario en ningún ministerio, comuníquese con la oficina para que podamos actualizar nuestros registros de Capacitación en Entorno Seguro.

Please be generous to the Diocesan Support Appeal. Your contribution to the Diocesan Support Appeal is a way to act with love towards our sisters and brothers throughout the diocese and to continue the saving work begun by Jesus.

Por favor sea generoso a la Campaña Diocesana de Apoyo compartiendo sus dones y bendiciones. Su contribución a DSA es una manera de servir a nuestros hermanos y hermanas a través de la diócesis y de continuar la labor comenzada por Jesús.

 

 

By Fr. Marek Weresa

The special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV will take place from 10 January 2026 to 10 January 2027, on the occasion of the eighth centenary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.

In an interview with Vatican Media, Bishop Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary, said we must not fear that the sacred time of the Jubilee will become “banal.

On this day in which the Decree of the Penitentiary announcing the plenary indulgences during this special Year was published, Bishop Nykiel speaks of mercy that surpasses the limits of human justice and stresses that indulgence is not a “dispenser of graces.”

The Apostolic Penitentiary has issued a Decree granting the plenary indulgence during the Year of Saint Francis on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of his death. What exactly are the conditions, and to whom is it addressed?

The Apostolic Penitentiary, in accordance with the will of Pope Leo XIV, has issued a Decree granting the faithful the plenary indulgence during the Year of Saint Francis, celebrated on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the death of the Saint of Assisi. The life of the Poor Man of Assisi shows that God’s mercy works in history also through people who have opened their hearts to His action.

Looking at his example, we see that God’s grace can transform even the greatest weaknesses. Precisely indulgence makes it possible to free the heart from the burden of sin, since it is the remission by God of the temporal punishment for sins that have already been forgiven in the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, so that one may carry out the due reparation in full freedom.

Therefore, the Jubilee is an opportunity for the faithful to rekindle their faith, strengthen their relationship with God and with the community of the Church.

For more information, read the article at: Vatican News

 

Another short Lesson for all St. Aloysius parishioners. 

THE HOLY MASS IS A SACRED DIALOGUE BETWEEN PRIEST AND FAITHFUL is our topic.

The Holy Mass is structured as a sacred conversation between God, the priest, and the people attending the Holy Mass. It requires the active participation of every person present. 

Throughout the liturgy, the priest addresses the people with greetings, prayers, and invitations that call for specific responses from each person in the pews. Each person is expected to respond out loud with the correct answers of, "And with your spirit," "Thanks be to God," or "Amen," as well as by saying prayers together like the Creed, and the Our Father.

Active participation also includes singing hymns and some parts of the Mass, listening attentively to the Scripture readings, and engaging meaningfully with the homily. Verbally answering the priest’s questions and taking notes are recommended. 

Physical participation through proper postures like standing, kneeling, and folding one’s hands, making the Sign of the Cross, and reverently receiving Communion demonstrates your interior engagement with the Sacred Mysteries.

The congregation's role extends beyond words to include presenting each person’s own spiritual and monetary offerings. These offerings unite the people’s intentions to carry the Holy Mass into daily life through prayer and service. Fr. Amaro taught us this offering is called our “oblation.”

The nature of the Holy Mass reflects the fundamental truth that the liturgy is the prayer of the entire Church, not just the priest. It requires the conscious, full, and fruitful participation of all of us, the faithful.

 

Thank you for your time and attention. You can find this lesson in today’s bulletin and on our church website, where you are invited to respectfully ask your questions about the Holy Mass.

Otra una breve lección para todos los feligreses de la Iglesia de San Luis Gonzaga. 

 Nuestro tema es LA SANTA MISA, UN DIÁLOGO SAGRADO ENTRE EL SACERDOTE Y LOS FIELES.

 La Santa Misa se estructura como una conversación sagrada entre Dios, el sacerdote y los asistentes. Requiere la participación activa de todos los presentes.

A lo largo de la liturgia, el sacerdote se dirige a los feligreses con saludos, oraciones e invitaciones que requieren respuestas específicas de cada persona en las bancas. Se espera que cada persona responda en voz alta con las respuestas correctas: "Y con tu espíritu", "Gracias a Dios" o "Amén", así como rezando juntos oraciones como el Credo y el Padrenuestro. La participación activa también incluye cantar himnos y algunas partes de la Misa, escuchar atentamente las lecturas bíblicas y participar activamente en la homilía. Se recomienda responder verbalmente a las preguntas del sacerdote y tomar notas.

La participación física mediante posturas adecuadas como ponerse de pie, arrodillarse y juntar las manos, hacer la señal de la cruz y recibir la Comunión con reverencia demuestra su compromiso interior con los Sagrados Misterios.

El papel de la congregación va más allá de las palabras e incluye la presentación de las ofrendas espirituales y monetarias de cada persona. Estas ofrendas unen las intenciones de los fieles de llevar la Santa Misa a la vida diaria mediante la oración y el servicio.  El P. Amaro nos enseñó que esta ofrenda se llama nuestra "oblación".

La naturaleza de la Santa Misa refleja la verdad fundamental de que la liturgia es la oración de toda la Iglesia, no solo del sacerdote. Requiere la participación consciente, plena y fructífera de todos los fieles.

Gracias por su tiempo y atención. Pueden encontrar esta lección en el boletín de hoy y en el sitio web de nuestra iglesia, donde los invitamos a hacer respetuosamente sus preguntas sobre la Santa Misa.

Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025

A short Lesson for all St. Aloysius parishioners. 

The question is THE HOLY MASS: WHAT IS IT?  

 The Holy Mass is the Church's supreme community prayer. It is a formal Liturgy that is structured to bring together the faithful as one body to worship God through Christ.

Every member of the congregation is called to participate actively by listening to the priest and responding by reverently singing, praying, and gesturing.

Faithful participation in the Holy Mass asks the people to fully engage with the Scripture Readings, the Creed, and the other vocal communal prayers. We are called to fervently unite our personal intentions with the Eucharistic Sacrifice.  

The Liturgical dialogue between the priest and the people shows that the Holy Mass belongs to the entire Church community. This dialogue requires the conscious involvement of everyone who is present.

Through the active common prayer of the Holy Mass, the faithful fulfill their baptismal calling to offer spiritual worship to God. The Holy Mass is a gift of true communion with God and one another.

Thank you for your time and attention. You can find this lesson in today’s bulletin and on our church website where you are invited to respectfully ask any questions about our worship that you have. Next week we will learn more details about the Holy Mass.

Sábado, 20 y Domingo, 21 de Septiembre

Una breve lección para todos los feligreses de la Iglesia de San Luis Gonzaga.  La pregunta es:

 ¿QUÉ ES LA SANTA MISA?

La Santa Misa es la oración comunitaria suprema de la Iglesia. Es una liturgia formal estructurada para reunir a los fieles en un solo cuerpo para adorar a Dios por medio de Cristo.

Cada miembro de la congregación está llamado a participar activamente escuchando al sacerdote y respondiendo con reverencia cantando, orando y gesticulando.

La participación fiel en la Santa Misa requiere que los feligreses se comprometan plenamente con las lecturas bíblicas, el Credo y las demás oraciones vocales comunitarias. Estamos llamados a unir fervientemente nuestras intenciones personales con el Sacrificio Eucarístico. El diálogo litúrgico entre el sacerdote y el pueblo demuestra que la Santa Misa pertenece a toda la comunidad eclesial. Este diálogo requiere la participación consciente de todos los presentes.

Mediante la oración comunitaria activa de la Santa Misa, los fieles cumplen su llamado bautismal de ofrecer culto espiritual a Dios. La Santa Misa es un don de verdadera comunión con Dios y entre nosotros.

Gracias por su tiempo y atención. Puede encontrar esta lección en el boletín de hoy y en el sitio web de nuestra iglesia, donde le invitamos a hacer cualquier pregunta que tenga sobre nuestro culto. La próxima semana aprenderemos más detalles sobre la Santa Misa.

The Knights of Columbus have an updated website!

If you are interested in any of their events or would like to become a Knight yourself, direct yourself to their new website: www.kofc6451hickory.org

The Ladies Auxiliary also provides information for women interested in joining on the same website!

 

¡Los Caballeros de Colón tienen un sitio web actualizado!

Si te interesa alguno de sus eventos o quieres convertirte en Caballero, visita su nuevo sitio web: www.kofc6451hickory.org

Las Damas Auxiliares también ofrece información para las mujeres interesadas en unirse en el mismo sitio web.

 

 

 

 

 

Important announcement:

Virtus is changing to CMG Connect

 

The Diocese of Charlotte is enhancing its Safe Environment program with new, comprehensive policies and procedures updated for today’s issues and needs. Among other updates, the diocese has shifted from Virtus to a streamlined platform called CMG Connect. CMG Connect will combine all of our Safe Environment screening, onboarding and training in one place for all clergy, employees and volunteers.

 

All who volunteer or work with minors or vulnerable adults in the Diocese of Charlotte will need to be set up and certified through CMG Connect.

 

Existing Virtus users: If your Virtus account contained your email address, please look for an email from the diocese or your local Safe Environment coordinator with instructions for how to access your new CMG Connect account. OR View the Instructions PDF below

CMG Instructions

 

New volunteers: Please contact your local parish’s Safe Environment coordinator for further instructions, view the instructions PDF below, or you can visit https://charlottediocese.org/offices/safe-environment/ to register as a new volunteer.

  CMG Instructions

Questions? Please contact your staff liaison at the church office at 828-327-2341. You may also contact the Diocese Safe Environment Office at

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Anuncio importante:

Virtus cambia a CMG Connect

CMG Instructions Español

La Diócesis de Charlotte está mejorando su programa de Ambiente Seguro con políticas y procedimientos

nuevos e integrales actualizados para los problemas y necesidades actuales. Entre otras actualizaciones, la diócesis pasó de Virtus a una plataforma optimizada llamada CMG Connect. CMG Connect combinará toda nuestra evaluación, incorporación y capacitación sobre Ambiente Seguro en un solo lugar para todo el clero, empleados y voluntarios.

 

Todos los que sean voluntarios o trabajen con menores o adultos vulnerables en la Diócesis de Charlotte deberán estar configurados y certificados a través de CMG Connect.

 

Usuarios existentes de Virtus: si su cuenta Virtus

contenía su dirección de correo electrónico, busque un correo electrónico de la diócesis o de su coordinador local de Ambiente Seguro con instrucciones sobre cómo acceder a su nueva cuenta de CMG Connect.

 

Nuevos voluntarios: comuníquese con el coordinador del ministerio de su parroquia local para obtener más instrucciones o puede visitar https://charlottediocese.org/offices/safe-environment/ para registrarse como nuevo voluntario.

 

¿Preguntas? Comuníquese el coordinador del ministerio en la oficina parroquial al 828-327-2341. También puede comunicarse con la Oficina de Ambiente Seguro de la Diócesis en This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 
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