Parish News 
Diocesan News
Prayer Intention for July - A Decisive Victory over Terrorism
Church Etiquette
When people come to Church, it is presumed they come to pray, especially when they come a few minutes early. For the sake of these individuals, others are asked to refrain from carrying on prolonged conversations while waiting for Mass to begin. Gone are the days when the very air of a Church emitted the odor of the sacred.
Teachers Needed Many of our Religious Ed teachers have done yeoman service over the last several years and have asked to be replaced for the coming year. We are, therefore, sending out an appeal to fill three teacher vacancies and the office of Director of Religious Education. Any individuals, male or female, who may be interested in the rewarding vocation of teaching children about God and His Church would be received with a gracious welcome. You may volunteer through a personal contact or by leaving a note on Fr.’s desk. When leaving a note, make sure it lies on top of the desk.
Vacation Bible School
Many thanks to Colleen Allen and everyone who assisted with Vacation Bible School this year. It involves a tremendous amount of planning and preparation not to mention the time commitment involved. The children had a wonderful week and look forward to next year
Adult Education
For anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith, apart from the "Why Catholic" program, Fr. Fred will conduct a weekly session on the basic beliefs of the Church. These classes are especially helpful for persons interested in becoming Catholic or recent converts who wish to understand better what the Church believes and teaches. Date and time will be determined to accommodate the schedule of participants.
Couple Needs Ride to Church
A former parishioner looking to join us at Sunday morning Mass needs a ride to Church. They live at 506 Cragrock Drive off Gaines St. in the City of Sparta. A volunteer for this act of charity would be appreciated. The pastor’s van is insured and available for this kind of service.
Kroger and Food Lion Cards
Purchase of gift cards has fallen off during the summer. We depend upon the profits of these cards to support the social activities of the parish and urge your participation. The Booster Club sponsors the annual picnic and parties. Every $100 card results in a $4 donation to the Church.
Why Catholic?
Groupings are being formed for the Why Catholic? program. A map of White County and City of Sparta and also part of Cookeville is on display in the Fellowship Hall which locates the homes of those who have volunteered to be program facilitators. We are trying to set up meeting places in geographic areas to make driving less burdensome for participants in the program. Interested persons are invited to select a group of their choice. More groups will follow as facilitators are recruited.
Right to Life Plates
So far, a total of 9,673 RIGHT TO LIFE license plates have been sold. The Tennessee Chapter of RTL has been the beneficiary of $151,000 from their sale. In a cursory check of our Sunday morning parking lot, a few of our own parishioners have paid the extra $11 to show their pro-life position. The next time you renew your tags, take the occasion to choose a life plate. Let the world know where you stand on this important issue.
Calling All Voices
Do you like to sing? Our voices in the choir continue to dwindle for various reasons, and we are always happy when new voices join us. The choir practices on Thursday evenings, no special talent is required, just a willingness to be part of a wonderful ministry and an hour each Thursday evening.
Grateful Thanks to Volunteers We are grateful to the many volunteers who have shouldered the burdens of the parish and on whom we continue to depend whenever anything needs to be done. The list is too long to recognize them individually, but to those of you who have participated in the liturgy, educational or social programs, or the more mundane activities know that your help has been deeply appreciated.
St. Andrew Outreach
Parishioners are encouraged to be mindful of the less fortunate among us. We have received a number of calls from people who have been helped with our Outreach Program to tell us how grateful they were. To continue this great apostolate, your help is needed. Will you help us keep our food bin filled?
St. Andrew Outreach Ministry celebrated its 3rd birthday on February 28, 2008. As of that date, 1,007 families within our parish community were helped. During the month of February, 31 families were assisted with food and/or utility bills and medical prescriptions. In addition to cash payments of $212.88, food items were purchased in the amount of $282.28. The monthly collection on the last Sunday of February netted $422.50, and an additional amount of $159.25 was dropped into the poor box attached to the food bin. We want to thank all parishioners for their continued support.
For specific dated events, see Announcements
