Snacks for Miracle Place

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Group
 
Students from our Disciples Sunday school class, grades 4-6, gathered recently to learn more about the children’s programs at Miracle Place in Indianapolis. Doing homework, reading, playing games, participating in Cub Scouts, decorating cookies, shooting hoops, and participating  in the fitness  program  provide the  children with  a  safe,  warm  and loving environment.  The  care and  concern of the staff  and  volunteers at Miracle Place give  the children a sense of belonging.  Lessons in politeness,  respect, and self-discipline are emphasized each day.
 
Gather
 
They gathered in our newly-renovated Narthex space to hear about the program and facilities, a discussion led by Deacon Cathy Scott and parent Susan Stahly. Following the discussion, the students and leaders prepared snacks that will be enjoyed by students who attend the Miracle Place after school program.
 
Food 1 Food 2 Food 3 Food 4 Food 5
Larry snack
Larry, our new friend from England, stopped by to help pack a few snacks and sign notes to the children.
 
Bless
Disciples class students presented the snacks during the Offertory at Sunday’s 10 AM service and helped bless them before they were delivered to Miracle Place during the week.  More information about outreach projects at Holy Family can be seen by clicking HERE or contacting the church office. admin@hfec.org


Ash Wednesday 2016

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Debbie
 
Betty
 
Sophia
 
Communion
 


Explanation of Changes in the Church and Liturgy During Lent

Lent changes
There are a number of alterations made both in the decorations of the church as well as in the regular liturgy during Lent. Some of these include:

Liturgical Colors -The altar hangings are purple, a color of Jesus’ royal kingship and of his royal priesthood, as he embraces suffering and finally death on the cross for his people.

Processional Cross -The regular shiny brass processional cross is replaced by a plain, wooden processional cross, reminding us of the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on a tree. His sacrifice defeats death and makes us whole.

Flowers – There are no flowers on the altar during Lent, reflecting the focus on repentance over celebration.

Penitential Order – There are changes in the liturgy during Lent as well. The service starts with the Penitential Order, which focuses on confessing our sins and receiving forgiveness from the very beginning of our worship.

Music – The music used for the regular parts of the Eucharist changes; it is more in a minor key and in a more transcendent style.

Eucharistic Prayers – During Lent we will use Eucharistic Prayer C which is more penitential and requires greater participation from the congregation.

Post Communion Prayer – At the end, the post-communion prayer is different, demanding our attention to the actual words of what we are praying.

Alleluia – All Alleluias are dropped during Lent, reflecting that Lent is again about penitence over celebration.

Hymns – The hymns during Lent are different in character, with words that draw us to the holiness of God and our need for God’s forgiveness and grace.

All of these changes to the liturgy during Lent are designed to get our attention and force us to engage the experience in a more present way. Hopefully our Lenten Services will help to take each of us out of our comfort zone and truly reflect on our lives and relationship with Christ.

Many Blessings My Friends,

Fr. Mike



Shrove Tuesday 2016

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Burning Palms
Ashes liturgyShrove Tuesday at Holy Family was particularly exciting this year as we celebrated the first large-scale use of our new parish hall. We held a liturgy to burn palms from 2015, the ashes from which will be used in our services tomorrow on Ash Wednesday.
Bury
We “buried the Alleluia” and put away our gold and white banner until Easter Vigil.
Pancakes
Finally, we enjoyed pancakes with all the extras in our annual Pancake Supper youth group fundraiser. Special thanks are extended to all those who cooked and served food at tonight’s event.
Cooks
Dinner 2
Kids
Dinner 1


Ash Wednesday Invitation

Join Us on Ash Wednesday



Christmas 2015

Children's gospel 2015
Holy Family enjoyed plenty of family time this year. Click each link to view photos from our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.


Acolyte Training 2015

Acolyte
Following the 10 AM service on Sunday, acolyte leader Joe Spangler and Father Mike led a training session for new and returning acolytes. Following the session, everyone was invited to share in a pizza lunch. If you or your child is interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact the church office. admin@hfec.org


Pet Blessing 2015

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Pets 2015
Today on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Father Mike blessed many of the pets of Holy Family members and nearby neighbors. This year’s liturgy hosted dogs and cats. Pet blessings are typically held in early October in honor of St. Francis, patron saint of animals and the environment. Several conflicts pushed our event later in the fall.
 Barkley
 
Angus2
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Cats
Chloe
 
Fezzik2
 
Lab
 
Rocky
 
Sabrina 2


Anniversary Gift from the Vatican

Vatican gift
Fr. Mike and his family gathered at the 10:00 service on October 18th to bless a new chalice and paten into service at Holy Family.  The set was presented as a gift to the parish by the Galvin family.  During Fr. Mike’s sabbatical this past summer, he and daughter Kelsey made a pilgrimage to the Vatican in Rome.  While there, they purchased the set as a gift celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Holy Family Episcopal Church.  (Pictured from left; Rachelle, Kelsey, Abby and Fr. Mike Galvin)​


Daughters of the King Spiritual Retreat

DOK retreat 2015 music
The Hannah Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King held a spiritual retreat titled “Rhythm of the Heart.” The retreat was facilitated by the Reverend Michelle Roos, Diocesan Chaplain for Daughters of the King. Throughout the retreat, Daughters were invited to participate in Compline, Morning Prayer, Eucharist, bible study, and fellowship time. Many of the activities were accompanied by joyful and interpretive drumming and singing.
DOK retreat 2015