TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
The parable of Lazarus and the rich man reminds us that ignoring the suffering of others leads to spiritual poverty. True richness is found in showing compassion and living with a heart aligned to God’s love.
The readings for the weekend can be found HERE.
LITURGY AND WORSHIP
FAMILY CHOIR
This Sunday • 9:30am Mass
At the 9:30am Mass this Sunday, we welcome our Family Choir singers and thank them for their participation!
FIRST FRIDAY
Friday, October 3 • 8:30am – Saturday, October 4 • 9am
October is the month we honor our parish patroness, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who devoted her life to deepening love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In her spirit, we are invited to spend time with the Lord in the quiet of Eucharistic Adoration. REGISTER TODAY
BLESSING OF PETS
Sunday, October 5 • 1:10pm
Please bring all pets to the Courtyard after the 12pm Mass on Sunday, October 5th (we will begin at 1:10pm) for the Blessing of Pets in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Leashes or cages are requested for the safety of our furry, feathered, or scaled loved ones.
ROSARY CHALLENGE
October is traditionally the month of the rosary. This year, the Rosary Ministry is sponsoring a parish wide challenge to come together as a community and pray the rosary on Zoom every day during the month of October. LEARN MORE
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
“Pilgrims of Hope” is the guiding theme of the 2025 Jubilee, a Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis as a time of renewal, reconciliation, and mercy. In a world often marked by uncertainty and suffering, the theme calls the faithful to be signs of hope—walking with Christ, rooted in prayer, and sharing the joy of the Gospel. READ MORE
HOMILY REWIND: TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN OT
The parable of the dishonest steward reminds us that while Jesus does not praise dishonesty, He highlights the steward’s resourcefulness, self-assessment, and decisive action. We are called to bring these same qualities into our spiritual lives—honestly examining our faith and taking bold steps to grow closer to God. SEE THE VIDEO
WEEKLY CALENDAR
View our weekly calendar and the daily Mass intentions for the week of 9/29-10/5. VIEW THE CALENDAR AND MASS INTENTIONS
View our weekly calendar and the daily Mass intentions for the week of 9/29-10/5. VIEW THE CALENDAR AND MASS INTENTIONS
CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING
HAITI MINISTRY CELEBRATES 5 YEARS WITH OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH
Sunday, September 27/28
Visit our table in the courtyard after Masses this weekend to learn more about our ministry and how you can get involved. VISIT OUR HAITI PAGE
WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES
Wednesday, October 1 • 6:30 pm • Family Life Center
Join our Peace and Justice Ministry to pray a multi-language Rosary for migrants and refugees. Following the Rosary, Felipe Sousa Lazaballet, executive director of the Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, will share about the work among our immigrant community.
PRAY/ADVOCATE: STOP FLORIDA EXECUTIONS
Seek to stop executions scheduled in Florida on September 30 and October 14 by writing the governor and clemency board. Our Church teaches that capital punishment is an act of state-sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life. READ MORE
PRO-LIFE WALK FOR LIFE
Saturday, October 18 • 8–10am • Secret Lake Park
Saturday, October 18 • 8–10am • Secret Lake Park
We’re excited to join our community to celebrate LIFE in Central Florida. Register to attend and JOIN THE MOVEMENT—love makes a difference, love saves lives!
Walk as an individual, create a new team, or join an existing team.
Walk as an individual, create a new team, or join an existing team.
40 DAYS FOR LIFE – FALL 2025 CAMPAIGN
Join us for the 40 Days for Life Fall 2025 Campaign, a season of prayer, fasting, and outreach to protect the dignity of life. Learn more and sign up on OUR WEBSITE
Join us for the 40 Days for Life Fall 2025 Campaign, a season of prayer, fasting, and outreach to protect the dignity of life. Learn more and sign up on OUR WEBSITE
PRO-LIFE ROSARY
Tuesdays • 9:15am • All Women’s Health Center
Tuesdays • 9:15am • All Women’s Health Center
Join us in praying the Rosary for women considering abortion. We also offer pamphlets with information about where free help is available. A regular weekly commitment is not necessary—come when you are able.
Contact: Barbara 407-647-9230
SMM FALL FESTIVAL
SMM FALL FESTIVAL
Friday, October 17 • 6–10pm
Tickets are available ONLINE NOW and after Masses on October 4/5. Proceeds from the SMM Fall Festival benefit the 8th grade SMMCS class trip and the Haiti Ministry. You can also BECOME A SPONSOR.
SMM CATHOLIC SCHOOL
IGNATIUS BOOK FAIR AT ST. MARGARET MARY
Saturday, October 4 • 3–5pm • Parish Hall
Sunday, October 5 • 9am–2pm • Parish Hall
Sunday, October 5 • 9am–2pm • Parish Hall
Join us for Catholic and secular books that inspire, educate, and celebrate the harmony of faith and literature.
SMMCS TENNIS TOURNAMENT
Friday, November 7 • 8:30am–12pm • WP Tennis Center
Few spots remain! Join our round robin doubles tournament. Please sign up individually—we’ll pair you with different partners throughout the event based on your skill level. REGISTER TODAY
SYNODALITY AND OUR PARISH LIFE
The direct knowledge of the suffering Christ possessed by those who are poor makes them heralds of salvation received as a gift and witnesses to the joy of the Gospel. The Church is called to be poor with those who are poor, who often constitute the majority of the faithful, to listen to them, learning together how to recognize the charisms they receive from the Spirit. The Church also needs to learn to recognize them as agents of evangelization.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
FOOD PANTRY
The four local food pantries that we support are running short of food. The most requested items include: Canned meats, individual pouches of tuna, chicken, sardines, spam, Vienna sausages, hash, chili, and beef stew. Also, individual portions of ramen noodles, cups of soup, mac & cheese, canned or cups of fruit, canned green beans and corn, instant potatoes, pancake mix/syrup.
ELIZABETH MINISTRY
Following the example of Mary and Elizabeth, we visit and share the sacredness of life.
Volunteers are needed to prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal to a family celebrating a new birth or adoption.
Contact: Lori lori@stmargaretmary.org
SACRAMENTS
FIRST RECONCILIATION
First Reconciliation preparation for registered families will begin with a Parent Orientation, via Zoom, on Tuesday, September 30 at 6:30pm. The link will be sent before the session. Our in-person classes will be held Tuesday, October 7 and Tuesday, October 14. Please watch your email for more information.
CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS
For Catholic adults who have not been Confirmed
Preparation sessions for adults (18+) who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation begin October 16.
Contact: Karen 407-644-6812 karen@stmargaretmary.org
OCIA FOR TEENS: 6TH-12TH GRADE
If you are interested in being Baptized, receiving First Communion, and/or Confirmation, you can join OCIA for teens! Contact: Bella bela@stmargaretmary.org
SEEKING CONFIRMATION CATECHISTS!
If you are an adult and are interested in assisting with Confirmation preparation, we would love to have your support and help throughout the prep process.
Contact: Bella bela@stmargaretmary.org
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
MEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION
Saturday, September 27 • 8:30am–1pm
This event is open to men of all ages—please invite your sons, grandsons, brothers, cousins, friends, and any man you would like to bring closer to Christ!
Contact: MATC@stmargaretmary.org.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY WITH FR. WALSH
Continues every Tuesday • 7am • Cana Room
All men of the parish are invited to join Fr. Walsh and about 75 other men for this weekly gathering. This Men’s Bible Study has been going on for over 25 years!
All men of the parish are invited to join Fr. Walsh and about 75 other men for this weekly gathering. This Men’s Bible Study has been going on for over 25 years!
SAVE THE DATE: ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT
Wednesday, December 10 • 6pm
Join us for the 3rd annual Advent by Candlelight with keynote speaker Sr. Rosemary Finnegan. Cost: $15 per person, benefiting pro-life ministries. Register online starting Oct. 1 at 8am as an individual or a table of 8.
ST. MARGARET MARY ON HALLOW
This fall, our parish will be partnering with Hallow, the #1 prayer app! Through prayer and meditation rooted in the Catholic faith, Hallow helps people grow closer to God, find peace, and develop their prayer life. Users are able to pray alongside Fr. Mike, Sr. Miriam, Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, Jeff Cavins, Bishop Barron and more.
CURSILLO WEEKEND
Men’s weekend • October 2-5
Women’s Weekend • October 16-19
Women’s Weekend • October 16-19
The Cursillo Journey begins with a three-day weekend experience which invites Catholics to dive deeper into the well of our faith and personally connect with God’s unlimited love. Many have said the Cursillo Weekend can be described as a “life-changing event”. READ MORE
FAITH FORMATION
FAITH FORMATION REMINDER
Faith Formation for registered families continues on Sundays through May. Classes run from 10:40–11:40am. Children should bring a small bag each week with pencils, crayons, scissors, and a glue stick. Please drop off your child with their catechist/teacher in the Courtyard.
YOUTH MINISTRY
JOIN YOUTH MINISTRY!
Registration is open!
If you are in 6-8 grade, you can register for EDGE which is our middle school youth group. If you are in 9-12 grade, you can join Lifeteen, which is our High School youth group. Go to OUR WEBSITE for more info.
UPCOMING EDGE NIGHTS - MIDDLE SCHOOL
Wednesday, October 1 • 6:30–8pm
Please enter the FLC building through the back lobby doors (by the Mary statue that faces the parking lot) to get to the upper parish hall. We’ll have dinner, games, and a topic to chat about. Can’t wait to see you!
UPCOMING LIFE NIGHTS - HIGH SCHOOL
Sunday, October 5 • 7–8:30pm
Sunday, October 5 • 7–8:30pm
It’s our first XLT night—exalting Jesus in Adoration with our praise and worship team! Meet in the Youth Room for community time and pizza as usual, then we’ll head to the Church together when it’s time.
HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Tuesday, October 7 • 6pm • Youth Group Room
Sunday, October 12 • 10:45am • Youth Group Room
Sunday, October 12 • 10:45am • Youth Group Room
All NEW high school Store volunteers must attend one orientation with the SMM Youth Group before registering.
Contact: Peyton@stmargaretmary.org
SUPPORT
SMM PRAYER LINE
The Prayer Line Ministry exists to support our parishioners, their family, and friends by entrusting their needs to God’s care through the powerful practice of prayer. Members of the prayer team pray daily, in their own individual style, for each person on the prayer request list. LEARN MORE
FAMILY LIFE
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
Every Monday • 6:45pm • Chapel
Join us to pray the rosary and then gather for dinner and fellowship on the Avenue. READ MORE ABOUT THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
EARLY CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
Sunday, September 28 • 10:30–11:45am
Sunday, September 28 • 10:30–11:45am
All families with children age 4 and under are invited to a Family Faith Gathering! Enjoy parent-child interactive centers, coffee & donuts, and family prayer rituals you can bring into your home with your little ones. RSVP to lori@stmargaretmary.org by Thursday, September 25.
ST. ANNE’S MINISTRY
Wednesday, October 1 • 8:30am–9:30am
Wednesday, October 1 • 8:30am–9:30am
Speaker: Dr. Katie Good (Annunciation Catholic Church)
Topic: The importance of nutrition and environmental health. All are welcome.
Contact: Lori lori@stmargaretmary.org.
Topic: The importance of nutrition and environmental health. All are welcome.
Contact: Lori lori@stmargaretmary.org.
ADORATION WITH THE LITTLES
Friday, October 3 • 10–11am • Chapel
Friday, October 3 • 10–11am • Chapel
Join us for a holy hour on First Friday for families with babies and little ones—come for as much of the hour as you can! We ask all other adorers during this time for patience and compassion as our littles join us for Exposition to adore the true presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
MOM'S GROUP
Mondays • 7–8pm • Holy Grounds
Join us for engaging conversation starters inspired by the book Passionate Discipleship from Walking with Purpose. Purchase the book on your own, or simply come and join the discussion any Monday night. All are welcome. No RSVP needed. Contact: Lori lori@stmargaretmary.org.
CONNECT
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY: GAME DAYS
Wednesday, October 1 • 10am–12pm • Holy Grounds
Wednesday, October 15 • 10am–12pm • Holy Grounds
Wednesday, October 15 • 10am–12pm • Holy Grounds
All men and women ages 65+ are invited.
Contact: The Family Life Office 407-645-0284.
BULLETIN SPONSORS
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US
There are many wonderful sponsors that support us through ads in our bulletin. Here is a LIST OF THOSE SPONSORS. Please consider supporting them.
There are many wonderful sponsors that support us through ads in our bulletin. Here is a LIST OF THOSE SPONSORS. Please consider supporting them.
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churchoffice@stmargaretmary.org | 407.647.3392 | stmargaretmary.org