Greetings to you,

So, this subject line makes a statement that sounds like a question, but it is a translation from the Hebrew of the name of St.Michael- "who is like God". This has nothing to do with bravado or pride, but is more of a challenging question to the pride of Satan and his followers, highlighting God's supreme nature. 

In both the book of Daniel and Revelation, St.Michael plays the role of protector and  defender of God's people and the leader of the heavenly army against the forces of evil. 

So, the question recently has come up "why do we say the St.Michael's prayer after Mass?" Great question with a great history for an answer.

Oct. 1,1884, Pope Leo 13th, after finishing his daily Mass had a mystical vision in which he heard the voices of Jesus and Satan speaking. He recounts that Satan stated he could destroy the Church in 70 to 100 years if given the opportunity. Deeply shaken by this vision, he immediately went to his desk and composed a longer version of the St.Michael's prayer we have today and it was decreed to be prayed following every low Mass from 1886 and up to 1964 when it was stopped due to the liturgical reforms of Vatican II Council. 

2019, after the bishop scandals, the prayer was encouraged to be prayed in our diocese after Bishop Gregory Parkes asked each parish the option to say it after the final blessing. Also, St. Michael is the principal patron saint of our diocese and we have a basilica in his honor. He is also the patron saint of  police officers, soldiers, members of the military as well as those in dangerous professions like firefighters and EMTs.

With the recent violence in our nation, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, we need this prayer prayed more than ever. 

So, this why we say the prayer at the end of Mass.

See what else is coming up.

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1) A MINISTRY DAY OF RENEWAL is scheduled for Saturday, September 27th from 9a.m. to 11a.m. here at St.Ann. Michele Kenaga, Director of Faith Formation for the diocese, will be our guest speaker. This is for all Liturgical Ministries for St. Ann and Our Lady of the Assumption parishioners and for those who wish to be a part of any of the various liturgical ministries(altar servers, choir members, lectors, ushers & greeters and Ems)  

For all ExtraOrdinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Ems), We will also be renewing our commission required by the diocese.

Please go to this link and sign up

2) KITCHEN TEAM NEEDED at St.Ann!! For Sunday mornings(7:30-10:30a.m.) and 1st Wednesday evenings (4-7pm.) This is a great way to serve your parish and your fellow parishioners. No experience needed. If you would like to help set up, clean dishes or cook, then please contact Lynn Clark at 850-417-6753 or email  lynn@stanngulfbreeze.org 

3) CATECHIST BLESSING at the 8:15a.m Mass this weekend. If you a teacher in our Religious Ed program, OCIA, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, EDGE or other  program. Please come to the 8:15a.m. and you will receive this yearly blessing for your dedication.

Thanks for hanging around ya'll,

Fr. John

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Bonus Question: What are the 3 sacraments of Initiation, what are the 2 sacraments of Service and 2 sacraments of healing?