Mission Statement

Called to collaborative ministry in virtue of Holy Baptism, the people of God in Saint Michael Catholic Community continue the healing presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the communities of the North Valleys by celebrating and sharing the Divine Will with all peoples.

Laypeople are expected to participate in certain gestures during Mass, such as making the sign of the cross, bowing, and showing reverence, while other gestures, like raising hands during the Our Father, are discouraged .

Prescribed Gestures

Certain gestures are explicitly prescribed for all the faithful in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM):

-Sign of the Cross: Made at the beginning of Mass, before readings, and upon receiving Communion, among other times. At the Gospel, the faithful may touch forehead, lips, and chest to show reverence for the Word of God and to signify hearing, proclaiming, and cherishing the Gospel (CERC).

-Bowing: Bowing is appropriate during the Creed at the Incarnatus (“and was made man”), at the name of Jesus, and during certain prayers to show respect and gratitude (EWTN).

-Genuflecting: Done when entering or leaving the church, or when passing before the Blessed Sacrament, as a sign of reverence.

-Sign of Peace: Laypeople may offer a handshake, bow, or other culturally appropriate gesture to those nearby; the exact form is not strictly prescribed and is left to local custom (Catholic Home).

Optional or Discouraged Gestures

Some gestures are traditional but not required:

-Hands during the Our Father: The laity are not required to hold hands or raise them in the Orans position. The Roman Missal specifies only that the congregation stands; extending hands is reserved for the priest, and laypeople should avoid gestures that mimic the priestly role (Catholic Answers, Catholic.com).

-Other personal gestures: Folding hands, interlacing fingers, or holding them loosely at the sides while standing are all acceptable. Local custom or personal devotion may guide these practices (Catholic Field Guide).

Purpose of Gestures

Gestures at Mass are not merely ceremonial; they engage the body in prayer and reinforce the meaning of the liturgy. Standing, kneeling, bowing, and making the sign of the cross express respect, penance, gratitude, and reverence for Christ and the sacred mysteries (St. Apostle, EWTN).

Summary

Laypeople should follow the gestures prescribed by the Church, such as the sign of the cross, bowing, and genuflecting, while optional gestures like hand positions during the Our Father or personal devotional gestures are left to individual or local practice. The key principle is to participate reverently and in harmony with the liturgical norms, avoiding gestures that could confuse the distinction between the laity and the priesthood.

 From Catholic Answers

Here At Saint Michael…

PLEASE NOTE
The parish office will be closed on Friday October 30 ^th in observance of Nevada Day.

Remembrance Table: We will be praying for the souls of the faithful departed. The envelopes are in the back of the church, so you can write the name of your departed loved ones for whom Father will dedicate Holy Masses during the month of November. Please bring a photo of your loved ones to put on our Remembrance Table. Thank you!

All Soul’s Day:  Father Elberto will celebrate Holy Mass on Monday November 2 ^nd at 6pm in English and 7pm in Spanish. Please come and remember all our departed loved ones.

The Annual Martha and Mary’s Bazaar: The annual Marthas & Marys Christmas Bazaar & Bake Sale will be held on December 5 ^th & 6 ^th, 2026 in Father Wright Hall. They welcome donations of Christmas craft items and gently used Christmas treasures. No clothing please. Please drop off donations in the designated drop off location in Father Wright Hall before December 4 ^th. Baked goodies can be dropped off beginning Friday, December 4 ^th or during the bazaar. Please call Kathy at 775-224-8020 for more information

TRAINING FOR EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS AND LECTORS
Father Elberto is requesting current ministers and lectors to attend this training. If you are not yet helping us in these ministries, you are encouraged to attend. Training will be offered on Thursday October 29 ^nd at 6pm, in Spanish at the church. Please let the parish office know if you are going to attend before October 25 ^th.

…From the weekly Parish Bulletin Oct 25th, 2026