Capital Campaign: As of today, November 14, we have a total of $2,268.384 in 290 pledges. Thank you to all who have so generously given to the Witness to Hope Campaign. Fr. Gary and I are very grateful for your kindness and support.
Year of Mercy: This Sunday is the closing of the Year of Mercy. It’s been a tremendous year of grace for the world and for our Church. The world will be saved by mercy! In our parish we were blessed to have two “24 hours with the Lord.” People have told me they want to continue that next year! Personally, one of the highlights for me was to experience God’s love and compassion in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus is the face of God’s mercy for us. His mercy endures forever!!!
Messiah Concert: We are so blessed to have a wonderful choir at our parish under the direction of Dr. Simon Lee (and his wife Sia). Our choir will be joining others from the area to perform the Handel’s Messiah concert this Sunday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. I have heard them practice and they sound wonderful! Really hope to see you there.
Grandparent’s Mass: This Tuesday, November 22, I will be celebrating the grandparent’s Mass at Flint Powers Catholic High School. Ever since I went to Canada this summer and witnessed the special devotion to the grandparents of Jesus, Sts. Joachim and Anne (the patron of Canada), I have felt an increase of love and respect for the grandparents of Jesus and for all grandparents. In fact, I have suggested that we get a couple of statues of Saint Joachim and Saint Anne since they are a special part of the Holy Family.
Bball game: Speaking of Flint Powers, I was asked to put together a team of priests to play some students in a charity basketball game for the benefit of Catholic Charities in Flint. The game will be held on November 29 at 7:30 p.m. Fr. Gary is playing as well. We have a couple tall players in 6’9” Fr. Zach Mabee and 6’5” Fr. Vince Richardson that will help—because we are going to need it.
Presbyteral Council: Recently I was asked to be a member of the Presbyteral Council for the Diocese of Lansing. The Presbyteral Council is the principal consultative body to advise the diocesan bishop in matters of pastoral governance. We have a meeting this Tuesday, November 22, in the afternoon in Lansing.
Happy Thanksgiving: A blessed Thanksgiving to you and your families. Hope you enjoy family time together and I hope the Lions win too! Our Thanksgiving Mass will be at 9 a.m. We only have one Mass on Friday at 9 a.m. as well.
Be assured of my prayers and love, and may you enjoy this special week of thanksgiving.
Msgr. Jerry
Quote of the week: “Let it be done to me according to Your Word.” Words expressed by Our Blessed Mother at the Annunciation. The Feast of the Presentation of Mary is Monday, November 21.