Liturgical Thoughts: On August 5th our Worship Commission met. Some of the items on our agenda included making some minor changes in the preparation of the gifts which would affect how the altar is set up and the distribution of Holy Communion. Additionally, we discussed the possibility of making an altar server training video. We also discussed the pros and cons of the weekday Mass schedule. Many people have remarked that the current weekday Mass schedule is a bit confusing to follow. We also talked about, in light of the Year of Mercy, beginning on November 29th, to add more confession times during the week. More details to follow in the coming weeks.
Commissions: Speaking of commissions, we are in need of volunteers to be on our parish commissions. This would include the following commissions: Christian Service, Education, Evangelization, Finance, Stewardship, Parish Life, Worship, Youth and Communications.
Staff Meeting: We had our first staff meeting on August 11th. We had some very lively and interesting conversations! I am so grateful that we are blessed with a passionate staff who really love serving at Holy Family Parish. There are so many wonderful things happening at this parish!
RCIA: One of the best programs in the Church is the Rite of Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This program is for people who fully want to enter the Catholic Church. For example, if a person is Catholic but has not yet been confirmed, or someone who is not Catholic but wants to be. Do you know anyone who might be interested? Please contact Maddie White at the parish office. Classes start on Sunday, September 20th.
Adult Faith Formation: Please see page 11 of the bulletin about the WONDERFUL opportunities to learn more about our Catholic Faith. I cannot emphasize enough how good these programs are. Thanks to Larry Blondin for organizing these events.
Sunday Evening Mass: Just a reminder that the Sunday evening Mass will switch back to 5 p.m. beginning on September 13th. It will remain at 5 p.m. on Sundays through the school year.
Parish Picnic/Back at School Bash: Mark your calendars! September 13th is the date of our Parish Picnic/Back at School Bash. Watch in upcoming bulletins for all the details.
Another seminarian: We will miss Lee Koenigsknecht, Fr. Gary’s brother. He has been a great blessing here, especially with the maintenance crew. Deacon Peter Lawrence has finished his summer internship at our parish, but we are so glad that he will be returning most weekends starting in mid-September. Looking ahead, we are very happy that another seminarian, John Vinton, will be joining us beginning September 1st and will be with us throughout the year. John recently finished his college seminary training and is taking a year in our parish before he begins theology.
Religious Profession: On Sunday, August 16th, I will be attending the final profession Mass at Noon for the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, held at the Cathedral in Saginaw. Their particular charism is in the health field. This particular order of sisters are long-time friends and a big support to priests.
Please be assured of my prayers for you.
Have a Blessed week!
Msgr. Vincke
Saint quote of the week:
“The world would have peace if only men of politics would follow the Gospels.” — St. Bridget of Sweden