Family Reunion: I enjoyed our family reunion last Sunday. It was great to see and spend time with extended family that I normally don’t see often. We even had a few Olympic game contests, such as egg-carrying on a spoon, water balloon toss, a three-legged race, etc.—none of which required much strength or athletic ability! Last weekend Fr. Gary went to Washington for a wedding of a friend. One of the highlights for him was canoeing near Puget Sound and seeing plenty of seals.
Poor Hospitality!: Speaking of Fr. Gary, his brother Lee arrived last Monday evening. Since Fr. Gary was coming back from the airport, I was supposed to meet Lee at the house to let him in. Well, I went to a Juvenile Diabetes fundraiser hosted by some of our parishioners at Brick Street. By the time I got back to the house Lee had been waiting over an hour! If he forgives me, Lee plans on being with us for a couple of weeks. He plans on serving at our liturgies, but also doing some manual labor on our church property.
Any interest? Speaking of Lee, as many of you know I used to be the vocation director for our diocese. It was a joy to work with men discerning the call to the priesthood. On Sunday, August 16th, Bishop Boyea is inviting any man who will be at least entering his junior year of high school to a Priestly Discernment dinner with him and other priests, along with many seminarians from the diocese, at 3 p.m. If you are interested or know of someone interested, Fr. Gary is willing to drive a group to this event. Please call Fr. Gary at the parish (694-4891) if you are interested.
Religious Professions: This past Friday I attended the first profession (July 31) Mass for the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor. One of the Sisters making her first profession was Sr. Mary Andre Thelen. She was a member at my first parish assignment at St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor. I’ve know this particular religious order since they came to our diocese some twenty years ago. This year is the Year of Consecrated Life. I am grateful for our own Sr. Sharon and her presence and witness to us. Thank you, Sr. Sharon!
Liturgy Coordinator: Lorri O’Dea has graciously accepted the position of Liturgy Coordinator for our parish. Lorri previously worked in Stewardship. She has agreed to continue some stewardship duties, including organizing Face Time with the priests and the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA). We do not plan on hiring someone for the Stewardship position.
New Additions: When you come to church you will notice new lights, which should provide better lighting while at the same time save on expenses. Also, we put in new counter tops in our parish hall.
Favorite hour: One of my favorite times during the week is when the parish staff spends an hour together in the church during Eucharistic Exposition on Tuesdays. This practice was started by Fr. Ken. Like any family, it’s so good to pray together.
Homework: Speaking of spending time with the Eucharist, our Gospel readings for the next several weeks are from the Gospel of John, Chapter 6. Please take time to read. It’s one of the most important and controversial Scripture readings in the Bible: Jesus said that He is the Bread of Life and whoever eats His flesh and drinks His blood will live forever. Many people left Him when he said this. Today many people still don’t take Jesus at His Word.
Saint Quote of the Week:
“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.” – Saint Padre Pio
Msgr. Vincke