The Crim Race: I have always heard about how big the Crim Race was, but I didn’t realize how big until I got here. So many of our parishioners either participated in the race or simply attended. Many of you commented how fast Fr. Gary ran. A 7:20 average per mile for ten miles is really impressive. I admit, I am a bit jealous. I could never run a mile that fast, even back in the day! I am still giving him a hard time for walking part of it though. God willing, next year I hope to participate as well. I better start training now.
Praying for our Deceased during Mass: One of the most important things we do at Mass is lift up our beloved in prayer to the Lord, especially during the Eucharistic offering. This includes our beloved dead. In many ways, we are closest to those who have died during Mass. We believe in the communion of saints. Beginning on September 1, we will once again pray for those who have died from our parish on their anniversary of their death during our prayers of intercessions. However, please keep in mind that this is not the same as the Mass intention.
Sr. Grace Scola: A few weekends ago I met Sr. Grace Scola, who ministered here for many years. She stopped by in the midst of a pastoral visit in Flint. What a lovely person! She recently sent me an email telling me how much she loved serving at this parish.
Abundant Generosity: I received a very kind “thank you” letter from Fr. Andy Czajkowski, the pastor of St. John’s in Davison. He is also the priest vicar in our Genesee County region. The letter thanked our parish for donating $16,394 to the 2015 Genesee County United Catholic Charities Appeal. The money collected went to support Catholic Charities/North End Soup Kitchen in Flint, the St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center and the St. Francis Prayer Center. Our parish donation was over 1/3 of the total donated by the 22 parishes in the Flint region. Thank you for your generosity to the poor and needy among us.
Welcome to our Family: We had five baptisms during the month of August. We welcome Liam Gavin, son of Thomas and Emily Gavin; Emily Miller, daughter of Tim and Sara Miller; Sophia Little, daughter of Charles and Ashley Little; Dominic Taggart, son of Colin and Shannon Taggart; and Wren Wade, daughter of Brandon and Bonnie Wade.
Sports Teams and School: I’ve been able to stop by and visit all the sports teams that are practicing for their games this fall. I am really grateful for all the coaches who take time out of their busy schedule to teach and coach our school students. I am really impressed by their dedication and care. Thank you, as well, to all of you who participated in our golf outing on August 29. Speaking of school, I look forward to meeting many of our parents this Wednesday evening at the “Meet the Teachers” event.
Priestly Fraternity: This Sunday I am hosting my priestly fraternity—a group of six priests from our diocese. Once a month we get together to discuss how things are going for us in our priestly ministry, with a special emphasis on the spiritual life.
Senior Appreciation Gathering: This Wednesday I will be in Davison for Mass and lunch for our Senior Appreciation gathering. Bishop Boyea will be there; I look forward to being with many of our parishioners who will be attending.
It’s a wonderful time of the year! Have a blessed week, and let’s keep each other in prayer.
Saint quote of the week:
“The promise of seeing God surpasses all beatitude. In Scripture, to see is to possess. Whoever sees God has obtained all the goods of which he can conceive.” St. Gregory of Nyssa
Msgr. Vincke