Year of Mercy: This special year began on December 8, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Pope Francis has asked that this year be a year of tenderness. We, as a parish community, are hoping that all of us experience God’s amazing mercy and love for us and also be merciful to others. In light of this, the parish plans on:
* giving 5% of our weekend collection during the Year of Mercy to a different charity each time. Pope Francis said the first thing we need to do is to be mindful of those in need.
* offering Faith Enrichment courses beginning in January. Please see the bulletin for more details. One such faith course is on the Holy Year of Mercy.
* distributing the Magnificat Year of Mercy Companion.
* focusing some of our homilies on the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
* possibly inviting parishioners to give a short reflection on how they experienced God’s mercy.
* being a more welcoming community.
New lights: I hope you like the new votive candles placed by the patron saint of America, Our Lady of Guadalupe. Thank you to Ken and Staffinea Mraz for taking the initiative in this endeavor.
Healing Service: Many people commented on how much they enjoyed the healing service held at our parish on Dec. 5. We plan on hosting more healing services, every few months or so. As Fr. Mathias Thelen said, it’s all possible because Jesus is Alive!
Panther Draw: This Thursday is our Christmas concert for the school followed by selecting the winner of the Panther Draw! I sold all twenty tickets to family members. If they win, hopefully they will be kind enough to give me a share of their winnings—but I doubt it.
Reconciliation Service: This week, besides our regular Reconciliation times at 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday, we will have three penance services in the area: Dec. 15 at Holy Redeemer in Burton, Dec. 16 at St. John’s in Fenton and Dec. 17 at Holy Family. The penance services begin at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Congrats! To the many, many Spartan fans of our parish – congratulations on going to the college football playoffs. What an exciting time—and the basketball team isn’t too shabby either.
Marriage proposal: If you haven’t heard, one of our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) sponsors proposed to his girlfriend after the Rite of Acceptance during the noon Mass last Sunday. If you want to watch it, please check out our facebook page. I will certainly always remember that moment.
May your Advent be blessed in every way, especially with joyful hope that our Lord is coming to save us.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“At the end of our life, we will be judged by our love.” – St.
John of the Cross, whose feast day is December 14