Feast: This weekend we celebrate our Feast Day, the Feast of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I really love the statues of the Holy Family in the niche in our Church. At some point we would like to get statues of the grandparents of Jesus, Saints Anne and Joachim, on the other side (we would move the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe picture to our new chapel).
Our Mother: I really love the fact that the Church celebrates Mary, Mother of God on January 1. The Church wants all of us to dedicate the New Year through her. I’ve already given our building project over to her. This year, because January 1 falls on a Monday, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, is not a holy day of obligation. We will have one Mass on New Year’s Day at 9 am. Hope to see you there.
School begins: We welcome back our students on Wednesday, January 3. I’m sure they are all anxious to come back☺. I remember growing up as a child and enjoying the Christmas break so much. I was in no hurry to come back to school.
Weekday schedule: This weekday’s Mass schedule is a little different. We will have one Mass on Monday at 9 am for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and one Mass on Tuesday at 8 am, and then we resume our regular schedule of 8 am and 5:30 pm Wednesday – Friday.
Mexico: Fr. Dan will be gone this coming week. He is going on a mission trip to Mexico City with young adults as part of Renewal Ministries in Ann Arbor to work with and serve the poor. I’m excited because my niece and nephew will be on the trip too.
Office: The office will reopen Tuesday, January 2.
Planning ahead: A lot of us make New Year’s resolutions, especially when it comes to our health. That’s a good thing. The Church also offers some wonderful opportunities to grow in our spiritual life, since all of us are body and spirit—not one or the other but both. Some of those opportunities include (please see our website for more information):
• ALPHA: Join the Adventure – Discover Jesus. Wednesdays Jan 10 – March 21.
• WELCOME (formerly CRHP): Welcome is an incredible experience that helps you discover what’s missing in your life and what to do about it. Men’s weekend is April 14/15 / Women’s weekend is April 28/29.
• Men’s Conference: The diocese is having its annual men’s conference on Saturday, February 24, at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Michigan Center. The theme is “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1). For more information, go to www.themanevent.org.
• Unlocking the Bible Mystery: The easiest way to understand the Great Story of salvation history. Tues, Jan 16 – Mar 13 / 6:30 – 8:15 p.m.
• Called and Gifted: God is calling you to a unique purpose. Tuesdays Jan 9 – Mar 20 / 10 – 11:30 am or 6:30 – 8:30 pm
• Endow Women’s Study Group: Come and connect with a group of women in faith and friendship as we study. Begins Saturday, Jan 13 (2nd/4th Saturdays 9 – 11 am
• St. Joseph Covenant Keepers: Study, pray and be encouraged with other men of faith. 2nd/4th Saturdays 7:30 – 9 am OR 1st/3rd Sundays 6 -8 pm
• Familia: a new program for married couples. One of the first classes is “The Temperament God gave you.” Please contact Brittany Phalen (phalen213@gmail.com) for more information.
• Saturday Men’s Bible Study: Men, reading and studying the Word of God, and discussing how to ap- ply the lessons to everyday lives. 2nd/4th Saturdays / 9 – 10:30 am
• Women’s Morning of Reflection and Encouragement: Are you looking for more? Join us Saturday, Feb 3, from 9 – 11 am for presentation and discussion on the importance of women’s friendships.
Have a blessed week with your families. Thanks for your support and prayers.
With love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor.” –Saint Mother Teresa