All are welcome: This Wednesday, January 25, is our All-Commission Meeting. However, everyone is invited to attend 5:30 p.m. Mass (optional), followed by a 6 pm chili dinner. At 6:30 pm I plan on giving a “state of the parish” ad-dress. Hope to see you there.
Witness to Hope: Well, we keep plugging along slowly but surely toward our goal. This past week Fr. Gary and I sent out a letter to all the registered families who haven’t pledged. Last Sunday I gave a talk on mercy at St. Peter and Paul parish in North Branch. They, too, are adding a nice-sized gathering space to their church.
A couple trips to Lansing: This week I am heading to Lansing a couple of times. On Tuesday I have a Presbyteral Council meeting. And then on Thursday I have a priest assignment committee meeting. There are a number of priests who are retiring this year. I’m certain that assigning priests to those “open” parishes will be first on the agenda.
Holy Family: We are blessed to have a beautiful picture of the Holy Family blessed by Pope Francis. It is part of a mission to pray for our families sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. The picture is on the sanctuary steps.
Fraternity: This Sunday I am hosting my priest fraternity. I always look forward to the conversation and discussion with five of my brother priests.
Religious Education News: We are in the midst of First Reconciliation services for our 2nd graders and their parents as they prepare for First Holy Communion in late April/early May. This is always an exciting time for our children!
Fireside Chat: Hope to see you this Thursday, Jan. 26, for our annual Fireside Chat. We are hoping that some religious sisters will be on the panel with several other priests besides Fr. Gary and me.
March for Life trip: This Friday, Jan. 27, hundreds of thousands of people from all over America will gather for the Right to Life March in Washington DC. The majority of those gathered will be young people. Please pray for the end of abortion and for the respect of every human person.
Cards: This Friday, Jan. 27, is Euchre Night. Proceeds help fund our seminarians. Fr. Gary always thinks he is going to win; one out of 100 times isn’t bad, I suppose.
Parish Mission: Please mark your calendar for our parish mission Feb. 13 -15 with Butch Murphy. Parish missions are always a great way to renew our faith and to remind us of who we are and where we are going.
School news: Next Sunday is our school open house from 11 am – 2 pm. Please invite others to attend. The school added two new students this past week as a family from Virginia recently moved into the Grand Blanc area. On another school note, Fr. Gary and I celebrate Masses at senior residences on a monthly basis. For example, this Wednesday I am celebrating Mass at the Genesee Care Center on Holly Road. What’s inspiring for the seniors is that our third graders join us and lead us in singing! It’s awesome to have them there!
Days off: Speaking of the school, I’m certain our students (and teachers) enjoyed the few days off due to the treacherous icy roads. I’m sure, as well, that all the students still get up early and study all day ☺.
Stay warm (and dry). Please be assured of our prayers and love.
Msgr. Jerry