Rentals: A risk control representative of the Michigan Catholic Conference recently visited our parish to do a thorough inspection, not only of our facilities but how we manage them. The biggest change we have to make as a parish is to charge a $100 insurance fee (for 24 hours) for any non-parish or non-school-sponsored group that uses our facilities— especially the gym. We are discussing ways to make the gym easily accessible to students and families.
Fr. Jim Quinlan: Many of you remarked to me how much you enjoyed our visiting priest, Fr. Jim Quinlan, from Cross Catholic Outreach last weekend. From talking to Fr. Jim, he really enjoyed his time here too. He appreciated the friendliness and welcoming spirit of our parish community!
Grateful Hearts: Speaking of Cross Catholic Outreach, last weekend we gave 5% of our weekend collection to their organization. I also received some very, very thankful letters from organizations that we recently gave our 5% collection to. Thank you for your generosity toward the least among us in this Year of Mercy.
RCIA: Last Sunday I met with members of the Rite of Christian Initiation. I spoke on the Eucharist. My talk was taken mostly from two books by Brant Pitre titled, “Jesus and The Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” and “Jesus the Bridegroom: The Greatest Love Story Ever Told,” as well as a book from Scott Hahn titled “The Lamb’s Supper.” If you want to learn more of the incredible Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, these are amazing books to read. On Sunday evening I am speaking to them again, this time on the two Sacraments of Healing—Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. They are a really impressive group of people, very humble and eager to join the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
Formation Classes: I’ve heard that our winter formation classes are going well, with the class called “Return” being a big hit. Thanks to Larry Blondin for organizing these classes so we can have an opportunity to learn more about our faith.
Fireside Chat: When I arrived here I thoroughly enjoyed going with Fr. Gary to parishioners’ houses in which they would invite their neighbors and we would have a nice discussion. This Thursday, January 28, we are having a similar get together—this time in the parish hall. I look forward to seeing you there.
Praying for the future: This past Wednesday we gathered as a pastoral council. Instead of meeting per se, we decided to meet in the Church and pray regarding the direction of the parish. What does the Lord desire for us?
Women’s retreat: Next Saturday, January 30, I will be gone most of the day helping out with a women’s retreat at a retreat center in Marysville. I am giving a short meditation and hearing confessions. Many of our parishioners will be there.
May God bless you, your family and your endeavors.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quotes of the week:
From St. Thomas Aquinas, whose feast day is January 28
“The things that we love tell us what we are. If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way.”