Amazed: In this Sunday’s Gospel we hear how Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit. The people were “amazed” by what Jesus had done. Pope Francis remarked that “Jesus wasn’t allergic to people. Touching lepers, the sick did not disgust him, whereas the Pharisees — who strolled around in fine clothes — looked down on the people and considered them ignorant.” He continued by saying that “the Pharisees felt themselves superior as if to say, ‘We are the teachers, the princes and we teach you. No service. We command, you obey.’ But Jesus never passed himself off as a prince. He was always the servant of everyone and this is what gave him authority. They (the Pharisees) were removed from the people, they weren’t close. Jesus was very close to the people and this gave him authority.”
Catholic Schools Week: This Sunday we will have parents of our Catholic school children speaking at all the Masses as we begin Catholic Schools Week. There is an open house in our school from 11 am – 2 pm this Sunday as well. Our school enrollment continues to grow. We are super excited about the future. As Pope John Paul II said, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” We need both wings to fly.
Talent: To cap off Catholic Schools Week, our school children put on a talent show. I really enjoyed the show last year. I was super impressed with the talent and I laughed a lot too. Speaking of laughter, I am looking forward to watching the moms and their children in a dodgeball game on Saturday, Feb. 3. I don’t know who to root for.
Changes: This Wednesday, January 31, both Fr. Dan and I will be in Lansing for the priest assignment committee. This will be the first round of meetings. As of right now there are three parishes in the diocese open to new priests due to the upcoming retirements of the pastors of those parishes. I don’t anticipate any priest changes at our parish.
First: This Wednesday (Jan 31) we conclude our three opportunities for our second graders for first reconciliation. I am grateful to Jan Gravel and all our school and Religious Education teachers for their outstanding job in preparing them.
Seminarian Dinner: This Thursday, Feb. 1, I will be attending (for a short time) the Knights of Columbus 34th annual seminarian dinner at the K of C Hall in Davison. This event was started by Fr. Ken Coughlin’s parents. Anyone can attend. This supports seminarian education. The event begins at 5 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm.
Building Committee: This Thursday, Feb. 1, we have our next building committee meeting. In our last meeting the construction management team said the costs to renovate our Church are somewhat higher than we were hoping. In many ways we are not surprised. We are always looking for ways to cut costs.
Looking Good: Our St. Joseph Center has gone through some minor renovations which have really enhanced the beauty of the space. Perhaps the most notable change is the painting of the walls. I am super grateful to parishioner Sylvia Biafore and Lisa Basinski and her Dare to Dream Design company which provided much of the painting expertise. Deacon Larry Blondin also pitched in. We are hoping to add new tables and chairs soon since we have so many gatherings there.
Book Club: Really excited about a new book club that is forming under the direction of one of our newer parishioners, Deb Oglenski. The book for discussion is 25 LifeChanging Questions from the Gospel. This five-week series begins on Feb. 15. Hope you can make it.
Man’s Event: At a recent Presbyteral Council meeting, Fr. Tim MacDonald lamented the fact that there were only about ten men from Genesee County at last year’s Diocese of Lansing Catholic Men’s Conference. Hope more can attend this year. It’s on Feb. 24 from 10 am – 5 pm at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Michigan Center. It’s worth attending.
Candles: This Friday, Feb. 2, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Prior to our 8 am and 5:30 pm Masses we will bless candles for those interested in having them blessed for their homes. And don’t forget that on Saturday, Feb. 3, we will bless throats at the 8 am Mass on the feast of St. Blaise.
Q & A: In this weekend’s bulletin Fr. Dan is going to discuss a liturgical question on why we do what we do during our Masses.
Retreat: I won’t see you this weekend. I am coming back from my eight-day silent retreat on Monday, January 29. Looking forward to seeing you next weekend.
In Christ’s love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“The things that we love tell us what we are.” – St. Thomas Aquinas, whose feast day is Jan. 28. He is the patron saint of Catholic education.