Phone Call: Last week Bishop Boyea called the priests in his diocese who started new assignments, including me, to find out how we were all doing. It was great to talk with him. I told him that I really enjoy being here and that it has been wonderful to meet all of you. I also told him that the parish staff is great and that I am very blessed to be with Fr. Gary (and Deacon Peter too).
Installation of new Pastor: Bishop Boyea also reminded me to call his office to set up a time when he will install me as pastor of the parish. The date has been set for October 18th at the Noon Mass. I was reminded that an installation Mass hasn’t happened here since Fr. Swiat became pastor in 1983. It’s only for “new” pastors, so when Fr. Ken arrived he didn’t need to be installed since he had already been a pastor before.
Priestly Fraternity: Shortly before getting ordained a priest in 1999, Bishop Emeritus Mengeling reminded those getting ordained that spending time with your brother priests is one of the most important things we can do. It’s great to see so many priests stop by our rectory. I told the story at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses last weekend of how Fr. Gary and I locked Fr. Paul Erickson out of the house last Saturday evening. For those who didn’t hear about it, he ended up staying at a cheap motel in Burton! This coming week we are welcoming my former boss in Rome, Msgr. James Checchio. He is a priest from the Diocese of Camden, New Jersey. He has been the rector at the Pontifical North American College for eleven years.
Youth: Both our high school and junior high students deserve a round of applause for their generous service to others. A group of high school students were in Cincinnati, while the junior high students were in Flint. They also completed a project off the lower level parking lot by the school – a patio block courtyard with seating.
FOCUS: I have a lot of respect for FOCUS and the work they do on college campuses. We are blessed in our diocese to have FOCUS serving at the campus of Eastern Michigan University. Please see a letter (see below) from one of our parishioners, Marianne Lusty, about her desire to serve with FOCUS.
Luncheon: I met the school staff for lunch last week, courtesy of a generous donor from the parish. I admire school teachers so much, and I really feel we are blessed with a great school and staff. I keep telling students that I am ready for school to start; they aren’t!
Sacraments: This weekend we welcome three new babies who will be baptized into our Church family as they become sons and daughters of God our Father. They are: Marshall Francis Nagy (parents Jeff & Sarah), Cameron Austin Lunce (parents Clayton & Rachel), Vera Jean Partie (parents Brian & Candice), and Edward Adam Robinson (parents Adam & Renae). Additionally, at the 7 p.m. Mass there will be more good news. Jim Ridley will receive the Sacraments of Initiation—Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation–as an adult. It’s been quite a journey for Jim, and one of the reasons this is happening is because of the faith and witness of this parish. I am especially grateful to Maddie White, our baptism and Rite of Initiation Coordinator, for her service and guidance to all families involved in their special day.
Saint Quote of the week: I’m starting a new tradition this week with a quote from a saint. I hope you enjoy these little treasures.
“Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure.” Saint John Paul II
Thank you for your prayers and support. And please be assured of mine for you. Have a blessed week.
Msgr. Vincke
……..
Dear Holy Family Parishioners,
My name is Marianne Lusty and I have recently become a FOCUS missionary. FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, sends full-time missionaries to college campuses to invite college students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. As a FOCUS missionary, I hope to be the light of Christ to college students who find it harder and harder to live out their faith daily on a college campus. I also hope to reach out to those students who were not brought up in faith. As a missionary, I have to fundraise 100% of my salary. With your support I can serve the Lord in this way. Will you join me in this mission?
If you would like to know more about FOCUS or if the Lord has put it on your heart to support this mission, I would love to meet with you and tell you even more about it and my particular role as a missionary with them.
Please contact me at (810) 965-6607 or e-mail me at
Marianne.lusty@focus.org.
Marianne Lusty