Our fallen soldiers: A very nice turnout of people showed up for the Memorial Day Mass at Evergreen Cemetery. The weather was perfect. The winds really picked up that day, but they held off during the Mass. Below is a picture of 92-year-old World War II veteran and parishioner George Yancho holding the flag during the gun salute to honor our fallen soldiers after Mass. That was a very special and moving moment, especially when they played Taps. Additionally, we were able to sing happy birthday to two long-time parishioners: Randy Ranville (another World War II vet who leads the rosary in our church each day praying for peace) turned 98 that day. And Mary Yancho turned 91 the day before Memorial Day. Two very special people.
Pentecost: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These are the fruits of the spirit that St. Paul mentions in Galatians 5:22-23. Does anyone not want these gifts? St. Paul mentions that the enemy of the Spirit is immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, envy, drunkenness and carousing. One gives life, the other deadens our spirit within. We need the Holy Spirit who desires to give us life abundantly. This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. This is not an event that happened 2,000 years ago, but happens now too. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher to the last three popes, says it this way: “Pentecost is the moment when a heart of stone is shattered and a heart of flesh takes its place.” Or as Fr. Mathias Thelen, a priest friend, said, “No matter what Jesus is doing in your life, He wants to give you more of His Spirit. The key is learning there is more, asking for it, and receiving it. There is more—and it’s for those who believe and those who ask.”
Graduation Liturgy: At 10 am we will be celebrating Mass with our high school and college graduates. Congratulations from your family at Holy Family Parish!
Powers: Speaking of graduation, I will be attending the 2 pm graduation ceremony at Powers High School today. When I attended the graduation Mass on May 18,chaplain Fr. Dan Kogut in his homily mentioned how much he appreciated this particular class for “raising the bar” in terms of being open to the faith and what God was doing in their lives. He also told the graduates that no matter what they did as far as a profession goes (doctor, lawyer, etc.) they all had one mission: “go and make disciples.”
Golf Scramble: Powers is having its annual golf scramble this Friday, June 9, at the Jewel Golf Course in Grand Blanc. I don’t really play (well), so I hope to spend some time riding in a golf cart with Fr. Dan Kogut. He has done a great job as the chaplain of Powers. Many blessings to him as moves to his new assignment in Pinckney. And Fr. Jim Rolph, the new chaplain at Powers, will do a great job; I know he is super excited to join the Powers team.
Fr. Jim Swiat: This Sunday afternoon after the Powers Graduation ceremony I will be heading off to DeWitt to celebrate Fr. Jim’s 50th anniversary. I am really looking forward to seeing him.
Planning: We met as a staff about a month ago to go over the calendar for the year and this Tuesday we will finalize those plans. One of the biggest undertakings for the year is that our parish is rolling out “Alpha.” Thank you to Deacon Larry and his evangelization team for getting this off the ground. Alpha is being used by thousands of Catholic parishes in over 70 countries around the world (with much success). Alpha offers something for everyone! It is an introduction to the Christian faith that gives guests a relaxed and low-key opportunity to explore the meaning of life. Alpha is intended for those wanting to grow in understanding of their faith, for those who are new to the Christian faith, for those wanting to investigate the Christian faith, and even for those who have given up on the church. There will be more information to follow, but prayerfully consider inviting someone to Alpha and come with them!
Well done: This Thursday we are celebrating the 8th grade graduation class with dinner and recognition of each member of the class. I will miss them; they are a unified and friendly class. They are ready to go to high school, which is a good thing!
Priesthood Ordination: Two transitional deacons will be ordained to the priesthood next Saturday, June 11. Deacon Anthony Smela, from St. Mary’s in Swartz Creek and a Powers grad, is assigned to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor. Deacon Joe Campbell from Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor is assigned to St. Patrick’s Parish in Brighton.
Camera, Lights: I was invited by parishioner and Channel 25/66 journalist Stephanie Parkinson to appear on her “Community Wide” program on dealing with grief after the loss of a loved one. I appreciated learning more about the resources that are available to families after the death of a loved one—especially a child. Elle’s Place is one specific example. They are located at Holy Redeemer’s facilities. The show appeared on Channel 46 and will be replayed now and then.
Building Project: We are meeting on June 1 and I’ll have more information in the next bulletin column.
Enjoy the beautiful weather and the beauty of the flowers. May God bless you abundantly with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint Quote of the week:
“We have the right, the duty and the joy to say that Pentecost goes on.” – Pope John Paul II