24 Hours with the Lord: So many of you have commented to me about the wonderful encounter you had with the Lord either through spending time in Eucharistic Adoration or the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the 24 Hours with the Lord on March 4-5. Both Fr. Gary and I joked about how we brought a couple of books to read in the confessional, but neither of us had time to read. Thank you to all of you who attended. We hope to do something similar again.
Penance Service: This week we are having our regional Lenten penance services: St. John’s in Fenton on Sunday, March 13, at 2 p.m.; Holy Redeemer Parish on Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m.; and Holy Family Parish on Wednesday, March 16, at 7 p.m.
Flint Church Tour: Twenty-seven parishioners attended the Catholic Church tour in Flint on March 5. There are photos on our Facebook group. Everyone enjoyed the tours and hearing the histories of the parishes. We are also happy to announce that our 5% tithing will be going to St. Michael, St. Matthew, St. Mary churches and St. John Vianney School in the future.
Bball: On March 4 our school held their winter sports assembly to honor our volleyball, boys basketball and cheerleading teams. The faculty and staff, including me, also took on the 8th grade boys basketball team in a short ten-minute basketball game. The faculty and staff won 14 – 10! My stat line: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists. At least I am consistent!
Priest Assignments: On Wednesday, March 16, I am going to Lansing to attend the priest assignment committee meeting. I don’t think there will be any priest changes at Holy Family Parish!
DSA: Thank you to all of you who have contributed to the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA) thus far. As I write this, we are at about 60% of our goal. Please consider giving to the DSA. One of its main priorities is to help train seminarians to become priests. Envelopes are in the pews or you can contribute online. Thanks in advance.
St. Patrick’s Day: On Thursday, March 17, there is the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Celebration with Mass, Irish Walk and a Road Race in Flint. I will be attending Mass at St. Michael’s Parish at 12:02 p.m.
St. Joseph Day: Saturday, March 19, is the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Mass is at 8 a.m. St. Joseph is the patron saint of the dying—that’s all of us! A rosary will be said immediately after Mass.
Project Rachel: This Friday, March 18, I will be attending a Project Rachel Conference. Project Rachel is a wonderful organization that helps women heal after having an abortion.
Fish Fry: Please join us for the fish fry in the Father Bush Parish Center anytime from 4 – 7 p.m. this Friday, March 18. It’s the last time for the Lenten season. The proceeds help with our youth and their mission of helping others this summer.
Stations of the Cross and the Youth: I am really impressed with how many people are attending the Stations of the Cross this Lenten season. This Friday, March 18, our youth will be leading and reenacting the Stations at 7 p.m. Hope to see you there.
RCIA Retreat: This Saturday, those who are entering the Catholic Church will be on a day-long retreat. Please pray for our 24 brothers and sisters who will be joining the Church at our Easter Vigil.
Palm (Passion) Sunday: Next weekend, March 19 – 20, we celebrate Palm Sunday, Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem to suffer and die for us. It’s also the beginning of Holy Week.
Thanks for your support. And please know of my love and prayers.
Msgr. Jerry
Our saint quote of the day comes from an Irish prayer in honor of St. Patrick:
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Amen