Made it: Forty days after Easter Jesus ascended to Heaven. He made it! He made it to the place we all want to go. Pope Francis writes that, “St Luke says that having seen Jesus ascending into heaven, the Apostles returned to Jerusalem “with great joy.” This seems to us a little odd. When we are separated from our relatives, from our friends, because of a definitive departure and, especially, death, there is usually a natural sadness in us since we will no longer see their face, no longer hear their voice, or enjoy their love, their presence. The Evangelist instead emphasizes the profound joy of the Apostles. But how could this be? Precisely because, with the gaze of faith they understand that although he has been removed from their sight, Jesus stays with them forever, he does not abandon them and in the glory of the Father supports them, guides them and intercedes for them.”
Bread from Heaven: Congratulations to all our second graders receiving their First Holy Communion this weekend. God is so good to us. He shares our humanity so we can share in his divinity. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life!!!
Mom’s Day: Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you moms for who you are, for the sacrifices you make, for all the times that you think of others before yourself. Have a blessed day!
Knights’ Breakfast: Speaking of our moms, hope all of you husbands treat your wives to the Mother’s Day Breakfast this Sunday in our Fr. Bush Parish Center. All moms get to eat for free. Thank you, brother Knights, for all your hard work and dedication in providing this service. It’s really a great breakfast!
Water needed: When I attended the St. Francis Prayer Center Auction Dinner last Saturday, I ran into Sister Carol Weber and Judy Blake from the St. Luke’s N.E.W. Life Center. I asked them if they needed anything. Immediately they responded, “Yes, we need more bottled water.” Therefore, we will be collecting water for the Center. You can drop it off all this week at the Fr. Bush Parish Center and on Saturday we will need some volunteers to take the water to the St. Luke Center. Thanks for your generosity.
Volunteers Needed: Speaking of volunteers, we really need all the help we can get for our entertainment tent at the Grand Blanc Family Fun Festival June 7 – 10. We need volunteers to prepare and sell food, serve beverages and provide security, as well as many other opportunities to serve.
Town Hall Meeting: Hope many of you will attend the Town Hall meeting this Thursday, May 17, at 6:30 pm to discuss our church renovation project.
Chef Fr. Dan: Really excited about our school auction this Saturday, May 19. They have some fantastic items in the silent and live auction. One of the special items up for the live auction is an opportunity to have Fr. Dan come over to your house to teach how to make an Italian dinner. Seriously, he is a really great cook!
International: Speaking of our school, our 7th graders will partake of the International Fair this Thursday evening and Friday morning in the Fr. Bush Parish Center. It’s an opportunity to learn about various countries in our world. Feel free to stop by and take a tour.
Eternal Rest: On Thursday, May 10, I attended the funeral Mass of Fr. Tom Butler at St. Anthony’s in Hillsdale. Fr. Tom spent some time in Genesee County serving as a priest, including stops at Christ the King Parish and Holy Rosary Parish in Flint and finally at St. Charles and Helena in Clio. I’m sure some of you will remember him. He was 69 years old.
St. Mark’s: I’ve had quite a few meetings lately at St. Mark’s in Goodrich. Sometimes I wonder how I am going to fit it all in, but God always provides. I’ve learned some things from them that I would like to implement here— especially when it comes to councils and committees.
Mass Times: Speaking of St. Mark’s, we will soon be putting out the new Mass and Confession schedule starting in July. There will be some changes and we are hoping to finalize soon.
Have a beautiful week walking with our Lord.
In Christ’s love and peace,
Msgr. Jerry
Some more quotes by the saints on our Blessed Mother during this month of May:
“What a joy to remember that she is our Mother! Since she loves us and knows our weakness, what have to fear?”
St. Theresa of Lisiuex
“After the love which we owe Jesus Christ, we must give the chief place in our heart to the love of his Mother Mary.”
St. Alphonsus Maria De Liguori
“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart.”
St. Bernard of Clairvaux