Capital Campaign: On Tuesday, May 17, we had our first of two town hall meetings to discuss the diocesan capital campaign “Witness to Hope.” Our main presenter was Donna Marino. She is from Greater Mission, the organization the diocese hired to lead the campaign. Brad Klein, a parishioner and architect, also showed some site plans for possible capital improvements for our parish. Around 80 parishioners at-tended. We had a lively discussion. There were a lot of great questions and many positive suggestions. I learned a lot too. Afterward those present filled out a questionnaire on their overall thoughts on the campaign. Please join us for our second town hall meeting this Wednesday, May 25, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. It would be great to have your feedback too.
Outreach: One of the possibilities of the capital campaign is to build a new Outreach Center, which many feel is much needed. At a recent staff meeting, Brian Holyfield, who leads the Outreach Center, sadly mentioned the high number of people who are looking for help in recent days.
Special Needs Mass: Our neighboring parish, Holy Redeemer, hosts a monthly Mass for people with special needs. On Sunday, May 22, I am presiding at this Mass at 1 p.m. I am looking forward to this encounter.
Confirmation: This Monday, May 23, we welcome Bishop Boyea as he confirms 75 of our parishioners with the Sacrament of Confirmation. I am grateful to our Director of Religious Education, Jan Gravel, and the teachers who helped guide these students. Every Sacrament is an encounter with the Risen Lord. We pray that the Holy Spirit may fill the hearts of all so that they may be strengthened for the journey.
Catechist Dinner: Our grade school students have a few more weeks of school, but our Religious Education program finished this past week. This Tuesday evening I am joining our catechists for an appreciation dinner. Our catechists on a week to week basis humbly serve our Religious Education students. Thank you for your service this year!
Cleaning of our Pews: This past week our middle school Religious Education students closed out the class year by doing a service project—they cleaned the pews of our Church! Thank you! I could tell the difference when I walked into the Church early the next morning.
RCIA: The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is holding its last meeting of the school year this Sunday evening, May 22. Our director of RCIA, Maddie White, has mentioned to me that she is getting many calls from people who are interested in joining the Catholic faith. Regular classes will begin again in the fall.
New Seminarian: We have enjoyed having John Vinton with us throughout the year. John will be with us until sometime in July. This Wednesday, May 25, we welcome seminarian Alberto Nickerson to our parish family. Alberto’s home parish is Christo Rey in Lansing. His mother is originally from Nicaragua. He will be with us for the en-tire year. Thanks in advance for your kindness to him.
Calendar Planning: This Tuesday our staff is having a calendar meeting as we plan the year. There is certainly lots going on in our parish—and that doesn’t include the surprises during the year. Please pray for us so that we may provide the spiritual needs of our parish.
Knights of Columbus Convention: This Thursday, May 26, I am going with members of our Knights of Columbus to their annual convention on Mackinaw Island. It’s a quick trip; I will be back early afternoon on Saturday. I appreciate the Knights and their desire to serve our parish and help those in need.
Memorial Day weekend: Next weekend is Memorial Day. I hope all of you have a safe, joyful and peaceful weekend. Please note that our only Mass on Memorial Day will be at 10 a.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery. Hope to see you there.
Have a blessed and peaceful week.
Msgr. Jerry
Some quotes on the need for leisure as we approach Memorial Day weekend:
“Let everything in creation draw you to God. Refresh your mind with some innocent recreation and needful rest, if it were only to saunter through the garden or the fields, listening to the sermon preached by the flowers, the trees, the meadows, the sun, the sky, and the whole universe.” St. Paul of the Cross
“Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport. But this is being destroyed, in large part, by the elimination of the Sabbath rest day. More and more people work on Sundays as a consequence of the competitiveness imposed by a consumer society.” Pope Francis