Audit: Our parish will receive an audit of our finances the week of December 7 -11. This is a normal procedure by the diocese when a new pastor arrives at a parish. We will gladly provide a summary to you when they are finished giving us a report.
Positive Feedback: Recently our school had their parent-teacher conferences. It went really well. I received some really encouraging feedback from our parents. One parent said, “This school is such an amazing place! I don’t know what took me so long (to send my children here). I’m so glad we are here.” Another parent said, “The teachers and staff here are so amazing. I’m impressed by the dedication they give to their students.” For me personally, one of the great joys of being here is visiting our school. There is such a positive energy there! Thanks to Mrs. Purcell, our principal, and the teachers and staff that make it happen.
Thanksgiving Week: Lots of activities this week that I hope to see you at:
Tuesday, November 24, at 6:30 p.m.: Former University of Michigan coach Jerry Hanlon will speak on his time in Catholic schools, as well as his memories of the OSU-UM rivalry game. All proceeds will go to the Father Bush Scholarship Fund to help families who can’t afford tuition.
Wednesday, November 25, at 7 p.m.: With the help of our young adult group, we are having a Holy Hour in our Church. I will give a short reflection during the hour and the young adults will help us by leading the rosary. I didn’t know this until recently, but someone told me that the eve of Thanksgiving is the busiest time in bars during the year as college students head home for a long weekend. Interesting.
Thursday, November 26, at 9 a.m. we will have a Thanksgiving Mass as we give thanks to God for all that He has done for us and our families. The collection goes to our Outreach Christmas Basket Project By the way, Mass is also at 9 a.m. this Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 27, at 7 p.m.: As I write this on Nov. 17, I am really hoping that the Powers Catholic High School team will beat Detroit Country Day on Nov. 21 and that they will be playing in the State Championship game on Friday, Nov. 27. We also ask the Lord’s blessings on those who are competing in other high school activities.
Our King: This weekend we celebrate Christ the King. While many wanted Jesus to be an earthly king in the sense of being something like a president or emperor, Jesus’ kingdom is altogether different—but so much greater! His kingdom is one of mercy, peace, service to others and obedience to His heavenly Father—all with the promise of a Kingdom that lasts forever! This Sunday begins the last week of Ordinary Time. Next weekend we begin Advent (already!).
May you and your family receive God’s abundant blessings during this Thanksgiving weekend.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“If I meet any long-faced saints there (heaven), I will cheer them up with a Mexican hat dance!”
Blessed Miguel Pro, whose feast day is November 23. During the Mexican Revolution of the 1920s, Father Miguel Pro went about clandestinely celebrating Mass, hearing confessions and visiting the sick. He had a great sense of humor. He was arrested and killed by a firing squad by those who opposed the Catholic faith. His last words before being shot were “Viva Cristo Rey,” which means “Long live Christ the King!”