The King: This Sunday is the last Sunday of Ordinary Time (can’t believe Advent—and a new Church year–starts next weekend already!). The readings this weekend reflect the end of time when Christ our Savior will judge us. Whatever we’ve done for and to another we did it to and for Him. Saint Mother Teresa would often hold up her five fingers and say a word on each finger, “you did-it-for-me” referring to Christ’s words in Matthew 25. A theologian once said that we are not saved by our works, but judged by them. We, of course, are saved by Jesus whom we celebrate this weekend as our Christ the King. What a beautiful faith we have!!!
Go and Grow: This weekend we are also following the diocesan evangelization plan to personally pray and invite someone to the faith. A great example of this is found in St. Andrew, whose feast day is Nov. 30. In John 1: 35-42, St. John the Baptist saw Jesus walking by and tells others, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” Andrew was one of them who heard John the Baptist and followed Jesus. He then went and found his brother Simon (Peter) and told him, “We have found the Messiah.” Then Andrew brought Simon to Jesus. The Church exists to bring the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus to others.
Come Holy Spirit: This Tuesday evening, Nov. 28, Bishop Boyea will be presiding at our Mass of the Sacrament of Confirmation. I am grateful to Jan Gravel and her team who led the candidates to this day.
ALPHA: Really heard rave reviews regarding our ALPHA courses. The next one begins in January and I hope you will participate.
Giving Thanks: A few weeks ago I watched the 2nd graders put on a ‘saint’ play. They were really awesome! I’m also looking forward to the school’s Thanksgiving service this Wednesday, Nov. 29.
Staying Warm: One of our parishioners started a group that makes quilts for others in need. This Monday, Nov. 27, all the quilts (I think around 40) will be on the pews at the 5:30 pm Mass for me to bless. I am grateful to this group and their kindness.
Sisters: On Dec. 10 I will be traveling with our youth group to Ann Arbor to pray evening prayer with the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. After that we are going out for pizza. If you know of someone interested in attending, please contact Jan Gravel at the parish office.
Familia: Recently I met with two women of our parish regarding Familia, a program that enriches marriages. We are starting this in our parish. There are many couples, especially young couples, who desire to be with others for support. Familia is a great program. I hope you will pray and consider joining. More information to follow.
Calendars: Please don’t forget to pick up your Holy Family Parish Calendar at the entrances/exits of our Church. I really like the calendars and their focus on 20th century saints. I am grateful to the Holy Family Mission Auxiliary group who makes these calendars possible through the Catholic Extension.
Shop and Sip: This Thursday, November 30, our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will be hosting its second annual Shop and Sip. Local and unique companies sell their items with proceeds helping our PTO which greatly helps our school. I attended last year and had a lot of fun.
Two in a row: Last year was our first annual priest vs. Powers students basketball game. The priests won the game in a nail-biter—with a little help from the refs ☺. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the priests will take on the Powers students again as we go for another victory. All the proceeds from the evening go to support Catholic Social Services in Flint.
Please Watch Out: This time of year many hunters are hunting for deer throughout the state. Within the last couple of weeks three of my siblings hit a deer while driving. And recently I had to slam on the brakes to avoid a deer as well. Speaking of driving, I recently read a very sad article about a young man going to prison because he was texting while driving and slammed into a car on the highway, killing two people.
Out of town: I will be gone next weekend, Dec. 2-3, as I will be out of town officiating at a friend’s wedding.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with your family. Blessings on your Advent Season.
With love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote by Saint Mother Teresa:
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”