Caesar and God: In today’s Gospel Jesus is showed a coin and asks whose image is on it. They reply “Caesar’s.” He replied, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Whose image are we? We are made in the image of God, so we give everything to God. God is Lord of our time, talent and treasure.
Part II: This weekend we will continue our second part of the four-part series on the Sunday experience. We hope you find these themes helpful in our encounter with our Lord. It is also World Mission Sunday. The church emphasizes our mission to spread the Gospel.
CM: Last week members of our building committee met with five different companies to interview them regarding the Construction Manager (CM) position for our church renovation. All of them are really qualified and any one of them would do a fine job. We are hoping to make our selection soon. Please pray for this endeavor.
So far, so good: This past week a few members of our building committee traveled to Lansing to meet with the Diocesan Building Committee. We showed them the possible plans of our Church renovation. They were very highly supportive and encouraging. We will have to go back to the diocese in January to show them more of our plans in detail. We hope to have the plans on display for all the parishioners to see soon.
Impact: Our youth group, called Impact, has been meeting on Sunday evenings. This Sunday night they will have an open gym and I hope to join them to play a little basketball. Any high school youth is welcome to join in. I might as well get in the basketball groove because on Wednesday, November 29, I will be playing in the 2nd annual priests versus a Powers Catholic team—although I might coach the priests instead. Last year we beat them by two points, but our 6’9” priest, Fr. Zac Mabee, is in Rome studying. Fr. Dan is taking his place on the roster. I am counting on him for at least 30 points!
Parent Meeting: Speaking of our youth, we have a meeting scheduled with our parents of those students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation on Monday, October 23. The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Tuesday, November 28.
Healing: This Tuesday, Oct. 23, I hope to participate in the healing workshop at our parish. It’s run by Deb Hawley, who heads the St. Francis Prayer Center.
Ancient: This Wednesday, Oct. 24, I will be joining other area clergy for the Ancient Order of Hibernians Clergy Appreciation Dinner at St. John Vianney Church. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization. They were founded to help the welfare of fellow Catholics, as well as the clergy.
Consultors: This Thursday, Oct. 25, I will be heading to Lansing for a College of Consultors meeting. I am part of a group of priests that advise the bishop in certain matters pertaining to the administration of the diocese.
Our day for 40 Days: As we continue to pray for the respect for all life during these 40 Days for Life, please consider praying at the abortion clinic (3371 Beecher Rd.) this Saturday, Oct. 28, anytime from 7 am – 7 pm. It’s our parish’s day to participate in this important endeavor.
Family wedding: Next Saturday, Oct. 28, I am heading back home to preside at my nephew’s wedding. Very happy for him and his fiancé.
Men’s Time: I really enjoyed the women’s Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat the weekend of Oct. 14 – 15. I’ve heard very positive responses. The men’s CRHP is the weekend of Nov. 4-5. If you haven’t had a chance to participate, please prayerfully consider attending.
Diocesan Women’s Conference: Hoping many women of the parish will attend the Diocesan Women’s Conference on Saturday, Nov. 4, at The Lansing Center. These are always wonderful experiences.
Really enjoying this weather and hope you are too.
In Christ’s love and peace,
Msgr. Jerry
A couple quotes from Saint Pope John Paul II, whose feast day is October 22.
“Freedom is not the ability to do anything we want, whenever we want. Rather, FREEDOM is the ability to live responsibly the truth of our relationship with God and with one another.”
“The ultimate test of your greatness is the way you treat every human being.”