Capital Campaign: As I write this column (Tuesday, October 18), our Witness to Hope Campaign has raised $761,100 from 40 individuals (families). That’s an average of $19,027.50 per gift thus far. If you are able, please make a pledge to our campaign soon. Please remember that you can give over a five-year period. That’s what I plan on doing. Thanks for your generosity thus far, as well as in the future. Also, you can give online.
Called by Name: This weekend (October 21 and 22) many of the staff are attending the “Called by Name” diocesan assembly near Lansing. The whole purpose of the assembly is evangelization. Who do we know that has left the Catholic faith? How can we bring them home? We’ll talk about that this weekend.
Deacon Denny Pennell: I was really excited to receive a letter from Bishop Boyea stating that beginning on November 27 Deacon Dennis Pennell will be assigned to our parish. Deacon Denny is a permanent deacon. He and his wife Sue and their family used to live in Flushing. They were members of St. Robert’s Parish. But over a year ago he moved to our area and desired to become a part of our parish family. We are thrilled to have him join us. Please join me in welcoming the Pennell family.
Mercy: On Monday afternoon, October 24, I will be giving a presentation on mercy to the priests of the Kalamazoo diocese. Please pray for me in this endeavor.
Euchre: Besides the All Saints Trunk and Treat (please see pg. 3 in bulletin) festivities in the parish hall on Friday, October 28, that same evening is euchre in the St. Joseph’s Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please attend. It’s a lot of fun and all the proceeds benefit our seminarians.
40 days: Next Saturday, October 29, is our parish’s day to pray at the abortion clinic on Flushing Road during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Please attend if you are able.
Blue or Green: No matter what their records are the Michigan-Michigan State game is always going to be hard fought and I’m sure it will be the same next Saturday. And by the way, who can ever forget last year’s incredible ending!
Fraternity Gathering: This Sunday, October 23, I am welcoming my priest fraternity to our rectory for a gathering in the afternoon. It’s always great to be with them although I still don’t know what I am going to serve them for dinner.
Be assured of my prayers and love for you. Have a blessed week walking with our Lord.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
The feast of Saints Simon and Jude is October 28. Here is a little passage from the Letter of Jude found in verses17-23: “But you, beloved, remember the words spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, for they told you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will live according to their own godless desires.’ These are the ones who cause divisions; they live on the natural plane, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. On those who waver, have mercy; save others by snatching them out of the fire.”