Witness to Hope: Thank you for your generosity! Thus far, more than 50 pledges have been turned in totaling over $900,000. That’s great!!! It would be great if everyone who already has their pledge card could respond by November 10th. You can return it to the parish office or through the regular mail to the Witness to Hope office or you can go online to: www.witnesstohope.net. And if you still need your packet you can pick it up this weekend in the Church. Any remaining packets will be mailed on November 1.“Participation Weekend” is November 12 and 13 and our ushers will also be collecting Witness to Hope envelopes at all Masses.
Bulletin Stuffers: In this weekend are bulletin inserts on the upcoming political election from the Michigan Catholic Conference. Please read. There is a great quote in there: “The Church is involved in the political process, but is not partisan. The Church cannot champion any candidate or party. Our cause is the defense of human life and dignity and the protection of the weak and vulnerable.” Perhaps that is a great question to ask ourselves: which candidate will defend the dignity of each human life more?
Men’s CRHP: After an outstanding women’s Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) retreat a few weekends ago, the men will take their turn next weekend, November 4 – 5. We still have some open spots to attend. This retreat has been a tremendous blessing not only to the men and women involved, but to our parish as a whole. Jesus always wants to give us more.
All Saints: This Tuesday, November 1, is All Saints Day and a Holy Day of obligation. The saints are our friends and are where we want to be—with the Lord forever. We will have Masses at 6:30 and 8 a.m., as well as 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Solanus Casey Center: Speaking of saints, this Thursday, November 3, I am going with the 8th graders to visit the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. Venerable Solanus Casey is on his way to canonization. His next step in the saint-making process will be to receive the title “blessed” and then “saint.” I am hoping to bring back a little statue of Solanus Casey.
Eternal Rest: This Tuesday, November 2, is All Souls Day. We will have a special Mass at 5:30 p.m. as we remember all those who have gone before us especially this past year. A social in the parish hall will follow.
Nearing the end: As the Year of Mercy comes to a close on November 20, we are having another 24 Hours with the Lord on Friday, November 11, until Saturday morning at 8 a.m. This 24 hours will include Eucharistic Adoration and Confession. And then on November 20, at each Mass, we will participate in an act of forgiveness, asking pardon for all of our (Church’s) offenses.
Congrats: Congratulations to JP Ambler who is joining the Catholic Church today during our 10 a.m. Mass by receiving the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Have a blessed week! Thank you for your generosity and kindness!
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week:
“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.” –St. John Paul II