The Christian Way: In today’s reading Jesus tells us, “If your brother sins again you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” This is in direct contrast to what many of us do: go and tell everyone else someone’s sin. This gossip can be really harmful. Pope Francis said that if we stopped gossiping we could become saints!
Harvey: This weekend at all the parishes in our dioceses we are taking a special collection to aid the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Half will go to Catholic Charities USA, which handles all the human needs issues, and half will go to the local dioceses to assist in their religious responses. Thank you for your generosity in advance.
Parish Picnic: Really looking forward to seeing you at our parish picnic this afternoon from 1 – 5 pm. Perhaps while you are there introduce yourself to someone you haven’t met before.
Cana Family: Recently gave the go-ahead for Cana Family Institute to take root in our parish. There will be more information to follow, but some of the main goals of this organization are to assist parents in developing a strong family structure, promote unity in thought, word and action between spouses, and foster an awareness of the need for Christ and the Church in daily life.
Beautiful Music: Dr. Sia Lee, our very well accomplished organist and pianist, is performing a recital at our Church at 7 pm this Saturday, September 16. She is extremely talented; she can play any kind of music. It’s free and you are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there.
North Korea: Speaking of Dr. Lee, please pray for Simon, Sia and their families living in South Korea. Although the threat of North Korea has always been there, it does seem like it’s getting more and more tense.
9/13: Speaking of peace, during the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, our choir is leading a rosary on the 13th of each month. This Wednesday we are gathering after 5:30 pm Mass in the Church to pray the rosary. Our Blessed Mother said these words on September 13th: “Continue to pray the Rosary in order to obtain the end of the war.” Our Mother really wants us to pray the rosary for peace.
18 holes: The School’s Booster Club does a tremendous job in raising funds for our school sports teams. One on their big fundraisers is the golf outing this Saturday at the Elks Club. Please support the Boosters if you are able.
Warwick: Speaking of golf, so happy to hear that PGA event will be back in Grand Blanc next year. That should be a lot of fun and great for our community. From what I’ve been told, Grand Blanc is experiencing continued growth.
Yellow stripes: Our wonderful St. Joseph’s Guild recently re-painted some of the arrows in our parking lot. They are a huge help to our parish!
Parking Lot: Since the house has been torn down, I’ve heard some suggestions for what to do with the space. Someone mentioned a swimming pool, but I thought the best idea was from a three-year-old who asked if it could be a sandbox.
ALPHA: Please consider signing up for ALPHA and invite someone too.
Molly: Many people have asked for an update on Fr. Jim Swiat’s sister, Molly. She is doing much better. Things were not looking good a month or so ago, but now she is up and walking and getting back to her former strength and normal routine. Fr. Jim thanks everyone for their prayers.
Ladies first: Recently I attended a wedding for some good friends’ daughter. At the reception dinner it was nice to see that the ladies were served first, then the men. Isn’t this the gentleman way and the way it is supposed to be? At our school the principal, with the help from others, teach the students manners—including letting the girls go first from their pew in the Communion line. Letting the ladies in our families go first from our pews for Communion would be a nice thing for all of us to do too.
With love and prayers,
Msgr. Jerry