Dhanyabaad or Shukria: These words mean thank you in the language of the people of India. Last weekend our second collection raised over $10,000 for Archbishop Lakra and his Mission Appeal. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing generosity to those in need.
Five percent: Speaking of charitable giving, this Monday, September 19, I am meeting with our Christian Service Commission. Among the topics will be our five percent tithing and whether we will continue this after the Year of Mercy ends in late November. I would appreciate your thoughts too.
RCIA begins: This Sunday our Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) begins. This is one of the best programs the Church offers.
Catechetical Sunday: This Sunday is also Catechetical Sunday as we remember all those who teach the faith. This year’s theme is centered on prayer. We are grateful for all our catechists and teachers who instruct our young people. We are also grateful for our parents, who are the primordial teachers of the faith to their children.
Ushers: This Tuesday, September 20, I will be with our very dedicated ushers at Brickstreet. Michael Jablonski, the owner of Brickstreet, annually provides a dinner for our ushers in memory of his dad who was an usher at St. Mary’s in Mt. Morris for many years.
St. Vincent DePaul Society: This group, dedicated to serving the least among us, is hosting its annual recognition dinner in our small hall on Wednesday, September 21. I look forward to being with them.
Spaghetti Dinner: Also on Wednesday evening the Knights of Columbus are hosting a spaghetti dinner. Thanks for supporting our brother Knights!
8th grade Mass: This Wednesday I am joining our 8th graders and other priests and teachers from the diocese for Mass at the Cathedral with Bishop Boyea. It’s wonderful to see how many 8th graders are attending our Catholic school throughout the diocese.
Football: Last Sunday I attended our opening 7th-8th grade football game of the season. We lost 24 – 0 to St. John Vianney/St. Pius, but our team showed a lot of desire. At halftime I walked to the center of the field to chat with Fr. Anthony Strouse from St. Pius and Fr. Paul Donnelly from St. John Vianney who were there to watch the game as well. Later I received a text from one of our parents with a picture of the three of us standing in the middle of the field with the caption, “lamest halftime show ever.” Too funny!
Homecoming: Speaking of football, I am looking forward to attending the Flint Powers Homecoming game this Friday night, September 23. Hope to see many of you there.
Catholic Charities: I received a nice letter from Fr. Andy Czajkowski, the pastor of St. John’s in Davison and our region vicar. He thanked our parish for our generous contribution of $5,202.83 to the Genesee County United Catholic Charities Appeal. All 22 parishes in the region combined to donate more than $42,000. Thanks for your generosity again!
Capital Campaign: It’s time! At all the Masses next weekend we will announce the capital campaign. It’s all in God’s hands and the movement of the Holy Spirit.
Be assured of my prayers and love. Have a wonderful week.
In Christ’s service,
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week: “This is my last hour of life, listen to me attentively: if I have held communication with foreigners, it has been for my religion and for my God. It is for Him that I die. My immortal life is on the point of beginning.” – The last words of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, who was tortured and beheaded for his faith during the religious persecution by the government of Korea in 1846. St. Andrew and his companions, also martyred, celebrate their feast day on September 20.