Witness to Hope Campaign: This weekend we announce the “Witness to Hope” diocesan campaign. Here at Holy Family we are seeking to raise $4 million over the next five years. Our portion, $2.66 million, will be used for three capital improvement projects to start: adding a gathering space to our Church and widening the nave, refurbishing the pews, and a new baptismal font. If we can raise over $4 million, we will be able to fund a new Outreach Center and garage, new parking lots and beautification of our grounds and a new small hall adjacent to the Church. Conceptual plans are available for viewing this weekend after all Masses in the sanctuary.
Special thanks to our Campaign Cabinet volunteers who will be working on the campaign: Larry and Linda Blondin, Dan and Laurie Charboneau, Mike and Lori Drzewiecki, Jayson and Heather Richert, Jim and Pam Salem, and Dale and Linda Tripp. These volunteers have made early and generous campaign pledges and for that we are very grateful.
Thanks also to those of you who have signed up as Prayer Champions. We will have a special blessing at all Masses this weekend.
If you wish to discuss your campaign gift or would like additional information about Witness to Hope, please call our campaign director, Donna Marino at 810-694-4891, ext. 204.
Annulment Meeting: This Tuesday, September 27, we are having a meeting for anyone interested in finding more information on annulments. This is an informative gathering. Please feel free to bring any questions you may have.
School News: Both Fr. Gary and I enjoy walking through the school on a regular basis. The students’ works are often put on the walls of the hallway of the school. We’ve enjoyed looking at the pictures of St. Mother Teresa drawn by our students. We also enjoyed the reflections done by 6th graders on their favorite Mother Teresa quote. Many of them used the quote “peace begins with a smile.” One that I hadn’t read before was “some people come in your life as blessings. Some come in your life as lessons.” Recently, 8th graders reflected on what they would do if they became president. Very interesting. One said, “I would make it my goal to focus on the main problems America is currently facing. That would include putting an end to abortion, making our economy improve by supplying more jobs with higher pay, and make God’s marriage the only marriage.” Gets my vote!
Religious Education News: Religious Education is in full swing and this Sunday I am meeting with parents to discuss the confirmation program.
Catholic Charities: This Thursday, September 29, I will be attending the 75th anniversary gathering for Catholic Charities of Genesee County. I might only stay for dinner because this is the event where Fr. Gary and I were filmed doing a Beatles skit and I’ll be too embarrassed to watch it.
Euchre: This Friday evening, September 30, is our first Euchre gathering of the season. I am grateful for Lyric Walsh and her efforts in organizing this fundraiser for seminarian formation. Hope to see you there.
Marriage Formation: This coming Saturday, October 1, we are having an engaged couple faith formation day. Fr. Gary and I give a presentation, along with other couples.
Filling in: Not too long ago, Fr. Roy Horning asked me if I would fill in for a priest who could no longer attend the Our Lady of Fatima Convention at St. John’s in Davison on October 1. So, I’ll be giving a talk on “Mercy is God’s Gift,” tying in the Fatima message with the Year of Mercy.
Respect Life Sunday: Next weekend, October 1 -2, is Respect Life Sunday. Our Respect Life Committee will be conducting its benefit drive after all Masses to help our committee and Right to Life of Michigan – Genesee County to continue efforts to protect the sanctity of all life.
40 Days for Life: Holy Family is sponsoring a day of prayer for 40 Days for Life on Saturday, October 29th (7am – 7 pm). Please consider volunteering to pray outside the abortion facility at G-3422 Flushing Rd. in the Diplomat Plaza (see page 11 for more details).
Blessings of Animals: Next Sunday after the Noon Mass (around 1:30 p.m.) Fr. Gary will bless animals in light of St. Francis’ feast day on October 3.
Called by Name Diocesan Assembly: One of the big events of the fall is the diocesan assembly on October 21/22 in Dimondale, MI. Pope Francis says “…every Christian man and woman, by virtue of baptism, has received a mission. Each one of us has to respond, as best we can, to the Lord’s call to build up his Body, the Church.” You are invited to attend the Called By Name assembly, which will inspire and equip participants in their most basic, but most important mission, to share the Gospel. For more information and to register, go to www.calledbyname2016.org.
Msgr. Jerry