January 30, 2005

Pastor’s Perspective

*Mass with the Anointing of the Sick on Monday

  Anyone who is facing surgery, who is in a long recovery process from a major illness or surgery, who is frail or elderly, who is going through serious emotional turmoil, or who has a serious chronic illness or health condition is encouraged to participate in Monday’s 7 p.m. Mass, which will include the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  

*First Eucharist Candidates

  Parents and children looking toward First Eucharist this year have begun their preparation.  This weekend we have asked them to attend one of the Masses and let us recognize the journey they are on and pray for them.  In turn, we ask that every parish member take the name of one of these young children and pray for them over the next two months. 

  The names are in the baskets near the entrances.  We will post a picture of each of the children and the date of their First Eucharist in a couple of weeks, so that you can know when the child you are praying for is celebrating this great event. 

  I always stress to the families how much this sacrament is the community’s sacrament, even more than simply the child’s.  It will be a great day for each of these children, if they prepare for it.  But First Eucharist is about taking a deeper step of initiation into the Church.  Please pray for one or more of these children in a very focused way. Thank you.  

*Archdiocesan Strategic Planning

  All 303 parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit are in the middle of a strategic planning process.  The first step is to complete a Parish Evaluation Inventory so that the parish council and commissions can have a snapshot of what the parish looks like from a “sacramental, strategic, and sustainable” point of view.  The draft of that is done and I am circulating it among the council members, parish staff, and representatives of the various commissions/committees.  In the end it will have to dovetail with our own parish goal-setting process which is also ongoing.  Our own goal-setting process is much more detailed and extensive than this archdiocesan one. 

  “Sacramental” refers, obviously, to the sacramental life of the parish.  But the archdiocese is using it in a more specified way: with the lessening numbers of priests in the diocese, how can we best utilize them and “spread” them around the diocese?  What kind of Mass schedule, size of worship space, and distribution of priests achieves the most equitable results?  For us it means we need to look at scenarios that allows the maximum seating in our worship space.  Whether that means finding a way to expand the current space or not remains to be seen. 

 “Strategic” in the archdiocesan plan refers to ministry outreach.  Are we a fully active parish?  Addressing the needs of all age groups? All ethnic groups? All areas of formation, service, and evangelization/hospitality?  If not, is there a way   for groups of parishes to address some of these needs together?  For us the strategic area will need to focus on better tapping and utilizing the time and talents of more parish members.  It also needs to have some idea of how to reach out to both youth and young adults, as well as be a welcoming, evangelizing parish that draws people to become Catholic. 

  “Sustainable” refers both to financial concerns, upkeep of buildings, future building needs, and size of parish.  For us that is relatively straightforward: will we be able to handle the need for more seating the church? For (long-term) a permanent multi-purpose/office/classroom complex?  And for paying off the $1 million debt on the 11 acres bought in 2000, which is currently a no-interest loan? 

  After the parish council agrees on the wording under each of these three areas and presents possible scenarios on how the parish will handle these areas, our Parish Inventory goes to the Vicariate level. All the parishes of the North Macomb Vicariate are being asked to work together to identify a preferred future: where can we better cooperate and plan together?  Are the worship needs being met by current Mass schedules?  Are there things we can do better as a vicariate or grouping of parishes rather than by ourselves?  The Vicariate then identifies some scenarios for all the parishes of the vicariate and sends its recommendations on to an Oversight Committee of the archdiocese.  The Oversight Committee is composed of people from all backgrounds and walks of life.  They then recommend to Cardinal Maida whether to accept a parish’ scenario and the vicariate scenario or whether it needs adapting.  

  When all parishes and vicariates have responded and when the Oversight Committee has finished its work, the archdiocese will have a five year strategic plan to guide its major decisions on what to do about parishes (leave as is, merge, close, cluster), distribution of priests (which parishes get a single pastor, which get an associate, which share a pastor or have no resident pastor), and future building projects.  I will keep you informed of the progress along the way. 

   May God’s Word and the Sacrament of the Eucharist be the foundation of what sustains you in your journey of faith.  

  Fr. Buersmeyer

2004 contribution statements   

  We have mailed 2004 contribution statements to all those parishioners who have contributed $250 or more during 2004. If you did not receive a statement but would like one, please call the parish office (586) 781-9010 and we will be happy to send you one. 

  Please note, your 2004 CSA donation is not included on your statement. You will receive a statement directly from the Archdiocese of Detroit for any donation they received over $250.00 

Mass with

anointing of the sick 

Monday, January 31, 2005

during the 7:00 p.m. Mass 

POTLUCK

Another great time was had by all who attended this year’s potluck/game night. Food was great...games were great...fellowship was great!  We would like all our cooks and bakers to submit their recipes for their dish ASAP for the parish cookbook that is in final stages of completion.   

  A special thank you to Karen and Bernie Brunner for all their hard work to make the evening a success.  From the decorations to set-up to purchasing needed supplies and food…. all the time spent on preparing for this event was done by these 2 people. Thank you again Karen and Bernie! 

Taize prayer returns 

  During Advent this year, we spent time praying and singing together at our weekly Sunday afternoon Taize Prayer. Many of you expressed your appreciation for this special time of meditative prayer. Because of this, we decided to again offer several opportunities of this style of prayer during the season of Lent. Each week the times will vary, so you need to carefully look at the bulletin each week to check the scheduled times. These times will also be mailed to you in the Lenten mailing.

  Next week we will look at a little history of the origin of Taize prayer along with the prayer format and design. 

Financial update 

  Last month we made a $20,000 payment on our building loan ($6,450.00 came from your generous weekly Debt Reduction envelopes and the remainder came from weekly offertory). This payment brings the balance on the interest bearing loan to $109,000. Our original repayment schedule had us paying off the loan in four years, but now we will be able to pay it off one year earlier in 2006-07. 

  We still have a non-interest bearing loan of $1,050,000 for the purchase of eleven acres of land in September 2000. When we met with the financial consultors of the Archdiocese last spring, they asked to be kept informed of our building plans and debt reduction efforts. We are currently in the process of setting goals which should help clarify our need or use of this land.

The Beatitudes… 

...are the badges of a true disciple of Christ.  They are the marks of a child of God.  They make us rich in the sight of God.  They open our minds and hearts to a new way of seeing and judging.  They give us a whole new set of bearings.  The things the beatitudes stand for are very beautiful and very precious—things such as peace, goodness, joy, love, gentleness, compassion, mercy, integrity.  A person who lives according to these is already living in the kingdom of heaven.  Eternal life will merely be the full blossoming of a plant that is green with life.  

CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION

2004-2005

Religious Formation

Program 

Early Childhood — Sunday

(ages 3-4-5 years)

During 9:30 a.m. Mass

Sessions:  Feb. 6, 13, 27

No Session:  Feb. 20  

Grades 1-6 — Tuesday

4:45-6:00 p.m. & 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Session: Feb. 1, 8, 22

Lenten Family Evening:  Feb. 8

No Session:  Feb. 15  

Grades 7-8 — Sunday

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sessions: Jan.  30, Feb. 6, 27

Mar. 6, 13, 20

No Sessions: Feb. 13, 20 

First Eucharist

Family Preparation

Tuesday,  February 1    during regular

Religious Formation Sessions 

 All children are asked to have one adult (parent, grandparent, godparent, etc.) to attend with them on this day.  We will be making ‘stone soup’, viewing the video ‘Grandma’s Bread’ and sharing in a meal.  Please be sure that one significant adult attends this session with your child. 

SACRAMENT OF

RECONCILIATION FOR

GRADES 4, 5 & 6 

Tuesday, February 22

during regular

Religious Formation Sessions 

All children who have made their First Reconciliation will have the  opportunity to celebrate this sacrament as part of their Lenten preparation.   

ATTENTION!

RELIGIOUS FORMATION FAMILIES! 

LENTEN FAMILY EVENING

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY 8

6:30 p.m. 

This evening  is for ALL families in the religious formation program.  This is NOT an optional off day.  Planned as part of the religious formation program, we strongly encourage you to join together and travel the Lenten journey with us.

Presentation of First Eucharist Candidates

 this weekend at the  9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Masses  

The following children are preparing with their parents for the reception of First Eucharist. Today they will be presented to the community by their parents for recognition, support and prayers.   On your way out today, you will find baskets at  both entrances with the names of our candidates.  We ask that you take a name of one of our candidates and pray for that child as he/she prepares for this sacrament.   

Brendan Adams,  Amanda Gardner , Stephanie Peters

Christopher Adsit,  Jasper Gardner,  Chase Porter

Gabrielle Anderman,  Shane Gardner,  Jennifer Pries

Antonio Angeli,  Nicolas Gerds,  Chris Prohaszka

Gregory Antoine,  Jacquelyn Hillis , Karley Quenneville

Logan Arnold,  Alexis Jandreski,  Kristin Raffa

Erin Barg,  Jacob Kaczor,  Nickolas Rossol

Charles Barr,  Ann Kaniuk,  Tommy Schneider

Aaropn Bawol , Christian Konieczki , Tyler Sinicki

Olivia Becker,  Kelsey Krawiecki , Maranda Smith

Andrew Behring , Deanna Krumholz , Scotty Smith

Mario Chiesa,  Jake Kulczycki,  Raechal Soave

Abigail Clements,  Bradley Loften,  Bradley Sorenson

Micayla Compeau,  Caitlin Luttig,  Breanna Sorenson

Alexandria Covins,  Josh Marinkovski,  Emily Sova

Tyler Culver,  Matteo Mazur,  Joseph Tabenske

Anna Cummings,  Nicole Mendalski,  Fiona Theodoroff

Jonathon Dilorenzo,  Michael Migliore,  Felicia Vitale

Lauren Dix,  Alexandra Page,  Sherry Wagner

Joshua Fabian,  Josephine Parrinello , Amanda Zepp

Benjamin French. 

 Help us help others 

   HELP in March!  We are in need of several kind-hearted individuals who could provide simple box lunches for the ten Alzheimer’s patients and team at A Friend’s House in Romeo.  Lunches need to be made, packaged and delivered.  Serving lunches will not be required.  SS. John & Paul will provide the funds necessary to purchase the food as well as any materials that are needed (Styrofoam boxes, silverware, etc.).   

  The lunches need to be delivered at approximately 11:30 AM to A Friend’s House, located in the Agape Center on the grounds of St. Clement parish in Romeo.  The specific dates we need assistance are: 

Tuesdays  Thursdays

March 1      March 3

March 8      March 10

March 15    March 17

March 22    March 24

March 29     March 31 

  This is something that can be accomplished by one individual per date.  However, a team of two or three would make the process even easier!  It won’t require a lot of time and it WILL make a big difference in the lives of some of our community’s elderly.  Please call Kathy at 781-9010 if you are interested in assisting in this most worthwhile project.

Samaritan House food drive

February 12-13 

Please bring your non-perishable food items so we can help restock the shelves of the Samaritan House food pantry. Thank you for  your generosity!

Fridays of Lent:  Food for Thought 

  To help us keep the Lenten spirit, we will be hosting a simple soup and bread meal each Friday of Lent from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.  Each week we will focus on some different aspects of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. If you would like to donate soup or bread or would like to help set up or clean up, please sign up on the poster located on the bulletin board in the hallway to the Parish Center.      

Operation Rice Bowl 

   Our parish will be participating in Operation Rice Bowl as part of our Lenten observance this year.  This year marks the 30th anniversary of the official Lenten program of Catholic Relief Services which calls Catholics in the United States to promote human dignity and to foster global solidarity with the poor around the world through prayer, fasting, learning, and giving during the Lenten season. 

  Each student in Religious Formation classes grades 1-6 will be receiving a Rice Bowl and an accompanying home calendar on Tuesday, February 1st during class.  Likewise, Rice Bowls and calendars will be distributed to 7th and 8th graders during class on Sunday, February 6th.  All Rice Bowls are due back to church by Tuesday, March 22nd. 

  If you are not a Religious Formation student and would like to participate in Operation Rice Bowl, please check with the office after February 6th to see if there are any extras. 

Soup Kitchen News 

   Thanks to everyone who participated and donated food for December 21, 2004.  Once again the soup kitchen volunteers out did themselves.  We served a delicious spaghetti lunch.  Our next meal served will be February 15, 2004.  We will serve a spaghetti lunch with salad and fresh fruit.  Donated items should be delivered to the parish kitchen before February 15, 2004.  Please mark your bags SOUP KITCHEN. We will meet at SS. John & Paul at 8:30 AM and car pool at 8:45 AM to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen in Mt. Clemens. Please call Pat Sagert at 586.781.7035 so I can plan accordingly.  Special thanks to Barbara Jarzembski for assisting with phone contacts. God bless you for being so generous and helping those less fortunate. 

Vicariate Pantry Needs 

   The North Macomb Vicariate Pantry, located in the Agape Center on the grounds of St. Clement in Romeo, is in immediate need of the following items:  Diapers (all sizes), baby wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, coffee, vegetable oil, salt, sugar and flour.  These items can be dropped off at the Agape Center on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

  The North Macomb Vicariate Pantry serves all who are experiencing a food shortage emergency in the north Macomb area  

TEEN NEWS

Please join me in thanking Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Tan and Nicole Peters who gave up their weekend to chaperone the Rainbow Conference. The 18 teens and 4 adults left the parish parking lot about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday morning and returned Sunday evening about 7:30 p.m.

  What a wonderful experience for us all. I especially would like to thank the teens for their wonderful behavior, time, and commitment. We are all so busy and being pulled in many directions, but these teens took a break from it all and took advantage of a great experience of faith. Our parish is very blessed to have our teens, and I feel very grateful to be able to work with them. 

  Mrs. Peters 

~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~ 

·          Attention all seniors

Each year the family of James F. Coughlin, a former Executive Director of the Catholic Youth Organization, offers the youth a chance at a $1,000 scholarship. If you are interested in receiving this information, please stop by the office and pick up a packet, or call Karen Peters at 781-9488. 

·          Next teen session

Why not bring a friend and join us at our next teen session on Sunday, February 6, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Children’s choir festival 

  Featuring the children’s choirs from SS. John & Paul, St. Blase, St. Paul of Tarsus, St. Isidore, St. Kieran, St. Lawrence, and St. Peter. The festival will be held on Sunday, February 13, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Road, Macomb. Come and listen to the angelic voices of our children! 

For widowed men and women 

  All widowed are welcome to enjoy Valentines Day with a friendly group of Widowed Friends in a non-threatening setting. Plan to come to Callaway’s Restaurant, 595 N. Lapeer Road in Oxford on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at 12:30 p.m. for a variety show and dinner. A full meal including coffee and dessert, tax and gratuity is $26 payable in advance by February 3. Call Jo (248) 674-4539 or Ginnie (586) 752-7826 for details and reservations. Wear something red. 

  Enjoy a night at the movies planned by Widowed Friends of the Archdiocese of Detroit on Saturday, February 19, at the AMC Sterling, located at the southwest corner of M59 and Mound Road. Call Joni at (248) 853-7272 before February 18 for movie feature and meeting time. Dessert afterward is optional. All widowed are welcome. 

A family perspective

By Bud Ozar 

  What parent hasn’t felt “poor” because they couldn’t be or do all that was expected of them? Every family experiences “mourning.” Today’s Beatitudes remind us that the times when we feel defeated are “blessed” moments, when the crucified Christ shines through our wounds. 

Highlights of… 

Worship Commission meeting 1/17/05

¨         An evaluation was made of Advent and Christmas events and decorations. Many good comments were received.

¨         All Worship goals were submitted to Parish Council and will be prioritized along with all others at the January 19 meeting.

¨         The 25th Anniversary plans are coming along well. All areas were discussed and assignments made to assure that everything will be done timely.

¨         Lenten devotions were also discussed.

¨         Next meeting is February 14 after the 7:00 p.m. Mass. 

Stewardship meeting 1/12/05

¨         Members were asked to select on committee on which they would like to serve — Budget, CSA, Building/Maintenance, Education/Planned Giving.

¨         25 people are enrolled in Electronic Sunday Offerings and have pledged over $3,000 per month.

¨         New parking light pole near Activities Center and additional lights and replacement poles were installed. 

25th Anniversary reminders 

·          We’re still accepting photos for our parish photo album. If you and your family would like to be included, please send your photo to the parish office with your names on the back. We’ll return it to you after scanning it into a database. Or, if you have a digital photo, e-mail it to us with your names. 

·          Also, we are still looking for photos of past parish events, family sacraments, daily Mass in the old rectory or elementary school, etc. that span our early years as a parish and will help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Send those in also. Be sure to include your name so that we can get them back to you. 

·          Our 25th anniversary year-long celebration will begin at the 11:30 a.m. Mass on February 27, 2005 followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Activities Center. Please invite any former parishioners you may know of to this mass and reception.  

Vatican II continues… 

The February insert will be titled “Called to Holiness and Service: Lay Ministry.”  It will focus on how the role of all Catholics within the Church has changed since Vatican II. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, more individuals are claiming their rightful roles as active members of the People of God.  Because of this the Church, and indeed the world, are being transformed. 

Reminder...Vatican II is available on video!

Our library has sets of Vatican II videos  to be checked out through the parish office.   

Does God care about your marriage? You bet! 

  Find out how much on a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. Marriage Encounter is 44 hours where married couples can get away from jobs, kids, chores, and phones—and focus only on each other. If you’d like greater depth, growth, and enrichment in your relationship, you’ll like the difference a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend can make!

  The upcoming Marriage Encounter weekends are February 11-13, March 11-13, April 15-17, and May 13-15, all at St. John Center for Youth and Family in Plymouth, MI. Weekends fill up quickly, so a prompt response is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact Bill and Carol Higgins at (248) 528-2512 or  online at birdhaus@wideopenwest.com or Dan & Debbie Waring at (586) 286-5524 or wufl@flc.org.

Divorce recovery workshop 

  The Manresa Jesuit Retreat Center, 1390 Quarton Road (northwest corner of Woodward & 16 Mile Road) in Bloomfield Hills, MI will host this Divorce Recover Workshop for any person divorced or who has filed for a divorce.

  The workshops run from Feb. 8—Mar. 29 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Cost is $60 (price includes “revised” participant’s book Divorce & Beyond by James Greteman, CSC and Leon Haverkamp,MSW, scholarships available). Facilitated by Lou Ann Edwards, MSW,CSW and Jim Hetzel, MSW,CSW. For further information, please call Manresa at (248) 644-4933 or (313) 564-6455.

Little Rock Scripture Study

TOPIC: 

The Passion and Resurrection Narratives of Jesus 

WHEN:

Mondays from 6-7 p.m. on the following weeks:

February 14, 21, 28

March 14, 21

April 4, 11 

WHERE:  Parish Center 

WHO:  All scripture lovers, young and old alike 

This study compares the particular insights found in the passion

and resurrection accounts of the four gospels. 

Examining these events, the core of our faith, will

challenge you to incorporate both the pain of the cross

and the hope of the resurrection into daily living. 

Please register  by signing up on the board

 in the hallway going to the Parish Center.  

Cost for the books is $10.00 

Together in Ministry

Ministry to the Homebound  

  There are several groups of people who extend our parish outreach into the homes of parishioners who are unable to stay connected to us physically because of ill health or other personal reasons.  The care and concern shown by these ministers to the homebound speaks loudly of their desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as he, too, cared so deeply for the sick and suffering in his midst. 

  The different groups that play a role in this extensive outreach to the homebound include:

·          Communion Ministers to the Sick

·          Parish Health Ministry Team

·          Christian Service Senior Assistance team

·          Card Ministry Team

·          Pastoral staff

·          Parish community at large 

  Each of the above groups plays an vital role in ministering to the homebound and maintaining their identity and connectedness to our parish family.  Next week we will begin to describe these roles so that we all have a better understanding of our own responsibility in this ministry.  

  Again...remember to keep these special ministers in your prayers.  

Saturday and Sunday

January 29-30, 2005

Leon Skuratowicz by Wolicki Family

Julie Radtke by Family

Norman VanDenBrouck by Family 

Monday, January 31, 2005

Maria Kuhnenn-Rogers by

T. Dobbs Family 

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Vincent John Norkus by Family

 Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Dorothy Murphy by B. Verellen

 Saturday and Sunday

February 5-6, 2005

Edward Woytalewicz by Wife & Family

Gerald Hatcher by Wife

Bob Henk by Family 

Saturday and Sunday

January 29-30, 2005

Leon Skuratowicz by Wolicki Family

Julie Radtke by Family

Norman VanDenBrouck by Family