SS. John & Paul

February 13, 2005

A community of believers united and growing in Christ to serve as generous and loving stewards of God's love.

Pastor’s Perspective 

*The First Sunday of Lent: Jesus’ Testing in the Desert

  On the first Sunday of Lent, we always read one of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ forty days in the desert with fasting, prayer and then temptation.  What is of interest to me is how this period of purification, prayer and renewal took place immediately after Jesus’ baptism at the Jordan River.  In that baptism Jesus experienced a closeness to and an identification with God: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” And yet almost immediately he is being tested as to whether he really believes that. 

  It is often the case, in my experience, that the heights of closeness to God, when life feels full and in sync, when we can almost palpably feel that God (God!) is well-pleased with us, can quickly turn into depths of confusion and anxiety, where everything seems out of sync and we wonder if faith makes any difference whatsoever.  Jesus experienced such moments, and we begin the Lenten season remembering one of them. 

  We enter the season recognizing that life will test us in many ways, tempting us to ignore faith or to live a lazy faith.  That is why we voluntarily take on our own ‘testing’ through acts of penance—prayer, fasting, almsgiving.  In themselves such acts of penance are not important.  They don’t make us better than anyone else or prove we have faith.  Rather, such penances force us to ask again and again: “What is most important to me?”  And to that question we answer, again and again: “the way of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

  If you haven’t already done so, pick out some regular, small penance that can accompany your Lenten journey.  Let it be small so that we don’t use it to prove anything about how good we are at denying ourselves something or doing something.  Let it be regular so that we are reminded each day we are in the special season of grace we call Lent.  A half hour of TV or MP3 playing here; a fasting from snacks before or after dinner there; an effort to be positive toward our  fellow workers here; an extra 3 minutes of prayer and reflection by starting a few minutes early to work and taking that first few minutes to pray there.  Whatever it is, the penance is not to prove we are strong. No, we know we have our weaknesses. The penance is to have a chance to say “Yes” again and again to God in small ways so that when life throws us those truly testing moments, we will be well-practiced and not hesitate.  

*The Rite of Election

  Our candidate for full initiation begins her final period of preparation this week as we enter the season of Lent.  The Church asks that we take this season for such candidates and focus into a prayerful, retreat-like season of spiritual preparation.  Please pray for our candidate, Kim Vokal by letting your own Lenten journey be connected to hers.  As you fast and pray, keep her in your heart as one of your prayer focuses.     

*Fridays of Lent

  The parish is especially focusing on Fridays of Lent as part of the season.  In addition to  the universal abstinence from eating meat on this day, we are asking that you take on some additional type of penance.  In that way, no matter what we are doing on Fridays, work or home or errands, we will have a common sense of sharing in the season. For those who are able, the Friday night soups and breads, along with the brief prayer, is an excellent way to keep the spirit of the season.  This Friday we will have a chance to hear from someone connected to Birthright and then we will celebrate the Stations of the Cross together. 

*Taize Prayer

  We are using a Taize style prayer at various times of the week throughout the season of Lent as a way to enter into deeper prayer and reflection.  Taize style prayer allows for a more meditative focus. It is brief, easy to enter into and well-suited to the mood of the season.  We will set up a little prayer nook in the church, using different Stations of the Cross each week, as a way to focus the Taize Prayer.  But the prayer is not about doing the Stations of the Cross. Rather, it is about letting the Lord speak to our lives and our hearts as we pray, meditate, and sing. 

*Forty Days of Lent? Catholic Trivia on Lent

  If Lent is forty days long, how come it is forty-six days from Ash Wednesday to Easter?  Obviously the forty day number is meaningful because it connects us imaginatively to the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert in prayer and fasting, as mentioned in the gospels.  The actual length of time for a special focus on fasting and prayer has varied, however, over the centuries.  By the time it became 6 weeks long in the mid-4th century, fasting was forbidden on Sundays, the “Lord’s Day.” and so the four days from what we now call Ash Wednesday to the first Sunday of Lent were added to keep the number of fasting days at forty.   

  The current rubrics for the season specify that Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends just prior to the celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday.  Thus Lent has either 38 days of penance (if one does not count the Sundays) or 44 (if one does).  As Lent ends, the great Triduum begins—the three days of Holy Thursday evening, Good Friday and Holy Saturday culminating in the Easter Vigil.  It is now considered its own separate ‘mini-season’ with its own rules for fasting: a call to voluntarily join in the Easter fast that lasts from Holy Thursday evening through the Easter Vigil, accompanying the final preparation of catechumens before they are baptized and initiated into the faith. 

  So, begin your Lenten penance on Ash Wednesday and end it on Holy Thursday.  Since the practice of no fasting on the Lord’ Day is a very ancient and honored one, allow Sundays to be something other than your usual Lenten penance day.  Then, as the season of Lent comes to a close (Holy Thursday) enter into the more intense 2 day fast that accompanies our catechumens, not breaking that fast until after the Easter Vigil.  Of course, in all of this, the focus is not on succeeding or failing in our penance, but in letting the season keep us tuned in more to the action of God in our lives. Whatever allows that best to happen in your life is what is key, not the specifics of the fasting or penance. 

  *25th Anniversary Thoughts

  In the Lenten mailing home each household received a note card, which invited you to write a remembrance or thought, story or event, hope or prayer that connects to this parish.  It doesn’t matter if you are in your first year here or your 25th.  We want to gather such thoughts and let them be part of our parish’s collective history. 

  Additional cards are in the literature racks at the back of the church or available at the office.  Please try to do a little reflection.  Write it down and turn it in with the Sunday collection or at the office. Thanks. 

*“The Essential Catholic”: March 1, 8, 15

  I will be leading a three session Catholic update class on the first three Tuesdays of March.  There will be a 5:00-6:00 p.m. session that will be repeated from 6:45-7:45 p.m. The time frames will allow parents of our Religious Education students to more easily participate (hint, hint!).  But the sessions are for any Catholic from high school age on up who is interested in a brief, interesting update on the essentials of our faith.  Questions will be gladly welcomed and discussed.  Session #1 will look at “What are the essential practices if one is to live as a Catholic Christian?” What are they for you? Session #2 will look at “What are the essential beliefs we have as Catholics?”  What is core for you in terms of all the beliefs we have?  Session #3 will end the series with “What are the essential questions Catholics are to ask in every situation?  That is, what is distinctive in the Catholic approach to life?”

  I hope you can take time to attend any or all of these sessions.  Eventually I would like to see us integrate such a Catholic update series into all of our sacramental preparation programs so that every parent whose child is celebrating a sacrament and every couple engaged to be married would have attended something like this at least once. 

*World Marriage Day

  Today (Sunday) is designated as “World Marriage Day”.  Take a moment and look at your own marriage.  What is key to making it work?  What are the struggles?  How did you fall in love with your spouse and how can you maintain the respect and love necessary for the marriage?  If you have not done so, think about attending a Marriage Encounter weekend together.  Call the office and we can get you the upcoming dates.  If your marriage is struggling but you both have a desire to save it, think about a Retrouvaille weekend, which specializes in exactly that kind of situation.  Again, call the office for dates. 

  If you are married, I invite you to pray the following prayer together with your spouse: 

  “God of life and love, we place our marriage in your hands.  Watch over us and guide us.  Grant us the wisdom we need to handle the times that are difficult.  Give us the strength we need to share each other’s struggles and sorrows.  Send us the joy we need to be an ever-renewing source of care to one another.  May your Spirit make each of us a blessing for the other.  Allow our intimacy and respect to lead to a love that flows from us and embraces all others.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.” 

*Macomb County Catholic High School

  Another information meeting will be held at St. Lawrence, Utica, on Wednesday February 24th at 7 p.m. for all who are interested in seeing this high school built.  If you want to hear about plans for the school, have a sense of what it might look like, or cost, etc., this would be a good meeting to attend. 

*Sunday Stewardship

  I want to commend most of you on maintaining your Sunday stewardship levels even in these winter months.  It gives the Stewardship Commission the confidence to know how much the parish can count on in preparing next year’s budget.  The option for the Electronic Sunday Offering is still there.  It simplifies your Sunday giving and helps the parish know that it can count on that regular contribution.  Forms are in the back of church by the literature racks. 

*Sunday’s Word, Year A

  Speaking of the literature racks, we have placed there Sunday’s Word, Year A (a blue book).  It is free for the taking and contains all the readings for each Sunday of the year.  Please see the article elsewhere in the bulletin on this. 

*Annual Collection for the Churches in Central and Eastern Europe

  Ushers will be passing out envelopes for this annual collection.  All monies are earmarked for the restoration of churches in Central and Eastern Europe, which is still recovering from the former communist rule.  As with all such collections, it is important to decide which ones are more pressing and important and which ones less so.  Then offer your support at whatever level you see fit by returning the envelope next week along with the regular collection. 

   May life not put us to the test, but if it does may we remain faithful to the way of Jesus. 

  Fr. Buersmeyer 


“Food for Thought”

Fridays during Lent

6:00-7:30 p.m.     

February 18

Soup, presentation on

Birthright of Macomb

followed by Stations of the Cross   

If you would like to donate soup, bread

or help set up or clean up,

please sign up on the poster in the

hallway to the Parish Center.

Thank you! 



Here’s what’s
happening!!
   

Monday, February 14:

*Mass at 7:00 p.m.

*Little Rock Scripture Study 6:00 p.m

*Worship mtg. after 7:00 mass 

Tuesday, February 15:

*Mass at 9:00 a.m.

*Children’s Choir 5:15 p.m.

*NO RE sessions

*Taize prayer 6:30 p.m.

*Bell choir 7:30 p.m.

*Soup kitchen at Salvation Army 

Wednesday, February 16:

*Mass at  9:00 a.m.

*Stewardship meeting 7:00 p.m.

*Hospitality mtg. 7:00 p.m.

*25th anniversary mtg. 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, February 17:

*Taize prayer 6:30 p.m.

*Choir 7:00 p.m. 

Friday, February 18:

*Soup, speaker and stations 6:00 p.m.  

*************************** 

Parish office hours   

Sun.— 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Mon.-Wed.—9:00
a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Thurs.—9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Friday — 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Saturday—12:00 to 3:00 p.m.


TAKE NOTE!!! 

SUNDAY’S WORD”
AVAILABLE 
AT THE BACK OF CHURCH
 
THEY ARE FREE 
FOR THE TAKING TO
ANYONE INTERESTED IN READING
 THE WEEKLY 
SCRIPTURES READ AT SUNDAY MASS.
 

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 


Taize prayer 

  During the weeks of Lent, we have scheduled two times each week for you to experience this unique and beautiful form of prayer.  Each time we gather, there will be time for singing (a repetitive form of song that is easily learned), group prayer, scripture and silent meditation.  We will use two or three different stations of the cross each week as a way to further the meditations.  The weekly schedule and times of prayer varies each week and is listed below:

 

WEEK 1

Tuesday, February 15, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 17, 6:30 p.m.

WEEK 2 

Monday, February 21, 11:00 a.m.

Friday, February 25, 6:00 p.m.

WEEK 3

Tuesday, March 1, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 3, 6:30 p.m.

WEEK 4 

Wednesday, March 9, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 11, 6:00 p.m.

WEEK 5

Wednesday, March 16, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.

WEEK 6 

Monday, March 21, 11:00 a.m. 


CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION


2004-2005

Religious Formation

Program 

Early Childhood — Sunday

(ages 3-4-5 years)

During 9:30 a.m. Mass

No Session:  Feb. 20

Sessions:  Feb. 27,

Mar. 6, 13, 20  

Grades 1-6 — Tuesday

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

No Session:  Feb. 15

Sessions: Feb. 22,

 Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22  

Grades 7-8 — Sunday

6:30-8:30 p.m.

No Sessions: Feb. 13, 20

Sessions: Feb. 27

Mar. 6, 13, 20 


For Catechists

& Assistants 

TAIZE PRAYER

Tuesday,  February 15

6:30 p.m. 

This is your opportunity to spend time this Lent praying and singing together during this special time of meditative prayer.  Please plan on joining us.   


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.   

FIRST EUCHARIST PREPARATION

Parent / Child Session

Wednesday, March 2   or Thursday, March 3

6:30 p.m. 

    This is a very important session for you and your child.  Your child will participate in the visual comparison between the Last Supper and the Mass,  make and bake bread, and have an opportunity to taste the UNCONSECRATED bread and wine.  Time for questions and answers  for both the parents and children will be provided.  This is a very vital part of your children’s preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of First Eucharist. 


The choices we make

Mt. 4:1-11 

   It is during this time of Lent that we recall the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert, during which time he was tempted by the devil.  Through prayer, fasting and fidelity to the Word of God he overcame the tempter.

      Like Jesus we, too, have to face temptations and it is easy for us to give in to it.   When we do we will know very little about the struggle involved to overcome it.  But when we do struggle we know what this victory costs.

      Temptation means choosing between good and evil, between doing God’s will and one’s own will.  We will always be tempted throughout our life.  Our struggle is not never to fall. That is not humanly possible.  Our struggle is in the constant falling and then to rise and go on in spite of everything.

      Temptation forces us to choose good over evil.  When we make a decision to do good, we find that we become stronger.  The battle with evil will never be over as long as we live, but each time we choose to do good, the next choice will more than likely be easier.

      The struggle against temptation was not easy for Jesus.  He too, had to struggle to do God’s will.  His victory was no easy one.  It was achieved through prayer, fasting, reflection on and obedience to the Word of God. The Holy Spirit was with Jesus during this struggle just as the Holy Spirit is with us in our struggles.  It is a great consolation to know that God is not outside our struggle, but is always with us during it.  


LENT...PRUNING TIME 

Pruning time is a painful time for a fruit tree. 

The pruner rids it of all those suckers

which use up a lot of energy but produce no fruit.

However, the aim of this cutting is not to inflict pain,

but to help the tree produce more and better fruit.

Lent is a kind of spiritual pruning time.

There is much that is useless

and perhaps harmful in our lives,

which saps our energy,

and diminishes our spiritual fruitfulness. 

Of what shall we prune ourselves this Lent

so that we may become more fruitful branches

of Christ, the true Vine?  


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:

  Tuesday    March 22, 29

  Thursday    March 24 

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. 


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. 


Next blood drive 

  We were unable to schedule a Red Cross blood drive during the weeks of Lent due to heavy high school bookings. We will have our next blood drive here at SS. John & Paul on Thursday, June 23. Please mark your calendars and keep watching the bulletin for more information in the months to come.


A family perspective

by Bud Ozar 

  In the gospel today, Jesus instructs us to “serve God alone.” Where we put our time, money and energy is a test of who or what we serve. This Lent, we are being “led by the Spirit” to fast, not from what we need, but from the artificial “wants” in our life that absorb our time, energy, money...and our soul.  

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 received 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. 


TEEN NEWS

¨         We have great teens

As part of our Lenten journey, our teens will be giving up a day of their mid-winter break to help others. We will leave at 8:00 a.m. from the church and work at the soup kitchen in Detroit from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. The teens will then eat lunch with the homeless and then take a tour of the Fr. Solanus Center. If you have any time available on Wednesday, February 16, and you would like to join us, please give Karen Peters a call at 781-9488. 

¨         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 $1000 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. All scholarships must be postmarked by March 11. 

¨         Next teen session

Why not bring a friend and join us for our next teen session on Sunday, February 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 


2004 contribution statements  

  2004 contribution statements were mailed to all 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. 


25th Anniversary

·          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.

·          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.


Catholic high school 

  Come and learn about the opportunity to bring Catholic secondary education closer to home.

  An informational meeting will be held at St. Lawrence Parish on Thursday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m.

St. Lawrence is located at 44633 Utica Road). For questions call 586-306-9611. 


Great occasions for

serving God come seldom,

but little ones

surround us daily 

St. Francis de Sales 


Year of the Eucharist

Lent leads us to the Eucharist,

delivers us from temptation 

  While in the desert of temptation, fasting and hungry, Jesus resists the negative promptings of the tempter (Mt. 4: 1-11). Bread is not our only human longing, for we are truly nourished on the Word of God becoming flesh in the Eucharist. Early Doctors of the Church, especially from the East, reminded us that the Eucharist is “medicine for immortality.” Approaching the Eucharist, we beg the Father of Jesus to help us to resist the temptations in life that surely come. 

Support the Church in Eastern Europe

Roots of faith both fragile and strong 

  The Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe is sharing in the full restoration of a Catholic society at the crossroads. Its goal is to protect the growth of hope, “ hope which is stronger than every fear and doubt, hope that has sustained the faith of our brothers and sisters of the Churches of the East during times in which it was hard and personally risky to believe and to hope” (Pope John Paul II, New Vocations for a New Europe, no. 3).

  Thank you to the many generous U.S. benefactors. You demonstrate your concern for the universal Church by opening your arms to hundreds of critical projects that shelter the roots of faith, and help the Church thrive. 


Professional church ministry

It’s not just a job...it’s a vocation! Are you being called? 

  Do you have a desire in your heart to serve others, but you just don’t know where or how to begin? Do you know the church might have the career you have been looking for? 

  The Archdiocese of Detroit is looking for women and men to take on leadership roles within the Catholic Church. If you have been searching for a more creative and meaningful line of work, we can help! Career options include, but are not limited to: Director of Religious Education, Music Ministry, Youth Ministry, Adult Education, Campus Minister, Pastoral Associate, Business Administrator, Spiritual Director or Christian Service Coordinator. 

  If you would value an opportunity to explore your desires and calling in a spirit filled atmosphere, please join us for our: 

Mission Possible:

Discernment Retreat

April 1-3 at DeSales Center

In Brooklyn, MI 

At this Christ-centered retreat based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, you will be given ample opportunity to pray, reflect, talk with working professional ministers, and learn more about the different types of ministry opportunities and many education/formation options available in our area. Cost is $60, with scholarships available. Though this retreat is designed specifically for those between 18-40 years old, we encourage all interested to contact us and let us know how we can be of better service to you. For more information about Mission Possible: The New Face of Church Leadership...YOURS! visit our Archdiocesan website at www.aodonline.org.


The priesthood...try it on

  Lent is always a sobering season. But, it can be a season of great rewards, if you successfully resolve any uncertainties you have, like the uncertainty about what to do in life. Lent is the perfect time to ask God. But, you have to be open to any response. And if you feel a call to be a brother, sister or priest, you have to make the effort to find out more about it. For more information, visit the web at www.vocationsdetroit.org or call (313) 237-5875.  


Brunch for widowed

men and women 

  Widowed Friends, a peer ministry of the Archdiocese of Detroit, welcomes widowed men and women to Cherry Creek Country Club for a spectacular brunch on Sunday, March 6, at 12:30 p.m.

  Buffet includes a great variety from Eggs Benedict to prime rib, many fabulous deserts, coffee or tea for $24 (covers tax and gratuity). Come and meet new friends in a safe, friendly setting. Must reserve and send payment by February 26. Call Dorothy (586) 977-3506 for mailing information.

  Cherry Hill is located on the south side of 24 Mile Road, one half mile east of Van Dyke in Shelby Township. 

 

 

 


Together in Ministry

Youth Ministry   

  In 1976, our Catholic Bishops across the country gathered to show their support and concern for the young people of our country.  They published a resource titled “A Vision of Youth Ministry.” In it they stated that “Youth Ministry is the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community.”   

In 1997, this document was rewritten putting stronger emphasis on the call to all young people to personal discipleship, to service and evangelization, and to parish leadership. 

  Realizing that this is a tremendous responsibility for one person, we have formed a team of Youth Ministers to assist in the task.  Using this new document as a backdrop, our SS. John and Paul Youth Ministry Team attempts to involve, continue to catechize, strengthen leadership skills and deepen the spirituality of each young person in our parish.   

  Because the teens gather at church only once a month for a formal session, we offer various opportunities throughout the year for involvement in service, training for liturgical ministries, social opportunities, and opportunities to participate in leadership roles in the formation of the young.   

  Youth Ministry is largely a ministry based on relationships and so attention is  given to events outside of the parish, including events in the school setting or wherever else teens gather.   One of our primary goals is to help these young people stay connected to our parish family.  Staying connected to a church during young teen years will help to ensure a connectedness when they are adults.  

NEXT WEEK...COMMENTS FROM THE TEENS OF THE PARISH

FOLLOWING WEEKS...COMMENTS FROM OUR YOUTH MINISTERS, AND THE QUESTION ...“WHERE DO YOU FIT IN?” 


 

Pray for those in the military

Noel & Greg Ales, Nick Bassett, Mike Boback, Damien Brunet, Tony Gentilia, Christian Honkanen,  Brett Kelsey, David Krzycki, Jonathon Krusinski, Chris Krusinski, Matthew MacLeod, Paul McGowan, Joe Perren, Thomas Schmidt, Jennifer Shepard,  Jason Stahl, Vincent Titeriga, Chris Urbanczyk 

Do you know someone who is serving in the military? We would like to place their name in the bulletin so that we can pray for them during this trying time. Also, continue to pray for peace and for a quick and peaceful solution to the world’s conflicts.


Pray for our sick  

If you would like to have someone added to the prayer list, please call the parish office (586) 781-9010.   

Mary Angelosante, Jeannie Beck, Ralph Cleary, Charles Clarey, Geraldine Dale, Arthur Donovan, John and Frances Dreffs, Alojzy Filipowicz, Jerry Ford, Joann Hebert,  Ronnie Housewright, Anna Kaltz, Anthony Kearney, Bob Mehlick, Henry Miciek, Doris, Miciek, Edwin Morin, Flo Poli, Dorothy Puffpaff, Helen Raad, Pasqua Rea, Hank Roman, Art Rose, Barbara Supina, Lou Scarpaci, Karen Shea, Marlene Waraksa, Joseph Yoskovich 

  Please note that names will be left on the prayer list for four weeks and then removed. If you would like a name to remain on, please call and let us know. 

Stewardship Report

February 5-6, 2004   

Weekly budget. $11,600.00

Offertory. $12,573.73

No. Sunday envelopes used. 356 

Other Monies / (# Envelopes)

Debt Reduction / (28). $621.00

Children’s Env. / (13). $11.50 

Did you know that thirty-two parishioners have signed up for the Electronic Sunday Offerings? ESO is a way to simplify your weekly giving and also help the parish budget our resources. All you have to do is sign a form authorizing an automatic transfer from your bank account to the parish account. If you’re interested, forms are available in the literature racks. 


Readings for the Week of

February 13, 2005 

Sunday, February 13: 

Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7; Ps 51; Rom 5:12-19

or 5:12, 17-19; Mt 4:1-11

Monday, February 14:

Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19; Mt 25:31-46

Tuesday, February 15: 

Is 55:10-11; Ps 34; Mt 6:7-15

Wednesday, February 16: 

Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51; Lk 11:29-32

Thursday, February 17: 

Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138; Mt 7:7-12

Friday, February 18: 

Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130;  Mt 5:20-26

Saturday, February 19: 

 Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119;  Mt 5:43-48

Sunday, February 20: 

Gn 12:1-4a; Ps 33; 2 Tm 1:8b-10;

Mt 17:1-9 


Eucharistic
Prayer Requests

Saturday and Sunday

February 12-13, 2005

Helen Scheff by Stec Family

Mary Ryan by Smolinski Family

Sandra Sustrich by Bernie

Matthew Hunsucker (1st Anniv.)

by Family 

Monday, February 14, 2005

Margaret Gardner by Rudich Family 

Tuesday, February 15, 2005

Giulio Perazza by Family 

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

Dorothy Murphy by B. Verellen 

Saturday and Sunday

February 19-20, 2005

Wanda Pelino by Ginste Family

Bernard Darga by Family

Giuseppe Pittiglio by Family

Rudi Dietrich by Family

Br. Brice Wilder by Martino Family 

Liturgical appointments for February 19-20, 2005

  5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Celebrant Fr. Sayes Fr. Sayes Fr. Buersmeyer Fr. Buersmeyer
Lectors

F. Diebboll

M. Klakulak

R. Baes

J. Sova

T. Fletcher

S. Pospiech

D. Bugli

S. Brunet 

Eucharistic

Ministers