May 22, 2005 

Pastor’s Perspective        

*Preparation for the Teaching Mass (continued)

  On June 4th and 5th we will have our usual Mass schedule, but I will be the priest celebrant at all four of them.  Instead of the usual homily, I will spread my “remarks” out over the whole Mass and invite everyone to participate in a more focused way at each stage of the Mass.  Mass will be the usual hour or so, and it will be the Eucharist, but with an effort to understand some of the history and theology behind what we do every weekend.  Thus a “Teaching Mass.”

  Last week I shared some thoughts on the gathering rites and how to prepare for Sunday Eucharist.  This week I want to offer some reflections on actively participating in the Mass.  When the Church changed the liturgy forty years ago, the guiding principle was the desire to increase the “full, conscious and active participation of all the faithful.” (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, par. 14).  Active participation begins before the liturgy by looking over the readings at home, by trying to get to church a few minutes early to pray and greet people, by picking up a hymnal and/or worship aid and be ready to sing.

  Within the Mass active participation begins with the Opening Song.  I cannot stress enough the difference it makes if everyone sings out. I hear people say “I don’t sing; I don’t have a good voice; I don’t know how to follow notes.”  I’m sorry, but that doesn’t cut it.  It is amazing the beauty of the sound, if everyone sings, not at the top of their lungs, but aloud.  “Off” notes get harmonized and the whole sounds magnificent.  Singing by its very nature brings us into active rather than passive participation.  Not to sing by its nature, makes us passive participants.

  We actively participate through various gestures as well.  While praying the creed, we are invited to bow during the words ‘By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was born of the Virgin Mary and became man.’  At communion the gesture of preparation and respect for the presence of the Lord in that communion is a slight bow before saying “Amen.”  At this parish we stand during the Eucharistic prayer.  The General Instruction on the Roman Missal asks that communities which do this to make a deep bow after the consecration of the bread and another after the consecration of the wine.  As the presider I would ordinarily genuflect at that time, but to help create that sense of unity and participation, the presiders have also been bowing at that time.

  Join in such gestures.  They probably seem awkward at first, but become more natural as you do them more regularly.  Such gestures automatically bring about a level of active and not passive participation because they move our bodies to be in sync with the words and reality of the liturgy.

  Perhaps the most important “gesture” in the recent Instruction on the Roman Missal is the invitation to incorporate a deeper sense of silence into the flow of the Mass.  Prior to the “Lord have mercy,” after the first two readings, after the homily, and especially after communion, the community is invited into a period of silence.  It is always tempting to shorten that period.  I have to resist the tendency, the cantors as well, because unless an adequate length is given to such silences, we really don’t get a chance to experience our minds/heart at rest.  These silences add about two minutes to the total time of the Mass, but allow us to take a few deep breaths and actively open our hearts to the work of the Spirit during the Liturgy.  Try taking three or four deep breaths at those moments of silence; invite the Spirit into your heart and place all that is going through your mind at that point in the Spirit’s hands.

  At the greeting of peace our active participation takes the form of offering the sign of peace to those around us.  Please note: we are offering the peace of Christ, not our own peace or greeting.  What’s been going on in our lives, hellos, best wishes, etc. are very appropriate before and after the Mass.  But at the time of the greeting of Mass we are remembering that unless we are able to be at peace in Christ with one another, everything that we do at communion is contradicted.  Communion then is in danger of becoming for us not the binding of the body of Christ together in Christ but a very empty ritual.  Even if we have ill feelings and misgivings towards others, in Christ we can find a way to be at peace with one another.  If not, then what are we doing so that we can be reconciled with those persons?  “The peace of Christ” or “the peace of the Lord be with you” is what we say.  This is not about our personal feelings, but about Christ and being the body of Christ.

 At communion the gesture we are asked to do is stand together while all receive communion and to sing.  Yes, sing!  Almost always the music at this time is some sort of refrain that we don’t need hymnals for.  Communion is focused on community, not individuals.  Standing and singing while all receive is the way the Church envisions the community making this a concrete reality.  In introducing this two years ago, a number of people found the standing difficult, since we also stand throughout the Eucharistic prayer.  We decided to encourage people to stand until they receive communion and then sit.  But to continue to sing!!  I have to be honest. Most who sit seem to stop singing.  We have been so trained, myself included, to think of communion as a time to be praying individually to the risen Lord we receive that we contradict what the liturgy asks us to do.  Please continue to sing throughout communion, until all have received.

  For the teaching Mass I will ask us to stay standing and singing to experience the full effect the Church’s liturgy calls for.  But I don’t think the issue is standing or sitting after receiving communion. The key is to keep singing and praying for those still receiving communion.  Then, if we allow for a decent period of silent prayer after the singing is ended, we can enter into that personal time of prayer and praise. 

  Finally, just a reminder—though most of us do this very well—that the “Amen” we say at communion before receiving is more important than the bowing.  Without that “Amen” we really should not receive communion. The communion ministers have been instructed to say that “Amen” for anyone who doesn’t respond.  The “Amen” means that we believe this to be the real presence of Christ through his sacramental body and blood. The “Amen” means that we consciously know ourselves to be united to everyone else who is receiving and we will try to live as the body of Christ. The “Amen” means that we believe not just that the bread and wine are transformed but our lives are transformed.  To believe the one without the other is to fail to understand what Jesus has given us in the Eucharist. 

*New Altar Server Training

  To all current 4th through 7th graders who are willing to become new altar servers:  Use the form sent to you in the mail or call the parish office and let me know of your interest.  I need to hear from you by next Wednesday at the latest.  New server training will take place on June 4th (after the 5 p.m. Mass) and June 5th (after the 11:30 a.m. Mass).  We will provide a dinner/lunch for you and the training will take about 1 ˝ hours. 

*Spring Concert in Honor of the 25th Anniversary

  I want to thank Carl Reyes and all the choirs for their wonderful concert last Sunday.  If you missed it, you missed an inspiring, uplifting opportunity.  Once again, thank you for using your gifts and talents in that way.

*Priests’ Jubilees

  This week the priests of the archdiocese celebrate their 2005 jubilees.  I will be part of the 25th anniversary group.  I want to acknowledge as well Fr. Andrew Wesley, Fr. Gary Michalik, and Fr. Gerry Bechard with whom I was ordained in 1980 and who continue to pastor churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  I want to especially recognize Fr. Mike Kazer, Fr. Thomas Belczak, Fr. Dennis Duggan, and Fr. John West who also were ordained in 1980 and have been a huge reason why I survive as a priest of the Archdiocese.  The recent death of John West has made this anniversary for me both sadder and more meaningful.

  I have decided to space out the anniversary celebrations with various groups, rather than to just have one big one.  Here at SS. John and Paul I am looking forward to celebrating my 25th jubilee with the parish later this year—on September 11th with Mass, followed by some refreshments.  In that way I can invite all of you and everyone from my former parishes to join with us and celebrate. 

*Trinity Sunday

  On this Trinity Sunday, may God be so much more to us than just a philosophical notion of the First Cause or Supreme Being.  May we experience God as more than an impersonal force within us.  Rather, may we find in our prayer a three-fold personal relationship to the one God.  May our prayer to God who is Father, the God who is Creator of all and without origin, draw us into wonder and awe and mystery and ultimately silent contemplation.  May our prayer to the risen Lord, the God whose Word took flesh in Jesus, entering and transforming all of human history through his life, death and resurrection allow us to unite everything in your life to that same paschal mystery and so live lives of courage and service. May our prayer to the Holy Spirit allow our spirit to be in sync with everything that is of God and so become holy ourselves. 

  Fr. Buersmeyer  

CSA

Total as of 5/15/05:  $125,349.00 

  Diocesan obligation:   $73,681.00

  Return to parish:   $51,668.00  

Participating

Families:  365 

Gifts:  346

  $73,681.00  

Participation

Percentage:  36.1% 

Average Gift:  $362.28

Picnic

Volunteers are needed for SS. John & Paul’s annual picnic to be held on the parish grounds on June 26.  Please be sure to see the sign up sheets posted on the bulletin board beginning May 21-22. Many volunteers are needed to help us make this year’s picnic a success.

   Outdoor spring clean-up day

   May 16 at 6:30 p.m. 

Who:  Any able-bodied person that would like to get our grounds ready for the summer. Families are encouraged to attend, there are jobs for everyone!  Don’t be the only one on your block to miss out on all this fun! 

What:   Some jobs that need to be done are: trimming trees, weeding, adding soil to low spots near the Activity Center, raking mulch and much more!   

Where:  Parish Grounds 

When:  May 16 at 6:30 p.m.  —  Rain Date:  May 23 at 6:30 p.m. 

Bring:  Your own gloves and any garden tools you have.  Wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, spades, pruning shears are needed. 

If you have any questions, please call Paula at the Office 781.9010.

Parish Pastoral Council

Member Nomination Form  

I would like to nominate the following person (s) to serve as a member of the Parish Pastoral Council. You may nominate yourself. 

Name: _______________________________________  Phone: ___________ 

Name: _______________________________________  Phone: ___________ 

Name: _______________________________________  Phone: ___________

Taizé prayer

Thursday, May 12 6:30 p.m.      

CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION

2004-2005

Religious Formation

Program 

Early Childhood — Sunday

(ages 3-4-5 years)

During 9:30 a.m. Mass 

Grades 1-6

Monday:  4:45-6:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 4:45-6:00 p.m.

& 6:30-7:45 p.m. 

Grades 7-8

Sunday:  6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Reflection in a Well

A young boy stood watching a man as he drank from a well.

After drinking, the man continued to gaze into the well, as though looking at someone. He was a huge man, with a friendly face.  So the boy approached him and asked: ‘Who lives down there?’ ‘God does’ answered the man. ‘Can I see him?’ ‘Sure you can,’ he said. Then taking the boy into his arms he lifted him up so that he would see down into the well. All the boy could see, however, was his own reflection in the water. ‘But that’s only me,’ he cried in disappointment. ‘All I see is me.’ ‘Ah,’ replied the man, ‘now you know where God lives.

REGISTER NOW for the  2005-2006 Religious Formation Program 

TWO REASONS TO REGISTER NOW: 

  Tuition goes up after JUNE 1  2) Class size is limited

  Tuition:           By 6/1      After 6/1  To be assured of the day and time of your choice, NOW

  1 child:              $65.00         $90.00  is the time to register. Classes are filling up. Once they

  2 or more:        $110.00      $135.00  are filled, second choice will be the option

  NON-Parishioners: $125      $150  

  (Each Child) 

Please help us out by telling  your extended family members who attend our

program as well as  your neighbors and friends who might miss this article. 

“SERENGETI TREK”

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Preschool thru Grade 5 

SS. John and Paul Church

St. Clement Church &

St. John Lutheran Church

 at St. Clement Church  -  August 1-5

9:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.   &  6:00-9:15 p.m. 

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION:  JUNE 15th

 Due to limited space we will only be able to take the first

150  children on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

This is a weeklong faith formation experience that engages children, teens and adults in song, games, crafts and prayer.   

From my own personal experience of this program, I can tell you that it is an exciting, fun-filled time.  I took my granddaughter who was visiting from out-state to it and she could hardly wait for the next day to go back.  

You don’t have to be registered in the religious formation program to take advantage of this opportunity for the special children in your life.   Why not fill out the form below or pick up a registration form on your way out today.  These forms can be found on the tables in the back of the church or in the Parish Office.  If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call — Linda Bauer 586-781-9488. 

NAME  ________________________________________________________ 

PHONE  _______________________________________________________ 

GRADE COMPLETED IN JUNE  ___________ 

Please check time attending:    ______Morning  _____Evening

Please check days attending:    ___M  ___T  ___W  ___Th  ___F  

Cost is $5.00 a day…$25.00 per week.

Make check payable to:   SS. John and Paul Church 

Mark your calendars! 

SS. John & Paul will be hosting an

American Red Cross Blood Drive 

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

2:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

If you have donated here previously, you will be contacted to make an appointment. Otherwise, a sign up sheet will be posted the first two weeks of June. 

Your donation will make a difference! 

Graduation Mass 

  A Graduation Mass honoring the 2005 graduates, high school and college, will be held at 9:30 on Sunday, June 12th.  The mass will be immediately followed by a breakfast provided by our eleventh grade parents and our Hospitality Team.  Invitations will be sent to our high school seniors in the next week.  If you are a college grad and would like to attend, please call our parish office by Monday, June 6th and let us know how many will be attending.  We are looking forward to a wonderful celebration! 

Health notes  

Living with Asthma

  May is a month that brings forth a host of grasses, leaves, and flowers, Though beautiful, these can be triggers for those suffering from Asthma and allergies.

  What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in which a variety of “triggers” can produce irritation or a narrowing in the trachea and bronchi (breathing tubes) and an increase in mucus. This condition is very uncomfortable and frightening but is usually reversible. During an attack, the person may feel anxious, short of breath and have a tight cough with wheezing. Over 8 million children suffer from Asthma. Usually symptoms begin before school age but can appear at any time. Asthma is still a fairly uncommon cause of death but there is a concern because it has increased by 30% in the last 15 years.

  What triggers Asthma? Sometimes a specific trigger cannot be identified, but the following are some of the most common: respiratory infections, allergies, air pollution, smoke, emotional stress, exercise, cold air, some household products and some drugs such as aspirin and arthritis medications, just to mention a few.

  What can I do to limit my attacks? The following are some guidelines for living better with Asthma:  (1) find out your triggers and avoid them as much as possible; (2) take all medication as prescribed (even if you feel fine); (3) learn the early warning signs of an attack and treat them quickly; (4) include exercise in your life, but avoid activities that cause attacks; (5) if the attack doesn’t respond to treatment, do not delay in getting medical attention; (6) avoid smoking and second-hand smoke; (7) drink 6-8 glasses of water daily (unless your doctor advises otherwise); (8) learn healthy ways to handle stress.

  As Christians, we recognize that God is the giver of all life and each breath we take can bear witness to His life...giving and sustaining nature. May He who daily breathes into us His Spirit be with you and strengthen you in every way.  

Older Americans month

  In May we celebrate Older Americans Month. How many do you remember?  Candy cigarettes...wax coke-shaped bottles with colored sugar water inside...soda pop machines that dispensed glass bottles...coffee shops with tableside juke boxes...Blackjack, Clove and Teaberry chewing gum...home milk delivery in glass bottles with cardboard stoppers...party lines...newsreels before the movie… P.F. Flyers...Butch wax...telephones with a word prefix (Drexel 5505)...peashooters...Howdy Doody...45 rpm records...green stamps...metal ice cube trays with levers...mimeograph paper...blue flash bulbs...roller skate keys...drive-ins...washtub wringers...Tinkertoys...erector sets...Lincoln logs...25 cent McDonald hamburgers...penny candy...28 cent-a-gallon gasoline...5 and 10 stores…

  Do you remember when: ...being old referred to anyone over 20...scrapes and bruises were kissed and made better...decisions were made by going “eeny-meeny-miney-mo... “race issue” meant arguing about who ran the fastest...spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles...water balloons were the ultimate weapon...taking drugs meant orange-flavored chewable aspirin...older siblings were the worst tormentors but also the fiercest protectors.

  If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived!!! Share these memories with family and friends; see what happens!  SMILE!  

Blood pressure screening — May 28-29 after all the masses. 

  Peggy Benson

  Parish Nurse—Co-lead 

Highlights of Parish Council meeting

 May 4, 2005 

¨         The regular monthly meeting of SS. John & Paul Parish Pastoral Council was held on Wednesday, May 4, at 7:00 p.m. with nine members present.

¨         Council thanked Paul Gielow for filling in and taking the minutes of the March 16 meeting in the absence of the secretary. He did an excellent job.

¨         Members discussed the up and coming Council elections. There will be three vacancies to fill along with possibly a few back-ups.

¨         SS. John & Paul’s updated emergency plan was reviewed and several additions were recommended. It will be sent to Anne Petriches, Parish Nurse, for her approval.

¨         The recent Town Hall meetings about the Parish goals and the Goal-setting Process were discussed and Council was very pleased with the attendance and verbal participation. Members would like to thank Jim and JoAnne Reaume, Lil Horn, Regina Newlin and Barbara Jarzembski who all returned completed summary comment sheets for their “quality” input. All the information has been evaluated and Council would like to welcome everyone aboard as their help is certainly needed and appreciated.

¨         Approximately one or two commissions have been deemed responsible for each goal along with several “support” commissions. These Goal-Setting Allocation Reviews will be presented to the appropriate groups.

¨         In the fall, a sub-committee will be designated to monitor and review the goal-setting progress. This will be executed either quarterly or twice a year.

¨         The next regular meeting of Council will be held on May 18, 2005. 

The faith community of SS. John & Paul Parish extends sympathy and prayers to the family of Dorothy Crononwett who was buried from our parish on May 16, 2005. May she rest in peace.

Attention Bakers 

  We are in need of volunteers to bake cookies for our upcoming blood drive.  We need about ten people willing to bring two dozen homemade cookies before 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 23rd.  If you would like to help out in this way, please contact Kathy at the parish office.

Thank you!  Thank you! 

  A big thank you to all the parishioners who came out Monday, May 16, to clean up the parish grounds. About twenty people came out to pull weeds, rake mulch, trim trees, and move five yards of topsoil near the Parish Center.  With so many hands, from start to finish the entire project took less than two hours!  

  Planting is scheduled for June 1st and if you would like to plant that night or volunteer to weed a flower bed one week during the summer, please call Paula in the Office at 781.9010.   

The Terry Shiavo case 

  Join Fr. Buersmeyer on Monday, May 23, as he leads a discussion on the Terry Schiavo case. The discussion will begin at 7:45 p.m. (after the 7:00 Monday evening Mass). 

Summer Taize prayer 

  We are planning special Taize prayer times for June, July, and August. Each of these prayer evenings will include Taize prayer, a time for conversation on the prayer reading, and also a time for refreshments. Weather permitting, these prayer evenings will be held outside so that we can enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

  Our June date is schedule for June 21 at 6:30 p.m. If you would like to help with refreshments, please call JoAnne at the parish office.   

GOLF OUTING

SCHEDULED FOR

AUGUST 28TH   

MARK YOUR

CALENDARS NOW! 

Bruce Hills Golf Course

$55 cost includes 18 holes of golf, prizes, plus buffet dinner. 

Registration forms will be in the parish bulletin the weekend

of June 4-5 

Teen News

¨         Cedar Point —Teens grade 8-12,

please join us as we celebrate the youth of our parish with a day trip to Cedar Point on Wednesday, June 22. We will leave from the SSJP parking lot at 6:30 a.m. sharp and return at approximately 11:30 p.m. The cost is $30 which includes transportation and admission to the park. All participants must have a completed permission slip, (don’t forget the medical release part located on the back of the form). You can pick up a form in the office. You will also want to bring money for snacks, lunch, dinner, souvenirs, etc. We will provide a breakfast snack on the bus on the way there and a snack for on the way home. 

If you would like to bring a friend, they will be required to have a completed permission slip, and a check made out to SS. John & Paul for $47. All teens will be expected to stay in a buddy system and check in with the outing leader once during the day. Failure to do so will keep you from coming to future outings. 

Permission slips must be turned in by June 7. If you are including friends, please include a separate check and remember, they will go on a waiting list. After June 7, those on our waiting list will be put on the bus in order as they come into the office. This is on a first come, first served basis. If we cannot accommodate friends, their check will be returned to them. Call Mrs. Peters if you have any questions, 781-9488. 

¨         Teens — we need your help!

The parish picnic will be held on Sunday, June 26 and we need your help with the games. Please check your calendar and let Mrs. Peters know if you can help. Let’s give the children of our parish a fun and exciting day! 

¨         Next meeting — May 22 at 6:30. Why not bring a friend and join us?

      Trinity Sunday  

  The Trinity is a mystery...impossible to fully understand.  But God has opened up the mystery to us through revelation.  Through the revelation of God in scripture and through the  Church, we are invited to come to know the Father, through the Son in the power of the Spirit.

  We can come to know God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through prayer and through reading Sacred Scripture.  We also come to know God through showing our love for others. 

Glory Be to the Father 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,world without end.

Amen

Baptism Preparation 

  Beginning in June, Baptism preparation will take place every other month, no longer every month.

This means that you must notify the office sooner so as not to miss the preparation session.   A schedule of meeting dates will be available if you call the parish office.  The session for June is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7th, at 7:00 p.m. 

  Prior to the preparation session, you must call the office to set a time to register your child for the Sacrament.  This meeting takes only 15-20 minutes and can be done Monday through Thursday, morning or afternoon.

Vatican II

This week’s insert “Sharing Our Heritage of Faith.” 

  We encourage our parish community to provide resources, programs, small groups, and activities to nurture faith growth from birth through the later years of life.

  How can you become more of a lifelong learner in terms of your Catholic faith?   

Together In Ministry 

Wedding Rehearsal Coordinator

These people help lead the bridal couple and their families during the rehearsal for the wedding. At the rehearsal they focus on the parish’s guidelines for the celebration.  Coordinators usually work in teams of two and are also present during the wedding to take care of last minute details. 

Anointing of the Sick Masses

Besides being available for individual Anointing of the Sick, Fr. Dave also incorporates this sacrament three times a year at the weekly Monday evening mass.  Members of our parish nurse team and a member of the parish pastoral team are there to help greet and direct those wishing to be anointed.  If you have any question about this sacrament, please call the parish office. 

Baptism preparation

Baptism preparation will now be offered every other month beginning in June.  JoAnne Owens works individually with each family wishing their child to be baptized and then they gather as a group before their actual baptism date to discuss the symbols and rituals as they will take place.  We are currently looking for couples to be part of this ministry of working with the preparation.  If you are interested, please call the parish office. 

YOU, the Parish Family

You, too, have a role in the celebration of all sacraments.  Through prayer and presence, you play a vital role in each celebration.  Please continue to be warm and encouraging as you witness to all sacraments as the visible sign of Christ in our midst. 

Saturday and Sunday

May 21-22, 2005

Vincent Gugilmetti by Martino Family

Mary Shirk by Puzzuoli Family

Ronald Pintar by Family

Betty George by Poli Family

Giuseppe & Antonia Pittiglio by Family 

Monday, May 23, 2005

Gus Goike by LaRaia Family 

Tuesday,  May 24, 2005

Rudi Dietrich by Zawojsky Family 

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Eleanor Konieczny by Poli Family 

Saturday and Sunday

May 28-29, 2005

Scott Ragni by Family

Helen Guastini by Family & Friends

Rosa Sarti by Gai Family

Robert Leadley by Klakulak Family