May 8, 2005 

Pastor’s Perspective      

*Feast of the Ascension

  “He ascended into heaven.”  A pretty simple phrase of our Creed, isn’t it?  Yet what does it really mean?  In days gone by, when people literally thought of heaven as “up there” beyond the clouds, above the dome of the sky, people would have had a very literal image in mind when they professed this part of the creed: the risen Jesus ascended “up to the heavens.”  But what about now, in a world where we know there is no place “out there” that is beyond the sky which is heaven?

  Our faith in the bodily resurrection of Jesus causes problems both for a person who interprets the Scriptures too literally and for the modern scientific mind which thinks the Scriptures are false, if some of the stories of faith defy scientific explanation.

  Literalists think that resurrection is about the same earthly body coming back to life, almost like a reanimated corpse. And unfortunately we have way too many movies that give people visual images of resuscitated corpses.  That is not what we mean by resurrection!  Our stories of faith talk about Jesus’ resurrected body as a transformed body, both able to be continuous with all that has happened to him (the wounds are still there) and yet different (doesn’t look like him until he speaks a name, a word, a greeting of peace). Faith in the Ascension of Jesus into heaven keeps us from such a literalist view of the resurrection.  His body is not somehow identifiable here on earth.  We do not look to the risen Lord to appear to us “in the flesh.”

  At the same time, our faith is a faith in a bodily resurrection. Why insist on this?  Wouldn’t it be enough to say that the risen Jesus is now alive in God for all eternity? That the risen Lord can in spirit unite with our spirit and lead us to the same new life?  Why insist on a “bodily resurrection”?  Here is where scientific-types lose patience with faith-based statements and think such statements are nonsensical because they do not lend themselves to scientific explanation.  Yet, this is precisely where the most profound understanding of life is at stake.  Our faith in a bodily resurrection, of Jesus and for us, is a faith that resurrected life shares in the ongoing history of the universe.  Is the universe—created, physical, “bodily” reality—simply an external shell that is of no ultimate consequence?  Does it really matter whether human history transforms life into a civilization of love, finding a way to live in harmony with one another and ultimately all creation?  The heart of our faith, Easter faith in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, cries our “Yes, it matters! In fact, unless we work for the transformation of the world, our faith is misguided.”  Salvation isn’t  about saving ‘souls’ and ignoring everything else, even though Catholic thought has often drifted in that direction a bit too far, due to the influence of Platonic philosophy.  Full salvation always includes a concern for the “body” and thus for all physical, created reality.

  Moreover, faith in the Ascension of Jesus is not a scientific explanation of where Jesus’ body is.  It is a faith-based statement that keeps us focused on the need to seek God’s Spirit, if we are to experience the presence and reality of the risen Lord.  The risen Jesus is in some sense absent from us, unless we open ourselves to God’s Spirit, living in that Spirit, putting into practice the gifts of that Spirit.  Apart from that Spirit of God we will experience an absence of the risen Lord.

  Thus full faith will always unite Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Spirit.  That is what we mean by Jesus’ “paschal mystery.”  We must be willing to connect to the whole reality, not just a part of it.  This is the pattern of life lived at its deepest, most profound, most reconciled and healing level.  Life is to be lived as God’s gift to us. It will include crosses, suffering, and sacrifice. It will not escape death. But we live in trust. We live, knowing that God gets the final word, not death.  Specifically, on this feast of the Ascension we live, humbly knowing that all our efforts will fall short, even as we know how important it is that we try to do our part.  And so we live, persistently praying for the presence of the Spirit of God in our lives so that our lives can experience the presence of the risen Lord at work . 

*Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

  Please look over the insert in today’s bulletin on the Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.  You will notice that there is an opportunity to seek the help you might need for rides, for chores, for repairs, for visits, etc.  There is, as well, the opportunity to volunteer to take care of some needs in ways you feel comfortable.  Sometimes people are reluctant to ask for help.  That is understandable. But please ask for what you need.  The whole point of the parish joining this organization is to make sure that people who have needs are able to be connected to someone who can help.

  At the same time, people might be reluctant to sign up as a volunteer, thinking that their schedule will be overwhelmed.  Please realize that you are in control of how often and when you are available. Again, the whole point of joining this program is to have sufficient numbers so that no one feels cornered into doing too much and someone else is available, if scheduling conflicts arise.  No one should feel bad about saying they can’t help when called for a particular case.  But do sign up to help, so that we have a wide group of contacts available for those who might need that assistance.        

On the weekend of May 21/22 a Christian Service Commission member will take a couple of minutes at each Mass to go through this form with us.  Please look it over in preparation and, if you can’t be at Mass on that weekend, use this form to fill in either your need for help or willingness to be available to help. Thank you.  

*Rite of Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuesday May 10

  This Tuesday we will end our Religious Formation classes with a family night focused on Mary.  The whole parish is invited to this evening as we honor the Blessed Virgin through a rite of Crowning an Image, sometimes called a “May Crowning.”  Mary is our sister in faith, the mother of Jesus who is a mother to us as we face our own journeys of life.  We pray with a sense that she and the whole communion of saints prays with and through us.  Please join us this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.   

*Close of the Religious Education Year, Summer Bible School

  As we close the year for religious education, Linda Bauer and Karen Peters will be evaluating the year and planning for the new year in the fall.  We are always in need of some extra catechists or catechist assistants.  Parents, please consider helping in this way.  Young adults and adults in their 20s and 30s who are single are also needed so that your faith might be passed on to the next generation.  Please contact the Religious Ed Office to help (586.781.9488).

  Also, we will join St. Clement’s in Romeo and St. John Lutheran Church in a summer Bible School.  These are great fun for the kids.  This year it will be held on site at St. Clement’s in Romeo.  You will be able to choose either a morning session or an evening session during the week of August 1-5.  Please contact Linda Bauer in the religious education office to volunteer to help or to find out how to register your child. Thanks.  

*Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

  As we move toward the summer months, I want to encourage those who know someone who is not a Catholic to consider the process of becoming a member of the Catholic Church, if they are interested.  We call that process the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  It is a process that takes you where you are right now and honors your own pace and journey.  It is a great way to look at all the aspects of faith and Catholics themselves who act as sponsors or who go through the process with their spouse find it very enriching as well.

  Do you know someone who is not yet Catholic who would be interested in being invited into this journey?  Ask them. Or let us know so we can invite them. 

*Graduates’ Mass June 12th

  Each year we want to celebrate the milestone of graduation from high school and/or college by recognizing all of those from our parish who have done so.  Please mark June 12 at the 9:30 a.m. Mass on your calendars for this year’s graduates Mass.  We will honor them at the Mass, followed by a breakfast for them and their families.  If you know of someone who is graduating, be sure to let them know of it.  If you would like to help plan the little celebration with them, please call the parish office and let us know. 

*“Teaching Masses” on Weekend of June 4/5

  I will preside at all the Masses on the weekend of June 4th and 5th and celebrate what I call a “Teaching Mass.”  It is the regular Mass but with an emphasis on various parts and ways for us to participate.  Beginning in the bulletin next week, I will be writing about some of the things I want to emphasize, to help us prepare for that teaching Mass. 

   Come, Holy Spirit, come. Our lives and our world need your Spirit of wisdom, your Spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, your Spirit of peace and healing, your Spirit of courage to face any adversity, your Spirit of wonder and awe so that we remain open to your gracious presence. 

  Fr. Buersmeyer

Wear red!

Help us celebrate Pentecost

next weekend—May 15 

  Pentecost celebrates the overwhelming experience of God pouring out the Spirit upon the first community of those who believed Jesus was the Lord and Christ. It is called the birth of the church or “church mission”.  

  The color of vestments and decorations for Pentecost is red. It symbolizes the intense love and fire of the Holy Spirit. Other symbols of the Pentecost event are the dove, the tongues of flame and the wind. 

Help us celebrate by wearing red next weekend.

Taizé prayer

Thursday, May 12 6:30 p.m.

CSA 2005 — Target $73,681.00 

Total as of 5/1/05: 

$44,115.00 

Participating

Families:  121 

Gifts:  115 

Participation Percentage:  12% 

Average Gift:  $383.61 

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: ___________ 

Handbell Memorials  

Those who would like to sponsor the purchase of a handbell via a memorial inscription in the handle of the bell are asked to fill out this form with full or partial payment (made out to SS John & Paul Church) and return to the office ATTN: Carl Reyes, marked: Handbell Memorial.  You will be contacted afterward to determine which bell to have memorialized.  Thank you. 

Name:  ________________________________________________ 

Phone #:  ______________________________________ 

Parish envelope # (if applicable):___________________ 

Inscriptions will include 3 lines of no more than a combination of 30 characters and spaces.  The last line will be the name of the church. 

Line 1:  _______________________________________________ 

Line 2:  _______________________________________________

 Line 3:  SS. John & Paul R.C. Church

CHRISTIAN FAITH FORMATION

2004-2005

Religious Formation

Program 

Early Childhood — Sunday

(ages 3-4-5 years)

During 9:30 a.m. Mass

Session: May  15

This is the last session of the year 

Grades 1-6 — Tuesday

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

May 10 

Upcoming

celebrations of

First Eucharist  

Watch here weekly for the children who will receive their First Eucharist at the following Masses.  We ask that you keep the following children in prayer as they take another step in their journey continuing to grow in their faith and in relationship with our Lord.    

May 14 — 5:00 p.m.

Mario Chiesa, Tyler Culver,

Jacob Kulczycki, Raechel Soave 

May 15 — 9:30 a.m.

Chase Porter, Amanda Gardner 

May 15 — 11:30 a.m.

Benjamin French, Nicholas Gerds,

Matteo Mazur, Nicole Mendalski

Brendan Schmidt, Joseph Tabenske 

MAY CROWNING

Honoring the Blessed Mother

Tuesday,  May 10   6:30 p.m. 

For all Religious Formation families.

Celebration of First Eucharist  

This weekend the following children received their First Eucharist. We ask that you keep them and their families in prayer as they continue on their faith journey with the Lord. 

M ay 7 — 5:00 p.m.

Kaitlin Luttig,  Alexandria Covins, Nickolas Rossol 

May 8 — 9:30 a.m.

Bradley Sorenson,  Breanna Sorenson 

May 8 — 11:30 a.m.

Tommy Schneider, Abigail Clements,

Joshua Marinkovski, Amanda Zepp,  Christian Konieczki 

“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 

Highlights of Christian Service meeting

April 13, 2005 

Samaritan House:  Monthly food drives to start to benefit local food pantries. First drive will be May 7-8. To kick off the monthly drives, parishioners will bring their donations to the altar at the offertory. In subsequent months, food can be deposited in baskets in the vestibules at the church doors.  There is a flower sale fundraiser going on now through the end of April. 

Parish Nurse Ministry:  Blood drive to be held at SS. John & Paul on Thursday, June 23, from 2:00-8:00 p.m. 

Soup Kitchen:  Next rip to provide lunches at Salvation Army will be June 21. 

Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers:  A survey will be distributed to parishioners during the month of May to determine who needs home help and who would like to provide this help. A sample survey will be in the bulletins May 7-8 for parishioners to review. The actual survey will be distributed by the ushers May 21-22. 

Mother’s Day Flower Sale:  Carnations will be sold for a suggested $1.00 donation at all the masses on Mother’s Day weekend. Proceeds to benefit Birthright of Macomb. 

Adopt-A-County Road:  Our first road clean up is scheduled for May 7 at 8:00 a.m. 

Rice Bowls:  We were able to raise $525.60 for Catholic Relief Services through our participation in this Lenten program. 

A Friend’s House Lunches:  Our March donated lunches were very much appreciated. It will be SS. John & Paul’s turn to provide monthly lunches again in September 2005. 

Next Meeting:  Wednesday, May 18, at 7:00 p.m. 

Depression in Seniors Presentation 

   A special community presentation sponsored by Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers on depression in seniors will be held on Monday, May 23rd at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave. (Harper, just north of Metro Parkway, in Clinton Twp.). 

  The speaker will be Suzanne Szczepanski-White, Director of Senior Services, Catholic Social Services.  Ms. White will address such issues as the causes of depression among seniors and what can be done to help those suffering with this condition.  All are welcome.  For more information, please call 586.983.3633.  

Annual 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. 

TEEN NEWS¨       

¨         Attention teens — who is ready for a wonderful day at the ball park?

Mrs. Peters has 25 tickets available on a first-come, first served basis for the Tiger game on Sunday, May 15. Please call Mrs. Peters ASAP if you are planning on attending the game. Teens have until May 7 for your tickets. After that date, the tickets will be open to the parish. We will leave the church parking lot at 11:00 a.m., car pool down to the ball game, and return by approximately 5:00 p.m. Why not join us? 

¨         Teens — we need your help!

The parish picnic will be held on Sunday, June 26. The teens have been asked to do the parish games. We need lots of volunteers and ideas for games. Please call Mrs. Peters, 781-9488, if you are available and willing to help 

¨         The teens WILL NOT meet on May 8th (Mother’s Day)! Enjoy spending this special day with your mother. Our next gathering will be on May 15 for the Tiger game. 

   Next meeting — May 22 at 6:30

“Go and make disciples of all nations…”  

  Yes, we’ve felt that little tug of interest in a volunteer opportunity posted in the parish bulletin, but somehow we never get around to making the call to the parish office.  Sometimes we don’t take up this invitation to be disciples in the mission of the church because we don’t think ourselves good enough or smart enough.  But think:  if worthiness had been part of the job description for the apostles, there would be no Church today.  The next time you get that tug to get involved in a volunteer opportunity… 

ACT ON IT—IMMEDIATELY. 

  Take heart from the descriptions of the apostles in today’s readings.  They worshiped Jesus and at the same time they doubted.  There they stood, with that “What next?” look on their faces as Jesus left their sight. 

  As the angels asked the apostles, so you are asked, “Why are you standing there?” 

Have you noticed...     

  Each week there are colorful little “Table Cards” on the tables in the Parish Center where coffee and donuts are held.  These cards  share thoughts on the weekly Gospel or scripture stories heard at mass.  Hopefully, you will take a moment and read the card either to a friend or family member and share your thoughts on the reading.  Or you can simply read it and think about it as the week goes on.  Whatever way you choose, we hope it will add a little insight or prayer to your weekly activities. 

“Be sealed with the

gift of the Holy Spirit” 

  Jesus came to teach us the way of God.  Jesus promised us the Spirit—the Spirit of Yahweh, the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit that is alive in all of us through the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.  When we honor Jesus in our hearts and our actions, we are following the way he taught us to live, and the Spirit is alive and acting through us.

  Jesus’ commandments are very simple; take care of the little ones; love God; love one another; serve one another; believe.  When these simple commands are not followed, the world suffers.  When they are followed, it is the Holy Spirit at work in us.   

“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,

and enkindle in them the fire of your love.” 

Blood Drive Coming Soon 

   The SS. John & Paul Health Ministry Team will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, June 23rd from 2:00 – 8:00 PM.  Some frequently asked questions about donating blood are listed below.  Please watch the bulletin in the coming weeks for more information regarding the blood drive. 

Is donating blood safe?

Donating blood is a safe process.  Needles and bags used to collect blood are used only once and discarded, making spread of infection to the donor not possible. 

Can I give if I have been turned down before?

Most reasons, for which donors are turned away from donating blood are temporary, not permanent.  For example, one reason for a deferral is low iron level in the blood but iron levels fluctuate daily and are affected by what you eat.  A “mini-physical” is given to all potential donors to ensure they are healthy enough to donate. 

How long does it take to give blood?

The whole process takes about an hour.  It starts with registration, a health history and a  mini physical.  Then the actual donation takes place, which usually takes less than 10-12 minutes.  Afterward, you will be asked to spend a few minutes in the “canteen” where you can have light refreshments before returning to your normal activities. 

How much blood is taken – won’t it make me weak?

A blood donation equals approximately one pint of blood.  The average adult body has 10-12 pints.  The vast majority of people will not feel any different because of the donation.  A very small percentage may experience temporary dizziness, but some rest and fluids will help you feel better quickly.  Your body will replace the lost fluid within 24 hours. 

Lost and found

  Our Lost and Found box is overflowing, so if you’ve misplaced something, please check the Lost and Found box in the Social Hall this weekend. The box contains a retainer, a pair of glasses, prayer book, books, winter coats, hats and gloves. Any unclaimed items will be discarded June 1. 

Vatican II continues…   

  We are down to our last two inserts covering the highlights of Vatican II. Our next one will be called “Sharing Our Heritage of Faith.” We live in times of exciting developments in faith formation in our Church. Parishes worldwide are using a variety of methods of encouraging Catholics of all ages to deepen their relationship with Christ and their understanding and practice of the faith. 

  What steps have you taken to deepen your understanding of the Church? 

The Vocation Office

for the Archdiocese of Detroit presents 

“AN HONEST LOOK

AT THE PRIESTHOOD”

An overnight retreat for men

16 years of age and older who are

discerning the priesthood  

MSGR. MICHAEL LeFEVRE

(Rector of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral)

Retreat Director  

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

MAY 6-7, 2005

Retreat begins at 7:00 p.m. Friday and ends after 4:00 p.m. liturgy and

dinner on Saturday  

SACRED HEART MAJOR SEMINARY

2701 Chicago Blvd.

Detroit, MI 48206 

Pre-registration is required

Please contact the Vocation Office

to register by Monday, May 1, 2005

313-237-5875

Meijer community rewards 

  We received a check from the Meijer Community Rewards program for $144.93 for purchases made in March. Since April 2004, we’ve earned over $1,819.00. So far 136 parishioners have enrolled in this fundraising program, with all proceeds earmarked for the purchase of a new sign on 28 Mile Road. 

  If you would like to enroll in this free program online, go to:

Meijer.com/rewards, click “join”, then Meijer Guest Card OR you can pick up an application at the parish office. Our organization number is 617883. Thank you for remembering the parish when you shop. 

The priesthood—try it on 

  It’s often difficult to do the right thing, even when you feel especially drawn to it. In today’s society, many obstacles hinder what has always been held as good. Those same obstacles can make it hard to pursue a vocation to be a priest, sister, or brother, But if you confidently follow Jesus, who calls you, He “will never leave you orphaned.” For more information, call 313-237-5875 or visit www.vocationsdetroit.org. 

Dear God…

  ...I bet it’s very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it.

  Nancy 

  ...Is it true my father won’t get in Heaven if he uses his golf words in the house?

  Anita  

Together In Ministry 

Confirmation Team 

  Each time we celebrate a sacrament at our parish, the event involves much preparation and time by several behind the scenes people.  The primary people noticed at each celebration are the presider and music minister and person/group who has been prepared to come forward.  There are also two other important roles involved:  those who help in the preparation and those who witness to and offer support to those receiving the sacrament. 

  This week we will focus on those walking with the teens preparing for Confirmation.  A team of 6-8 gather in the Spring to refocus on the work ahead of them.  The role of this sacrament team differs slightly from other teams.  Their primary role is that of mentor and role model for the teens.  Each time the teens gather from May through November, team members are present to facilitate small discussion groups, lead prayer, accompany teens on an all day retreat, have interviews with the teens, listen to their concerns and doubts, and finally to be present during the important rehearsal and celebration of Confirmation.  Walking with our young people is vital to maintaining their continuing presence among us. We ask that you, the parish community, continue to support and give witness to these young people. 

COMING:  Marriage rehearsal team, anointing of the sick, baptism 

Saturday and Sunday

May 7-8, 2005

Katherine Miracola by LaRose Family

Gerald Hatcher by Wife

Marion Darga by Family

Wanda Pelino by R. Ginste Family

Ida Lancia by Family

Michelina Santi by Guidi Family 

Monday, May 9, 2005

William Greenway, Sr. by Family 

Tuesday,  May 10, 2005

Veronica Kwiatkowski by Klakulak Fam. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

James Dushane by E. Gondert 

Saturday and Sunday

May 14-15, 2005

Isaac Giffin by Gaffke Family

Lieselotte Krakowske by Genter Family

Sister Anne Simko by C. Gregory

Susan Nagy by M. Miron