SS. John & Paul

June 5, 2005 

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

Pastor’s Perspective

*Teaching Mass

  Once a year I like to take all the Masses on the weekend and celebrate them with a conscious focus on deepening our understanding and appreciation of all that Sunday Eucharist is. Thus the focus this weekend on entering consciously into the celebration through song and veneration of the altar; of letting God’s Word penetrate our hearts and not just minds; of claiming the words of the Eucharistic Prayer as our own and not just something the priest does by himself; of experiencing communion as a common bonding first and foremost and not primarily a private, individual experience. 

  I am currently teaching a class on sacramental theology to some students in Lansing who are enrolled in the course via Siena Heights University.  As we began our discussion on the Eucharist, I asked them why the Church thinks it is so important to receive communion from the bread and wine consecrated at that Mass.  The General Instructions on the Roman Missal call this, in ordinary circumstances, a “right” of the people—pretty strong language, implying that those in leadership have a responsibility to see that the right is not violated.  Another way to phrase the question would be to ask, “Is there any difference between the full celebration of the Mass and a communion service?”  A communion service would be one where readings and psalms are proclaimed, some intercessions shared, and so forth, and then communion brought from the tabernacle to the altar and from there distributed to the people.  After all, we believe in the real presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.  What’s the difference? 

  That is my question for you.  Is there any difference between Eucharist and communion service?  If there is no difference, then why don’t I just add extra bread at the next Mass—enough for a few thousand people, let’s say—and then take a couple of months of vacation?  In fact, we wouldn’t need so many priests then, would we?  We might reasonably only need a handful who celebrate Eucharist with a series of communities, leaving behind enough consecrated bread reserved in the tabernacle so that each community can continue to receive communion each week until the priest can make his way back again to them.   Yes, I am being facetious.  But I wonder if some people wouldn’t be happier with a very short service, as long as they “got” their communion?

  To allow the Eucharist to become the rhythm or heartbeat of our lives takes a willingness to commit to all that is happening as part of each Eucharist.  Full, conscious, and active participation is the essential minimum demanded of us by the Lord himself, in order to enter into the Eucharistic mystery.  Eucharist isn’t something magically done to bread and wine so that we can make Jesus happen at the altar.  Eucharist is something that happens to us.  We become his Body.  We become ready to be broken and poured out for the sake of others.  As St. Augustine so famously said: “This is your mystery on the altar…so become what you receive!”  That means active joining in prayers, in the “Amens”, in the hymns; active listening and affirming with acclamations the great Eucharistic prayer of praise; actively moving our bodies in gesture and procession;  approaching communion as a member of the Body of Christ and knowing oneself visibly joined to each member of that Body, and finally being willing to be sent as part of that Body to those in the world who need Christ’s presence in and through us.  

  Jesus himself invites us to that altar.  The risen Lord invites us as we are.  But he asks us to surrender to him all that we are, including all that distracts, all that harbors hurt and anger, all that doubts or grows weary and discouraged.  Jesus himself becomes the Word proclaimed, penetrating our hearts, asking us to be receptive to something that touches on the kingdom of God, something that we can take with us as nourishment or encouragement or challenge.  Jesus himself presides among us, joined by the whole communion of saints, as we pray and sing out the Eucharistic prayer and acclamations.  It is not by accident that we enter into the Sanctus (the Holy, Holy, Holy) with the words: “joining with all the saints and angels”.  Jesus himself becomes the nourishment we receive in communion, entrusting his Body and Blood so that we might be the Body of Christ in the world. 

  Eucharist is the ritual action that allows us to enter into that intimate communion with Jesus as the Body of Christ.  It requires active work on our part so that the symbols and rituals can bear the fullest fruit.  To reduce the Eucharist to a more passive reception of personal communion at a communion service is to misunderstand this greatest gift that the Lord offers us.  Is there a difference between Eucharist and communion services?  You bet.  Shame on us if we don’t celebrate Eucharist with the joy and life that comes from knowing this to be the highest and most central act of worship we can do.   

*Pamphlets on “Our Sunday Eucharist”

  There are some pamphlets in the literature rack which take up the flow and intent of all the parts of the Mass.  If you haven’t taken one before, I encourage you to do so and review all the various parts of Mass and how we enter them with full, conscious and active participation.   

*Catholic Services Appeal

  We will continue to update the responses to the annual C.S.A. elsewhere in the bulletin. I want this to serve as my final thank you for a very successful campaign.  It looks like we might even hit the 50% response rate, which to me is the benchmark all parishes should strive for.  [Although it does mean that half the parish simply ignores the appeal—which is unfortunate!]  Taking the diocese as a whole the rate of response averages about 36%.  I want to thank all who have been so generous and all who responded even if unable to give this year.  To those who made pledges, look for your first statement from the diocese in the summer.  You can pay off the pledge at whatever pace you choose.  To those who don’t give to the parish in a regular way throughout the year and who have not yet responded to this year’s C.S.A., I ask you to reconsider.  The Catholic Services Appeal is the most efficient way to give to the parish.  We have reached our mandatory target and all monies come back for parish use 100% without affecting future targets.  Please join with the half of the parish who have responded to help this parish stewardship effort. Thank you.  

*Parish Picnic and Feast of SS. John and Paul

  John and Paul were brothers, martyred in the 4th century for their faith.  The official feast day for the brothers is June 26th each year.  In this our 25th anniversary year it falls on a Sunday and provides a great opportunity to further our 25th anniversary celebrations. 

  The Parish Picnic will have lots of food and fun, games for the children, music for all, cards and so forth.  We have a sign up sheet in the hallway between the church and activities center.  We need help with set up and clean up, with Bingo, horseshoes and other games, with bringing a dessert or salad to share.  The ushers are helping to organize much of the picnic but it is a parish-wide picnic, needing the help of more than just the ushers.  Please join in to make it a fun day.  

  My hope is that we could turn the last Sunday of June into a yearly celebration of our namesakes’ feast with a picnic or in some other way.  Let’s continue this year’s 25th festivities by marking our calendars for the last Sunday of June, June 26th, from 2 to 6 p.m.  Games and music will take place both before and after the main time for food, which will be served from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  We will use the pavilion area and set up some additional tents between the trees there.  There is plenty of room for brining your own blankets and lawn chairs, if you choose.  

*Graduates’ Mass Next Sunday

(June 12th)

  Our annual Mass for all those graduating from high school or college is next Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. Mass, followed by a breakfast for them and their families.  If you haven’t let the office know that you will be attending, please call Monday or Tuesday if possible. Thanks.   

   May we take to heart the words of Jesus in today’s gospel—“Go, learn the meaning of the words, it is mercy not sacrifice I desire”—by becoming instruments of that mercy and forgiveness to others this week. 

  Fr. Buersmeyer 


 

 PICNIC

SS. John & Paul Parish Picnic

June 26, 2005

2:00-6:30 p.m.  

Food, music, games and more!  

Sign up on the sheets on the

bulletin board for ways you can help 

 



Here’s what’s
happening!!
       

Monday, June 6:

*Mass at 7:00 p.m.

*Senior cards 11:30 a.m.

*Ushers meeting after 7:00 mass  

Tuesday, June 7:

*Mass at 9:00 a.m.

*Baptism prep class 7:00 p.m.

*Adult Bells 7:30 p.m. 

Wednesday, June 8:

*Mass at  9:00 a.m.

*Parish Council 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, June 9:

*Adult choir 7:00 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.


Total as of 5/29/05:  $139,056.00 

Diocesan obligation:

$73,681.00

Return to parish: 

$65,375.00  

Participating

Families:  463 

  $73,681.00 

Gifts:  429 

Participation

Percentage:  45.8% 

Average Gift:  324.14  

Our monthly Food Drive will be held

at all the masses next weekend, June 4th and 5th. 

 

Please deposit your non-perishable food and toiletry donations

 in the baskets located in the vestibules of both

church entrances on your way in to mass. 

 Specific items needed during the month of June are:

Flour, coffee, oatmeal, tuna fish, cooking oil,

laundry soap, tampons, sugar, tea,

powdered milk, jelly, crackers, shampoo, dish soap.

 Thank you for helping fill the shelves of our local food pantries! 


  Coffee and donuts 

  We will now offer coffee and donuts monthly during the summer months of June, July, and August and host families are needed.  As you are looking over the various sign-ups on the bulletin board, please consider being a host family for one of the masses.

  The donuts and beverage are paid for by the parish, so there is no cost to you when you host. The host family’s job is serving and cleaning up. The host family for the 8:00 a.m. mass has the responsibility of picking up the standing order of donuts, the beverage, making the coffee, and serving, so it does entail a little more work than the 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. masses. A checklist is sent to you prior to your hosting date so that you will know what to do. 


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.  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! 


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. 


The Friend of Sinners

Matthew 9:9-13 

      The Pharisees despised sinners, but Jesus befriended sinners.  It was not a question of a few kinds words, or a gesture or two.  He associated with sinners, by sharing their food and drink.  He didn’t just tolerate them, he welcomed them.  In his presence they felt accepted and loved just as they were.  Many of them listened to his message and changed their lives.   

      Jesus’ attitude to sinners was one of kindness and persuasion rather than condemnation and rejection.  He didn’t wait for sinners to repent before becoming their friend.   He befriended them in their sinfulness.  This was the scandal for the religious authorities:  that he befriended them in their sinfulness and rejoiced in their company.    The Pharisees saw Jesus’ compassion for the sinner as a betrayal of the virtuous. 

      Jesus’ defense was very straightforward saying that he went where the need was the greatest.  In associating with sinners, he wasn’t condoning their situation.  He was trying to show them a new life, but couldn’t do this without associating with them and being sympathetic.  In acting the way he did, Jesus revealed the mercy of God towards sinners. 

      By sitting at table and sharing with sinners, Jesus’ humanity was rich and deep enough to make contact with the indestructible core of goodness which is found in all of us, and upon which the future has to be built.  He put them in touch with that in themselves.  His goodness evoked goodness in them. 

      It would have been easier for him to go among the good, but he wasn’t thinking about himself; he was thinking of others and his mission.  He came to call the sinners to repentance. 

      If we are sinners, then Christ loves us not less, but more.  It doesn’t do us much good to be loved for being perfect.  We need to be accepted and loved precisely as sinners. 

      It is in and through our sins that we experience the goodness and mercy of Christ.  If we never sinned, we’d never know his forgiveness.  This is not an excuse for sinning.  But it’s nice to know that this is how Jesus received sinners. 

      Saints bear witness to God, but so too do repentant sinners.  Theirs is a different kind of witness, but one that is just as true and every bit as necessary.  Saints bear witness to God’s grace and fidelity.  Sinners bear witness to God’s love and mercy.  And it was the repentant sinners:  Mary Magdalen, Peter, Thomas, Matthew… etc., that Jesus allowed to serve.  

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 


Thanks and Praise” summer program 

   The North Macomb Vicariate will once again host the summer day care program, Thanks and Praise, (formerly known as Mundo Divertido) for Hispanic children in our area.  These are children of parents who both work outside the home, but are unable to pay for adequate child care during the day when they are at work.

  The program will be held at St. Clement of Rome in Romeo and begins on Monday, June 13th and ends on Friday, August 5th.   Currently, the program is in need of two adults to work alternating weeks to supervise the opening of the day from 6:00 – 9:30 AM.  Other needs are for volunteers from 9:00 AM – Noon or 1:00 – 4:30 PM.  Please write your name and indicate your availability on the poster on the bulletin board.

  Also, if you would like to help prepare and serve lunches to the children the week of August 1 – 5, please sign up on the poster as well.  Hours would include prep time (1/2 – 1 hour) and lunch time/clean up (1 hour).  We are looking for teens, retirees, vacationing teachers, families, students needing community service hours or anyone who has the time to give.  Come join us for this enriching experience! 


Dear parishioners of SS. John & Paul, 

  I was placed on your prayer list in October 2004 when I had surgery. Gratefully, I was cancer free! Nevertheless, I developed an opening the size of a cantaloupe in my abdomen and a double bacterial infection of both staph and streptolococcus which caused a lengthy hospital stay.

  The treatment continued at home with nursing care, antibiotics, and an abdominal wound vacuum. While these were all essential in my medical treatment and aides to my recovery, I credit first and foremost GOD; secondly the power of prayer for my cure.

  So it is with deep appreciation I thank each and every one of you for those prayers during my illness and I can finally have my name removed from SS. John & Paul’s prayer list.

    Gratefully,

   Joanne Hebert 


Highlight of Parish Pastoral Council

Meeting of May 18, 2005 

SS. John & Paul Parish Pastoral Council held its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 following the “all commissions” meeting. 

¨         Members exchanged their thoughts and views on the North Macomb Vicariate’s “Together in Faith” draft prior to the “sign off” date of the May 24, 2005 Vicariate meeting.

¨         Council is now accepting nominations for the four, possibly five, openings that will be available during the coming year. Council would also like to make a commitment with one or two parish youth to be contact people.

¨         Questions that arose in regard to the 2005-06 parish budget were all answered to everyone’s satisfaction.

¨         The next regular meeting of Council will be held on June 8, 2005. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Christian Service Highlights

Meeting on May 18, 2005 

¨         Samaritan House - First monthly food drive for local food pantries went well.  This drive will be held the first weekend of each month.

¨         Parish Nurse Ministry - Emergency Action Plan recommendations are still under review by Parish Council.  Home visits continue.  Health Ministry team will have a booth set up at parish picnic.  Discussed “File of Life”- a way for first responders to obtain important medical information.  Possible presentation in October.

¨         Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers – had good response from surveys.  Still need more people in need of home help.  Additional surveys are in racks in back of church.

¨         Hispanic Day Care “Thanks and Praise” to run weekdays from June 13th through August 5th.

¨         Mother’s Day Flower Sale – We sent $293.00 to Birthright.  Will order more next year as we ran out.

Widow/Widowers’ Group – A discussion was held about the need for such a group at SS. John & Paul and how to determine interest in starting this group.  


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.


25 years ago in May... 

¨ Thirty-four students were confirmed by Bishop Arthur Krawczak on May 3. Confirmed were:  Gerard Alcini, Patricia Barber, Kimberly Berridge, Anne Bisson, Timothy Brown, Patrick Brunner, Jeffrey Cameron, Debbie Catenacci, Karen Chamberlain, Robert Cococetta, Roberto Cracchiolo, James Diebboll, Tom Drouillard, Robert Gilman, Michael Hric, Donald Jacques, Kathryn Levanen, Melissa Lewis, Richard Masiarczyk, Edward Puz, Christopher Radke, Elizabeth Rebar, Mary Rebar, James Recchia, Holly Richards, Christine Rolfs, Karen Sattler, Stephen Shore, Jeffrey Votruba, William Turko, David Waring, Janine Willoughby, Shelley Wilton, and James Worful. 

¨ Thirty students received First Eucharist on May 4. They were: Eric Achatz, Ryan Arnold, Jill Binkowski, Jo Ann Chmielewski, Todd Commyn, Darryl DePestel, Teddy Dobbs, Lisa Gilman, Jennifer Grzanka, Nicole Heckman, Ellen Ann Jacobs, Christine Johnston, Aaron Kuselski, Donya Kussad, Jodi Lackowski, John Milostan, Todd Nowaczyk, Robert Ottaviani, George Perazza, Francesca Pernice, Christopher Probst, Christopher Puzzuoli, Jeffery Rogers, Eugene Schneider, Gary Selke, Jeffrey Spada, Lisa Tosch, Shelia Vandeberghe, Jason Verellen, and Kristina Yearego.    

Macomb County Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver survey 

   The survey to identify those in need of home help and those who would like to provide this help was distributed last weekend at all the masses.  If you have not done so already, please take a moment to look it over and fill it out.  The forms can be returned to the parish office or dropped in the collection basket.  If you have any questions regarding this program, please call Kathy in the parish office.  Thank you for considering participation in this worthwhile endeavor! 


Blood drive June 23

  SS. John & Paul will be hosting  an American Red Cross Blood Drive from 2:00-8:00 p.m. here in the Activities Center. Look for sign-up sheets the first two weeks of June. 


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.


Things to ponder 

...People can alter their lives by altering their attitude.

 ...The world is full of beauty when your heart is filled with love. 

...Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

...I cannot change yesterday. I can only make the most of today and look with hope toward tomorrow. 


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. 

¨     Honors night — I recently was invited to an honors night at one of our high schools. When I arrived, I found myself feeling especially proud that I knew so many of the teens being honored that night. A lot of the teens being honored were from our parish. These teens are hard working students that give it their all in everything they do. I feel so lucky to be able to work with all the teens of this parish. They’re just terrific! 

  Mrs. Peters 


      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?   


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.  


A Family Perspective

By Bud Ozar 

  From the first moment of conception, a child devours a parent’s time, energy and resources so that parents often feel consumed with no more to give. In this sense, parenting is a Eucharistic action. Children consume our flesh and blood and Christ is present in this life-giving self sacrifice. This is the priesthood of parenting.

     


Together In Ministry 

RCIA Team

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults   

  Throughout the year, the pastoral team of the parish meets with adults and/or families who wish to learn  about the Catholic Church so that they can discern whether or not they wish to be part of our faith community. 

  The decision to become Catholic takes time and a team of people dedicate their time to walk with those coming forward with questions and concerns about this faith decision. 

  To begin with, most often the initial step comes from you, the parishioners, who value their faith and beliefs in the Catholic church enough to spread it to those not of our faith tradition.  We often neglect our responsibility to outreach to others by inviting them to consider joining our church community.  This week’s gospel tells how Jesus simply says, “Follow me.”  

   Next week we look at ways we can get better at saying, “Follow me” to those who may be waiting for an invite to be part of a faith community.  


 

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.     

Marjorie & Bob Aiken, 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,  Bob Mehlick, Henry Miciek, Doris Miciek, 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

May 28-29, 2005   

Weekly budget. $11,600.00

Offertory. $8,260.02

No. Sunday envelopes used. 262

Electronic Offerings. $1,844.50

No. Electronic Offerings. 23

Total offertory. $10,104.52 

Other Monies / (# Envelopes)

Debt Reduction / (6). $290.00

Children’s Env. / (5). $27.51  

All is a gift from God: everything we are and have is freely given for our good. We should return a portion of those goods (our time, talent and treasure) to God and His work through the Church in gratitude for His abundant generosity. 


Readings for the Week of

June 5, 2005 

Sunday, June 5:

Hos 6:3-6; Ps 50; Rom 4:18-25; Mt 9:9-13

Monday, June 6:

2 Cor 1:1-7; Ps 34; Mt 5:1-12

Tuesday, June 7:

2 Cor 1:18-22; Ps 119; Mt 5:13-16

Wednesday,  June 8:

2 Cor 3:4-11; Ps 99; Mt 5:17-19

Thursday, June 9:

2 Cor 3:154:1, 3-6; Ps 85; Mt 5:20-26

Friday, June 10:

2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 116; Mt 5:27-32

Saturday, June 11:

Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Ps 98; Mt 5:33-37

Sunday, June 12:

Ex 19:2-6a; Ps 100; Rom 5:6-11;

Mt 9:3610:8 


Eucharistic
Prayer Requests

Saturday and Sunday

June 4-5, 2005

Rudi Dietrich by Family

Norman VanDenBrouck by Family

Stanley Materka by Greenway Family

Gene Bolo by J. Klein

Laura & Frank Payne by Altermatt Fam.