July 24, 2005 

ICE CREAM SOCIAL TODAY  12:30-2:30 PM

Pastor’s Perspective  

*Jesus’ Use of Parables

  This week and for the past several we have listened to one or more of Jesus’ parables—brief stories or images which engage our imagination of what ‘the kingdom of heaven is like.’  But in Matthew’s gospel, as opposed to Mark or Luke, we get a lot more moralizing at the end of them with images of sorting the bad from the good at the end of time, with the bad ‘wailing and grinding their teeth.’  What is going on here? 

  We can’t be certain, but clearly in Matthew’s gospel there is more concern about making it obvious that the wicked get punished and the righteous receive their reward than there is in the other gospels.  But it is done in a way that is telling the community that it is not to be worried about sorting it all out now.  God will take care of it in due course.  The community is not to be so focused on seeing justice done here and now to those who stray or do wicked things. Rather, they are to focus on being that seed that finds good soil, that wheat that grows in spite of the many weeds, the fish that are worth keeping (all images from the past three weeks of gospels).  Yes, they the good will be rewarded and the evildoer punished, but in God’s own way. 

  What about us?  Are we much more focused on and sensitized to every little thing that is wrong rather than right in others, in this society, in ourselves?  Do we see the ‘speck’ in the eyes of others and fail to see the ‘log’ in our own eyes.  This is also an image used by Matthew (and Luke but not Mark).  In other words, do we get caught in a pattern of thinking and acting which wants to root out what is wrong more than tend to what is good? 

  ‘The kingdom of heaven is like’ is a favorite phrase of the parables of Jesus. The kingdom of heaven can more easily break into our lives and use us to be instruments of the kingdom for others if we focus on the good in others and nurture that.  It is not worth risking everything for the kingdom to see that other’s get punished for their evil.  We risk faith and base all that we are on that faith (the point of today’s gospel), because we know that is what God is asking of us, no matter what happens to anyone else. 

  A little ‘test’ reflection.  What if, in the end, all humanity shares in the kingdom of God (heaven) in some way—no eternal damnation (hell) for anyone?  Would we feel cheated or mocked, because so much evil isn’t punished in the way we anticipated and all our effort to do good seems lessened, or would we celebrate?  Our faith is based on the hope that every human being will respond somehow to God’s desire to bring them into the circle of God’s saving love.  Yes, we have the freedom to reject that love and certain actions and patterns of living seem to embody such rejection (the meaning of the Church’s teaching about hell).  But I think we come much closer to a gospel understanding, when we focus not on how we get punished for sin, but on how we are instruments of God’s kingdom breaking into this world. 

  It seems as though, in Matthew’s community, they struggled with that and needed reassurance that the wicked would get punished some day.  Do we still need such reassurance? And, if so, why?  

*FAITH Magazine

  This month’s issue of FAITH magazine should have reached everyone’s home by now.  In it is a brief article on “Celebrate Your Second Birthday Every Year.”  How many of us know our baptismal date? (I didn’t; I had to look it up).  Wouldn’t it be a powerful ritual for us to celebrate each year that date different from but just as much as our birthday?  For those who still have the baptismal candle—light it briefly on that date as you pray for the person who was baptized.  Baptism isn’t about a past event but a daily way we enter into living life.  Baptized Christians live life oriented toward and walking with Jesus as their pattern and hope.  That means all things are faced with a Christ-centered faith: a willingness to trust in the midst of great difficulty, to be bearers of good news no matter what, to recognize that resurrection and life have the final say, not death.  Godparents: send a card or note to your godchildren on their baptismal anniversary. Let them know how special it is that they are baptized in Christ. 

 *Religious Education

  All families received a form to register their children in religious formation for the fall.  Please try to get these in before September so that we can properly plan for size of classes and numbers of catechists.  If you misplaced the form or are new to the parish, you may pick one up from the office during the week or on Sunday.  Please note that once again 7th-8th grade meets on certain Sundays of the year.  Grades 1-6 have the choice among Monday or Tuesday afternoons or Tuesday evenings.  If  a child is thinking about being in the vocal or handbell choir (and I hope a lot are), then they need to choose the Tuesday evening session.  

*Parish Website Committee

  We have a wonderful volunteer, Lou Ann Raffa, who has been keeping our website going for a number of years.  It is my hope that we can expand the number who help with the website and find ways to use it even more effectively.  I am looking for a committee of 4-7 who would meet with me and Lou Ann sometime before the end of the summer and do some brainstorming and planning with regard to our website.  If you signed up last fall on Volunteer Sunday, I have your name and will contact you. But I’m looking for a couple more as well.  Please call me at the office.  

*Parish’s 25th Anniversary

  I am still in need of a writer/editor who will work with the information we have and put together a brief but coherent written history of the parish’s first 25 years.  We have a few taped sessions with parish members that have been here all these years as well as all the bulletins published during those 25 years and some other material. Is there anyone out there interested in taking on this project?  The goal would be to have something finished by Christmas or so of this year. 

*The Harry Potter Phenomenon

  Anytime a book sells millions of copies within a week of going on sale and the readers range from 6 year olds to 90 year olds, I think it counts as a “phenomenon.”  The author is obviously tapping into some deeply human needs and concerns, for it to be such a success.  At the same time, controversy is created, since some question exposing children to stories of wizards and witches and the like.  Are we shaping their imagination in a way that opens them later on in life to embrace a magical view of reality, rather than a truly faith-based view? 

  To be honest, I like the books and think they open up an imaginative world that is great fun to enter into.  I’ve read them all, including the most recent, and don’t find them anti-God or faith.  They are fantasy fiction; meant to be read in a spirit of fun.  And in the end core human and even Christian values are kept focused on: the power of love over evil, the importance of choosing one’s path and not just believing life happens automatically, the value and power of friendship and the hurt of betrayal, the call to risk one’s life so that others might live, and so forth.  At the same time, if your child is thinking such magic really exists and works in real life, then, of course, you need to address that. 

  The children I know who read these books enjoy them and the imaginative world they unfold, but are quite able to distinguish fiction and fantasy from reality.  But as I look at our contemporary adult world, I do wonder about some adult views of reality.  Over the next couple of weeks I will be writing about “Magic, Faith, and Christian Maturity” to bring out some of these issues.  These thoughts originally were printed in the Michigan Catholic about 5-6 years ago.  I will use them in the bulletin the next two weeks with some minor adjustments.  I hope it gives people some food for thought. 

   May our search for answers to life’s questions lead us to seek the wisdom of God and help us to rest secure not in the answers we get but in the relationship we have with God. 

  Fr. Buersmeyer  

Taize Prayer, Conversation & Refreshment

Tuesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. —Outside—Weather permitting 

Baptism 

Congratulations to the newest member of our parish family, Elise Catherine Shoytush, 

baptized July 24, 2005. 

Baptism preparation

  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. 

  Prior to the preparation session, you must call the office to set a time to register your child for the Sacrament.  The registration takes only 15-20

minutes and can be done Monday through Thursday, morning or afternoon. 

When God asks Solomon what he would most want, Solomon doesn’t ask for riches, power, or long life. He requests an understanding heart that can judge right and wrong, a heart that will help him to rule God’s people well. God was so pleased with his request that he not only granted him a listening heart, he granted Solomon gifts he had not asked for...riches, power over other kings, and a long life.  If Solomon followed the wisdom granted him, his life would be full and happy. 

  Being wise means having the ability to recognize what is of real value. We all receive the gift of wisdom through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  

How have you used this gift in choosing what is of real value in your life?  As a family, take time to share what you truly value in life. 

Music box 

To all the wonderful people of SS. John & Paul Parish:

  A big THANK YOU for the warm send off and all the prayers, blessings and gifts that came along with it. I will indeed cherish them and the short time spent here worshipping with this community.

  The SSpirituality, Joyfulness and Prayerfulness of this church abounds and resonates in my soul because of you, and that experience will echo into all my future ministries. I am so grateful to have been a part of your anniversary experience, which made this year more exciting than usual.

  The music ministers have made my leaving more difficult with all their final outpouring of love and generosity. I thank them for being good musicians and friends. For those who expressed a desire to keep in touch, I leave my

E-dress: jkarlkeys@aol.com. God bless you all, and keep the faith! 

  Carl Reyes

  Former Director of Music Ministry 

Help us help others

  HELP in September!  We are in need of several kind-hearted individuals who could provide 10 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:  Thursday:

    September 6  September 1

    September 13  September 8

    September 20  September 22

    September 27  September 29 

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. 

Golf committee needs you… 

  First as a player—registration forms are in the literature racks and in this bulletin. Please don’t make us wait…

register now so that we can better plan this annual event.

 Golf outing is August 28 at Bruce Hills Golf Course at 1:00 p.m.  

Secondly—we need prizes for our raffle. If you have

 any you could donate, please bring it to the

parish office. Thank you! 

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. 

STILL

LOOKING FOR

VOLUNTEERS 

 Catechists &

Assistants for:  

Early Childhood-Sun. Morning

(1)       for 3 & 4 yr. olds

(1)  for 4 & 5 yr. olds 

Grades 1-6

Tuesday Evening:

(1)       Gr. 3

(1)  Gr. 4

(1)  Gr. 6 

Monday Afternoon:

(1)       Gr. 5

(2)  Gr. 6 

Do you feel a slight tug at the heart? Maybe ‘Someone’ is trying to tell you something!  You don’t need to have experience...just a love for our kids and the desire to share your faith with them. You will receive all the support you need.  All catechists and assistants are in teams of two.  For more information call Linda Bauer at  586-781-9488.     

The Pearl of Wisdom   

  Wisdom is the most precious gift a person can have.  It is a real treasure.  In our First Reading, Solomon was told by God that he could have anything he wanted. He asked for the gift of wisdom and God was pleased with his request.

      Wisdom is not acquired overnight, but gradually and often painfully.  It is the task of a lifetime.  Wisdom is like dew; it comes to us in tiny droplets without our knowing it. Sometimes it comes in experiences such as a crisis that enable us to take a giant step forward.

      There was a man who worked very hard.  In fact his work was his life.  He put his best hours and his best efforts into it.  He had little time to appreciate his family, and even less for pure enjoyment of life.  It was clear to everyone where his treasure was.

      But then he had a heart attack.  Taken to the hospital he lay for days, drifting in and out of consciousness, not knowing whether he would live or die.  During moments of some consciousness he saw shadowy figures by his bedside.  One day they came into focus and he immediately recognized them as his family who visited him faithfully everyday.

      In that moment he saw where his true treasure lay—in his family, his home, in the gift of life, and in God.  He saw how foolish he had been up to now.  And he prayed for God to give him back his life.  He promised to turn his priorities upside down and be happy.

     He made a full recovery, walking deliriously happy out of the hospital.  Everything had been given back to him.  Through that very painful experience he had gained much wisdom.   He now decided to open himself up to others and it was the happiest he had ever been.

      All of us are searchers and treasure hunters in the sense that we are looking for happiness.  The goal is legitimate, but it may be that we’re looking in the wrong places.  Jesus said, ‘Where your treasure is, there will your heart be too.’  So, if we want to know what our treasure is, all we have to do is ask ourselves where our heart is.  What is it that we love, that we pursue with all our hearts?  There lies our treasure.   However, what we are looking for cannot be found in material things.  Riches bring anxiety; wisdom brings peace of mind. 

      Wisdom is knowing what is truly important in life.  It means being able to see life from God’s point of view, and being able to live the way God wants us to live.  If we don’t have that, no matter how many possessions we have, or how successful we are, we will not be happy.

      Wisdom is not the same as knowledge which we get through hard work.  Wisdom is a gift from God through which God communicates to us the meaning of life, and the splendor of our destiny, which is to be with God. Wisdom is the pearl of great price.  Once found no one can rob us of it. 

At the end of the day…. 

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a net cast into the sea which catches all kinds of fish.  When it is full, the fisherman hauls it ashore.  Then he sits down and sorts out the good fish from the bad.  The good he keeps, the worthless he throws away.  In a sense, all of us are fishers.  Each day we cast our net into the sea of life.  And at the end of the day we have a catch, sometimes small, sometimes large.  May we take time to sift through that catch.  And may you, Lord, give us the wisdom to know what to keep and what to throw away.  

Samaritan House Back-to-School Drive 

Last year Samaritan House provided backpacks filled with school supplies to 293 area children.  A greater number of children is anticipated this year and the goal is to prepare 300 backpacks for area children grades K-8.  

Beginning August 2nd, Samaritan House will be accepting donations for their annual “Back-to-School Drive”.  Please drop off any donations by August 17th so backpacks can be filled and ready to distribute to clients on August 19th and 20th.

In addition to backpacks, each child will be given a $15.00 gift certificate to Payless Shoes.  On behalf of all the children who will be able to go to school with some necessary school supplies THANK YOU for your generosity and support.

Back-to-School Wish List:

¨ New backpacks

¨ Spiral notebooks

¨ Pocket folders

¨ Binders

¨ Wide-ruled filler paper

¨ Children’s scissors

¨ Erasable pens

¨ Crayons

¨ Watercolor markers

¨ Colored pencils

¨ White school glue

¨ Glue sticks

¨ 12” rulers

¨ Cash to purchase gift certificates

Donations can be dropped off at Samaritan House at 58944 VanDyke in the old Alward’s Plaza on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 AM – 6 PM and Fridays from 10 AM – 2 PM.  If these days and times are not convenient, items can be dropped off here at church, clearly marked “Samaritan House”. 

Motorcycle charity show 

  On Sunday, July 31st at Stony Creek Metropark (Baypoint Beach), the newest fundraising event for Samaritan House will take place.  This will be a wonderful family day for all.  The day includes: 

  9:00 AM   Display for show bikes

  until NOON  Registration and display for motorcycle corral 

   11:00 AM  Opening Ceremonies

  Voting begins for people’s choice

  Registration for children’s future biker fashion contest

  Registration for motorcycle games 

   NOON  Motorcycle demonstrations 

   1:00 PM  Children’s future biker fashion show and contest

  Judging of motorcycles —  Antiques/Classic/Custom/Stock/Rat

  Slow Race, Barrel Push 

   There will representation by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 154, Christian Motorcyclists Association, United Methodist Motorcycle Enthusiasts and the Macomb County Sheriff’s Motorcycle Division.

    Admission is $5.00 for adults and children are free (this does not include $4.00 park admission).  Crank’s Catering will provide the food.  All proceeds to benefit Samaritan House.  For additional information, contact Dan Frechette at (248) 576-1182. Please come out and join us as we enjoy this fun-filled day!  

National Marriage Encounter

  Is it time for you and your spouse to be alone together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life? Consider a Marriage Encounter weekend. Marriage Encounter is open to couples of all faiths. The next weekend will be held August 5-7. For details, visit www.nationalmarriageencounter.org or call 888-799-LOVE.

Bethany

  Bethany is a Catholic organization providing peer support to divorced and separated people of all Christian faiths. For details, visit www.bethanyofsoutheastermichigan.org or call Carol at 248-390-7771 or Michelle at 313-996-8644 to locate a chapter near you.

Project Rachel 

  One of every four women in the United States has had an abortion. Many of these women find living with its memory difficult. Oftentimes, they feel separated from God, their families and even themselves.

  Donations to the Catholic Services Appeal allow the Archdiocese of Detroit to help women, men, families and others who have been touched by an abortion experience. Project Rachel, a confidential healing ministry, provides help, support and compassion of Christ through the Church to help people deal with the feelings of loss, guilt, anxiety, depression and loneliness that are common following an abortion.

  For more information on Project Rachel, please call 888 RACHEL5 or email projectrachel@aod.org.

Thank you…

Dear SS. John & Paul Parish,

  Birthright of Macomb Co. is grateful for your participation in the Father’s Day flower sale. The purchase of flowers enables our volunteer ministry to pregnant mothers to continue. Thus, unborn infants are anticipated with joy and expectation instead of fear and trepidation. Your devotion to the gift of life has helped to reduce the violence against preborn children. 

  Gratefully,

  Linda Horn & Rosalie Imrick 

Support group for widowed

  Losing a spouse is one of the most life altering experiences that life has to offer.  Going out into a safe, comfortable, friendly environment is instrumental with healing and new growth as we enter our new life.

  Coordinated with “Widowed Friends”, the SS. John and Paul community would like to create a group within our area to help support and address the spiritual, educational and social needs of all widowed.  For interest, comments or questions please call Sue at (248) 651-3411.

  In the next few weeks there will be a casual, informative meeting about “Widowed Friends” and how our parish can become involved in the Archdiocese-wide ministry. 

Meijer rewards update

  We received a check from the Meijers Community Rewards Program for $218.35 for purchases made in June.

Since April 2004 we’ve earned over $2,409! 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. 

Highlights of Hospitality Committee

Meeting of July 13, 2005 

¨         Most of our evening was spent on evaluating this year’s parish picnic.  It was recommended that we…

  —have the picnic at the same time in June next year,

  —keep the time  from 2-6 p.m.,

  —simplify the menu for ease in preparing and serving

       and have more food lines.

       These and other recommendation will be passed on to the new picnic committee.

¨         Decorations, menu and invitations to Fr. Dave’s 25th anniversary party in September were discussed.

¨         It was decided that we should put a request in the bulletin for people to help plan a parish road rally for October.

¨         Update on golf outing, ice cream social and recipe book was given.

¨         Next month’s meeting will be on Monday,  August 22, at 7:30 p.m.

July

Taize prayer/Conversation/Refreshments
Tues, July 26, 6:30 p.m. 

Blood Pressure Check
Sat/Sun, July 30/31, after all masses. 

Vacation Bible School set-up
Sun. July 31, 1:30 p.m. 

August

Senior cards
Mon., Aug. 1 & 15, 11:30 a.m. 

Monthly Food Drive
Sat/Sun., Aug. 6/7 at all masses 

Summer Bible School
Week of August 1-5 

“Thanks & Praise”, Hispanic Day Care
Week of Aug. 1-5, volunteers needed.
Lunches provided by SS. John & Paul 

World Youth Day meeting
Tues., Aug 9, 7:00 p.m. 

Samaritan House Back-to-School Drive
August 2-17 

Family RCIA
Sun., Aug. 14, 10:30 a.m. 

Feast of the Assumption
Mon., Aug. 15, mass at 7:00 p.m. 

Soup kitchen at Salvation Army
Tues., Aug. 16, call office to volunteer 

World Youth Day Weekend
Fri-Sun., Aug. 19-21, call to RSVP 

Coffee & donuts after masses
Sun., Aug. 21 

Taize prayer/conversation/refreshments
Tues., Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m. 

Parent/candidate Confirmation meeting
Sat., Aug. 27, 6:00 p.m. 

4th Annual Golf Outing—Bruce Hills
Sun., Aug. 28, 1:00 p.m. 

Blood Pressure Check
Sat/Sun., Aug. 27/28, after all masses  

Together In Ministry 

Parish Picnic Committee 

  What a blast this year’s parish picnic was celebrating 25 years of parish life for SS. John and Paul!  It took lots and lots of busy hands and feet to provide the fun, food and fellowship that was had by all who attended.  Over 500 people enjoyed one another’s company with the help of great music, singing, and warm, dry weather.

   But...it doesn’t stop here.  We are already gearing up to form a committee for next year’s event.  It doesn’t need to be quite as elaborate as this year’s (due to our celebration of our 25th anniversary), but that doesn’t mean it won’t be as much fun.  But then again that depends on you! 

  Yes, I said you.  Up to now, our parish ushers have graciously planned and provided all the hands needed to pull off this special day.  But it is time that we share the load and thus…we are forming a new committee called the “Parish Picnic Committee.” 

  This committee will be a subcommittee of our parish Hospitality Committee.  We will begin to outline what this means as part of next week’s “Together in Ministry” article.   

Saturday and Sunday

July 23-24, 2005

Nick Pelino by R. Ginste Family

Isaac Giffin by Gaffke Family

Leslie Geno by D. Bernia

Stanley Materka by Klakulak Family 

Monday, July 25, 2005

Esther Greenway by LaRaia Family 

Tuesday,  July 26, 2005

Fr. John West by Greenway Family 

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Fred & Eleanor Horn by L. Horn 

Saturday and Sunday

July 30-31, 2005

Patrick Clancy by Family

Ronald Pintar by Family

Stanley Materka by Peters Family

Rene & Helen Feyes (50th anniv.)

by Pospiech Family