September 4, 2005 

Pastor’s Perspective 

*Parish Council and All Commissions

  On Wednesday, September 14th we have our first of three yearly meetings with all the leadership groups together.  As we did last year, we will begin with a brief prayer, give time for individual commission/committee meetings and then have time for brief feedback and shared discussion.  The parish council should plan on staying for a little longer afterward to formally meet our new members, set the date and agenda for the next meeting, and re-focus ourselves on the themes and goals that were developed last year. All are welcome on this evening.

 *Vocations Committee

  We formed a committee last year who took on the task of encouraging vocations.  Not just vocations to priesthood and religious life, as important as these are to the Church. But all vocations.  All the ways we are called to live out our baptismal faith, married and single and single again, in all walks of life.  The committee meets Monday, September 12th after the 7 p.m. Mass (around 7:45).  We are looking for a couple more members.

  The committee is looking at the course of a year and finding ways to integrate vocation awareness into the life of the parish.  We hope to have something done with the religious education program.  On World Marriage Day we want to let married couples witness to how faith and marriage has helped them.  We are looking at ways to focus on how the “retired” stage of life is a tremendous new vocation.  Join us.  

*Convocation of Priests

  Every two years the archbishop invites all priests of Detroit to spend a few days away, gathering at Boyne for support, conversation, enrichment, and prayer.  We will be doing so again this year from September 18-23.  I ask that you pray for the priests of the Archdiocese of Detroit as we prepare to gather.  With fewer priests, some early deaths, dealing with the loss of 20 or so brother priests who had to be removed from priestly ministry, planning for clustering and closing parishes, uncertainty about how much longer Cardinal Maida will be archbishop since he has submitted his mandatory retirement letter at age 75—yet maintaining, in general, a hopeful spirit—there is good reason to get together. 

  During that week some priests choose to stay home rather than gather.  They in turn are usually willing to help cover some of the funerals that occur during the week.  But there is no guarantee of that.  So, as we look ahead to that week, please know that the parish staff will do what they can to provide a funeral Mass and find a priest.  But there might need to be some flexibility as to time.  I have requested that the staff ask each family to try to delay the funeral to Friday that week, if at all possible.  There will be no Mass or communion services that week as well.   

*25th Anniversary as a Priest

  Reading those paragraphs above, one might wonder if priesthood is a bit overwhelming at this juncture of history. The answer, truly, is “No.”  Just the opposite.  For those called to priesthood, I cannot think of a more enriching life.  It enriches one’s personal life, adding so many acquaintances and friends, of varied backgrounds and all economic levels.  It enriches one’s humanity with people constantly challenging you to grow, to think outside the box, to risk.  It deepens one’s spiritual life by the example of so many people who face life with such faith and integrity. 

  Institutionally priesthood is in a bit of a crisis.  With that comes some disappointments and discouragements.  The most typical is being “squeezed” between the bishop and diocesan leadership who make decisions and enact policies that a priest has very little input into and the “person in the pew” who have such varied and often high expectations of the priest that you know you will disappoint many.  But the vast majority of priests—90% or more—say they would do it all again, knowing what they know.  That’s a pretty good percentage!    

 Mi An occasion like the 25th anniversary allows a priest to be a bit reflective and appreciate all that he has done and all the people who have been such a gift to him.  I hope you are able to join me in my 25th celebration next Saturday, 5 p.m., followed by some food and fellowship.  I am grateful that SS. John and Paul Parish has been part of those 25 years.  

       *Labor Day

  As we give God thanks for the ability to work and contribute to the good of the world, to feed our families, to provide for our retirement, to be generous to people in need, join us in our Labor Day Mass at 9 a.m. this Monday, September 5th. 

  The late Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical (a way to teach in the form of a long letter) Laborem Exercens (“On Human Work”).  He wrote it especially as a way to counteract the false philosophical tendencies of Marxism current in Eastern Europe at the time.  But in it, he states some core Catholic principles that are an equally powerful critique of an overly aggressive capitalistic economy. Pre-eminently is the principle of the priority of labor over capital.  The pope emphasizes this to remind us that the dignity of the human person must be protected and respected in all work.  The human person and his/her work is not simply to be a means to an end, a commodity that is put into an economic equation to produce a desired profit. 

 This principle is not a condemnation of business or the reality of a market economy.  It is a caution, however.  Too easily that market economy treats human labor as not residing in human persons who have an intrinsic dignity, but as an objective commodity that can be manipulated as needed.  To that end we will always need ways for management and labor to negotiate. Whether it is the current union system or some hybrid of it, the Catholic Church strongly supports associations of workers who work for proper wages, work conditions, and employment practices. 

  As we shift even more deeply into a global economic model and with it the pursuit of cheap labor, even sometimes “sweat shop” labor, the Church’s affirmation of the dignity of work in the context of the dignity of the human person will continue to be pertinent.  Thank you to all who labor with integrity. You do it for yourself, for your families, for the ability to secure a future.  You are doing the work of God. 

* * * *  

   May we find ways each day to give God thanks for who we are.  May we find ways to use our time and talents, our jobs, vocations, and hobbies, to contribute to the well-being of this earth.  

  Fr. Buersmeyer 

Join us as we celebrate

Fr. David A. Buersmeyer’s

25th Anniversary

Of Ordination 
 

Saturday

September 10, 2005   
 

Our celebration will begin with

the 5:00 p.m. Mass followed by a

reception in the Activities Center   

Hors d'oeurvres and

beverages will be served

  Baptism Preparation 

  Preparation for baptisms taking place in September or October will be on Wednesday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m. Prior to attending the preparation class you must call for an appointment to come into the office to register your child. 

From the Music Desk...

A Personal Note 

   I need to take a break from my usual columns of program-related materials to express my heartfelt appreciation for the warm welcome which all of you have extended to me over the past month.  From Fr. Dave, Fr. Ron, and the entire staff, through the cantors, members of the choirs and the contemporary ensemble, to those in the assembly, everyone has been extremely gracious and friendly.  It is clear to me that you are a warm and caring community.  

   I have changed positions seldom during the course of my music ministry, and so a transition such as this is difficult.  All of you have eased the way to my settling in here by your cordial and encouraging words.  Mass by Mass, I am becoming more comfortable with you as a parish, as I seek to learn about and become a part of your particular traditions.  I am enjoying the gradual process of learning your names, your faces (not necessarily in that order), and your stories. 

   Please let this process continue!  Come up to the organ after my postlude or catch me in the back of church before or after Mass to introduce yourselves and to chat about music or about life in general.  I look forward to getting to know you better. 

Vocations Committee seeks ideas and members 

  Who has the responsibility to share in the mission of Jesus? We all do. Why? Because we are baptized.

  SS. John & Paul’s Vocation Committee hopes to encourage every parish member to become aware of and enthusiastic about their own unique calling. The committee plans to explore how the reality of God’s call can be accomplished across all age levels, gender, in the home, workplace and community. We are presently planning: (1) a fall program for the religious education students; (2) an early winter program highlighting the many different kinds of vocations; (3) a February Vocation of Marriage program; (4) a spring program emphasizing the unique vocations of seniors.

  Do you have any further ideas? If so, please contact Gloria Westrick at (586) 781-5370, Rose Marie Schultz at (586) 786-5433, Karen Brunner at (586) 781-6763, or Joyce Monte at (586) 781-4541.

  A meeting is planned for September 12 after the 7:00 p.m. We welcome your ideas as well as your membership on this committee.

Building Update

  On top of remodeling the bathrooms, a lot has been going on in the church buildings. Two weeks ago, the entire carpet in the church and Parish Activities Center was cleaned. Thanks to all who helped move chairs on Wednesday and Friday mornings. The old saying is true: many hands lighten the load, because it took us only 30 minutes to move all of the chairs in the church to one side. Whew!

  On top of the excitement of getting the carpet cleaned, the hot water tank broke that week, too. Luckily our contractor responded to our call and one day later, we had hot water again.

  The final project that was undertaken was the power washing and painting of the pavilion. Fifteen gallons of paint later the entire building was painted! Many thanks to the ushers for their hard work for getting this project completed.

  These projects were planned for in the 2005-06 budget and thanks to your weekly consistent offertory, we did not have to dip into savings to pay for them.  

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. 

     Catechist Gathering

Thurs., Sept.  8  6:30 p.m. 

For all catechists and assistants from Early Childhood through Grade 8.   Meet your catechetical partner and receive your information for the program.

Lesson Planning

All Catechists

          & Assistants                    

Early Childhood,  Grades. 1-3:

      Mon.,  Sept. 19     6:30 p.m. 

Grades 4-8:

      Tues.,  Sept. 20     6:30 p.m. 

Catechetical Sunday

September 18

       9:30 & 11:30 a.m. Masses 

All catechists and assistants will be acknowledged before the community and sent forth to share the faith with our children.            

PARENT / CHILD ORIENTATION

Monday,  September 26   4:45  p.m.

Tuesday,  September 27   4: 45 p.m.   /   6:30 p.m. 

PARENT / TEEN ORIENTATION

Sunday,  October 2    6:30 p.m. 

To be attended by all parents, children and teens.  

Your orientation day and time is determined by the day and time you chose for your child’s weekly formation session.  All families will be receiving a letter in the next few weeks confirming the day and time of their orientation. 

The Sharing of our Faith

      How did you grow in your faith?  Who was there to share with you as a child? Do you continue to grow in your faith?  In what ways? Who is there to share with you today?  Is there more you would like to learn?  These are important questions for all of us, but most importantly for our children, for they are just beginning.  Who will be there for them? 

      As baptized members of the Catholic expression of faith,  we are called to share that faith, to be witnesses, to be supportive, to be encouraging and affirming to one another as we each grow daily on our faith journey.   We each have much to offer.

      Excellent catechists manuals,  books, videos and activities are available to enable us to share the treasures of our faith with the young children of our parish.

      You might be thinking about the busy schedule that seems to leave little time for anything extra.  So, what’s important? 

      The challenge is:  Can you put aside some time to share with our kids in order that they too, will be able to recognize God’s presence in their lives and grow in their faith?     

Early Childhood-Sun. Morning:    

1 Catechist—3 & 4 yr. old 

Tuesday Afternoon:  

1 Catechist & 1 Assistant— Gr. 6 

Tuesday Evening: 

1 Catechist—Gr. 4,    1 Assistant—Gr. 6 

Please, pray about this!    

Harden Not Your Heart 

  ‘O, that today you would listen to his voice.  Harden not your hearts!’  Hardness of heart is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone.  To adopt a hard-hearted attitude is to hurt oneself. A hard heart can’t feel, can’t respond, can’t love.  A hard heart  can’t experience joy.  A hard heart is a closed heart.  A hard heart is a barren heart.  A soft heart, on the other hand, is a blessing.  A soft heart can receive and can respond.  It can be saddened, but it can also be happy.  Softened by the rain of God’s grace, and warmed by the sun of his love, the human heart can be turned from a desert into a garden.  

Adopt-a-County Road 

   It’s hard to believe that summer is almost gone.    Along with summer’s end comes our last scheduled clean up of 28 Mile Road on Saturday, September 10th at 8:00 a.m.  If you would like to help, you should be in reasonably good physical condition.  It is recommended that you wear long sleeves and pants with work boots or old shoes, a baseball cap and gardening gloves.  Water will be provided.  

  If you would like to join our team, please meet us in the parking lot of SS. John & Paul on Saturday, September 10th at  8:00 a.m.  We will view a short safety video and begin our work.  We usually finish up by 10:00 a.m.  Please leave your name with the parish office by Thursday, September 8th so we will know to expect you.    

Catholic Agencies Respond to Hurricane Katrina 

  Catholic Charities USA is responding to the disaster situation brought on by Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast. Donations will be used to fund local Catholic Charities agencies’ emergency and long-term assistance as needed. 

  Contributions can be sent care of the Detroit archdiocese. Make checks payable to the Archdiocese of Detroit and indicate “Katrina Relief Fund” on the memo line in the lower left corner. Send to: 

Archdiocese of Detroit

“Katrina Relief Fund”

1234 Washington Blvd. (C5)

Detroit, MI 48226 

CROP Walk Just Around the Corner 

   The CROP Walk for 2005 will be held on Sunday, October 2.  Registration will be at 1:00 PM at St. John Lutheran in Romeo and the walk will begin at 1:30 PM.  This will be the 23rd year of participation by the residents of Romeo, Washington and the surrounding areas in the CROP Walk. 

Over the past years, $209,816 has been raised locally.  Twenty-five percent of that money came directly back to our community through Samaritan House.  Once again, 25% of the collected pledges this year will be allocated to Samaritan House.  The balance of the money has been used by Church World Services to aid those in need around the world.  CWS is a cooperative ministry that provides sustainable self-help and development, disaster relief, and refugee assistance to people in more than 80 countries worldwide.  Within the United States, CSW assists communities in responding to disasters, resettles refugees, and provides educational resources to those in need.   

This year, we at SS. John & Paul would like to encourage the recruitment of more walkers from our parish.  If you are interested in participating, please pick up a pledge envelope in the parish office.  If you have any questions, please call Kathy at 781-9010. 

Golf Outing

Report 

Another great outing with great weather! 

Another great group of 140 golfers! 

Another great experience with

the management and staff

 at Bruce Hills Golf Club! 

Another great dinner

with 12 extra diners! 

Another great list of raffle

gifts donated by the

parishioners of SS. John and Paul

(especially the TV)! 

Another great show of support for our 50-50 drawing, raffle, Vegas Hole

(next year’s will be easier, we promise) and specialty hole contests! 

Another great group of volunteers at registration and at the Vegas Hole:   Barb Mason, Jennifer Owens,

 Mary Greenway and Sharon Pospiech! 

Another example of great

 team work by the golf committee:

 Rachelle and Mike Wood,

Larry and Marilyn Weathers,

Jeff and Anne Petriches,

Herb Kaltz and

Bob and JoAnne Owens! 

Congratulations and thanks

to all of you for your continued

support and cooperation…

you were great! 

What more needs

to be said other than … 

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL

GOLF OUTING FOR

SS. JOHN AND PAUL, 2005!  

Make Your Voice Heard! 

  The Bishops of Michigan have formed a statewide Catholic Legislative Advocacy Network for those interested in putting their faith into action. Together, we can speak out in support of the poor and vulnerable, the sick and elderly, the unborn, children and families and a just society for all. Sign up today at www.micatholicconference.org. 

Conquering Un-forgiveness 

  When someone offends us and we are hurt and angry, it seems natural for us to hang on to the very thoughts that are hurting us. We find ourselves stuck, clinging to anger, resentment, or blame and suffering all the while. Many times we are cut off from joy, love, and motivation. What a predicament!

  Forgiveness is our only escape, the only way to free our heart and mind. However, forgiveness can be challenging for some, and impossible for others. Plant to attend “Conquering Un-forgiveness” and learn the steps to truly forgiving in the way Christ taught us to forgive. Come and experience forgiveness in a uniquely different way.

  Our presenter is Lynne Thomas, a professional psychotherapist. The presentation will take place next Sunday, September 11, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Hubert Parish. St. Hubert is located on Prentiss, one block west of Jefferson, south of Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile). There is no charge. Bring your friends! 

Taize prayer

September Taize will be on Wednesday, September 14, at 6:30 p.m. 

A Fall Event? 

  The Hospitality Committee is looking for a few adults who would be interested in helping to plan and implement a fall event.  It has been suggested that we try a road rally, but no one has come forward to help plan one. 

  So...we are now looking at a possible Polaroid or digital camera scavenger hunt, but we need volunteers to come forward and help in the planning.  The committee will help with the hospitality afterwards. 

  If you are the person(s) we are looking for, please call JoAnne at the parish office. THANK YOU! 

Meijer Community Rewards — $3 Bonus  

  Meijer’s is running a new promotion in September — for every new member that signs up for the Meijer Community Rewards program in September 2005, the parish will earn $3 in addition to our monthly earnings! Ten parishioners need to enroll and use their Community Rewards card by Oct. 31, 2005 in order for us to earn this bonus.

  If you haven’t signed up yet for this free fundraising opportunity, please do so this month. There are two ways to register: online at Meijer.com/rewards, click “Join”, then “Meijer Guest Card” or pick up an application at the parish office. Our organization number is 617883.

  The rest is easy. Just swipe your Rewards card before the last item is scanned. Meijer’s does the rest. There is no cost to you or the parish to use this program. Funds raised in 2005-06 are earmarked for the purchase of a new parish sign on 28 Mile Road. Thank you for supporting our parish. 

Righting Wrongs 

  This week’s readings contain a lot of advice on how to deal with wrongs and wickedness.  We are to be gentle and loving, yet to persevere in our efforts to right wrongs. 

  We are reminded that we are responsible for ourselves, our world, and one another.  If we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem.  We don’t even have to be successful, as long as we faithfully and lovingly do our best and give our all.  But if we don’t do our best and give our all, then we are responsible for the problem and all its consequences.  Whenever 2 or 3 are joined in prayer, Jesus’ presence is assured. 

  St. Paul is very clear in his letter reminding the Romans that all the Commandments can be summed up with the commandment to love others, because love does not harm the loved.    Loving our neighbor brings about the fulfillment of God’s law of peace and harmony on earth. 

  When have you attempted to right a wrong in your family?...with a friend?  How successful were you?

  It is often said that when a person /s prays about a situation, it is not the situation that is changed but the

person/s who is praying that is changed.

How do you think prayer works to change things?

Teen News 

¨         Teen session

Please join us for the teen session on Sunday, September 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friends are welcomed! 

¨         Need Some Quiet Time?

Retreat at St. Benedicts for all teens in Grades 10-12. Leaving on Sept. 23 at approximately 7:00 p.m. and returning on September 25, approximately 1:30 p.m. Permission slips are available in the parish office. Any questions, please call Karen Peters at 781-9488.

Attention

Confirmation Candidates  

September 17  

Presentation of Candidates at the 5:00 Mass followed by the sponsor/candidate session. Candidates need to bring their red form to mass. 

All the sponsor invitations have been sent for the sponsor/candidate session on  September 17. If your sponsor did not receive an invitation, please call Mrs. Peters at 568-781-4988 as soon as possible.  

Together In Ministry 

CLW

Children’s Liturgy of the Word   

  Liturgy of the Word with Children is a worship experience geared especially for children.  It mirrors the worship experience of the larger community, with a style that is engaging and interactive.  It is not intended to substitute for attendance at religious formation sessions but should be seen as a partner to the parish formation sessions. 

  The word of God given to us each week in our readings is as relevant and fitting for children as it is for adults.  The children often fail to hear the message simply because the adult vocabulary is beyond their comprehension. Liturgy of the Word with Children offers an experience for the children to hear the Scriptures in words they understand and to share their own understanding of God’s word. 

NEXT WEEK:  When and how do the children leave the assembly? 

Saturday and Sunday

September 3-4, 2005

Jack Shiffman by Witgen Family

Flo Poli by Klakulak Family

Ed Mazeika by M. McCann

Aracele Clemente by Havener Family

Rose & Adolph Schmitt by Family 

Monday, September 5, 2005

Heather Stolt by Roberts Family 

Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Rudi Dietrich by Family 

Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Diana Guindon (96th B-day)

By M. McCann 

Saturday and Sunday

September 10-11, 2005

Nick Pelino by R. Ginste Family

Giuseppe Martino by J. Martino

Dorothy Cronenwett by Family

Cynthia Krugzda by Family