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North Macomb
Catholic parishes unite for Lenten renewal
to reflect on modern-day crisis
The Mission: Renewing Focus on God’s Kingdom during first
Onward
to the Kingdom ~ Becoming Church week-long
event March 13-19, 2009
(Shelby
Township, Michigan) – “We
are summoned by the events of history to perform the tasks which God has appointed for this day.” This quote by German theologian Rudolph Schnekenburg describes perfectly the purpose of the upcoming Onward to the Kingdom: Becoming Church 2009
event in northern Macomb County from
March 13-19, 2009.
The Catholic parishes of the Archdiocese
of Detroit have not been immune to the effects of the downturn in the economy. The
Archdiocese began several years ago to respond to these challenges with changes for itself, as well as offering resources
to the community at-large (see Economic Crisis at www.aodonline.org). In the
final years of his appointment as the Archbishop of Detroit, Cardinal Adam Maida requested that all pastors in the archdiocese
embark on the Together In Faith project, analyzing church budgets, trends, pastoral care, strengths and weaknesses, membership
and responsiveness to the needs of faithful. This resulted in several consolidations
and closings of parishes and schools, and a recommendation that all parishes share resources by reaching out to work with
one another more closely. With closer bonds and a stronger sense of community,
the parishes of the North Macomb Vicariate, comprised of nine churches spanning from the cities of Utica to Armada, and from
Shelby to Ray townships, are hoping that parishioners and those beyond the vicariate will participate in an upcoming mission
for renewal event, purposefully entitled: “Onward to the Kingdom: Becoming
Church 2009”.
Why
a vicariate-wide mission during Lent?
Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, February
25, and lasts for 40 days until Easter, is typically a time for Catholics to adopt new disciplines that are meant to remove
the habits that keep a person from realizing greater goals in their life. Ideally,
negative practices should be replaced with positive ones that allow a person to live a life of greater service to God and
others.
“Mission events
are tangible, concrete ways to accomplish taking a step back and looking at ourselves, especially during Lent,” explains
Fritzi Bohlmann, pastoral associate at St. John Vianney
Church in Shelby Township. “We encourage people to take the time, expend the effort, and embrace who they
are and what they need to do, to be all that God has created us to be, as we labor together for the sake of God’s kingdom.”
“It is the hope of the North Macomb
Vicariate council leadership that Onward to the Kingdom will provide participants
with opportunities that no single parish could offer on its own,” says Rev. Jerome Machlik, North Macomb
vicar. “We are bringing to our vicariate some of the most respected and
inspirational Roman Catholic speakers and presenters that are available in the United States
today, even a composer of popular Mass songs known world-wide. It will be quite
an event and we encourage our parishioners and the entire community to participate.”
The events are as follows:
Friday, March 13
An Evening of Memorable Music: Mass songs we love performed by the composer David Haas, with Lori True
Tickets are $8 in advance; $13 after
February 25. Begins at 7:30 p.m. at
Saint John Vianney Church,
Shelby Township. Call (586) 781-6525 for further information.
Tickets include refreshments and
meet-and-greet with Mr. Haas after the concert, plus the opportunity to purchase his recordings.
Mr. Haas’
music has been published and performed world-wide. Well known songs are: You Are Mine, Blest Are They, and We Are Called. This event is for all ages; children will gain a new appreciation for the music sung at Mass.
Music samples are linked through the web site of the North Macomb Vicariate at www.NMVonline.org
Monday, March 16
Presentation: “Becoming Church”
with the Most Reverend Daniel E. Flores, auxiliary bishop of Detroit
Free.
Begins at 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Parish, Utica. Call (586) 731-5347 for more information.
Most adult Catholics
can recall with fondness many memories regarding their home parishes. Consider these familiar names: Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. John the Evangelist, Assumption Grotto, St. Jude, St. Stanislaus…the list goes on and on. Clearly, the basis of our Catholic life was directly related to a parish community. Today we experience a different reality as we search for our Catholic identity. Bishop Flores will help us to consider new ways of “becoming church” in the larger context. We are on this journey together and that journey, if shared, will continue to enrich
our lives as in ways that we can only begin to imagine! That is our hope! This event is for adults and older teens. Followed
by reception with refreshments.
Tuesday, March 17
Presentation: “Jesus’ Spirituality as the Norm and Test of our Own” with Dr. Patricia Cooney-Hathaway
Free.
Begins at 7 p.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Shelby
Township. Call (586) 254-4433 for
more information.
How would you define
what it means to be a “good” person? How about a good Catholic? Many of us might be inclined to answer those questions in terms related to following
rules, and regulations. Others might want to respond with concepts: like heaven, hell and purgatory? What would Jesus tell us,
if he joined us one evening for a discussion? Dr. Cooney-Hathaway-will surprise
us, as she will show us, through real, practical examples how embracing the example of Jesus’ behavior and choices is
really THE way! This event is for adults and older teens. Followed by reception with refreshments.
Wednesday, March 18
Presentation: “Discipleship: The Primary Christian Vocation”
with Dr. Richard Gaillardetz
Free.
Begins at 7 p.m. at St. Kieran Parish, Shelby Twp. Call (586) 781-4901 for more info.
The word vocation
comes from a Latin term meaning “to be called.” Catholics traditionally
think of vocations in terms of priesthood and religious life. Dr. Gaillardetz
is a happily married father of four sons. He also holds a PhD in theology from
Notre Dame and is a consultant to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr.
Gaillardetz will help us become grounded in reality. Discipleship is what we
do - and how we do it. It is always about the way we see ourselves in relationship
to others. He will help us, be assured, to “hear the call” in new
ways. This event is for adults and older teens.
Followed by reception with refreshments.
Thursday, March 19
Mass of Thanksgiving, followed
by reception with music
Free.
Begins at 7 p.m. at St. Isidore Parish, Macomb
Township
WOW! Why would I ever think of going to Mass on Thursday evening? This
will be an event like none other. Great music, good readings, people from every
parish throughout the vicariate, the Knights of Columbus, young people, families! Another
wonderful piece of this delightful evening will be a really enjoyable reception following the Mass, featuring The Blarney
Brothers. The Blarney Brothers is an Irish Band, and they will help you to
make the conclusion of your Lenten pilgrimage – your mission of renewal through Onward
to the Kingdom, a real joy!
Morning
Mass
In addition to the evening presentations,
Mass every morning at different churches is like a tour through the Vicariate. Come
explore other parishes by attending Mass somewhere new:
- March 16 – 9 a.m. Teaching Mass led by Father David Buersmeyer
at SS. John & Paul Parish, Washington Twp.
- March 17 – 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Mary Mystical
Rose Parish, Armada
- March 18 - 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St.
Clement of Rome, Romeo
- March 19 – 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Francis
of Assisi-St. Maximilian Kolbe, Ray Township
Masses are followed
by the opportunity to view video of the previous night’s presentation.
“We have organized an event that
will enhance Lent for everyone participating. We know that if people take advantage
of these opportunities, they will come away with growth in their faith and renewal of focus to withstand today’s headlines. They will have done so with the bonus of having visited new parishes, and having enjoyed
fellowship with other Catholics, as we journey together Onward to the Kingdom,”
says Bohlmann.
###
About the North Macomb Vicariate:
The North Macomb Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Detroit is located 25 miles northeast
of the city of Detroit, Michigan. Its web site www.NMVonline.org is a partner to the North Macomb News, a monthly newsletter published by the vicariate for outreach to the parishioners
of the growing communities of Armada, Bruce, Washington, Ray, Shelby and Macomb townships, the cities of Romeo, Utica and New Haven,
the Village of Armada and beyond.
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| North Macomb Vicariate Onward to the Kingdom, 2009 |
Blest Are They - Listen to David Haas music samples here.
We Are Called
You Are Mine
Onward to the Kingdom
As Water to the Thirsty - Click here for David Haas music samples, then buy a ticket to experience the music of David Haas
in person, in concert at St. John Vianney Church on Friday, March 13.
More information on David Haas, musician.
In the news....
Vicariate mission to help people grow in faith
by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published February 27, 2009
Detroit — To begin Lent, one vicariate is joining its ideas and resources to help members think of the Church in
a broader sense — and learn a little bit about its own faith.
The North Macomb Vicariate is hosting a five-day vicariate mission, "Onwatrd to the Kingdom," that includes concerts, Masses, and chances to learn about
the Church, Jesus' teachings, and our own vocation. The event, open to all, kicks off with a concert by composer David Haas
and vocalist Lori True, which looks to be a sell-out show.
"We're trying to see how we can collaborate," said Fritzi Bohlmann, pastoral associate at St. John Vianney Parish, Shelby Township, one in the vicariate. "Not only are we sharing our resources, but we're sharing our visions."
The combining of forces for the mission was inspired in part by the archdiocese's Together in Faith initiative, taking a look at each parish's resources and assets in part to see what could be combined and shared. St. John
Vianney Parish staff had discussed having a parish mission, but because they can costly events that only benefit one parish,
discussion evolved into a vicariate-wide mission instead, Bohlmann explained.
She said the intent of the mission is to broaden people's perspectives so they're thinking beyond just being a St. John
Vianney person, for example, but a member of a wider Church. Everything is free except for the David Haas concert, tickets
for which are now $13; the title of the conference, "Onward to the Kingdom," is the title of one of Haas' songs, chosen to
reflect how Jesus says the kingdom is at hand.
She said some parishes are having their own incentives to get people to go, such as providing dinner beforehand and a bus
to the parish. Organizers made an effort to make the presentations not too academic as to be over the heads of the average
parishioner, but inviting to all who want to learn more about the Church and the faith.
The idea for morning Mass at different parishes was to get people to visit the other churches in their vicariate instead
of going to their own every day, Bohlmann explained.
Fr. Jerome Machlik, North Macomb vicar, said he hopes the mission gives attendees opportunities beyond what they would
get from any of the single parishes involved. "We are bringing to our vicariate some of the most respected and inspirational
Roman Catholic speakers and presenters that are available in the United States today, even a composer of popular Mass songs
known world-wide," he said. "It will be quite an event and we encourage our parishioners and the entire community to participate."
For more information, call St. John Vianney Parish at (586) 781-6525.
Schedule for North Macomb's vicariate mission
• Friday, March 13: Composer David Haas and vocalist Lori True will put on a concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Vianney Parish, Shelby Township, on Schoenherr between 24 and 25 Mile roads. Tickets are $13; only 1,000 will be sold in advance. The night
includes a chance to meet Haas and purchase his recordings. His most famous songs include "Blest are They," "We Are Called,"
and "You Are Mine."
• Monday, March 16: Morning teaching Mass at 9 a.m. at SS. John and Paul Parish, 28 Mile Road west of Campground Road, Washington Township. Celebrated by Fr. David Buersmeyer, pastor.
• "Becoming Church," presented by Bishop Daniel Flores, at 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Parish, Utica, Utica Road between Van Dyke and M-53. Bishop Flores will discuss new ways of "becoming Church" in the larger context.
• Tuesday, March 17: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Mystical Rose Parish, Armada, north of 33 Mile Road, east of North Ave. Followed by a review of video from Monday evening.
• "Jesus' Spirituality as the Norm and Test of our Own," presented by Patricia Cooney-Hathaway, Ph.D., of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, at 7 p.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Shelby Township, Schoenherr between 21 and 22 Mile roads. Cooney-Hathaway will discuss what Jesus might tell us about being
a "good" person.
• Wednesday, March 18: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Clement of Rome Parish, Romeo, on Old Van Dyke between 31 and 32 Mile roads. Followed by a review of video from Tuesday evening.
• Mass is followed by appreciation luncheon and presentation for all staff of the North Macomb Vicariate parishes,
"Spirituality for Busy Parish Ministers," presented by Fr. James Bacik of the Diocese of Toledo, at St. Kieran Parish, Shelby Township, on Mound Road between 24 and 25 Mile roads.
• "Discipleship: The Primary Christian Vocation," presented by Richard Gaillardetz, Ph.D., of the University of Toledo,
at 7 p.m., also at St. Kieran. Gaillardetz will discuss hearing our own call while being grounded in reality.
• Thursday, March 19: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish/St. Maximilian Parish, Ray Township, on New Haven Road south of 29 Mile Road. Followed by a review of video from Wednesday evening.
• Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the vicariate, celebrated by Bishop Daniel Flores, at 7 p.m. at St. Isidore Parish, Macomb Township, 23 Mile Road and Romeo Plank Road. Mass will be followed by hospitality and entertainment featuring local
Irish band The Blarney Brothers. |
Related Link:
|
“First of Its Kind” Lenten Mission for North
Macomb Parishes
About the
Upcoming Onward to the Kingdom Lenten Mission of Renewal March 13-19, 2009
Several years ago, Adam Cardinal Maida asked vicariates in every region of the archdiocese to find ways to unite in
common ministry.
Easier said than done! Staffing, budgeting, scheduling…there always
seemed to be so many obstacles to finding ways to strengthen parish ministry in each vicariate.
However, the parishes of our North Macomb Vicariate have made a breakthrough!
We have united in planning, promoting and producing a Lenten Mission for our communities like none other before in
the archdiocese!
Kicking off with the exciting David Haas Concert at St. John Vianney Parish on Friday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. the dynamic “Onward to the Kingdom” Mission will begin as an outreach to every
member of every parish in our vicariate!
Never before in the history of the archdiocese have vicariate parishes united in offering such an extended, engaging
series of major musical, spiritual, intellectual and social events for so many parishes!
Nationally-known speakers will combine with fellowship and liturgical and musical events to make this an opportunity
you and your family will not want to miss. Full details of each “Onward
to the Kingdom” event will be available in your parish bulletin as well as in the North Macomb Vicariate news and web
site.
It all begins with your attendance at David Haas’ Concert on Friday, March 13.
David Haas is nationally known and respected.
We expect a standing room only crowd.
All
other events are free. You are welcome and encouraged to attend!
“Mission events are tangible, concrete ways to
accomplish taking a step back and looking at ourselves, especially during Lent,” explains Fritzi Bohlmann, pastoral
associate at St. John Vianney Church
in Shelby Township. “We encourage people to take the time, expend the effort, and embrace who they are and what they
need to do, to be all that God has created us to be, as we labor together for the sake of God’s kingdom.”
“It is the hope of the North Macomb Vicariate council leadership that Onward to the Kingdom will provide participants
with opportunities that no single parish could offer on its own,” says Rev. Jerome Machlik, North Macomb
vicar. “We are bringing to our vicariate some of the most respected and
inspirational Roman Catholic speakers and presenters that are available in the United States
today, even a composer of popular Mass songs known world-wide. It will be quite
an event and we encourage our parishioners and the entire community to participate.”
The events are as follows:
Friday, March 13
An Evening of Memorable Music: Mass songs we
love performed by the composer David Haas, with Lori True
Tickets are $8 in advance; $13 after February 25.
Begins at 7:30 p.m. at Saint John
Vianney Church, Shelby
Township. Call (586) 781-6525 for
further information.
Tickets include refreshments and meet-and-greet with Mr. Haas after the concert, plus the
opportunity to purchase his recordings.
Mr. Haas’ music has been published and performed world-wide. Well known songs
are: You Are Mine, Blest Are They, and We Are Called. This event is for all ages; children will gain a new appreciation for the music sung at Mass.
Music samples are linked through the web site of the North Macomb Vicariate at www.NMVonline.org
Monday, March 16
Presentation: “Becoming
Church” with the Most Reverend Daniel E. Flores, auxiliary
bishop of Detroit
Free. Begins at 7 p.m. at St.
Lawrence Parish, Utica. Call (586)
731-5347 for more information.
Most adult Catholics can recall with fondness many memories regarding their home parishes.
Consider these familiar names: Our Lady of Good Counsel, St. John the Evangelist, Assumption Grotto, St. Jude,
St. Stanislaus…the list goes on and on. Clearly, the basis of our
Catholic life was directly related to a parish community. Today we experience
a different reality as we search for our Catholic identity. Bishop Flores will
help us to consider new ways of “becoming church” in the larger context.
We are on this journey together and that journey, if shared, will continue to enrich our lives as in ways that we can
only begin to imagine! That is our hope!
This event is for adults and older teens. Followed by reception with refreshments.
Tuesday, March 17
Presentation: “Jesus’ Spirituality
as the Norm and Test of our Own” with Dr. Patricia Cooney-Hathaway
Free. Begins at 7 p.m. at St.
Therese of Lisieux Parish, Shelby Township. Call (586) 254-4433 for more information.
How would you define what it means to be a “good” person? How about a good Catholic? Many of us might be inclined to
answer those questions in terms related to following rules, and regulations. Others
might want to respond with concepts: like heaven, hell and purgatory? What would Jesus tell us, if he joined us one evening for a discussion?
Dr. Cooney-Hathaway-will surprise us, as she will show us, through real, practical examples how embracing the example
of Jesus’ behavior and choices is really THE way! This event is for adults
and older teens. Followed by reception with refreshments.
Wednesday, March 18
Presentation: “Discipleship: The Primary Christian Vocation” with Dr. Richard Gaillardetz
Free. Begins at 7 p.m. at St.
Kieran Parish, Shelby Twp. Call (586) 781-4901 for more info.
The word vocation comes from a Latin term meaning “to be called.” Catholics traditionally think of vocations in terms of priesthood and religious life. Dr. Gaillardetz is a happily married father of four sons. He
also holds a PhD in theology from Notre Dame and is a consultant to the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Dr. Gaillardetz will help us become grounded in reality. Discipleship
is what we do - and how we do it. It is always about the way we see ourselves
in relationship to others. He will help us, be assured, to “hear the call”
in new ways. This event is for adults and older teens. Followed by reception with refreshments.
Thursday, March 19
Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by reception with music
Free. Begins at 7
p.m. at St. Isidore Parish, Macomb Township
WOW! Why would I ever think of going to Mass
on Thursday evening? This will be an event like none other. Great music, good readings, people from every parish throughout the vicariate, the Knights of Columbus,
young people, families! Another wonderful piece of this delightful evening will
be a really enjoyable reception following the Mass, featuring The Blarney Brothers.
The Blarney Brothers is an Irish Band, and they will help you to make the conclusion of your Lenten pilgrimage –
your mission of renewal through Onward to the Kingdom, a real joy!
Morning Mass
In addition to the evening presentations, Mass every morning at different churches is like a tour through the Vicariate. Come explore other parishes by attending Mass somewhere new:
- March 16
– 9 a.m. Teaching Mass led by Father David Buersmeyer at SS. John & Paul Parish, Washington
Twp.
- March 17
– 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Mary Mystical Rose Parish, Armada
- March 18
- 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Clement of Rome,
Romeo
- March 19 – 9 a.m.
Mass for the Vicariate at St. Francis of Assisi-St. Maximilian Kolbe, Ray
Township
Masses are followed by the opportunity to view video of the previous night’s presentation.
“We have organized an event that will enhance Lent for everyone participating. We know that if people take advantage of these opportunities, they will come away with growth in their
faith and renewal of focus to withstand today’s headlines. They will have
done so with the bonus of having visited new parishes, and having enjoyed fellowship with other Catholics, as we journey together
Onward to the Kingdom,” says Bohlmann.
|
Churches present mission for renewal this month
The Catholic parishes of the Archdiocese of Detroit have not been immune to the effects of the downturn in the economy.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]The Archdiocese began several years ago to respond to these challenges
with changes for itself, as well as offering resources to the community at-large. In the final years of his appointment as
the Archbishop of Detroit, Cardinal Adam Maida requested that all pastors in the archdiocese embark on the Together In Faith
project, analyzing church budgets, trends, pastoral care, strengths and weaknesses, membership and responsiveness to the needs
of faithful.
This effort resulted in several consolidations and closings of parishes and schools, and a recommendation that all parishes
share resources by reaching out to work with one another more closely.
With closer bonds and a stronger sense of community, the parishes of the North Macomb Vicariate, comprised of nine churches
spanning from the cities of Utica to Armada, and from Shelby to Ray townships, are hoping that parishioners and those beyond
the vicariate will participate in an upcoming mission for renewal event, purposefully entitled: “Onward to the Kingdom:
Becoming Church 2009.”
“It is the hope of the North Macomb Vicariate council leadership that ŒOnward to the Kingdom’ will provide
participants with opportunities that no single parish could offer on its own,” said Rev. Jerome Machlik, North Macomb
vicar. “We are bringing to our vicariate some of the most respected and inspirational Roman Catholic speakers and presenters
that are available in the United States today, even a composer of popular Mass songs known worldwide. It will be quite an
event and we encourage our parishioners and the entire community to participate.”
The events are as follows:
l March 13 - An Evening of Memorable Music: Mass songs we love performed by the composer, David Haas, with Lori True.
The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. at Saint John Vianney Church in Shelby Township. Tickets, which are $13, include refreshments
and meet-and-greet with Haas after the concert, plus the opportunity to purchase his recordings. Call (586) 781-6525 for further
information.
l March 16 - Presentation: “Becoming Church” with Rev. Daniel Flores, auxiliary bishop of Detroit.
The event is free and begins at 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Parish in Utica. The presentation will focus on finding a Catholic
identity and on new ways of “becoming church” in a larger context. The event is for adults and older teenagers
and is followed by a reception with refreshments. Call 731-5347 for more information.
l March 17 - Presentation: “Jesus’ Spirituality as the Norm and Test of our Own” with Dr. Patricia Cooney-Hathaway.
This free event begins at 7 p.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Shelby Township. Cooney-Hathaway will discuss, through
real, practical examples, how embracing the example of Jesus’ behavior and choices is the way to becoming a good person.
The event is for adults and older teenagers and will be followed by a reception with refreshments. Call 254-4433 for more
information.
l March 18 - Presentation: “Discipleship: The Primary Christian Vocation” with Dr. Richard Gaillardetz.
This free event begins at 7 p.m. at St. Kieran Parish in Shelby Township and features a discussion of the word vocation,
which comes from a Latin term meaning “to be called.” Gaillardetz will discuss how to become grounded in reality
and how to find discipleship. He will also discuss how to “hear the call” in new ways. This event is for adults
and older teenagers and will be followed by a reception with refreshments. Call 781-4901 for more info.
l March 19 - A Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by a reception with music
The Mass begins at 7 p.m. at St. Isidore Parish in Macomb Township will feature music, readings, people from every parish
throughout the vicariate, the Knights of Columbus, and more. Following Mass the Blarney Brothers, an Irish Band, will perform
and they will help parishioners to make the conclusion of their Lenten pilgrimage.
“Onward to the Kingdom” will also feature Mass every morning at different churches.
l March 16 - 9 a.m. Teaching Mass led by Father David Buersmeyer at SS. John & Paul Parish in Washington Twp.
l March 17 - 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Mary Mystical Rose Parish in Armada
l March 18 - 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Clement of Rome in Romeo
l March 19 - 9 a.m. Mass for the Vicariate at St. Francis of Assisi-St. Maximilian Kolbe in Ray Township
Masses are followed by the opportunity to view video of the previous night’s presentation.
“We have organized an event that will enhance Lent for everyone participating. We know that if people take advantage
of these opportunities, they will come away with growth in their faith and renewal of focus to withstand today’s headlines.
They will have done so with the bonus of having visited new parishes, and having enjoyed fellowship with other Catholics,
as we journey together onward to the Kingdom,” said Fritzi Bohlmann, pastoral associate at St. John Vianney Church in
Shelby Township.
Click here to return to story:
http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/stories/030109/loc_story10001.shtml |
Parishioners comments on Onward to the Kingdom:
I enjoyed each day of the
Vicariate
Lenten journey. Fortunately, I was
able to attend every liturgy
and talk.
Truly the Holy Spirit was
alive and
well as we journeyed “Onward
to the
Kingdom.” Thank you for all the planning and organization!
Peace! A parishioner from St. Lawrence, Utica
Father Jerry: I wish to express my
appreciation to you as
Vicar and through you to
the Vicariate planning team for the wonderful
mission week. It was spiritually enriching for this Lenten season and so encouraging
to see the parishes working together so well. I sincerely hope we can come together
for another vicariate wide event in the coming years. May God bless you!
A parishioner from
St. Therese of Lisieux Parish
Thank you
for all the time and effort that went into making last week something very special for this Lenten Season. For everything to go that smoothly and be so full of wonderful ideas for meditation, the Holy Spirit must
have been with all of you every step of
the way. A couple from St. Francis/St. Max
Thank
you so much for all your work on the North Macomb Vicariate Mission. Your efforts
made everything awesome!
God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand!
Parishioners
from
the Vicariate
Dear Father Jerry,
With thanks and gratitude, bless you for hosting the kick-off David
Haas and Lori True concert on March 13. It was truly marvelous and spiritually
fulfilling. The entire “Onward to the Kingdom” Mission was heavenly!
God Bless and Thanks!
A couple from St. Isidore Parish
A message from Kathie Burdo, North Macomb Vicariate Chairperson:
WARNING TO VICARIATE MISSION
ATTENDEES!
Don’t let the warranty on your new starter motor expire. You must act to maintain your vehicle.
Let me go back a page or two.
Any vehicle, by nature of its being a vehicle, is designed by the manufacturer to be driven, not just to be started
occasionally and run safely in its garage.
By attending the mission just completed in our North Macomb Vicariate
and being open to the whisperings of the Spirit, you have had maintenance on your starter motor; it has become supercharged. But you, the vehicle, were not designed to enjoy the effects of this maintenance in
a safe and sheltered environment.
You are a vehicle designed by your Manufacturer to encounter traffic,
to go out and enter a route, the Way, to travel amongst each other being particularly alert for the weary broken travelers
on the roadside; and encountering traffic means that there will be the occasional scratch and dent and pothole and sometimes
even total engine failure. Damage is inevitable.
To remain undamaged means that the roads you are traveling are too safe, bypassing the real traffic of life.
Manufacturers anticipate damage and wear and purposefully create
replacement parts, repair mechanisms. For us, those repair and replacement parts
are the sacraments—especially the Eucharist, renewing our wholeness to again be able to enter the traffic of living—the
very intent for which we were manufactured.
Our Manufacturer guarantees unlimited repairs, a warranty of infinite
proportion. We need only to come to our Manufacturer, bring the damaged parts,
and gratefully accept renewal. We need have no fear of encountering traffic;
in fact, we are designed and REQUIRED by our baptism to reenter the Way, and by our leadership, to guide other travelers to
their Manufacturer and His damage-forgiving wholeness.
May you inhale deeply the fragrant breath of the Spirit, and may
God’s unfailing grace fortify you and all those whose lives you touch. Thank
you for your participation in this first North Macomb Vicariate Mission.
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