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06-11-00 ALL THINGS CONSIDERED PENTECOST This weekend the Church celebrates the third most important feast on her calendar, the feast of Pentecost. It is a celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The word spirit in Hebrew (ruah), Greek (pneuma) and Latin (spiritus) also translates into English as breath. Thus the Holy Spirit is the life's breath of the Most High. This life's breath brought order out of the chaos at the beginning of creation [Gn 1.2]. Then God formed a human being out of the dust and "breathed into him - and he became a living being" [Gn 2.7]. This same Spirit descended on the blessed Virgin and the Lord Jesus was conceived within her [Lk 2.35]. As He was dying on the cross, the Lord Jesus said, "'into your hands, I commend my spirit.' Then He breathed his last breath" [Lk 23.46]. When He rose from the dead, Christ appeared to the apostles gathered in the upper room. After He had said, "Peace be with you" he showed them His hands and side. "Then He breathed on them, saying 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" [Jn 20.23]. On Pentecost, this life's breath of God came rushing upon those 120 disciples gathered in that upper room and the creative life of God brought the Body of the Risen Christ (the Church) to life. It is that same life's breath of God we share in through the Sacramental life of the Church. It is a gift we celebrate in a special way today, but it is the gift that sustains us in every moment of our life each day! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, Judy & Dave! Forty years ago June 11, Judy and Dave Scharf stood before the altar out in Washington State and solemnly pledged their lives to each other. It is a promise that they have certainly grown in over these last forty years. I invite you to join me in congratulating these two special people who have been so much a part of our parish family. I am very grateful to God for their love and commitment to each other and for letting me share in the last seven years of their life together! There will be an open house at the rectory this Sunday afternoon from 1:30 to 5 pm. You are welcome to come and offer them your best wishes. AT THE DOOR I mentioned in this column a couple of weeks ago that since my golden retriever, Rory, has joined me, I have become much more aware of the creatures who share these 20 acres. Our daily walks around the property have brought me into contact with a number of the "local residents". Last week, one of them came to my door to pay a visit. About 6:30 am, I was sitting at the kitchen table having coffee when I heard noise that sounded like it was coming from the front door. I saw nothing when I looked out, but heard the noise again so I opened the door. There, literally on the doorsill, stood a large turtle (the shell was approximately 14 inches long). While I did not want to be inhospitable, Rory and I were not prepared for visitors so my neighbor from the pond crawled off to visit others. Fr. Dave Howell Celebrating Liturgy Sunday, June 11 - Pentecost Sunday Monday, June 12 Tuesday, June 13 - Anthony of Padua, presb.,doctor Wednesday, June 14 Thursday, June 15 Friday, June 16 Saturday, June 17 Sunday, June 18 - The Holy Trinity Tuesday, June 13, St. Anthony of Padua, priest, Doctor of the Church Born in 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, Anthony, a Franciscan, is called the "Hammer of the Heretics", the "Wonder Worker", and the "Living Ark of the Covenant". His decision to become a Franciscan was inspired by the arrival of the relics of five Franciscan martyrs of Morocco. Becoming known as a preacher and for his zeal and eloquence, Anthony traveled throughout Italy. His title, the "Wonder Worker", came about because of his many miracles. He preached to crowds in the rain, but his audiences remained dry despite the downpour. He healed a man's severed leg and restored life to a man so that he could testify in a murder case. The Christ Child also appeared to Anthony in a halo. Anthony is patron of Padua, Lisbon, children, travelers, married couples, women, animals, and miners. He is invoked against demons, infertility, fevers, wars, shipwrecks, and plagues and is a popular saint for retrieving lost items. Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Vladimir Jandasek, Fr. Gil Rahrig, Joddi Metcalf, Vincent Kramer, Bob & Edith Waldeck, Mike Moran, David Even, Ed Rigley, Betty Blaszak, Susan Blakeley, Mike, Barry Karas, Genevieve Rupp, Sylvia Walzeak, Jason, Linda Nagle, Judy, Jerry Schmidt, Al, Lou Lawrence, Thomas Payne, Joan & John Becker, Danielle Snowgold, Evelyn, Bud Newberry, Bishop Povish, Rosalie Fradette, John Sweeney, Roe, John Pepa, Margaret Resconich, Rose Kumler, Joanna Bloese, Maureen, Russ Gardner, Susan, Raynald Raymond, Al & Ann Polcyn, Pete, Norman Moon, Cornelius Smits, Matt Even, Ellen Colombo, Emerson Brown, Adeline Smith, Larry Cecil, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan. Gifts from God Fiscal Year runs from July 1,1999-June 30,2000 Thank you for your gifts DSA Of our 800 families, we have received responses from 209. Our total now stands at $42,804 which is 66% of our parish goal of $64,818. Thank you for your support. The Finance Council Dates to Remember Monday, June 12 Tuesday, June 13 Wednesday, June 14 Thursday, June 15 Friday, June 16 Saturday, June 17 Sunday, June 17 - Trinity Religious Education We are planning a dynamic registration for the Religious Education program for next year. It will be held the week of June 26 from 9:30-3:30 and 6:30-8:00 in the office. The schedule for next year will be the Family Program on Sundays, Wednesday from 4:30-5:45 or from 6:30-7:45, or Thursday from 6:30-7:45. We need catechists, aides, traffic coordinators and people to assist in the program. Remember to register your children for Journey with Jesus. We would like many, many children to come for a wonderful week! Sister Maryetta Youth Group There is a meeting tonight. As in the past, we will be studying for finals which will begin this week. Bring your study materials and come join us. The annual Cedar Pointe trip is just around the corner. We will be traveling south to Sandusky, Ohio Wednesday, June 21. If you are interested in going, you will need to call me at the parish office. The paper work is due tonight. The cost is $50 which includes your ticket, transportation, videos on the bus, and a continental breakfast. Our annual summer picnic is Friday June 23, from 5-8pm. This year it will be held at Tom's family cottage on Maxfield lake. It will be a time to gather together to celebrate friendships. Bring your swimsuit and towels. I would like to thank everyone who helped with the senior breakfast. The food was good and there was plenty of it. Thank you to all who helped make phone calls, set up, serve, make food and clean up. M.U.D. NEWS Make note on your calendars for Saturday, June 24. I have set the date aside for our first annual car wash! It will be held at Walter's Appliance on Grand River from 10am to 2pm. Following will be a potluck at the Magon's home. A sign up sheet is out in the gathering area. The Magon's pool will be open for us to use. It is recommended that you bring a sack lunch should you be the hungry type, since we will be working during lunch time. Drinks will be provided. Monday, June 26 there will be a meeting of the minds, so to speak. If you are interested in having a part in planning some events for next year, please plan to attend. The meeting will be at 7pm, and I ask that you bring your planner. Margaret Callaghan 1-800-MASS-TIMES There is a nationwide ministry available to traveling Catholics providing free information on the location of the nearest church and times of Masses on weekends and holy days. This service is available to all parishes by calling 1-800-627-7846 or checking the internet at www.masstimes.org. ON THE JOURNEY Is It Still A Sin? ON THE JOURNEY Is It Still A Sin? For those of you who may have missed my column last week, it is taking on the subtitle of "Is it still a sin?", for the summer. I promised Josie not to be quite as wordy this week - but hopefully still answer some questions concerning the reception of communion. Last Sunday, Jim and I attended the 11:00 Liturgy here and then went to Rochester Hills to celebrate in his grandson's graduation from Marist Academy. We were unaware that graduation also included Mass. Twenty years ago, we wouldn't have been able to receive communion again, but with the revision of the Canon Law in 1983, that changed. "It isn't a sin" to go to communion twice in the same day if you are participating at each of the Liturgies. While we always worry about abuse of such a special Gift, we are encouraged to receive the Eucharist on a regular basis. In that same vein, we are still asked to abstain from food and drink for an hour before receiving Communion with the exception of water and medicines, which may be taken anytime. This pre-requisite does not apply to those who are sick and those who are caring for them. If you have a question about a Church issue, old or new, please drop me a line or give me a call - chances are that if you're wondering about something, there are probably many others with the same concern. and besides that, it gives me the opportunity to use some of the books in my office! Yours on the journey, Marilyn FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH - June is National Sight Saving Month: Ultraviolet Awareness & Home Eye Safety. In addition to causing skin cancer, exposure to ultraviolet can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk for developing cataracts and cancer of the eye. Wearing sunglasses with adequate UV protection can help eliminate this risk. For your good health...reduce sun exposure! Blood Pressure Screening will be offered the weekend of June 17/18 after all three Masses. Please join us for information re Skin Cancer detection and prevention. Snell Foundation Safety Helmets will be available for pick up after the Masses the weekends of June 17/18 and 24/25. Congratulations for choosing to reduce your risk of head and brain injury! NOTICE TO ALL MINISTERS OF PRAYER This is a special invitation to participate in an evening of reflection on the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist on June 20, at 7 pm. All Ministers of Prayer and any others who have a passion or desire to grow in holiness are invited. Adoration is an intimate form of prayer and wonderful way to truly come to know Our Lord. The evening will use a video filled with the testimony of those who have been blessed in the prayer of adoration. You are invited to come with your own experiences as well and to learn from the experience of others. Those who can come with an open heart will see the fruits of this most beautiful gift as an extension of God's grace. If you are prompted in this calling, please join us. May Our Lord give you everything you need to continue to seek Him as Lord and Savior. Ministers of Prayer Schedule ST. PAT'S SINGLES! St. Patrick's is starting a social group for adult singles (35+ single, divorced/separated, widowed) for the purpose of meeting other single adults in a local establishment for food, fellowship and fun while planning group activities. Thanks to the 25+ people that showed up for the first meeting, we have already planned a putt-putt golf night for Friday, June 16, and a Canoe Trip to HELL on July 22. We hope to have many more events planned for this summer. The next meeting is Wednesday, June 21, 6:30pm at J.B.'s Brighton House on Grand River in Brighton. If you are interested in becoming a part of this group or for more information, please call Lynn at the parish office, 229-9863. Also, beginning this summer a support group for divorced and separated adults - journey together while working through the loss of a relationship and moving on to a new beginning - will be started. If you would be interested in being a part of this group, please call Mary Jo, 229-0040, or St. Pat's parish office at the number listed above. My Spiritual Journey in the midst of pain.... is a retreat for divorced and separated men and women, the weekend of July 7 through July 9 at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, 1390 Quarton Road, Bloomfield Hills, hosted by FRIENDS, a member of the North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics. The weekend includes a healing service, Mass and special presentations by Fr. J. Peter Deane, and Sr. Rachelle Harper. The retreat fee is $120 which includes meals and single accommodations. For more information, contact Manresa Retreat House, (248) 644-4933. ST. PATRICK'S COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN RUMMAGE SALE will be held Thursday, June 22, 8am-6pm and Friday, June 23, 8am-5pm at the School Activity Building, 711 Rickett Rd. They will be accepting items to sell June 18 through June 20. Camp Sancta Maria is a Catholic Summer Camp for boys, and a retreat center for family, church and school groups. Activities include daily Mass (children's liturgy) horseback riding, swimming, a high and low challenge rope course, a climbing tower, outdoor living skills, camp craft, archery, field sports, a trip to Mackinac Island, and much more. Call (231) 546-3878 for details. Financial aid is available. Livingston County 50+ Catholics Mass and 10th annual picnic Thursday, July 20, 2000 at Holy Spirit Park & Pavilion in Hamburg, beginning with Mass at 11am, and ending at 3pm. No reservations necessary. For more information call Betty Polaske, 810-227-5370. CATHOLIC NURSES WANTED! - National Association of Catholic Nurses-USA is searching for Catholic nurses and allied health care workers to join in providing patients with quality care with a Catholic perspective. Dues are $25-nurses, $20-allied health care workers, $10-students. For information, E-Mail jsalihar@yahoo.com. Web site is http://www.smmp.com/NACN-USA. BRIGHTON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH is seeking to fill two positions: *Music Director (half-time) and/or organist *Lay Ministry Coordinator (half-time) If interested in either of these positions, send a letter of interest and resume to: Dr. Gilson Miller 400 East Grand River Brighton, MI 48116 Fax: (810) 229-5008 |
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