Author Archives: Tammy Houser

Pro-Life Ralley 2021

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Please join us on Monday, January 18th for our annual Pro-Life Rally.
Due to Covid, this year’s rally will be a motorcade rather than a march.

Line up on Main Street. Side of the Adrian mall between Aubree’s and the Old J.C. Penney store at 11:45 AM. The sheriff will lead the parade at Noon through Adrian to the monument to unborn children at St. Joseph cemetery on Oakwood Rd. There will be a brief program at the cemetery.

Dress your car up with Pro-Life signs.   For more information, please call Kate Hayes at 517-438-2454.

 

 

 

Fr. Todd Bulletin, January 17, 2021

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Dear Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s,

One of the problems we face is figuring out what media to consume.  Like trying to buy cereal at the grocery store, it can be a bit overwhelming!  Over the next few weeks, I want to mention some great options.  The focus this week is great Catholic podcasts.  Here is a short list, with descriptions borrowed from: https://aleteia.org/2019/06/27/8-catholic-podcasts-you-should-be-listening-to/

 

Abiding Together

The Abiding Together podcast “provides a place of connection, rest and encouragement for women who are on the journey of living out their passion and purpose in Jesus Christ.” The three hosts — Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT, Michelle Benzinger, and Heather Kym — discuss important themes of the spiritual life through conversations with one another, interviews with holy men and women, and seasonal book studies. The Abiding Together Podcast offers inspiring insights that will rock your world and help deepen your relationship with God.

Pints with Aquinas

Matt Fradd on his podcast Pints With Aquinas addresses a question St. Thomas answers in the Summa Theologiae and other writings in an easy to understand way, so you don’t have to be a theologian or philosopher to enjoy listening. This show really feels like you are sitting down to discuss Truth over a cold drink, and enables listeners to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the richness of the Catholic Faith.

Jen Said What?!
Each week, Jen Fulwiler shares highlights from her daily SiriusXM radio show The Jennifer Fulwiler Show. Jen shares her take on pop culture and current events from her perspective “as a former atheist, self-professed nerd, and mother of six who can barely deal with life.” She is engaging and thoughtful, and the podcast will have you laughing out loud. If you aren’t able to catch the full show, but need more of this hilarious woman in your life (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), her podcast is the next best thing.

The Catholic Feminist
The Catholic Feminist podcast hopes to reach women “who want to be informed, inspired, and intentional.” The host, Claire Swinarski, talks each week with different women who use their gifts to build up the Church. This show has covered many of the big issues in today’s world, including postpartum depression, human trafficking, immigration, racism, and more. This show provides listeners with authentic and enjoyable discussions about the role and gift of women in the Church and in society. If you are looking to feel empowered, this is the perfect podcast for you.

Fr. Mike Schmitz
If you like Fr. Mike Schmitz’ Youtube videos, you can now listen to this dynamic priest on the go! Fr. Mike Schmitz’ podcast offers short but lively reflections on a wide variety of topics from Catholic teaching to practical tips for living life well. His down-to-earth tone and inspiring message will help listeners live out the Christian life more effectively.

Word on Fire
In The Word on Fire podcast, Bishop Barron does what he does best — skillfully intersects the richness of the Catholic Faith and today’s culture. Bishop Barron’s eloquent but accessible discourse educates and uplifts listeners and upholds the beauty and truth found in the Church. He shares insights from the greatest Catholic thinkers as well as practical advice for all Catholics trying to live well in their day-to-day lives.

God Bless!
Fr. Todd Koenigsknecht
Pastor

 

Principal Anne Atkin Bulletin, January 17, 2021

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DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON- How can we recognize and value the gifts of others?

“Our God-given dignity as human persons with human rights comes from having been created by God and being capable of knowing, loving and glorifying God, unlike all other earthly creatures.”

The Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Fundamental Principles of Catholic Social Teaching http://www.acbo.on.ca

Each person is created in the image of God. The inherent dignity of the human person which comes from God, and the right to have that dignity respected from conception to natural death, is at the core of all moral and social teachings which are rooted in scripture and the teachings and traditions of our Catholic faith.

How can we recognize and value the gifts of others? This class exercise or group ice breaker is a great resource for teaching how to look at our brothers and sisters in Christ. How to truly see and how we want to be seen. We want to be seen for the soul we are creating and not just what appears on the surface.

Students must first take a look at how their thoughts and experiences make them unique. We are made of love, meant to love and meant to be loved. So we practice loving ourselves and then, as we share this poem, we can see the beauty in each of us.

FIRST STANZA

I am (name)

I am (2 special characteristics you have)

I love (people you appreciate)

I believe (something you put faith in or think is true)

I feel (a feeling you have often)

I dislike (something you do not approve of)

I appreciate (something you are thankful for)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

SECOND STANZA

I am (2 more characteristics you have)

I do (things you do for others)

I wonder (something of curiosity)

I worry (something that bothers you)

I cry (something that makes you sad)

I wish (something you wish would come true)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

THIRD STANZA

I am (2 things you are good at)

I understand (something that is true)

I dream (something you dream about)

I would like (an actual desire)

I try (something you really make an effort about)

I hope (something you hope for)

I am (the first line of the poem repeated)

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson391/I-am-poem.pdf

God Bless,
Anne Atkin, principal
Sacred Heart School
Students are balanced: confident of mind, academics and Catholic Faith. Serving the Community. Teaching our students to live and model the Catholic faith. Reflecting the unconditional love of Jesus. Remaining structured with the purpose of graduating students who are prepared to persevere.

 

Deacon’s Corner, January 17, 2021

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Soon, we enter the 11th month of the pandemic.  What we once thought would be a 4-week inconvenience has evolved into our normal life.   TV screens full of political turmoil, mask mandates, COVID vaccinations, and riots were once seen as problems in other countries, but now they are happening in our backyard.  How do we process all this?  How do we find hope for peace?  How do we deal with these dark clouds hanging over us that just won’t seem to go away?  The answer is right in front of us if we just look around.

Last week, I received an email from Lisa Gramm, who is a catechist in the Faith Formation Program at St. Mary on the Lake.  I found her email very comforting by showing me where to look for hope in our world today.  Lisa wrote…

“With God’s grace and love we look expectantly into this new year with continued hope and anticipation.  2020 has challenged us in many ways, in our families, work places, schools and churches.  But we have adapted and realized that maybe some additional time at home to just “BE” with our family is exactly what we needed!

I myself have been reminded again and again of the Scripture verse Luke 18:16-17: ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’

My kids have been such a source of inspiration to me – going to school with masks on all day, not complaining about it and just adapting to the new reality. They have had sports taken away and clubs and sleep overs taken away – all with little to no complaining.  Truly inspiring.  I would be willing to bet your kids have all taught you several things during this pandemic. What a gift that is!”

This Scripture verse Lisa quoted is my favorite to use at baptisms.  I tell the adults who are present that Jesus may be talking about the children here, but He is really talking to us.  Every child places total trust in their parents and adults around them for food, shelter, clothing, safety, and general well-being.  And that’s how God wants us to be—like little children.  God’s children, who place their trust in Him that everything will be OK.  It’s that simple.  But, in order to receive the grace of peace that comes with that trust, we must be like a child.  Because just like a child, we don’t know what the future will bring.  But, we do know that no matter how old we are or what is happening around us, God has a plan for us, and His plan is good.

All it takes is seeing the joy in the children around us, and having a heart like them to believe.

 

Deacon John

 

Mass Intentions January January 16-24

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Saturday, January 16

4:30pm ~ Rita Commenator & Lucy Hartley by Family

Sunday, January 17

8:00am ~ Elmer T Marry ~ 37th Anniversary by Betty & Family

11:00am ~ Michael Kope ~ 30 Day by Kristie & Family

Monday, January 18

8:00am ~ For Sacred Heart Parishioners

Tuesday, January 19

4:45pm ~ Confession & Adoration

5:45pm ~ Deceased members of the Marge Kelsch/Harris family

Wednesday, January 20

8:00am ~ Gloria Jean Bump+

Thursday, January 21

8:00am ~ Henry Reuter by Chres Reuter Family

Friday, January 22
9:00am ~ For all Deceased+

Saturday, January 23

4:30pm ~ Judy Friedrich by Katie Oates

Sunday, January 24

8:00am ~ Paul, Jim and Ida Meredith by Marcia & Family

11:00am ~ For all Priest in the Diocese of Lansing

 

2020 Contribution Statements

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2020 Contribution statements will be mailed out within the next few days.

Also with your statements will be your membership information.

Have you changed your phone number? Have you moved? Are you preparing to move soon? Are all of your children still at home and are they all included in your membership record? Do we have your email?

Please take a moment to look over the info we have on file and make any necessary changes and return to the office.

If you have any questions, please call Tammy at the Parish Office 517-448-3811 or email thouser@sacredhearthudson.org

Thank you for your help!

Altar Rosary Society News

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Sacred Heart Altar Rosary Society

The Altar Rosary Society has endured the hardships COVID-19 this past year as we’ve been unable to have fundraisers as we have had in the past.

With the generous and thankful support of our parish the ARS has been able to pay for (or assist) many needed items such as vestment dry cleaning, purchasing Altar breads, regular support of seminarians, providing funeral dinners, maintaining and purchase of sacred linens for the altar and volunteer church cleaning, monetary gifts for the needy through the Hudson Foundation and the Methodist Church Back Pack Program, providing cookies and snacks for the Cantata, Mother’s Day Banquet in May, assisting with Stations of the Cross during Lent, purchasing the Paschal Easter candle and various other candles, providing snack bar sales at K of C bingo events and many other items.

All women of the parish are invited to attend our meetings with a $5 annual dues.

If you are able to give a monetary donation the weekend of January 23rd there will be designated collection boxes at each entrance to the church.

We sincerely appreciate everyone for your past support and donations which have helped to sustain our mission for our beautiful parish and look forward to your assistance going forward this year.

Blessings to all and a big Thank You!

As pastor I am so grateful for ARS and the many things they do that help our liturgies and other community functions run so well.

 

News outside our parish

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CONNECT WITH THE DIOCESE OF LANSING:
FACEBOOK, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM
Stay up-to-date on resources and content to assist you and your family in growing as intentional disciples of Christ. WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG Find events, explore departments and staff, and explore fun content like their new podcast series with David Kerr.

THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE: It is not too late to sign up for Bishop Boyea’s Year of the Bible, where you will receive a text with a different chapter of scripture each day for the next year, with interesting insights from the Bishop and other notables. On your cell phone, text the number 84576 and write the message ‘BYOB’ and you will receive a message to set up your account with FlockNote that provides the daily messaging. BYOB means the ‘Bishop’s Year of the Bible.’ If you do not use a cell phone, you can sign up on line at www.dioceseoflansing.org and click on The Year of the Bible logo to register. More than 10,000 people have already signed up and are receiving daily encouragement from the Word of God. Participating in The Year of the Bible is a smart and simple way for us to get back to a Bible-centered life, where God’s Word informs our conscience and helps us determine what path to follow.

Pope Francis proclaims “Year of St. Joseph”
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html?ct=t(Weekly_Update3_30_2017_COPY_454)
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil.  Amen.


“Inspire and Light a Fire” – Weekend Retreats at St. Francis
Retreat Center, DeWitt, MI
Women’s Retreat: January 8-10
Men’s Retreats: January 15-17 or January 22-24
Step away from the chaos of the world and spend a weekend with the Lord. Based on the book To Light a Fire on the Earth by Bishop Robert Barron, this retreat will highlight evangelization as the center of every Catholic’s mission. Check in begins at 6 p.m. on Friday. Suggested donation for the weekend is $185. Register online or view other upcoming retreat date options at www.stfrancis.ws. You can also register by calling St. Francis at 517-669-8321.

SAVE THE DATE: MICHIGAN MARCH FOR LIFE
1 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 AT THE STATE CAPITAL BUILDING IN LANSING
Join other individuals for this peaceful and prayerful stand for the dignity and sanctity of all LIFE – especially those most vulnerable, the unborn. With questions and for more information, visit https://rtl.org/event/mi-march-for-life/

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A MINDFUL PAUSE
Begin the New Year with a healthy new practice: mindfulness. Participate in directed online mindfulness sessions that help you calm your mind and open your heart. Sister Esther Kennedy, OP, offers four half-hour virtual sessions of A Mindful Pause at 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28. A Dominican Sister of Adrian, retreat leader, and spiritual director, Sister Esther has facilitated monthly Mindfulness Days at Weber Center for years. Sessions can be accessed through live stream, https://webercenter.org/mindful-pause/. Recordings can be found at the same link on the day after each session. A Mindful Pause is open to all people free of charge; donations are appreciated.

Catholic Charities Corner
Is God calling you to become a Foster Parent? Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties is always looking for generous families, couples, and individuals who would like to share their love with a child in need of a stable and caring environment. Please prayerfully consider this life-changing experience. Monthly informational meetings are offered at our office in Adrian. Find out more at www.CatholicCharitiesJLHC.org/foster-careadoption.
(517) 782-2551 – Jackson (517) 263-2191 – Lenawee & Hillsdale Providing Help. Creating Hope.

VISIT WWME.ORG FOR A VIRTUAL WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND! Add a little spark to your marriage at one of the different dates this unique opportunity will be offered. To apply to attend a weekend and with questions, contact Chris and Darla Vinton at 269-953-8287.

Fr. Todd Bulletin, January 10, 2021

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Dear Sacred Heart and St. Mary’s,

It feels good to get the New Year started!  It has been a blessing to have the seminarians around for a few weeks during the Christmas vacation.  Dan returned to Sacred Heart Major Seminary this past week.  Josh and Randy will be returning to St. John Vianney Seminary at the end of January. Along with helping at Masses, they have helped with a variety of projects around the parishes.  This past deer season, that included helping me and Fr. Tomy butcher several deer!

I would like to quote here part of a great reflection on making resolutions for this New Year by Rachel Bulman: https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/blog/2021-resolutions-will-need-to-look-back-and-move-forward-with-christ/29401/

Look Back

Making plans for the future must include a look back. Whatever you learned from 2020 should help to orient your goals for 2021. Looking back on this whirlwind of a year may be painful, but it also revealed a lot about each of us. Among other things, we found out how deeply we need each other, how valuable it is to spend time with the ones we love, and the many areas in our social framework that need to be ordered to the human person.

Look Forward

What did you learn from 2020 about yourselves or those around you? How can those lessons impact how you will approach 2021? As you consider your resolutions, place them in this necessary light, asking the same question that you should ask of all action: “How is this ordered to my Christian perfection? How does my resolution help close the past and open up the future to me?”

Invite Christ Into Your Discernment

So, for 2021, invite Jesus into your resolution discernment. Who knows what you truly need to do better than Christ, who is always faithful, and who knows the plans God has for you? Who looked with love on the young man who had kept all of the commandments, and clearly told him the one thing he still had to do (Mark 10:19-22)? In that Gospel, we read that the young man’s face fell, and he walked away. Many biblical scholars believe that this young man shows up later, in the Acts of the Apostles, as John Mark, whose first failure did not preclude continual work toward perfection in Christ.

Don’t Stop Trying

To be resolute in something requires the determination to pursue even after we fail and for that hope to be grounded in something other than ourselves. Even the desire to become the best version of oneself is ultimately to become a better servant to others. A physically stronger you is a more self-reliant you, a more supportive you. A spiritually stronger you is a more spiritually generous you. A you that can keep trying even when it seems like the February Failures are flourishing is a more stable (thus stabilizing) you. And remember, you’ve invited God into this effort. Call on Christ. Call on the saints. Ask for help and help will come.

Allow It

Wherever you determine the best place for your resolve in 2021, may it be seen in the light of Christian perfection, of lessons you’ve learned this past year, and toward the future of your ordinary life. You cannot resolve to become an Olympic gymnast this year if you’ve never done gymnastics and have no time to learn. But you can allow yourself to be trained to your best life. Remember Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

You can do this, but not without Christ. Be resolute in beginning always with him, and the rest will be done through your reliance on his strength.

God Bless!