Author Archives: Tammy Houser

Afternoon of Adoration

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Starting the habit of weekly prayer time has many rewards. It will change you in meaningful ways, and you will soon wonder how you ever lived without it.

Please join us for an Afternoon of Adoration on Wednesday, October 2 from 1:00 ~ 6:00pm.  Solemn Benediction will begin at 5:45pm.

 Please consider signing up for at least one 30-minute time slot to ensure that Blessed Lord is accompanied during the entire afternoon.  There will be a sign up sheet in the main entrance to the church.

St. Mary on the Lake will offer Adoration Thursday, October 3 from 10:00am ~ Noon.

Fr. Todd Bulletin, September 22 2019

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Our readings this weekend are challenging.  They point out that one day we will be called to present to God an accounting of our stewardship, the ways in which we used our time, talent, and treasure for His Kingdom.

 

This weekend is a good reminder of our call to arms in both the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.  Part of our stewardship of the life God gives us is by how we give it away to those who need it the most.

 

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are:

  • To instruct the ignorant. This work of mercy means all of us are called to share and teach the faith passed on to us.
  • To counsel the doubtful
  • To admonish the sinner
  • To bear wrongs patiently
  • To forgive offenses willingly
  • To comfort the afflicted
  • To pray for the living and the dead

The Corporal Works of Mercy are:

  • Feed the hungry
  • Give drink to the thirsty
  • Clothe the naked
  • Shelter the homeless
  • Visit the sick
  • Visit the imprisoned
  • Bury the dead

 

We have many opportunities for both the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in our own parish and communities. We have the Hudson Ministerial Association and Food Pantry, and the Food Pantry at St. Mary on the Lake. We have parishioners who visit and bring Communion to the homebound.  On a regional level, we have Catholic Charities and all of their good work.

 

The Diocese of Lansing is hosting a “Welcome the Stranger Among Us” Conference – Pastoral Care of Immigrants on Friday, October 11th from 8:30-3:30.  For more information or to purchase a ticket, please go to this website: https://www.eventbee.com/v/welcomethestranger#/tickets

 

I know it can seem daunting when we see a list like this.  Don’t be discouraged!  See if the Holy Spirit is nudging you on one or more of them and then say yes.  Such is to be a good steward of this life Jesus gives us.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Todd

 

Principal Anne Atkin Bulletin, September 22 2019

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Diversity

This week in morning prayer, we have been talking about diversity. What makes us each so perfectly special is how different we are. I asked the students each a question about themselves. “What is your favorite color? What is your favorite thing to do before bed? What is your favorite food? Where would you like to visit?“ The answers were so genuine and so unique that we were all laughing at some of the responses. It was a great time to point out that we are all going to answer these questions differently. Why? Because we are all perfectly different. Never before in the history of the world has someone like you lived and never again will you. We are so very special and that makes us amazing. It was fun to just stop for a minute a look at every beautiful face at prayer and think how privileged we are to know these perfect children. Pointing out how special they are leads to the topic of the week. Diversity. It is our differences that make us perfect. These differences should make us appreciate each other; not pull us apart. We are diverse and we are meant to love through the differences.

Our Catholic faith is a faith that knows no boundaries. We see Jesus in everyone we meet and we are meant to meet a lot of people. When we meet people with hearts that are open, and our minds are interested in the whole person, it is amazing how much we learn from each other. The Holy Spirit generates diversity; as children grow they are developing new and wonderful traits that are unique to them. They are becoming individualized and by growing this way, they are becoming closer to God.

But what if I thought that my special gifts and my unique personality made me better than you? What if I thought that I was better than you because I could run faster? Or I lived in a bigger house? Or I was taller than you? What if I judged you? We decided that would be evil. And yet, it happens. We judge, we compare, we can even hurt others. What should we do? We thought of two things: pray the Guardian angel prayer and ask our guardian angel to rule and guide our thoughts. Secondly, to work on the virtue of hospitality. To open up to being gracious and kind instead of hostile to differences.

Diversity. Celebrating the differences that unite us.

 

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

 

Deacon’s Corner, September 22 2019

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Last Sunday, Kimberly and I went to Mass at St. Columbkille in Omaha while visiting to celebrate our youngest grandson’s birthday.  We could have easily decided not to go to Mass.  It was hot and humid. We were tired, had another big day planned with the family, and most of them didn’t want to go.  But, we did.

Just walking into the church brought a sense of calm and peace.  Our Catholic brothers and sisters were welcoming.  The liturgy was empowering, the music was uplifting, the priest was heartwarming, and the deacon preached a great message about not judging and inviting people to experience Jesus.  (By the way, he is one of fifteen deacons at St. Columbkille.  That’s a lot of deacons!) We left the church after Mass feeling spiritually fed and part of a universal faith family.  Everyone there had the common bond of giving thanks to God and sharing His presence through the Eucharist.

So, why do we go to Mass, anyway?  We go for our spiritual benefit and worship together as a faith community.  We go to Mass to stand together and share in our mission as witnesses for Christ in the world while openly professing and celebrating our Catholic faith. We go to Mass to share in the wonder of God’s love and be transformed by the Spirit of holiness.  When that happens, we go forth to spread the Good News that there is something greater in l the life to come.  But we cannot experience this feeling if we only go to Mass simply because we always have, because it is our Sunday “obligation,” or someone told us we had to, or we feel guilty if we don’t.

In his book, Rediscovering Catholicism, Matthew Kelly writes that we have lost our sense of wonder about the Mass.  He says we are “so unaware of the mystery and the privilege [of the Mass] that we can hardly wait to get out of church.”   Kelly tells us that if we truly believe Christ is present in the Eucharist, then the power unleashed within us through receiving the Eucharist is “unfathomable.”   He says the only way to undergo this spiritual transformation at Mass is to rediscover the wonder of the Mass – the same wonder those First Christians discovered celebrating Jesus’ presence among them when He said, ‘Do this in memory of me.’

Our Catechism reminds us that God’s overall plan is to draw us closer to Him so we can share in His life.  God calls us to seek Him, to know and love Him, and to be in unity with His family.  That is why we go to Mass – not because we have to, but so we can join together and be one with God.

Deacon John

 

Prayer at the Flagpole, September 11, 2019

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WE WILL NEVER FORGET
Mary most blessed,
with a mother’s heart
you love and care for all children of Earth
as your own.

On this day of remembrance,
give peace of heart to those who carry the memories
of the sights and sounds of September 11, 2001.

Comfort those who continue to grieve the losses
of family members, coworkers, rescue workers,
and daily life as they knew it then.

In this time of unrest in the world,
gather your children in a mother’s embrace,
and protect us from all that would do us harm.

May your Son, the Prince of Peace,
guide all world leaders to make decisions
that will ensure the safety and good
of the people they serve
and the world community.

May He continue to guide our minds,
our hearts, and our feet
that our decisions, our actions, and our words
give witness to his holy peace.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Comfort of those who mourn, pray for us.
Dearest of mothers, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.
Amen.

Principal Anne Atkin Bulletin, September 15 2019

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Sacred Heart Families,

This week, one of our kindergartners, Sam, brought an arrangement of fall flowers in a mason jar for the teachers and the staff at school. The flowers are so fresh; they look like he and his mom cut them from his yard. Sam grabbed the vase out of the box his mom held and ran over to each one of us and then ran back to his mom. The flowers were so beautiful and the gesture was so unexpected that we smiled and gushed over the thoughtful gift. Sam seemed unfazed by our reaction and just smiled and ran off to his duties as a student. He never came to check on the flowers or ask again if we liked them. He was done after his initial drop off and we are left with a colorful reminder of the fall season that is to come and the joyful colors of God’s landscape.

It made me think about gratitude. I needed that. It is easy to be overwhelmed with deadlines and to have one day run into another and another. We have all had those times when we lose sight of the big picture and get lost in the details of the day. That is when we need gratitude. A moment to stop and smell the flowers. To enjoy the little things that make us feel brighter and calmer. Gratitude is such a powerful virtue and yet it is so simple. Just remember to pray a thank you for all that has been given to us. This lasts for a little bit and then we are back to the grind of life. What we are missing is the faith that accompanies the gratitude. The flowers from Sam are sweet but the bigger picture is that God will never leave you. Have faith that the challenges will be overcome. The challenges are meant to happen. You will make it through the struggle. Faith is blind and it doesn’t matter how big the struggle is, faith will get you through. For that, I am grateful.

God Bless,

Anne Atkin, Principal

 

Fr. Todd Bulletin, September 15 2019

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It is hard to believe that Fall is already here.  In this coming week or two, my parents will be taking in their final cutting of hay.  (I am hoping this happens on a Monday so I can get some tractor time.)

Fall reminds me of this passage from Mark 4:26-29: “He said, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.  Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.  And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

What we see mirrored in the fields round about us that are growing ripe for the harvest reflects something of the way Jesus works in our hearts.  At this time of the year we are in a privileged place of reflection.  What in my life in the past has been a seed of grace that has grown, perhaps even imperceptibly, but now is bearing fruit in my life?  What are the good things He has been doing even amidst times of difficulty or trial?  When you think of those blessings, think of their beginning and see if you can remember when the seed was planted: a prayer, a conversation, a homily (every priest’s fervent hope!), an unexpected road block?  God can bring even good out of evil, and these exercises of remembering can help us see His hand more clearly.   Doing so, we not only rejoice more in God’s loving providence but receive hope that even now Jesus is sowing seeds of grace in our heart.

This coming week, we will watch Deacon Larry Oney’s talk from last year’s Made for Happiness Assembly.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn-lLPRa8n8.

 

Sept 18 – at Sacred Heart (6 pm in the School Basement)

Sept 19 – at St. Mary on the Lake (10 am)

 

Deacon Larry Oney, a permanent deacon for the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans, serves at Divine Mercy Parish in Kenner, Louisiana. With a passion for lifting people up and sharing the faith, he leverages humor, joy, Scripture, love and personal insight to speak to people’s hearts and encourage them to live Spirit-filled lives.  Deacon Larry’s ministry can be found at hopeandpurpose.org.  HIGHLIGHTS of his talk:

 

  • • Every Christian is meant to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • • The Holy Spirit is the animator upon earth today in the body of Christ.
  • • Every Christian has the authority and power to evangelize all the world.
  • • By the power of the Holy Spirit, God calls us to be receivers, healers and deliverers.

 

God Bless,

Fr. Todd

 

As a side note:  

The Parish Secretary will be on Vacation September 19-29, returning on Monday, September 30.  If you need immediate assistance, please contact Deacon John or the school office.

 

Our Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2019 has been submitted to the Diocese of Lansing.  We have also provided a bulletin stuffer this weekend.

Click here if you wish to preview the FYE 18.19 Parish Financial Report.

Religious Education

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Religious Education Meet & Greet & Registration

On Sunday, October 6th, there will be a “Meet and Greet” for all parents and students from 9:15 am until 10:30 am in the School.  Beginning at 9:15am, you will be able to meet the Catechists, view the curriculum and ask any questions you may have.  Students will be dismissed to their classroom with their teachers at 9:45am.   Parents will remain for a parent meeting, registration, and a a short overview of the faith formation programs we offer for adults.

CONFIRMATION CLASS:

The first class for the Confirmation Students will be Sunday, Sept 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart School. We will be meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. Any questions please contact Jen Loar 517-673-1185 or jenloar@yahoo.com

The Foundation – Men’s Discernment Group

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Fr. Todd will lead a group of young men through the discernment process.

Who:  Any adult man over the age of 18 who has graduated from high school and desires to join a group of men who are not afraid to talk about priesthood and be open to God’s call – whatever it is.

What:  Peer support and prayer are the main focus of the group, along with diving into topics surrounding priestly discernment and Catholic identity.  All meetings are centered around a discussion about the chapter of the day from the book “To Save a Thousand Souls” (books will be provided).

Where & When:  Saturdays at St. Anthony Pauda, Hillsdale.  Click on the link below for dates!

 

VOC-Foundation-Hillsdale 2019_20