From the Pastor's Desk | August 11, 2024

Faithful Citizenship Presentation

As we near the upcoming election, I invite you to come listen to Mr. Paul Stankewitz, Public Policy Advocate for the Michigan Catholic Conference, speak about Faithful Citizenship on Thursday, September 19, at 6:30 pm in the parish hall.

This presentation will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices when taking to the polls.  Paul will explore the essential principles of Catholic social teaching, focusing on conscience, moral decision-making, and the common good and give practical advice on staying informed, engaging in respectful dialogue, making your voice heard, and praying before you cast a vote.  This is a great way to prepare spiritually and intellectually for this election.

Paul Stankewitz is a Policy Advocate for the Michigan Catholic Conference, an organization that serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan on matters of public policy.  Prior to joining the MCC staff, Mr. Stankewitz served as City Manager of Onaway from 1988-2001, when he left to take a position as director of the Michigan Catholic Rural Life Coalition.  In 2004, he joined the staff of the MCC and advocates on education issues as well as regulatory policies that preserve and protect essential services needed by the State's most vulnerable population.  Mr. Stankewitz holds a bachelor's degree in public policy as well as a master's degree in public administration, both from Michigan State University. 

Please consider attending on September 19.  Our votes make a difference, and we should head to the ballot box with prayerful and informed decisions.

Holy Day of Obligation

On August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have a 7 pm Vigil Mass on Wednesday, August 14, as well as Masses at 6:30 am, 8:20 am, and 7 pm on Thursday, August 15. 

Gospel Reflection

We continue moving through chapter 6 of John’s Gospel, the Bread of Life Discourse.  If I had to sum up today’s Gospel, I would use the word confusion.  Those listening to Jesus were utterly confused about what he was saying, namely that he is “the bread that came down from heaven.”  

Recall that everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus, and Jesus points us to the Kingdom.  The Temple, particularly the Holy of Holies (the inner chamber containing the mercy seat), is the place where heaven met humanity - where God Himself dwelt and only the High Priest could enter once a year.  How does the Temple point to Jesus?  In the person of Jesus, divinity meets humanity.  Jesus is both human and divine.  

Every time we attend Mass, divinity meets humanity in the Eucharist - Jesus Christ becomes present really, truly, and substantially in His body, blood, soul, and divinity.  Recalling St. John Vianney’s words that Dcn. Jack so eloquently preached last weekend, “If God had something more precious than the Eucharist to give us, He would have.”

As we pray today, let us not be confused about who it is we receive in the Eucharist.  And, just as Jesus resides in the Tabernacle, let us not be confused about the fact that every time we leave Mass we ourselves become tabernacles meant to bring Jesus to the world and the culture we live in - to go and announce the Gospel of the Lord!  

Know of my prayers for you all!