As Father Andrew mentioned in his homily on June 2, St. Clare Parish has been selected to be in the first cohort of parishes to develop a Missionary Strategic Plan to Unleash the Gospel in our community. The team has met with representatives of the AOD twice so far. In the first meeting, healthy team dynamics were discussed, as well as the power of prayer. This week focused on the work of the Holy Spirit in Unleash the Gospel, and how team members can apply it to themselves and discover how it can help bring about new life in our parish. This is a fast-moving process, with the final draft of the Missionary Strategic Plan due to the Archdiocese early in August, so Save these Dates.
St. Clare said HI to our parish neighbors and now we’re having a cookout with LIVE MUSIC and COMPLEMENTARY FOOD. Please come to show your support and welcome our neighbors to our Parish Community.
Summer usually gives us more time to relax and read. The fifth graders last week gave us some of their favorite Bible Stories. The interesting part was they tied it into improving their reading skills and using it for their required reading during the summer. I think this is a great idea for each of us. Why not try reading from the Bible at least once a week? Deacon Rich has been encouraging us to read the Acts of the Apostles. So that might be a great place to begin. YES?
Say Hi Sunday. We were on fire, a sea of red gathering first in the social hall, to pray that the Holy Spirit guide us as we walk the neighborhood inviting all to join us in fellowship on June 9th. The apprehension melted away and 150 strong we headed out, the sun shining (against all weather reports) and took to the streets on our mission. When we regrouped at 3:00 the atmosphere was...
The Catholic Service Appeal provides the financial support for the work of many ministries, programs and services that meet the physical and spiritual needs of parishes, schools and countless people throughout the Archdiocese. All parishes in the AOD participate and are assigned a goal. Our parish goal this year is $81,973. You will be receiving a special letter from our office with the diocesan brochure providing additional information. Please prayerfully consider your donation to this appeal. The theme of this year’s appeal is Opening Doors to Witness Christ. For more information about CSA-funded ministries, programs, and services, check the aod.org website.
We would like to thank all who contributed to our largest parish fund-raiser. We are pleased to report that all 1500 tickets were sold. Our goal cannot be reached without the help of so many. To the captains and sellers, we are so appreciative of your efforts. To all those that purchased a ticket we wish you luck in the upcoming drawings. In particular; we would like to thank Cliff Peabody and Patricia Rivera who keep us in compliance with the rules and regulations as dictated by the State of Michigan. We also want to thank Deacon Rich for offering his mustache to help us reach our goal. Special thank you to Tim Kramer and Bob Conway for the leadership in this fundraiser.
Please come and enjoy a Taco Fiesta Dinner on Friday, May 10, 2019, at the St. Clare Social Hall from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. to support the purchase of medical supplies for Haiti and Africa Relief Team missions. Who can resist a warm plate of tasty tacos and delicious salad. “Have a heart for HART”. 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting the missions...
What a wonderful forty days we celebrated during Lent. This is a true story and it really did happen at St. Clare. It all began on Ash Wednesday when we started our Lenten journey by receiving the blessed ashes. These past forty days were marked with prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It was encouraging to see new faces at our weekday Masses as well as an increase in attendance on Sundays. The celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation provided a real source of healing for many. Adoration, devotions, Stations of the Cross were beautiful signs of our seasonal reflection. Simple Suppers, Operation Rice Bowl and St. Leo’s project provided opportunities for us to meet and serve others. The annual Act of Mercy to bury the dead was a wonderful expression of charity in action. Our Faith Formation initiatives and materials for the season of Lent were excellent and many have shared how they enjoyed them this year. The faith journey...
In “Unleash the Gospel”, Archbishop Vigneron speaks of the importance of the individual and the family in evangelizing. Have YOU ever thought about bringing together a small group of friends or family to study some aspect of your faith? This is an excellent way to learn, and to reach out and “unleash” to others. You do not have to come to the Church for a small group. You can meet at home, a restaurant, or over coffee (reserve the back room at Starbucks in the Village!)
Fr. Andrew mentioned in his column last Sunday that our Parish Council is working on a Lenten, Unleash the Gospel, Parish Project. When Fr. Andrew came to St. Clare, he walked the streets of our parish knocked on doors, just to introduce himself and say hello. We would like to repeat this gesture of welcome by doing the same. Recently our boundaries changed as a result of the closure of St. Philomena, so this is an opportune time to once again say hello to some familiar faces but also...
The St. Clare Parish family and School has established an annual tradition of participating in the Corporal Act of Mercy to Bury the Dead. During Lent each year, we provide a funeral service for an individual who has been left in the morgue, with no family available to claim the body, and no possibility for burial. More information will be provided regarding the identity of the individual in coming weeks.
If you are looking for a way to deepen your understanding of your faith this Lenten season, St. Clare offers small group faith formation activities in addition to the Thursday evening program. On Mondays...
Bonanza tickets are available from one of our sellers, ushers, or from the Parish or School offices. Be sure to purchase your $50 Bonanza raffle ticket to qualify for the many prizes that will be awarded during 10 multiple drawings, beginning April 28th. Remember: Tickets are good for all 10 drawings.
Children’s Faith Formation: Classes are regular both Sunday and Monday. Next week, February 17 and 18, there are no classes for either group. Enjoy your winter break. All Confirmation paper information is due next week. Please be certain your sponsor has...
Last Sunday we kicked off our annual Bonanza Raffle. Tickets were distributed to our Team Captains who will, in turn, distribute them to their sellers. As you know, Bonanza is our only Parish fundraiser. This year, with your help, we plan to sell all 1,500 tickets. There are 34 chances to win, and the top prize is $10,000.
Children’s Faith Formation: Regular classes will be held this week, Sunday Family and Monday classes. All those who are preparing to be confirmed are to meet with their parent and/or sponsor on Monday, February 4 at 6:30 in the social hall. Immediate preparations for Reconciliation and First Communion will begin on March 3rd at 9:00 am Mass; a special Mass for First Communion candidates. Invite Godparents to Mass and parent meeting. You will need your child’s Baptismal candle and a record of Baptism must be on...
Beginning January 26, 2019 Catholic Schools across our nation will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week, an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. Catholic Schools Week is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). The observance of this annual tradition began in 1974. You will find that Catholic schools typically observe this week with Masses, open houses, service projects and other fun activities for students. These events, center on the value Catholic education provides to children.
Plan to attend the St. Clare Super Bowl Party held in our Social Hall hosted by the PIC Committee on February 3, 2019. We will provide pizza, hot dogs, all paper products, coffee and water. Please bring a dish to share. A pot-luck sign-up board is in the church. Bring your favorite beverage to enjoy during the game (BYOB). It is a fun, low key way to watch the game and commercials with friends. $10 Tickets will be sold at the door or may be purchased from the Parish Office in advance. I hope to see you there!
Happy Epiphany! Yes, today is the 3rd Epiphany. 1) Three Kings visit to the child Jesus. 2) Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. 3) Wedding Feast at Cana and Jesus’ First miracle. So today celebrate your Baptism. Renew your faith. Do you know the date of your Baptism? The day you became a Child of God and a member of the Community we call church? I suggest you try to find out and celebrate Baptismal days in your family.
At this time of year it is normal to think about the gifts we have given and those that have been received. We stop and count our blessings for all the good in our lives. Now is also a time to give thanks to God for the gift of our...