You heard it at Mass this past weekend. Father Joseph is a US citizen. Now, he says, everyone should be able to understand his homilies perfectly. Kidding aside, it takes a great effort and study to become a citizen and Father has worked very hard! Next time you see Father Joseph, give him your congratulations! Or, drop him a note to welcome him. He loves to receive your letters.
Support our work at Berrien County Right to Life by making a donation. LifePlan is hosting a Stand for Life walk, Stuff-a-Bottle, a Prayer Gathering, and Baby Cakes. Visit their website to learn more about these local events. Right to Life of Michigan is hosting a Roe v. Wade Memorial & March for Life in Lansing, MI on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Visit their website for more information. You can talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the value of human life from fertilization until natural death. On the Right to Life website you will find links that share the number abortions performed since Roe v. Wade and abortions performed in our state and worldwide.
If you get a text from Father Joseph asking you for money or gift cards, it is a FRAUDULENT text. This text might have your personal name and a signature from Father Joseph. Do not open it. Do not respond. Delete it. Father will NEVER ask for money via text.
In light of that reality, and in spite of my great reluctance to do so, I am once more extending the General Dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days. This General Dispensation does not “dispense” us from the Third Commandment, and we must not allow the temporary lifting of the obligation to come to Mass from finding other significant ways to “Keep Holy the Lord’s Day”.
You are invited on Nov, 11th @ 7pm to St. Mary Church. The Paw Paw Council 3798 of the KNIGHTS of COLUMBUS will be sponsoring a Memorial Mass for the knights who have passed. All family and friends are welcome. THANK YOU Bill Van Ooy
Bishop Paul J. Bradley invites all the Faithful to join in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 2020 Election Novena, beginning Monday, Oct 26th through Tuesday, Nov 3.
"When we examine the current political scene in our country, we must not be misled by those who would consider all moral values as equal... We must do all we can to protect human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, not for the sake of a political platform, ideology, or end, but because this truth comes from Jesus... I would like to offer some pastoral principles which will help our Catholic Faith to form our conscience. As we prepare to vote, please keep these principles in mind."
All are invited to join Bishop Bradley spiritually and virtually at diokzoo.org/live and facebook.com/catholicdioceseofkalamazoo. The Rosary will be offered for the intentions of America.
Our parish directory has been delivered. If you had your photo taken or submitted your photo, please stop by the parish office to pick up your copy. Office hours are Mon-Fri from 8:30AM to 1PM.
Living the Mission of the Eucharist This year a significant change has been authorized by Bishop Bradley in the allocation of funds contributed to this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal. After the Parish has hit 50 percent of its Parish goal, all gifts contributed beyond that will be returned to the Parish. This direction, which accounts for a 50 percent reduction in the diocesan operational budget for this fiscal year, is a sacrifice necessary to assist Parishes in securing financial stability. Strong Parishes equal a Strong Diocese.
St. Mary's Religious Education Update: The Covid-19 Pandemic has required us to make changes to our program for this new Religious Ed year, to start on October 4th. Watch for important information being mailed soon. These changes will offer choices for our families to decide which option will work best for their family during this time.
The Forward in Faith: Parish Support Fund offers financial relief for parishes during the Coronavirus pandemic. All donations go strait to your parish! Learn more at diokzoo.org/parish-fund.
Bishop Bradley said in his July 31st Letter to the Faithful, "During these past few weeks, I have prayerfully and carefully pondered what to do... I have decided to make available to each Pastor the possibility of requesting the extraordinary permission to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for those in their Parish who are prepared and eligible to receive this Sacrament. This permission, once granted, will be valid only from August 1, 2020 until November 28, 2020. After consultation and proper planning with his Parish leadership and the families of the Candidates for Confirmation, each Pastor will submit the information with a request for permission to me. Once I have reviewed the materials and determine that all is in order, I will grant the permission."
We will continue to work in partnership with our 21 schools to ensure that our students, teachers, and staff can all return to school this year in a safe and secure environment. As always, we will keep you informed of any overarching decisions and you local school will update you on their individual plans. (click for the letter from Margaret Erich, Superintendent of Schools - Diocese of Kalamazoo)
