St. Mary Parish at 700 Columbia Dr, Durand, MI 48429 US - Announcements...
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GRATITUDE:
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who made my farewell so memorable and all who attended the party to send me off with such beautiful well wishes. My thanks to all those who worked so hard to make the party fun: Pat Loomis, Marla and Dirk Welte, Carrie and Rick Germain, Ellie Lewandowski, Sharon Gould and Paul Williamson.
I also want to thank all of you who wrote and spoke your words of support and affirmation for my 7 1/2 years of ministry at St. Mary. I am thankful for this time among you and I leave with fond memories of our worship and life together.
My prayers are with all of you and I wish you every good gift. If you would like to hear my farewell homily or view the wonderful slide show Paul put together, you go to my website: www.lunchbreakwithgod.com.
With great affection,
Fr J. Thomas Munley
I also want to thank all of you who wrote and spoke your words of support and affirmation for my 7 1/2 years of ministry at St. Mary. I am thankful for this time among you and I leave with fond memories of our worship and life together.
My prayers are with all of you and I wish you every good gift. If you would like to hear my farewell homily or view the wonderful slide show Paul put together, you go to my website: www.lunchbreakwithgod.com.
With great affection,
Fr J. Thomas Munley
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"For Everything, There is a Time"
Dear Parish Family,
After a lengthy period of prayer and reflection, I have made the decision to request a "Leave of Absence" from the priesthood. Bishop Boyea has granted my request. Although this may come as a shock to many of you, it has been a decision I have wrestled with for some time now. I love the parish and all of you but the stress and constant demands of ministry have taken a toll and I need to take some time to reevaluate and rejuvenate. This decision has been one of the most difficult things I have had to do and I do not take it lightly.
I recently have been accepted into a Masters program and will be entering graduate level studies in early January.
My leave will take affect November 15, 2009. I invited you to my Mass of Farewell on Saturday, November 14 at 5.00 p.m. followed by a reception in the basement from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. I want the final Mass and gathering to be a celebration and not a funeral. I am proud of what we have done together as a community over the last 7 years and I want to celebrate that with you.
Bishop Boyea has appointed Monsignor Steven Raica, Chancellor of the Diocese, to administrate the parish until a full time pastor is assigned. Fr. Steve is a kind and wise man who will generously serve this parish.
I ask for your prayers during this time of transition as I promise mine for you. Any correspondence can be sent to the parish office and they will forward it to me. I will not be available for telephone calls or appointments in these last few days.
Many blessings and peace as we all move forward.
In Christ,
Rev. J Thomas Munley
I recently have been accepted into a Masters program and will be entering graduate level studies in early January.
My leave will take affect November 15, 2009. I invited you to my Mass of Farewell on Saturday, November 14 at 5.00 p.m. followed by a reception in the basement from 6.30 to 8.30 p.m. I want the final Mass and gathering to be a celebration and not a funeral. I am proud of what we have done together as a community over the last 7 years and I want to celebrate that with you.
Bishop Boyea has appointed Monsignor Steven Raica, Chancellor of the Diocese, to administrate the parish until a full time pastor is assigned. Fr. Steve is a kind and wise man who will generously serve this parish.
I ask for your prayers during this time of transition as I promise mine for you. Any correspondence can be sent to the parish office and they will forward it to me. I will not be available for telephone calls or appointments in these last few days.
Many blessings and peace as we all move forward.
In Christ,
Rev. J Thomas Munley
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GO AND SEE FR J'S WEBSITE AT
www.lunchbreakwithgod.com
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We pray for...
Marie Balish
that she may now enjoy the great blessings of eternal life. We pray also for her family and friends that they may find peace in the promises of Christ.
REMEMBER
Those who have gone before us.
During the month of November, the Church celebrates two great feasts - All Saints Day and All Soul Day. It is a time when we remember in a special way, those love ones who have passed away. The following are those who have passed away in the past year: Annette Hill, Doris Rushka, Jennie Hoisington, Reta Root, George R. Braidwood Sr., Arline Hutchinson, Romona Hale and Katherine King.
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PRESENTATION OF CHECK TO SHIAWASSEE HUNGER NETWORK
GO AND SEE FR J'S WEBSITE AT
www.lunchbreakwithgod.com
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Marie Balish
that she may now enjoy the great blessings of eternal life. We pray also for her family and friends that they may find peace in the promises of Christ.
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REMEMBER
Those who have gone before us.
During the month of November, the Church celebrates two great feasts - All Saints Day and All Soul Day. It is a time when we remember in a special way, those love ones who have passed away. The following are those who have passed away in the past year: Annette Hill, Doris Rushka, Jennie Hoisington, Reta Root, George R. Braidwood Sr., Arline Hutchinson, Romona Hale and Katherine King.
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PRESENTATION OF CHECK TO SHIAWASSEE HUNGER NETWORK
This past Sunday, September 27, 2009, St. Mary's Parish was proud to present a check to Ray & Bev Chapman, representatives from the Shiawassee Hunger Network for $5,520. These monies were raised as part of the raffle of Fr J's car of which we raised $22,080 from ticket sales. Many thanks to those who helped sell and purchase tickets, and a special "thank you" to the Knights of Columbus who worked very hard at selling the tickets and helped getting the car to various events throughout the summer.
Thanks to all!!!!
The Lazarus Committee
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Working Hands Ministry
The Lazarus Committee
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Working Hands Ministry
Thank you very much to all those who have recently donated yarn. We are so grateful and busy using it. Since our ministry began in 2006, we have made and given approximately 400 shawls and lap robes and 100 hats. Besides shawls, we are currently working on hats, scarves, and mittens for the December Angel Tree Families. Anyone wishing to knit or crochet with us can come to our meetings in the Fr. Hay Education Building every other Thursday, October 29. Anyone wishing to give a shawl to someone in need of prayer or comfort can call 989-288-6898 and leave a message for Riky on #2.
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Marriages
Dear Lord, Wrap you loving arms around Joel A. Hoffman and Kathryn Rene Michel. Let them call to You in times of need and praise you in times of joy. May their lives together be inspired and blessed by You. Amen
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The Lazarus Project has its own website, visit
www.stmarylazarusproject.org
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WE HAVE A WINNER!!!
The winning ticket holder for the "Drive to Thrive" car raffled was Nora Stamper-Pardee from Burton. The final total for ticket sales was $22,080. We will soon be presenting the Shiawassee Hunger Network with a check for $5,520 which is 25% of the proceeds. Great job members of St. Mary's and Knights of Columbus.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to drive parishioners to Church, who now are unable to get to Mass by themselves. If you would like to share in this important ministry, (either Saturday or Sunday Mass) please call Irene Sedlak at 288-6396.
TEACHERS NEEDED
The parish school at St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing, is seeking energetic, qualified candidates for teaching positions during the 2009-10 school year. Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest, an up-to-date resume, a summary of their qualifications, and a list of references.
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STAND UP GIRL...Take Charge of your Unexpected Pregnancy...
will guide any young women through the decisions required by an unplanned pregnancy. Writing by a woman who faced such a dilemma, each chapter includes not only non-judgmental information, but questions to be asked of oneself and one's circumstances. A chapter on abortion describes the reality of each procedure and has testimonies of women who chose abortion and regret their decisions. This $13.00 book is available from the Life Justice Office for $5.00. Call 517-342-2469 or email: rhoipkemier@dioceseoflansing.org
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CONGRATULATIONS DEACON GREG MIDDLETON
This past weekend was a great celebration for Greg Middleton and our parish family. As most of you know, Greg was ordained with 16 other men for service to the Diocese of Lansing. Greg will be meeting with me to outline his duties here at St. Mary. It is my intent to allow Greg to have as many and varied experiences as possible to help him get comfortable with his new role as an ordained minister.
As Deacons, these men will be able to preside at all the sacraments except the Mass and anointing of the sick. They are ordained to celebrate baptism, marriage, and funerals. I have asked Greg to be involved with 'Marriage Preparation' and to begin to visit those in the hospital and home bound. Greg brings a big heart to all he does. I know he will serve our parish well.
Fr J.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~As Deacons, these men will be able to preside at all the sacraments except the Mass and anointing of the sick. They are ordained to celebrate baptism, marriage, and funerals. I have asked Greg to be involved with 'Marriage Preparation' and to begin to visit those in the hospital and home bound. Greg brings a big heart to all he does. I know he will serve our parish well.
Fr J.
WHY DO I HAVE TO BE REGISTERED?
It is necessary that you register for a number of reasons:
To have a child baptized, to be married in our church, if you need a sponsor or godparents recommendation, etc. If you are not registered, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. Some believe that if they were baptized here, or went to school here, that they are automatically members. This is not true. You need to be registered and be contributing member of the parish. This is a precept of the Catholic Church. If you have graduated from high school or college or are employed full time, please let us know that you wish to be registered as an adult. Being registered with your parents does not automatically qualify you for any of the above. You must be a practicing Catholic. Call the parish office at 288-6704.
To have a child baptized, to be married in our church, if you need a sponsor or godparents recommendation, etc. If you are not registered, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. Some believe that if they were baptized here, or went to school here, that they are automatically members. This is not true. You need to be registered and be contributing member of the parish. This is a precept of the Catholic Church. If you have graduated from high school or college or are employed full time, please let us know that you wish to be registered as an adult. Being registered with your parents does not automatically qualify you for any of the above. You must be a practicing Catholic. Call the parish office at 288-6704.
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RESTRUCTURING
I want to reiterate what I said to you at the masses last weekend regarding the Diocesan Restructuring and how it will affect St. Mary Parish.
The letter from Bishop Boyea contained these Four points:
1. St. Mary will continue to be served by 1 priest
2. St. Mary will become a member of the newly created Clinton/Shiawassee Vicariate. (WE were formally combined with Genesee County as one region)
3. The Pastor of St. Mary, Durand, will become the Canonical Pastor
of St. Joseph, Gaines. St. Joe's will continue to be served by a parish administrator (Sr. Ann Petri) and a sacramental minister.
4. St. Mary, Durand will share responsibility with St. John in Fenton for sacramental ministry to St. Joe's, Gaines.
A Couple of notes:
Canon Law is what governs the Catholic Church.
You know is mostly from annulment proceedings.
Every parish must have a designated "Canonical Pastor."
Sr. Ann will continue to administer St. Joseph's just as she has for the last several years. She is simply responsible for reporting to me about the administrative affairs of the parish.
I trust Sr. Ann to continue to good work she has begun without interference for me.
This is all I know thus far. I will keep you up to date as we move forward.
Pray for us all
Fr J
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St. Vincent de Paul Society is in need of new members. If you are interested in serving the needs of the most vulnerable among us, please call the Parish office (288-6704) with your name and number. The St. Vincent de Paul Society has been serving the needs of the poor for hundreds of years and had been an integral part of our parish outreach. This is a great way to get involved with helping to serve others.
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Young people can have mental and emotional problems that are very real, painful, and costly. These problems, often called "disorders", are a source of stress for the child as well as the family, school, and society at large. Visit Catholic Charities websites here
Are you frustrated, hurt, and angry with each other? Are you constantly arguing or fighting? Do you feel cold, alone, distant? Do you feel disillusioned or bored? Are you thinking about separation or divorce? Have you given up on talking it out? ...And you don't know how to change or where to turn? Retrouvaille can help. For confidential information about the program or for registration, call 800-470-2230, or 517-290-5596.
Thank you for answering the survey. The results have been great!! So, now what are we going to do with your efforts? We will be unveiling the "Web Ministry" within a few weeks. This is a new and exciting addition to our current Web Site. Watch for upcoming information and keep filling out the survey forms in the Gathering Space or here below:
Please don't forget to fill our your Web Survey.You can either drop if in the basket in the Gathering Space or email Sharon Gould at click here to email Fifty three people have returned the Survey. Thank you
We could use a few more ushers and greeters. If interested please call the parish office at 288-6704.
The ladies of the parish provide a funeral dinner for all registered parishioners. The family pays for the meat and everything else is provided. We only ask for an estimate of the number of people we will need to serve. This is a service we gladly provide in our effort to "love one another". Reminder: If you furnish food for a dinner, please, pick up your dishes within a reasonable time or we will have to dispose of them.
We are in the last phase of the tree. The first section is sold out and several leaves in the final section are spoken for. There will not be another section of leaves added. If you would like to be a part of this beautiful sculpture, please fill out your registration form. Your leaff can be a memorial to a loved one, a tribute to your family or a statement of your faith. The wording is up to you! Forms are available in the gathering space.
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C.P.R. classes are being offered through the Health Ministry. Thank you to all the health care professionals for their ministry to the parish and beyond
Did you know?? - Did you know that your envelopes are not only important for financial reasons, they are also important in assisting us to complete a multitude of parish reports, including reports to our diocese. No priest can know each and every person in a parish. Because we cannot leave people on our files forever, if you haven't used your envelopes for a year we assume you are no longer attending church here. So your name will be removed from the parish registry. We are trying to keep our records current and correct as possible. If you are planning on moving, call us. If you have no intention of using your envelopes please let us know so we can remove you. If you are not receiving envelopes you should check with the parish office and see if you are still registered here at St. Mary's. In other words use your envelopes no matter what your donation is. It helps us keep accurate records and more importantly, it assists your pastor in knowing who is (or who isn't) receiving the Sacraments.