Most Holy Trinity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 26, Christ the King

Transcription

1 Most Holy Trinity Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 26, 2017 Christ the King Jesus is a different King than any other that has come before Him. We associate kingship with power, military might, riches and majesty. Jesus reminds us in this Feast, kingship is about servanthood, humility and love. Although He will come at the end of time in His glory to judge the living and the dead, the most illustrative image while we wait for that day, is lowliness and Christ s kingly glory which is demonstrated to us in Christ s suffering and death

2 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Page 2 November 26, 2017 This week, I have asked Cindy Braun to share with us. God Bless, Fr. Dennis Hi, I m Cindy Braun. I ve been a member of Most Holy Trinity Church for about 30 years. I am married to Mark and we have 19-year-old twins, Brianna & Marcus who graduated last year and are attending college. I found myself being curious about the Adult Retreat that was held in September, but I was unsure of whether I could muster up the courage to sign up and go. I had gone on retreats with my youth group growing up as a member of St. Joseph Church in St. Johns and really enjoyed them. Still, I was unsure. I thought, I ll do it sometime. That all changed when I was at a gathering and an acquaintance (now friend) came up to me and invited me to go. Not wanting to disappoint her and feeling this was another sign that I should go, I said yes. I did have some fears about going, though. I wondered if I would fit in. I was worried that I wouldn t know what to do or not be as knowledgeable as the other attendees. I worried that I would be judged as trying to be something I am not. I thought that people I knew would think I had become some holy roller and would not understand my faith journey. Before I signed up, I talked to people I knew had gone on the past retreats about my fears and I also talked to Andrea. Everyone said what a great experience it was, and I would get a lot out of it and I should go. So, I signed up. As the time of the retreat neared, I felt anxious and unsure again. I prayed that everything would be ok and asked that my heart be opened to what the retreat had to offer. I was beginning to look forward to going and I was feeling that the Holy Spirit was with me guiding me along and helping relieve my fears. I was very thankful that my fears were starting to subside and that I was starting to get excited about the weekend. I was also thankful that I ended up riding down with someone that was also attending for the first time. Sharing a new experience with someone helped a lot. When we got to the retreat center, there were other parish members there to greet us. They showed us to our rooms and answered any questions we had. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. We were there for the same reason, to grow in our faith. It didn t matter that I didn t know many people. Everyone was so friendly. The group attending the retreat was a good mix, couples, singles younger and older, moms, dads, grandparents, you name it. We were all excited for the retreat to start. I started to feel excited too and decided to open my heart and mind to whatever happened. The speakers were very good. I could relate to every topic in some aspect of my life. I was nervous when we broke into groups, but there was never any pressure to share. As I sat and listened, I felt more comfortable contributing. We had free time throughout the weekend where we could be by ourselves, walk the grounds with new-found friends, play games or go sit in the chapel. It was a perfect balance of speakers, worship, and free time. I was sorry the weekend had to end. It was nice taking time out of everyday life just to focus on my faith. The time left me feeling restored and closer to God. It was hard to leave and go back to the real world, but I feel that the retreat helped me come further along on my faith journey. Now that God has helped me overcome my fears, I can t wait to attend the next retreat and see what He has in store for me! I would encourage anyone who is thinking about attending the retreat on February in DeWitt to just go ahead and do it. You won t be sorry. You will learn more about your faith, become closer to God and you may make some new friends as I did! God Bless, Cindy Braun Opportunities to grow in holiness: Advent/Christmas 2017 The Sacrament of Reconciliation Will be celebrated Saturday, December 2 nd 9 th 16 th from 3 till 4 pm. during Advent Regional Penance Service at St. Gerard s Parish, Lansing 2:00 pm. till finished, December 17 School confessions and Religious Education Classes Tuesday, December 19 th from 9:00 am. till 12 noon Please note there will be NO confessions on Saturday, December 23 rd Liturgies and Special Celebrations December 2/3 rd December 3 rd December 6 th December 7/8 th December 9 th First Sunday of Advent First Reconciliation for our 2 nd graders St. Nicholas Celebration 6:30 pm. Activity Center till 7:30 pm. Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception *Holy Day of Obligation Masses: Thursday, December 7 th Vigil Mass at 7:00 pm. Friday, December 8 th at 8:15 am. Evening Retreat at Most Holy Trinity 6:00 p.m. December 9/10 th Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at all the Masses December 10 th December 12 th December 17 th December 19 th Rite of Acceptance for RCIA 8:30 Mass Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Patroness of All the Americas Advent Cantata in the Church 7:00 Regional Penance Service St. Gerard s Parish Lansing begins at 2:00 School confessions and Religious Ed. Classes from 9:00 am. till 12 noon December 23/24 th Fourth Sunday of Advent *There will be NO confession on December 23 rd Masses: Saturday at 4:00 and 6:00 pm. Sunday 9:00 am. Christmas Eve December 24 th Masses: December 24 th at 4:30 pm., 7:00 pm. and 9:00 pm Christmas Day Dec. 25 th 9:00 am. December 30/31 st Feast of the Holy Family Masses: Saturday 4:30 pm. Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 am. January 1 st Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God *This year the feast has been abrogated and is NOT a holy day of obligation Mass at 8:15 am. January 6/7 th January 8 th Feast of the Epiphany Masses: Saturday 4:30 pm. Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 am. Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

3 Office Phone: Page 3 Website: mhtparish.com Thank you! I received a letter and a card from Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing and Shared Pregnancy this past week. Nancy the Executive Director of PSGL wrote: What a beautiful donation of new baby items and diapers and all! Thank you so much. Many families will be super blessed by this generous donation. A little while ago we received a phone call from a desperate young mom who is pregnant with her fourth child. She was crying and saying that her only solution was to get an abortion. Our counselor gently listened, asked some questions and in the end, she agreed to come in for an ultrasound. When she came in with her fiancé her problem was really fear. Fear she couldn t provide, fear that it would be too stressful. All she really needed was to hear it s OK to feel that way. But it will all work out. You are a good mom. And she needed to know that we would help her after the baby was born. She needed encouragement and love that only Jesus can give. We did a free ultrasound and by the time they left their hearts had changed. We minister as a team here. We need everyone to save a baby before and after birth. And you are a part of that. Again thank you for your wonderful donation may God bless you all. The staff at Shared Pregnancy wrote: Wow! We were amazed by the amount of wonderful donations brought in from the October Life Mission. Your generosity is truly incredible. The shelter, toys, pack n play, high chair and beautiful blankets will help so many families in need. Shared Pregnancy operates because of giving churches and caring individuals like yourselves. Thank you for being an important part of this ministry. God bless. I too want to thank you for your ongoing support of our Crisis Pregnancy community who work so hard and minister to the people who are afraid, anxious, and don t know where to turn. This parish s generosity continues to witness to the love of God and gives hope to those in crisis pregnancies. Don t forget to think about these organizations during the holiday season. I know our Giving Tree helps a lot, but ask the Holy Spirit if He is asking you to give sacrificially and perhaps to offer yourself as a volunteer. God bless, Fr. Dennis Lunch with Santa Lunch with Santa sponsored by the Fowler Fire Department and area businesses will be held on Saturday, December 9th from 11:00-1:00 at the Fowler Fire Department. A donation of $3 (given to charity) gets a hot dog, bag of chips, pop & a cookie. Drawings for bikes will also take place. Anyone who would like to donate or would like more information, contact Laurie Platte at Sponsor of the Week Our thanks to the many businesses that make it possible for the bulletin to be cost-free to our parish. Wieber Lumber Director of Music Ministry Kayla Feldpausch - kayla.mhtmusic@gmail.com Christmas Adult Choir: If you love singing Christmas music but aren't able to be in choir all year, please join us for the Christmas season! Rehearsals will be on 11/20 at 7:30, and Wednesdays at 7:30 on 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20. The adult choir sings for the 9:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass, and if you can make it to even a couple of the rehearsals, we'd love to see you then! Feel free to or show up, and I'll have binders ready. Children's Christmas Choir: If any students from 2nd-8th grade are interested in singing for the Christmas Eve 4:30 Mass, even if they can't be in choir for the rest of the year, they are welcome to join for the season! Rehearsals will be Tuesdays 3:00-4:00 on 11/21, 11/28, 12/5, and 12/19. Let me know if you're interested at kayla.mhtmusic@gmail.com Principal of Most Holy Trinity School Anne Hufnagel AnneH@mhtparish.com MHT School Connecting Faith to Life By connecting our Catholic faith to life, we at Most Holy Trinity School seek to fulfill Christ's mandate to proclaim the Gospel, restore all things in Him, strive to lead our students to the Truth for the betterment of this world and prepare them for the age to come. Important Upcoming Dates: Tues., Nov.21 8:15 a.m. Tues., Nov. 21 E.C. Meeting 7:00 pm in Computer Lab Wed., Nov :30 Dismissal Thurs., Nov. 23 No School/Happy Thanksgiving Fri., Nov. 24 No School/Thanksgiving break Fri., Dec. 1 8:15 a.m. Education Commission Meeting: The next MHT School Education Commission Meeting is on Tuesday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. in the school computer lab. Meetings are open to the public. Stir it Up: You never go away from us, yet we have difficulty in returning to You. Come, Lord, stir us up and call us back. Kindle and seize us. Be our fire and our sweetness. Let us love. Let us run. St. Augustine Director of Youth Ministry Corey Luna - mhtyouthcorey@gmail.com. High School Retreat: This year's retreat will be December 1-3 at Camp Roger in Rockford, MI. The retreat is open to all high school students and will be a time to encounter who God is and what he wants for your life. We will have talks, small groups, adoration, and confession throughout the weekend along with some other activities. The amount is $65.00 for the weekend and forms are available on the parish website. Any questions or concerns can be answered by Corey Luna at mhtyouthcorey@gmail.com Book of the Deceased By the side altar of St. Joseph, there will be a book on a stand where you can write down the names of all the deceased, family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances who have died. We will remember them at our daily Masses during the month of November.

4 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Page 4 November 26, 2017 News & Events From Our Parish & Other Areas Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group The first meeting for the pregnancy and infant loss support group of St. Mary s Parish in Westphalia will be held on Wednesday, December 13 th at 7:00 PM in the parish office basement. This new ministry has been formed to offer Christ-centered support to parents. Anyone who has experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, infant death, or infertility is welcome to attend. The meetings are open to all members of St. Mary s Parish and surrounding communities. Any questions or concerns may be directed to Trina Anderson or Dawn Cook Please call the parish office to register or register online at: e/1faipqlsfksolj63fv3ud_xdzair6_oc9bd956fcc9iretk1wqdyesw/viewform St. Nicholas Celebration Wednesday, December 6 th in the Activity Center from 6:30 till 7:30 pm. Fun, games, food, prizes and a special blessing with the myrrh of St. Nicholas Bakers please drop off any plain sugar cookies to the parish office anytime before the 6 th Thank you! Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: November 30 from 6:30-8:00 pm and Friday morning after the 8:15 am Mass until Benediction at noon. Confessions: Thursday, November 30 before First Friday: after 8:15 morning Mass and 6:30-8:00 p.m. or every Saturday: 3:30-4:00 p.m. or anytime by appointment Advent Giving Tree Once again we have the opportunity to assist the poor and needy with works of mercy and assistance. Holy Family parish in Booneville, Kentucky, The Grand Rapids Veterans Home, The Safe Place Center for women and children, and Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing. The Advent tree will be set up for next weekend. Please return your gifts with the tags attached to them Mass at Hazel Findlay On Thursday, December 21st we will be celebrating Mass at Hazel Findlay nursing home. Please come out and join us. All the residents really enjoy visitors and especially anyone who comes to pray with them. It s a reminder to them that we haven t forgotten them. Mass begins at 10:00 am. and one of our classes from MHT school will be joining us as well. Any young people and adults who would like to sing at the Mass would be very welcome! Let s make this Mass a special time for them! Holiday Scrip With the Holidays fast approaching don t forget to stock up on Scrip for the all you shopping needs. Scrip gift cards make great gifts. The last chance to order scrip for 2017 is Monday, Dec. 18 th. From Dec. 21 st through Jan 1 st, scrip that is kept on hand will be available in the parish office during regular business hours. ScripNow and Reloads will still be available during Christmas break. Please contact the school if you would like more information about these convenient options that are available. Below is a list of Scrip gift cards that are kept in stock and available for purchase in the school office. Amazon ($25), American Eagle ($25), Applebees ($25), Barnes & Noble ($10 & $25), Bath and Body Works ($10 & $25), Bed Bath Beyond ($25), Bob Evans ($10), Bravo ($25), Buffalo Wild Wings ($10 & $25), Burger King ($10), Claires ($10), Dick's Sporting Goods ($25), Dunhams ($25), Exxon ($50), GFS ($25 & $100), itunes ($15), JCPenney ($25), Kohls ($25 & $100), Logans ($25), Lowes ($25), Meijer's ($25 & $100), Menards ($25), Michaels ($25), Outback Steak ($25), Red Lobster / Olive Garden ($25), PF Changs ($25), Panera ($10 & $25), Red Robin ($25), Schmitz Carwash ($5, $6, $7), Subway ($10 & $50), Taco Bell ($10), Target ($25 & $100), Texas Roadhouse ($25), Walgreens ($25), Walmart ($25, $100, $250), Wendy's ($10), Younkers ($25).

5 Office Phone: Page 5 Website: mhtparish.com First Publication: Kent Weber; Son of Tom & Kelly Weber Marissa Becker; Daughter of Curt & Lisa Becker Lawrence Nicholas Frechen; son of Nicholas & Ashley (Simon) Frechen We welcome Lawrence to our parish family. The Rosary is prayed before the 8:15 a.m. weekday Mass. The intention for this week is to pray that all of us may rejoice in the blessings of the Lord today and every day. Please pray for our friends and relatives who are sick or recovering especially: Frieda Gallagher, Regina Martin, Sean Dush, Evan Pung, Charlene Thelen, Davison Curtin, Jeffrey Lee Thelen, Luke Martin, Sara Sanchez, Melissa Schulte, Kenny Briganti, Theresa Fox, Marie Hengesbach, Edward Wohlscheid, Linda Rogala, Sarah Weber, Jean Schafer, Julie Wieber Schafer, Irene (Luttig) Weber, Bill Barns, Bob Marshall, Dennis Smith, Sandy Herta, Dick Rehmann, Janet Simmon, Scott Kus, Steve Thelen, Tracy Schmitt, Gregg Platte, Frank Hufnagel, Norman Goerge, Lynda Esch, Jim O. Koenigsknecht, Mindy Simon, Janet Armbrustmacher (Allan), Marie Weber, Jenine Kloeckner, Jennifer Ledger, Josiah Ledger, Adam Pohl, Jordy Wohlscheid, Sharon Becker, Jennifer Grace Schrauben, Janet Simon, Dale Young, Erwin Pline and a special intention. Please contact the parish office to inform us when we can add or remove a person s name from the list. Thank you. Let us also keep in our prayers all those from the Parish Community who are in the Armed Services. Readings for the Week of November 26, 2017 Monday Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Luke 21:1-4 Tuesday Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61; Luke 21:5-11 Wednesday Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Daniel 3:62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67; Luke 21:12-19 Thursday Romans 10:9-18; Psalms 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Matthew 4:18-22 Friday Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81; Luke 21:29-33 Saturday Daniel 7:15-27; Daniel 3:82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87; Luke 21:34-36 Congratulations to our Girls Volleyball Team for making Fowler High School History!!! Monday - November 27 7:00 p.m. + Loretta (Koenigsknecht) Rademacher Tuesday - November 28 8:15 a.m. + Richard Schueller (1st Anniversary) Wednesday - November 29 6:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations 7:00 p.m. + Alvin Goerge & Living & Deceased Members of the Family Thursday - November 30 8:15 a.m. + Isidore & Geneva Wohlscheid & Living & Deceased Members of the Family Confessions after morning Mass 6:30 p.m. Praise, Adoration, & Confession Friday - December 1 - First Friday 8:15 a.m. Jake Klein & Living & Deceased Members of the Family Saturday - December 2 - First Saturday 8:15 a.m. NO Mass 4:30 p.m. + Roy & Josepha Goerge, & Living & Deceased Members of the Family Sunday - December 3 8:30 a.m. + People of the Parish 10:30 a.m. Kenneth Simon & Living & Deceased Members of the Family Ushers for Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3 4:30 p.m. - Gary Weber, Keith Weber, Jerome Klein, Volunteer 8:30 a.m. - Alan Kramer, Gerry Schomisch, Philip Schmitt, Ralph Feldpausch 10:30 a.m.- Brett Stump, Kirk Phillips, Dale Koenigsknecht, Hilary Stump Mass Servers for Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3 4:30 p.m. - Jack, Anna, & Sam Vanneste, Volunteer 8:30 a.m. - Nolan, Madison, & Mitchell Wirth, Kalani Koenigsknecht 10:30 a.m. - Kiley Bengel, McKenzie Feldpausch, Tristan & Quentin Smith Mass Servers During This Week Mon., 7:00 p.m. - Liam & Grace O Hare, Kelsie & Kerrigan Pung Tues., 8:15 a.m.- Adult Volunteer Wed., 7:00 p.m. - Mia, Emma, & Aidan Riley Thur., 8:15 a.m. - Adult Volunteer Fri., 8:15 a.m. - MHT School Volunteers Sat., 8:15 a.m. - Emma & Zachary Halfmann November 26, 2017 Pastor - Fr. Dennis Howard Parish Office Hours 8am-12pm & 1pm-3pm To Contact Us: Parish Office: Fax: office@mhtparish.com Website: mhtparish.com Most Holy Trinity School: