April 2, Rev. Larry J. King, Pastor Dcn. Don Sobolewski, Pastoral Associate

Transcription

1 April 2, 2017 St. Patrick Catholic Church 140 Church St., Portland, MI Phone: Fax: Rev. Larry J. King, Pastor Dcn. Don Sobolewski, Pastoral Associate The Mission of St. Patrick Parish is: To celebrate the Eucharist, To proclaim the Good News, To encourage Stewardship as a way of life and To grow in Faith, Justice, Love and Service to all. Mass Schedule: Reconciliation: Eucharistic Adoration: Saturday 4:30 pm Saturday 3:00 pm Monday, Noon - 5:00 pm Sunday 7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am or by appointment Wed, Noon - 7:00 pm & Weekdays: 9:00 pm-12:00 am Tuesday 6:00 pm Wednesday 7:30 am Parish Office Hours Thursday 9:30 am Mon.-Fri.: 8:00 am-4:30 pm Friday 7:30 am Wed. evening: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm

2 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 2 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Masses for the Week of April 2, 2017 Mon. 04/03 Tue. 04/04 Wed. 04/05 Thu. 04/06 Fri. 04/07 Sat. 04/08 Sun. 04/09 Lenten Weekday Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, or 13:41c-62; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Jn 8:1-11 Saint Isidore, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Nm 21:4-9; Ps 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21; Jn 8: :00 PM - Grace Fedewa, Loretta Rademacher Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95; Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56; Jn 8: :30 AM - Frances Mauren Lenten Weekday Gn 17:3-9; Ps 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Jn 8: :30 AM - Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Priest Jer 20:10-13; Ps 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7; Jn 10: :30 AM - For Our Deceased Members Lenten Weekday Ez 37:21-28; Jer 31:10, 11-12abcd, 13; Jn 11: :30 PM - For The People Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Mt 21:1-11; Is 50:4-7; Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24;Phil 2:6-11; Mt 26:14 27:66 or 27: :30 AM - Fred& Germaine May, Gary May, Harold Spring 9:30 AM - For Those On Our Prayer List 11:30 AM - Fran Mauren - 1 year anniversary For up-to-date information, events, news, and happenings around the Parish please like and follow us at FACEBOOK.COM/ STPATSPORTLAND SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH April 2, 2017-April 9, 2017 Coffee & Donuts, Following Masses, Church Communication/Spirituality Workshop, 1:00 PM, LLCR Convalidation, 4:00 PM, Church Church Cleaning, 10:00 AM, Church Eucharistic Adoration, 12:00 PM, Chapel Church Cleaning, 10:00 AM, Church Reconciliation Following Mass, 6:30 PM, Church Eucharistic Adoration, 12:00 PM, Chapel Reconciliation, 4:00 PM, Church Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6:30 PM, School - Room 304 Adult Choir Practice, 7:00 PM, Church Basement Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions, 7:00 PM, Church Eucharistic Adoration, 9:00 PM, Chapel Church Cleaning, 10:00 AM, Church Stations of the Cross, 6:00 PM, Church Soup Supper, 6:45 PM, Parish hall Men s Faith Sharing & Support, 6:30 AM, LLCR Rosary, 7:30 AM, Chapel Palm Sunday Set Up, 8:30 AM, Church Women s Faith Sharing Group, 9:00 AM, Parish Hall Reconciliation, 3:00 PM, Church Bake Sale, Following Mass, Parish Hall Bake Sale, Following Masses, Parish Hall 8th Grade Faith Formation, 12:45 PM, CIA HQ Take Down Red Banners, 12:45 PM, Church Holy Week Mass Schedule Thursday, April 13 Mass of the Lord s Supper 7:00 PM Friday, April 14 Liturgy of the Passion 1:30 PM Saturday, April 15 Easter Vigil 8:30 PM **No 4:30 PM Mass on Saturday the 15th Parish Office will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday Parish Staff (517) School Website: Ministries

3 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 3 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN ALTAR APPOINTMENTS April 8th & 9th LECTORS PRIEST Financial Activities Collection for the week 03/14-03/20 4:30 PM Ann Marie Pung Fr. Larry King 7:30 AM Colleen Mauren Fr. Larry King 9:30 AM Kim Schrauben Fr. Larry King 11:30 AM Lorie Schrauben Fr. Larry King ALTAR SERVERS 4:30 PM Brandon Scheurer, Carly Scheurer, Graham Wohlscheid, Rylee Scheurer 7:30 AM Amy Shaw, Grace Thelen, Martin White, Molly Vallier 9:30 AM Maddyson Smith, Colton Summers, Jacob Pung, Olivia Pung 11:30 AM Lauren Bengel, Quinn Volk, Marian Pearson, Grady Heckman HOSPITALITY MINISTERS 4:30 PM Dick Pohl, Jane Pohl 7:30 AM Gary Bond, Kris Bond 9:30 AM Mike Steffes, Rhonda Steffes 11:30 AM Linda Rutherford, Harry Klein The deadline for the Sunday Bulletin is 10:00 AM Monday Family Perspective By Bud Ozar Our families can become wrapped up chasing things we perceive will make us happy. Jesus words to Lazarus, He says to us: Come out from what entombs you. In this fifth week of Lent untie yourself and be free from unnecessary possessions. STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS Jesus said to her, Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God? JOHN 11:40 Many of us say that we believe in God. We go to church on Sunday. We volunteer for events at our parish. But when life gets hard, the pressure is on, things aren t going our way, do we really believe, do we really put our trust in the Lord? When we live a life of gratitude, being thankful for the gifts we have been given, we really do see that God is providing all that we need. Prayer of the Faithful That we may live a life of gratitude, recognizing that God is providing all that we need. A Change of Heart Ezekiel 37:12-24 Are you still being faithful to your Lenten resolutions? No matter how firm or weak your resolve, you have come to face the mystery of sin, loss, and death. Changing old habits is hard. To change something is to lose something. Those chosen for baptism this Easter will change their old habits. They will put to death whatever has kept them from life in Christ. The faithful also will change old habits. They will put to death the sin that mars their faithfulness to God. All in the community need the prayerful and penitential support of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Ezekiel addresses people who have lived in exile and oppression, far from the center of their social and religious life. They have lived in a tomb. Now God promises, I will open your graves and have you rise from them. God will dwell with them and give them the divine spirit. This Lent, the church has invited you to examine your life, to confront your sin, and to secure your intent to change. The season is nearly over. The day of promise draws near. God stands ready to open your grave and bring you forth to new life. If you die to whatever keeps you from God, you will grow from the lessons of loss. Written by Paul Turner. Copyright 2010, Resource Publications, Inc., , All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from Lectionary Bulletin Inserts, Year A: First and Second Readings.

4 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page 4 April 2, 2017 There is a mystery in the meal The Passover. We Catholics aren t that familiar with the Jewish feast. It s too bad, because if we were, we would see something extraordinary! We would read the Gospel account of Christ s passion very differently. Feel the shock at the message hidden in Jesus last supper with His disciples! Make this your best Holy Week ever. When you discover key to the mystery hidden in the meal, you ll never celebrate Easter the same way again. Join us at Ignite, Monday April 10th in the parish hall (6:30pm-8:00pm) for, The Fourth Cup- Jesus and the Passover. NO IGNITE APRIL 3RD FOR SPRING BREAK Ignite - Adult Faith Formation Information: Please contact Carolyn Kwiecinski x418 or carolynkwiecinski@portlandstpats.com Youth Corner Junior High: After School, Fridays, CIA HQ We will not meet again until April 28 th (We have spring break, Good Friday, then 7th grade retreat) We will have an Easter celebration on the 28 th High School: 6:00 PM, Sundays, CIA HQ April 2 nd : No meeting due to spring break Spring Break: The Hometown Mission Trip: Three days and two nights of community service, group bonding, prayer and more in and around Portland. Dates are Thursday Saturday, April 6-8. Permission slips are on the Parish website under Youth Ministry ichallenge: We may be in a spiritual war, but we know who wins and we get to pick the side we join! Please contact George Rutherford x414 youthcoordinator@portlandstpats.com Sponsor of the Week: Miller Music Studio Children s Faith Formation Upcoming Dates April 3 rd - NO CLASSES (SPRING BREAK) April 17 th - NO CLASSES (EASTER MONDAY) May 1 st - LAST CLASS OF THE YEAR!! Upcoming Events April 10 th - Meals at First Congregational Church May 7 th - First Communion Group Celebration *Diapers will be collected at the end of each month. Be sure to mark your donation. The class with the most donated each month will be rewarded.* Please Contact Lori Thelen x419 childrensfaithformation@portlandstpats.com The family of Grace Fedewa would like to say thank you for the many visits, kind words, and monetary gifts given at the time of her passing. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be offered in lieu of individual messages being sent. Donations in her name have been made to her chosen charities. A special thank you to Father Eric Weber and Father Larry King for the support you provided to mom. Thank you, Deacon Chuck, the Platte sisters for the beautiful music, and to Chris Smith and her team of helpers for the delicious luncheon. We are truly grateful for the support and love provided to mom and to us.

5 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 5 Stations of the Cross and Soup Supper: The Stations of the Cross will be observed in the church on Friday, April 7, beginning at 6:00 PM. The Knights of Columbus will sponsor a meatless soup supper in the parish hall immediately after the stations, beginning at about 6:45. Congratulations to our Knight of the Year, Rocky Beckhold, and our Family of the Year, Bill & Pam Brown! The soup supper on 4/7/17 will be sponsored by The Knights of Columbus, if anyone can bring a crock pot of soup or bread please contact Bill Vallier at vallierbc@sbcglobal.net or /3/17 Business Meeting, 8:00 PM, Knights Hall 4/5/17 Euchre Party, 1:00 PM, Knights Hall 4/12/17 Euchre Party, 1:00 PM, Knights Hall The Portland Knights of Columbus Council 2168 will be sponsoring a bus trip to Firekeepers Casino on Wednesday May, 3, The cost is $30.00 with each participant receiving $20 in casino play and a $5 food voucher. The bus will leave the KC Hall parking lot located at 690 Maynard Road Portland at 9 a.m. and arrive at the casino at 10:00 am. The bus will depart the casino at 3 pm and arrive back in Portland at 4 p.m. Participants must register in advance for this trip. For more information or to register, contact Rich Schneider at or John Vallier at PARISH GARAGE SALE Needs YOUR help! We need help setting up Wednesday, April 26, assisting with the sale on Thursday, April 27 from 8:00am to 6:00pm, Friday, April 28 from 8:00am to 12:00pm and cleaning up from 12:00pm to 1:00 pm. Donated Items can be dropped off at the Knights of Columbus Hall Wednesday, April 26 from 8:00am to 6:00pm. No TVs, other than flat-screen, accepted. Please call Karen Stevens at to volunteer or if you have items that need to be picked up. Volunteers Needed St. Patrick Church on the 2nd Monday of each month prepares the Monday Night Dinner at the First Congregational Church. We have been asked if we could also help by providing 2 servers on our night from about 4-6 PM. If you are interested in helping either serve or preparing the meal please contact Darlene Schrauben at PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Summerfest Help Wanted Do you have an interest in joining and volunteering for the St. Patrick Parish Summerfest? The St. Patrick Parish Summerfest Group is currently looking for volunteers to sign-up to be chairs for the following committees: Kitchen Coordinators (2 individuals needed) Assist the Food Tent Committee with preparing food that is served in the main Food Tent during the Summerfest. Food prep consists of monitoring the roasters for the pulled pork and pulled beef sandwiches, as well as cutting up a few other items. The food prep performed by the Kitchen Coordinators is not labor intensive. Please note: the majority of the food prep is done in the School Cafeteria. As Kitchen Coordinators, you will organize your volunteer needs and gather volunteers via Sign-Up Genius. By having volunteers, the Kitchen Coordinators will not be responsible for being available throughout the entire Summerfest event. Grounds Crew (2 individuals needed) Monitor overall grounds for the entire Summerfest event, including: tent layout, waste removal, as well as other maintenance type jobs. The Ground Crew will have access to a utility vehicle to assist them during the Summerfest event. Minimal heavy lifting required. Please note: this committee is not responsible for designing the layout of the groups for the Summerfest event. As the Grounds Crew, you will organize your volunteer needs and gather volunteers via Sign-Up Genius. By having volunteers, the Grounds Crew will not be responsible for being available throughout the entire Summerfest event. Outdoor Mass (2 individuals needed) Assist with set-up and tear down for the Outdoor Mass on Sunday, June 25th. This includes: stage set-up, organizing items for the altar, sound set-up, etc. If you would like to learn more about these vacant positions or if you are interest in volunteering, please contact Troy & Cortney Smith at stpatssummerfest@gmail.com.

6 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 6 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Blood Drive Success!!! Thanks to the hard work of our National Honor Society members and the generosity of our St. Patrick Parish community, our final Red Cross blood drive for the year was a great success. We exceeded our goal of 43 units of blood by two units, collecting a total of 45 units. Over the past school year we collected a grand total of 154 units of blood. Each unit of blood has the potential to save up to three lives. This fact is especially significant during this Lenten season, as we prepare for Easter by practicing acts of charity, because over the course of this school year, we collectively touched the lives of 463 people with compassion and healing in Jesus' name! Thank you! Grace Gathering Registration Now Open A day set aside for Catholic home educating mothers (new, seasoned or just considering it) to gather together for encouragement, personal reflection, and spiritual renewal to the vocation of family life and specifically home education. Grace Gathering will be held Saturday April 22nd, 2016 from 8:45-3:30 (Mass available beforehand, at 7:45). St. Isidore Parish 628 Diamond Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan Register online at: or contact : Katherine Kryger at krygerzoo@yahoo.com for more info. SENIOR CITIZEN APPRECIATION DINNER St. Patrick Parish Welcoming and Social Committee will host the 2017 Senior Citizen Appreciation Dinner on Saturday, April 29, after 4:30 Mass. All parishioners who will be at least 75 years old by the end of this year are invited to attend. There is no cost to our guests as we honor you. This event is always a great deal of fun. Invitations were mailed out this past week, we hope that you will attend. St. Patrick Healing Prayer Ministry Please join fellow parishioners to pray in the presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the spiritual, physical, and emotional healing of all who are in need of such. We encourage anyone in need of any kind of healing to come and be in the healing presence of the Blessed Sacrament, while we pray. If unable to attend, however, we welcome anyone to call with any specific or general healing needs so that we may pray in their behalf. We very much encourage those with healing needs to seek the Sacrament of The Anointing of the Sick as well as prayer before the Eucharist. We also encourage anyone who receives healing of any kind to let it be known in some way so that we can offer praise and thanksgiving to Jesus, the Divine healer, and to help build the faith of our parish family. If you have a devotion to the healing of others, please join us. We meet at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Contact Mike Cook or Carol Kahn The Welcoming and Social Committee will be hosting its annual Easter Candy and Bake Sale after all Masses on the weekend of April 8 and 9. In addition to homemade baked goods, chocolate crosses will be available for purchase. Butter Lambs will also be available. Coffee and Donuts will also be served after all of the Masses on April 9. This is a great opportunity to buy goodies for your Easter gatherings. Proceeds from these bake sales are used for various Parish social activities, including Senior Citizen Appreciation Dinner, Parish Picnic, Family Fun Afternoon, and other activities that take place during the year. Dear Friends, We sincerely appreciate your generous donation. By donating to RAVE you will help victims of domestic and sexual assault begin their path to a safe and healthy new beginning. Thank you! -RAVE If you will be 75 or older this year, and did not receive an invitation, please call Amy Smith at the Parish Office or Connie Reay at

7 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 7 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Part-time Evening and Weekend Receptionist Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids Position Openings Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids is seeking candidates to fill the visible, part-time position of Receptionist. The successful candidate will greet guests, answers multi-line phones, provide clerical and administrative support and provide hospitality for guests. The position will work primarily weekend and evening hours. Starting wage of $12.14 an hour. Applicants must have three years of receptionist or office experience as well as experience using a multi-line phone system and other office equipment. An advanced working knowledge of MS Office Suite, good verbal and written communication skills, a detail orientation and a professional demeanor is required. Bi-lingual English/Spanish is a plus but not required. Full-time Environmental Services Custodian & Conference Services Set-Up Assistant. The Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids is seeking candidates to fill a full-time opening for an Environmental Services Custodian & Conference Services Set-Up Assistant. The successful candidate will perform cleaning duties and conferencing set up services (including audiovisual equipment). Hours are typically Tuesday to Friday, 1 pm to 9:30 pm, and Saturdays 8 am to 4:30 pm. Starting hourly rate of $12.14 with full benefit package including health insurance and paid time-off. Applicants must have a basic knowledge of audiovisual equipment with two years experience in professional floor care and institutional housekeeping preferred as well as basic mechanical experience applicable to equipment maintenance. Must have good customer service skills, the ability to read and write in English, and the ability to communicate with Sister residents, visitors, co-workers, conference clients and other members of the public. Requires the ability to move small furniture, work with cleaning chemicals, sweep, dust mop, wet mop and vacuum large areas. Recurring tasks involve bending, twisting pushing/pulling, long periods of standing, walking up and down stairs, working on a 5 ft. ladder and lifting up to 25 lbs. Complete an application form in person or send cover letter with availability, resume and references to: Human Resources Dominican Sisters Grand Rapids 2025 E. Fulton Grand Rapids, MI Or HumanResources@GRDominicans.Org We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage persons of diverse faiths and backgrounds to apply for employment with Dominican Sisters ~Grand Rapids

8 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 8 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Four Keys to Finding Rest in a Chaotic World When asked how media criticism affects her career, actress Kate Winslet once said, I don t read any reviews, so I m oblivious to what they have to say. I m completely unaware. It s fantastic. With today s non-news, the concept of being completely unaware may feel impossible. The constant coverage of politics, tragedy and an overarching narrative of fear can leave us buried under anxiety and dread. But we don t have to live that way. God s Word illuminates how to find and experience rest, despite the chaos all around us: 1. Remember God is present. In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, author Brené Brown says, Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear Recalling what you know is true will feed your faith and starve your uncertainty. You are never alone because God promised never to leave you. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear... (Psalm 46:1-2a) 2. Take thoughts captive. Our minds easily run away with us, but the Holy Spirit can help us pull them back into alignment with God s promises. Actively replace worries with Scripture and cling to whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8) 3. Be a catalyst for good. You can make a difference by supporting your parish or diocesan ministries and bless those in need and be blessed in return. A gift to an endowed fund in The Foundation is an opportunity to put good in motion for generations to come. 4. Know you re alive for such a time as this. Don t let chaos overwhelm the reality that you re here for a Divine purpose today. Serving others can create positive ripple effects of change around you. An update from the Portland Community Food Bank So far this month we have helped twenty senior citizens along with an average of three to seven families every Monday. This has left our shelves pretty empty. We still have a good amount of Stove Top Stuffing and cans of green beans. We are receiving requests for soups, crackers, cans of pears, peaches, fruit cocktail, Jello, small jars of jelly, instant mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, rice, kidney and chili beans, tomatoes, sugar, and flour. Any food item helps. Our volunteers are so pleased when they return from helping a senior citizen. They share their stories of how much this has helped them and how grateful they are for the Food Bank. To everyone who gives so much, a BIG THANK YOU! PTO Shoe Drive To earn money for our outdoor learning spaces at both elementary schools we are collecting new and gently used shoes between now and May 26 th to send to less fortunate countries for repurposing. Drop-off locations include: St. Patrick Church Oakwood Elementary Westwood Elementary Portland High School Epic Community Church Portland City Hall First Congregational Church Shoes must be in gently used or new condition for them to be able to count for our fundraiser. There are boxes/bins at each school for students/parents to bring in their donations. If you could tied the laces together, to keep pairs together, that would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about our fundraiser, please contact Jenni at jenlittle72@hotmail.com or Wendy at blandy812@yahoo.com PARISH PAGE: STPATRICKPORTLAND.COM

9 Fifth Sunday of Lent Page 9 April 2, Lenten Reconciliation Schedule Tue, April 4 Wed, April 5 Last Opportunity Wed, April 12 6:30-7:30 PM Following Mass 4:00-7:00 PM 4:00-6:00 PM 9:00-10:00 PM Lenten Recipe Ideas Pap w/ Spicy Vegetables - Lesotho Catholic Service Appeal Thank you for your gifts to CSA Your generous support will fund essential diocesan ministries that support our seminarians, provide training for teachers and faith formation staff, as well as assist our brothers and sisters in need. As of March 27 th, 237 parishioner families (22%) have pledged $67,300 (53%) toward our CSA goal of $127,250. Thank you for your stewardship! Our goal is 100% participation, which means a completed pledge card from every household. Please keep in mind that any amount raised over our goal is returned to the parish. Please continue to pray for the success of this important effort Pap: 2 ½ cups cornmeal 4 cups water Boil water and then stir in cornmeal. Simmer, stirring often to prevent burning, until mixture is thick and fluffy and water is absorbed. Serve with spicy vegetables. Spicy Vegetables: 3 tbsp fair trade olive oil 1 onion, finely diced 1 green pepper, finely diced 1 chili pepper, finely diced 2 tomatoes, finely diced Sauté onion and peppers in pan with oil until soft. Add remaining ingredients, mix thoroughly and simmer (stirring occasionally) for 15 minutes. Serve warm over pap. Makes 4 servings. If your life has been affected by someone else's drinking, you should consider attending an Al-Anon meeting. The Portland Al-Anon group meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the First Congregational Fellowship Hall in Portland. Enter the Fellowship Hall through the double doors facing Smith Street and turn right. The Lakewood Al-Anon group meets on Thursday mornings from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the Lakewood United Methodist Church in Lake Odessa in the Builder's Room. Phone for more information about either of these groups. Looking for Lost Sheep The spring issue of the Shamrock newsletter will be mailed in early April. We currently do not have addresses for the following alumni: 1956 Duane Irrer 1957 Patricial Hilligan Immonen 1961 John D Pung 1963 Kathleen Moriarity 1966 Dan Lehman 1966 Tony Blundy 1968 Carolyn Rowe Embree 1973 Lillian Castranova 1973 Terry Baker 1975 Susan Thelen 1977 Brian Jenkins 1979 John Fedewa 1980 Angie Young 1980 Patrick Ellis 1981 Mike Binder 1982 Mike Sines 1985 Scott Osmar 1987 Dan Kissane 1994 Jeremy Pohl 1995 Andy Carr 1997 Jennifer Chamberlain Barbosa 2000 Jeffrey Pung 2001 Segrid Johnson 2003 Maggie Rodgers Sanders 2004 Donald Vollman 2005 Haley Hill Emmons If you have any updated information on the St. Patrick graduates listed above, please send it to amysmith@portlandstpats.com, or call Amy at as soon as soon as you can. Thank you!

10 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 10 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN New Science Curriculum Promotes Investigative Learning St. Patrick Elementary School is excited to begin using the Battle Creek science program in the fall of It was time to change our curriculum after using the same model for many years. After researching a few options, we decided that the Battle Creek curriculum was the best fit to carry out our objectives. Money was given to purchase this program at the Shamrock Auction last April and we purchased the first part of the program this year. A special thanks to all those who donated at the auction; we would not be able to do it without you! The Battle Creek Area Mathematics and Science Center, a regional educational consortium in the state, has developed a kindergarten through seventh grade inquiry-based science curriculum that is aligned with the Michigan grade level content expectations. The purpose of the program is to provide hands-on science instruction in the classroom with opportunities for students to engage in all four areas of science (physical science, life science, earth science, and inquiry and technology). Inquiry-based instruction focuses on students answering a question through discovering and learning. Teachers may use discussions, experiments, or hands-on activities to lead students on the path to discovery. The first unit we purchased is physical science. Here is a summary of what the students will be learning next year. Kindergarten: Students explore the different effects of different strengths and directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of objects. To demonstrate this concept, students will design, analyze, and build a system to get an object from a starting position to a designated end position. The object must change direction and arrive in a specified amount of time. 1 st Grade: Students explore the relationship between vibrations and sounds and design instruments or sound makers. They explore light in terms of light traveling in a straight path from one place to another and what happens when different objects are placed in the path of light. They will design different items such as a tree house and emergency warning system to demonstrate the concepts learned. 2 nd Grade: Students explore the properties of matter and how different properties make material useful in designing and building items. They will design and build a structure to withstand wind and rain while keeping a figure inside dry. 3 rd Grade: Students explore the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of objects. Their exploration includes non-contact forces using magnets and electricity in various projects. 4 th Grade: Students explore how energy moves from place to place and is observable through sound, light, heat transfer, motion, and electric currents. Students will design a Rube Goldberg device that makes a sound at its conclusion. This device must include several examples of energy moving from place to place. 5 th Grade: Students explore matter in terms of measurable properties. Students will develop an understanding that the number of particles and weight of matter does not change regardless of the changes it goes through. They will develop a model to demonstrate that matter is made up of particles too small to be seen. We plan on purchasing the next unit, earth science, for the fall of 2018 and then the third and final unit, life science, for the fall of Randy Hodge, School Administrator Congratulations to the March Athletic Association Sports Raffle Winners Doug & Deb Schneider Julie Hughes Williamson Chiropractic Chuck & Helen Smith Thank you for your continued support of St. Patrick Athletic programs.

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13 ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 13 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Diocesan Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry After a successful launch of the year-long planning process we are now in the data collection stage. This month you will be receiving more information from the Pastoral Plan Steering Committee seeking your assistance to collect information in the Diocese regarding services, ministries, demographics, and financial and cultural concerns of Hispanics in the diocese. The three ways we are gathering the data are: (1) a survey with basic information; (2) community focus groups in parishes; (3) meeting with pastors and leaders of the parishes in the diocese. We appreciate your help in this area since the data will inform the decisions, the content and initiatives that will supported and proposed by the Pastoral Plan for the Hispanic Ministry for the diocese. Universal Prayer Intercessions -For the many teams who will work to collect the information that will allow our diocese to create a Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry. -For our Hispanic community, that people respond openly and share their concerns, needs and anxieties so that the diocese can develop an appropriate pastoral plan.