St. Patrick Catholic Church

St. Patrick Catholic Church www.stpatrickportland.com Linda L Aseltine Douglas Gensterblum Patricia Winegar Alfred Goodrich JR. Monica Bengel Duane Huhn Dorothy Goodman Donald Schrauben Geraldine Hodge Joyce Lenneman Frances Fedewa Leon Pung Mark Lehman Virginia Sanborn Harold Werner Mary (Pat) Jarvis Arlis Quinn Marie Fox Doris Beard Carl Noren Edward BenGel Jacky Strong Ernest Rivera Judy Pung Karen Adams David Spitzley

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 2 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Masses for the Week of November 2, 2014 Mon. 11/3 THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH November 2, 2014-November 9, 2014 ALTAR APPOINTMENTS November 8th & 9th Catholic School Scholarship Teach by Works more than by Words Saint Teresa of Avila Sponsor of the Week: Please add Denise Arnesen Agency (Farm Bureau) as sponsor of the week The Diocese of Grand Rapids makes available to children attending a Catholic school the Bishop Scholarship. Awards are based on need. We use their Bishop Scholarship application processing to help us determine Alumni Scholarship awards for families who have children attending St. Patrick School. This year, the application deadline is earlier this year, November 15. Please take advantage of this opportunity to apply for scholarship awards. Detailed information can be found by visiting www.portlandstpats.com or on this link http://www.portlandstpats.com/2014-2015-school- Year/14-15-Forms-Publications/Financial%20Aid% 20Letter%202014-15.pdf. If you have further questions please contact Mike Johnson, Business Manager at 517-647-6505 x 413 or mikejohnson@portlandstpats.com

All Souls Day Page 3 November 2, 2014 A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE Our loved ones, who have stepped through the door of death, are now at rest, free of all burdens. In going home to the Lord they brought their love and concern for us with them. Death cannot totally separate families; our love binds us together forever. Bud Ozar STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones. Here s the ironic thing about people who are generous. Those that give freely and cheerfully do not do it to be rewarded. They do it to show their love for God and their neighbors. Yet, because of their generosity, they typically are given more than they gave away! That we give generously without expecting anything in return. Eucharistic Adoration Devotion to the Eucharist is the most noble, because it has God as its object; it is the most profitable for salvation, because it gives us the Author of Grace. St. Pope Pius X St. Patrick Mobile App Stay tuned for information regarding a St. Patrick Mobile App! In God s Hand Wisdom 3:1-9 Even if we know that someone we love is dying, death catches us off guard. No one feels the grief we feel in exactly the same way. Sorrow leads some people to deeper levels of despair, but for others it gives way to hope. The Book of Wisdom was written before the birth of Jesus. The writer faced the same questions we face about death. But the writer had no knowledge of the resurrection. Even so, the book offers remarkable wisdom for all who grieve. The Book of Wisdom says the foolish see death differently than the wise do. The foolish see the death of the just as an affliction, as a complete destruction. But the wise know otherwise. The wise know that the souls of the just are in the hand of God, where no torment shall touch them. Those souls are at peace. Some people suffer greatly in life, but Wisdom believes that God uses their suffering as a trial, to discover who is worthy. God proves people like gold in a furnace. Then God gathers them up like a sacrificial offering. We will always miss our loved ones who die. But their death can be a sign of hope to those who believe in the providence of God. Written by Paul Turner. Copyright 2010, Resource Publications, Inc., 888-273-7782, www.rpinet.com. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from Lectionary Bulletin Inserts, Y ear A: First and Second Readings. Pray for our faithful departed from St. Patrick Parish listed on the cover of this bulletin. St. Patrick Healing Prayer Ministry Communion Calls The first Friday of October the following parishioners will be visited and the Eucharist brought to them. If there is someone not on our list, and not receiving Communion, who would like a visit, please call the Parish Office. Diana Rivera Sandra Odem Agnes Trowbridge Donna Fedewa Irene Jensen Theresa Gerkman Geri Ryan Sandra Bayne Laura Stegenga Rosie Baker Jim Thompson Catherine Fedewa Dorothy Keena Tom Cook Country Living Linda Schanski Mary Martin Walnut Grove Bernie Witgen Bill Spitzley Eleanor McConnell Eagle s Nest Janet Hengesbach Contact Mike Cook 517-647-2518 or Carol Kahn 517-647- 7959.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 4 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN First Marking Period Comes to a Successful Conclusion On Friday, October 24, the first marking period came to a successful conclusion. Our agenda during these weeks was vigorous and our accomplishments were many! On the evening of the first day of school (August 26), senior Shelby Miller was the opening performer for Chase Rice and Craig Morgan at Fifth-Third Ballpark in Grand Rapids. Christian musician, Michael James Mette, from St. Louis, MO. visited and performed for our students in grades 3 12. We were blessed to have Bishop David Walkowiak preside at our first school Mass on September 2. Dr. Marcia McEvoy met with our students and parents to discuss her anti-bullying program titled The Four Pronged Approach to Violence Prevention in School. The week of September 22 was Spirit Week, which gave the students opportunities to show their school spirit in many creative ways. On Friday afternoon the middle and high school students put on a pep assembly, followed by our annual Powder Puff Football Game St. Patrick School hosted our annual Homecoming on Friday, September 26. Joe Mackowiak and Shelby Miller were crowned as king and queen at half time. The football team was victorious. As part of Fire Prevention Week, the Portland Fire Department visited and talked with our elementary students about fire safety and prevention on Wednesday, October 8. On Sunday, October 12, the Athletic Association hosted our 54 th Annual Fall Festival raising approximately $24,000. This is one of the major fundraisers sponsored by the Athletic Association to raise funds for our Shamrock sports program. On Saturday, October 18, the Athletic Association hosted our semi-annual Scrap Metal/Recycling/Pop Can Drive with a great amount of success. The funds raised from this effort are being earmarked to buy a new school bus when the need arises. Our freshmen students travelled to St. Andrew Cathedral in Grand Rapids on Sunday, October 19 to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our annual fall staff development day was held on October 20. A major portion of the day was devoted to learning about autism and strategies we can use to help our autistic students. Our Parent Teacher Organization hosted many events this fall, including our Back-to-School Open House and Tailgate Party, the annual Scholastic Book Fair, and the ever-popular Used Uniform Sale. Our National Honor Society hosted a blood drive on September 23 and exceeded their goal. Randy Hodge-School Administrator Give Thanks! Give Blood! The St. Patrick School chapter of the National Honor Society is hosting a Red Cross blood drive on November 18th from 10:00AM to 4:15PM in the St. Patrick Parish Hall. To schedule an appointment to donate, please see an NHS member or visit www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-In donors are accepted as time and space allow. Youth Corner Junior High - See you on Friday right after school! Come for food, fun and fellowship! High School join us Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. This week we begin to explore different prayer styles, come discover those styles that best fit your temperament! The St. Patrick Athletic Association is looking for a used full size refrigerator to help keep water cold and ice readily available at the St. Patrick Gym. The refrigerator should be in good working order and energy efficient. If you are able to help please contact a member of the Athletic Association or the School Office

All Souls Day Page 5 November 2, 2014 Veterans Day Observance The students and faculty of St. Patrick Catholic School cordially invite you to join us in honoring our military veterans in a patriotic observance on November 11th, The ceremony will begin at 10:00 AM in the school gym, with a coffee & donut reception for our honored veterans immediately following in the Parish Hall. Fall Fest 2014 A Success!! The 2014 Fall Fest has come to a close. We would like to thank all of those who contributed in any way to make this fundraiser a success. Preliminary numbers indicate over $24,000 raised for Shamrock Athletics! Whether you: worked a shift or two or three; made wonderful desserts and breads; donated or bought cookies from the cookie booth; rented a spot for the craft show; supported our crafters; bought your raffle tickets; ate our delicious dinner or played a little euchre, we THANK YOU! Mark Your Calendars for 2015 The 55th Annual Fall Fest will be on October 11, 2015. What a great tradition that was started 54 years ago! Candidate Information at MCC Website The Catholic Church teaches that it is important to evaluate candidates and issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching before voting. To assist Catholics in this process for the Nov. 4th election, Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) issued a survey to U.S. Congressional and Attorney General candidates earlier in the summer, asking their positions on a range of issues important to the Church. MCC, the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan, has made the responses that were received available on its website at www.micatholic.org. This coming Tuesday, November 4th, Michigan voters will be able to participate in elections that will impact the direction of our state. Please take the time to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider all the candidates and issues that will appear on your ballot, and vote with your conscience! Visit the above mentioned website for further resources or www.michigan.gov/vote to view your sample ballot. Knights of Columbus News The K of C Portland Council hosted a Major degree on October 19, 2014. Dr. Russ Willemin was chosen as our class honoree. We would like to congratulate the following members. Todd McElmurry and Adam Goodman who were initiated into the First Degree and elevated to the Third Degree. Randy Hodge, Elgin Fox and Sam Goodman, who were elevated to the Third Degree. We would like to thank the many members who set up facilities and prepared the meal making the ceremony a success. The Knights would like to Congratulate our high school students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, October 19th at St. Andrew Cathedral. We would like to extend a special thank you to Lori Thelen and George Rutherford for their hard work preparing the students for this important Sacrament. Congratulations Tom Russman who has been selected as the Knight of the Month for November and to Rick and Amy Vallier who were selected as the Family of the month. Thank you for all that you do. Our Corporate Communion is 11:30 AM November 02, 2014 at Saint Patrick Church. The K of C Memorial Mass will be held at 7:00 PM Monday November 3 at our hall 690 Maynard Rd. November Bingo will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday November 2nd and Sunday November 16th. Euchre parties will be at 1:00 Wednesday November 12th and 26th. If you are interested in contacting the Knights please contact Don Gunderman at gk2168@mikofc.org or 517-743- 1543 Portland Community Coat Drive Applications for the Portland Community Fund s Christmas Giving Program are available at the Parish Office, Portland City Hall and Tom s Pharmacy and must be returned by Friday, November 14th. A Christmas dinner will be provided to families in need and gifts will be purchased to family members 18 and under. Any family residing in the Portland School District that may need assistance or anyone who knows of someone who could use extra assistance should fill out an application. Distribution will be Friday, December 19th from 1:00 PM 5:00 PM at the old Builder s Lumber building on Water Street, by the Red Mill. Residents who are interested in adopting a family for Christmas, please call Lisa Balderson at 517-930-1651.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 6 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Congratulations to the following who were baptized last weekend at St. Patrick Church by Fr. Larry King and Deacon Don Sobolewski Cora Elizabeth Kissane Daughter of Mike and Ann Kissane Braden Michael Bozung Son of Mike and Jessica Bozung Charles August Bozung Son of Mike and Jessica Bozung Trent William Bozung Son of Mike and Jessica Bozung Gracelyn Marie Pung Daughter of Jerrod and Chelsey Pung Reagan Lynn Richmond Daughter of Donald and Jolene Richmond Feed the Hungry in Ionia County and around the World Package high nutrition Kids Against Hunger meals for children and adults in need around the world and around the corner. November 22, 2014 8:30 AM 11:00 AM Portland High School Sponsored by Thrivent Financial and Portland Area Ministerial Association (PAMA) Join us at this event! We welcome your Donation and your Time! Interested in joining? Contact Amy Smith or call the Parish Office 517-647-6505 Need more information? You may also contact: Sawyer Duane Stahl Son of Aaron and Mashon Stahl Thank You! The family of David Spitzley extends our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the acts of kindness shown during this difficult time. God Bless Visit Aquinas College Aquinas College in Grand Rapids is hosting two AQDays for all high school juniors and seniors interested in visiting their beautiful 107-acre campus. You re invited to come and discover what life at AQ is all about. Get the inside scoop on academics, athletics, scholarships, service learning, study abroad, and more. Friday, November 7 th : General AQDay (open to all academic majors) Friday, November 14 th : Science, Nursing and Math AQDay Please visit aquinas.edu/undergraduate for more details or to register. Community Thanksgiving Service Portland Area Ministerial Association (PAMA) is hosting a community Thanksgiving service on Sunday, Nov. 23rd at 6:00 PM, at the Mt. Hope Church, 845 Ionia Rd. in Portland. 8600 Northend Oak Park Michigan, 48237 248.336.2559 kahmichigan.orgmichigan.org Portland United Methodist Church Annual Turkey Dinner The Portland United Methodist Church is hosting it s annual Turkey Dinner on Thursday, November 6th from 5:00 PM- 7:30 PM. Dine in or take out is available. Prices for adults and all take outs-$6.00, 5-12 years old-$5.00, children 4 and under eat free. St. Joseph Pewamo-Feather Bingo Sunday, November, 9th in the Parish Center. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Turkeys and Cash prizes for Bingo s. First Congregational Church Steeple to Rise Again! Portland First Congregational Church will dedicate the restored steeple and 108 year old bell. There will be a short service on Sunday, November 9th beginning at 3:00 PM, followed with light refreshments at the First Congregational Church,421 E Bridge St., Portland. All are welcome.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 7 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 8 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN We are halfway through the Restore and Renew Campaign and here is an update as to what has been completed. As you know, we have completed and paid for our cooling system. I hope you agree that on those hot days it was much more comfortable in both the church and the school. Our CSA 2013 Diocesan obligation has long since been paid. We replaced school classroom flooring, hallway ceilings, repaired and painted the outside panels, replaced lighting with new energy efficient fixtures and performed temporary roof repairs. We have upgraded our wireless infrastructure throughout the church and school buildings, replaced servers, upgraded switching and replaced old computers with new. Replacing the servers and computers gave the students more learning time that was previously wasted while students waited to sign on. Painted and repaired panels on the church and church steeple. We have begun to replenish our savings. Here s what is in the works. Ongoing is the design and construction of the church bathroom. We ran into a few difficulties but have ironed those out and are near design completion. We are making every effort to expedite the process and hope to have this project completed before spring. Thank you for your abundance of patience. This upcoming year, we will concentrate a bit more on repairs and upgrades to the church. Tuck pointing and repairs to the exterior, upgrades to handicap accessibility, repairs and replacement of flooring and upgrades to lighting. The plumbing in the school will be upgraded to save a considerable amount of money over time. During the summer of 2015, school phase one roof repairs are planned. There are a number of items that are still on the list, but not forgotten. Replacement of aging school doors and installation of an electronic locking system. Kitchen upgrades. Annex building exterior and roof repairs. Athletic field upgrades. School exterior brick tuck pointing and repairs. Continue to replenish saving. Respectfully submitted, Michael E. Johnson

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 9 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN

ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 10 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN

All Souls Day Page 11 November 2, 2014 Parish Staff (517) 647-6505 School Website: www.portlandstpats.com Ministries