May 15, 2016 St. Patrick Catholic Church 140 Church St., Portland, MI 48875 Phone: 517-647-6505 Fax: 517-647-7807 Parishof"ice@portlandstpats.com www.stpatrickportland.com 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: Reconciliaon: Eucharisc Adoraon: 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 Wednesday, Noon 7:00 pm & s: Tuesday 6:00 pm 9:00 pm-12:00 am Wednesday 7:30 am Parish Office Hours Thursday 9:30 am Mon.-Fri.: 8:00 am-4:30 pm Friday 7:30 am Closed 12:30 pm-1:00 pm for lunch Wed. evening: 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 2 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN Masses for the Week of May 15, 2016 THIS WEEK IN OUR PARISH May 15, 2016-May 22, 2016 Mon. 05/16 Tue. 05/17 Wed. 05/18 Thu. 05/19 Sat. 05/21 Sun. 05/22 Jas 3:13-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mk 9:14-29 weekday Jas 4:1-10; Ps 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23; Mk 9:30-37 Jas 4:13-17; Ps 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11; Mk 9:38-40 7:30 AM For the People of St Patrick Parish Jas 5:1-6; Ps 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20; Mk 9:41-50 9:30 AM For the People of St Patrick Parish Jas 5:9-12; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12; Mk 10:1-12 7:30 AM Jas 5:13-20; Ps 141:1-2, 3, and 8; Mk 10:13-16 The Most Holy Trinity Prv 8:22-31; Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Rom 5:1-5; Jn 16:12-15 Elmira Hengesbach, SUN MON TUE WED THUR FRI SAT SUN Church Reserved, 1:30 PM, Church High School Youth Ministry, 6:00 PM, CIA HQ Church Cleaning 10:00 AM Eucharistic Adoration, 12:00 PM, Chapel Children's Faith Formation Classes, 6:30 PM Small Prayer Group, 9:00 AM, LLCR Church Cleaning, 10:00 AM 12th Grade Adoration, 1:00 PM, Church School Mass Song Practice, 1:15 PM, Church School Psalmist Choir, 2:30 PM, Church Pastoral Council Meeting, 7:00 PM, LLCR Reconciliation for 4th Grade, 9:00 AM, Church Eucharistic Adoration, 12:00 PM, Chapel Devotions to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, 7:00 PM, Church Adult Choir Practice, 7:30 PM, Church Basement Eucharistic Adoration, 9:00 PM, Chapel Ensemble Rehearsal, 6:30 PM, Church Church Cleaning, 10:00 AM Graduation Practice, 10:00 AM, Church 7th & 8th Grade Youth Ministry, 2:30 PM, CIA HQ Wedding Rehearsal, 5:00 PM, Church Men s Faith Support Group, 6:30 AM, CIA HQ Rosary, 7:30 AM, Chapel Bridal Prep, 11:00 AM, Parish Hall Wedding, 1:00 PM, Church Reconciliation, 3:00 PM, Church Graduation Mass/Commencement Ceremony, Ryan Lawrence Riley from this parish is scheduled to be ordained as a Priest on June 10, 2016 for service to the Diocese of Lansing. Anyone knowing a serious reason which impedes his Ordination should make this known to Rev. John Linden, Director of Seminarians, Diocese of Lansing, 228 North Walnut, Lansing, MI 48933, no later than May 9, 2016. ALTAR APPOINTMENTS May 21st & 22nd 4:30 PM Randy Pung Fr. Larry King 7:30 AM Gary Fedewa 9:30 AM Beverly Sobolewski 11:30 AM Nicole Easlick Financial Activities* 4:30 PM Brandon Scheurer, Carly Scheurer, Caiden Pelc, Isaiah Pelc 7:30 AM Samantha Leonard, Brice Cook 11:30AM Joshua Hengesbach, Colin Cook, Jamelyn Forist, Hayley Fleischer
ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 3 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN A New Power Acts 2:1-11 What could change fear into confidence? What power is strong enough to put fears to rest and bring confidence to life? Our fears come from many sources. Failure, loneliness, and rejection can all make us afraid to try anything. Confidence often comes from outside, especially when we cannot find it ourselves. Someone else notices a talent in us that we have overlooked. A friend helps us laugh at ourselves. Or by sheer gift, we receive a new power, a new opportunity that makes all the difference in the world. What changed the disciples fear into confidence? Something mighty must have happened. The same group that fled at the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus, the same people who cowered in an upper room after his ascension these people started proclaiming the message of salvation to large crowds in every language. How did it happen? There is only one answer. The Holy Spirit made it happen. The Spirit, promised by Jesus, came in wind and fire to lift up the disciples and bolster their confidence. No matter where your fear comes from, the Holy Spirit may find you and change your life forever. Will you cooperate? Are you ready to share the gifts of the Spirit? Miscellaneous Quotes by Pope Francis During the election, I was seated next to the Archbishop Emeritus of São Paolo and Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for the Clergy, Cardinal Claudio Hummes: a good friend, a good friend! When things were looking dangerous, he encouraged me. And when the votes reached two thirds, there was the usual applause, because the Pope had been elected. And he gave me a hug and a kiss, and said: Don't forget the poor! And those words came to me: the poor, the poor. Then, right away, thinking of the poor, I thought of Francis of Assisi. Then I thought of all the wars, as the votes were still being counted, till the end. Francis is also the man of peace. That is how the name came into my heart: Francis of Assisi. For me, he is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation; these days we do not have a very good relationship with creation, do we? He is the man who gives us this spirit of peace, the poor man I How I would like a Church which is poor and for the poor! Family Perspective By Bud Ozar Today s gospel tells us God actually wants to take up residence in your family, We will come and make our home with you. Every family is called to be a tabernacle where God dwells. Is Jesus a permanent member of your family or a temporary guest? Today the promise is given. The choice is ours. Sponsor of the Week: Jim s Auto Eucharistic Adoration Our Lord is hidden there in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting for us to come and visit Him, and make our requests to Him. St. John Vianney If you or someone you know is interested in going to Eucharistic Adoration but do not drive, let us know and rides can be arranged. Call Mike Cook at 517-242-1352. STEWARDSHIP REFLECTIONS The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. JOHN 14:26 The materialism of our society lures us to concentrate more on what we want than on what God wants for us. The relativism of our world tells us that we should be tolerant of all things, that there is no absolute truth. Pray to the Holy Spirit to put the right words in our mouths when challenged about our faith. Intercessory Prayer That the Holy Spirit will put the right words in our mouth when called upon to defend our faith. Deadline for submission in the bulletin for May 22 is Monday at 10:00 AM
Pentecost Page 4 May 15, 2016 Youth Corner Junior High: No youth group Friday, May 20th. Summer session will be held on Thursdays from 2-4. This will start the third week of June. Summer Youth Ministry will follow the grade you are in when school was in session. High School: Come and hear part of Shelby Miller s faith journey! ichallenge: Seek to know the Lord in all aspects of your life. In Memoriam Bethany Refugee Foster Care Bethany Refugee Foster care has a young refugee teen from Central America who is in need of a loving foster family. She came to the United States seeking refuge from abuse and violence. The abuse she has endured left her with some learning delays, which is something that Julia works very hard at overcoming. Julia is very motivated to learn how to read and write in Spanish, as well as learning more English. She is eager to build basic skills such as telling time and handling money. She is also very skilled at crocheting, and loves cooking her favorite meals from Central America. She finds comfort in her faith and actively participates in the Catholic Church. She is a kind, loving, and caring young lady, and enjoys watching movies, listening to music, shopping, and spending time alone and with friends. We are looking for a family who can communicate with her in her primary language, Spanish, and who is willing to accommodate her needs and provide her the encouragement and tools to help her continue to learn and grow. Her full potential has yet to be discovered, and her ability to live independently is unable to be assessed at this time. We would love to find a family who is committed to helping this young lady in reaching her potential and have an enjoyable and productive life. If you are interested in learning more or Summerfest Raffle ckets are in the back of church through the end of May. Tickets that aren't picked up will be mailed, so please help save us 0me and money by picking up your 0ckets. Thank you!
Pentecost Page 5 May 15, 2016 The focus at St. Patrick School is our mission statement We Pray! We Learn! We Achieve! As part of the first statement, We Pray, we instill in our students the importance of service work, or in other words, how to be good stewards of their time, talents, and treasure that have been given to them by God. Because of this philosophy across the nation, studies show that Catholic schools produce graduates who are more civically engaged, more tolerant for diverse views, and more committed to service as adults (Campbell, 2001; Greeley & Rossi, 1966; Greene, 1998; Wolf, Greene, Kleitz, & Thalhammer, 2001). These are some of the dozens of service projects undertaken each year by our students: * They participate in various church ministries including altar serving, psalmist/cantor, lector, choir and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. They are also involved in Children s Liturgy of the Word and are greeters at weekend Masses. * Each fall on our annual Pay it Forward Day, the entire student body performs service projects throughout the community. * Our National Honor Society hosts four blood drives during the school year, serves as a collection site for Toys for Tots, and goes to the Ionia fairgrounds to sort the toys before they are dispersed to area children. * Our students volunteer at all of the parish and school fundraisers including the Spring Carnival, Fall Festival, the 5K, Kidsfest, and the Parish Festival. * The students make cards for homebound parishioners at Christmas, for others who are sick and/or dying, and for families who have lost a loved one. * High school students are an important part of our Spiritual Teens in Christ (STIC) Team. They plan the spiritual activities for the school and lead a retreat for all the 7th and 8th grade students in the East Region of the Diocese. * Through our renowned Big Rock/Little Rock program, all students in grades 6-12 serve as mentors to the younger students. The Big Rocks complete monthly service projects with their Little Rocks, they tutor younger students and serve as teacher assistants. * Students serve as Peer to Peer mentors in a program where a student mentors a classmate throughout the school day. * Last year, our school sponsored a Relay for Life team with all the planning done by one of our students. * We serve as a collection site for the community coat, hat, and glove drive and we do several canned/boxed food drives for the year. * We have a recycling program that includes our Paper Gator bins. The classes take turns each week collecting the recycling from the classrooms and making sure it gets into the bin. Next year we are going to add recycling of cardboard and water bottles. * Each year, the teaching staff provide Service Learning opportunities to the students throughout the various grades. Essentially, service is a way of life at St. Patrick School. Students are instructed to be good stewards of the gifts and talents they have been blessed with. We hope that by giving our students the expectations and opportunities to be generous they will experience the positive rewards of serving others and will continue this kindness and generosity as a way a life, long after graduation. Faith Formation New News Up-coming Dates May 16th- LAST CLASS! Up-coming Events May 23th - Catechist In-Service at 6:30 pm in the LLCR at the Parish office. First Communion Group Celebration 2016 GARAGE SALE UPDATE: The St. Patrick Parish Garage Sale was a huge success with profits totaling $3,192.60. Proceeds from the sale have been earmarked for the maintenance and upkeep of the rectory. The garage sale committee would like to thank all the volunteer workers who assisted throughout the sale, as well as those who donated items for the sale and those who supported the sale through their purchases. A special thank you goes to the Knights of Columbus for the use of Knight s Hall and their help to set up and clean up after the sale. Items left over after the sale were donated to Father John Vallier, pastor at Holy Spirit Parish in Grand Rapids, for needy parishioners and the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Thrift Store in Lansing. Please remember to save your quality used items for the fall garage sale sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. Boy s & Girl s 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: St. Joseph s Parish Festival in Pewamo will be holding a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for boy s and girl s on June 12 th, 2016. There is a $50.00 entry fee and the deadline is June 8 th. For more information and to register contact Doug Klein at (989) 640-9366 or visit www.stjoseph3on3.weebly.com
ST. PATRICK CHURCH Page 6 PORTLAND, MICHIGAN King s Korner Modern Day Miracles Witnessed4 As most of you know I was in Delaware for a couple of weeks because my twin brother, Bill, was having some very serious health challenges. He went in for colon cancer surgery (stage 3), developed double pneumonia, and then within a day or so after the surgery had an extremely severe reaction to the drug Heparin a blood thinner. This is very rare and only happens to about 2% of the population). It started with blood clots in his arm, he got an infection in his blood, became highly contagious, his kidneys, liver, and lungs began shutting down. This continued to worsen until he had to be rushed into surgery to try and save his arm and his life. My younger brother (Rich) and I were notified of Bill s situation and immediately headed for Delaware. The following morning after our late night arrival and after Bill s surgery on the prior morning where his non-dominant arm was amputated, I asked his wife, Stephanie, since Bill was in an induced coma, if she would like me to celebrate the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the Dying (it was known as Last Rites prior to Vatican II) with Bill and his family that had gathered. Now, Bill had not been in the Catholic Church more than a half dozen times in the past 45 years and most of his family were not church goers. [I think of the ten years I too had been away from the Church.] I explained to her what the Sacrament was about and she figured it couldn t do any harm and prayer was always good. So, with a 1-2% chance of survival and placing all our trust in God, we all gathered around his bed, laid hands on him, and celebrated that powerful Sacrament. From that moment on, and his family attests to this, he began to rally very slowly, ever so slowly. In our minds, although we didn t speak about it, we were preparing for his funeral, as we continued hoping and praying. For ten long agonizing days we waited in the hospital, many of us for 10, 12, 14 hours and longer every day keeping vigil and doing our best to support one another. We all knew that if he survived he would have a difficult road ahead of him - dealing with his amputation as well as chemo therapy for the colon cancer. Well, again, ever so slowly he backed away from death s door to the point that when my younger brother and I left Delaware a week ago this past Monday, Bill was sitting up in a chair, eating bacon and eggs, and giving the nurse specific directions about how he wanted his beard trimmed. Three of his doctors dropped by and told him that they never expected to be having a conversation with him because they didn t expect him to survive. They said it was a miracle he was alive, and his primary doctor told him they lost him three times on the operating table. And then Bill blew me away with a question. Keep in mind that I had been praying for him for many years for him to return to the Church. The last person he would have wanted preaching to him about church would have been his priest-brother, so I prayed for him all those years. This was his question: Can I go to Communion because I haven t been to Confession for 45 years? What Bill was very sincerely telling me was that he wanted to have the Catholic Church back in his life. I was stunned at his question, but only for a few seconds, and then I laughed joyfully and told him that all his sins had been forgiven when we celebrated the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and the Dying with him (a fact that many Catholics are unaware of) and that, of course, he could receive the Eucharist. He said, That s good, because I did yesterday when a chaplain stopped by and offered it to me. Miracles do happen all around us all the time! Sometimes we re too busy to notice. Some miracles are pretty big like Bill s survival, others are even more unexpected like his return to the Church after such a long absence, and others often go unnoticed in the many ways God manages to work some good out of the trials, difficulties, tragedies, and even sinfulness of our lives. WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE HAVE!!! Fr. Larry P.S. My heartfelt THANKS go out to everyone who prayed for Bill or as I like to call him, Little Twin, because I am 5-minutes older than he is! Attention Volleyball Players! On SATURDAY, June 7th St. Joseph's Church in Pewamo will be hosting a volleyball tournament during their annual Parish Festival. It is a 4 on 4 co-ed grass tournament with a competitive and a recreational division. The cost is $80 per team with the first game starting at 9:00am (Immediately after 5K). The entry deadline is Thursday, June 5th. To enter your team (please only have 1 team member register each team), please call or text Aaron & Lisa Schneider at (517) 331-4266 or (989)-640-5404. We will respond confirming we received your registration. Portland Right to Life Tuesday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Portland District Library, Community Conference Room. We welcome people of all faiths to join us in our efforts to protect the rights of the unborn and most vulnerable members of our society.
Pentecost Page 7 May 15, 2016 Parish Staff (517) 647-6505 School Website: www.portlandstpats.com Ministries