Labor Day – the unofficial end of Summer and beginning of Fall. The change in seasons is one of the many things my wife and I love about Michigan, though the later sunrise and earlier sunset can be a bit of a drag. But the change is welcomed in that it is a breakout of the same ol’ same ol’. Baseball gives way to football. Mowing the lawn gives way to raking leaves. Iced tea gives way to pumpkin spice… everything! In that spirit of change I thought I would change things up a bit. Rather than one long reflection on a single topic, I thought I would touch on a few things briefly….
Family of Parishes
A few folks have come up to me or Juanita asking where we have been; had we been away on vacation? No, no vacation, though we did attend a retreat not long ago. Rather, we have been at the other parishes within our Family. Beginning in August I started assisting at Mass at St. Aloysius/Our Lady of the Rosary and Old St. Mary’s. My rotation among the parishes is being tweaked so starting in October I will be at the Cathedral the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the month. I will alternate between St. Aloysius/Our Lady of the Rosary and Old St. Mary’s on the first and third weekends of the month.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the upcoming Family of Parish picnic on Belle Isle. The picnic will be a great opportunity to meet others from within the Family. If it isn’t already on your calendar, please make time for September 12 from 1 to 4 PM to join us and see all the details here.
Alpha
We are about to kick off another Alpha program. Having participated in Alpha twice now, first as a seeker, if you will, the second as a facilitator, I am looking forward to being part of this next program. I have not been disappointed in either time – the Holy Spirit always seems to have something new for me! This could be the time for you too!
Like last year, the program will be conducted virtually so you can learn more about Jesus and a bit about the meaning of life from the comfort of your own home. Alpha will be Monday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30, beginning September 20. Even if you are just a bit curious, check us out. Registration details here.
Freedom Center Ministry
One of my ministries outside the Family of Parishes is as chaplain for the Freedom Center, a military lounge at Detroit Metro airport. Recently I was at planeside along with several other volunteers, Air Force pallbearers, and the Delta Air Lines Honor Guard to pay respects to a fallen airman and minister to her family.
As the hearse drove off with the flag-draped coffin, the volunteers commented on how humbled and honored they were to perform this service. They also hoped they would not have to do it again any time soon. Little did we know that days later 13 service men and women, Marines, a sailor, and a soldier, would lose their lives in service to our country.
While none of those 13 are from Michigan and our Care Team volunteers will not likely be called to personally pay respects to these fallen warriors, my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen. When you are standing next to a mother, a father, a spouse when that casket is lowered from the cargo section of a plane, there are no politics: just hurt and grief, tears and prayers.
Diaconate Information Meeting
Last, but not least, if you or someone you know is a Catholic male over 35 and has ever wondered about the vocation to the diaconate you may want to check this out. There will be an information event September 14 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Visit their site for more information and to RSVP.
In the peace of Christ,
Deacon Mike