SUNDAY OF THE “GOOD SHEPHERD” GOSPEL
In this Easter Season we are witnesses with those first disciples of the work of the Holy Spirit of the Risen Good Shepherd in our midst. While both in our personal lives and in our parish the pandemic prevented many events and gatherings this past year, yet I see the Spirit at work in the many opportunities (online) that opened up for us from Jesuit ministries across the country. The headlined paragraphs below set out the current offerings, including our Ignatian young adult leadership program, “CLA.” Because we have only a short time to identify new participants, I beg you to pause and pray – to see if the Holy Spirit brings to your mind any young adult who might be a candidate, then nominate them! See the CLA section below.
The death of George Floyd has weighed on our nation’s conscience for nearly a year. No wonder that the guilty verdict this week brought forth statements from leaders in all sectors of society. While the media might focus on this moment’s political and social dimensions, the statements of our Church leaders, like the US Bishops and the Jesuits, bring out its real spiritual depth. The need for racial justice and reconciliation remains as urgent as ever, and the Bishops note that “This is the true call of a disciple and the real work of restorative justice. Let us not lose the opportunity to pray that the Holy Spirit falls like a flood on our land again, as at Pentecost…” to bring healing.
On this Sunday, the whole Church prays for more “good shepherds” – for vocations to the priesthood and other paths of service in the church. In our parish that might take the form of giving thanks for the ministry in Detroit this year of newly-ordained Fr. Joshua Peters, SJ, son of parishioners Mike and Helen Peters, and for the ordination this June of Bobby Karle, SJ, son of new parishioners, Bob and Barbara Karle. On Sunday, May 2, our parish will confirm Aghogho Edevbie in the Catholic faith; his sponsor is Fr. Karl Kiser, SJ, former president of U of D Jesuit High School, and the next Provincial of our Midwest Jesuit region.
CONTEMPLATIVE LEADERS IN ACTION (CLA) – APRIL 25
If you are – or know – a young adult (mid 20s to late 30s) who would benefit from this program that integrates Ignatian Spirituality with one’s professional and personal life, please EMAIL ME HERE. CLA offers young adults a welcoming and inclusive community experience to deepen their spiritual lives, grow as inspired leaders in service to the world, and practice discernment. Share this link to the Online Information Session this Sunday, APRIL 25. Application deadline is May 31.
JESUIT FRIENDS AND ALUMNI – MAY 11
At our first in-person luncheon event in over a year John Beilein, former coach of University of Michigan men’s basketball, will speak on “The impact my Jesuit education has had on my life as a Leader and Coach.” May 11, 12:00 PM, at the Detroit Athletic Club outdoor pavilion. Register online HERE by May 7. About 65% of the seats are already sold, so act soon!
STEVIE WONDER… AND ST. IGNATIUS?? – APRIL 28
The Jesuit Alumni national network is offering a free virtual event on April 28, at 8:00PM, about Detroit’s own superstar: “Stevie Wonder and the Ignatian Imagination.” Register here.
RED CLOUD INDIAN SCHOOL – MAY 6
Don’t miss this chance to learn about one of the great missions of our Midwest Jesuit Province: Holy Rosary Mission and Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Register HERE for a free virtual event just for the Detroit area on Thursday, May 6, 7 PM. School and Pastoral Staff will introduce us to the parishes, schools, and Heritage Center on the reservation. You’ll have a choice of breakout sessions on topics such as Lakhota language and culture, or the Truth and Healing process. This week’s 2-minute introductory video features Robert Brave Heart, Sr.
CATHOLIC EARTH DAY PROGRAM – APRIL 23
Ever since his 2015 Laudato Si’ Pope Francis has not ceased reminding us that we are called to Care for Creation, for the Earth, our common home, and for the poor who are especially impacted by environmental problems. For this Earth Day (yesterday, April 22), join Interconnected: 21-Day Catholic Environmental Justice Challenge: April 23-May 16 to receive a series of informative daily emails, sponsored by the Ignatian Solidarity Network.