Pastor’s Pen – October 7, 2022
Young Families. Calling all families with young children! We will have a gathering this Sunday, October 9, after mass to discuss in earnest the development of children’s programs, as well as support for parents. We’ll discuss both Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. In order to arrange these activities in the most helpful way, I want to hear from all the families that might participate in and benefit from them. Please come!
Intercessory Prayer Team. Could you pray for parishioners in need of prayer? Consider joining our Intercessors group. About once a week they receive an email listing one or two prayer requests that have been submitted by parishioners. Most of these are from people who are ill or have a loved one who is ill. The list may also include occasional requests from the pastor for the parish itself, or from the Archdiocese. Intercessors promise to pray for these prayer requests. No regular meetings or other obligations are involved. You pray on your own, when and as you are able. Recall that in the Gospel, Jesus says “If two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” To sign up or find out more, contact Fr. Gary (pastor@ssppjesuit.org).
October 16 Sunday Mass. I truly hope all our parishioners will come to our mass on Sunday, October 16 – at 10:30 AM at Gesu Church. Due to the Detroit Marathon, as in previous years, it is not possible for us to have mass here on that date – but this year we are going to have a splendid alternative! Our parish mass will take place at Gesu Church (directions HERE), our partner in the newly-formed Jesuit Family of Parishes. Our Regional Bishop, Bp. Hanchon, will be there to install me and Frs. Snow and Dorr from Gesu in our roles of service to the Family. Our own Julie Berra is overseeing the planning of the liturgy and music for our combined choirs. The reception following mass will provide an important first opportunity for the parishioners of both parishes to get acquainted with one another.
Sneaker Mass. Of course if you’re a runner – or a runner’s fan – you may want to come the previous evening to our annual “Blessing of the Sneakers Mass” for those involved in the Marathon: Saturday, October 15 at 5:00 PM. This liturgy is part of our mission as a downtown parish to bring a faith perspective and the light of the Gospel to the great civic events around us.