PARISH GROWTH
A few weeks ago, the Sunday Gospel included Jesus’s story about the green earth that sprouts and grows plants from seed to harvest “of itself” (automatos, in the Greek), without the gardener understanding how. Jesus creates the parable not to teach us about plants, of course, but about the way God’s presence and action in our lives and our communities can grow and flourish “of itself” without our fully understanding how. This week I invite you to rejoice in and trust in the summer growth that God is bringing about in our parish community.
Community Service Project
Be sure to come to the social after mass this Sunday, July 14, to take in the brief presentation by TENN staffers and Fr. Tim Hipskind, SJ, to introduce their mission to our parish, and to provide an opportunity for us to sign up for specific service activities. After a year-long search and discernment for a suitable, family-friendly community service project for our parish to adopt, we recently announced our committee’s selection of “TENN,” the Titan Equity Nourish Network. In brief, TENN is an organization at our Jesuit University of Detroit Mercy that delivers food to area residents in need, and includes an urban gardening initiative. To learn more, stop by after Mass and enjoy some refreshments while you’re at it!
Children’s Program
We will begin a religious and spiritual formation program in October for our children, specifically those 3 to 7 years old. Parents of children in that age bracket: watch for an informational letter in the mail (postal service) this week that will guide you to a short online survey to gauge your interest and commitment. If you have children that age, but don’t receive the letter, please contact me. The popular and successful “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd” brings a Montessori-style approach to the development of the spiritual and religious potential of each child under the guidance of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We hope to extend the program to older children at a later date.
New Parishioners
If you are relatively new here, and have not yet registered as a parish member, nor signed up for one of our New Parishioner Gatherings to meet the pastor, you can register online HERE. These gatherings are limited to a small group so that we are able to get acquainted with each other personally, and you can learn more about how the parish can connect with your life. We have openings for the next meet-and-greet on Sunday, July 28, after the 11:00AM Mass; email me HERE to reserve your spot.
Thank You!
Let me conclude with some overdue thank-you’s. Even though it was two weeks ago, I want to express my gratitude to all those who helped make our annual parish feast day and anniversary picnic such an enjoyable event for people of all ages. The 3-year olds were having a great time, and the 80-year-olds seemed to enjoy themselves sitting under the shade of the courtyard trees – along with everyone in between. Thanks especially to Mary Kay and Tom Hicks who led the planning and organization of the gathering.
Now let us thank God for the season’s growth and harvest!