Thank you

Words cannot express the level acceptance and joy I felt last weekend after announcing to the parish that Bishop Walkowiak assigned me pastor.  Thank you to you all for the “well wishes”, “congratulations”, and “affirmations” last weekend.  I am happy to be here among all of you. May we continue to pray for one another! In light of that, Bishop Walkowiak will be here the 5:30 pm Mass on Saturday, September 25^th to install me as pastor.  All are welcome to attend. 😊

COVID-19

As I stated last weekend, it’s been an up and down year concerning COVID-19 with constantly changing guidelines and protocols. And I know that many of us are tired of it.  I would like to ask for your patience regarding COVID protocols a little longer. The recommendation from the CDC, the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and the Kent County Health Department is that all people, regardless of vaccination status, be encouraged to wear masks since Kent County and Ottawa counties have been both elevated as high risk areas.  Though it will not be a requirement, please keep in mind that some parishioners have chronic illnesses and appreciate others wearing a mask.  Thank you for your understanding.

Adoration

Starting Thursday, September 9^th, we will have adoration from 10am – 5:30pm. After several weeks of John 6, the bread of life discourse about the Eucharist, I wanted to offer adoration as a way for people to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.  If you would like to be scheduled for a regular hour, please email Cheryl Emmette at cemmette@spxcatholic.org for more information.  I am hopeful that one day we will be able to offer multiple days of adoration at the parish. The following quote from our patron is fitting, “Holy Communion is the shortest way to Heaven” ~ Saint Pius X.  

Vocations Chalice Program

Starting the weekend of September 11-12^th we will be introducing the Vocation’s Chalice Program to our parish.  After successfully raising funds to support our seminarians, I would like us to continue to pray for vocations. The Vocation’s Chalice will be given to a family at the end of one of the Sunday Masses each week.  That family will then pray for young people to respond to God’s vocational call (married life, priesthood, or religious life) for them. One of the benefits of this program is that it helps teach young people the importance of bringing God into the decision.  Information on how to sign up will be forthcoming.  

In Christ’s love and friendship,

Fr. Stephen