Catholic Services Appeal 2022
The Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) campaign season is upon us, and we are in the midst of many changes. We welcome our new Bishop Walsh. We begin, hopefully, to enjoy warmer weather, and we celebrate our risen Lord. We look forward with hope as God works through us to build his kingdom on earth. Now is the time to renew our spirits and contemplate our blessings. It is an ideal time to recommit our time, talent, and treasure to what we value most.
The CSA theme this year, Finding God in All Things, reminds us that God is here, right now, at our side. We can see him in the routine moments of our day and in the sacred moments of our lives. To find God, you have only to look.
You will soon be receiving information at your home about the this year’s campaign. Please take time to review the information and prayerfully consider supporting this year’s appeal. Your generosity makes a big difference to our parish and diocese!
“Do Not Sign” Effort Against Pro-Abortion Signature Drive
DO NOT BE MISLED: A deceptive Constitutional Amendment petition is circulating to allow for unlimited and unregulated abortions in the state. This would legalize abortion at any time of pregnancy, for any reason, and prevent health and safety requirements for abortion facilities. If you are approached by a person collecting signatures, ask to first review the text of the proposal. Decline to sign if the description reads “Constitutional Amendment to: establish new individual right to reproductive freedom…” For more information, go to www.supportmiwomenandchildren.org.
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UNLIMITED ABORTION PETITION CIRCULATING: Individuals are currently collecting signatures across the state to change the Michigan Constitution to allow for unregulated abortions. This “Reproductive Freedom” petition is opposed by the Catholic bishops in Michigan. It would allow schools to help teens obtain abortions without their parents knowing. Parents: Do NOT sign away your rights. If approached for your signature, first review the text of the proposal. Say “no thank you” to the unlimited abortion petition where the description begins with “Constitutional Amendment to: establish new individual right to reproductive freedom...” Find out more at www.supportmiwomenandchildren.org.
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BE AWARE: A deceptive petition to allow for unlimited and unregulated abortions is circulating across the state. The “Reproductive Freedom” constitutional amendment puts women’s health at risk. It would eliminate at least 25 health and safety laws that currently regulate abortion and would allow abortion to be performed by anyone – even those without a medical license. If you are approached for a signature, first review the text of the proposal. The unlimited abortion petition description reads “Constitutional Amendment to: establish new individual right to reproductive freedom…” Please do NOT sign this dangerous petition, which is opposed by the Catholic bishops in Michigan. More information is available at www.supportmiwomenandchildren.org.
Let MI Kids Learn Petition Drive
The Let MI Kids Learn petition drive is underway to promote educational justice legislation. Michigan children from low-income families would qualify for “Student Opportunity Scholarships” toward their out-of-pocket educational costs at public or nonpublic schools for tutoring, school supplies, computers, and tuition among other expenses. Donors to scholarship organizations would receive a state tax credit. Low-income parishioners and members of our community would benefit from this initiated legislation, regardless of where they send their children to school. The petitions would place this proposal before the legislature, and, if approved, would not require the governor’s signature to become law. As this is a nonpartisan effort, Catholic parishes and schools are allowed to circulate petitions. The Catholic Bishops of Michigan support this effort. Please prayerfully consider signing the two required petitions to create the scholarship program and tax credits to improve the education of Michigan’s school children.
Stewardship by the Book
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells Peter again and again, “If you love Me, feed my sheep.” He says the same to each of us, “If you love Me, use the gifts I have given you to serve your brothers and sisters.”
Vocation View
Let people know that Jesus has the solution. Cast your net on the other side of life. Listen to God’s Son. And tell the world what you hear!
Stewardship Reflections
“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
The disciples heard Our Lord’s call and were able to spread the Gospel message with strength and vitality. We, too, can experience that same joy if we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When we use our gifts in the way that God intends, He fills us with supernatural joy. A joy that others notice and are attracted to!
Family Perspective by Bud Ozar
Jesus invited the disciples to “Come and have breakfast.” At this beach breakfast and the Last Supper Jesus teaches us meals should be more than eating. Family meals are opportunities to share prayer, listen to each other’s stories, understand and support one another.
