2020 Census: It’s Critical, Convenient & Confidential
From March until July, Michiganders will participate in the 2020 census. The census is critical for Michigan, as it determines federal funding for local communities and the state’s representation in government. Responding to the questions is more convenient than ever as people can respond by mail, phone, or online. All information gathered will be kept confidential. Learn more at: www.census.gov and www.micatholic.org/2020Census.
Good Shepherd Council 8669 is holding a Delta Drive (membership) at all Masses on March 7th and 8th. We invite all men 17 1/2 years or older to join the K of C.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fasting and abstinence for Catholics. In addition, Fridays during Lent are obligatory days of abstinence. For members of the Latin Catholic Church, the norms on fasting are obligatory from age 18 until age 59.
When fasting, a person is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. The norms concerning abstinence from meat are binding upon members of the Latin Catholic Church from age 14 onwards.
Those that are excused from fast and abstinence outside the age limits include the physically or mentally ill including individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also excluded are pregnant or nursing women. In all cases, common sense should prevail, and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting.
Are You Being Called?
We are in need of people to help minister to the elderly by prayer (Rosary) and by Communion to the homebound. Come and shadow with us as we walk with our Mother Mary and serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. There are just a few who are serving in this capacity at this time and would appreciate any assistance with those at home and those at Medilodge. If you think you would like to help, please contact Gloria at 989-770-4326.
The Good Shepherd Funeral Committee is looking for men and women who would be able to help with funeral luncheons. Help is needed serving at the luncheon and cleaning up. If you are interested in helping out, please call the parish office or email: goodshepherdofmontrose@gmail.com. Thank you!!
St. Robert’s and Good Shepherd parishes will be having a Parish Mission beginning on Sunday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 4. The theme of the mission is Mary, Mother of Us All. The Mission will include Exposition, Praise and Worship, teaching by Fr. Jon and Fr. Anthony, Mass and social time. St. Robert’s will host the first evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. Good Shepherd will host the mission on March 2 and 3 beginning at 6:15 p.m. The mission will conclude at St. Robert’s on March 4 beginning at 6:15 p.m. Childcare will be available during the mission. Please call the parish office to reserve a spot for your child.
What can I do?
Every year with the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade and the March for Life, the issue of abortion is discussed. It is a topic that raises a history of pain for some; for others thoughts of helplessness. Anger, arguments, lines drawn. God wants to bring healing to pain, balm to wounds, light to darkness, hope to helplessness and love when there is hate. You, one person, can help bring God’s loving presence to the issue of abortion through 40 Days for Life, February 26 – April 5. Be a part of the real solution. To find out more, go to 40DaysforLife.com or email 40daysforlifelansing@gmail.com
Are You Willing to Help Us Grow as a Parish?
Our Parish will be participating in a parish survey about discipleship conducted by the Catholic Leadership Institute! We need your help.
When we go live, you can help us by participating in a 10-15 minute survey online.
The survey can be accessed at www.disciplemakerindex.com from Saturday, February 8 – Sunday, March 1 and will ask you to reflect on your own spiritual growth and enable you to provide feedback on our parish’s efforts to help you grow. All responses will be confidential and the parish will only receive information about the community as whole.
We are trying to get the highest response rate possible. This information will be invaluable to Fr. Jonathan, Fr. Anthony and our various ministries as we plan for the future and strive to be the best disciples we can be. We will receive the results this spring/summer at which time we will share what we have learned with the entire parish.
If you don’t use the computer – there will be opportunities from February 8 – March 1 to complete the survey after daily and Sunday Mass and you can obtain a paper copy by contacting Good Shepherd parish office at 810-639-7600.
For now, please set your self a reminder to take the survey starting Saturday, February 8, and join me in praying, especially to Mary, that this survey will help us in our vision to invite every person to become evermore a child of God through life changing encounters with Jesus.
Thank you for helping with this important project!
May God bless you and your family abundantly this week
~ Fr. Jon