Happy Trinity Sunday! First things first, a hearty congratulations to our cohort of seven(!) newly ordained priests for the Diocese of Lansing. We haven’t had a group that large for as long as I can remember. I was in a class of five in 2016, and we had another class of five in 2014, but seven is unusually large for a diocese our size. Included in that group of men is Fr. Christian Salata, our new parochial vicar, who will be joining us in just a few short weeks at the start of July. It is an exciting but also a nostalgic time, since we’ll be saying goodbye to Fr. Ginu at the end of June. Fr. Ginu will be moving to St. Mary Parish in Williamston as its next duly appointed pastor. And let’s not forget about Fr. Josh Luttig! Of celebrated memory, Fr. Josh spent a summer with us as a seminarian and will be returning to St. Robert for one of his Masses of Thanksgiving next Sunday June 22nd at the 10:30 AM Mass. We’ll have a reception for him afterward and kindly ask that you RSVP so we can plan the food accordingly.
Speaking of receptions, remember to mark your calendars for Fr. Ginu’s going-away party after the 5 PM Mass on Saturday, June 28th. Looking ahead, we’ll celebrate Fr. Christian’s official welcome party once he’s had time to settle in and breathe—sometime in mid-September. And as for me, I just keep celebrating another day of living the dream. I wake up thankful every day, and I’m happy to be here as your pastor. Almost one year in! I’ll soon graduate from infant to pre-toddler status (haha!).
Before I forget, there are two other important things to mention. First, we have wonderful Knights of Columbus councils in both Flushing and Montrose, and I’d especially like to thank Gene & crew and Pat & crew for all the good work accomplished at the Fr. Anthony Car Show and the Blessing of the Bikes last weekend. The weather was fine at both events (thank you, Lord!), and I was happy to experience these community outreach events for the first time. The smell of carbureted fuel and the flash of chrome and racing stripes really make you want to buy a piece of classic machinery. In lieu of that, I proudly installed an American flag on the rectory instead. Meant to get that up before Memorial Day, but—you know how it goes. Second important thing to mention: please pray for our parish choir as they head off on pilgrimage to Ireland, June 17th–25th. I’ll be joining them on the trip, so you won’t see me—or them—next weekend. Be sure to hold down the fort while we’re away!
I just now remembered a third thing, also. Due to the diocesan Corpus Christi Mass and procession next Saturday in Lansing, we will not have morning Mass or Confessions at St. Robert on Saturday, June 22nd. Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses will remain the same. Next year, we’ll return to a local Corpus Christi procession in honor of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Phew! Is that everything? This was definitely an announcement-heavy bulletin article. There’s always a lot to wrap up—and a lot to look forward to—this time of year. But we’re alive and kickin’, thanks be to God. May the love of the Holy Trinity sustain and magnify all we do here for the Kingdom.
Fr. Brian
