St. Francis of Assisi Forum, Ann Arbor. St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1 Page 1 St. Francis of Assisi Parish Forum Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Our Grandparents WELCOME! We, the people of God of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, guided by the Holy Spirit are called to continue the mission of Jesus Christ. Whether you come to us from across the street or from across the country, we are honored that you have chosen to spend part of your Sunday with us. This week on July 26, we celebrate the Feast day of St Anne and St Joachim, the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Their lives changed the fate of human history and they can be powerful examples for us on how to live our faith in today s world. The Church honors them for their devotion to God and their love and fidelity to each other. St Joachim s and St Anne s prayer life and their relationship, although not biblical can be inferred from early legendary sources and their daughter Mary. They were shunned by their community because they had no children but remained prayerful as an angel told them they would have a baby whom they consecrated to God. Their yes to God, to each other and their prayer life gave the world its Savior through their daughter Mary. I too become discouraged when I find myself challenged by the expectations of others. I need to follow the example of St Joachim and St Anne and remain steadfast in prayer, listening to God not others, remembering all that I have and accomplish is a gift from God and needs to be returned to Him. St Joachim and St Anne are the first couple honored with a feast day. It is important for me to remember that Vicky and I as a married couple need to strive to become saints. I need to pray for her, listen, love and support her. Like St Joachim and St Anne, Vicky and I must pray together because less than 2 % of couples that pray together each day get a divorce. Issue Highlights: P.3 Pray for our World Youth Day Pilgrims P.3 & 5 Summer series-july 27 & August 10 P.5 Breakfast & Talk-July 24 P.7 9 Outreach, Service & Justice P.10,13 Pilgrimages and Holy Doors St Joachim and St Anne loved and prayed for their grandchild Jesus, were sad when Jesus, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt but had trust that Jesus would be ok. I need to continue to love and pray for my children and grandchildren each day and trust my children s role as parents. St Joachim and St Anne our grandparents through Mary our mother and sister in Christ pray for us. Love and blessings Deacon Rich ICON: The Holy Family featured on the icon for the World Meeting of Families 2015 includes Jesus grandparents, Sts. Joachim and Anna (to the left).

2 Page 2 St. Francis of Assisi Parish Directory Parish Offices: (734) or (734) , Fax: (734) Frieze Ave, Ann Arbor MI Internet Web Page: WORSHIP SCHEDULE Weekend Mass: Saturday 5:00 p.m., Sunday 7:00, 8:30, & 10:30 a.m., & 12:30 p.m. (5PM-Sept 18-June 1). Weekday Masses: 9:15 a.m. on Mon/ Tue/ Wed/ Friday in the Chapel downstairs. Thursday in Church. Holy Hour: Thursdays after 9:15 a.m. Mass, includes: Reconciliation on 1st Thurs. of month, Anointing of Sick on 3rd, with Eucharistic Adoration continuing all Thurs. until 6:30 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Spiritual Direction: Would you like to speak with a Spiritual Director? We have several commissioned in our parish. To contact one, please call Janene Ternes at Alcohol or Drug Addiction: Does that apply to you or a loved one? Help is available through St. Francis. Leave a message in mailbox #1 of the Parish Health Ministry Voic , Health Ministry Voic If you have health questions or concerns, please call our parish health professionals & leave a message at Parish Library: Open before & after weekend masses, in church gathering area. Are You Experiencing a Life-Changing Event and in Need of Temporary Assistance? Elizabeth Ministry volunteers serve parish members & families experiencing difficult situations (serious illness, new baby, miscarriage, hospital recovery, etc). We can offer temporary help in the form of a compassionate ear, prayers, meals, laundry help, transportation, etc. Call the parish office at Mission Statement We, the people of God of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish, guided by the Holy Spirit are called to continue the mission of Jesus Christ. We dedicate ourselves to the fulfillment of this mission by proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom of God, by living in love and fellowship, by seeking nourishment in God s Word and in worship and prayer, and by dedicating ourselves to the service of others. Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we pledge ourselves to be living witnesses of God s presence to the world. PARISH TEAM Phone Name Address Council, Commission & Ministry Chairpersons Pastor Fr. James Conlon...frjames@stfrancisa2.org Pastoral Council, Bob Ferris Knights of Columbus, Josh Peck Parochial Vicar Fr. Shaun Lowery... frshaun@stfrancisa2.org Deacon Dcn Rich Badics......rbadics@stfrancisa2.org Parish Secretary Pam Smith..parishoffice@stfrancisa2.org Business Manager Dave Barera...dsbarera@stfrancisa2.org Finance Council, Mary Krasny Stewardship & Development Colleen Pierce....cpierce@stfrancisa2.org Development Committee, Chuck Stankovic Educational Trust Fund, Patti Dobbs Bookkeeper School Bookkeeper Communications Service & Justice Nunu Lysloff...nunu@stfrancisa2.org Gail O Neill...goneill@stfrancisa2.org Jim Russo... jrusso@stfrancisa2.org Scott Wright...swright@stfrancisa2.org Sunday Co-op Nursery: Is on Summer Vacation, during 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Masses. Christian Service SVdP, Thomas Powell Resuming in the fall. Call Kelly Hernandez (734- Peace & Justice, Kelly Gauthier & Dick Brown ). Senior Citizen Committee, Sharon Wright Parish Health Ministry, Danaica Watson Baptism: Every Sunday during 12:30 p.m. Music & Liturgy Ministry TBD Mass. A pre-baptism class is required before the Worship Coordinator Susan Wawrzaszek...liturgy@stfrancisa2.org baptism. For details and to register, contact Fr. Worship Committee, Ken Schmanske Tom Wasilewski at or see the Baptism Altar Society link at our website. Adult Faith Formation Marriage Preparation: Please call the and RCIA Ministry Marty Lucas... mlucas@stfrancisa2.org parish office to begin marriage preparation at least Adult Formation Committee, Karen Cole nine months before the proposed wedding date. Adult Faith Groups Kelly Hernandez...khernandez@stfrancisa2.org Young Adult and H.S. Youth Ministries Enzo Randazzo... enzo@stfrancisa2.org Young Adult Ministry H.S. Youth Ministry Religious Ed. Director Ellen Ward... ward@stfrancisa2.org Religious Ed. Committee, Mary Foeller Religious Ed. Secretary Mary Tillotson... stfreled@stfrancisa2.org Priest In-Residence Fr. Terry Dumas... frtdumas@stfrancisa2.org School Principal Julie Pritzel... jpritzel@stfrancisaa.org School Finance Committee, Richelle Babcock School Improvement, Merrit Gillilland PTG, Marissa Green School Secretary Kelly VanOirschot... school@stfrancisaa.org Extended School Pgm Christina Busse... cbusse@stfrancisaa.org ESP Committee, Jackie Lapinski Parish Registration: forms are at the church entrance. Complete the form and drop it into the collection basket or return to the parish office; or use the parish website Parish Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Thursday: 8am-8pm; Wed, Friday: 8am-6pm; and Saturday: 10am-2pm

3 P lease Pray for our Pilgrims at the WYD Papal Mass! Our St. Francis Pilgrims are carrying your prayer intentions to the Papal Mass on July 31 st during World Youth Day in Kraków! We will pray for you. Please pray for our Pilgrims: Pray we become more devoted to Christ s mercy. Pray, of course, we be safe on this journey! Pray that we are given a new zeal for the Church and her teaching. Do widzenia! Enzo C OME & SEE Do you seek belonging to something larger than just yourself? Have you been searching for a church home? Have you been moved by the celebration of our liturgy? Did you find our parish community welcoming? Are you not Catholic but find you are at peace or sense you are at home when you are in our church? Have you: never been baptized baptized into another faith baptized and seeking more formation been interested in learning about the Catholic Faith Our doors are open for you! If you would like more information or if you would like to speak to someone privately, contact Marty Lucas at mlucas@stfrancisa2.org or Come and See what being Catholic is all about! You take the first step; we ll be there to walk you the rest of the way! G od calls us into personal relationship Page 3 S ummer with the Saints dates complement the On the Lawn series Join us THIS Wed., July 27 at 6:30 pm in the Choir Room (in church basement) Join a small group this summer as we explore some of the great heroes of our Catholic Faith. We will learn about the lives of St. Katharine Drexel, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Edith Stein, St. Teresa of Calcutta, Thomas Merton, St. John of the Cross, and St. Teresa of Avila. In particular, we will be exploring their personal devotions and prayer life. Come learn how to pray like the saints! The group will meet Wednesdays: June 22, July 6, 20, 27, August 3 in complement to the On the Lawn series. To sign up and for details, contact Kelly Hernandez at khernandez@stfrancisa2.org or (734) One of the greatest paradoxes of the mystical life is this: that a man cannot enter into the deepest center of himself and pass through that center into God, unless he is able to pass entirely out of himself and empty himself and give himself to other people in the purity of selfless love. from Seeds of Contemplation, by Thomas Merton, priest, Trappist Monk. One way to know God more personally, and to recognize God s actions and presence in our lives, is through monthly spiritual direction. Guided by the Holy Spirit and companioned by a trained Spiritual Director, you will look at your daily life with new eyes. Through discussion of your prayer, activities and encounters with others, you will better recognize God s active presence in your life. This will help develop the gift of discernment, which enables you to be more attentive to how God is leading and guiding you. To arrange an exploratory, confidential visit with one of our experienced Spiritual Directors, or for more information call Janene Ternes at

4 Page 4 This Week at St. Francis July 25 31, 2016 Monday St. James 9:15 AM Mass: Intentions of Jim Conlon Helen Rysse 7:00 PM Divorced/Separated (s.library) 7:00 PM Meditation (chapel) 7:30 PM K of C officers meeting (choir ) Tuesday Sts. Joachim & Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary 9:15 AM Mass: +Celia Espinoza Perez Adriana & Hispanic Ministry Friends 6:00 PM Planned Giving (POMR) 7:00 PM ETF Trustees (POMR) 7:00 PM Christian Initiation-RCIA Inquiry (music) Wednesday 9:15 AM Mass: +Ernest Sarosi Kathy & Lou Magagna 10:00 AM Gospel Group (p.library) 11:00 AM Violin lessons (choir) 6:30 PM Small Group Summer with the Saints (choir) Thursday 9:15 AM Mass (church): To honor Mary Weg & the late John Weg on the 60th anniversary of their wedding 10:00 AM Adoration until 6:30PM (church) Friday St. Martha 9:15 AM Mass: +Helen Richowitz The Valenti Family Saturday 3:30 PM Confession (church) 5:00 PM Mass: St. Francis Parish Family Sunday Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Enjoy coffee & donuts after 8:30 & 10:30 masses (PAC) 7:00 AM Mass: Intentions of the NTI Staff H. Downey 8:30 AM Mass: +William Diroff JoAnn Quigley 10:30 AM Mass: +Rosa Santana Sylvia Otero 12:30 PM Mass: +Helen Richowitz James & JoAnn Valenti Scripture Readings July Monday 2 Cor 4:7-15; Ps 126:1b-6; Mt 20:20-28 Tuesday Jer 14:17-22; Ps 79:8-9,11,13; Mt 13:36-43 Wednesday Jer 15:10,16-21; Ps 59:2-4,10-11,17-18; Mt 13:44-46 Thursday Jer 18:1-6; Ps 146:1b-6b; Mt 13:47-53 Friday Jer 26:1-9; Ps 69:5,8-10,14; Jn 11:19-27 Saturday Jer 26:11-16,24; Ps 69:15-16,30-31,33-34; Mt 14:1-12 Sunday Eccl 1:2, 2:21-23; Ps 90:3-6,12-14,17; Col 3:1-5,9-11; Lk 12:13-21 Pray for the Sick Please call the parish office to add a name to our prayer list. Help us to keep our list current by letting us know when we may remove a name. Please remember in your prayers: Raziel Tungol, Marion Sczykutowicz, Kelly Dishman, Evengelina Gatchalian, Margaret Applin-Martin, Bob Bodenmiller, Bob Ruelle, George Mehuron, Billy Reiter, Ann Frimodig, Bill LaCroix, George Mehuron, Billy Reiter, Ed Yee, Anne Stemmerich, Mary Doyle, Jean Pearson, Anne Warner, BJ Razgunas, Ken Gaertner, Kelly Watkins, Molly Volz, Ruth Downer, Cheryl Fickes, Elizabeth Weber, Fr. Tom Wasilewski, Paula Savaglio, David Iocca, Joyce Driscoll, Chuck Spiteri, Phyllis Slone, Ellsworth Stout, Gloria Casto, Casie Shannon, Tom Pfilif, Ann O Neill, Maria McFarland, Brian Boyer, Mike Shalhoub, Barb DeLongchamp, Carol Walker, Carolyn Holcomb, Bob Bordeau, Mary McKenzie, Dorothy Heath, Catherine Shields, Suzanne McBride, Ernest Beaulieu, Jim Conlon, Cletus Denoyer, Julie Jackowski, Mark Derenthal, John Hiller, Phyllis Hiller, Rosalyn Smith, Debra Ruthven, Waneta Schummer, Steven Reynolds, Rosemary Korkowski, Katie Stepnitz, James Kimmet, Hilda Field, Richard Dorr, Aline Madison, Margaret Ross, John Schwarz, Frank Visovatti, Libby Derenthal, Frances Anhut, Deborah Johnson, Mary Stoddard, Nemesia Publico, Gerri Sullivan, Dominic Bitondo, Leo Zarins, Mary Hayes, Evelyn Kromer, Luz/Mila Fernandez, Fr. Henry Hoerburger. Baptized in Christ Isaac Matthew Knierbein, son of Ryan Knierbein & Erin Neil Knierbein. Arianna Marie Viglianti and Joshua Arturo Viglianti, children of Benjamin & Elizabeth (Tafolla) Viglianti. **Joshua also became one with us for the first time at the Eucharistic Table of the Lord. Died in Christ Luann Littlefield-Turcott, cousin of Ann Littlefield. Barbara Wood, sister of Allan (Maribeth) Beatty. T hursday Holy Hour Spend an Hour with Jesus! Our weekly Holy Hour begins immediately after the 9:15a.m. Thursday morning Mass that is celebrated upstairs in the main Church. The Holy Hour: ( 9:45 to 10:45AM in the church) Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament Silent Prayer time. On the 1st Thursday of each month, we offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation On the 3rd Thursday of each month, we offer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick Rosary Prayers for our school children, our community and for the needs of the universal Church Eucharistic Adoration continues all day Thursday in the main church. You re invited to spend an hour of prayer in the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament any time on Thursdays from 10AM to 6:30 PM.

5 S ummer on the Lawn St. Lawrence, the Deacon J Page 5 TODAY, Sunday morning, July 24 oin us for a Jubilee Year BREAKFAST & TALK on St. Mary Magdalene During this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis recently raised the memorial celebration on July 22 honoring St. Mary Magdalene, to a feast day. In doing so, Mary Magdalene, under the title of Apostle to the Apostles now has the same honor within the Church as the twelve Apostles! Come roast the Deacon as we learn about St. Lawrence on August 10! Join Deacon Rich ON THE LAWN for our final gathering this summer. Evening prayer is at 6:30 pm in Church then we retire to the lawn on the west side of the building for Deacon s presentation on St. Lawrence whose story of martyrdom is legendary. It is told he was literally roasted! Join us TODAY, Sun. July 24 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) for Breakfast, conversation, and a talk on St. Mary Magdalene. We ll look at what scripture and tradition tells us about her, and look at the reasons the Pope raised her day to the preeminence of a feast day. Our morning will last until about 12 noon. Questions: contact Ellen Ward at or ward@stfrancisa2.org Bring a blanket to sit on the hillside or if you prefer, a chair to position at the edge of the parking lot. Bring a friend, too! This is a relaxed and easy way to introduce someone to the Catholic faith or to simply learn a bit about some saints. Please let us know you are coming! Register online at the Parish website or by contacting Marty Lucas at mlucas@stfrancisa2.org or Even if you did not attend the previous gatherings, you are welcome to attend in August. Children are welcome. If we have extreme heat or are threatened with stormy weather, the talk and supper will take place in the PAC.

6 Page 6 Just For You! S upport for Divorced or Separated Meets every Monday 7:00 pm in the School Library This is a difficult time in your life but there is comfort with others along the same journey. Looking for ways to move forward with your healing? Wondering where God is in your life as you rebuild your life? Despite how you feel, you belong to the church and with God in these difficult and confusing times. Come share your thoughts and feelings and get answers to many frequently asked questions. Members of the group are in various stages of the process and can offer comfort and community. You might help yourself and others as you discover you are not alone. We all have something to offer. No need to register, just come and check us out. Feel free to bring a friend. For questions, contact Jeff at S St. Francis Join us Tuesday, August 10 At 9:15am Mass in the Chapel, then join us to Welcome our new priest, Fr. Shaun Wednesday, August 10 Join us for refreshments and a time to visit as we take this opportunity to meet and welcome our new priest, Fr. Shaun Lowery to St. Francis Parish. One hour for God? C ould You Help our Monday Morning Church Crew? If you can push a vacuum or dust mop, or straighten a set of hymnals - WE NEED YOU! Join our Monday Morning Church Crew from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and help clean the church. We give one hour each week to straighten up the Lord's house - then finish with a cup of coffee for all. For more information call Dave Barera in the Parish Office ( ). For the latest on parish Summer events, activities, and prayers see our website: STFRANCISA2.COM M others Support Groups!!! MOTHER/CHILD NETWORK A Fun Playgroup We are a fun playgroup for moms and young children. We meet for informal conversations while the kids play on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month from September through mid-june at 10AM in the church nursery. We also have an active summer schedule of special activities. To learn more, contact Tayna Sutton at: tanyasutton81@gmail.com ( ). MOMS Ministry of Moms Sharing See you again in the Fall! Keep updated by liking us on Facebook or by ing: stfrancismoms@umich.edu

7 V olunteer at Catholic Services? Eucharistic Ministers Needed A Please Consider Volunteering to ssist our Homebound Ministers with The Holy Door of Mercy Page 7 Each month St. Francis Parish volunteer teams of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion visit several assisted living facilities. Please come and join a team of ministers. To get started contact: Scott Wright or swright@stfrancisa2.org Volunteer to Assist those going to Mass At Glacier Hills Senior Living Community on Earhart Road, Catholic mass and services are held on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Tuesdays of each month at 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 pm. We are in need of additional volunteers to assist residents/patients with getting from their room to the Catholic services. Are you interested? Contact Dcn Rich Badics at rbadics@stfrancisa2.org (cell: ). D o You Enjoy Spending Time with Seniors? Are you looking for ways to get involved in the community? The Catholic Social Services CSSW Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program is looking for volunteers to help with in-home, non-medical, respite and companionship services. These individuals provide major support for our participants and program. They reach out to families that are caring for a loved one and need a break, or to home-bound seniors who would like someone to talk to and spend time with. If you are 21 years of age or older, and willing to commit just 2-4 hours, one day a week for six months, please contact us today! After the interview and orientation on the St. Joseph Mercy campus, we will pair you with someone located within ten miles of your home. To learn more or get started, please contact Samantha Larsen at slarsen@csswashtenaw.org or We are looking for volunteers to assist our homebound ministers in offering the opportunity for our elderly, sick, and homebound to cross the threshold of the holy door of mercy in their current residences or either in bed. During this extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis encourages us to especially remember those who are homebound, so that they too are able to participate in this Jubilee Year and experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instills hope. We will be visiting our homebound and offering the rite for the holy door as part of the regularly scheduled Communion services. Visits, including the holy door ritual will take place from early September to late October. While most visits take place during the week, some opening are available on the weekends, enabling families to also volunteer. The rite is simple and training is provided. Volunteers go with our homebound ministers and with the blessing and support of Fr. James and the St. Francis parish community. Are You Able To Volunteer? Please mark your calendar for the orientation on Sunday, August 21 at 9:45 a.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC). Please let us know of your interest by contacting Scott Wright at swright@stfrancisa2.org ( ), or Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org ( ). God bless you during the holy year!

8 Page 8 CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING Faith and the Public Health Perspective on GUN VIOLENCE Respecting Life in the 21 st Century: Article 2 of 2 Recently, our Parish Bulletin had an article that addressed gun violence as a Respect Life issue. Sadly, gun violence has had a devastating impact on individuals and families in every economic class but has had an inordinate impact on the poorest and most vulnerable in our society. As noted in testimony (February 12, 2013) to the United States Senate by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, it was expressed that gun violence is an all too common reality. In so many instances, if a gun had NOT been present / or NOT so readily available, the tragedy may have been avoided or at least, mitigated. All too typical examples are: a mass shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in which twenty children and six adult staff members were killed by a mentally-unstable shooter using an assault rifle and multiple high-capacity ammunition magazines; a domestic dispute during which a Texas woman shot her two daughters; a shooting in which a 6-year-old (while playing with his mom s handgun) killed his 4-year-old brother; an Ohio State football player who, reportedly, was despondent as the result of multiple concussions, committed suicide with his handgun. The Vatican s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, emphasized the importance of enacting concrete controls on the production, possession, and trade in weapons, including handguns, calling for them to be regulated. The Conference of Benedictine Prioresses issued a statement on Gun Violence: 1. Require every person who buys a gun to pass a criminal background check; 2. Ban the sale of assault-style weapons and high capacity ammunition magazines. 3. Make gun trafficking a federal crime; 4. Fund robust care for those with mental illness; 5. End the freeze on gun violence research. Catholic Social Teaching (continued next column) OUTREACH, SERVICE + JUSTICE justice@stfrancisa2.org Visit our parish website, Sign Up Forms link. Let s Garden!!! Sign-up at: St Francis of Assisi Garden Ministries seek volunteers this season for: (1) Sustainable Vegetable Gardens: Grow and Harvest Vegetables for Local Preschool. (2) Gardening and Grounds Grooming Group (4G Network) Beautify and Maintain On-Site Gardens: Peace, Mary, Memorial, and more. Contact Karen Cole ( or cole@aaps.k12.mi.us) or Erich Jensen ( or erichjensen@msn.com ) or Rose Sherry ( or family@rosendon.com ). Help the Hungry Your help is needed at Emergency Food program at Northside Community Center, 815 Taylor, Ann Arbor, , administered by Catholic Social Services. The program distributes groceries and personal care items to low-income families and individuals on a monthly and/or emergency basis. If you can help for even 30 minutes, please Sign-up at stfrancisa2.com - click Sign-Up Forms link, or call Catholic Social Teaching (continued from left column) If we become discouraged in our efforts to address the horrors of gun violence in the face of an entrenched gun lobby and a seemingly indifferent legislature, let us be reminded of others who faced even more difficult tasks: Gandhi in his fight for Indian independence; Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. who struggled against the Jim Crow laws; Father Thomas Merton who worked against the insanity of nuclear Mutual Assured Destruction; Archbishop Oscar Romero spoke up against the Salvadoran death squads; Dorothy Day in her daily struggles to address poverty. ~ St. Francis of Assisi Peace & Justice Committee

9 Page 9 Thank You for the Food Drive to our Sister Parish! (Above center): Curtis Simpson helps sort food drive.

10 Page 10 H OLY LAND Pilgrimage: February 15-24, 2017 with Fr. James Conlon Fr. James will serve as the pastoral guide on this spiritually enriching biblical adventure. The pilgrimage will be guided by expert guides Steve & Janet Ray, producers of the Footprints of God documentaries, Israel experts, international author and speaker. Father wading in Dead Sea! Travel arrangements will be made through Corporate Travel of Dearborn. Airline pricing will be available May 1, See brochure in the Parish Office, or at our parish website, on the Church Community tab, under "Quick Links". Y oung Adult Ministry Invites YOU to Camino de Santiago: MAY 1-9, 2017 Brochures now Available! Take the famous Way of St. James Pilgrimage in SPAIN With Father James! J ubilee Pilgrimage to TORONTO ~ with Fr. James Conlon Tuesday, October 11 to Wed, October 12 Itinerary: Tuesday, October 11, :00 am Mass celebrated by Fr. James Conlon at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ann Arbor. -- 9:00 am Bus Departs from front of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor MI Lunch at restaurant (pay on your own*1) Tour St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto Dinner at restaurant (pay on your own*2) Overnight at hotel. Wednesday, October 12, Holy Door & Mass at St. Paul's Basilica, Toronto by Fr. James Conlon Breakfast at hotel restaurant (included) Holy Door at St. Peter's Cathedral Basilica, London, Ontario, Canada Lunch at restaurant (pay on your own*3). -- 7:30 pm Bus Arrives back at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ann Arbor. Cost: $ double occupancy room. Includes Bus transportation, Tours, Breakfast, as well as a Tip for our bus driver. *Lunches/Dinner: Remember to bring your money for lunches & dinner. Be sure and plan ahead! You may want to check ahead with your local bank to get the best Canadian currency exchange rate before leaving. Get your Passport ready, or, get your Enhanced Michigan Driver s License! Save your seat now! A $ (minimum nonrefundable) registration fee is due to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due by August 10, Sign-up at stfrancisa2.com (see Sign-Up Forms link) This will be a 9-day trip: May 1 to 9, All people willing to hike an average of 12 miles a day are welcome to come! Trip brochures are available in the Church Gathering Space, or by request via to Enzo. Questions, contact Enzo at enzo@stfrancisa2.org or Payment by credit card with On-Line sign up, or deliver your payment to the Parish Office, payable to "St. Francis" and note: "Toronto". Questions? Contact: Scott Wright or swright@stfrancisa2.org

11 R egister your Child for Religious Education Classes! Page 11 Passing on our faith is the greatest inheritance we can give our children. If your child is not enrolled in St. Francis Parish School, please register for Religious Education classes. Ongoing participation in Religious Education classes, parental involvement, regular attendance at Mass, and practice of the Faith in the home is the normal means of passing on the Faith to our children. Classes for children in grades preschool through 8th grade begin the last week of September. A first grade education is normally required for preparation of First Holy Communion in the second grade. Preparation for Confirmation begins normally in the 6th grade, and formally in the 7th grade with reception of the sacrament in 8th grade. The Early Registration Discount is until August 31. Every child is entitled to an education in the Faith. If finances are difficult for you, please let us know. Sign up your child for Religious Education classes on-line at STFRANCISA2.COM or pick up a form at the Parish or Religious Education offices. For more information, please contact the RE office at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or or Ellen Ward, Director at ward@stfrancisa2.org and God bless you! All middle & high school students are invited to join the Parish Youth Band! The Youth Band is a growing group of young people, that is open to all middle and high school singers and instrumentalists, and plays during the 12:30 pm Mass twice a month on Sundays. We play contemporary style music, and there are opportunities to cantor. An added bonus is that we promote friendships with each other and with Jesus Christ. If you would like more information, please contact Kelly Hernandez at: khernandez@stfrancisa2.org or Ted Emch at: emch@aaps.k12.mi.us Now Accepting Registrations

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13 Page 13 T raveling this Summer? Plan ahead & go through a Holy Door of Mercy! During this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, we are asked to seek out and cross the threshold of a holy door of mercy. Pope Francis has asked each diocese around the world to designate holy doors so that as many of the faithful as possible may cross the threshold with the intention of seeking God s mercy and resolving to show that mercy to others. If you are traveling this summer, consider planning to go through a holy door of mercy yourself or with your family. Some holy doors are quite elaborate, while others are plain, but regardless of the appearance of the door, each one allows us the opportunity to experience and dedicate ourselves to Christ. A good website that lists the designated holy doors can be found at: catholicpilgrimagesites.wordpress.com/holy-doors-of-mercy How do you cross the threshold of the holy door? When you arrive: 1. Take a moment and place yourself in the presence of God. 2. Pray the prayer for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. (See the prayer in the side box, English version-next page). 3. Be ready to leave behind all that keeps you from a closer relationship with God. Place your trust in God. 4. As you walk through the door, pause for a second on the threshold, entrusting yourself and your intentions to God. You may wish to make the Sign of the Cross. 5. After you walk through the Holy Door of Mercy into Church, make a firm commitment to Christ who blesses you with the abundant grace of God s love and mercy. 6. Live the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ: Worship God at Sunday Mass, pray daily, confess regularly your wrongdoings, and engage in the works of mercy, always striving with the help of God for love as the highest and most central message shown through, with, and in your life. If you would like to receive the plenary indulgence, be sure in a timely manner to complete the following requirements: 1) Enter through the Holy Door; 2) Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession); 3) Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father; 4) Celebrate Mass with holy Communion; 5) Pray the Creed. Oración Año de la Misericordia por Papa Francisco Señor Jesucristo, tú nos has enseñado a ser misericordiosos como el Padre del cielo, y nos has dicho que quien te ve, lo ve también a Él. Muéstranos tu rostro y obtendremos la salvación. Tu mirada llena de amor liberó a Zaqueo y a Mateo de la esclavitud del dinero; a la adúltera y a la Magdalena de buscar la felicidad solamente en una creatura; hizo llorar a Pedro luego de la traición, y aseguró el Paraíso al ladrón arrepentido. Haz que cada uno de nosotros escuche como propia la palabra que dijiste a la samaritana: Si conocieras el don de Dios! Tú eres el rostro visible del Padre invisible, del Dios que manifiesta su omnipotencia sobre todo con el perdón y la misericordia: haz que, en el mundo, la Iglesia sea el rostro visible de Ti, su Señor, resucitado y glorioso. Tú has querido que también tus ministros fueran revestidos de debilidad para que sientan sincera compasión por los que se encuentran en la ignorancia o en el error: haz que quien se acerque a uno de ellos se sienta esperado, amado y perdonado por Dios. Manda tu Espíritu y conságranos a todos con su unción para que el Jubileo de la Misericordia sea un año de gracia del Señor y tu Iglesia pueda, con renovado entusiasmo, llevar la Buena Nueva a los pobres proclamar la libertad a los prisioneros y oprimidos y restituir la vista a los ciegos. Te lo pedimos por intercesión de María, Madre de la Misericordia, a ti que vives y reinas con el Padre y el Espíritu Santo por los siglos de los siglos. Amén. HOLY DOOR (Continued on page 14)

14 Page 14 HOLY DOOR (Continued from page 13) Pope Francis encourages us, explaining, The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, because it represents the journey each of us makes in this life. Life itself is a pilgrimage, and the human being is a viator, a pilgrim travelling along the road, making his way to the desired destination. Similarly, to reach the Holy Door in Rome or in any other place in the world, everyone, each according to his or her ability, will have to make a pilgrimage. This will be a sign that mercy is also a goal to reach and requires dedication and sacrifice. May pilgrimage be an impetus to conversion: by crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, we will find the strength to embrace God s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us (Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy). The Jubilee Year of Mercy ends November 20, Enjoy your summer! Que le vaya con Dios! Que Dios y la Virgen te acompañen! May God go with you! May the Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany you! Jubilee Year of Mercy Prayer by Pope Francis Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father, and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him. Show us your face and we will be saved. Your loving gaze freed Zacchaeus and Matthew from being enslaved by money; the adulteress and Magdalene from seeking happiness only in created things; made Peter weep after his betrayal, and assured Paradise to the repentant thief. Let us hear, as if addressed to each one of us, the words that you spoke to the Samaritan woman: If you knew the gift of God! You are the visible face of the invisible Father, of the God who manifests his power above all by forgiveness and mercy: let the Church be your visible face in the world, its Lord risen and glorified. You willed that your ministers would also be clothed in weakness in order that they may feel compassion for those in ignorance and error: let everyone who approaches them feel sought after, loved, and forgiven by God. Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing, so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord, and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed, and restore sight to the blind. We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Mercy, you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen. What s Happening in our Area? I ce Cream Social & more: Thur, July 28 You are invited to the annual Ice Cream Social (a tradition since 1892) on Thursday, July 28 from 5-8 pm on the lawn St. Mary Manchester Church, 210 W. Main St, Manchester All the traditional summer dishes plus free ice cream and cake for all our guests! In addition, there is a Country Store, Fun Foto Booth, raffles, and other activities. All welcome. For more info call D iocese Retreat Center, Dewitt Married Couples Retreat: July Marriage in the Year of Mercy Retreat at St Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt. Time for connecting with your spouse, sharing with other couples, prayer, music, sacraments, enjoying the grounds, personal reflection, visiting the Chapel, private time and socializing over meals and refreshments. Facilitated by Catholic couples from throughout the diocese who reflect on scripture, Church teachings and God's presence in their marriages. Learn to recognize your marriage as a living sign of God's love. $250 per couple. A non-refundable $50 deposit is due with registration by July New Retreat: July 31-Aug. 2 His Mercies Never Come to An End is a new retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center and includes meals, lodging, Reconciliation, Mass, Morning and Night Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Gospel Presentations on Mercy, quiet time to pray, rest, and relax, and the opportunity for individual directed conferences. Retreat director: Tony Sperendi. Cost: $225. For registration and more information contact the Retreat Center toll-free at , or visit: Summer Scripture Days: Aug 9-11 Diversity of Gifts - may we learn to utilize our own special gifts to promote the Love of Christ, at St Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt. Presenter: Fr. David Rosenberg. Registration is open until July 29, Space is limited. Brochures available in the Parish Office, or contact Diane at or darzberger@dioceseoflansing.org and she will or send the brochure to you. Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me. Psalm 138:3a

15 Page 15 M arriage troubles? Is your relationship suffering? Or perhaps you have friends and relatives who are contemplating separation and/or divorce as the answer? Retrouvaille 2016 Weekends: July 15, September 16, October 14 (en Español), October 28. TAKE ACTION! To register or more information, please call (800) or see our website: All calls are confidential. H ost a YFU Exchange Student Share Your Home, Change the World. Hosting a YFU exchange student is an enriching experience for the entire family. Students from 60+ countries around the globe are eager to become a member of an American family and our congregation for the school year. Your family can share its unique traditions and provide the opportunity of a lifetime to an open-minded, brave teenager from another country. YFU welcomes families of all shapes and sizes to host. APPLY: yfuusa. org or contact local Field Director Deborah Fry (at or dfry@yfu.org). International study abroad programs for American students and volunteer opportunities with YFU are also available. A ttn: Married & Engaged Couples Build joyful marriages through Natural Family Planning. Learn how freeing it is to know and understand how your body works rather than being enslaved to artificial hormones. Look into Natural Family Planning (NFP). Couple to Couple offers two types of online courses (live and self-paced) that begin almost every week. To learn more, visit or call (313) 451-4NFP. C hristian Meditation: Meets every Monday Drop in on Mondays at 7-8PM in the lower level Chapel. Learn to use silent meditation to further your personal relationship with God. Meditation is rooted in the Gospel and practiced by the early Desert Fathers. Whether you are new to meditation or someone wanting to rekindle their meditative life, please contact parishioner Paul Thompson at for more information, or just show up. W hat does the Sunday Gospel Mean? Meets Wednesday Mornings The Gospel Group meets on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the parish Library. No prerequisites, drop in anytime. Notes are posted on the parish website, on the Church Community page at Sunday s Gospel. Questions: call Tricia at Volunteers Needed:ArborWoman Pregnancy Center Volunteer BabyCare Program Coordinator (male or female): we need a volunteer eager to do some prayerful, hands -on program development for this county-wide program**, 2-4 hours/week for approx. 2 years. Must be an organized selfstarter, team player, and bargain shopper. Start Date: August 4th. **The BabyCare program provides emergency diapers, wipes, baby food & formula, clothing, and infant hygiene items (baby wash & lotion, diaper cream, etc.) as available. To learn more, contact Iris Proctor at director@arborwoman.com SleepCare Program Volunteer (male or female): Volunteers needed to follow-up with SleepCare class participants via phone and/or , 2-4 hours/week in ArborWoman Office (625 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor). Good phone & skills, organized, attention to detail, etc. Start Date: ASAP. For more info and to apply, visit: Golf benefit: Aug 8 ArborWoman invites you to join them on Monday, August 8th, for On Par For Life 18 holes of golf, dinner and a live auction at Barton Hills Country Club. All proceeds help the pregnancy medical center continue to provide free and confidential services to women and young university students facing unexpected pregnancies - including pregnancy testing, ultrasound, pregnancy options education, and material resource referrals. Register today at Noon shotgun start includes lunch, Golf, cocktails and dinner: $250. Not a golfer? Please join us at 5 p.m. for cocktails, dinner, and a live auction: just $110 per person. Grab a foursome! Become a sponsor! Help us help women Choose Life! For additional information contact Meghan Giersdorf, Event Planner, at (248) or meghang@movecommunications.com

16 Page 16 C onsider a Planned Gift. Our future depends on you! Remember St. Francis of Assisi in your will or trust. Our legal titles include: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. In support of the overall parish mission. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Educational Trust Fund. In support of the school s long-term financial stability. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. In support of the school s current needs. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Tuition Assistance Fund. In support of helping deserving families meet tuition obligations. Our address (for all of the entities above) is: 2150 Frieze Avenue, Ann Arbor MI Our tax identification number (for all of the entities above) is: For more information, please contact: Dave Barera, Business Manager ( dsbarera@stfrancisa2.org) or Colleen Pierce, Director of Stewardship & Development, , cpierce@stfrancisa2.org A s you enjoy Summer Vacation, Please remember St. Francis Parish bills never take a vacation. You might consider making your Sunday contributions electronically with direct debit transfer. Direct debit is easy, convenient and offered without added cost to the parishioner. Download a form at stfrancisa2.com/sign-up-forms/ click on Sunday Offering Direct Debit Happy Birthday to You!!! We hope that you will wish a Happy Birthday to those you know, and say a prayer for all those celebrating their birthday this week. Please call the Parish Office ( ) with corrections. Thank you! 7/25 Diane Briggman Evan Burghardt Mikhaila Calice Jean Carey Phyllis Coleman Lorraine Crall Chloe Dihle Michael Dombrowski Matthew Dombrowski Margeaux Ebersohn Elizabeth Edwards Chinbat Erdenejargal Joseph Fantone Sophia Goethals Lori Grover Sarah Hughes Ellen Keefe-Garner Katena Lafkas- Presutti Anna Mathew Lauren O'Connell Daniel Vincenz Claire Vogel 7/26 Sunley Bush Karl Edelmann II Mary Fesmire Chris Fichera Eddie Fonji Katherine Huntzicker Mauro Lucarelli Abigail Michalec Guinevere Michalec John Scheible Cory Schoebel Christine Tomassi Chynelle Vaughn Rosemary Waters Ann Marie Weitzel 7/27 Aimee Bergquist Melissa Bretzius Scott Davis-Goppold Norma Doyle Haley Gaertner Sarah Hinshaw Annabel Hollenshead Jack Houston Eduardo Icaza Telfer Johnson Joseph Kaplan Adelia King Katherine Koehler Michelle Mierzwa Richard Sansburn Ria Thomas Marissa Thomas Tom Tsilis Anh Vu Susan Zill 7/28 John Antos Aubreigh Beauregard Keith Bretzius Diane Carriero Elijah Cashman Sarah Ferris Arianna Himich Glenn Keates Maria Kim Christina Kolling Gary Paelicke Monica Reich Mark Roh Lois Russell Megan Sauter Evan Wright 7/29 Jane Belanger Denise Cadavieco Ruthann Distler Janice Doyle Mary Fitzgerald Paul Harkaway Michelle Hayes Mia Kato Angela King Jeffery D. King Christopher Kreucher Ryan Lindstrom Louis Magagna Daniel Miling Lisa Newton Tina Pagnucco Theodore Reich Nathalie Ruelle Joshua Szewczul Daniel Thompson Theresa Visintainer Paul Weintraub 7/30 Barbara Alvarez Margaret Applin- Martin Constance Bazzel Aidan Behmer Jessica Brown Hannah Burmann Janette Ferrantino Madison Flamme Sharon Franco Dylan Gilbert Jackson Gray Brayden King Michael Lafferty Vincent LeGris Natalie Nagpal Francis Pagani Mia Patierno Louise Perrotta Connie Powers Rachel Powers Sebastian Ruvo Michael Suter Jenny Thompson Benjamin Watson 7/31 Erin Bengelink Matthew Briere Melissa Brown David Calice Daniel Calice Brandon Carmack Elizabeth Derenthal John Golen Brad Haudan Reese Heeringa Sarah Henseler Annette Herbert Alyssa Laten Patrick McKeon Amy Mehraban Madeline Mercier Shannon Murphy Dawn Pattee Christopher Petzak Elena Schiopa Christopher Sifuentes Emily Swastek Avery Welliver

17 Page 17 Bulletin Board SAVE THE DATE Come Meet, Greet, and Join in the Fun at the Parish Picnic Sunday, September 11 following the 12:30 p.m. Mass! If you are interested in volunteering for this year s picnic, please contact Kelly Hernandez: (734) or khernandez@stfrancisa2.org P rayers for those in Military Service Please remember in your prayers the men and women of our parish and parish families, who are serving in the military. May God bring peace to our world! If someone in your family is serving in the military in the USA or overseas, and you would like to have his/her name included in our prayer list, please his/her name to: <frjames@stfarancisa2.org>. Our printed list is being held for the security and confidentiality of families. Thank You for Your Support!!! Sunday Collection: We thank you for your generous support of our parish and its ministry! Tithing for July 17 was $19,267 which includes Children s good deeds and 2 envelope and $2.00. The special collection for Catholic Habitat House as of 7/17/16 was $588. Please be sure to mark your envelope with the amount donated. This will ensure proper credit to your account. If you move, please let us know as soon as possible. Thank You! Bookkeeping Department * FREE Direct Debit!!! Have your Sunday Contributions transferred electronically from your checking account, with no fee charged to you! If interested, please call Dave Barera at the parish office,