This evening, more than 60 Queens parishioners, Knights of Columbus and altar servers are headed up to the Vocations Night with the Lansing Lugnuts this evening. I have to stay back to meet an out of town engaged couple and preside over a wake at the funeral home, but I hope a great and safe time will be enjoyed by all!

Please pray for the incoming 9th grade students from Queens, St. John and St. Mary who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation at Our Lady of Fatima this October 25th. They will be making a day-long retreat tomorrow at Camp FaHoLo in Grass Lake. One of the priests of the Servants of Charity and the St. Louis Center in Chelsea will be at Queens for 3:30pm Confessions and 5pm Saturday evening Mass tomorrow so I can head out to the camp to hear confessions, offer Eucharistic adoration and celebrate Mass for the young people.

The final tally is in for this year’s Mission Appeal to help the Franciscans feed the world’s poor. The generosity of Queens parishioners allowed us to send a check for nearly $26,000 to help them help others. Fr. Percey was overwhelmed with gratitude when I shared this number with him. The money will go to help feed the poor in several countries, but had it all been sent to the Philippines, Father said it would have financed his program to feed the 150 children of the slums and the city dump three meals a day for three months.

Helping the poor is a fantastic investment opportunity, not only because the U.S. dollar still has incredible buying power in developing countries, but also because such acts of kindness store up for ourselves treasures in heaven that will pay off in eternity. On behalf of Fr. Percey Tayem, OFM, the Franciscan Missionaries, and all the children they serve: ‘thank you for your gift!’ You don’t just make a difference. You are the difference!

For parents with children in public school, I strongly urge you to enroll them in Sunday Faith Formation. This is mandatory for those seeking 1^st Communion and Confirmation next year.  Sunday School and attending 1 weekend Mass each week are two vital and necessary ways for parents to live out the promise they made when they had their children baptized – to raise them in the practice of the faith. 

There is a parents’ meeting and first class for Sunday Faith Formation on August 30^th.  To register, contact Faith Formation at bkoval@queenschurch.com and Betsy will be glad to assist you. You can also use your smartphone to scan the QR code below.   Classes meet on Sundays from 10:15 to 11:45 in the school. The cost is minimal and financial aid is available for those who demonstrate need.

Last year, the Diocese of Lansing joined dioceses all over America and all across the U.S., France and Ireland, in reporting record numbers of converts to the Catholic faith. Queens was no different as we had the biggest OCIA class that we’ve ever had since I became pastor here back in 2010. Studies show that young people are starting to come to church in larger numbers than we have seen for a generation, young men in particular. It is time for us to capitalize on this increased interest in Catholicism, while at the same time fulfilling the call of our baptism – to become a disciple of Jesus by making disciples for him. What does it mean to be a disciple? To follow Jesus and to lead other people to him.

Betsy Koval is in charge of all levels of faith formation here at Queens:  children, adults and converts.  That is why you should also reach out to her if you or someone you know is interested in learning more about OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.  If you know someone who is searching and looking for more meaning and fulfillment in their life, send them to us.  You, the people in the pew, play an essential role in helping us connect with people that are Catholic and just don’t know it yet!  This could be a spouse who has attended Mass for years, a coworker, neighbor or friend.  They don’t have to know everything or have it all figured out yet.  OCIA is a chance to ask questions and find answers together.  No pressure.  No strings attached. 

Please come to an inquiry meeting and first class in Seton Hall (lower level) at the parish offices at 6:30pm on Wednesday August 19th to learn more or to get started.

On my iPhone, I asked Siri who founded the Catholic Church. This was the answer:

There are 44,000 different denominations of Christianity. Jesus founded only 1 of them, and we are all called to be a part of it. OCIA helps us understand why God made us and for what purpose, and why Jesus founded the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church – to lead us to Heaven and Happiness. We need nothing more and we should settle for nothing less.

FRIDAY 2PM

August 15th is normally a Holy Day of Obligation celebrating the Assumption of Mary body and soul into Heaven. As it falls on a Saturday this year, the Bishops have lifted the obligation. While you are not obliged to attend, the 8am Mass on Saturday August 15th will celebrate the occasion and all are welcome. The 5pm Mass that day is for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Jesus was heaven sent so that we, like Mary, can become Heaven bound!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching” (Heb 13:8-9).

Fr. Tim MacDonald

Pastor