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 NEVER FORGET: This weekend we mark the 21st anniversary of the 9-11 terror attacks on our country. 2,977. That is the number of innocent lives lost that day. 415 of that number were first responders who rushed to the scene to save lives and extinguish the blazing fires. 2,000 more have died from injury or illness contracted during the recovery effort. Let us remember the dead and pray for the comfort of those who grieve the loss of their loved one. Perhaps this anonymous quote reflecting on the darkness of that day best captures how we should approach life in the face of such evil:  “[On September 11, 2001], 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift. None of them saw past 10:00 am Sept 11, 2001. In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow, kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.” Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. FIGHT LIKE HEAVEN: Yesterday, The Michigan Supreme Court overturned the split decision of the Michigan Board of Canvassers, thus removing the last obstacle to the Reproductive Freedom For All (RFFA) appearing on the November ballot. If passed, this act would legalize abortion in Michigan with a binding amendment to our state constitution, allowing for abortion up to the day of birth. It is the most radical proposed abortion law anywhere in the nation in the wake of the overturning of Roe v Wade. This weekend, in an unprecedented move, every pastor in every parish in The Diocese of Lansing will read a Pastoral Letter from Bishop Boyea calling all of us to participate in 54 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving leading up the November 8 statewide election. The ‘Fight Like Heaven’ Novena begins on Thursday September 15th. If you want daily motivation and inspiration during the Novena, text FightLikeHeaven to 84576 on your cellphone. If we are to Fight Like Heaven against the dark powers of Hell that seek to destroy like in its seminal form, perhaps we better pray like Saint Padre Pio who said:“Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart. You must speak to Jesus not only with your lips, but with your heart. In fact on certain occasions you should only speak to Him with your heart.”LET US PRAY: Almighty ever-living God, you bestow the gift of life as you form each of us in our mother’s womb. Look on our nation, state, and community and awaken in every heart reverence for life. Protect our state from unjust laws. In your Name, bring to defeat every attack against the sacredness of life. Safeguard the rights of parents, whom you have entrusted with the care and formation of their children. Help all who believe in Jesus to proclaim the Gospel of Life to their neighbors. Dispel every anxiety and fear. Strengthen the bond between parents and their unborn child. May mothers and fathers accept and nurture the gift of life made in your image and likeness. In your mercy, move the hearts of the voters of Michigan to reject the ballot initiative which would confuse our laws and harm the unborn. Bring our state closer to the day when every human being is protected in law and welcomed in life.Our Lady, Queen of the Family, pray for us! St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us! St. Joseph, Protector of the Unborn, pray for us! Those wishing to read the confusing, wide-ranging, error-ridden amendment language can visit: www.supportMIwomenandchildren.org. Planned Parenthood, Jackson now is a tourist spot for people driving up from Ohio for abortion treatment. They are open 9am – 5pm Monday – Thursday. Tuesday is a recent addition to their schedule. Jackson Right to Life vows to have two people praying outside the clinic every hour it is open. The greatest need is on Tuesday but there are openings on other days as well that need to be filled. Training is available. Everyone is kept safe. Please volunteer: Jackson Right to Life, 317 W. Washington. PO Box 683, Jackson, MI 49201. 517-784-1300. info@jacksonforlife.org.  BROTHERS IN CHRIST MEETS TOMORROW: Calling all men of the parish. It’s tough being a guy in today’s world. We often struggle to be the best men we could be. Fortunately we have a group here at Queens called “Brothers in Christ” that understands what you’re going through. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 118, please consider attending one of our meetings. BIC meets on the 2nd Saturday of every month at 9am. Meetings are in the St Catherine room above the church office. If you seek fellowship with like-minded Catholic men, with some prayer and discussion mixed in, this may be a great group for you. If interested in learning more, please contact Brian Fors at 517-914-2749.  WALKING WITH PURPOSE: At all the Masses this weekend, the ladies of the parish will be invited to become part of Walking With Purpose. You can choose Thursday evening or Friday morning sessions that best fit your schedule. This group offers fellowship, prayer and Christian support for all the women of Queens and your friends. See the advert in this week’ bulletin or speak with one of the WWP representatives after Mass.  FAITH FORMATION BEGINS THIS SUNDAY! Any school age child not enrolled in Catholic school is expected to attend. We offer a Pre-K – 12th grade program. Faith Formation meets on Sundays from 10:15 – 11:45am in Queens School. Classes are not expensive and financial aid is available. For more information, contact Betsy Koval in the parish office: 517.783.2748, bkoval@queenschurch.com. Register at the door or use this online link: https://www.osvhub.com/queen-of-the-miraculous-medal/forms/qmm-faith-formation-registration-22-23  The new and improved Children’s Liturgy of the Word returns this weekend during the Sunday 9am and 10:30am Masses. Children’s Liturgy is available for children between the ages of 4 and those up to 3rd grade.  Adult Faith Formation begins this Sunday also. Come learn more about being a practical Catholic. The adult class meets on Sundays at 10:15am in the parish office across the street from church. The program is free and open to the public.  CALLING ALL CONVERTS: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) has begun, but it’s not too late to join. This program is for anyone considering becoming Catholic, those who have never been baptized and Christians of other denominations. RCIA meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm in the lower level of the parish offices. To learn more or to sign up you can contact Betsy Koval in the Faith Formation Office.  PARISH PICNIC: Plan on joining us for the Annual Parish Picnic on Sunday September 25th, 11:30 – 2:30, sponsored by the Queens Parish Life Commission. There is food and fun for people of all ages as we gather to share fellowship as a parish family. There is no RSVP and no fee, just a good time to be had by all. FAITH IN ACTION – CATHOLIC CHARITIES: All are invited to The 5th Annual Faith in Action Fundraising Dinner for Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties. Come to Our Lady of Fatima in Michigan Center on Tuesday September 27th for Mass at 6:00pm with the priests and deacons from the Jackson Region. Dinner is at 7:00pm in the Fr. Dunne Hall at Fatima. I will be the emcee and we will hear inspiring stories of the important work Catholic Charities is doing to create hope and provide help in our three counties. This event is free, but you do need to RSVP for dinner. Call 517.879.0599. Jesus, protect and save the unborn Fr. Tim MacDonald Pastor |