I am sending my weekly message early this week in order to give you an important reminder . . .

Tomorrow, Friday August 15^th is a Holy Day of Obligation, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, the 4^th Glorious Mystery of the rosary.  As Catholics we believe that Mary was conceived without sin, remained ever Virgin and did not suffer the decay that comes with death.   

This is the Holy Day schedule for Queens:

This evening:  5:30pm Vigil Mass

Tomorrow:  6:45am, 9am and 5:30pm

“On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass” (Code of Canon Law, par. 1247). 

THE INFALLIBLE PROCLAMATION OF THE DOGMA OF THE ASSUMPTION:  “For which reason, after we have poured forth prayers of supplication again and again to God, and have invoked the light of the Spirit of Truth, for the glory of Almighty God who has lavished his special affection upon the Virgin Mary, for the honor of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages and the Victor over sin and death, for the increase of the glory of that same august Mother, and for the joy and exultation of the entire Church; by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and by our own authority, we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” (Pius XII; Munificentissimus Deus, 1 November 1950).

In the past, the Annual Senior Appreciation Mass and Luncheon was sponsored by the Council on Aging, a part of Catholic Charities.  As the leaders of that group age out and pass on, it has shut down.  Thanks to Queens Legends, the Mass and lunch will continue!  This year’s event is right here at Queens.  Sign up soon to get your place for the free, catered lunch. 

This Annual Mass and reception with the Bishop has been growing in popularity.  Anyone in our parish who is celebrating a milestone marriage anniversary is welcome to RSVP using the contact information or QR code in the ad above and be a part of this special celebration of love and marriage with couples from all over the diocese. 

At Baptism, parents and godparents make a solemn promise to raise the child in the faith.  This should include Mass as a family every Sunday and holy day, prayers before meal and bedtime, AND a program of religious instruction either in Catholic school or Faith Formation.

Queens offers Sunday morning Faith Formation for public school students (and home school) in Pre-K thru 8th grade.  These classes are required to receive 1st Communion in 2nd grade or to be Confirmed at the start of freshman year.  For anyone not enrolled in parochial school, Faith Formation should NOT be looked upon as optional. 

Classes begin September 7th.  Contact Betsy Koval at bkoval@queenschurch.com for more information or to volunteer.  There is a modest cost and financial aid is available.

Visit the link below to sign up for Sunday Faith Formation or scan the QR code:

The OCIA or Order of Christian Initiation of Adults is for the unbaptized, Christians who are thinking of becoming Catholic, or those adults who were baptized Catholic but never received their First Communion or Confirmation. Do you know a spouse, relative, friend, coworker or neighbor who might be open to learning more about the Catholic faith?  Have you ever tried discussing it with them? 

The OCIA This program starts Wednesday August 27^th at 6:30pm in the lower level of the Queens parish office.  To learn more, or to tell us about someone we should be talking to about this, contact OCIA Director Betsy Koval:  517.783.2748, bkoval@queenschurch.com.  Some of our greatest Catholics in history have been converts.  What a different world and church this would be if no one had approached them and invited them to become part of the mystical body of Christ that is the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. 

The Coming Home Network tells the inspiring stories of conversion of those who have joined the Church from all walks of life.  If there is someone on your radar, why not share the link below with them so they can see what the OCIA journey was like for other people.  Everyone has a story.  We can help others find faith when we become comfortable sharing that story.

At the 9 and 11am Masses during the school year Queens is pleased to offer Children’s Liturgy of the Word for children ages 4 thru 4^th grade.  This is an actual part of the Mass that fulfills the obligation for the children and the adult volunteers.  We always need more help with this.  I especially ask the parents of the children who attend children’s liturgy to consider taking turns leading it.  Training and lesson plans are provided.  See Betsy Koval for more details.   

Make your portrait appointment now for the new Queens Parish Directory.  400 persons or families have already signed up! New September dates are now available! 

Whether you plan on buying a photo or not, please come and sit for a portrait so you will be included in the directory.  This is a valuable resource that can help us all to become better acquainted and put names with faces.  

To make your portrait appointment, visit: 

www.ucdir.com. 

Enter the church code mi1901

password:  photos 

No longer will we sign you up after Mass.  Feel free to call the parish office or stop by during the week and we will help get you on the schedule. 

“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