I was back at the Melanoma Clinic at U of M yesterday.  We are at a standstill. They have yet to complete the assessment of the pathology from my June 17 surgery, and until they do, we can’t know whether all the cancer has been removed or where to go to try to attack it next.  The surgeon and his team redressed my wound and believe I am healing well.  If we get the ‘all clear’ from the pathology they will schedule me for reconstructive surgery on the crown of my head.  If the cancer is still detected in or on the skin up there, I will be back for more procedures to remove it. 

I am grateful for prayers, patience and gestures of kindness.  I feel the strength that comes from many people praying for my healing and recovery and I am grateful to those who have posted on Facebook, sent cards, written emails or left messages of support.  The caregiver is being cared for.  It is humbling but necessary.  I will continue to offer updates as this situation continues to evolve.  

I have found blessings in the storm and reasons to laugh even during the uncertainty this cancer causes.  It wasn’t long after a post went out about my surgery that a parishioner ‘doctored’ one of my photos with some AI and sent this to me:

It is time to sign your kids up for Queens Summer Vacation Bible School, Monday July 14 – Friday July 18, 9am – 12:15pm each day.

You can save $5 per child with early bird registration.  The cost right now is $15 per child with a maximum of $45 for a family with multiple children.  THIS Tuesday July 8, prices increase to $20 and a family cap of $60.  VBS is for children in preschool through 6^th grade. 

We have put more ornaments on the VBS boards.  Please visit the displays after Mass.  If you took some tags last week, please remember to purchase and return what you bought, with the tag attached, as soon as you can.   

Middle and high school students can earn service hours by volunteering to help with VBS.  We prefer those who can help ALL 5 days.  High school help is needed with crew leaders who will lead a small group of kids each day of VBS.  Middle schoolers will be put to work helping at each station in the rotation.  Inquire at the parish office.

During the week of VBS, the Monday and Friday daily Masses for the parish will be at 8am instead of 9am so I can be part of the opening festivities each day. 

In youth group news, all middle school and high school students are invited to join the Jackson Youth Group at Cascades Park this Sunday evening June 29 at 5pm for games and ice cream. The group will  meet at the Cascades Ice Cream company

Jesus gave you three hours on the cross that changed everything for everyone.  Give him one hour a week and see how he changes your life and your heart.  We need adorers to fill these openings: 

Tuesday midnight (to 1am Wednesday)

Thursday at 3am

Saturday at 4am

Contact the parish office if you will cover one of these.  

Make your portrait appointment now for the new Queens Parish Directory.  Appointments start July 15.  Those who schedule theirs in July will get a 10% discount off of your portrait package. 

Whether you plan on buying a photo or not, please come and sit for a portrait so you will be included in the directory. 

To make your portrait appointment, visit: 

www.ucdir.com. 

Enter the church code mi1901

password:  photos 

Volunteers will be present at Church after the Masses this weekend to get you signed up.  

“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