The Christmas season is winding down.  This weekend we celebrate the arrival of wise men coming from afar and following the light of the star that leads them to the newborn king.  Join us for Mass as we discuss and contemplate the encounter of these gentile kings with the King of Kings who is revealed as a Priest, Prophet and King to save all peoples.

The Queens Parish Life Commission invites tyou to join us after Mass in Vincentian Hall this Sunday morning for coffee and donuts.  

In the bulletin this weekend I announce the beginning of the Diocesan Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Capital Campaign for the benefit of Catholic schools and faith formation all across the Diocese of Lansing.  This is a follow up to Witness to Hope, the very successful first ever diocesan campaign that raised $75,000,000 for the good of our parishes and the broader church.

This new campaign is a $70,000,000 effort to keep Catholic schools accessible, affordable and ‘On Mission’ while improving faith formation programs and support for homeschool families – all the ways in which we raise future generations in the faith. 

To prepare us all for the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign, Bishop Boyea has prepared a teaching letter on the Christian significance of charitable giving.  It is included here.  It will take you only five minutes to read it.   

This is open to people from every parish in the Jackson Deanery.  Teachers, catechists, aides and staff of Jackson Catholic Schools and parishes attend for free as our guest.  Everyone else is welcome.  Sheri is a great local talent within the diocese and we are blessed that she could fit us into her busy and full schedule.  Contact Betsy, bkoval@queenschurch.com or call the parish office at 517.783.2748 to RSVP.  

The evening starts with Mass at 6pm in the Church.  The dinner and talk will happen in the Queens School gym, NOT Vincentian Hall.  Dinner is provided by William Harvey who helped to cater the Rescue Project. 

I especially hope those that all those who work for our Catholic parishes and schools will attend.  If you are not already signed up, use the link here to do so.  The deadline has been extended to January 12th.  

Now that is it starting to feel like winter, it is time to start planning for the Queens Social Justice Commission Annual Warming Project.  The weekend of January 20-21, you are encouraged to bring new and gently used winter weather apparel with you to Mass.  This will be used to help the needy of Jackson keep warm this winter.   

On Saturday February 10th, Queens will host a Called & Gifted Workshop.  The cost is $40 per person.  It would be more expensive but the parish is subsidizing a third of the cost of each registration.  Those who enroll will be e-mailed a spiritual gifts survey to complete before the event.  The day starts at 9:00am and includes lunch before parting ways at 3:30pm.  

God has called each of us by name and He has blessed all of us with gifts that are unique to us.  If we don’t discern what those gifts are, we may have trouble fulfilling God’s will in our lives.

I hope we can fill this event.  I especially want those who participated in last fall’s Rescue Project to consider attending.  This date is coming up fast so please do not wait to register.  Use the link below:  

Tickets will be on sale after all Masses this weekend for  The Great 50/50 Raffle to benefit Jackson Catholic Schools.  Cash, check, credit and debit card accepted.  Each ticket is $100 and enrolls you in 11 drawings in 2024.  There are two winners per month who each stand to walk away with more than $2,000!  Tickets will be available after all weekend Masses at Queens until the 1st drawing.  You can get them during the week from any local parish or Catholic school office. 

You can’t win if you don’t play!   

“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

Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church

606 S. Wisner St.  Jackson, Michigan 49203

(517) 783-2748  www.queenschurch.com