As this Archdiocese is preparing for Synod 16 we on our part will have the opportunity to contribute as each parish will be holding “Parish Dialogue Gatherings.” This is an opportunity that is open for all to help the Archbishop and the whole of the Archdiocese to help build a universal Church where everyone will feel welcomed.  Many of us are not used to hearing the word Synod – lot of information is provided on the Archdiocesan website –aod.org.  But for those of you who are not able to do that here is some information on what a Synod is.

In the words of Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron:  “Synods are by God’s grace something powerful in the life of the Church, a way to grow together. Our community will come together in the midst of the Holy Spirit to discern where He seems to take us in order to re-evangelize ourselves and our culture. By listening to what the members say in the synod, I will be able to discern and ratify the work of the Holy Spirit, and it will be a time of great grace.”

 What is a Synod?

 A Synod is both an event and a process that sees people – clergy, religious, and laity – gather to discuss important matters of the faith. Synods are transformative events that lead to renewal in the Church’s life. After a Synod takes place, the church emerges different, changed.

 What is the purpose of Synod 16?

In expressing his confidence that, “in response to our prayers through the synod in 2016, God will make being missionaries part of the DNA of our archdiocese.” Archbishop Vigneron summarized the two-fold purpose of Synod 16.
The first is “missionaries.” The focus of this Synod is evangelization. The second is, “DNA.” The Archbishop hopes to transform the very culture of our Archdiocese—how we work, how we pray, how we minister, everything—so that in everything we do, we are more effective witnesses

Have there been other Synods in the Archdiocese of Detroit?

There have been ten synods since the Archdiocese of Detroit was established in 1833.The last Synod in the Archdiocese was convened by Cardinal John Dearden in 1969.

 How did previous Synods held in the Archdiocese of Detroit turn out?

The last synod in 1969, spurred much change in the Archdiocese. One of the most-familiar results of this synod was the bolstering of lay participation in the life of the Church through parish councils, parish finance councils, and vicariate councils.

 It’s hard to imagine parish life without those elements of lay involvement. We pray that Synod 16 will, in a similar way, influence how we live the faith in the Archdiocese of Detroit (more on that later).

Dear Parishioners,

 With great joy in my heart I announce to you: “Christ is Risen; Yes He is Risen indeed!” This ancient greeting sums up what we celebrate this Easter Sunday, the joy of Christ risen and alive in our midst.

 “This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118). This then is the Joyful Good News: Christ by his death and resurrection has conquered sin so we may live.

May our encounter with the risen Lord on our journey of faith touch us deeply and transform us as He did for His Disciples. When we live the new life of the resurrection we become what St Augustine referred to as an “Easter People”, a people transformed into disciples and stewards who commit to give their time, talent and treasure in witness. May we live as people deeply touched by the resurrection and proclaim: Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!

On behalf of Fr. Henry and the staff we wish a very Happy Easter to each and every one of you! May you and your families be blessed as you celebrate the true meaning of Easter.

With prayers and blessings,

Fr. Socorro 

Welcome and Congratulations to our Newly Initiated Catholics

 This year at the Easter Vigil our community was blessed to be able to welcome new members into our faith and to celebrate their initiation as full members of the Catholic Church.  We send our congratulations and welcome to Christine Hainley-Peavley, Evan Peavley, Shawn Durrant, Barbara Lefevre, Susan Franz, Cassandra Barnes and Thomas Ryan Alexander.

 Are you Prepared for Merciful Sunday?

Pope John Paul II was instrumental in promoting Divine Mercy Sunday from its very beginning. Even before he became Pope, he is credited with the approval of St. Faustina’s Diary detailing our Lord’s request to spread devotion to his Mercy. He requested that the Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy.

This feast is not only a day in particular for worshipping God in His mystery of mercy, but also a time of grace for all people. The Lord Jesus said:

· “I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners.” (Diary, 699)

· “Souls perish in spite of My Bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation, that is, recourse to My Mercy. If they will not adore My Mercy, they will perish for all eternity.” (Diary, 965,998

 Conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence on Divine Mercy Sunday include complete trust in God’s goodness and love of neighbor, being in the state of sanctifying grace—having gone to Confession and worthily receive Holy Communion, and praying a Novena of Chaplets to The Divine Mercy.

 Next Sunday, April 3rd, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Many have started their nine day novena to the Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday.  Even if you have not started, you can still take part in the wonderful prayer service that will take place at 3:00 p.m. next Sunday. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.

 “The primary focus of The Divine Mercy Devotion is the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one’s own heart towards those in need of it.”

 We all need mercy. Our world needs mercy. Please join us to celebrate the  Divine Mercy of our Lord.

Our Lenten journey is coming to a close. This is the last week before Passion Week. Today as we begin the Holy Week, the church invites us to commemorate and reenact the suffering and death of Jesus and the event which immediately led up to it. It is a week were we are called to reflect more deeply on Jesus’ love for the humanity. He suffered, He died for the atonement of our sins. Are we grateful to Jesus for this great sacrifice? Then let us spend some time together in this week and take a moment to say – Thank You Jesus.

 Palm Sunday – This weekend we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the Blessing and Procession with Palms. He comes to Jerusalem riding on a donkey, which was an animal of peace. He came to bring peace. In a world where there is a lot of violence and war, hatred and enmity, let us walk with the King of Peace in this coming week and be peace makers indeed!

 The Great Three Days – Triduum – the climax of the whole of our Christian Year. It is the celebration of the Paschal Mystery. The Jewish Passover from slavery in Egypt, to freedom in the Promised Land anticipates and prefigures our Passover from the darkness and slavery of sin to the new life of the Risen Christ.

These three days make up one single celebration of our Passover from death to life. Each day we focus on different aspects of that one Passover. The Liturgy of the Triduum is the way we, as a community, celebrate publicly the Easter mystery. This commemorates not only historical events, but celebrates and makes present their saving effect in our lives and in our parish this year.

 Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper – Holy Thursday: We will begin this service at 7:00 pm During this Mass we have the Washing of the Feet and the Procession with the Blessed Sacrament. At the School Chapel Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue until midnight.  

 Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion – Good Friday: The most solemn day in the Christian calendar, the one day in a year on which the Eucharist is not celebrated – there is no Mass on Good Friday. It is also a day where the Church reminds us to do fasting and abstinence. On this day we have the Stations of the Cross at 1:00 pm, followed by the Passion Play performed by the 8th graders and the liturgy at 2:30 pm. The ministers enter in silence and prostrate themselves on the ground. The reading is taken from the passion of St. John’s gospel; we pray in a very deliberative way for the needs of the entire world; then we have the unveiling and Veneration of the Cross followed by Holy Communion.  

 The Easter Vigil – Holy Saturday: The Great Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 8:30 pm beginning with the Blessing of the Fire and Lighting of the Paschal candle. This will be followed with a procession into the Church with lighted candles and singing, ‘Christ the Light’. After the Liturgy of the Word we renew our Baptismal promises. We then continue with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

On this night we will also welcome our RCIA candidates and the Elect. We have  1 Elect who will receive the sacraments of initiation and 6 candidates who will enter into full communion in the Catholic Church. Let us continue to pray for them that they may keep walking faithfully in the ways of the Lord. Easter Sunday Masses will be at 9:00 am and noon.

May Jesus who gave His life for the world be resurrected in our lives.

Wishing you a Blessed Holy Week.