Fun Run/Walk & Spaghetti Dinner

Kathy Parish Activities

For the first time we had rain to begin our 14th Annual 5K Fun Run/Walk and Spaghetti Dinner. It never seemed to bother our little ones who were jumping in the puddles; it didn’t seem to bother our walkers or runners and our volunteers brought out their umbrellas to stay dry. The rain stopped shortly after 3 p.m. and all had a good time.

Thank you so much to our co-chairs Bonnie Danic and Jim Soter, they along with their spouses John and Patty did an excellent job, and I cannot thank them enough for their willingness to help the parish in this way. It takes in a lot of time and effort to have a successful event and year after year our co-chairs do it. Everything was well-run and organized, and they put a lot of work in behind the scenes to make sure that we had a great day for the parish.  

A huge thank you to our great team of volunteers, as well as all our sponsors. Without the help of all of you who stepped up to help in different ways, it wouldn’t have been as successful as it was. Also a big thank you to our Kohl’s volunteers. Many of the Kohl’s volunteers who helped are parishioners and we thank them for helping out the parish as well. This event has been growing year after year and it has been a wonderful opportunity to bring the parish, school and the neighborhood community together. Thank you so much to everyone who, once again, made this event a huge success.

 Blessings,

Fr. Socorro

MASS OF ANOINTING – SEPTEMBER 28

Kathy Upcoming Event

The Lord instructed the Apostles to heal the sick; and the Church strives to carry out His instruction by taking care of the sick and accompanying them with prayers of intercession.

 One way the Church does this is through a very special sacrament, one intended for the benefit of all who are sick – the “Sacrament of Anointing”. This sacrament, instituted by Christ, is attested to by Saint James: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call in the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14-15).

 During our regularly scheduled, 5:00pm Mass, on Saturday, September 28, our parish will be offering the “Sacrament of Anointing”.

 We wish to encourage parishioners to receive this sacrament. Often, people are reluctant because they believe “the sacrament is only intended for those who are dying”. Be assured, that IS NOT the case. While the Sacrament of Anointing is given to those who are dying, it is also meant to be given to individuals who are:

· Seriously ill, including children old enough to experience the sacramental benefits;

· About to undergo surgery, due to a serious illness;

· Elderly and suffering the maladies of old age;

· Chronically ill or permanently disabled.

    So, if you, or a family member, fit any of the descriptions above:

CALL THE RECTORY OFFICE AT (313) 532-4394; REGISTER YOUR NAME BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25; AND ATTEND THE 5pm MASS ON SEPTEMBER 28.

Part of God’s plan for each of us is that we should fight strenuously against all sickness; and carefully seek His blessings for good health. This special Mass on September 28, along with the Sacrament of Anointing, provide all of us an opportunity to do just that.

– St. Valentine Worship Commission

Some Questions and Answers Regarding Communion:

Kathy Weekly message

Q. How should I dress for Mass?

A. Out of respect for your fellow parishioners, please dress modestly and appropriately for the Lord’s Banquet. Our clothing and style of dress should not call attention to ourselves, but should reflect a healthy respect and reverence for others and for ourselves.

Q. Are we still supposed to fast for one hour before receiving Communion?

A. Yes. Those who wish to receive Holy Communion are to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from all food and drink with the sole exception of water and medicine. The elderly, the sick, and those who care for them may receive Holy Communion even if they have eaten something within the preceding hour.

Q. Why do we fast?

A. We fast because it helps us to prepare for and appreciate the sacredness of such a great gift: the Holy Eucharist. Fasting reminds us of just what we are doing: receiving the very Body and Blood of Christ. Fasting reminds us that we must prepare ourselves spiritually so that we might truly hunger for the Lord, who is the Bread of Life.

 Q. What about gum or candy?

A. Chewing gum at Mass is certainly not in the spirit of the communion fast. We should never come to Holy Communion with gum or candy in our mouth. In fact, we should refrain from chewing gum or eating candy whenever we are in church, not just before Communion. Catholics do not chew gum at Mass.

 Q. How should we receive Holy Communion?

A. After the person ahead of us has received Communion and stepped aside, we should offer a simple bow of reverence with our head and then step forward. We may receive the consecrated host either in our hands or directly on the tongue. If we receive in the hands we should take care that they are clean (as a sign of reverence) and place one hand over the other and raise them up high, forming a throne with our hands to receive the Body of Christ. As the priest or minister places the host in our hands and says “The Body of Christ” we should respond loudly and clearly “Amen.” The “Amen” is an expression of our faith—that we believe what the Church teaches about the Holy Eucharist. The “Amen” also expresses our willingness to follow Christ and to imitate Him.

 Q. Can I take the host directly from the priest or communion minister before it is placed in my hand?

A. No. The Eucharist is a gift and gifts are received, not taken. In fact, the Holy Eucharist is God’s great gift to us, and like all gifts, it is something that we receive with gratitude and respect, not something that we reach out and take or grab.