Week of August 31, 2025

1) Registration for Faith Formation 2025

2) Help Connect College Students to their Faith and Local Catholic College Communities

3) Blood Drive

4) Discover Scouting

5) Walking with Purpose

Monday Morning Class: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Beginning September 15

Beholding Your King

Moderator: Laren Licari

We live in a self-centered culture that all too often leaves us feeling empty and dissatisfied. A fuller view of God and His glory is the perfect antidote, which you will experience in Beholding Your King.

We’ll study King David, select psalms, the temple, and many Old Testament prophets and see the ways in which they all point to the coming King of kings, Jesus Christ. This Bible study is the second part of a two-part series and is ideally completed after Beholding His Glory.

What we’ll discuss:

• Prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament and their effect on people past and present.

• Psalm 23, the most familiar of all the Psalms which has comforted people throughout the centuries.

• God’s steady purpose in both the Old and New Covenants and the promises He kept to all of us.

Monday Evening Class: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Beginning Sept 15

Beholding His Glory

Moderator: Katie Lubera and Frankie Chamberlain

As we study the people and events of the Old Testament, we’ll encounter problems that only Christ will solve, needs that only He will satisfy, and promises that only He can deliver.

Beholding His Glory shows us how all Scripture points us to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We’ll learn to recognize and appreciate God’s plan for our own lives, His awe-inspiring majesty, and His desire for personal intimacy with each one of us.

• Learn how our Savior was first revealed in Genesis and how He is the answer to the issues of shame and fear.

• Understand important parallels between the lives of Moses and Jesus, and how they both led their people to freedom.

• Accompany Joseph of the Old Testament on his life journey. The God who proved faithful to Joseph will not disappoint us!

6) Hearts Afire Study and Prayer Ministry

7) CSA 2025

Each year, the CSA allows us to celebrate how our Church in Detroit responds to the material and spiritual needs of individuals and families throughout southeast Michigan. One parish alone could not meet these many needs. It is through the sharing of our gifts and our service that we, together, can be the Church Christ wants us to be.

Would you consider making a gift to this year’s CSA? Your generosity allows more than 100 ministries, services, and programs to fulfill this year's CSA theme: Feed My Sheep, taken from the Gospel of John.

Our CSA goal this year is $205,013. Anything raised above the goal will return to the parish, while the parish must cover any shortfalls. Thus, your support is greatly needed and appreciated.

If you have not given yet this year, please follow the instructions found in that mailing or make a gift electronically by clicking the button below or by visiting https://givecsa.org/st-joan-of-arc.

8) Why Series: Why Register as a Parishioner?

Belonging to a parish is about much more than finding a place to attend Mass each Sunday. It’s about finding community, a place to plant spiritual roots, and to commit ourselves to being involved. Learn why belonging to your parish is so important in our current culture and choose to commit to your parish today!

9) Want to become Catholic? Want to be baptized? Do you need to be Confirmed? Learn More about the Catholic Church

10) Ascension's Bible and Catechism App

It's Here: The Bible & Catechism App!

The word of God and the complete teachings of the Catholic Church. Answers and commentary by Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, and other experts. Video, audio, and textual commentary. Right on your phone.

11) Holy Hour on Thursdays

12) This Sunday's Readings: August 31, 2025 - The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

13) Sunday Reflections by Jeff Cavins

The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeff Cavins offers his insights on the readings for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.

First Reading: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Responsorial Psalm: 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

Second Reading: Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24A

Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-14

14) Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Don’t Play the Pride Game

Friends, for this Twenty-second Sunday of Ordinary Time, I want to talk to you about a very important theme—namely, pride and its antidote. I don’t know a spiritual teacher who doesn’t say that the fundamental problem we have is pride; it is the most deadly of the deadly sins. The opposite of pride is humility—and whereas the proud person is caved in around himself, the humble person leaves the black hole of self-regard and enters into reality. In our Gospel for today, Jesus tells us a great story that’s right to this point.

15) Grow+Go

Grow+Go, content is designed to help you understand what it means to be an evangelizing disciple of Christ. Using the Sunday Scriptures as the basis for reflection, Grow+Go offers insight into how we can all more fully GROW as disciples and then GO evangelize, fulfilling Christ's Great Commission to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) The concept behind the weekly series is to make discipleship and evangelization simple, concrete, and relatable.

Click the button or image below to download a PDF copy of this Sunday's Grow+Go.

16) Giving to SJA

I'm truly grateful for your support of SJA. Your support means so much. The increase in electronic giving has been tremendous. Giving electronically, whether on a one-time or recurring basis, is pretty simple. For more information on online giving, please click on the following button.

17) TALLer Tales

When a Good Idea Becomes TOO Good: As we all know too well, my DIY ideas sometimes backfire. Well, they USUALLY backfire.

As we also know, I have this long list of to-do items, and the staff and my family hear all the time that something is on “THE LIST.” It’s a good thing when something lands on THE LIST, but the problem is that landing on THE LIST could also mean the kiss of death, meaning it may take forever to accomplish. One of the items on THE LIST was tidying up and making some changes to our video table in the Choir Loft for all our streaming needs.

One of the changes I’ve been talking about for eons (okay, maybe two years) has been to remove the 8-foot folding table we’ve been using since COVID and utilize the custom table that Chris Wisnieski from RMW Productions built for us. That beautiful table was set aside because, well, it landed on THE LIST, and I just never found the time to make the necessary changes to put it into use.

The day finally came a few months ago when the table got moved into its rightful place, and all the equipment was properly installed. It was great. However, as with most of my projects, I inadvertently created another problem. The chairs we use at the video table became too small; only Steve Hysick and I were able to see over everything. My customary look up to the video table before Mass also became very challenging because I couldn’t see anyone sitting in the chairs except Steve. The table was a few inches taller than the 8-foot table we had been using. So, I went on the hunt for new chairs.

After doing a ton of research, I narrowed my options to one chair that I was convinced would work. It was more of a drafting chair for a taller desk. So, I ordered two from Amazon. Then I had this brainy idea to order new casters that were more like rubber wheels. While the average listener might not notice, I could hear the chairs rolling around up in the loft while listening to our livestreams, and it drove me crazy. I wanted something quieter and smoother, so I ordered a bunch of these highly polished rubber casters.

Everything arrived the next day. Vern, Casey, and Pete put everything together. Kristine was the first to use the new chairs. She was rather polite in telling me that they were… well, different. They easily rolled away from her when she got up. She said they were the perfect height, but it would take some getting used to having the chair roll away about a foot each time you got off it. Plus, the seat seemed narrow. I just rolled my eyes and thought, “Can’t at least ONE of my brainy ideas ever work the first time?”

I was up in the loft the following day, and this was my text back to Kristine: “I officially don’t like these chairs. UGH. The casters are nice but TOO nice… I can see how they roll away. Then the seat slants forward a bit. You can almost slide off these. I’m worried they could be dangerous for some. UGH!” I sat in the new chair for the hour I was up in the loft, and I really despised it.

Then Dina had her chance to “evaluate” the chair. This was her text to me: “Hilarious. Of course, I tried one. Holy cow, those casters make it like a runaway train. The weird seat jets you forward so you don’t just roll… you sail. I almost went to the steps in one misguided spin.”

So, as it usually happens for me, it’s back to the drawing board for both new chairs and casters. And this is WHY anything granted status on THE LIST takes forever to accomplish! It’s never just CHECK and DONE for me!!

The Consequences of Living a Busy, Hurried Life (Part 6): Last week, I offered some ideas on intentionally establishing places to pray. I mentioned places like our Parish Center Chapel, coming early for Mass, or staying after Mass. I also noted that the chapels at Henry Ford St. John or Corewell Grosse Pointe Hospitals are great places to pray. One of our parishioners wrote to me with another great idea. Marlise shared: “Sometimes I like to say my morning rosary while walking the neighborhood. I like it because it takes me out of the house where I can get distracted. Also, other walkers notice the dangling rosary, and it sparks conversations.”

This week, I want to focus on how busyness affects our families and relationships.

There is an awesome couple of lines in St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (5:15-17), where he tells the Ephesians, “Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, making the most of the opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord.”

When we fill our schedules to the brim, we often sacrifice the most important relationships in our lives, namely our relationship with God and our family. Marriages suffer when couples are too preoccupied with work, sports, errands, or even well-intentioned commitments, like volunteering. Children can feel neglected when their parents may be physically present but emotionally unavailable. This type of distance erodes trust and connection, ultimately leaving families fragmented. A fragmented family is not what God wills!

When we examine our activities, we must ask ourselves if what we are doing could even be considered God’s will. Another way of asking the question is to ask whether what we are doing will bring us, our family, and others closer to Christ, the Kingdom of God, or one another. If the answer is no, then don’t embark on that activity or journey.

God wants us to grow closer to Him and to nurture the relationships He has entrusted to us.

So, what are some things you can do to help make all of this happen? First and foremost, you have to set some boundaries. To the best of your ability, establish clear work hours and protect family time from unnecessary interruptions. Those boundaries also have to be clear that NOTHING should ever interfere with your obligation to participate in the Sunday celebration of Mass. Second, schedule family time; yes, put regular family time on your calendar, where phones and all electronic devices are off. Third, engage in shared activities, like praying, cooking, playing games, and family outings. And finally, say NO to overcommitment for yourselves and for your children. Evaluate your commitments and let go of activities that don’t draw you closer to Christ, His Kingdom, or one another.

Enjoy the week. Know of my prayers.

In Christ,

gmb@sjascs.org

18) Voiland's View

The Old Testament book of Wisdom begins with these words: “Love righteousness, you who judge the earth; think of the LORD in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart; because he is found by those who do not test him, and manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him.” These words of Solomon call for a relationship with the Lord that is difficult for many of us to imagine. We are called to “think of the Lord in goodness” and to do it with sincere, honest, open hearts so that we may draw near to him. In other words, we are told to always have a positive attitude about God. This is a tall order for many of us who see God as a stern dictator. Many folks are simply scared of God and dread the thought of him bringing the hammer down upon us. We are inclined to resist God and regularly give him a hard time, always doubting our faith. When this is the case, our experience of the Lord is sorely lacking. Sadly, it seems that pushing against God, rather than pulling for him, is the more common human tendency.

Our resistance to God makes sense in light of our general inclination to be skeptics. Some of our skepticism serves a good purpose, but a good deal of it comes from plain old selfishness and stubbornness. ‘Good’ skepticism keeps us from being taken for fools by smooth-talking con men and scam artists. The old adages: “Don’t believe everything you hear” and “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is” are prudent rules to live by. But at the same time, we should not give ourselves to disbelieve everything we hear, nor should we dismiss even the possibility of being surprised by someone’s extraordinary goodness. 

There are many truly pleasant surprises to be had in the world. God’s generous love for us is just such a surprise.

To be surprised, we must be “surprisable” (if there could be such a word). We need to be open to something new. We must be willing to stretch. We have to be adventurous and able to be fascinated. Maybe this is why Jesus says that we must become like little children to inherit the Kingdom of God. Little kids are fascinated by the simplest things. They are often able to notice delightful details in life that fly right past an adult’s awareness. As we age, we tend to miss much because we “have been there; done that; got the t-shirt.” We get stale – and we like it. It’s easy to be stale because it takes less energy than being vibrant. A stuffy, go-nowhere life may be boring, but it is predictable and “comfortable.”

God is not interested in us being comfortable. God wants us to be happy. Happiness (beatitude) does not necessarily ensure comfort. In fact, attaining happiness may involve some sincere discomfort. Full-strength happiness is to attain eternal life with God in heaven. However, getting to heaven, as we heard from Jesus last weekend, demands that we “strive to enter through the narrow gate.” Maybe not so comfortable? So, we resist 

God’s instructions. We test him. And we refuse to believe him.

Interestingly, though, we are not shy about learning some new tricks, no matter how old a dog we might be. In our ever more complicated world, we are pushed to learn all kinds of new tricks in order simply to survive. Making a simple banking transaction, typing a paper for a college class, getting an appliance repaired, figuring out how to view a sporting event on electronic media, trying to talk with someone at a government agency, and a multitude of other daily events, all require us to master complex procedures that are new to us. Yet, unless we learn new procedures and follow confusing directives, we won’t get what we want. So, we give in.

Even more interestingly, once we give in, we get comfortable with what we have learned. We eventually become somewhat proficient using the computer program we were cussing out. We learn the route to the doctor’s office in three counties over. We figure out how to talk with our family members without getting into a fist fight. We manage to adjust our diet so we can finally get some sleep at night. We finally find a medical insurance plan that covers everyone in the family. We keep going along to get along. And, once we get what we want, we can even find ourselves comfortable being part of “the system.” But when it comes to learning more about the Lord, we’re too pooped to participate.

Learning about God doesn’t seem to pay rewards like our worldly efforts do. We don’t get quick visual or audible responses to our prayers. So, it’s easy to lose interest in our spiritual side. Our bodies, on the other hand, give us ready feedback when we make physical efforts. We are able to see what we want to see, hear what we want to hear, and feel what we want to feel. We are able to be entertained as we wish. We are able to get the results from our work that we feel we deserve. In short, we get satisfaction in reasonably short order with our bodies. Spiritual things take too long! But our spirituality matters more than our physical being.

Earthly things will all fade into insignificance. Even as we live today, it should be obvious that we are not going to get out of this world alive – and all the stuff we have accumulated will be left behind. This is why it is so important to think about the Lord with bountiful goodness and with a heart that seeks to be united with His. We are on an eternal journey – hopefully toward him. Yet, God will not force himself upon us. To do so would be contrary to his nature. God is Love. And love is not pushy. The Lord leaves it to us to desire him so that he can show himself to us. We see God the Father through Jesus, in union with the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants us to invite him into our lives.

Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect” (Wisdom 3:9).

Peace in Christ,

Fr. Bob

rvoiland@sjascs.org

19) Ascension Presents: Father Mike Schmitz

Fr. Mike Reacts to His First Video Ever

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 years since Fr. Mike first appeared on Ascension Presents!

From day one, his wisdom, humor, and joy have inspired countless people on their faith journey. Whether you’ve been here since the very beginning or just discovered our channel, come join us as Fr. Mike takes a trip down memory lane, reacting to his very first Ascension Presents video!

20) Words on the Word: August 31, 2025 - Sorry Not Sorry!

A popular movie several decades ago popularized the notion that “love means never having to say you’re sorry.”

Misguided though that may be, whether the context is love or simply day-to-day living, the idea certainly seems to have taken hold.

Is anyone ever sorry for anything anymore?

In public, when we cut someone off or do something offensive, do we take the time to apologize? In business, depending on the circumstances, admitting one is sorry carries with it potential admission of guilt, and therefore litigation. In politics … well, no politician is ever wrong, at least by their estimation.

And yet, people of goodwill know that sometimes we do have to say we’re sorry. We do have to admit when we’ve done something wrong. It’s true in our interactions with strangers or associates, and it’s especially true with those we love. 

Because to admit one is wrong is to recognize and practice humility. 

And practicing humility is one of many keys to a prosperous spiritual life.

“My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts,” we hear in today’s first reading from Sirach. “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.”

Jesus picks up the theme in today’s gospel passage from St. Luke, in which he tells the parable of the wedding feast at which people attempt to position themselves at places of honor at the table. How much better, he says, to choose a lower spot and be invited to move up, than to choose the higher spot and be instructed to move down.

How much does that save face?

More to it, how much more loving is that?

“For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,” Jesus says, “but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

© 2025 Words on the Word

21) This WEEK on FORMED:

Our parish has a subscription to FORMED, a premier online platform filled with over 4,000 Catholic studies, movies, audio dramas, talks, e-books, and even cartoons for our children. FORMED has content from over 60 apostolates, including Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press, and the Knights of Columbus, with material that is professionally produced, engaging, and solid in its catechism. Best of all, this material is free to you because of our parish subscription.

You have easy access to all of the material on FORMED to support your own faith journey and that of your family members.

You can enjoy FORMED on your computer or on your television with an inexpensive Roku device or Apple TV. You can even listen on your phone as you commute to work or do chores. 

To gain access to all of FORMED’s content, follow these simple steps:

• Go to https://signup.formed.org/ 
• Enter our parish’s zip code 48080 or enter St. Joan of Arc
• Enter your name and your email address

That’s it! You’re in. Now you can get the free FORMED app for your phone by searching FORMED Catholic in your app store.



22) 52 Stories: Good News from Spirit Juice Studios

Prepare to be Inspired

Spirit Juice Studios is blessed to work with countless Catholic organizations, dioceses, parishes, and schools. We get to help them tell their powerful stories about all the good stuff that is happening within the Church. Sign up for 52 Stories so we can share them with you! You’ll meet the unsung heroes of the Catholic Church, discover the stories of holy women and men around the world, and witness miraculous moments of God’s grace in everyday life.

In a world full of bad news, these stories will give you 52 reasons to believe that God is working through the Catholic faith to transform lives through His love and mercy. Sign up today!

A Reason For Hope:

The Truth About Down Syndrome

Hosted by Life Issues Institute President Brad Mattes, this video highlights the beautiful, happy lives of those with Down syndrome. Over two-thirds of parents who face a prenatal diagnosis opt for abortion, as babies with disabilities are preyed upon by the abortion industry. These babies deserve legislation that will protect them. Shauna Amick joins us to share the story of her daughter, Sarah Hope, who has Down syndrome. Utah State Representative Karianne Lisonbee shares her experience enacting a Utah law to protect these lives. Attorney Amanda Stirone weighs in with a legal perspective and explains the importance of this legislation, and lobbyist Katie Shaw shares how she and others with Down Syndrome should be respected just like anyone.

23) Hallow App:

Are you looking for a one-stop app for prayer and meditation? Look no further than Hallow. Hallow is an awesome prayer app. Hallow is a Catholic prayer and meditation app that helps users deepen their relationship with God through audio-guided contemplative prayer sessions. The app launched 2 years ago and is already the #1 Catholic app in the world.

We have a number of parishioners who are already using the app and loving it (my mom being one of them and she is on the app most of the day). Great for praying alone or together with your spouse/family, Hallow truly has something for everyone, no matter what you are going through (see below for their different content categories).

Hallow is free to download and has tons of permanently free content, as well as a premium subscription, Hallow Plus.

To get started, simply click the button above/below to activate your free account on the Hallow website. Make sure to select “Sign Up with Email” when registering. For step-by-step instructions, you can visit this process guide. Enter the code stjoanofarcmi to obtain a discount on individual pro plans.

24) Garden of Hope

25) Men of the Sacred Heart

26) Mass Intentions for the Week:

Monday, September 1, 2025, Weekday; Labor Day (Green)

7:00 am: Beverly Ohlrich

Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Weekday (Green)

7:00 am: Elaine Hernwick

Wednesday September 3, 2025, Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church (White)

7:00 am: Joseph & Florence Semany

6:00 pm: Special Intentions for Christine Bugarin and Jennie Moonie on her 100th Birthday

Thursday September 4, 2025, Weekday (Green)

7:00 am: Michelina Macioce

Friday, September 5, 2025, Weekday (Green)

7:00 am: Elizabeth DeLeon Sunga

Saturday September 6, 2025, Vigil for the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

4:00 pm: George J. Bugarin, Bonnie Batche, Violet Pare, Rosemary Fallieres, Richard & Joyce Keller, Victoria Marineau, Mary Blind, Special Intentions for the family of Tina Calisi, for the living and deceased members of the J. Champine Family, for the Thomas Family, for Deacon Tom and Josie Strasz, for Sam Manalo and Sam Baur

6:00 pm: Stephen & Nancy Fattore

Sunday September 7, 2025, Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

8:00 am: The Intentions of SJA Parishioners

10:00 am: Janet Ternes

12:00 pm: Sam Promesso, Angelo Joseph Giampetroni and Special Intentions for Laurie Ruda and Sam Baur

27) This Week on St. Joan of Arc LIVE:

This week's LIVE Stream

Schedule at St. Joan of Arc:

Monday (September 1)

7:00 AM - Mass

Tuesday (September 2):

7:00 AM - Mass

12:00 PM - Funeral for Lionel Montagne (Read Obituary HERE)

Wednesday (September 3):

7:00 AM - Mass

10:00 AM - Funeral for Marion Yezbick (Read Obituary HERE)

6:00 PM - Mass

Thursday (September 4):

7:00 AM - Mass

8:30 AM - Mass

7:00 PM - Holy Hour



Friday (September 5):

7:00 AM - Mass

Saturday (September 6):

12:30 PM - Baptism of Luna R. Hachey

1:30 PM - Baptism of Benjamin Turk

2:30 PM - Baptism of Jeffrey Demers

4:00 PM - Mass

6:00 PM - Mass

Sunday (September 7):

8:00 AM - Mass

10:00 AM - Mass

12:00 PM - Mass

Please note that all of our masses and events can be accessed through the ARCHIVE section of our Live stream page if you cannot watch it live!

We also have our own ROKU Channel. Search for "CATHOLIC" in the ROKU channel store, and you will find SJA's channel. A Fire TV Channel is also available.

28) SJA's Latest Parish Bulletin

Click on the image below

to download a copy of the bulletin

for August 31, 2025

29) Weekly Bulletin Mailing List

Sending the bulletin has been greatly received by so many people. If you are getting the bulletin online and would prefer that it not be mailed to your home, please click on the button below to be removed from the mailing list.

At the same time, if you are NOT getting the bulletin and would prefer to get it, click on the same button and ask to be ADDED to the list.



30) Detroit Catholic

Stay Connected with Our Catholic Faith — Sign Up for the Detroit Catholic Free E-Newsletter

Looking for a trusted source of Catholic news delivered straight to your inbox?

Detroit Catholic offers free daily or weekly email editions featuring insightful coverage of Catholic issues and events—locally, nationally, and globally.

I join Archbishop Edward Weisenburger in encouraging every parishioner to subscribe.

It’s quick and easy:

1. Visit: detroitcatholic.com/subscribe

2. Enter your email address and choose the daily and/or weekly edition.

That’s all it takes to start receiving this excellent—and completely free—source of Catholic news.

Stay informed. Stay inspired.

Msgr. Mike