Week of February 4, 2024 | |
1) World Marriage Day Dinner - Sunday, February 18, 2024 | |
2) Walking with Purpose Women's Bible Studies | |
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Join women of our parish in the Sr. Carol Center for a coffee and to learn about the fruits of these beautiful weekly Catholic Bible studies written especially for women. All women are welcome and invited to bring a friend. Each group is doing a different study. Feel free to drop in on the first session. There's always an open seat.
Beginning January 8th, the 7 pm evening group will start a 22-week program: Discovering our Dignity. Women of the Old and New Testaments were as flawed and broken as we can be, yet the power of God worked in their lives. Discovering Our Dignity will allow you to learn from their experiences and uncover ways to deal with unwanted circumstances and deferred hopes.
On January 22nd, the 10 am morning group is starting an 11-week look at Fearless and Free, a Bible study based on the book of Ephesians. This study is ideal for those who long for wholeness of heart and are in need of freedom from past wounds. So many of us are wrestling with the reality that life isn’t easy, even when we are doing the right thing.
No previous experience is needed.
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3) 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.
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The Ascension App Includes:
The full text of the Great Adventure Catholic Bible with color coding interwoven throughout so you can immediately recognize where you are in the story of salvation history.
The full text of the Catechism of the Catholic Church with The Foundations of Faith color-coding built in.
Every episode of Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz for easy access and cross-referencing with your reading plan and Scripture.
Every released episode of the Catechism in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz so you can easily stay on top of your daily readings.
Summaries, the exact wording of Fr. Mike’s daily prayers, and extra content for every single episode of Bible in a Year.
Over 1,000 commonly asked questions about the Bible with answers right in the text from experts like Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, and others.
An interactive reading plan for both podcasts that tracks your progress.
Notes and bookmarks so you can quickly pick up where you left off and write down your reflections and prayers along the way.
…And we're just getting started. More to be announced soon!
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4) Holy Hour on Thursdays | |
5) This Sunday's Readings: February 4, 2024 - The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time | |
6) Sunday Reflections by Jeff Cavins | |
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In this weeks’ Encountering the Word video for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jeff Cavins shows the difference between the world’s version of good news and God’s version of good news. The readings are:
First Reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Alleluia: Matthew 8:17
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
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7) Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon | |
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Pray, Serve, Evangelize
Friends, the Gospel of Mark is a fascinating literary work. St. Mark seems to write in a breathless, staccato, even primitive manner, but the deeper you look, the more his Gospel appears iconic. He presents scene after scene in a very concentrated way, telling us some rather deep truths about the faith. Our Gospel for today from the first chapter is a good example of this. We see on clear display here what Pope Benedict described as the three essential tasks of the Church: it worships God, it serves the poor, and it evangelizes.
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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 on the button or image below to download a PDF copy of this Sunday's Grow+Go.
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9) Giving to SJA:
I'm truly grateful for all of 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.
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10) This Week's Edition of TALLER Tales | |
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My Idea of a Football Watch Party: My idea of a football “Watch Party” is in the comfort of my own home or a relative’s home. You can’t beat the camera angles you get by watching it on TV! Sure, you don’t get the experience of being there, but you can see the game from a much better perspective. With our large-screen TVs and 4k resolution, you’re in the middle of the action.
Most of our family went to their own “Watch Party” last weekend. However, my mom, Jackie, Lonnie, and I decided to have dinner at Jackie and Lonnie’s house and watch the Lions’ game there. On the way over to Jackie and Lonnie’s house, I was already contemplating what I would work on while the game was on in the background. As usual, I brought all of my tools and gadgets. I’m always prepared to tackle a project.
When we arrived at their house, Jackie was somewhat panicking because her oven died while cooking our dinner. It’s a relatively new oven, but the control panel went blank, and the gas turned off. Our dinner was only half done, so she was trying to figure out her options.
While Jackie was panicking a bit, I was glad because I now had a project to work on. So I grabbed my toolbox with all my electrical stuff and headed to the basement. At first, I thought a breaker had popped. But Lonnie and I discovered that all the breakers were on. I then turned my attention to a possible tripped GFI plug. That wasn’t the case. I was now a little stumped. I tried to trace the power line going up to the oven but wasn’t having much luck. I saw one line going upstairs, but that ended up being the line for the microwave. Now their microwave hasn’t worked for some time either because every time they plug it into the outlet in the cupboard, the microwave pops a breaker. We’ve always figured it was the microwave, and fixing that problem was just something on the list to look at one day. Since I found no other lines going up to the oven, I thought the gas oven’s electrical panel might be powered off the microwave power line. So, my attention turned to that theory. As Lonnie and I inspected the line going up to the microwave, I noticed that one of the connections had frayed sheathing on the hot and neutral wires. I thought the wires may have been creating a short the way everything was crammed into this one connection. Once I took things apart and determined what supplies I needed from the ACE Hardware down the street, I took off to get what I needed before they closed for the day. But ironically, once I took apart this particular connection, the oven started working again! Jackie was happy because she could now cook the rest of our dinner. Since the oven was working, I decided to fix the other connection and see if that was what was causing the microwave to keep popping a breaker. After returning from ACE and putting everything back together, I went upstairs and tried the microwave. I had success; it didn’t pop a breaker, and it functioned properly. Jackie was even happier now because their microwave was functioning again, and dinner was cooking in the oven. I was equally delighted because I had success with one of my projects and could have dinner! It was a win-win situation.
While all this was happening, I got a text message from Dina asking a quick question about her Ring alarm. As we know, I can’t multi-task well while engaged in a project, so I didn’t answer her text immediately. Eventually, she discovered the answer to her question and told me there was no need to get back to her. I apologized by texting, “Sorry. Was involved in an electrical issue at Jackie’s house.” She immediately responded, “We are all needy, Monday-Sunday.” I laughed and thought, “This is exactly why I always have all my stuff with me.” I’m always prepared, whether it’s the holy stuff or my toolboxes.
Now, I have to figure out what happened to that oven and why it died but started working again. But then I figured there was no sense in tinkering with it then. I just thought I’d better leave well enough alone, especially since I was already batting a thousand (which rarely happens with my projects). But, more importantly, I wanted dinner, and it was cooking in that oven!
The Spiritual Consequences of Living a Hurried, Busy Life: Several years ago, I read an excellent article by Frank Powell entitled “7 Spiritual Consequences of Living a Hurried, Busy Life.” I thought about that article again recently when I was preaching about the perils to avoid and the pearls to embrace regarding family life.
Frank Powell opens his article by quoting a 1967 report delivered to the United States Senate by time management experts. The experts believed that the speed of technology, and the advent of satellites and robots would present significant problems for the American workplace in years to come. They thought that with all this increase in efficiency, people would suddenly have too much free time on their hands. They concluded that by 1985 people would have to choose between working 22 hours a week, 27 weeks a year, or retiring by age 38. Well, they were completely wrong! We are moving faster than ever today, yet we’re “going” absolutely nowhere. We’ve become addicted to speed and obsessed with hurriedness. I didn’t realize this, but there is a title for this “sickness,” and it’s called “hurry sickness.” Hurry sickness is a “continuous struggle to accomplish more things and participate in more events in less time, frequently in the face of opposition, real or imagined, from other people.”
If we compare our pace to the pace of Jesus’ life, there aren’t many similarities. If you think about it, Jesus was never rushed at all. He had an incredible mission with a “startup” organization in a hostile world but didn’t cater to the world’s demands. “He wasn’t overwhelmed by life, even though he had an enormous mission to complete in a very short period of time. Jesus never rushed because he moved at God’s pace. You see, hurriedness isn’t from God. It’s the world’s pace. It’s Satan’s pace. Psychiatrist Carl Jung said, ‘Hurry is not OF the devil. Hurry IS the devil.’”
The primary focus of Mr. Powell’s article is offering insights into what he describes as the seven SPIRITUAL consequences of living a hurried, busy life. Just imagine what the experts would say about the physical, mental, and medical implications of living such a life!
Over the next couple of weeks, I will share and reflect upon the seven spiritual consequences Mr. Powell identifies as resulting from living a hurried, busy life. You won’t be surprised by his list. But seeing the list in writing and understanding the consequences of such a busy life will make you stop and reflect on what you can do to change. Living a busy, hurried life isn’t worth it at all.
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Enjoy the week. Know of my prayers!
In Christ,
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11) Along the Way with Father Adam | |
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Good News Cruise
By the time you read this, I’ll be home… but as I am writing I’m looking out over the beautiful ocean at Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. But don’t be jealous – although it’s 75 degrees, it’s raining.
This is my third time sailing with the Good News Cruise, and I think this is the best one yet! Our ship is the Adventure of the Seas. Surprisingly for those who haven’t sailed with us before, it’s a small ship. The entire ship holds 3400 passengers, of which we make up 836.
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Our first day on the ship we started with a tremendous performance by Sarah Kroger. She is also playing the music for our Masses.
If you’ve never heard of Sarah, do yourself a favor and download her music now. You will not be disappointed.
Along with Sarah, we have Archbishop Naumann from Kansas City, Kansas and Bp. Coffey, an auxiliary bishop from the Archdiocese of Military Services with us for the week. In total there are 13 priests on board! Each day there are 4 priests who hear confessions for 1.5 hours and then 4 other priests that hear confessions for another 2 hours.
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As I said, Teresa and Dcn. Dom are with us too and Teresa is broadcasting her radio show live… she even conned me into being a guest, but we gave a huge shoutout to SJA!
What is really beautiful for me – besides the beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, sorry to rub it in – are the 400 couples that are taking the time to be away to reflect, connect, and recreate.
In one presentation, Alicia and Mike Hernon had the couples praying with one another – such a necessary part of growing together and growing together in the Lord.
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But an important part of the cruise for couples is the recreation time. There are beer, whiskey, and wine tastings. There are plenty of shore excursions. There is time to just relax. It’s a great balance on the Good News Cruise.
Next year’s cruise is already in the works, with stops in the Bahamas, Haiti, and Jamaica. Check out goodnewscruise.com for all the details but… one of the featured speakers next year is everyone’s favorite Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Despite the rain, hopefully I’ll have a nice tan when I return. See you all soon!
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12) Ascension Presents: Father Mike Schmitz | |
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Adam and Eve Ruined Everything for Us. How Is That Fair?
We were all born sick.
The sickness is Sin. It’s not a tendency to sin that we brought upon ourselves… it’s something we “caught” from our parents, that was passed down to us by our forefathers. This is Original Sin.
…but wait, how is that even fair?! Today, Fr. Mike reminds you that you are good and you were made good. But we are born with a wound that only our creator can heal.
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13) Words on the Word: February 4, 2024 - Weather or Not | |
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The only thing worse than Michigan weather in January, one might say, is Michigan weather in February.
Not always, of course. Sometimes the gently falling snow and cool breeze can be stimulating. But let’s face it, we’ve hit the time of year where most residents need to remind themselves that the rest of the year in this state is worth the wait.
In the meantime, though, we trudge through the snow, ice and sub-freezing windchills, at worst, or the battleship gray monotony of the winter sky, at best.
It can all have an impact. A recent story in the Detroit Free Press noted that Michigan, in particular, ranks high for the number of people impacted by seasonal affective disorder. Top five in the country, as a matter of fact.
Around that same time, a story in The Detroit News informed local drivers that a portion of the massive reconstruction project at I-696 and the Lodge freeway has been repeatedly delayed because of the lousy weather.
“It is very frustrating for us and drivers to have this delay and we are sorry to keep having to move it,” a transportation department spokeswoman said in the story. “We need clear, dry weather in order to put those markings down. It’s a little more involved than you might realize.”
At this time of year, alas, it seems that everything is. All of which can have us feeling a bit like Job in today’s first reading.
“Is not man’s life on earth a drudgery?” Job asks. Then the reading concludes with this: “Remember that my life is like the wind. I shall not see happiness again.”
The good news, in a temporal sense, is that happiness and warmer weather will eventually get here.
The better news, in a spiritual sense, is that eternal happiness is promised to all.
© 2024 Words on the Word
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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:
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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.
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15) 52 Stories: Good News from Spirit Juice Studios | |
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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!
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I'm Emma and I'm Adopted
Emma beautifully describes how, as an infant, she was brought into a loving home by parents who were unable to have children. Her birth mother, incapable of raising the child on her own, unknowingly gave Emma the greatest gift of all: life and happiness.
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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.
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17) Mass Intentions for the Week: | |
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Monday, February 5, 2024, Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (Red)
7:00 am, John Spath
Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs (Red)
7:00 am, Raymond Van Becelaere
Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Weekday, (Green)
7:00 am, Mildred LeFevre
6:00 pm, John Frahm
Thursday, February 8, 2024, Weekday; Saint Jerome Emiliani, Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin (Green/White/White)
7:00 am, Al Rogier
Friday, February 9, 2024, Weekday (Green)
7:00 am, A Special Intention for the Family of Tina Calisi
Saturday, February 10, 2024, Vigil for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)
4:00 pm, Matt Hunsucker, Sally Cabot, the deceased members of the Batche Family, Bonnie Batche, George J. Bugarin, Edward Osmilalowski, Paula Nagel, William Dinan, Kathleen Kennedy-Rieth and Special Intentions for the J. Champine Family, the Thomas Family, for Alison Reslow, Pam Haisenleder, Lorraine Jonas, and Linda Frank.
6:00 pm, Michael Forrester
Sunday, February 11, 2024, The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)
8:00 am, For the Intentions for St. Joan of Arc Parishioners
10:00 am David Pienta
12:00 pm, Maura Marquez Mallare, Special Intentions for Joe Serventi, Patrick Urso and Courtney Jurek, Alison Reslow, Pam Haisenleder, Lorraine Jonas, and Linda Frank.
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18) This Week on St. Joan of Arc LIVE: | |
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This week's LIVE Stream
Schedule at St. Joan of Arc:
Monday (February 5)
7:00 AM - Mass
Tuesday (February 6):
7:00 AM - Mass
8:30 AM - Mass
Wednesday (February 7):
7:00 AM - Mass
6:00 PM - Mass
Thursday (February 8):
7:00 AM - Mass
7:00 PM - Holy Hour
Friday (February 9):
7:00 AM - Mass
10:00 AM - Funeral for Patricia Stander (Read Obituary HERE)
Saturday (February 10):
10:00 AM - Funeral for Alan DePorter (Read Obituary HERE)
12:30 PM - Baptism of Ellie Francis Houssari
1:30 PM - Baptism of Calina, Declan, Weston, and Emerson Mancina
4:00 PM - Mass
6:00 PM - Mass
Sunday (February 11):
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.
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19) SJA's Latest Parish Bulletin | |
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Click on the image below
to download a copy of the bulletin
for February 4, 2024
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20) 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.
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Read the latest from the DETROIT CATHOLIC
Click on the image below.
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