Week of June 23, 2024

1) THANK YOU and Farewell to Fr. Adam

It’s hard to believe that Father Adam will be moving on after only a year at SJA. He may have only been here a year, but he will undoubtedly be remembered for a long time.

Moving on is one of the most challenging aspects of a priest’s life. When you arrive at a parish, you get entrenched in people’s lives pretty quickly as you walk with them in the joys and sorrows of everyday life. We arrive at a parish knowing that one day we will move on, but moving on is always difficult, both for the priest and the people.

As we bid farewell to Father Adam, we thank God for how he enriched our lives in the short year he was among us. He was ever present before and after Masses. He was a stable presence in the morning at the school for drop-off and in the afternoon for pickup. I could hear his laughter in the morning in the school office from down the hall as he joined the morning school office chatter before going to “his” door to greet students. He would randomly show up in classrooms to chat or say hello. He would show up half an hour before confessions simply to catch all the “early birds” so the confession line wouldn’t grow too long. He would drop anything to visit a sick parishioner and was always on call for this or that emergency. He would join in and get in the midst of all the Parish Center lunchtime talk as if he had been here for decades, always bringing a millennial’s perspective to everything we did. He would accept and dish out the banter as fast as anyone else. He was always prepared to lead us in worship. He offered inspiring and insightful homilies, often getting us to think about the meaning of the words in the original language of Sacred Scripture. He could easily participate in the off-the-cuff bantering we would frequently do at the end of Mass. He “sometimes” tried to be the peacemaker between those who claimed it was too cold versus those who thought it was too hot in the office. He would quickly pick up the phone if things were busy and jump right in with stuffing envelopes or doing some random task that needed to be done. He always made sure things were set up for Mass and coordinated who was going where for the distribution of Holy Communion. If you asked him to do anything or if you needed help, there was never a question or a delay; he just quickly got up and did what was needed.

It’s an exciting time in his life as a priest. On Monday, he will turn 33, but then on Monday, July 1, he begins a new mission as THE spiritual leader and father of St. Anne Parish and School in Warren. He will also become the moderator of the Family of Parishes, which includes St. Faustina, St. Louise de Marillac, St. Mark and St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Family Parishes, all located in Warren. It’s a significant new chapter for him as he takes on these awesome responsibilities in the name of Christ the Lord.

I can’t help but recall, as I often do for my own prayer, the words of the “stock” homily in the ordination ritual of a priest. They are poignant words filled with so much meaning, and I offer them now to Father Adam as he leaves us. “Impart to everyone the word of God that you yourself have received with joy … let the holiness of your life be a pleasing fragrance for Christ’s faithful, so that you may build up by word and example that house which is the Church of God…. You will also exercise in Christ the office of sanctifying; for by your ministry the spiritual sacrifice of the faithful will be made perfect … Understand, therefore, what you do, and imitate what you celebrate. Always remember that you have been taken from among the people and appointed on their behalf in those things that pertain to God. Fulfill, therefore, the ministry of Christ the Priest with abiding joy and genuine love. Seek not your own concerns but those of Jesus Christ. Finally, dear son, united with your Bishop and subject to him, fulfill the office of Christ, Head and Shepherd to the best of your ability. Strive to gather the faithful together into one family, so that you may lead them to God the Father, through Christ, and in the Holy Spirit. Keep always before your eyes the example of the Good Shepherd, who did not come to be served but to serve and who came to seek and to save what was lost.”

I know … we know … Father Adam will do all these things exceedingly well!

Thank you Father Adam!

God bless and Godspeed!

2) Join us as we Celebrate Monsignor Mike's 60th Birthday on Saturday

3) Summer Storybook Hour for Preschool and Elementary Children

4) Longtime host Al Kresta, patriarch of modern Catholic radio, dies at 72

From Detroit Catholic:

ANN ARBOR — One interview, commentary and insightful conversation at a time, Al Kresta sought to build the Church.

And in turn, over a career spanning decades as a Catholic radio host, author, journalist, evangelist and speaker, Kresta blessed the nation.

The 72-year-old founder and president of Ann Arbor-based Ave Maria Radio died Saturday, June 15, surrounded by family at home after a brief battle with liver cancer.

A former evangelical Protestant who rose to prominence as a radio host before his conversion to Catholicism in 1992, Kresta’s voice was heard on hundreds of radio stations daily, including EWTN Catholic Radio, via Ave Maria’s flagship program, “Kresta in the Afternoon.”

According to a webpage set up by Kresta’s family to provide updates, Kresta was admitted to the University of Michigan Hospital on April 29 “after a month of tests,” which culminated in a liver cancer diagnosis on May 3.

Kresta was a patriarch of modern Catholic radio, his show marked for its wide-ranging topics, from theology and politics to culture and literature. Known for holding the "Catechism of the Catholic Church in one hand and the New York Times in the other," as his tagline said, Kresta was unafraid to bring the Church's wisdom to bear on all corners of society.

Kresta's impact was widely felt, especially in southeast Michigan, where, when he wasn't asking thought-provoking and insightful questions of Church leaders, politicians, clergy and cultural figures, he was a frequent speaker and catechist at parish events and functions.

While Kresta interviewed hundreds of movers and shakers over his career, it was no doubt conversations with listeners like Carolyn Barrett that the late host would count as his most impactful, in retrospect.

"I talked to him on his show in 2014 when he interviewed Richard Cole," Barrett wrote on a Facebook post memorializing Kresta June 15. "We talked about catechizing adults like me that had fallen away from the church because we could not get answers to our questions. I never got to tell him I came back home after 30 years lapsed. My husband and kids joined as well in 2021."

Fr. Richard Cassidy, a professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, told Detroit Catholic he had been interviewed on Kresta's show multiple times, finding each conversation as enlightening as it was fruitful.

"In my estimation it is hard to overstate his impact upon the Church in southeastern Michigan and nationally as well," Fr. Cassidy said.

"Al was always well-prepared for these interviews," Fr. Cassidy continued. "He had definitely read and digested (my) book prior to the interview. Al knew both the historical and the pastoral significance of the book in question, and he directed the interview in a highly positive and professional manner."

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5) How to Make a Good Confession

In this new series presented by Unleash the Gospel, discover how to engage in various practices of the Catholic faith! In this video, Fr. Dave Tomaszycki offers some pointers on how to make a good Confession. Check it out and keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your next opportunity to go to Confession.

6) How to Strengthen Fragile Relationships

Navigating healthy relationships can be so difficult. Developing good relationships—whether friendships or romantic ones—and deepening them in a fragile world can be challenging.

We can be tempted to leave a relationship or dissolve a friendship when things become difficult or when we’re hurt by the other person. It can be challenging to work on deepening these relationships when others have said hurtful or difficult things—but that doesn’t mean we should throw in the towel.

Today, Fr. Mark-Mary challenges us to go beyond surface-level friendships and work on deepening our relationships—even though they can be fragile and hard to maintain.

7) 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!

8) Ascension's Bible and Catechism App

9) Holy Hour on Thursdays

10) This Sunday's Readings: June 23, 2024 - the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11) Sunday Reflections by Jeff Cavins

Please note: When Jeff Cavins recorded these videos three years ago, the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist was this Sunday. As such, there is no video for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Rather than delete this section in the email, I decided to leave it and put in his reflection on the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist (which occurs on Monday this year). As such, the readings he offers his reflection on here will be different from the readings used at Mass.

Becoming Like John the Baptist

Jeff Cavins speaks of how St. John the Baptist was a “polished arrow in the quiver of the Lord” and explains how we can be one as well, as he reflects on the readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in this week’s Encountering the Word video.

Vigil

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4A, 5-6AB, 15AB and 17

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:8-12

Alleluia: See John 1:7; Luke 1:17

Gospel: Luke 1:5-17

Mass During the Day

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 139:1B-3, 13-14AB, 14C-15

Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26

Alleluia: See Luke 1:76

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

12) Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Peace in the Storm



Friends, our Gospel for today is Mark’s account of the stilling of the sea. We know the basic structure of the story: Jesus is in the boat with the disciples; when a storm kicks up, he’s asleep in the stern. The disciples are panicking and wake Jesus up, and once he’s awakened, he calms the storm. Then he says, “Do you not yet have faith?” What I’m going to do is give you three separate interpretations of this story, all of which have come up out of the ancient Church, and all of which shed light on the spiritual life.

13) Grow+Go

14) 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.

15) TALLer Tales

Getting More than You Bargained For: A couple of weekends ago, we had our 2nd Annual Kickoff to Summer Event. It was a grand celebration, and I loved seeing so many younger families on campus. Thankfully, the weather cooperated, except for the wind (which was a significant factor in the purpose of this story).

I enjoyed seeing many of our parishioners and their grandchildren together. But one grandparent certainly got more than she paid for on this particular Sunday! This specific grandma is well-known in our parish and community. For the sake of this story (of course, I want to give her “some” type of anonymity), her name is Mary Beth. Maybe she and her husband, whose name might be Tommy, might own a famous butcher and meat market in Eastern Market (speaking of Eastern Market, we had some AWESOME chicken and beef kabobs from Ronnie’s Meats in Eastern Market this past weekend for Father’s Day. If you’ve never been there, you need to stop by there and see their incredible selection of meats).

Mary brought her little grandson Gregory to the event. “They” only lasted an hour, but that one little hour created a lifetime of memories, especially one “special” moment at the petting zoo that I’m sure will be the topic of many stories for generations to come.

As the ever-convincing Grandma, Mary tried convincing Gregory to get a tattoo. She stood in line for a long time, hoping that watching the other kids’ excitement would persuade him to get one of these little drawn-on masterpieces. When the time came for him to get his masterful tattoo on his arm, he was VERY reluctant, so Grandma decided to go first. He watched diligently but, in the end, wouldn’t give in. So, poor Grandma walked away, trying to erase the tattoo from her arm. As she walked away, she wondered what all the other kids in line thought about this Grandma getting a tattoo!

After the failed tattoo session, Mary and little Gregory wandered over to the petting zoo. Once again, the petting zoo was a particular hit among the young and old. The rabbits were so cute and soft (we found out from the family who owns the animals that the rabbits they had were all rescue rabbits). Mary and little Gregory spent time petting the rabbits and watching the chickens and goats run around their little pen. Then, they wandered over to where the cow and goat were isolated. A huge gust of wind blew through as they sat on the curb, watching with great delight at the joy of God’s creatures and just enjoying a bit of grandma and grandson bonding time. At the same time, the cow decided it had to go to the bathroom. Mix wind and urine and visitors nearby, and what do you get? A grandma sprayed with cow urine! UGH! She certainly got more than she bargained for … but it created a lifetime of memories with little Gregory at her expense!

Enjoy the week. Know of my prayers!

gmb@sjascs.org

16) Along the Way with Father Adam

Thank You!

Thank you all very much for your kindness, love, and support during this past year. It has been an honor for me to serve you and the entire community here at St. Joan of Arc. This year has gone by extremely fast, and I wish we could have had more time together. But alas, we never fully know God’s plan for our lives. While I am definitely saddened to leave, I am simultaneously excited to see what God might have in store for me at St. Anne.

As I become the moderator and a member of the in solidum team of priests who pastor St. Anne Parish, Warren; St. Mark Parish, Warren; St. Faustina Parish, Warren; St. Louise de Marillac Parish, Warren; St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Parish, Warren, that form Central Macomb Vicariate Family 3 (Communion of Saints Family of Parishes), please pray for me! It is a bit daunting, but I’m confident that with your prayers and God’s grace, all things are possible.

One of the greatest graces is that I leave St. Joan having experienced your love – the profound love of Jesus through you. I have greatly enjoyed getting to know you and I thank you for inviting me into your homes and your families. To minister to the people of God at the happiest and the saddest moments of life is such a privilege. 

Thank you especially to Msgr. Mike, Fr. Rich, Dcn. Tom, Dcn. Dom, and the entire staff for their leadership and guidance. We are incredibly blessed at St. Joan to have a prayerful and committed staff that love the Lord and serving His people.

I greatly appreciate all your kind words and gifts as we bid farewell. Please know that you will always hold a special place in my heart. Please feel free to reach out anytime via email anowak@st-anne.net and to visit me on Mound Road. I’m not too far away and you may see me here for a sports game or two when the school year begins again. Don’t be surprised though, if I have on green and white, instead of red and white. St. Anne’s famous Sausage Festival is September 20-22, make sure to stop by for some good Polish food, Polka music, and to say hi!

When I was studying Spanish in Mexico back in 2014, I was blessed to study with a Benedictine Monk, Br. Ignacio – now Fr. Ignacio. When we were departing Cuernavaca for our perspective homes he said to me, “I’ll see you in the Eucharist.” This is something that I have never forgot and has made parting just a bit easier. And so, I say to you, until we meet again face-to-face, I’ll see you in the Eucharist.

Again, thank you so much for everything. Know of my prayers for you and please continue to pray for me!

Blessings,

Fr. Adam

anowak@st-anne.net

St. Anne Catholic Church and School

32000 Mound Rd.

Warren, MI 48092

17) Ascension Presents: Father Mike Schmitz

The Secret to Staying Happily Married

We’ve got a “Marriage Pop-Quiz” for you! Would you ditch your spouse to catch a flight?

Imagine you’re traveling with your spouse. They go to the bathroom while you wait for your flight to board. But they don’t come back. And you’re going to miss your flight. Should you board it and ditch your spouse? What would you do in this situation?

According to Fr. Mike, there is only one correct answer to this question. And the answer might surprise you.

Today, Fr. Mike shares a funny story about an older married couple’s problem when traveling together and his shock and surprise at the variety of responses he received when asking other married couples what they would do in this situation.

18) Words on the Word: June 23, 2024 - False Evidence Appearing Real  

Fear of heights. Fear of tight spaces. Fear of snakes. Fear of blood. Fear of long words (hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliopobia; it’s a thing!).

And fear of spiders. That’s a common one, and media outlets had a field day recently when reports surfaced of a new infestation of spiders – joro spiders – headed toward the east coast this year. These aren’t just spiders, mind you, but spiders that are 4-inches long. And they fly. And they’re venomous. And they lay up to 1,000 eggs at a time.

Oh, my.

One of the more responsible media outlets took the time to put many of the most obvious fears to rest, including, perhaps most importantly, that these spiders, well-known in the south, actually are harmless to human beings. Their bite, for example (when they do bite) is essentially like a mosquito bite.

But it’s natural for our fears to get the better of us. And, usually, that fear is largely unwarranted, which is why some folks point out that FEAR is usually the result of False Evidence Appearing Real.

That’s not always the case, of course. If one is bobbing in the middle of the ocean and surrounded by sharks, the danger is real. 

But the fact remains that there is good news, even about fear, as reported in today’s gospel from St. Mark. The disciples are foundering on a boat in a storm and shout out for Jesus.

“He woke up,” the gospel says, “rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Quiet! Be still!’

“Then he asked them, ‘Why are you terrified? Do you not have faith?’ They were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this whom even the wind and sea obey?’”

Bottom line – when we have Jesus in our boat, even our fear can turn to awe.

© 2024 Words on the Word

19) 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.



20) 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!

Street Evangelization

In imitation of the earliest disciples, men in formation for the diaconate in the Diocese of Austin bring the gospel to the streets. In this video, their ministry of prayer, healing, and solidarity with those they encounter is told through interviews and footage of their work.

21) Hallow App:

22) Mass Intentions for the Week:

Monday, June 24, 2024, The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (White)

7:00 am, Fr. Charles DeSantis and Father Adam on his Birthday.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Weekday (Green)

7:00 am, Deceased members of the Calisi Family who died in the month of June

Wednesday, June 26, 2024, Weekday (Green)

7:00 am, Special Intention for Rachel and Joseph Allemon on their wedding anniversary

6:00 pm, Allen Laturno

Thursday, June 27, 2024, Weekday, Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and Doctor of the Church (Green/White)

7:00 am, Herbert Thelen

Friday, June 28, 2024, Saint Ireanaeus, Bishop and Martyr (Red)

7:00 am, Hugo Calisi and Monsignor Mike on his 60th Birthday.

Saturday, June 29, 2024, Vigil for the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

4:00 pm, Grace & Sam Valenti, Lewis & Charlotte McQuillan, Mary Lou Racine, Bonnie Batche, Joseph & Irene Fontecchio, Andrew Ferguson, Special Intentions for Hanna Filipowicz, Thomas Sloan, the J. Champine Family, the Thomas Family, Alison Reslow, Lorraine Jonas, Pam Haisenleder, Linda Frank and for James & Marie Therese Belloli on their 61st Wedding Anniversary

6:00 pm, Richard & Virginia Robinette

Sunday, June 30, 2024, Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

8:00 am, The Intentions of SJA Parishioners

10:00 am, Tim McCarthy

12:00 pm Jerome & Geraldine Rogier, Joseph Drouin, Tina Roberts, and Carmen Bucek

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

This week's LIVE Stream

Schedule at St. Joan of Arc:

Monday (June 24)

7:00 AM - Mass

Tuesday (June 25):

7:00 AM - Mass

Wednesday (June 26):

7:00 AM - Mass

6:00 PM - Mass

Thursday (June 27):

7:00 AM- Mass

7:00 PM - Holy Hour

Friday (June 28):

7:00 AM - Mass

Saturday (June 29):

12:30 PM - Baptism of Lily Mae Shubnell

4:00 PM - Mass

6:00 PM - Mass

Sunday (June 30):

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.

24) SJA's Latest Parish Bulletin

Click on the image below

to download a copy of the bulletin

for June 23, 2024

25) Weekly Bulletin Mailing List

26) Detroit Catholic