Week of October 18, 2026

1) Pope Leo XIV leaves Gemelli Hospital, returns to Vatican

From EWTN News: The 71-year-old pope had been admitted last Tuesday and underwent surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.

Pope Leo XIV left the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital shortly after 3:30 p.m. local time on Saturday to return to the Vatican.

The 71-year-old pope had been admitted last Tuesday and underwent surgery just hours later to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. The procedure, which lasted about an hour and a half, was performed using a video-assisted technique, while an intraoperative histological examination confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

His discharge from the hospital was announced by the pontiff’s attending physician, Dr. Luigi Carbone, and the surgeon who performed the operation, Professor Stefano Margaritora.

As he left, the pope greeted the faithful gathered along the barriers. Daniele Franco, chairman of the board of the Gemelli University Hospital Foundation, was also there to welcome the pontiff upon his exit.

Before getting into the car, Leo greeted several members of the faithful who presented him with gifts. The pope did not stay in the papal suite on the hospitalʼs 10th floor, as it was undergoing renovation, but rather in adjacent rooms on the same floor.

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2) World Mission Sunday

This weekend, we join Catholics throughout the world in celebrating the 100th World Mission Sunday.

Under this year’s theme, “One in Christ, united in mission,” we are reminded that every baptized person shares in the Church’s mission through prayer, generosity, and witness. Your gift supports mission dioceses and helps sustain the priests, religious communities, catechists, seminarians, churches, schools, and pastoral centers that bring the Gospel to communities in need throughout the world.

Envelopes are available at all the church exits, or you may give electronically by using the link below.

3) Restructuring Update From Archbishop Weisenburger

October 2026

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Since July of 1701, when Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac first stepped onto the shoreline of what would become the City of Detroit, the story of the Catholic Church here has been written through the lives of God's holy people: religious men and women who served in our parishes, schools, hospitals and retreat centers; priests who dedicated their lives to ministering to God's people; and generations of faithful Catholics who have lived their faith through Word, Sacrament, charity and service.

What a story it has been.

Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our long and remarkable history. As you know, the Archdiocese of Detroit is in the second half of a two-year process of restructuring. This past spring, we shared draft pastorate models and opened the doors to your feedback. More than 40,000 parishioners attended 412 listening sessions, and 17,000 provided additional feedback through our online survey over the summer.

I would like to share with you where we are and what comes next.

First, and among our greatest treasures, our priests.

As part of the restructuring, all parish priests will receive new assignments, with only a very few exceptions—primarily the four newly ordained priests and five pastors who were newly assigned and moved in 2026. Our priests have been informed of the broad reassignment process that will take place next summer and have been asked to begin planning for a smooth transition.

I cannot overstate my gratitude for their faithful leadership. Their spirit of sacrifice, unity, and service is a powerful witness, not only to our local Church today but also to the generations of priests who will follow them. I know, too, that while we have great faith in the Lord's never-failing help, facing the reality of these priest transfers can be challenging.

Our priests forge deep bonds with those they serve, and those relationships are a treasured part of parish life.

But this movement of priests is important and intentional. As we form new pastorates, we need to look at the needs of newly formed pastorates as a whole and match the gifts, experience, and abilities of our priests with the communities they will serve. This gives both our priests and our parish communities an opportunity for a fresh start together, laying a foundation on which ministries and relationships from prior communities can be successfully blended into one.

This approach of a true fresh beginning for all has proven absolutely essential in dioceses where restructuring has known great success. And while it asks much of our priests, it is a sacrifice they are making as brothers of one, unified presbyterate, for you, the faithful whom they are committed to serve with great fidelity. I ask that you give them your full support as they take their leave from their current assignments and, as these new pastorates are formed in July 2027, that you welcome new priests to your communities with full and loving support.

Second, a word about the pastorate models.

As you may recall, we began this process in the spring by releasing three to four draft models for each planning area of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Those models were a starting point for discussion and discernment.

We then gathered your feedback through more than 400 parish listening sessions, an online survey, and thousands of additional comments, emails, and conversations we have received over the last few months.

We have incorporated your feedback into a second round of draft models, now with two models for each planning area. Some models may be revised, some may be entirely new, and others may remain unchanged from Round 1. In late October, you can view these Round 2 models by visiting restructuring.aod.org.

Once again, these are still draft models. The pastorate groupings are not final. Rather, these models are an opportunity to see how your feedback is helping to shape this important process. I pray you will see in this next round of draft models that we truly listened, took your feedback to heart, and did our best to let it shape where we are today.

One example of your feedback was that the phrase "no weekend Masses" in the Round 1 models raised questions about what that would actually mean for the future of these communities.

As we move into the next stage of refining the models, we are now able to provide greater clarity. In the refined models, you will continue to see some locations identified as having "no weekend Masses." For those locations, this means they would be combined with another parish, or with other parishes in the pastorate, to form a single, unified parish community.

This is not a change in the overall direction of the restructuring process. Rather, it is a further clarification that is appropriate at this stage of our planning. It also aligns with much of the feedback we have heard from you as we continue working together to refine these models.

What happens next?

In October, these second-round draft models will be shared with our priests and key parish leaders for another round of feedback. From there, the material will go to the Archdiocesan Restructuring Commission for its review and feedback. The proposal will then come to me for my own prayerful discernment before a final plan is announced in April 2027.

I recognize that behind every model, every recommendation, and every decision are parish communities that people deeply love and call home. Our parishes have rich histories, and they often feel very much like members of our own families. I honor those feelings because they reflect the love you have for your faith and for the communities that have nurtured it.

That love is something we carry with us as we look to the future.

For more than 300 years, Catholics in Detroit have responded to the needs of their time with faith, courage, and trust in God. Through every season, generation after generation has found new ways to live the Gospel, worship together, serve others and pass on the faith.

We are part of that same story today.

This moment gives us an opportunity to ask not simply how we preserve what has been, but how we best prepare the Church of the Detroit Archdiocese for what God is calling us to become. Our hope is to build on the faith, sacrifice, and generosity of those who came before us so that generations still to come will encounter vibrant Catholic communities where they can know Christ, grow as disciples, and experience the life of the Church.

We may not see every detail of the path ahead, but we know the One who leads us. Let us move forward with faith and confidence in Christ, trusting in the Holy Spirit who has guided the Church of this Archdiocese for more than three centuries.

And let us embrace this moment together as children of God the Father, disciples of Christ the Son, and recipients of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, united in our shared vision for the future: vibrant faith communities, flourishing priests, and sustainable, mission-ready parishes.

May God bless you abundantly.

The Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger

Archdiocese of Detroit

4) Tickets Are Now Available for SJA’s 20th Annual Gala

Dear SJA Parishioners and Friends,

We invite you to the 20th Annual St. Joan of Arc School Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 20th Gala! We return to the Assumption Cultural Center, the very place where our Gala tradition began twenty years ago. We hope you will join us for an evening of great food, fellowship, exciting auction items, and support for the mission of St. Joan of Arc School.

Dinner tickets are now available for purchase! Choose the option that works best for you:

• Single Ticket ($135)
• Couple's Ticket ($260)
• Table of 10 ($1,300)

To purchase tickets, please visit:

If you wish to contribute to the 2026 Gala, click on the image below to download a PDF copy of the Contributor Form.



Gala Book Family Ads

Celebrate your SJA family, recognize your children, share a favorite photo, give a shout-out to a teacher or coach, honor your family’s years at St. Joan, or simply send your congratulations on 20 incredible years of Galas!

Whether your family is brand new to SJA or has been part of our community for generations, this is a special opportunity to leave your mark on our 20th anniversary celebration.

Make it sweet, sentimental, spirited, or FUN... it’s your family’s ad!

5) Made for God Series

Have you ever wondered what the Church really teaches about Purgatory, indulgences, and what happens as we grow closer to our perfect union with God? Join us for Made for God, a three-part Adult Catechesis Series designed to deepen your understanding of these important teachings and strengthen your faith.

The series will be presented by Fr. Bob Voiland and Richard Hass on three Wednesday evenings: October 21, October 28, and November 4, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in Emmaus Fellowship Hall / Sr. Carol Center.

Whether you are looking for answers to questions you have carried for years or simply wish to grow in your understanding of the Catholic faith, all adults are welcome.

Come learn, ask questions, and discover more fully the hope that Christ offers us through His Church.

Dates: October 21, October 28 & November 4

Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Location: Emmaus Fellowship Hall in the Sr. Carol Center

6) Gather Them Home

For families who have the cremated remains of a loved one at home, Gather Them Home offers an opportunity to give them the dignified and prayerful Catholic burial they deserve.

A Community Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joan of Arc on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a committal service. Families may choose from participating Catholic cemeteries and will receive pastoral guidance throughout the process.

If you or someone you know has been holding the cremated remains of a loved one, please consider sharing this important opportunity.

7) Fall Fest 2026 Video

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s SJA Fall Fest such a wonderful evening for our parish and school families! We are especially grateful to our volunteers, organizers, donors, and everyone who joined us.

Click below to enjoy a look back at this year’s celebration.

8) Prayer Teams during Holy Hour

9) Center for Exceptional Children

10) Hallow

We are thrilled to announce that our parish has partnered with Hallow, the #1 prayer app! Through prayer and meditation rooted in the Catholic faith, Hallow helps people grow closer to God and find peace. 

As a Hallow Parish Partner, our parishioners can enjoy a special trial offering full access to the app’s premium content for just $1 for the first year, followed by $35 per year during our partnership. 

If you’d like to forgo the $1 offer and remain on the free version, simply hit “Skip” and you’ll have access to our parish page. Throughout the year, we’ll take part in a series of prayer challenges together - stay tuned for announcements!

All parishioners – paid subscribers and those on the free version – are invited to be a part of St. Joan of Arc’s parish page in the app. There, you’re able to create a profile, share prayer requests, and take part in prayer challenges together. 

To join, visit hallow.stjoan.church, and follow the prompts or click the button below.

11) Authentic Discipleship Group

12) Austin Catholic High School Open House

13) Regina High School Open House

14) Vote 'no' on Proposal 1 this November

From DetroitCatholic.com: One important role Michigan Catholic Conference plays in the life of the Church is to encourage and equip Catholics to practice faithful citizenship – that is, to participate in elections by voting with a conscience that has been formed by the truths of the faith.

MCC prepares and distributes election-related materials to dioceses and parishes to help the faithful prepare for elections. Catholics are encouraged to evaluate political candidates and their positions on various policy issues, particularly if candidate positions promote the common good and protect human life and dignity. 

The Church never endorses political candidates or parties. The Church does, however, evaluate policy issues based on the principles of Catholic social teaching. Following deliberation and action from its Board of Directors, which includes the state’s diocesan bishops, MCC will occasionally take a position on a ballot question that may either promote or harm the common good. 

This November, MCC is urging Catholics to vote NO on Proposal 1, which will ask voters if they support a convention to rewrite the state constitution. 

Unlike other ballot measures – which must demonstrate broad support by garnering approval by the Legislature or by gathering thousands of signatures from Michigan residents – this proposal to convene a constitutional convention is required by the Michigan Constitution to appear automatically on the ballot every 16 years. The specific purpose of a constitutional convention is to elect individuals to rewrite the state’s guiding document and place it before voters for passage or rejection. 

Since the 1963 constitution went into effect, voters have been asked three times if another convention should be conducted. On each occasion, MCC and voters at the ballot have said ‘no.’  

The rationale to vote NO on Proposal 1 is this: State politics have increasingly become nationalized. If Michigan voters approve the creation of a constitutional convention, it would undoubtedly attract the influence of national political actors and organizations, each with millions of dollars to spend promoting a particular issue or partisan interest. The result would mean a Michigan constitution that does not reflect Michigan’s interests. MCC and the bishops of Michigan do not believe such a result would advance the common good in this state.

While improvements could indeed be made to the current constitution, the existing document already allows for amendments or changes on a narrower, issue-by-issue basis. This is done through the citizens’ initiative process or by a vote of the Legislature. Both options allow for a proposal to be placed on the ballot for a vote of the people.

Michigan Catholic Conference is far from alone in opposing Proposal 1. A broad nonpartisan coalition of groups have come together to urge Michigan voters to reject the ballot question and avoid a wide-ranging, unpredictable constitutional convention. 

To promote the common good in this state by keeping Michigan residents in charge of the state’s constitution, MCC urges Catholic and all voters this fall to vote NO on Proposal 1.

15) Traveling Vocations Chalice

The Traveling Vocations Chalice Program helps families pray for more people to say “yes” to God’s call – especially to the priesthood and religious life. The special chalice serves as a beautiful reminder to pray that God will raise up faithful priests, sisters, and brothers for our Church.

The Church has always encouraged everyone – not just priests and sisters – to pray for vocations. Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI both reminded us that the call to pray for vocations belongs to all of us!

When we pray for vocations, we are asking God to bless and guide those he is calling to follow him in a special way. Every prayer helps! Families who take the chalice home are invited to pray together each day that God will inspire and strengthen those discerning his call.

How It Works

• At Mass: At the end of Mass, Father invites a family to come forward to receive the chalice and a special blessing.

• At Home: The family takes the chalice home and places it in a special spot – perhaps on the dining table, prayer corner, or mantle.

• During the Week: Each day for two weeks, the family takes a few moments during their regular prayer time to pray for more vocations and for perseverance among those already following God’s call.

• Share Your Experience: A journal travels with the chalice. Families can write a short note or prayer about their experience before returning it.

16) 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!

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

18) 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.

19) Holy Hour on Thursdays

20) This Sunday's Readings: October 18, 2026 - The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

21) Sunday Reflections by Jeff Cavins

The 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this week’s Encountering the Word reflection, Jeff Cavins focuses on Jesus’ response to the Pharisees: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” He explains that while Christians have responsibilities in society, our deepest identity and allegiance belong to God, whose image is imprinted on our souls. Cavins connects the Gospel with Isaiah’s reminder that God is Lord of all history and works even through unexpected people and circumstances. He challenges us to examine what we are giving to God and whether we are fully offering our hearts, lives, and daily decisions to Him.

The readings are:

First Reading: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10

Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5B

Alleluia: Philippians 2:15D, 16A

Gospel: Matthew 22:15-21

22) Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

The Coin Belongs to Caesar, But Caesar Belongs to God



Friends, on this Twenty-ninth Sunday of the year, our Gospel features the question from the Pharisees about paying taxes. In response to the trap, Jesus offers one of the most famous one-liners in history: “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” His answer didn’t automatically solve the problem of the relationship between church and state, but it did point the way through two opposite extremes, both of which are predicated on a false understanding of how God relates to the world.

23) 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.

24) 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.

25) TALLer Tales

Fulfilling a Bucket List Trip (Part 14): This is the continuation of my “travelogue” of my journey to Alaska ... and Seattle ... with my mom.

After seeing our first troll at the Nordic National Museum, we concluded our day at the Chittenden Locks. I’ve visited a few locks in my life, but these were different because you could walk around them, walk across them, and observe the entire process up close. Completed in 1917, the locks allow boats to move between the salt waters of Puget Sound and the freshwater lakes connected to Seattle’s canal system.

I’m used to watching large ships pass through locks, but here it was mostly fishing boats and yachts of all sizes lining up and waiting until there was a full chamber before the process began. I probably had more fun watching the lockmaster, or whatever they called him. He seemed like the warden of the locks. Tethered to a sliding rope that ran the length of the locks, he moved briskly back and forth along the edge, directing boat captains where to dock and where to wait. The rope tether was clearly necessary because one misstep could easily have landed him in the water.

Also located at the Chittenden Locks is the famous fish ladder. A what? Believe me, I was asking the same question. It was apparently so famous that everyone else seemed to know what it was except me!

My Aunt Kate and I made our way over to see it. Everyone else was way too tired to walk across the entire lock platform. After all our effort to get over there, there were no salmon to be found. I guess it wasn’t salmon-jumping season!

The ladder was built to help salmon bypass the locks during their upstream migration. Visitors can peer through underwater viewing windows and watch the fish move through a series of pools, gradually working against the current toward their spawning grounds. While we didn’t see any salmon, it was fascinating to see what they have to overcome during their upstream journey.

The following day, we visited my cousin Chelsey and her husband Chris at their new house in Edmonds. The house was a fixer-upper, but it offered an absolutely spectacular view of Puget Sound. You’ll enjoy some of the views featured in the collage.

Before leaving for lunch, we decided to take a group photo on their spectacular deck. I set up my phone on the railing, hoping the picture would be framed correctly. I forgot I could have used my watch to preview the shot, which would have made things much easier. Once I got the camera set up, the countdown began, and I went running to join the group. Unfortunately, I tripped on an extension cord and nearly hurled myself over the railing! Thankfully, my guardian angel was working overtime. Of course, my mom got to use a line I often use on her: “You need to watch where you’re walking!” I was thinking, “Wait a minute, that’s my line for YOU. I have that copyrighted and trademarked.”

After a quick lunch at a nearby restaurant, we vegged out at my aunt and uncle’s house for the rest of the day. Since it had been a long time since the entire group had been together in person, it was great to hear the conversation among the siblings. It was great seeing the three siblings and my aunts together, simply swapping stories they’ve probably told many times before. As I mentioned before, this was an important part of the trip for my mom because she wanted to spend some quality time with her two brothers at least one more time on this side of heaven. Watching all of this take place, I knew it was bringing great joy to her and to everyone else. While I’m a big proponent of video calls like Zoom and FaceTime, nothing beats being in the same room and sharing meals with family. Life gets busy, people move around the country and the world, and circumstances change. While there are always good intentions to stay in touch, it doesn’t always happen when miles separate us. But, as many of us know, when we haven’t been around family or close friends in a while, we pick up right where we left off as if time and space hadn’t divided us!

This whole experience made me realize why it’s important to create opportunities like this to bring people together outside of funerals and weddings and in a more casual, relaxed atmosphere. Sure, it would have been easy to fly back home after the cruise and hope for another chance to be together, but the sacrifice of making the journey down to Seattle was well worth it. Just listening to the conversations, stories, and laughter, I knew the trip had accomplished exactly what we had hoped it would. Yes, how good it was for us to be here!

Next up: our final day in Seattle. A trip to Snoqualmie Falls, a visit to Issaquah to see another troll and explore the quaint little town, and then one more great meal back at my aunt and uncle’s house before packing up and flying home the next day.

Enjoy the week. Know of my prayers.

In Christ,

gmb@sjascs.org

26) Voiland's View

Back in 1974, the Brazilian singer Morris Albert released a song that made a successful run up the music charts – Feelings. “Feelings, whoa, oh, oh, feelings, whoa, oh, oh, feelings . . .” The song was about a lost love that Morris could not get over at that time of his life. Today, that song might better serve as our national anthem – or even as the anthem of all humanity. Feelings. We now live largely moved by our feelings.

Human emotions are nothing new. We all experience them to one degree or another. We feel happy or sad, angry or peaceful, scorned or appreciated, tired or exhilarated, bored or enthused, compassionate or disinterested, and the list goes on. Sometimes we struggle with our feelings. I come from a family of siblings who can be overcome with emotion at the drop of a hat. It is overwhelming at times to suddenly pull from one state of mind to a radically different mindset in response to a flood of emotion. We can even be frozen by how we feel in response to various dramatic experiences.

Imagine receiving unexpected news of the death of a loved one or witnessing a violent automobile accident. How about being told by your loved one that she just passed her medical boards or bar exam? Think about listening to the excited voices of your child’s grade school class singing at the Christmas concert. Recall the gut-wrenching anxiety that can come while awaiting PET scan results. Consider the anger that foams to the surface when we encounter racial, religious, age-related, or sexist discrimination against ourselves or others we care about. Feel the feeling when a three-year-old comes into the house and presents his mom with a bouquet of dandelions to cheer her up. Feelings are powerful – whether light or dark.

The feelings we experience arise from deep within our emotional makeup. Our emotions are part of our DNA. How we were raised as children, how we were treated, and how we have seen others treat the people around them, are lessons that have taught us how to react to life’s situations. We cannot say whether feelings are good or bad in themselves; they just are. Even though we could make a case that we should or should not feel a certain way in certain circumstances, it is pointless to argue. We feel how we feel. We must be honest with ourselves so that we can be well-adjusted individuals. Yet, this is where life gets tricky.

Since feelings/emotions simply are what they are, we must examine them before we act on them. Feelings come from deep within us in raw form. They are like gunpowder, or electricity, or a nuclear reaction. Emotions have unlimited potential to move us because of their natural power. But the question we must first ask is, “How should we move?” Emotions are not particularly thoughtful or discriminating. Our feelings can cause us to move abruptly and reflexively . . . yet, not necessarily wisely. We can do exceedingly stupid things based on our emotions.

Sadly, we have come to a point in our society that we now make foolish decisions based on our emotions as a matter of policy. Somehow, we have instituted governance by feeling rather than governing ourselves by thinking. 

Disengaging our brains when we make policy decisions by letting our feelings rule us is not smart. And when speaking about policy, we are not talking exclusively about politicians in Washington, Lansing, or our local city hall making laws. We make policy on a personal level too. How we decide to run our families and even our own individual lives is often done in response to waves of emotion. Rather than taking time to figure out whether those waves consist of noble desires or corrupt inclinations, we act without proper consideration. We react too quickly and thoughtlessly in our decision-making process rather than acknowledging that addition steps may be necessary to make good choices.

“Making good choices” is a phrase that has – wisely – become an essential part of the instruction of our young children. Because our children and the rest of us have free will, we are constantly making choices. For our own welfare and the welfare of our fellow human beings, those choices need to be good. For our choices to be good, they must be thought out. When we make choices based upon our raw emotions, without first giving the substance of our emotions a thorough rational examination, the chances of us making good choices are slim.

Our emotions do not want to be examined, though. They do not want us to waste time. They want to be satisfied – NOW. Our emotions are like a little child in each of us. One moment, they may be a feeling that makes us want to jump into Daddy's arms and wrap our own arms around his neck and hold him. Moments later, they may be the feeling that throws an uncontrollable tantrum because Mommy will not fly back to Michigan to get the stuffed giraffe that was left behind when the family went to Florida on vacation. Which feeling should we act upon? Well . . . we need to think about that for a moment.

We need to think for more moments than we do before making some of the decisions we make. We often give too much weight to deeply felt emotions that do not deserve it. Not to say that feelings are bad. It is far better to feel than not feel. We are not lifeless robots, staring off into space, going through programmed responses. Our human emotions come from God and our emotions are good. But we are not purely emotional beings. We are also rational beings. Our rationality is a key to our image and likeness to God. We must not forget that.

We need to regain a balance between our feelings and our thinking. We are allowing ourselves to be overrun by sly social manipulators who know how to push our emotional buttons. Once we are pushed into an emotional frenzy, we are all too willing to sell ourselves for dried-up solutions to problems that do not deserve our attention in the first place. It is better to save our blood, sweat, and tears for those we live with in our homes, parish, and local community.

Blessings in Christ, 

Fr. Bob

rvoiland@sjascs.org

27) Ascension Presents: Father Mike Schmitz

4 Tips if Prayer is Hard Right Now

Feeling like you are just going through the motions in your relationship with God? 

Father Mike unpacks ways you can still approach God during periods of spiritual dryness with some practical steps to take with you into prayer.

28) Words on the Word: October 18, 2026 - Shine a Light?

It’s getting tough NOT to see out there.

Seeing is one thing. Not seeing – actually embracing the darkness – is quite another.

A number of media outlets reported a few weeks ago on the increasing difficulty of finding places in the world that do not have abundant light at night. 

“Every year, the night sky is becoming 10 percent brighter,” an essay in The Guardian reported. “Eighty percent of people live under light-polluted skies. And while the UN declared a healthy environment – clean air, clean water – to be a human right, I believe we also have a right to darkness as well.”

The impact of all of this, the essayist suggested, is significant from a global health perspective, as well.

“Access to darkness is about more than stargazing,” the story continued. “The night is its own habitat. Artificial lights confuse animals who use the moon to navigate, whether they’re baby sea turtles navigating toward a parking lot instead of the ocean or moths who fly in circles around a lightbulb. Lightning bugs and frogs need darkness to complete their courtship rituals. Migrating birds get thrown off course by the bright lights of big cities.”

There is also, one might suggest, a spiritual aspect to this phenomenon, too. Because as much beauty and profundity we recognize in God’s creation thanks to the light, there is beauty and spiritually compelling evidence of God’s might after nightfall, as well.

“I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me,” we hear in today’s first reading from the Prophet Isaiah. “It is I who arm you, though you know me not, so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other.”

© 2026 Words on the Word

29) 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 faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. 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.



30) 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 work 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!

Soul of a Champion

This powerful documentary tells the incredible career and inspiring life of Gil Hodges, a baseball legend who was one of the greatest first basemen to play the game. Although he helped win world championships as a player for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers and as manager of the 1969 New York “Miracle Mets,” Hodges is still not enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

From his upbringing in rural Indiana to his WWII military service, from his illustrious baseball career on two coasts to his devoted family life as a husband and father, this documentary will introduce you to a true hero who deserves to be honored among baseball’s most significant.

31) 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 below to activate your account on the Hallow website.

32) Mass Intentions for the Week:

Monday, October 19, 2026 Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests and Companions, Martyrs (Red)

7:00 am: Mary Ann Mecha

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Weekday; Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest (Green/White)

7:00 am: Larry & Rosemary Schenden

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Weekday (Green)

7:00 am: Tom Sloan

6:00 pm: Crescenzo Fazi

Thursday, October 22, 2026 Weekday; Saint John Paul II, Pope (Green/White)

7:00 am: The deceased members of the Krolikowski Family

Friday, October 23, 2026 Weekday; Saint Hedwig, Religious; Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin (Green/White)

7:00 am: Mary and Frank Fleming

Saturday, October 24, 2026 Vigil for The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

4:00 pm: Bonnie Batche, Barry Albert DePorre, the deceased members of the Calisi Family who died in the month of October, Victoria Marineau, Richard & Joyce Keller, Nora A. Francis, George J. Bugarin, May Ferguson, Raymond Strussione, David Jara, Manny Lamprides, George & Sophie Guidolin, Bernadine Reisinger, Florence Husson, Thelma Bergen special intentions for Christine Bugarin, Robin Bates, Don Pomaville, Don Hunsucker, Sam Manalo, Sam Baur, Hayden Smigels Baby Mac Mackowski, and Sue Barker.

6:00 pm: For the Intentions of the Presbyterate and Diaconate of the Archdiocese of Detroit

Sunday, October 25, 2026 The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Green)

8:00 am: The Intentions of SJA Parishioners

10:00 am: Richard & Virginia Robinette, 

12:00 pm: Donald & Irene McMahon, JoAnn Adams, Theresa B. Musa, Stephen Tunney, Peter, Alexandria & Lawrence Bryk, Patricia Simon, Santo Jannaro, Michael Shemo, the deceased members of the Jurges & Walasek Families, Arthur Leib, Lucyna Pienkowski, Larysa Biegus & Special Intentions for Don Hunsucker, Don Pomaville & Sam Baur

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

This week's LIVE Stream

Schedule at St. Joan of Arc:

Monday (October 19)

7:00 AM: Mass

10:00 AM: Funeral for Christine Angeline Palmer (Read Obituary HERE)

Tuesday (October 20):

7:00 AM: Mass

Wednesday (October 21):

7:00 AM: Mass

6:00 PM: Mass

Thursday (October 22):

7:00 AM: Mass

7:00 PM: Holy Hour



Friday (October 23):

7:00 AM: Mass

Saturday (October 24):

10:00 AM: Funeral for Jenny Wojcik (Read Obituary HERE)

12:30 PM: Baptism of Lyla A. Bush

1:30 PM: Baptism of Nolan R. Adair

4:00 PM: Mass

6:00 PM: Mass

Sunday (October 25):

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.

34) SJA's Latest Parish Bulletin

Click on the image below

to download a copy of the bulletin

for October 18, 2026

35) 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.



36) 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