2014 archive of FROM THE DESK OF FR. JEFF
May 24-25, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 5/27/14
The parish doors open this week for photo appointments. I was very happy to see that we have filled most, if not all, of the available slots. I am really looking forward to the final product. Please remember that the only way to have your own copy is to ... Read More »
May 17-18, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 5/13/14
Every three years Franciscans gather as a province to discuss our life together and to plan for the future. This week all three of us will be at such a meeting. We call it the Provincial Chapter. Fr. George Berendt PIME will celebrate mass while we are gone. The ... Read More »
May 10-11, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 5/13/14
This Sunday is designated as the world day of prayer for vocations. I ask you to join with me in prayer for a renewed openness among our young men and women to God's call. I am writing this from our Franciscan novitiate in Burlington, Wisconsin, where we are holding ... Read More »
May 3-4, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 5/13/14
Congratulations to our first communicants who take a big step in their spiritual journey at this Sunday's 10:00am mass. Thanks to all who have been involved in their preparation for this big day. May this day be the first of many celebrations with our parish parish family.
Every day ... Read More »
April 26-27, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 5/13/14
This weekend has been designated Divine Mercy Sunday. This Feast was granted to the Universal Church by Pope John Paul II Sr. Faustina was canonized on 30 April 2000. The decree establishing this feast stated that "throughout the world the Second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine ... Read More »
April 19-20, 2014 - Easter Sunday
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 5/13/14
Today the somber colors of Lent give way to the joyful hues of Easter. The beauty of our church reflects the beauty of the risen Lord. Light and water replace the night and the desert experience of Lent. A brand-new Easter candle stands at the center of our church. ... Read More »
April 5-6, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 4/08/14
Last week I finalized arrangements for a new parish photo directory. We have contracted with Lifetouch, a company which offers a quality product and excellent support to parishes wishing to have such a directory. I hope that all of you will participate in this directory and will encourage others ... Read More »
March 29-30, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 4/08/14
The debate over the nature and meaning of marriage has begun a new chapter in Michigan with the recent overturning of the state's marriage amendment which defines marriage in terms that the Catholic Church has always taught. The newspapers have been covering the issue closely. The Michigan Catholic Conference ... Read More »
March 22-23, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/19/14
March 22-23, 2014The Third Sunday of Lent features the first of three Scrutinies of the elect who are journeying towards the Easter Vigil. The scrutiny is, as the word suggests, a close look at the spiritual readiness of the persons preparing for the Easter Sacrament. The gospel of these ... Read More »
March 15-16, 2014
Posted by Father Bill Farris, OFM on 3/19/14
March 15-16 Last month our Worship Commission suggested that the arrangement of Eucharistic ministers be changed during the weekend masses to reduce congestion in the main aisle. As a result, you will only see two Eucharistic ministers, usually the main celebrant and Deacon Tom distributing hosts in the front ... Read More »