From the Pastor’s Desk by Fr. Terry Kerner,
Our Deacon Tom Leonard is recuperating well! His doctors, after many hours of surgery and four days in ICU, are pleased with his progress. He will be spending some weeks recuperating at home and finding his way back to serving the parish. While Tom is on the “disabled list” and sidelined I am sure he would appreciate a card or note wishing him well. Your prayerful wishes can be sent to the parish office or placed in the offering containers in church. An interesting side to his operation last Thursday is that he went into surgery without a pope and awoke several hours later with our first American Pontiff. (Wonder if he thought he was dreaming?)
This Monday, May 19th we conclude this year’s classes in the Family Faith Formation Program. There are nearly 30 children enrolled and are members of the St. Alphonsus – St. Clement, St. Maria Goretti and St. Kateri Parishes. I want to thank all the parents and grandparents who have made their children’s attendance possible. And most especially all our teachers and supporting staff for their profound faith and dedication to teaching the Gospel message and the meaning of Church. A sincere WELL DONE to all of them. The classes for K- Confirmation resume in September for both students and parents.
We need to also acknowledge the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults, better known as OCIA. The classes also run through the year beginning in September and culminating in their Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion at Easter. This year St. Kateri, under the tutelage of Deacon Tom, hosted the sessions leading to the Holy Saturday ceremonies. We were privileged to have baptized five and confirm nineteen candidates this year. Their average age is twenty-four. Look around on weekends in church and you will see many of them at Mass.
If you are attending Mass at St. Kateri and would like to join the parish it is easy to do so. Simply drop a note in the offering box or give a call to the parish office at 313.336.3227. We would love to welcome you to the St. Kateri Family! Regardless, please know you are always welcome to worship with us and enjoy the community.
Next Saturday, May 24th, Fr. Henry Sands will be celebrating his Twentieth Anniversary of Ordination at the 4:00 pm Mass. All are welcome to attend. Fr. Henry is currently stationed in Washington D.C. and is Director of the Native American and Black Catholic ministry. For several years he has found a home here at St. Kateri when on vacation or over the holidays. We Congratulate Father on his many years of service to the Church.
The month of May always marks the beginning of the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). The Appeal commits our Catholics to financially support the work of the Archdiocese. All parishes benefit in varying degrees and ways from the CSA. St. Kateri has always been very successful in reaching our assigned target. Most impressively, we have one of the highest percentages of participation of all parishes. Our success has enabled the parish to accomplish many projects and improvements over the years. This year we are requesting $325 from each parishioner payable over the next few months. The request might be a little steep for some folks or an invitation to go a little beyond. Please note that whatever is collected over our target is returned to the parish. Whatever you can donate is appreciated. Your contribution to the CSA can be made by using the offertory, the mail or directly to the parish office.
Enjoy Spring with all its beauty!
