FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK  by Fr. Terry Kerner

Summer is over and it has gone by so quickly. We now focus on Autumn and all the beauty and color of the days ahead. Hopefully we will be experiencing cooler and less humid days without smoke from Canada.

The school year has begun, and we are looking forward to another year of collaborating with St. Maria Goretti, St. Alphonsus-St. Clement and ourselves with the Family Faith Formation Program. The program is the religious education program for K – 8. Sessions are every Monday from 5:30 – 7:00 at St. Kateri. The program this year begins on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th at 5:30. Parents must be present with their students for Orientation and Registration. FIRST TIME Families and children NEED THEIR BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATES. The Confirmation Program is a two-year preparation and can accommodate a high schooler. All students will be assigned a grade appropriate for their age, experience in a religious formation program and family religious practices. During class time parents are strongly urged to participate in the Parent faith enhancement program. Please realize that the Family Faith Program invites participation by all families regardless of their current practice of the Catholic Faith or marital status. Any question of eligibility can be confidently directed to Deacon Tom or myself.

Young Adults and older considering Baptism and Confirmation are invited to enter the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) which begins in October. (Last Easter this program saw 19 adults confirmed-average age 24 years old.) Early registration and information can be made by calling St. Kateri Parish Office (313.336.3227).

St. Kateri is most generous in so many ways, and it is good for all to know that. Our annual CSA collected 152% of its target from 199 donors, 42% of the parish. This is a much higher participation rate than most parishes. The money which still is coming in and what will remain in the parish totals $25,100. Thank you to all who are contributing to the success! At the same time, we have been asked to collect funds for the work of Catholic Relief Services in supplying food for the people of Gaza. Any donation can be made in the ,offertory, by mail or directly to the parish office. And if your financial support is not enough, know that Blood Drive last week, with 19 donors, is estimated to help impact 57 lives in our community. Again, THANK YOU to all who give in so many ways. Have a great week!