From the Pastor’s Desk by Fr. Terry Kerner,
As we celebrate this midpoint of the Lenten Season, we have a new shepherd to lead the 900,000 Catholics in Southeast Michigan. Bishop Edward Weisenburger was installed last Tuesday as our new Archbishop. Formerly bishop of the Tucson Diocese, the new Archbishop follows retiring Archbishop Allen Vigneron who has served for sixteen years. (Archbishop Vigneron was two years behind me in the seminary making me feel a little bit old having a younger guy retire before I do.) Our new Archbishop is quoted as saying:
“The Archdiocese of Detroit is a Church steeped in rich history, vibrant ministries, and known for a committed clergy with a great passion for evangelization. I am humbled to be called to serve such a noble Church. Despite the challenge of leaving my happy home in the Diocese of Tucson, I promise the good people of the Archdiocese of Detroit my all.” We can look forward over the next few months of learning more about our new shepherd.
This Sunday, March 23rd we can also look forward to learning about the hoped for canonization of the second Native American after St. Kateri. Nicholas Black Elk (1865-1950) who was present at the battle of Little Big Horn and at Wounded Knee. He performed with Buffalo Bill in Europe & performed for Queen Victoria. But his true legacy lays with his conversion to Catholicism and his role as an effective Catholic catechist and his revered advocacy for Lakota spirituality. Fr. Joseph Daoust. S.J. who has recently completed a decade of ministering to the Lakota in South Dakota, will share his insights into Black Elk’s life and holiness which is now in the Vatican for canonization process. The presentation begins at Noon in the Parish Center. All are welcome.
Later in the week on Friday, March 28th at 7:00pm the moral and legal considerations of Euthanasia and physician assisted suicide will be discussed. Presenter for the program are Attorney Jason B. Negri, adjunct professor at Concordia University in Ann Arbor and Robert Fastiggi, professor of Theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The timely discussion and presentation will be in the Parish Center. These threats to the life and dignity of human life is open to all.
Archbishop Vigneron is not the only one retiring. Amy Catallo, after ten years of service for the 9:00 am Sunday Mass is also retiring. Amy has given consistent and dedicated service in her role as sacristan. We priests and parishioners can all appreciate the behind the scenes efforts Amy has made over the years. THANK YOU, Amy for all you have given to the parish! Anyone who might be interested in accepting Amy’s role, or any other liturgical ministry, can contact me for further information.
May all of us keep up the good work of our Lenten promises!
