Saint Michael Parish Newsletter — November 2022

Parish School Community Excited for Full Return of Athletics Program

Sports have a way of bringing people together, whether you’re participating or you’re a fan. At Saint Michael Parish School, the children and faculty have excitedly kicked off their first full year of sports since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s been nice to invite people back to celebrate with us,” says Deborah Graver, Athletic Director.

The after-school sports program available to middle school students will this year include flag football, volleyball, basketball, and track and field. Football and volleyball are presently wrapping up for the season and boys’ basketball will soon begin. In the winter, girls’ basketball will follow, and finally, co-ed track will take place in the springtime. As an interscholastic program, the sports teams are open to all students, without the need for tryouts.

“We’re definitely of the mind that we want our kids to have the opportunity to experience not only the physical benefits of playing but also the recreational and community building for all our population within those grades,” Deborah says.

This is the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that the school sports program will be played out in full. Two years ago, the sports program was halted

Living out Gratitude and Stewardship, During Thanksgiving and Beyond

Every November, as the holiday season fast approaches, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude for all of our blessings. At the same time, we encounter many wonderful ways to give — to cheerfully share our own gifts — during this time of Thanksgiving.

It is with this spirit of gratitude that we can truly live out the stewardship way of life. This Thanksgiving, there are plenty of opportunities to do this in a direct way. Is there a family member or friend you haven’t spoken to for a long time, or someone who might be spending the holiday alone? Drop them an email, pick up the phone and call, or even catch up with them via Zoom or FaceTime. Perhaps you may volunteer at a soup kitchen, or you might donate a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need who wouldn’t have one otherwise.

For Black Friday, make it a point to donate old clothes that you or your family members no longer need. And as the winter draws closer, you might participate in — or even organize — a coat drive, and then go out into the community to give the coats away to homeless shelters and those in need during the winter months. There are countless such opportunities to live in gratitude and thanksgiving — opportunities that go beyond just having a meal at home.

Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.

This Thanksgiving, ask the Holy Spirit where He is calling you to give. And may the joy of the Thanksgiving season flow into our lives as good stewards, every day and throughout the entire year.

Of course, we must remember that this spirit of thanksgiving does not end after Thanksgiving, nor does it end following Advent and Christmas. We must always consider how to give, even as the glow of the holiday season fades after the New Year. In January, if there is abundance in your closet, give away from that abundance. In February, if there are volunteers needed at the soup kitchen, give of your time. We need a renewed spirit of stewardship and thanksgiving that lasts the whole year so that our giving becomes habitual, and not just seasonal.

My Dear Sisters and Brothers,

November is a Time for Thanksgiving

November easily brings us to thoughts of giving thanks and Thanksgiving.

It is both a time of year when we think in terms of being grateful to God for our gifts, and a time when we formally celebrate our unique American holiday. My memories of Thanksgiving are filled with food, of course, but they are also filled with thoughts of family, togetherness and a sense of my faith.

This is also a significant month in the Church from several perspectives. Nov. 1 we celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. November 2, All Souls Day, is a day devoted to all the saints in our lives — living, not living, known, and unknown.

Most of us have people in our lives who have had a profound impact on us — people we can consider our own personal saints. This month is a wonderful reminder to think of them, thank them, ask for their intercession and most of all to thank God for making them a part of our lives.

Our Thanksgiving holiday falls on Nov. 24 and is a time for families and gratitude. Thanksgiving became official in the United States in 1863, and in his proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln made very clear Whom we needed to thank. “To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the

heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God,” Lincoln said. In other words, we all need to thank Almighty God for our many blessings.

Finally, November also brings us to the end of one Church year and the beginning of a new one. The Feast of Christ the King on Nov. 20 officially begins the final week of our liturgical year, and the First Sunday of Advent is on Nov. 27. From the beginning of the month when we thank God for the example of the saints and the saintly people in our lives, to the end of the month when we thank God for everything we have and everything we are, November is a time to approach the Lord with a grateful heart. This is what stewardship truly is all about —approaching God, approaching each day, and approaching all those whom we encounter with hearts filled with gratitude, thanksgiving and love.

In Christ, through the intercession of Blessed Pier Giorgio, I love you.

Fr. Jim

Questions & Answers Annual Stewardship

Once again, it’s time for our Annual Stewardship Renewal. You may have asking yourself, “Didn’t we just have a Stewardship Renewal? Aren’t we sufficiently ‘renewed’ by now?” Yes, we had a Stewardship Renewal last year, and we’re going to have one next year, too! This is an annual occurrence — part of the rhythm of parish life at Saint Michael. Just as the Church proposes a time of spiritual renewal each Lent, we believe in the importance of a yearly examination of commitment. How is the Lord calling you to use your time, talent, and treasure this year?

How do I use my Commitment Card?

Your Commitment Card allows you to make commitments to prayer, parish ministries, and offertory giving. It is design ed to be used by the whole family.

Time Section: Except for the ill and homebound, everyone should be able to check “Come to Mass on Sundays and Holy Days.” Try to check at least a few other items. Daily prayer should be a priority for every person trying to grow closer to God.

Talent Section : You can either sign up for new ministries or re-commit to your current ministries. Be sure to write your firs t name next to the ministry! This is especially important if the card is being used by more than one person.

Treasure Section : Clearly print how much money you plan to give each week or month to our parish. Try to take a step toward giving six percent of your income to Saint Michael.

My age or physical limitations prevent me from being active in the parish. Should I still turn in a Commitment Card?

Yes! The first section of the card — Stewardship of Time — is the most important because it allows you to make commitments to prayer. Even if you can’t join a ministry or make it to Mass on Sunday, you can still pray for our parish. Your spiritual support has tremendous value in the eyes of God.

One time I turned in a card, but no one ever called me when I signed up for a ministry.

If this happened in the past, please forgive us! And don’t give up on filling out your Commitment Card! We have a very good plan to call every person interested in joining a new ministry. If for some reason the ministry leader does not call you within four weeks of turning in your card, let the parish office know.

How much should I give?

Commitment Weekend is November 5-6.

Don’t forget to bring your Commitment Card to Mass!

Your gift is entirely dependent on how much God has given you. At Saint Michael, we ask that you give six percent to our

Answers About Our Stewardship Renewal

parish, one percent to the diocese, and three percent to other charities. Why a percentage of income? First, because the tithe (10 percent) is a scriptural benchmark that the Church has honored for centuries (see Malachi 3:10). Secondly, we give a percentage of income because it is a common-sense standard by which everyone can equitably support the parish. Most of all, we give because we believe God comes first in everything, even finances.

What if I can’t fulfill my financial pledge?

While our pledge is not a “contract,” we should all make a good-faith effort to fulfill it. Of course, if your financial circumstances change — if you lose your job, for instance — then the amount of money you give the Church will change, too. Likewise if you get a raise or bonus. The biggest reason many people don’t fulfill their pledge is that they attend Mass at another parish when they go on vacation, attend a wedding, etc. If you’re out of town, just make up for the missed Sunday when you write your next check to the parish. Using your envelopes is a good way to see which Sundays you missed.

I don’t even go to Mass very frequently. Why turn in a Commitment Card?

Because this is your chance to turn over a new leaf! Why not make a commitment to God to come to Mass every Sunday, and then write down that commitment? Even if that’s the only commitment you make, take a step forward. Jesus Himself is waiting for you!

What happens if I don’t return my Commitment Card?

We will mail you a reminder letter that includes an extra Commitment Card (in case you misplaced yours). Make every effort you can to participate. Our Stewardship Renewal is a very important annual event in the life of our parish. You and your family are part of what makes Saint Michael a great community! Most importantly, your commitments are actually promises to Christ Himself. All of us are called to give back to God a portion of what He has given us.

Every parish family receives a special “Stewardship Package” in the mail that further explains our parish’s vision of stewardship. It includes a booklet that describes every ministry in the parish, as well as your Commitment Card.

Funeral Ministries: Parishioners Actively Living Out Corporal Works of Mercy

As many of us have experienced the loss of a loved one, we recognize the importance of comforting those who mourn. This kindness of being with those who grieve can take many forms, but for the Funeral Ministries, it looks like providing and serving desserts and coffee to those who attend the funerals at the parish or assisting by being a coordinator, greeter, lector, sacristan or musician at the funeral. For the family who is mourning, the process of planning and being at the funeral is a busy and difficult one. It is a ministry of compassion to help facilitate that and ease the burden on them.

Saint Michael Parish takes pride in the ministries that serve those who mourn at the parish. Many friends and family members who attend a funeral may not be Catholic. By creating a welcoming environment and a beautiful liturgy to pray for and honor those who have died, we are evangelizing those who may otherwise not step foot in a church.

“Funerals are a very important part of what we do as a parish,” says Kellie Patton, who oversees the coordination of all of the ministries surrounding the funerals. “When a family reaches out to us, they are grieving. The Catholic Church has a very beautiful way of honoring the dead. These families do not need to worry about the details. That is something we can help them with.”

With the help of the gracious volunteers of these ministries, families have someone to walk them through the process of the funeral. When a loved one dies, we

experience great loss. Navigating the funeral plans and the emotions surrounding them can be more than overwhelming. The funeral coordinators step up and assist the families every step of the way.

“When a funeral comes in, I reach out to our coordinators to see who is available,” Kellie says. “They reach out to their volunteers to fill the roles needed for the liturgy. Our reception leads reach out to their volunteers to provide the desserts or sign up to serve at the receptions. We all come together to make everything run smoothly.”

Another part of this ministry includes the funeral choir. All of the different parts of the Mass point to the Eucharistic table — through beautiful music, our hearts are moved as we praise God through sacred music.

Students who are trained as altar servers come from the school to serve for the Mass. Some families may have members who can proclaim the readings at the funeral Mass, but others do not. Our volunteers assist and bring the Word of God to those in attendance. These readings can bring so much comfort to those who mourn. This is a special opportunity to evangelize as well.

Just as our Sacristan Ministry prepares the altar and the physical components for the sacrifice of the Mass at the altar at daily Mass and Sunday Mass, sacristans volunteer to prepare for the funeral Mass as well. Our priests and deacons are understandably very busy and funerals happen outside of their ability to plan and schedule things. The sacristans who assist at the funerals

Jeannine Granberg lights a candle.

Ministry members lovingly make preparations.

Jeannine Granberg and Joan Joanis light candles.

Funeral Ministries

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are so important, as priests and deacons can trust that everything will be prepared as it needs to be for the funeral Mass.

A very important part of the hospitality of the parish is having greeters at the funerals. The greeters welcome all who enter and are there to answer any questions or direct anyone to where they need to go. Many in attendance at the funeral are visitors, and having a minister there to answer questions makes our parish more welcoming and inviting to others.

Finally, the reception ministry works to provide a comfortable and enjoyable reception for those who attend the funeral. After the funeral is finished, family and friends can gather to visit and spend time together as they grieve the loss of their loved one. For many, weddings and funerals may be the only time that they see extended family and friends. The events surrounding the funeral allow them to gather with those who have also lost this special person. By providing desserts and coffee, as well as a clean and welcoming space, this ministry provides families with the environment to relax and be together.

“We are currently rebuilding our reception team,” Kellie says. “When COVID started, we were unable to provide receptions. Now, many of our previous volunteers have retired from this ministry. We are currently just doing dessert receptions, but we are hoping to be back to providing a meal soon.”

From serving to greeting, singing to reading, coordinating to baking desserts, there are many volunteer opportunities to be filled in these ministries.

It is our Christian duty to perform the corporal works of mercy, which include burying the dead. Volunteers can lend their talents in many different ways and at many different times to fulfill these roles.

Linda Phillips and Donna Keith set up for a funeral reception.

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Athletics Program

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altogether. While some sports teams played condensed schedules last year, other teams were unable to play. On top of that, some restrictions prevented spectators from gathering.

“It wasn’t the traditional schedule we’re so accustomed to in our program,” Deborah says.

But this year, parishioners, family members, and friends are all welcome to join and watch the students in support of their hard work and dedication.

“We would love to have many parishioners come and cheer us on and watch our kids play,” Deborah says.

The student participants in the school’s sports programs receive the benefits not only of physical activity but also self-discipline, kindness, and connection with the community. Students are also required to keep up with

their academics to play on a team.

In addition, athletics provides numerous opportunities for spiritual growth and development. Games typically begin with prayer, and our students have a valuable chance to learn about sportsmanship and supporting fellow athletes and competitors.

Learning to lose graciously or learning how to win graciously is also a key takeaway for the students.

The school’s motto, “a family of families,” is relevant when it comes to its athletic offerings and experiences. Parishioners and families can come together through the games and then see one another at Mass the following Sunday.

“It is a really great thing to see kids make connections even deeper than they would otherwise,” Deborah says.