All Confirmation Candidates: Sunday, January 11 at 2 p.m.

St. John Paul’s Theology of the Body:  For High School Youth and all Confirmation Candidates, and Middle School (grades 7 & 8):  Sunday, January 11 (2 p.m.-4:50 p.m.) in the Parish Activities Center

In  1979, Pope John Paul II begin a series of Wednesday audiences about the Catholic vision of the human person and love between spouses.  133 Wednesdays later, the Pope had completed a well developed but not quite yet understood philosophy on a sacramental view of all of life, especially relationships.  30 years later, the world has begun to revisit what is now considered a masterpiece where matter, creation, the body, everything in the universe is a metaphor for communicating something about God.  Our relationships reflect the love of a personal God for us and not simply a legal view of rules.  The theology of the body, matter and spirit, created and valued by God, is a beautiful Catholic vision of life.

We will be exploring this masterpiece , John Paul’s Theology of the Body, especially for 8th grade and High School Youth.  This workshop is diocesan led.  All Confirmation candidates, please set aside:

Sunday, January 11

2 p.m.—4:50 p.m.  (all Confirmation Candidates)

(High School youth are invited for the 3p.m.-4 p.m. talk)

In the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

For more information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-476-5640 (cell).

Have a Joyous Christmas!

Thank you for the many blessings you have given this year through your kind words, mighty deeds, and loving commitment to sharing and living out your faith with the St. Francis of Assisi Parish community.  Have a blessed Advent and Joyous Christmas!

St. Nick and Homemade Donuts: Sunday, December 21

If your plans include attending the 8:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, December 21, then stop by the Parish Activities Center (PAC) for:

A Visit from St. Nicholas (with a small gift for the children)

and homemade donuts, courtesy of John and Cici Miller (our bakers)

A Blessed Advent!

St. Nicholas this morning after the 8:30 a.m. Mass!

Important Religious Education Class & Sacramental Dates

Sacramental Dates (for Religious Education & St. Francis school children):

Upcoming Confirmation (8th grade) meetings:  Sunday, September 21 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

The Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation:  Sunday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m.

Upcoming First Reconciliation parent & child meeting:  Sunday, October 5 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, October 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).

The Celebration of First Reconciliation (also called Confession or Penance):  Saturdays, January 10 & 17 ( 9 a.m.-12 noon)

The Celebration of First Holy Eucharist (Communion):  Saturday/Sunday, April 25/26

_________________________________

RE Class Dates:

Family Religious Education Sunday A 2014-15 dates are: 
September 21, October 5 & 19, November 2 & 16, December 7, January 4 & 18, February 1 (& 15), March (1 & 15) & 29, April 12, and May 3.

Sunday Preschool 10:30 a.m. classes begin September 21.

Toddlers & 2s (nursery, during the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses) begin Sunday, September 21.

Family Religious Education Sunday B 2014-15 dates are: 
September 28, October 12 & 26, November 9 & 23, December 7, January 11 & 25, February 8 (& 22), March 8 & 22 & 29 April 19, and May 3.

Monday 4:30 p.m. RE classes begin September 29 with a parent and child gathering in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. RE classes begin October 1 with a parent and child gathering in the PAC.

Confirmation (8th grade) Meeting, September 21 & 24, & Retreat

Youth preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2015:

1. Youth, parents, and (sponsors, if available):  Plan on attending one of the following Confirmation meetings:  Sunday, September 21 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, September 24 at 6: 30 p.m. in the PAC.

2.  Sign up now on-line with credit card payment for either the (Friday-Sunday) October 10-14 or November 14-16, 2014 retreat!

2.  If you have not already done so, download, fill out, and return the 2014-15 Confirmation Registration Form to the RE office (or fax at 734-821-2102 or email at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org)

2.  Work on your service hours!  (Recorded 10 hours due ASAP; 20 hours due by September; and a total of 30 hours by January 2015).  Fill out and return service hour forms as you complete them.

3. For youth not attending St. Francis school, please register now for 2014-15 Religious Education classes.

(High School youth desiring to prepare for Confirmation, please register for classes on-line at the link above).

For youth, (not attending St. Francis school,) entering 8th grade, St. Francis offers 3 choices for classes:

1) Wednesday weekly classes meeting from 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. beginning October 1.

2) Sunday A classes, meeting twice monthly from 10:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. beginning September 21. (Family Religious Education Sunday A 2014-15 dates are:
September 21, October 5 & 19, November 2 & 16, December 7, January 4 & 18, February 1 (& 15), March (1 & 15) & 29, April 12, and May 3).

3) New this year, Confirmation Spirit Sessions meet once a month on Sundays from 2 p.m.--4:50 p.m.  These monthly youth convocations offer presentation on the faith, discussion, outside speakers, and worship experiences.
Sunday dates for the 2014-15 Confirmation Spirit Sessions are:   September 28, October 26, November 23, December 7, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 19, and May 3.

For information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132.

Mary on Tuesdays beginning August 12

For Adults:

Explore & Enjoy the Study of Mary in our St. Francis parish:

Home-Brewed Theology on Tap on Tuesdays, August 12, 19, and 26  

7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in the St. Francis Parish Activity Center (PAC).

In this three part series, through presentation and discussions, we’ll be looking at 1) Mary in Scripture;  2) Mary as image of the Church;  and 3) Mary as Model of Faith, Hope, and Love and Mother of Believers. 

As part of a “home-brewed” theology on tap, we’ll have wine spritzers and cheese, beer and chips (along with various sodas and juice).  A free will donation is appreciated at he door.

This 3 part series is led by Ellen Ward, (MAPS Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit).

For information, please contact Marty Lucas at mlucas@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2125.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) with MOSES

Thank you to all those who participated during VBS this past July 21-25!  Your good deeds, kindness, and presence were greatly appreciated!  VBS 2014 stats are:  265 PreK-5 children and 17 tots in the nursery; plus 76 middle school youth and 63 High School Youth volunteers (leaders and helpers); and 43 young adults and adults!  Enjoy the pictures and take the Moses quiz!  Answers are given at the end of this post!

 Q1. Why did the king of Egypt put the children of Israel into bondage:  a) He hated Jacob and all of his family;  b)  He wanted to show the children of Israel that his gods were more powerful than the God of Israel ; c) He wanted to keep them from multiplying; he feared that they could overtake the Egyptians.

Q2. To what tribe did Moses belong? a) Judah; b) Benjamin; c) Levi.

Q3. Who found and claimed the baby Moses, drawing him from the waters of the Nile?  a) Pharaoh’s daughter; b) Pharaoh himself; c) Pharaoh’s wife

Q4. Who is the sister of Moses? a) Ruth; b) Naomi; c) Miriam.

Q5. Who is the brother of Moses? a) Aaron; b) Joshua; c) Nadab.

Q6. Where did God speak to Moses for the first time? a) Near the Nile River; b) At a burning bush; c) Giza.

Q7. When Moses asked about God’s name, what response did God give (Exodus 3:14)? a) God; b) “I AM”; c) AdonaiQ8. What is the number of plagues? a) Six; b) Twelve; c) Ten;   Bonus:  Name the plagues!

Q9. Through which body of water did the children of Israel pass safely? a) The Red Sea; b) The Sea of Galilee; c) The Nile River.

Q10. What was the name given to the fine, white, flaky substance, provided in the desert, that was like coriander seed, and tasted like wafers made with honey? a) Cumin; b) Manna; c) Rue.

 Q11. How many commandments were given by God? a) Seven; b) Ten; c) Fourteen;   Bonus:  Name the Commandments!

Q12. Moses was not able to enter the promise land.  Who was Moses’ successor? a) Joshua; b) Caleb; c) Aaron.

For more picture, click here...

God bless you!  Ellen Ward & Carol Fedewa

QUIZ ANSWERS:  MOSES (Take the Moses quiz on the VBS page)

“Since then no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, in all the signs and wonders the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt (Dt 34:10)” 

Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain...Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.  A bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.  Listen to him! (Matthew 17: 1-5)”

Answers:  1c;  2c; 3a; 4c; 5a; 6b; 7b; 8c bonus: water into blood, frogs, lice, flies, diseased cattle, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, death of firstborn; 9a; 10b; 11b bonus:  No other gods except the Lord God; Do not take the Lord’s name in vain; Keep holy the Sabbath; Honor your mother and father; Do not kill; Do not commit adultery; Do not steal; Do not bear false witness against your neighbor (Do not lie); Do not covet your neighbor’s wife; Do not covet your neighbor’s goods; 12a.

God bless our First Communion Children on this Happy and Holy day!

Welcome our 120 First Communion children to the Table of our Lord on the weekend of May 17 & 18.

Pictured:  Fr. James Conlon sprinkles the children and congregation with the waters of baptism on First Communion Sunday (Fifth Sunday of Easter).

For the grace-filled homily on this happy and holy day, click here!

Pictured:  The children receive their first communion with their families surrounding them.

Thank you especially to the parents, grandparents, and godparents for their support and participation in their children’s lives, guiding and bringing them to this day.

The children were asked why they wanted to receive Holy Communion.  Some of the responses are included below:

I believe that I am receiving the body and blood of Christ and will be closer to God. I want to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I want to receive Holy Communion because I love Jesus and he is my savior.

I want to know the love of Christ in my life. I want to become more like Jesus. I want to give thanks and share in the life of God. I want to be holy with God.

Pictured:  The Alvarez family enjoys the reception following First Communion last Saturday.

Thank you to Joan Desjarlais who coordinated the reception and to all those who provided treats, assisted with the reception, greeted and ushered for the Masses.

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for providing the Sunday morning breakfast.

Pictured:  Fr. James Conlon teases, delights, and enlightens the children, families, and congregation participating in Mass this day.

Thank you to the catechists and school teachers, Jenni Alexander, Jack Bryan, Sandra Callahan, Michelle Corrunker, Carmela Cusumano, Catherine Farrell, Elizabeth Huff, Sylvia Otero, Matt Zawistowski, and Lisa Wehr who helped to prepare the children for this day.  

Pictured:  Sylvia and Anne help the children with the presentation of the gifts during first Communion. Thank you to those who assisted with the Masses and helped out at rehearsals and meetings.

Thank you to Sylvia Otero and Anne Stemmerich for the extra time and talent given to helping at the meetings, rehearsals, and Masses.

Thanks to Courtney Aymen and NuNu Lysloff for their work with the details accompanying the celebration.

Pictured:  Dcn. Rich Badics points out the children's banner squares in his homily.  "Be like Mary, Mother of God who is like a tabernacle for Jesus. and bring Christ to others," he explained.

Thank you for Fr. James Conlon, Fr. Bosco Padamattummal, Dcn. Rich Badics, Dcn. Patrick McDonald, Tom Kean, Carol Fedewa, Linda Opaleski, Julie Pritzel, Matt Schnaidt, and Paul Ward, and for all those who shared their gift of music, for all those who gave of themselves to provide for the liturgical roles, for those who ushered, and for all those who supported in word or deed the work that enabled this day’s celebration.

God bless you on this blessed day!--Ellen Ward, DRE

Are you interested in having your child prepare for the sacraments?  Deepen their relationship with God?  Explore and learn about our Catholic Faith?

Please watch the website and upcoming bulletins for enrollment in fall Religious Education classes!  Registrations are available in June for fall classes!  For questions, please contact the Religious Education Office at stfreled@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2130.

Congratulations to our 145 newly confirmed youth!

Congratulations to our 145 newly confirmed youth!  Bishop Boyea conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation last April 6.  Thank you to Tim Howley for taking the group photograph!

RE Changes, News, and Events

Dear parents,

I hope you and your family are enjoying spring break!

As we approach Easter, changes, news, and events call for our attention:

1.  Mass times change this Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 13.  The new Mass times are Saturday at 5 p.m.; Sunday at 7 a.m.; 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

2.  For Palm Sunday at the 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; and 12:30 p.m.  Masses, the children are invited to be in the entrance procession carrying palms. Parents, feel free to bring your children to the gathering space for the opening procession before Mass.  If you have collected money for the less fortunate in the Rice Bowls, please turn in your collections this weekend.

3.  Family Religious Education Session B is this Sunday, April 13 at 10:20 a.m.  (Family A meets again on April 27 and B on May 4).

4.  Middle School youth are invited to a time of faith and friendship this Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 13 at 6:15 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).

4.  Group 2014 Confirmation photos are in!  Feel free to stop in the Religious Education Office to pick up your photo.  Congratulations to the 145 newly confirmed youth!  Thank you to all those who helped either by kind word of encouragement or by mighty good deeds.

5.  The family penance service is this Monday, April 14 at 5 p.m. in the Church.

The annual Lenten Communal Family Penance (Reconciliation) Service is designed for families with children.  The readings are child-friendly, and the service includes prayers and an examination of conscience for children and adults.  Prayers and readings are prayed together as a group, with confessions heard individually. Several priests will be available to hear confessions. The entire service lasts about one hour. All are welcome!

6.  For Monday 4:30 p.m. Religious Education classes on April 14, parents are invited to bring their older children (2nd grade and up) to church shortly before 5 p.m.  The penance service takes the place of class.

See our website at http://www.stfrancisa2.com/ for Easter Mass times and more.


Questions:  Contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2132.

Treats & Volunteers Needed for Confirmation Reception

Treats Needed for Confirmation Reception:  Sunday, April 6

Finger foods, vegetables, fruits, cheese and crackers, and treats are needed for the Confirmation reception.   Drop off of foods is on Sunday, April 6 from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. in the kitchen of the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  Foods may also be dropped off early on Saturday, April 5 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)  in the Parish Office.

Also, adult volunteers and especially 7th grade youth are needed to help with the decorating and hosting of the Confirmation reception on April 6 from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.  (Volunteers are welcome to help for all or part of the time).

Sign up here or please contact Anne Stemmerich at annestemmerich@ameritech.net or 734-645-8428 or Courtney Aymen, RE secretary at 734-821-2130 or stfreled@stfrancisa2.org

Thank you!

Pray for our 2014 Candidates for Confirmation

Pray for our 2014 Confirmation Candidates

If you picked up a card with the name of one of the Confirmation candidates, 

then please pray for the youth listed on the card.

Please send a card, mentioning your prayer and encouragement in the weeks before Confirmation, by March 31, 2014.  Please send the card to:

(Name of Candidate)

c/o St. Francis of Assisi Parish Confirmation Prayer

2150 Frieze Ave.

Ann Arbor, MI   48104

Almighty God and Source of all Creation,

We ask you to look favorably

on these candidates for Confirmation;

Make them fervent in Spirit,

Joyful in Hope, and always ready to serve your name. 

Send your Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. 

Give them the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,

the Spirit of Right Judgment and Courage,

the Spirit of Knowledge and Reverence. 

Fill them with the Spirit of Wonder and Awe in your Presence.   

Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Forgot to pick up a card and desire to pray for a candidate?

  Please call 734-821-2130 for information.

The sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m.

No Classes Wednesday, March 12 Due to Weather Conditions

Religious Education classes for the evening of Wednesday, March 12 have been canceled due to weather conditions.

Ash Wednesday Mass: March 5 at 7 p.m.

Dear parents,
Please attend the Ash Wednesday Mass as a family at 7 p.m. in church on March 5.  Mass attendance takes the place of Religious Education classes this evening.

Religious Education teachers and aides will be greeting your children at Mass.

God bless you with a holy and blessed Lent!

Enjoy Pazcki from Hamtramck this Sunday, March 2

If your plans include attending the 8:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday, March 2 then stop in the Parish Activities Center (PAC) afterwards and enjoy:

Paczki from the New Martha Washington Bakery on Jos. Campau in Hamtramck along with bagels, coffee and juice.  We'll have 17 varieties!

Happy Mardi Gras!

Confirmation Meeting for 8th grade (& H.S.): Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m. & Monday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Confirmation candidates preparing for the sacrament this April, sponsors (if available) and parents:   Please plan on attending one of the following meetings:

Sunday, March 2 at 3 p.m. or
Monday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).

    The meeting includes a time of reflection and conversation with Fr. James/Fr. Bosco, activities on the Creed, information on the Mass with Presentation of Candidates, and sign up for interviews.  Mark your calendar for the Mass with presentation of candidates on Sunday, March 16 at 5 p.m. (please arrive at 4:30 p.m.)

    Candidates:  Remember, all of your Confirmation sponsor/candidate text chapters should be completed by the time of this meeting.  The Name Form (indicating the Name of your Saint/Holy person for Confirmation) is due by this meeting.  For information, please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132.

Middle School Service & Events

1.  Come make Valentine cards for the homebound Sunday, February 9 at 6:15 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)!  Sign up by showing up!

2.  Game Night on Sunday, February 16 at 6:15 p.m. in the PAC.  Bring your favorite board game.  We'll provide the pizza.  Sign up by showing up!

3.  Join us for the Middle School Rally on Saturday, March 8 at Lumen Christi High School in Jackson, MI.  Event information and permission forms available here and on the wall outside the Religious Education Office.  Register by February 14 for the discount and a t-shirt.

First Eucharist Parent & Child Meeting: February 9 & 12

The first Eucharist parent and child preparation meeting is scheduled as follows:

 (Please plan on attending one of these meetings with your child).

Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m. or
Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.
in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

Registration for your child’s reception of First Communion, information on First Communion Masses, and a participatory introduction to the Lord’s supper will take place at this first meeting. 
For information, contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 821-2132.

Confirmation Meeting for 8th (H.S.) grade: January 29 & February 2

 Candidates (in 8th grade currently preparing for the Sacrament this April), sponsors (if available), and parents:

Please plan on attending one of the following Confirmation meetings: 

this Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30 p.m. 

or 

Sunday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. 

in the Parish Activities Center (PAC)

The meeting will present educational information in anticipation of the interviews and look at the Saint report. Please bring your red binders with white confirmation book. Service forms totaling 30 hours are due the end of January.

If the candidate is experiencing difficulty with the requirements of Confirmation or more information is needed, please feel free to contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2,org or call 821-2132.

Confirmation 2015 Meeting for 7th grade Youth: January 12 & 15

Parents and youth in 7th grade or older who desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring of 2015, please plan on attending either Sunday, January 12 at 3 p.m. or Wednesday, January 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).

These meetings will give an overview of the preparation process and offer a timeline of important events.  Following the meeting, the youth will enter into a more engaged time of service.

Youth grade 7 through high school desiring Confirmation are welcome to attend this meeting.  Arrangements are made to prepare the older youth. 

Please contact Ellen Ward at ward@stfrancisa2.org or call 734-821-2132 for information.

Children's Choir First Rehearsal on Thursday, January 30 at 6:15 p.m. in the Choir Room

WHAT?  We’re starting a parish children’s choir to sing once a month at the Sunday 12:15 p.m. Mass

WHO?  For children in grades K-5!  Middle School & High School youth are invited to sing in the choir and if desired to help out with the younger children! 

WHEN?  First Rehearsal is Thursday, January 30 at 6:15 p.m.

WHERE?  Meet in the Choir room to practice.  The choir room  is located downstairs in church.

HOW?  Sign up by showing up for practice!  Contact us if you are unable to make the first practice because we hope to sing many Sundays for Mass!

WHY?  To Give Glory to God!

Kelly Hernandez has a degree in music education, specializing in vocal development, and she has experience working with choirs and children in grades K-12!  Carol Fedewa has her masters in Sacred Music, and is experienced in piano, organ, and choirs!

Questions?  Please contact Carol Fedewa at cfedewa@stfrancisa2.org or 734-821-2123 or Kelly Hernandez at khernandez731@gmail.com or 734-904-3946.

Come learn, develop, and share the gift of song that the Lord has given you!

No RE classes on Wednesday, January 8

There are no Religious Education classes on Wednesday, January 8 due to snow and extreme temperatures.  May the Holy Spirit warm your hearts with the fire of God's love!

No RE classes on Monday, January 6 Due to Snow

Religious Education classes for Monday, January 6 have been canceled.  Keep safe and warm!

No Family RE classes, nor Sunday preschool, nor Middle School Epiphany Party on Sunday, January 5 Due to Snow

Due to worsening weather conditions predicted for Sunday, January 5, Family Religious Education classes, Sunday Preschool classes, and the evening Middle School Youth event have been canceled.

Makeup for Family RE Session A classes will take place the following Sunday, January 12.  Parents of Session A: Please look for an email notice to be sent in the coming week that details the double session. 

The middle school Epiphany party will be combined with the “Ask Fr. James” event scheduled for January 12 at 6:15 p.m. in the Parish Activities Center (PAC).  We'll double the fun next week, with the "Ask Fr. James"  session first, followed by the white elephant gift exchange and king's cake.  The January 12 fun will last until 8 p.m.

Have a safe and warm Sunday!