3rd Sunday of Easter

Thoughts From Fr. John

Happy Mother’s Day

May finally is here, a month in which the faithful have long been dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Pope Paul VI wrote 70 years ago: “It is the month in which a greater abundance of God’s merciful gifts comes down to us from our Mother’s throne” (Encyclical of Pope Paul VI on Prayers during May for Preservation of Peace, 1965). All Catholics are encouraged to pray the Rosary daily, either individually or as a family. This year, let us pray for the peace of the world and for the future of the Church while the College of Cardinals convened to elect the bishop of Rome. For Catholics, Mary is considered the way by which we are led to Christ; the person who encounters Mary will inevitably encounter Christ.

Our youth at St. Anne’s will honor Mary, our Mother in Heaven, with a special prayer, known as “May Crowning,” at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. While on earth, we honor our mothers with a prayer and blessing on Mother’s Day (May 10—11). For Anne’s, this is extremely important because we do have St. Anne, the mother of Mary, as our Patroness, so we will also have the double blessing always when we celebrate the Month of Mary and Mother’s Day.

As for me, I want to make a special appeal to you, especially the ladies. Please consider praying for me, your priest, with the prayer group, Seven Sisters Apostolate, United Holy Hours for priests. The prayer group initiates “A call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop.” Each member is asked to dedicate a Holy Hour on a distinct day of the week. The idea of seven is to cover the whole week (for the details: https://sevensistersapostolate.org ). Deborah Pilon and Jenna Konarzewski (Our Lady of the Lakes) have graciously agreed to be here this weekend (May 4th) to speak to us about the Seven Sisters Apostolate to answer any questions that you may have.

Lastly, I want to give a shout-out to the people who joined me for the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on this Divine Mercy Sunday. The devotion allowed me to pray with you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ through the Eucharistic Adoration. Eucharistic Adoration is a devotional practice in which Catholics pray and contemplate before the consecrated Eucharist. In this way, we worship God as He is present in the Eucharist through the Eucharist exposed in a monstrance. I appreciate that the Knights of Columbus afforded us this unique chance for deepening our spiritual bond with Jesus and His Sacred Heart.

Readings

1^st Reading: Acts of the Apostles 5: 27-32, 40b-41

The high priest interrogated the apostles and ordered them not to speak again about Jesus. The apostles left filled with joy for having been found worthy of ill-treatment for Christ.

Responsorial Psalm: "I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me, I will praise you, Lord, for your mercy. I will praise you, Lord, you have rescued me, I will praise you, Lord!”

^2nd Reading: Revelation 5: 11-14

The author of Revelation had a vision and heard the voices of countless angels who surrounded the heavenly throne. They cried, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain…to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.”

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! “ Christ is risen, creator of all; he has shown pity on all people.” Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Gospel: John 21: 1-19

Peter and the disciples fished all night but caught nothing. Jesus appeared to them, telling them to cast their nets again, and immediately the nets were filled with fish. After they ate, Jesus told Simon Peter, “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep.”

Prayers of the Faithful

3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER - C MAY 4, 2025

PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL

1) Let us pray for the Church:
God, to whom all praise, honor, and glory is given;
May we be like Peter and profess our love for you.
Bless our newest members, the adults and children claimed through
Baptism and now seated at your table.
We pray to the Lord…

2) Let us pray for peace in the world:
Have pity on the vulnerable and hear the cry of the poor. Console the families of the victims of violence and terrorism.
Keep our troops in your loving arms.
We pray to the Lord…

3) Let us pray for our children as they receive their First Holy Communion:
Loving Jesus, bless these children as they receive your Body & Blood for the first time. May they be fed not only in body but in Spirit as well.
We pray to the Lord…

4) Let us pray for those who are ill:
Lord of all life, bring healing to our brothers and sisters who are ill:
Helen Kuciemba

James Zubalik

Bob Zimcosky
Jan Jackson

Ashley Shaffer
and for all who have asked for our prayers.
We pray to the Lord…

6) Let us remember our beloved dead:
Let Easter dawn shine upon our loved ones who have died.
Especially…Donald Todd, husband of Brenda, Joy Alexander, aunt of Denise VandenBossche, Renee Thompson, mother of Stephanie, Martha Phipps and…
(4:00 Mass) Mort & Marge Flanigan
(8:30 Mass) Rosalia Guastella
(10:30 Mass) Luisa Capistrano & Sol Lopez
We pray

"May the Fourth Be With You"

Yes, this Sunday is a special day: Star Wars Day. It's a phenomenon that started back in 1977 with the first George Lucas film, Star Wars. It has evolved into a cultural connection with others who have enjoyed the movie series through the years. It's about connecting with others. Jesus used many parables and stories to connect with His audience. Don’t stray down the path of criticism; anything can be picked apart if you try hard enough.

Many believe that "May the Force be with you," which became "May the 4th be with you," had its origins in the Latin phrase Dominus Vobiscum, or "May the Lord be with you," uttered during Mass and as a greeting.

While it's important the world hears the unadulterated Word of God, it can be a way to build rapport by using parables such as the "light and Dark" of Star Wars. Once more rapport has been established then other teachings of Jesus can be shared with a greater bond.

So when someone shares that phrase today, seize the opportunity to reply "and with your Spirit."

It might even Move them. Now THAT's using the Force!

Bryan Born, Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus, St Anne
Always available: (248) 891-9118

VOLUNTEER WITH ST. JOSEPH'S HELPERS

800-303-5075

SJHelpers.org

St. Joseph’s Helpers is a nonprofit organization, founded on Christian values, composed of men and women who volunteer their time and talents to those in need, the ability to feel safe and secure in their homes by providing them with basic home maintenance and repairs. Our ministry’s focus is on the elderly, people with disabilities, veterans, and those who just need a helping hand.

SJ Helpers have served clients that need some very basic home items, from grab bars and handrails to fixing a leaky faucet or simply changing some light bulbs.

For as little as two hours a month, you will make an impactful difference in someone’s life!

Please stop by after Mass to learn more about their ministry. Whether you would like to volunteer, need our services, or can help our ministry serve more clients with a donation. THANK YOU!

Donald James Todd

TODD, DONALD JAMES, age 87, of Ortonville, passed away April 26, 2025. Loving husband to Brenda for 55 wonderful years.

Memorial Visitation
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Village Funeral Home

Memorial Service
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 12:00 PM

Renee Thompson

Passed away, May 1, 2025. Funeral arrangements TBA

Martha Phipps

Passed away May 2, 2025. Funeral arrangements TBA

Please remember these former parishioners and their families during this difficult time—not only now but also in the future.

Announcements

The quilting and craft group will meet on Tuesday, May 6^th from 1-4:00 p.m. in Solanus Hall.
Our Right to Life Lifespan representative, Mary Siring, will be in the gathering area next weekend with flowers for you to purchase for mom and thank her for giving you LIFE!
On Saturday, May 10^th at 10:00 a.m., we will have a May crowning of Mary, and we will pray the rosary.
Memorial Bricks are still available, a nice way to remember grandma, mom or that special person.
(Saturday) Please join us after Mass for our monthly potluck dinner.
CSA 2025 officially begins this weekend! Please look for your pledge card in the weeks to come. Thank you in advance for your support!

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