st. martha parish · marisol gonzales-valdes jim gregg howard grider ill hagan david hammond...

ST. MARTHA PARISH NOVEMBER 30 / DECEMBER 1, 2019

1100 WEST GRAND RIVER AVENUE, OKEMOS MI 48864 517-349-1763 WWW.ST-MARTHA.ORG

V. 32 No. 47 November 23/24, 2019 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Parish Staff Father Mike Murray, Pastor [email protected]

Deacon Carl Boehlert [email protected]

Deacon John Finn [email protected]

Don Morgan, Director of Operations [email protected]

IvyLynn Olson, Administrative Assistant [email protected]

Jackie Rosalez, Faith Formation Director [email protected]

Jarrid Thelen, Youth and Young Adult

Ministries Director [email protected]

Michael Garnett, Music Director [email protected]

Sister Pat Newhouse, S.C., Senior Ministry [email protected]

Sister Anita Parks, S.C., Service Ministry [email protected]

Ministry Leaders Knights of Columbus Jim Ault, Grand Knight

St. Vincent de Paul Al Kearney, President

Council of Catholic Women Beth Buiocchi, President

Parish Pastoral Council Jean Jorgensen, Chair

Finance Council Mary Doster, Chair

Evangelization Committee Heidi Burkhardt, Chair

Education Commission Jackie Rosalez

Prayer Quilt Ministry Mary Hall

Formed: Free Catholic content for all ages, to help you grow in your faith! Visit www.stmartha.formed.org and click on Register Now to access hundreds or free resources including movies, cartoons, learning series, books, audio recordings, articles, short presentations on the Sacraments, and more!

Intercessory Prayers: We Pray For All Who …

are Sick, Especially:

and Those Serving in our Armed Forces, Especially:

We humbly offer these prayers

in the name of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Please notify us if you have lost a loved one so that we can add their soul and your family to our Prayer list.

Don Allen Michelle Allen

Peter Allen Thomas R. Arrington

Pat Bailey Charles Bethke

Sarah Blackburn Matthew Boersma

Marian Bolus Ken Brown Joe Burzych

Marie Carrion Steven Carrion

Bill Cleary Mark Cook Jan Cupry

Anne Curtin Adam Dec

Sister Judy Dowd Susan Dunham Robby Duniec Gilbert Elias

John Paul Erford Rosemary Evolino

Joseph Fink Carol Giacin

Tammy Giddings Marisol Gonzales-Valdes

Jim Gregg Howard Grider

Bill Hagan David Hammond

Phyllis Harless Ralph Hepp

Grace Hoffer James Hughes

Rebecca Johnson Lynn Jones

John Kimball Mary Lou Klingshirn

Mary Krohn Deacon Kenton Kurth

Todd Lamb Ed and Marge Larson

Paul Loconto Lynda Logue

Amanda Lyons Jeannette Macdonald

Patricia Marrack Luke Martin

Joseph Martyka Kathryn Mason

Ben Mazur Gilbert McCaughna

Bob McNeely Mary McPhee Terry Meece Isiah Mimms

Leonardo Novis Derick Nusbaum Steve R. O’Brien

Tom Parker Bob Pero

Bob Pichey Pat Pichey

Kevin Pixley Barb Poole Kay Pratt

Judi Pressick Rich Przystas Jim Ralph, Jr. Jim Ralph, Sr.

Tom Ralph Sarah Richards

Jamie Riley Audrey Robinson Richard Robinson

Cecilia Roccos Jeffrey Rostek Carol Schaberg Steve Patoprsty

Sister Marie Pauline Inga Smith Ray Steele

Sharon Strus Maddi Tahaney Kathy Talsma

Sue Thelen Wayne Thelen

Sharon Theroux Ellessia Thomas

Tyler Thoms Victoria Thoms

Mary Ann Vargas Buddy Ward

Richard Whaley Lisa Wheeler

Teresa Marie Wyatt Gisela Yasson Jean Zubiena

Steve Cusineau, Kuwait Senior Airman Ryan Fedorkowicz, United Arab Emirates

Casey Wesley Mossholder, Kuwait U.S. Army Captain Michael Stewart, deployed overseas

The Repose of the Soul of: † Jose E. Garcia

http://www.formed.org

St. Martha Parish 1100 W. Grand River Avenue, Okemos MI 48864 517-349-1763 www.st-martha.org

Masses, Daily Readings, and Feast Days December 2 through 8

Monday, December 2 - Advent Weekday Readings: Isaiah 4:2-6 / Matthew 8:5-11 8:30 am Mass All from Saint Martha, Other Parishes,

and Dynamic Catholic Who are on Their Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Father John Whitlock)

Tuesday, December 3 - Saint Francis Xavier, Priest Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 / Luke 10:21-24 8:30 am Mass †Robert and †Helen Kraushaar (Monsignor

Reilly)

Wednesday, December 4 - Advent Weekday Saint John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church Readings: Isaiah 25:6-10a / Matthew 15:29-37 6 pm Mass †JoEllen Kazmierski (Monsignor Reilly)

Thursday, December 5 - Advent Weekday Readings: Isaiah 26:1-6 / Matthew 7:21, 24-27 8:30 am Mass †John Farone (Monsignor Reilly)

Friday, December 6 - Advent Weekday Saint Nicholas, Bishop Readings: Isaiah 29:17-24 / Matthew 9:27-31 8:30 am Mass †Paul Readett (Monsignor Reilly)

Saturday, December 7 - Second Sunday of Advent Vigil Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (daytime) Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 / Romans 15:4-9 / Matthew 3:1-12 5 pm Mass †Evie Hayden McGerr (Father Whitlock)

Sunday, December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10 / Romans 15:4-9 / Matthew 3:1-12 8 am Mass †Mr. and †Mrs. Robert E. Wood (Monsignor

Reilly) 10 am Mass †Dolores Chatigny (Monsignor Reilly) 5 pm Mass All People of Saint Martha (Father Whitlock)

Meet the Saints:

This Week’s Feasts and Memorials Learn More: catholic.org/saints formed.org

John Damascene (of Damascus): 675/676 to 12/04/749; Canonized pre-congregation; Patronage icon painters, pharmacists, theology students; Declared A Doctor of the Church 1890 by Pope Leo XIII

Nicholas (of Myra) (of Bari): traditionally, 03/15/270 to 12/06/342; Canonized pre-congregation; Patronage archers, brewers, children, coopers, fishermen, merchants, pharmacists, repentant thieves, sailors, students in various cities and countries around Europe, those falsely accused; many cities in Europe; Royal School of Music

Ambrose (Aurelius Ambrosius): 337-340 to 04/04/397; Canonized pre-congregation; Patronage bee keepers, bees, bishops, candle makers, domestic animals, geese, learning, livestock, police officers, students, wax refiners; Milan, Italy; French Commissariat; Declared A Doctor of the Church 1298 by Pope Boniface III

Liturgical Servers December 7/8

Second Sunday of Advent Saturday 5 pm Sacristan: D. Hunter Lectors: J. Matuszak, D. Maluchnik, S. Peters Altar Servers: C. Alexander, 2 Volunteers

Sunday 8 am Sacristans: T. and S. O’Dea Lectors: M. Fletcher, S. Stanley, S. Zayko Altar Servers: A. Collom, J. Scott, 1 Volunteer

Sunday 10 am Sacristans: T. and J. Smelser Lectors: M. Hakim, M. Loughlin-Krusky, T. Muncie Altar Servers: S. Smelser, Ja. and Je. O’Leary, K,. Rehmann

Sunday 5 pm Sacristan: J. and P. Riley Lectors: S. Nowland, A. Readett, J. Thelen Altar Servers: S. Gray, 2 Volunteers

Communion to Homebound

December 7/8 ICMCF D. Stevens

Brookdale Wynwood, Medilodge K. Schwaner

Homebound and Bickford Sister Pat

Brookdale Memory Care, Home Sweet Home, the Homebound, Willows of Okemos Sister Anita

Altar Flowers

November 30 / December 1 In Loving Memory of our parents, †DeKoven and †Amy King, and †Edwin and †Natalie Martyka, from William and Susan King

1 arrangement available

December 7/8 In Loving Memory of †James A., †Andrew, †Margaret A., and †Alexandra M. Duda, and †Marylou Searfoss, from Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Duda and Family

1 arrangement available

To sponsor Altar Flowers, contact the Parish Office during weekday business hours.


Other Offerings - Monday, December 2 through Sunday, December 15 Visit www.st-martha.org for more details on these and other great Parish services and events!

Mon., 12/02 After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Father Whitlock)

9 am International Rosary

2:30 pm 5th Grade DARE

6 pm DOL Diaconal Formation

7 pm CBSMI Class

7:30 pm Men’s Pick Up Basketball

Tue., 12/03 After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Monsignor Reilly)

9 am Holy Hour of Reparation Rosary

9:15 am Bible Study

9:30 am Fruits of the Holy Spirit Mom’s Group

6:30 pm Grief Support: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy

Evangelization Committee Meeting

Saint

Francis Xavier, Pray for Us

Wed., 12/04 9 am Staff Prayer

4:30 and 6 pm FF: 1st - 6th

5:30 pm Rosary and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions

6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration

After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Monsignor Reilly)

7:30 pm Benediction

Saint

John Damascene, Pray for Us

Thu., 12/05

After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Monsignor Reilly)

9 am Rosary

10 am Prayer Quilt Ministry Meeting

7 pm Choir Practice

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

Fri., 12/06 After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Monsignor Reilly)

9 am Rosary

First Friday Coffee and Donuts

Saint

Nicholas, Pray for Us

Sat., 12/07 7:30 am Upper Room Men’s Prayer

Noon Young Adult Book Club

3:30 pm Reconciliation (Father Whitlock)

after Mass Children’s Christmas Party hosted by our K of C

Saint

Ambrose, Pray for Us

Sun., 12/08 2nd Sunday of Advent

9 am FF: 1st - 6th

10 am FF: Toddler-K

11 am Open Gym

Baptisms - Congrats, Flood Family!

6 pm FF: H.S.Y.G.

Mon., 12/09 After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Father Whitlock)

9 am International Rosary

2:30 pm 5th Grade DARE

7 pm CBSMI Class

Baptism Prep

7:30 pm Men’s Pick Up Basketball

The

Immaculate Conception of

the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tue., 12/10 After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Monsignor Reilly)

9 am Holy Hour of Reparation Rosary

9:15 am Bible Study

9:30 am Fruits of the Holy Spirit Mom’s Group

6 pm CCW Meeting: JOYful Christmas Party and Auction

6:30 pm Grief Support: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy

7 pm Choir Practice

Wed., 12/11 9 am Staff Prayer

4:30 and 6 pm FF: 1st - 6th

5:30 pm Rosary and Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions

6:30 pm Eucharistic Adoration

After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Father Mike)

7 pm K of C General Meeting

7:30 pm Benediction

Saint Damasus I,

Pray for Us

Thu., 12/12

After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Father Mike)

9 am Rosary

6 pm School Christmas Program

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pray for Us

Fri., 12/13 After Mass Reconciliation Until all are heard (Father Mike)

9 am Breaking Open the Word

at Saint Francis R.C. FF: C.P. 2 Retreat

Saint Lucy, Pray for Us

Sat., 12/14 at Saint Francis R.C. FF: C.P. 2 Retreat

7:30 am Upper Room Men’s Prayer

9 am Lessons and Carols Dress Rehearsal

3:30 pm Reconciliation (Father Mike)

After Mass St. Vincent Candle Sales

Saint John

Pray for Us

Sun., 12/15 3rd Sunday of Advent

at Saint Francis R.C. FF: C.P. 2 Retreat

After all Masses St. Vincent Candle Sales

9 am FF: 1st - 6th

10 am FF: Toddler-K

11 am Open Gym

St. Vincent Meeting

Noon Lessons and Carols

6 pm FF: H.S.Y.G.

FF: C.P. 1 & 2 of the Cross


Did you Know: Mass Intentions provide a more powerful prayer offering for those souls, and, “contribute to the good of the Church and by that offering share its concern to support its ministers and works” (CCC 945 §2). To schedule Mass Intentions, visit the Parish Office on Sunday mornings between Masses or on weekdays during business hours.

Offertory Contributions

4-Week Average: $19,268.14

Online Giving October: $22,485.00

November to Date: $13,646.00

October 27: $12,666.30 Maintenance: $180.00

November 3: $18,085.27 Maintenance: $615.00



Visit www.st-martha.org for convenient and easy

online giving options! Thank You for your continued, faithful support of our Parish!

NOTE: Due to Holiday Printing Deadlines,

the collection numbers for November 23/24

will be reported in the December 7/8 bulletin.

From Father Mike’s Desk

Wait. What? It's Advent already? You mean Christmas is like in three

weeks? And, in a month, it'll be 2020? How is this possible?

Yup, time roars past. In this Advent season, it might be good to focus on slowing down a bit. But "that's impossible!," you say, as you think about all that must be done in the next few weeks. Well, think about it, though. What truly "must" be done? Joseph must find a place for Mary to have her baby. The shepherds must go into the fields, to watch their flocks by night. We must come alongside them, ready again to bend a knee in adoration. And we must help our children (grandchildren, nieces, nephews, students, neighbor kids) understand that the ENTIRE WORLD WAS UTTERLY AND PERMANENTLY CHANGED on a crisp evening, long ago in a tiny town on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean. If our children understand what Christmas is, then all is right -- the dinner and the gifts and the decorations and everything else will neatly fall into place. If the children miss the point, then we can just take a photo of the dinner and head toward the nap.

Last week, you read some simple suggestions for the family (light the candles of an Advent wreath at each meal, take young children through an explicitly Christian Advent calendar). And some simple suggestions for grown-ups (finally get around to watching The Wild Goose series, or to digging into the parish's free FORMED account using our password VDJMT7).

Let me emphasize one suggestion in particular: Daily Mass. They're all over town, at all sorts of times. It's not arduous, and the rewards are amazing. If you have to be at work early, try the 6:30 a.m. Mass in the Cana Chapel at Saint Thomas Aquinas. If you can start your day a little later, try the 8:30 a.m. Mass in our Creation Chapel here at Saint Martha. The Word of God will lift you up, and the Bread of Life will fuel your day in ways you can't imagine.

So back to the original point. Can we slow our Advent down a bit? Can we simplify the family Christmas? Tighten the number and splendor of gifts we are buying? Install some quiet where noisy motion is urged by every commercial outlet? This very weekend, as you read this bulletin column, we are besieged with shopping ads. Let’s know again that the One we are remembering was laid in a feed trough after His mother had given birth.

Advent is a beautiful season. Let's let Christmas wait a bit, and savor this time of graced anticipation!

(I will be gone next weekend, so please give Monsignor Reilly and Father Whitlock the finest Saint Martha welcome. And please keep a few of us in prayer as we undertake a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I certainly will remember you at these holy places, including Bethany, home of our sainted patron.)

May God bless you ... .


Sister Anita’s Corner Advent Week I

Dec. 1, 2019 Hope breaks in when we act on our God-given call and grace. As Jesus is born in our hearts, hope comes forth. As we journey into Advent,

making straight the road for ourselves and others, even as it is not all mapped out for us nor known how long the journey is, it’s not “Are we there yet?” but rather “Are we living as we are on the way? Prayer is our blueprint for making a more loving and just world. We put before our Loving God prayers that our on our hearts … prayers that our hands cannot hold … prayers that encompass so much that we hope for especially as we see such needs and hear such realities of broken lives and spirits. Advent is very much about God’s glory breaking into our human lives; flooding us with his radiance and light. Our first reading from Isaiah puts forth positive action in our waiting: Come! Let us climb, stream towards the mountain of the Lord! Action and work to be done but not alone. Our path will be known by following the Lord’s instruction in his ways. Saint Paul tells us “be awake” … shake off drowsiness … darkness, murky shadows, fears are not the straight path of the Lord but rather are where the Light of Christ needs to shine. We are invited through our baptism, through our faith and hope, through the gifts of the Spirit to put on the armor of Light. Passing on our faith, our faith-filled knowledge and our hope in the Lord needs to include the people in our lives, especially children. We need to name and explain what we are celebrating as we go through these Advent days; as all Christmas embellishments surround us - at times choking out our light and peace.

Gather your family around and make it a special time as you set up your nativity set. Invite anyone who comes to your home to pause before the scene and take in the message. May it be a moment of sharing your faith in God-with-us, God-for-us. As we unwrap our nativity set, maybe, bit by bit, possibly with children around and speak of each character as part of the whole scene, we would ask the angels who are with us right now to teach us of

peace to be claimed as we are on our journey. Dear Angels, you who surrounded the birth of Jesus, as you brought so many faith-filled messages allowing God to break forth into their lives, into their very beings, peace was one of your blessings. Our Incarnational Emmanuel - God-with-us surrounds us with his peace as we are strengthened for the work of beating implements of destruction into works of harvest. In our psalm, dear Angels, we find our prayer: peace within our walls - that which is right around us - right now. Peace within our own selves is the other part of the prayer which is so needed. May we hear you in our hearts speak your message to us “Fear not …” Peace will help us focus our lives on what Advent and Christmas can mean for our lives today. May we see Christ’s glorious light in all our preparations for celebrating Jesus being born anew in our hearts. Amen.

Need to Knows:

Are you interested in learning more about

our Catholic Faith? Is someone else in your life interested?

We have a great team ready to share their Faith with you! They will guide you on your journey with stories of how and why they personally entered the Church, explore the teachings of Scriptures, and show you how our Bible is so alive and relevant today, as well as the amazing gift our Catholic Sacraments and Traditions are for everyone! Please contact Clinton Warren at [email protected] to learn more.

Come visit our Parish Library in our Saint Teresa Room. It is filled with books, CDs, and DVDs to help build your Faith! You are invited to come browse and sign out any items that you would like to borrow in the Borrowing Log Book on

Sundays between the 8 am and 10 am Masses or on weekdays (please call ahead to be sure it is available, as this space is also used for meetings).

If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church, please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out. Every diocese in the United States now has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to obtain support for your needs, to help make a formal complaint of abuse to the diocese and to arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative, if you desire. Our victim assistance coordinator is Cheryl Williams-Hecksel. She can be contacted at [email protected] or 888-308-6255. You may also report through the Michigan Law Enforcement Hotline Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm by calling 844-324-3374 or anytime by emailing [email protected].


Faith Formation

“As the Family goes, so goes the Nation and the Whole World in which we live.” Saint John Paul the Great

Child and Family Ministries Jackie Rosalez, Director

[email protected]

Youth and Young Adult Ministries Jarrid Thelen, Director

[email protected]

Child and Family Faith Formation November and December Calendar

Grades PreK through K Sunday mornings during the 10 am Mass - December 8 and 15

Grades 1 through 6 Sunday mornings from 9 to 9:50 am - December 8 and 15

Wednesdays at either 4:30 to 5:30 pm or 6 to 7 pm - December 4, 11, and 15

Confirmation Prep 1 and 2 Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 pm - December 15

High School Youth Group every Sunday from 6 to 8 pm

in our new Youth Room (inside our Faith Formation Office) Come and hang out with other teens, as we work together to figure out how what being a Christian teen is all about.

Children’s Christmas Eve Pageant All children are invited help

make the Gospel come alive on Christmas Eve!!

You can participate in 2 different ways: If you would like to be a main character (Mary, Joseph, lead

Angel, lead Shepherd, Donkey, Messenger, or a Narrator) please plan on attending our only rehearsal on Monday, December 23 at 6:30 pm. We will meet downstairs in our Saint Elizabeth Hall to begin, and end in Church at about 7:30 pm.

If you would like to be a walk on as an Angel, Shepherd, or barnyard animal, please join Mrs. Rosalez in the glass hallway behind the church by 3:15 pm on Christmas Eve for our 3:30 pm Pageant.

We also need a baby Jesus, so if you have a baby who wants to be a star, please contact Jackie Rosalez by emailing [email protected] or calling 517-349-1763.

Our Children’s Christmas Mass is at a new, earlier time this year so mark your calendar for: Children’s Choir and Pageant - 3:30 pm Children’s Christmas Eve Mass - 4 pm

Dynamic Catholic is Coming to Saint Martha Mark your Calendars for Saturday, April 25!

Dr. Allen Hunt will be here to lead us into practical ideas on how to deepen our relationship with Jesus and Find our Greatness! Tickets are on sale now at dynamiccatholic.com and make great Christmas gifts, or you can wait until the weekend of January 12 and purchase them right here at Church for a discounted price. Be sure to join us as we discover the four simple habits that will help us reach our full potential!!


Andrea Patton, School Principal 517-349-3322 Contact Us

[email protected] Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Office Hours

Lynn Collom, School Secretary Monday through Friday, 8 to 11:30 am 1/2 Day PreK [email protected] Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3:30 pm Full Day PreK and K through 8

In a loving, nurturing, Christ-like environment, Saint Martha School guides each student to develop his or her unique ability and potential through prayer, study, and service.

Fall Fun in Grade K

The kindergartners are well into the school year. They have learned so much in the first 50 days of school. Currently the students are learning about trees and weather in science. They are investigating the weather by keeping a weather calendar and creating wind socks to tell which direction the wind is blowing. They also are learning about weather tools, such as a thermometer to tell the temperature. The kindergartners are able to utilize our beautiful campus of trees to observe and gather information from. They keep track of their investigations in a science notebook, where they are learning to write and draw like a scientist. Letter and sound recognition are a major focus in kindergarten. The students enjoy learning a new Alphafriend each week to help them to recall letters and sounds. A recent Alphafriend that was introduced was “Andy Apple” who helps the students to recall the letter “a” and the short vowel sound associated. This is a wonderful platform for the students to then read simple words using the short vowel a sound. The students are making word families and reading lots of new words. They are so excited about reading!!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shutterstock.com%2Fsearch%2Fgreen%2Btree%2Bbackground&psig=AOvVaw1L--gd07ofD5yNbNnJZv_c&ust=1573589697434822


Craft Show Thank You Parishioners, families, and

friends of Saint Martha Parish, Thank you so very much for your support of the Saint Martha Holiday Heaven Craft Show.

It was a tremendous success because of you! Special recognition goes to:

Jarrid Thelen and the 6th graders for making the donuts

8th grade Confirmation candidates Saint Martha as well as Lansing Catholic students

who volunteered their time Knights of Columbus members

the Parish and School Office Staff and the CCW Board and members for helping in the kitchen, as greeters,

with decorating, door prizes, and set-up/clean up tasks We couldn’t have done it without you all! Thank you for giving so generously of your time and talent! God bless you!! CCW Craft Show Committee

Giving Tree for Shared Pregnancy Due to our Prayers, young women are choosing life. Because of this fact, Shared Pregnancy is experiencing a greater need for: High Chairs, Dressers, Swings, Single and Double Strollers, Pack-n-Plays, and Cribs made after 06/28/2011. If you have any new or gently used items to donate, please contact Mary Beth Anderson at 517-349-4172 or [email protected]. Thank you for your Generosity and MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU.

Prayers for Morning Offering: our evangelization Team and Rosary Groups

will offer their days in December for the sick and disabled of Saint Martha and all visitors. You are invited to make a daily morning offering for these and your own intentions - offering your prayers, works, joys, and sufferings to God - a great spiritual bouquet!

Rehearsals for Children’s Christmas Choir begin THIS Monday, December 2 at 6 pm. If your child is interested in participating, contact Michael Garnett, Director of Music and Liturgy, at [email protected].

EVERY Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm through Tuesday, December 10 in our Blessed Solanus Conference Room.

We know it hurts, and we want to help: encouragement and help after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. GriefShare is a weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after the death of a loved one. Our group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you get through the difficult days ahead. With questions, contact Lori at [email protected] or 517-449-3485.

Our Parish and Ministry Events and Offerings visit us at www.st-martha.org for more details on these and other great Parish services and events!

Knights in Harmony 2019 Singing Tour:

Be sure to bring your dinner date out

THIS Friday, December 6 to one of these Williamston restaurants:

5:45 pm Spags Sports Bar 6:20 pm Old Nation Brewery 6:35 pm The Riverhouse Inn

6:45 pm Bistro (was Gracie’s) 7 pm The Country Cafe 7:05 pm Red Cedar Grill 7:20 pm Tavern 109

7:35 pm Williamston Pub and Grill 7:50 pm Brookshire Inn

8:15 pm Williamston Roadhouse * All times are approximate *

and NEXT Friday, December 13 to one of these area restaurants:

5:45 pm Spagnuolo’s Restaurant 6 pm Buddie’s Pub and Grill 6:15 pm Henry’s Place

6:30 pm Outback Steakhouse 6:45 pm The Watershed 6:55 pm Blue Gill Grill 7:05 pm The Mayfair Bar

7:45 pm The Pizza House 8:15 pm Ellison Brewery Our Knights continue their beloved holiday tradition of bringing Christmas Cheer to the community while seeking donations for the Food for Families program - all funds are given to the Food Banks of Williamston, Okemos, and Haslett to feed families who are in the greatest need of substance in our community. Our parishioners have made a tradition of dining out where our merry group will be visiting, and our Knights look forward to seeing all of you during their tour! They will have a JOLLY OL’ELF and his assistant tagging along with them, visiting each table checking his list for who is naughty and who is nice!

Upper Room Men’s Prayer Group EVERY Saturday at 7:30 am

in Saint Kateri Room All men are encouraged to join us for an hour of prayer, for those in need of healing, and to reflect on the Word of God as revealed by the daily readings. If you would like someone to pray one-on-one with you, please email [email protected] and put Attention Frank Fortier and Mike Siminski in the subject line.

Annual Parish Children’s Christmas Party NEXT Saturday, December 7 after 5 pm Mass

in Saint Elizabeth Hall hosted by our Knights Ho! Ho! Ho! Join us at this FREE Annual party for ALL parish children and their parents, grandparents and - what the heck - aunts and uncles too! Festivities include supper, games, Christmas music, Carols, and a special Christmas story reading from Sister Anita! Though it is early in December, we are arranging for a special visit from Santa! RSVP Larry Leece at [email protected] or 517-204-2682 by THIS Wednesday, December 4 with the total children and adults in your family coming. We need to know how many children have been so Santa can make arrangements. PLEASE NOTE: We need a few responsible teenagers and adults to help with the event. Use the contact information above if you can help!


50 Up Club: December Lunch on the Town NEXT Wednesday, December 11

11:30 am to 1 pm at Coral Gables Restaurant (by the fireplace)

ALL 50 Up’s are invited for this wonderful annual holiday luncheon! We will enjoy good food and friendship, in celebration of this wonderful time of year. Please RSVP to Sister Pat at 517-927-8575 by NEXT Monday, December 9 to join the fun!

Red Cross Blood Drive Saturday, January 4

10 am to 4 pm in Blessed Solanus Room Sponsored by our Knights, this is a wonderful opportunity to live Pro-LIFE by donating blood to save another’s life. Register at 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2676) or at www.redcross.blood.org. Walk-in donors are also welcome.

Ladies of Saint Martha Parish:

You are cordially invited to attend our

Council of Catholic Women’s JOYful Christmas Party and Auction!

NEXT Tuesday, December 10

6:30 pm in Saint Elizabeth Hall

Come and enjoy some Cheer and Fellowship

with women of the Parish!

Bring a guest!

There will be Music, great food, Mulled Cider A Silent and Live Auction, and a Door Prize!

Start your Holiday Season off with JOY!

NOTE: Please bring all donations

for the Auction to the Parish Office by THIS Friday, December 6.

Thank you all!

Additional Ways to Support Us:

School Scrip: Sign up online at www.shopwithscrip.com using our enrollment code EF575C412L1, then place orders and pay online.

Orders are available for pickup on Thursdays in the School Office, or order instant scrip online and start shopping right away! With questions, call the School Office.

If you shop with Amazon, You can help our School: just access Amazon by clicking on the Amazon picture located on our website’s School page. Then shop as normal - our code is in the link, so it automatically gives us a rebate!

Do You have one of these cards? You can help by linking it to our School!

It costs you nothing, and our School gets 1% of all your purchases! Simply log in to your Kroger Plus account, search for Community Rewards, find Saint Martha School, and click the link. Contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS IF you have any trouble. Thank you for your continued support of Catholic education!

Youth Scholarship Program: further our Youth Programs by setting up your recurring Sunday donation online! We receive $200 for every 25 new recurring online givers - the more recurring gifts, the more scholarship money for our youth program! Please visit the Stewardship page on our website and set up your recurring gift to help our Parish AND our youth!

Martha's Meals: Do you know anyone in need of

temporary meals due to the arrival of a new baby, injury or surgery, etc.? To set up a meal schedule for one of our wonderful cooks to help your family, contact Laura Elias at 517-230-5218 or [email protected].

Need a ride to Masses and events? Local area CATA services can help! Call 517-394-2282 for information

on Curb-to-Curb service Redi-Rides, and Spec-Tran for those with special ride needs. Discount fares are available for individuals over 62 and those with a current ADA card.


LIVE Ticket Sale Weekends - Before and After Masses on: January 11/12 (Special Price $19!) February 8/9 March 14/15

OR But Tickets Anytime at


Shadow Students at LCHS: is your student thinking about attending Lansing Catholic High School? Middle School and potential transfer students interested in finding out what it’s like to be a LCHS student are welcome to shadow a current student for a school day. For more information and to arrange a student shadow day, contact LCHS’s admissions office at 517-267-2102 or [email protected].

Christmas Open House THIS Wednesday, December 4 from 4 to 7 pm

Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Lansing All families are invited to bring a special ornament to place on the Memory Tree in honor of their loved ones buried at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Refreshments will be served. If you are unable to attend this Open House, you are invited to stop by the Cemetery Office during business hours to add an ornament.

i.d. 9:16 Disciple’s Night for Young Adults THIS Thursday, December 5 at 6:30 pm

Saint Mary Cathedral, Lansing All young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to this monthly gathering that includes Mass in the basement (accessible on the south side of Cathedral, look for the Crypt entrance), followed by dinner, and a talk by Ed Conlin, the final part in a series on living the Beatitudes. What is i.d. 9:16? We’re a Catholic community of young adults -- single, married or in any vocation -- seeking to be formed as intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. Children are welcome and childcare can be provided. To find out more about our group and to RSVP to this event, please visit our Facebook group “i.d. 916 Lansing” and RSVP on the event there, or email us at [email protected].

Advent Sung Rosary NEXT Saturday, December 7

10:30 am to 1:30 pm Saints Cornelius and Cyprian Church, Leslie

Listen or join in singing the Joyful Mysteries in celebration of the Advent season. Scripture reading and devotionals on each mystery of the rosary led by the Saint Thomas Aquinas Lay Dominicans will be interspersed with periods of quiet for meditation in this beautiful country-setting historic parish. A light lunch is included followed by Midday prayer and a closing. The event is free. For more information, please contact Amy Moore at 517-256-6206.

Hands of Mary Rosary Makers are hosting a Christmas gift/bake fundraiser at IHM after all Masses NEXT weekend with Holy Land gifts, rosaries, books, sacrament gifts, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, and more. Your support helps them send over 30,000 rosaries around the world yearly! God bless you.

Remembrance Service NEXT Sunday, December 8 at 2 pm

Palmer, Bush, & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Lansing All bereaved persons in the Greater Lansing area and their families are invited to come and experience hope and encouragement at this special service. No RSVP is needed. With questions, call 517-323-7890.

Be Love Revolution Lansing Meeting NEXT Wednesday, December 11

6:30 to 8:30 pm Resurrection Parish’s Saint JPII Room, Lansing

All girls, 9th grade and up, are invited to come for praise and worship, a talk, small groups, food, and fellowship. This month’s guest speaker is Lori Weismantel and will include Adoration. With questions, please contact Mary Gates at [email protected].

CWC of Lansing December Luncheon NEXT Thursday, December 12 from 12:30 to 3 pm

Fireside Grill (6951 Lansing Road, Dimondale) All Catholic women of the Diocese are invited for a good meal and fellowship in support of Mother Teresa House. If you have questions and to RSVP, please contact Judy Sibal at 517-449-5365 by NEXT Friday, December 6. The Catholic Women’s Club is women joining together to foster friendship and spiritual enrichment, and to provide assistance to those less fortunate regardless of their faith.

Saint Therese Guadalupe Family Circle Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe

NEXT Thursday, December 12 at 5:30 pm Saint Therese Parish, Lansing

All are invited to this bilingual feast day Mass celebration with refreshments immediately following.

Doc Egan Christmas Party Saturday, December 14 from 1 to 3 pm

Columbus Hall (5300 N. Grand River), Lansing Children up to 11 years old are welcome for this annual party hosted by the K of C Assemblies #0496 #3334. All are asked to bring a canned food item to donate to a local charity. Activities include a simple craft project which can be donated to a local nursing home and Christmas cards to sign for Michigan Veterans. There will be games, snacks, Christmas music, a Christmas story, and a visit from Santa Claus. For more information, contact Ken Watterson at 517-881-0812.

Annual Diocesan Parish Men’s Retreat: River of Life - Flowing from our Baptism

6 pm on Friday, January 10 to Sunday, January 12 Saint Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt

There's more to Baptism than you may know - consider attending this retreat to find out what you are called to be! The suggested donation for the weekend is $185 and includes lodging, meals, and materials. Men of all ages are welcome! Facilitators for the weekend include Father David Rosenberg, Sister Katherine Collard, and Mike Schasser. Register at 517-669-8321 or www.stfrancis.ws. Please prayerfully consider if God is calling you to set aside time for this encounter opportunity!.

Across the Diocese For more family friendly events, visit

www.dioceseoflansing.org/events or www.catholiceventfinder.org (search Lansing)

Mass Opportunities

Saturday 5 pm

Sunday 8 am, 10 am, 5 pm

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 am

Wednesday 6 pm

Reconciliation Opportunities

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday following 8:30 am Mass until all are heard

Wednesday 6:45 to 7:15 pm

Saturday 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Other times By Appointment

Lent & Advent Announced as Scheduled

Prayer Opportunities

Monday 9 am International Rosary

Tuesday 9 am Holy Hour of Reparation Rosary

Wednesday 5:30 pm Rosary

5:45 pm Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotions

following 6:30 pm Mass - Adoration until 7:30 pm Benediction

Thursday, Friday 9 am Rosary

Parish Mission Statement

Called by a loving God to be a Holy, Catholic people, and guided by the Holy Spirit, we work to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We worship, celebrate, teach, and offer support to our Parish Family with our talents and resources. Through charity and justice, we aspire to serve our community and world.

Office Hours Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm Sunday between 8 am and 10 am Masses

General Parish Information Registrations and Information Updates can be done online by following the link on our website to My Own Church, or in person at the Parish Office.

Religious Education instills in your children a sense of awe and wonder, and a knowledge and deep commitment to the love of God in Christ Jesus. We seek to teach as Jesus taught and nurture the Faith that parents as the primary educators are instilling in their children. Classes are provided for kids in Pre-K through 12th grades. To register, please contact Jackie.

Prayer Corner individuals remain on the list for 8 weeks; contact the Office to be added to the prayer corner and/or chain, and to continue beyond 8 weeks.

Military Individuals for Prayer remain on the list until we are notified of their return home.

Bulletin Articles must be submitted for approval in writing by Noon on the Thursday two weeks prior to the weekend you would like your information included, via email to IvyLynn.

Sacramental Information Baptisms are celebrated the 2nd Sundays monthly after 10 am Mass, and Preparation Classes are held on the 2nd Mondays monthly at 7 pm. Contact the Parish Office to register.

Anointing of the Sick and Communion to Shut Ins are available by contacting the Parish Office.

Marriages must begin to be arranged with the Priest at least 9 months ahead. Contact the Parish Office to begin arrangements.

The Adult Sacrament of Initiation (RCIA) is for anyone who is considering becoming Catholic or who has questions about our Catholic faith. Please contact Deacon Carl Boehlert for more information.

st. martha parish · marisol gonzales-valdes jim gregg howard grider ill hagan david hammond...

Documents