This newsletter is a

look into this past

year’s preparation

for the celebration of

Confirmation.

Canteen

ST. MARY, OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS Volume 9, Issue 1

April 17, 2016

Thanks from Troops 2

Mr. Hall 2

Sacrament, not

Diploma

3

Mrs. Vanderhorst

Recognition Masses

3 3

Senior Dinner Retreats

4 4

Letter from Editor 5

Kids Against Hunger 6

Upcoming Events Faith In Action

7 7

Prayer Blankets Stay Focused! Prayer Process Body of Christ

8 9 9 10 10

Inside this issue:

I will put Jesus first in my life every day; I will study God's Word and will try to obey. I will keep my mind focused on things that are good; I will choose my friends wisely and live like I should. I will take time to pray, so that other's can see that I follow Jesus and He

lives in me.

“I continue my pursuit toward the goal, prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ

Jesus.” Philippians 4:14

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION ALL ABOUT? Confirmation is probably the most misunderstood Sacrament out of the seven. Let’s take a quick look at the misconceptions, shall we?

Misconception #1:

Many Catholics view the Sacrament of Confirmation as a type of “graduation”.

The Sacrament of Confirmation does not signify the end of your religious education or formation. Likewise, it is not the end of the parents’ responsibilities either. The idea that “I just have to get my kid their Sacraments” is not only a bad idea, it’s bad theology. Confirmation is not an end; it’s a new beginning.

Misconception #2

Some Catholics think that Confirmation

is a time for the child/teen to “confirm” or “accept for themselves” what was

begun at their Baptism.

Again, this is incorrect. Confirmation completes the reception of grace that was begun with the grace of Baptism. It’s not about what you have to proclaim. It is the Church confirming what happened to you at Baptism and saying that you are ready to receive the Holy Spirit in this manner.

Misconception #3

Some think that a sponsor has to be a relative or the godparent.

Sometimes, well-intentioned parents insist on who your sponsor “should be”. Their input is great and should always be respected, but the decision is yours. Just you were named for “Great Aunt Agatha,” or because “cousin Hector” hasn’t gotten to be a sponsor yet doesn’t mean they are spiritually prepared for the duty. The sponsor should not only be a confirmed Catholic who goes to mass every week, but an example of what it means to live the faith. It doesn’t have to be your god-

parent or even a family member. The choice is yours. Find someone you look up to and respect in the faith, in or out of your family tree, and prayerfully consider them.

As for Great Aunt Agatha, you can always invite her to the Rite of Confirmation Mass to see you receive the Sacrament. Oh, and tell her to get there early, it’ll probably be crowded.

Looking for its basis in Sacred Scripture?

Check out - Luke 3:16, John 1:33, 14:26; Acts 2:1-12; 8:14–17; 9:17; 19:6, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Romans 8:1-13,

Hebrews 6:1-2

Its Old Testament roots can be found in - Exodus 19:16-19, Leviticus 23:15-22, Numbers 28:26-31, Joel 3:1-5?

Also, check out the Catechism - CCC 1285-1321.

You can read more about this (and 99 other important Catholic topics) in 100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know

I hope this helped!

Volume 9, Issue 1 Canteen Page 2

CHRISTMAS CARDS TO THE TROOPS!

We talked about peace and sacrifice and read The Christmas Truce...

MR. HALL’S GROUP DISCUSSES LOVE!!

Agape, Phileo, Eros and Storge - Oh MY!

THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!

“Laudete”- FREE! Daily Mass Readings and Reflections, New American Bible, Rosary, Chaplet of Divine Mercy, Stations of the

Cross and other prayers. Ability to bookmark prayers and

create own prayers. Check your APP store!

CONFIRMATION: A SACRAMENT, NOT A DIPLOMA

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Philippians 3:12-21 reminds us to be focused on the goal throughout our lives and faith

journey - Jesus!

“Confirmation is nothing like a graduation. Graduation says, “I have nothing more to do. My job is finished here!” Confirmation says, “I’m just getting started, and I am ready to go!” A diploma says, “You have fulfilled the requirements;” “You have mastered the curriculum.” For a confirmed Christian, there is always more to do, always room for improvement. Graduates leave their building, only to return occasionally; while the confirmed return to church every week to worship. The graduating class disperses, while the confirmed bind themselves

more tightly than ever to their parish community as well as the wider church.” (Father Michael Van Sloun)

8TH GRADE RECOGNITION MASS

In addition to greeting parishioners before Mass and handing out bulletins afterwards, we supported

the Hope Warming Center. Behind the offertory gifts of bread and wine, we presented packages of socks, filling two large baskets. It is a visual sign of our care and concern.

Hope Warming Center is an emergency shelter that “hosts up to 60 guests each night, providing warmth, an evening meal, a shower, a safe place to sleep, a light breakfast and bag lunches. The center also provides its guests with hygiene kits, and dry

SOCKS and underwear.” (www.hopewarmingpontiac.org)

7TH GRADE RECOGNITION MASS

We collected full-size toiletry items for Haven Ministries - shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc. As Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of

domestic violence and sexual assault, HAVEN provides

shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to nearly 20,000 people each year.

24-HR CRISIS & SUPPORT: 248-334-1274 TOLL-FREE CRISIS LINE: 877-922-1274

FROM MRS VANDER HORST…

To my 8th grade class….Congratulations on a successful year! You made it such an amazing experience—not

just for me but for each other. I watched you all

growing and changing physically and spiritually

from our first day sending off the Chinese lanterns, to

our last day preparing for interviews—what a journey! You came so willing to share and participate whether we

were studying one of our lessons, writing notes of

gratitude to your parents at Thanksgiving, or writing

cards to soldiers at Christmas. I loved how you all

came to pack for the Kids Against Hunger Campaign

on a day that would have been so easy to stay at home. I wish you all the best as you get Confirmed

and continue your faith journey in Christ and through

Christ!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Many blessings…. Mrs. Vander Horst

WELCOME TO

ST. MARY’S!!

BE OUR

GUEST!

Helpful Websites: www…

catholic.org

holyspiritinteractive.net

biblegeek.com

aodonline.org

bustedhalo.com

pluggedinonline.com

catholicscomehome.org

youthworker.com

2016

ST. MARY

CONFIRMATION

RETREAT

SUBIACO

RETREAT HOUSE

YOU ARE THE

STAR OF THE MOVIE

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD!!!

HOWELL NATURE CENTER RETREAT 2015

Senior Dinner Thank You This year we decorated the Hall with a ‘Frozen’ theme décor and our speaker encouraged our Seniors to leave a legacy to their families via

an ethical will.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR When I started taking down notes on the year, I was

pleasantly surprised by the high level and variety of activity this year. Here are some highlights to help you remember as well:

- HOWELL RETREATANTS sponsored a Can/Bottle Drive and Car Wash last summer. 10% of the proceeds ($120!) was sent to The Special Needs Trust Fund for Dillon Bond - a local boy hit by a car on M59 in 2013. (Facebook page - “Pray for Storms”) In September they enjoyed a weekend of team-building, faith application

and seeing that Nothing Is Impossible with God! (Thanks

to Fr. John for celebrating Mass with us.)

- 7th grade opened our

year with a lesson

on “HIDDEN VALUES.” We discovered that geodes have beautiful interiors just as people have something special inside even though it cannot always be seen.

- 7th grade participated in the T3 ENCOUNTER bible

study with Mark Hart. They received an overview of the salvation story from Creation to Jesus along with applications from the catechism.

- 7th grade made POSTERS highlighting their journey of faith and their sacraments received so far. Many families commented how nice it was to prepare the posters and remember journey milestones. Posters were displayed in the social hall during March. - 8th grade wrote their hopes, dreams and fears for their faith journey on CHINESE LANTERNS and we watched them (and our prayers) float into the sky just as the Spirit blows where it will…

- The 8th grade embraced the GIVER OF LIFE series that is set up to spur conversations and reflection. The journals ensured regular contact with our sponsors and family faith sharing.

- We used many seasonal ideas & lessons from www.youthworker.com and www.vibrantfaith.com

to relate our faith to current events, morality and the media. We used games, role-playing, bible study of Sunday readings, prayers and saints of the day, how-to books of our faith, computer websites, DVD’s, and small group discussion to apply our faith.

- You challenged your catechists to explain concepts we don’t always think about or take for granted as adults. We attended parish Reconciliation services and grew in faith together. We challenged you to learn how to speak up about your faith, grow in your faith and live it.

- FRANK RUNYEON explored the real meaning of

Christmas as he presented an Advent drama/comedy on The 3 1/2 Stories of Christmas to our parish.

- JOANNE EDWARDS from the Maria Goretti Foundation talked to us about the importance of purity and chastity and making good choices.

- Our CATECHISTS have families and jobs of their own, patience, gentle spirits, and hearts for teens – that’s what a family and love does.

—Colleen Gonzalez

APRIL 28, 2016 IS “PAY IT FORWARD”

DAY

EASY PAY IT FORWARD DAY KINDNESS IDEAS

can be found at

payitforwardday.com

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YOU DID IT AGAIN!! On February 25th, Confirmation candidates, catechists, parents and sponsors packed 10,000+

meals for KAH in under two hours. Our pocket change added up quickly! One-third of our pack was distributed locally to

Community Sharing, Milford. The remaining 2/3 of the meals are designated to regional warehouses in the US and Africa.

Using our hands, we have provided meals for hungry people “around the world and around the corner.”

God Bless you for living your faith!

Kids Against Hunger

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION: April 17, 4:00 PM

ST. MARY/CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT VICARIATE CO-ED SOFTBALL TEAM, Practice starts May 4. For 9th-12th grade. Permission slip required. $5 T-shirt fee. Practices and home games played at Faith Lutheran Church in Highland. Contact JV, 248-685-1482, stmaryjv@comcast.net

HOWELL RETREAT CAN/BOTTLE DRIVE: July 16/17 after all masses. Along with the Car Wash, this activity offsets the cost of those 2nd year/8th grade Candidates attending the overnight retreat, Fall 2016.

HOWELL RETREAT CAR WASH: August 20, 9:00—11:00 am

CONFIRMATION RETREAT, Howell Nature Center, September 24-25, Total Cost is $100 OR a reduced rate PLUS Community Service (Can/Bottle Drive and Car Wash). For 8th grade candidates being confirmed in Spring 2017. Space limited.

Register by May 31 in Faith Formation Office (forms will be mailed to all incoming 2nd year candidates).

TGIF—7th & 8th graders, beginning in September. Social activities include canoe trip, laser tag, and bowling. Contact JV 248-685-1482, stmaryjv@comcast.net

FUSION, 9th-12th grades, beginning in September, meeting day TBD. Activities include: Co-ed Softball, Breakfast with St. Nick, Stations of the Cross Shadow Drama, Cedar Point trip, Faith Gatherings including The Rainbow Conference weekend for Detroit diocesan teens. Contact JV 248-685-1482, stmaryjv@comcast.net.

NEW COVENANT TEEN MUSIC ENSEMBLE, meets most Sundays at 11:00 am. Celebrate on the second Sunday of the month at the 12:00 pm. No audition, singers and musicians welcome! Contact: Maureen Simms, 248-684-5289

CELEBRATE MOMS, Sunday, May 1, 12:30—4:00 pm. 7th/8th grade boys & girls serve tea and sandwiches to the attendees. Contact: Val Thompson, 248-685-1482

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, June 27 - July 1. 9 am—noon daily. Theme: Cave Quest, Following Jesus, The Light of the World. Help 3-8 year olds experience their faith through bible-based activities. Contact Jennifer Beard at 248-345-2774 and jenniferbeard09@gmail.com.

ST MARY PARISH FAIR, Aug. 5-7. Help needed with games and activities. Contact: Mark Kovalcheck or Rod Armstrong at 248-685-1482 to leave a message.

BACK PACK PROGRAM: Last fall, our parish donated 650 back packs filled with new school supplies to kids less fortunate in the Huron Valley school district. Supply sorting, counting & packing, August 22nd &/or 23rd, 10 am. Contact: Val Thompson, 248-685-1482

MISSION PROGRAM 2017: 8th - 12th grade students prepare throughout the year, completing community service & learning needed skills for a week long trip in July. Watch the bulletin for date of Informational Meeting. Contact JV or Val Thompson, 248-685-1482.

Page 7 Volume 9, Issue 1

UPCOMING EVENTS:

2016

Canteen

FAITH IN ACTION OPPORTUNITIES

2016

ST MARY OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS FAITH FORMATION

ST. MARY MILFORD CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Pray for our country with everyone across

America at any time in every time zone!

Dr. Tony Evans is the 2016 Honorary Chairman for

the National Day of Prayer.

www.nationaldayofprayer.org

FEAR OF THE LORD is not the same as being afraid of God. To fear God, we

must know who God is and who we are in relation to Him. We realize God's greatness and power while at the same time acknowledging our humanity. We respect Him, we are

in awe of Him, and we love Him. Fear of the Lord means basing our actions on our love of God, our admiration of God and our desire to be unified with God. We love God so intensely that we can't bear the thought of life without Him, of hurting Him by sinning

or offending Him.

PRAYER FOR PREPARATION TO STUDY

Lord, I know you are with me and love me. Give me peace of mind as I prepare for this time of study.

Help me to focus on my books and notes, keep me from all distractions so that I will make the best use of this time that is available to me.

Give me insight that I might understand what I am studying, and help me to remember it when the time comes.

Above all, I thank you for the ability to be able to study and for the many gifts and talents you have given me. Help me always to use them in such a way that they honor you and do justice to myself. Amen

PRAYER BEFORE AN EXAMINATION

Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.

Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together. Help me, not only with this test, but the many

tests of life that are sure to come my way.

As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied and be gracious with what

I have overlooked. Help me to remain focused and calm, confident in the facts and in my ability,

and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me. Amen

Volume 9, Issue 1 Canteen Page 8

9 PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED

AT MASS

Let’s face it, keeping distractions

at bay during Mass is a difficult

task for just about everyone.

We’re human. We live in a fast-

paced world. We have so many

things bouncing around in our

minds that we bring into Mass.

It takes an almost heroic amount

of effort to keep our minds from

wandering away from the most important thing happening in our

world in that moment—Jesus

Christ coming to us in the flesh.

But, even so, it is possible to limit

at least some of our distractions at Mass with these simple yet

practical tips:

1. Turn off the car radio, phones,

big conversations, etc. on the way

to Mass. Consciously start

making your transition from

secular to sacred. Let that silence sink in.

2. Get to Mass at least 5 minutes early. Spend a few minutes in

silent prayer before Mass begins.

This will help to settle you down

and keep you attentive.

3. Sit close to the front. Another

good reason to get to Mass a few

minutes early is to get a free seat

in one of the front pews. If all that is in front of you is the altar, it is

much easier to stay focused on

what is happening there.

4. Fold your hands in prayer. Let

your body remind you of what

your heart and mind should be doing by keeping your hands

reverently folded. Try it, and

you’ll probably find that it helps

lessen your distractions.

5. Fully Participate in the Mass.

Mass is not an event for

spectators. Participate! Say all the prayers and sing all the songs.

6. Bring back those wandering thoughts. “If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the

point quite gently and replace it tenderly in its Master's presence. And even if you did nothing during the whole of your hour but bring your heart back and place it again in Our Lord's presence, though it went away every time you brought it back, your hour would be very well employed.” ~ St. Francis de

Sales

7. Intentionally add your intentions

and sacrifices to the prayers of the Mass. At the point before the

Consecration when the priest

says, “Pray brethren, that my

sacrifice AND YOURS may be

acceptable to God, the almighty

Father,” consciously think of what these things are for you.

8. After receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, pray the Anima

Christi: “Soul of Christ, sanctify

me. Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ,

wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus,

hear me. Within your wounds

hide me. Permit me not to be

separated from you. From the

wicked foe, defend me. At the hour of my death, call me and

bid me come to you That with

your saints I may praise you

For ever and ever. Amen.”

9. Ask for help. Matthew 7:7,

“Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

~ adapted from Catholic Living, GET FED

and Gretchen Filz

BLANKET MINISTRY We tied 37 FLEECE BLANKETS this winter for Community Sharing. They

had become aware of 200+ high school teens displaced from their homes for various reasons. Some were sleeping

in cars. Some of our blankets were sent to homeless vets in Detroit.

Volume 9, Issue 1 Canteen Page 9

Page 10 Volume 9, Issue 1 Canteen

WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST

1955 East Commerce Milford, MI 48381

stmarymilfordmi.org

ST. MARY, OUR LADY OF

THE SNOWS

Phone:248-685-7848

Fax: 248-684-5642 Email: stmarycag@comcast.net

TAKE THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE!

Listen to Smile.fm or

KLove.com radio/web

stations and see if

your perspective isn’t

changed by what

uplifting music can

do for your life!

A good team has talented players. A great team has players who work together so well that they respond automatically. In Romans 12:1-8, Paul challenges us to work together and use our gifts/talents as a great team—a picture of the Body of Christ. Our Catechists, Hall Monitors, Helpers, Interviewers and Guides on our Faith-journey for this year demonstrated this concept to us: Becky Lamb, Miss Rose, Ann Lovejoy, Laura Gallegos, Sharon Theriault, Angela Schram, Michelle Avallone, Annette Vanderhorst, Joanne/Rob Edwards, Andrea Mesojedic, Lisa Tinsman, Diana/David Cantalamisa, Mike Ciarelli, Sharon Judge, Jeannie Moss, Gina Hockstad, Matt Swantko, Norm Hall, Rod Armstrong, Michelle Carmack, Carrie Bravo, Jeff Broome, Megan Polak, Rosemary Davidson, Shirley Stenzel, Janice Walker, Dan Anderson, Andrea Ghose, Dennis Bagley, Joe Hanish, Diane Ludwinski, Angela/Alexandria Cutean, Lucy Sailor, Ed Bobola, Stephen LaFave, Jill McDiarmid, Tim/Nancy Hughes, Kevin Reside, Rachel Jezorski, Teresa McCarthy, Laura Roycht, Bill Lesniak, Kevin/Cherie Makie, Mike Readnower, Richard Piper, Barb/Tom Nowicki, Chris/Anita Daroczy, Jose/Colleen Gonzalez, Fr. John, St. Mary Parishioners, Val Thompson, JV, Janie Worthington, Bev Ziegler, Cathy Gannon, Activity Groups, Commissions, Staff, Parish Council, Steve Hanson, New Covenant and the Adult Choir, and - OUR PARENTS AND SPONSORS!

(This is not an exhaustive list by any means —no one was intentionally left out.)

WORDS OF BLESSINGS FROM POPE FRANCIS:

Welcome Jesus as a Friend

"Let the Risen Jesus enter your life; welcome Him as friend, with trust: He is Life! If up till now you have kept Him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms. If you have been in-different, take a risk; you won't be disappointed. If following Him seems difficult, don't be afraid; trust Him, be confident that He is close to you. He is with you, and He will give you the peace you are looking for and the strength to live as He would have you do." - Homily, March 30, 2013

THE PRAYER PROCESS

1. Gratitude: Begin by thanking God in a personal

dialogue for whatever you are most grateful for today.

2. Awareness: Revisit the times in the past twenty-four

hours when you were and were not the “best-version-

of-yourself.” Talk to God about these situations and

what you learned from them.

3. Significant Moments: Identify something you

experienced in the last twenty-four hours and explore

what God might be trying to say to you through that

event (or person).

4. Peace: Ask God to forgive you for any wrong you

have committed (against yourself, another person, or

Him) and to fill you with a deep and abiding peace.

5. Freedom: Speak with God about how He is inviting

you to change your life, so that you can experience

the freedom to be the-best-version-of-yourself.

6. Others: Lift up to God anyone you feel called to pray

for today, asking God to bless and guide them.

7. Pray the Our Father.

TAKEN FROM THE FOUR SIGNS OF A DYNAMIC CATHOLIC

(DYNAMICCATHOLIC.COM)