The SPA Weekly
Your Latest News From St. Paul the Apostle Parish
The Ascension of the Lord: May 15-16, 2021
Links to: YouTube Channel / Bulletin / Previous newsletters
This week:
Covid-19 Updates for Masses at St. Paul
“I am with you always” - Matthew 28:20 by Fr. Peter
Becoming a Eucharistic Community: "Good Company" by Fr. Michael
Congratulations Transitional Deacons!
End of Year Cor Christi Summer Kick off and Tigers Trip!
CSA Update
Lenten Coins for Kids Project - Thank you!
SPAM Leader(s) Needed
Volunteers Needed - PRAY AND PLAY the OLYMPIC WAY
RCIA
- Switch to Online Giving
- Year of St. Joseph weekly quote
Adoration by Candlelight - May 26
High School Senior Graduation Mass - Sunday, June 6 - Register Today!
A Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration Every Friday at 9am
Covid-19 Updates for Masses at St. Paul
My dear parishioners,
What a surprising turn of events over the last 48 hours! I have received the latest news about mask requirements just like you and while we wait for more detailed guidance from the diocese about the other activities of the parish and school, I want to share with you what we have received from the bishop’s office so far and our plan here at St. Paul for this Sunday’s Masses and the week ahead:
"Masks are not required during liturgical worship. It is recommended that those who are unvaccinated follow CDC guidance and wear a mask for the safety of fellow parishioners. Pastors have been asked to set aside space to accommodate for social distancing for whom this remains an important safety measure. Please honor the safety and comfort of those around you and distance as you are able.
The dispensation to attend Mass remains in effect for those who have health reasons or other excusing factors.”
For some this has been much awaited news. For others it may feel it is too soon or too risky. I want you to know that BOTH are welcome here at St. Paul and we have a solution for each. Actually three solutions:
The section closest to the choir (left) will be for those not wearing masks and not needing 6 feet social distancing (no ropes).
The middle section closest to the choir will be for those not wearing masks, but preferring some social distancing. (ropes on every other pew)
The two rows closest to the Tabernacle (right) will be for those needing/preferring masks AND social distancing.
We labeled each row indicating these options and our ushers will be happy to direct you if you need assistance.
IN ADDITION to these options Damascus Hall remains available, depending on your level of comfort or need. The Sunday 6pm Mass has the lowest attendance if you need more spacing in church and we plan on keeping it during the summer and fall.
Please bear with us as we initiate a gradual transition this Sunday and we learn as we go the needs of our parish community. If you wish to give us your feedback or suggestions, please submit your comments here: https://forms.gle/1mHjvTvtyBV8oUFh9
Saturday morning, I concelebrated the Mass of ordination of three transitional deacons at the cathedral and on my way back home I stopped at my preferred soup shop on the way. Change was noticeable everywhere around me and although different people did different things, everyone seemed to be doing their best with adapting. I have no doubt that the patience and charity that have been so tangible in our parish will continue to be a hallmark of St. Paul’s. Please be aware and understanding that there are different levels of comfort in our parish community. Please be kind and understanding with each other.
What an occasion to grow in charity and unity during the very week leading up to Pentecost! My brothers and sisters, we have weathered together a stormy year. I have no doubt that together, with respect and patience, with charity and understanding for one another, we will weather also these last phases of the pandemic.
Fr. Michael and I look forward to celebrating Ascension Masses with you safely and joyfully!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Peter Damian
“I am with you always” - Matthew 28:20
Dear St. Paul parishioners,
This Sunday we celebrate the transferred Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. As we commemorate this important historic event by which the Risen Lord marked an end to his way of being with us from the moment of the Incarnation, he certainly did not leave us “orphans”. From the very first day of the resurrection he taught his disciples to see him with the eyes of faith in the sacraments, in the community of the believers (the Church) and especially in the sacrament of his Body and Blood. Pope St. Leo the Great, a 5th century Doctor of the Church, said that “our Redeemer’s visible presence has passed into the sacraments” meaning that Christ continues his work in the world mystically (mysteriously) by means of the sacraments in the same way he did when he was with us in the flesh.
This weekend I am sharing with you in my homilies how second century Christians were celebrating the Risen Lord and encountered him EVERY Sunday in Mass and what Mass looked like for them, according to the testimonies we have (see attached summary). It is very important for us to realize that what we do today is no different, that the Catholic Church did not invent the Mass at some point of history, that starting with the Apostles the Catholic Church has celebrated Sunday as the Day of the Lord ("Dies Dominica” in Latin, “Kyriake hemera” in Greek) as the weekly Easter with a liturgical assembly that is in its essential parts the same Mass we celebrate today.
This Sunday at the 11 o’clock Mass we welcome new parish and school families with a special blessing and a humble “agape” after Mass, visiting with each other outside. It is a great joy to be able to do this as we slowly re-emerge from this long pandemic and try to regain some normalcy. We are all craving for it after so much distancing and mask wearing, and certainly the situation with Covid in our area -which is improving - greatly helps. Last week Michigan has surpassed its first vaccination benchmark (55% of eligible population) tied to the loosening of some state restrictions, namely the full return to in-person work. All other metrics are pointing in the right direction. More than 700,000 Michiganders have recovered from Covid and when you add to that number also the asymptomatic or unreported cases, all things considered, I have a sense that we are not too far from “herd immunity”. We certainly did our best at St. Paul's, both in church and at school by not having even one outbreak of Covid.
I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to fill out the Summer Mass Schedule Survey. It has been extremely helpful to me and to our staff as we considered various options going forward. Based on your feedback I have decided to keep our current weekend Mass schedule in place, including the Sunday 6pm Mass. One of my most ardent desires is everyone’s return to Mass in person and by continuing to offer four weekend Masses during the summer it is my hope that many will feel comfortable enough to continue or resume attending. Fr. Michael has been and will continue to be of great help. We look forward to seeing you at Mass and Reconciliation throughout the summer as well.
Next Saturday evening, May 22, we will hold our annual school fundraiser, which was postponed from February. SPAuction 2021 will take place outside, on our school grounds, with music, food and much cheer. Please be patient with parking if you notice more traffic than usual before or after Saturday 5pm Mass; our good neighbor Zaagman Funeral Home allows us to use their parking lot when it is needed. I hope many can join us in supporting our parish school and enjoying fellowship together for such a great cause.
A heartfelt ‘thank you' to all who already sent in their CSA pledges or donated online! As of last week we heard from 230 families and have reached $84,566 or 47% of our parish goal of $180,000. I trust in each parishioner's generous support. Please pick up after Mass a CSA envelope if you don’t have one or donate online directly at grdiocese.org.
Wish you a blessed week. Happy Solemnity of the Ascension!
Yours in the Risen Christ,
Fr. Peter Damian
Congratulations Transitional Deacons!
On Saturday, May 15, during Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Bishop David Walkowiak ordained David Jameson, David Sacha, and Logan Weber as transitional deacons for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
On Saturday, June 5, the bishop will ordain Deacon Noah Thelen to the priesthood during Mass at the Cathedral. Visit grdiocese.org to learn more.
CSA - Update
Thank you for your gifts to CSA 2021! Your generous support funds essential diocesan ministries that support our seminarians, provide training for teachers and faith formation staff, and brings assistance to our brothers and sisters in need.
To date 230 pledges, have contributed $84,566 of $180,000 or 47% of our parish goal. Please keep in mind that any amount raised over our diocesan goal of $137,000 will be returned to the parish. Please continue to pray for the success of this important endeavor.
For more information and to view different giving options, visit https://grdiocese.org/csa/
Cor Christi End of Year Summer Kickoff with S'mores
Dear youth of St. Paul's.
This Sunday, after the 6pm Mass, we will gather for our final regular Sunday night of the year and also share with you some of the events that will be planned for over the summer. We will plan to coordinate some events with neighboring youth groups. If you plan to attend this Sunday evening, please reply to this email, so I know how many S'mores to get! I also will plan to bring some outdoor games for us to play if the weather is agreeable.
One event coming up fairly soon that we have been invited to join another youth group from the Wright/Conklin area is a trip in June to a Detroit Tigers game in addition to visiting some of the beautiful Catholic Churches in the area. The trip is on June 12th and their youth group has ordered 30 ball game tickets. The cost is $30.
I've had the chance to visit some Churches in that area and they are very beautiful. I'll include one photo with this email to show you. Email Fr. Michael if you are also interested in this trip and I will give you the contact info to RSVP for that trip.
Adoration by Candlelight - Pentecost
Wednesday, May 26 • 6:30 pm
Eucharistic Adoration with readings from the Vigil for Pentecost and music led by members of the Choir.
Lenten Coins for Kids Project - Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Lenten Coins for Kids project! We raised a total of $4,280 - with $3,155.45 coming from our parishioners and $1,124.55 coming in through our school. Your generosity will help fund 5 local pregnancy resource centers who provide local families in crisis pregnancies with support, diapers, clothing, and more! As always, we are overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of our amazing parish!
- The SPA Respect Life Committee
Becoming a Eucharistic Community: "Good Company" by Fr. Michael
There is the well-known adage: "You're only as good as the company you keep." Being a Eucharistic Community leads us to become a companion of Christ Jesus. If you break down the word company or companion, it has the meaning: "to break and share bread with someone." It means filling our time, spending our time, and wasting our time in Jesus' company. Have you ever chosen to concretize this commitment like this: I have decided to keep company with Jesus at specific times throughout the week. Your life changes if you make these daily and weekly commitments to just spend time in Jesus' Eucharistic presence. Still not sure? Let this great Saint convince you:
"Loving souls can find no greater delight than to be in the company of those they love. If, then, we love Jesus Christ much, behold, we are now in His presence...let us console ourselves in His company!"
St. Alphonsus Ligouri
Congratulations, Kelly!
Congratulations to Kelly Ann Kondrad who was received into full Communion with the Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 12, when she received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
SPAM Leader(s) Needed
We are looking for a mom or two to take the lead for the St. Paul the Apostle Moms Group (SPAM). Responsibilities include planning playdates and moms night out events. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Meghan at mbrennan@spagr.org.
Register Today to Become a St. Paul Parishioner!
To become a registered member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, fill out the form on our website.
Please contact us if you have questions.
Apostolic Letter Patris Corde of the Holy Father Pope Francis
5. A creatively courageous father
If the first stage of all true interior healing is to accept our personal history and embrace even the things in life that we did not choose, we must now add another important element: creative courage. This emerges especially in the way we deal with difficulties. In the face of difficulty, we can either give up and walk away, or somehow engage with it. At times, difficulties bring out resources we did not even think we had.
Read the full letter here.
Volunteers Needed - PRAY AND PLAY the OLYMPIC WAY
We are in the process of forming a leadership team of volunteers for our summer program - Pray and Play the Olympic Way.
The leadership team would get the ideas rolling, create the fun gatherings and execute the plan with my support and help.
We have a program that was purchased before Covid: Cathletics: Training to be Champions for Christ that could be used as a model or inspiration.
If you are interested in being a part of the leadership program or to see more details, click here.
RCIA
As our Blessed Mother brings us to her son Jesus, it is our task also to bring others to the Lord. Is there someone you can invite to explore the Catholic faith- someone unbaptized, or baptized in another Christian tradition? Do you know a Catholic adult interested in being confirmed? For more information please contact Jeanne by email jwinkelmann@spagr.org or
949-4170 ext. 243.
Have you ever wondered how our parish attracts inquirers each year who consider becoming Catholic? The short answer is YOU!
When any parish has many joining the Catholic Church year after year, it is the fruit of the Holy Spirit as parish members open their hearts to welcome others. Members of a welcoming and evangelizing community take seriously their call to share the Divine message of salvation. It happens in parish families, in the work place, in gatherings with friends and neighbors, and in daily contacts.
Over the last three years, the St. Paul the Apostle community has celebrated the sacraments of full initiation into the Catholic Church with twelve adults and eight children whose families returned to the faith. At present time we have five adults inquiring about the Catholic Faith or preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.
Give thanks to God as he continuously strengthens each of us who seek to do his will in offering a gentle, humble, and clear welcome to the Catholic faith.
"Go out into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
6PM Mass Update
Our 6pm Sunday Mass is growing! Through the feedback of many parishioners, our hope is to make our 6pm Mass a vibrant place for our youth to encounter Christ and find a deeper sense of belonging in our parish. Middle and high school youth of the parish are encouraged to become engaged in this Mass by participating in the following liturgical ministries: altar server, greeter, usher, reader, sacristan (high school), and music ministry.
Please contact the Parish Office if your youth would like to be involved. This is a great opportunity for the youth to give back to their parish community and receive volunteer hours.
Join the Welcoming Committee
Help us welcome our newest parishioners to St. Paul the Apostle! We're looking for friendly people to join our Welcoming Committee to help others feel at home in our parish. This can be as simple as a phone call from the comfort and security of your home. The Welcoming Committee is a great way to make a positive impact in our community and live our mission by providing opportunities for newcomers to encounter, belong, and engage.
To receive more information about joining our team, call the Parish Office.
Mass Intentions: May 17-23, 2021
Fr. Michael Cooney by Mary Ann Warnez
Boris Galic by Slava Galic
Family Galic
Pamela Gerst by Her Family
David Gerst by His Family
Alice & John P. Richards by Paula Broek
Intentions of Katie Koperski
Intentions of John & Helene Lindgren
Please Pray For
Erin, Ryan, and Brooks Abel, John and Donna Antzack, Marie Ault, Gerry Arthur, Jenine Bourdon, Joe Brown, Arthur Brodie, Barbara Camenga, Don and Bobbie Cericola, Paul Ceton, Nancy Church, Karen Collins, Mary Ann Datema, Ante Galic, Frank Geluso, Elaine Grace, Gerry Halland, David Hoffer, Colleen Hollern, Dario Juric, Ann Kohankie, Steve Kracik, Douglas Leete, Arlene Lillis, Davor Lucic, Mary McMahon , Mitzie Murphy, Pat Murphy, Thomas Pacic, Julia Panciera, Barb and Mike Parker, Lee Perrin, Tom Perrin, Steve Perrin, Margaret Pisciotta, Amy Quillan, Kathryn Rice, Emma Saccomani, Larry and Maryann Schafer, Stephanie Schafer, Val Schafer, Karen Shively, Evelyn Shustha, Joe Spielmaker, Carol Stewart, Nancy Stone, Dan Thill, Dorothy Tolan, Barb and Rich Van Antwerp, Tony Vicari, Dan Vincent, Anna Vulpetti, Mary Jean Wessely
And all those we know and love who are ill.
This week, Keith & Karen Cook will be praying for the needs of our Parish. Call with your intentions at 616-558-5537.
Next: JoAnn Donnelly
Bulletin Deadlines & Contact
If your group has information or an event for the bulletin, please submit Friday by
5:00 PM to Merribeth at mkreuger@spagr.org. The article will go in the following
week’s bulletin. Submissions may be edited for content or space considerations.
Parish office hours
The Parish Office is open to the public for necessary business. The office hours are Mon-Fri 8am—4pm, closed 12pm-1pm for lunch. We are available for in-person necessary business and we do so initially with considerable Covid-19 limitations and precautions, which are still in place in this phase.
Please keep the following in mind:
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All visitors will need to respond to basic questions related to Covid-19 symptoms in order to be admitted to the office. We encourage everyone to use our online health screening questionnaire before or upon entering the Parish Office. Our staff does the same as we are committed to doing our best to keep everyone safe.
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Face masks/coverings (when medically tolerable) and social distancing (except with those from the same household) are required.
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Visitors are encouraged to come by appointment, allowing the Office time to conduct the questionnaire prior to your arrival. You can use the electronic form provided here or verbally acknowledge compliance with these conditions.
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Please continue to drop off weekly envelopes in the dropbox under the Parish Office window (to the right of the office door) to minimize the number of Office visitors.
For those who do not have a reason to schedule an in-person visit, you may still speak with our staff in the following ways: call 616-949-4170 or email Meghan at mbrennan@spagr.org or Elizabeth at ebertacchi@spagr.org.
Schedule 5/16-5/23
- Saturday, May 15 • Ascension of the Lord
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Reconciliation
5:00 pm Mass - Sunday, May 16 • Ascension of the Lord
9:00 am Mass
11:00 am Mass
12:00 pm New Parishioner Welcome Gathering
6:00 pm Mass
7:00 pm COR CHRISTI: SPA Youth Ministry - Monday, May 17
8:30 am Mass
9:00 am Women’s Bible Study - Tuesday, May 18
- Wednesday, May 19
12:00 pm Mass
6:15 pm Elementary Faith Formation Hybrid Option On-Site Gathering - Thursday, May 20
8:30 am School Mass (Closed to the Public)
11:00 am School Mass (Closed to the Public)
5:00 pm RCIA - Friday, May 21
8:30 am Mass
9:00 am Holy Hour of Adoration - Saturday, May 22 • Pentecost
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Reconciliation
5:00 pm Mass
6:00 pm SPAuction - Sunday, May 23 • Pentecost
9:00 am Mass
11:00 am Mass
6:00 pm Mass
The Church is available for private prayer:
The church will be available for private prayer by way of the Parish Office from 8:00 am—12:00 pm and 1:00 pm—4:00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 1:00 pm—4:00 pm on Thursday.
Information about public Masses
- Back to Mass! A special edition newsletter. For the latest updates, please check our parish website: https://spagr.org/church/covid19/
- Please notice that doors will be open for Masses only half an hour before Mass and dismissal will take place immediately after Masses. This is to allow for all our ushers & cleaning crews to be in place and carry out their roles with the special needs in place in this Phase Two of resuming public Masses.
- While we do not have anymore a set capacity limit for Masses, please observe social distancing between households at all times and wear a face covering inside, unless it is medically intolerable for you to do so.
- Consider attending our Sunday evening Mass.
- While the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass remains, those with more flexible schedules are encouraged to consider attending a weekday Mass in lieu of Sunday Mass.
Parish News & Resources during COVID-19
Thank You Premier Event Sponsors
Contact Us!
Email: ebertacchi@spagr.org
Website: spagr.org/church
Location: 2750 Burton Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616-949-4170
Facebook: facebook.com/stpaulapostlecatholic