Fr. Todd 2/8/26

Dear St Mary on the Lake and Sacred Heart,

2026 Lenten Mission:  We will be hosting Fr. Matthew Bonk for a Lenten Mission this year March 8^th-10^th.  The theme for this Mission is Hope in the Holy Spirit: New Life During Lent.  For the sake of a larger space, as we will be inviting neighboring parishes, the mission will be held at Sacred Heart.  I would love for everyone to take part in this great opportunity.  Please consider who you can invite to come with you.

Each evening’s service will be at 6:30pm followed by a light reception in the parish Hall.  Monday evening service will include the opportunity for confession.  On Monday, March 9^th, we will have a bonus Mass and Breakfast at St. Mary on the Lake at 9:30am.  At breakfast following the Mass, Fr. Matthew will have time for general Q & A along with sharing about his ministry in Flint.  We often hear a lot about Flint but are pretty far removed from it.  I think it would be a great opportunity to hear from him, a priest serving in the heart of the Flint and its good people.

Local Hispanic ministry: For the past two years we have been working to better serve the Hispanic community in our area.  In conjunction with Holy Family in Adrian, and St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Jackson, we have welcomed two Passionist Sisters, Sr. Emma Vasquez and Sr. Maria Antonia Cruz. 

They have been doing a great job going out and connecting with the families in our local area.  There are roughly 35 families whom they visit, pray with, and support.  They have been walking with these families through evangelization and catechesis.  On some of the local farms who employ Hispanic families they will visit the farms to lead prayer and Bible Study.  During the school year we host a monthly Mass in Spanish that typically has 40 people attending. During the upcoming season of Lent, the Sisters are starting a catechesis series for adults.  There are many beautiful Hispanic traditions for which they have organized celebrations, such as a Triduum in honor of our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 9-11) and Posada celebrations from Dec 16-23 (commemorating the Holy Families journey to Bethlehem searching for a place to stay). 

            Through their great work I have been delighted to meet these families.  I lament that my Spanish is quite minimal so it is hard for me to really minister well/fully.  The dear sisters though have really stepped into this gap. 

            The Diocese has been helping our parishes pay for the Sisters by subsidizing their salaries through a short-term grant.  But the Diocese can’t sustain the grant for the long term.  In this season of Lent many people try to pick out a local need to support with their almsgiving.  This Lent, if you are looking for a local cause I would propose the Sisters and their good work.  If would like to give a gift to support them please simply indicate that when you drop it off either in the collection or at the Parish office.

God Bless,  Fr. Todd