Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s second reading, St. Paul tells the Romans, “God’s gifts and His will are irrevocable.” To what is God calling me today? What gifts are mine to share?

LITURGICAL CALENDAR SATURDAY, August 15 Confessions 3:00pm at St. Francis Xavier 4:00 PM- SFX + Jack Ocobock by Nancy Adams 5:30 PM- SJ– Members of St. Catherine, St. Francis Xavier & St. Joseph Parishes 8:00 PM- SJ – Hispanic Mass SUNDAY, August 16 9:00 AM – SC – Kroll Family Birthdays by Barry & Mara Kroll 11:00 AM – SJ + Jim Brown by Stephen Platte MONDAY, August 17 9:00 AM-SFX + Theresa Courtade by Richard & Carol Poffinbarger TUESDAY, August 18 8:00 AM-SJ + Ed Armock by family WEDNESDAY, August 19 NO MASS

THURSDAY, August 20 8:30 AM- SC + Mary Engle by Jerry & Kathy Bensinger

FRIDAY, August 21 9:30 AM-SJ + Dick Czurak by M/M Leo Rasch SATURDAY, August 22 Confessions 3:00pm at St. Francis Xavier 4:00 PM- SFX + Members of St. Catherine, St. Francis Xavier & St. Joseph Parishes 5:30 PM- SJ + Louis Schoenborn by friends 8:00 PM- SJ – Hispanic Mass SUNDAY, August 23 9:00 AM – SC + Erika Kubasiak by John & Annie Kubasiak 11:00 AM – SJ + Doug Laansma by Alicia Laansma

Hi everyone, Let’s imagine that we have just traveled back to the time of Jesus. I’m sure everyone here would be considered a Gentile. So, what sort of dog do you see yourself as? A noble, protective German shepherd. Trusty Ol’ Blue the Bloodhound. I like to think of myself as a Great Dane. However, it’s the face of a Bulldog staring back at me from the mirror every morning. With so much tension being exhibited lately, this reading from Matthew shows us that even in Jesus’ time there were racial, cultural, and religious prejudices to contend with. He understood the violence that can come from such prejudices for he had a foreshadowing of his pending death at the hands of the religious leaders. Jesus’ words to the Canaanite women seems out of character for him. Harsh, uncaring, dismissive! She had two strikes against her before she even opened her mouth; she was a woman and she was a Gentile. Jewish men did not have much contact with women in public, much less a Gentile. Yet, he engages with her. Was this an eye-opening encounter for him or a lesson for the disciples, who were observing the whole scenario? This woman approaches Jesus with a boldness that can only come from an immense love for her daughter and a deep faith that he can help her. As we listen to this story unfold, observe three things that happen here that begs our attention. I would like to call these the three P’s to a better prayer. The first “P”. Praise! She gives Jesus homage. The definition for homage is a special honor shown publicly. She acknowledges Jesus as someone special and believes that he can heal her daughter. In our prayer, we should always begin with praise; to give God the honor and glory that He deserves, acknowledging His immense unconditional love for us. Petition is the next thing we are made aware of. She asks Jesus to cure her daughter. She trusts that this man who stands before her is the only hope she has to get her daughter back whole. Jesus tells us many times to not be afraid to ask the Father for what we need. The last. Persistence. Even when she was initially ignored by Jesus and the disciples were doing their best to get rid of her. Even when Jesus hurls insults at her, she remains persistence in her pursuit of having this man heal her daughter. Her love for her daughter emboldened her to push back with a retort when Jesus admonishes her for being a Gentile. In her persistence Jesus becomes aware of her deep faith that he can help her. She wins out and her daughter is healed. Jesus reminds us to be persistent in what we ask for. He exhorts us to "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. There we have it. Praise, petition and persistence. However, I’ll admit that as I come to the end here, I must add a fourth. Patience. Patience seems to go hand in hand with the other three. When we look at the four P’s to a better prayer, what do you think that prayer might look like? Well we have the most perfect prayer that includes all. It was given to us by Jesus. We all know it well, so join with me as we pray; “Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name…” Peace and blessings! Deacon Ed

DIVINE PROVIDENCE ACADEMY

Contact Information

Principal: Kate Beuschel

Phone: 616-581-4242

Email: kbeuschel@wingsdpa.org

St. Catherine’s Campus Secretary: Anne Lewis

Email: alewis@wingsdpa.org

Phone 231-853-6743 Fax: 231-853-2664 St. Joseph’s Campus Secretary: Suzanne May

Email: smay@wingsdpa.org

Phone: 616-899-5300

Fax: 616-899-5491

Our Catholic school educates the whole child—mind, body, and soul. You can help more families experience the blessing of a Catholic education by participating in our referral program. The diocesan Office of Catholic Schools has found that up to 40% of referred families decide to enroll! Referral forms are available in the back of church. They include a mailable form, which you can send to the Office of Catholic Schools, as well as QR codes, which you can scan with your smartphone to use an online version of the form. After you refer a family, a member of the Office of Catholic Schools will contact them with an invitation to consider Catholic school education. If your family is considering our Catholic school, contact information for our principal, Kate Beuschel, is 616.581.4242 or kbeuschel@wingsdpa.org. Our 31 Catholic schools begin the new academic year in just a few weeks - and we’ve been preparing ever since the spring. We are planning to welcome students in person safely and prudently, and to provide remote learning in circumstances that demand it. Read the Diocese of Grand Rapids return to school plan at CatholicSchools4U.org.

ST. CATHERINE’S PARISH NEWS & INFORMATION

ST CATHERINE’S FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Dr. Tim Beechnau, Eric Burgtorf, Don Swanson, Marge

Rusco & Matt Block

ST CATHERINE’S PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Andy Emery, Randy Helsen, Kathy Morey, Libby Spencer,

Vicki Woodard & Jim Jensen

Parish Prayer Line: Mara Kroll: 231-853-6880

Ethel Nutt: (secondary) 231-853-6733

Ministry of Consolation – Parish Office 231-853-6222

LITURGICAL MINISTRY schedule

August 23, 2020

SACRISTAN: Helen Helsen

LECTOR: Kathy Morey

MUSIC: Eileen Hoogterp

USHERS: Tim Walker

COLLECTION FOR AUG. 02 & 09, 2020

79 Adults - $10,595.00, 2 Youth - $2.00

Holy Day - $40.00, Loose - $0.00,

Votive - $19.00, Electronic - $790.00, for a total of

$11,446.00. Helping Hand - 870.00

Thank you for your continued support!

The next scheduled meeting for St.

Catherine’s Men’s Club is

Wednesday, September 30th at 7:00

pm in the parish hall. The 50/50

drawing winners for August and

September will be drawn at that

meeting. All men of the parish are invited to attend.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S PARISH NEWS AND INFORMATION

ST. FRANCIS FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Jim Arends, Ted Crowley, Fred Riplo & Sharon Denhof

ST. FRANCIS PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Bill May, Diana VanOeffelen, Connie Riplo, Lynne Myszak

& Don Crowley

Parish Prayer Line: Jean: 616-205-5165

Kate: 616-678-5838

Food Pantry Coordinator: Barb VanDyke 616-899-2697

Ministry of Consolation – Parish Office 231-853-6222

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE

August 22, 2020

SACRISTAN: Sharon Denhof

LECTOR: JoAnn Beechnau

MUSIC: Eileen Hoogterp

USHER: Fred Riplo

COLLECTION FOR AUG. 02 & 09, 2020

23 Adults - $2,265.00, 0 Youth - $0.00,

Loose - $20.00, Votive - $8.00,

Electronic - $230.00, for a total of $2,523.00. Utility -

$10.00, Rectory Reno - $1 0.00

Thank you for your continued support!

ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH

NEWS & INFORMATION

ST. JOSEPH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Michele Allers, Emily Bliss, Cheryl Kaltz, Tonya Fritz,

Jesse Gasser & Jeannie Sokolowski

ST. JOSEPH FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Al Dietrich, Ben Looks, Donald Rasch, Steve Umlor, Larry

Williams, Bob Rander

Prayer Line: Linda Nowatzke-616-8992166

Theresa Miller-616-899-5561

Altar Flowers: Karen VanDyke – 616-899-2268

Hall Rental: Parish Office 616-899-2286

Hall Phone: 616-899-9381

Ministry of Consolation – Parish Office 616-899-2286

Liturgical MINISTRY SCHEDULE

August 22 & 23 2020

SACRISTAN

August 22-5:30PM-Marty Brown

August 23-11:00AM-Mike Host

USHERS

August 22-5:30PM- Mark Zemaitis

August 23-11:00AM-Joe Armock & Son & Joe Fritz

Lector

August 22-5:30PM-Jon Denhof

August 23-11:00AM- Jean Piccard

Music

August 22-5:30PM- Eileen Hoogterp

August 23-11:00AM-- Eileen Hoogterp

Giving back to God 8.09.2020

Adults: $

CRS: $ Youth: . Loose: 157. HH: . Electronic:

2760.

Total: $

Thank you for your support!

Raffle Tickets – St. Joseph Festival Raffle tickets for the Big Raffle and the Cow/Lamb/Pig Raffle are available in the back of church. The church is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm. Please pick up your envelope as soon as possible. The drawing for these raffles will take place after 11:00 mass on Sunday, September 27, 2020. We ask that you turn in your tickets (sold or unsold) by Wednesday, September 23, 2020. We appreciate your help in selling these tickets. Thank you.

Is God calling you to learn more about him? Bible study starts Wednesday September 9th at 9AM with Esther Finkler as our hostess. We Pray, laugh & learn more about Jesus as we try to solve the world’s problems. We are studying St.

Mark’s gospel in video and text. Come join us, all are welcome! Call Esther at 616.899.2247 or Anne Klein at 616.450.0597 for more information!

Liturgical Notes

Rosary Intention for August-Let us pray for the health and safety of everyone from Covid-19 and an end to the virus.

FAITH FORMATION

TBA ******************************************************* Due to changes being made to the weekly Religious Education Program gatherings, several instructional opportunities have opened up at both locations. Please contact Diane Beckwith for details.

CLUSTER INFORMATION

UPDATE FOR JULY 22 – EXTENSION THROUGH SEPT. 7 OF THE DISPENSATION FROM THE OBLIGATION TO ATTEND SUNDAY MASS

Bishop Walkowiak announces the extension of the dispensation for all Catholics within the territory of

the Diocese of Grand Rapids from their obligation of attending Sunday Mass through Sept. 7 (Labor Day). The dispensation is granted broadly to ensure that anyone who needs to stay home to protect the common good can do so confidently, in good conscience. But those who are truly able to attend Mass should remember that we are transformed by being joined to Christ in the Eucharist. Only a weighty reason should keep us from being sanctified through participation in and our reception of Christ’s body and blood. The Religious Education Advisory Board has open positions. The Advisory Board assists the Religious Education Director to set goals and objectives for the program, evaluating the program and materials, and reviewing the yearly budget proposal, and makes recommendations for the advancement of the religious education program. If you would like to be a member of this board, please contact the parish offices.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVE by Bud Ozar The mother in today’s gospel persisted, even when she was ignored and insulted. She would do whatever was necessary to bring relief to her child. Parenting is more than bringing life into the world; it is also about sacrificing daily for your children.

Question of the Week Twenty–first Sunday in Ordinary Time Representatives of Christ August 23, 2020 Reading I Isaiah 22:15, 19-23 (Eliakim chosen by God) Reading II Romans 11:33-36 (praise of God) Gospel Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter the rock) Key Passage He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15–16) Adult: If you were asked, how would you explain Jesus to a person who had not heard of him? Child: Who do you tell people Jesus is?

Weekly Scripture Readings Monday, Aug 17 – Ez 24:15-24/Mt 19:16-22 Tuesday, Aug 18 – Ez 28:1-10/Mt 19:23-30 Wednesday, Aug 19 –Ez 34:1-11/Mt 20:1-16 Thursday, Aug 20 –Ez 36:23-28/Mt 22:1-14 Friday, Aug 21 –Ez 37:1-14/Mt 22:34-40 Saturday, Aug 22 –-Ez 43:1-7ab/Mt 23:1-12 Sunday, Aug 23 –Is 22:19-23/Rom 11:33-36/Mt 16:13-20

A Note from Father Phil We have been celebrating baptisms. Even during a pandemic life goes on. The newest members of our Cluster parishes are: Claire Maybel Moskalewski, the daughter of Josh and Jessica, who was baptized at St Catherine on July 30th; Jentry Katherine Creager, the daughter of Joel and Mellissa, who was baptized at St Francis Xavier on August 8; and Sutton Floyd Klein, son of Kevin and Allysha, who is being baptized this weekend at St Joseph’s. Pray for these kids and congratulate their folks (from a distance) if you happen to see them. Our school Masses will resume this month. The opening day of school is this Wednesday, August 19th. The school children will be joining us at the 8:30 Mass at St Catherine on Thursdays and the 9:30 Mass at St Joseph on Fridays. All the COVID-19 precautions will be observed in church. It’s nice to write about baptisms, children and students. It’s great to highlight and value the parish family. Regrettably, we don’t always extend the concept of “family” wide enough. Fear keeps us from doing that. Differences and unfamiliarity keep people apart. Keeps them strangers. The stranger may be someone from the city, from a different part of the country or from another country altogether. A stranger is someone who professes a religion other than my own, practices customs that are foreign to me, or speaks a different language. A stranger may be a person of a different race, ethnicity, color, or sexual orientation than I am. A stranger may be someone who casts a ballot that I would never even consider casting. A stranger is someone I am afraid of. And my underlying fear can do hurtful things. It can exclude, it can put down, it can segregate, it can polarize, it can demonize, it can attempt to take away freedom, it can kill. The prophet, Isaiah, has something to say about all this. He writes, “Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just...The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord...them I will bring to My holy mountain...For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” That is the lesson of this week’s Scripture readings. God excludes no one. All are members of God’s family. We belong to God and we belong to each other. There is something we can do. Our Bishops have recognized the need to raise the level of political discourse in our country. They have started a new initiative called Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate. The program involves making a pledge to promote constructive political dialogue especially as the November election approaches. Please visit https://www.wearesaltandlight.org/civilize-it to learn more and consider signing the pledge.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

INFORMATION KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL #4404 Grand Knight: Chris Stebbins – 616-299-8424 Email: pentagonwa@aol.com Website: www.4404.councilnet.us Meeting: First Tuesday of the month – 7:00pm at St. Vincent DePaul Bldg. Corp. Hall St. Vincent DePaul Bldg. Corp. Hall Rental Ed & Cindy Denhof: 616-302-0368 MSGR. LEO ROSLONIEC 4TH DEGREE ASSEMBLY #3492 Faithful Navigator Rick De Vries Email rickldevries@yahoo.com Phone 616-813-1874

Meeting: Third Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm at St. Joseph’s Hall

OUTSIDE THE PARISH

Did you know that according to the State of Michigan website* there were 28,186 divorces in the state of Michigan in the year 2018. Of these 3,668 of those were right here in the west Michigan area* (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan Counties).

Have you thought about separation or divorce? Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down? Does talking only make it worse? There are alternatives. Rediscover healing and love and find hope by attending Retrouvaille (pronounced re-tro-vi with a long i). The program offers tools needed to rediscover a loving marriage relationship. The next Retrouvaille weekend is September 18-20, 2020. For more information, to register or to sponsor a couple, call 616.752.7004, email retrograndrapids@gmail.com or visit retrouvaille.org.

3rd Annual Feet & Seat Giveaway - Mission For Area People's Free Back to School event Thursday, Aug. 27th from 10:30 am - 12 noon 2500 Jefferson Street Muskegon Hts. 231-733-9672 for more information or to register *please note - the deadline for donation drop-off

is August 24, 2020 Be Still and Stay in the Light ~ Virtual Gatherings Each Monday, 10:30 am - Noon Dominican Center invites you to join us from your own sacred space to explore what staying in the light means to you. Be in community with Dominican Center and others each Monday morning to quiet the world without and within. Begin the week cultivating light and renewing body, mind, and spirit.

Gatherings Held Via Zoom - By using the link below, you will enter the Dominican Center Zoom waiting space. No registration required. Participants will be greeted around 10:25 am. Come early and please feel free to invite a friend or family member to join. Be Still and Stay in the Light Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/98197085406

Wedding Anniversary Mass – Together with your families, the Church in the Diocese of Grand Rapids honors the faithful witness to your vocation of marriage and wishes to celebrate with you. Bishop Walkowiak will be celebrating the 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, October 11 for the intentions of all couples in the diocese celebrating milestone anniversaries this year. Because of the current situation, we are asking couples to attend Mass at their own parish that day or to participate from home by watching the regular broadcast of the televised Mass on FOX 17 or the livestream on the diocesan Facebook page. If you would like your marriage to be included in the Mass intention, please RSVP by calling your parish office. The Franciscan Rhythms Trail Run & Walk is back! Join us Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 for a 5K run or walk and kid’s fun run on the beautiful 230-acre property of the Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes St NE Lowell, MI. Our fundraising target for this year is $30,000. These proceeds will ensure that we can provide Music Therapy services for all those needing assistance in the coming year. Cost: $15 for the kid’s run, $30 for the 5K run and walk. Virtual Race option available. Register at https://trailrun2020.eventbrite.com Interested in learning about natural family planning (NFP)? A Creighton Method Introductory session will be offered on August 24, 2020 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell Campus,11650 Downes St. NE, Lowell, MI 49331. A 3-session SymptoPro class will be offered on Aug 31, Sept 14, and Sept 28, 2020 from 5:30-7:30pm at the Franciscan Life Process Center, Grand Rapids Campus, 654 Davis Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504. Please go to lifeprocesscenter.org and click on Services to learn more. The Catholic Foundation of West Michigan (CFWM) is seeking a part-time (19 hours per week) Administrative Assistant. Interested candidates will find additional information on the DOGR website at https://grdiocese.org/employment/.

It's time for our Back To School Drive and we need your help! We know that what the school year will look like in the Fall is uncertain, but one thing that is for sure is that the children in our care will need supplies, whether they are going into the classroom or partaking in e-learning.

It's simple, buy a backpack and fill it with supplies! Everything in need can be found on our Amazon Wishlist. The drop off/delivery location is our Jefferson office at 40 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.