This week we continue to have the opportunity to pray the novena for life: https://saginaw.org/9daysforlife but I encourage each of us to pray daily for the protection of all life in every stage, at every age, in all of its God-given glorious forms. Though we focus on ending abortion during this week, I'm not so sure that changing laws is the same as changing people's hearts to truly value the gift of every life. But how do we do THAT? I believe it's through showing a consistency in what we stand for, who we vote for, the causes we support: babies in the womb, accessible and affordable healthcare, employment that pays a living wage, educational opportunities, reduced childcare expenses, fair immigration policies, sensible gun laws, saying "no" to the death penalty, making prisons restorative instead of punitive, caring for the elderly and those with mental illness, treating the Earth as gift instead of economic opportunity. Getting all of these little lives here is so important, but making sure that they have a life of dignity once they are is also important. Join me in praying this prayer from the USCCB:
Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen
An Opportunity
Life Clinic is a wonderful organization that endeavors to empower women to make choices that are life-giving for themselves and the little lives they carry. If you would like to know how you can help support women who are choosing life for their babies, please visit the Life Clinic website:
BOX FULL OF LOVE
February 3 at 7:00
Details and Registration:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/01/05/box-full-of-love/
THE CHOSEN Season 2
Begins February 9 at 7:00
Details and Registration:
https://www.blessed-midland.org/2022/01/05/the-chosen/
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
CELEBRATION
Father Rob will be blessing all marriages at the three Masses the weekend of February 12/13. There will also be a social after 4:00 Mass for couples celebrating milestone anniversaries. There will be more details in next week's bulletin or contact me for more details.
LIVING STEWARDSHIP
with
CHRIS AND DON BUCHALSKI
February 15 6:00-8:00
Details and Registration:
MARCH SAVE THE DATES
MACC LENTEN RETREAT
March 5 at Blessed Sacrament
Sister Janet Scheffler is returning to host another wonderful morning of prayer, reflection, and renewal as we look at the traditional practices of Lent in new ways. Details coming soon.
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FUNERAL BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
March 24
Father Rob picked the title and will be leading this session on liturgical practices of funerals and weddings. Details coming soon.
THE SYNOD
Our website has a lot of GREAT information about what the synod is and the process as it will be happening at Blessed Sacrament. Kristyn Russell has been working very hard to put together a process that will be fruitful for our parish as we listen to one another and to the universal church as we all participate in this journeying together. I know that there will be several opportunities in March to listen to one another and share our dreams for the church. Here is the link to find out more:
And of course in February there will be Theology by the Glass, Laidback Book Club (The Book of Joy), and Theater and Theology.. So many opportunities for us to journey together in faith.