july 13, 2017 vol. 4 issue 28 st. jude catholic...
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St. Jude Catholic Church
Grand Rapids, MI
Once again we would like to remind
everyone to pick up your own copy of the
Living Faith Booklet for the months of July,
August and September. Grandparents
please don’t forget to pick up Living Faith for
KIDS to share with your grandchildren.
Recently, we added to the collection of
DVD’s in the Kelly Conference Room for all
to borrow. All we ask is that you sign them
out and return them within a reasonable
amount of time so others may borrow them.
Some might enjoy the first two episodes of
the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy.
Here are some of the other titles that we
added: a DVD with two films; "The Last Great
Ride" and "Little Heroes." Both are DOVE
FAMILY APPROVED as “suitable for all ages.”
Another DVD includes 5 movies shown on
the Hallmark Channel: "Thicker than Water,"
"Angel in the Family," " What I Did for Love,
"Terror in the Family", and "Ordinary
Miracles." Another DVD which includes 5
DOVE APPROVED MOVIES including these
titles: "Undercover Angel," "Solomon's
Choice," "Fielder’s Choice", "Where There is a
Will," and "Out of the Woods." See the list of
new titles in this week’s newsletter.
From the Director of Faith Formation
July 13, 2017 Vol. 4 Issue 28
To get this FREE newsletter e-mailed to
you, contact Mary Ellen at the Parish
Office by calling (616) 363-6897 or by
email to [email protected]
Saint Alphonsus Parish Ongoing
Programs & Activities for Seniors
St. Alphonsus provides activities on Mondays and
Wednesdays each week. Since the fourth of July
is on Tuesday, the regular Monday activities for the
most part have been canceled. All programs
take place in the Parish Center. Everyone 55+ is
welcome including non-parishioners. For more
information or to RSVP contact the Senior Program
Voicemail at 616-913-4419 or e-mail
Monday July 17th
Lounge is open for games, socializing etc. from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Voice Kent Survey 9:30 -1:30 pm - Let your voice be heard? Kent County Health
Department is doing a county-wide survey about a variety of needs for the community.
Volunteers from Voice Kent will be on hand to help people take the survey and answer
questions.
Jewish Feast Class, 10:00 to 11:30 am
(Repeated Monday nights at 7:00-8:30 pm)
Live Music from 11:30 -12:30 pm
Tai Chi ( Continuing Skill Level) 11:30 to 12:30 pm
Lunch: Potluck 12:30-1:30 pm
Bingo from 1:30-3:00 pm
Wednesday July 19th
Lounge is open for games, socializing etc. from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Tai Chi (Beginning) 9:30 to 10:30 am
Wood Craving 9:30-11:30 am
Outing: New City Tours and Lunch RSVP - Did you know that we have a garden right
down the street? This garden serves local restaurants. Come and explore the New City
neighbors, an urban outreach that employs middle and high school youth. We’ll learn
about the benefits to community gardens and have lunch prepared by the youth of the
program! Sample their delicious bakery for dessert!
Bridge from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Save these dates:
Prayer, Paint, and Picnic with Trinitarians
Sat., July 15th
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saugatuck Boat Ride Aug. 16th
Windmill Gardens in Holland Aug. 30th
Table of Contents
55+ Activities 1
Suggested DVD List 2
Home Lesson Plans 3
Calendar of Events 4
Catholic Info Center 5
Gospel Summaries 6
Vatican News 7
Summer Time Reflection - by Clem Schwartz Last week that big storm came through during the night and we were at our home without electricity for
over 24 hours. How strange it was for our household. We couldn’t take a shower since our bathroom has
no windows and therefore no light. I needed to listen to the Detroit Tigers lose their game on the battery
operated radio. When late the next night the lights finally came back on, both my wife and I thanked God
we could get back to our normal schedule. We take so some many things for granted. And then came the
weekend and the Gospel reading.
As I mentioned last week, we hear the Gospel reading from the events and experiences that are going on in our lives. “Come to me, all you
labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart, land you will
find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden light.” And so what was that Gospel message telling me after that day without
electricity and my frustration without getting anything done? God had other plans for you that day. Maybe you need to place your day
whatever you are given that day in God’s hands realizing it is God through Jesus who has given you another day to bring love, peace, and
some rest to others. That’s why you are here not to accomplish great things, but to love God and others with your whole heart, soul, and
mind. Maybe that is the message “hidden from the wise and the learned and revealed to the little ones.” God does speak to us in our daily
lives. We just need to listen with or without electricity.
Bishop Barron’s Radio Homily Use this link to listen to Bishop Barron’s 2008 reflection on this week’s gospel reading:
https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-sower/800/
We have the special privilege of hearing Jesus himself interpret one of his parables. He tells us the three basic
reasons why the Word is not accepted into our hearts: lack of understanding, lack of discipline, and lack of
prioritization.
Or use this link to listen to Bihsop Barron’s 2002 reflection on this week’s gospel reading:
https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/a-sower-went-out-to-sow/548/
God is a farmer who sows the seed of his love liberally, on good and bad soil, to saint and sinner alike. There is no limit to God's willingness
to save. If we are the least bit cooperative, the grace of God will cause life to spring up in us thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold.
Check out wordonfire.org for Bishop Barron’s radio message for 2017.
Home Videos to Borrow in the Kelly Conference
During these summer months, why not pick of a DVD like those listed below from the Kelly
Conference Room just outside the north entrance of the church. Please sign out the DVD’s
so we know who has borrowed them
#46 Dove Approved Movie Collection
1. Undercover Angel A struggling writer unexpectedly becomes the babysitter of a loveable six-year old named Jenny. Starring James Earl
Jones. 92 minutes Rated PG Dove Approved for Ages 12+.
2. Solomon’s Choice A family is torn when their teenage daughter (Reese Witherspoon)is diagnosed with leukemia and their medically
unstable son is the best bet for a bone marrow transplant. 92 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+
3. Fiedler’s Choice Life is perfectly uncomplicated for promising advertising executive Philip Fiedler until his sister unexpectedly dies, leaving
him with custody of his autistic eight-year old nephew. 85 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+
4. Where There is a Will Richie, a failed con man with debt to a merciless loan shark receives an offer to look after his ailing grandmother
(Marion Ross) – a woman he’s never even meet.
84 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+
5. Out of the Woods A lawyer (Jason London) heads into the wilderness to check on his grandfather (Edward Asner) and is faced with a
decision that will change is life forever.
87 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+
#47 Five Movies As Seen on the Hallmark Channel
1. Thicker than Water A faded photograph leads Natalie Jones to the bittersweet secrets of her late father’s past – where horses run free,
families are bound by honor, and true love really exists. 87 minutes Not Rated Dove Family Approved for All Ages
2. Angel in the Family Sisters separated by a lifetime of misunderstanding find themselves brought back together for one amazing Christmas.
88 minutes Note Rated Dove Family Approved for all ages.
3. What I Did for Love It is one catastrophe after another when a blundering LA lawyer finally meets his fiancee’s family at their rural ranch. 88
minutes Not Rated Dover Family Approved for Ages 12+
4. Terror in the Family The dysfunctional Marten Family - including rebellious teen, Deena (Hilary Swank- will need a miracle to bring them
back together. 86 minutes Not Rated Adult Situations, Violence.
5. Ordinary Miracles A troubled teen –bounced from one foster home to another –moves in with a judge who’s struggling with the disarray
of her own life. 86 minutes Not Rated Violence Dove Family Approved for Ages 12+
#48 Family Outdoor Adventures Double Feature Total running time 168 minutes.
1. The Last Great Ride Ian worries that his summer vacation at Grandma’s will be totally lame – even with his spirited dog Bentley with him.
When the cute tomboy living next door to Grandma Mimi befriends him, the adventures begin, for there is a dark and haunted mansion in
which the reclusive Franklin Lyle lives. Suspense builds as the kids meet Jimmy Murano and his devious lawyer who are trying to force
Franklin off the property. Can Ian and Jules solve the mystery of who owns the house…really?
2. Little Heroes A young girl’s heroic spirit and her faithful dog’s courage join to perform an impossible rescue! Smothered by her small-
town neighbors, Charley and her German shepherd Fuzz meet a true friend in a gruff old farmer who admires them for their great sense of
adventure. When he finds himself in life-threatening trouble, it’s the girl and her dog to his rescue Together they help the town learn how
prejudice hurts everyone and also prove that miracles come in all sizes. Both Films are Dove Approved as Suitable for all Ages.
Lesson Plans for July 16, 2017: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A
Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3) - can easily find a metaphor for what it means to be open to hearing the
Word of God.
Materials Needed You might want to pick up clay pot, some soil and a plant to be placed in the pot, or possibly some annuals you are
already thinking of planting outside your home or even a house plant of some kind.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Reading
Show your family whatever flower you may have bought to plant.
Say: You all know that for a plant to grow it needs good soil. Jesus told us what the kingdom of heaven is like using a story—a parable—
that talked about soil and seeds. Let’s listen carefully to this Gospel.
Read the Gospel in its short form, Matthew 13:1-9.
Say: In this parable, Jesus wanted to teach us that God’s love can take root in us if we are open to all that God teaches. If we are like the
good soil, God will use us to produce much good!
Say: Let’s pray together that we will be open to all that God teaches us so that God’s Word can take root in us and grow.
Pray together the Lord’s Prayer.
Use this video link on the Parable of the SOWER AND THE SEED. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYMFRSxNbBs
This is a video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYMFRSxNbBs with a song you can end this family session.
Or use this video link The Farmer and the Seeds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtqZgHA5KEw
Take the time to plant something with your children. Here is the list of video clips we suggested earlier for you to use with your children.
The list is repeated here.
Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8) - The parable of the sower encourages children to reflect on how they
approach their faith. Older children can be invited to open their hearts so that the Word of God can take root in them and produce
abundant fruit.
Preparation for Sunday Scripture Readings
Say: Sometimes communication is difficult because we do not, or cannot, accept a message that was spoken to us. Let me give you some
examples so that you know what I mean.
Say: One message that may be spoken to you is “clean your room.” What are some of the ways in which you respond when this message is
spoken to you? (Accept all reasonable answers, noting how the disposition of the hearer changes the response.)
Say: Another message that we receive often is “don’t worry about it.” What are some ways in which you might respond to this
message? (Accept all reasonable answers, noting again how the disposition of the hearer changes the way in which the message is received.)
Say: In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers a parable to show how different people hear the message about the Kingdom of God. Let’s listen...
Invite one of your children to read today’s Gospel, Matthew 13:1-23
Say: Note that in the parable, the message about the kingdom of heaven is the same; no differences among the seeds are noted. But the
result in each case is very different, depending upon how the message is received. Jesus wants us to be like good soil in which the seed can
bear abundant fruit.
Ask: What are some things that we can do so that we are like the good soil, able to hear and accept God's Word about the kingdom of
heaven? (prayer, reading the Bible, being attentive to religious instruction)
Conclude in prayer together, asking God to help us to become good soil so that his Word can take root and produce abundant fruit.
Pray together the Lord’s Prayer or the Act of Faith. (Click on this link.)
Use this short video clip on the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 13. Stop it at Verse 23 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5WP-iUz1R4 (
Next week we will continue with Matthew Chapter 13: 24-43)
Or use this link which tells the story of the Sower and the Seed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyCm-woEygk
Or The Sower Parable. Use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYMFRSxNbBs
July 13th
Thursday
Mass 8:30 am in the chapel
July 14th
Friday
8:30 am Mass in the chapel
July 15th
Saturday
3:00 pm Confessions; 4:00 pm Mass
July 16th
Sunday
8:30 and 10:30 am Mass
July 17th
Monday
8:30 am Communion Service in the chapel
6:30 pm Baptismal Class - Kelly Conference Room
July 18th
Tuesday
8:30 am Mass in chapel (Birthday Coffee after in the Brophy Center)
7:30 to 8:45 pm Men of Emmaus - Millennium Conf. Room
July 19th
Wednesday
Mass 8:30 am in chapel
8:00 am to 12:00 noon - Sr. Men’s Club, - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg, Room
6:30 – 8:45 pm Support Group - Thaddeus Ctr. Mtg, Room
Sue Wuorinen,
Evangelization & Youth
Coordinator
(616) 363-6885
Cell: (616) 560-8107
Email to:
Go online to www.stjudes.net/thaddeus-society or contact Sue
Wuorinen at: (616) 363-6885, ext. 1166 or email
Go online to www.stjudes.net/mothers-of-grace-calendar to view
the calendar of events or contact Sue Wuorinen at: (616) 363-
6885, ext. 1166 or email [email protected]
BAPTISMAL CLASS - JULY 17
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
for
July 2017 Located inside Cathedral Square – Suite 2A 360 Division Ave South, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The following is a partial list of events scheduled for January, 2017 at the Catholic Information Center located in Cathedral Square on
Division at Wealthy in downtown Grand Rapids.
For information, phone the CIC at (616) 459-7267. Register online: http://www.catholicinformationcenter.org/course-registration
"Sacraments & the Social Mission of the Church"
Thursday, July 13, 7:00 pm - 8:30pm
With Fr. Rene Constanza, CSP
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
This workshop is designed to deepen the meaning of the sacraments including guiding the faithful to the meaning of their own Baptism,
how they belong to their faith community and the mission on which they have sent. $10 donation is suggested.
"70th Anniversary Local Pilgrimage with the CIC"
Monday, July 15, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
We are pilgrim people on journey with Christ. Please join us as we visit and pray at the sites of the two previous Catholic Information Centers. We will pray together as we remember the past 70 years and look forward to the future.
"Soul Speak: Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction"
Monday, July 17, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
With Cami Mann, OFS
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
Join Cami Mann as she discusses group spiritual direction. During this introductory session, she will explain the history and format of this prayerful small group practice. Cami Mann, OFS is a trained spiritual director experienced in one-on-one and group spiritual direction. $10 cost per session.
"Divorce Recovery Support Group"
Wednesday, July 19, 7:15 pm-8:30pm
With Jim Kline
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
For all those who are divorced or who are on the way to becoming divorced. This support group is led by those who have been through
divorce themselves and offers a pathway to personal growth,, $15 cost for the series.
"Movies That Matter: Witness"
Monday, July 31, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
With With Fr. Bill Edens, CSP
CIC| 360 Division S | Grand Rapids | |616-459-7267
Join us for dinner and a movie as we view and discuss movies that are important for our time through the "lens of faith." This time we will view "Witness" a story about the Amish lifestyle in contract to the rest of the world. Stars Kelly McGillis and Harrison Ford. Cost is $15 and includes dinner.
y
Read the Sunday Gospel…
Read the Gospel, from your Bible, or go to the Bishop’s website for the readings:
Matthew 13:1-23 http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071617.cfm
Read the Gospel
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is like seed that has been sown on good
soil.
What is the message and how can you respond to it?
Today’s Gospel reminds us that in order for God’s Word to take root in us and
produce abundant fruit, we must endeavor to be like good soil. Families, in
particular, hold the responsibility for “preparing the soil” so that the seeds of God’s
Word can grow strong. There are many ways in which families do this—family
traditions in which faith is celebrated, prayer and reading of Scripture, and
instruction on the faith. In these ways, parents fulfill the promises they made at
their child’s Baptism.
Apply that message to change your attitude or behavior.
Gather together as a family and reflect together on the Sacrament of Baptism. Tell
the story of the Baptism of each child, showing any pictures that were taken. If you
have your child’s Baptism candle or gown, share these as well. Recall together that
one of the promises that parents make at their child’s Baptism is to bring them up in
the practice of our faith. Talk together about the importance of this promise to your
family. Then read together today’s Gospel, Matthew 13:1-23. Reflect together on the
ways in which your family practices your faith (daily prayer, Mass attendance,
religious instruction, etc.). Remind one another that we do these things as a family
so that God’s Word can take root in our lives and produce abundant fruit. Conclude
in prayer together by praying today’s Psalm, Psalm 65.
Taken from: https://www.google.com/search?q=matthew+13+1-
23&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiugP3Slf_UAhUK24MKHYPtAFkQ
_AUICygC&biw=1600&bih=770#imgrc=QGoPF_jSmrYsGM:
Did You Know…
... how many saints are recognized by the Catholic
Church? There does not seem to be an official number,
but it exceeds 10,000. Of course, any person who enters
heaven is a saint, by definition, so it is certain the
number of actual saints in existence is much greater
than the number recognized by the Church.
Examination of Conscience
1. Do you listen faithfully to the voice of Jesus?
2. Do you follow Jesus in everything you do?
3. Do you share the good news with others
4. like in the parable of the sower?
We would like to acknowledge the following publisher we have used with permission sections from its publication: Celebrating the Liturgy for Junior High Copyright, 2014 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. All rights reserved. Orders 1-800-933-1800. Permission to publish granted by the Most Reverend Francis J. Kane, DD, Vicar General Archdiocese of Chicago, on February 6, 2015
To get your FREE subscription copy and paste this link i then enter your email address.
https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001RO3dPrXHwIHlwqOWD
4vwgrgX6qvonmc9k42h4k58dt1Swp20rwauoETluzj4UbRMEzEGD6fPyX9aQ-
xuDNlpyBXKBVp0itRaz4KpfddmEt0%3D
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 16
https://www.google.com/search?q=matthew+13+1-
23&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi
ugP3Slf_UAhUK24MKHYPtAFkQ_AUICygC&biw=160
0&bih=770#imgrc=QGoPF_jSmrYsGM:
Today’s Gospel marks the beginning of the third
long discourse given by Jesus in the Gospel of
Matthew. Over the next few weeks, the Gospel
readings will consist of the entire 13th
Chapter of
Matthew’s Gospel, a lengthy teaching discourse.
Throughout this discourse, Jesus will offer several
parables to illustrate for his listeners what he
means by the kingdom of heaven. He begins with
the parable of the sower, which appears rather
straightforward—of course seeds grow best in
good soil. Seeds that miss the soil, are sown on
rocky ground, or are sown among other plants
will not grow. The surprise in the parable is the
enormous yield of the seed that is sown on good
soil.
Jesus then explains his use of parables. Jesus
seems to suggest that he uses parables to teach
because the meanings of parables are not self-
evident. The hearer must engage in some degree
of reflection in order to comprehend the message
of a parable. In this way, the medium—the
parable—models the point of the parable of the
sower. Those who are willing to engage
themselves in the effort to understand will be
rewarded by the discovery of the message and
will bear fruit.
To bring home the point, Jesus interprets the
parable of the sower to his disciples. The different
types of soil in which the seeds are sown are
metaphors for the disposition with which each
individual hears the teaching about the kingdom
of heaven. Some will be easily swayed away from
the kingdom of heaven. Some will receive it for a
time but will lose it when faced with difficulties.
Some will hear the word but will then permit
other cares to choke it out. Yet some will receive it
well, and the seed will produce abundant fruit.
Our elders are lonely – do we care?
Excerpted from: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/our-
elders-are-lonely-do-we-care-45567/
Denver, Colo., Jul 8, 2017 / 06:02 am (CNA/EWTN News).- It was
August in Rome, the dog days of summer, and most people had
left the Eternal City for the beach or another summer holiday
destination.
It happens every year, essentially slowing the city to a crawl for a
good two weeks or more. It can be a lonely time, especially for the
elderly who no longer travel.
That’s when, last year on August 2, Italian police discovered Jole,
89, and Michele, 94, a couple living in the Appio neighborhood of
Rome. Feeling particularly lonely, having had no visitors for some
time, the couple’s sobs became so loud that concerned neighbors
called the police, who found no crime on their arrival, just two very
lonely people.
Besides offering medical assistance, the police decided to offer
some comfort as well. “They improvised a cozy dinner. A plate of
pasta with butter and cheese. Nothing special. But with a special
ingredient: Inside, there is all their humanity,” the Facebook post
from the Italian police says.
Sadly, the problem of loneliness among the elderly is not just
confined to the summer holidays in Rome - it is a growing
problem around the world.
Last year, Katie Hafner for the New York Times reported that in
Britain and the United States, roughly one in three people older
than 65 live alone. In the United States, half of those older than 85
live alone. Studies in both countries show the prevalence of
loneliness among people older than 60 ranging from 10 percent to
46 percent.
While not a physical sickness in and of itself, chronic loneliness can
also be detrimental to physical health. Several studies show that
social isolation or feelings of loneliness can lead to an increased
risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and even an
earlier death.
Sr. Constance Veit is communications director for the Little Sisters
of the Poor, an order of Catholic sisters whose mission is “to offer
the neediest elderly of every race and religion a home where they
will be welcomed as Christ, cared for as family and accompanied
with dignity until God calls them to himself.” They currently
operate more than 25 homes for the elderly in the United States,
as well as homes all over the world.
"When times are tough, turn to Jesus" Pope
Francis says
Excerpted from: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/when-
times-are-tough-turn-to-jesus-pope-says-42779/
Vatican City, Jul 9, 2017 / 07:08 am (CNA/EWTN News).- When life
gets hard, Jesus especially invites us to turn to him, Pope Francis
said.
"Jesus knows how hard life can be," Pope Francis said. But at
those moments, his invitation is: "Come."
The Pope made his remarks to the audience gathered in St. Peter's
Square for his Sunday Angelus address. He based his reflections
on the day's Gospel passage in Matthew: "Come to me, all you
who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."
It can be easy to be tempted to turn in on ourselves when things
are going badly, Pope Francis said. But Jesus wants to pull us out
of this despairing "quicksand" through a loving relationship. We
might be tempted to find our rest in other things of this world, the
Pope said, but those things are like fireworks, which burn out
quickly.
We must learn to turn outside of ourselves during our times of
need, but even this is not enough - we have to know where to go,
he said, which must be to Jesus, who says "Come to me." However,
if we go to Jesus expecting that he will instantly fix all of our
problems, we are looking for the wrong thing, he said.
"Jesus does not take the Cross away from us," the Pope said.
"Rather, he carries it with us."
He helps us bear our burdens and gives us peace of heart even in
the most difficult moments of life, the Holy Father said.
We know this because Jesus himself repeats it in the Gospel
reading today: "Learn from me…and you will find rest for your life."
He never says that the burden goes away, but that "my yoke is
easy, and my burden light."
"Let us learn to go to Jesus," Pope Francis said. "And while, in
these summer months, we seek some respite from those things
that weary the body, let us not forget to find true rest in the Lord."