2020
Mire la misa del domingo 3 de mayo de 2020
La misa se transmitirá en vivo a las 10:10 a.m. del domingo 3 de mayo de 2020. Puede ver la grabación de la misa en cualquier momento después de que finalice la transmisión en vivo. Haga clic aquí para ver / descargar la música de esta misa.
Haga clic aquí para leer el boletín electrónico de esta semana.
2020
Watch Mass for Sunday, May 3, 2020
Mass will be streamed live at 9:00 AM on Sunday, May 3, 2020. You may watch the recording of the mass anytime after the live-stream has ended. Click here to view/download the music for today’s mass.
Click here to read this week’s email newsletter. If you did not receive this email newsletter to your inbox and would like to, there is a sign up link at the bottom.
2020
Reflection for Saturday, May 2, 2020
Saturday, May 2 – Reading 1 ACTS 9:31-42
The Church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace.
She was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord,
and with the consolation of the Holy Spirit she grew in numbers.
As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda.
There he found a man named Aeneas,
who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed.
Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed.”
He got up at once.
And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated is Dorcas).
She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.
Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid her out in a room upstairs.
Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there,
sent two men to him with the request, “Please come to us without delay.”
So Peter got up and went with them.
When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping
and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them.
Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed.
Then he turned to her body and said, “Tabitha, rise up.”
She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up,
and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive.
This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.
Rise up to new life
by Rita Zyber
Today’s first reading echoes another scripture account – the one where Jesus heals the daughter of Jairus, a Jewish leader (Mark 5: 21-43). The girl has already died, but it only takes a few words from Jesus to bring her back to life. “Little girl, I say to you, get up,” he tells her. Then he takes her by the hand, and she gets up and walks around.
Peter does the same thing in today’s reading, bringing new life to Tabitha. He also heals a man who had been paralyzed for eight years. Sounds a lot like the work of Jesus, but wait – this is Peter.
Yes, it’s Peter, the one who denied that he even knew Jesus when things got really rough. We know the rest of the story (St. Peter becomes the foundation of our church leadership) but right then, not long after the crucifixion, Peter may have doubted his own ability and worthiness.
But things have changed since the Resurrection. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter has been transformed. He knows he can do great things with the help of Jesus, and in the name of Jesus. Also, he has a powerful tool, he actually watched the Master at work.
Peter would have been one of those who were amazed when Jesus fed the crowds with just a few bits of fish and bread from a little boy (John 6: 8). Jesus showed the disciples (and all of us) that he can turn our scraps (our unworthiness) into abundance. God can multiply our meager gifts.
This is a good reminder for me in my work here at St. Mary’s. It’s a joy and privilege to share my experiences of God with our students, and with those who are preparing to become Catholic. But sometimes I wonder if I’m saying or doing the right thing. I doubt my worthiness to be God’s messenger. This passage reminds me that all of us – with our doubts, our brokenness and our human limitations – can be a life-giving force for others. It is God who heals and feeds us; it is God who multiplies the meager offerings we can bring.
So we may want to ask ourselves: Do I sometimes think I must be perfect to answer God’s call to “rise up” and bring more life to the world? What am I putting off doing or sharing because I think I’m unworthy? Today, can I remember to tap into the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are given so abundantly to all of us?
2020
Newsletter for Friday, May 1, 2020
April showers bring May flowers. This simple proverb is easily recited by all ages, yet the concept it suggests is much more complex: a period of discomfort can provide the basis for a period of happiness. May the sunshine and the dawning of a new month fill your heart and mind with renewed Easter blessings.
Springtime traditions include many celebrations, and among those is the graduation of the University of Michigan Class of 2020. Daniel Stanton, who technically graduated in December 2019 but has remained in Ann Arbor working at our parish, shares a reflection with us:
“When I came to Michigan, I knew almost no one and had a lot of fear and uncertainty of what lay ahead. As I progressed through college, and faced the struggles and joys of my time here, I began to find a home in the community of St Mary. This community has encouraged me to dig deeper into what brings me joy and where God is calling me in life.
As I graduate this school year with a bachelors in chemical engineering, I have decided to make the surprising decision to pursue a masters in theology through the Echo program at Notre Dame next year. This change in my life has been confusing to many but the community at St. Mary has supported me throughout my discernment and has helped give me the courage to follow this passion.
Moving on to the next phase of my life in these uncertain times, unsure of what lies ahead with my future classes and community going forward, has definitely been hard. However, because of my experience at St. Mary, I can’t help but be filled with hope. A hope that God will be with me in what is ahead just as He has been with me in the past, and a hope that I will always have a family of other students and the community at St. Mary supporting me.
I know that my feelings of this community are not uncommon among the students and so I really want to thank the parish on behalf of all the graduates. The support of all the parishioners and staff in creating an environment that aids students in becoming young men and women for others has been life-changing for me and so many other students.”
Governor Whitmer extended the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order through May 15 and directed all Michiganders to wear masks in enclosed public spaces. A parishioner received hundreds of masks from their employer to distribute to the community and has generously offered them to St. Mary. If you or somebody in your household are in need of masks, please scroll to the Faith Doing Justice section of this email for dates and times masks will be available to be picked up next week at St. Mary.
SUNDAY MASS, DAILY REFLECTIONS, AND SPECIAL INTERCESSIONS
We will continue to live-stream mass on Sundays. English mass at 9 a.m. will stream live on our website, followed immediately by Spanish mass at 10:10 a.m. Recordings will be available immediately following the masses at the same location: https://michigancatholics.org/category/live-mass/
Scheduled mass intentions will be offered by the Jesuit Community, but not necessarily on the scheduled date.
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION PRAYER
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
I love You above all things, and desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen
DAILY REFLECTIONS
Our quick reflections on the daily readings continue with many wonderful contributions from campus ministers and Jesuits. With most reflections under 2 minutes, we invite you to watch these as a great way to start your day or to take a quick break during your day. All reflections can be found on our website here: https://michigancatholics.org/category/daily-video-reflections/
SPECIAL INTERCESSIONS
Let us pray for the sick who have been entrusted to our prayers, especially George Lowrie, Tom Bissonnette, Kim Milles, and Michael McElvain. May they all be comforted and cared for in their suffering, we pray to the Lord.
For those who knew they lacked nothing following the example of the suffering Christ during life, and who now have recently died, especially: Ron Dawson, Ivan Thomas Herko, and Dorothy Marsik. We rejoice for now God has called them home, we pray to the Lord.
If you would like a name added to either of these special intercessions, please email
[email protected].
ONGOING STEWARDSHIP
Thank you for your generous support of our work here at St. Mary Student Parish. We are only able to do the work of ministry because of your generosity. As we strive to meet the needs of our parish and ministries during this pandemic, we want to make it as easy as possible for parishioners and friends to continue to support our ministries, though we are not able to gather together for Sunday mass in person.
OPTIONS FOR GIVING
Personal Check: These can be sent in our offertory envelopes or in another envelope with a note for allocation, such as offertory, Sunday mass, etc. These can be sent to our mailing address:
St. Mary Student Parish
331 Thompson Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Please use precautions in the process to prevent the spread of viruses (washing hands, not licking to close the envelope, but using a sponge blotter or glue stick to seal the envelope, etc.). While our parish office is not open to the public, a few staff members are keeping up with essential administrative tasks.
Online Giving:
ParishSoft Giving Introducing our new online portal!
Many of you have signed up for online giving, which is a great help to us. Thank you. Some of you may be open to doing so. We are introducing a new “online giving portal” through ParishSoft. This will eventually be the only online giving program that we will use. You can sign up (and allocate gifts to particular causes) HERE. Contact Kristen Gowman with any questions about this new online portal.
Legacy Online Giving Our original online portal
Legacy online giving is what we are calling the program we have been using prior to today. If you wish to change your allocations, you can do so using this LINK. (It would be ideal if you would establish an account using ParishSoft and then eliminate your one-time, weekly, monthly, etc., giving in the Legacy system.)
Venmo: St. Mary Student Parish is on Venmo @SMSPumich. Join many students and parishioners who use this payment app on their smartphone to send money from their bank account straight to the offertory each week.
YEAR TO DATE OFFERING REPORT AS OF 4/26/2020
Annual Budget Goal $1,020,000
Year-to-Date (YTD) Goal $863,000
Amount Collected $847,586
Above (below) YTD Goal: ($15,414)
SUNDAY OFFERING REPORT AS OF 4/26/2020
April Sunday Budget Goal: $25,000
Sunday 4/26/2020 (Week 43): $11,935
Above (below) YTD Goal: ($13,065)
UPDATES FROM FAITH DOING JUSTICE
“Inspired by Ignatian spirituality, we live a faith that does justice, reaching out to the marginalized.” Our parish mission remains at the heart of all we do. If you’d like to give directly to St. Mary parishioners affected by this pandemic through unemployment and other risk factors, please email Anna Boesch [email protected].
FACE MASKS
If you or your household are in need of masks, they will be available outside the main entrance on Thompson Street per the schedule below:
Monday, May 4: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Wednesday, May 6: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
When picking up masks, please adhere to social distancing guidelines: if somebody is picking up masks ahead of you, wait at the bottom of the stairs or at a distance of at least 6 feet at all times. Take care to only touch the masks you are taking with you; do not touch any other masks. Lastly, please do not take more masks than you need; we are all in this together.
RESOURCES
SMSP COVID-19 Resources Webpage
Our new webpage features a local guide of organizations offering free food, healthcare support, and financial assistance, along with links to spiritual resources and updates from Governor Whitmer.
Huron Valley COVID-19 Mutual Aid Form
Whether you’re requesting a need or offering a service – this is the form for you.
Mental Health Care: Coping with COVID-19
The University of Michigan shared these ideas for caring for your mental health and your loved ones! Even if you’re feeling okay, you’ll find creative ideas on checking in on loved ones and neighbors.
ADVOCACY
Support Vulnerable Communities Amid COVID-19
The Ignatian Solidarity Network (ISN) has cultivated a fantastic resource for opportunities in advocacy. Use this link for information and language around environmental justice, immigration, economic justice, international assistance, and criminal justice. You can use these resources to call or write your Representative or Senator.
Thank you for your prayers and advocacy!
2020
Reflection for Friday, May 1, 2020
Fr. Joe shares a quick reflection on the daily readings for Friday, May 1, 2020.
2020
Reflection for Thursday, April 30, 2020
Fr. Mark shares a quick reflection on the daily readings for Thursday, April 30.
2020
Reflection for Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Campus minister Anna Boesch shares a quick reflection on the daily readings for Wednesday, April 29, 2020.
2020
Reflection for Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Campus minister Brian Cerabona shares a quick reflection on the daily readings for Tuesday, April 28, 2020.
2020
Reflection for Monday, April 27, 2020
Fr. Dennis shares a quick reflection on the daily readings for Monday, April 27, 2020.
2020
Mire la misa del domingo 26 de abril de 2020
La misa se transmitirá en vivo a las 10:10 a.m. del domingo 26 de abril de 2020. Puede ver la grabación de la misa en cualquier momento después de que finalice la transmisión en vivo. Haga clic aquí para ver / descargar la música de esta misa.
Haga clic aquí para leer el boletín electrónico de esta semana.