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Vicariate mission to help people grow in faith
by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published February 27, 2009
Detroit To begin Lent, one vicariate is joining its ideas and resources to help members think of the Church in a broader sense and learn a little bit about its own faith.
The North Macomb Vicariate is hosting a five-day vicariate mission, "Onwatrd to the Kingdom," that includes concerts, Masses, and chances to learn about the Church, Jesus' teachings, and our own vocation. The event, open to all, kicks off with a concert by composer David Haas and vocalist Lori True, which looks to be a sell-out show.
"We're trying to see how we can collaborate," said Fritzi Bohlmann, pastoral associate at St. John Vianney Parish, Shelby Township, one in the vicariate. "Not only are we sharing our resources, but we're sharing our visions."
The combining of forces for the mission was inspired in part by the archdiocese's Together in Faith initiative, taking a look at each parish's resources and assets in part to see what could be combined and shared. St. John Vianney Parish staff had discussed having a parish mission, but because they can costly events that only benefit one parish, discussion evolved into a vicariate-wide mission instead, Bohlmann explained.
She said the intent of the mission is to broaden people's perspectives so they're thinking beyond just being a St. John Vianney person, for example, but a member of a wider Church. Everything is free except for the David Haas concert, tickets for which are now $13; the title of the conference, "Onward to the Kingdom," is the title of one of Haas' songs, chosen to reflect how Jesus says the kingdom is at hand.
She said some parishes are having their own incentives to get people to go, such as providing dinner beforehand and a bus to the parish. Organizers made an effort to make the presentations not too academic as to be over the heads of the average parishioner, but inviting to all who want to learn more about the Church and the faith.
The idea for morning Mass at different parishes was to get people to visit the other churches in their vicariate instead of going to their own every day, Bohlmann explained.
Fr. Jerome Machlik, North Macomb vicar, said he hopes the mission gives attendees opportunities beyond what they would get from any of the single parishes involved. "We are bringing to our vicariate some of the most respected and inspirational Roman Catholic speakers and presenters that are available in the United States today, even a composer of popular Mass songs known world-wide," he said. "It will be quite an event and we encourage our parishioners and the entire community to participate." For more information, call St. John Vianney Parish at (586) 781-6525.
Schedule for North Macomb's vicariate mission
Friday, March 13: Composer David Haas and vocalist Lori True will put on a concert at 7:30 p.m. at St. John Vianney Parish, Shelby Township, on Schoenherr between 24 and 25 Mile roads. Tickets are $13; only 1,000 will be sold in advance. The night includes a chance to meet Haas and purchase his recordings. His most famous songs include "Blest are They," "We Are Called," and "You Are Mine."
Monday, March 16: Morning teaching Mass at 9 a.m. at SS. John and Paul Parish, 28 Mile Road west of Campground Road, Washington Township. Celebrated by Fr. David Buersmeyer, pastor.
"Becoming Church," presented by Bishop Daniel Flores, at 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Parish, Utica, Utica Road between Van Dyke and M-53. Bishop Flores will discuss new ways of "becoming Church" in the larger context.
Tuesday, March 17: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Mary Mystical Rose Parish, Armada, north of 33 Mile Road, east of North Ave. Followed by a review of video from Monday evening.
"Jesus' Spirituality as the Norm and Test of our Own," presented by Patricia Cooney-Hathaway, Ph.D., of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, at 7 p.m. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Shelby Township, Schoenherr between 21 and 22 Mile roads. Cooney-Hathaway will discuss what Jesus might tell us about being a "good" person.
Wednesday, March 18: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Clement of Rome Parish, Romeo, on Old Van Dyke between 31 and 32 Mile roads. Followed by a review of video from Tuesday evening.
Mass is followed by appreciation luncheon and presentation for all staff of the North Macomb Vicariate parishes, "Spirituality for Busy Parish Ministers," presented by Fr. James Bacik of the Diocese of Toledo, at St. Kieran Parish, Shelby Township, on Mound Road between 24 and 25 Mile roads.
"Discipleship: The Primary Christian Vocation," presented by Richard Gaillardetz, Ph.D., of the University of Toledo, at 7 p.m., also at St. Kieran. Gaillardetz will discuss hearing our own call while being grounded in reality.
Thursday, March 19: Morning Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Parish/St. Maximilian Parish, Ray Township, on New Haven Road south of 29 Mile Road. Followed by a review of video from Wednesday evening.
Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the vicariate, celebrated by Bishop Daniel Flores, at 7 p.m. at St. Isidore Parish, Macomb Township, 23 Mile Road and Romeo Plank Road. Mass will be followed by hospitality and entertainment featuring local Irish band The Blarney Brothers. |
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