Ash Wednesday Mass and Women’s “SoulCore” Mini-Retreat among Upcoming Faith Offerings
SAGINAW — Below are some of the upcoming events that will take place across the Diocese of Saginaw.
WHAT: Knights of Columbus Fish Fry to Benefit Seminarians
WHEN: Noon on Friday, Jan. 29
WHERE: KC 4102 Hall, 360 S. River Rd., Bay City
The Knights of Columbus Council #4102 will serve dinner including perch, cod, frog legs, baked potato, potato salad, corn, baked beans and dessert. The cost is $12 per person for “all you can eat”. Proceeds will benefit seminarians of the Diocese of Saginaw.
WHAT: Lay Ministry Informational Meeting
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3
WHERE: St. Peter Parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 404 S. Wood St., Chesaning
From now until May 15, the diocesan lay ministry office will be accepting applications for those who wish to begin the Lay Ministry Formation Program in September 2016. The program is a four-year formation experience designed for lay people who wish to expand their knowledge of Scripture and Catholic theology, deepen their relationship with God, and fulfill their baptismal call by serving others. This meeting is not only for those interested in applying to Lay Ministry, but also for anyone who is interested in learning about the Lay Ministry Formation Program. Those interested may contact Kellie Deming, coordinator of lay ministry, at kdeming@dioceseofsaginaw.org or 989.797.6609.
WHAT: Catholic Women’s Fellowship
WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
Meeting the first Wednesday of every month, women from around the diocese are invited to gather at the Center for Ministry for prayer, faith formation, discussion, and fellowship. The talk during this meeting will be given by Peg McEvoy, coordinator of faith formation for the Diocese of Saginaw, and is entitled, “The Joy of the Gospel.” For more information, visit: www.womensfellowship.org.
WHAT: BeFriender Ministry Informational Meetings
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1, or 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6
WHERE: St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 5376 State St., Saginaw
BeFriender Ministers are trained lay people who offer a listening presence as well as spiritual and emotional support to individuals who are homebound, in hospitals, assisted living facilities, or retirement homes. BeFriender Ministers are trained in prayer and bringing the Eucharist to those in need. Anyone interested in learning more about this important ministry is invited to attend one of the informational meetings. For more information, please contact Linda Milco, Office of Christian Service, at 989.797.6660 or Carole Watters at 989.274.3384.
WHAT: Ash Wednesday Mass with Bishop Cistone
WHEN: Noon on Wednesday, Feb. 10, the First day of Lent
WHERE: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hovt Ave., Saginaw
The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will celebrate Mass during which he will bless the ashes and sprinkle them with holy water before the faithful come forward to receive the ashes on their foreheads. All are welcome to receive the ashes. During the Mass, all are welcome to come forward to receive the ashes as a sign of repentance and mortality. For more information regarding, Lent and the Jubilee of Mercy, visit saginaw.org.
WHAT: Rite of Election with Bishop Cistone
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 13 and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14
WHERE: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hovt Ave., Saginaw
All are welcome to attend one of the two Rites of Election which take place each year during the first weekend of Lent. The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will lead each Rite, formally known as The Celebration of the Rite of Election of Catechumens and The Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates Who are Preparing for Confirmation and/or Eucharist or Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church.
WHAT: World Marriage Day Mass with Bishop Cistone
WHEN: 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14
WHERE: Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, St Hyacinth Church, 1515 Cass Ave., Bay City
Please join the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, at a special Mass to celebrate World Marriage Day. All married couples and their families are invited. Those celebrating a significant anniversary will be recognized. Mass will be followed by a cake and beverage reception. Those with questions may contact the diocesan coordinator of marriage and family ministry, Linda Milco, at 989.797.6660
WHAT: Abortion Alternatives Information, Inc. Open House
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14
WHERE: 705 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw
Abortion Alternatives Information (AAI) was founded in faith in the Saginaw community in 1973 as a direct response to the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. In the 40 years since abortion was legalized, AAI, a non-profit and volunteer organization, has worked to promote a culture of life by helping expectant mothers and fathers choose life and supporting them in practical ways. All are welcome to stop by the facility for a tour and to learn more about how supporting AAI is helping to make a difference and saving lives. Parking is available across the street from the building. Those with questions may contact Sandy Buza at
sbuza.aai-pa@sbcglobal.net or 989.754.0091.
WHAT: Holy Hour with Bishop Cistone in Saginaw
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17
WHERE: Good Shepherd Parish, St. Andrew Church, 612 N. Michigan Ave., Saginaw
Since January 2012, the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, has traveled to different churches throughout the diocese to lead Holy Hours before the Blessed Sacrament. During this Jubilee Year, the intention of each monthly Holy Hour will be for a deeper understanding and participation in the Mercy of God.
WHAT: Catholic Men's Fellowship Monthly Seminar for February
WHEN: Begins with the Sacrament of Reconciliation at 5:30 p.m. Followed by Mass at 6:30 p.m. Concludes at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
All men from around the diocese are invited to gather once a month at the Center for Ministry for worship, prayer, education, discussion, and fellowship. The presentation by Father Andy Booms will be about Mercy and Reconciliation. There is no cost to attend (freewill offering). For information, visit www.thecatholicmen.com.
WHAT: PREPARE/ENRICH Marriage Preparation Training
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb.17
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
Training is available to receive certification for using this valuable tool for marriage preparation. Father Jack Johnson will lead this training, which is appropriate for anyone involved in marriage preparation ministry, including pastors, deacons, pastoral ministers or sponsor couples. Fee is $175.00. A discounted rate is available to those already certified who desire “refresher” training. Please contact Linda Milco at 989.797.6660 or lmilco@dioceseofsaginaw.org for more information or to register.
WHAT: “Spirit Hockey Faith Night” featuring Bishop Cistone
WHERE: 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20
WHEN: Dow Event Center, 303 Johnson St., Saginaw
Watch hockey, get faith! The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will be a featured speaker during “Spirit Hockey Faith Night” at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw. The program also includes musical entertainment by Modern Day Cure and much more. The event aims to combine faith and sports into a day of fun for the entire family. The “Spirit Hockey Faith Night” program begins at 5 p.m. The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. The cost is $10.50 per person for groups of 10 or more ($15-$19 for individuals) and includes admission to faith night, a ticket to the game, live music and guest speakers. Tickets also can be purchased in advance by calling 989.497.7747.
WHAT: Lenten Retreat: Encountering the God of Mercy with Father Prentice Tipton, LeAnne Osborn and Dr. Dan Osborn
WHEN: Registration and Social Begin at 6 p.m. with first session at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19; concludes Sunday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
As part of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Father Tipton and the Osborns will offer a journey of encounter with the merciful heart of the Lord. The retreat will include times of prayer, quiet reflection, meditations on Sacred Scripture and glimpses into the power of Divine Mercy in the lives of some of our greatest saints. Father Tipton serves as pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Clare. LeAnne Osborn holds a Master’s degree in theology from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Dr. Osborn serves as director of the Center for Ministry. The cost is $155 for a semi-private room and $170 for a private room. The deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 12.
WHAT: Women’s “SoulCore” Mini-Retreat
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 4 (registration begins at 6 p.m.) and Continues from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5. Overnight Stay is Optional
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
This is not your typical mini-retreat! Blending times of physical movement with Marian spirituality, the “SoulCore” Mini-Retreat will offer women a time to refresh themselves in both body and spirit. “SoulCore” is a sensory experience that combines music, reflections and physical movement to nourish body, mind & soul. The mini-retreat, led by Deanne Miller and Colleen Scariano, will include two sessions of SoulCore exercises, which consist of some stretching, core strengthening, and isometric exercises. SoulCore is not yoga, nor are yoga poses used. Miller and Scariano are the founders of the SoulCore movement, which began in Indiana and is now spreading across the country. They will be touching on the connection of mind, body and spirit in St. John Paul II's “Theology of the Body,” as well as exploring some fascinating aspects of Marian spirituality. On Saturday afternoon, participants will also have some time for silent prayer, reflection and rest. Please note that the components involving physical movement are open to people of all fitness levels. Participants may choose how much or little they want to move . . . or to not move at all. The focus is on nourishing one’s spirit. For more information, visit www.soulcore.com. The cost is $55 for commuters and $95 for lodgers, which includes meal(s) and a copy of “33 Days to Morning Glory.” To register, see the online brochure at www.saginaw.org or call 989.797.6607. The deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 26.
WHAT: St. Joseph the Worker Young Adults Ministries- Bay City
WHEN: Meets at 7 p.m. on the First and Third Tuesday of the Month
WHERE: All Saints Parish, St. James Catholic Church, 710 Columbus Ave., Bay City
This group offers an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and build friendships with fellow young adults (ages 18-35). Meetings include games, fellowship, bible studies, discussions, prayer, and food. All young adults throughout the area are welcome. The group's website can be found at stjoetheworker.com. Those with questions may contact: Mary Kate Budd: 989.392.7440 or Justin Wilbert: 989.351.0743.
WHAT: The Christian Vocation to Mercy: Be Merciful as Your Heavenly Father is Merciful; 2016 Sacred Heart Mercy Symposium for Priests, Religious and Laity
Featuring Keynote Speaker, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Archbishop of Philadelphia
WHEN: March 31 to April 2
WHERE: Our Lady of Grace Educational Center, 1965 Michigan Ave, Alma
The Religious Sisters of Mercy at Sacred Heart Mercy Clinic will offer two days of presentations from various professionals on the mystery of Mercy in our lives. Registration and housing information can be found at sacredheartmercy.org. Space is limited.
WHAT: Pilgrimage to Detroit Area Historic Churches with Father Marcel Portelli
WHEN: Friday, April 1
WHERE: Detroit Area
All are invited to join Father Marcel Portelli on a day long spiritually edifying pilgrimage to the historic churches of Detroit. The pilgrimage will have eight destinations including the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament (Holy Door location), Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ss. Peter & Paul Jesuit, Sweetest Heart of Mary (pilgrims will attend Mass here), Ste. Anne de Detroit and more. A catered meal is included. The bus departs from the Diocesan Center for Ministry, 5800 Weiss St., Saginaw. The $50 cost includes the meal and transportation. For details, please see www.prayerpilgrimages.com or call Michael Semaan at 248.250.6005.
WHAT: Save the Date for the 10th Annual Bishop’s Ball
WHEN: Opening reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., Band at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29
WHERE: Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State St., Saginaw
All are invited to save the date for the 10th annual Bishop’s Ball. The Bishop's Ball celebrates the diverse ministries within the Diocese of Saginaw that continue the evangelizing mission of Jesus Christ. The evening features the presentation of the Bishop Murphy Award by Bishop Cistone to a person who, through the example of their life as a disciple of Jesus Christ, continually fulfills the mandate of the Gospel through word and deed. The ball also includes a silent auction, art auction, dinner and dancing. Parish and community leaders, parishioners and friends from the eleven counties served by the Diocese of Saginaw are encouraged to join in fellowship and fun during this annual event. Those with further questions may call 989.799.7910. Registration forms and additional information can be found at www.saginaw.org.
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