SAGINAW — Below are some of the upcoming events that will take place across the Diocese of Saginaw. Parishes are encouraged to share these events, as possible, in their parish bulletins.
WHAT: Chrism Mass with Bishop Cistone
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31
WHERE: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw
The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will celebrate the Chrism Mass along with representatives from all of the parishes of the Diocese of Saginaw at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw. The holy oils which will be used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick will be blessed by Bishop Cistone and distributed to representatives of the parish communities within the Diocese of Saginaw. Priests from all over the diocese will concelebrate the Mass with Bishop Cistone and make a renewal of their priestly vows.
WHAT: The Catholic Women’s Fellowship- Reflections on the Easter Triduum
WHEN: Wednesday, April 1 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
The topic for the evening will be “Entering the Holiest Days, Reflections on the Easter Triduum.” The Catholic Women’s Fellowship meets at the diocesan Center for Ministry in Saginaw on the first Wednesday of every month and will do so through May 2015. The group invites women to be “renewed, filled, and restored. Please join us for prayer and adoration, a spiritual talk, fellowship, and a chance to make new friends.” The women’s fellowship website can be found at womensfellowship.org.
WHAT: Holy Hour with Bishop Cistone in Ruth
WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15
WHERE: Holy Apostles Parish, Ss. Peter and Paul Church, 7115 E. Atwater Rd., Ruth
Since January 2012, the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, has led a Holy Hour each month in parishes across the diocese. Bishop Cistone initiated the Holy Hours to prayerfully support the work of Planning Tomorrow’s Parishes, a grassroots planning process that aims to enhance the vibrancy of future parish life.
WHAT: The Art of Biblical Narrative with Father Bill Taylor
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 18
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
This seminar looks at the literary form called Biblical narrative, which encompasses half the books in the Old Testament as well as the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. After reviewing characteristics of biblical narrative and basic principles regarding reading it, we will look at the Joseph narrative in the Book of Genesis, the Book of Jonah, as well as selections from the Books of Kings – to see how these characteristics work out in practice and to reap the spiritual message of these narratives. Participants are requested to read Genesis 37-50 and the Book of Jonah in preparation for this offering. The cost of the seminar is $35 and includes lunch. Those with further questions may call 989-797-6607.
WHAT: Hispanic Youth Retreat
WHEN: 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 18
WHERE: St. Joseph Parish, 910 N. 6th Ave., Saginaw
This youth-led retreat is an awesome opportunity for high school youth to grow in faith! The retreat will be in English. All are welcome. The retreat is sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Ministry of the Diocese of Saginaw. Those seeking more information or registration may contact Veronica Strudgeon at (989) 797-6646. There is no cost to attend. Registration is available at http://www.saginaw.org/our-main-goal-loving-our-lord.html
WHAT: Mystagogia Mass with Bishop Cistone
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19
WHERE: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw
The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will celebrate the Mystagogia Mass with all the new members of the Catholic Church from throughout the Diocese of Saginaw at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw.
WHAT: Bishop’s Ball- Featuring the Big Raffle Drawing
WHEN: Opening reception at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., Band at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24.
WHERE: Horizons Conference Center, 6200 State St., Saginaw
The Bishop's Ball is an annual event that 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. The drawing of the Catholic Community Foundation's BIG Raffle will also take place at the Bishop’s Ball. Parishes and schools benefit directly from ticket sales. Programs and initiatives throughout the diocese receive assistance from grants distributed by the foundation to support the evangelizing mission of the Church. Those with further questions may call 989-799-7910. Registration forms and additional information can be found at www.saginaw.org.
WHAT: New Evangelization Summit
WHEN: 9:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
WHERE: Diocesan Center For Ministry, 5802 Weiss St., Saginaw
The New Evangelization Summit will include world-class Catholic speakers on the New Evangelization including Father Michael Gaitley, Ralph Martin, Patrick Coffin and Jo Ellen Gregus, to name a few. While the Summit is being hosted in Ottawa, it will be live-streamed to Saginaw and 18 other sites across North America. Pre-registration is required and available at www.newevangelization.ca. Those with further questions may email Peg McEvoy at pmcevoy@dioceseofsaginaw.org. The cost is $45 and includes lunch.
WHAT: April 2015 Regional Meetings on Partnerships and Multi-parish Programs
WHEN: Dates are listed below. All meetings are from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., except on April 25
WHERE: Locations are listed below
Pastors, Pastoral Administrators, members of Parish Pastoral Councils, Finance Councils, Parish Bookkeepers, and Implementation Teams will gather to learn how to partner and collaborate more effectively. Questions will be addressed regarding parish planning. Presentations will be led by the following individuals from the Diocese of Saginaw: Sister Mary Judith O’Brien, chancellor, Deb Bierlein, CFO, and Tim Muter, facilities director. No registration is necessary.
April 16: Sacred Heart Parish, Sacred Heart Church Hall, 330 N Silverleaf St., Gladwin
April 20: Good Shepherd Parish, St. John the Evangelist Church Hall, 4470 N. Washington St., Ubly
April 21: Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mt. St. Joseph Church Hall, 605 Franklin St., St. Louis
April 23: All Saints Parish, St. James Church Hall, 710 Columbus Ave., Bay City
April 25: St. Stephen Parish, St. Stephen Church Hall, 2711 Mackinaw St., Saginaw (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
WHAT: Mission Mass
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 26
WHERE: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw
The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, will celebrate a special Mission Mass for all individuals and groups who are participating in mission work this year. A mission cross and blessing will be given to young people and adults who will be serving locally, in other regions of the United States and also around the world.