What temptations lure us from the path of

discipleship? Possessions? Pride? Power? Oh,

Lord, create for us a clean heart and renew a

steadfast spirit within us!

PASTORAL CALENDAR

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 4:00 PM- SFX + Niki Snowdin by Terri Spicuzza Father Fred Brucker 5:30 PM SJ +Frank & Henrietta Chesla by Family Father Ron Hutchinson SUNDAY, MARCH 05 9:00 AM – SC + Janis Herman by Brett & Hoa Herman Father Brucker 11:00 AM – SJ - Members of St. Catherine, St. Francis Xavier & St. Joseph Parishes Father Rene Constanza, CSP 6:00 PM – 7:00PM -SFX-Adoration MONDAY, MARCH 06 9:00 AM – SFX + Mike Dunneback by Bill & Pam May TUESDAY, MARCH 07 8:00 AM – SJ +Mike Klein by Loretta VanDyke 8:30 AM-2:00 PM- Adoration Confessions after Mass WEDNESDAY, MARCH 08 No Mass 7:00 PM-SFX-Stations of the Cross THURSDAY, MARCH 09 8:30 AM- SC + Joe Kosheba by Erwin & Joanne Kluting Confessions after Mass FRIDAY, MARCH 10 10:30 AM – SJ + Doris Courtade by Friends SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Confessions 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier 4:00 PM- SFX - Members of St. Catherine, St. Francis Xavier & St. Joseph Parishes Father Norm Droski 5:30 PM SJ +Herb & Noreen Umlor by M/M Bob Umlor Father Fred Brucker SUNDAY, MARCH 12 9:00 AM – SC + Lucille Olson by Hoogterp & Tindall Families Father Ron Hutchinson 11:00 AM – SJ – Aloys & Lorrain Schoenborn by Family Father Fred Brucker 6:00 PM- 7:00PM -SFX-Adoration

MARCH 5, 2017

Dear Parishioners,

This weekend we begin our annual CATHOLIC SERVICES

APPEAL Campaign. Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) is about

our participation in the larger Church of Grand Rapids, which

we refer to as “the Diocese”. There are many ministries that

we sponsor as a single parish; and there are even more

ministries that we can sponsor as a Cluster of Parishes.

Shared resources economize on the delivery of services, like

Religious Education, Youth Ministry, and Divine Providence

Academy.

It’s the same with the larger Church of Grand Rapids. As an

individual parish (or as a Cluster of parishes for that matter)

we cannot provide seminary training for future priests, but

working in cooperation with the other parishes of the Diocese,

we can. We sponsor a significant piece of the mission to the

Hispanic community, both residential and migrant, at St.

Joseph’s, but we depend on the larger Church of Grand Rapids

for major funding, for leadership and direction, and for

coordination among the affected parishes beyond our Cluster

(Holy Family, Sparta, and Holy Trinity, Alpine, for example).

One of the advantages of CSA is that we can “piggyback”

projects onto the campaign and raise money for our local

needs. This year, St. Catherine’s is raising money to replenish

the Emergency Fund that we use for projects that need to be

done right away so we do not have to wait for fundraising

efforts. St. Francis Xavier’s is raising money to renovate the

rectory after the flood damage a year ago. St. Joseph’s is

raising money to reduce the budget deficit for Divine

Providence Academy’s current budget. All three of these

projects are worthy of our consideration to improve our

parish facilities and keep things up to date.

Parishioners of each parish will receive a letter this week from

me requesting that you make a pledge. It will include a pledge

card and return envelope. Please PRAY and then make a GIFT.

Mark it on the card and return the card in the collection, in the

box in the vestibule, or in the mail to your respective parish

office. Next week everyone will receive a similar letter and

pledge card from Bishop Walkowiak. If you have questions,

please contact me (phone: 616-899-2286; email:

pastor@ourcluster.org). Please PRAY and make a GIFT. Write

your gift on either the Bishop’s card or the one from me.

Return the card in the collection, the box in the vestibule, or

by mail to the parish office.

In any case, can we bring this appeal to a conclusion by the

end of Lent, please. I know you don’t like me talking about it

EVERY weekend, but I will do so until we reach each of our

parish targets. In any case, thank you for your generosity, and

may the good Lord bless you this week.

I love you, Fr. Fred Brucker

Divine Providence Academy

Contact Kendra DeYoung at 616.437.0173 or

kdeyoung@dogrschools.org.

Please join us for Story Time at Divine

Providence Academy-St. Joseph

Campus. Story Time is open for

children ages 2-5 from 9:45-10:45 AM

in the Early Childhood Classroom. Story time will be

integrated into our daily routine so you can see what a day

in our Early Childhood Room looks like. Join us for a special

snack, story and activity. This is a great way to see what we

do in our classroom and learn more about Divine

Providence Academy! Story Time will take place on

Tuesday, March 7th, and April 11th.

Divine Providence Academy 8th grade students will be

collecting returnables to help raise money for their East

Coast Trip in June. They can be dropped off in the trash

cans next to the garage by the playground at St. Joseph’s.

St. Catherine’s Parish News & Information

ST CATHERINE’S FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Dr. Tim Beechnau, Eric Burgtorf, Cheryl Helsen, Jason

Klein & Don Swanson

ST CATHERINE’S PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Andy Emery, Tony Helsen, Randy Helsen, Hailey Mabrito,

Kathy Morey & Libby Spencer

LITURGICAL MINISTRY

MARCH 12, 2017 – 9:00 AM

Greeters & Gifts: Rich & June Grover

Sacristan: Nancy O. Adams

Eucharistic Ministers: Jared Devoogd, Ruth Jensen

& Nancy O. Adams

Lector: John Kubasiak

Ushers: John Helsen, Thom Bolen, Ed Schoenborn & Greg Grover

Mass Servers: Trevor Block, Collin Poley

& Luke Meyers

Leader of Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Ken Feutz

Children’s Liturgy: Hailey Mabrito

Music: Eileen Hoogterp

Money Counters: Paul & Ann Helsen

Ravenna Community Fish Fry: Lenten

Fish Fry’s are set to begin on Friday,

March 03, 2017, serving 5:00-7:30 pm,

and run for 6 weeks. There is a sign-

up sheet in the back of Church. We ask everyone to

consider helping this year. This is a huge undertaking, but

something the community enjoys, so please give it some

thought.

COLLECTION FOR FEB. 26, 2017

65 Adults - $3,106.00, 6 Youth - $7.35,

Loose - $125.89, Votive - $7.00,

Electronic – $0.00, for a total of

$3,246.24.

Thank you for your continued support!

St. Francis Xavier’s Parish

News and Information

ST. FRANCIS FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Rick Alt, Jim Arends, Rich Creager, Fred Riplo & Sharon

Denhof

ST. FRANCIS PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Bill May, Diana VanOeffelen, Connie Riplo, Lynne Myszak

& Tim Stream

LITURGICAL MINISTRY

MARCH 11, 2017 – 4:00 PM

Greeters: Janet Wellman

Sacristan: Connie Riplo

Eucharistic Ministers: Bill May & Michelle May

Lector: Kathy Morey

Ushers: Fred Riplo & John Helsen

Mass Servers: Anyone Available

Leader of Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Sharon Denhof

Music: Eileen Hoogterp

Money Counters: Fred & Connie Riplo

COLLECTION FOR FEB. 26, 2017

22 Adults – $812.00, 0 Youth - $0.00,

Loose - $105.63, for a total of $917.63.

Food Pantry – $65.00.

Helping Hands - $20.00

Thank you for your continued support!

Altar Society hosts for March are Lucille Finkler & Diana

VanOeffelen.

Easter Flowers: Orders are being accepted for

Easter flowers to adorn our altars this

Easter. Order forms can be found in the

pews. Our choices are Lilies, Hyacinths, Tulips

and Mums, in a variety of colors. Cost is $7.00

each. For anyone wishing to place an order, please mark

your flower choice(s) and your special intention(s). Orders

can be placed in the flower box at the back of

church. Deadline for placing orders is March 11th. Thank

you for your continued support in this wonderful tradition of

decorating our Church for Easter.

St. Joseph’s Parish

News & Information

ST. JOSEPH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Michele Allers, Lou Armock, Emily Bliss, Ashley Dietrich,

Lorrain Dietrich, Bob Umlor,

ST. JOSEPH FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Arlene Armock, Al Dietrich, Ben Looks, Donald Rasch,

Steve Umlor, Larry Williams, Bob Rander

LITURGICAL MINISTRY SCHEDULE

LECTORS EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS Mar 11-5:30 PM-Jon Denhof Barb Umlor

Mar 12-11:00 AM- Ashley Dietrich Ben Benefiel

MINISTERS OF THE CUP

Mar 11 -5:30 PM-Carl & Gail Dunn

Mar 12-11:00 AM-Michelle Vlug & Ken Butts

SACRISTANS Mar 11-5:30 PM-Carl Dunn Mar 12-11:00 AM-Ben Benefiel

MUSIC SCHEDULE Mar 11-5:30 PM- Stacey Camp

Mar 12-11:00 AM –Eileen Hoogterp

USHERS SCHEDULE

Mar 11-5:30 PM-Wayne Umlor & Bill Alt

Mar 12-11:00 AM-Mark Umlor & Randy Graftema

GREETERS

Mar 11-5:30 PM-Norma Armock & Dianne Johnson

Mar 12-11:00 AM-Diane & Ken Butts

ATAR SERVERS

Mar114-5:30 PM-Jack Kluting & Jacob Hernandez

Mar 12-11 AM-Breslyn & Maverick Miller,

Logan TenBrink & Lilly Butts LEADER OF CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

5:30 PM-SJ-Volunteers needed Month of March-11:00 AM-SJ-Katherine Decker

Liturgical Notes

Rosary Intention for March–Let us pray for

respect of life, the unborn, the terminally ill, and the aged, that they all may be given the chance to live until God takes them home.

Parish Information

St. Joseph’s Adoration will be canceled on Tuesday’s when St. Joseph Campus of Divine Providence Academy closes due to bad weather. Grand Rapids Rosary Makers are collecting Religious Articles for distribution around the world. Articles they are collecting are rosaries, broken rosaries, statues, religious pictures, etc. You may leave them in back of church with Erma Armock’s name on them or call her at 616-677-1008.

GIVING BACK TO GOD 2-26-2016 Adults (55) $3170

Youth (5) $4 Loose $103 TOTAL $3277

Thank you for your continued support

FAITH FORMATION

March 08 – St. Catherine/St. Francis Xavier K-8 No Class March 12-St. Joseph’s K-8 will meet 9:30-10:40 in St. Joseph’s School

3/5 - Lifeteen Mass at SJ 11AM (would your teen like a role?) and Lifenight - SFX 6:15PM 3/12-Lifenight Use the following link to register with our group for Steubenville: https://liability.steubenville.org/app/cea991 "The youth group will be taking part in the 40 Days For Life by praying at the abortion clinic in Grand Rapids on 3/29 from 6-7PM. This is a simple and peaceful way to stand for life."

CLUSTER INFORMATION Weekly Scripture Readings Monday, Mar 6-Lv 19:1-18/Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday, Mar 7-Is 55:10-11/Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday, Mar 8-Jon 3:1-10/Lk 11:29-32 Thursday, Mar 9-Est C:1-16,23-25/Mt 7:7-12 Friday, Mar 10-Ez 18:21-28/Mt 5:20-26 Saturday, Mar 11-Dt 26:16-19/Mt 5:43-48

Sunday, Mar 12-Gn 12:1-4a/2 Tm 1:8b-10/Mt 17:1-9

LENTEN FASTING REGULATIONS

FASTING is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday

by everyone 18 years of age and older, who has not yet

celebrated their 59th birthday. On a fast day, one full meal is

allowed. Two other meals-enough to maintain strength-may

be taken, according to each one’s needs. But together they

should not equal another full meal. Eating between meals is

not permitted, but consuming liquids, including milk and

juice is allowed. In addition, ABSTINENCE is observed on

Ash Wednesday and ALL FRIDAYS of Lent by everyone 14

years of age and older. On days of abstinence no meat is

allowed. Note that when one’s health or ability to work would

be seriously affected, the law does not oblige.

If a person is unable to observe the above regulations

due to health or other serious reasons, other suitable

forms of self-denial are encouraged.

The point of fasting and abstinence is to remind us of our

radical need for God’s support as we undergo conversion in

his love.

Ravenna Community Fish Fry – Please

join us every Friday night during Lent at St.

Catherine’s Parish Hall for our wonderful

Fish Fry. Dinner will be served from 5:00

– 7:30pm. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for

children 5-12, children under 5 are free. Our meal includes

your choice of a baked potato or French fries, green beans,

cole slaw, pike perch, garlic bread & dessert. Take out is

available.

Would you be willing to pray for one hour to end abortion?

40 Days for Life is a grassroots, pro-life effort that consists

of 40 days of praying, fasting, and holding a peaceful vigil in

front of an abortion clinic. The spring campaign will take

place from March 1 through April 9. This will be the 15th

campaign in Grand Rapids and it will take place in front of

Heritage Clinic for Women at 320 East Fulton Street. This is

the only free-standing surgical abortion clinic still operating

in our community. Dozens of area churches have adopted

a day of prayer. Our Cluster has adopted Wednesday,

March 29, 2017, to pray at the peaceful vigil. At least two

individuals are needed for each hour of the vigil from Noon

to 7 PM. Signup sheets and Guidelines are in the back of

each church, or call 616 899-5596, or email

marjwllm@gmail.com with your chosen time frame to pray

or if you have questions

St. Cecilia Cluster Choir

Lent/Easter/Spring Schedule 2017

Rehearsal Wed. March 15th 7:00-8:30 PM at St. Catherine’s

Rehearsal Wed. March 22nd 7:00-8:30 PM at St. Joseph’s

Rehearsal Wed. March 29th 7:00-8:30 PM at St/ Catherine’s

How to Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We begin with the sign of the cross, and then pray:

The Our Father

The Hail Mary

The Apostles’ Creed

On the large beads, pray: “Eternal Father, I offer you the

Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved

Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and

those of the whole world.”

On the 10 small beads, pray: “For the sake of His sorrowful

passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

After five decades, the concluding doxology to be prayed

three times: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal

One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

Words of JESUS - From the Diary of St. Faustina - I am

Love and Mercy itself. When a soul approaches Me with

trust, I fill it with such an abundance of graces that it cannot

contain them within itself, but radiates them to other souls.

Senior Euchre will take place on Tuesday, February 14th

at 1:15 pm. Games start at 1:30 pm and finish approximately

4:00 pm. Senior Euchre takes place every other Tuesday at

St. Joseph’s.

FAMILY PERSPECTIVE by Bud Ozar In today’s gospel Jesus cautions it is not enough to provide food for our children; “one does not live on bread alone.” Let Lent 2017 be a time when you are “Led by the Spirit” to explore new ways to be a moral guide to your children.

Encounter Innovation – We encounter the Singh family in

India, where a mother and father are using innovative

farming techniques to feed their family amidst a flood. How

is God inviting us to think outside the box in service to others

this Lent? Visit crsricebowl.org for more.

Question of the Week Second Sunday of Lent March 12, 2017

Call to faithfulness

Reading I Genesis 12:1-4 (call of Abraham)

Reading II 2 Timothy 1:8b-10 (exhortation to

faithfulness)

Gospel Matthew 17:1-9 (Jesus transfigured)

Key Passage Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter

and James and his brother John and led them up a high

mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured

before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his

clothes became dazzling white. (Matt. 17:1–2)

Adult: How has your faith in Jesus transformed you?

What difference does your faith in Jesus Christ

make in your life?

Child: How has the example of Jesus helped you

become a better person and Christian?

OR

Adult: What difference does your faith in Jesus Christ

make in your life?

Child: What does it mean to you to be a holy person?

Council #4404 of the Knights of

Columbus Knight of Columbus Breakfasts – Join us at our hall on 32nd Ave in Conklin for a great breakfast! On the menu is biscuits and sausage gravy, omelets, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage,

applesauce, juice and milk. Cost is $8.00 for adults, 5 to12 $5.00, 4 and under free. Serving from 8:30 - 1 PM. Euchre Tournament will be held at the hall on March 24, 2017. Registration starts @6:00pm, play starts at 7:00pm sharp. Cost $15 per team. Food and adult beverages available, complimentary popcorn. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. 50/50 basket raffles. Must be 18 and up to play. Register at the door or pre-register by calling 616-481-6536 or 616-745-7362.

Outside the Parishes God’s Mercy Awaits You - Are you wondering how to best prepare yourself for the Lord on Easter? Why not set aside some time to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation? Join the Diocese of Grand Rapids for “The Light is ON for You: An Evening of Penance”, Thursday, March 16, 2017, 5-8 p.m. Visit dioceseofgrandrapids.org/penance for locations and details. Father Brucker will be at St. Francis Xavier’s; Conklin.

Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus are hosting their annual

St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 11 from 6 to

11 PM in the Holy Trinity Family Center. Cost is $30 per

person and includes dinner, music, beer, wine, soft drinks,

raffles and 50/50 drawings. For reservations call Jeremy at

450-7742 or go to StPatricks.htkofc.org.

Join us for our annual Franciscan Lenten Lunch Prayer Experience held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, March 8 through April 5 at our Lowell campus. You willl enjoy soups donated by area restaurants. March 15th - Kitchen Sage Potato/Irish Stew Irish Soda Bread, Potato/Irish Stew. March 22nd - Mexican Chicken Chili Cinnamon Bread Schnitz Ada Grill March 29th - Beef Barley Soup Oatmeal Bread GRCC Culinary Program (Secchia Institute for Culinary Education) April 5th - Minestrone Soup Extreme Garlic Bread Vitale’s Ada Bread prepared by the Center’s volunteer bakers fresh

applesauce made from the Center’s produce

At 12:45, there will be a brief prayer experience for those

wishing to participate.

Coming Soon…Don’t miss out! 12th Annual Building a

Legacy Catholic Men’s Conference on March 11, 2017, at

West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids. You won’t want

to miss this. Bring your friends and family-this is a chance

for men to grow and be challenged in their faith. See how

encountering Christ can transform your life. For more

information go to www.buildingalegacy.org or call Robert at

616-258-8530.

Mid-life Singles (mid-30s to 50s): register today for a life-

changing REFLECT weekend retreat at the St. Francis

Retreat Center, DeWitt, MI (10 miles north of Lansing), on

March 17-19, 2017. Take a chance and get involved... you

won't regret it! Cost is just $175 for meals and a single

room. Call (586) 770-1772, e-mail

reflect.michigan@gmail.com, or visit

www.ReflectRetreat.com for details.

PRIME TIME SINGLES ...is a group of single persons over

the age of 55 who enjoy socializing together. There are no

dues or meetings, but we gather for breakfast every

Saturday at 9:00 AM. In March, we'll be at The Rendevous

just off Beacon Boulevard one block south of Jackson

Street. Additional information is available from Grace

at 616-842-2622.

Come Laugh & Pray with Us …at the 8th Annual Diocesan

Women's Conference-360 Division S., Grand Rapids,

49503 - The Father’s Love - Join us for fellowship, food and

enrichment. Saturday, March 18, 2017 10 a.m.—3

p.m. Cost is $25.00 before the 14th then it is $30.00

Go to: dioceseofgrandrapids.org for more information or call

Marianne Verner at 616-245-0588.

Ave Maria School of Law LSAT Prep Course & FULL-

Tuition Scholarship: Have you ever considered becoming a

lawyer, but thought law school was too expensive? Here is

an opportunity you do not want to miss! AMSL is offering a

LSAT prep course at a substantial discount in time to take

the LSAT this June along with a Full-Tuition Scholarship to

AMSL in the fall for qualified applicants. This top-notch

LSAT prep course (4 day / 20-hour) will take place in Ann

Arbor on the weekends of March 11-12 and March 18-19,

9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. This course is being offered at a

significantly reduced rate of $199 (includes all class

materials). For more information on both the scholarship

opportunity and this excellent LSAT prep course, please

visit: www.avemariafoundation.org..