Despite the frigid temperatures and schools closing in relation to that, we will be open and all events will take place as scheduled Tuesday, January 21st and Wednesday, January 22nd. Our closing policy states we only close for inclement weather (ie. snow or ice making for unsafe driving conditions).

Mass and Adoration both tonight at St. Joseph and tomorrow at St. Charles will take place as scheduled.

In Bishop Walkowiak’s letter, published in October, 2024 we were made aware of the Pastoral Planning process that was to take place.

We now have the statistical data that was gathered Diocesan wide.  These findings are published and accessible via the Diocese of Grand Rapids website. Click the link to be taken to their site: https://grdiocese.org/rooted-in-christ-diocesan-wide-pastoral-planning-process-begins/

We would encourage all parishioners to review this information and offer feedback.   This will address the future of our parishes and your voice matters.

As you review these reports, note that both St. Joseph-St. Mary and St. Charles Borromeo are part of the East Deanery. 

Please direct email responses to: bulletin@saintscjm.com.

Written responses may be left at either Parish office by January 13, 2025.

On January 15, 2025, your representatives will take your responses

to our gatherings and share your feedback and concerns.

Thank you,

St. Joseph-St. Mary

    Olga Albert

    Brian Jenks

St. Charles

    Ron Woychehoski

    Karin Kwiet-Darvill

Make your appointment by clicking the link.

https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11599061

The Widow’s Mite – A Holy Offering

We were blessed this fall to have Deacon Jim Hessler share an enlightening perspective on stewardship based on “the widow’s mite.” This is an interesting and well-founded perspective on how we are called to share our treasure to further God’s work.  If you missed his homily, we encourage you to click the link below. Some of his thoughts are summarized below.  

Deacon Jim shares that the widow’s gift was from her poverty, a sacrificial gift, which makes it holy! Jesus was not impressed by the larger gifts of other contributors but drew attention to the widow’s mighty gift of two coins. God blesses sacrificial gifts because we must rearrange our priorities and consciously choose to put God first. His graces then flow into our spiritual lives leaving us more grateful, joyfilled, with an improved spiritual life and feeling a sense of contentment only God can provide. God will not be outdone in his generosity! 

If your spiritual life doesn’t seem to be making progress or if your prayer life seems dry, perhaps the area of finances is the door you have left propped open in the fortress of your spiritual life. Leaving this door open keeps you from completely trusting in God and allows the cold draft of sin to separate us from His warm embrace. God doesn’t need our money but uses our money to prove we can trust him.    

Low volume. Please turn up your volume or use headphones to listen.

This year the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is transferred to Monday, Dec. 9, so as to not conflict with the second Sunday of Advent. In prior years, when the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception was transferred to a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass was waived. The Vatican has since offered clarification to the U.S. Bishops that even when the Solemnity falls on a Monday the obligation to attend Mass remains. 

Evening Masses on Sunday, Dec. 8, may be used to fulfill the Dec. 9 holy day obligation provided that you also attend a separate Mass to fulfill your Sunday obligation.

We look forward to seeing you when we celebrate this holy day together on Monday, Dec. 9 this year!

Join us on Saturday, November 9th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at St. Charles. We will have 57 crafters on all three levels of our building. Handicap parking is available in the Oak St. parking lot. An elevator is available for those who need it. Visit our event page on Facebook for a preview of what crafters will be selling. https://www.facebook.com/share/1XhytvQvhr/

This week we are collecting items to donate to Catholic Charities of Kalamazoo for the victims of the tornado last week. Donations can be dropped off at the St. Charles parish office. Please have your donations in by Thursday.