February 10, 2026

Dear Friends,

We received disturbing news on Monday, 2/9/26, that Fr. Jim is back in the hospital.  

Until this point he seemed to be progressing as expected, even getting permission to drive and utilize outpatient physical therapy.  On Friday, he was envisioning his return to Greenville and our Parish cluster.

On Monday mid-morning he called his cousin, who lives nearby,  for assistance.  Struggling with double vision, weakness and aphasia, she took him to the hospital where, after testing, they confirmed that he had endured a stroke, likely 24 hours prior to her arrival. 

Since that time Fr. has continued to gain strength and is having fewer language issues.  The double vision remains and further testing is underway to determine next steps.  

What can we do?  

We can pray.  Certainly for Fr. Jim’s return to health and that he not be discouraged by this setback.  

We can keep the church moving in the direction that he gave us. Progress in unity.

We can collaborate, cooperate and maintain a peaceful, joyfilled Catholic community awaiting his return.

Cards and notes of encouragement are welcomed and will be delivered.

Blessings to all,

Karin

As we prepare to enter the holy season of Lent on Wednesday, February 18, we invite you to assist our community in this solemn beginning. Ash Wednesday is one of our most active days, and your service helps ensure a prayerful experience for all who come to receive ashes.
We are seeking volunteers to fill roles at all scheduled Masses. St. Joseph ministers should call the St. Joseph parish office to volunteer (616-794-2145). St. Charles ministers can sign up online or call the parish office (616-754-4194).

Click here to view volunteer opportunities for the Ash Wednesday Masses at St. Charles.

Lenten Calendar

Lent is around the corner. This is a very special time of the church year as we journey to Calvary and the tomb. It is a journey that involves the Church beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing to Easter Sunday and beyond. FOR THIS YEAR ONLY AND IN CONSULTATION WITH FR. JIM AND FR. BROWN, WE WILL BE ADDING A FEW EXTRA SERVICES DURING HOLY WEEK. This is due to the fact that there are two priests who are willing to celebrate Holy Week with your faith communities. Next year, Fr. Jim will be back, and without the help of other priests, and therefore the parishes will revert back to the normal schedule. Normally Holy Week is a lot of work for one priest, but with two, we will be able to provide more service and enable more people to experience the Easter mystery. I hope you can help us get the word out and invite your friends and family to join us on our Lenten journey. We have compiled a list of all the events taking place throughout Lent and Holy Week- please place this calendar somewhere that you can refer it and come to as many of the Lenten and Holy Week events as possible.

–Fr. Tom

Fr. Tom Brown has graciously offered to hear confessions on Saturdays before the 4:30 PM Mass. Reconciliation will begin at 3:00 pm. Please watch the bulletin for schedule changes.

Classes start Sunday, August 24th. Click on the link below to register online.

Online Registration for Faith Formation Classes

Make your appointment today for the September 2nd Versiti Blood Drive at St. Joseph Church. All attempting donors with a valid email address will receive a $25 e-gift card. Click the link below to schedule your appointment.

https://donateblood.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/11599068

We have an update to the weekday Mass schedule. Weekday Masses and Reconciliation will be held the weeks of June 16th & June 23.

Beginning the week of June 30th Weekday Masses and Reconciliation are paused through at least early fall. Please pick up one of the flyers available at each worship site listing nearby weekday Masses and Reconciliation for your convenience.

The Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) is Sunday June 22nd. We will have a Eucharistic Procession, including Benediction, in church after the 11:00 a.m. Mass. Watch this beautiful video from 2017’s procession. Join us in this rich treasure of our faith and be a witness in our communities on Sunday June 22nd.

** Special thanks to Jake Schmiedicke and Ice Pictures Productions www.IcePicturesProductions.com for producing this beautiful video for us!

Fr. Jim will be gone on a planned vacation May 19th through May 26th. While he is gone the weekday Masses and Reconciliation are cancelled. Adoration on Tuesday at St. Joseph and Wednesday at St. Charles will take place as scheduled.

Fr. Jim will also be out of the office on Tuesday, May 27th and Wednesday, May 28th for medical appointments. Due to that Mass & Reconciliation scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at St. Joseph is cancelled, and Mass scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th at St. Charles is cancelled. Adoration at both worship sites will take place as scheduled.

Click the link below for a list of nearby parishes offering Reconciliation and weekday Masses.
 

https://saintscjm.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Nearby-Reconciliation-Weekday-Mass-Guide.pdf