Bulletin Announcements for December 11-12, 3rd Sunday of Advent (C)

2021 Retirement Fund for Religious

Help aging religious. Elderly Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have offered their lives in service to others—educating the young, comforting the sick, and ministering to the less fortunate. Today, many are frail and need assistance. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps furnish medications, nursing care, and more. Please give generously to today’s second collection.


Upcoming Discernment Weekend

The Diocese of Gaylord has scheduled a discernment weekend for the young men of our diocese at Saint John Vianney (SJV) College Seminary  February 17 – 19, 2022. The weekend has been set aside to afford an opportunity for young men who are juniors in high school through college (ages 16 through 24) who may be considering the priesthood to take a closer look at seminary life. During this campus visit, guests will be able to hear testimonies from current seminarians, attend spiritual conferences with Saint John Vianney priests, pray with the community and tour the University of St. Thomas (where SJV is located).

There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to find out how to register, please contact Caryn Jacobs in the Diocese of Gaylord Vocations office at 989.705.3509 or email vocations@dioceseofgaylord.org.


Stewardship by the Book

Today's Gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: "Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same."    


Vocation View

Have you ever asked: What ought I do? Simply, tell the Good News to people. Nothing else matters.


Stewardship Reflections

“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

St. Paul reminds us that God is an abundant God – He is the ultimate giver of gifts.  He promises to give us all that we need.  Remember, that we are created in God’s image and likeness.  We, too, are made to be generous with all of our gifts as well.  Placing our trust in God frees us from being a slave to possessions.  It allows us to gratefully and generously share ourselves and our goods with others.


Family Perspective

Today’s gospel tells us to SHARE! This Christmas resist the pressure to give token gifts. Instead, use those funds to give NECESSITITIES to the poor.  If our impoverished brothers and sisters are not on our gift list, we’ve missed the point of Christmas.


Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Adults by Priests, Deacons or Others
To report allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults within the Diocese of Gaylord by priests, deacons or other employees or volunteers, regardless of when it occurred, individuals should: Contact local law enforcement and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (855-444-3911). The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has also set up a special phone line for people to share information that may be of help in their ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct by Catholic clergy. That number is 844-324-3374. You may also contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Larry LaCross, at 989-705-9010. In the State of Michigan many professionals, including clergy, teachers, doctors, counselors and named others are mandated reporters. This means such individuals are REQUIRED to make an oral or online report IMMEDIATELY to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services if they
suspect a child is being neglected or abused in any way. Individuals may call the state report line at the number above, which is answered 24 hours a day, or submit a report online at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhh/0,5885,7-339-73971_7119---00.html.