Shakespeare wrote many centuries ago, "Absence from those we love is self from self, a cruel banishment." All of us know in some measure how true that is. We have said goodbye to friends who were moving to other places. You know how painful that is. It broke our hearts to think that we would not be able to see them or be with them as regularly as we used to.
The same applies to sending our children to college. And though we are proud of, and pleased with their progress, we are still saddened by their absence from home. Our house feels a little empty without them, do they not? Therefore, Shakespeare is is right in asserting that absence from those we love is,"self from self, a cruel banishment."
My fellow reflectors, and friends, isn't how we feel with the exit of sister Joan Frances Giere from our faith-community of Good Shepherd parish, and from our Eastside Detroit neighborhood? We will miss her so much. During her long years of ministry among us, she was a great and positive influence--- pointing and directing us to something more nobler and more lasting than our individual selves. Her presence, words, and example are uplifting and prophetic. They vividly remind us that God is important in our lives, and that nothing should ever replace God in our daily lives. Simply put, she is a witness to God's abiding love abd presence in our lives.For this, we say, thank you.
We gather here today at Good Shepherd from far and near to say to show our appreciation and gratitude, and say: "Farewell and God's blessing". We may not have gold or silver to give to this devoted servant of the Lord, but our love and indebtedness to her for all she did for us is undeniable. Our pockets may be empty, but our hearts are overflowing with genuine love. Thank you, sister Joan Frances. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord. Thank you for teaching us by word and example that there are values more precious and lasting than material acquisition.
You have shared in our joys and sorrows. You have participated in our struggles and triumphs. You know "where the shoe pinches" in our faith-community and our struggling neighborhoods. Many in our community did directly or indirectly benefit from your generosity and the generosity of your religious congregation. Hardly any year passes without some grant from your community for the poor and needy in our community. For this and for other noble deeds, we here at Good Shepherd Church are very grateful. May God bless you and your religious community of Sisters of Notre Dame. May our Savior continue to guide your ministry. We promise to keep you in our prayer, and ask that you continue to lift our faith-family up in your own prayers. As you are aware, there is immense power in prayer.
Without a doubt, you will be greatly missed here in our faith-community, but we know that there is time for everything--- time to arrive and time to leave, time to embrace, and time to wave goodbye. While we are saddened by the vacuum that your absence will create in our midst, we will take solace from the comforting fact that we are not waving you goodbye to the grave, but rather to your Mother House, where you will continue your wonderful ministry for the Lord and his Blessed Mother. Farewell, dear sister! May you continue to be a blessing and a beacon of hope to the poor!
Let us all take solace from the words of the Scripture this Sunday, especially our first reading, taken from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 66, which states that the future holds a great promise of hope for God's people despite the hardship and set-backs of their exile. Be glad, therefore, sister Joan Frances, that you are leaving a faith-community that has registerd some notable progress, a community with no debts, a dynamic faith-family whose future looks bright, thanks to the strong foundation that you have helped to lay. This explains why you will be greatly missed here. Farewell !
There is a beautiful song that says; "Home, sweet home!" I love that song because it proclaims a wonderful truth. Home is truly sweet.Nothing can adequately replace home. Home is lovely. Every face looks more charming, and every room seems more inviting. Home is beyond description. What can replace home? Nothing. I love America, but my home has a special place in my heart. Words are powerless to describe the feeling.
On taking off from Detroit Metro Airport on my way to my home town in Africa, via Frankfort, Germany, to begin my one month annual vacation, I had a feeling that the visit was going to be very special and wonderful. I did not know why I was feeling that way, but something in me continued telling me that a memorable experience was awaiting me at home. As I pondered the thought, I began to think of my brothers and sisters, as well as the numerous nieces and nephews who would be very anxious to see my face again since my last visit a year ago. I wondered how big and tall the little ones among them had grown by now. I particularly thought of my very little cute niece, Nneka, who eats too much and talks too much. I wondered whether she was still a verocious eater, as in the past. She could finish her meal in a matter of few minutes, and would be looking for more, as if she hadn't eaten anything. What a little girl!
Thoughts like these were still going through my mind when the plane took off. It was only then that I suddenly remembered that I hadn't fastened my seat belt. Obviously, my mind was thousands of miles away, as I was busy imagining all those I was going to see their faces at home. My mind roamed from one thing to another. I thought, for instance, of the fruits whose season was at this time, especially cashew and mango fruits. I thought also of oranges and bananas that were plentiful at this period. Then my mind quickly moved to the weather. I could see in my mind's eyes the lovely blue skies that are almost predictable during this time. I smiled as I thought of my first meal at home which would undoubtedly include some jallof rice and chicken, with delicious potato piles, and mango juice. At this point my mouth begun to water. That's what imagination could do to you! Fortunately, it wasn't long before the flight attendants began serving meals. One of them approached and asked me, "Beef or chicken?" Before she could even finish, I said aloud: "Chicken! chicken!" I said it twice to make sure she would not mistake what I said, or dare bring me beef in place of chicken. It worked. Chicken was served me, and I was happy.
We landed at Frankfort on the following morning, July 1st. After a short stay in Germany,my journey to Africa resumed. I some minor shopping at Frankfort airport where I bought a cell phone and a science calculator for my niece and nephew that are in college. The prices were very good, and the items were duty-free. Afterwards, I went to the check-in gate and stayed there to wait for my check-in in the next hour. I used the time of my waiting at the Gate to read one of the books I carried with me, titled, A Priest's Life: The Calling, The cost, and the Joy." Before I could cover about ten pages or thereabouts, however, it was time for check-in. Off I went and stood in the long line. About eighteen minutes later, it was my turn to be checked in. It happened without any incidence, and shortly after, I found myself seated at a nice window seat, with two sophisticated, and afluent-looking ladies on the two remaining seats on my right hand side toward the aile. There was something striking about the two ladies.
First, none of them greeted me when I came in. They merely smiled and continued reading what they were reading.. Secondly, none of them seemed to speak a word of English. The newspaper they were reading was written in German, and the movies they chose to watch during the course of the long flight from Frankfort to Nigeria were all none English movies. I said to myself, "Wow, what a group of seat companions for a long flight! But, none of them seemed unduly unfriendly, even though they kept to themselves. For instance, they passed along my meal to me at my window seat whenever the servers came with meals. And, each time I received such a help, I politely turned to them and said: "Danke zi," which is the German for "thank you very much". Then, as if surprised that I could address them in German, they simply smiled or grinned, nodding their heads in apparent appoval. There was no conversation beyond that. We were total strangers to each other. It was a strange encounter indeed. Each of us did what we wanted---- either watching movies, or reading books, or newspapers, or simply sleeping.
On arrival in Africa, I was glad that the silence was over. I hieved a sigh of relief, glad that I would be able to speak freely with folks that share my culture and values. As I saw the friendly and smiling faces of some of the policewomen and men on duty at the airport, I said to myself: "Michael, now you are really back home!" I was happy. I knew I could be understood, and understand. That was enough for me. I felt happy.
Happier things occured shortly afterwards. What are they? Can you guess who were waiting for me at the airport, and what they said? And, can you imagine what actually happened when I eventually reached my home village the following day? It was wonderful. Watch out for details of these events in the final segment of these reflections in September.
Till then, let us not forget the powerful message conveyed in our first reading this Sunday(Book of Sirach), "The greater you are, the more you should behave humbly." What an advice! Humility is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength of character.Let us, meanwhile, commend our humble and devoted sister, and member, Bernyce Edwards, to the Lord who has called her to eternity. May she rest in peace!
As we all know, today is the farewell party for Sister Joan Frances Giere, SSND, who has ministered in our midst here on the Eastside of Detroit for many years. As we express our love and appreciation, and wave goodbye to her this Sunday, let us resolve to continue to keep her and our faith-family in our thoughts and prayers.
Have you made your pledge or given your contribution to this year's C.S.A? If you haven't, know that time is running out. Stand up and be counted as a member of this faith-community. Act without further delay. May God bless you as you heed this call. In the meantime, we say a big thank you to all that have already contributed something for this worthy cause this year.
Members of the Gift Committee, please, remember that your meeting scheduled for Saturday August 14, has been moved to the last Saturday of this month, August 28 at the same time of 6.30pm. This important meeting is expected to last not more than a hour. Please, let all members endeavor to attend, as we try to map our strategies for gift distribution this season.
Watch out before the end of this month for Fr. Michael's Open Letter for this year. It will convey some useful information relevant to our mission as a faith-community.
Are you getting ready for our Alumni Mass next month? Remember, the Annual Alumni Mass for Annunciation High School will take place in a few weeks from now---- Sunday, September 12, at the usual time of 10:00 a.m. A number of priests, including Fr. Val, will be concelebrating at the special Mass. Let us get fully ready for this special annual event.
Let us continue to keep in our prayers all our sick and shut-ins that God's guidance and comfort may rest upon them. Also, let's remember those families that have lost loved ones recently. May God send them his peace and comfort too.
Remember to make your contribution to the annual collection for the church in Poland. If you didn't give yours last Sunday, please, do so today or next Sunday, before the collection is submitted to the Archdiocese for onward transmission to Poland. Thank you for your past contribution in this regard. It is for a worthy cause.
Are you aware that all our parish staff are now part-time only. It is hoped that this special arrangement is only for a few years, as we hope that the economic climate of the City and state will eventually improve to enable everyone to return to full time, by God's grace. Let us for now keep this arrangement in our prayers for God's guidance. In the meantime, while office hours remain unchanged from 9am to 4pm, it is not feasible to have the staff in place throughout this period. So, at times, volunteers will fill in. At other times, you may only get the parish voicemail, especially from 3.30pm till late at night (Monday to Friday) Please, feel free to leave your message on the voicemail, to be taken care of during the next office day. Remember, office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, unless for emergency only. Remember also that our parish continues to need more and more volunteers---- even if they are willing to donate only a few hours per week, answering the phone and taking care of a few other things. Think about it. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.
Have you remembered to request at least one Mass for your family and other loved ones this year, including those that have departed this life for eternity? Remember, Holy Mass is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a loved one. Avail yourselves of this opportunity. You won't regret it!
"Penny" drive to help support St. Rose Senior Center… penny jar is in the back of church, PLEASE be generous… example, since our refreshments are the good and gracious donations from our Parish family, take a quarter or two or three and drop in the St. Rose Penny jar for your refreshments…remember a little goes a long way!
Do you know that the planned pilgrimage to Mother Africa is still on for next year, 2011, all things being equal? Those interested in this special trip are expected to sign up with a refundable deposit of $500.00 ,(five hundred dollars), not later than November 30 this year. If enough people do not sign up for it, the trip may not take place during the summer or Fall of 2011. Let those interested, take action without further delay. Time is flying.
Announcements week of August 29, 2010
Many thanks to all who helped to make Sister Jaon Frances' farewell party last week a success. May God bless you all. Deserving special thanks, however, are members of the farewell committee, who planned and executed the plan, to insure a hitch-free party for Sister Joan. We cannot thank you enough. Know that your efforts and sacrifice are appreciated.
Please, make sure to grab your own copy of Fr. Michael's "OPEN LETTER" for this year. The letter contains some uselful insight for us all as we journey together as a faith-community. May we be empowered to put into practice the things asked of us in the letter, including the need to learn, teach, and draw people to the Lord. Collectively we will be able to move our parish forward. No one can afford to sit on the fence in this regard. Let all hands be on the deck. Thank you!
Members of the Parish Council, please, remember our crucial gathering at Sacred Heart Major Seminary on Tuesday, August 31st, to help in the review of the newly updated Parish Pastoral Council Handbook. Dinner starts at 5:00 p.m. But the meeting itself will start at 6:00 p.m. The Leadership of the Parish Stewardship Committee are also encouraged to attend this important workshop.
A reminder that our next Healing Mass will take place on the last Saturday of next month-- September 25, at 4:00 p.m. As usual, venue is the church. It will be preceded by a holy hour and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All are invited.
Let us not forget that collections in aid of the church in Poland are still being taken. If you haven't given yours, please, do so today, or latest by next Sunday. We thank all who have already given their donation to this worthy cause. God bless you.
As we all know by now, our C.S.A Campaign for this year is winding down. If you haven't given your gifts or made your pledges, know that time is increasingly running out. Please, do so today or next week. The sooner, the better. May God bless all that have already made their contributions this year. You are the reason for Good Shepherd's steady progress.
As we all know by now, news has reached us of the passing away of one of our most dedicated members, Bernyce Edwards, a devoted lector, a conscientious President of the Renaissance Vicariate Pastoral Council, and an untiring regular morning Mass attendee. Words are powerless to describe the loss, but we accept God's will, and commend her to the LORD that has called her to Himself unto eternity. May God's comfort rest upon her family, and upon us all!
MASS INTENTIONS:
Saturday, Sunday, - Good Shepherd Parisioners and Alumni at 10:00 a.m.
Monday, at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday,at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, - NO MORNING MASS
Thursday, at 9:00 a.m.
Friday, at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, Good Shepherd Parisioners & Alumni at 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, all Good Shepherd Parisioners & Alumni at 10:00 a.m.
