Service 4 Justice

Jan 15 MLK celebration...

2012-01-31T09:30:00.001-08:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass, Choirs & Dinner:

January 15th, 2012, at St. Francis Parish ... Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., worked to bring justice & peace to all.

The 5PM Mass Sunday, featured the St. Francis Contemporary Choir under the direction of Carol Fedewa and the Corpus Christi Choir under the direction of Michelle Baines. Corpus Christi Parish is our sister parish in Detroit, MI.

A light supper followed the 5:00 pm mass in St. Francis Parish Activities Center.

An embedded slide show of the photos from Jan 15 MLK celebration... can be viewed by the public at:

http://www.stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/peace-justice/martin-luther-king-day

Justice Prayer Partners - January

2012-01-11T14:44:00.001-08:00

Dear Justice Prayer Partner,

Thank you for your prays. We are experiencing many blessings due to God's abundant mercy and the effectiveness of your prayers.

This month we are asking you to pray for

MLK Masses and Dinner: the weekend of 1/15/12.

Volunteers are needed to provide drinks and desserts, and help with serving and clean-up at the supper.

MI Peace Team Training: held on 2/11.

We will need volunteers to provide snacks and drinks.

Lenten Project: "Neighbors in Need"

it will consist of a calendar, a donation sack, weekly short articles inside the Forum, and a display in the main entrance of the church. Also, 5 people will write front-page Forum articles about their experience with service/volunteering to help Catholic Social Services – these will be tied to the overall parish theme of "Change of Heart".

Presentation / Volunteer Recruitment by Agencies Serving the Homeless: We need to establish a new date for the event due to a conflict with the parish mission, a communal penance service, and a school event that are all occurring in March. A possible date of 3/15 has been suggested, but no final decision has been made.

Thank you for your continued support.

See our St. Francis Life, Service + Justice NEWS BLOG:
http://service4justice.blogspot.com/

See our St. Francis Peace and Justice web site page at:

http://www.stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/peace-justice

Justice Prayer Partners:

http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/support/prayer-partners

Congratulations Lourdes!!!

2011-12-13T20:29:00.001-08:00

Lourdes Salazar Bautista, a St. Mary's parishioner who faced deportation (along with her three American children) was told today, 2011-12-13, that the ICE officials have decided to "defer action" on her deportation order. So, temporarily, she can remain in the United States with her children.

See attached photos of Lourdes at the St. Francis Parish Office saying, "Thank you! Thank you for your support!"

Food Drive Thanks!

2011-11-28T18:36:00.001-08:00

Thanks for the Food Drive!

We are happy to report that we gave more than

588 bags of groceries. That is:

57 bags to Corpus Christi;

94 bags to CSTS;

163 bags to HOPE;

173 bags to Northside CSS;

101 bags to Perry Nursery School

(arraigned in baskets by our St. Francis Middle School Youth Group. These baskets also each included a gift certificate from our St. Vincent dePaul Fund.).

Thanks to all of you especially those of you who went shopping. And, thanks to our project coordinator, Mary Hayden, and, to her assistants, Jim and Linda Wiseman, as well as, everyone who worked on this project: Joseph Arozarena, Laura Babe, Bob Conlin, Julie Allison-Conlin, Cindy D'Agostino, Dave D'Agostino, Joel Decker, Henry Decker, Barbara Dehn, Richard Dehn, Marilyn Fitzpatrick, Richard Galant, Mike Gatti, Colette Hamel, John Hamel, Mary Hayden, Beth Hoetger, Chris Kempton, Rosaleen Kirk, Jason Matney, Elisabeth McClellan, MaryKaren McClellan, Ann Moln, Bruce Moln, Anthony Mollo, Chris Mollo, Lynette Mollo, Emilee Nazareth, Joseph Nazareth, Mike Nazareth, Sarah Nazareth, Gary Roche, Paul Schwankl, Ann Scott, Ed Scott, Daniel Simonelli, Jodi Simpson, Tricia Suttmann, Julie Soyer, Joshua Tisack, Chris Turner, Barbara Whalen, Jim Wiseman, Linda Wiseman, Hennie Ham (Wiseman), Lisa Dick (Wiseman), Edward Wright, Sharon Wright, Scott Wright, & the Middle School Youth.

------------------------------

Food Drive Numbers' Archive

2011-11-21T12:45:00.001-08:00

Here is our collection of statistics from the St. Francis' Food Drives.

(Also, recall that about 10 bags a week or each year about 500 bags are delivered to local pantries by our weekly deliverers.)

588 bags on Sunday, November 20, 2011. (We gave out 680 empty bags, and we ran out.)

336 bags on Sunday, June 26, 2011, to Detroit. (About 500 empty bags were given out.)

423 bags on Sunday, February 20, 2011.

572 bags on Sunday, November 21, 2010.

320 bags on Sunday, June 27, 2010, to Detroit.

452 bags on Sunday, March 14, 2010. (432 is the number without the Monday morning count.)

554 bags on Sunday, November 22, 2009.

____ bags in June 2009, to Detroit.

511 bags in March 2009.

507 bags November 2008.

~500 bags June 2008, to Detroit.

more than 432 bags February 2008.

More than 1,550 bags of groceries were delivered last year, during 2007, (food drives + our regular weekly deliveries).

more than 637 bags November 2007.

_____ bags June 2007, to Detroit.

more than 460 bags on February 11, 2007.

more than 550 bags November 2006.

371 Bags to Flint June 25, 2006. (Our total value of the 2615 items is $3983.75. That is: 1005 personal care items valued at $2134 and 1610 food items valued at $1850.)

596 bags March 2006.

____ bags November 2005

~700 bags June 12, 2005, (that's about 2000 lbs. of non-perishable food items for the Wellness House of Michigan, in Detroit.)

505 bags February 2005.

provide Food for 199 Households in November 2004.

~725 bags June 2004, (that's about 2000 lbs. of non-perishable food items for the Wellness House of Michigan, in Detroit.)

534 bags February 8, 2004.

~825 bags November 2003. (162 is the TOTAL number of households served.)

~800 bags June 8, 2003, to St. Benedict Church in Highland Park and Wellness House of Michigan.

~655 bags February 1, 2003.

~830 bags November 17, 2002 (approximately 200 households.)

~800 bags June 9, 2002, to St. Benedict Church in Highland Park and Wellness House of Michigan.

~655 bags February 3, 2002.

~1100 bags November 18, 2001. (to approximately 300 households.)

---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------

Justice Prayer Partners - November

2011-11-08T18:24:00.001-08:00

Dear Justice Prayer Partner,

We ask you to pray for the success of our advocacy efforts on behalf of Lourdes Salazar Bautista and her family, who face imminent deportation.

If you would like to participate directly in this advocacy effort, please consider attending the candlelight vigil on Friday, 11/11 at 7:00 pm at St. Mary's Student Parish in downtown Ann Arbor. Another way to help is by calling Janet Napolitano at (202) 282-8495 and John Morton, Director of ICE at (202) 732-3000. Ask them to "defer action" on the deportation order. Here is a sample script that you could use in your message:

Sample Script: "I am calling to ask that the deportation of Lourdes Salazar Bautista (A# 075-414-900) be stopped so she can remain in the United States with her children. Lourdes has 3 U.S. citizen children who need her in the country. She is a good mother and a beloved member of her community. President Obama said he wasn't going to deport people like Lourdes. Don't deport Lourdes Salazar Bautista." Also, please sign the petition here!

Also, we want to thank you for your prayers in October. Here is a report on the results from our October events:

We had beautiful weather for the CROP Walk; 500 walkers raised almost $34,000 and donated 120 lbs of canned goods for local food banks. The funds will be divided so that 75% will support efforts to fight hunger overseas and 25% will support efforts to fight hunger here in Washtenaw County.

The Human Trafficking conference on 10/29/11 was attended by approximately 70 people, including about 20 from St. Francis. Our Committee is discussing a follow-up project to further educate our parishioners about this problem and to support "Back to the Roots", a local organization in Chelsea that helps to fight human trafficking and promote fair trade.

Thank you for your continued support of Peace and Justice!
See our new web site page at:
http://www.stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/peace-justice

Also, here are some other links that you may be interested in for:

Justice for immigrants:
http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/partnering-ministries/justice-immigrants

Justice Prayer Partners:
http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/support/prayer-partners

CROP Hunger Walk:
http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/partnering-ministries/crop-walk

Message to Justice Prayer Partners - October

valuable experience - volunteer opportunity - Monday, Nov 14 ... check us out

2011-11-03T20:17:00.001-07:00

Volunteers needed to work with our well- established support group for Young Adults with Disabilities. This "Friendship" group composed of young to middle-aged adults has been part of LDA's (Learning Disabilities Association, Washtenaw Chapter) programming for over over 25 years.

Traditionally we meet about once-a-month either at Tappan Middle School (through Community Education) or at other sites in our community.

If you are looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity or for those planning a future in either the field of Health care or Education this would be a valuable experience.

In addition to learning disabilities our members live with a variety of mental and/or physical afflictions ranging from Autism to Down Syndrome to Schitzo Affective Disorder.

We enjoy playing a variety of Board Games as well as "sharing" our zeal for a full life and use our amazing gifts and survival skills to help one another.

Once a year we work together on a volunteer project for St. Francis Church. We make decorations for their annual Christmas Party (to which we are invited). We call our Volunteer Night "Monday Madness".

If you wish to "check us out" please contact Madelon Possley <madelonp@comcast.net> and plan to visit us from 6:00-8:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov 14 at the Cafeteria in Tappan Middle School, Ann Arbor.

St. Vincent de Paul of St. Francis Parish November 20, 2011, Special Collection

2011-11-03T20:15:00.001-07:00

Special Collection November 20, 2011, for

St. Vincent de Paul of St. Francis Parish

This fund, over the years, has helped hundreds of families, seniors, and individuals climb out of some terrible situations---evictions, shut-offs, staggering medical bills, car repairs, or an empty pantry. This is all due to your generosity and concern for the poor. You have reached out with the hands and heart of Jesus. This is a tremendous blessing for our parish.

Every dime put into the St. Vincent de Paul Fund goes to help people in need. Many of our fellow parishioners have been helped through tough times by this fund.

Funds come from St. Francis Parish members free-will donations throughout the year. Your donations to this fund, this year, will also help:

· transport bedding this winter for our homeless neighbors in the Rotating Shelter Program in Washtenaw County (due to cuts in other funding sources).

· provide groceries for a family homeless shelter in Ann Arbor.

· provide food for families with extremely low income households here in Ann Arbor.

St. Francis is respected for our willingness to help others, and for our ability to work closely with other human service agencies and churches, which are a part of a network to help make sure that the needs are real and that there is no duplication in services.

Please pray that the funds collected in this drive are adequate to support the parish's service to the needy, and that the committee overseeing the fund's use makes wise decisions. If you'd like to take part in that committee's work, it meets on the first Thursday of each month. New members are always welcome.

Envelopes are provided in your church pew on the weekend of the collection.

Checks may be made out to "St. Francis Parish", with "St. Vincent de Paul" on the memo line.

Thank you! May God bless our work, and, especially bless those we help in the name of Jesus!

Giving Tree – “You” Are The Key!

2011-11-03T20:13:00.001-07:00

Giving Tree – "You" Are The Key!

St. Francis parishioners donate Christmas gifts to needy people in our area through our Advent Giving Tree program starting on November 26th. You are needed to help serve as a key leader. The five key leaders have an important job that is easily done in 10-15 minutes after the Advent Sunday masses. Today, please contact Karen Shellie at 487-5379 or 417-2233 or <kshellie@sbcglobal.net>

Tax Aides Needed

2011-11-03T20:12:00.001-07:00

Tax Aides Needed: Do you enjoy helping others? St. Francis Parish seeks volunteers to assist lower income families obtain Michigan tax credits and to help complete basic income tax forms. We provide the training and the opportunity to apply the knowledge on Saturdays in February – April. Interested? Contact Scott (821-2121) or

sign-up at: https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/tax-help/

A Christmas Dinner Party

2011-11-03T20:11:00.001-07:00

A Christmas Dinner Party

A local charity organization (its staff and clients) each year is given a Christmas Dinner Party hosted here by our St. Francis parish family.

"This party is one of the highlights of our holiday season! The food, company and activities are always wonderful." Last year Santa, the Raffle man, great musicians, our kids choir, and our party coordinators of, decorations, activities, food and kitchen, as well as, our more than 70 servers, clearly saw joy in the eyes of our 180 guests, especially the children.

This year we are proud to again host Perry Nursery School of Ann Arbor, which benefits the struggling single parent low-income families of our area. The School provides full-time, year round child care, early childhood education and intervention services in a child-centered, literacy-rich environment for at-risk children within Washtenaw County.

You're invited at 6:00 pm Tuesday, December 13, 2011, in the Parish Activities Center.

We need you to participate by providing a dish for the party or serving at the party. This is a buffet style meal serving about 150-200 persons. Interested in helping? Sign-up on the parish web site, or, contact our parish office of Life, Service + Justice, justice@stfrancisa2.org or 821-2121; or, please fill out the form at:

https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/giving-tree/

... .... ...

o 4:15 - 5:45pm, help set up.

o 5:45 - 7:45pm, assist with serving.

o 6:30pm, help with kids' activities: arts, crafts or games.

Deliver a Dish for about 8 persons by 5:30pm (after 8am).

o any casserole. o any cooked vegetable.

o any salad. o any dessert.

(We prefer disposable containers. Otherwise, pick-up well labeled containers from the parish office.)

Please fill out the form at:

https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/giving-tree/

Food Drive for the Local Pantries - We need you to help!

2011-11-03T20:10:00.001-07:00

Food Drive for the Local Pantries

We need you to help!

On Sunday, November 13th. take an empty grocery bag (distributed at all the Masses) Go Shopping and purchase some of the items listed on the bag. On November 19th & 20th return the groceries in the bag At Masses.

On Sunday, November 20th. help deliver bags to the local pantries (in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti) between 10:30AM – 2:00PM. Come to the Gym.

 "Help Deliver Groceries & Load Cars."

 "Use My Own Car to Deliver."

Sign-up at: https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/food-drive/

Or, call to sign-up 821-2121.

Groceries will be delivered to:

• Community Support and Treatment Services, Washtenaw Co.;

• Corpus Christi Parish, Detroit (Our Sister Parish);

• Hope Clinic;

• Northside Community Center (of Catholic Social Services);

• Perry Nursery School of Ann Arbor (families in need will receive Thanksgiving baskets assembled by our St. Francis Middle School Youth Group.).

Sign-up at: https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/food-drive/

Housing

2011-10-13T19:31:00.001-07:00

A message from the Homeless Education Newsletter regarding the changes at SOS Crisis Center. Please pass this information along when assisting people facing housing situations.

HOUSING ACCESS

The SOS Crisis Center is now the Housing Access for Washtenaw County (HAWC). Please note the new phone number: 734-961-1999. What does this mean? In the past, families would call multiple agencies or call with the intent of getting on a shelter waitlist. These days are over. HAWC is the single point of contact for housing services and there is not a shelter waitlist anymore. Households experiencing housing instability or homelessness should be told to call HAWC where they will receive an assessment of their needs and a connection to available resources. Please help families understand available resources are very strained. We are working to help families identify other family members or friends they can stay with.

Re: Series

2011-10-13T15:50:00.001-07:00

The "RESPECT LIFE SERIES" called "Life Matters" is from the web site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/

The full text of the articles (& other resources) can be found there:
www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program/

Our St. Francis Peace and Justice Committee was given the following four articles to be summarized, edited, and reprinted, on one page in the weekly bulletin Forum.

Part 1.) "Persons with Disabilities" in the October 2, 2011, St. Francis Forum on Page 15 at:
http://stfrancisa2.com/sites/all/files/documents/111002.pdf

Part 2.) "The Death Penalty" in the October 9, 2011, St. Francis Forum on Page 15 at:
http://stfrancisa2.com/sites/all/files/documents/111009.pdf

Part 3.) "To the End of Our Days" in the October 16, 2011, St. Francis Forum on Page 15 at:
http://stfrancisa2.com/sites/all/files/documents/111016.pdf
or,
http://stfrancisa2.com/sites/all/files/documents/111016_0.pdf

Part 4.) "Abortion" in the October 23, 2011, St. Francis Forum on Page 15 at:
http://stfrancisa2.com/sites/all/files/documents/111023.pdf
or,
http://stfrancisa2.com/sites/all/files/documents/111023_0.pdf

~~~~~~~~

Summary and Fall Wrap Up

2011-10-07T10:14:00.001-07:00

Happy Fall. What a great warm and sunshine filled week. The garden still looks terrific

First, Thank you very much for all your time, talent and treasures for this garden. The garden's beauty and production is because of you and God's grace.

Second, Rose Sherry and Erich Jensen have become co-coordinators of the garden for the next season, as Tracy Nagy does not have as much time to devote to the role. Many, many thanks to Tracy for her leadership, advice, and energy for this garden for so many years. We hope she will still join us at the garden in some capacity in the future. Phone numbers for Erich: 734.771.8511 and Rose: 734.657.0197.

Third, Several of you have re-committed to the garden for the 2011 -2012 season through the St Francis Time and Talent survey, and we thank you very much. No pressure on the rest of you, yet we would appreciate your continuance. You may let us know by email, too. Please let us know if you do not continue, so we don't bother you with emails. We are looking forward to new volunteers through the survey, too

Fourth, I offer up a summary which should include most of this year's activities and accomplishments and kudos to all of you for them. There is a chance I missed a couple:

February planning meeting/dinner at the Jensens
Spring seed sale and seedling sale (note: 2 events) after 8:45 and 10:30 masses
Free truckload/haul of city compost in May (Thanks to Joan and Bob Meagher)
Early spring planting of cool season crops (e.g., spinach and peas)
More formal crop rotation bedding and companion planting plan (Thanks to Sherrys and Tracy)
Second growing season of asparagus plants (Thanks to Tracy)
Painted ping pong garden markers for garden and for seed sales (Thanks to Rose's sons, Patrick and Sherry)
Perennial (hosta) and bulb (daffodil) planting as well as herb transfer to outside garden perimeter
Awarded Master Garden Alumni Association grant of $250 (Thanks to Joan Meagher for application)
Seed, hose, and plant donations for garden from local merchants (Thanks to Joan Meagher)
Perry School "Pizza Garden" demonstration in June for parents, their kids and staff (Thanks to Meaghers and Jensens)
Purchase and set up of rain barrel (Thanks to Joan Meagher)
Relocation and active use of 3 compost bins
Organization of weekly watering, weeding and composting schedule (Thanks to Rose)
Delivery of produce to Perry Nursery School
Poster session at St Francis Ministry Fair after Sunday masses (Thanks to Jensens and Sherrys)
Fall St Francis Canticle and Sep Master Gardener Alumni Association newsletter article about garden (Thanks to Erich)
Purchase of equipment and supplies, as needed (e.g., fine straw mulch, watering can, tools, etc)

Lastly, we are planning a late Oct - early Nov Saturday cleanup....stay tuned...maybe a harvest pot luck dinner - get together for all of you and to meet our new talent. Stay tuned.

God bless you,
and regards,
Erich Jensen

2011-10-04T23:12:00.001-07:00

Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi – Part II

Last week in commemoration ofthe feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi,we noted that he is the patron saint of the poor and disenfranchised as well asof peace / prevention of conflict. Saint Francis is also the patron saint of ecology and of our Earth’s biosphere, on which we all depend for the air which we breathe, the water wedrink, the food we eat, and all that is necessary for our existence onEarth.

Out of respect for the sanctityof human life (from conception to natural death, as well as, our concern forthe well-being of the poor, for the care of God’s creation) we are concernedwith what might be the effect of the introduction into our biosphere of significantquantities of suspected chemical carcinogens.

Our respect for the sanctityof human life is derived from the Gospel of Jesus Christ and rooted in our CatholicSocial Teaching.

(As Carl Safina of the BlueOcean Institute wrote: “Nature,civilization, peace, and human dignity are all facets of the same gemstone, andabrasion of one tarnishes the whole.” )

If we poison our biospherewith contaminates such as mercury, arsenic, dioxins, benzene, and hundreds ofothers, we risk harming all human life, especiallythe vulnerable, the unborn child, the nursing infant, and, the long-termviability of our society. Only noware we beginning to understand the effect of such contaminants with respect topremature birth, birth weight, immune systems, and cancer.

Here are a few examples ofhow contaminates have gotten into our bodies:

· spreading ofdioxin-contaminated oil on roads in Times Beach, Missouri;

· contamination ofcattle feed with fire retardant in Michiganin the 1970s;

· building on topof a hazardous waste landfill as in the Love Canal;

· inappropriate useof pesticides and herbicides in farming applications and golf courses;

· consuming fishthat contain elevated levels of mercury and PCB’s;

· spills andcontaminants from energy production (oil and gas refining, oil and natural gasdrilling, oil pipelines [as in the spill in the Kalamazoo River],coal mining, coal-fired power plants).

What might we do toaddress this issue and protect ourselves?

· Where feasible,avoid the use of household and garden chemicals that contain suspectedcarcinogens; adhere to the precautions on the container for handling anddisposal.

· Stay indoors withwindows closed if spraying of pesticides / herbicides is being done in thearea.

· Educate yourselfrelative to the potential health / environmental hazards in your area.

· Avoid eatingseafood that has been shown to contain elevated levels of mercury and PCB’s;

· Reflect on theneed for appropriate regulations and enforcement of operations usingpotentially hazardous materials.

As with any such subject, thereare many books available on the topic. Here are a few examples for your consideration:

· SandraSteingraber (Raising Elijah, Protecting Our Children in an Age of EnvironmentalCrisis and Living Downstream, AnEcologist’s Personal Investigation of Cancer and the Environment),

· Marla Cone (Silent Snow,the Slow Poisoning of the Arctic), and

· Bruce Johansen (The DirtyDozen, Toxic Chemicals and the Earth’s Future)

Dick Brown, Peace and Justice Committee

Justice Prayer Partners - October

2011-10-03T20:44:00.001-07:00

Dear Justice Prayer Partner,

We ask you to pray for the people who participated in this year's CROP Walk on Oct 2, and for all of those around the world who suffer from hunger. We ask that you also pray that the Human Trafficking conference this month, which will open the minds and hearts of the attendees to the plight of victims of trafficking. May our efforts, and the efforts of all other concerned advocates, create a world that is safer and kinder for those who are vulnerable.

Thank you for your continued support of Peace and Justice!
See our new web site page at:
http://www.stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/peace-justice

Events/projects we are working on this month:
the CROP Walk on 10/2;
the MI Interfaith Power & Light sustainability conference on 10/5; and
the Human Trafficking conference at St. Thomas parish on 10/29.

Learn more about our Justice Prayer Partners at:
http://www.stfrancisa2.com/church-community/support/prayer-partners

Message to Justice Prayer Partners - November 2011

2011-10-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi

This coming Tuesday, October 4^th, we celebrate the feast dayof our Parish’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. We know him today as the patronsaint of the poor and disenfranchised, of peace, and of the environment.

St. Francis was born 830 yearsago as Giovanni Francesco di Bernadone into a life that was very different fromhow we now view him. He was born intothe family of a wealthy cloth merchant in Assisi,in what is now Italy. Francis spent his early life as a typicalwealthy young man of the time, and later fought as a soldier in the service of Assisi. This was also the time of the Crusadesagainst Muslim armies in and near the Holy Land.

During his lifetime St.Francis became aware of the wide divide between the poor and the very rich;between the have-nots and the haves. Hesaw the immorality of the seemingly never-ending wars of the time that devastatedthe lives of so many. St. Francis alsosaw the need to protect and enjoy nature as stewards of God’s Creation.

He reached out to those whosebeliefs were different when he made the dangerous journey to meet the Islamicleader Sultan Malik Al-Kamil in Egypton a mission of peace. (You can readabout this meeting in the book, The Saintand the Sultan: The Crusades, Islam, and Francis of Assisi’sMission ofPeace by Paul Moses.)

To follow in St. Francis’s footsteps, we do not have to give away all our worldly goods orrisk a hazardous journey to try to stop a war. As parishioners here at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, we can helpaddress issues of poverty, hunger, conflict, and threats to our biosphere onwhich our lives depend.

Activities within our Parishthat work to alleviate & address issues of poverty can be found on the

new Parish website under the three tabs called, “Service”& “Outreach” & “Support”.

We can also help by offeringour prayers for those who are in need. Thereare so many ways in which we can help. We are limited only by our imagination.

Dick Brown,Peace and Justice Committee

Immigration

2011-08-31T14:24:00.001-07:00

Michigan Bishops' Statement on Immigration, August 2011
"I was a stranger" http://www.micatholicconference.org/assets/files/focus/focus_20110801-IWasAStranger.pdf

Stewardship Ministry Fair Scavenger Hunt (Time & Talent)

2011-07-08T13:49:00.001-07:00

For the Time and Talent Scavenger Hunt here are my proposed questions and answers.   My first choice for my favorite is this first one.

1) --------------------
Q:    This year, how many birthday calls were made to St. Francis members who were 65 years and older?

A:    Over 800 people received a call on their birthday.

2) --------------------
Q:    Name one of our twin/sister parishes. (Hint: We have one in New Orleans and one in Detroit.)

A:    Corpus Christ, Detroit, and St. Paul the Apostle, New Orleans.

3) --------------------
Q:    In the past year, approximately how many meals were prepared and served by St. Francis of Assisi Church for our hungry brothers and sisters?

A:    1542 meals this year. This past year 142 people were served at the Dinner Party for Perry Nursery School, and, more than 1400 hot meals were prepared and served at the at Alpha House & Delonis Shelters. (142 + 1400 = 1542 meals total)

4) --------------------
Q:    In the past year, approximately how many bags of groceries were collected by St. Francis of Assisi Church for emergency pantries?

A:    2,000 bags of groceries approximately this year.   With 52 weeks a year we get more than 10-15 bags of groceries each week (say 624), plus, three major food drives (say 1330)

--------------------
Q:    At St. Francis, what is the total number of Stephen Ministers trained since 2006?   What do they do for others?    How many care receivers have they served?

A:    30 Stephen Ministers have been trained. They listen and care. 59 Care Receivers have been served (in those five years 2006-2011).

5) --------------------
Q:    Name one of our major themes of Catholic Social Teaching.

A:    Here are the top seven major themes:
        1. Life and dignity of the human person - All people are holy, made in the image of God.
        2. Call to family, community and participation - People are both holy and social; when one suffers, we all suffer.
        3. Rights and responsibilities - People have a basic right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and work.
        4. Option for the poor and vulnerable - The "Jesus" test of a community (of society) is how it treats its neediest members.
      5. Dignity of work and the rights of workers - Money, work and business exist to serve people, not the other way around.
        6. Solidarity - We want justice for all people.
        7. Care for God's creation - The environment is God's sacred creation.
----------

--------------------

Food Drive Thank You!!!

2011-06-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the Groceries Delivered to Detroit, June 2011.

     Congratulations and thank you to all parishioners who participated in our summer Food Drive. Once again your generosity for the Food Drive was amazing! On behalf of Corpus Christi Parish & the children and families served with the food that you donated, thank you!

      We collected and delivered 336 bags of groceries to our sister parish, Corpus Christi, for use at their children's summer camp.       We greatly appreciate those who helped distribute the bags at the Masses and a special thank you also goes to those who were able to caravan to Detroit to attend the Corpus Christi feastday Mass, to unpack and organize the bags, and to share in a thankgiving meal with the Corpus Christi parishioners. We had 33 people there representing St. Francis.       It is amazing to see all the food out of the bags. We thank Corpus Christi for the beautiful Mass, social gathering & lunch we enjoyed together.

       Thanks to all of you (especially those of you who did not get named here) who went shopping or helped in any way. Special thanks to our project coordinator, Mary Hayden, and, to our truck driver, Jim Wiseman, and, Linda Wiseman, who loaded the truck at St. Francis.   Thanks to everyone for their work on this project:      Edison, Lorena, and Esperanca de Fatima de Abreu, Catherine, Paul & Susan Bass, Lisa Boos, Josephine Colatruglio, Edith DaCunha, Jennifer, Faith, & Mary Lynn Bridge-Fosdick, Mary Hayden, Sophie Hunt, Shoubo Jiao (Neil), Mary Lou Kelleman, Chris Kempton, Florence Kruzas, Dr. Ling-Hua-wei, Ernestine McGlynn, Chalan Munasinghe, Chris Mollo, Sara, Emily and Mike Nazareth, Matt Schnaidt, Kenna, Jake, & Mark Spieles, Susan Stahl, Tricia Suttmann, Janene Ternes, John Walsh, Linda Wiseman, Jim Wiseman, Sharon & Ed Wright, Scott Wright & Chuck Yonka.

June 26 - Mass & Service at Corpus Christi

2011-06-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

This summer we are offering an opportunity to join together with our sister parish, Corpus Christi, on Sunday, June 26 to celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi at Mass and then work together in service. We will carpool from St. Francis at 10am to attend the 11:00 am Mass at Corpus Christi in Detroit first. Since it is their feast day, it promises to be an especially wonderful Mass. As some of you may recall, their choir came to sing with ours the last few years for Martin Luther King Day and led some spirit-filled worship. Their pastor is a wonderful preacher as well.

Following the Mass, Corpus Christi will provide lunch for us (free will donations accepted, should you choose to contribute) and then we will work together with them to unload and sort the groceries collected by St. Francis during our next food drive, as well as help prepare and decorate their classrooms for their upcoming summer camp. There is work available to do regardless of your physical ability, so don't let that stop you. Children are also welcome if you want to make this a family event. We will be back at St. Francis by 4:30 pm at the latest. Check out the following link for more information and/or to sign up:
https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/food-drive-to-detroit/

And here's the link to the Corpus Christi web site if you'd like to find out more about our sister parish:
http://www.corpuschristi-detroit.org/

We do hope you can join us. It promises to be a fun and faith-filled time!

Catholic House DEDICATION is Friday, June 24th at 12 noon.

2011-06-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Catholic House DEDICATION is Friday, June 24th at 12 noon.

If you haven't been out to the site – now's your chance!

Also,come to meet the family – Matthieu and Jacqueline.

The home is at: 1383 Hull, Ypsilanti 48198.

For more details, and/or, to help, contact: Maggie Porter (677-1558, ext. 119)
See more photos at: catholic-habitat.blogspot.com/

The home is at: 1383 Hull, Ypsilanti 48198.

For more details, and/or, to help, contact: Maggie Porter (677-1558, ext. 119)
See more photos at: catholic-habitat.blogspot.com/

IHN Alpha House - Thanks for your work! June 2011

2011-06-21T10:36:00.001-07:00

Thank you for serving June 2011, at IHN Alpha House. Between shopping, meal preparation, meal serving, childcare, custodial work, and general supervision, St. Francis volunteers provided vital assistance that helps keep IHN's staff and funds focused on helping clients.

St. Francis volunteers (about 25) came together to supply 7 home-cooked meals, a week's worth of groceries and supplies, and over 75 hours of companionship for 19 neighbors without homes.

Thanks again for a great week! Our volunteers included: Michael Barera, Monika Barera, Herb Black, Janet Bourgon, Ashley Cole & mother, Julie Conlin, Barbara Dankert, Patti Dobbs, Jessica Eisma, Mary Hayden, Colette Hamel, Ann Herrada, Freddi Kilburn, Marty Javornisky, Lillian Kempton, Tommy Kempton, Chris Kempton, Beth Russell, Kayleigh Robb, Cynthia Smigelski, Jane Vogel, Mary Ellen White's family.
--

Migrant ministry donations June 2011

2011-06-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

The drive went very well June 12, 2011. We filled 17 welcome laundry baskets with household supplies and distributed them to workers at DuRussel Potato Farm in Manchester, Michigan.
We got many more new sheets and towels this year. It was so much easier to sort and distribute, since we had only half the number we have had in the past years. We had 8 volunteers, including, Rita Kieras, our coordinator, Dave Kieras, Colette Hamel, Sophie Hunt...

Monthly Friday Flix by St. Francis Prolife Committee

2011-06-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 10^th – The Spitfire Grill

The St Francis Prolife Committee invites our friends and neighbors to join us for our encore showing of The Spitfire Grill on June 10that 7:00 pm in the school library. The turnout for the April showing of The Spitfire Grill was light, but the enthusiasm of those in attendance was overwhelming. After watching the Spitfire Grill,

The Spitfire Grill which stars ... Read more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/pro-life/

Family Shelter June 6-12 at Alpha House

2011-05-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

Family Shelter June 6-12, 2011, (Monday - Sunday)

Join our St. Francis team in providing hospitality for 5-8 homeless families with the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) at Alpha House, Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. This is a great opportunity for individuals and families to serve together! We need people/families to support paid staff by interacting with the guest families - visiting, providing activities for the children, etc. Fill in the sign-up form at: https://stfrancisa2.wufoo.com/forms/family-shelter/

Seedling Sale for St. Francis Sustainable Garden Project

2011-05-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

SEED & Seedling SALE!!!
MAY 22, 2010

St. Francis Sustainable Garden Seed & Seedling Sale will be Sunday, May 22 after 8:45, 10:30& 12:15 Sunday Masses at a table in front of the PAC.

What will be on sale? We will have tomato and herb seedlings as well as seeds we have acquired from other organic sources.

What does this money go to? These funds help us obtain garden materials that we use for everyday maintenance of our garden, including stakes, straw for mulching, etc.

What is the St. Francis Sustainable Garden: It is a garden plot outside the St. Francis rectory where we grow and harvest herbs, vegetables which we donate to the Perry Nursery School - child care center in the Ann Arbor for single-parent low-income families in the area.

Questions - contact: Tracy Nagy (734 971-2464)
tnagy123@hotmail.com Or Sign-up at www.stfrancisa2.com

Going South To New Orleans - THANK YOU!!!

2011-05-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you for Going South to New Orleans to help. Your gesture shows genuine love, without using a word. We are proud of your dedication and grateful for your participation, which helps our community to be the living presence of Christ proclaiming the reign of God at hand.

Thanks to all who prayed for, and all who assisted financially with this effort, and all who went: Bruce Angel, Rick Clark, Cherie Holodnick, Mark McCulloch, Ernestine McGlynn, Catherine Scholand, Lucy Scholand, Debbie Sedore, Laura Snyder, Paul Stahl, Lisa Stahl, Mary Wakefield, Cora Yee, Charles Yonka, Patricia Yonka & Vickie Yonka.

Look at these smiling faces! Those of you who are able to make the commitment of 1 week to help those in need are invited to join our ‘Going South ‘ group next year. Besides working hard, we also have a great time renewing old friendships, visiting past work sites, enjoy the delicious food and atmosphere that only New Orleans can provide. Almost 6 years after Hurricane Katrina, there is still much work to do. Our presence lets our New Orlean’s friends know that they are not forgotten. Please consider a trip. You won’t be sorry! Contact Chuck or Patti Yonka for more information @ 734-461-2964.

Photos From: Mark McCulloch:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1681894014720.2082319.1458672100&l=45f8f82ad1

And, Grace shares her blog... see: http://houseonpasteur.blogspot.com/

Learn more and see more photos at: stfrancisa2.com/goingsouth/

Home Repair with Christmas in Action, as well as, Meal preparation the day prior. THANK YOU!!

2011-05-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone, both, those who prepared meals the day prior, as well as, those who made the Saturday, April 30th Home Repairs with Christmas in Action happen!!! THANK YOU!!

This is a one-day program of home repair in Ann Arbor for a homeowner who is a low-income, elderly person or person with a disability.

Home Repairs with Christmas in Action

On Saturday, April 30, all day long our team of 28 volunteers “ministered” to the needs of one of our neighbors here in Ann Arbor, a homeowner who is a low-income, elderly person. We also did lots of yard work as well as repairing and cleaning-up the home. (Also, on the day prior to Christmas in Action, we prepared meals for all the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Day of Action volunteers - Approx 200 volunteers, from various organizations/congregations, working on 8 different homes.) Special thanks to our house leader, Brian O'Neil, and to everyone, both, those who prepared meals the day prior, as well as, those who made the Home Repairs happen: Jack Bennett, Jackson Bennett, Keith Calleja, Barbara Chagnovich, Celia Chagnovich, Elizabeth Conway, Megan Conway, Claire Dahl, Daniel Demlow, Thomas DuRussel-Weston, Diane Gledhill, Colette Hamel, John Hamel, Ryan Higgins, Mary LeMire, Theresa MacLean, Joan Meagher, Amanda Murau, Brian O'Neil, Allie Pardon, Patricia Pardon, Eric Parker, Lisa Parker, Rachel Parker, Stuart Parker, Ryan Polgar, Steve Polgar Olivia Smith, Tricia Suttmann.

Learn more at: http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/rebuildingtogether.htm

You may also see photos of our past projects at:
http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/rebuilding-together/

RECYCLE - Environmental Protection

2011-04-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

RECYCLE

Environmental Protection: Steve shared a great resource, the website "Earth911.com". Users can enter their location and the materials they want to recycle, and it provides a list of local places that will take the recycling. It also provides a map, fee information, and other helpful info.

Home Repairs with Christmas in Action

2011-04-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

Home Repairs with Christmas in Action
Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 8:00am

It is a one-day program of home repair in Ann Arbor for a homeowner who is a low-income, elderly person. Professionals will be on hand to guide and instruct us volunteers. We will be doing yard work as well as repairing and cleaning-up a home.   Christmas in Action

A second opportunity this year is to prepare meals for all the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Day of Action volunteers (approx 200) on Friday night April 29th.

Sign-up at: http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/rebuildingtogether.htm
or, contact: Scott Wright (734-821-2121) swright@rc.net

Teens are welcome with or without their parents to this event with the minor-release-consent form, which is found on our web page as a PDF.

To help with funds for the home repair expenses please make your donation check out to: “St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church” and note for “Christmas in ACTION”.   Mail it to: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Parish Social Ministry Office, 2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

2011-04-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Going South To New Orleans
Look at these smiling faces! Those of you who are able to make the commitment of 1 week to help those in need are invited to join our ‘Going South ‘ group in its 6th year. The dates are April 30-May 8, 2011 and besides working hard, we also have a great time renewing old friendships, visiting past work sites, enjoy the delicious food and atmosphere that only New Orleans can provide. Almost 6 years after Hurricane Katrina, there is still much work to do. Our presence let’s our New Orlean’s friends know that they are not forgotten. If not this year, please consider a trip next year. You won’t be sorry! Contact Chuck or Patti Yonka for more information @ 734-461-2964.

2011-04-26T11:21:00.001-07:00

Thank you for participating in

our Lenten “Sack Homelessness Sack”

TODAY, return your cash and/or check contributions for the Lenten “Sack Homelessness Sack”. Please make checks payable to: “St. Francis of Assisi” and note: "Homelessness".

Make comments, ask questions, and/or start discussions about this project on our blog at: http://a2homelessness.blogspot.com/

2011-04-18T10:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the Tax Program 2011!
Tax Program Brings Strangers Together!

As we come to the close of another tax season, I wanted to thank each of you for all of your hard work this year. I am so proud of you for all of your efforts and am honored to have worked with you.
This year we were able to meet with over 100 clients and prepare tax returns totaling over $159,000 in refunds. This refund amount is up 9% from last year’s program and we saw a 20% increase in clients. Truly incredible!

Each of you are to be commended for all of your efforts in helping those served by this program. You treated each of our clients with respect and dignity and I heard nothing but glowing comments about your efforts. Many people do not file tax returns because they are not aware of the many credits available or do not know how to fill out the forms. The IRS recently announced that an estimated $1.1 billion in federal tax refunds will go unclaimed for 2007 if returns are not filed by April 18th. Much of this is from low income people who felt they did not have enough income to file, even though they had taxes withheld from their wages and were eligible for some tax credits. However, programs like the tax assistance program at St. Francis help get these refunds to those in the greatest need. The refunds generated by this program will help our clients in many ways, from paying for household expenses to perhaps saving for the future. Our clients couldn’t do it without your hard work!

2010 continued to bring challenges for our community as unemployment has remained high but appears to be slowly turning around. It may still be awhile before things truly are better but I feel positive about the future and have faith that we will come out of this stronger than ever.

As I look back over the 10 weeks that our program ran this year and think about the many people we served, a couple of people come to mind. One gentleman came in on one of the last days of the program. He had fully expected to owe federal and state taxes due to a penalty for cashing out his retirement account early. After spending some extra time with him and having him obtain some additional information, we were able to lower the amount he owed on his Federal taxes to a minimal amount and he ended up getting a state refund. He stopped by this past weekend to thank us once again for the help and even brought some fresh baked cookies. He also told me that he hopes to make a donation to the church once he receives his refund. It never ceases to amaze me that despite experiencing tough times, people are willing to give from their hearts, not their surpluses.

We also helped prepare 3 years worth of taxes for the elderly mother of one of our longtime clients. This woman had been told by a paid tax preparer that she did not need to file any taxes because she did not owe anything at the federal level. However she was unaware that she was eligible for the Michigan property tax credit and once we completed the 3 years of returns, she netted a refund of about $700. These 2 stories, and many others like them, demonstrate the need for quality tax preparation and are why this program continues to be so important in our community. I am so thankful to have all of you working so hard for all of our clients. Your time and commitment to the program, as well as your compassion for our clients, are why we were able to achieve the results that we did and continue to serve so many.

This year we welcomed several new volunteers: Crystal, Carolyn, Andrew and Alexandra. I hope that you enjoyed volunteering this year as much as I enjoyed meeting and working with you! I hope you will all consider volunteering in the program next year.

We also welcomed back several volunteers to the program: Lisa, Ralph, Brad, Kathy, Lynn M., Greg, Lynn S., and Deisy. I’m so glad that you were able to come back this year. Your previous experience made managing the program so much easier!

Of course it goes without saying that this program could not run without the support of the parish staff, especially Scott Wright who is the director of the Social Ministry and oversees my efforts, Jim Russo who makes sure that the computers are set up to run the tax software, the parish staff who give up their offices on Saturdays for us, the staff and volunteers who setup and confirm the appointments, the Saturday office volunteers who make sure that everyone gets signed in and fills out the questionnaires, and Fr. Jim and Fr. Prabhu who support the program 100%.

Thank you all once again for all of your work. Stay in touch and I hope to see you all soon!
Have a great year!!!
Julie M. Soyer

2011-04-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

St Francis of Assisi Participated in Forty Days For Life Campaign!
On Sunday April 3, 2011 more than eighteen St Francis of Assisi parishioners participated in the Forty Days For Life Peaceful Prayerful Vigil at Planned Parenthood in Ann Arbor from 8:30 am until midnight. Many more parishioners participated throughout the 40 days of the campaign. Thank you to ALL! See: http://st-francis-prolife.blogspot.com/
Please visit us at: www.stfrancisa2.com/pro-life/

2011-03-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

2011 Catholic Habitat for Humanity House!
Where: 1383 Hull, Ypsilanti
Who: Catholic Parishioners and other volunteers! Must be 16+ to be on site, 16-17 only if accompanied by parents.
When: 9am to 4pm on Thursdays, 8 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturdays
See Photos at: catholic-habitat.blogspot.com/
Sign up online,or call Maggie Porter at 734.677.1558, ext. 119.

2011-03-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

for the 2011 Shelter Week at St. Francis Gym

Our St. Francis community hosted the Shelter Association's Rotating Homeless Shelter from March 14th to March 21st. About 25 homeless men stayed in our gymnasium each evening. Almost 85 adults and students supported the shelter. Their service included driving the men to and from the Delonis Center each day, providing snacks and beverages as well as serving food and drinks to the men each evening. Our volunteers also served as members of host teams staying overnight in the gym.

St. Francis School participated in the shelter program through a focused service project, initiated by our 7th graders and led by Ms. Cindy Foster. The students assembled bags of snacks and personal care items for each overnight guest. The bags were distributed to the men on behalf of the 7th grade class by Alexa Deutschmann. Additional bags were donated to the Delonis Center in support of their ongoing work for the homeless. Thank you to all the students and volunteers who made this week possible!

Jane Antosiak, Joe Arozarena, Monika Barera, Bob Berarducci, Andrea Best, Michael Best, Herb Black, Steve Black, Ann Bogits, Mary Lynn Bridge-Fosdick, Joe Burgess, Rock Collins, Bob Conlin, Ed Conlin, Julie Conlin, Lorraine Cordeiro, Paul Crossley, Barbara Dankert, Emily Deschenes, Alexa Deutschmann, Kurt Deutschmann, Roy Deutschmann, Kelly Dishman, Ruthann Distler, Patti Dobbs, Karen Dunlap, Jessica Eisma, Bob Ferris, Brian Fitzgerald, Michael Fleisher, John Fleszar, Jeff Fosdick, Dick Galant, Jill Granger, Diane Green, Jane Heibel, Michael Heibel, Bob Hoffman, Dane Hoffman, Emma Hoffman, Patty Hoffman, Steve Holodnick, Julie Hurley, Marty Javornisky, Karen Jenks, Gigi Jetton, Tommy Jetton, Bill Johnston, Phil Kearney, Chris Kempton, Rosaleen Kirk, Judy Kovac, Florence Kruzas, Julie Lavender, Steve Lavender, Marty Lucas, Terry Maclean, Bernie Mathews, Mark McCulloch, Melissa Moenter, Chris Mollo, Lisa Morris, Amanda Murau, Catherine Murau, Bob Patulski, Kevin Pitcher, Barbara Pomey, Andrea Ratigan, Christopher Raveendra, Ravi Raveendra, Tess Raveendra, Frank Reed, Evan Reger, David Robb, Kimm Sarosi, Ed Scott, John Shaheen, Michael Spath, Custodians/ Maintenance Staff St. Francis, Room 7A St. Francis School, Room 7B St. Francis School, John Stando, Matthew Stando, Tricia Suttmann, Chrissa Swanson, Mark Ten Brink, Mina Twork, Kimberly Verhines, John Wagner, Tom Wakefield, Marissa Walsh, Mike Williams, Scott Wright, Sharon Wright, Andy Zamora, & Dave Ziemba. (Written by Steve Lavender, our prized & appreciated shelter week coordinator.)

Assisi Peace Concert, delightful & satisfying!!

2011-03-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Assisi Peace Concert, delightful & satisfying!!

The Prayer, Music and Stories were enchanting. The food was delicious and plentiful!!

On Sunday evening, March 20 over 40 people participated in hosting the event and social as workers and bakers/cooks. Special thanks to Barb De Longchamp for coordinating the kitchen and food efforts. And, special thanks to Dave Kieras, Jim Russo for working our sound system & video. And, to Zach Johnson for playing the double bass strings for our prelude music.

Thanks to everyone: Victor Amobi, K-C-Mark-Donald Amobi, Susan Bass, Virginia Birchler, Daniel Blower, Ann Marie Borders, Lisa Bozzi, Elaine Brandenburg, Susan Bright, Michelle Burmann, Courtney Campe, Bob Campe, Amy Cell, Jessica Clayton, Lorraine Cordeiro, Cynthia D'Agostino, Kira D'Agostino, Charles Daniels, Barbara De Longchamp, Doris Filisko, Bill Forgacs, Wanita Forgacs, Mary Fister, Crystal Heft, Zach Johnson, Dave Kieras, Diane Laten, Nicholas Laten, Jeanette Latham, Sadeepa Munasinghe, Pauline Perera, Courtney Runchey, Lois Russell, Jim Russo, Diane Rydzewski, Elizabeth Satterley, Clare Stando, Janet Starr, Mary Ann Sultana, Angela Szewczul, Rita Vargo, Marybeth Worcheck, Sharon Wright, Mary Ann Wroubel, & Dorothy Zeck.

Winter Food Drive Feb 20th.

2011-02-16T02:14:00.000-08:00

St. Francis Parish is providing some extra food this winter for the needy in our area. We will deliver to pantries in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti.

We need you to be involved by donating food and/or delivering food, February 20, 2011.
Empty Grocery Bags were distributed on February 13, 2011, at all the Masses. Now go shopping and purchase some of the items listed on the bag.(See shopping lists.) On February 20, 2011, return the groceries in the bag at Masses.

On Sunday, February 20, 2011, between 10:30AM - 1:30PM, come to the GYM to help deliver groceries to Food Pantries in Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti.

How to Start a Business: a free workshop at St. Francis Parish

2011-02-08T13:06:00.000-08:00

HOW TO START A BUSINESS:
a free workshop for business start-ups
facilitated by attorney Forrest P. Becker &
hosted at St. Francis Parish Activities Center (PAC)
Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00PM - 8:00PM.

The workshop will cover: the most common forms of business organizations, where to incorporate your business, how to get a tax ID number, writing a business plan, zoning & licensing, locating a business, and lots more.

Interested? Join us!! RSVP to Scott Wright (734-821-2121) swright@rc.net or, Submit the form at: http://stfrancisa2.com/careernetwork/start-ups.htm

Questions contact: Forrest Becker (734-255-4130) forrest@fpblaw.com

Martin Luther King, Jr. 5PM Mass Sun, January 16 & 6PM dinner

2011-01-07T16:12:00.001-08:00

Blessed are They that Hunger and Thirst after Justice

While not a Catholic himself, Martin Luther King, Jr. was

a staunch, outspoken advocate for many of the principles

we are called to live in Catholic Social Teaching:

At the Masses January 16^th. we commemorate, the life of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 5:00 pm Mass on Sunday, January 16^th

will be celebrated in conjunction with our

sister parish, Corpus Christi, and will showcase our

Sunday 5 Choir and the Corpus Christi Choir.

At 6:00 pm a dinner in the PAC will

be hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

All are welcome.

Your help is needed! Demolition days: Friday and Saturday., January 28 & 29

2011-01-07T16:09:00.001-08:00

Your help is needed!
Habitat for Humanity Catholic House Renovation

Demolition days: Friday and Saturday., January 28 & 29
We need lots of volunteers to pick up a sledge hammer and help us get the home ready for construction to begin in March. Please join us and help with tearing out the old to make room for the new…. Contact: Maggie (734-677-1558 ext. 119)

Sign-up HERE at: http://h4h.volunteerhub.com

Learn more at: http://catholic-habitat.blogspot.com/

Jail Volunteer Orientation Sat, Feb 26,

2011-01-07T16:05:00.001-08:00

Catholic Religious Services in Jail:
Go directly to Jail to visit and assist with our Catholic group prayer services in jail for both women and men.
To get started, join us to learn about "The Rules & Regulations of the Jail" presented by the Jail staff for the Jail Volunteers' Orientation Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 9am-12pm @ LLRC Building - the Library for the Blind (across the parking lot from the jail - Washtenaw County Sheriff Office, 2201 Hogback Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48107).
RSVP to Scott Wright swright@rc.net (734-821-2121). Learn more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/jail/

Habitat POSTER

2010-12-29T09:06:00.001-08:00

Visit: http://catholic-habitat.blogspot.com/
and/or
Click here to view & print our POSTER in PDF for your parish or favorite bulletin board.

Artwork created exclusively for Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley by local artist Kim Rhoney. www.kimrhoney.com

Thanks for the Perry Christmas Party!

2010-12-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Christmas party was great fun! Thank you to those more than 70 helpers who gave food as well as time in bringing this blessing to us all, especially our party coordinators: Mary Hayden (food + kitchen manager); Geraldine Drake (decorations); Chris Kempton (activities), and the many servers who make this event a part of their Christmas. About 180 persons were served a meal.

We want to thank Santa, as well as, the great musicians Wally Niemann & Anne Courtois, the St. Francis School Choir with Linda Opaleski, and all the kids activities helpers with Chris Kempton. Also, Jason (the Raffle man) and all the Young Adults of the Friendship Helping Group of Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities for assisting with decorations, as well as, our ESP children with Diane Sheffrey who made decorations, and the group of 5th grade Heart Beat Jump Ropers with Cathy Nichols who helped with setting up chairs and tables.

This party allows St. Francis parishioners to intermingle each year with members of our community whom we might other wise not see and encourage. One of the best aspects of the event is that it is not a charity event, but truly a joyous celebration among neighbors. This joy can clearly be seen in the eyes of the children and our volunteers.

Thanks to our 70 helpers who gave food as well as time: Catherine Anderson, Mary Claire Anhut, Rich Badics, Johnny Brinley IV, Courtney Campe, Marionette Cano, Lorraine Cordeiro, Anne Courtois, Don Courtois, Donna Davis, Catherine DeBona, Margaret Decker, Phillip Decker, Barbara Dehn, Richard Dehn, Patti Dobbs, Audrey Drago, Alexandria Drake, Denali Drake, Geraldine Drake, Marty Edwards, Erin Emerle, Damon Gilbert, Heather Goethals, Nicholas Goethals, Virginia Harvey, Mary Hayden, Crystal Heft, Debra Hermann, Jacob Hermann, Julia Hermann, Steven Hermann, Julie Holmes, Debbie Howay, Delphine Jarnot, Walter Jarnot, Asif Javed, Kathleen Kaveh, Freddi Kilburn, Cecilia, Miriam, Thomas, Lillian, AJ, Andrea & Chris Kempton, Rosaleen Kirk, Judith Kovac, Julie Lavender, Steve Lavender, Bridget McGillicuddy, Joan Meagher, Robert Meagher, Cicie Miller, David Miller, Felice Moorman, Cathy Nichols, Wally Niemann, Kathleen Novak, Bradley O'Brien, Robert O'Brien, Roger Parlett, Mona Peterson, Cathy Pietrasiuk, Diane Purcell, Colleen Regan, Amy Remillard, Carol Rigg, Courtney Runchey, Jim Russo, Alli Samy, Ann Scott, John Sherry, Patrick Sherry, Rose Sherry, Jinsook Son, Sharon Sprague, Katie Stannard, Angela Szewczul, Denice Virgo, Julie White, Linda Wiseman, & Dorothy Zeck.

See photos & learn more here: http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/perrynursery.htm

Merry Christmas!

2011 Catholic Habitat House at: 1383 Hull, Ypsilanti 48198

2010-11-14T06:04:00.001-08:00

What a blessing! Catholics from parishes all over Washtenaw County are preparing to work with a partner family on the 2011 Catholic Habitat House at: 1383 Hull, Ypsilanti 48198. That is right next to the old Transfiguration property. Our next meeting is December 9th at 6:30 pm at the Habitat Office, 170 Aprill Drive, Suite A, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.
Questions... contact Maggie Porter, at the Habitat Office: (734.677.1558 ext. 119) See more details at: http://catholic-habitat.blogspot.com/

Honoring Our Veterans / Working For Peace

2010-11-07T19:36:00.000-08:00

Honoring Our Veterans / Working For Peace

Twenty years ago I was driving across northern France in an area near the Somme River. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day under a blue sky with breezes that passed gently over the fields of grass. I recalled a lesson from my college ROTC military history class about the Battle of the Somme that occurred during World War I in which the British Army suffered horrific casualties (over 60,000 young men were killed or wounded during the first few hours of the battle).

It was difficult for me to imagine such carnage until I saw in a small corner of many of the fields, the beautiful well-cared-for cemeteries that were the final resting places of soldiers from that battle. (During this war in which an entire generation of young men was sacrificed, over 116,000 of our fellow Americans were killed and more than 205,000 were wounded.)

At the conclusion of World War I, November 11^th was designated as Armistice Day (later noted as Veterans Day) to honor those in the military who had served their country so valiantly.

In today's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our young men and women are encountering the danger and stress of having to serve multiple tours in a very hazardous environment. It is so very important to show our deployed troops that they are in our thoughts and prayers. "Care" packages and cards and letters can be sent through the Red Cross (www.redcross.org/holidaymail) or one of the veterans' organizations (e.g., American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of Michigan).

Another way we can support our troops is by trying to create a world where we address the causes of war. Pope Paul VI stressed that if we want peace, we should work for justice. Father Thomas Merton cautioned that if we only see our enemy as absolutely evil, we will never be able to find the grounds for a dialogue that can avert war. However, when the enemy is seen as human, everything changes.

There are many ways to become involved in addressing the causes of war. In my case I pray for guidance and I get involved with groups such as Catholic Relief Services and Doctors Without Borders, as well as volunteering with the St. Francis Peace and Justice Committee and other organizations that work on projects to address issues related to war and human suffering.

Dick Brown, St. Francis Peace and Justice Committee

Transit Master Plan

2010-10-29T11:58:00.001-07:00

The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (TheRide) has been working to create a Transit Master Plan for Washtenaw County. This plan will impact everyone– businesses, residents and commuters alike for the next 30 years – so it's critical that it incorporates as many views from around the community as possible. The easiest way to get involved in the plan is to play our interactive online Transit Master Plan game, where you can choose among transit options being considered and select the combination of transit solutions that is best for you. For further information on the Transit Master Plan, visit www.MovingYouForward.org.

Hunger and Care of the Earth 4th. Article 2010-10-03 FORUM

2010-09-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

Hunger and Care of the Earth

You do make a difference!

Written by Patti Yonka for the October 3 Forum.

The Hunger and Care of the Earth articles and display have been featuring information regarding our Catholic call of Solidarity and Care for God's Creation. These commitments are inter-connected. Stop by the Hunger and Care of the Earth display table to learn how you do and can make a difference!

Ø On October 4^th, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Almost 1,000 years ago, St. Francis praised ". . .radiant brother sun. . .sister moon. . . brothers wind and air".*[1] You can act on this call by picking up the St. Francis Pledge, reading it and going on-line, www.catholicclimatecovenant.org, to sign up. St. Francis Prayer of Intercession Cards are also available.

Ø 10/10/10 is Getting to Work Action Day for www.350.org. Last week you learned that our current carbon dioxide level of 388.2 parts per million [ppm] needs to be reduced to 350 ppm for everyone's health. To find out more about 350 Faith, go to the 350.org website and click on faith. Learn how other faith groups are raising awareness about the climate. Check out the children's books on climate and care of the Earth, too!

Ø The 36^th Annual Washtenaw / Ann Arbor CROP Walk takes place on Sunday, October 10, 2010. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors of all faiths by donating, walking, and prayer. Donations can be made to Church World Service [CWS] or Catholic Relief Services [CRS]. Learn more about these 2 organizations and the 13 local agencies that will benefit from the walk.

*The Circle of Days by Reeve Lindbergh; Illustrator, Cathie Felstead.

[1] The Circle of Days by Reeve Lindbergh; Illustrator, Cathie Felstead.

~~~~~~~~

Hunger and Care of the Earth 3rd. Article 2010-09-26 FORUM

2010-09-14T14:12:00.001-07:00

Hunger and Care of the Earth
What are greenhouse gases? …a problem?

Written by Stephen Lavender for the September 26 Forum.

All creatures in God's earthly creation face rising temperatures, heightened health concerns and dwindling food security. Escalating greenhouse gas levels provide the common link. What are greenhouse gases? What makes their role in global warming a problem?

Greenhouse gases are nothing new. Carbon dioxide and methane, two of the most common greenhouse gases are critical atmospheric components. They "trap" the sun's warmth just as a greenhouse keeps plants warm, even on cool days. Balance however is critical. Too little greenhouse gas and earth's temperature drops. Too much and temperatures rise. Factories, power plants, automobiles and livestock alter the balance by pouring unprecedented quantities of greenhouse gas into the environment. Our atmosphere is retaining more solar energy than ever before. The earth's temperature is rising. Human activity is the source.

Environmental experts understand balance in our atmosphere. Through years of study we've determined that the highest safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 350 parts per million (ppm). Last month's level was 388.2 ppm. We haven't been below 350 ppm since September, 1989. The level rises each year. The global importance of returning to 350 ppm has prompted the creation of a terrific website appropriately called 350.org. Check the site for very helpful information.

Finally, contemplate the following:

PRAY for the wisdom to be faithful stewards of creation. Consider that Americans use 21% of the world's energy and generate 20% of humanity's greenhouse gas emissions yet we represent just 4.6% of earth's population.

REDUCE meat consumption. "Livestock's Long Shadow", a 2006 United Nations report states that livestock contribute "…about 18% of the (earth's total) global warming effect – an even larger contribution than the transportation sector worldwide."

READ next week's Forum for more on hunger and care of the earth!

~~~~~~~~

Hunger and Care of the Earth 2nd. Article 2010-09-19 FORUM

2010-09-09T08:28:00.001-07:00

Hunger and Care of the Earth

Written by Stephen Lavender for the September 19 Forum.

Our patron, St. Francis of Assisi possessed a special joy and care for all creation. His Canticle praises the Lord for the gifts of Sister Earth and Brothers Wind and Air. It's fitting to again assess our own care for creation as we approach St. Francis' October 4^thfeast day.

Catholic social teaching's mandate to care for creation demands vigilance and thoughtful consideration. There are few activities in daily life that don't somehow impact God's environmental creation. However, the environment God entrusts to our care is becoming warmer each day:

For 2010, Earth's global temperature registered the warmest January-July period on record.
January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Six of the warmest years on record were recorded during the decade.
Increasing global temperatures are matched by increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. These increases are the result of human activity.

Our environment's response to rising temperatures and greenhouse gas levels will affect all of creation, humanity included. Public health will be increasingly affected by heat waves, storms, fresh water shortages and increases in both allergies and asthma. Critically, global warming is expected to slow or entirely offset progress toward clean air targets.

Beyond climate and health concerns, global warming is expected to increase patterns of hunger and depletion. The annual glacier melt is essential for food production in Asia's Indus and Brahmaputra river basins. Normally, springtime snow melt would be replenished the following winter, ensuring the ongoing availability of fresh water. Global warming however increases the rate of glacier melt beyond the level of winter replenishment. The glaciers are disappearing. The potential disappearance of the glaciers threatens the food security of an estimated 60 million people in this area alone.

Increasing temperatures, heightened health concerns, dwindling food security – is there a common link? Yes – it's the escalating level of greenhouse gases. Next week we'll discuss the significance of the number 350 as we assess our progress in caring for creation.

~~~~~~~~

Hunger and Care of the Earth 1st. Article 2010-09-12 FORUM

2010-09-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hunger and Care of the Earth
Written by Patti Yonka for the September 12 Forum.

The St. Francis Peace and Justice Committee is dedicated to educating and putting into practice the tenets of Catholic Social Teaching [CST]. Whether human being or living thing, we all need nourishment, shelter, clean water and air to breathe. We know there is enough food for all. We know that every country in the world has the potential of growing sufficient food on a sustainable basis. Two CST tenets that speak to these needs are Solidarity and Care for God's Creation.

Solidarity means we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We are one human family whatever our differences. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions.
Care of God's Creation is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God's beings.

These 2 tenets of CST are intertwined. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing information and ideas for action based on how caring for our earth affects the food we eat and the hunger crisis in Washtenaw County and the world. There are many ways to action. Consider these possibilities:

-    September 1 – 30 is Hunger Action Month, a Food Gatherers and Feed America Initiative
-    September 25-26 and October 2-3, after all masses, volunteers will have Activities, St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Cards , CROP Walker and Donation Sheets and Stickers .
-    October 4 is St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day
-    October 10 is the 36th Annual Washtenaw/Ann Arbor Crop Walk
-    October 10, 2010 – www.350.org Getting to Work! Initiative

*1 www.fao.org
*2 www.foodgatherers.org
*3 www.catholicclimatecovenant.org
*4 www.churchworldservice.org; www.crs.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Food Drive Video in Detroit

2010-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

In June, 2010, St. Francis of Assisi parish in Ann Arbor, MI held a food drive to support a summer camp outreach program conducted by our sister parish, Corpus Christi of Detroit. In this 'You Tube' video, the summer camp's coordinator talks about the camp.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111706046761&ref=ts

Sheriff's Appreciation Photos

2010-05-26T11:22:00.001-07:00

Sheriff's Appreciation Photos...

Sunny Days Sweepin' the Clouds Away for SOS Kids

2010-05-24T19:00:00.001-07:00

Sunny Days Sweepin' the Clouds Away for SOS Kids

We need volunteers for SOS Sunny Days. Sunny Days is an 8 week summer activities program for at-risk and homeless children in Washtenaw County.

Kids have the opportunity to do arts and crafts, reading, writing, and participate in a variety of field trips such as a tour of the Detroit Institute of Art, visiting Domino's Petting Farm, and much more!

Help brighten a child's summer by volunteering!

The program runs from 9am-3:30pm Monday-Friday.
Sunny Days is June 21 to August 13.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

-Ride in vans with staff and children to pick up, drop off and go on field trips.
-Help with set up and participate in daily activities.
-Have Fun!

Sunny Days volunteers will be required to commit to 2 days per week and to attend a weekly Wednesday staff meeting. After signing up to volunteer you will be asked to attend a 3 hour training will be required for our Sunny Days volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering for our Sunny Days program or would like to hear more about it please contact:

Heather Messina
Interim Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
phone: 734.961.1210
email: volunteer (at) soscs.org.

SOS Needs Your Help!

Kids' Music CDs: SOS Time for Tots day care needs kids' music on CDs. The teaching staff want to get the kids learning and singing to enhance their memory and motor skills. They are looking for music from artists such as the Wiggles, Greg & Steve, Raffi, They Might Be Giants, and Verve Pipe.

If you are interested making a donation contact Diane Carman, Time for Tots Coordinator, at dianec (at) soscs.org.

Help a Senior with Spring Chores!

2010-05-24T18:37:00.001-07:00

Dear St. Francis folks:
Neighborhood Senior Services is in need of small groups to help senior clients with spring chores! The details follow here... thanks, Scott

On Fri, May 21, 2010 at 1:11 PM, Katie Olex <kolex (at) nssweb.org> wrote:

Neighborhood Senior Services is in need of small groups to help senior clients with spring chores! We have 6 seniors still waiting for help with spring chores- including raking, weeding, general yard cleanup, sweeping, some planting... can you help?

The Details:

The projects can be done on ANY date and time, you can arrange for the exact time you want, with the client.

Each project would take a group of 3-6 people approximately 2-3 hours.

The homes are located primarily in Ypsilanti, but we have a couple in Ann Arbor as well.

NSS provides the supplies, someone from the group just needs to coordinate picking up and returning them to us.

PLEASE reply as soon as possible if you have a small group that would be willing to help out! The projects should be completed by the end of June if possible, although sooner is even better.

Thanks so much for your help!

Katie

--
Katie Olex
Director of Volunteer and Administrative Services
Neighborhood Senior Services
(734) 712-7259 - Office
(734) 395-3065 - Cell
(734) 712-7833 - Fax
www.nssweb.org

The information contained in this Internet message may be privileged or confidential information. It is intended only for use by the individual/entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee/agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is neither allowed nor intended. If you have received this communication in error via email, please return to sender.

2010-05-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Catholic Social Teaching Theme:
Care for God’s Creation
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
EDUCATION PROGRAM & EVALUATION

St. Francis of Assisi Campus Energy Evaluation – The Next Steps

(by Stephen Lavender for May 2010)

In our ongoing effort to remain faithful stewards of creation, the St. Francis of Assisi community is pursuing several opportunities resulting from last winter’s campus wide energy evaluation report. Overall, the report indicates St. Francis is performing well in its use of energy resources. Our ongoing relationship with Michigan Interfaith Power and Light (Mi-IP&L), is providing additional approaches to enhancing our community’s pursuit of energy efficiency. To better understand and optimize our energy utilization we must first recognize the patterns and cycles that describe our consumption of energy resources. A valuable aid in detailing our use of energy is the EPA Energy Star’s Portfolio Manager Utility Tracker. With initial support from MiIP&L, this software allows the user (i.e., St. Francis) to build an energy consumption database by entering the information contained in our monthly utility bills. Electric and gas meters monitoring energy consumption throughout our campus have been identified. Information detailing energy use from their corresponding monthly statements is now being entered into the database. As new bills are received the consumption data will be added to our database. The Portfolio Manager also incorporates weather data such as daily high and low temperatures. This feature will allow us to better understand the impact of heating on subzero January days and cooling during the summer months.
While collecting energy data will strengthen our understanding of consumption patterns, it also provides a foundation for a larger overall approach to efficiency. In addition to analyzing monthly utility bills for energy consumption patterns, Portfolio Manager also accepts building profile information. Data such as total floor space, hours of operation, the number of computers in use and even the total land area devoted to vehicle parking can all be included. This plus additional information will be used to calculate benchmarks of key metrics indicating how efficiently our buildings use energy. Our goal is to achieve a benchmark rating of at least 75 out of a possible 100 points, meaning the St. Francis campus, as a top performer, could be eligible to earn the EPA’s Energy Star label. Our target date for submission of all information is June 1, 2010.
Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that care for the earth and all of God’s creation is not just an Earth Day slogan, it’s a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. At one level, our responsibilities to creation can be addressed on an individual basis as was so well demonstrated through our Lenten energy fast. Our recent energy evaluation highlights the value in approaching the St. Francis community’s environmental responsibilities with a Lenten like resolve for both innovation and commitment.
Contact Steve Lavender (734-973-2564) of our Parish’s Peace & Justice Committee

St. Francis’ Energy Evaluation

(by Stephen Lavender for February 2010)
www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/2010/#Week-3-Date2010-02-28

Catholic Social Teaching reminds us that we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of
creation. As part of our ongoing stewardship effort, St. Francis of Assisi conducted an energy evaluation of its entire campus (church, school, parish offices and rectory) on December 30, 2009. Support for the
evaluation was provided through a grant from Michigan Interfaith Power & Light. St. Francis joined the group of 81 congregations comprising MiIP&L in October, 2009. (Their partner organization is, the Warm Training Center Program.)

The wide ranging review covered systems such as heating, air conditioning and lighting as well as
structural components including roofs, insulation and windows. The evaluator’s observations during the review confirmed both the importance and proper focus of our proactive, ongoing maintenance efforts.
The energy conservation opportunities identified by the evaluator fell into five categories. The
opportunities were prioritized by the evaluator based on two considerations - first, an approximate projection of energy savings, and second, the current needs of the facilities within the St. Francis campus. Additionally, the five categories include recommendations for both near term and long term actions. The areas of opportunity identified by the evaluator were (1) efficient lighting systems, (2) weather stripping, (3) occupancy sensors, (4) appliances and office equipment and (5) water conservation. These opportunities have been condensed into a work-plan format for review and consideration by the various functional committees within the parish.

Recommendations from the evaluation will assist the St. Francis community as we strive to remain faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to our care.

Also, for details on our Parish Lenten ENERGY FAST see: stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/lenten-efforts

Contact Steve Lavender (734-973-2564) of our Parish’s Peace & Justice Committee

Investments & Profits in relation to our God

2010-04-23T11:42:00.001-07:00

And if a brother or a sister be naked and in want of daily food, and one of you say to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," yet you do not give them what is necessary for the body, what does it profit? (James 2:15-16)

Lent Results

2010-04-23T09:16:00.001-07:00

If every American home replaced just one standard light bulb with a compact fluorescent or LED bulb, the US would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, according to the US EPA.

See our Lenten Energy Fast Results at:
http://stfrancisa2.com/lent/2010/

Online Marketing: FREE Seminar at St. Francis June 12

2010-04-21T11:56:00.001-07:00

Grow Your Business with

Online Marketing: FREE Seminar

Saturday, June 12

St. Francis Parish Activities Center (PAC)

10:00am - 12:00pm

Presented by Marian Strozier (a St. Francis parishioner)

This FREE seminar will help you,

business owners and leaders of organizations.

• How free Internet tools can increase your sales/exposure

• How to use direct response e-mail marketing

• Paid search advertising's potential and pitfalls

• How to use video marketing and social media to boost online presence

• Why mobile marketing may be critical to your future

• ...And more.

Don't just "get through" a tough economy.

Get your business growing with online marketing!

Internet and other forms of digital marketing offer tremendous benefits if used correctly. Unfortunately most business owners and organizations are in the dark about this, even though online and mobile marketing will soon be critical to business survival.

Seating is limited. Get your ticket for this valuable seminar today

For tickets, register at:

www.MyMarketingTicket.com

or Call Excel Performance Marketing at

734-681-0669

Peace and Justice Committee - April 2010

2010-04-20T14:06:00.001-07:00

Photos by Dick Brown.

2010-04-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

PEACE & Catholic Social Teaching
(Written by James Varani of the St. Francis of Assisi Peace & Justice Committee.)
(Article intended for the bulletin FORUM on: 2010-04-11.)

Catholic social teaching – how we are to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters – is sometimes described as having seven pillars or foundations. Peace is fundamental to each of these.

The first (and foremost) underlying principle governing our relationships is the Life and Dignity of the Human Person. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred. The dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. The lack of peace – be it in war between nations or strife within the family - is the ultimate insult to the dignity of the human person. Each of the other pillars reflects the inherent human dignity. There is the Call to Family, Community and Participation, the Recognition of Human Rights and Responsibilities, the Recognition of the Dignity of Work & Rights of Workers and Solidarity. None of these foundations of Catholic social teaching can be fully lived in the absence of peace. For example,

- no matter how society is organized, we are all members of one family of God. Every one is a brother or sister. Every conflict is, therefore, contrary to the basic principles of family life.
- human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Human rights and responsibilities are difficult to maintain in times of strife. A state of war is incompatible with community life.
- Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of participation in God’s creation. Modern warfare requires that the economic activity of the community support the war effort. It is difficult for workers in a wartime economy to fully participate in the call to be co-creators with God.

Two other pillars of Catholic social teaching include the Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable and Care for God’s Creation. As with all of the other pillars, the actions called for by these underlying principles is not compatible with a state of conflict. It is the poor and vulnerable who suffer the most from every bad thing that comes along. Thus, all conflict interferes (almost by definition) with the Catholic Church’s “preferential option for the poor.” Finally, there is stewardship of creation. All strife, but especially modern warfare, is incompatible with our call to be stewards of creation. Modern warfare constitutes one of the greatest environmental threat we face.

We live in a world that has always had an abundance of strife. Imagining a time when true peace will reign is difficult. Imagining how we can be peacemakers is also difficult. Perhaps realizing that any step toward peace, no matter how small, is an affirmation of all the fundamental principles of Catholic social teaching will help us come to the realization that the state of peace – no matter how distant and far off it can seem – is not something ancillary to who we are as a people of faith. On the contrary, it is central to what we profess as Catholics.

Affordable Housing - St.Francis helped to accomplish

2010-03-25T15:38:00.001-07:00

Affordable Housing - St.Francis helped to accomplish

The March graduation of four individuals completing the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative MPRI illustrates a program that works. Instead of a bus ticket and $75, persons in the program receive a cell phone and placement in housing with support services five days a week for 90 days with follow-up at reduced levels. RAAH's capital campaign helped to raise $50,000 for the program.

St.Francis of Asissi was a part of this effort in 2008-2009, through supporting the Religious Action for Affordable Housing Capital Campaign of 2008-2009. These individuals are now working with their support systems in the Washtenaw County Community.

Thank You, St. Francis.

from : Mary M. Wakefield

St.Francis of Asissi Representative on the

RAAH Board

Shelter Thanks

2010-03-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

Thank you for Shelter!

Our St. Francis community hosted the Shelter Association's Rotating Homeless Shelter from March 15th to March 22nd. About 15 homeless men stayed in our gymnasium each evening. Almost 60 adults and high school students supported the shelter. Their service included driving the men to and from the Delonis Center each day, providing snacks and beverages as well as serving food and drinks to the men each evening. Adults also served as members of host teams staying overnight in the gym. St. Francis School participated in the shelter program through an ambitious service project, initiated by our 5^th graders and led by their teachers. Every 5^th grade student assembled a container of personal care items, snacks and a note of encouragement for delivery by our host teams to each overnight guest. Additionally, the 5^th grade collected personal care items from all St. Francis students. These items were donated to the Delonis Center in support of their ongoing work for the homeless. Thank you to all the students and volunteers who made this week possible!

Lucas Arias, Susana Arias, Joe Arozarena, Bob Berarducci, Jim Birchler, Herb Black, Judy Bruen, Bob Conlin, Katy Derezinski, Roy Deutschmann, Ruthann Distler, Patti Dobbs, Tom DuRussel-Weston, Michelle Eiden, Ann Gevock, Jill Granger, Jim Hayes,

Paul Hoffrichter, Jeff Holden, Marty Javornisky, Bill Johnston, Phil Kearney, Chris Kempton, Rosaleen Kirk, Florence Kruzas, Bill LaCroix, Julie Lavender, Steve Lavender, James Lee, Sung J Lee, Theresa MacLean, Bernice Mathews, Mary Mendoza, Catherine Murau, Martin Murau, Patty O'Sullivan, Diane Purcell, Tracey Roy, Robert Samy, Kay Sekerak, Mike Sekerak, John Shaheen, Benita Sinnarajah, Janet Sloan, Michael Spath, St. Francis Custodians/Maint. Staff; St. Francis School Room 5A; St. Francis School Room 5B; St. Francis School Students; Chrissa Swanson, Aleksandra Thurman, Kim Verhines, John Wagner, Mary Wakefield, John Walsh, Kevin Walsh, Doug White, Conner Williams, Mike Williams, Carrie Wotta, Scott Wright, & Sharon Wright.

---

Thanks for the Food Drive:

2010-03-15T15:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks for the Food Drive:

Thanks to all of you unnamed shoppers, and deliverers, practical assistants, and to our drive coordinators Mary Hayden & Chris Kempton & Michael Nazareth for coordinating this drive! And, special thanks to those more than 34 persons who assisted with loading the delivery cars: Katrina Coley, David Decker, Phillip Decker, Marly Fortin, Nicholas Goethals, Mary Hayden, Matthew Hays, Andrew Hocott, Jeffrey Inge, Jocelynn Inge, Judith Inge, David Jacques, Andrew Kempton, Chris Kempton, Lillian Kempton, Maria Maguire, Oleg Mihans, Jane Miller, Scott Morton, Theo Mourad, Michael Nazareth, Chase Pagani, Kara Schmidt, Ann Scott, Edward Scott, Michael Shalhoub, Zachary Thomson, John Walsh, Kevin Walsh, Colin Williams, Kathryn Wissman, Richard Wresche, Edward Wright, & Sharon Wright.

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, you assisted St. Francis Parish in delivering
432 bags of groceries for the Food Drive.
Here is where they went:
75 bags went to SOS Community Services;
139 bags went to Hope Center;
81 bags went to Catholic Social Services at Northside Community Center;
48 bags went to Perry Nursery School in Ann Arbor;
38 bags went to Community Support & Treatment Services;
51 bags went to Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit;
------ ------
432 bags TOTAL delivered.

------------------------------ ------------------------------
Masses: Total 432
Sat. 5:00 120
Sun. 7:00 45
8:45 84
10:30 90
12:15 52
5:00 40 (includes others found at the gym doors.)
------------------------------ ------------------------------

Thanks to all.

See Statistics from most every year here,
http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/fooddrivephotos/index.htm
and new photos posted at our new blog:
http://service4justice.blogspot.com/ .

Lenten Energy Fast to Sack Hunger!

2010-02-14T01:00:00.000-08:00

Go Deeper With God
(During the Lenten season we pray, fast, and give alms.)
2010
LENTEN
Energy Fast to Sack Hunger!

Fast from energy, other carbon sources, and simplify your lifestyle - with the donatinos going to Food Gatherers!

Energy Fast to Sack Hunger!

February 17 - March 30, 2010 Calendar: (PDF file) (Word file)
Vegetarian Recipes Posted Weekly on our Recipes Blog, Here!
Read the Forum articles EACH WEEK with the up-dates connected to our Energy Fast to Sack Hunger!

Please return your cash and/or check contributions
in the Hunger Sack by March 28, 2010, (Palm Sunday).
Please make check payable to: "St. Francis of Assisi" and note: "Hunger Sack". Or, you may mail them to: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Attention: "Hunger Sack", 2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

EXTRA-Parish Service Projects for LENT

2010-02-08T15:07:00.001-08:00

EXTRA-Parish Service Projects are listed here as extra opportunities during Lent

for us to consider assisting other organizations in our area.

Also see: stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/

Appliance Repair Volunteers Needed

Help repair washers & dryers for low-income seniors, the disabled & large families in Washtenaw County.

Call (734-485-7658). Friends In Deed is an inter-faith volunteer organization that provides for needs of Washtenaw County residents that are not being met by other human service agencies. Friends In Deed provides information, referral and screening services to congregations and agencies as well as resources to people in need.

www.friendsindeed.info

The Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program:

Information Session on February 25th at 1:00pm at the Senior Health Building on the St. Joseph Hospital campus. Everyone is invited.

The MMAP of Catholic Social Services is very much in need of volunteers. If you have a background in finance, health insurance or education, this may be the right niche for you. We provide lots of training and support to help our volunteers gain an understanding of Medicare and Medicaid information. Our trained MMAP volunteer counselors are then able to help other seniors apply for the benefits they need. We have helped many people over the last 23 years. We'd love to have you join our team.

Become a MMAP volunteer. For more information, please contact Stephanie Levijoki 734-712-3625, slevijoki@csswashtenaw.org

SOS Community Services’ Volunteer Opportunities

Food Distribution Baggers; Help unload our food truck and fill the pantry; After School Tutoring; Time for Tots day care; Housing Crisis Counselors; Photography of our events; Graphic design; Painting projects at our various sites; Office/clerical work. To see the training calendar: please visit the “how can I help” page in the volunteer section of the website: www.soscs.org. Call our Volunteer Recruitment Specialist: 961-1210 or email: volunteer@soscs.org to make a difference in our community!

Giving Tree 2009

2009-12-15T14:17:00.001-08:00

Giving Tree 2009

2009-12-15T14:15:00.001-08:00

Perry Nursery School Christmas Dinner Party

2009-12-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

2009 Christmas Party was Great Fun!

Thank you to those who participated in bringing this blessing to us all, especially our party coordinators: Roger Parlett (food); Mary Hayden (kitchen manager); Zach Weathers (decorations); Chris Kempton (activities), and the many servers who turn out to make this event a part of their Christmas.

Here is a testimonial from a guest:
"I wanted to send a note about how wonderful the holiday dinner went for us last Thursday, Dec. 10th. All of the volunteers were very nice and welcoming, even the young helpers.

One young man working at the craft station making the ornaments was exceptional. The task was to scratch off a black coating with a stick in order to see vibrant colors beneath, then tie a ribbon on the paper ornament for hanging. He worked so well with my four year old. He offered suggestions, he made encouraging comments about the progress of all of the little participants. That young man really made us feel welcomed.

I really enjoyed the evening and I hope that it can continue even during these dismal times. Thank you for inviting us and making such an effort to come up with free events for Perry families."

This party allows St. Francis parishioners to intermingle each year with members of our community whom we might other wise not see and encourage. One of the best aspects of the event is that it is not a charity event, but truly a joyous celebration among neighbors. This joy can clearly be seen in the eyes of the children and our volunteers. In addition to Perry Nursery School, of Ann Arbor, additional guests from the Child Care Network of Washtenaw County, were invited to join us to utilize the wonderful dishes we prepare.

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way: Agnes Alridge, Matthew Alridge, Rich Badics, Allan Beatty, Ann Bogits, Allie Cadavieco, Andrew Cadavieco, Denise Cadavieco, Felix Chmiel, Elizabeth Collins, Jack DeBona, Mary DeBona, Robert DeBona, Barbara Dehn, Richard Dehn, Katy Derezinski, Patti Dobbs, Joyce Driscoll, Margaret Dunbar, Sandi Estep, Ryan Ferris, Robin Gruber, Mary Hayden, Crystal Heft, Heidi Hepler, Holly Hepler, Victoria Hepler, Cecile Hollinshead, Kathleen Homiak, Mary Howrey, Cokey Huffman, David Jacques, Kathleen Kaveh, Andrea, AJ, Cecilia, Lillian, Miriam, Thomas & Chris Kempton, Karen Kennedy, Frederica Kilburn, Rosaleen Kirk, Judith Kovac, Zachary Lynn, Marian McNally, Cecilia Miller, David Miller, John Miller, John Miller, Christopher Mollo, Catherine Murau, Christian Murau, Martin Murau, Cathy Nichols, Roger Parlett, Mona Peterson, Paul Peterson, Cathy Pietrasiuk, Diane Purcell, Myra Raveendra, Tess Raveendra, Amy Remillard, Carol Rigg, Courtney Runchey, Ellery Sarosi, Kimm Sarosi, Mason Sarosi, Matilyn Sarosi, Kate Schneider, Ann Scott, Evan Shambaugh, Karen Shambaugh, John Sherry, Patrick Sherry, Rose Sherry, Daniel Simonelli, Patricia Simonelli, Amy Stamps-Allen, Clare Stando, Anne Stemmerich, Jennifer Suomala-Lynn, Francis Sutter, Angela Szewczul, Tuffin Wagner, Mary Wakefield, Zach Weathers, Brett Williams, Colin Williams, Carrie Wotta, Zachary Wotta, Mary Zynda, Marionette Cano & Joyce Newton. And, we also thank The Young Adult Friendship Helping Group of Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities for assisting with decorations.

See photos from our December 2007 & 2006 parties for Perry Nursery School here.
http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/perry-party-photos/

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-07T22:16:00.000-08:00

Care for God’s Creation Catholic Church Teaching on
Caring for God’s Creation – What Can I Do?
(Articles In the bulletin FORUM on: 2009-11-15 & 2009-11-22 & 2009-11-29 & 2009-12-06.)

Catholic Social Teaching Theme: Care for God’s Creation     Catholic social teaching tells us that we show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation.   Pope Benedict XVI sent a compelling message to those gathering at the 2009 Summit on Climate Change, conveying his support, by stating “How important it is then, that the international community and individual governments send the right signals to their citizens and succeed in countering harmful ways of treating the environment!…The protection of the environment, and the safeguarding of resources and of the climate, oblige all leaders to act jointly, respecting the law and promoting solidarity with the weakest regions of the world” (Caritas in Veritate, no. 50).
     The Most Reverend Stephen Blaire, Bishop of Stockton launched their 2004 diocesan Environmental Justice Project by stating “To respect life, you must respect the envelope of life, the Earth, on which all life depends.”
In our desire to bring that same stewardship of creation closer to home, what can we do?   Pray & Learn & Assess/Act & Advocate/ Join St. Francis’ Efforts.

Pray:
The New South Wales, Australia Council of Churches offers this beautiful PRAYER for creation:
Creator God –
Maker and shaper of all that is,
Seen and unseen;
You are in the expanse and depth of Creation,
And in the processes that make life possible.
Yet we are distracted
By the gods we make ourselves,
And our lives become fractured and fragmented.
In our brokenness
We disturb the Earth’s capacity to hold us.
Instead we find climate uncertainty
And global injustice.
Call us back from the brink.
Help us to choose love not fear,
To change ourselves and not the planet;
To act justly for the sake of the vulnerable;
And to make a difference today
For life tomorrow.
In your name –
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Learn
Take a few minutes to LEARN and understand the multiple aspects of Catholic teaching on caring for creation. Sites such as the National Catholic Rural Life Conference (http://www.ncrlc.com ) and the Catholic Climate Covenant (catholicclimatecovenant.org) offer insights on our role in protecting God’s creation. In the process, you’ll soon be able to explain the meaning of “carbon footprint” to all your friends! Not interested in accessing a computer? Contact Steve Lavender of our Parish’s Peace and Justice Committee at 734-973-2564 to receive information by mail.

Assess
The Catholic Climate Covenant tells us that we must ASSESS how we—as individuals, in families, parishes and other affiliations—contribute to climate change by our own energy use, consumption, waste, etc. St. Francis of Assisi is forming its own “Green Team” – a group of enthusiastic individuals trained to work with families and the parish in compiling our assessments and recommending strategies for improving our use of energy and resources. See next week’s Forum for details on joining the Green Team!

Act
We must ACT to change our choices and behaviors in order to reduce the ways we contribute to climate change. How do we do this?

• Making the decision to act is a critical first step. St. Francis of Assisi, our parish patron is also the patron saint of the environment. The Catholic Climate Covenant offers the opportunity to take the St Francis pledge, a wonderful way of affirming our decision for action. The pledge can be found at http://catholicclimatecovenant.org.

• Beginning in January, invite a member of the St. Francis Green Team into your home to assist with an assessment of your current energy and consumption patterns. The results of the assessment are completely confidential and will be used as a baseline for future actions and improvements.

Contact Steve Lavender (734-973-2564) of our Parish’s Peace & Justice Committee

Thanks for the Food Drive 2009 November

2009-11-24T10:24:00.001-08:00

Thanks for the Food Drive:

On Sunday, November 22, 2009, you assisted St. Francis Parish in delivering 554 bags of groceries for the Food Drive.

80 bags went to SOS Community Services;
208 bags went to Hope Center;
80 bags went to Catholic Social Services at Northside Community Center;
56 bags went to Perry Nursery School in Ann Arbor;
83 bags went to Community Support & Treatment Services;
47 bags went to Corpus Christi Parish in Detroit;
------ ------
554 bags TOTAL delivered.

Thanks to all of you unnamed shoppers, and deliverers, practical assistants, and to our drive coordinators Roger Parlett & Mary Hayden for coordinating this drive! And, special thanks to those more than 36 persons who assisted with loading the delivery cars:
Ignatius Arokiaraj, David Barera, Matthew Barera, Ann Bogits, Frank Burdick, Alexandria Cadavieco, Andrew Cadavieco, Denise Cadavieco, Mario Cadavieco, Barbara Dehn, Richard Dehn, Gwen Gilbert, Christopher Hamme, Michael Hamme, Mary Hamme, Mary Hayden, Christine Hays, Claudia Hays, Kimberly Hays, Matthew Hays, Matthew Hays, David Jacques, Robert Klingler, Carlos Martinez, Emilee Nazareth, Michael Nazareth, Sarah Nazareth, Roger Parlett, Carol Rigg, Brad Roth, John Runchey, Ann Scott, Edward Scott, Matthew Talbot, Dorothy Thompson, Edward Wright, & Sharon Wright.

Thanks to all. See other details & opportunities on St. Francis Food Drives at:
http://www.stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/fooddrives.htm
&
http://www.stfrancisa2.com/service4justice/

Thanks for October 2009 Shelter!

2009-11-13T16:27:00.001-08:00

Thank you for Shelter!
Thank you for serving in October 2009 at IHN Alpha House Family Shelter.
We thank our coordinators: Al Zangrilli & Kate Miller & Mary Hayden, as well as, all of our ALPHA HOUSE VOLUNTEERS who helped…

Julie Allison-Conlin, Jane Antosiak, Avery Bennett, Herbert Black, Karen Cole, Bob Conlin, Paul Crossley, Ann Denoyer, Cletus Denoyer, Bill Dirksen, Ehren Dirksen, Isabelle Dirksen, Nicole Dirksen, Samuel Dirksen, John Douglass, Patricia Douglass, Georgette Giordano, Mary Hayden, Crystal Heft, Marty Javornisky, Dawn Keene, Natalie Keene, Barbara Kelly-Ferris, Chris Kempton, Erin Lane, Julie Leonard, Jane Levy, Kate Miller, Christopher Mollo, Dan Paulus, Barbara Pomey, Anna Riegger, James Riegger, Lori Riegger, Carol Rigg, Cynthia Smigielski, John Wagner, John Walsh, Mary Ellen White, Linda Wiseman, Mary Wissman, Al Zangrilli, plus all of you non-St. Francis helpers (Tag Alongs): Julie Ankenbrand, Ann Arbor Open School: teachers, parents, students: Julie Roth, Janie Martin, Edie Linton, Mark Albercook, Karen, Meke, Vince, Gabe, Noah, Eva, Zoe, Cecilia, and Eliaz & UM/EMU students.

2009-11-09T22:18:00.000-08:00

Catholic Social Teaching Theme:
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Catholic Church Teaching on
WHO ARE THE POOR?
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
(Articles In the bulletin FORUM on: 2009-11-08.)

Catholic Social Teaching Theme:
WHO ARE THE POOR?
Option for the Poor and VulnerableIn this era of rapid, 24/7 communication, we become increasingly aware of extreme poverty throughout the world, including in our own country. Our hearts are touched and we try to help, yet often we feel overwhelmed.
In his latest Encyclical, Benedict XVI counsels:
One of the deepest forms of poverty a person can experience is isolation. If we look at other kinds of poverty, including material forms, we see that they are born from isolation, from not being loved or from difficulties in being able to love. (Caritas in Veritate, 53).
Does his statement define poverty in a new way for us? Who are the isolated in our country? our state? our city? our neighborhoods? our parish? How might I reach out to them in love?
And we ask ourselves: Have I become isolated? Since I’ve lost my job? fallen into debt? moved to this area? become ill? Since I’ve felt like a failure? How might I let myself be touched by the love of my neighbor? of my fellow parishioners? of my family and friends?
In my prayer today, I ask the Lord to open my heart to respond to the face of Jesus in those who are isolated and to be open to his love when I am that person.
By the St. Francis Parish Peace and Justice Committee

Alpha House Front Entrance 2009 October

2009-10-27T08:08:00.001-07:00

Each year St. Francis Parish members host a week in October & a week in June, providing hospitality for homeless families at Alpha House the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). IHN is a network of local congregations of Washtenaw County who provide volunteers to help with the shelter program at the IHN-Alpha House facility in Ann Arbor on Jackson Road.

St. Francis' Sign-up at: http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/shelter-ihn.htm

See Alpha House at: http://www.alphahouse-ihn.org

Alpha House Playground 2009 October

2009-10-27T08:07:00.001-07:00

Alpha House Shelter 2009 October

2009-10-27T08:06:00.003-07:00

Alpha House Shelter 2009 October

2009-10-27T08:06:00.001-07:00

Alpha House Photo 2009 October

2009-10-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

2009-06-29T01:25:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Technologies
By Kelly Gauthier June 2009.

Sustainable Technologies:
In June, members of the St. Francis Peace and Justice Committee visited the Motherhouse of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Michigan. It was a lovely, warm summer day and an informative visit.

We were struck by the beauty of the IHM Motherhouse, and impressed to learn of the IHM community’s work in promoting Catholic Social Teaching related to the care of God’s creation.
In this area, the IHM Sisters lead by example.

Their Motherhouse is home to over 200 IHM Sisters and the headquarters of the IHM congregation. Built during the Depression, it underwent a major renovation that began in the spring of 2001 and ended in January 2003.

The IHM Sisters wanted to be a restorative presence on Earth, rather than a destructive one. So their discernment led them to "recycle" the 376,000 square-foot home instead of building new. They chose a sustainable renovation because they believed it was the only moral choice for the future. This extremely successful project is a national model for sustainable renovation.

Sustainable technologies include: a geothermal heating/cooling system and graywater recycling system; a design that maximizes daylight, incorporated retrofitted period light fixtures, and restored original wood windows; materials and finishes that are sustainable and contribute not only to excellent indoor air quality but also to a beautiful living environment. The IHM Sisters realize dramatic savings in energy costs because of the sustainable systems in the building.

If you’re interested in learning more about the IHM Sisters’ conservation efforts, or if you would like to tour the Motherhouse yourself, visit their website at: http://www.ihmsisters.org.

Service Projects List - Invitation

2009-01-20T11:30:00.000-08:00

Volunteers Are Needed to Help With These
EXTRA-Parish
Service Projects
Especially During Lent & All Year.

An Invitation to Social Service Providers in Washtenaw County Michigan:

Beginning each New Year, we want to renew our commitment of working with you to help the poor in Washtenaw County, Michigan.

The people at St. Francis Parish, Ann Arbor, are looking for meaningful-one-time service projects to help people, all year, and especially during the season of Lent-Spring, which begins Feb. 25, 2009, (and goes until the Easter season April 12 - May 31, 2009).

Please let us help you reach out to the less fortunate in our community.
Define a special service project, include the contact name & number or e-mail.

Please try to respond with your suggestions by February 11, 2009 (ideas are still welcome even after that date).

We will publicize a list of the opportunities in our weekly news bulletin FORUM, so, it is a great way for your organization to get the attention of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish community.

Our EXTRA-Parish Service Projects Opportunity List can be found at:
http://service4justice.blogspot.com/ or, at:
http://www.stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/serviceprojects.htm

A Project Could Be Accomplished:
-- by a group or class of students during their school hours, or evening religious education classes.
For example: card making, stapling, envelope stuffing, bag decorating, You Name It, You Define your project needs and we will try to do it.
-- by a group, a whole family, a single adult person, or a parent and child, for an hour or two after school, or for a few hours on a Saturday then we are especially interested.
For example: raking the yard, washing windows, picking up sticks, Food Pantry Programs, Hot Meal Programs, Shelter programs, Direct one on one service helping; Seniors, Children, Etc.

You Name It, then we will try to do it.
The service projects are a way for our people:
- to show care for our brothers and sisters in need, &
- to prepare our hearts for the joy of the EASTER season.

Thanks for your suggestions & ideas,
Scott Wright
--------------------------------------
Scott Wright, BSW, M.Div., Parish Social Ministry Director,
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church,
2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Fax 734-821-2102
Website: http://stfrancisa2.com/socialministry/
Phone: 734-821-2121 E-mail:
--------------------------------------

Immigration Photos

2008-11-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

From 2008-10-02 Immigration event

2003-04-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

Catholic Church Teaching on
ENVIRONMENT
(Catholic Social Teaching Applied on April 20, 2003.)

Through the Eyes of Christ
By: Patti Yonka“How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24
During this Easter Season as we rejoice in the Risen Christ, let us pay special attention to the Care of God’s Creation, which is one of The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Through our personal Lenten practices, participation in Renew, Season II, or as a participant in the RCIA program, we know that we shall rise again, with Christ, on the last day. This is made new to us each time we receive the Eucharist. We believe that the bread and wine, grain and fruit of the earth, are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus. Put into this context, we see that taking care of everything that God has created is “most intimately bound” to Jesus Christ.
Care of God’s Creation calls us to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. In 1989, Pope John Paul II, in The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility said, “Faced with the widespread destruction of the environment people everywhere are coming to understand that we cannot continue to use the good of the Earth as we have in the past . . . [A] new ecological awareness is beginning to emerge . . .The ecological crisis is a moral issue”.
While there are varied While there are varied opinions on the causes and concerns of our environment, many would agree that we are experiencing this lack of care through pollution of our air, water, and land, and decline in wetlands, forests, and in our lakes and rivers. Rather than pointing fingers, it is most important to look at our environment through the eyes of Christ. How can we do this?
Our St. Francis Community, parish and school, participates in environmental awareness work:
· The Sustainable Garden Project involves working in 2 gardens, one at St. Francis and one at the Perry Nursery School. The gardens benefit struggling families of our area by providing fresh produce for the Perry Nursery School Pantry. Now is the time for digging and planting! Please visit the Social Ministry website: http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/sustainable-garden for more information.
· St. Francis Middle School students under the guidance of Mike Powers and Liz Davis are working on the restoration of a native habitat on the St. Francis grounds. This work involves research in determining indigenous plants in our area. For further information, please contact St. Francis School @ 734-821-2200.
Through our Sunday and daily readings, prayers, and petitions, we know that God loves each of us as unique individuals. Because we are each important in His eyes, it is essential for us to remember that one person makes a difference! It is through our daily routines of life that we can begin to look at our environment through the eyes of Christ.
Here are 10 simple suggestions for daily living:
1. Take a bath instead of a shower. After 5 minutes, more water is used for showering than for bathing.
2. Turn off running water whenever possible: when brushing teeth, rinsing dishes, watering plants, etc.
3. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, and rags or sponges instead of paper towels.
4. Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!
5. When possible, do it by hand. Are leaf blowers, snow blowers, hedge trimmers, etc. always necessary?
6. Wash reclosable plastic bags for reuse.
7. Fix dripping faucets.
8. Take your own cloth (or extra plastic) bags to the grocery store.
9. Plant trees.
10. Buy only what you need.
St. Francis of Assisi reminds us of our responsibility and duty towards nature. He is most often pictured with the birds of the air and creatures of the earth and is known throughout the world for his special devotion to the earth. Let us honor his work by remembering his words this Easter Season. Rejoice in the Risen Lord! Rejoice in all of God’s Creation!
“Lord, we offer thanks and praise for the circle of our days.
Praise for radiant brother sun, who makes the hours around us run.
For sister moon, and for the stars, brilliant, precious always ours.
Praise for brothers wind and air, serene or cloudy, foul or fair.”
St. Francis, Canticle of the Sun, 1225

2002-12-30T22:33:00.000-08:00

Catholic Church Teaching on
POVERTY
(Catholic Social Teaching Applied on December 25, 2002.)

By Christine Billick      "When one is poor, she has no say in public, she feels inferior. She has no food, so there is famine in her house; no clothing, and no progress in her family." - a woman from Uganda (from http://www.worldbank.org/poverty/voices/listen-findings.htm)
     For many, the Christmas season is a time of abundance - of goodwill, high emotions, stress, family time, and joy. It is in the midst of this abundance that we are more mindful of the needs of others and often the desire to take action is ever more insistent. One of the seven major Catholic social teachings instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable at the fore of our actions. The deprivation and powerlessness of the poor affects every aspect of our community lives. Our need to act is clear.
     The St. Francis parish community already shares the bounty of the Lord with those who need what they don't have. From laboring to build a home through the Habitat for Humanity program to filling box upon box with special treasures for the giving tree, the people of our community have taken action to respond to areas of need. What more can be done?
     Whether viewed from a global perspective or from the level of our own community, the impact of poverty affects us all. To act competently, however, it is fundamental to understand what poverty is. If poverty or "the poor" are viewed simply through popular assumptions or unexamined beliefs, poverty issues cannot be adequately addressed. Consider whom you might define as poor. What measurements and evaluations did you use to conclude that? Do you know what they or we, as individuals or as a group, need? What can you as one person or one small group do to address the concerns of the identified group? What kinds of poverty challenges will take an entire community, legislative action, or country policy to empower the vulnerable?
     Not all conditions of poverty are involuntary. Some choose the life of poverty for a number of reasons. What are the advantages of a life of poverty? Others, through income changes, family needs, or medical crises have poverty thrust upon them. Still others are born into a legacy of impossible debt or in a place where hierarchical greed consumes most resources. Ask yourself: of these conditions, where is the need greatest; what priority am I called to address first?
      To do:

Explore your biases about the poor, the vulnerable, and poverty in general.
Tour poverty strongholds and record your observations.
Be mindful of the consequences of poverty (hunger, illness, crime, etc.).
Be a mentor to someone trying to get out of a poverty situation.
Read biographies and stories of those who have given a voice to the concerns of the poor (ie. Mother Theresa, Jimmy Carter).
Email me at christine@billick.net and tell me how you define poverty and what issues you see as the greatest concern. Please share some of the things you have done to alleviate the issues of poverty.Tell me too if your comments might go on our peace and justice website

2002-12-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Catholic Church Teaching on
WAR
in Relation to the Present World Situation
(Catholic Social Teaching Applied on December 8, 2002.)

By Jim Varani       A state of war exists in the world today. The struggle against organized terrorism has certainly risen to the level of war. The efforts of our country to engage Iraq in armed conflict can be seen as part of the same war against terrorism. Other nations, too, may be dragged into this conflict. All of this makes it appropriate for Catholics to reflect on our teaching about war, and to take a position.
     The teaching of the Catholic Church on war has been codified over the years in what has come to be known as the "Just War Theory". Intrinsic to this teaching is the notion that nations, like individuals, have the right (and indeed the duty) to defend themselves against aggression. That right has never been questioned. At the same time, the use of force in any circumstance must meet certain, strict criteria before it can be considered acceptable under the Just War Theory. Among these criteria are i) righteousness of the cause, ii) the means used, iii) proportionality of the response and iv) consideration of all alternatives to war.
     Do the actions of our nation meet these criteria in its war on terrorism? Would a preemptive, unilateral attack on Iraq to prevent that country's government from (potentially) aiding terrorists with "weapons of mass destruction" meet the criteria? Difficult questions, to be sure. Questions that require much thought and even more prayer on the part of every Catholic. As American Catholics, we especially need a thoughtful, prayerful response since in a democracy we can never say that our government's actions are not our responsibility.
     While each Catholic will have to make his own determination as to what is right in such difficult circumstances, we must give great weight to what the Catholic bishops in America say in this regard. And what have they said? The bishops' council acknowledged after the attacks of September 11th against the United States that our government was justified in using military force to root out terrorism in Afghanistan. More recently, however, the bishops have expressed grave concern over a possible unilateral attack by the United States against Iraq. While a unilateral attack might ultimately be justified, the bishops could not justify it presently since one of the major criteria of the Just War Theory - i.e., consideration of all other alternatives to war - had not been met. As individual Catholics, we also must consider all of the criteria of the Just War Theory in deciding on the rightness of a course of action that involves war.