•    

• of mind and heart

   My Dear People,
       We are blessed to have another priest serving in our parishes, Fr. Raj.  Slowly but steadily we will be introducing and preparing Fr. Raj to the American culture and to serving as a priest in the Diocese of Saginaw.  Things are different in countries and in the Catholic Church in different parts of the world.  Thank you for being patient with Fr. Raj as he adjusts to being with us and for your warm welcome of him.  Below is a self-introduction written by Fr. Raj.     
                                                                            Fr. Bill 
  
  MEET FR. RAJ:
  I, Fr. Raj. My full name is Fr. Baltha Raj Bandaru. I came from INDIA. I am very happy to be part of you, to be part of the Big Family of America.
  I belong to the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, in the state of TELANGANA, which is in southern part of India. India is a peninsular country, seventh largest country in the world. It has 36 states. New Delhi is the Capital. It is the world’s largest democratic country with huge cultural, religious and linguistic diversity. There are 1652 languages in India and Hindi is the National language.
  About my Diocese. I belong to the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. The present Archbishop is Most Rev. Poola Anthony, who has taken the charge on 3^rd of January, 2021. We have more than 300 priests and nuns more than 1000 in the diocese belong to different religious congregations. Hyderabad is the second best place in the world to live in. It is known for its food and it is called a Pearl City.
  Coming to myself, I am born on 12^th July, 1978. We are five in the family. I have two older sisters, an older brother and a younger brother. My parents are in heavenly abode. May their souls rest in peace. I have 5 nieces and 2 nephews. I completed my schooling and college studies in the diocesan schools and colleges.
  I am ordained on 12^th April, 2007 by His Grace, Late Most Rev. M. Joji, the Archbishop of Hyderabad. May his soul rest in peace. I am 14 years priest. I thank and praise God for these many years blessing me. I worked in the parishes, schools, in the villages and cities of the diocese. I have Masters in Social Work and Bachelors in Education. I had wonderful time being a priest in the diocese.
  I really like games which I used to play before my Ordination. As a priest I play regularly badminton. I like music very much, like to listen loud in the personal room and with earphones.
  I like to be more prayerful, like to spend more time in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord. I like praying for the people, for their intentions. I really thank God for He has given me a great opportunity to serve the people of the United States of America. I feel that I am really blessed to be with you.
  I thank in a special way His Lordship, Most Rev. Robert D’Gruss, the Bishop of the diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, for his loving acceptance to be a priest of the diocese and work for the people of this land. I also thank Fr. Bill, who is so loving and caring. His guidance, his smile and his presence make me feel comfortable and at home. I feel that I am in my own family because of your great love. A Big Thanks to the People of the United states of America. I always owe to you…..
  
  Fr. Raj
  IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE CHURCH FLOWER COLLECTIONS AND FUNDS:
  Each year funds are collected in our parishes at Christmas and Easter for flowers that beautify each of our Parish Churches: Christ the Good Shepherd and St. John Paul II.  The money that is donated toward the Flower Fund is used for the Christmas and Easter Flowers.  Any remaining amount is used to replenish the flowers over the Easter Season and then will be used to provide flowers in the Church for Feasts throughout the year or maybe even for flowers to beautify the outside of our Churches.  Money collected for flowers is used for flowers and cannot be used for any other purpose.  If flower monies were received with an attached intention, a list of these intentions will be prepared and published in the bulletin.  Thank you for your support of the Flower Fund.
  
  THE BACK PARKING LOT AT CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH.  Concerns have been expressed regarding the insufficient number of handicap parking spaces at the Church.  This same concern was aired at our recent Pastoral Council meeting.  Please know that we are looking to address this issue.  We are investigating the cost and work to expand the back parking lot to the south, adding a number of parking spaces and increasing our handicap parking spaces.  This is a future solution.  For now, we will be working to designate more of our current parking spaces in this back lot for handicap parking. Thank you for your input and your patience as we address this important issue.    
  
  SEEKING PARISHIONERS TO SERVE ON OUR PASTORAL COUNCILS:  The terms of several of our Pastoral Council Members are expiring this year (after having served for an additional year due to covid19).  We need people from each of our parishes: Christ the Good Shepherd and St. John Paul II; to serve a three year term on our Pastoral Councils.  There is so much that is happening and will be happening which requires the input of parishioners.  Please consider nominating yourself or another parishioner who you believe would be a good Pastoral Council member.  Please use the nominating form below so as to submit your nominations.  The deadline for receiving nominations is Wednesday, May 5, 2021.