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• of mind and heart

   
  My Dear People,
       On June 20, two priests from India arrived to the Diocese of Saginaw: Fr. Richard John and Fr. Vijay Lourdu.  They, like Fr. Raj, belong to the Diocese of Hyderabad, India.  With the approval of Bishop Gruss, they have been given permission by their Bishop to come to the Diocese of Saginaw to minister as priests for a period of time.  Fr. Raj knows Fr. Richard and Fr. Vijay as brother priests of the same Diocese.  The purpose of their presence in the Diocese is to lead a parish, after a period of time of getting familiar with the culture of our country, Diocese, and the Catholic Church in the United States. 
       At this time, Fr. Richard John has been assigned to serve at Christ the Good Shepherd and St. John Paul II Parishes.  Fr. Vijay Lourdu has been assigned to serve at St. Dominic Parish, Saginaw.  So please warmly welcome both of them, and in particular, Fr. John Richard who will begin celebrating Masses and the Sacraments in our parishes as well as taking on other parish responsibilities.  At this time, Fr. Raj continues to be assigned to our parishes.  He will be assisting St. Paul Parish, Ithaca, by celebrating their Masses while their pastor is away for several weeks.  I will keep you informed of the future ministry of Fr. Raj as it comes to light.
       Have a blessed and happy Fourth of July celebration this Monday! 
                                                                                   Fr. Bill 
  
  
  Brief Profile of Fr. Richard John 
       I was born on August 18, 1982 in a town called Nizamabad. I completed my schooling in the same town and my journey of my vocation to Priesthood had its beginning during my school time when I first heard about the charitable mission of St. Mother Teresa of Kolkata. She became an inspiration for me to seek and pursue a life of service to the people. 
       I am blessed with loving family consisting of my father Late Mr. Aron John and my mother Mrs. Mary Fathima. I have two siblings my eldest sister Mrs. Mary Teresa and my elder brother Mr. Joseph John. I have three nieces.  
       My father was an employee in Indian Railways who not only provided good education but also instilled a deep desire for Daily Mass. He never missed the daily Mass till he died. My mom in all her simple faith would encourage me to live faithfully my vocation.  
       In the words of St. John Paul II, I always consider Vocation as a beautiful “gift from God” to be received and shared. Having worked in Archdiocese of Hyderabad for 13 years I am glad God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve the community here at Saginaw Diocese. I humbly ask your prayers and support me so that I can fulfil the mission of Christ here in the parish.  
                                                                                   . . . Fr. Richard John 
  
  “THANK YOU” to everyone who attended the Farewell Ice Cream Socials for Hank Messing.  It is always good to express our appreciation by attending such farewells and saying “good-bye” to those who have served us.  Special thanks to Judy LaVigne and her workers at St. John Paul II and Ed Taylor and his workers at Christ the Good Shepherd, for all of their hard and faithful work in putting together these Socials.  May God bless you for your goodness.
  
  
  OUR PARISH PLAN FOR the Reintroduction of the Distribution of the Blood of Christ.
       Beginning June 19, Bishop Gruss has approved the reintroduction of the Distribution of the Blood of Christ at Mass, which had been suspended since the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic.  Our Parish Pastoral Staff has met, discussed the Diocesan guidelines and devised a plan and timeline for the reintroduction of the Distribution of the Blood of Christ for our parishes.  From now through July 8, will be contacting all of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist of our Parishes to reaffirm their desire and ability to serve in this ministry.  We will have these Ministers gather for instructions and to be “re-familiarized” with distribution procedures at the Churches on the following days: 
            St. John Paul II Parish on Tuesday, July 12, 6:15 p.m.; and
            Christ the Good Shepherd Parish on Wednesday, July 13, 6:15 p.m.
       A bulletin insert, on the return of receiving the Precious Blood of Christ at Mass will be placed in the July 10 weekend bulletin. This insert will help answer questions that people may have regarding receiving from the cup.  With these things in order, we will begin the Distribution of the Blood of Christ at Mass on the weekend of July 16-17. 
  
  CHRIST MISSION APPEAL 2021-2022 Parish Response Report (6/22/22)
  St. John Paul II received $37,160.01 in cash & pledges towards its goal of $46,490.62
  Christ the Good Shepherd received $61,798.01 in cash & pledges towards its goal of $57,063.
  We kindly ask that you continue to support our Christ Mission Appeal.  Through our donations we serve hand in hand with those who do the daily work of Christ at the Diocese every day.