My Dear People,
     Today we begin the solemn season of Advent, four weeks of spiritual preparation to celebrate the coming of Christ.  It is important to remember that there is a twofold focus of Advent.  We primarily focus on the Second Coming of Christ.  We attentively listen to the Gospels and writings of the Apostles who remind us of this promise of Jesus and of our mission to be prepared for this day of which “we know not the day nor the hour.”  Our secondary focus is on the coming of Christ, born 2000 years ago.  The words of the prophets predicting the coming of Christ and the words of John the Baptist preparing people for the presence of Jesus echo as a reminder that the promise will be fulfilled and we are to prepare our lives for the coming of Jesus just as the people prepared their lives for the coming of Jesus.  In particular, by purifying our hearts of sin, embracing a life of good deeds, and longing for the coming of Christ. 
     How will you observe this Season of Advent?  I would encourage you to pick up one of the “little blue books” available at the entrances of the Church and follow along with the daily reflection and prayer.  I would encourage you to consider having an Advent wreathe in your home in a special place: coffee table in the living room, dining room table, etc.  Light the candles and pray the enclosed prayers of the wreathe during these four weeks.  Take advantage of the Sacrament of Penance, confessing your sins and receiving the blessing of absolution.  Find charitable works to do whether making a phone call or sending a Christmas card to those who are alone or gifts to charities that help the needy or donations to churches or organizations that help others.  It is good to make a plan and then work to fulfill it.  
     May God who begins the good works of Advent in us bring them to completion!
         
                                                               Fr. Bill

COMMISSIONED LAY MINISTRY: On Sunday, October 18, Bishop Gruss celebrated the commissioning and renewal of the Lay Ministers in the Diocese of Saginaw at St. Mary Cathedral.  On this day, Dale Sisson and Cindy Sisson renewed their commitment to serve as Commissioned Lay Ministers at Christ the Good Shepherd for three years.  Although ministry is limited at this time due to the Covid19 pandemic, we acknowledge their years of formation and service and look forward to their ministry amongst us when the pandemic is over and we resume normal parish life.
Diana Bismack of St. John Paul II Parish has been received into the Lay Ministry Program this year and has begun her four years of study.  May God bless them in their studies and ministries. 
 
CHRIST MISSION APPEAL 2020-2021: TARGETS FOR OUR PARISHES:
ST. JOHN PAUL II PARISH target is $40,929.
CHRIST THE GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH target is $58,191.
Thank you for your financial support of the Christ Mission Appeal.  Through your financial donations, your hands are doing the work of Christ with those ministering in the Church.  If you haven’t responded to this Appeal yet, please do so soon.  Our parish needs your support so as to assist us in reaching our targeted goal.  Each of us doing our part accomplishes what we can’t do alone.  

THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (Confession) is offered weekly in each of our Parishes:
Saturdays at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish 3:30 – 4:15 p.m.
Sundays at St. John Paul II Parish 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
We will increase these opportunities as we get closer to Christmas.