Afternoon Bible Break: A bi-weekly bible study to refresh your spirit
Pressed for time, but still looking for spiritual encouragement? Come join us as we study Job: A Good Man Asks Why. The book of Job helps us work through one of the most difficult questions that confronts us in life: Why do bad things happen to good people?
Stop by the Parish office to register and purchase a book. Books cost $9.00.
Questions: Call Kathy Doering- 839-9273, Carmen Gray-832-4164
Description:
The book of Job helps us work through one of the most difficult questions that confronts us in life: Why do bad things happen to good people? In Job: A Good Man Asks Why, author Kevin Perrotta walks us through the key points in the book of Job and helps us understand suffering, justice, and love in a new light.
This past weekend, we hosted our much-anticipated annual Taste of Summer bike ride, and it was a fantastic success! About 30 enthusiastic participants joined us for a delightful day filled with biking, delicious food, and great company. All food donations will go to the Midland County Food Assistance Network.
The Ride
Our adventure began at the Tridge, a favorite local landmark known for its picturesque views and three-way wooden footbridge. From there, we embarked on a scenic 3-mile bike ride, enjoying the beautiful summer weather and the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. Even the youngest participants had fun making their way down the Rail Trail!
The Destination
Our destination was Cottage Creamery, where a world of summer treats awaited us. Participants had their choice of indulging in creamy, delicious ice cream from Cottage Creamery or savoring the smoky flavors of barbeque paired with refreshing beer from Midland Brewing Company. All the ice cream, both in a cone or dish, was delicious! 100% of ice cream eaters recommend. Fr. Rob recommends the OPE! Michigan Hopped IPA, the Glomski’s recommend the pulled pork nachos, and Kristyn enjoyed the refreshing Three Mile Marker Hefeweizen from Midland Brewing. Whether you opted for a sweet or savory treat, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A Community Gathering
The event was more than just a bike ride; it was a celebration of our parish community for our parish feast day. It was wonderful to see both familiar faces and new ones, all coming together to share in the experience. The Body of Christ was on the move in downtown Midland!
Thank You!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Taste of Summer. Your participation and enthusiasm are what make events like this so memorable. We look forward to many more rides and gatherings in the future. Until then, keep biking and enjoying the tastes of summer!
Mark your calendars for June 22, 2025, for our next Taste of Summer bike ride. Happy summer to all!
Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves… What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation. ~Catherine Doherty
Please consider joining us for prayer this season of Lent. Below you will find a list of prayer opportunities at the parish.
Mass:
Wednesday & Thursday: 8:30 am Saturday: 4:00 pm Sunday: 8:30 am (livestreamed) Sunday: 11:00 am
Evening Prayer:
Wednesdays at 6:30 pm
Stations of the Cross:
Friday, February 16 at 7:00 pm Fridays beginning February 23 at Noon
Reconciliation
Communal Reconciliation
March 10 | 2:00 pm | Blessed Sacrament
Individual Reconciliation
First Saturday of the month at 2:30 pm.
Taize Prayer
Wednesday, March 13 Prayer at 6:30 pm
Holy Hour with Bishop Gruss
Wednesday, March 20 7:00 – 8:00 pm
2nd Stations of the Cross, Jesus is given his cross, Church of the Holy Trinity in Gemunden am Main, Bavaria, Germany
Embrace the opportunity! This is an opportunity to disconnect from your phone or computer and reconnect with the world. Enjoy nature. Focus on your prayer life. Enter into the silence. Practice mindfulness. Learn something new. There are many ways to fill your time where you might have been scrolling. See what Lent opportunities we have at Blessed Sacrament, and here are some other suggestions.
1. Focus on building positive habits
If you had to estimate – how much time do you spend scrolling on social media? 30 minutes a day? 1-2 hours a day? More? Did you know that it takes about 30 days to build a habit? If you give up social media for Lent, you can focus on cultivating positive habits like reading (or listening to) books for fun, going for walks, or practicing mindfulness. Lent is 40 days, so you could have a new habit or two by the end!
2. Connect with people in person
Do you know the names of your neighbors? Or what about the people who sit behind or in front of you at Mass? When was the last time you called a long-distance family member or friend? Take this time to reconnect with friends and family in person. Take time for face-to-face meetings or phone calls to strengthen those relationships. Introduce yourself to your neighbors at home or at Mass and ask them how they are doing.
3. Volunteer and give back
Find ways to give your time to worthy causes. Have you always wanted to volunteer at the Open Door? Now’s the time (Blessed Sacrament has a group that works at the Open Door regularly)! Find a cause you’re passionate about and give your time this Lent.
4. Journaling
Start a Lenten journal to document your 40 days without social media. Or record your thoughts, experiences, and reflections during this period. If you’re interested in going deeper, check out the guided autobiography program, Everybody has a Story, with Ansley Dauenhauer beginning on February 21!
5. Read spiritual or inspirational books
Choose books that align with your spiritual or personal development goals. Do you want to learn more about spirituality, the saints, living your faith, or maybe you’re struggling with your faith, there are books out there that can help you with that doubt and insecurity. Check below for recommendations from Fr. Rob and staff.
6. Learn a new skill
With your newfound free time, you could learn a new skill. It could be anything from learning an instrument, or a new language, or practicing new recipes. The sky is the limit on this one!
7. Physical activity
You could focus on your physical health through regular exercise (not just working your thumb by scrolling). Take a hike at City Forest, go for a bike ride down the rail trail, walk around your neighborhood or to the end of the driveway if you’re starting small, or any other form of physical activity that you enjoy.
8. Digital detox
The goal is not to replace one screen with another, so you might consider a broader digital detox. Limit your overall screen time and take breaks from other digital devices as well.
9. Practice gratitude
Develop a daily gratitude practice. This could be the foundation of your journaling practice. Reflect on the positive things in your life and express gratitude for them either in a journal or through an action that serves others. Here are some prompts to consider:
Morning Gratitude:
What are three things you’re grateful for as you start your day?
Daily Highlight:
Recall the best part of your day and express gratitude for that moment.
Small Pleasures:
Reflect on small, everyday pleasures that often go unnoticed. What are you thankful for today?
Challenges Turned Blessings:
Consider a recent challenge or obstacle. How did it turn into a blessing or an opportunity for growth?
Acts of Kindness:
Write about someone’s kindness that you experienced or witnessed. Express gratitude for that person’s actions.
10. Spend time in nature
Take advantage of the outdoors. Spend time in nature, whether it’s hiking, gardening, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in a park.
Ready, Set, Lent
Lent isn’t just about giving something up, but cultivating ways to grow closer to God, deepen your faith, and become a better version of yourself, so on Easter Sunday we truly feel newly alive, like we too, have risen from the grave with Christ!
The Blessed Sacrament Knights of Columbus council recently held their Anniversary dinner at the parish social hall. Knights from our council, Assumption, and St. Brigid enjoyed a potluck dinner of Italian dishes. During the dinner, presentations were made to honor the “Knight of the Year” and “Family of the Year”.
We are proud to announce that this year’s recipients are:
Knight of the Year: Tom Zajac. Tom is a founding member of our Council. He has been a hard-working and reliable member of the council for many years. Tom has been very involved in the “Wood for Warmth” program benefiting cancer patients and needy people who heat with wood. He’s always there when we are cutting, splitting, and delivering the wood. You can also count on Tom to help make the Knight’s soup suppers a success. Tom also coordinates our council blood drives with Versiti Blood Center. He is there at every drive making sure things run smoothly.
Family of the Year: John and Margie Hollingsworth. John coordinates putting up and taking down Christmas lights around the church. John and Margie provide soup for the Knight’s soup suppers and John is there to help with other projects that the Knights have. John and Margie also serve the parish at mass with Hospitality and being Eucharistic Ministers. For many years, John has been a member of the Men’s Christ Renews Team.
Please join the Knights in congratulating Tom, John, and Margie for their service in 2023!
Sometimes all you need is coffee with God and his people.
Come meet with fellow coffee and tea drinkers who want to talk about topics of faith while fueling our caffeine cravings on June 11th at 9:00 at Cultivate Coffee and Tea in the Midland Mall. Since our parish feast day takes place this month, we will discuss Christ in the Eucharist. What does this mean to you?
The Christ’s Mission Appeal allows Catholics within the Diocese of Saginaw to express gratitude to God for His insurmountable blessings. Your openness to contribute to this appeal enables the ongoing and broader reach of diverse ministries to the faithful, all while actively participating in the mission of spreading the Gospel.
Both your financial contributions and your prayers for the mission of our esteemed diocese, as well as for the upcoming 2023 Christ’s Mission Appeal, are vital. Through these, we can collectively engage in meaningful “Kingdom Work.”
At the heart of the Diocese of Saginaw is a commitment to embody the teachings of Christ. The diocese’s mission statement is
Trusting in the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Eucharist, we, the faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw, are companions on the journey to share the love of Jesus Christ.
Christ’s Mission Appeal is an initiative to reinforce this commitment by supporting various outreach programs, educational endeavors, and pastoral services. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families within our diocese.
How You Can Contribute
Your generosity can make a significant difference. Join us in supporting Christ’s Mission Appeal through your donations. Every contribution, no matter the size, plays a crucial role in sustaining and expanding the mission.
By Mail: Please complete the pledge card that is included in your Christ’s Mission Appeal mailing and return it in the envelope provided. Please return the pledge card to the Diocese of Saginaw.
In-Person: Checks can be dropped off in the baskets at Mass or at the Parish Center.
Hey parish family! Did you know that there’s a Sharing Plate with yummy treats being passed around the parish? Sign up to join in the fun! Enjoy the treats that you receive and then fill up the plate with your family favorites and pass it on to another parish family!
The plate has already started to pass around and will continue through May. Want to join in the fun?
Step 2: You’ll be contacted by a parish family to set up your plate delivery. This would be a good time to make sure the family is aware of any food allergies that you or a member of your family has.
Step 3: Receive the plate and enjoy the treats on it. This is also a great time to take pictures to share with us on Facebook and to add your name and story to the blessing book that came with the plate.
Step 4: Contact the next person on the list that came with the plate to set up your drop-off. Please try to set up a delivery for the next family within 5 days of receiving the plate.
Step 5: Fill up the plate with your family’s favorite treats and pass it on!
Have questions? Please call the Faith Formation office at 835-6777 (extension 236).
