Laidback Book Club

Join our Casual Seasonal Book Club!

Dive into great reads with a community that loves literature as much as you do. We keep the conversation alive and engaging through our FACEBOOK group, where members can share their thoughts, insights, and questions while reading. This ongoing online discussion allows everyone to participate at their own pace, fostering a rich and interactive reading experience.

At the end of each book, we gather in person at the Parish Center for a lively group conversation. This final meeting is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers, delve deeper into the themes and characters, and enjoy the shared enthusiasm of finishing a great book together.

Whether you’re a voracious reader or someone who enjoys a good book now and then, our book club offers a welcoming and relaxed environment. Join us for a season of enriching reads and meaningful discussions!

Laidback Book Club: No Guilty Bystander

Join us in reading a book recommended by Fr. Rob: No Guilty Bystander, The Extraordinary Life of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton. The online book summary reads that Thomas Gumbleton, retired Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, served as an outstanding voice and witness for peace and justice in the Catholic Church. From his early opposition to the Vietnam war, his work on the Bishops’ historic pastoral on nuclear weapons, to his peacemaking missions and solidarity with marginalized communities around the globe, and his promotion of reform and renewal in the church, he has offered a prophetic model of faithful discipleship.

He has visited as a speaker in the Midland area and recently passed away on April 4th of this year. His obituary stated that he was best remembered for touching lives through his homilies and pastoral care. He began as a parish priest, served as Assistant Chancellor and then Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and, in 1968, became the youngest bishop in the United States at age 38. Tom travelled throughout the world responding to requests to accompany people in crisis, especially in situations calling for human rights advocacy, nonviolence, and justice.

Tom inspired those around him to recognize their own call to love one another as God has first loved us. He challenged each person to build a world where all will feel at home. The legacy he leaves are the countless hearts he touched and the minds he encouraged to think deeply about faith, justice, and love. Bishop Gumbleton lived a life that responded to the Gospel call: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

Royalties on sales of No Guilty Bystander will go to the Kay Lasante Health Clinic in Haiti.

Please purchase a paper or digital copy and join us on Facebook or read along with us and then join in for a community discussion on Thursday, November 7th at 7:00 in the parish library.

Contact Christy for more information about how to join the group.

Praying in Nature

All creation is a song of praise to God!
St. Hildegard of Bingen

On Thursday, September 26th at 10:00 am or 6:30pm at the Chippewa Nature Center for prayer before walking on the trails. We will meet in the parking lot in front of the Nature Center building. Please register with Christy to ensure she has enough prayer guides.

Spend time with God in nature by praying with your senses!

The prayer guide has recommended trails at the Chippewa Nature Center, but the guide can be used on any walk or trail!

Nature Walk Prayer Guide

Dear Mother earth,
Who day by day unfolds rich blessing on our way,
O Praise God! Alleluia!
The fruits and flowers that verdant grow,
Let them his praise abundant show.
O praise God, O praise God, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
– St. Francis

Cemetery Pilgrimage

It is a loving act to show sadness when our dear ones are torn from us, but it is a holy act to be joyful through hope and trust in the promises of God…
–Saint Paulinus of Nola (c. 354-431)

Beauty Unexpected in the Cemetery

Are you looking for a calming retreat/prayer experience in an unexpected location? If so, you will want to join Angela Pasek on September 19 (6:00 pm) at the Midland Cemetery as she leads us through her experience of finding God, community, and peace amidst the beauty of this site. Please RSVP to Christy so we know how many pilgrims to expect.

Wednesday Morning Scripture Study

Every week, we come together to explore and deepen our understanding of God’s Word using the highly regarded Little Rock Scripture Study materials and other enriching resources. Our gatherings provide a supportive and engaging environment where participants can delve into the Bible, discuss its teachings, and reflect on its relevance in our daily lives.

Through guided study sessions, insightful discussions, and shared reflections, we aim to uncover the profound messages within the scriptures and grow in our faith. Whether you’re new to Bible study or have been studying for years, our group welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity with the scriptures.

Experience the transformative power of God’s Word with us each week, and be part of a community dedicated to spiritual growth and understanding. Join us as we journey together in faith and fellowship!

Our next study is beginning soon!

On Wednesdays beginning September 18th from 9:30-11, we will be diving into the Little Rock Scripture Study of The Panorama of the New Testament. This study begins with the Gospels, Acts and continues through the letters and final book of the Bible. The purpose is to invite us into familiar scenes but with a wide-angle lens to capture the big picture.  We will be spending two weeks on each lesson so that there is enough time to reflect on the amount of scripture covered.  Including the introduction, the entire study will last nine weeks. The cost of the book is $12, and you may drop by the Faith Formation office to sign up and pick up your book. 

Small Faith Groups

Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more important than our own. The question, therefore, is not ‘How can we make community?’ but, ‘How can we develop and nurture giving hearts?’”
~ Henri Nouwen

Blessed Sacrament Parish Community is excited to continue our small faith groups initiative! Keep reading to learn more about the small group initiative and why you should be a part of it! It is our hope that our parish community will continue to grow in faith, discipleship, and fellowship through these small faith groups!

If you are part of an existing group, please check with your leader for meeting times and dates because some have changed.  If you are interested in joining or starting a small faith group, please contact Christy Granda. 

WHAT IS A SMALL FAITH GROUP

Generally, it is a group of 5-10 people who gather weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly for 60-90 minutes for fellowship, prayer, and discussion. These groups can meet at any place where community, conversation, confidentiality, and connection can happen. Though the composition and topic can be different for each group, the goals are the same for ALL groups; to make friends and make a difference while growing as disciples of Jesus.

WHY SMALL FAITH GROUPS

Jesus didn’t journey through this life alone. In fact, he called a group of twelve to follow him and companion with him. The group ate, prayed, and celebrated together. When times were difficult, they supported one other and strengthened each other’s faith. We were created from a community of love to be a community of love, and Jesus modeled that for us.

Small communities are powerful vehicles for adult faith formation, providing opportunities for learning, prayer, mutual support, and the shared experience of Christian living and service to Church and society.

Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, USCCB, 106

WHY SMALL FAITH GROUPS AT BLESSED SACRAMENT

At a parish as large as Blessed Sacrament, it’s easy to feel like you are just a number, just another person sitting in a pew. We realize that it’s often difficult to take the first step necessary to engage in all of the available ministry and faith formation opportunities. Small Faith Groups provide that first step and offer an immediate sense of belonging and a connection point to the larger parish.

WHO ARE SMALL FAITH GROUPS FOR

EVERYONE and ANYONE! Small Faith Groups are built around what people already have in common:

  1. Life Ages and Stages: young professionals, young families, empty nesters, singles, retired folks, married couples…
  2. Demographics: just men or women, mixed groups of men and women
  3. Areas of Interest: Scripture Study, Book Club, Papal Letters, Theology, God in Nature, Ministry Groups, Christian Music, Service, and Video Series on a whole range of topics

Parish Golf Outing

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 25 for the 4th Annual Blessed Sacrament Parish Golf Outing!

Date:August 25, 2024
Time:Shotgun Start @ 1:00 pm
Place:Currie Golf Course
1300 Currie Pkwy
Midland, MI 48640
Fee:$300.00 per team
(includes: cart & catered dinner)

Payment is due no later than August 19, 2024. Register below. Click here to pay online.

Format: The tournament will be played in a four-person scramble format.

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Recap of Our Annual Taste of Summer Event

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 2024

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

Around the MACC

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Our Lady of Grace
St. Brigid of Kildare

Fr. Rob’s Lent Challenge & 10 Ways to Rock It

No social media? What do I do?!

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!

If you’re still not sold on ghosting social media for Lent, here’s a post-Lent reflection from someone who did it and survived!

Book Recommendations

Fr. Rob’s Recommendations

The Holy Longing by Ronald Rolheiser

My Name is Ken by Kenneth Untener

Tribe on Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger

Kristyn’s Recommendations

Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen

Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans & Jeff Chu

Inspired by Rachel Held Evans

Blessed are the Misfits by Brant Hansen

Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Christy’s Recommendation

Thrift Store Saints: Meeting Jesus 25c at a Time by Jane Knuth

Corinne’s Recommendations

For the littles:
The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt
You Are Special by Max Lucado (And any of the sequel books about the Wemmicks)
Angel in Our Forest by Janet Mullen, SNDdeN (about modern martyr Sr. Dorothy Stang)
Just Help by Sonia Sotomayor
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco
Mrs. Katz and Tush by Patricia Polacco
On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett
Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Polacco

For grown-ups:
Out From Egypt series by Connilyn Cossette
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
A Nun in the Closet by Dorothy Gillman (light mystery fiction about a couple of mystery-solving nuns)
The Book of Joy by His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar
Seven Last Words by James Martin, SJ

Knights of Columbus 2024 Awards

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!

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