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April 18, 2020
Dear Brothers and sisters, On this Easter Saturday as we prepare for Mercy Sunday, I feel compelled to write you and express my deep love for each one of you and how much Fr. Andrew and I miss the opportunity to be with you at Mass, confessions and the regular day to day encounters of life. We celebrate Mass to empty pews while knowing that we are providing you an opportunity to pray the Eucharist at home and receive Jesus Christ in spiritual communion. Remember that our God is a mighty God, Jesus has conquered death and is Lord of all creation and the Holy Spirit is moving among us in many and powerful ways. We must never underestimate the power of God to move in our lives. Along with our churches being empty we suffer from the absence of our students in the classrooms. This has placed a heavy burden on the school administrators and teachers to assist your children in their education. It has also placed a heavy burden on parents who must help their kids from home to ensure their work is complete and they continue to grow in academics but also, and more importantly in their faith in Jesus Christ. As parents, administration and teachers work together we will succeed. When we look at how this virus has impacted our local, national and world community it is obvious we need to turn to Jesus Christ more than ever in our lives. We must keep our eyes fixed on the things that are eternal; this world holds no promise of eternity – only God does and he will give us the strength to move through this. Thank You: I am very appreciative to the parish and school staff for helping Fr. Andrew and me provide the necessary resources allowing us to stay in contact with the parish, especially those who may need assistance or a pastoral phone call and prayer in their time of need. St. Vincent de Paul is still caring for those with food and financial assistance, Sue Crudgington and Christian service has many parishioners set up to reach out to those who are alone or elderly. If you know of anyone who needs a call for prayer, please send us their number and we will gladly reach out to them. We are very blessed to have IT people who are helping to bring the faith to us through the website (we use to call it TV Land). Check our parish website: stfabian.org under parish schedule and resources, and also look at the “St. Fabian Catholic Church & School” Facebook page for the daily Mass celebrated at St. Fabian, many resources of growing in the faith. There is a beautiful series of the Holy Rosary with music that makes it like praying in community. Get reconnected with Formed on the site. It’s a wonderful gift to you from the parish with many resources to grow in our Catholic faith. We’re In This Together: We have all suffered from this virus in many ways. Some have suffered financially and emotionally due to the isolation, many are suffering in trying to care for family members who have been diagnosed with COVID19, we have had family members and friends who have died from the virus, including my brother, Pat. In all this turmoil I repeat my word written above - Our God is a mighty God, Jesus has conquered death and is Lord of all creation and the Holy Spirit is moving among us in many and powerful ways. We must never underestimate the power of God to move in our lives and use us as His instruments. Turn to Him and He will give you strength beyond imagination. We will be better and stronger as we move forward because we are his disciples. Parish Support: One last reminder is about assisting the parish with your financial support. Churches are also being affected financially. We have taken steps to cut any expenses possible. We are hoping to keep our staff without laying anyone off. We are also hoping to receive support from the government Paycheck Protection Program. I ask you to be as generous as you can considering your personal situation. Our purpose and mission of the parish to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. That mission begins with our families and neighbors. Please go on the parish website stfabian.org and sign up for online giving. It’s easy and a great way to continue giving throughout the year. It is a secure site and you also save on postage! 😊 Never Forget Our History: I remind you the history of our city: In 1805 the city of Detroit was destroyed by fire with no loss of lives. Father Gabriel Richard spoke the following: “We hope for better things; it shall rise from the ashes. Brothers and sisters, together we will we will see great things rise in our day also because Jesus is Lord. Know that you are in every prayer and every Mass intention celebrated at St. Fabian. In all that we say and do - May God be blessed. Sincerely yours in Christ, Monsignor Timothy D. Hogan Pastor |
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St. Fabian Catholic Church
32200 W. Twelve Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-553-4610 info@stfabian.org Weekend Mass Times Saturday Vigil: 5pm Sunday: 8am, 10am, 12pm, 5:30pm |
