Update 3-7-10 The end is near-er. We're not trying to be apocalyptic. But with the conclusion of this week's small group sessions, only one more Year of Renewal weekend remains. (Week 6 will be March 20-21 with the Tuesday session on March 23.) Did you miss the March 2 Tuesday night presentation on "Is this Jesus the Christ? God in the Marketplace"? Then you missed hearing five parishioners who are actively involved in an outreach ministry or volunteer group speak personally about their work and provide an invitation to join them helping the many in our area who need aid-literally living out the Gospel message to serve others. Or perhaps you were there and want to see and hear it again. Can do on both counts. Thanks to our multi-media approach to YOR, you can see the session on your computer at your convenience. (Remember the St. John Fisher Year of Renewal Team received a prize from the Pastoral Ministers Association of the Pontiac Area Vicariate for our YOR effort's high-tech dissemination work for the entire program. Much of the first five weeks remains in print, audio or video form.) So what do the "end days" of YOR look like? As usual, the booklets for Week 6 will be distributed at the March 20-21 weekend liturgies, along with the one-page guide to the weekend's liturgy of the word readings, reflection suggestions and weekly prayer that will be inserted in the weekly bulletin. (While Week No. 6 comes as Spring formally debuts, here's a still-necessary advisory that any weather-induced postponement will be posted with rescheduling info on the SJF home page by 5 p.m. March 23 or earlier. It will also be available via recording at 248-373-6457.) Then the following Tuesday in the church at 7:15 p.m., we will join for "The Body of Christ: Being Eucharist in the World Today." The plan: * A Eucharistic celebration in the church. * Liturgy of the Word with a film on Eucharist as the scripture reflection. * Special Prayer of the Faithful drawing from the film and our theme. * Communion Reflection that leads us "through the Servants' Entrance.' * Special social afterward with finger foods, refreshments including beer and wine, pop etc. In a way, we're saving the best ---and most essential--- for last. So even if you haven't been involved in any YOR activity yet, the door is always open and this final session could be a real personal beginning for you. Update 2-27-2010 Year of Renewal Weekend No. 5 is upon us! That means the booklets (linked to the scriptures of this weekend's liturgies of Feb. 27-28 and the Tuesday session of March 2) and the one-page bulletin insert will be distributed at masses this weekend. (That's a change from Week No. 4, when we delivered them a week early.) Small groups will meet throughout the week. But what's on the agenda for the Tuesday session (7 p.m. gathering; 7:15 start time) in the SJF Activity Center? Parishioner Nancy Ritter will facilitate a presentation entitled "Is this Jesus the Christ? God in the Marketplace." Five other parishioners who are actively involved in an outreach ministry or volunteer group will discuss their experiences and include a brief witness of how they have encountered the Face of Christ in their endeavors. Expect real life stories of living out the Word and an invitation to help continue these various ministries by your personal involvement. It's all part of the YOR second-half focus of acting on our beliefs. After a brief moment of prayerful consideration, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to serve one or more of the efforts. Social time and refreshments will follow. One more bit of good news: The St. John Fisher Year of Renewal Team received a prize from the Pastoral Ministers Association of the Pontiac Area Vicariate for our YOR effort's high-tech dissemination work: To quote the citation: "This year-long series of printed material, speakers, small group discussions, songs, and videos has used the SJF website extensively to archive and disseminate content. Parishioners who leave town in the winter can still participate, as can former parishioners who want to maintain a connection to the community. A Facebook page, used mainly to broadcast news and announcements and drive traffic to the website, has resulted in "friends" that are younger and different from the parish regulars." Special kudos to SJF webmaster Judy Gordon, who makes much of the web material happen. It all gives the YOR program a life beyond the scheduled events. If you couldn't attend an event -or maybe want to hear it again for greater understanding of its many important points-much of what we've done is available for review at your convenience. A REMINDER: While Week No. 5 comes as February morphs into March, here's a still-necessary advisory that any weather-induced postponement will be posted with rescheduling info on the SJF home page by 5 p.m. March 2 or earlier. It will also be available via recording at 248-373-6457. A prayer for good weather is always in order! All that said, if you haven't gotten involved in any YOR activity yet, know that the door is always open and the sessions have all been designed to accommodate one timers and newcomers, as well as those who've been participating all along the way. Update 2-21-2010 Worth the wait? We'd say so. Last Tuesday's weather-delayed Year of Renewal session on "The Cost of Discipleship: Paying Attention" certainly was a thoughtful and memorable presentation on Catholic social teaching and the personal and social implications of our decision making. And the good news is if you couldn't attend -or maybe want to hear it again for greater understanding of its many important points-Father Jerry's presentation is available for review on our website. That's the electronic repository for many of the YOR resources and presentations-the printed word, audio and video. But the Year of Renewal is about looking ahead. And literally, that means the booklets for YOR session No. 5 (linked to the liturgies of Feb. 27-28 and the Tuesday session of March 2) will be distributed at the masses this weekend. Entitled "Is this Jesus the Christ? God in the Marketplace," it's the guide for small group discussions and the Tuesday presentation on March 2. Distributing them a week early gives participants more time to read and review them. The one-page YOR bulletin inserts will continue to be distributed on the actual YOR weekends. While Week No. 5 comes as February morphs into March, here's a still-necessary reminder that any weather-induced postponement will be posted with rescheduling info on the SJF home page by 5 p.m. March 2 or earlier. It will also be available via recording at 248-373-6457. A prayer for good weather is always in order!
All that said, if you haven't gotten involved in any YOR activity yet, know that the door is always open and the sessions have all been designed to accommodate one timers and newcomers as well as those who've been participating all along the way. You can readily catch up at your convenience with all the YOR materials available at the aforementioned parish web site. It’s starting time again. The second half of our Year of Renewal begins this weekend! Some key points:
What on Tuesday’s agenda? As our focus shifts to our active response to God’s Presence and Call, Father Jerry will introduce a presentation that will touch on:
As has been the norm, there will be table discussions spinning off the presentation and we’ll also hear from a guest panel that will bring personal stories about the real life challenges of being a disciple. One housekeeping note: Because it’s wintertime, any weather-induced postponement will be posted with rescheduling info on the SJF home page by 5 p.m. or earlier. It will also be available via recording at 248-373-6457. Haven’t gotten involved in any YOR activity yet? The door is always open and the sessions have all been designed to accommodate one timers and newcomers as well as those who’ve been participating all along the way. All the YOR materials, including some video and music, are available at the parish web Update January 31, 2009 Consider it homework. This weekend, the second half of our Year of Renewal begins with the new, early distribution of the fourth weekend’s booklet. Yes---for this second half, the booklets that set the agenda for each YOR week’s topic will now be distributed the weekend before the formal YOR weekend. That means the Week 4 booklet for the YOR liturgies of Feb. 6-7 and the Tuesday Feb. 9 will be distributed this weekend. Why the shift? Feedback from the first half indicates participants would benefit from extra time to read and prepare for the YOR weekend liturgies, the important Tuesday presentations (the next one is Feb. 9) and the small group meetings that are all part of the YOR program. Translation: Many wanted homework to be fully prepared for the sessions. So at this weekend’s liturgies, there will be a blessing and booklet distribution at the end of the two masses. Out of town? Not a problem. As always, copies will be available here with limited extra booklets in the publications area in the gathering space. One more paperwork note: The one-page YOR bulletin inserts will continue to be distributed on the actual YOR weekends. Other changes? Father Jerry will introduce a presentation that will touch on:
As has been the norm, there will be table discussions spinning off the presentation and we’ll also hear from a guest panel who will bring personal stories about the real life challenges of being a disciple. Haven’t gotten involved in any YOR activity yet? The door is always open and the sessions have all been designed to accommodate one timers and newcomers as well as those who’ve been participating all along the way. All the YOR materials, including some video and music, are available at the parish web site. February 6/7, “The Cost of Discipleship: Paying Attention.” Update January 23, 2010 Next weekend, the second half of our Year of Renewal gets revved up with new, early distribution of the fourth weekend’s booklet. Remember: The booklets that set the agenda for each YOR week’s topic will now be distributed the weekend before the formal YOR weekend. That means the Week 4 booklet for the YOR liturgies of Feb. 6-7 and the Tuesday Feb. 9 will be distributed Jan. 30-31. Why the shift? Feedback from the first half indicates participants would benefit from extra time to read and prepare for the YOR weekend liturgies, the important Tuesday presentations (the next one is Feb. 9) and the small group meetings that are all part of the YOR program. So at the Jan. 30-31 weekend liturgies, there will be a blessing and booklet distribution at the end of the two masses. Out of town that weekend? Not a problem. As always, copies will be available here, with limited extra Other changes? Clearly, one is the focus shift to our active response to God’s Presence and Call. That’s readily apparent in the title of the Tuesday, Feb. 9 presentation, “The Cost of Discipleship: Paying Attention.” (Gathering in the SJF Activity Center at 7 p.m.; program starts at 7:15 p.m.) What’s on the agenda? Father Jerry will introduce a presentation that will touch on:
As has been the norm, there will be table discussions spinning off the presentation and we’ll also hear from a guest panel who will bring personal stories about the real life challenges of being a disciple. One housekeeping note: Because it’s wintertime, any weather-induced postponement will be posted with rescheduling info on the SJF home page and via recording at 248-373-6457. Haven’t gotten involved in any YOR activity yet? The door is always open and the sessions have all been designed to accommodate one timers and newcomers as well as those who’ve been participating all along the way. All the YOR materials, including some video and music, are available at the parish web Here’s the remaining YOR schedule. Update January 17, 2010 Early is better. That’s the premise of an important decision regarding the second half sessions of our Year of Renewal. The booklets that set the agenda for each YOR week’s topic will now be distributed the weekend before the formal YOR weekend. That means the Week 4 booklet for the YOR liturgies of Feb. 6-7 and the Tuesday Feb. 9 will be distributed Jan. 30-31. Why the shift? Feedback from the first half indicates participants would benefit from extra time to read and prepare for the YOR weekend liturgies, the important Tuesday presentations (the next one is Feb. 9) and the small group meetings that are all part of the YOR program. So at the Jan. 30-31 weekend liturgies, there will be a blessing and booklet distribution at the end of the two masses. Out of town that weekend? Not a problem. As always, copies will be available online with limited extra booklets in the publications area in the gathering space. Other changes? Clearly, one is the focus shift to our active response to God’s Presence and Call. That’s readily apparent in the title of the Tuesday, February 9 presentation , “The Cost of Discipleship: Paying Attention.” (Gathering in the SJF Activity Center at 7 p.m.; program starts at 7:15 p.m.) What’s on the agenda? Father Jerry will introduce a presentation that will touch on:
One housekeeping note: Because it’s wintertime, any weather-induced postponement will be posted with rescheduling info on the SJF home page (www.stjohnfisherpasrish.org) by 5 p.m. or earlier. It will also be available via recording at 248-373-6457. Haven’t gotten involved in any YOR activity yet? The door is always open and the sessions have all been designed to accommodate one timers and newcomers as well as those who’ve been participating all along the way. All the YOR materials, including some video and music, are available at the parish web site. Here’s the remaining YOR schedule:
Update January 10, 2010 It’s the second weekend of January. The Christmas ornaments have likely made their way back into the closet and the New Year’s Eve champagne bottles are in the recycling bin. But our St. John Fisher Year of Renewal is just revving up for its pivotal second half. This past Thursday, the YOR planning committee met to finalize arrangements and documents for the Feb. 6-7 weekend. (That’s just four weeks away!) We’ll chronicle those plans in next week’s report. In addition, over the next few weeks, we’ll also be serving up some words from parishioners who have taken part in the small group gatherings. Real people with real words about a real experience.. An important reminder about the road ahead: The focus now shifts to my/our active response to God’s Presence and Call. More details are also available in the quarterly newsletter Network, which has —or will— be arriving in your mailbox shortly. Here’s the YOR schedule to assist your long-term planning: YOR BASICS: The Vision: Finding deeper meaning in our relationships and our Catholic faith February 6/7, 2010 Update 12-13-2009 The Year of Renewal Christmas Vacation? Not really. Our Year of Renewal organizing panel and the SJF pastoral team are busy fine-tuning the remaining Winter presentations. They are reflecting on what worked, what didn’t and will apply feedback from the first three sessions to the remainder of the program. They’ll meet again early in January to fire up for the second half of the YOR campaign. But what can you do to keep the YOR’s spiritual pilot light lit? Quite a bit. It’s possible you haven’t had time —or maybe the Spirit just hasn’t moved you —to find out about our Year of Renewal. So, this time period before the next YOR weekend on Feb. 6-7 may be your best opportunity to catch up —or maybe get started —on your personal faith journey. The YOR was designed to accommodate all who want to make use of it; as their time allows. Consider doing one or more of the following:
Haven’t had time to join a small group meeting so far? The door is always open. Again, click on the St. John Fisher website for details. A reminder: The focus now shifts to my/our response to God’s Presence and Call. More details are available at the website and in the upcoming edition of our quarterly newsletter Network, which will be arriving in your mailbox shortly. Update 12-6-09 On this past Tuesday night, our Year of Renewal small group facilitators met to report on how their portion of YOR activities have been going. For a full report, see the insert from YOR chair Joe Pauwels in today’s bulletin. While we won’t all gather again until February, the Year of Renewal presence won’t disappear over December and January. The organizing panel will be busy fine-tuning the remaining Winter presentations, reflecting on what worked, what didn’t and apply that new-found knowledge to the remainder of the program. We’ll also be featuring short interviews in this space with small group participants who want to talk about their personal journeys. Some small groups have hit it off so well that they might consider meeting during the break. Also, because of the absence of snowbirds, some groups may combine to help make their discussions fuller. Still, what if you haven’t had time —or maybe the Spirit just hasn’t moved you —to find out about our Year of Renewal yet? Or maybe you missed something because of a schedule conflict? This break may be your best opportunity to catch up —or maybe get started —on your personal faith journey. Remember, the program was designed to accommodate all who want to make use of it; there are no demerits for being tardy. So it might provide you with the time to:
Haven’t had time for a small group meeting so far? The door is always open. Each week is designed to be another step in our six weekend faith journey through next spring —or to stand alone if that’s all you can do. A reminder: The focus now shifts to my/our response to God’s Presence and Call; again, details at the website and in the upcoming edition of our quarterly newsletter Network, which will be arriving in your mailbox shortly. Here’s the YOR schedule beyond this week, to aid your long-term planning: Update 11-29-09 What next? While we won’t gather again until February, the Year of Renewal presence won’t disappear over December and January. In early December, there’ll be a meeting with small group facilitators to get feedback. It’ll be used to fine-tune the remaining Winter presentations. And the post-Christmas lull of January will give YOR organizers time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t and apply that new-found knowledge to the remainder of the program. The focus now shifts to my/our response to God’s Presence and Call. SO, what can you do? Some small groups have hit it off so well that they might consider meeting during the break. That’s great! For others, it’s and opportunity to catch up or maybe get started on their personal faith journeys. Remember, the program was designed to accommodate all who want to make use of it. So it might provide you with the time to:
That said, here’s another reminder that the Year of Renewal runs very much on your schedule. Haven’t had time for a small group meeting so far? It’s never too late! Click on the St. John Fisher website for details. Each week is designed to be another step in our six weekend faith journey through next spring —or to stand alone if that’s all you can do.
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