St. Christopher, Marysville Page 1

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 8, 2020

Pope Francis’ Mission Statement: To Become a Band of Joyful Missionary Disciples. Archdiocese of Detroit’s Mission Statement: To Unleash the . Saint Christopher’s Parish Mission Statement: Transform Lives in Jesus Christ Through the Power and Freedom of the Gospel. Parish Vision Statement: Foster a Personal Encounter with Jesus.

Pastor’s Points of Perspective. Greetings and the Father’s Blessing be upon you, my dear spiritual children. What happened to the Sign of Peace at the ? As you may recall the Sign of Peace at the Mass was ordered deleted for this time of great fear surrounding the corona virus. Even before the corona virus, parishioners were concerned about the possible exchange of germs between people through the Sign of Peace, which we addressed previously. You may recall that we informed everyone that at the Sign of Peace eye contact and a head nod along with the statement “Peace be with you” would be a sufficient way to exchange the Sign of Peace if one did not want to shake someone’s hand.

Recall that the Sign of Peace was based on a “cultural norm,” which commonly, was a handshake. Now we are developing a new and acceptable “cultural norm” of an exchange of a Sign of Peace without any physical con- tact. The Leadership Team and Worship Commission believe it is time to restore some Sign of Peace to the Mass that is culturally acceptable just like the one mentioned above. Therefore, for our cultural standard of today, we will begin restoring the Sign of Peace with eye contact and a head nod along with the statement “Peace be with you” as this is most relevant for our time and circumstances.

Reminder: New Shift in Financial Strategy for your Contributions (this year only). Our financial strategy (for this year only) is to direct your “larger” donations that you would normally have given to the CSA to the Christmas 2020 collection. The best time to make your Christmas contribution is December 11, 2020 – January 8, 2021. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I will be happy to speak with you.

Reducing and Overcoming Fear (because I care about the Flock of Christ whom you are). “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” … unless you believe them. You’ve heard me say time and again, if a person keeps hearing the same thing over and over again repeatedly several times each day, then the person begins to believe it. For instance, a person who is told ten times per day “You’re stupid,” or “You’re a failure,” will, after a certain amount of time, begin to believe that. Perhaps names can hurt us, but only if we believe them. What about fear? Where do fears come from? They come from being told scary or dangerous things over and over again, and then we begin to believe them – even if they’re not true. Ever think about the (Continued on page 2) Page 2 St. Christopher, Marysville

(Continued from page 1) fear of heights? A person with the fear of heights was likely told often “If you get too close to the edge, then you’ll fall off” (or something similar). Ultimately, (irrational) fear (not rooted in truth) is a lie that is believed. How do you suppose fear affects us? What do you believe about life and health hearing so many times per day the number of increasing infections of covid-19 and the number of reported deaths? After hearing the same information so many times daily, what does that cause you to believe about your safety and health? Is it true?

In an effort to alleviate the vast amount of fear surrounding covid-19 that we, as individuals, a culture, and a parish family, are experiencing, I wish to share some things I have discovered that help me live more fearlessly and feel safer, and hope you will too. To deal with fear, we need to discover the truth. With so much conflicting information about covid-19 and mask wearing, what are we left to believe among so much confusion, and where is the truth to be found that sets us free?

Have you ever picked up a box of masks and read the product information? Did you know that typewritten on the side of the box of those commonly worn surgical masks (not an N-95) we can read, “WARNING This mask is not a respirator. This product is intended for infection control practices. When properly worn, it reduces potential contact by the wearer to blood and bodily fluids but DOES NOT eliminate the risk of contracting any disease or infection. Change mask immediately if splashed with blood or bodily fluid” or, on a different brand, “NOT FOR MEDICAL USE. INTENDED FOR SINGLE USE ONLY – DISCARD AFTER USE. THIS GENERAL USE MASK CANNOT ELIMINATE THE RISK OF CONTRACTING AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE.” With this simple fact in mind, from two different manufacturers, I can breathe easier – literally – because I need not wear a mask since it makes no difference as to whether or not I contract or spread an infectious disease. Plus, I no longer have a sense of false security wearing the mask around known infected people thinking “I’m protected and can be exposed to someone with covid-19 because I’m wearing a mask,” and you can see me smile.

Secondly, I have learned that the pandemic ended June 1, 2020 in the state of Michigan since the number of deaths related to covid-19 are less than 7.5% (the threshold for an outbreak to be a pandemic, by definition (see https://www.michigancharts.com/October-2020/i-ps8gkrV/A and www.michigancharts.com).

Thirdly, I have discovered two large groups of medical doctors with vast experience that hold differing opinions then the typical mainstream, namely, the World Doctors Alliance (https://worlddoctorsalliance.com) and America’s Frontline Doctors (see https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/group-of-doctors-masks-are-completely- irrelevant-to-blocking-covid-19?utm_source=LifeSiteNews.com&utm_campaign=59f01521ad-Daily% 2520Headlines%2520-%2520Canada_COPY_887&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_12387f0e3e-59f01521ad -402311701. The World Doctors Alliance disagreed with the lockdown measures due to the negative mental health effects suffered by all. Moreover, they stated that “asymptomatic cases have never in the history of respiratory disease been the driver for spread of infection. Rather it is symptomatic people who spread respiratory infections – not asymptomatic people.” They’ve also confirmed the pandemic ended in June 2020. I have found these two different groups of medical professionals to be much more believable than anyone in government or politics. Listening to and reading what they have to say allowed me to feel safer, gives me inner peace and hope for the future.

My dear spiritual children, common sense, common courtesy and love your neighbor as yourself teaches us that if you feel ill or are exhibiting symptoms of illness, then stay home and convalesce to good health. In the mean- time, I have shared some of my experience hoping it will help you feel safer, be safer, and alleviate any fear you may be experiencing. For me, these newly discovered truths help me see covid-19 as any other usual flu strain. In the end, everyone will have to make their own decision, and no one can force anyone’s will upon another. These few truths I’ve discovered have eased my mind and allowed me to live life more normally. I hope they help you too. Finally, if anyone is wondering why I do not wear a mask it is due to a health condition.

(Continued on page 3) St. Christopher, Marysville Page 3

(Continued from page 2) WEEKLY

Event Planners Needed (one to four) for planning a Scholarship SCHEDULE Dinner to benefit Blue Water Vicariate Catholic school students by raising money as tuition subsidies for students attending or Sunday, November 8 seeking enrollment in any Blue Water Vicariate Catholic School. 8:00 am Mass The funds raised from the dinner would be equally divided by six 9:30 am RCIA and distributed to each school for the purpose of tuition subsidies 11:00 am Mass for students. The expectations of those who serve would be 11:00 am Children’s Church/Babysitting approximately two meetings and they are looking for volunteers 12:30 Rake & Run before Thanksgiving (or sooner) so that the Dinner could occur in 4:00 pm Confession May of 2021. In addition, the hope is that they could find a 5:30 pm Mass publicized person who could attract a large crowd and most Monday, November 9 parishioners from each parish community. If anyone knows and 9:00 am Mass has some connections to any retired popes, or active Cardinals or † Marvin DiLaura Arch/Bishops, master theologians, or senators or representatives by Mid’s Kids or Hollywood actors or the like – anyone who would draw a Tuesday, November 10 crowd – then please let Dan Kilian know. Anyone who is 9:00 am Mass interested in serving in this capacity to help plan such an event, † Bernice & Eugene Melczarczyk please contact Dan Kilian directly at 810-765-8825, extension by Michael & Mary Byington 16, or [email protected]. Thank you so much. 5:30 pm Youth Practice Wednesday, November 11 5:30 pm Small Church Community 3 Fraternally, 7:00 pm Small Church Community 12 & Fr. James 16 Thursday, November 12 12:00 pm Mass † Parents, Stepparents & Maria by Julia & John Szczygiel 5:00 pm Adult choir practice Friday, November 13 6:00 am That Man Is You 9:00 am Mass † Kurt Meyers by Karla Meyers Saturday, November 14 Sunday, November 15 8:00 am Mass 9:30 am RCIA 9:30 am RE Classes 11:00 am Mass 11:00 am Children’s Church /Babysitting 4:00 pm Confession 5:30 pm Mass Page 4 St. Christopher, Marysville

“Don’t let anyoneDon’t let thinkanyone less think of less you of becauseyou because you you are are young. young. Be an example Beto anall example believers to all in believers what you in what say, you in thesay, way you live,in the in way your you love, live, in your your faith,love, your and faith, your and purity.” your purity.” 1 Timothy~1 Timothy 4:12 4:12

Kristi—Director of Religious Education Suzy—Youth Ministry Shelley—Faith Formation Secretary [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

• In person classes begin this Sunday, November 8, at our regular time of 9:30-10:45. • 1st-5th grades will meet in their classroom. • Edge (6th-8th grades) will meet in the Social Hall. • All children can attend class each week. We are not splitting the classes in half. • Please wear your masks. • Mass times are at 8 am, 11 am, and 5:30 pm on Sundays. Babysitting and Children's Church is offered at the 11 am. • If your child is not feeling well have them stay home and rest. Please call the office and leave a message to report their absence.

The catechists and I are so excited to see the both new and familiar faces beginning this Sunday! One thing that has became even more evident this year is we are the Church and something beautiful occurs when we are able to be together. As always, I am here to answer any questions and assist you with the religious education of your children. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

God bless each of you and your families,

Kristi Socha A meeting for parents and children about First Reconciliation will be on November 18, at 6:30 pm. Call Director of Religious Education the Parish office for more information.

REMINDERS

*For those who began preparing for the Sacrament of Protecting God’s Children, a three hour workshop, Confirmation in January 2020, Confirmation Retreat is is currently available online through July 31, 2021. November 21 @ 9-4pm. Contact Timothy Office with All adult volunteers who have regular and/or any questions. unsupervised contact with minors are required to take this training. For more information on how to *New Confirmation Prep group will begin January 2021. sign-up visit www.virtusonline.org/ or call the Details to follow. Parish office. St. Christopher, Marysville Page 5 those who came near her, she transmitted serenity and joy.

When Chiara felt that the end was near, she prepared Suzy—Youth Ministry [email protected] herself, as she would for a wedding [with joy]. She died at the age of 17 on October 7, 1990. Just Saintly Teens moments prior, she had said goodbye to her mother by saying: “Be happy, because I am!” Chiara As we journey through the month of November, let’s “Luce” Badano was proclaimed Blessed in 2010 by look at another holy example the Church has given Pope Benedict XVI. (Source: chiarabadano.org) us…who just happens to be teen-age. Blessed Chiara Badano demonstrated how we can Blessed Chiara Badano was born in Sassello, Italy, strive for holiness in the everyday. By falling in love on October 29, 1971. Long-awaited, she was an only with Jesus and sharing His love with those around child and received a solid Christian education from us. - Blessed Chiara Badano, pray for us! her family. Rich with talents, beautiful and athletic, she had many friends. Joyfully in Christ,

She became a member of the Focolare Movement by Suzy DeVeny – Youth Ministry Chiara Lubich at the age of nine years old; there, she discovers God as Love and makes Him the ideal of her life. At 17 years old, she was struck by a terrible QUEST Reminders: tumor. She faced it by entrusting herself to God completely, even in the most difficult moments; to *QUEST Gathering is Sunday, Nov 8 @ 7-8:30pm. Topic is Dealing with Pressure/Stress. Join us for an enlightening, low-stress evening.

*QUEST Gathering is Sunday, Nov 15 @ 7-8:30pm. Topic is understanding and defending the Catholic faith.

*Our next Fall Teen/Young Adult Bible Study is Sunday, Nov 8 @ 9:30-10:45am – for ages 14-24. Remaining sessions *Parent Appreciation Night is Sunday, Nov 22 @ 7- are Nov 29, Dec 13, Dec 27. Please contact Suzy 8:30pm. All high school teens & their parents are [email protected] invited! if you’re interested in joining us!

Here are some of our own "Saintly teens" helping those in our community by raking leaves at our annual Rake & Run last Sunday. Page 6 St. Christopher, Marysville

acred Music Ministry

Musical Musings

Part II– The History of (continued) Last week we left off about half way through an article on the history of Gregorian chant written by Dr. Peter Kwasniewski. [https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/music/a-brief-history-of-gregorian-chant-from-king-david-to- the-present.html] Since this article on the history of Gregorian Chant is succinct and illuminating, I will continue to quote from it: Since chant was the music, custom-made, that had grown up with the Church’s liturgy, wherever the latter traveled, the former traveled with it. No one dreamed of separating the texts of the liturgy from their music; they were like a body-soul composite, or a happily married couple. Or one could compare the chant to the worn by a liturgical minister. Once this ceremonial apparel had developed, no one in his right mind would get rid of the , , , , and maniple. These are the garments that the ministers of the king are privileged to wear! So too, the chants are the garments worn by the liturgical texts.

The (1545-1563) reaffirmed the place of chant in the liturgy and discouraged the use of excessively complex polyphonic music, especially when it was based on secular tunes. Nevertheless, over time the old chant melodies became abbreviated or corrupted, as they were forced to conform to a regular beat like the metered music of the day. By the beginning of the 19th century, chant was in a state of serious disrepair and neglect.

Restoration of such an immense treasure of the Church – and such an integral part of her solemn liturgy! – was bound to come sooner or later. It came through the combined efforts of a monk and a pope. Dom Prosper Gueranger (1805-1875) founded Solesmes Abbey in 1833 and built it up into a powerhouse of monastic observance, including the fully chanted Divine Office and Mass. The monks of Solesmes pored over the ancient manuscripts in their work to restore the chant’s distinctive melodies and rhythms.

Soon after his accession [to the Chair of Peter] in 1903, Pope Pius X met in Rome with monks of Solesmes and placed on their shoulders the task of publishing all of the liturgical books of chant, with corrected melodies and rhythms. The monks complied, and Pius X gave their work his stamp of approval. From this papal directive was born a long string of influential publications from (or licensed by) Solesmes, most of which are still in use today, most notably the Liber Usualis, the Graduale Romanum, and the Antiphonale Monasticum.

From Solesmes and Pius X to the Vatican II”s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy is a straight and logical line. Here is what Vatican II had to say on the subject:

Liturgical worship is given a more noble form when the divine offices are celebrated solemnly in song…The treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care. be diligently promoted … The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy, with the result that, other things being equal, it ought to be given the foremost place in liturgical services. But other kinds of sacred music, especially polyphony, are by no means excluded from liturgical celebrations, so long as they accord with the spirit of the liturgical action.

Dr. Kwasniewski finishes his article by noting that, although there has been much controversy over the Church’s music in general and Gregorian Chant in particular since the , there is a renewed appreciation for the ’s “treasure of sacred music.” This appreciation extends especially to the treasury of Gregorian Chant, which enjoyed a revival with the monks of Solesmes in the 19th century, and which is again being revived by many contemporary church musicians and music scholars.

Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1 Deidre Collins Director of Sacred Music St. Christopher, Marysville Page 7 Weekend Liturgy for November 15, 2020 Day / Time Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m.

Mass Parishioners & † Ben DePetris & William Brush Intentions Territorial Souls † Leo Droullard(2 years) by Bill & Dee Brush of St. Christopher by his wife † Helen & Bernard West by Timm & Jean Lenn Vocation to the Priesthood † Grace Mary Mollan and Religious Life by Elaine Leonard

Celebrant Rev. James F. Arwady Rev. James F. Arwady Rev. James F. Arwady Lector Carrine Sylvia Matt Patana John Gomola Hospitality Dan & Luz O’Brien Gabrielle Hill Kevin Hepinstall Ministers Barbara Przbylski Penny Trottier Gary Armstrong EMHC *Ron Baranowski *Cami Armstrong Sherry Kobe *Mass Sacristan *Debbie Gomola

Altar Server Charlie O’Brien Nick Hong Konner Wattle

St. Christopher’s Parish Support Rick Goodmen Cindy Horn October 18, 2020 Sondra Kota Loose ….....…...... $ 653.00 Barbara Letzgus Mary Bixler Edward Letzgus Envelopes ………...... $ 10,640.00 Elizabeth Bolton Kim McConnell Kalvert Online Offering …...... $ 700.00 Connie Bradbury Mark Meier Total Collection $ 11,993.00 Linda Bowman Iris Miguel Marilyn Bromberger Mike Murphy Parishioner Summary Christine Cairns Nadine Nowicki William Cairns Natalie Lech Parent Registered Families…………..705 Marilyn Cruickshank Greg Porrett Envelopes Received…...……...184 Mary Deising Chuck Roehl Percentage of Supporters ……26% Steven DeMeulenaere Dorothy Shafran Amelia Foster Michael J. Ward Thank you for your generous support! Denise Gawronski Robert Wawrzyniak Karen Goodmen CSA 2020 Goal $58,354 Total Pledges…….……………..$78,953.95 Contributions Received……...... $65,916.95 Keep our Military in Your Prayers Families Supporting CSA…………….149

Please make checks payable to MK1 EJ Anglebrandt, U.S.C.G. Cpl Michael Knowles, U.S. Ar- Archdiocese of Detroit—CSA SFC Shelby Bixler, U.S. Army my Major Clayton Cruickshank, Sgt Mario Nowicki, U.S. Army U.S.A.F. PO2 David Patchel, U.S. Navy Lt. Mark Cruickshank, U.S.A.F. Capt Chelsea Patino, U.S.A.F.

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