Parish Mission – March 7-11, 2010

Dear Parishioners,

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
A LENTEN WALK WITH CHRIST:
OUR MISSION THROUGH LIFE TOWARDS SALVATION
MARCH 7 – 11, 2010   AT 7:00p.m.

It’s not too early, as a matter of fact, it is perfect time to mark your calendars and plan to participate in our parish mission.  We all live busy, and sometimes hectic lives and if you don’t plan now for the Mission it will have come and gone and you will have missed an opportunity for extraordinary spiritual growth.

We are very excited about the format of this year’s mission.  In many ways it will be very similar to missions that you have experienced in the past   However, there is one new and rather significant change in this year’s format.  In former years we have always invited a preacher (a Redemptorist, of course!) to come in to St. Al’s for the week.  This year each of the Priests on the Parish staff will be responsible for the sermon on one of the four nights!    

The topics that will be presented are:

Sunday, March 7 – Opening Service
Monday, March 8 – The Cross and Humanity
Tuesday, March 9 – Reconciliation: the Loving Forgiveness of Jesus
Wednesday, March 10 – The Eucharist
Thursday, March 11 – Healing Mass with Anointing of the Sick
Monday, March 15 – Parish Penance Service 

The successful outcome of any mission requires the help of a lot of generous people working behind the scenes.  We need volunteers to serve as: Greeters (at the doors of the church during the mission), Child care, Bakers (cookies etc. for the fellowship after the evening services in church), Phone callers, (inviting & reminding people of the mission), Drivers (for seniors or anyone who need help getting to and from the church, and lastly, Clean-up (for after the evening fellowship in church).  Contact Marilyn Rupinski at 949-8926 if you can help.

BETWEEN NOW AND MARCH 7 PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE MISSION.  MAY IT BE A VERY GRACED MOMENT IN THE LIFE OF OUR PARISH!

Ordinary Time

Dear St. Alphonsus family,
 
During the past week, January 18-22, Fr. Andy Thompson, Bro. Andy Patin and I were the designated members of our community to participate in the Chapter meetings of our Redemptorist Province, held in St. Louis.  I am presently in Liguori, Missouri for four days of recollection and will return on January 27th.  Fr. Andy continued southward for a retreat and vacation time with his family.  Fr. Denis progresses in the valiant healing therapy of his knee, after his January 5th knee replacement surgery.  And Fr. Bernie…well he is here and going strong!
 
Ordinary time uses green as the liturgical color.  It is called “ordinary” and green is the color of hope.  When it does not seem like extraordinary things are happening, that is oftentimes when the Lord is doing the most within us!
 
Hope in Him!  Many blessings to you! Fr. Ed Vella, C.Ss.R.

Mardi Gras Live Auction Items

Here’s a sneak peek at the Live Auction items.

Dinner for 12 in your House with Chef Fr. Denis

Here’s the opportunity to be fed by our very own Father Denis Ryan.  He will bring all the gourmet fixings to your home and prepare a delicious meal for twelve.

Six Broadway Grand Rapids Tickets and Dinner with Fr. Andy

On Monday, May 31, 2010 Father Andy will treat you to dinner and the 7:30 showing of “The Color Purple,” a Broadway Grand Rapids performance at DeVos Hall.  Fantastic seats await – Orchestra, Row E: Seats 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40.  Six tickets include Fr. Andy. THIS IS MEMORIAL DAY.

Family Pass for the St. Al’s Fish Fry

Donoted by the St. Al’s Fish Fry Committee

The line gets longer every year, but you don’t have to worry.  Your family gets to enter through the “back door,” sit down, and be served at our delicious St. Al’s Fish Dinner each Friday during Lent.  Reserved table awaits! 

Front Row Seats Christmas Mass of your choice and Parking

Donated by the St. Al’s Auction Committee

Two pews will be blocked off for you and your family at the Christmas Mass of your choice.  Reserved parking is included.

Cottage on Crystal Lake for the week of June 19-26, 2010

Donated by Tim and Michele Dyer

Look no further for your summer vacation plans!  Here is a cottage that sleeps 10 comfortably at beautiful Crystal Lake in Frankfort.  Invite friends or family to join you for a memorable vacation.  Log onto www.crystallakegetaway.com for details and photos of Cottage #1 and start dreaming about sticking your toes in the sand!

Great Lakes Fishing Charter for Four

Donated by Mart and Rita Kuks

Bring your party of four to Chinook Pier in Grand Haven for a half day of fishing on Lake Michigan.

A Long Weekend at a Family Cottage on the Black River in Onaway

Donated by A.J. Setter and Family

Your cottage awaits… whether you love trout fishing or just want to get away with your family or friends for a weekend, this fully remodeled cottage on the Black River in Onaway (near Cheboygan) is for you!  It sleeps 8 people comfortably (and 11 people if you get cozy).  This northern Michigan retreat is four houses down from Black Lake and 45 minutes south of Mackinac (a nice day trip).  The winning bidder can choose a Thursday through Monday stay on either of the following dates: May 13th-17th or May 20th-24th. (A weekend in June may also be negotiated).  Dates must be confirmed with donor by February 28th.

  

  

  

  

 

Men’s Schwinn Bike with Helmet

Donated by Jim and Nancy Kilbourne

It’s not too late to start getting in shape for the summer beach scene with this Men’s Schwinn bike.

Women’s Schwinn Bike with Helmet

Donated by Jim and Nancy Kilbourne

It’s not too late to start getting in shape for the summer beach scene with this Women’s Schwinn bike.

4^th of July Fireworks at the Amway

Donated by Steve and Renae Ryan

A suite at the Amway on Sunday, the 4th of July.  A room with two queen beds, a fantastic view, and keys to the concierge lounge where you will enjoy hors d oeuvres, fireworks, and breakfast.

Golf at Egypt Valley with host Bob Tobin

Golf at Egypt Valley for you and two guests.  Includes 18 holes, carts, and lunch.  Date to be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

A Mexican Dinner Fiesta

Donated by Linda Parker and Juli O’Rourke Lillis

Have margarita machine, will travel!  This fiesta dinner is for 10-12 people (or more… heck, we can be talked into anything if the price is right!) At your hacienda or ours and we will even provide you a ride home if needed.

Ruth Parbel Fine Art Photography

Now is the time to preserve your precious moments of life in the form of fine art photography.  Ruth specializes in family, high school seniors, and childrens  portraiture.  This auction item includes your personal portrait session and a finished piece of beautiful art for your home.

A Night of Bourbon and Dessert with a Maker’s Mark Ambassador

Donated by Bakkila and Mitchell Families

What better way to be introduced, or educated, about bourbon than by an official Maker’s Mark Ambassador who will craft a southern-influenced dinner and then follow the meal with four bourbon pairings – perhaps with some Derby pie, cheese, or other chocolate confections. This dinner and bourbon event, scheduled on a mutually-agreeable date at your home, is for eight and will feature a rye bourbon, a wheat bourbon, a single-barrel bourbon, and a small-batch bourbon. We promise you’ll come away satisfied by our “northern” hospitality, and the remaining bottles of bourbon to round out a liquor cabinet.

A Wellness Package: ‘Fit for Life’ or ‘Golf for Life” Program

Donated by Mark and Laurie Hoogterp and The Center for Physical Rehabilitation

Make 2010 the year for Wellness! This item gives you a choice between a Personal Training Package with Walking/Running (Gait) Analysis or a Golf for Life package all provided by the professionals at The Center for Physical Rehabilitation.  The Personal Training Package offers 3 sessions with a personal trainer,  a swiss exercise ball, and a videotaped gait analysis on the treadmill along with recommendations of technique, training, or shoes.  This package can be tailored to anyone regardless of the fitness level from someone just starting out to a marathon runner! 

If a better golf game and good form are the goal, then try the Golf for Life package instead.  Golf for Life is a fitness program designed to increase hitting distance, power and accuracy. Matt Miller, PTA, is a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor who has been trained through the Titleist Performance Institute.  The program begins with a personal assessment of fitness level, a video swing analysis for correct posture and three hours of training.  Don’t miss this great opportunity!

Four Front Row Tickets for Each of Four Whitecaps Games

Donated by Josie’s Biscotti

Take them out to the ballgame!   Game dates are:  Sunday, April 11 @ 2:00 (Opening Day); Saturday, May 8 @ 7:00; Tuesday, June 1 @ 11:00; Friday, July 23 @ 7:00.  Seat locations are Section 121 Row 1, seats 3,4,5, & 6.  Best seats at the ball park.  Right next to the visitor’s dugout. We will even throw in a giftcard for the Corner Bar in Rockford.

One Gourmet Cheesecake Per Month for a Year

Donated by Jose’ Ontiveros

Your mouth is watering already just thinking about it.    One Las Vegas style Cheesecake each month for a year.   With over 23 flavors to choose from at a mutually convenient time,  Jose’ will prepare for you the  most delectable dessert.  Each Cheesecake serves 12-16 people and is made with only the finest and freshest ingredients.   Pick up required by winning bidder.

Wine Tasting and Dinner Party for 10 at the Fortier’s

Donated by Ken and Barb Fortier

A gourmet meal prepared by Executive Chef Tommy Fitzgerald is paired with the perfect selection of wine from Pauly’s served by Pauly and Tommy personally.   An evening filled with unbelievable tastes and smells as Barbara and Ken host your culinary needs.   This event will leave your taste buds thanking you for bidding high!

Shadow Fox 17’s Sports Director, Tim Doty

Donated by Tim Doty and Fox 17

Enjoy a night of sports from the other side – Shadow a Sports Anchor with Tim Doty from Fox 17.  Here is what your experience will look like:  the winning bidder will arrive at the Fox 17 studios approximately one hour before the 6 o’clock news on a day convenient for both parties.  The recipient, or recipients, of this experience will get a behind the scenes look at what Tim Doty’s day is like, a tour of the Fox 17 studio, and get to watch a live taping of the news from in-studio for 1-4 people!  Perfect for all ages of sports enthusiasts!

Gourmet Dinner for 10 at the Frey’s

Donated by John & Lisa Frey, Ken & Deb Ables, and Dave & Angela Mitchell

Back by popular demand, treat yourself to a memorable evening of unparalleled culinary pleasure at your own private summer dinner party.  Each distinctive dish is presented with a recommended wine pairing or specialty cocktail.  As in the past, escort service will again be provided both to and from your home, making this a truly imaginative and unforgettable evening.

“Nessie on the Grand”

Donated by Peter and Margo App

“Nessie on the Grand” debuted during ArtPrize 2009 and was a top 10 winner.  Don’t miss your chance to own this 14 x 20 (18 x 24 framed) metallic photograph by Michael Buck which is signed by four artists who created Nessie.  This piece of art will be perfect for your office or home.

Fish Extravaganza:  Boiled, Baked Grilled and Fried

Donated by Mart and Rita Kuks

Chef Mart Kuks will provide dinner for 12 at your place.  The fish stories alone are worth the price of this fun filled evening.  Choose a Friday or Saturday during the month of July or August.

Build Your Our Wine Collection

Donated by St. Al’s Parishioners and Auction Committee

Start your wine collection today or complement an existing one with this 28 bottle wine fridge, set of glasses, a wide array of wines and a gift certificate to the Crushed Grape to add to your new collection!

Campfire Package

Donated by St. Al’s Auction Donors

Picture yourself sitting around the campfire with friends or family.  These four adirondack chairs, the firepit, and knowing that a truckload of wood will be delivered to you will allow you to relax and enjoy a cold one on us.

Sweetheart Special

Donated by St. Al’s Auction Donors

The J.W. Marriott is the perfect night away for you and your sweetheart.  This package includes a massage for both of you at Vasaio Spa inside the J.W. Marriott and a half hour carriage ride to end the evening.  Don’t let this magical evening slip by.

A Homemade Family Dinner Delivered Once a Month for a Year

Donated by a Conglomeration of Chefs gathered to delight your palate!

Kick back once every month and allow the “Chefs of the Month” to deliver  a meal serving 4 -6  complete with a wine pairings to the comfort of your home.  Invite your family or friends to partake and just be surprised with great culinary delights!  None of this pre-packaged stuff.  You’ll be getting real “from scratch” cooking.

Overnight Getaway at the Amway Grand Hotel

Donated by Amway Grand Hotel

We all know it’s hard to get away, but we’ve made it easy for you!  A night at the Amway and dinner at the new downtown restaurant, ‘25′ is sure to make for a memorable evening.   Plus, we have thrown in a Silpada gift certificate, so you can also choose a new piece of jewelry for your night out.

Three Homemade Pies

Donated by Fr. Bernie

Your mouth will water just thinking about one of Fr. Bernie’s infamous homemade pies.  You will receive three separate certificates, each one good for a homemade pie from Fr. Bernie.  You choose from the flavors available and place your order and he will have your pie ready and waiting for pickup at the rectory.

Sports-O-Rama Package

Donated by Griffins, Whitecaps, & Berlin Raceway

Whatever your local sports pleasure, this one has it all:  hockey, baseball and racing!  Three separate certificates for outings to watch the Griffins, cheer on the Whitecaps, or race around the Berlin Raceway.

 Beach or (Home) Mass with Fr. Denis

A private mass in Grand Haven on the beach or at home and afterward you and up to 20 guests will be treated to Fr. Denis’ favorite meal: Dirty Water Dogs!

Super Bowl Special

Donated by St. Al’s Auction Donors

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?  Call your friends and have them come over to try your new kegerator as you watch the Colts – Saints match up!  We’ve got the mini-keg and munchies ready for you to take home with you tonight!

2010 Mardi Gras Auction Information

The 2010 Mardi Gras Auction is quickly approaching on Saturday, February 6 at 6:00 pm in the Parish Center. 

If you have attended in the past, you know this is a fun social event.  The price remains the same as previous years of $25 per person.  This includes dinner, drinks, and the chance to bid on hundreds of great items at Silent Auction tables as well as during the Live Auction.  You can purchase one admission or you can gather friends and family and purchase a table of ten (or any number in between). 

How to Reserve Your Seat

Admission is $25 and includes your dinner, draft beer, wine and soda. You can purchase your admission in the back of church at each of the Masses the weekend of January 16 and 17 or by contacting Dayna at gdriders@att.net or 365-1988.

Dinner Menu

We hope you can join us this year. The dinner menu alone is worth the cost of your admission! This year’s menu includes:

• Beef tenderloin, Chicken Parmesan, Pasta Primavera
• Caesar Salad, Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Marinated Vegetables
• Plus a wide array of delicious homemade desserts that will tempt your taste buds

New This Year

The St. Al’s Road Rally – For $50 a person, you can sign up for the first ever St. Al’s Road Rally. This will be a day filled with fun and adventure! Watch this site for details to be released!

Back By Popular Demand

Live Item Raffle – For $25 you have a chance at winning one item off the Live Auction. Only 100 chances will be sold upstairs when you arrive. The winner will be drawn to kickoff the Live Auction. The winner can choose any item off the Live Auction.

Silent Auction Table Special Raffle – Each of the five silent tables will have a separate large item special raffle. $10 for each chance and only 40 chances will be sold for each item. The five special raffle items are:

• Wheelbarrow Full of Tools
• Bissell ProHeat 2X Deep Cleaner
• Wii System with Wii Fit Plus
• Margarita Machine Basket
• Apple iPod touch 8GB, 3rd Generation (Newest Model)  with iTunes giftcards

We will also have 50/50 raffles throughout the night, ‘Around the World in 80 Beers’ drawing and other raffles, so there will be lots of chances to win!

Happy New Year

Dear Parishioners,

As this Christmas Season come to a close, I look back on all of the beauty and joy of this past month.  My heart lights up as I remember how the 10 pm evening Mass took on a life of its own in the voice of a child.

Speaking from the altar, I said:  “A Baby.”  From the first row, a small child yelled out in their own child’s voice: “A BABY!”  That innocence brought great laughter and joy to the whole congregation and touched me in such a special way. The gifts, cards and kindness that I have received throughout this past Christmas and through my recent knee surgery have been overwhelming.  Through your generosity, your prayers, your caring and giving ways has made this Christmas and New Year truly filled with the love of this child, this BABY.  It has been like receiving this one phenomenal entitled:
 
As I look forward into this New Year, I am filled with hope of newness to come.  My fellow priests and I are looking forward to the Journey Mission to take place in March:
 
A Lenten Walk with Christ; Our Mission Through Life to Salvation.
 
St. Al’s is alive and filled with so much beauty.
 
Once again, thank you all so very much.
 
Love, Fr. Denis

Baptism of the Lord

Dear Parishioners:

This Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. We recall how Jesus was baptized by St. John the Baptist in the River Jordan and thus began his public ministry. As Jesus was being baptized by John “the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming upon him. And behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased’.”(Matt. 3, 16-17)

From that moment the life of Jesus was changed. He began his public ministry and set in motion the beginnings of our faith and church; a simple act done by one who considered himself unworthy. A simple act that carried with it great expectations and hope for the people of that time and continuing into our time for us as well. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized but did so to show us the way and to further manifest God’s unending love for us.

 The day of our baptism marks us as God’s beloved children and changes the direction of our lives just as it did for Jesus. We become in baptism an integral part of God’s family and special partners with him in his ministry. We are no longer left alone but become with all the baptized, very special people loved infinitely by our Lord and Savior. By our baptism we are brought into the Church as full fledge members with all of the rights and obligations imbued in its membership. On this feast of the Baptism of Jesus, we celebrate our belonging and partnership with God and all of the baptized in a very simple and beautiful way.

We aren’t perfect people but we are a people united in and with Christ in a simple act of water and the Spirit being poured over us. We celebrate today new beginnings and new possibilities for those who have faith in God. We celebrate our sharing and loving in Jesus, our Lord and Redeemer.

Blessings, Fr. Andy

St. Al’s Mardi Gras Auction – February 6

Now that we have officially started the New Year, it is time to start thinking about the Mardi Gras Auction because it is only a month away on Saturday, February 6 at 6:00 pm!  The tree containing tags for our Auction Angel Baskets will be up very soon, so watch the back of church.  If you would like to donate an item for the auction, please take an ‘angel’ tag with the item you would like to purchase and bring it back to a weekend mass on either January 9 & 10 or January 16 & 17.  There will be Auction Committee members in the back of church on both weekends to: accept donations, sell raffle tickets and admissions to auction, sign up volunteers, and answer any questions you may have about the Mardi Gras Auction.  There will be inserts in the bulletin in upcoming weeks to share the items that will be available on the Live Auction as well as other details for the night of Auction.  The parish website will also contain information, so be sure to visit the site often.  Start talking to your friends and family and put together a group not only to come to auction, but also to bid on items as a group!

Please see the 2010 Mardi Gras Auction link on the homepage for more information.

Parish Breakfast – January 10

Our next parish breakfast will be Sunday, January 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  We will be serving scrambled eggs, bacon, american fries, fruit, toast and beverages. Adults are $6, kids 3-10 $3 and a family rate of $15. Remember all proceeds are donated to parish improvements. Anyone who donates blood at the parish blood drive will receive a coupon for a free breakfast.

St. Al’s Cooking Class – January 11

The next St. Al’s Cooking Class is Monday, January 11th at 6:00 pm in the St. Al’s kitchen. This month’s focus is all about warmth, comfort, simplicity and starting the New Year off right. Our focus will be on soups and breads with vegetarian, low-fat and crock pot options included!

Mary Command will start things off with her smoked chicken and wild rice soup. Fr. Bernie is cooking a special Italian sausage and tortellini soup. Juli Lillis is making her infamous taco chili. We may even have a squash bisque. Carole Nugent will wrap up the evening by teaching us how to make a tasty ‘bucket of bread’. You can taste it all for a class fee of $10. Contact Dayna Bearss at gdriders@att.net or 365-1988 to reserve your seat. Reservations must be made by January 8th. The $10 fee will be collected at the door.