Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Throughout the United States this weekend in every diocese   World Mission Sunday is being celebrated. It is to remind us that we are part of a universal church and that there are peoples in many parts of the world desperately in need of our assistance. The needs here at home and even in our own parish are always great. I am sure that each of us will prayerfully consider to what extent we can help others less fortunate that ourselves. Please use the envelope provided in your packet. God bless you for your sacrifice and your generosity.

I am so pleased at the look of the church…..what a beautiful house of worship we have. Standing in the back of the church I have gazed towards the front and been spellbound by the beauty of the stained glass windows. As I beheld them my eyes also were drawn down to the tabernacle and the cross over it. Jesus Christ is always present with us to remind us of His deep love for us. And we are surrounded by beauty all the time. Spend some quiet time and reflect on the beauty of our physical church and even more so the beauty of God’s presence in yourself!

Enjoy and thank God!

Joyfully, Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Attached to the bulletin you will find  an illustration of how I believe we can organize and energize our many activities in the parish. With the formation of a Parish Council as the center point, all the committees and groups flow outward and touch all the areas of our parish. Communication can flow both ways, from the Parish Council to organizations and from the organizations and ministries back to the Council. This way we keep people informed and aware of the many wonderful activities we have here at St. Al’s.

So often I have heard the words “Nobody asked me.” Well, I’m asking! We need folks to get on board and put life into all areas of our parish. There are countless opportunities for folks to use their time and talents in our parish. It doesn’t need to be a long time commitment. A person can sign up for a year or two years and then switch to another activity. Or take some time off to rest and discern where their talents can best be put to use. Maybe you go south for the winter but can be involved the rest of the year. Be creative and let the Spirit guide you in how you can help St. Al’s be alive and vibrant!

On the weekend of October 22-23 we will have a “Ministry Fair.” This will be a wonderful opportunity to join a ministry or activity in the parish. Parishioners will be around to explain their programs or ministries and answer questions. One area that I see a need for is what is called a “sacristan.” This involves setting up the altar before masses: setting out the books and the chalices and preparing the wine and the hosts, etc. It is a “behind the scene” activity, so you won’t have to worry about standing in front of folks and reading or talking. Being a sacristan assures us that all the preparations for the mass are complete and ready for the service.

So, take a look at the attachment and be prepared the following weekend to sign up!

I know the generosity of the people of St. Al’s. I believe we are embarking on a new and revitalized time in our parish. I invite us all to pray for our parish. I invite us all to get involved by our support and by our participation. Let’s get moving!

Be good to yourselves this week and do pray for your fellow parishioners!

Joyfully, Fr. Pat, CSSR

Dear St. Al’s family,

The first Sunday in Advent this year is the beginning of the new Missal for the Roman Catholic Church. You will find, in the pew book holders, a booklet called, “Mass of Renewal” by William Gokelman & David Kauffman. In the summer of 2010, the National Association for Pastoral Musicians (NPM) held a contest for a musical setting for the new mass. Hundreds of submissions were reviewed and five were chosen to be reviewed by all those attending the NPM summer convention. The “Mass of Renewal” won hands down. Bill Gokelman & Dave Kauffman were present to accept their award. I had a chance to meet them and began a friendship with them. They have written some wonderful music and our choir will be singing some of their compositions. They are delightful men and have a heart for spreading the Gospel of our Lord through music.

Each week we will be learning one of the mass parts before each mass. By Advent, we should have a pretty good handle on the mass. Please take time to review the booklet before mass so that you will become familiar with, not only the music, but the new words that we will be saying. The words and the music are all in the booklet.

I would love to hear any comments and suggestions you have on the Liturgy. I am eager to hear what you would like to see and what you are uncomfortable with. Please send your comments to gpohl@catholicweb.com. Music is so important in our lives and especially when we go to church. I hope that all of you will find joy and praise in our Liturgical music most of the time.

Many blessing and much joy to you, my family, Gayle

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On Sunday, October 9 at the nine AM Mass, Bishop Walter Hurley will be here to formally install me as Pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish.  I want to use this time to welcome Frs. Danielsen and Partin to St. Al’s as well. Thus, after the 9:00 AM Mass there will be a reception in the Parish Center. Hope you can come so that Frs. Partin, Danielsen and myself can get to meet more of the wonderful people of St. Al’s!

Since so many people were gone last weekend, I am running last week’s  bulletin letter again since I want folks to be aware of directions for the parish.

Pray for your fellow parishioners this week.

Joyfully, Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As the days go by I keep meeting more people and learning about St. Al’s. Even though I served here for 10 years from 1989-99, things have changed over the years and I have discovered “you can’t go back to what it was back then.” Events and circumstances and people come and go and we make adjustments. We all struggle with these realities of life. We grow to accept what is (doesn’t mean that we like it) and hopefully move forward and renew our inner selves. I believe the inner journey is the more important part of growing and changing. Real growth starts from the inside and then works it ‘s way out to embrace what surrounds us. I pray that all of us are on this journey. It is the journey of faith and we have the Holy Spirit to guide us and walk with us.

Getting a Parish Council up and running is one way I believe for parishioners to become involved. A strong Parish Council can set a vision for the parish and empower others to put that vision into action. Several committees or commissions would be formed that would reflect the pastoral ministries and needs of the parish. These committees are:

            Liturgy, Parish Life, Christian Service, Faith Formation/Adult Education, Finance, Maintenance.

People would serve on these committees depending on their interests and desires. Communication would flow back and forth from the Parish Council and the committees.

Thus parishioners would have access to the Parish Council and the committees to express their needs, concerns, desires, dreams and hopes for the parish. We could all be moving together to bring the presence of Christ among ourselves and beyond our parish.

I believe we need to nourish ourselves and strengthen our inner selves in order to continue our many outreach programs. We cannot give what we do not have. I envision exciting Adult Education programs to help us grow. I envision opportunities to gather socially to strengthen our friendships and get to know others. I envision a spiritual aliveness nourished by our liturgies and prayers and listening to the Word of God.

It is an exciting journey! Come journey with me and your fellow parishioners!

Pray for each other.

Joyfully, Fr. Pat, CSsR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As I read the bulletin over these past few Sundays I notice that we are still short $29,000 of our parish CSA assessment of $123, 166. I am not sure exactly how that amount is tabulated here in this Diocese compared to other places I have been. What I do know is that if we do not make it through offerings then we must make up the balance from parish funds. As of this writing 416 pledges have been made from a parish roster of 1,200 family units. That is remarkable generosity from a third of our parish community!

God bless you.

I suspect that the CSA is a touchy subject for many. I went into the Diocesan website to find out how the CSA funds are dispersed. I found it comforting to see that a large proportion is given to the ministries of Catholic Charities. And that sparked an idea in my mind. I would again suspect that many of us like to know where our money is going and if I give a donation, will it be used for that specific purpose? Well, if by chance people have chosen not to give to the CSA but have made a donation directly to one of the other Diocesan ministries, such as Catholic Charities, then this approach might work: let the parish know of your intentions and donation, and then hopefully we can count that amount towards our CSA assessment and let the Diocese know that St. Al’s is contributing towards the needs and ministries of the Diocese of Grand Rapids. I have always known the people of St. Al’s to be a generous people (after all this is my home parish) and I just have to believe that parishioners are giving to many worthwhile causes, here in the parish and in the Diocese as well.

We are part of the 11 county Grand Rapids Diocese and we can do our part to help the ministries that reach beyond our parish boundaries. And we in turn do benefit from many of the programs run by the Diocese. It truly does work both ways between us and the Diocese. I again thank those who have made a pledge and ask that others might consider making a pledge. We can meet our goal and do great things. God bless you all!

Gratefully, Fr. Pat, CSsR

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this 10th anniversary of the tragedies of September 11, 2001 it is good for us to pause and pray for the families who lost their loved ones on that day. Let us pray for the many heroic people who gave so much to help the survivors and the victims. How great were the sacrifices of so many people who made us all realize how strong our nation is when we pull together! Let us pray that we will harness this spirit of sacrifice again for the good of all the people of our nation. The times are tough and so many are hurting. We are a people of deep generosity and sacrifice when we forget our difference and build on what unites us. May we pray for peace in our troubled world and peace in our hearts.

Our prayer for  those who died on September 11, 2001:

 

In the rising of the sun

and in its going down

we remember them

 

In the blowing of the wind

and in the chill of winter

we remember them

 

In the opening of buds

and in the warmth of summer

we remember them

 

When we are weary

and in need of strength

we remember them

 

When we are lost

and sick of heart

we remember them

 

When we have joys

we yearn to share

we remember them

 

So long as we live

they too shall live

for they are now a part of us

as we remember them

Pray for your fellow parishioners.

Gratefully, Fr. Pat, CSsR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

On this Labor Day weekend let us pray for those who do not have employment and are struggling to make ends meet. For those of us who do have employment, let us be grateful for our blessings.

Perhaps on this Labor Day we could take a little time and reflect on the benefits we have in this wonderful nation of ours. Times are still tough and many are struggling to pay bills. Many are living on less because they simply have to in order to survive. There do not seem to be any quick solutions or answers to the economic turmoil. And yet in the midst of these trying times we still have many blessings.

When I walked into the supermarket the other day I saw the shelves lined with food and the options plentiful for various items. Admittedly prices are high and many people cannot buy what they used to and so choose within their means. But just think of all the people who worked to bring those food items from the fields to the store. We have a food distribution system in this country that amazes me. And still people go hungry within our very neighborhood.

And that is why our parish Food and Clothing Pantry is so very necessary. Please continue to support this important ministry for the poor and needy. Thank you for your generosity!

Every weekend beginning on September 11 we will have inserts in the bulletin regarding the changes in the Mass that will take place the first Sunday of Advent this year. We will talk about this at the homily times during the upcoming months. I will offer some more in depth sessions on these changes and the Mass. I will offer these sessions at various times so people will have opportunities to attend.

Come to Mass on Labor Day at 9:00 AM and thank God for your blessings.

 Gratefully, Fr. Pat, CSSR

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As I write this first “Pastor’s letter” to you I find myself wondering what exactly to say. But I will dive in and let my heart speak.

I am very happy to be here…to be back  in my home town and home parish and to return as pastor is truly an honor. It is very humbling as well and I wonder if I can live up to any expectations people may have of me. With the grace of God I will strive to serve St. Al’s as best I can and let the Spirit work through me to enrich and enliven our wonderful St. Al’s Parish!

There are many things to get up and running. Two areas that I want to get started and call for your involvement are the formations of a Parish  Pastoral Council and a Worship Commission. A Pastoral Council will give parishioners ownership in the parish and provide a much needed avenue of communication and direction for our parish. I can not lead this parish by myself. I believe in working together with lay leaders and trusting the Spirit to guide and lead us in making  decisions for the good of St. Al’s.

A vibrant Worship Commission will assist Gayle Pohl with her responsibilities in providing quality liturgies. I believe our liturgical celebrations are the foundation of our parish, for in our liturgies  we listen to the Word of God and receive the Lord so we can be Christ for one another in all our ministries and activities. The liturgy is the source and summit of our spirituality as a parish community. I believe in vibrant, life-giving, Spirit filled liturgies. A Worship Commission will bring guidance and support to all our liturgical ministries: choirs, musicians, ushers, lectors, eucharistic ministers, servers, sacristans, art and environment.

Let’s ask the Lord’s guidance in all that we are about as a parish community. I ask your patience as I get started. There are many meetings and people to see. I will do my best to return phone calls as soon as possible.

Let us build the “City of God” joyfully. Pray for your fellow parishioners everyday.

Joyfully, Fr. Pat, CSsR

Greeting St. Alphonsus Parish!

Like Peter, I come from a simple beginning.  My family was far from wealthy, but not poor.  The son of a fireman and a lunchroom lady, I was blessed to be raised appreciating what was provided.  My mother, a devote Catholic, raised me and my 3 siblings to first thank God for all of our blessings (if you could not thank God for all his blessing by going to Mass on Sunday momma would not allow us to do anything else all week).  Secondly, we were raised knowing that you worked for what you received.  Growing up in a small rural town that was predominately Baptist, Pentecostal, and KKK taught me to both appreciate my Catholic Faith and to cling to our teaching and traditions.  Many a time we were ridiculed for being Catholic.  From an early age I dreamed of being a priest.  Though my parents did not discourage me they cautioned me to wait until I was older to make that commitment.  I was encouraged to finish high school and attend college at Southeastern Louisiana University.  Upon completing my BS degree in food management, I worked for several years for ARA Foodservice before entering the Redemptorist’s Pre-Theology Program in San Antoinio, TX.  While working for ARA, I moved into the area of town where the Redemptorist staffed St. Gerard Majella.  Thus began my ongoing relationship with the Redemptorist Fathers and Brothers.  During novitiate, I decided to profess vows as a Redemptorist Brother.  The Redemptorist encouraged me to attend CTU and work on a 3 year M-Div degree before I began active ministry.  I was the first brother to receive a Masters of Divinity in the New Orleans Vice Province.  My first assignment was in Crowley, LA teaching theology in the elementary and high school, directing the Parish School of Religion for junior and senior high school, directing the youth group and coordinating all shut in visits.  After 4 years of ministry, I quickly realized the need for priests.  I went back to school and finished my last year of theology while continuing my duties in Crowley.  To say the least I burned the candle on both ends and burned out.  I delayed ordination and was able to work for a time in the archives for the New Orleans Vice Province before I took some time off.  The two years I was away from the Reds, I obtained a nursing certificate and started psych nursing and reentered community.  After three years of nursing and praying, I was approved for ordination and was ordained on February 27, 2011 in Baton Rouge.  Shortly afterward I was given my assignment to Grand Rapids.  It has been a wonderful journey to the Priesthood.  I am proud to be a Redemptorist, I am proud to be a Priest, and I am proud to be Catholic.  I am looking forward to my time I will spend here in Grand Rapids with you all.  Thank you for all the kindness you have shown thus far and for the warm welcome you have given me.

Fr. Lamar Partin, C.Ss.R.