RCIA: The Journey to Easter and Beyond

Continued on inside cover

OCTOBER 20, 2019 29TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

NOTES FROM DEACON GARY PERRYDORE

I’d like to write about an im-portant ministry that Fr. Tom has asked me to head up this year: RCIA or the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.

The Catechism tells us: “From the time of the apostles, becoming a Christian has been accomplished by a journey and initiation in sev-eral stages. This journey can be covered rapidly or slowly, but certain essential elements will always have to be present: procla-mation of the Word, acceptance of the Gospel entailing conversion, profession of faith, Baptism itself, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and admission to Eucharistic com-munion.” (# 1229)

Since the last Church Council, the Church has established a for-mal process of Christian Initiation for adults (RCIA) in which people who desire to be baptized and come into the Catholic faith learn about the sacraments, the three Persons of the Trinity, and what has been revealed through Sacred Scripture and handed down through Tradition. Before the council, a new convert would meet with a priest one on one and receive instruction before being welcomed into the Church. The new RCIA process is modeled on

the ancient Church practice of receiving adult converts through the Catechumenate, with its own specific rites. This takes place in stages because: “the rite of initia-tion is suited to a spiritual journey of adults that varies according to the many forms of God’s grace, the free cooperation of the individ-uals, the action of the Church and the circumstances of time and place.”1 The First Step is reaching the point of initial conversion and wishing to become Christian and is marked by the Rite of Ac-ceptance. The Second Step: having progressed in faith and nearly completed the catechumenate, they are accepted into a more intense preparation for the sacra-ments of initiation - and receive the Rite of Election. Third Step: having completed their spiritual preparation, they receive the sac-raments of Christian initiation: normally adult Baptism, Eucha-rist, and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil. The Rite also envi-sions a postbaptismal catechesis called “Mystagogy,” which would extend through the whole Easter season.2

While RCIA was created with the view of preparing non-Christians (Catechumens) for Baptism, it also is an excellent way

to prepare and receive into the Church Christians of other de-nominations and even Catholics who may have not been raised in the Faith or been away from the Church. Protestant Christians who have already been validly baptized in a non-Catholic church are called Candidates. They are prepared to complete their initia-tion into the Catholic church by making their First Confession, reception of Holy Communion and Confirmation as well as a public Profession of the Catholic Faith. Unchatechized Catholics are also welcome to join RCIA and learn the Catholic Faith. They receive Confession and First Holy Com-munion, Confirmation (where applicable) once they are ready for these sacraments. Anyone can go through RCIA as it is a great way to rediscover what the Church teaches! It can be particularly helpful for people who have been confirmed but may have been away from the Church for a long time.

Old St. Pat’s currently has nine people journeying through RCIA this year, representing each of the above groups! In addition two unbaptized children (but of the age of reason) are being prepared separately, by Diane Eriksen, to

TO PRAY IS TO LOVE MASS INTENTIONS

TUE 700:

WED 815:

230: Regency Mass

THU 830:

FRI 815:

SAT 400:

SUN 800:

1030:

• Please pray for those in need, including: Patricia Fuller, Lisa Ann Kozakowski, John LaRock Sr., Michael Cooper, Phil Rutledge, Kathy Cooley, Robin Fahmie, Karen Prins, Sandra Adams, Richard Pelkey, Pete Siebertz, Nicole Brcic, John Dziuban, Jim Stephensen, Mason Rutledge, Wayne DeFor-est, Ron Fuller, Ann Mary “Nancy” Phillips, Katie Hutton, Betsy & Charlie Rodgers, Pam Wiitala, Chris Dreffs, Caroline

Pribble, Emma Thompson, Howard Pease, Bryan Eaton, Phillip Campbell Sr., Paul Massimilla, Lois Roth, Mary Boudreaux, Clara Peterson, Marieke Carter, Janet Fabery, Magdalene Trabanino

Please pray for those in the military, including: Adam Draves, Nathan Baker, Garette Moore, Larry Workman, Daniel Scott Brown, Mark Richard, Philip Maxwell, Tony Phillips, Anthony Darket, Samuel Chase Johnson, William Godfrey,

Bill Lott, Mike Nelson, Frank Snaith, Allan Fletcher, Noah Kranz, Chas & Holly Carter, Tony DeLellis

Pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Michael Kunitz: Byzantine Catholic Dcn. David Pellican: AOD

Stephanie Wiitala Therese Boudreaux Dcn. Louis Weitzel

James & Laura Weiler Rosemary Kaye Parishioners Tom Setter Dcn. Gary Perrydore

Fall 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil to End Abortion

Wednesday, Sept. 25-Sunday, Nov. 3, 7am-7pm Outside Planned Parenthood, Ann Arbor To learn more and sign up to pray, visit 40daysforlife.com/annarbor. Questions? Contact Sandie, plan2pray@gmail.com or 734-657-1936.

Continued from front cover

receive the sacraments of Baptism and 1st Holy Communion. In RCIA we are using a new teaching resource from the Dominican Fathers of the Thomistic Institute in Washington D.C. called Credo. This is a video and book- based resource that, over the course of 36 weeks, exposes and teaches the group about the Catholic faith, ranging from the sacraments, the Mass, the saints, marriage, the Trinity, prayer, faith, grace and more. It is based on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas and does not shy away from the Church’s (hard) moral teachings!

So far we have met as a group for six weeks and will continue up

to and beyond the Easter Vigil. Each person is on a journey of discovery, as we all are, and it is a blessing for me to journey with them as they seek knowledge of the faith and what it means for their lives. Please keep these good folks in your prayers and if you see them at Mass greet them kindly. Their photos and names are included in this week’s bulle-tin.

The US Catholic Bishops re-mind us that the parish has an important role to play in the journey of RCIA converts to the Catholic Church: “By joining the catechumens in reflecting on the value of the paschal mystery and by renewing their own conver-

sion, the faithful provide an example that will help the cate-chumens to obey the Holy Spirit more generously.” (Rite of Chris-tian of Adults). And St. Peter: “but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Pet 3:15) Therefore, let’s bear witness to them of the reason for our faith and hope and to wel-come them into our parish and our lives! 1 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults:

Structure of the Initiation of Adults 2 Ibid.

ST. PATRICK PARISH CALENDAR

ALTAR SERVERS SATURDAY 4:00/Oct 26 G. Carter B. Carter

SUNDAY 8:00/Oct 27 K. Brcic J. Shurtliff

SUNDAY 10:30/Oct 27 P. Schloss J. Schloss J. Schloss P. Zachmann P. Zachmann

OLD ST. PATRICK PARISH DIRECTORY

Reconciliation Tuesday 5:30PM - 6:40PM Saturday 2:30PM or by appointment; Don’t hesitate to call for an appointment!

Weekend Schedule for Holy Mass Saturday 4:00PM Sunday 8:00AM & 10:30AM

EF/TLM Latin Mass 2nd Sunday of Month 12:30pm

Weekday Schedule for Holy Mass Tuesday 7:00PM Wed. & Fri. 8:15AM School Year, 8:30AM Summer

Thur. 8:30AM First Saturdays 9:00AM

Eucharistic Adoration of Our Lord Tuesday 5:30PM– 6:45PM First Friday 7:00PM– Saturday 8:45AM

Baptisms Contact Dcn. Frank-Joseph Papp, 734-426-

1070 or email fjpapp@umich.edu to arrange

a preparation class and Baptism date. Marriages Arrangements are to be made at least nine months prior to the wedding. Funerals Funeral arrangements are made by contacting the parish office. Parish Registration Contact the office for a registration form.

Office hours Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Office: 734-662-8141 Emergency: 734-663-1851 Address: 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor, 48105 Website: www.stpatricka2.org E-mail: info@stpatricka2.org

Pastor Fr. Thomas Wasilewski (#24) twasilewski@stpatricka2.org

Deacons Dcn. Frank-Joseph Papp, fjpapp@umich.edu Dcn. Gary Perrydore, gperrydore@comcast.net

Parish Secretary Debbie Welch (#21) debbie@stpatricka2.org RCIA Dcn. Gary Perrydore, gperrydore@comcast.net Coordinator of Religious Education Kari Kummet (#30) kari@stpatricka2.org Youth Minister Rose Deemer youth@stpatricka2.org Organist: Cecilia Lee, music@stpatricka2.org Choir Director: Mr. Ernesto, ernestodetroit@gmail.com Facilities and Maintenance Manager Ron Fuller, rfuller@stpatricka2.org Dog In Residence: Chesterton AKA “Chester” Knights of Columbus Council 10963 George Pariseau, GK10963@mikofc.org Ladies of St. Brigid Nancy Keough, nkeough@mac.com Altar Server Coordinator Jennifer Holody, ospaltarservers@gmail.com OSP Library osplibrarian@gmail.com Prayer Requests ospintentions@gmail.com

Bulletin announcements must be submitted in writing to bulletin@stpatricka2.org by Monday at noon and will be edited at the discretion of the editor or pastor.

SUNDAY, October 20

K of C Pancake Breakfast

9:15 Religious Education

6:30 Youth Group

MONDAY, October 21

6:30 RCIA

7:00 K of C Meeting

WEDNESDAY, October 23

2:30 Mass @ Regency Home in W.L.

THURSDAY, October 24

7:00 Choir Rehearsal

FRIDAY, October 25

7:00 K of C Beads & Brew

SUNDAY, October 27

9:15 Religious Education

9:15 K of C Rosary

11:30 Parish Rosary

6:30 Youth Group

Actuals October 2019/2020

Week 1 $6,842.69

Week 2 $7,818.51

Week 3

Week 4

Monthly Total $14,661.20

Fiscal Year 2019/2020

Month Budget Actual Variance

August $34,584 $27,111 ($7,473)

September $34,584 $34,829 $245 October $34,584 $14,661 ($27,741)

Fiscal YTD Total $138,336 $106,685 ($31,651)

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OLD ST. PATRICK PARISH

Finances Update:

Sunday,

October, 20th

4pm-6pm

St. Thomas

Parish Hall

Because the corn has ears,

potatoes have eyes,

and beanstalk!

Why should you never

tell secrets in

a garden?

As you get closer to the center of our altar rail, to the opening for the priest and servers, the symbols become explicitly Eucha-ristic. The second symbol on the left side, from the opening, (where once the altar rail gate was), has a beautifully repainted gold ciborium. It looks very similar to a chalice but it’s wider and with a gold ‘cap’ on top of it. Sometimes, lay sacristans, will stare at the ciborium in confusion, not knowing what to call it! The ciborium is most certainly NOT a chalice: it is never meant to hold Precious Blood but only the Body of the Lord. This is the sacred vessel which holds the consecrated hosts reserved in the tabernacle. We reserve the Blessed Sacrament so that we won’t run out at future Masses (in case not enough is consecrated), for Lay Ministers to take hosts to the sick, and finally, for Jesus to always be substantially present in our sanctuary. A worthy vessel is needed to hold the precious Body of our Lord! The Catechism reminds us that “the mode of Christ's presence under the Eucharistic species is unique. Jesus’ presence raises the Eucharist above all the sacraments as ‘the perfection of the spiritual life and the end to which all the sacraments tend.’" (#1374 quoting St. Thomas Aquinas) Yes: “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.’" (quoting Council of Trent) The Second Vatican Council famously declared that the Eucharist “is the source and summit of the Christian life” (Sacrosanctum Concilium #47) and that all the other sacraments (as St. Thomas said), and all of the Church’s ministries (think: preaching, evangelization, religious orders, etc) and all its apostolates (feeding the poor, hospitals, pro-life work, etc) are “orinented towards it!” Why? Because the Blessed Eucharist contains “the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself” (CCC 1324). How important it is then, that the Eucharist is kept in an appropriately beautiful and sacred vessel called the Ciborium! In the first three centuries of the Church, the Eucharist was not reserved in church, for fear it would be profaned in the persecutions against Christians. However, some faithful kept the Blessed Sacrament at home in a silver box, to receive as Viaticum at the time of death. (For some it was also their First Communion as they finally decided to become Christians!) In the following centuries, the Eucharist began to be reserved in churches, at first only for the sick, and in a pillar (“ambry”) under the altar or a niche in the wall. (This was long before tabernacles came into use.) 1 Later, the Blessed Sacrament would be kept in a dove shaped receptacle called a “columb” suspended from the ceiling above the altar (where critters and mice could not get to it in Medie-val times!). It was not until the 16th century that tabernacles, as we know them, became the norm for reserving the Blessed Sacrament in all Latin Catholic churches.2

Ciborium

NOTES FROM FATHER TOM

Symbols of the Faith:

The origins of the word ‘ciborium’ are two: from Latin ‘cibus’ for “food” (meaning “Heavenly Food) and from Greek ‘kirorion’ for “cup” (because of its shape). While the ciborium is used to reserve consecrated hosts in the tabernacle, another, smaller vessel, called a “pyx” is used to carry the Blessed Sacrament to the sick and homebound. Because it holds the Body of Christ, the ciborium is usually made of precious metals, silver or gold but the interior of the cup must always be lined with gold. The top of the ciborium is closed by a rounded cover, surmounted with a cross or some-times a tiny statuette of Jesus.3 For the past few centuries, the ciborium has traditionally been in the shape of a chalice (as in our symbol and in our tabernacle!) but with a wider cup than a chalice to hold hosts for distribution of Holy Communion. According to the rubrics in the Extraordinary Form, the old Latin Mass, when the priest holds up the host and says: “Ecce Angus Dei”, he is actually showing the host over the ciborium (not the chalice!). In more recent times the ciborium has taken on different shapes: a golden bowl (with a gold lid and sometimes a ring to put a finger through and help hold it), or a small gold plate with rounded edges (for a small number of hosts at daily Mass). Both of these we own and use at Old St. Patrick’s in addition to the traditional cirobrium. Several years ago, I inquired the Diocese into the possibility of obtaining a personal chalice for use in my priestly ministry. (Beautiful, quality, chalices are extremely expensive.) I was granted the privilege of a lifetime loan of a beautiful chalice that came from the Diocesan archives (the chalice I use on Sundays and solemnities!). This gorgeous chalice came from a church in Flint, which was closed. With the chalice, came a matching ciborium which I have not yet used anywhere. Perhaps on a special occasion this year, maybe Christmas, I will bring out this exquisite vessel, for the first time at our Masses. 1 New Advent: Catholic Encyclopedia “Ciborium” entry. Accessed online: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03767a.htm 2 Ibid.

3 https://www.holyart.com/blog/church-supplies/metal-ciborium/

Thank you! from the

MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF ST. PAUL

Mission Development Office

Dear Rev. Wasilewski, I would like to thank you and your parishioners of Old St. Patrick for your hospitality to Fr. Nduka Uzor, MSP, and the generous response to the mission efforts of the Missionary Society of St. Paul when he visited your parish the weekend of August 24-25. Please know that we deeply appreciate your generosity and prayers which have a direct impact in the lives of the poorest of the poor that we serve. May the good Lord continue to bless you and all the people of the parish. Be assured of the prayers of the MSP family. Sincerely, Fr. Alysius Nzekwe, MSP Director, MSP Mission Office Houston, Texas

Knight of the Month

A tribute from Patricia Dawson…….Tom has been

the love of my life since I was 19 years old.

I miss him so very much. He loved his Catholic

faith, he loved God. He loved Jesus, Mary and

Joseph. He really enjoyed volunteering back when

he was a bit healthier. He sold Christmas cards

for the Knights of Columbus, he supplied the bot-

tled water for the OSP Labor Day festivals for many years. He

and our son, Jack, kept the festival grounds grass mowed for

a few years. He sold raffle tickets for our kids school (Spiritus

Sanctus) and for the OSP Labor Day Festival. He sold so much

that I think people didn't want to see the Dawson's coming

anymore. He really loved being active in the community and

at home always finding a project around the house. The past

few years he wasn't able to do much. He has just been suffer-

ing too much with health complications.

He loves me and I love him. I don't know how to live without

him, but with God's Grace, I will figure it out.

Family of the Month

The Eldersveld family is the Family of the Month

for October. Thank you Eldersveld Family for

dedicated service to Old St. Patrick’s. May Our

Lord Bless You.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

IN SERVICE TO ONE, IN SERVICE TO ALL

Support

Our AHG’s Buy Cards for

A Cause and Sup-port Our American Heritage

Girls Troop! We’re offering four boxed sets of 30 beautifully embellished cards with matching

envelopes to choose from. Each choice comes in a keepsake organ-

izer box with dividers. There are all occasion cards, birthday cards,

thank you cards and blank cards. Any of these boxes would make

a thoughtful gift or provides a beautiful selection of cards to have on hand. A box of cards is $30. For

more information, visit our table at coffee and donuts in November. Or

contact Loretta Brighton at lorettabrighton@hotmail.com.

Prayers for the Faithful Departed

Pray for the repose of the soul of: Raymond John Ronewz (Father of Robin Blaszak). Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Mass for Families of Miscarriage and Child Loss

On Sunday, Oct. 27, Fr. Joe Krupp will offer a 12:30pm Mass for families and friends who have experienced the tragedy of miscarriage or the loss of a child. Mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Flint. Any

family and their friends who are grieving miscarriage, abortion, or the death of a child are welcome to attend; their loss could be a recent one or could have occurred a long time ago. Knights of Columbus

Beads & Brew Friday, October 25th, 7pm. Come meet parishioners, enjoy conver-sation and say the rosary in front of a bonfire in the back of the parish hall. All parishioners are invited. Knights of Columbus

General Meeting Monday, October 21st, 7pm, the officers and the Knights will meet in the parish hall. We will pray the rosary in the church at 6:30pm. All K of C members are encouraged to attend.

Tonight October 20- Lectio Divina with parish-ioner, Inshal Chenet.

October 27- The Reckless Love of God the Father with Dcn. Gary Perrydore.

November 3- Diocese of Lansing Youth Conference (no regular youth group meeting). RSVP by Sunday October 13!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 3rd for the Diocese of Lansing High School Youth Conference, “The Father’s Love?” featur-ing former NFL player, Bart

Schuchts, Andrew Laubacher, Be Love Revolution, Fr. Adam Nowak, Fr. Paul Erickson and Fr. Mark Rutherford. The day will include dynamic presenta-tions, practical breakout sessions, small group time, confessions, Eucharistic adoration, Mass with Bishop Boyea and worship and fellowship with teens from all over the Diocese of Lansing. Visit www.lansingyouth.com for more details or email Rose Deemer at youth@stpatricka2.org

Adam & Ashley Bruce Patrick Donlin Veronica Burns Fred Jablonski

Matt Cryer Jake Dale Rick Bays Joe Keeler

Old St. Patrick would like to invite you to celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints with music and a procession to the cemetery immediately following the Mass in anticipation of All Souls. Our choir will debut two new motets in honor of the faithful departed: Jesu! Rex Admirabilils and Sicut Cervus by the prolific Renaissance composer of Sacred Polyphony: Giovanni Palestrina. Sicut Cervus, set to the first words of Psalm 42: 'As the deer thirsts for streams of water, so my soul longs for you my God' expresses spiritual yearning. Jesu! Rex Admirabilis is based on the hymn to the Sacred Name by St. Bernard Clairvaux (d 1153)

The choir will intone "Libera Me" from Requiem in D minor by Gabriel Faure for the procession to the cemetery.

Experience the Beauty of Sacred Polyphony and Chant

Adoration will begin at 9pm

November 1st, 7pm

Come honor the dead and celebrate the saints!