June 29/30 Announcements and Homily Link

June 30, 2024
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Prison and Jail Ministry Informational Sessions

Did you know that our Prison and Jail Ministry develops and maintains Catholic religious services within six state prisons located in our diocese. We offer 12 weekly services in the prisons including Masses, Communion services, RCIA, and Bible studies. We also donate Catholic religious materials to and administer the sacraments in 11 county jails as needed.  Praise God!
The Diocesan Prison Ministry is currently seeking new volunteers to serve in the Juvenile Detention Centers located in our diocese. If you or someone you know is interested in serving in our Juvenile Detention Centers, consider attending one of two informational sessions to learn more about this important work and volunteer opportunities.

When: Thursday, July 18, 2024

Two identical sessions, come to either one: 11 am-2 pm or 6-9 pm

Where: Cathedral Square Center, 360 Division Ave. S., Grand Rapids, MI

Register: Here

Contact Saint Thomas Prison Ministry lead, Asa Woodbeck, at (616) 295-6819 for questions.

Around the Diocese

July 4^th Marks Special Anniversary for the
Cathedral of Saint Andrew

July 4 not only marks the celebration of our country’s independence, but it is also the anniversary of the re-dedication of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, thus making it an official feast day for the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
Following a devastating fire in 1901, the cathedral was restored, expanded and then re-dedicated and consecrated during celebrations on July 4, 1903, involving thousands of Grand Rapids citizens and parishioners as well as bishops, priests, local officials, and the apostolic delegate to the United States.
Mass will be celebrated July 4 at 9 am to mark the occasion of the re-dedication and our country’s independence.
To learn more about the Cathedral’s history, visit GRdiocese.org. You can also watch The Chair on YouTube which highlights America’s cathedrals, exploring the rich fabric and diversity of the Catholic Church through the eyes of the local bishop. Search ‘The Chair: Grand Rapids, MI’ on YouTube to find our episode.

Nourish for Caregivers Support Group

Virtually everyone, at some point in their life, will care for someone in their family. The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of supporting families during times of transition and change.

St. Robert of Newminster parish in Ada is offering a new, faith-based support group, Nourish for Caregivers, which will meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. Nourish helps caregivers discover the joys and blessings of caring for another by providing practical, emotional and spiritual support, all with a Christ-centered view. For more information, visit strobertchurch.org/ministries/nourish/.

Chartered bus trip to join the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Members of St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta, MI invite you to join them for a one-day chartered bus trip to participate in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage during its stops in South Bend, Indiana.

The parish will be chartering a bus for both Friday, July 5 (9:30 am – 9 pm) and Sunday, July 7 (7:30 am – 7 pm) – pick the day that works best for your schedule. The bus leaves from St. Ann Catholic Church in Augusta and costs just $25! More details including the itinerary for each day are available at eventcreate.com/e/stannaugusta.

2024 Midwest Worldwide Marriage Encounter Convention

One Bread, One Body, One Family in Love

July 26 – 28, 2024 ▪️ Cathedral Square Wege Conference Center

Have you ever attended a Marriage Encounter Experience? If so, please consider attending this year’s Midwest Convention held in Grand Rapids. The goal is to enrich marriage, family, and faith as we explore how the Eucharist is the foundation for all that we do. The convention is for the entire family, with a Children’s Program on Saturday for children over 2 years of age and potty-trained. See www.wwmemidwestconvention.org for more details and to register.

Prayer Line (616) 365-7689