Our Lady On The River Parish Holy Cross, Marine City; St. Catherine, Algonac; St. Mark, Harsens Island
First Sunday of Lent March 1, 2009
Sponsor of the Week -- Pride Builders, Algonac

Please pray for our sick and suffering
St. Mark: Betty Baker, Jacob Bryson, Ken Cihon, Marge Hamlin, Shirley Hollowaty, Shirley Koster, Joseph Lopez, Clark Odzark, Sally O’Neil,  Sophie Palmer,  Walter Sawkin,  Bob Soulliere, Patrick Tierney, Sheila Thompson, Tena Van Loon, Mike & Sandy Weaver, JoAnn White, Paulette Wieczorek, Keith Wright
Holy Cross: Jill Block, Valerie Brettin, John Chadra III, Barbara Corn, Laura Goltz, Jim Gramer, Annette Griffith, Dave Hull, Dolores Hauer, Betty Holtz, William Hubbarth, Derek Jacobs, Jim Keelan, JoAnn Kramer, James KuyKendall, Ava LaVere, Donald Lipa, Joseph Lopez, Gerald Magnan, Jerry Malinowski, Ryan Markel, Jim McCalla, James McPhee, Patty McPhee, Lorraine Merglewski, Josephine Michalski, Roger Musialowski, Lisa Jones Nagy, Margery Osterland, Barbara & Tony Pizzo, Eugene Pollock, Sharon Rao, Andrew Redlawski, Lorena Sadler, Helen Schweihofer, Dee Dee Stockwell, Barbara Susan, Kris Taylor, Michael Tomlanovich, Alice Trader, Ashleigh Tranchemontagne, Kathy Vayko, Richard Wood, Dorothy Walters
St. Catherine: Hank Babisz, Angela Bills, Beverly Carr, Dean Bryeans, Yolanda Cassanova, Marion Dayle, Fr. Gregory Deters, Darrell Doughtery, Janice Doughtery, Carol Dyde, Betty Flum, Ruby Gerow, Jay Gibson, Anne Guillery, Nancy Austin Halverson, Ellen Hatcher, Maureen Ireland, Jim Knapp, Richard Koss, Nicole Lake, Joseph Lopez, Zitta Marconi, James Mihalich, Theresa Pawlowski, Ted Pilawski, Judy Piotrowski, Sandy Polomas, Richard Ross, Bill Sadecki, Joan Smith, Steven’s Family, John Vance, and Catherine Ziegler

Our Lady on the River Mass Intentions
Monday, March 2
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
Tuesday, March 3
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
		V Michael Gillman by Family
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Wednesday, March 4
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	7:45 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
		V William B. Hintz by Family
			(23rd Anniversary Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
		V Ottilie Zimmerman by Edwin & Shirley Steinmetz
			(BirthdayRemembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
	7:00 p.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Iva Guyor by Wilma Ruszkiewicz
Thursday, March 5
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Veronica Tobolski by Sister
	9:00 a.m. Mass			         Holy Cross
V Norma Arnold by Daughters of Isabella,
							     St. Agatha Circle #419
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Friday, March 6
		For the People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass				 St. Mark
Saturday, March 7
	4:00 p.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Harry & Ida Puwal and Frank Puwal by Family
	 	V Lillian Donhauser by Harriett Schoenherr
		V Chester Nadrowski by Family
			(20th Anniversary Remembrance)
	5:30 p.m. Mass			        Holy Cross
		V Mary Anne Markel by Sr. Marie Markel
		V Helen Schulz by Charlotte Andren
		V Mary DeGueisippe by Family
			(3rd Anniversary Remembrance)
Sunday, March 8
	7:30 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
	8:00 a.m. Mass	    St. Catherine
	9:30 a.m. Mass	       Holy Cross
		V Iva Guyor by Lucy Schreiner
		V Timothy Regan by Bill & Joan Cullen
10:00 a.m. Mass 	    St. Catherine
		V Earl Lines by Algonac Knights of Columbus			V Iva Guyor by Eleanor Pilowski
10:30 a.m. Mass	            			 St. Mark
		V Jean Bonamici by Jarmila Hlavaty
11:30 a.m. Mass	        		Holy Cross
		V Esther Gilbert by Lou Ann DuBuque
		V Mary Ann MacKenzie by Bill & Cindy Merrill
  7:00 p.m. Mass 	St. Catherine
		V Bill Manczwk by Sadecki, Furtah and Line Families

Pastor's Corner
 I was just reminded while in the writing of this article that a few distractions are going to take place, especially at the particular desk that I am using while typing the item. Maybe that is the point: to remind myself that during this Lenten Season there will be many types of distractions that I will be facing over the next few months. I am no different than anyone else who is trying to keep their Lenten Promises: steadfast prayer, abstinence and almsgiving. There are many things meant to take us away from experiencing the passion of our Christ. However, if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus we will maintain our focus and achieve our walk with him with his love and his peace.
	One of the distractions that will challenge me will be the current health issues with my dad. Over the past few weeks I have been travelling back and forth to Redford to help my parents with their doctor visits. In this particular visit on Thursday the 19th, the doctor diagnosed my dad with cancer. The doctor is not positive as to what type he has in his system but there are more tests waiting for him to make that final determination.
	Now, although it may sound like bad news, it is not. I say this because for the past few months the family has noticed some particular changes in dad’s physical appearance and his eating habits. The family needed answers as to why there was weight loss and lack of appetite, especially when dad loves to cook. Well, the answer has been given. We do not particularly like the answer but now we know.
	To help my dad during this time, I have looked after his spiritual needs. Last Sunday, the day before another test, I celebrated Mass for dad in the living room. We prayed together that Christ will walk with him during this cancer journey and remain with him to be dad’s strength and courage. It was good for dad to receive the Eucharist because that is the food that will sustain us during our journey in life. It was good for dad to hear from scripture that there is healing through forgiveness of sin. The body and the soul will be made whole and holy through forgiveness. Dad realizes that and he feels that Jesus has forgiven him and will not leave him during this difficult trial that he is facing.
	With that said, I will be spending more time with my dad and my mom once the doctor has finalized his prognosis. I will still maintain my weekend Mass schedule and some of the daily Masses. However, some of my meeting responsibilities will be shifted to Fr. Matt and to Sr. Mary Ann. I will be around but my time may be limited. I will be relying heavily on the staff to inform me and keep me updated on things happening around the parish when I am visiting with them. They will be in constant contact with me by phone or email.

Blessings to you all for a holy Lenten Season,
Fr. Jim


Holy Cross Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass,
other liturgies as scheduled.
Tuesday rehearsal, 7-8:30 pm

7:30 Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 7:30 a.m. Mass
Rehearsal Sunday 7:15 a.m.

Schola Cantorum
Small ensemble of mixed voices

Saturday  All Generation Choir
All ages welcome
ALL AGES - ALL SINGERS - FAMILIES
Parents and Grandparents—please bring your child and stay!
Leads worship at Saturday Mass
Saturdays:  5 p.m.

Cantors
Assists with congregational song

Resurrection Choir
Leads worship at funerals
Meets 15 Minutes before the Mass

Instrumentalists
Assist at Mass as scheduled

Handbell Choir
Plays at Mass as scheduled
Wednesday rehearsal 7-8:30 p.m.
Diane Bowden, Director - 810-765-4824
HOLY CROSS MUSIC MINISTRIES | Daniel J. Susan, Director | www.holycrossonline.net | music@holycrossonline.net

Died in Christ

Please remember in your prayers:

	V Marion Dayle
	V Norma Arnold

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
Let the Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

Readings for the week of March 1, 2009

Sunday:	Gn 9:8-15/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15
Monday:	Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/ Mt 25:31-46
Tuesday:	Is 55:10-11/ Mt 6:7-15
Wednesday:	Jon 3:1-10/Lk 11:29-32
Thursday:	Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25/Mt 7:7-12
Friday:		Ez 18:21-28/Mt 5:20-26
Saturday:	Dt 26:16-19/Mt 5:43-48
Next Sunday:	Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Rom 8:31b-			34/Mk 9:2-10
©Liturgical Publications Inc


St. Mark

160 Families
  33 Envelopes:	        $795.00
Loose Cash:	          $26.00
Total:		        $821.00


Holy Cross

1024 Families
238 Envelopes	    $6,184.00
Loose Cash        	       $273.00
Children           		     $10.00
Total  		    $6,467.00
St. Catherine Church

564 Families
203 Envelopes:	 	    $4,415.00
Loose:		  	       $235.00
Children:		         $15.42
Total			    $4,665.42
Collection of Sunday, February 22, 2009
Online calendars are on the parish and location websites.
Adults  $7.00   Seniors $6.00   Children $5.00   Under 5 Free

Parish Directory
www.OurLadyontheRiver.net

Fr. James Lopez, Pastor
Fr. Matt Ellis, Associate Pastor
Sr. Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
Pastoral Associate

Fr. Sig Kowalczyk, Fr. Ron Kurzawa,
Fr. Fred Bodde, Fr. Leo Broderick & Msgr. George Browne, Senior Priests

Gary Krueger, Bob McCleod, Deacons


***Holy Cross***
810-765-3568     FAX 810-765-2974
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  church@holycrossonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday & Friday 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
(closed 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunch)
Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

***St. Catherine***
810-794-3301     FAX 810-794-1849
www.StCatherineOnline.net
e-mail  info@stcatherineonline.net
Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 8:30a.m.-1:00p.m.

***St. Mark***
810-748-3828     FAX 810-748-9148
www.StMarkOnline.net
e-mail  info@stmarkonline.net
Office Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

***Holy Cross
Catholic School***
(810) 765-3591 FAX:  (810) 765-9074
www.HolyCrossOnline.net
e-mail  school@holycrossonline.net
Amanda Lund, Principal


Bulletin Info
bulletin e-mail:
bulletin@OurLadyontheRiver.net
(deadline 12 noon Monday)

Marriages:
Membership & six month preparation
period required.

Sacrament of Reconciliation  3:00 p.m.

Holy Cross  	1st & 3rd Saturdays
St. Catherine  2nd & 4th Saturdays
St. Mark	1st Fridays before Mass
Sacrament of Baptism  12:45 p.m.

Holy Cross 		3rd Sunday
St. Catherine 	last Sunday
St. Mark 		by appointment

Membership & preparation required
Please call your Church Office to
register & verify dates

Mass Schedule

	St. Mark Chapel
	Sunday: 	   10:30	a.m.
   Tuesday - Friday:   9:00 a.m
(mass schedule continued)
	St. Catherine
	Saturday: 	4:00	p.m.
	Sunday: 	8:00 	a.m.
		10:00 	a.m.
		7:00 	p.m.
	Monday – Friday 	7:30 	a.m.

	Holy Cross
	Saturday: 	5:30 	p.m.
	Sunday: 	7:30 	a.m.
		9:30 	a.m.
		11:30 	a.m.
	Monday – Friday 	9:00 	a.m.

R.C.I.A.

	Hello.  My name is Aaron Klein, the proud father of daughter Kelsey. Prior to marrying my lovely wife, Elsa, at Holy Cross in 2005, I was not an active member of any church, even though I was baptized and raised Lutheran. My wife has always been a Roman Catholic, and I would consider her a devout parishioner. I have never known anyone quite like her; nothing keeps her from missing Sunday Mass.  I  witness this, and to me, is a miracle by my standards.  I find myself in awe of her love, faith, dedication, devotion and loyalty to God and His Church.
	This has impressed me so much that I have faithfully joined my wife in church for the last five years, but unable to receive Communion along with her.  Staying in the pew while my wife shares in the Eucharist has been difficult, but worth the wait because I feel I will have a true understanding and acceptance of what it means to share in the sacrament of Eucharist. 	My wife has taught me how important it is to have a close relationship with Jesus Christ, and that church is an important integral part of bridging that gap to a closer relationship.
	For years, I was completely oblivious to the realization that I needed the Lord in my daily life.  I admit, that in the past, I was guilty of being a Christian of convenience.  I usually focused on going to church on the holidays or during times of hardship and despair.  Then, the moment I started to focus on being a true Christian of faith, my life started a positive transformational-conversion.  Just as a tree will not grow without water, a Christian cannot grow without faith.  In turn, I began to realize that my feeling of despair was in part because I had little hope, which I felt was directly attributed to my old state of weakened faith and infrequent visits to church.  It is my belief that faith and despair are in opposite spectrums and cannot occupy the same space.  I have come to realize the more I grow in faith, the more distant and non-existent despair is in my life.  With God’s grace, despair has been replaced with continued hope.
	RCIA has helped strengthen my vocation and is preparing me to receive the sacraments of reconciliation, Confirmation and Eucharist.  This is essential in my conversion to the Roman Catholic Church, experiencing a deeper union with Jesus Christ.  The last few months of RCIA have been a spiritual awakening for me.  I feel the Holy Spirit in my life like never before as my faith grows stronger and stronger.
	I would like to give special thanks to my wife, Elsa. for sponsoring me in the RCIA and all the love, encouragement and support she gives me.  Also to Sr. Mary Ann and Sr. Geraldine for their guidance in the RCIA, and the preparation needed to fulfill my Christian initiation through the sacraments.
	Aaron will make a profession of faith at the Easter vigil through a profession of faith, be confirmed & receive Eucharist. Please welcome him with supportive prayer and greetings.
 Plant a Praise Garden

	The ladies of St. Mark Women’s Guild are looking for creative ways to ensure that fresh flowers will be available to be placed on the altar in church in praise of the Lord at a more reasonable cost during the growing season than they are during the rest of the year. If you are willing to dedicate a portion of your personal garden for growing flowers to be used for this commendable purpose, please call the St. Mark Office 810-748-3828 or Lynn Decker.

Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
KIim Busittil
Aaron Milenbaugh
Alan Milenbaugh

5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Richard Bober
Gabby Alarie
Brandon Downey
Caroline Glowski
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Marilynn Dunn
Danielle Grusser
Anne Marie Heitz
Veronica Heitz
8:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Retta Kosciolek
Nicholas Todino
Alex May
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Charlotte Foley
Jonathan Moreton
Rachael Moreton
Dan Page
10:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Ed Ptasnik
Christopher Demorest
Alexis Semaan
10:30 a.m.
St. Mark

Stephanie Spencer

11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Don Smith
Katlyn Pokorny
Nattalle Tipton
Dion Van Bockel
7:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Celebrant
Celebrant

Holy Cross Catholic School 20 Annual Irish Dinner and Auction
	Please plan on joining us March 14th at 5:30 p.m. at the Marine City K of C Banquet Center for a night filled with good food, friends and lots of fun.  The cost of the evening is only $35 which includes dinner, open bar and live and silent auctions.
	This is a first for an auction alert: this year we are offering a Hot Air Balloon Ride for two! This LIVE auction item has something anyone may be looking for-romance, excitement or even adventure.
	The destination auction alert is a one week vacation at Bahia Vista Gulf Complex on Venice Island, Florida.  Located directly on the canal leading to the Gulf of Mexico, this two bedroom condo is completely furnished, sleeps six, and includes central heat and air and cable TV.  Ocean front heated pool, laundry facilities, boat dockage and sandy beach are available on the premises.  Bike and boat rentals, tennis, shopping, churches and restaurants are within walking distance.  Just a short drive will provide golf, water sports, charter fishing, arts and entertainment, recreation areas, museums and wonderful dining adventures.  Located just one hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando, the condo has a no pets, smoke free policy.  (The condo unavailable for the months of January, February or March.)
	Tickets are currently available.  For information please call Gretchen Rogus (810)329-9649, Jennifer Laster (810)765-3510 or the school office at (810)765-3591.


Saturday, March 14, 2009
Marine City Knights of Columbus Banquet Center
(Continued on page #)
Parish Lenten Prayer For Vocations

“Every one of us is called by the Lord;
The important thing is to know how
To answer His call.”
Blessed John XXIII

	A few years ago, during a special Vocations Awareness Week, our parish had a practice of having a family or individual take home a ‘vocations chalice’ each week to focus on prayer for church vocations.
	This Lenten season, the Parish Council encouraged a similar practice.  So, the Worship Commission is inviting families and/or individuals to volunteer to take home a parish crucifix to use during the week for a specific time of prayer for vocations.  The invitation is open to all people of the parish.  The crucifix will be accompanied by a journal with special prayers on vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, married life and generous single life.
	A request is made that time be given for this prayer before the crucifix each week, and a follow-up comment or reflection be written in the journal of the experience to be passed on the next week’s recipient, which can later be shared with the whole parish.
	If you are interested in taking part in this Lenten endeavor, please call the parish office to reserve one of the six weeks of Lent and let us know which Mass you will be attending.
Information Night for Men Considering the Permanent Diaconate

Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Monday, March 23rd
7:00 p.m.

	If you are married, please bring your wife. If you have questions, please call the Permanent Diaconate office @ 313-865-6300 #226

Office of Clergy Life and Ministry

A Note From The Principal

   On February 10th, the National Junior Honor Society officers from Holy Cross were able to attend the belated Catholic Schools Week Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit.  This was a wonderful experience in that the Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Allen Vigneron. Archbishop Vigneron gave a wonderful homily. This homily reached out to both the students and the adults in the assembly. If you have not read the article in The Michigan Catholic, I encourage you to go online and read it. In his homily, the archbishop tells the students: “You made a promise that your future belongs to God, and yet…how can you keep that promise if we don’t help you?”  This profoundly moving statement filled me with a renewed sense of purpose.  This is why Holy Cross Catholic School exists. We are not here as an ‘alternative’ to public education, or as a status symbol or a legacy. We are here to help the children of our parish and community, keep the promise that they, along with their parents and godparents at their Baptism, made to God. We are truly blessed as a school community to be chosen as a partner in this endeavor. As you plan for the future, be it for your child who is in need of a change or for your child who is not yet ready for school, I pray that you will turn to Holy Cross to help you and your child keep this promise to God.
   On Sunday, March 8th, Holy Cross Catholic School and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School will be holding our annual Open House from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. This is a time for new families to come and learn more about our schools. We will also be holding our first annual Learning Fair at this time!  Rather that hold a “science” fair as in years past, we are focusing on numerous areas of understanding, including science.
   Are you thinking about joining our Holy Cross Catholic School family?  I encourage you to come to our Open House, meet our dedicated staff, and learn more about the financial assistance options that are available to you.  As always, I am also available to meet with you on a personal basis.  Please contact me at 810-765-3591 or email me at principal@holycrossonline.net for a personal appointment.
In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal
Holy Cross Cemetery Notice

	Spring is coming even though it may not feel like it, which means it’s time to remove all winter decorations.  The decorations must be removed from graves by Wednesday, April 1st.  Lot holders should remove any items they wish to retain prior to this date.  Cemetery personnel will discard all remaining decorations.
	Thank you for your cooperation
The Holy Cross Cemetery Board
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
HC 3:00p Reconciliation
Sunday Masses
HC 7:30 a; 9:30a;
11:30 a
StC 8:00 a; 10:00 a;
7:00 p
StM 10:30 a
StC 8:15a St. Vincent de Paul
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 7:45a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StC 4:00p Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 5:30p Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StC 9:00a Christian Service
Commission
KC MC 7p Bingo
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 8:15a Reconciliation


StC 10:00a RCIA
StC 10:00a MOMs
Marysville 10a Bingo
OffSite 6:00p Marine City Ecumenical Lenten Programs
HC 7p Mass
HC 9:45a -10:30a Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

HC 10:30 Usher Mtg
HC 5:30 Religious Education
HC 5:30 Religious Education
StC 7p Ensemble Practice
StC 7:30p -9:00p Adult Choir Practice
StC 4p AYCE Fish Fry Dinner

HC 1:00p -3:00p Holy Cross School and CMC Open House
HC 10:45a -11:45a 4th & 5th Grade Rosary
StC 8:15a Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
HC 7:00p Handbell Choir Rehearsal
HC 6:30p Lenten Bible study
OffSite First Friday Club

HC 1:00p -3:00p Holy Cross School Book & Science Fair
KC 7:00p -9:00p Euchre
StC 6:45p One in the Spirit Prayer Group


HC 1:00p -3:00p CMC Living Stations of the Cross

StC 6 p Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

HC 7p Choir Rehearsal





Sharing the Gospel

	Every day turn back to God. If your bedroom is messy, straighten it up. If you push your sister off her bike, help her get up and ride again. If you tear down your brother's blocks, help him build something new. If you disobey your parents, go and do the right thing right now. Ask God to help you stay close to him today. Then you will be close to him in heaven forever.

Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me remember to obey you every day.

Mission for the Week
I will be a builder, not a wrecker.

- LPiResourceCenter.com
Archdiocese Tuition Assistance
Available
	As a result of the Stewards for Tomorrow Campaign and the establishment of an Archdiocesan Endowment, the Archdiocese of Detroit extends tuition assistance grants to Catholic families with children in grades 1-12 attending Catholic Schools.
	A Student Aid Form, must be completed by each family applying, and mailed directly to Private School Aid Service (PSAS) in Lakewood, Ohio. Awards are based solely on financial need. Receiving an award in previous years does not guarantee award for the current year.
Forms are available at your Catholic school or in the Parish Office at Holy Cross.
	In addition to the Archdiocese Assistance, you may apply for assistance from Our Lady on the River Parish for Cardinal Mooney High School students, if you are an active member of the parish.  Contact the office for more information.

Religious Education News

Last week a letter went home with the oldest child stating that we will be teaching one lesson entitled “Circle of Grace”. Each parish in the diocese is required to do so at some point this school year. If a parent does not want their child to participate in that lesson they must sign the “Opt Out” note attached to the letter and send it back to us on March 2nd or 3rd. If after reading the letter you would like additional information please call the office at 765-8300.
First Reconciliation will take place March 2nd and 3rd at 5:30 p.m. at Holy Cross. Parents are asked to accompany their child .Letters were also sent home with the information. Those children and parents may go directly to church and after the sacrament is completed the children will go home and not into the classroom.
As in keeping with the school and parish we will be collecting “Rice Bowl” change during the season of lent and the money will be given to our local St. Vincent de Paul Society who do so much to help the families stay warm and eat during this cold LONG winter.
First Communion and Confirmation will take place next month. First Communion at Holy Cross will be on April 25th at 11:00 am and at St. Catherine at 4:00 pm. Confirmation will be on April 28th (Tuesday) at 6:00 pm at Holy Cross.
Have a wonderful week
Mrs. Margie Smith, DRE
Holy Cross Catholic School
Open House
Sunday, March 8th
1:00 p.m.—3:00 p.m.

Preschool through Eighth Grade
618 South Water Street
Marine City

To learn more about our programs or to schedule a personal appointment,
Please contact the school office at 810-765-3591.

Sharing a PreK—12 Campus with Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School

www.holycrossonline.net
Rice Bowl Collection For Lent

	This year our Lenten Rice Bowl Collection will benefit our local St. Vincent de Paul Agencies.  Please use the Rice Bowls which are located at the exits for your Lenten sacrifice.  Take comfort in knowing that your sacrifice will help out families within our communities that are suffering and living without.
Our Lady On The River Parish
Healing Mass
One in The Spirit Prayer Group

Thursday, March 26th
St. Catherine Church
Praise & Worship @ 6:30 p.m.
Mass with Fr. Art Cooney @ 7:00 p.m.

	Additional information about the Mass intentions:
Intergenerational Healing Mass
What is it?
It is a “regular mass” with additional prayers for the intentions of healing family pain and a brief anointing to seal the healing and graces received. This Mass is very effective in breaking ties from the past that can bind families in Addictive or abusive cycles of behavior. This prayer is deeply rooted in Scripture. At this Mass we ask for forgiveness, offer repentance and pray for healing of wounds.
Stations of the Cross

Every Friday During Lent
	St. Mark 		9:30 a.m.
	Holy Cross	1:30 p.m.
	St. Catherine	7:00 p.m.

Living Stations Good Friday
	Holy Cross	12:00 p.m.
Lenten Children’s Liturgy of the Word

	The Children’s Liturgy of the Word will be starting again next Sunday, March 1st at the 9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross and the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine. It will be offered each of the six Sundays of Lent for children, ages 4 through 11.
	This is a good opportunity for helping the children towards fuller participation the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist. They are welcomed at the beginning of the Liturgy to come forward and proceed to a separate area to hear and share the scripture readings suitable to their age and ability, and return to the assembly at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Little Black Books for Lent

	The Little Black Books originally inspired by the late Bishop Untener are available at the Church entrances. This is a wonderful help during Lent, giving the opportunity of six-minute reflections for each day of the season to inspire faith and deeper prayer.
St. Mark’s Hospitality
Sunday, March 1st

Please join us for donuts and coffee as we come together in fellowship. Everyone is welcome!

K of C News
Algonac Council 7227

The Knights will be celebrating Corporate Communion on March 8th at the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine. All Brother Knights and their families are invited to attend.

The Knights will be conducting a Membership Drive during the weekend of March 8th and 9th after all the Masses.

The annual fundraiser drive for the Mentally Impaired will be held during the weekend beginning Friday, April 4th and continuing through Sunday, April 5th. All Brother Knights are asked to participate in this event and all people are encouraged to be kindly generous.

The book sale for the month of March will be the 17th-19th from 12:00—6:00 p.m.

Thoughts from your Pastoral Associate
“Let us remember and return to the Lord; Let us give worship and praise.”
Remember and return….
	I went back to the old neighborhood (that I left at age seventeen to enter the convent,) a while ago and realized what everyone who has ever tried to go home to the old neighborhood discovers: the trees have either grown smaller or disappeared, things and people have changed. The alley where we played seems narrower and cluttered and the trek to the corner store less distant. Going back to one’s roots can be intriguing and renewing.
	We are at the start of Lent, the time of the year when the Church invites us to accept the challenge to test our freedom and our faithfulness, a time of returning to our roots, a time to enter into contact with the deepest source of our faith. “Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart…” (Joel 2:12)
	Lent is a many-splendored season. We can see it as a penitential time, a time of reparation for sin, a time for growing prayerful, a time for reestablishing a life of generous service, a time of deepening faith, a time of preparing for Easter.  Lent can be all of that and more. We can read the lives of the saints, keep a journal, laugh a little, pray the rosary, make the stations of the cross, mend a quarrel, laugh a little more, visit the sick or a shut-in, fast and abstain from meat. They are all part of our tradition and pieces of our own pasts.
	Experiencing God’s love, spending time with the scriptures, sitting in silence before the Blessed Sacrament, coming to the Eucharist, and following Jesus’ example are probably some of the best ways of being wholesome and protected as we roll through the forty days ahead.
	May these Lenten weeks before Easter help us to focus our energy on improving as we make a journey back to our roots as beloved sons and daughters of a compassionate God. May we be renewed in faith, in life, in spirit, not alone, but with other people of faith, regular people – PLU – people like us, rediscovering the road to our heart and the true source of our being. May we as a parish become a better people bonded together in a common purpose of union with one another in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rite of Election
	Today our parish catechumens, candidates and their sponsors gather with the archbishop and hundreds of other catechumens and candidates in the archdiocese at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. The rite of election brings to an end the period of the catechumenate and begins the period of purification. The act of election by the archbishop – the proclamation of admission for the reception of sacraments – is a significant turning point in the RCIA process. This ritual action is focused on what God has done and is doing in these people’s lives. The unbaptized are now named the elect. Those who are candidates for full communion continue to be called candidates. All of them are formally recognized as ready and willing to celebrate sacraments at the Easter vigil. Please keep in prayer those among us on this journey of faith.

My prayers, love and support to each of you,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralassociate@ourladyontheriver.net

Words to Live By

	The Church needs to bring Jesus close to the people, making him known to them and ensuring that the grace that flows from his pierced side as a source of living water reaches the hearts that thirst for the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.
                            -Pope John Paul II

League of Catholic Women

	The League of Catholic Women will hold a noon luncheon meeting Wednesday, March 11th at the Angry Bull Steakhouse, 5078 Lapeer Rd., Kimball Twp. John Heidtke, counselor, will be the speaker. Meal choices are shaved prime rib, or chicken salad wrap. Cost is $13.50. Please send your reservation checks to Katie Ricketts, 906 Hollis St., Port Huron.
Note: Women of the Parish are invited to join the League of Catholic Women. One of our purposes is to support Catholic Education. Call Mary Kay Odgers, president, @ 810-385-1459 for more information.

First Friday Club

Friday, March 6th @ 9:00 a.m.
Achatz Restaurant in St. Clair

	Breakfast is $5 and we will be honored to have St. Mary’s Rosary Makers Club with us to demonstrate the fine art of assembling rosaries. For more information, contact, Rose Scheuer @ 586-713-7860. Reservations encouraged.
Christian Service….

	would like to thank everyone who donates to the food bank. Feel free to continue the drop-offs at anytime through-out the week either at church or at the parish office. Whenever we see items in the basket, they are collected and delivered.

	We would also like to thank everyone who attended our Senior Bingo. We hope you all had fun! A special thank you for the donations which totaled $129. We forwarded your generosity to St. Vincent de Paul for their ongoing effort to help people in our community this winter.

Dear members,
	Thank you for your continued support to the Algonac Food Pantry. It is greatly appreciated by all! Thank you and God Bless you all,
Trinity United Methodist Pantry Volunteers
Ladies Auxiliary News

Congratulations
Cora Fisher and Sopia Goulette
Winners of the Easter Baskets.
Thank you very much to all who
purchased tickets!
The law of abstinence binds people 14 years and older and forbids the use of meat, but not of eggs, the products of milk or condiments made of animal fat.  Permissible are soups flavored with meat, meat gravy and sauces.

	The law of fasting binds people between 18 and 60 years of age and allows only one full meal a day but does not prohibit taking some food in the morning and evening, drinking ordinary liquids does not break the fast.
Lenten Observances
2009 Lenten & Easter Schedule

	Communal Reconciliation Service with Private Confession
  1:00 p.m.  		Saturday, March 21   		@ Holy Cross
  1:00 p.m.  		Saturday, March 28   		@ St. Catherine

	Individual Sacrament of Reconciliation
  3:00 p.m.		1st & 3rd Saturdays   		@ Holy Cross
		2nd & 4th Saturdays  	 	@ St. Catherine
  8:15 a.m.		1st Fridays 				@ St. Mark
  3:00 p.m. 		Saturday, April 11			@ St. Mark

	Stations of the Cross – Every Friday in Lent
   		9:30 a.m.		@ St. Mark
		1:30 p.m.		@ Holy Cross
	7:00 p.m.   		@ St. Catherine

	Other Events During Lent
  6:00 p.m. 		Soup Supper 	March 11		Holy Cross
  7:00 p.m. 		Ecumenical Lenten Service	March 11		Holy Cross
  6:00 p.m. 		Ecumenical Lenten Series	Wednesdays		Marine City Churches
  4 - 8 p.m.		Lenten Fish Fry	Fridays in March		St. Catherine
  4 - 8 p.m.		Lenten Fish Fry	Feb 27 & April 10		Marine City K of C

Holy Week (Triduum)
	Holy Thursday - April 9
  5:30 p.m. 		Pot Luck Supper				@ Holy Cross
  7:00 p.m. 		Mass of the Lord’s Supper   		@ Holy Cross
          (Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from the conclusion of Mass until Midnight)
  	Good Friday - April 10
	10:00 a.m. 	Ecumenical Cross Walk		@ Holy Cross
	12:00 p.m.  Living Stations of the Cross	@ St. Catherine
	  1:00 p.m.  Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion	@ St. Catherine
	Holy Saturday - April 11
		Food Basket Blessings
12:00 p.m.	@ St. Mark  	(Easter Egg Hunt Follows)
12:30 p.m. 	@ Holy Cross 		1:30 p.m.  	@ St. Catherine

  7:30 p.m.	Easter Vigil Mass   	                     	@ Holy Cross

Easter Sunday - April 12
  7:30 a.m. 	    @ Holy Cross		 10:00 a.m.	@ St. Catherine
  8:00 a.m. 	    @ St. Catherine               10:30 a.m.	@ St. Mark
  9:30 a.m. 	    @ Holy Cross		 11:30 p.m.	@ Holy Cross
Died in Christ

Please remember in your prayers:

	V George Schafer

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Let the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.
Holy Cross Altar Duty

March 6th & March 13th
Marilynn Dunn
Marilyn Gregiak

March 20th & March 27th
Janet Zweng
Joyce Street
Thank You

	We would like to thank all our family, friends and church members for their support and prayers.  The Lord took Michael Gillman because he was such a wonderful soul.  We are so very grateful for the precious time we had together.
Gillman Family

Holy Cross Ushers Meeting

Sunday, March 8th
10:45 a.m.
Activity Center
	All Holy Cross Ushers are urged to attend this meeting.


World Day of Prayer  -   March 6, 2009
In Christ there are many members, yet one body.

	WDP’s motto, “Informed prayer leads to powerful action,” affirms that prayer and action are inseparable and that both have immeasurable influence.  We encourage you to begin thinking about actions that you can take to further support the 2009 theme, which calls us to bring our gifts together for the good of all. We are called to unite as the body of Christ to fulfill his mission on earth, to partner with each other so that we can overcome evil with good and bring about reconciliation in our families, countries and the world.
	Please join us at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 6th for the Worship Service at
		St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church
		6745 Palms Rd @ Markel in Fair Haven

	Fellowship and refreshments following the Service.
2009 Marine City Ministerial Association
Wednesday Lenten Series
  * Themes From Gethsemane *

Each Wednesday of Lent
6:00 p.m. Soup & Bread Supper
7:00 p.m. Lenten Series Service
 
*March 4 * St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran*
S. William Street
**
*March 11 * Holy Cross Catholic Church*
S. Water Street
**
*March 18 * Marine City United Methodist*
Main Street
**
*March 25 * St. Mark's Episcopal*
N. William Street
**
*April 1 * St. John's United Church of Christ*
West Blvd.
**
*Good Friday Cross Walk * 10:00 a.m.*
*          Starts at Holy Cross & ends at St. John's*
**
Abstinence is to be observed on all Fridays in Lent.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the only days of both
fast and abstinence.