Our Lady On The River Parish Holy Cross Church, Marine City; St. Catherine, Algonac; St. Mark, Harsens Island
March 29, 2009    Fifth Sunday of Lent
Sponsor of the Week 	The Baxter Agency, Algonac

Pastor's Corner
	It is mind boggling on how quickly the Lenten Season is coming to an end. I am anxious for our Easter

celebration and the joy surrounding that moment when Jesus rises from the dead. However, Jesus gives us a

glimpse in the Gospel passage (John 11:1-45) on what we will experience one day. Jesus will call us from our

resting place just as he did for his friend Lazarus; and like Lazarus, we will awaken from our eternal sleep and go

out and meet our Lord. In order for us to experience resurrection though, we must taste the sting of death.

Although that statement sounds rather harsh, it is a statement of reality. We all must die in order to receive our

eternal reward because even Christ died on the cross.

	The reason I speak of this particular passage from St. John’s Gospel is because of what Jesus says at

the end of the passage as Lazarus is coming out of his tomb. Jesus tells the people to untie the bandages that

are wrapped around Lazarus’ body. I translate that into how it applies to us today. The bandages can reflect

those things which continue to bind us to this material world: money, prestige, status, things like that. Christ is

trying to teach us that those things need to be released from our lives and that we are to walk towards Christ

without anything or anybody hindering us. It is a tough thing to hear and it is even more difficult to experience.

Yet, we are called by Jesus and he wants us to respond to his calling by moving towards him and letting go of

those things that are of this world.

	Although I am anxious for Easter, I am also waiting with great anticipation those who are about to be

received fully into our Catholic faith through the RCIA. These men and women, like in the Gospel, are going to be

called out from where they were in life and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. For some in the group, many of

the things they have learned about the Catholic faith is new; for others it is not really new but things that they

never practiced in their life. It will be up to us as a parish family to help these men and women in the RCIA to

release them from those things binding them from their past and help them to embrace and appreciate our

Catholic faith and all her traditions. For example, the RCIA group will be acting as the twelve apostles at our Holy

Thursday liturgy in which they will have their feet washed. It is a beautiful liturgy for them because they will

experience the teaching from Jesus that Christ came to serve and not to be served. Please try to attend this

celebration because it can be very moving spiritually.

    Two final notes: First, remember that next week is Palm Sunday and we will try to have enough palm

branches for every family. I always liked it when my dad or sister would make a cross out of the palm branch.

Second, my thanks go out to all the volunteers who gave of their time and effort at the parish’s fish fry. The

volunteers gave a great effort and I enjoyed being in their company because we shared in the work and the

laughter. More importantly, they wanted to do this ministry in the name of our parish school and the parish as a

whole, for that I am deeply indebted to them.
Have a blessed week and remember to try to
participate in some of the Holy Week liturgies!
Fr. Jim

Please pray for our sick and suffering
St. Mark: Betty Baker, Jacob Bryson, Ken Cihon, Marge Hamlin, Shirley Hollowaty, Nina Johnson, Shirley

Koster, 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: Andrea Bigelow, Judy Biland, Jill Block, Valerie Brettin, John Chadra III, Barbara Corn, Laura Goltz,

Jim Gramer, Annette Griffith, Dave Hull, Betty Holtz, William Hubbarth, Derek Jacobs, Jim Keelan, JoAnn

Kramer, James KuyKendall, Ava LaVere, Ruth Ann LaParl, Donald Lipa, Joseph Lopez, Gerald Magnan, Ryan

Markel, Jim McCalla, James McPhee, Patty McPhee, Lorraine Merglewski, Josephine Michalski, Roger

Musialowski, Lisa Jones Nagy, Margery Osterland, Barbara & Tony Pizzo, Sharon Rao, Andrew Redlawski,

Ralph Roda, 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: Jessica Achatz, Hank Babisz, Judy Biland, Angela Bills, Dean Bryeans, Yolanda Cassanova, Fr.

Gregory Deters, Darrell Doughtery, Janice Doughtery, Carol Dyde, Virginia Elrod, Fr. Art Fauser, Betty Flum,

Ruby Gerow, Jay Gibson, Anne Guillery, Nancy Austin Halverson, Ellen Hatcher, Maureen Ireland, Nina Johnson,

Richard Koss, Nicole Lake, Peter Licari, Regina Lomasney, Mary Lorkowski, Zitta Marconi, James Mihalich,

Theresa Pawlowski, Ted Pilawski, Judy Piotrowski, Sandy Polomas, Rocco Prinzivalli, Richard Ross, Bill

Sadecki, Joan Smith, Steven’s Family, John Vance, Catherine Ziegler

Mass Intentions
Monday, March 30
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		V Angelina Giovannini by Aikl Gillon
	9:00 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Timothy Regan by Zamborowski Family
Tuesday, March 31
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Wednesday, April 1
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	Holy Cross
		V Michael Gillman by Michael LaCombe
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
		V Bernice Kaszubski by Marie Moceri
Thursday, April 2
		For The People of Our Lady on the River
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass			         Holy Cross
		V Frank Scherb by Family
	9:00 a.m. Mass	St. Mark
Friday, April 3
	7:30 a.m. Mass	St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 Holy Cross
		V Donna Guyette by Family
			(Birthday Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass				 St. Mark
Saturday, April 4
	4:00 p.m. Mass	St. Catherine
		? Maureen Ireland by Gwen Steele
		? Judy Beland by Gwen Steele
		V Laura Ankoviak by Family
	5:30 p.m. Mass			        Holy Cross
		V Clayton Duchene by Al & Kate Sharrow
		V Thelma Arlow by Jacquelyn Sharrow
Sunday, April 5	Palm Sunday
	7:30 a.m. Mass 	Holy Cross
		V Mary Morey by Ted & Marie Bieszczad
	8:00 a.m. Mass	    St. Catherin
		V Raymond Cooks by Family & Friends
	9:30 a.m. Mass	       Holy Cross
		V Eugene Pollock by Mr. & Mrs. Adam Sebastian
		V Robert Grass by Grace Robbel
		V Stanley Walendowski by Friend
		V Mike Gillman by Grace & Chuck Wiseman
10:00 a.m. Mass 	    St. Catherine
		V Michael Lubinski by Diane Babij
		V James O’Driscoll by Ben Beckett
		V Valerie McKoan by Glenda & Tom Rix
		V Paul Ryniak by Wife
			(3rd Anniversary Remembrance)
10:30 a.m. Mass	            			 St. Mark
		? Nina Johnson by Vicki Soulliere
		? Bob Steven by Vicki Soulliere
11:30 a.m. Mass	        		Holy Cross
		V Helen J. Goch by Glen Evans
  7:00 p.m. Mass 	St. Catherine
		For The People of Our Lady on the River

Online calendars are on the parish and location websites.

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 McLeod, 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.

A Note From The Principal

	The sun is starting to shine a little more, and set a little later. As we look outside, we see the green of

the grass struggling to break through. As we grow closer to Easter, may the green of new life be in our hearts

and in our world.
	In the Little Black Book for Lent this past week, the author shared with us the “Romero Prayer.” This

prayer was actually written by Bishop Ken Untener, who was a priest in our archdiocese before becoming the

bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw. Also known as “Prophets of a Future not our own,” these words are very

moving and hold a lot of truth about our lives. While reading this prayer, I knew I had heard it before. After some

thought, and further reading, I realized that this prayer was used at one of my principals’ meetings. I encourage

you to read it. It is representative of the lives of parents, teachers, administrators, and many others. One of the

most moving thoughts is the closing of this prayer:

	“We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the

worker.  We are workers, not Master Builders, ministers, not Messiahs.  We are prophets of a future not our

own.”

	While we do not know what the future holds for the children entrusted in our care, we have numerous

opportunities to help them along the right path, and to encourage them to use the many gifts that God has given

them. This is one of the reasons that I feel so blessed being the principal of Holy Cross Catholic School. At Holy

Cross, we become your PARTNER in education.  We recognize that we are not the ‘master builders,’ but helpers

along life’s journey. We are able to lead both academically and spiritually, supporting our families in the faith

formation of their children, as they promised through Baptism. Often, we are blessed by learning about the

successes our students have made after they have left Holy Cross…and sometimes we see the legacy continue

when their children come back. I hope that you will consider joining with us on this path to the future.
	The application for grants from the Archdiocese of Detroit (PSAS) is due at the beginning of April. This

application must be mailed in. If finances are keeping you from choosing Holy Cross, please stop in and pick up

an application for this grant. Where there is a will, there is a way.  I hope you will take the steps to find your way

here to Holy Cross Catholic School.

In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal

Sharing the Gospel

	Many people wanted to meet Jesus. They asked his special friends for help in meeting him. When we

help others, it is just like meeting Jesus. When you get to heaven you will meet him face-to-face. Jesus will give

you a hug for sharing with his people. He will be proud that you obeyed and helped your parents. He will say, "I

am glad you are my child. I love you."

Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me to obey my parents and to help God's people.

Something to Draw
Draw Jesus eating supper with you and your family at your home.

- LPiResourceCenter.com
Archdiocese Tuition Assistance

	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.

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
	St. Catherine	12:00 p.m.

Thoughts from your Pastoral Associate

“We are God’s people;
 let us give praise and thanks!
	Last Sunday’s Algonac Ecumenical Lenten Choirfest was wonderful! The adult choirs, Youth Choirs,

CMC High School Choir, the Ensemble, all joined together to inspire in song. Thank you to all for preparing and

presenting so well your unique abilities to express the mystery of God’s loving, gentle presence in music.
	This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us that our world is permeated through and through with God’s love,

even in the midst of difficulties, sorrow, loss and death. The raising of Lazarus is one of the most dramatic stories

from the life of Jesus. The bottom line and to the point is that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Every Sunday

we profess in the Creed, “We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” The basis of

this belief is what we will celebrate at Easter. In our day by day lives, we continue to look for the risen Jesus

present with us.
	Seeing this truth requires the sight that faith provides. Seeing in faith means seeing beyond what is

seen. Everybody believes in something. Do you believe that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
	Easter celebrates life after death and proclaims joyfully that Jesus is with us. What happened on that

first Easter morning is the basis for all that we believe, and is our most important gospel teaching, and beginning

today, calls for careful perception of faithful hearts. Once again we are reminded that there is no trouble Jesus

does not want to help us with and there is no bondage He can’t set us free from. Take today’s Gospel inch-ishly

– one short line at a time – Jesus is moving us toward Palm Sunday and Easter. Martha and Mary turn to Jesus

with acts of faith. Jesus is working signs of life for those who believe. Easter hope is what grounds us in our lives.

Jesus promises both Martha and each one of us: “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in Me,

even though they die, will live.” Do you believe this? It’s time we started believing what we believe! Let us pray

these remaining days of Lent that we may all come to live His life more fully in our own.
	Holy Week from Thursday evening, April 9th, through Easter Sunday afternoon, is very special – a

unitive feast celebrated over three days. We enter the Easter Triduum of the passion and resurrection of Jesus –

the culmination of the entire liturgical year.  The very heart of the Triduum is the Easter Vigil.  The Triduum leads

us to the Easter season, the fifty days from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday. This is a special season for

Catholics. Let us go forward with deepened faith in Jesus’ gifts of life, peace and joy and pray for each other.
	Good beginning to Lenten Word Scramble…. as Sally Jean, John Vance, Mary Minnich, Aline Irvine,

Pat Johnston, Mary Jo Bor, & Sr. Geraldine gave it a try…Now that you’ve got the first seven, here’s the second

group…there will be twenty-four in all.
1) LAINS                 2) EJRUSAMLE        3) EROVASPS,
 4) ASJDU               5) NSOITSAT FO THE RSOSC,
 6) SHOAANN        7) YHOL ADTUYSRA

God bless you throughout this week,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralassociate@ourladyontheriver.net

R.C.I.A.

This week, Erica Miller and Karen Johns give their introductions.

	I am Erica Miller. I moved to Algonac just over a year ago from the Milford area. My fiancé, Rick Bechill,

and I will be married at St. Catherine’s on October 16, 2009.
	Currently I work for a wireless company as an Account Development Representative, supporting

authorized locations with sales support.
	I have always had God in my life, though never baptized; my conversations with God have been

frequent. I have always wanted to enhance this relationship, but never knew how to take the next step. I give a lot

of credit to the Bechill family for my new found home at Our Lady on the River Parish. They are such warm,

wonderful, caring people who make God a part of their every day life. I saw something in them that I had always

wanted – that closer connection with God.
	The turning point in my faith journey was when we attended the family day at Sacred Heart Seminary. I

had a rough day, and was very grumpy from work. I prayed and asked for help. Shortly afterwards, I felt the

weight lift off my shoulders, and my mood instantly changed. It was as if my day had restarted all over again. I

find much joy and hope that when Rick and I start our family, we can give them the gift of Jesus – God – that I

have received later in life.

	At the Easter Vigil, Erica will be welcomed into the Catholic Church through the new life of Christ in

Baptism, Confirmation, and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. Please continue to support Erica

with your prayer and hospitality.


	My name is Karen Johns. I am a married mother of three wonderful boys. My spiritual journey toward

the Catholic faith began a long time ago. I was raised Protestant. attending a Baptist church in my youth, and

after the birth of our second son, a Lutheran Church.
	Both of these denominations held inspiration for me.  Yet, I always felt something was ‘missing.’ That

something turned out to be someone – Our Blessed Mother!  I realized, as a woman, a very real need for her

presence in my life.  I began noticing the quiet grace and faith of all the Catholic people I knew in my life. I

noticed how their actions proclaimed their faith. This observation was the turning point that has led me here.
	There have been many changes in my life since I began the RCIA process. My family and I now pray

together before meals and at bedtime. I pray the rosary daily, bringing hope, peace and joy. A sense of love and

peace has found its way into our home. There is a lot yet to learn, but there is no anxiety – I attribute this

serenity to Jesus, whose influence causes me to view all situations in a new light.
	There have been many people who have helped me along the way. First, my beloved late grandfather,

Theodore Zittritsch, whose gentle, humble manner will always be present for me.  Second, my sponsor, Rose

Rzeppa. I thank her for stepping up to the plate to be my sponsor, and also a great boss with Linda Neumann.

Others include Sr Mary Ann, Sr. Geraldine, Fr. Lopez, Bea Wassenberg, Tobi Couture, and Lynda Theut –

(another great boss!) I firmly believe that God has set these faith-filled people in my path to guide my unsteady

steps.  I thank each of them with a full heart that God has nourished within me.

	Karen will make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, be confirmed, and

receive the Lord Jesus in the Eucharist.  Please hold Karen in prayer and welcome her.

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
 
*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

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

Collection of Sunday, March 22, 2009


St. Mark

160 Families
 35 Envelopes:	     $1,120.00
Loose Cash:	          $31.00
Total:		     $1,151.00


Holy Cross

1024 Families
317 Envelopes	    $7,582.80
Loose Cash        	       $424.75
Children           		     $19.00
Total  		    $8,026.55
St. Catherine Church

564 Families
242 Envelopes:	 	    $5,625.00
Loose:		  	       $338.50
Children:		         $10.00
Total			    $5,973.50



LIturgical Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Ed Ptasnik
Joann Sharrow
Danielle Banky
Sal Ponessa

5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Shelee
          Schweihofer
Sr. Mary Ann
               Ankoviak
Emily Bryer
CJ Jagielo
Rachelle LaFontaine
Sunday
7:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Wynne Achatz
Richard Bober
Bill Zweng
Brad Butros
Owen Rogus
8:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
James Seeley
Judy Wallius
Alex May
Nicholas Todino
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Kathy LaLonde
Barbara Shonk
Walter Street
Kody Obrzut
Abby Obrzut
Caroline Glowski
10:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Bob Pontseele
Don Zamborowski
Skye Jarskey
Alexis Semaan
10:30 a.m.
St. Mark

Jenny Laethem

11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Melanie Hietz
Fred Osterbeck
Mary Ann
Osterbeck

Ginny Fielhauer
Grace Fielhauer
Danielle Glowski
7:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Celebrant
Celebrant
7:00 p.m
Holy Cross
Holy Thursday
Don Smith

2009 Lenten & Easter Schedule

  	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. 		Ecumenical Lenten Series	Wednesdays	Marine City Churches
  4 - 8 p.m.		Lenten Fish Fry	Good Friday,  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 	  	                     	@ 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 a.m.	@ Holy Cross

Lenten Observances
	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.
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.
Abstinence is to be observed on all Fridays in Lent.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are the only days of
both fast and abstinence.

“Mary’s Way of The Cross”
Monday, March 30th
10:00 a.m.—11:30a.m.

	Our Lady on the River MOM’S Group will be hosting “Mary’s Way of The Cross” at St. Catherine

Church. Come see the Stations of The Cross through Mary’s eyes. All are invited and childcare is provided.

Refreshments will be served following the Stations.

Criminal Justice Ministry

Ministry with people who are incarcerated is a work of mercy and recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of all

people.  Each member of the faith community is reminded of the universal need for repentance when faced with

the reality and consequences of crime.  When visiting a jail or prison, a person called to this ministry brings

words of God’s loving presence, the potential for forgiveness and a message of hope.  This ministry also reminds

us we must respond to God’s call to service by being involved in a communal way.  The faith given in grace at

baptism can grow and deepen when we reach out to persons who are imprisoned.
We invite all those who may be called to ministry with people who are imprisoned to attend a training program to

further develop that call.  Ralph Paquette, parishioner at St. Mary’s, St. Clair, is already involved in this ministry

and will be attending the training.  If you would like to ride with Ralph, give him a call at 810-329-6879.

Criminal Justice Ministry Training
Saturday, April 4, 2009
9:30a.m.-12:00p.m.
Sacred Heart Seminary
 
For more information or to register please contact Lucy Zalewa at 313-237-5887, Department of Parish Life and

Services, Office of Criminal Justice Ministry.

AYCE Breakfast
Marine City K of C

6385 King Road
** Today** Sunday, March 29th

8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon




12 Hour Scrapbook Crop!

Cardinal Mooney Mom’s Club invites you to join us…

Saturday, April 4th from
9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

$35 per person includes:
Continental Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner, Beverages & Snacks

St. Catherine Activity Center
1103 Washington St., Algonac
For more information call
Annette @ 586-206-2657
or Kathy Hickey @ 586-703-7049
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word will continue through the remaining Sundays of Lent for children, ages 4

through 11.  The children will gather at the 9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross and at the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St.

Catherine.
	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.  This is a good opportunity for helping the children towards fuller

participation the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist.

Easter Egg Hunt
St. Mark Church Grounds

Harsens Island
Holy Saturday, April 11, 2009

Following Blessing of Food Baskets at Noon
For children age 10 or younger

Fill in this form and drop it in the collection basket or mail it to:

EASTER EGG HUNT

St. Mark Office, P.O. Box 70,
Harsens Island, MI 48028

List children’s first name and age

_______________________________________

_______________________________________

_______________________________________
Fellowship Lunch, Now Brunch
St. Mark Activity Center
3rd Sunday in April

	Due to popular request, what began as a monthly Fellowship Lunch will soon become a Fellowship

Brunch beginning with the third Sunday in April. Instead of making reservations, tickets will be sold during the

first two weeks of the month at the cost of $5.00. Buy them in back of church after Mass on Sundays or stop in

the Office at St. Mark during the week from Tuesday through Friday. Hope you can join us.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
March 30
31
April 1
2
3
4
5
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
HC 3 pm 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
Marysville 10a Bingo
6:00p Marine City Ecumenical Lenten Programs—
St.Johns UCC
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 9:30a  Stations of the Cross
StC 9:00a -9:00p 12 Hour Scrapbook Crop
StC 10:00a RCIA
StC 10:00a MOMs
HC 5:30 Religious Education
KC MC 7p Bingo
HC Fine Arts Bldg 6:30p Lenten Bible study
HC 9:45a -10:30a Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Season for NonViolence
January 30 - April 4
Hospitality
StC 10:00a -11:00a Stations of the Cross through Mary's Eyes Group
StC 6:45p One in the Spirit Prayer
StC 7p Ensemble Practice
StC 7:30p -9:00p Adult Choir Practice
HC 1:30p Stations of the Cross

StC 6 p Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
HC 5:30 Religious Education
HC 7p Choir Rehearsal
HC 7:00p Handbell Choir Rehearsal

StC 4p Fish Fry Benefit






StC 7p Stations of the Cross






OffSite First Friday Club

Palm Sunday
Pot Luck Supper

Holy Thursday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross Activity Center

	Please join us for a Holy Thursday Pot Luck Supper in the Holy Cross Activity Center at 5:30 p.m.

followed by The Mass of The Lord’s Supper at 7:00 p.m.
	All parishioners of Our Lady on the River are invited to bring a dish to share and/or join us for this

special evening as we share a meal and remember Christ’s Last Supper.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
from the conclusion of Mass until Midnight.
Morning Lenten Conference
“How to Share in Christ’s Passion”

	Saturday, April 4th, at St. Edward’s Church in Lakeport (on M-25, 8 miles N. of the Blue Water Bridge

in Port Huron) with Fr. Wolfgang Seitz, ORC, National Director of Opus Sanctorum Angelorum (Work of the Holy

Angels).
	 8:00 a.m. Latin High Mass; 9:00 a.m. talk; 10:00 a.m. Exposition and Benediction of the Most

Blessed Sacrament.  Confessions after Mass.
	Religious materials available for purchase.  No cost.  Call Chris or Irene (810-385-5981) with questions.
Holy Cross Altar Society
No Bake - Bake Sale

We will have a No-Bake Sale
Without a single drop of sweat
You will not have to heat the kitchen
Nor turn on the oven yet

There’s no chance of spilling goodies
In the car that you have got
And our waistline will not grow
With the calories we baked or bought

Just place the money you would spend
 on flour, sugar and spice
In an envelope marked No-Bake
And our treasury will find it very nice

We thank you for Not Baking
We thank you for your check
For the money will build our treasury
And Our Parish will benefit

This fundraiser is open to all
Members of the parish
Monies used for altar supplies
Checks payable to
Holy Cross Altar Society

Mail to:
Delores Smith
318 S Belle River Ave Apt 2
Marine City, MI  48039
	Our 20th Irish Dinner/Auction has come and gone.  We would not have been able to do everything

without the help of many people.  First, thanks to everyone who donated to the auction.  Thanks, too, the eighth

graders for helping to load everything in the cars, and to all who assisted us in our set up on Friday.  A big thank

you goes out to the Marine City Knights of Columbus for the use to their banquet hall, for providing bartenders,

and for all their help throughout the event.  Special thanks to Mrs. Lund, Father Jim, Father Matt and all the

faculty at school and the rectory for their help and support in preparing for the event and at the auction.  Patty

Smith:  thanks for your assistance with the dessert raffle.  For everyone who volunteered to make a dessert for

our raffle, you really made it a success.  Thank you to Judy Krutsch, Sandy Fearn and Pam Cortese who helped

sell raffle tickets and didn't even have children in the school.  Mike Govier:  you did a wonderful job keeping the

night entertaining, full of laughs and the auction running smoothly with all you did, especially auctioneering.  After

a wonderful evening we appreciate all who assisted us in the clean up.  To Dan & Kari Steinmetz who did all the

computer work on the program, during the evening and at check out, we greatly appreciate everything you did to

help to make the auction  run smoothly and successfully.  For everyone who attended the auction, thank you so

much for your support in making the auction the fun-filled success it is:  because of people like you we can all

work together to help make things better for our children.
 
Please mark your calendar for this event next year on March 13, 2010.  We can't wait to see you there.
Gretchen Rogus & Jennifer Laster
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

	We are now into the fifth Lenten week of inviting parishioners to have the privilege of taking home the

PARISH BOOK OF VOCATION PRAYER with a crucifix. For the past two weeks, people from all three sites of

our parish have had the experience of setting aside a brief and simple “prayer-time”, using the resources offered

in the manual. They have also been writing comments about the week for others to appreciate. During the Easter

season, some of these will be published in the bulletin.
	At present, this opportunity is available at the 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Mass. If you are

interested in taking part, please just come up when the presider at the Liturgy makes the announcement at the

end of the Mass.
	It is appreciated if the book and crucifix be returned each Thursday directly to the parish office so that it

is available for the following Sunday.
 Thank you
Readings for the week of March 29, 2009

Sunday:	Ez 37:12-14/Rom 8:8-11/Jn 11:1-45 or 		11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45
Monday:	Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 		13:41c-62/Jn 8:1-11
Tuesday:	Nm 21:4-9/Jn 8:21-30
Wednesday:	Dn 3:14-20, 91-92, 95/Jn 8:31-42
Thursday:	Gn 17:3-9/Jn 8:51-59
Friday:		Jer 20:10-13/Jn 10:31-42
Saturday:	Ez 37:21-28/Jn 11:45-56
Next Sunday:	Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16 /Is 50:4-7/		Phil 2:6-11/Mk 14:1---15:47 or 15:1-39

©Liturgical Publications Inc.

Widowed Friends to Meet in Port Huron
In the Archdiocese of Detroit

	Widowed men and women are invited to attend our 2nd gathering in the general Blue Water area to offer

one another spiritual, social and/or grief support in addition to planning social activities. The meeting will be held

on Sunday, April 19th at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish Center (1st floor). 1317- 7th Street at Oak in Port Huron.

Invite other widowed to come. Lunch afterward is optional. For more information or to RSVP, call Mary @

810-364-3651 or Peg@ 586-727-2514.

League of Catholic Women

	The League of Catholic Women will hold its Annual meeting noon, Wednesday, April 15th at

Alexander’s, 1195 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville. Meal choices are chicken or beef. The cost is $13. Please send your

reservation checks to Katie Ricketts, 906 Hollis St., Port Huron.
	All women of the parishes are invited to join the League. One of its main purposes is to give financial

aid for Catholic education. For more information about the League, call Mary Kay Odgers, president @

810-385-1459

Wedding Anniversary
March, 2009

	Edward & Donna Pietrykowski   March 15th	            23 years

APRIL, 2009

	Brad & Kathy Vargo		     April 6th	           19 years
	Bill & Betty Zweng		     April 15th	            42 years
	John & Mary Jane Basney	     April 16th	            54 years
	Conan & Cora Fisher	     April 27th	            52 years

May God keep you and continue to
Bless you for many years to come.
Words to Live By

	The man who wishes to understand himself thoroughly must with his unrest, uncertainty, and even his

weakness and sinfulness, with his life and death, draw near to Christ.

                            -Pope John Paul II
Christian Service News

	Christian Service/Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting another “sewing bee” for Conkerr Cancer.

Sunday, March 29th at the St. Catherine Activity Center
1:00 p.m.—4:00 p.m.

	Everyone in the community is welcome to join in this special ministry. We make pillowcases for

children in the area who have been diagnosed with cancer. We are accepting donations of fabric that would bring

color to a child’s heart or Joann Fabric gift cards to purchase the fabric and thread. Attendees can be put to work

at cutting fabric, ironing the freshly sewed cases, and joining in the gift of labor for children in need. Please bring

irons, ironing boards and sewing machines. We are looking forward to a fruitful afternoon!

K of C News
Algonac Council 7227

Annual Fundraiser

	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.


Book Sale

	The next Book Sale will be from April 14th—16th at the K of C Hall on Marsh rd. with extended hours

being 12:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
Our Lady on the River Hospitality

Holy Cross
Sunday, April 5th after the 7:30 & 9:30 a.m. Masses
in the Activity Center.

St. Catherine
Saturday & Sunday, April 4th & 5th after 4:00 p.m.,
8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Masses in the vestibule.
Algonac Food Pantry Collection

	Please consider dropping off any food items the first weekend of the month to restock our local food

pantry. Thank you to all that have joined in our collection over the past year and a half. Our efforts are

appreciated by all those in need in our community.
The covenant will be written and
engraved on people's hearts.
Lost and Found…
	A gold chain with a silver cross and a Grandma medal lost on Holy Cross property. These items were

very sentimental. If found, please return to the Holy Cross Rectory.
	A camera lens filter was found at Holy Cross. Please go to the rectory to claim this piece.

First Friday Club

	The April meeting of the First Friday Club will take place on Friday, April 3rd. We will meet at Achatz

Restaurant in St. Clair at 9:00 a.m. While members may attend Mass at their home parish please know that

Mass at St. Mary’s in St. Clair is at 8:00 a.m.
	The cost for attending our gathering is $5.00 per person with each person ordering and paying for their

breakfast.
	This month we will be honored to once again, have Ms. Jane Petitpren, DRE for Immaculate Conception

Parish, as our featured speaker. In this Year of St. Paul, Jane will discuss Paul’s background with regard to his

letters (epistles).
	We ask that you RSVP by calling Mrs. Rose Scheuer at 586-713-7860.
	Please be reminded that there will only be two more meetings after this April meeting. Our June

meeting will bring to a close our 60th and final year in existence. Please forward any comments or questions to

Patty @ 810-364-9096 or Janet @ 810-329-7987.

Low Vision
Support Group

	All blind, legally blind, low vision persons and their family members/ drivers are welcome.

1st Wednesday of the month
St. John’s River District Hospital
Meeting room # 2 from
11:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

	For further information, contact Paul Dailer @ 810-329-5172

Free Caregiver’s Series
Cherry Beach Senior Center

Thursday evenings from 7:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
March 19th—April 23rd
	Six week series covering topics to help anyone in a care giving situation to find the resources they may

need. The topics consist of Alzheimer’s/Dementia resources, Nutrition, Legal Issue, Medical Issues, Equipment

and Prescription assistance, and Care for the Caregiver. Contact Cherry Beach Senior Center @ 810-765-3523

for more information.

Holy Cross and
St. Catherine
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
Baptisms

Father Matt Ellis baptized and welcomed into the Our Lady on the River Parish Family:

On Sunday, February 15, 2009

Autumn Elizabeth Lynch, daughter of Nils Lynch and Nichole Bieth. Godparents are Ronald and Kathryn Lisco.

Alexis Katherine Stephenson, daughter of Deidra Reimann. Godparents are Heidi Brown and Benny Shutt.

Corey James McCormick, son of Patrick McCormick and Kathryn (Marron) McCormick. Godparents are Dan

Goldenbogen and Nichole McCormick.

Colin Phillip Watson, son of Jeffrey Watson and Nicole (Phillips) Watson. Godparents are Daniel Watson and

Teresa Belcrest.

Profession of faith

Alison Sonnenfeld, daughter of Michael & Melissa Sonnenfeld.

Pray that, as they grow, Christ will always
Be shining a presence in their lives




Fifth Sunday at Five
Vespers and Concert Series
March 29th, 5:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Church

	Vespers or Evening Prayer, a short service of Psalms and prayers, is followed by a short concert “2

Protestants and a Catholic,” a unique cornucopia of musical talent with random humor, consisting of  Elizabeth

Anderson, vocals, Katrina Dunker, clarinet, Grace Haskin, violin.
	Free and open to the public. 810-765-3568. Poster is available at www.holycrossonline.net/music.
Sacred Heart Major Seminary

presents
Reflections on the Seven Last
Words of Christ

Friday, April 3rd
Blessed Sacrament Cathedral
9844 Woodward Avenue

Featuring:
Sacred Heart Major Seminary Choir
Sacred Heart Concert Chorale
with Michigan Sinfonietta
under the Direction of Dr. Ronald Prowse

Free will offering
In Loving Memory of
Thomas Pietrykowski

	In memory of Thomas Pietrykowski to the Holy Cross Activity Center have been made from:

	Kathy Novelli
	Michael & Brenda Pinskey
	Nelson & Loretta Prange
	Larryy & Robin Yokom

May God bless you for your generosity and compassionate caring.

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.
	You may turn in your filled “Rice Bowls” at the parish office or in the collection.  Please look for baskets

at the exits to place your completed “Rice Bowl” in.
	Jesus answered them,
“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be
glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground
and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat;
but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”
- Jn 12:23-24




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