Our Lady On The River Parish Holy Cross, Marine City; St. Catherine, Algonac; St. Mark, Harsens Island

Easter  Sunday	April 12, 2009
Sponsor of the Week	Buffalo Wings & Rings, Chesterfield

Pastor's Corner
Alleluia the Lord has risen! Let us rejoice and be glad! Jesus kept his promise that he would rise from the dead enabling us to receive our eternal inheritance. He conquered sin and achieved victory over death through his perseverance and determination. Jesus kept his eye on the prize not for himself but for us. That is why Jesus’ death is called the greatest of sacrifices because he did all of this not for himself but for all sinners. Christ’s actions should be humbling to us because he did all things for us so that we could be reunited with His Father, a union that was first destroyed by the sin of disobedience.
Our sins were put on the cross through Jesus Christ and those sins were to die with Christ enabling us to rise from them and rise with Jesus. Even in St. Mark’s Gospel we get a description on what we are to do with our sins: leave them in the tomb! Yet, we are imperfect people and we still hold onto those things that were forgiven through Jesus’ saving act. Why we do that I am not sure, only the individual can answer that question. Maybe the difficulty of letting go of sins committed is that we are embracing things of this earth too much and not remembering that we are to embrace the kingdom of heaven. If we are supposed to allow conversion of heart to take place within us we must allow forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ name to be a part of this conversion process. So as we rise with Christ, we leave those sins behind and we celebrate by giving thanks to the one who freed us eternal damnation and granted us our salvation.
Before I forget! I have an update regarding my Dad’s health condition. Dad received his first round of chemotherapy and is adjusting to the treatment. His spirits are good but he is very tired. He misses driving my Mom to work and doing all the errands but he is determined to get back to doing all those things as soon as possible. He and my Mom would like to express their thanks for all your prayers during this trial. They are very appreciative for your generous support and ask that you continue to remember them in prayer.
Christ’s peace to all of you in this Easter Season and I pray all of you will enjoy some opportunity to reunite with family and friends as I have been experiencing in recent weeks!
In Christ,
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, John Cullen, Laura Goltz, Jim Gramer, Annette Griffith, Dave Hull, Dolores Hauer, Sharon Hintz, Betty Holtz, William Hubbarth, Derek Jacobs, Jim Keelan, JoAnn Kramer, James KuyKendall, Ava LaVere, Donald Lipa, Joseph Lopez, Gerald Magnan, Doreatha Markel, 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 Beland, Angela Bills, Dean Bryeans, Yolanda Casanova,  Tom Clark, Fr. Gregory Deters, Darrell Doughtery, Janice Doughtery, Carol Dyde, Virginia Elrod, Connie English,  Betty Flum, Mary Gabler, Ruby Gerow, Jay Gibson, Anne Guillery, Nancy Austin Halverson, Ellen Hatcher, Maureen Ireland, Nina Johnson, Amanda Kimbal, Richard Koss, Nicole Lake, Peter Licari, Regina Lomasney, Mary Lorkowski,  Pat Macy, 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, April 13
	7:30 a.m. Mass	     St. Catherine
		V Marie Eva Shock by Family
			(1st Anniversary Remembrance)
	9:00 a.m. Mass 			         Holy Cross
		V Jim Moran by Our Lady on the River Religious
							     Education Department
Tuesday, April 14
	7:30 a.m. Mass	     St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	 		         Holy Cross
		V Helen Schulz by Family
		V Kathy Achatz by Donald & Mary Kay Horn
			(Birthday Remembrance)
Wednesday, April 15
	7:30 a.m. Mass	     St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m. Mass	         Holy Cross
		V Evelyn & Bob McCort by Cale Family
Thursday, April 16
	7:30 a.m.				     St. Catherine
	9:00 p.m.				         Holy Cross
		V Mary Louise DuChene Fernandez by Renaldo Fernandez
			(Anniversaray Remembrance)
Friday, April 17
	3:30 p.m. Wedding  at Holy Cross
		? Leonard Russo & Crista Stockwell
	7:30 a.m.	     St. Catherine
	9:00 a.m.	        Holy Cross
Saturday, April 18
4:00 p.m. Wedding at St. Mark
	?	Richard Jolly & Gail Uhl
	4:00 p.m.	     St. Catherine
 		V Barbara Malik by One in the Spirit Prayer Group
		V Fr. Art Fauser by John & Joann Vance
		V John Ankoviak, Sr. by Family
		V Laura Goltz by Robert & Lillian Granica
 	5:30 p.m.        	Holy Cross
		V David Arnold by Wife & Family
			(1st Anniversary Remembrance)
		V Iva Guyor by Therese Kirkpatrick
		V Robert Grass by Joe & Pat Kreusel
		V Collette & Debbie Seagram by Dawn Arnold
		V Evelyn Goulette by Gerald
Sunday, April 19
	7:30 a.m. Mass 			         Holy Cross
	 	V Iva Guyor by Margie Smith & Charlie Yates
		V Michael Gillman by Mr. & Mr.s Marvin Kruckenberg
	8:00 a.m. Mass	    St. Catherine
		V Joseph & Cecelia Deinhart by Rosemarie Dinehart
		V Leon Darga by Sister Mary Ann
	9:30 a.m. Mass	       Holy Cross
		V Eugene Pollock by Mr. & Mrs. Adam Sebastian
		V Clayton Duchene by Mary Jo & Roger Malcolm
		V William Arnold by Valeria Thomas
		V Alden Kreusel by Family
10:00 a.m. Mass 	  St. Catherine
		V Mary Check by Family
		V John, Clare & Linda Herman by Phillip Herman
		V James Knapp by Wassenberg Family
10:30 a.m. Mass			           St. Mark
11:30 a.m. Mass     			      Holy Cross
		V Ottilie Zimmerman by Helen Heisler & Mary Achatz
7:00 p.m. Mass 			  St. Catherine

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

	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.
		1	1:30 	a.m.
	Monday – Friday 	9:00 	a.m.

A Note From The Principal

	Alleluia!  He Is Risen! I pray as we begin the Easter season, that you will feel Jesus’ presence in the world around you.  It is wonderful that as one family in faith, we continue the celebration of Easter long after the chocolate bunnies have disappeared from our baskets and the pastel decorations have been taken off the store shelves. This is truly a time for us to come together as one.
	With spring (hopefully) underway, it is time to continue planning for our upcoming school year. Have you given any thought to starting a new life for your child at Holy Cross? I would be happy to meet with you and show you what it is like to be a Holy Cross Crusader.  We also offer ‘visit days’ for your child. He or she can come in and spend part of a day here at Holy Cross, meeting the students that will make up his or her new class, and experience a day in the life of a Holy Cross student. Please call the school office to schedule a visit.
	Do you have a child who will turn three by December 1st and is potty-trained (or who needs the incentive to start using the toilet)? What better way to help this process along than by joining our Holy Cross Preschool!  We have openings for both three- and four-year-olds for next year’s program. We also invite our interested preschoolers to visit the classroom for part of a day in preschool. Please call the school office to make an appointment.
	On Sunday, April 26th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., we will be holding a Preschool and Kindergarten Open House. You and your child are invited to stop in, meet our teachers, and see our classrooms. Registration packets will also be available.  I am looking forward to seeing you then!
	As you begin to prepare for next year, I hope that you will take advantage of the various programs in place to reduce your tuition. One easy way to do this is by taking advantage of the SCRIP program. This is truly a ‘no-cost fundraiser’ because you are spending only the money you already have budgeted for your daily needs, such as gas and groceries. You can do all of your shopping with just ONE check! Just think…never forgetting to input a debit amount in your checkbook! Nothing is better for your budget than SCRIP. Please stop in to learn more about this program.  Your children will thank you!

In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal
Sharing the Gospel

	It was very early in the morning on Sunday. The tomb stone was rolled away. Jesus was gone. All that was left inside were the strips of linen cloth. When John and Peter saw it, they were amazed. They did not understand all the promises the prophets wrote about Jesus yet. However, they knew he was alive. He had risen from the dead!

Prayer
God, I thank you for bringing Jesus back to life.

Something to Draw
Draw how surprised Peter and John were when they saw Jesus' empty tomb.

Mission for the Week
Bake Resurrection Cookies with your family tonight.
You can find the recipe online at
http://homehearth.virtualave.net/rescookie.html.
- LPiResourceCenter.com

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, April 5, 2009


St. Mark

160 Families
 58 Envelopes:	     $1,529.00
Loose Cash:	        $122.00
Total:		     $1,651.00


Holy Cross

1024 Families
275 Envelopes	      7,265.00
Loose Cash        	       $472.00
Children           		     $15.50
Total  		    $7,752.50
St. Catherine Church

564 Families
195 Envelopes:	 	    $4,506.00
Loose:		  	       $321.50
Children:		         $14.00
Total			    $4,841.50
Died in Christ

Please remember in your prayers:

	V Father Art Fauser
	V Gloria Bertrand
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 April 12, 2009

Sunday:	Acts 10:34a, 37-43/Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor	5:6b-8/Jn 20:1-9 or Mk 16:1-7
Monday:	Acts 2:14, 22-33/Mt 28:8-15
Tuesday:	Acts 2:36-41/Jn 20:11-18
Wednesday:	Acts 3:1-10/Lk 24:13-35
Thursday:	Acts 3:11-26/Lk 24:35-48
Friday:		Acts 4:1-12/Jn 21:1-14
Saturday:	Acts 4:13-21/Mk 16:9-15
Next Sunday:	Acts 4:32-35/1 Jn 5:1-6/Jn 20:19-31

©Liturgical Publications Inc.

Fellowship Brunch
Next Sunday, April 19th
St. Mark Activity Center
Following 10:30 a.m. Mass
Tickets $5.00
Buy Tickets Today
After Mass
(or) Call Lynn Decker
748-8834
Make Your Voice Heard!
Catholic Caucus Lobby Day in Lansing
 meet with our Representatives and Senators

Wednesday, April 22nd

Transportation Available
For more information or questions:

Dot Wolff, dotwolff@att.net,         248-652-1237
Karen Donahue, RSM,
donahuek@trinity-health.org

Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle
Benefitting the James H.
Knapp Foundation

Saturday, April 18th
5:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Activity Center
1108 St. Clair Blvd.
Entertainment provided by Celtic Cross

	Jim was the husband of the former St. Catherine Parish Secretary, Betsy. Jim passed away last month after a brave battle with Cancer. He owned and operated Jim’s Corner Restaurant in Anchorville and supported the community through many charitable endeavors. Help support Betsy who gave of herself for the parish for many years.

Hosted by the
James H Knapp Foundation
2545 Frankson Avenue,
Rochester Hills,  MI  48307
The Parish offices will be closed the week of April 13-18. Normal office hours will resume April 20th.

Patrick Kronner
Senior Organ Recital

Sunday, April 19th@ 3:00 p.m.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
620 Romeo Street
Rochester, MI 48307
free admission
featuring:
Laura Palmieri, harp
Ingrid Pylvainen and Bryce Ropp, violins
Christina Wagner, Cello

Patrick is a CMC Graduate and
former student of Daniel Susan
Words to Live By

	The Ten Commandments are the law of freedom, not the freedom to follow our blind passions, but the freedom to love, to choose what is good in every situation, even when to do so is a burden.
-Pope John Paul II

Liturgical Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Ed Ptasnik
Aaron Milenbaugh
Alan Milenbaugh
5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Shelee
Schweihofer
Ginny Fielhauer
Grace Fielhauer
Katlyn Pokorny

7:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Marilyn Dunn
Gabby Alarie
Maggie Bachler
Julia Blicharz
8:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Gary Kupper
Alex May
Nicholas Todino
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Bob Zweng
Zachery Cadena
Caroline Glowski
Caleb Herbert
10:00 a.m.
St. Catherine
Nick Licari
Jacob Nutter
Abagail Nutter
10:30 a.m.
St. Mark

Mike Weber

11:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Patty Nichols

CJ Jagielo
Rachelle LaFontaine
Dion Vanbockel
Part-Time and Full-Time
 Employment Available
For Experienced Caregivers
Contact: Visiting Angels
Living Assistance Services
of St. Clair County
201 N. Riverside Ave.
Suite A5-1
St. Clair, MI 48079
810-3ANGELS
www.VisitingAngels.com

CALENDAR
Please see online calendar
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 7:30a Mass
StC 5p—9 p
Knapp Family Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
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
StM 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 3p Reconciliation
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
HC 9:00a Mass
StC 4:00p Mass
StM 9:00a Mass
StC 9:00a Christian Service
Commission
OffSite 12 League of Catholic Women Mtg
StM 9:45a Women's Guild
HC 3:30p -5:00p Wedding
HC 5:30p Mass
StM 11:45a Fellowship Brunch
HC 5:30p -6:30p Religious Education
Marysville 10a Bingo
KC MC 7p Bingo
KC 1:00p Ladies Auxiliary


OffSite 1:00p Widowed Friends

HC 5:30p -6:30p Religious Education
StC 7p Ensemble Practice
HC 6:00p -7:00p Wedding Rehearsal


StC 6:00p Exposition and Adoration

StC 6:45p -8:30p One in the Spirit Prayer
HC 7p Handbell Choir Rehearsal
Cherry Beach  7p Caregiver’s Series




HC 7p NO Choir Rehearsal

StC 7:30p Adult Choir Practice



Parish Offices closed
Parish Offices closed
Parish Offices closed
Parish Offices closed
Parish Offices closed
Parish Offices closed
Parish Offices closed



OffSite MC St. Vincent de Paul




KC 12:00p 8:00p K of C Book Sale
KC 12:00p 8:00p K of C Book Sale
KC 12:00p 8:00p K of C Book Sale


OffSite 3:00p Organ Recital






Marine City Arts
Winter “Wine” Down
Friday, April 17th

Please join us as we kick off spring with a wine & cheese tasting. You will enjoy a culinary experience in the paring of fine wines, cheeses and other delectables.

The Heather House
7:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.
810-765-3567

Tickets $20/per person in advance are limited. $25 at the door or order by phone @ 810-765-4005.

Thoughts From Your Pastoral Associate

This is the day the Lord has made;
Let us be glad and rejoice! Alleluia!

	In Philippians 3:10, St. Paul says: “I want to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection.” The power of the resurrection is poured forth in the Church through the sacraments. There we come in contact with the Risen Lord knowing that His resurrection is ours also. Jesus has risen from the dead so that we might have life forever. We first experience the power of the resurrection when we are joined in the Body of Christ in and through Baptism.  Baptism unites each of us in a mysterious way with the risen Lord Jesus. The life of Jesus lives within us through the gift of the Spirit. In forgiveness and repentance, the power of the resurrection touches our lives and changes us. Whenever we allow the Lord to enter our lives and lift us up in His love, we have experienced resurrection faith, Jesus alive and risen. The Resurrection is our most important gospel teaching. Yet, in this twenty-first century, be it hard to imagine, our world has problems with resurrection. A recent survey poll concluded that most people don’t believe in the resurrection.
	The tomb of Christ is in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. But there is no permanent marker that indicates the body of Jesus lies there because the tomb is empty. The proof of the empty tomb is in the Scriptures. The New Testament clearly testifies to faith in the resurrection. On the morning of the resurrection, when the women went to the tomb, they found an angel telling them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” (Luke 24:5) Jesus’ resurrection teaches us to expect the unexpected.
	What happened on that first Easter morning is the basis for all that we believe. Easter celebrates life after death and proclaims joyfully that Jesus is with us. Jesus told us that He would be with us always. The Paschal Candle, a symbol of the presence of the risen Lord among us, remains lighted near the altar through Pentecost Sunday, and each day, the church celebrates the Lord’s resurrection in the Eucharist. We gather at the Eucharist to celebrate the good news of Easter as it is happening today.  We rejoice together, with resurrection faith, in the presence of the risen, living Lord Jesus Christ, and try and try again to put the healing love and compassion of the risen Lord into the mainstream of life wherever we are with the people who are with us. The stories of Easter are stories of great truth. They are amazing and we need to keep telling them over and over as they become the key to understanding life.
	Easter thanks to all who helped make our parish Holy Week and Easter celebrations so meaningful and beautiful in so many ways.
	Lenten Word Scramble Congratulations to the Winners of an Easter prize…solving all 24 words.. Pat Johnston, Mary Jo Bor, Aline Irvine, Mary Minnich, John & Joann Vance, Sr. Geraldine & Sally Jean!  Enjoy!
	Coming soon…Parish Volunteer Appreciation Dinner…May 16th.mark your calendar today! May the peace of the risen Lord Jesus fill your heart with joy! Happy Easter!

Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, c.s.j.
Pastoralassociate@ourladyontheriver.net

WELCOME TO
THE CATHOLIC CHURCH!

	God’s blessings to these “neophytes” (new ones) who were anointed with sacred chrism in Confirmation, baptized into Christ, and received Eucharist for the first time.

By the Lord has this been done;
It is wonderful in our eyes!


	Our newest members pictured at the Rite of Election at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit with their sponsors and godparents: Michael Wettlaufer, Erica Miller, Tristan Johns, Linda Abraam, Brenda Daniel, Karen Johns, Jamie Kaminski, Aaron Klein, Kristin Praught, James Tesch, Angela Mackey and Julie Thompson.

A Word From Our Sponsors
“What being Catholic means to me”

	I was born in Mexico, and was raised Catholic; baptized, confirmed and First Communion as well as most of the Mexicans. My mom has always been my role model in faith. She told me that if I let the Lord totally in my life, I would be a better person. With this guidance, I have been able to grow in faith within the Catholic Church and have a good relationship with God, and it continues to become stronger. I sense the love and power of God in different ways through my life. God has given me the opportunity to serve within the sacrament of matrimony and I am so thankful that He put my loving husband, Aaron on my way who helps me to grow as a person and supports me. I thank God for the opportunity to be a guide to my little girl, Kelsey and share her company. I appreciate so much my parents.  Thank you, Lord for all.
Elsa Marilu Klein

	When I was born, my parents named me John Paul, after the Pope. I was raised and schooled as a Catholic, and I grew as a Catholic.  Not knowing any different, it has sometimes been easy to take my religion for granted, but being Kristin’s sponsor has allowed me to renew my understanding and my faith.
	Moreover, it has allowed me to gain a new appreciation for my relationship with Kristin and with God. God’s blessings find their place into every facet of our daily lives. The greatest of which God has bestowed upon me to date is my relationship with Kristin. We have grown, and will continue to grow together in faith, and I thank God every morning for the opportunities to be better.
John Stoneback

	I was raised in a typical Catholic family, going to St. Benedict’s grade school, becoming an altar boy, and skipping Mass as soon as I was able to drive. It was not till attending John Carroll University that I came back to the faith. I never really left the faith, though it was easier to get coffee and donuts and drive around town rather than attend Mass.
	My father used to say that an hour a week is not much to ask for God. All that I am has been influenced by my relationship with God and the Catholic faith. Being Catholic: a) gives me the framework to reflect on my life and how it interacts with others. B) Gives me the means to give back to the community my gifts and strengths, as well as a place to shore up my vulnerabilities. c) gives me a higher standard of right and wrong over and above the law, and d) Church gives me a place to say thanks for all that I have and a place to pray for what I may become, for the health of ill friends and for the souls of those who came before me.
Dan Casey

Ladies Auxiliary Bake Sale

The Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a bake sale at the Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle on Saturday, April 18th. All proceeds will benefit the James H. Knapp Foundation. We are welcoming any donations of baked goods to make this a success. Drop off can be done on the 18th at the St. Catherine Activity Center . Thank you in advance for your generosity and support!

Parish Council Date Change

	The date for the next Parish Council meeting has been changed. The next Parish Council meeting will be Monday, April 20th at 6:30 p.m. in the Holy Cross Rectory.  All council members please make note of this time and place change and plan to attend.

K of C News
Algonac Council 7227


K of C Member Meeting
April 14th @ 7:00 p.m.

4th Degree
April 23rd at Immaculate Conception @ 7:30 p.m.

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.

Ladies Auxiliary
April 16th @ 1:00 p.m.

Ladies’ Guild Meeting
April 15th @ 1:00 p.m.

Mother/Daughter Breakfast
Sunday, May17th
9:30 a.m.  - sharp
St. Catherine Activity Center

	Adults ages 13 and up 	$7
	Children ages 5—12 	$3.50
	Children ages 0—4 	Free

Catered by Melissa from All About You
For tickets, please contact Ann @ 810-794-9876 or 810-278-3381 or Denise @ 810-794-2144
No tickets will be sold after May 10th.

Fr. James Lopez and
The entire staff of
Our Lady on The River Parish wish you &
Yours a blessed and
peaceful Easter

One in The Spirit Prayer Group

April 21st	Road to Pentecost

	Our meetings are held on Tuesday evenings @ 6:45 p.m. in St. Catherine Chapel. All parishioners are welcome to join us to sing praises to the Lord, listen to His Word, pray and share fellowship. If you are in need of prayer for yourself or someone else, write your requests in the Prayer Petition Books located at the exits.
	To be placed on the prayer chain or for further information, please contact Eloise @ 810-794-9975.
Easter Prayer

Lord Jesus,
this Easter, may we remember
why this season is celebrated above all others.
When we see eggs and rabbits,
remind us of the joy brought by all new life,
both through springtime in nature,
and eternal life through your resurrection.
When we see bright ribbons and colors,
may we remember the joy of this season,
at the conclusion of Lent.
Above all, help us remember the greatest gift of all,
your conquest of death and sin,
which saved all of us from eternal death
and opened heaven's gates for us all.
Amen.


St. Agatha Circle #419
Daughters of Isabella

59th Annual
Spring Luncheon—Card Party
Tuesday, April 21st

Knights of Columbus Hall
King rd., Marine City
Lunch includes:
Chicken Salad, Fruit plate,
Nut Bread, Beverage
And a choice of homemade
 Cherry, Apple or Lemon Pie

Donation $9
At the Door on the day of Luncheon

Table Prizes	     Door Prizes
Mini Raffle	     Raffle

Little White Books

	The little white books of six-minute Easter reflections are available at the Church entrances this week-end. Be sure to take one home for your family to use during this 50 day season of Easter celebration. Easter is one continuous fifty-day feast which culminates on Pentecost Sunday
FR. MATT’S MATTERS
SON-DOWN, SON-RISE

In John’s Gospel and Letters in the New Testament, usually the world refers to the “totality of people who willfully closed themselves off…responding with hatred to the mission of love of the Son” (Dictionary- Concordance to the NAB). ‘The world’ is all that is antithetical to God’s love in his Son. St. Ignatius of Antioch, in the 2nd Century A.D., wrote: “The greatness of Christianity lies in its being hated by the world, not in being convincing to it.” Yet, let us not forget John 3:16: “Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him … may have eternal life.”
   In our Bible, the “Book of the Prophet Isaiah”, (see chaps. 42, 49, 50 & 53),  written approx. 600 yrs. before Jesus’ birth, proposes a ‘Servant of the Lord’ who is characterized by: having talent, training and power from God oriented for compassion and humble service; compassionate uplifting of lowly people; establishing God’s version of victorious justice; being in himself a covenant of God; accepting only the reward of total reliance on God; confident realization of being chosen by and quietly kept in God’s intimate care, only to be ‘set loose’ at the right time; restoring and raising anew God’s People; setting in motion the outreach of God to all nations; people and kings quietly pondering when they learn of him; facing reactive hostility and freely accepting physical abuse, yet he stays ‘on course’; condemnation and suffering as a punished sinner, physically marred by human violence, wherein God alone appreciated his greatness, and only after his death the scandalized onlookers see his innocence; his voluntary suffering like a silent lamb; his torturous death wherein he carries the guilt of others and gains God’s forgiveness of their sins.
   We too can step back and ask: what is it I believe about the historical Jesus of Nazareth, who is proposed to me to be our Christ/Savior and the focus of faith? Do I believe Isaiah’s Suffering Servant prophecy is fulfilled by Jesus Christ beyond even the original vision? Are not His birth, deeds, words, death and resurrection evidence of an inversion of the ‘normal’ social and personal order? Through it all, Jesus holds Himself and us to: authentic interior holiness (belonging to God and having the presence of God within); vigilant elimination of hypocrisy; forgiveness from the heart even and especially when it’s not requested; the power of constantly, personally welcoming the Kingdom of God into the heart (by way of praying like Christ) to eliminate the domination of the feelings of fear, which are useless, ‘what is needed is trust’; being like God and offering kindness even when it seems undeserved; absorbing at least some evil, so as to break its power and it’s cyclical circle; genuine love toward those we have reason to believe are our enemies, and to those we’ve been told by others are our enemies; showing loving compassion in a manner like the heavenly Father, who shines on the just and unjust; having some of the compassion of God which makes us like God, which leads back to having authentic interior holiness, which is a really good state; humble, prayerful reliance on God which can shape a personality and heart into a genuine embodiment (and teacher) of the Heavenly Father’s love alive in the world.
    What we now call Good Friday morphed into being really good when Resurrection Sunday dawned and the Holy Spirit was offered and received. It’s all about our Lord Jesus Christ who in resurrection begins the definitive transformation of the world into the New Creation God has in store for those who believe. Believers in Christ will find it is not ‘seeing is believing’, rather, we discover there is that which has to be believed to be seen.
 May honest faith light up your spiritual eyes,
 Fr. Matt Ellis, associate pastor.


	The Ladies Auxiliary would like to thank everyone who helped iron & sew pillowcases. We were able to accomplish 98 for children with Cancer.
Ministry looking for Assistance…

	St. Catherine is in need of Sacristan’s. Especially for the Sunday 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Masses. If you attend one of these Masses, please consider sharing your gifts by joining in our celebration as a sacristan. Contact the Parish office if you are interested.
	Fr. Art died peacefully at the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe, Michigan on April 1, 2009 after struggling with heart problems and other ailments.
	He was ordained a priest on May 20, 1950 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral by the Archbishop Edward Mooney.  He served many parishes of the Archdiocese of Detroit before coming to St. Catherine in 1998, where he stayed until moving on to St. Angela in 2005.
	Fr. Art touched many, many hearts throughout his lifetime of priestly service.  He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kind leadership and devotion to the people of GOD.
	For his full obituary, please log on to the Archdiocese of Detroit website at www.aodonline.org.
	Our Lady on the River Parish will make a donation in Fr. Art’s memory to the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe.
Fr. Arthur W. Fauser
October 20, 1925 - April 1, 2009

CMC 23rd Annual Auction
Saturday April 25th

Live and Silent Auction Holy Cross Activity Center
Mass  4:00 p.m.   Doors open 5:00 p.m.
Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Evening dress Casual
Open Bar
$40 advanced reservations      $45 per person at door.
For more information please call: (810) 765-8825

D of I News

	Our first evening meeting of this year will be held on Monday, April 20th at the Marine City K of C Hall on King Road.
	Dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. followed by a short meeting and then we will be setting up for our annual Spring Luncheon that will be held on Tuesday, April 21st.  Please remember food for SVdP.

Holy Cross Thrift Sale Drop Offs

Tuesday & Wednesday April 7th & 8th
AND
Tuesday & Wednesday, April 14th & 15th
8:00 a.m. till 10:00 a.m.
At the back door of the Holy Cross Fine Arts Building (by Holy Cross playground)

Rice Bowl Collection For Lent

     This year our Lenten Rice Bowl Collection will benefit our local St. Vincent de Paul Agencies.  Thank you to everyone that has sacrificed to 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.