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Youth from several parishes and high schools from the Diocese of Lansing filled six buses and traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2020 March for Life on Friday, Jan. 24, according to Brian Flynn, director of middle and high school ministry for the diocese. In addition to attending the Mass and Rally for Life at the Capital One Arena in Washington, participants also visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for prayer and a tour. DIOCESAN YOUTH RALLY FOR LIFE DIOCESAN YOUTH RALLY FOR LIFE

BISHOP BOYEA SPEAKS ON RACISM AT LANSING CITY COUNCIL

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Bishop Earl Boyea was invited to address the Lansing City Council on Jan. 17 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He used the occasion to explain the Catholic Church’s teaching on racism. “One of the great principles of Catholic Social Teaching is solidarity, as a manifestation of brotherhood and sisterhood. We are to achieve this solidarity by creating ‘a more just social order where tensions are better able to be reduced and conflicts more readily settled by negotiation.’ (CCC #1940) “I believe the foundation for the common dignity of all human beings rests solidly on the fact of our common origin in God. Our dignity is not something we confer on ourselves or on one another. Rather, we are endowed with that dignity from our wise and loving creator. We are told in the Acts of the Apostles, ‘God shows no partiality.’ (Acts 10:34) St. Paul affirmed this truth to the Galatians, ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ (Gal 3:28)

“Some may wonder why God allowed all these differences. There is no other reason than that they can be the opportunity for the exchange of gifts, something that is made possible when we are kind, generous, and open to one another.”

Visit dioceseoflansing.org for the text of the bishop’s full address.

BISHOPS OF MICHIGAN AND OHIO MAKE AD LIMINA VISIT

In December, Bishop Earl Boyea joined fellow bishops from Michigan and Ohio for their ad limina visit with Pope Francis in Rome. Ad limina means “to the thresholds,” and, according to canon law, all Catholic bishops of the world must make a pilgrimage to the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul every five years. In addition to their pilgrimage, the bishops report on the state of their diocese to the Holy Father during this visit, acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome over the universal Church.

According to Bishop Boyea: “We met for about two hours and throughout that time the Holy Father was very friendly, very forthright, very keen to listen and very fraternal in his approach to us as brother bishops. We discussed a wide range of topics, including the health of our parishes, our evangelization efforts, which he applauded, and again and again he reminded us that bishops and priests have to have a deep intimacy with God in prayer. That’s something he hit on very strongly.”

HOW WILL YOU MAINTAIN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH AFTER YOU GRADUATE?

ENTRIES DUE: APRIL 1, 2020

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 OR CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG

The senior transportation program provides seniors in our counties with transportation to their doctor or medical treatment appointments through the generosity of our volunteer drivers at no cost, eligibility and scheduling requirements do apply. If you are 55+ and want to be a volunteer driver, contact Marilyn Smith at 517.783.6102 or msmith@catholiccharities. jlhc.org.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 AND OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 OR CCSGC.ORG North End Soup Kitchen, 735 E. Stewart Ave., Flint, provides hot, balanced meals 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Its hours are Monday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., lunch, and 4-5 p.m., dinner; and Sunday, 1-2 p.m. If you would like to make a difference, visit catholiccharitiesflint.org/mealprograms to donate.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 OR CSSWASHTENAW.ORG

Two A Lasting Promise marriage preparation classes for engaged couples: March 6, 6:30- 9 p.m. and March 7, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph, 9425 Whitaker Rd., Ypsilanti; and March 20, 6:30-9 p.m. and March 21, 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary, 14200 E. Old US-12, Chelsea. Register early. Cost is $95/couple. Pre-registration and payment must be made to attend. To register, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES SAVE THE DATE: March 14, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Livingston County Catholic Charities invites you to join them at their annual fundraiser Salute to the Stars, with dynamic music by Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations, delicious food, raffles and more, as they celebrate 35 years of serving Livingston County. For information or to purchase tickets, visit livingstoncatholiccharities.org or call Julie or Gudrun at 517.545.5944.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LANSING, 517.323.4734 OR STVCC.ORG

A Lasting Promise marriage preparation class for engaged couples: March 14, 9 a.m.- 3p.m., at Cristo Rey Church, Juan Diego Room, 201, W. Miller Rd., Lansing. Registration is recommended 4 to 6 weeks prior. The cost is $75/couple. Pre-registration and payment must be made to attend. To register, call St. Vincent Catholic Charities at 517.323.4734, ext. 1726. Registration forms are available online at stvcc.org. THINGS TO DO

Feb. 14-15, the Diocese of Lansing’s New Life Center will have a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, “Healing After Abortion.” For information, contact the center at 517.993.0291, nlcrachelsvineyard@gmail.com or visit rachelsvineyard.org.

Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m-3 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit: The MarthaMary Balance of Daily Life Retreat: Luke’s Gospel story illustrates the tension often faced between attending to God and to worldly things. Prayer, guided reflection, music and movement will be used to help clarify God’s unique plan for you. To register, call 313.286.2100 or visit stpaulretreat.org

Fridays during Lent, 8:30 a.m., Holy Rosary, Flint will be celebrating Mass, followed by exposition and adoration with Benediction and Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m., followed by a Lenten supper in the community room.

Feb. 22, St. Martha Catholic Council of Women, Okemos will host a one-day women's retreat, “I am Yours,” in the parish hall at 1100 W. Grand River Ave. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. For information and to register, visit stmatha.org or email stmarthaccw@gmail.com. For questions, contact Anne Readett at 517.749.6655 or areadett@gmail.com.

Feb. 22, 6 p.m., a Trivia Night at the Lothamer Parish Center sponsored by the parish youth group. Test your knowledge with the best in the community. Cost is $10 per person. Bring a team of eight or you will be matched with someone. Bring snacks – but no outside beverages. Beverages are available for purchase to support the youth group activities. Cash prizes will be awarded. For information, call Liz at our parish office at 517.223.8684.

Feb. 27-April 3, Fridays, St. Pius X, Flint will have a a soup supper at 5:30 p.m., Lenten reflections at 6:16 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. All are welcome.

Beginning Feb. 27, Thursdays during Lent, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have a couple prayer series in Fr. Mac Hall. For information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@ elcatholics.org.

Feb. 28, 4-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell’s Knights of Columbus Polish feast in Thompson Hall, serving kapusta and kielbasa (sauerkraut and kielbasa), kielbasa (smoked), golabki (stuffed cabbage), pierogi (potato and cheese), paczki (jelly donut), rolls/ butter and beverages. Cost is $11 adult, $10 62+, $7 children 8-12 and $5 7 and younger.

Feb. 29, Livingston County Catholic Charities’ Special Ministries Program will host its annual basketball game fundraiser against the Livingston County Sheriff Department. All proceeds support the activities Special Ministries provides for disabled adults. To purchase tickets, visit facebook.com/ SpecialMinisteriesLivingstonCounty.

March 1-3, Holy Spirit, Brighton will have a Lenten Mission presented by Tom Peterson, founder of Catholics Come Home and Virtuemedia. org, who will speak about the New Evangelization. For more information, call the parish office at 810.231.9199 or visit hrscc.net.

March 4 to April 1, Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing will have

RETREAT CENTERS

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 OR STFRANCIS.WS

a Lenten Soup and Substance Program in Fr. Mac Hall. Soup and rolls at 6 p.m. and presentations 6:30-7:30 p.m. For information, call the parish office at 517.351.7215.

March 5 to May 7, Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell will have Grief Share – Your Journey from Mourning to Joy: Help and Encouragement After the Loss of a Spouse, Child, Family Member or Friend. All are welcome to attend one or as many sessions as you would like. For information, call the parish office at 517.546.720.

March 10, 9 a.m., St. Agnes, 855 E. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville, will host a free breakfast in Lothamer Parish Center prior to our bus trip to Firekeepers Casino. If enough people pre-register, two buses will be chartered. The bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $40 and includes roundtrip transportation, $20 in free slot play and $5 for dining, gift shop or slot play. To pre-register, contact the parish office at 517.223.8684 or Liz Heslip at Lheslip@sbcglobal.net.

March 15, 2 p.m., the Diocese of Lansing’s Disabilities Ministry and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are hosting a Special Needs Mass at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel at 703 E. Main St. in DeWitt. Mass is followed by light refreshments. Please RSVP Cathy Blatnik by March 11 at 517.381.1410 or lcblatnik@juno. com. Everyone is welcome.

March 19, doors open at 6 p.m., St. Mary, Morrice’s Altar Society is hosting its Third annual Design Bag Bingo. Tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Only 200 tickets are being sold. Door prizes, 50/50 drawing and concessions are available. For tickets, call the parish office at 517.625.4260

March 20, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels, 4413 Morrish Rd. in Swartz Creek, will host a euchre tournament fundraiser sponsored by its Knights of Columbus Council. For information, call 810.635.3684.

March 20, 2:30-7 p.m., the Catholic Community of St. John and Blessed Sacrament, Davison will have its Fabulous Fish Fry. For information, contact the parish office at 810.653.2377.

FISH FRY

Jan. 24-April 3, Fridays, St. James, Mason will have a Lenten fish fry that includes fried and baked cod, shrimp, baked and fried potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, dessert and coffee/punch. Cost is $12 adults, $11 seniors, $5 children 5-12, and 4 and under free. Credit cards are accepted.

Feb. 21-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center’s Knights of Columbus will host a Lenten fish fry in the parish hall that includes both fried and baked fish, baked potato and fries, green beans, coleslaw, rolls and desserts. Cost is $10 adult, $9 senior 65+, $6 children 6-12, and 5 and under free. Not Good Friday.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus will host in the Lothamer Parish Center an all-you-can-eat Lenten fish fry that includes both baked and hand-battered fried fish, homemade side dishes and dessert. Takeout available.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5-7 p.m., St. Martha, Okemos will host an all-you-can-eat Lenten fish fry with baked or fried fish, fries and baked potatoes, mac and cheese, two types of coleslaw and bakesale desserts. Takeout is available. Cost is $12 adult, $11 senior and $6 children. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., Old St. Patrick, Ann Arbor will host its 42nd annual Lenten fish fries in the parish hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. included are fried Alaskan Pollack, choice of potato or mac and cheese, salad bar, beverage and extra dessert.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5:30-6:50 p.m., Holy Spirit, Brighton’s parish ministries will provide a Lenten supper of soup, salad and bread in the activity center followed at 7 p.m. with the Stations of the Cross. A free-will offering will be accepted. All are welcome.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5-8 p.m., St. Mary, Chelsea’s Knights of Columbus will have Lenten fish fries serving both fried and baked fish. Carry-out is served with a side of coleslaw and a roll for $10. Dining in, all-you-can-eat is $11 adult, $10 senior, $6 for children 11 and under.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., the Owosso Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries at 1259 E. Main St., serving delicious fish, fries, coleslaw and roll/butter.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5-7 p.m., St. Michael, Grand Ledge’s Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries in the Fellowship Hall. Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors 65+, $6 children 6-12, and 5 and under free. Family rate is $35. Takeout is available.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., St. Peter, Eaton Rapids’ Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p .m., St. Mary, Pinckney will host Lenten dinners followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Fenton’s Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries in the Father Harvey Activity Center.

Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell will have Lenten fish fries in Thompson Hall serving homemade fried or baked fish and clam chowder. For takeout orders, call 517.546.9154. Cash, check or credit card accepted.

Feb. 28-April 10, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., St. Casimir, Lansing, Holy Family Center, will host a dinner of baked fish, fried perch/smelt, coleslaw, roll and beverage. April 10, Good Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., lunch with no smelt. Cost is $10 adult, $9 senior, $6 children 6-12, and 5 and under free.