2015 CRS Rice Bowl
Please go to:
http://stfrancisa2.com/lent
Or, to:
http://stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/lenten-efforts/almsgiving
Friday, January 30, 2015
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
CRS Rice Bowl Intentions for Lent 2014 at St. Francis
Use the Activities Calendar and the Recipes with CRS Rice Bowl 2014,... Recipes for Lent - Try these simple, meatless meals from this year’s CRS Rice Bowl countries: Kenya, Guatemala, the Philippines, Malawi and Haiti. You’ll be eating alongside your brothers and sisters who eat this meal each night of the year.
Prayer intentions Page 1 of 1 CRS Rice Bowl Intentions for Lent 2014 at St. Francis
©2014 Catholic Relief Services. All Rights Reserved. US1368 crsricebowl.org
Integrate CRS Rice Bowl into your liturgical celebrations by including this introduction and these intentions as part of the Prayer of the Faithful each week during Mass.
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Introduction
Trusting in the mercy and love of our God who walked among the poor, the vulnerable and the outcast, we voice our own petitions, asking for what we need, and for the needs of our brothers and sisters all over the world, saying, "Lord, help us to be instruments of your peace."
First Sunday of Lent
For workers around the world, that they may find productive employment and earn fair wages for their labor. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we may each find work that allows us to use those gifts and passions that God has placed in our hearts. We pray to the Lord.
Second Sunday of Lent
For children around the world, that they may have access to a quality education and be given the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we never cease to learn more about God's great work in our world and in our lives. We pray to the Lord.
Third Sunday of Lent
For those communities around the world that are devastated by natural and human-wrought disasters, that they may be given the courage and resources they need to rebuild their lives. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that when disaster strikes, we be given the courage and strength to persevere and to seek God even amidst tragedy. We pray to the Lord.
Fourth Sunday of Lent
For farmers around the world who work to improve their harvests while persevering natural resources, that they may support their families through the fruits of the land. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we do our part to preserve our natural environment and be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. We pray to the Lord.
Fifth Sunday of Lent
For people around the world who lack access to healthcare and medical services, that they may receive the care and comfort they need. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we recognize the suffering Christ in those who are sick and suffering, and do all we can to bring comfort and joy. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, that we recognize the suffering Christ in those who are sick and suffering, and do all we can to bring comfort and joy. We pray to the Lord.
Palm Sunday
For people around the world who struggle to provide enough food to meet their families' daily needs, that they may overcome the challenges of hunger and poverty. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, may we deepen our relationship with Christ by recognizing His face in the faces of our brothers and sisters in need. We pray to the Lord.
For our community of faith, may we deepen our relationship with Christ by recognizing His face in the faces of our brothers and sisters in need. We pray to the Lord.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
2013 Sustain a House LENTEN Articles
St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Lenten Effort - Almsgiving
2013
Sustain a House - Fight Poverty
help a family … help a community
the Sustain a House Sack,
as of 4/22/2013 our total collected is
$12,162.49.
All money collected in our St. Francis Parish Lenten Project Sack to
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community...
will go to sponsor our Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley
2013 Catholic House
at: 2143 Merrill, Ypsilanti 48197.
Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Yes, St. Francis Parish, you do good work!
Thanks for our Lenten Program to Sustain a House with Habitat for Humanity.
See Catholic Habitat House. ... And, note, Ann Arbor . com wrote a story ... ...
Thanks for our Lenten Program to Sustain a House with Habitat for Humanity.
See Catholic Habitat House. ... And, note, Ann Arbor . com wrote a story ... ...
Our St. Francis of Assisi Parish- Peace and Justice Committee is proud to present the following Original LENTEN Efforts/Projects.
 |
2013
Sustain a House - Fight Poverty help a family … help a community Join us in support of our Habitat for Humanity Catholic House, partner family seeking decent housing and sustainable living. Please return your cash and/or check contributions
in the sack on
Palm Sunday, March 31, 2013.
Checks should be payable to:
St. Francis of Assisi, 2150 Frieze Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
|
Our Lenten Activities Calendar 2013 Use this calendar and Fast and simplify your lifestyle - with the donations going to help us pray, fast, learn, and give in solidarity with those less fortunate, experiencing hunger and harsh poverty conditions. Participation in this parish-wide Lenten Project/Sack will cause each of us to learn to make small changes that make our lifestyles more sustainable over the long-term. We are united in the effort.
Our PRAYERS of the Faithful Petitions During Masses 2013
Our ARTICLES, linked below here, all tie into Habitat for Humanity's sustainable practices.
- Feb 10, 2013, Introductory article "Habitat program overview & Lenten project explanation". written by Karen Shellie for FORUM (inside on Sunday prior to Ash Wed).
.... - Feb 17, 2013, "The Greenest House is the One That's Already Built" written by Bonnie Bona for inside FORUM on week #1 of Lent. Also see our
#1 FORUM Cover article by Chuck Yonka.
.... - Feb 24, 2013, "Home Energy Followup - Pros/Cons re: Next Steps" written by Steve Lavender for inside FORUM on week #2 of Lent. Also see our
#2 FORUM Cover article by Steve Lavender.
.... - Mar 3, 2013, "Building Communities & Buying Locally" (Habitat uses local vendors whenever possible) written by Kelly Gauthier for inside FORUM on week #3 of Lent. Also see our
#3 FORUM Cover article by Paul Schwankl.
.... - Mar 10, 2013, "Don't Dump it! Donate it! Habitat ReStore & Friends in Deed" written by Andy Nash for inside the FORUM on week #4 of Lent. Also see our#4 FORUM Cover article by Ashley Bishel.
.... - Mar 17, 2013, "Sustainability Helps the Poor" written by Kelly Gauthier for inside FORUM on week #5 of Lent. Also see our
#5 FORUM Cover article by Bethany Eurick.
.... - Mar 24, 2013, Palm Sunday, 'Corporate world to HFH. Volunteer opportunities and "young retirees" giving back.' written by Karen Shellie for inside FORUM.
.... - Mar 31, 2013, Easter Sunday, "Thank you" from Habitat written by Karen Shellie for inside FORUM.
Corporate World to Volunteer
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty: help a family … help a community
Corporate World to Volunteer…
"young retirees" giving back.
(Written by: Karen Shellie for Forum March 24, 2013.)
Growing up Catholic, community service was a way of
life. Where there was a need, it was our
responsibility to be part of the solution.
One of my earliest memories of service took place while I attended St.
Thecla Elementary School in Clinton
Township
That sense of service remained with me over the years. It is what attracted me to St. Francis Parish
nearly 13 years ago. My interest was
sparked by a post asking for volunteers for the newly forming Stephen Ministry
As a Stephen Minister and Leader, I was able help fellow
parish members navigate through difficult situations and lay the groundwork for
the future of our ministry. In the midst
of my tenure, however, I was downsized from a company after 11 years of
service. But I did not feel defeated; I
was ready for a new beginning. That new
beginning was a position at Borders that would last for the next five
years. But then, on September 27, 2011,
I closed the doors to my precious little book store forever.
I took time off to think about my next move, still helping
with the Stephen Ministry
It was during this time that I realized my passion to work
as an advocate for those in need. God
has blessed me with a great deal of energy and passion to get things done. His path for me included exposure to the
inner workings of the marketing world, experience in working with decision
makers, and first-hand experience with the “working poor”. Most importantly, He blessed me with the
tools to know how to be present, and how to advocate for those in need to the
right people at the right time for the greatest impact.
It was a combination of my professional experience and
service on multiple committees at St. Francis that led to my current position
as Manager of Corporate Relationships at Habitat for Humanity of Huron
Valley. I received an email via the jobs
group at St. Francis about an open position and knew from the moment I walked
in their doors that it was the place I could make my home. The rest is history.
If you also have a sense of service, consider volunteering at Habitat
for Humanity! Visit our website
at: http://h4h.volunteerhub.com or call (734)
677-1558.
Please Return Contributions on Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2013, to St. Francis of Assisi
Please return the LENTEN PROGRAM OFFERING sack. Visit: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. We Serve One Another
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One
Another”
(Written by Bethany Eurick for the March 17, 2013, FORUM COVER.)
Traditionally during lent I tend to give something up. This
usually means that I go on my annual Lenten diet. However, I think this “sacrifice” is missing
the point. Lent is the perfect time to
think outside our own world and dedicate ourselves to serving others. One way I
have been able to serve others is by participating in the Lenten activities
offered by the Peace and Justice Committee.
My experiences on the Peace and Justice Committee have
helped me look outside of myself and better understand the needs of those
around me. For example, participating in the Fair Trade Chocolate Sale helped
me understand the importance of using my resources to support both the people
around me and people I have never met. Through Lent, Christ is calling me into
a deeper relationship with Him and them.
It is through these types of activities offered at St. Francis that I
find the true meaning of Lent.
Furthermore, watching the film Sun Come Up and discussing
global warming have led me to reflect on the importance of our environment and
how our actions can affect fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lent is a time for me to take a step back and
reflect on where I am in my journey with Christ and make a plan to deepen it. Christ
even gives us tips to help grow. He tells us in Matthew 25:40, ‘Truly I tell
you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of
mine, you did for me.’'
Mother Teresa reminds me that “not all of us can do great
things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Enjoy
using the sack and activities calendar
for our LENTEN PROGRAM
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sustain a House – Fight Poverty… Help a family … Help a community. Learn more at: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Sunday, March 3, 2013
A Catholic Thing: That Environmental Stewardship Thing
“As the Body of Christ, We Serve One Another”
That Environmental Stewardship Thing & Catholics
(Written by Ashley Bishel for Forum Cover March 10, 2013.)
Last June, I attended an Environmental Justice service trip Green Bay, WI with an organization called Young Neighbors in Action. During that week, we not only volunteered at a sustainable organic farm called Tsyunhehkwa, which is run by the Oneida Nation, but also learned about why, as Catholics, it is important for us to take care of our planet.
We learned about the Nine Themes of Catholic Environmental Ethic. These included some familiar phrases, such as "respect for life", but applied in a broader context - for example, treating animals as not just a means of human fulfillment but as God's creations. Another theme was "new solidarity" - sacrifice of self interest for the good of others and the earth.
One of the things from that week that stood out to me clearly was a quote from a message John Paul II delivered during the World Day of Peace in 1990: "The ecological crisis is a moral issue". It wasn't something that we have an option to take an interest in, it’s a duty. We have a moral responsibility to take care of God's earth as both Catholics and human beings. That’s huge - environmental issues are not something we can, in good conscience, ignore. We need to take action.
Enjoy using the sack and activities calendar for our LENTEN PROGRAM Sustain a House … Help a community. Visit: StFrancisA2.com/lent
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sustainability Helps the Poor
“Sustainability
Helps the Poor”
Habitat puts their low-income home owners'
best interests in the forefront of all they do…
(Written by Kelly Gauthier for inside the FORUM on March 17th, 2013.)
Have you ever had to choose between paying a utility bill and paying
for your child’s school trip?
Habitat for Humanity understands that low-income homeowners must often
make hard choices in how they spend their money. That’s why Habitat makes its homes as
energy-efficient as possible. Every
dollar a family spends on their utility bill is a dollar they can’t spend on
other needs.
The Catholic Church stresses the
connection between poverty and climate change.
Some say that worrying about the environment is a rich person’s luxury,
but consider:
·
Instead of reducing our consumption and
recycling, we choose to buy cheap stuff and then throw it away…but who lives
next to the garbage dump?
·
We subsidize polluting industries that devour
the earth’s supply of fossil fuels…but who labors in dangerous mines, or lives
downwind from coal-fired power plants?
·
We allow fracking companies to poison our water
supply…but who can’t afford to buy water when it becomes an expensive, limited
resource?
·
Some think that low-income home owners don’t
need to worry about energy efficiency…but who’s receiving a shut-off notice in
the middle of a winter cold spell?
We could choose to do things differently:
·
Germany
currently gets about 25% of its electricity from clean, renewable sources.
·
High school students made sidewalk tiles that generate
electricity using electromagnetic induction, showing us that creative thinking
and technology can provide lots of renewable energy.
·
Trash sorters in India
and South America have formed unions and
cooperatives that raised thousands of people out of poverty, while diverting
compostable and recyclable materials from landfills.
Despite the warnings from
scientists around the globe, despite the calls from our Church leaders, despite
the rising human cost of rapidly depleting resources and changing weather
patterns, we often resist making changes to our lives of comfort and excess.
The US bishops
remind us, “Our religious tradition has always urged restraint and moderation
in the use of material goods, so we must not allow our desire to possess more
material things to overtake our concern for the basic needs of people and the
environment …. Rejecting the false
promises of excessive or conspicuous consumption can even allow more time for
family, friends, and civic responsibilities.”
What will you do
to help? Support or volunteer for
nonprofit organizations? Advocate with
elected officials? Make more thoughtful
choices in everyday life?
We must recognize that all life is connected and remember
that “we don’t inherit the earth from our
ancestors; we borrow it from our children”.
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