PART ONE:
THE PROFESSION OF FAITH
SECTION ONE
"I BELIEVE" - "WE BELIEVE"


CHAPTER ONE
MAN'S CAPACITY FOR GOD
III. The Knowledge of God According to the Church
36 "Our holy mother, the Church, holds and teaches that God, the first principle and last end of all things, can be known with certainty from the created world by the natural light of human reason."¹¹ Without this capacity, man would not be able to welcome God's revelation. Man has this capacity because he is created "in the image of God".¹²
37 In the historical conditions in which he finds himself, however, man experiences many difficulties in coming to know God by the light of reason alone:
Though human reason is, strictly speaking, truly capable by its own natural power and light of attaining to a true and certain knowledge of the one personal God, who watches over and controls the world by his providence, and of the natural law written in our hearts by the Creator; yet there are many obstacles which prevent reason from the effective and fruitful use of this inborn faculty. For the truths that concern the relations between God and man wholly transcend the visible order of things, and, if they are translated into human action and influence it, they call for self-surrender and abnegation. the human mind, in its turn, is hampered in the attaining of such truths, not only by the impact of the senses and the imagination, but also by disordered appetites which are the consequences of original sin. So it happens that men in such matters easily persuade themselves that what they would not like to be true is false or at least doubtful.¹³
38 This is why man stands in need of being enlightened by God's revelation, not only about those things that exceed his understanding, but also "about those religious and moral truths which of themselves are not beyond the grasp of human reason, so that even in the present condition of the human race, they can be known by all men with ease, with firm certainty and with no admixture of error".


 

Adult Faith Enrichment registration has begun.
Please go to the parish website www.stpatricktc.org to print up the reg. form. You can either mail the form in or drop it off at the parish office.
TOPIC: Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of the Spiritual Father by Fr. Donald Calloway
This book can be purchased on Amazon.
Format:
We will meet once a week in the social hall from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
We will gather for open discussion on what you have read at home.

The Calendar of Adult Faith Enrichment Gatherings:
All gatherings are in the social hall on Thursday evenings 6:00pm to 7:30pm
October 8, 15, 22
November 5, 12, 19
December 3, 10, 17
If you have any questions, please contact Sherrie Clutts at the parish office or you can post your questions below.

Ministry Highlight: 
Support Services Ministries 
   There area series of ministries that I often label them as "behind the scenes ministries."  Even though the average parishioner does not fully realize that these ministires exist, no parish thrive without them.  Typically these support service ministries are held by the parish staff. 

Bookkeeping: The purpose of this ministry is to provide the pastor and the Finance Council information on the financial status of the parish, as well as, process all bills and payroll.   Staff: Dave Basler

Bulletin: The purpose of this ministry is to provide a weekly parish bulletin that serves as a primary communication tool for important information to all parishioners.   Staff: Sue Korson

Building and Grounds Maintenance: This ministry ensures the safe and reliable operation of the physical plant and keeps the parish grounds presentable.     Staff: Curt Britten

Website and Facebook: The purpose of this ministry is to update and maintain the St. Patrick website and the parish Facebook page. We inform not only the parishioners but the general public of the activities in the parish, as well as, the spiritual spectrum of our faith.  Staff: Sherrie Clutts 


 

September 20, 2020
Had a Pumpkin Spice Latte with Jesus
Like many people, I look forward every year with great anticipation for all of the pumpkin spice products  to be become available. One of my very favorite items is a pumpkin spice latte.  Last week as I was sitting in my car savoring every sip of my latte, I turned on the Catholic Channel by Sirius XM.  Fr. Mike Schmitz was discussing the topic of the importance of basically just chilling out with Jesus.  He said that he starts off his day with a cup of coffee and invites Jesus to have a cup with him. Have you ever invited someone for a cup of coffee and found it be relaxing and time well spent. What was it that made you feel this way? My guess is that as you enjoyed each other’s company,  you were able to speak candidly. You may have talked about your family, work and/or problems you are currently facing. Sometimes, we forget that Jesus is also a close friend. Though that might sound strange to you at first, Jesus actually wants us to think this way.  Jesus is our King, but He never wants us to feel that we are beneath Him. He wants us to talk to Him, come to Him during our times of trouble, and build a loving, long-lasting friendship. One could say that Jesus has the best listening skills. When you boil it down you realize that Jesus is the example of what a perfect friend should be. Once you see all the things that a friendship with Jesus offers, you will realize that He is the best friend that you could ever have. A truly happy life is made possible when we choose to have a friendship with Him! In Psalm 5:3 it states “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Jesus hears your voice every time you pray to Him. When you take time out of your day to speak with Jesus, He will put everything else down to listen to you. He never has too many things going on.  Jesus will simply listen, because He wants to hear exactly what you have to say. No matter the topic: simple daily chit chat or deeper emotional problems – He will be there with an open ear.     –Sherrie Clutts DRE

September 7, 2020
Finding Comfort In A $5.00 Clearance Mum
There are many things in life that we can find comfort in. But how does one find solace from a Mum on clearance? Last Tuesday, I was getting my yearly supply of mums.  As I was walking up and down the aisle to locate the biggest and the brightest, I noticed one that was clearance for only $5.00.  It was placed on a dirty weed filled table all by itself; separated from the other bright flowers.  The soil had not been watered, as well as, not getting the sun it so desperately needed. Being a bargain shopper, I immediately was interested in purchasing it.  At first glance, I noticed nothing wrong with it. When I questioned a store associate as to the reasoning for it being marked down, he said that one of the main stalks had broken off, it’s stems are all crocked and not tall like the other mums; therefore rendering it not perfect enough to sell it for full price. I immediately felt great pity and sadness for this flower. Despite its deformed stems, the flowers it produced were just as beautiful as the other flowers. I indicated to the sales associate that it just needs a good home and some love.  He quickly replied, “Just like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree.”  As I drove home, I found myself getting emotional all from purchasing a mum.  We have all experienced at some point in our lives being treated like this mum. Despite our best efforts and some “imperfection” (by today’s standards) that we had no control over, we were thrown aside. Again by today’s standards, we were not considered “perfect”.   We were given no warmth.  I am reminded of the lepers, the poor and the rejected that Jesus lovingly served.  Jesus did not walk up and down the streets looking for the brightest and most beautiful people.  Rather, He assisted those that were placed aside.  Those that were discarded. Those that were shown no warmth.  Those that had no food or drink.  I noticed, as I was replanting this mum, the stems that were all crocked were also the strongest and the most sturdy. The roots were also strong and deep.  This flower worked so hard to grow and produce beautiful blossoms. It will be those “imperfect” stems that are going to be able to withstand any harsh weather.  Every time I walk past this mum, I find comfort knowing that even though I have many imperfections, Jesus will never discard me.                                  –Sherrie Clutts DRE


 

http://www.dioceseofgaylord.org/news/101/2198/
 

 What Is Happening In the Parish

 IN OUR PARISH THIS WEEK
Tuesday, September 22nd
10:00am-12:00 pm Food Pantry Open

Wednesday, September 23rd
9:00am—MASS Gen Wood by St. Patrick CCW
5:30pm—Finance Council Meeting/Social Hall

Thursday, September 24th
9:00am—MASS Sam & Angela Marino by Jim & Rosemarie Scrivener
10:00am-12:00pm Food Pantry Open (by appointment only)

Friday, September 25th
9:00am—MASS Scott Gray by Ruth Long
5:00pm—Wedding Rehearsal/Bunge/Schaub

Saturday, September 26th
1:00pm—Wedding/Bunge/Schaub
Confessions 3:30pm-4:45pm
5:00pm—MASS Sam Skiera & Joseph Wolf by Stephen & Brenda Skiera

Sunday, September 27th, Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
 9:00am—MASS Larry Kabot by Aunt Jo, Janell & Fred Hendershot, Justine & Joshua Boczar 11:00am—MASS Special Intentions of the Parish

We are in need of Lectors for the weekend Masses. If you are interetsed, please contact the parish office at 231-943-4633.  

Weekend Masses

Weekday Masses  -       
Cancellations are possible - see current bulletin

Something New For Your App If you have the myParish app on your cell phone, you may notice a temporary background change for the Lent and Easter seasons. It is a beautiful background of the Holy Cross and again it is just temporary. Another feature that will be found on your app is called Lenten Reflections. It will be found under the icon called Inspire Daily. Remember there are so many features on your app and they are easy to use. No matter what kind of smart phone you own, it is easy to download if you do not already have the app. If you have any questions, please contact either Sue Korson or Sherrie Clutts at the parish office.

The spring WELCOME weekends were cancelled as a result of the pandemic, but the fall weekends are on. The next Men's WELCOME Weekend will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2020.  The Women's WELCOME Weekend will take place on Saturday, October 10, 2020.  The weekends are one-day events from 8:00am to 10:00pm. This change is in accord with all the appropriate diocesan and parish guidelines and with the enthusiastic support of Fr. Chris Jarvis at Christ The King.
Be assured:
1.) Registration will be limited to 20 people.
2.) Heightened measures will be in place to ensure the enviroment is kept sanitized.
3.) Face masks are required.
4.) Everyone entering the space will have their temperature taken with a forehead scanner.
5.) Box lunches will be provided in an effort to avoid the close contact associated with buffet lines.

We invite all participants and their families back to celebrate the traditional weekend Mass on Sunday, Sept. 27th (for the men) or October 11 (for the women) at Christ the King Church. 

Weekends are open to adults, 18 years and older, who are no longer in high school and reside within the boundries of the five Traverse City parishes. Space at the retreat is limited and time is needed for preparations, so pre-registration is required.  Registrations will be accepted through Friday, one week prior to the Weekend. 
MEN'S REGISTRATION:
tccrhp-men.eventbrite.com

WOMEN'S REGISTRATION:
tccrhp-women.eventbrite.com

If you have any questions, please email christrenewstc@gmail.com. 

 We have reached our 4th goal of $150,000! We would like to thank everyone for their generosity in providing us with their Family Fare receipt. As we await, our $1,000 check, we have already begun our 5th goal of receipts toward $150,000.

If you are exploring the idea of becoming a Catholic or are already Catholic and would like to learn more about our Catholic Faith, please join us for Right of Christian Initiation for Adults on Tuesday, September 29th, 6:00— 7:30pm. Please contact the parish office @231-943-4633.