Pastor’s Corner — March 22nd, 2026
Powerful Article on Giving to the Poor (and to the Church)
If we’re honest with ourselves, sometimes this is the last kind of article we want to read. But Jesus challenges us to trust him and to follow him and during Lent we are challenged to give alms to the poor. But what does that mean? What does the Church and Scripture say about it?
Dr Sean Innerst writes compellingly in his recent article, “Stewards of Providence: Treasure Here and Hereafter” about how giving to the poor and to the Church is not really a matter of charity, but a matter of justice. Very convicting. Personally, I am grateful for him breaking down the catechism quotes and the bible passages on this. I strongly recommend this article.
Coffee and Donuts: An Invitation to Serve
One of the things I love about Coffee and Donuts on Sunday morning after the 9:30am Mass is that it is a welcoming place for parishioners to simply connect with each other. It’s also an easy place for those new to the parish to meet people as well. While I can’t always get down there after the 9:30am Mass before greeting people for the 11:30am Mass (I’m usually tied up with things and talking to people upstairs), McCann Hall is usually packed with adults talking with each other while the kids are running around with joy.
Coffee and Donuts, like our Fish Fries, are great examples of an “Overpass” event on our discipleship pathway. In our comprehensive pastoral strategy (Discipleship Pathway), an overpass is a key event/ministry that exposes people to the life of discipleship that serves as a compelling expression of our identity as a community of missionary disciples. I’ve always believed these kinds of events are powerful for parishioners and non-parishioners alike.
So, here’s the ask: due to moving schedules we’ve had a hard time finding parishioners to regularly volunteer to lead the Coffee and Donuts Ministry, which is actually fairly simple. The work involves picking up the donuts and placing them out, making the coffee and cleaning tables when finished. All of it usually takes around 2-3 hours and you don’t have to do it every week. This small effort makes a big difference in helping our parish stay connected.
If you’re willing to help from time to time, please contact Kim Kaye at kkaye@stpatchurch.org or 810-229-9863 ext. 218 about joining this friendly and impactful ministry. Or you can sign up directly here.
DSA & dmi Reminders
Thank you to all those parishioners who already have given to the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA)! (If you weren’t here last week, the DSA supports many vital ministries across our Diocese, including, but not limited to, support for the education of our seminarians and caring for the poor) Our goal is simple: we want as many parishioners as possible, those confirmation age and older, to give to the campaign, even if it is as little as $1.00. If you want to give online, please see the DSA Website to donate. If not please bring back your pledge envelope in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again for your generosity in advancing the gospel in our diocese!
If You Missed Last Week’s DiscipleMaker Index Survey…
If you missed Mass at St Pat’s last weekend, the Diocese is conducting a very important survey of all of the parishes on discipleship. The purpose of the anonymous survey is to get an honest snapshot into where people are in their beliefs and habits around discipleship so that parishes can better serve you in following the Lord. This survey will be open until March 31st.
You can complete the survey online or pick up a paper copy at the parish office.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias