Pastor’s Corner — March 8th, 2026
Fr Joshua is Being Reassigned in July
For those of you who were not at Mass at St Pat’s last weekend, Fr Joshua announced that Bishop Boyea has assigned him as the Parochial Vicar of St Thomas Aquinas and St John Church. In short, he is being reassigned specifically there so he can work with Michigan State University at St John Student Center. He doesn’t say goodbye for another four months, but now we know that it’s official that he’s leaving. While it’s a big loss to our parish, I am very excited about this next stage of his priesthood, in which he gets to work in a kind of dream job for him. Please keep him in prayer and the next guy who will replace him at St Pat’s, which at this point hasn’t been decided.
Diocesan Services Appeal: This Weekend
This weekend, you’ll hear a short pitch on the Diocesan Services Appeal. Essentially, there are dozens of ministries and services supported by the appeal that cannot be sustained by parishes alone. Seminarian education is one of them. In my opinion, seminarian education is reason alone to give to the appeal. All of these services help advance the kingdom of God in our 10-county diocese.
Every year I encourage the whole parish to participate in the appeal. More specifically, I invite everyone confirmed and older to give something to the appeal, even if it is as little as $1.00. Yes we have a total amount to raise, but I believe that total number of gifts is a better metric of parish participation. My goal is to hit 1000 individual gifts this year.
It’s true: we have a generous and engaged parish. And I’m hoping that everyone can give something, even if it is small. I believe so much in the appeal, that I’ve already given.
If you wish to give online, please go here. If you wish to give via the envelope, they will be available in the pews this weekend. Please fill one out and put it in the collection basket the next week or two or bring it to the parish office.
Regular Church Attendance Makes Marital Joy 3x More Likely
The ever-relevant and prolific Institute for Family Studies put out another great study: For Better: Four Proven Ways to a Strong and Stable Marriage*.
1. Be Fully Committed to Your Spouse and Your Marriage
2. Be Protective of Your Spouse
3. Participate in Shared Church Attendance
4. Establish a Pattern of Going on Regular Date Nights
If I was married, I’d read this whole thing. Good stuff.
I’m not at all surprised that regular Church attendance together is one of the proven ways for a strong and stable marriage. After all, we know our Christian commitments directly and positively impact the health of marriages. If you want to read a short summary of the Church attendance piece, read this article, “Memo to Men Seeking Wedded Bliss: Regular Church Attendance Makes Marital Joy 3x More Likely”
Part-Time Front Office Secretary Position
As I mentioned last week, we are seeking applicants for a part time front office secretary position to add to our current staff. Details of the position and the offer can be found on the Diocesan website. The person will play a key role in welcoming and receiving parishioners and guests as well as assisting in some ways with administrative support for our operations. If you know someone who loves the Church, is detailed-oriented, loves people, and wants to help make disciples of Jesus here at St Pat’s, please encourage them to apply this week.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias