St. Joseph Catholic ParisH

DOWNTOWN

201 Church Street
St. Joseph, MI 49085
 

SOUTH

5353 S. Roosevelt Road
Stevensville, MI 49127
 

Sacramental Emergencies Only

If you have a Sacramental Emergency only. Please call the emergency phone number at 269-985-7331.

Please leave a message at this number only.

Your message should contain your name and phone number.

Someone will get back to you, as the phone is always monitored. 

 

PARISH OFFICE and Mailing Address:

220 Church Street
St. Joseph, Michigan 49085
(269) 983-1575 
 

OFFICE HOURS:

8:00 am to 3:30 pm
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am to 3:00 pm Friday

Listen to the Mass in your car on Radio 96.5 FM at the South at 9:00 am Mass. 

We will offer a collaborative Penance Service at St. Bernard in Benton Harbor on December 15th. The service will begin at 6:00 pm.
 
There will be several priests to hear confessions. We invite all parishioners and their families to attend.

If you have any questions, please call the Parish Office at 269-983-1575.
 

Caretel Mass Every Tuesday at 10:30 AM.

Whitcomb Mass on 2nd Monday of the Month at 9:00 AM. 

Provisions has a communion service every Tuesday at 1:00 PM, and the Legion of Mary  conducts a prayer service on Thursdays at 1:00 PM.

• Daily at our Downtown location Monday - Saturday before the 8:00 am Mass (approximately 30 minutes before the Mass).
• Wednesdays at our South location at 9:15 am.
• Zoom Rosary Monday-Saturday is at 9:30 am and 7:00 pm. Call the Parish Office for the Meeting ID and code
• First Sunday Rosary prayed at 2:00 pm at our Downtown location for the winter months. 

Andrew Schmidt
Theology III
St. Joseph Parish

Andrew Glotzbach
College II
St. Joseph Parish

God our Father,
We thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

November 22, 2022
Catholic Culture

Dear Our Lady of the Lake community:

Recently I sent an email updating you about our ongoing achievements as they pertain to the "seven pillar" plan that was initiated in March. While I have always said that we can't expect everything to happen overnight, there have been so many accomplishments already. Our plan has always been a three-to-five-year plan, but we are way ahead of that schedule. In my last communication, I shared achievements regarding our governance structure. Today I would like to point out how we have initiated and strengthened efforts regarding our "Catholic Culture" pillar. These are only a few examples of our efforts: 

First, at our south (elementary) campus, the theme of the year is Walking with Jesus ... "We walk by faith not by sight." (2 Cor 5:7). Upon entry, there are footprints and sandals with every student's name on them along with our theme. This is to show that we are all part of our Catholic community. We have a walking program associated with it. As students walk different "paths" that Jesus walked while he was on earth, their miles are tracked. Any student who walks the entire journey will have an opportunity to win prizes at the end of the year. Finally, teachers and staff recognize students who are walking with Jesus as demonstrated by their behavior and interactions with others, and every Friday we choose three names to be our "Wonderful walkers of the week". Every day that the Church celebrates the feast of a Holy Martyr, students and staff can wear red shirts at school to show our appreciation for these dedicated followers of Jesus. Classes are encouraged to research that saint to find out more about his/her life. Students actively participate in weekly Mass on Friday, adoration monthly. In the months of October and May, as a school community, our 4th and 5th graders lead us in a decade of the rosary each morning. In the second semester, we will bring back our Faith Families, but with a new addition. We will have a House system in place -Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Each house will be made up of three faith families. They will meet monthly after the first Friday Mass to pray together, play together and serve together. While many families and schools participate in "Elf on the Shelf," we will be doing "Mary on a Mission." Mary will be moving around our school as she travels to Bethlehem. When students find her, they will say a Hail Mary and thank her for saying "Yes" to God. We believe our students should be allowed and encouraged to demonstrate our Catholic culture every day. We begin our day with a community prayer in the morning and end our day with a closing prayer and the school's mission in the afternoon. Students also pray during class, and at the beginning and the end of lunch. Additionally, holy water fonts are hung in all classrooms and filled weekly by our 5th graders. Also, our students participate in Eucharistic adoration once a month. And, of course, we celebrate Mass once a week, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent and Lent. 

Second, at our downtown campus (middle school and high school), Catholic culture is evolving into a faith­ filled, rich and engaging program affording opportunities for our students to be Christ-Centered, service­ minded and active in practicing and reflecting on their Catholic faith. Our 6th-12th grade students facilitate weekly Masses by volunteering as acolytes, ushers and chorus members. The sign-up list is deep in student interest and participation. Students are now volunteering to assist in a variety of mini-service opportunities from writing letters to local prisoners to collecting needed items for our veterans. We have initiated a peer ministry program where students facilitate our "Lakers supporting Lakers" initiative. Our Theology courses are aligned with Diocesan expectations and extend beyond the classroom to include a 25-hour student service requirement. Theology classes incorporate spiritual wellness, human dignity, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, kindness and compassion as a focus weekly in class. A summer retreat program for Junior level students is planned to work with them as our spiritual and academic leaders on campus as seniors. Our Catholic perspectives and ideals are observed and evident in many daily lessons outside of the Theology curriculum. 
Prayer, rosary reflection, Catholic historical perspectives, human rights, the power of saints, morality and Catholic social responsibilities are part of daily class learning and discussions. Theology courses will include a purposeful focus and learning plan on Wednesdays (shorter periods). During this time, the instructor will plan activities based on Diocesan standards, on positive affirmations, the impact of words through scripture, human dignity, kindness, compassion, gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc. These will lead to outcomes of understanding, empathy and support of all Lakers. Faith Families is a program designed PreK-12 to support the spiritual, social and emotional maturity of our students. All students in grade 6 are assigned to a "Saint" family with members from each grade level PreK-12. The families are each supported by an adult staff member. Families meet once per month or more on a scheduled basis to pray, discuss student concerns and issues, support each other in times of challenge and more. The immediate family in grades 6-12 will join their extended family in grades K-5 once per semester. The school day begins and ends with prayer, and teachers are asked to begin each class with prayer. At lunchtime, our students pray the Angelus. It goes without saying that we participate in weekly Mass and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

So, as you can see, we are making great strides to build our Catholic culture and show who we really are as a Catholic school. Together, we should pray that the good work that God has begun and strengthened in our school will be brought to fulfillment. Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. 

Our Lady of the Lake, Pray for us!
Fr. John Fleckenstein 

 The Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund made a big splash for Catholic education last year, awarding more than $450,000 in grants and contributions to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. Since 1971, the Fund has contributed more than $7.2 million to the school and its predecessors.

“Our Lady of the Lake is among the top private schools in Michigan, and we’re excited to be a part of that,” shares Fund President John Proos. “We want any family who values a Catholic education to have access to an affordable Our Lady of the Lake education, and we need to continue to build on our successes,” he says. The Fund launches its Annual Appeal this month.

At the LMCSF Annual Trustees Meeting on Oct. 28 the Fund presented its first Annual Report to recognize and celebrate its supporters and illuminate the ways their contributions are impacting students. “The generosity of our donors is making a real, tangible difference,” shares Proos. “Every year, we use proceeds from the Fund’s endowments to award grants to the school,” he explains. Some highlights include:

20 families were able to choose a Catholic education, thanks in part to $109,582 in tuition scholarships and assistance

$74,000 in combined grant awards supported Laker technology initiatives including 100 new Chromebooks, ongoing business instruction in the Monte Global Trading and Finance Lab, and augmented virtual reality 3D lessons using zSpace technology

$23,611 funded select teacher professional develop initiatives

$15,000 in college scholarships awarded to the Class of 2022

As a private school, Our Lady of the Lake has certain curricular freedoms that allow teachers to educate students within the framework of a Catholic culture. Noreen Szymanski, a retired public-school teacher and 18-year member of the LMCSF Board of Trustees, shares, “For our family, a holistic education includes religion, morality, and fostering a faith in God.” The four Szymanski children are Laker graduates. “The investment we made in their education has paid off for them,” she says.

Formed in 1971, the nonprofit Lake Michigan Catholic School Fund generates direct financial support for Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School and its predecessors. Independent from the diocese, parishes and schools, the Fund is a 501c3 nonprofit that exists to advance Catholic education in St. Joseph, MI.

For more information about the Fund, please contact Angela Bell, Advancement Services Manager, at abell@lmclakers.org or 260-403-6142. Donations can be made at https://www.lmcadvancement.org/donate.

One of Michigan’s top high school choices is right here in St. Joseph. According to rankings released by education platform Niche, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is among the state’s 10 best Catholic high schools, and in the top 25 of all Michigan private high schools.

The all-star teaching staff at Our Lady of the Lake is a key component of the school’s success. All meet certification requirements and hold bachelor’s degrees, and nearly 40% of have also earned their master’s degree. With a comfortable 10:1 student-to-teacher ratio, “Teachers are able to connect individually with every student to help them reach their unique potential,” shares Middle/High School Principal James White.

The school’s college readiness and Advanced Placement (AP) pathway is unrivaled in Southwest Michigan. Students select from a full complement of nine college-level AP courses covering every content area. “Our teachers are brilliant. And we’ve focused a lot of development time in crafting an AP program that sets students up for success,” shares White. An incredible 67% of students in grades 9-12 took at least one AP test in 2022. “For the first time in school history, we had a freshman score a five on the test and 62% of test-takers scored a three or higher on the exam, which earns the student college credit,” says White.

A well-rounded, classical Catholic education is blended with innovative programs and opportunities to create the unique Laker experience. Lakers enjoy an array of extracurricular activities that complement classroom instruction, including the school’s newly approved Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Chapter, which advances student learning and prepares them for careers in business, marketing, hospitality and more.

State-of-the-art technology sets the school apart from any other school in the area. In the Monte Global Trading and Finance Lab, advanced technologies complement business and finance classes, including realistic trading simulations using StockTrak software. Students also use a mixed reality platform called ZSpace, where they can maneuver and interact with virtual 3D models as they study human anatomy, physics and more.

The school’s ultimate impact is reflected in its graduates. Last year, every graduate was college bound. The Class of 2022 collectively received over $1.2 million in merit scholarships and began their post-secondary education having already earned an average of 4.5 college credits via AP and dual-enrollment options.

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School is a private pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade school accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accreditation Association. Our Lady of the Lake provides an exceptional academic experience by focusing on Education, Faith and Citizenship. Learn more at OurLadyCatholicSchool.com. Families interested in a quality, faith-based education can call to schedule a tour: 269.429.0227 for pre-school through 5^th grade; 269.983.2511 for 6^th through12^th grade.

October 11, 2022
Seven Pillars Update

Dear Laker Family:

Over the course of the school year, I'd like to provide updates about ways in which we are implementing the "Seven Pillar" plan.  Today, I'd like to share a few things regarding school governance.  As I have shared with you in previous communications, how a school is governed is an essential factor for Catholic School families.
  
At the beginning of the school year, I sent the Laker community a document that listed the responsibilities of the Canonical Pastor, the Superintendent, the Principals, and the teachers.  Defining those areas of responsibility is key to understanding how our school governance works. 
Over time, we hope to implement a President model.  We are ready anytime to begin this; it is a matter of funds to be able to begin a search and carry forth his/her responsibilities.  As I said before, his/her responsibilities are being shared by the Canonical Pastor, the Principals, and the Director of Enrollment Management.
Perhaps the most significant move in clarifying and strengthening our school governance model has been the restructuring of our school board.  This Local Consultative Advisory Board (LCAB) will no longer be called the "CCEC," to be aligned with guidelines laid forth by the Diocese of Kalamazoo.  

In brief, the LCAB (which informally can be called the School Board) has been restructured.  The by-laws of the Board have been reworked to be aligned with the Diocese and to better serve the needs of our school.  This year, the members of the Board from last year are remaining on the Board, but the terms have now been "staggered" beginning next year which will leave room for new members annually.  As we get closer to the end of the school year, I will explain how individuals can "apply" to serve on the Board.

In the coming days, the Bylaws and structure will be posted on our website for everyone to review.  The Board will be meeting every other month, and those dates will be announced by the Board executive committee.  In the alternate months, four permanent committees will meet.  Those committees are: Finance, Academic Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion, and Enrollment Management.

In addition to restructuring our Board, the principals have been reworking governance within the school.  Staff meetings have been restructured.  For example, in the Elementary School (South Campus), staff meetings are restructured to have a specific purpose each week with monthly rotations to address data-driven instruction, PLC, school accreditation/improvement and information. The Middle School/High School (Downtown Campus) has made similar changes to make staff meetings more effective.

There have been specific improvements in academic affairs, the Theology/Campus Ministry department, and Enrollment Management areas.  The Business office has now moved into the Morlock Center.

While I recognize the points above are very general, I simply wanted to make you aware that we are making progress in each of the Seven Pillars.  The principals and I will continue to send summarized updates, and more detailed information will be provided as well.  These are exciting and busy days!  Thanks very much for your support of our school and being part of this transformational time.

Fr. John Fleckenstein
 

November 21, 2022
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, one of our most treasured national holidays, we have the opportunity to turn our attention away from all the problems of the world, so that we can pause to realize how blessed we truly are, and to give thanks to God for His abundant blessings. Thanksgiving urges us to take a much-needed break from the things that trouble us so that we can say “thank you” to those people, and for those things, that bring us joy and peace in spite of the challenges we face. 

Among those challenges is the growing and strident divisiveness over abortion and all human life issues. In addition, we can easily be overwhelmed by the political and social issues that confront us, including racism, political divisions, inflation, wars in Ukraine and other parts of the world, the increased suffering of those most in need, and all the economic problems that cause everyone so much fear and anxiety these days. 

And yet, when we pause and reflect, we have so much for which to be grateful.  Most importantly, we give thanks for the gift of our faith, and in particular for Jesus’ Resurrection, which gives us the reason to live always in hope.

For us as Catholics, our reasons for thanksgiving are celebrated regularly every time we come together for the Holy Eucharist (whose name comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving, “ευχαριστία “). We are invited to give heartfelt thanks for the gift of life itself, for our parents and families, for the love that we share with spouses and children, for our friends, for our freedom as Americans, for our material possessions, for our intellectual gifts and talents, and for much, much more.

On Thanksgiving Day, we are invited to say a special “thank you” to God for our vocation as missionary disciples of Jesus, as we accompany the people we love, the people we work with, our neighbors—and even strangers and people we dislike—along our journey of faith. Gratitude is a powerful virtue. It opens our hearts to the healing power of God’s grace. It helps us look beyond our own selfish wants and fears to the gifts we receive from others and to the opportunities to share with others, and to return thanks to God, for all that He has generously given to us.

This Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to God for the precious gift of human life, and to make reparation for any times we have individually, or that our society has collectively, abused that precious gift.  Let us offer prayers of gratitude for all the people in our lives who have shared their gifts with us. Let us say prayers of contrition for our sins, and then ask for the grace to forgive those who have harmed us in any way.

Healing and wholeness come about when our hearts are clean and when we can praise and give thanks to God, the Source of all our blessings. It is with this sense of abundant gratitude that I invite you to enter the new Liturgical Year about to begin the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 27th.   As we begin the Season of Advent may we do so with gratitude for the gift of our faith.  May this new Church year help us to prepare our hearts and minds as we continue “waiting in joyful hope” for all the ways Our Lord wants to come to us.

I thank God for all of you—clergy, religious, and lay faithful in our beloved Diocese of Kalamazoo. May God be praised always for His goodness to us! And may we have the serenity, wisdom and courage to look beyond life’s challenges, and be humbled and grateful for all God’s abundant blessings. 

Happy Thanksgiving, and may you have a hope-filled Advent Season!

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley
Bishop of Kalamazoo

Please click her to view his letter dated November 11th.

November 8, 2022 (Kalamazoo, Mich.): The Most Rev. Paul J. Bradley has released the following announcement after yesterday’s passing of Prop 3:

“Today I join with my brother Bishops from around the State of Michigan as we have received the news of the passing of the extreme ‘Proposal 3’ with great sadness and disappointment. The Michigan State Constitution has been amended to now allow for unrestricted abortions, a violation of parental rights, and the availability of numerous inappropriate reproductive procedures. In spite of this lamentable situation, we must not lose hope. Instead, we must continue our defense of the unborn; we must continue to work tirelessly to support pregnant women, new mothers, and families in need; and we must advocate for a respect for life from conception to natural death, and at every point along the life spectrum.

We must especially support legislation that protects those most vulnerable and pray fervently for a change of heart in our State, so that we can soon regain our reputation as a State that holds each person as precious and worthy of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, no matter how vulnerable or at what stage of their existence they may be. I am forever grateful to all who worked tirelessly and prayed unceasingly to defeat this Proposal, with a promise that we will do all that we can to repeal it as soon as possible. 

May our Loving and Merciful God forgive our sins and guide us to live our lives in His ways.”
 

October 27, 2022:  Bishop Paul J. Bradley released the following statement today regarding the release of the investigative report from the Michigan Attorney General office on the Diocese of Marquette.

“Today the Attorney General’s office released the first diocesan report of the investigation they initiated more than four years ago of the seven arch/dioceses in the state of Michigan. First, we hold steadfast in our prayers for all victims of clergy abuse as well as those who may be impacted with painful memories by these reports. 

“On behalf of our diocese, I reaffirm our commitment to working with the Attorney General’s Office as it nears its completion of our diocesan report. Our diocese also continues in our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our precious children and all our Faithful people. This includes our adherence to all current policies and procedures, including conducting background checks for clergy and for any lay person who has any association with children in our Church.  Our local extensive efforts to provide safe environments has included the training of more than 18,000 people since 2002 which includes all clergy, diocesan and parish employees and volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults to recognize predatory behavior.

“With God’s grace and guidance, we will continue in our unceasing efforts to protect all God’s People

For More Information Click Here.

The full Attorney General's report can be found here. 

A brief overview of the Attorney General's report can be found here. 

Please click here to view his letter.  

Being Made New in God’s Redeeming Love Heart of Christ, renew Your priests in Your love. Help them to devote themselves more deeply to building up Your Body, the Church, so that we may all become one in Your life and love. Let Your Holy Spirit rekindle the “fire of your love” within our priests. Help them to “set the world on fire” through the faithful practice of their priestly ministry. May we support and encourage our priests with our prayer as they strive to be good, holy, compassionate, and inspiring pastors for us who are entrusted to their care. May we grow to be faithful and joyful witnesses to Your presence in our world. With your Word of blessing, help all our families to encourage each other to respond to Your invitation to “Follow Me” in our unique vocations. Help many more young men respond to Your call to serve Your Church in priestly ministry for our diocese. Loving and merciful God, since the beginning of time, You have been “making all things new”. Call our world back to You. Deepen our faith. Renew our priests. And guide our entire diocese, priests and people, through this life, and into the everlasting life of heaven. May we proclaim with all our hearts: “You are my Lord and my God,” as You renew us in Your life-giving love, now and forever. Amen.

As Bishop Bradley writes in his letter dated September 14, 2022:

To See Bishop Bradley's full Letter to the Faithful dated September 14, 2022 click here.