St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church
The Distinction

Over a year ago, I stumbled across a Christian website with a Q&A feature. The question that caught my eye – and made me feel a bit queasy – was, “How can Catholics call themselves Christians?” The instructor replied that, well, Catholics do believe in Christ. (Did you KNOW that people are surprised by that? How must you and I personally make our faith more evident?)  He then added his opinion that the major divergence between Catholics and other Christian faiths is in what we believe about the conditions of our salvation: that Catholics believe that both faith and good works are necessary for salvation, whereas other Christians believe that only faith is needed.

You’ve responded in a big way to the call for Haiti relief funds. For the weekend of 1/24 you donated $12,391 for the relief efforts. Donations are still coming in and we will extend the donation period through this weekend ending 1/31. We will then send the funds to the Catholic Relief Services, earmarked to be used for Haiti relief only. They are now at the phase of the operations where rescue of trapped people is no longer the focus but has shifted to burying the dead and starting to get some type of organization and shelter for the survivors. As I watched the news reports with great interest, I couldn’t help but wonder if the news crews were helping with the rescue efforts or just shooting film and getting pictures…and of course I have to ask the question of where are they now? Keep in mind that as Haiti disappears from the headlines, we can’t let it and the people disappear from our prayers. I feel the real big work is yet to come; it’s easier to save a life than it is to sustain it long term.

MARCH FOR LIFE - Twenty St. Anastasia parishioners (parents and kids) and I hopped on one of six buses a week ago Thursday evening here in Troy and drove all night to our nation’s capital. We arrived at about 7 a.m. at the Verizon Center (like our Palace) and attended a youth rally and Mass.

Please come to the 40 Days for Life Spring/Lenten 2010 Campaign Kick-Off  on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the National Shrine of the Little Flower (12 Mile and Woodward). Learn about the amazing 40 Days for Life grassroots effort to help end the tragedy of abortion.  Guest speakers to encourage us include Archbishop Allen Vigneron (Archdiocese of Detroit) and Suffragan Bishop D. L. Bradley (Bethlehem Apostolic Temple).

This evening could open hearts to the call of the Gospel of Life and prepare us for the next 40 days of prayer and fasting for the unborn and their parents.

Immediately following the program, we will gather in Shrine’s Heritage Hall for refreshments, fellowship, and an opportunity to sign up for prayer hours at the clinic of your choice.  Looking forward to seeing YOU on February 16!  For more information, please contact: Barb Yagley 248-703-3577.

“Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death;don’t stand back and let them die. Don’t try to disclaim responsibility by saying you didn’t know about it. For God, Who knows all hearts, knows yours, and He knows you knew! And He will reward everyone according to his deeds.”

Proverbs 24:11-12

We had a square of cement replaced in-front of the Administrative Center; one whole side of it was heaving and creating a safety issue that already saw one of our seniors trip.  Thank God they were not hurt.  You can do cement work in the winter provided the temperature is not too drastic.  You mix Chloride in with the cement and it allows the cement to dry without the water in the mix freezing.  We had our “cement guy” do it for us, the same person that did the handicapped ramp.  He charged us $320.00 complete…a bargain.

Sister Kay Allberry had some surgery recently and is fully immersed the process of recuperating. She would be so glad to receive a note of encouragement and cheer from you. You may bring any notes or cards to the parish office; we will send them on to her.

The St. Joe’s Workshop ministry at St. Anastasia parish is designed to assist the unemployed and ‘under-employed’ in their efforts to find meaningful employment.

Support Group

St. Anastasia has a Catholic spiritual support group for re-employment seekers. We meet the second Friday of each month from 1-2 PM in Meeting Room E of the Administrative Center. Expansion is a possibility. This group is for adults and any spouses coping with job loss, sharing and discovering new ideas to help and encourage each other. Led by Maria Elena Pace. Please call 248-689-8380, ext. 108, with any questions.

Education and Networking Group

Our education and networking group meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month in rooms 106/109 of the Pastoral Center, from 7-9 PM. All are welcome to come explore job seeking techniques, discuss progress, and make connections. The group will not meet on April 8. If you have any questions, please contact Jack Witt at 248.229.8669 or Marian Bart at 248-689-8380, ext. 108.

Website

Our St. Joe’s Workshop website is now more useful and current than ever before. Check it out!

Join us for this 7-week program for which includes a video series, discussion groups, and time to share experiences and feelings.  Angela Mazur, Therapist, will facilitate.  One of the sessions will have a special speaker to provide answers about the process of annulments.  Meetings will be on Thursdays at 7 PM in Rooms 103/105 of the Pastoral Center, beginning February 4.  There is a $15 fee to cover the expense of the books, but if you cannot cover the cost, please call Marian Bart at 248-689-8380, ex. 108, to make confidential arrangements.

God With Us:  Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas
by  Scott Cairns, Fr. Richard Neuhaus, Emilie Griffin, Kathleen Norris, Eugene Peterson, and Luci Shaw
Editor:  Gregory Wolfe

This wonderful book of daily meditations from the beginning of Advent through the Epiphany includes daily mediations, scripture and prayer accompanied by pictures of beautiful artwork – it was easy to find 30 minutes a day to reflect on each meditation.  When we find ourselves tugged at by the many distractions the days before Christmas hold, this book is an oasis – a reminder of the real meaning of Christmas, the real meaning of the Incarnation – God is with us!

…is in the garden; the color of winter is in the imagination! What better way to feel warm than to plan a garden for the summer – one that will nourish you, body and soul. Planting season will be here soon, so to get started here are some suggestions of books to help you plan your garden:

Guide to Michigan Vegetable Gardening by James A. Fizzell

The Vegetable Gardner’s Bible by Edward C. Smith

And for the kids:

Kids in the Garden: Growing Plants for Food & Fun by Elizabeth McCorquodale

Ready, Set, Grow! Kids Guide to Gardening by Rebecca Spohn

Please remember to plan on planting extra for our Victory Garden program!  Even one simple tomato or squash plant can make a real difference!  If you are interested in helping or want more information please contact Marian Bart at 248-689-8380 or Pam Pipas at 248-879-9917.