St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church
TroyCAN

Troy-area Interfaith Group recently endorsed an important initiative in Troy: the Troy Career Assistance Network (CAN), a group including the City of Troy, Troy Chamber of Commerce, the Troy School District and dozens of other organizations joining to work “together to facilitate the education and/or employment success of the adult learner in Troy”. They asked for TIG support in a number of ways: Helping get the Success Navigator (the org. services directory) out to others; provide information to TroyCAN of any resources or programs any of our Houses of Worship (HoW) provide for the unemployed or underemployed. They are here to help you. please reach out and use this TroyCAN free of charge service.

St. Anastasia Business Manager

St. Anastasia Youth Minister

D. Todd Williamson

Few Gospel accounts are as  powerful as the story of the Roman Centurion who has heard of Jesus and his great deeds. The Centurion seeks out Jesus to help him, for his servant is paralyzed and suffering. Of course, Jesus agrees and offers to come to the Centurion’s home to cure the servant. In faith, the Centurion utters these powerful words: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed” (Matthew 8:8, NRSV; see also Luke 7:6).

August 13-14

If you have a Youth Bible you would like to donate we are delivering to those teens in need of the “Word”. Vista Maria has served children from Southeast Michigan, helping them overcome past hardships and recover from histories of abuse, neglect and other traumas.  Today, Vista Maria is the largest not for profit child welfare agency.   Please help us fill their intake bag with a Youth Version Bible (gently used  accepted and appreciated).  Collection will take place in the narthex.

Please consider taking a tag from the trees in the Narthex. Children from St. Scholastica and St. Bartholomew are seeking schools supplies. Without our help they would go without. Please turn in items by July 19. Thank You!

Daniel Merz, SLL

One of the more interesting changes in the revised translation of The Roman Missal occurs in the Creed, where a word that few would use conversationally occurs. In the second paragraph of the Creed, the phrase “consubstantial with the Father” will replace “one in Being with the Father.” Some may wonder why such an unfamiliar word needs to be used. On the other hand, it may just as easily be asked, whether we understand the phrase, “one in Being with the Father”?  Both options attempt to put into words one of the great mysteries of our faith, that Jesus Christ is equal to the Father. The use of the term “consubstantial” has been carefully considered before being chosen. Admittedly, the term carries some complexities with it. But the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments recommended its use with good reason. Let’s look at the word more closely.

In March of 2004, just before graduating from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing, I experienced a re-conversion. After a Mass with healing prayer after it, at St. Lawrence in Utica on March 17^th of that year, I had asked my mother, Agnes, and Fr. Art Cooney, OFM Cap. to pray over me. I was “baptized in the Spirit,” meaning that the Holy Spirit renewed and re-invigorated within me my (until then) dormant faith, and “unwrapped” the gifts I had received at baptism and confirmation. From that moment on, and of course through reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I became faithful to Christ and His Church.

Too Much of a Good Thing…? 
Last week I began my article with the statement that “change is good.” With Fr. Eric coming and both Fr. Mark and Deacon Franz (our business manager) having gone, we have some adjusting to do. Well, I found out this week that we get to adjust a little more. Our youth minister, David Graves is also heading in new directions. He is  getting used to change since he just got married, but also he accepted an exciting new job in medical marketing. We have been blessed, not only since Dave is an excellent Youth Minister, but also because it is not uncommon to have a quick turnover in that position. Dave was one of my first hires (a month after I arrived as pastor), so we have not only had some consistency, but a faith filled man to lead our teens. Don’t worry too much; you will still see his smiling face. He will not be leaving us totally, since he is a parishioner. Toss in some prayers for him, as well as me, since I have to stack that position onto my other interview list.

Rome / Assisi / Florence / Orvieto

February 7-16, 2012    $3,799 from Detroit

Fr.  J.J. Mech invites you to experience the wonder and beauty of Italy, the font of our faith.  Be led by famed Catholic author and guide Steve Ray through the holy history, majestic art, and fabulous shopping in these unique cities!  Stroll the same streets that Sts. Peter, Paul, Francis, and Clare walked. Celebrate private Masses with Fr. J.J. in a different sacred space each day. Make precious memories to last into eternity!

Want to know more about this exciting opportunity to grow in your faith and spend time with our dynamic pastor?  Read this 4-page document about the pilgrimage for all the details!

My dear friends in Christ, it is with mixed emotions that I inform you that I will be leaving St. Anastasia as your Business Manager as of Thursday, July 7^th for an opportunity in the business world. My 2+ years here with you have been a blessing and at times a challenge. We’ve been through some interesting issues and situations, and I thank you for letting me serve you. Many things come to mind when I reflect on those 2 years, but what sticks out the most is what a faith-filled community St. Anastasia is. I’ve said many times that St. Anastasia is one of the jewels of the Archdiocese…not just physical plant-wise but parishioner-wise as well. But your greatest asset is  Father J.J. I’m not just blowing smoke because I’m leaving…but if you could all see the hours this man puts in, his pastoral mindset, and his genuine devotion to God 24/7 and you the parishioners, you would realize that he is a very     special and unique priest. Why do you think they keep sending newly ordained here to learn under him—he is the model of what a priest should be—actually what a man should be. Cherish him and love him as he does you.  He is so very proud of St. Anastasia and all of you parishioners. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, or will ever have to do is to leave Father JJ…he has been an inspiration and a friend to me and I will continue to count him among my “special friends”. 

May God bless you all……I remain humbly yours, Franz Hoffer