Sister in Rome: 'The prevailing spirit is tremendous joy.'

ROME - Sister Yvonne Mary Loucks, RSM, of the Diocese of Saginaw has traveled to Rome for the beatification of Servant of God John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1.

She reports: "The day in Rome was chilly and rainy, but the spirits of thousands of pilgrims are on fire with excitement and tremendous joy in gathering to celebrate the beatification of one who has led the world into a new faith and love. All day people came from all parts of the world. At this moment 200,000 people are gathered in Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman arena, to celebrate the life of John Paul II. The street in front of St. Peter's called Via Conciliazione if filled with many persons who have bunked down for the night, wanting to be close to the Piazza when morning comes so that when the gates open, they can run in. While the people here represent the entire world, unfortunately a world at war, there are no fights, no disagreements, no problems at all. The prevailing spirit is tremendous joy. It is as though John Paul II is providing us a glimpse of what the world can be. We met a group of United States seminarians who are studying at the North American College, with their musical instruments in front of St. Peter's leading many English speaking pilgrims in hymns and prayers. We felt proud to be American. It is a great privilege to be here, and

we carry you and your intentions in our hearts."

Sister: 'We took time to spend an hour in Adoration at a small church near St. Peter's that holds the World Youth Day Cross'

ROME - Sister Yvonne Mary Loucks, RSM, of the Diocese of Saginaw has traveled to Rome for the beatification of Servant of God John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1.

"This is our second day in Rome and pilgrims are filling the streets and places around the Vatican. There is a tremendous spirit of joy in the air. The Polish Catholic Cultural Society has displayed a very large presentation of the life of Pope John Paul. Thousands of people passed through it today on the opening day. We went through it and spent time walking around St. Peter's. The spirit is very festive. In the afternoon we took time to spend an hour in Adoration at a small church near St. Peter's that holds the World Youth Day Cross. This cross was presented to the youth of the world by Pope John Paul in 1984. Here is what he said at the time: 'My dear young people, at the conclusion of this Holy Year, I entrust to you the sign of this Jubilee Year: the Cross of Christ! Carry it throughout the whole world as a symbol of Christ's love for humanity, and announce to everyone that only in the death and resurrection of Christ can we find salvation and redemption!'. Twenty-seven years have passed, and that cross has been carried to nearly every country in the world! This is clearly a universal Church celebration, and we are so grateful to be here."

Throughout the next week, Sister Yvonne Mary will be sharing information and photos from the beatification right here on DoS News.

Sister: 'There are pilgrims gathering from all over the world and the excitement is high'

ROME - Sister Yvonne Mary Loucks, RSM, arrived in Rome at noon today. She traveled to Rome from Saginaw for the beatification of Servant of God John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1.

She reports, "The streets are crowded with people and there are posters everywhere with Pope John Paul's picture and the sayings, 'Open wide the doors to Christ' and 'Do Not Be Afraid', two of his most famous sayings. There are pilgrims gathering from all over the world and the excitement is high. There are two million people expected to be here by Saturday. It is our great privilege to be pilgrims from the Diocese of Saginaw among all of those who have come to celebrate Pope John Paul. We take all of your intentions with us to this deeply spiritual time."

Throughout the next week, Sister Yvonne Mary will be sharing information and photos from the beatification right here on DoS News.

Statement on Preservation of Michigan EITC, More than $100 Million in Tax Credits for the Poor

LANSING (MCC) – Michigan Catholic Conference released the following statement today following the adoption of a general revision to the income tax code by the House Tax Policy Committee, which will allocate some $105 million to the poor in Michigan through a $25 per child refundable Earned Income Tax Credit and an increased Homestead Property Tax Credit for those earning less than $20,000 per year. The comments below may be attributed to Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Tom Hickson:

“While preserving the EITC in its entirety was a tough task due to Michigan’s tremendous fiscal difficulties, the fact that this committee has allocated over $100 million to the poor by preserving a portion of the EITC and increasing the Homestead credit is a step in the right direction.

"Michigan Catholic Conference applauds the Democrats and Republicans, especially State Representative Jud Gilbert, chairman of the House Tax Policy Committee, who worked diligently to prevent the state EITC from being eliminated. While it is unfortunate that amendments to restore funding for EITC were unsuccessful, the Conference now urges the full House of Representatives to follow the committee’s lead to protect a portion of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit.

“From the start of this legislative session, and for several years beforehand, Michigan Catholic Conference sought to make the case that the state EITC does more to move low-income families and their children out of poverty than any other policy. The Conference is grateful to those who accepted our message. Over the last five years Michigan Catholic Conference has engaged elected officials, conducted news conferences, participated in editorial board meetings, appeared on radio interviews, released statements, and composed op/ed pieces for major daily newspapers urging legislators and the public to stand for the working poor and their families by protecting the EITC.

“While this legislation preserves only a small portion of the original twenty percent state credit, the Conference will continue to advocate on behalf of low-income workers now and in the future to ensure as many families as possible continue to rise above the poverty line. Ensuring over $100 million in tax benefits for the poor is a good start.”

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

DoS Religious sister who worked for John Paul II travels to Rome for beatification, will share updates

(IN TO THE PHOTO: Pope John Paul II and Sister Yvonne Mary Loucks RSM in 1993)

Sister Yvonne Mary Loucks, RSM, left today for a pilgrimage to Rome for the beatification of Servant of God John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1.

“I look back at the years in which I was privileged to work for Pope John Paul as very spiritually formative for me and I will always be grateful for what I learned while working there,” Sister Yvonne Mary said. “I pray that my present work for the Church in my own home town will be enriched by what I learned there and I am grateful that the Lord has sent me to serve His beloved people in the Diocese of Saginaw.”

Sister Yvonne Mary spent 13 years in the Secretary of State office at the Vatican and was responsible for managing correspondence that came to the Holy Father from the United States. She also wrote letters on his behalf. She has an album with several photos of her and both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.

During the next week, Sister Yvonne Mary will be sharing information and photos from the beatification right here on the DoS new blog.

Bishop's reflection for Easter

MCC: Lansing Update

Governor’s Tax Plan Modified to Include Partial Restoration of EITC

Low-income workers with children who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) would also receive a $25 per child refundable state EITC under a plan announced this week. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, Governor Snyder’s point person on tax matters, disclosed to the House Tax Policy Committee during a hearing that a compromise has been struck to retain a portion of the credit that benefits low-income workers.

Michigan Catholic Conference has made preserving the state EITC its top priority this legislative session, and last week the seven diocesan bishops in the state urged preservation of the credit in a letter written to the governor and legislators calling for greater attention to the needs of the poor in the budget debate.

Michigan’s current EITC is 20 percent of the federal credit. Proposals to eliminate the credit were announced early this year by both the administration and the House majority caucus. Under the compromise unveiled by Lt. Gov. Calley this week, the $25 per child state EITC would accompany an increased Homestead Property Tax Credit for those earning under $20,000 per year. Combined, the diminished EITC and the increased Homestead credit would amount to over $100 million in the budget for the poor that was not in the original proposal.

Michigan Catholic Conference has stated that the diminished EITC is a “step in the right direction” and will continue to advocate for an increased credit in the future.

Senate Human Services Budget Passes Out of Appropriations Committee

The State Senate’s version of the Department of Human Services (DHS) budget passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee this week with amended language sought by the Conference. The budget now awaits consideration from the full Senate.

Michigan Catholic Conference has long been a supporter of the Children’s Clothing Allowance policy, which provides approximately $79 to parents with children enrolled in the Family Independence Program to purchase new clothes for the school year. The policy was created by former Governor John Engler in the mid-1990s when the state’s General Assistance program was reformed.

The Senate’s budget cut $200,000 from the $12.8 million annual line item and, rather than passing the funds to the parents through a state check, the committee has created a “Clothing Purchase Card” that would be used to buy clothes. The original language allowed for the card to be used at Salvation Army, Goodwill and Volunteers of America. The Conference urged the legislation to be amended to allow for the cards to be used at faith-based retail stores as well, such as St. Vincent de Paul. The committee approved the amendment, and also included language to allow other retail stores to enter into an agreement with the state so the cards could be used at any retailer wishing to participate in the policy.

It is likely that the department’s budget will be ironed out in a conference committee as there are several points of difference between the House version and the Senate version of the DHS budget.

See Photos from the Chrism Mass

Bishop meets with local media to discuss last week's pastoral announcements

Following a number of interview requests — about the letter/video message that accompanied this year’s pastoral and clerical assignments — Bishop Cistone met with local media following the Chrism Mass today to respond to their questions.

Bishop: ‘Holy Week is a time to renew commitment to the Lord’

SAGINAW – At Palm Sunday Mass, the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, encouraged the faithful who were gathered — and the entire Catholic community — to ask God for the grace to remain faithful.

“Holy Week is a time to renew our commitment to the Lord,” said Bishop Cistone.

Bishop Cistone will celebrate the liturgies of Holy Week at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., in Saginaw. His schedule is as follows:

10:30 a.m., Tuesday: Chrism Mass
7 p.m., Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
1 p.m., Friday: Celebration of the Lord’s Passion
9 p.m., Saturday: Mass, The Easter Vigil
10 a.m., April 24: Mass, Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord

The days between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are known as HOLY WEEK in the Catholic tradition. It is during this week that Christian people recall the Passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus.

At the CHRISM MASS, the holy oils which will be used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick will be blessed by Bishop Cistone and distributed to representatives of the 105 parish communities within the Diocese of Saginaw. The priests of the Diocese will concelebrate the Mass with Bishop Cistone and make a renewal of their priestly vows.

On HOLY THURSDAY, we remember, in a special way, the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper – the First Mass in the Catholic tradition. During the Mass, Bishop Cistone will wash the feet of 12 parishioners, recalling the way Jesus washed the feet of the 12 Disciples at that meal.

On GOOD FRIDAY, we remember the crucifixion and death of Our Lord as we gather to venerate the cross and hear the Gospel account of Christ’s Passion.

The EASTER VIGIL is a joyful night-watch by Christians who have gathered to celebrate the most important feast in the life of the Church – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead. The vigil begins outdoors with the blessing of the Easter fire. It is during the Vigil, that nearly 250 people in the Diocese of Saginaw and thousands more around the world will join the Church as they are baptized, confirmed and receive their first Eucharist.

On EASTER SUNDAY we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus as we hear the Gospel account of the encounter of the first Christians with Our Risen Lord and his empty tomb.

Throughout Lent, Bishop Cistone has offered weekly reflections that focus on prayer and Christian living, with special attention to the abundant graces of God. Bishop Cistone will offer his final reflection in this series on Easter Monday. It will be available on the diocesan website, Saginaw.org.

Bishop's reflection for Holy Week

All Saints Central students unveil 'Finding Home'; will be featured by local media

Bay City—All Saints Central high school students look at copies of “Finding Home,” the newly produced CD they created, with members of the school's music ministry team, to benefit the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. The box containing the CDs arrived at the school on Wednesday.

All of the music on the CD, including background arrangements, was composed by students. In addition, students penned original poetry and read testimonials written by guests of Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.

Sales will continue throughout the year, but students are hoping to sell as many copies as possible before facing-off against Nouvel Catholic Central in the third annual “Hoops for the Homeless” basketball game at 7 p.m. on April 15 at Delta Community College.

The two Catholic high schools are competing to see who can raise more money for the homeless. The event raised more than $18,000 in its first two years, and all funds go to support the work of the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City and the City Rescue Mission of Saginaw.

“Finding Home” is on sale for $10 at Regina Caeli religious store in downtown Bay City. It also is available at All Saints; and plans are underway to sell it at schools and parishes in the community.

The proceeds will benefit the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission at a time of year when donations are typically down, but needs usually go up.

The students were interviewed for a story to appear in The Bay City Times and will be featured on ABC12’s, “Good Kids” segment this Friday between 5:50-6:00p.m.

Click here for photos.

Bishops Highlight Protecting the Poor, Fiscal Responsibility as Moral Criteria of Budget Debate

WASHINGTON (USCCB) — The federal budget should protect human life and dignity, make the poor a top priority and promote the common good of all during tough economic times, said the U.S. bishops who oversee foreign and domestic policy on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The moral measure of this budget debate is not which party wins or which powerful interests prevail, but rather how those who are jobless, hungry, homeless or poor are treated, Their voices are too often missing in these debates, but they have the most compelling moral claim on our consciences and our common resources,” wrote Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of Albany, New York, and Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California in their April 13 letter.

Bishop Hubbard and Bishop Blaire chair the USCCB Committees on International Justice and Peace and Domestic Justice and Human Development, respectively.

“A just framework for future budgets cannot rely on disproportionate cuts in essential services to poor persons,” the bishops wrote. “It requires shared sacrifice by all, including raising adequate revenues, eliminating unnecessary military and other spending, and addressing the long-term costs of health insurance and retirement programs fairly.”

The bishops also expressed their gratitude that the FY 2011 budget, which is scheduled for a vote this week, expands funding for the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Fund, restores the ban on congressionally appropriated funds for abortion in the District of Columbia, and that spending cuts to programs that serve the poor are significantly less than originally proposed.

The bishops also offered a framework of three moral criteria that could guide budgetary decisions: “1. Every budget decision should be assessed by whether it protects or threatens human life and dignity. 2. A central moral measure of any budget proposal is how it affects “the least of these” (Matthew 25). The needs of those who are hungry and homeless, without work or in poverty should come first. 3. Government and other institutions have a shared responsibility to promote the common good of all, especially ordinary workers and families who struggle to live in dignity in difficult economic times.”

The bishops wrote, “In light of growing deficits, Congress faces difficult choices about how to balance needs and resources and allocate burdens and sacrifices. We welcome the efforts of those who have offered serious plans and encourage other leaders to do the same. These choices are economic, political, and moral. This important national discussion requires wise bipartisan leadership, clear priorities, and moral clarity.”

The full text of the letter is available online: www.usccb.org/sdwp/2012-Budget-Letter-to-House-04-13-11.pdf

Michigan Bishops Call for Greater Attention to Poor and Unemployed in State Budget Debate

LANSING (MCC) - On Monday, April 11, a letter signed by the seven diocesan bishops of Michigan was delivered to Governor Snyder, Democrat and Republican legislative leaders, as well as every member of the Legislature in an effort to urge Michigan's elected leaders to pay greater attention the needs of the poor and vulnerable population of this state. Continue reading Michigan Bishops Call for Greater Attention to Poor and Unemployed in State Budget Debate…

Pastoral Assignments

The Most Rev.Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, has announced the following clerical and parish assignments, effective July 1, 2011:

Senior Priest Status (Retired)

• Father James M. Fitzpatrick, Pastor, Resurrection of the Lord Parish, Standish.
  
  
• Father Emmett L. Marceau, Pastor, St. Helen Parish, Saginaw.
  
  
• Father Wolfgang Streichardt, Pastor, St. Cyril Parish, Bannister.

Pastors

• Father Richard Bokinskie, to Pastor, St. Cyril Parish, Bannister. Father Bokinskie will remain as Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Chesaning, and St. Michael Parish, Oakley.
  
  
• Father Robert J. DeLand, from Pastor, St. James Parish, Bay City, to Pastor, St. Agnes Parish, Freeland.
  
  
• Father William J. Gruden, from Pastor, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Reese, and St. Norbert Parish, Munger, to Pastor, St. James Parish, Bay City.
  
  
• Father John Mancini, OSFS, to Pastor, St. Christopher Parish, Bridgeport. Father Mancini will remain as Pastor of Ss. Simon & Jude Parish, Saginaw.
  
  
• Father Patrick C. O’Connor, from Pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Essexville, to Pastor, St. Brigid of Kildare Parish, Midland.
  
  
• Father William J. Rutkowski, to Pastor, St. Henry / St. Charles Parish, Rosebush-Leaton, and St. Anne Parish, Edenville and St. Philip Neri Parish, Coleman. Father Rutkowski will remain as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, Clare.
  
  
• Father Prentice A. Tipton, Jr., from Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Merrill, and St. Patrick Parish, Ryan, to Pastor, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Reese, and St. Norbert Parish, Munger. Father Tipton will reside at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Reese.
  
  
• Father Ronald F. Wagner, to Pastor, St. Helen Parish, Saginaw. Father Wagner will remain as Pastor of St. Andrew Parish, Saginaw.

Parochial Administrators

• Father Christopher M. Coman, from Administrator, St. Denis Parish, Lexington, and St. Patrick Parish, Croswell, to Parochial Administrator, Resurrection of the Lord Parish, Standish.
  
  
• Father Craig Carolan, from the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, to Parochial Administrator, Sacred Heart Parish, Merrill, and St. Patrick Parish, Ryan. Father Carolan is a native son of Gagetown.
  
  
• Father Ricky M. Varner, from Parochial Administrator Pro Tem, St. Agnes Parish, Freeland, to Parochial Administrator, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Essexville, and Sacramental Minister for St. Joseph Parish, Bay City.

Parochial Vicars

• Father Daniel E. Roa, from Parochial Vicar, St. Michael Parish, Port Austin, to Parochial Vicar, St. Helen Parish and St. Andrew Parish, Saginaw, and Sacramental Minister to Holy Family Parish, with primary responsibility to St. Andrew Parish, Saginaw. Father Roa will reside at Holy Family Church.
  
  
• Father Christian F. Tabares, from Parochial Vicar, St. Stanislaus Parish, Bay City, to Parochial Vicar, St. Cecilia Parish, Clare, St. Anne Parish, Edenville, St. Philip Neri Parish, Coleman, and St. Henry / St. Charles Parish, Rosebush–Leaton, with primary responsibility to St. Henry / St. Charles Parish, Rosebush–Leaton. Father Tabares will reside at St. Philip Church, Coleman. Father Raymond Moeggenberg will provide Sacramental Ministry to these parishes.

Newly Ordained

• Father Edwin C. Dwyer, to Parochial Vicar, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Midland. Father Dwyer also will assist Father Steven Gavit in ministry to Nouvel Catholic Central High School and Saginaw Valley State University Newman Apostolate.
  
  
• Father Nathan E. Harburg, to Parochial Vicar, St. Michael Parish, Port Austin, and St. Mary / St. Edward Parish, Kinde.
  
  
• Father J. Marcel Portelli, to Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Chesaning, St. Michael Parish, Oakley, and St. Cyril Parish, Bannister, with primary responsibility to St. Cyril Parish. Father Portelli will reside at St. Cyril Parish.
  
  
• Father Robert P. Schikora, to Parochial Administrator, St. Denis Parish, Lexington, and St. Patrick Parish, Croswell. Father Shikora will reside at St. Denis Parish.

Part-Time Ministry

• Father Thai Hung Nguyen, to Part-time Sacramental Ministry.

Pastoral Administrators

• Sister Ellen Rinke, IHM, from Pastoral Administrator, St. Christopher Parish, Bridgeport, to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, Vassar.

Retirements

• Sister Mary Ellen McDonald, OP, Pastoral Administrator, St. Anne, Edenville and St. Philip Neri, Coleman.
  
  
• Deacon Aloysius Oliver, Pastoral Administrator, St. Brigid of Kildare, Midland.
  
  
• Lynn Trudell, Pastoral Administrator, St. Henry/St. Charles Parish, Rosebush-Leaton.

Renewal of Terms

Priests

• Father John R. Johnson, Pastor of Ss.Peter & Paul Parish, Saginaw, renewed for 3 years.
  
• Father James G. Heller, Pastor of St. Stephen Parish, Saginaw, renewed for 1 year.
  
  
• Father Edward J. Konieczka, Pastor of St. Hyacinth Parish, Bay City, renewed for 1 year.
  
  
• Father John Mancini, OSFS, Pastor of Ss. Simon & Jude Parish, Saginaw, renewed for 3 years.
  
  
• Father Joseph K. Miller, Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Nine Mile and Sacramental Minister for St. Michael Parish, Pinconning, renewed for 1 year.
  
  
• Father Dale A. Orlik, Pastor of St. Boniface Parish, Bay City and Sacramental Minister for St. Joseph Parish, Bay City, renewed for 1 year.
  
  
• Father David L. Parsch, Pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, Shields, renewed for 1 year.
  
  
• Father John S. Sarge, Pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Bridgeport, and Sacred Heart Parish, Birch Run, renewed for 1 year.

Pastoral Administrators

• Sister Christine Gretka, CSJ. Pastor Administrator of St. John the Baptist Parish, Carrollton, renewed for 3 years.
  
  
• Ms. Carol Hale, Pastoral Administrator of St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Ithaca and St. Martin de Porres Parish, Perrinton, renewed for 3 years.

Bishop's reflection for the 5th week of Lent

Bishop accepts check for seminarian education

This week, Dan Fitzpatrick presented a $4,000 check for seminarian education to Bishop Cistone. The money was collected during the recent diocesan men’s conference in Bay City. Bishop Cistone celebrated Mass for an estimated 450 men who attended the conference, “Respond to a Higher Calling in Jesus Christ: Being a Man after God’s Own Heart.”

Visit The Catholic Weekly for a full report on the men's conference.

Click here to view photos from the men's conference.

‘Finding Home’: All Saints Students Produce Original CD to Benefit the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission

BAY CITY — What started out as a “good idea” nearly one year ago has become a full-length CD to benefit the local Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.

Students at All Saints Central High School recently finished production of “Finding Home,” a 30-minute CD that is a compilation of original music, poetry and testimonials meant to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness in the community and highlight the work of the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.

“Our music ministry club met over the course of several weekends to write the music and lyrics,” said Maribeth Hopps, campus minister at All Saints Central. “Music is very important to these young people. The students are gifted and want to share their talents to benefit others.”

All of the music on the CD, including background arrangements, was composed by students. In addition, students penned original poetry and read testimonials written by guests of Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.

“The passion these students have for helping the homeless and the energy they have put into this project is outstanding,” said Marlene Ayotte Sajdak, development associate for the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. “All Saints Central students and faculty, as well as all the schools in the (Bay Area Catholic Schools) system, support Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in big ways throughout the year. We are truly grateful for their help with fundraising and promoting awareness of homelessness in our area.”

“Finding Home” is on sale for $10 at Regina Caeli religious store in downtown Bay City. It also is available at All Saints; and plans are underway to sell it at schools and parishes in the community. The proceeds will benefit the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission at a time of year when donations are typically down, but needs usually go up.

“It was amazing to watch the students grow throughout this project,” Hopps said. “The day we went to the studio to record the music we also had lunch at the mission. The students got to meet one of the guests whose testimonial they read on the CD, it was very impactful.”

All Saints students hope their CD will help them raise money for the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission right away, as they are engaged in a friendly fundraising competition with students from Nouvel Catholic Central High School in Saginaw Township.

The two Catholic high schools are competing to see who can raise more money for the homeless before facing-off in the third annual “Hoops for the Homeless” basketball game at 7 p.m. on April 15 at Delta Community College. The event raised more than $18,000 in its first two years, and all funds go to support the work of the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission in Bay City and the City Rescue Mission of Saginaw.

“Finding Home” was produced by Reed Recording Studio in Bay City, which is owned by Andy Reed, a 1995 graduate of All Saints Central. Graphic designs were created by Alyssa Hopps, a 2004 graduate. The alumni donated their time to this project.

Sr. Maureen Donovan, SC is named 2011 Bishop Murphy Award Winner

BAY CITY — The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, announced today that Sister Maureen Donovan of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, will be the recipient of the 2011 Bishop Murphy Award.

Bishop Cistone will present the award during the Bishop’s Charity Ball on April 29 at the Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw Township. The award is presented annually to a person who, through the example of their life, fulfills Jesus’ mandate to promote and pass on our faith.

“Sister Maureen has dedicated her entire life to passing on the faith,” said Bishop Cistone. “She has spent decades serving St. James School and Parish in Bay City, in her role as principal, teacher and director of religious education and also in her extraordinary outreach to the community. I am very grateful that Sister Maureen

answered God’s call to religious life and that she has used her vocation to live and bear witness to the gospel of Christ in s

uch a generous and loving way.”

Sister Maureen arrived at St. James Parish in 1967. In addition to her formal roles as principal, teacher and director of religious education, she also has served the community through many parish ministries including Christian service commission, food pantry, and parish council. Sister Maureen served on the Board of Catholic Family Service as well as numerous local and diocesan-wide educational committees, assisting with revisions, mergers and consolidations of education programs.

One of nine children, Sister Maureen Donovan entered the Sisters of Charity as Florence Theresa Donovan. She professed her final vows in 1950, received a bachelor’s degree at the College of Mt. St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a master’s degree from the University of Detroit. Prior to arriving in Bay City to serve on the St. James School staff, she taught in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fayette, Ohio, Royal Oak, Mich, Pueblo, Colo., and Jackson, Mich.

The Bishop Murphy Award is named in honor of the first ordinary of the Diocese of Saginaw, the Most Rev. William F. Murphy. Past Recipients of the award include: Dr. Donald Campbell (2010), Archbishop Robert J. Carlson (2009), Sr. Corinne Weiss, SJ (2008), and Stanley Krajkowski (2007).

Bishop's reflection for the 4th week of Lent