It’s time for the M.I. Drive. This campaign, often referred to as the “Tootsie Roll Drive” is really a “Campaign for People with Intellectual Disabilities” The nickname is due to the nature of the fundraiser, in which Knights distribute candy bars, very often specially marked Tootsie Rolls in exchange for donations used to support programs geared to improve the Quality of Life for people with Disabilities, in particular, Special Olympics. So please, if you happen to see our Men & Women Members and Volunteers out on Palm Sunday weekend please find it in your hearts to donate.
You’d like to help us “in the field”?? That’s fantastic. Let us know when and where you can help – click HERE.
What’s that you say? You’d like to donate to this special event directly without all the added bother of finding us around town, please click on the Tootsie Roll below.
Thank you for all the support over the years. The money we collect goes to fund programs for folks with disabilities at the Romeo Parks and Recreation center. Here’s a link to the current brochure, the Knights are mentioned multiple times.
When you support us, you support the important programs at Romeo Washington Bruce Parks and Recreation.
We all do this at some level, right? When the new year comes, we make commitments or resolutions to change our life. We resolve to lose weight, to do something new, or any other hope or desire that we have. And, it is well documented now, that many of these resolutions come and go by the time February arrives.
Our renewal as Knights of Columbus is not tied to the change of a calendar, but rather to moments of sacredness Through water and fire, we are claimed by Jesus Christ in our baptism and then are confirmed and sealed in that faith through the Holy Spirit in our confirmation. In marriage, man and woman become one and they are changed. The sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacred moment to receive God’s forgiveness and absolution, where we are called over and over to be renewed and we recommit to our Gospel way of life. And our sacramental life is fulfilled at the altar of the Lord, where the Eucharist is the renewable sacrament of baptism, where we affirm that Christ is Lord with our reception of the Eucharist and our response of “Amen.”
As your chaplain and brother knight, I want to not only challenge you, but also accompany you in this year to grow in your relationship to Jesus Christ and His Church. The calendar that our worthy Grand Knight John Swan put together has already highlighted a few events that you can attend, but throughout this year, there will be other opportunities to personally enrich your faith. Br. Steve Kropp is committed to working with us at Capuchin Retreat Center to provide a day of pilgrimage to the Solanus Casey Center. During Lent, we will provide a meal and reflection on Wednesday evenings. I am committed to providing accessible opportunities, along with some unique ones, to grow deeper in your faith. This is something we’re called to do as Knights, as Catholics, and as brothers of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t have to be because it’s a new year, it can be just because we need to experience that renewal in ourselves.
At the time of Pentecost, Peter preached to the people about the glory of Jesus Christ and his promise of salvation. The first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles is St. Peter’s evangelization, after being filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.”
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
With 2024 upon us, and it being another year where we need to remain close to God in the midst of everything that is happening in our world, we have the opportunity to not merely make a resolution but to be moved towards conversion once again. Personally, I am working this year to be more available to offer the sacraments in Arabic. Your goals don’t have to be as lofty, but they should stretch you and mold you into a better Catholic and a better man for the world.
Together, we can bring in the new year by building up the best versions of ourselves, united with Christ.
Sincerely Yours in Christ
Fr. Vito Martinez, OFM Cap. Director – Capuchin Retreat Center Chaplain, Council #7018
Wow, another super time. This party is always special. We do so many programs through the year, none of it would be possible without the support and encouragement of our wives. John and Donna Swan did a fantastic job as hosts for this years gathering.
Family of the Year: Sandy and Mark DiPaola Lady of the Year, Jill Skeen Knight of the Year, Brian O’Curran 🙄
Special Thanks to: Rick at Capital Banquet Center in Romeo for the fabulous food and Wayward Wind for an evening of great dance music.
Next year, Marcel and the MagicTones are going to have to come up with a musical number to entertain the assembled crowd. We got the jackets, now we just need a song or two to go with it.
We’ll need a new ride. I’m thinking something like this….
It’s safe to say, Santa does not disappoint. I think this year was busier than previous years. Thanks to Santa and all the parents who brought their kids. I heard a few ask for puppies… so, prepare for that!
K of C District 12 Men’s Day of Prayer and Reflection at the Capuchin Retreat Center, Saturday, November 18, 2023. Led by Fr. Julius Milton & Fr. Vito Martinez
Please RSVP by Nov 9th
9:00 AM – Registration and Arrival with Continental Breakfast (coffee, tea, pastries) 9:30 AM – Welcome & Conference #1 10:30 AM – Small group discussion with a coffee break 11:00 AM – Larger group sharing & Conference #2 12:00 Noon – Lunch 1:00 PM – Conference #3 2:00 PM – Confession and Fellowship 4:00 PM – Mass & Eucharistic Celebration 5:00 PM – Departure
Interested? Fantastic. Purchase your ticket below. The cost is $77.50 for the day. The ticket is $75 and we’re asking for another $2.50 to cover the transaction fees.
9 Days for Life is a novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life. We are starting this Novena on Oct 16th.
The daily prayers are available as webpages and PDF files, and the full novena is available as a PDF or Microsoft Word file.
Sunday October 9th, 2022, from 11:30 am until 4 PM.
Dinner includes: Golabki, Pierogi, Kielbasa, Sauerkraut, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Vegetables, Bread and Butter, Dill Pickle and Chicken Soups, Coffee, Tea and Desserts. Minimum Donation is Adults $15.00 and Children (under 12) $6.00.
Carry Out Orders are available.
Day of the event: Buy tickets at the door, cash or major credit card.
Anytime: Pre-buy Tickets on our website anytime – Click the button below.
The 7th Annual Bike for Life will be on Saturday, August 13. 2022 in Romeo. All the details for individual, team, and group registrations are in the downloadable pledge form at the bottom of this page.
If you can ride, please do so – register here. If not, please consider pledging money to the St Clement of Rome Knights of Columbus team.
The button above takes you to our general donations page. Please enter in any amount you’d like. A donation would be wonderful. We may, or may not, also need bail money. So, give what you can. 😁
Thank you for your support. Below is the crew from last year.
9 Days for Life is an annual novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.
Participants can download the novena or sign up to receive the daily prayers via email or text message.
Resources are available to promote and share the novena in your parish, school, or ministry! Click the image below.
Within days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Knights in Poland delivered much-needed supplies
In the early morning hours of March 1, a truck filled with more than $60,000 worth of humanitarian aid collected by Knights in Poland made its way to Lviv in western Ukraine. As part of an Orderwide effort to provide relief to those displaced by the Russian invasion, Polish Knights have also established “mercy huts” at the border to provide food, water, and warmth for refugees, as well as a housing network for those arriving to Poland.
The supplies delivered to Ukraine — including medicine, generators, sleeping bags, warm clothing and other necessities — were collected by K of C councils throughout Poland and brought to regional sites in Radom, Kraków and Tomaszów Lubelski. The items were then shipped and loaded onto a single 18-wheeler — dubbed the “Solidarity Shuttle” — in Tomaszów Lubelski and departed for Lviv Feb. 28. Local Knights in Ukraine received the delivery and coordinated with an “Anti-Crisis Committee,” established by the Archdiocese of Lviv, to distribute the much-needed supplies. Leaders of the Knights of Columbus in Ukraine, including the state deputy, state secretary and a district deputy, are currently serving on the committee.
Here at St Clement, we are doing our part. We will donate all the proceeds from the Lenten Cross Sale to the humanitarian efforts on behalf of the Ukrainian people. Additionally, you may contribute directly via our website.
Prayer Pilgrimages presents Seven Detroit Area Historic Churches & Shrines Specially Decorated During the Christmas Season. I’ve wanted to go on one of these for a long time. This time, it actually worked out. We ended up with 2 full bus loads of people. It wasn’t exactly a “mass mob” but it was absolutely a good time. If you’d like to be put on the distribution list, contact Michael Semaan, Pilgrimage Coordinator (248) 250-6005, email, website. We’ll be promoting the next one at St Clement. Maybe we can get a full St Clement bus together.
Our first stop was Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, 4440 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207 website,Facebook. This might be the most beautiful testament to God I’ve ever seen. I’m sure this would give the cathedrals of Europe a run for there money. The place was absolutely breathtaking.
Stop # 2, St Joseph Shrine, 1828 Jay St, Detroit, MI 48207 website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. I fell in love with this place a couple years ago. I was on my way downtown for a meeting. I was running slightly ahead of schedule and I thought, “I’m going to just stop and see if I can see inside.” I parked and walked up to the door – fully expecting it to be locked up tight. In my utter amazement, the door opened and I walked into heaven. Up on the altar some people we singing, unamplified, but still easily heard. I sat in one of the last rows for a long time hoping I wouldn’t be noticed. The Canons were singing prayers in a totally empty church, save for me.
Thus began my fascination with St Jospeh. If you’ve never attended the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass there, you should. The place is supernatural. When you go, spend a minute with the St Joseph statue (the first picture.) The first time I really looked at it, I swore St Joseph was looking right at me. Try it, see for yourself.
Stop # 3, St. Hedwig Catholic Church 3245 Junction Ave, Detroit, MI 48210, website, Facebook. One of my favorite shots of the day was the stained glass window depicting our Blessed Mother.
Stop # 4, Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit 1000 St Anne St, Detroit, MI 48216, website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube. Another of the grand cathedrals of Detroit. This place is spectacular. I tried to go in and see it a few weeks ago and was denied. I even went to the parish office and was told it’s not possible. I could come back 7 hours later for Mass if I was so inclined.
They could learn a lesson on welcoming pilgrims from St Jospeh Shrine. Anyway, it was worth the wait. Check out the vending machine in the narthex. It’s not for beverages, it’s for votive candles. What a great idea.
Stop # 5, St Florian Catholic Church, 2626 Poland St, Hamtramck, MI 48212, website, Facebook.
Stop # 6, National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica 2100 Twelve Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
The final stop, #7, Our Lady Of Czestochowa Church, 3100 18 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, website, Facebook
Another fantastic Ladies Appreciation Party. After taking a year off last year, we are back at it. The food was great, the company was – of course – fantastic. Aside from honoring our wives, we also recognize people who’ve contributed to the cause. This year we singled out some outstanding contributors.
Knight of the year Dan O’Brian Family of the year Alan And Christine Lady of the Year Andrea Betka
Thanks to everyone that helped organize for this yearly event.
Another great event with Santa showing up to hear everyone’s wants and desires for presents under the tree. Feel free to share/download/use these pictures as you’d like.
What can we learn from the Word Made Flesh? What implications does the Incarnation have for our lives? How do we conform ourselves to the “Incarnate, God man, Jesus? How can we make our prayer “Incarnational”?
Join us on Thursday November 18 at 7:00 p.m. for an Advent Reflection led by David Seitz, OFS from Tau Ministries. This talk will inspire you to do as Jesus did in His human nature, making the Kingdom of Heaven a reality on Earth.
Mr Seitz has an extensive ministry with speaking engagements, books, podcasts and blogs. Click the image below to learn more.
It’s that time of year, we’re having our annual Ladies Appreciation Night event. Without the goodwill and support of our wives, this Council (or really any Council) couldn’t be successful. December 9th, 6 pm, Capital Banquet on 31 Mile Road. We usually all attend the 5pm Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at St Clement and then head over.
We are asking for a $30 per person donation this year to offset the cost of this event. Click HERE and buy your tickets before the event. We’d very much like to NOT collect money at the door the night of the event.
If you’d like to attend but don’t have the money, we get it, it’s been a challenging year for many of us. Call Mark and he’ll work it out – confidentially – with you.
On Tuesday Nov 9th, I had the priveledge of attending the dedication of the updated and rennovated kitchen at Rising Stars Academy in Warren. The Knights of Columbus have been active in it’s support of Rising Stars for many years.
Don Campbell was a charter member of our Council. Back in the day, when we were a young struggling Council, Don organized a Casino Bus Trip as a fund raiser. Later, his son-in-law Mark Prentiss joined. Mark and his wife, Don’s daughter, Debbie founded Rising Stars. From that point on, all the proceeds of our Bus Trip are donated to further their good works.
Below, State Deputy Walter Winkle discusses the original grant from the State Council and offers an additional $10,000. Later, Joe Suminski, PGK and District Deputy #124 offers Debbie the proceeds from this falls Casino Bus Trip.
All of Don’s children were present for the dedication.
From Left to Right, Debbie Prentiss, Dan Campbell, Diane Williams, Don Campbell, Mary Ann Rivers and Donna Seales.
For more information on Rising Stars Academy, go to thier website here.
If you’re ever in the area, stop in and shop their awesome bakery.
23855 Lawrence Avenue Center Line, MI 48015 (586) 806-6455
To organize common fundraising activities for the Knights of Columbus Councils and Assemblies in the Detroit Archdiocese in support of Vocations.
Who we are
The Detroit Archdiocesan Vocations League or DAVL began in 1982. Membership is voluntary, there are no dues. Our common interest in supporting Vocations binds us together. Through our combined fundraiser events the DAVL has given back to the participating K of C Councils an average of $15,000 a year.
What we do
There are four major events held every year.
DAVL Dinner, held in the Spring
Raffle, held in late spring to early summer
Golf Outing, held in September
Memorial Mass and Breakfast, held in November
Councils who participate earn points for levels of participation and the money raised is given back to the Knights of Columbus Councils proportionately with the expectation to be used to support a seminarian or postulant through the RSVP program.
We need YOU!
The cost of an education can be quite high and our seminarians and postulants need our help. The RSVP program helps the seminarians and postulants directly with no restrictions on spending the money donated. Past seminarians have told us the money came in handy for: dental work, car repairs, clothing, daily expenses among other things.
By joining and becoming active in the DAVL you can help us grow both in membership and our fundraising efforts and as a result more seminarians and postulants can be helped.
Detroit Archdiocesan Vocations League P O Box 380763 Clinton Twp, MI 48038
Meetings fourth Thursday of the month 7:30 at John F.Kennedy Council 5460 33320 Kelly Rd. Clinton Twp, MI 48035
Contact:
davl@mikofc.org Chairman: Jeff Gapczynski
Vice Chairman: Robert Garstka Treasurer: Larry Pitruzello
Another perfect evening for a meeting. Thanks to Greg for the food afterwards. John Swan, Knight of the Month (February) and Greg Knight of the Month (June.) Also note the newly replaced tabernacle. It’s beautiful again, a fitting place for Our Lord.
You may have noticed we didn’t hold our annual Ladies Appreciation Evening during Christmas. Like so many other events, we got canceled because of COVID. Because Christmas seems so far off, let’s get together with a picnic. It’ll be fun. June 6th starting at 2 pm. We’ll set up behind the church (in our usual spot) We have a tent, a band, hotdogs, hamburgers and even a hospitality suite.
Help us out and please let us know if you are planning on attending – and, if so – how many in your family. The more the merrier. This is a family event so, please bring everyone.
If you don’t have an email or if you have questions, please call me at 586-255-5350. Thanks, Brian.
A Knights of Columbus Fraternal Benefits Seminar Featuring: Award-Winning Author and Speaker Tom Hegna, CLU, ChFC, CASL
Thinking about retirement? Award-winning author, speaker and economist – Tom Hegna – will be joining agents from The Borrelli, Huard & Wesley Agencies to present a free webinar for members and guests. Tom has been dubbed by many as “The Retirement Income Expert” and will be sharing his 7 steps to a secure retirement.
Did you know that the Knights of Columbus is a Fortune 1000 company, and that Catholic families have an exclusive opportunity to protect their financial futures and plan their retirement with the help of the Knights?
In addition to being the strong, Catholic and charitable organization that you know and love, the Knights of Columbus is one of the largest life insurance companies in North America, and has helped hundreds of thousands of Catholic families just like yours ensure their financial future.
The story goes as a young boy and his grandfather walking down the beach. A big storm had come in the day before and there were hundreds and hundreds of sand-dollars washed up and starting to die in the sun.
As they walked, the grandfather would stop from time to time, reach down, pick up a sand dollar and throw it into the ocean. Finally, the little boy asked, “Grandfather, why are you throwing them back in?” and his grandfather replied, “So that they will live.”
The little boy thought for a minute and said, “But grandfather, there are so many of them! What possible difference can it make?” And the grandfather, reaching down and tossing another one back into the ocean, said, “To that one, it will make all of the difference in the world.“
Isn’t that how life is? We rarely see the ripples of the grace that come from our good works. We hope, we have faith, we strive but, we don’t really know – do we? We like to think we’re making a difference in the world, in the parish, in the community but, often it’s not immediately apparent. Tonight I’m happy to share a concrete example of our works saving a baby from the horrors of abortion.
Our council, with 4 other councils and help from the K of C State Council, purchased an ultrasound machine for Compassion Pregnancy in Clinton Township. It was very expensive. We all continue to budget $1,000 per council per year to help with the maintenance and upgrades to that machine. Our prayer was this machine would be a tool to dissuade parents from choosing abortion once they saw their baby in full 3-D colour. I’m happy to report this evening that we helped save a life this week.
Please see the email from Gary Kopp (our District Deputy) to the five Grand Knights of the participating Councils. So, if anyone asks, please tell them you are a defender of the Holy Innocents and you have saved one life this week. Meanwhile, the mindless slaughter continues in this country at Planned Parenthood. Every Saturday, it’s estimated 10,000 children are murdered. Every Saturday, ten thousand children. For those children (and their parents) keep praying your rosaries. For this one child, thank our generous God for a life to live. To this one, it’ll make all the difference.
Keep showing up, keep working Brothers. We are making the difference.
With all best wishes, I am
Sincerely Yours in Christ
Brian M O’Curran Financial Secretary Knights of Columbus #7018 St. Clement of Rome, Romeo, MI
——– Original message ——–
From: Gary Kopp
Date: 3/1/21 2:22 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Eddie Sachs, Gary Bates, Mark DiPaola, Mark Kovasity
Cc: Tom Weisner, Cliff Wasmund, Walter Winkle
Subject: Compassion Pregnancy Center
I just go off the phone with Sue Nellis, Director of Compassion Pregnancy Center.
I feel compelled to share her story:
A young couple came into the center, unsure of their pregnancy. Using the UltraSound Machine we purchased for the center, the scan was performed.
Utilizing the 3D probe and the resolution of the machine, the scan showed a baby and heartbeat about 7 weeks old.
The decision to not abort was made on the spot.
Brothers, take pride in the work that you do, and the lives that you save. This is our Right to Life Program.
PGK Joe and his lovely wife Susan Suminski along with Kathy and her lovely husband Paul Wierbicki had a wonderful idea. Let’s build Lenten Crosses for people to display in their front yards for Lent. Brilliant. Joe and Karrie Illner got busy and developed an assembly-line Henry Ford would be proud of. Here’s a picture of proud papa Karrie and his creation – the cross, not the assembly line. It’s like seeing Henry Ford standing by a Model A – right?
These beautiful crosses are for sale. They’re made of the best pine and lovingly stained in English Chestnut. Each stands 48′ tall with a 24″ cross arm. A rebar stake is included. That stake slips over a 1/2 inch PCV pipe mounted on the back of the cross. Included with each cross are two drapes, one white and one purple.
We are asking for a minimum donation of $25 per cross. Crosses will be made available at St Clement for pickup.
********** Thank you for everyone who purchased a ham for 2021 Easter. We’ll be back next year.
**********
The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Dearborn Ham Sale. These delicious 8-pound hams are only $40. All profits go to the K of C Vocations Fund. These Dearborn Famous Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham (Half) arrive just in time for Easter. Deadline for orders is Sunday, March 21. Pick up after 1 on March 29th.
Dearborn’s Famous Glazed Spiral Sliced Ham is slow-cooked and smoked for up to 24 hours. Dearborn has the perfect ham for your Easter gathering. Find out why this Ham is renowned locally and beyond.
How Do the Knights Use the Vocations Fund?
These young people have all answered the call to their vocations. The Knights make direct monetary gifts to each to defer the cost of their tuition or other expenses. Additionally, we participate in funding a $1 million endowment to Sacred Heart Major Seminary. This endowment will allow candidates to say “yes” and not have to worry about the expenses. These and many other programs support vocations to religious life. When you support the Knights of Columbus, you are supporting the future of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
If you’d like to order a ham with a check or cash, please download the order form HERE. Return it to the St Clement Office during their normal office hours.
St Clement of Rome K of C Dearborn Ham Fundraiser 343 S Main St Romeo, MI 48065
Deadline for orders is Sunday, March 21
Hams will be available for pickup at St. Clements after 1:00 PM on Monday, March 29th
This weekend the Knights will be out in the community selling Tootsie Rolls. The proceeds go right back to support programs in this community. Please help us give to programs to support people with intellectual disabilities. Click the image above to donate. Thank you.
The Tilson Street event needs at least 9 people every night. On the weekend, a few more are needed. Please consider helping us out. The Tilson Street event is a chance for us to continue to fund programs in the parish and community. With dinners and most of our other fund raisers canceled this year, these few nights are a change for us to make up some ground.
St Clement is proud to participate in Father John Riccardo’s call for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting. On September 24th 2020, St Clement will observe the World Day of Prayer and Fasting. Brother Karrie Ilner and his lovely wife Jean are heading up this important spiritual day for our country, and the world in this trying time. Below you will find a quick video on our preparations and below that an agenda.
The following is a list of services that will be available for you to participate in.
Fasting for the day following the rules for fasting: light morning meal, light lunch meal, and then your evening meal be no larger than the 2 previous meals. Those that are over 60 are not obliged to fast.
Stations of the Cross outside or inside will be available throughout the day. Booklets will be accessible for you to use. Self paced, no set time.
Adoration in the church in pews with the reserved sign on them from 12:00 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Rosary to be said at 6:20 p.m.
Mass at 7:00 p.m. or Evening Prayers.
We are inviting all members of our Parish community to participate in this day of Fasting and Prayer in whatever capacity you feel most comfortable with.
Read why the Detroit -based non-profit apostolate ACTS XXIX are calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting September 24th.
Lincoln-Inspired Movement to Pray and Fast for God’s Mercy on the Country and the Healing and Conversion of Our Hearts
“Looking at all that’s happening in our country right now, it seems we’re in need of a lot of things… The real problem of American culture today is that our hearts are messed up. Only God can fix the human heart, and He loves doing that.
Fr John Riccardo
Fr. John Riccardo and the team of the Detroit-based non-profit apostolate ACTS XXIX are calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting on September 24. “Looking at all that’s happening in our country right now, it seems we’re in need of a lot of things,” says Fr. Riccardo. “Policy and law are crucial, to be sure. But as important as these are, they can’t fix the root problem. The real problem of American culture today is that our hearts are messed up. Only God can fix the human heart, and He loves doing that.”
Fr. Riccardo explains the idea for the entire nation devoting a single day to prayer and fasting grew out of the weekly podcast series produced by ACTS XXIX, You Were Born for This with Fr. John Riccardo. “We did an episode in mid-July about the need for courage in these times and the response was terrific.” He and the team began working on a follow-up instalment when several seemingly unrelated incidents converged to set the ACTS XXIX team on their present course.
That weekend at church, one of Sunday’s Readings was 1 Kings 3:5-12, which recounts the story of King Solomon asking God for wisdom as a leader. While meditating on the passage, Fr. Riccardo says he was taken in prayer to President Lincoln, whom he esteems as a Solomon-like leader, who embodied extraordinary courage and wisdom, which then led him to Lincoln’s three Presidential Proclamations from the 1860s calling for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting. “I was intrigued by the idea of the whole country participating together on one day. How momentous would that be to feel everybody’s knees hitting the ground at the same time.”
That same afternoon—and completely unawares—ACTS XXIX Associate Director Mary Guilfoyle reached out to Fr. Riccardo and other members of the team, sharing that she had felt called in her own reflections on the day’s Scriptures to pray and fast for the nation and urged that ACTS XXIX as an organization take the lead. “Clearly, the Holy Spirit was guiding us,” says Fr. Riccardo. Lincoln chose the last Thursday of September in his first proclamation, so Fr. Riccardo and the ACTS XXIX team decided to follow suit. This year the last Thursday of September falls on the 24th and that date, as it turns out, possesses additional significance. “There’s no feast day associated with September 24 in the Catholic liturgical calendar,” notes Fr. Riccardo, “but it used to be dedicated to Our Lady of Ransom.”
Fr. Riccardo explains that not only is this a day devoted to the Patroness of our country, but it’s also a day specifically focused on her role in our rescue and redemption. “Mary is the mother of the Redeemer,” he continues. “What does it mean to ransom someone? It meant to rescue a person, even at the cost of one’s life. That’s the message of the Gospel. So suddenly this initiative for a day of prayer and fasting for the nation is united to the story of our salvation.”
“This is not about politics or any particular social movement or even the November election,” Fr. Riccardo cautions. “This is about asking for God’s mercy on our nation and for the healing of our hearts—all of our hearts, starting with mine.” His hope is that the entire country, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and all people of goodwill, would set September 24 aside as a true holy day, forego food until dinner, and pray for the conversion of hearts.
“Let’s avoid spending money unless we absolutely have to, gather in our houses of worship, and take part in our most sacred religious practices,” Fr. Riccardo suggests. “For Catholics, that means getting in front of the Blessed Sacrament, participating in a Eucharistic procession, or celebrating Mass at the Hour of Mercy.” Fr. Riccardo and the ACTS XXIX team encourages everyone to put September 24 on their calendar, spread the word on social media, and “ask God for what only God can do.”
In the end, Fr. Riccardo turns to Scripture as the authority for an appeal to the country to fast and pray: “When God says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that if His people humble themselves and pray, He will heal their land, He’s making a promise.”
For more information about Fr. John Riccardo, ACTS XXIX, and their call for September 24 as a National Day of Prayer and Fasting visit ActsXXIX.org.
Please watch as Father John Riccardo tells us more.
Each mum comes in a 2 gallon pot. They are from Brohl’s Greenhouses a high quality local grower. This is us unloading the Mum Truck at St Clement in September of 2022. Look how beautiful they are.
This is an “action” shot from earlier in the summer as the mums were just getting started. Aren’t they cute?
These beautiful fall Mums are ready to be planted in your yard or just displayed out on the front porch. PLEASE NOTE: All mums can be picked up at St Clement Church in Romeo on Friday, September 15th 2023 from 4 am till 6 pm. All proceeds go to support vocations in the Archdiocese of Detroit. See our vocations page here.
If you’re going to buy mums anyway, please consider buying them from us. These are the same big-quality mums local retail stores are selling for $14.99. The picture below was taken outside Kroger’s on Aug 15th. Buy early, buy often!
Thank you for 2022. We look forward to seeing you next year right about this time.
