Some Thoughts on Labor Day

The first Monday in September is reserved as Labor Day. Recently, we have come to associate it with the unofficial end of summer and the resumption of the school-year. I think it is also good to remember the historical roots of Labor Day—a day set aside for us to reflect on the work that we do, since, over the course of our lives, we spend more time working than we do any other activity.

Until the last part of the 19th century, most people lived and worked on farms. The days were long and the pace of life was slower. The Industrial Revolution changed that. New farm machines meant that fewer farm jobs were available. Farm workers moved to cities and took low-paying factory jobs. They worked long days—sometimes 16 hours or more. Their jobs were dangerous because the machinery had few safeguards against accidents. Even children as young as six or seven were forced to work because wages were so low and families needed the income in order to survive. The labor union movement was born in response to these conditions. Unions gave workers a way to stand together to fight for decent wages, safer machinery and fair treatment.

The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York City in 1882. In its beginning, Labor Day was a day when workers called attention to their grievances. Eventually, though, the day became a national holiday, celebrated both in the United States and Canada. Other nations honor workers on other dates during the year.

Several popes of the last hundred years have written encyclicals—teaching letters—to speak about the dignity and rights of workers. The American bishops have issued a letter of their own about human labor—it’s called Economic Justice for All. As we celebrate this national holiday marking the dignity of all human labor, we pray particularly for dignified work for all—especially those who have the added responsibility of providing for families or loved ones.

Have a safe, restful and peaceful Labor Day!

 

The Sunday Evening Mass Returns!!

After a very restful summer vacation, the Sunday evening Mass will be back next Sunday, September 12, at 6:00 PM. Please join us. 

 

Welcome Back!

Join us after all the Masses the weekend of September 11 and 12 for social time to re-connect with friends after the summer months. With the busiest times of our parish life ahead, take some time to learn about the many ministries that are part of our parish, and then take the next step...and join in. That weekend will also have opportunities to register for the religious formation program for all ages, and much more. Please make plans to join us!

 

Low Gluten Hosts Available for Communion

Every few months, someone who has been diagnosed with celiac sprue (a sensitivity to the protein gluten) approaches me with questions about their options for receiving communion, since regular communion hosts are made from wheat flour, which contains gluten.

I am glad to let these folks know that we have special ultra-low gluten hosts available for them for communion. These hosts, perfected after much research by the Benedictine Sisters of Clyde, Missouri, contain 0.01% gluten and are approved for use by the U.S. bishops.

If you (or someone you love) has been diagnosed with celiac sprue and would like to receive communion using one of these ultra-low gluten hosts, please see me for additional information.

 

The Meijer “Simply Give” Program

Our parish food pantry was selected by Meijer to be a beneficiary of their Simply Give program. Simply Give, which is different from the Meijer Rewards program, works very easily. Pick up a Simply Give card (either in the checkout line at Meijer or there are some available at church). When checking out, the card will be scanned and a $10 donation will be added to your total. Keep the scanned card as your receipt. All funds collected through September 25 will be converted to a Meijer gift card for the food pantry, with which we can purchase a variety of needed items. In addition, the Meijer family will make a donation to the pantry.   Thanks for helping us to keep the shelves stocked to help feed local families.

 

New to DeWitt? New to our Parish Community?

This time of year normally sees a number of new families move into the DeWitt area. I’d like to offer my own personal welcome if you are new to our parish community or to DeWitt. I’m glad that you are here with us and hope that you find a welcome home here within our parish community.

In order to take advantage of many of the programs and ministries our parish offers and in order for those ministries to best serve you, please take a moment to register with the parish.

Parish registration is a simple process: you can see me after any of the Masses and I will be most happy to assist you. You can call Tina in our parish offices (517-669-8335 x 13). Or you can stop by the parish offices, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed at noon for lunch) to register in person. You can also download and print a parish registration form here, complete it, and drop it off at Mass or return it via mail to the parish offices. Also, don’t forget that our parish offices are located at 409 Wilson St., just a block south of Scott School, about 3/4 of a mile away from the church.

 

We hope you enjoy your visit and check back
      often to stay up to date on the life of our parish.

The online giving program continues to grow as families discover how easy and convenient it is for making your parish contributions. The process is very flexible and allows you complete control of your contributions while providing you the ability for immediate reporting of all your parish donations.