November 27, 2023
Dear Friends,
This Wednesday, November 29, is the Franciscan Order’s commemoration of All the Saints of the Seraphic (Franciscan) Order—the “Franciscan All Saints’ Day.” It is my understanding that the Franciscan Family with its three orders has the largest number of canonized saints of any family or charism in the Catholic Church. We will observe the normal hours at St. Joseph Chapel (400 South Blvd. West, Pontiac, MI 48341) with door open & Exposition at 10:30 am, Confessions at 11:00 am and Mass at Noon. We will pray the Franciscan Rosary (the “Franciscan Crown” with its 7 Joyful Mysteries) after Mass. A light reception will follow the Crown.
First Friday and First Saturday fall this week on December 1 and December 2, respectively.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception falls on Friday, December 8. We will be open with a Noon Mass. The Immaculate Conception and Christmas are the 2 Holy Days of Obligation of the 6 Holy Days (Mary, Mother of God, the Ascension, the Assumption, All Saints) that are ALWAYS OBLIGATORY in these United States even when they fall on a Monday or Saturday. Also, Holy Days of Obligation should be observed like Sundays—attending Mass is the bare minimum. (More in another email on this!)
To communicate with me, please DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL but email me directly at [email protected] or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. All Saints of the Franciscan Order, and Mary, Queen of the Franciscan Order, pray for us!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries