Dear Friends,
The spring 2022 pilgrimage to the Holy Land is cancelled. Although we were going to decide in January, various factors have led us to decide now. We will wait and see about the fall 2022 pilgrimage.
Out of the Christmas Appeal, we have made a modest tithe to enable the Catholic parish in Madaba, Jordan, St. John the Baptist Parish, to buy Bibles this Christmas for the schoolchildren of their parochial school.
Mass Intentions are always welcome (and greatly appreciated). Fr. Alex offers Holy Mass every day, even when the shrine is closed. Mass Intentions are one of the principle ways the shrine is sustained.
Please consider a “Renovation Donation” to help us reach our goal of $250,000 to upgrade our shrine infrastructure. The renovation consists of essentials like our parking lot, handicap ramp and front entrance—all in various forms of decay. If you have not received a Christmas Appeal or want an appeal letter mailed to someone, please let Fr. Alex know. As a volunteer-run organization that is not supported by the Archdiocese nor the Franciscans, we rely completely on our Heavenly Father’s providence and your donations. Donations can certainly be made next year too. THANK YOU to all of you who have already donated—we greatly appreciate it.
Upcoming events are listed below—all to take place in St. Joseph Chapel (400 South Blvd. West, Pontiac, MI 48341).
- (Dec. 23-30) SHRINE CLOSED: Christmas Break
- (Fri. Dec. 31) 5:00 pm Vigil Mass for Mary, Mother of God: This is Our Lady’s premier feast day.
- (Fri. Dec. 31) Midnight Praying of the FULL ROSARY
- (Sat. Jan. 1, 2022) Solemnity/Holy Day of Mary, Mother of God & First Saturday: Noon Mass
To communicate with me, email me at [email protected] or call/text me at (313) 727-9784. God bless you!
In Jesus, Mary & Joseph,
Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM
Spiritual Director of Terra Sancta Ministries