Hopefully you had a blessed week. It’s me, Fr. Tom, the new Administrator of St. Genevieve-St. Maurice Parish in Livonia…. hmm sounds very official, doesn’t it?! Ok, let’s start once again: It’s me, Fr. Tom, your brother in faith. It’s been a week and a half since I officially became responsible for this wonderful Catholic Community, and you know I still love it. I’m so very thankful for this undeserved privilege to be a part of this parish, and to be a part of your spiritual journey. I don’t feel like a stranger here, and I know that this is because of God’s grace, but it’s also because of your, and many other people’s, prayers. THANK YOU!
In a special way, I’d like to express my gratitude to Fr. Howard Vogan for his 22 years of dedication and faithful service for this parish. But, also for his warm heart and very positive spirit that he has blessed me with since the first time we met. I truly appreciate his support and help during the whole process of my transition. I promise to pray for Fr. Vogan individually and with all of you, and I’m really looking forward to the appreciation Mass when the whole COVID-19 pandemic is done. Father Howard, this church is your home and this community is your family!!!
My first weekend was very joyful and peaceful. It was so beautiful to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with you, to celebrate my first wedding in this parish (TJ and Lauren you are in my prayers, may God bless you always and everywhere), to have a welcoming lunch with our staff and a few representatives of the parish. For everything that I have received from you since I came, may God be praised.
A few things that I’d like to share with you right at the beginning of my ministry: Please remember that during this Pandemic time, every Friday after 9 am Mass we will have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church till 11 am. Are you are looking for confession? Starting Monday July 13th every day during the week, 30 minutes before mass I will be available in the chapel to hear your confession. On Saturdays, we will still have confession, but it will be from 3:30 pm till 4:30 pm. And of course, after every Mass we’ll pray the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. (You already know that prayer, don’t you?!) I think that for the first article for the bulletin this is enough!
May God bless all of you –
Fr. Tom
The Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do Thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl around the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.