HEART BEAT...The Heart Beat Page 5 God is doing in our heart, then we are doing everything wrong. Well, except for the Sacraments - we seem to be doing those just fine! But we have

W INTER 2018/19

Inside this issue:

Advent/Reconciliation Page 3

St. Vincent de Paul

Page 3

Knights of Columbus Page 4

Evangelization &

Discipleship Page 5

Family Faith Formation

Pages 6 & 7

IHM School Page 8

Jr. High and

High School Youth Page 9

Change of Heart Ministry

Page 10

The Hands of Mary Rosary Makers

Page 11

HEART BEAT Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 3815 South Cedar Street Lansing, Michigan 48910

In our Fall edition of the Heart Beat, I referred to the Diocesan Assembly “Made For Happiness” that was being held at the Breslin Center. The assembly which took place on Saturday September 22, began at St. Mary Cathedral where over 4000 men women and children led by Eucharistic presence of Jesus Christ, processed down Michigan Avenue to the Breslin Center. Over 300 IHM parishioners joined about 15,000 from the diocese for a day of celebration of our faith in Jesus Christ.

We began with Eucharistic adoration, followed by talks given by some nationally known speakers who were clearly on fire with their Catholic faith. Their talks are available on our parish website.

The day culminated with Holy Mass during which Bishop Boyea announced a Year of Prayer to help us form our parishes as communities of missionary disciples. A prayer card was handed out to those present at the assembly, and again in our parishes the following weekend. We now pray the prayer at each Sunday Mass. A copy of the prayer is available for download from our website. It includes some practical suggestions for additional prayers to carry you throughout the year.

The possibility of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ is still a bit uncomfortable for many Catholics. It’s one thing to be faithful to Sunday Mass and striving to live our faith on a daily basis. But the idea of sharing our faith with someone who doesn’t know Jesus can be a scary proposition.

My hope is that this year of prayer will open more of us to the grace of the Holy Spirit to enable us to share what we believe. There is a fruit from doing this. You will find that when you share your faith with others, it will grow stronger in you. You don’t have to have a degree in theology or philosophy. Share your experience of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Advent is upon us and Christmas is coming. It is a great time to celebrate God’s gift to humanity, Jesus Christ. Join me in giving thanks by telling someone else what this gift means for you. That could be the best Christmas gift that they will ever receive from you.

In Jesus Through Mary,

Sharing the Gift of Faith As Missionary Disciples

Our Mission Statement:

As a Christ-Centered and Spirit-led faith community,

fed by Word and Sacrament,

we bring the “Good News” of God’s love into all areas of our

lives, that we may lead others to

Christ.

Handing on the Faith with CDs Do you need a little inspiration in life? Are you feeling the need for some spiritual growth? Would you like to increase your knowledge of the mysteries of faith? BUT… you say, time is limited, and I don’t know where to start! A simple solution for beginning is available. Lighthouse Catholic Media CDs are available in the gathering space. Well-known Catholic speakers Scott Hahn, Jeff Cavins, Fr. Robert Baron, and Matthew Kelly to name just a few are featured. Some of the topics include Scripture, Church teaching, stories that inspire, and Advent and Christmas reflections.

Suggested donation for a CD is $3. Topics change frequently, so stop by the display often and yes they would make a great Christmas present for a family member or friend. Donations help cover the cost of the CDs and for future purchases, place money in the slot on the display.

Page 2

Welcome New Parishioners…

Eternal Life, Lord, grant to our Deceased...

Chad Hasenwinkle and Danielle Smith

Frank Carr

Melanie Ford

Cesar & Laura Nieto

Juan Cabrera, Sr.

Charles Fuller

Shirley Fuller

Marylinn Hudson

Judy Rittenburg

John Schafer

JoAnne Jahner

11-18-2018

Marriage...

Kaden Diamond

Asende Mukambilwa

Safari Nshizirungu

Alphonsine Gabriel

Micheline Mputu

Delphine Gabriel

Merci Sikabwe

Bukuru Jayden

Butoto Kayden

Mutoni Esther

Mugisha Bahati

Kaitlynne Joye Mooney

Kinley Viola Mooney

Kolton Dallas Mooney

Baptisms...

Immaculate Conception:

7 pm Friday, Dec. 7 9 am Sat., Dec. 8

Advent Reconciliation

Regional Services: Sunday, December 16:

2:00 pm

St. Gerard and

St. Thomas Aquinas

As part of our Advent journey of preparation, everyone is

encouraged to experience the sacrament of reconciliation.

IHM Reconciliation: Saturdays, 3:00 to 4:00 pm,

by appointment, or after 8 am weekday Masses (except Wednesdays)

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve:

4:30 pm (Church only)

7:00 pm (Family Liturgy)

11:00 pm (Carols begin at 10:30 pm)

Christmas Day:

10:00 am

Page 3 The Heart Beat

Midnight Mass Adult Choir: Have you considered being part of our Midnight Mass Adult Choir? Rehearsals for Midnight Mass 2018 begin Thursday, December 6th, and continue on the following Thursdays (December 13th and 20th). All rehearsals will be in the church and begin at 7 pm. The choir traditionally sings on Epiphany Sunday as well (January 6th, 2019, most likely 9:30 Mass). New members (ninth grade and above) are welcome to participate in this event but are required to attend all rehearsals. Please mark your calendars for these dates. Further questions may be directed to Dave Wiseman, 393-3030 (extension 230).

IHM African Community welcomes new members to the Body of Christ

On September 30, 2018, Ascendi Mukambilwa and Safari Nshizirungu received the sacraments of Baptism and First Eucharist. Asende Mukambilwa, Safari Nshizirungu, Alphonsine Gabriel, and children: Micheline Mputu, Delphine Gabriel, Merci Sikabwe, Bukuru Jayden, Butoto Kayden, Mutoni Esther, Mugisha Bahati, received the sacrament of Baptism. Noela Pendeza and Andjela Baumanyi were received into the Catholic Church and received First Eucharist October 7, 2018. Ascendi, Safari, Noela and

Andjela were joined with Anastasie Mugorewindekewe, Isidore Uwicenda, Mukongomani Hatangimbabzi, and Prosper Nshimiyimana as they received the sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Simon Ntamwana, Diocese of Gitega in Burundi, presided at the Liturgy and celebration of the Initiation Sacraments and Fr. John Byers and Fr. Dieudonne Ntakarutimana concelebrated at the Liturgy.

IHM Knights of Columbus Council 10542

Page 4

The first and foremost principle of the Knights of Columbus is "Charity."

For those Catholic gentlemen who are not members of the Knights of Columbus, please consider joining us in our continuing charitable works for the Parish and community.

Of Interest to Members: Please note that the regular business meeting for our Council is the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Parish Family Center. The Rosary is often prayed before this Council meeting. The second meeting of the month is generally an officer meeting (all are welcome) and an initiation, starting at 7:30 pm. Again, all members are encouraged to attend.

For more information contact Dan Reinecke at 694-0026

Grand Knight: Paul Mapes Website: koc10542.org Email: [email protected]

St. Vincent de Paul

Keep Christ in Christmas: We will once again be offering Advent Wreaths/Candles and beautiful religious-themed Christmas cards and other items as part of our Keep Christ In Christmas campaign. Look for the Knights in the Gathering Space until December 16th.

Children's Christmas Party: The annual Doc Egan Childrens’ Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Columbus Hall (5300 N. Grand River Avenue, Lansing, near the Airport). Enjoy games, snacks, gifts, and a visit from Santa Claus. All are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to a local charity. Co-hosted by the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus (Assemblies 0496 and 3334).

Nativity Scene Lighting & Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long: As part of its Keep Christ In Christmas campaign, your IHM Knights of Columbus will hold its 9th annual Nativity Scene Lighting and Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at 5:45 p.m. (following 4:30 p.m. Mass) on Saturday, December 8, 2018, with the Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long to immediately follow. The Nativity Scene will be positioned on Cedar Street, while the Sing-A-Long will be in the Parish Family Center. All are invited for a spiritual-filled evening to celebrate Christmas. Refreshments will be served.

5th Sunday Rosary for world peace on Sunday, December 30, 2018, at 12:45 pm (after the 11:30 am Mass) in the Church before the Blessed Sacrament. Please consider joining us to pray the Rosary for world peace with your fellow parishioners. Please contact Dan at 694-0026 with any questions.

Rainbow Homes 2019 Dinner & Silent Auction: Plan on attending the 20th Annual Rainbow Homes Silent Auction and Dinner on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 6:00 pm in the St. Casimir Parish Hall (800 W. Barnes Avenue, Lansing, MI). The St. Casimir Knights of Columbus will be cooking and serving a delicious meal, and you will have a chance to bid on exciting prizes. Please consider supporting this very worthwhile cause. Contact Rainbow Homes at 517-699-8454 or visit their website at rainbow-homes.org for more information.

Corporate Communion: Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the 9:30 am Mass. We invite all Brother Knights and their families to join us in processing into Mass and joining us to demonstrate our Unity and Fraternity with our fellow Brother Knights and their families.

Pancake Breakfast: Sunday, February 24, 2019, following the 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. Masses in the Parish Family Center. This hearty breakfast will include pancakes, eggs, sausage, potato, and drinks. No charge (a free-will offering accepted).

Polish Dinner: Join us for our 8th annual Polish Dinner on Sunday, March 3, 2019, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the IHM Parish Family Center. Come experience authentic Polish cuisine, including pierogies, golumpki (cabbage rolls), sauerkraut, sausage, and potatoes. The price for the dinner is $12 for adults (active Knights of Columbus and their family is $10 per person). Childrens' meal (under 10 years of age) of hot dogs/mac n' cheese is free with a paid dinner. IHM School 8th graders will be earning money for their annual Washington D.C. trip by selling paczkis and drinks. Call if you would like to participate, 694-0026.

Knights of Columbus 2019 State Raffle: Raffle tickets are available from the Michigan State Council. Prizes include exciting trips and cash prizes (30 prizes in all). Please consider purchasing tickets for $5 per ticket. Proceeds are used to fund the good works of the State Council, including supporting Holy Cross Children’s Services and the Special Olympics. Please contact your friendly IHM Knight to participate, or call Dan at 694-0026.

Holy Cross (Boysville) 2019 Raffle Calendars: These calendars - perfect for home, office, or even as a gift - are priced at $25 each, and offer the possibility to win daily ($50) and monthly ($500) cash prizes, as well as the grand prize ($5,000). Please consider supporting this important cause that helps the many needy youth and families across the state of Michigan. Please contact any K of C member for details, or call Dan at 694-0026.

Page 5 The Heart Beat

God is doing in our heart, then we are doing everything wrong. Well, except for the Sacraments - we seem to be doing those just fine! But we have also worked very hard to give people an opportunity to share their thoughts and wonderings.

Can you imagine if the apostles never shared the faith because they were afraid of getting it wrong? We wouldn’t have a Church today! What if your grandparents and great grandparents never talked of faith or if people in your life who you admire never talked about faith – what if Matthew Kelly never talked about faith??!! We would be at such a loss.

Let me encourage you to do this: just start trying. Like anything you are trying out, you will falter and maybe fall a bit - but then you learn and you keep moving forward. The staff and I try to make sure you have many opportunities in which to explore faith and share your thoughts in a safe environment: Alpha, Family Faith Formation meetings, Mass Matters, Ecells, the new Men’s Discipleship Group, and various other small faith sharing communities that are going on in the parish. Even RCIA!

Here are a few ideas: First, pray and ask the Holy Spirit what he wants you to share. Then, write down a few times you have seen God work in your life — maybe something said at Mass really convinced you or you experience peace after going to Reconciliation, maybe a friend blessed you with their words or action — or maybe you prayed to God and you saw results! Then either write out or talk it out. Spend 1/3 of the story talking about before -maybe there was a problem or heaviness in your heart. Then spend 1/3 of the time talking about how you experienced God working in you and then 1/3 on how you have seen that difference affect your life in a positive way. Practice it with a friend. Practice it while you are in the house alone, practice it in the shower or while you are sitting at a stopped light.

Go: There is a saying “You may be the only Jesus some people will ever meet”. Your faith was meant to be shared aloud with others. Romans 10:17 says “Faith comes from what is heard” so TELL PEOPLE what God has done in you. This is a way to bring glory to God AND invite someone to a life of faith!

Faith Comes From What is Heard How do you know how to read? Or do math? How did you figure out how to fix your car or a snag in your sweater? How do you know whether or not the restaurant that opened recently is any good? Have you ever bought a book or seen a movie because someone else recommended it? Have you ever recommended a book or a movie or a restaurant or hints on how to fix something or taught someone how to read?

We communicate about a number of things as humans. Some things are frivolous or funny, like a good joke, and some of it is more serious –how we are feeling, what we are going through, etc. There are grief support groups and groups that help people who have various challenges. Support, advice, talking to each other often helps us understand our experience and also gives us wisdom from what others have learned.

It is no different when it comes to Faith. Some people seem to be under the impression that they do not need to talk about it – that it is only between them and God. While our faith life can certainly be personal, it was never meant to be private. The mission of the Church is what Christ says to us in Matthew 28: 19-20 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Christ intends for us to talk to others about what Christ has done for us.

I have said it before in my bulletin articles: Sometimes things that are happening feel odd to us but only because they haven’t been asked of us in a very long time. As a Catholic Church around the world, we forgot to keep practicing things like sharing our faith and so now it feels uncomfortable to some people. But uncomfortable doesn’t mean it’s wrong – and it doesn’t release you from the duty to share your faith with others, yes, even verbally.

I have had some people confide to me that they are afraid to talk because they are afraid that they will say something wrong - or stupid. But let me say this: If we can’t talk to one another here at the parish about what

Family Faith Formation with Aaron Epkey

Page 6

God loves you immensely in a way you can never imagine! "For God so loved world that He gave His only-begotten Son."

—John 3:16

As we move ahead with our fifth gathering in December, it is important to strive to place God at the center of our lives – through prayer, repentance, regular reception of the sacraments and learning the Faith together. Families that place God at the center (not just a part) experience a greater joy, unity, and peace even in the midst of the struggles of daily life. Family Faith Formation is designed to assist you in this effort.

Upcoming Family Faith Formation Schedule:

Sunday, December 2, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, PFC

Sunday, December 16, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, PFC

Sunday, January 6, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, PFC

Sunday, January 27, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, PFC

Sunday, February 3, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, PFC

Sunday, February 17, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, PFC

Many blessings to

you and your family during this Advent & Christmas

season.

ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND!

Family Faith Formation presents a two-part series on prayer

with keynote speaker Taylor Feldpausch January 27 and February 3

11:00 am to 12:15 pm in the Parish Family Center

Regular prayer is vital to our relationship with Christ and living as His disciple. Without it, we simply cannot grow in our relationship with God. The decision to pray or not to pray has profound consequences. It is through prayer that we get to know Jesus and His will for us. The grace to be holy, to enter into a deep relationship with God, and to carry out the mission He has entrusted to us depends upon prayer. Those who long and seek the Lord will find Him and experience the joy and blessings He loves to bestow upon them. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Mt 11:28-30). Keeping the Saints Alive in Our Hearts: Even though the Feast of All Saints was November 1st, let’s keep the power of relationship with the saints alive in our hearts. Building relationships with the saints have the power to transform, change our lives and draw us ever more deeply in union with God. The Saints are our brothers and sisters in the faith. The Saints are our mentors, intercessors and provide a powerful example to us as we journey along the way towards heaven.

Page 7

First Reconciliation Retreat: For those of you who have a child preparing to receive First Reconciliation, a First Reconciliation Retreat (Bring Your Heart to Jesus) is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 19 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am in the Parish Family Center. It is expected that at least one parent attends with their child. As part of the retreat, there will be time for reflection in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament as we learn about God's merciful love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Saint Mother Teresa once said, "The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will spend on earth. Each moment that you spend with Jesus will deepen your union with Him, make your soul everlastingly more glorious and beautiful in Heaven, and will help bring about everlasting peace on earth."

Important Sacramental Dates:

First Reconciliation Celebration (parents and children): Tuesday, February 26, 2019, 6:30 pm in the church

First Communion Retreat (parents and children): Saturday, March 9, 2019, 9:00 am to 11:30 am in PFC

First Communion Rehearsal (parents & children): Saturday, April 27, 2019, 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the church

First Communion Celebration Sunday, April 28, 9:30 am &11:30 am Masses

With the approach of the Advent and Christmas season, let us continue to have faith that Christ comes to us now in mystery, in His Word and Sacrament. This means that Jesus comes to us now, in the right here and now. It means that Jesus is still alive, He is still inviting, He is still teaching, He is still healing and He is still forgiving. He is not just a Savior in the past or a Savior that will come in the future, but rather a Savior who is present to us at every single moment.

‘The time you spend with Jesus in the

Blessed Sacrament is the best time

you will spend on earth.’

Immaculate Heart of Mary School

Page 8

Grades K - 8: 882-6631

Karen Hicks

Interim Principal

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School challenges

students to discover God's gifts, spiritually,

intellectually, socially and physically

all within a community that nurtures, honors and respects the unique person.

The Heart Beat

Our Grade 5 students spent some time studying the saints and preparing a presentation of a favorite saint. On All Saints’ Day they went to classmates in other grades and told their stories. It was fun for the students to listen and to speak! Thank you, PTO, for providing snacks for this special presentation.

Join us for a special event to further prepare your hearts during Advent: Tuesday, December 18, 2:15 pm, join us for a Nativity Assembly. Students in grades K-5 will share music of the season. Gr. 5 and middle school band students and middle school choir will present their gifts of music.

Catholic Schools Week: This week of celebration will be held January 27-February 3. PTO will sponsor a family celebration, grades 4-8 will hold Spelling Bees, grade 7 will have a retreat, and the big event will be the Winter Concert on Thursday, January 31 at 7:00 pm at Everett High School. Watch the parish bulletin for details as the time draws near.

Preschool & Kindergarten Round Up: Join us Thursday, February 21, 5:00 pm to meet the teachers of our Preschool and Kindergartens. Fun activities and pizza will be ready for your children while you ask your questions of the teachers and school staff. This is a great opportunity to start the inquiry process, please make sure and join us!

Diocesan Grants Deadline is March 1: If you are considering enrolling your child in Immaculate Heart of Mary School for the 2019-20 school year, but may need support through financial aid, please make sure and submit an application through FACTS Management before March 1! This is a crucial step in the enrollment process – last year our school families received over $45,000 in assistance. Families who require financial assistance, MUST apply for this assistance before any other. Find the link for this application on the Diocese of Lansing website under SCHOOLS. Documentation is required, don’t wait until the last minute!

Page 9

Faith Formation

7th & 8th Grades and Confirmation:

Toni Watters

High School

and Young Adults: Jay Jong

For more information contact the parish office or e-mail Toni: ([email protected])

Jay: ([email protected])

A Youth Ministry Minute…

We envision that every teen has a personal encounter with Jesus Christ before leaving our ministry. Fully aware that catechesis presupposes discipleship, we are focused on transforming hearts. —IHM Youth Ministry Visioning Principle

“The world and your circumstances may press and seek to crush you, but a relationship with Jesus will grow a joy in you that cannot be squelched.”

–Allen Hunt

Our 2018-2019 Confirmation teens and parents have had the blessing of participating in the Alpha course. Alpha allows students to think through topics concerning life, Jesus Christ and His Church in a safe and confidential small group setting.

The Candidates were able to perform yard work service for those in need despite the early snowfall! Matthew Jenness and Andrew and Josh Frary face the cold as they rake leaves for IHM parishioner and “Rosary maker prayer warrior,” Laurene Moore!

Another successful high school youth conference is in the books with keynote speaker Mark Hart.

Family Faith Formation has been filled with the Holy Spirit as both the parents as well as youth have experienced a Kerygma encounter…They’ve heard the story of salvation history in such a way that prompts a personal response and subsequent commitment from each participant.

Time and space are at a premium, but here are more upcoming events to add to your calendar, (check the bulletin as events near):

Middle School Youth Group: Open to all 6th-8th grade middle schoolers, Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm.

Tuesday Night Youth Group: Open to all high schoolers, 6:30-8:30 pm.

Sunday Night Youth Group: Open to all high schoolers, 5 - 7:30 pm.

Confirmation Retreat: November 30th — December 2nd.

March for Life: January 17th-19th

Winter Dates for K-8 Family Faith Formation: December 2nd & 16th, January 6th and 27th, February 3rd & 17th

Youth Ministry Toni Watters and Jay Jong

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Page 10

Change of Heart Ministry Bob & Pat Heriford

St. Vincent de Paul This is a good time to consider whether God is calling you to help those less fortunate in our community through Immaculate Heart of Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul. There are a variety of opportunities including administrative, stocking pantry shelves, filing/organizing and prayer. To learn more, please contact the parish office and leave a message for Don Quillan, President, at 393-3030.

Heavenly Father, help us to be instruments of Your love so that, following Your Son’s example,

we may show compassion for the poor and neglected. May your grace find expression in our efforts to feed the hungry,

shelter the homeless, care for the sick, clothe the naked, and seek justice for the oppressed.

Help us, through your Holy Spirit to turn sorrow and suffering into joy. We ask this in the name of your Son,

who for our sakes became poor and lived among us, Jesus Christ. Amen

Change of Heart continues to minister to 15-20 participants every Thursday night. We attended a dinner meeting of Safe and Just Michigan (previously under the organization CAPPS) where 19 of CoH members heard interesting testimonies from other Returning Citizens and information on new laws regarding release of incarcerated individuals. At the meeting, Gary Ashby, one of our mentors and guiding lights in the ministry, was re-elected to a term on the board of Safe and Just Michigan. Regarding evangelizing, two of our CoH people are attending Mass regularly.

Pat continues to run programs at three different houses for women in transition. She mentors several of the women and one has just acquired a job and home placement for her and two sons. She also is attending RCIA and getting reacquainted with her Catholic Faith.

On 10-22-18 Hank Benjamin and Bob attended a meeting of the Advisory Council to the tri-county area for Offender Success. This organization coordinates many resources in the community to aid in helpful reintegration of Returning Citizens. Just a few of the partners are Cristo Rey Community Center, Michigan Department of Corrections, City of Lansing, CATA, City Rescue Mission and many more. We will continue our interest and involvement.

We are talking with and assisting the Friends of the Master transitional housing ministry in moving forward in starting a transitional house for Returning Citizens in the Lansing area. They have successfully run three houses in Ypsilanti, MI for over 10 years and with this proven track record are very good candidates for a Lansing placement. They just opened a house in Flint and are hopeful to open one in Jackson as well. A women’s house is opening in Ypsilanti within a month.

We appreciate your prayers and financial support that continue to the life-giving focus of our ministry to help those most in need of our community. Thank you and God bless.

Page 11

The Hands of Mary Rosary Makers by Gordon Satoh

Hearing the Heartbeat of Mary Winter is an amazing time for the contemplative and the “pray-er”. Everything superfluous is stripped away. Flowers fade away. The colorful leaves of fall wither, dry up, and turn into ever smaller particles, blowing over drifts of snow. Subtleties of color become evident among the whites and grays which blanket the land. And there is a certain quiet amid which the sizzling of snowflakes, the cracking of branches beneath a deer walking in the forest, or pecking of a cardinal couple at the suet block become almost amplified. In this stark atmosphere arises Advent, the little Lent. Our senses, physical and spiritual, are heightened in expectation. The black and white of bare branches, and the deep sapphire skies of evening, contrast with warm lights in windows, families gathering for prayer and meals, and reminders of the coming of Jesus Christ, Savior of the World, the King. Our Lady’s Rosary reminds us of the value of the quiet, of rhythm, of wisdom pondered deeply in our hearts. The first sound Jesus Christ heard as fully God and fully man was the heartbeat of Mary. His heart, in turn, beat within Mary, resonating and bringing joy and hope not just to His Mother, but to whole world, people of every state of life, whether shepherds of scribes, wealthy or widow, leper or tax collector. The rhythm of Mary’s heart can be felt with every “Hail Mary”, moving, living, prayer, bringing life just as heart moves blood and oxygen to the deepest parts of our beings. The confident beat of Jesus’ heart within Mary is unmistakable with each “Our Father”. Breathe in, breathe out, as our prayer deepens, even our very room and being dissolves and becomes one with our prayer. We become the heartbeat of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Hands of Mary Rosary Makers have had an amazing season. We have sent rosaries to Haiti with Rita Walters, had our rosaries used in a Mass for First Responders held by Archbishop William Lori in Baltimore, Maryland, gave rosaries to a visiting priest returning to his home country of Nigeria, and enjoyed one another’s company at our annual Fall

Gathering (pictured to the left). We celebrated Sister Pat’s 60th Anniversary as a religious, and heard of her adventures in the mission field, and the joy she brings to others in her disguise as a clown. Thanks to all of the individuals and families making rosaries and helping to pack “Pray It Forward” packets for distribution. At the 2018 Diocesan Women’s Conference we provided beautiful single decade rosary bracelets and keychains, and held a fundraiser with Dan

Spitzley’s handmade rosaries, gifts from the Holy Land, items to help build one’s faith, and a wide variety of books. We were particularly blessed at this event with a Mass celebrated by our Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling.

Keep an eye out for our Christmas fundraiser December 1/2 and our St. Valentine’s Day fundraiser in February. Remember a rosary can be the passing on of a legacy, generations of prayer recognizing the heartbeats of Mary and of Jesus. May you be deeply blessed in this season of Advent and Christmas! Rejoice!

We are thankful for the continual flow of rosaries from our baskets in the Gathering Space and the Holy Spirit Oratory. If you have need of rosaries, or would like to learn how to make rosaries, please leave a message with the Church Office or send an email to [email protected].

The Hands of Mary Rosary Makers Fall Gathering 2018

The HEART BEAT Newsletter is a publication of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, distributed free of charge to all parishioners and other interested parties. Comments can be addressed to:

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 3815 South Cedar Street

Lansing, MI 48910

Editor: Fr. John Byers, Layout: Barbara Smith

2018/19 Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, all rights reserved Rev. John A. Byers, Pastor Rev. George Daisy, In Residence Parish Office: 517 393-3030 FAX: 393-0855

Website: ihmlansing.org

Mass Schedule: Saturday: 4:30 pm Sunday: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 am Monday - Saturday, 8 am

Non-Profit Org U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Lansing, MI 48910

Permit No. 751

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish 3815 South Cedar Street Lansing, MI 48910

Flower Memorials You are invited to make an offering in memory of your deceased loved ones to provide Christmas flowers for our church. Place the offering in an envelope with this form marked "Christmas Memorials" and put it in the collection basket or bring to the parish office by Sunday, December 16th. Checks can be made out to: IHM Church.

In memory of: ____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Requested by: ____________________________________________