Parish Life Updates from the Diocese of Grand Rapids

There is nothing ordinary about what has transpired over these past 15 months. Our pastors and their staff members have worked tirelessly to nourish the spiritual lives of parishioners while also safeguarding the physical health of their communities. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

As of June 22, the State of Michigan has lifted its broad epidemic orders. This is positive news, and we are hopeful that the worst of this pandemic is behind us. Daily numbers of new cases have been falling steadily. Positivity rates statewide are below 3% and have decreased 88% since their high on April 8.

Understanding that parishioners who are homebound or in long-term care facilities may be at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, ministers who are not fully vaccinated and bringing holy Communion to individuals in these groups must wear a mask. Other than this norm, the Diocese of Grand Rapids is terminating any remaining particular law in response to COVID-19, effective immediately. This decision aligns with guidance from public health officials and is supported by the data mentioned above.

Moving forward, decisions regarding parish norms for COVID-19 will be left up to Fr. Tony Pelak and his staff. CDC recommendations for communities of faith may be found on their website.

Welcome to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church!

God always provides enough of what we need.  In fact, God’s generosity can bring abundance out of what, on the surface, may seem trivial and inadequate.  In today’s Gospel Philip states that two hundred days wages would not be enough to feed the vast hungry crowd of five thousand even just a tiny morsel.  However, with the power of Christ’s prayer and touch, this seemingly insurmountable limitation became a vehicle to show God’s generous love.  Those few loaves of bread and measly little fish became the source of a great banquet as all were fed and nourished. Jesus gave the crowd as much as they wanted and then ordered that leftovers be picked up so nothing would be wasted. Twelve baskets were left over—one for each apostle’s use. This prophetic gesture both recalls the origin of our faith with the Twelve Tribes of Israel, as well as  foreshadowing the Eucharist that we celebrate here today. Every time we come here for this Eucharist we are invited to put our lives at the service of the Gospel and to offer up our talents at the foot of God’s altar, trusting that the power of Christ’ gentle touch will transform us into an effective witness to our faith.

~ Fr. Tony