St. Mary Catholic Church in Royal Oak was the venue for the Michigan Area’s August 2 First Saturday observance, including Lectio Divina. 

As is traditional for the Michigan Area, the event included the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, with Msgr. Michael LeFevre, ChM, hearing confessions. Noel Closs, DM, led the Rosary.

Mass followed, celebrated by Rev. John Maksym, ChD, with Msgr. LeFevre concelebrating and giving the homily. They were assisted by server Santiago Smith, son of Michigan Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, and Andrea Smith, DM. Readings at Mass were proclaimed by Marcia McBrien, DM, and Denise Greenway, Member in Formation. Chris Rutkowski, KM, offered the Prayers of the Faithful. Andy Smith led the group in the Daily Prayer of the Order at the conclusion of Mass.

After Mass, breakfast was provided by Chris Rutkowski and June Rutkowski, DM, members of the Michigan Area’s Hospitality Ministry. Lectio Divina followed, led by Msgr. LeFevre.

The Michigan Area thanks Rev. Paul Snyder, pastor of St. Mary’s, and Seminarian Joseph Lennon for being wonderful, welcoming hosts for the First Saturday.

Other Michigan Area activities this month include the August 14 Vigil Mass of the Assumption and Lourdes Experience, one of the Michigan Area’s signature events. At this annual observance, those who went on that year’s Lourdes Pilgrimage, including malades, share their reflections on the experience. This year’s event will be marked by a special privilege, the opportunity to venerate relics of St. Bernadette.

The Area’s next First Saturday is set for September 6 at St. Owen Catholic Church in Bloomfield Hills. After the First Saturday devotion, there will be an opportunity to join the “Into the Fire” ministry, which provides food and prayer support to those living on the streets of Detroit. See “Michigan Area’s August 2 ‘Into the Fire’ takes food, prayers to Detroit streets.”

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