May 10, 2020
FROM THE DESK OF FATHER ANDREW
Greetings!
 
Blessed Easter Season!
 
This is already the Fifth Sunday of Easter and eighth since the “stay home stay safe” order by our Governor. We have experienced a lot and learned a lot (at least about ourselves or our family members). Our hair grew longer, our cooking skills improved, and perhaps we have gained a pound or two. However, we look back on these 8 weeks - we are blessed to have each other, blessed to have ways in which we can study, communicate, see and share the news, concerns, as well as pray for each other. This is not a coincidence that we live in this time. The wheels of history rolled into our lives, places of work, worship and leisure. We have the opportunity now, to be those vessels through which God’s grace and blessings, healing and mercy flow, after all we are His people, people of the Risen Lord, chosen, royal, holy, and set apart. Assured today not to be afraid - let’s be Bold, Holy and Catholic in response to it.
 
Mother’s Day
It is fitting that during this month of May – month of Mary, the mother of Jesus – that we celebrate our earthly mothers. With physical distancing it will be difficult to celebrate this day the “old fashioned way”. Perhaps, you can join our Facebook evening Rosary? How about as a family help me lead the prayer with others during one of the days of our novena? On this special day we remember our mothers. We thank them, we pray for them, we admire them, and we love them. Here is a wonderful poem in their honor:
 
A Mother's Love - Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your Heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and given me wings to fly. Thank you, Mom.

Mother’s Day Novena
It is been our tradition at St. Clare to pray for 9 days following Mother’s Day with Masses offered as Spiritual Bouquet for our mothers living and deceased. If you would like to offer this spiritual gift to your mother, please send me an email with her name and the day you would like the Mass to be said between May 10 and May 18. Your donation can be dropped into our mailbox or sent via snail mail.
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DETROIT
Dear brothers and sisters,
 
As the Body of Christ, the Church in all her sons and daughters has been enduring a time of severe trial. As we continue to practice social distancing to limit the spread of coronavirus, I write today with deep gratitude for all of you, the faithful of southeast Michigan, who have been walking the path of love for one another, particularly the most vulnerable among us, by sacrificing your ability to gather together for Mass during these last several weeks. Thank you for your witness and your faith.
 
Many of you have shared your sadness and devoted desire to return to Mass. Please know that I listen to your longing for the Eucharist and have taken them to prayer as I have discerned each step of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s response to this global pandemic. I share your desire to return to normal liturgical life and reestablish the rich spiritual and communal life of our parishes and schools.
 
We are grateful to God that public Masses are once again becoming a possibility in a few other dioceses less affected by the pandemic. While we do not yet have a firm date when it will be safe to resume public gatherings here, please know that we continue to monitor the incidence of coronavirus in southeast Michigan and are following the lead of local health officials and civil authorities. We will resume public Masses, and other parish events, when we are confident that doing so will not pose undue risk to the health and well-being of the members of our community.
SUPPORTING YOUR PARISH
In these challenging times we turn to our God, we pray for each other and to our spiritual mother Mary and the saints for intercession and strength. Although we are physically distant, we are blessed to be able to come together through social media to continue to pray and live out our faith; to reach out to one another with care and words of support.
 
I hope you are receiving and reading our parish bulletin. It contains information, links, and suggestions that may be helpful during this difficult time. There are multiple ways to view the parish bulletin.

  1. Discovermass.com: Go to discovermass.com, set your parish to St. Clare of Montefalco and sign up for email notifications.
  2. Constant Contact Newsletter: Text STCLAREM to 22828 to be added to our constant contact email list and receive our news/bulletin via email.
  3. Website: Go to https://stclarem.org/bulletins
  4. Facebook: Watch for the “Good News from St. Clare Parish” post our Facebook page once the bulletin has been published for the week.
  5. Parish App: Download the myParish App and set your parish to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish. Click on Bulletins for the latest issue.
We are St. Clare...All of us Together
Thank you for your continued financial contributions to our parish community, which allows us to maintain our church and school buildings, keeping our operation running. We could not do this without supporters like you. If you’d like to make a contribution or help us in any way, please contact me at 313-647-5030 or by email at andrewk@stclarem.org . Our Business Manager, Marion Fikany can also assist you with this process. She can be reached at 313-647-5022 or by email at mfikany@stclarem.org . There is a simple step by step process outlined on our parish website stclarem.org showing how to make a donation. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE
From the Desk of Mike McDevitt
Gift of Life

We are happy to host a Red Cross Blood Drive in our Social Hall on Friday June 19 . We have a strong history of supporting the Red Cross with our blood drives. Now more than ever, the Red Cross needs blood. Also, they collect plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients that is used in treatment.  They area committed to create a safe environment to donate.  Please see the flyer below and the links to sign-up. 

Agnes Topacio is our Parish Nurse and will be coordinating the blood drive.
Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting
RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPas s to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment.
 
1-800-RED CROSS | 1-800-733-2767
redcrossblood.org | Download the Blood Donor App
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
ST. CLARE SCHOOL
From the Desk of Ann K. Crowley
Greetings Everyone,

Happy Mothers’ Day everyone. This week was a special week as it was Teacher Appreciation Week. Each teacher is truly a mother figure in her classroom at St. Clare of Montefalco. Mothers are very protective of their children. They want the very best for them and will go the extra distance to make sure their children have what they need. St. Clare of Montefalco parishioners you need to know the women in the classrooms at St. Clare of Montefalco school stepped up when this pandemic broke out.
 
The challenge was great as the school only recently updated its technological footprint in the educational world. Despite only recently updating, immersion took place immediately. The teachers knew they needed to be present and ready for their young people when Distance Learning began March 23, 2020. March 12, 2020, the day the children were sent home with their belongings, began an entire new approach to planning for our young Falcons.
Alumni Update
Due to the governor’s executive order requiring residents to stay home and stay safe, the Alumni Celebration Event scheduled for May 16 will be postponed. We are saddened that we may no longer gather in person that day to celebrate our esteemed alumni, but the health and safety of everyone in our community is of the utmost importance. We will follow all social distancing guidelines as we decide how to proceed with this event, and we intend to continue with this event at a later date.
 
Although we cannot gather in person, we still want to celebrate our alumni. We are asking all alumni to share your photos and memories from your time at St. Clare of Montefalco on May 16 as a way to reminisce and connect virtually. Please share your photos and memories in the alumni Facebook group; St. Clare of Montefalco School Alumni . If you are not already a member of this group, please join! It is a great way to connect with alumni
students, faculty, and families. 
 
Thank you,
Samantha Cooley
PTO SCHOOL AUCTION 2020
Our 2020 St. Clare School Auction has moved online!
 
St Clare School Annual Auction Silent Virtual & Live-streamed Live Auction!
Please join us May 14th to May 23rd bid online on our silent auction items!
Then join us Saturday, May 23rd at 6:30 pm for a live-stream broadcast from Father Andrew, as he closes out the silent auction, draws the raffles, and announces the live auction items! 
 
Some information:
  • You do not need to be a ticket-holder to bid. Current ticket holders will be contact via phone.
  • You may view items at any time without registering.
  • In order to bid, pledge or donate, you must first create an account.
  • Bistro Bundle & 101 Raffle tickets will be offered as an online "buy it now" items and the drawing will take place on live-streamed event at 7pm May 23rd.

For more information visit: stclareschool.net/auction or contact us at school@stclarem.org
PTO BOOK SALE
It is with hearts full of peace and understanding of the current situation as well as concern for the safety of our parents, volunteers, parishioners, school students, school staff, and our wonderful ANNUAL BOOK SALE supporters that we, the St. Clare of Montefalco PTO, have decided to cancel our Annual Used Book Sale for the 2020-2021 school year. 
 
PLEASE REFRAIN FROM DROPPING BOOKS OFF AT THE SCHOOL OR PARISH AS THIS INCREASES RISK FOR OUR SCHOOL AND PARISH STAFF. WE ARE  NOT  COLLECTING BOOKS AT THIS TIME. The Book Sale is a major fundraiser for our school, therefore, we are exploring fun ideas to replace the finances lost and will keep you informed of this progress. Please watch for future announcements! 
 
If you have fundraising suggestions, please contact Sue Pongratz, PTO President, at  monkeys5little@gmail.com  
2020 CENSUS
The Catholic Church and other service providers rely on an accurate census to more effectively serve those in need. The US Bishops have called for all to be counted as society “cannot risk missing this opportunity to give children and parents the tools they need to succeed.” Unfortunately, the census has too often undercounted households with young children; with higher rates of poverty, unemployment, or low education attainment; with racial minorities and with English as a second language, which leads to underfunding critical programs and services. Make sure you are counted by responding before July 2020.
More information is available at www.micatholic.org/2020Census
ONLINE LEARNING
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Prayer to St. Rita
Holy Patroness of those in need, St. Rita; your pleadings before thy Divine Lord are irresistible; because of your power to obtain favors you have been called the “Advocate of the Hopeless.” St. Rita, so humble, pure, and patient and of such compassionate love for your Crucified Jesus, you could obtain from Him whenever you ask. Knowing this, we come to you with confidence and hope, pleading for comfort and relief.
 
Look down with mercy upon us humbly kneeling before you, and show your power with God in our behalf. In the past you have so wonderfully helped those in need; hear us and shower your favors upon us today for the greater glory of God and the consolation of those who trust in you. Relying then on Christ’s merits and the power of your intercession with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ask of you: (mention your request) Amen
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