Pro-Life Youth Rally 1/17

Thanks to all who came out last night for our Spring Kickoff! We sure had some memorable moments: a powerful time of Eucharistic Adoration, Rob putting his foot- right hand- and left elbow in eggnog, and social time with pizza!

We also spent some time discussing our theme for Spring semester- "You are the salt of the earth, You are the light of the world," which comes to us from Matthew Chapter 5 as well as 2000's World Youth Day in Toronto. This semester we will prepare to be strong witnesses for Christ! Choosing to be a witness for Jesus, choosing to avoid sin and strive for holiness- this is the path to true happiness in life! See attachment for full Spring Calendar.

This Sunday in place of our regular Village Meeting we're heading out to Victorious Life Church of God for our Pro-Life Youth Rally with Christians from around the area! As we gather near the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we'll pray for an end to abortion. Veritas Detroit will be presenting reasons to be pro-life and ways you can be an advocate for life. There will also be a good amount of time dedicated to answering any questions you may have. St Andrew's in Saline, Christ the King, and St John's in Ypsilanti are all coming out for this annual event!

* Sunday's Pro-Life Youth Rally: transportation not provided but parent carpools are available, see below

* This Thursday: The Dead Theologians Society returns with St George!

* Your Question of the Week: Why is it a mortal sin to miss mass once or twice?


God Bless,Beth

The Village News

Sunday, 1/17, 7-9pm: Life Boat Pro-Life Youth Rally
This Sunday we will be gathering with Christians from around the area at Victorious Life Church of God in Ypsi, to pray for an end to abortion. At this annual Youth Rally local experts will help answer your questions about the pro-life movement while helping you identify ways you can be more pro-life in your everyday life! Come a little early if you’d like some free pizza– it will be served from 6:30-7pm! Village Volunteers will be there by 6:45pm. Meet us @ Victorious Life Church of God 860 East Clark Road Ypsilanti, MI 48197!

Transportation will not be provided, thank you for carpooling to cut back on costs! Do you need a ride? Contact one of the parents listed below who are driving carpools to this Youth Rally. Please note that these are not coordinated by St Thomas, and may be leaving from various locations at different times.

* Marie Williams mariewms@comcast.net - Huron School District
* Suzan Zick suzanzick@att.net - Skyline School District
* Cathy Dowling cathydowling@sbcglobal.net - Huron School District

Driving Directions:Take US-23 to Washtenaw Road, exit towards Ypsilanti.Turn left at Hogback/Carpenter Road. Turn right onto Clark Road, which becomes North Huron River Drive after 2 miles. Just after McDonald's, turn left at LeForge and continue for 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Clark Road.

This Thursday 1/14, 7-8pm: St George @ The Dead Theologians Society
Through the Saints of yesterday, the Dead Theologians Society, or DTS, inspires the youth of today to become the saints of tomorrow! Come on out and join us this Thursday.
6:30pm: social time in the Parish Offices
7-8pm: gather in the Church choir loft for prayer (the Elizabeth St door is always open)
8-8:30pm: return to Parish Offices for hot cocoa & snacks

Your Question of the Week: why is missing Mass once or twice a mortal sin?
First let’s call to mind the importance of the Mass. Each Sunday, we gather together as a Church with hearts filled with joy to worship Almighty God. We remember and profess our faith once again in the mystery of our salvation- that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, suffered, died, and rose for our salvation. At Mass, each faithful Catholic is fed with abundant graces:

We are nourished by the Word of God-- God's eternal truth that has been revealed to us and recorded through the Holy Spirit. If we are in a state of grace, we have the opportunity to receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. We firmly believe that our Lord is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, and that we receive His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in Holy Communion.

With these things in mind, no one should simply think of attending Mass as fulfilling an obligation. To attend Mass is a privilege, and any faithful Catholic should want to attend Mass. However, because the Mass offers such precious gifts, provides the nourishment of great graces, and unites us as a Church, we do indeed have a sacred obligation to attend Mass. Remember that the Third Commandment stated, "Keep Holy the Sabbath."

Given how precious the Mass is the Code of Canon Law (#1246) proscribes… "On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass" (#1247).Therefore, the Catechism teaches, "Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit grave sin" (#2181), and grave sin is one condition of a mortal sin. Note that missing mass when you are sick, or weather conditions are extremely unsafe is certainly not a sin- although you are strongly encouraged to spend time in prayer in some other way.

When a person negligently "bags Mass," to go shopping, catch-up on work, sleep a few extra hours, attend a social event, or not interrupt vacation, the person is allowing something to take the place of God. Something becomes more valuable than the Holy Eucharist. This is grave matter indeed! God must come first in our lives. On Sunday, our primary duty is to worship God at Mass as a Church and to be nourished with His grace.

Missing Mass on Sunday or another Holy Day of Obligation is certainly a sin. There are three conditions for a sin to be a mortal sin- it must be grave matter, committed with full knowledge that it is wrong, and committed with full consent. (Catechism #1857) Missing Mass is always grave matter. The other two conditions are not necessarily present in all Catholics when they miss Mass, although the act itself is always sinful. The moral of the story is, get to Mass on Sunday!! Ask around, others are always willing to give you a ride if you need.