{"id":2270,"asset_id":"2582","title":"Mission: Pray for the Living and the Dead - Friday Memo \u00a0Bishop Boyea","alias":"mission-pray-for-the-living-and-the-dead-friday-memo-bishop-boyea","introtext":"<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<table style=\"width: 581px; height: 74px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><img src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/flocknote-photos\/lansinglogo1\/icon.png\" alt=\"Friday Memo from Bishop Boyea\" width=\"60\" \/>&nbsp;<span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>Friday Memo from Bishop Boyea -&nbsp;Friday, December 19, 2025<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><\/span><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/bishopboyeamay24_edit_1\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"124\" height=\"123\" style=\"float: left;\" hspace=\"10\" \/><\/td>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;Ember Friday<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong><em>\"What souls we can convert by our prayers. <br \/>The one who saves a soul from hell saves this soul and his own as well\".<\/em> <\/strong><br \/><strong>Saint Jean Vianney (1786-1859)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br \/>My sisters and brothers in the Lord,<br \/>&nbsp;<br \/>Welcome to week fifty-one of BMW, <em>Be My Witnesses<\/em>. Just one more week to go! To be a witness is also to carry out the Spiritual Works of Mercy. &nbsp;This week we will talk about the seventh work of mercy which is directly related to what we did last week. Then we focused on burying the dead; this week we focus on praying for the living and the dead. &nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\r\n","fulltext":"\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br \/><strong>Mission: Pray for the Living and the Dead &nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Saint Ambrose (c.\u2009339 \u2013 397), in his Treatise on Cain and Abel (Book 1), writes about prayer: \u201cIf you pray only for yourself, you pray for yourself alone. &nbsp;If each one prays for himself, he receives less from God\u2019s goodness than the one who prays on behalf of others. &nbsp;But as it is, because each prays for all, all are in fact praying for each one.\u201dMost of us spend a lot of time speaking with God about ourselves and what we need or want. &nbsp;The seventh spiritual work of mercy is to pray for the living and the dead, that is, to pray for others. &nbsp;This does not mean we cannot pray for ourselves. &nbsp;In fact, the Our Father, which Jesus taught us, is for ourselves as well as for those who join us in that prayer.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\"Most of us spend a lot of time speaking with God about ourselves and what we need or want. The seventh spiritual work of mercy is to pray for the living and the dead, that is, to pray for others.\"<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bishop Earl Boyea<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Jesus has taught us \u201cto pray always without becoming weary\u201d (Luke 18:1). &nbsp;And Paul tells us, \u201cPray without ceasing\u201d (I Thessalonians 5:17). &nbsp;Is this useless work? &nbsp;No, James tells us, \u201cThe fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful\u201d (5:16).&nbsp;Obviously, we need to be convinced of the power of prayer, to believe that what Jesus asks of us will be effective.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br \/>Jesus himself prayed this way. At the Last Supper, he told Peter that he had prayed that Peter\u2019s faith would not fail and that he would strengthen the brethren (Luke 22:32). &nbsp;Later, God did grace Peter as an answer to that prayer. &nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagrambmwcyclegepisode8\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Jesus\u2019 longest prayer is recorded in John 17 where he prayed that we might be one, that we might be protected from the evil one, that we might be consecrated in the truth, and that the world will believe through us. Some may say this was not a very successful prayer on Jesus\u2019 part. But how God answers prayer is in accord with his will, not ours. &nbsp;The best example of this was Jesus\u2019 prayer to be freed of the cup of the Cross (Mark 14:36). &nbsp;I am always amazed when the Letter to the Hebrews states: \u201che was heard because of his reverence\u201d (5:7). &nbsp;Heard, but not answered in the way we would expect. &nbsp;So, it may be with our prayers.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><br \/>One particular prayer we commonly offer is for the dead. &nbsp;This is because we really believe we can help them in their transition from this life into the very presence of God, that our prayers can assist their purification so as to be ready to see God face to face.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\"For this week\u2019s challenge, at Mass this week, or on some other occasion, ask someone if you can pray for a particular need that the person may have. If you feel bold enough, say a brief prayer then and there with that person.\"&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Bishop Earl Boyea<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p>One of my favorite images is found at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles (1:14): the apostles were gathered in the upper room and \u201cdevoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.\u201d No doubt, Mary was teaching them how really to pray.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/>My Challenge<\/p>\r\n<p><br \/>For this week\u2019s challenge, at Mass this week, or on some other occasion, ask someone if you can pray for a particular need that the person may have. &nbsp;If you feel bold enough, say a brief prayer then and there with that person. Or, include that need in your prayer later in the day. &nbsp;If you have any difficulty with this, ask Mary to help you to be able to pray.<\/p>\r\n<p><br \/>Until next week, have a very happy, holy, and peaceful Christmas and may God Bless you and yours.<\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/signatureofbishop\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>+ Earl Boyea<\/p>\r\n<p>Bishop of Lansing<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>P.S. Here is a video version of this week's <em>Be My Witnesses<\/em>. Please do share with friends and family. Thank you.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJxUzj9v3CAYgPFP83q04H0x2AODowtRo2tVVZVOzQYYYuI_JDbx3X37KkOHbs_wDL9BK06oRBU0V1LyljElqlF76SL6wbnYKfKu80rKxjHOOdqIbVcljQwbjrxDToKoFrHlyJyLZF2IzIFgcc5-WnMJtc9LNeuxlPcdqAc0gOaUsg97yPFs1z2tr_V_O6D5SkBDQgmGJADNkYaQAU3TSkaKdy2QKXkKK9CJAHvA_udY3s1-ts9Pj-XPm394eVpeLuGB--d2vPU24-V7IXk529f5x6_biIDm8fc3BJSfe9iATimGfM_NfTsKS_L-cbXbdfLcz9mnvG7uuC1LXNpPlpZC-Ro_UvUFTYP-B602_Ta6zU4BBPN58XYv9RpKdWj8GwAA__95kXL4\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/emailimage.flocknote.com\/cropVideo\/586037198.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full81174\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagramchristmas4\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full24724\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/lisaandemily_edit_0\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Pictured: Lisa Veenstra, Counsellor with Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties and Emily McJones, Little Flower Counseling, Lansing<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Read:&nbsp;In a landmark case, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has ruled, December 17, to block a Michigan law that pushed kids toward harmful \"gender transitions\" and to protect the ability of a group of Catholic therapists, based in the Diocese of Lansing, to provide compassionate, professional counseling to children struggling to accept their biological sex.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThis is a victory for children nationwide,\u201d said Luke Goodrich, senior counsel at the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and lead attorney for the counselors.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cMichigan\u2019s law was pushing children toward irreversible medical procedures that cause lasting harms. This ruling ensures that children who want it can receive compassionate, evidence-based counseling that alleviates their distress and helps them embrace their bodies without resorting to irreversible, life-altering medical interventions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>In Catholic Charities v. Whitmer, Becket represents counselors who challenged a Michigan law that bans them from helping children talk through the underlying causes of their discomfort, and instead pressures counselors to assist children with a \u201cgender transition\u201d \u2014 a regime of drugs, hormones, and surgeries designed to make their bodies resemble the opposite sex.<\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/lukecropped1024x1342_edit_1\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Pictured: Luke Goodrich of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>The plaintiffs in the case were Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties and Emily McJones, who is a Catholic therapist based in Lansing, who counsels children and adults on a wide variety of life issues. Emily is pictured above on the right next to Lisa Veenstra who is a counselor with Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Many of Emily\u2019s clients share her Catholic faith, and some of those include young people seeking help to address discomfort they feel with their biological sex. To help these clients, Emily talks with them to address the underlying causes of their discomfort, alleviate their distress, and, if possible, help them embrace their bodies without resorting to irreversible, life-altering medical interventions.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>According to the latest research, this cautious approach is often the best way to help children who experience such discomfort. Today\u2019s ruling ensures that counselors like McJones can continue offering compassionate care to children in need.Yesterday\u2019s decision marks the first time a federal appeals court has blocked a statewide counseling ban of this kind. The ruling also comes as the Supreme Court is poised to decide a challenge to a nearly identical Colorado counseling ban in Chiles v. Salazar.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p>\u200b\u201cThis is a victory for children nationwide. Michigan\u2019s law was pushing children toward irreversible medical procedures that cause lasting harms. This ruling ensures that children who want it can receive compassionate, evidence-based counseling that alleviates their distress and helps them embrace their bodies without resorting to irreversible, life-altering medical interventions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>Luke Goodrich, Becket Fund<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p>In his 2-1 majority opinion, Judge Raymond Kethledge wrote that \u201cthe Michigan law discriminates based on viewpoint\u201d \u2014 because it bans counseling that helps a child \u201calign\u201d their gender identity with their \u201cbiological sex,\u201d while it \u201cexpressly permits\u201d counseling that helps a child \u201ctransition away from one\u2019s biological sex\u201d \u2014 and that this marks a \u201cnear-certain violation of the plaintiffs\u2019 First Amendment rights.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>He also noted that the counselors provided \u201cstudies and evidence that suggest their therapy can prevent serious harms to clients who seek it.\u201dRecent years have seen an explosion in the number of children who are struggling to accept their biological sex. Many of these children have been led down a path of \u201cgender transition\u201d \u2014 enduring a regime of drugs, hormones, and surgeries \u2014 which often results in profound regret and permanent health harms.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>The harms are so significant that 26 states and several European countries have banned or strictly limited medical gender transitions for children, advocating instead for compassionate counseling to alleviate their gender-related distress.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Unfortunately, the State of Michigan bans this compassionate approach, forcing therapists to turn away children and families or risk losing their licenses and suffering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>The State of Michigan has 14 days to ask the court for rehearing, or 90 days to appeal to the Supreme Court.<\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full61309\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/schoolsmemo4\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagrams35\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Read:&nbsp;Thanks to your incredible generosity to the <em>Stewardship for Saints and Scholars<\/em> campaign, Bishop Earl Boyea is delighted to announce that all Catholic families who newly enroll in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Lansing are now eligible to receive a New Family Grant of up to $1500 per family.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThere are few better Christmas presents to give your children or grandchildren than the gift of an education at one of the Diocese of Lansing\u2019s 36 Catholic schools,\u201d says Bishop Boyea.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s why I am always saddened when any Catholic family tells me they feel unable financially to send their children to a Catholic school and why, conversely, I am so delighted to unveil these New Family Grants, funded by the Saints and Scholars campaign, which will make our Catholic schools more affordable to more Catholic families. Merry Christmas!\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagrambishopearlboyeafamilygrant472\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Launched last year, <em>Stewardship for Saints &amp; Scholars <\/em>is a capital campaign for Catholic education in the Diocese of Lansing. At present, it has already raised more than $60 million to help Catholic schools across the Diocese of Lansing become ever more on-mission, affordable and accessible, while also making an authentically Catholic education available to all families who desire it for their children. The New Family Grant is available to any Catholic family who has not previously had a child enrolled in a Catholic school within the Diocese of Lansing. The details are as follows:<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u2022 New families enrolling one child or more in kindergarten-8th grade will receive a $500 tuition grant per family.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u2022 &nbsp;New families enrolling one child or more in high school will receive a $1,000 tuition grant per family.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u2022 New families who receive these grant funds are still eligible to apply for additional scholarships.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cStudents in Catholic schools receive a rigorous academic formation, resulting in higher achievement than non-Catholic school peers,\u201d says Tom Maloney, Superintendent for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Lansing.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cMore importantly, our students also grow in virtue as they become disciples of Jesus Christ and are thus freed to discover the young man or woman God is calling them to become, both in this life and the next.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>What a great Christmas present! So, now is the perfect time to explore the great Catholic school options near you! Apply today to take advantage of the New Family Grant, brought to you by the <em>Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Campaign!<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\r\n<p>\u2022 For more information, contact Kathy Ruddock, Administrative Assistant, Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lansing at <a href=\"mailto:kruddock@dioceseoflansing.org\">kruddock@dioceseoflansing.org<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUy7mN7CAYAOBqILT-C7ADgpe4D07hNx4zArTb_moK-LJ3yOREF4_OWtwBnOjmsSJnZBvNcUgyqaBzO0m0UEy0xunLE5BBwoOQhXmTuiNBjJVDLBWiEqh3T6-nr7Kl_ta3b2t9puJ_ik5F51zlN4w82_WpfcxwPWuGJ8_U-h3G_BpFp_76K3sWJ0Asevj_LY7wKkog9XcKc21PWfrH018AAAD__wMPPiM\"> Click for Stewardship for Saints &amp; Scholars website <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full61364\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/vocationsfridaymemo\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJxUzj1vozAcgPFPY0Zk__0CDB6i4zxFyUmXVFE329jF4cUNGAj99FWGDt2e4Rl-jSwIhYJlTpJCCFJiXLCslZ46wjX2jLnCcgHGECyEEY6VVrOKZkECBk6AVEAoozRnviSAjfFUG-exQQz7PtpujMnlNg5ZL9uUPmdEDwgUAlWHaN3soj_qcQ7jR_5rR6BeiUBRVjAMlCFQa2hcRKB4KTBggjmiKsXOjYjWFMEBwaE7He05aeBfz38V9zeW5uty3u6XP72-LLXpr03VXtvq9tY9_qr3-P-0FDsCscxuQrQO3sU98n1aEw5if2x62jpLbB9tiONk1ucw-KFccBgSjZt_hOzFDI38YWaTvLdm0p1DDNs4WD2nfHQpWyV8BwAA__-P13Mb\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/emailimage.flocknote.com\/cropVideo\/586020105.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Watch:&nbsp;On July 8, 2025, Deacon Peter Randolph's younger brother, Xavier, died as the result of a drowning accident on Lake Michigan. He was only 18-years-old. May he rest in peace. What impact has this family tragedy had on Deacon Randolph's relationship with God? Watch as he explains. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Deacon Randolph is a son of Christ the King parish in Ann Arbor and a student at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He is due to be ordained to the sacred priesthood in the summer of next year, <em>Deo volente<\/em>. Please keep Deacon Randolph, his late brother, and all 29 Diocese of Lansing in your prayers. &nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUyjtygzAQANDTSCWzv0hQqEjDPbTyriHGyAOanD-T_j1KRqYs0QrmlHAGyBK3AqjqS6rZsyfWDC0ls-ozthkoLXEvBPSFhAshC_MkPiOBqnNVc9Ag4Edvr7MPm1p_x6NsY3zuwN-B1kDrUc97P5-fa7d7TP16Blrjv94fhSULEEu8ys-mV31ZEGj93eo9ptNG_C30FwAA___5cTdZ\"> Do you feel called to the priesthood? Click here. <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full61364\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full41396\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>This month the new Culture Section of FAITH Magazine continues to explore how the arts, literature, movies, podcasts, music, and much more can enhance our spiritual life and draw us ever deeper in our relationship with God, through beauty, truth, goodness. We hope you enjoy these cultural offerings starting with a recommendation for a Christmas film. To access any of the recommendations, just click on the images below. Happy reading!<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUzMFOhDAQANCvaW-Q6XSgeOjBPdTEuF78gpm2BFygG-hK9OvNnl_yknfGoiOdvXF9bwYAR3rymVkMJ-k64wzFaIU7idgjCNvMoGePgJ1B84LGkrUtjYNBEBktSx5BFMG4lHjbSs1tLKte_FTr_VD2VWFQGM7zbHnlv7I9WWG45lybr9p8lMd8NO-P9Nu88b7wlhSGdFcYLgB4HejyCfrZzslbcgRoSe_-e5Kdb1kRxLJGPmq75ap_PP4HAAD__yLQRDA\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/meetmeinstlouisposter\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Film |&nbsp;<\/strong><strong>Meet Me in St. Louis | 1944<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Esther Smith (Judy Garland) sits beside her little sister, Tootie (Margaret O\u2019Brien), in the soft moonlight, singing \u201cHave Yourself a Merry Little Christmas<em>.<\/em>\u201d It\u2019s the first time the world ever heard the song. And it isn\u2019t a dazzling, performative musical number, but a quiet moment when all hope seems lost and the future feels dark and uncertain.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Set in 1903 St. Louis, the year before the highly anticipated Louisiana Purchase Exposition at the World\u2019s Fair, the film follows the Smiths, a close-knit, middle-class family whose year unfolds through the changing seasons, each filled with laughter, mischief, and music. Summer brims with warmth, unity, and more than a few glances toward the boy next door. Autumn ushers in changes, humor, and a bit of sibling chaos. But when winter arrives, Mr. Smith makes a chilling announcement: The family will make a sudden move to New York, threatening to uproot everything they hold dear.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Though only one sequence takes place at Christmastime, it becomes the film\u2019s emotional and spiritual center. On the night of Christmas Eve, Esther comforts Tootie with the song that crystallizes the story\u2019s deeper themes of hope, endurance, and love. The family faces uncertainty together, choosing joy over despair and finding light in one another when life turns dim.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Advent and Christmas, the end of the secular year and the beginning of the liturgical year, mark both an ending and a beginning. It is through this lens that the family\u2019s joys and struggles are reframed as renewal. It\u2019s a season of waiting and longing for what\u2019s stable and true, even as life shifts around us. Like the Smiths, we\u2019re invited to meet change with good humor, charity, and grace.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Nostalgic and sentimental, but never saccharine, <em>Meet Me in St. Louis<\/em> captures the beauty of ordinary family life and the quiet courage it takes to keep singing when the future is uncertain. Full of wonderful performances and fun musical numbers, \u201cMeet Me in St. Louis\u201d is a great film to enjoy for adults and children alike.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Parental advisory:<\/strong> Not much. The Halloween sequence from Tootie\u2019s perspective is atmospheric and eerie, and the children jokingly refer to \u201ckilling\u201d the neighbors. But it\u2019s purely old-fashioned dark humor, quickly resolved with laughter and warmth. Rating G.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUy0lShTAQANDTJLtPpQemRRZuuEeGbsEPxCJden3LA7waZyCc2UuEeZpgCWFmv0eqmkFTWcaQVgFRHVeYNNewlErC_ogYcASEFYGYaGBdAEPOSimLhuw46NnK-24mQ2mXP-Nu9t0dfTjcHG6_yco-aHsuqUN7Ph1u52F2SrdXT8dt_QX-Xx81Es8ckNg_8WvPT3qL41DaVVK34RbzPxH_AgAA__8uRz3i\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/lanlittlesaints_edit_0\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>Television | Littlest Saints<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>This month FAITH Magazine recommends another delightful Catholic television series aimed at children and families. \u201cLittlest Saints\u201d brings the lives of history\u2019s greatest Catholic heroes to life through the eyes and voices of kids. Produced by a team focused on joyful, accessible storytelling, the show uses child actors to portray the saints, blending drama, comedy, and adventure in each short episode. It looks and feels like a kids\u2019 show made for kids by kids. For example, the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe stars a baby-faced St. Juan Diego attired in sneakers, sombrero, and with penciled-on facial hair. The goal is to inspire young viewers to see themselves in these heavenly heroes, modeling the Catholic faith in an entertaining way.<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>\u201cLittlest Saints\u201d is exclusively available on FORMED.org, a streaming platform offering Catholic content for all ages. In total, about a dozen episodes are available. Every parish in the Diocese of Lansing has an account with FORMED.org, which is there for you and your family to explore, learn, and enjoy. To find out how to access the account, ask at your parish office.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwkzEGOhCAQQNHTwK5NUQWiCxaz8R4FUsFpWoyS8foT0-v_8tfgDaG3Ogfjx9FMAN7qEmYn4kdwzORjIjPD5CLMI4s4lnXSW0BAZ9DMaMgSDVYmgxCjEMcsEJUFqS2999bzkNpH11B6Py5FPwoXhct938Ox1cpn4l5a3dLDFC6XwqWX_PrG19HWxFfXz2hbA1lvAcnqM_yWePI7KwupfR4z7Lnrv4D_AQAA__-Gf0FJ\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/lanpillars0_edit_0\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Podcast | The Pillar&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>A recent article in the august British newspaper, The Daily Telegraph, informed readers that \u201c[St. Thomas<a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUyjtygzAQANDTSCWzPxAutkjDPXaFNhAbK2Nrcv6M6_d2LchUJDfFsiy4AhTJhy5zEKw2IxG7B5RqBgXbjrV43DifSkAzEt4IWZgniRUJ3IPNW4AngXj0en_20abar_zQY4zfd-KvRFuiLewcx2XfH0y05U88d2UpAsSSX_pz-MvuLQnUflV7j-nZRv5T-g8AAP__qvU08Q\">https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUyjtygzAQANDTSCWzPxAutkjDPXaFNhAbK2Nrcv6M6_d2LchUJDfFsiy4AhTJhy5zEKw2IxG7B5RqBgXbjrV43DifSkAzEt4IWZgniRUJ3IPNW4AngXj0en_20abar_zQY4zfd-KvRFuiLewcx2XfH0y05U88d2UpAsSSX_pz-MvuLQnUflV7j-nZRv5T-g8AAP__qvU08Q<\/a>\"&gt; Want to read more from FAITH Magazine? Click here<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full41366\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"423\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Keep in touch with Bishop Boyea and the Diocese of Lansing at:<\/strong><strong><br \/><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUyztygzAQANDTSCWzPyO5UJGGe-izCgTMZowmXD_j_r2WAjIF8ZowzDNGgCB-TSitQGu1PbXLTBE7YOA5xvgoFQD8lgjogYRPQhbmSXpEglI656IdihPoh9X9tKFTtZc_0jrG7-X4y9HiaLnve-q5ajHbP8DR0jareqn1I5_Xdn47Wvznby2xBAFi8e_0s5Z33tUJVHvVfI3p1OH_Ev0HAAD___NoPWQ\"><strong>Facebook<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUyztuhDAQgOHT2CWa19pQTJEtuIcNg3D24RWMEuX2EeWvX9-qGZmyRFPMKeEIkCXuilYnEUhpAsNUAdKYry43FptWjE0J6IaEEyEL8yDbiAS1blyqbVCDwPbsy-Pd3Yalv-JTd_fPGfgr0Bxo9t_mbsf1As33du79c-9_VuJF2qosWYBY4qHfez3Kw4LA0l9LOX14m8cfpf8AAAD__2KwOAg\"><strong>Twitter<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUzD2urCAYANDVQGm-P4EpKF7jPgBh5I3CjZDr9m-mPzm7t8hkRWeP1hh0AFb04dPLWEOOw-oCgnECzhmBxIxrzsi6egJakfBFyMK8SHFIEGPhEHOBqATK2dOn9ZmX1C99-mPOn6H4n6JN0fY8z1LbmOF9h-srFG177SmP3MsZ2qjtrWjT36DunsUKEIu-_f8j3uGTlUDqVwpjLi1P_evpLwAA__-h4D0J\"><strong>Instagram<\/strong><\/a><strong>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUy0FyhSAMANDTwJIJIcp3waIb7xFC-Nqv0hGmXr_TA7ySog8YyWrycZ79CyCS3dI0S12WCSQys0QQnReohUSES4bJ7gkBJ49-QR8oBEf15RFyroGzVsiGoB5NPlcb6qSd9kjbGD_dhC-Dq8H1eR5X9ibatdWDr75fb9fut8HV_qO9pECRAAPZO31v-eaPGgJpp3Af7tJhfxP-BQAA___-STq2\"><strong>Online<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagrammonthoftheimmaculateconception12\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/full110597\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwczc2K8jAUgOGrSXYtyTnHJi6yED8inzgLGWR-NkN-tWqN2mLp3Q-d9QPvG42SCIp4MlI1jdRCKOIng45Cs1A6BYIGI0qX1TJqoX1KCwzEWwMCFhLkEiQSYk1ZSxDeZ3Q-ZeEZiXwt4XIrQ6pD6fjVnIbh3jNcMbAMbCyhr4-lHK9_zsDm8uz6WRjYxMBKu_p_3-_eo5_O2yptfKk-P1ypujBVh_397XH4aTeHf1t4jN_rnX6sv_arqWtGBvbVpnHO8XnfRoOkSAASf5rzyT_dJTESoXTB9UN9SwN_GfgNAAD__1elUZc\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/tobevent10\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUzEtuhCAYAODTwNL8DxRdsGjSeA8ePyMdhUZIvX4zF_iSs8hkjRaHdllwBbBGH85ujGjDDBtK9rRBihDXRFFmtpBAF0dAMxJuhGyYJ5NXJAghsw-SISgD-WzxXduQKbZLn-4Y47cr_lK0K9qf55lSaVG6tHz62kt9Te1-Kdq_S49y10vqoEV_hJIcG2uA2Ojb_Rzh9m9RBmK7ou9jqjL0n6P_AAAA__99Rz51\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/59192391413207731767559201491309554413403076n\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUy0tuhCAYAODTwJLwP0Z0waJJ4wWadM_jZ6Sj0Cip12_mAF_2Dggda_Hgpglmax3rzUMWNz0izrkI01RKApsBwCHPecmLrh4tPgBhQSAmMlxmQBtjoRCl2KjYlr2nV-tDTOqH3v02xu-l6EPhqnC979vk2pNc0sse2lXb0_TzqXD9Dru0UZt8feq3r9kTO7ZIrE__s8UzvESxTf1I4RqmydB_Hv8DAAD__zPQPhE\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagramavalentinesspeeddatingv2\/full.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUy0FuhSAQANDTwJLMDCPogkWTxnsAznztV2mU1Os3_wBvSRE9RbaSMIaAI0Bku6aQeRBA5omyTiUTRhWcVCmOQw1st0RAAxJOhJ69d6wjEpSiPhdRKIZB91bfZ-viajvsntbef2_jvwzNhubnedyytSq3NN3zeW_ny7XrZWievwko2A_dluQ5MpBne6WftVz5LYahtqPmu7tTuv1L9B8AAP__oUA6-A\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fblifetothelastbreathcopy\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUy01OxSAQAODTwJIMMwPUBQuj6coLuORvXutri2mJvb55B_hqDJYwsG7RBu_tBBBYLxE8kgdsgbMjyV6qE0R23tU0ibBeIwI6i_YNLTGRYZksQs5CKTeBrBhk6-V59NFM6bve4jLG76XoXeGscL7v29S1l3a1Lls6rvV4mH4-FM6f318fCOj1C681EgcGJNZn_FnymZ5NMZS-l3QNc7Sh_yL-BwAA__8O8juV\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/d6iyrqjd26xke.cloudfront.net\/fbinstagramdylc3\/full.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/dhdj1c2suf90g.cloudfront.net\/images\/nophoto.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"40\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Sent by David Kerr<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p>Direct replies to this email can only be seen by admins. <br \/> <a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJxUzrGOozAUheGnMSWy73UwFC4iIXaLKFptMaltcz04gJ2AA8nbj6LRFNP9xZHO12slEJQsSAtVVaLmXMli0MZa7g_UGM9rqpSvsfbU2wZdY5zxvggaOBwEiAYESsRS-loAt9ajseS5ZZL7KbkxpkylS3Mx6SHn28rwyKBj0LUhOVop-ZOJa4if5a85g-6dDDqUSnJAybBzMd4Ytsigymmk-N1HBscILdjz3_P9OU399n4wlysKinGP_9TH83FaZesu-Q-p_-VwukGbeh4Dg-qx0sKwDZ7SKx1ey5Z5qF733Sz76ISbkgspLnZ7zrOf6wcPc8a0-3so3r7Q6x9fsejrYBczEpPcpdmZNZeRcrFp-AoAAP__a61yTQ\">Email me when people reply to this note<\/a>To ensure that these emails land in your inbox and do not go into spam, please add <a href=\"mailto:mail@flocknote.com\">mail@flocknote.com<\/a> to your email address book or safe senders list.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJxU0E-TmyAcxvFXg0cHfhAgBw_uuE76Zzc77e5k0xsgKDWCUWK0r76T3np_5pnvfJpCEAqCZbYggnMiMRYs6wrhnG0aCwooJWCMUdRpgYFrJ4RkJvMFYNgRIHsglFGaMycJYK0dVdo6rBHD7hJNH2KyuYlDdim6lMYZ0RJBjaCufDR2ttF9V2H2oc3_myOob7OdENR7TCSTHNE6xd4GRCuOoERQ6u5Fs1K3Xaz_qNPPsfx8Q1Dfb8-pSu_hvG_T2ip7qvqtf9KfleaXLwjqVsLze7581fGAoB4qcghjHK5PzVvut-PtuFs-Tsthd15X8_I62l_N6_FKv_3AHzkC_i-JVt7ZuMXdNi0Je75d72q694aYSzQ-hkkv6zC4Qd6wHxKNd3f1CLhdRz_ZGdHqIS0kkyARcDepdrAhPW6Di9kDwDcFZYJhoCybit-dnlRvEcMmDkbNKQ82ZUsBfwMAAP__KM6OKg\"> my info <\/a> &nbsp;\u2022&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJxUzr-u2yAUgPGnwaMF52DDHRispq5aVU0tpVJWgw8NcWwSwPnz9lWGDnf7hm_4TUYJBCUrMkK1rdCcK1mdjHbThBpG5UiDlFPTTI2TmtRopWrsRxUMcGgEiA8QKBFr6bUAbq3H0ZLnlknuL9HNayxUu7hUF3Mq5ZoZdgx6Bv0uREeZov85rjmsf-tPO4P-nQx6lEpyQMmg39a82exSsMSwL3GmleEOGXQMOpefeN53NNmh-XUcjjRE2W_zN_Hn6oYtfrXzb0Hafj-KW9pbfxgO848vDNotU2K4C57iKzavdC88tK_bY0yP2Ql3iS7ENdn7c1n8ojceloLx4W-hegPDZP4Dq2TOJ5vGmZjkLi5uzKVeqVR3A_8CAAD__38wcvs\"> unsubscribe <\/a><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJxUyTtuxCAQANDTQGnNL-Atpkiz94CBkTdrm8hGOX-UMt2TXtOMTFliV8wp4QqQJW5a3JNRcbJm5g1xbcSJqOcH95Q5vpSAPpDwQcjCvIivSFCrc6ndoQYB34e9zzH7YuOIu25zft-BPwM9Az3_7x9eTVmyALHES7-2epV3DwI2Div3XM4-44_SbwAAAP__rLE1Sw\"> <img src=\"https:\/\/emailimage.flocknote.com\/unoFooter?color=F7F7E9\" alt=\"Powered by Flocknote\" width=\"111\" height=\"24\" \/> <\/a><\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>228 North Walnut Street, Lansing, MI 48933 &nbsp; \u2022 &nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/c\/eJwUyUtuwyAQANDThKU1vzBkMYeBARIaGyTb6vmrrl81RSaV0Aw1RkwAKuFjUrxWVHwmjY4ZGGIW5QS5e5UXhGEE9ETCFyEL8yY9IUEpnXNpHcpDoO_Lv3PdbfN1hN3qWN6utvqe5zXme1vnO_z7qMaiAsQSTvv5lDN_20PA1-H5urfZ7vBr9BcAAP__CxczWA\">dioceseoflansing.org<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>&nbsp;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/email-mg.flocknote.com\/o\/eJwUxktuhTAMBdDVkCHy55aEgRcTm0RQCpEo6vqrNzubZVbJSM04LwsXooy02xbqhR0FkVFbURUHl5U5fKG1p8OE5IuFV2GF6oxeWMi9a_XWySdQ_xlx3uNtc4wrfXBspsggUaTHvnd_6tkmUIwr6u873-1Nfyb_AQAA__-XliqB\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" \/><\/p>","state":1,"catid":"8","created":"2025-12-20 00:05:55","created_by":"873","created_by_alias":"","modified":"2025-12-20 00:13:19","modified_by":"873","checked_out":"873","checked_out_time":"2025-12-20 00:12:29","publish_up":"2025-12-20 00:05:55","publish_down":"0000-00-00 00:00:00","images":"{\"image_intro\":\"\",\"float_intro\":\"\",\"image_intro_alt\":\"\",\"image_intro_caption\":\"\",\"image_fulltext\":\"\",\"float_fulltext\":\"\",\"image_fulltext_alt\":\"\",\"image_fulltext_caption\":\"\"}","urls":"{\"urla\":false,\"urlatext\":\"\",\"targeta\":\"\",\"urlb\":false,\"urlbtext\":\"\",\"targetb\":\"\",\"urlc\":false,\"urlctext\":\"\",\"targetc\":\"\"}","attribs":"{\"article_layout\":\"\",\"show_title\":\"\",\"link_titles\":\"\",\"show_tags\":\"\",\"show_intro\":\"\",\"info_block_position\":\"\",\"info_block_show_title\":\"\",\"show_category\":\"\",\"link_category\":\"\",\"show_parent_category\":\"\",\"link_parent_category\":\"\",\"show_associations\":\"\",\"show_author\":\"\",\"link_author\":\"\",\"show_create_date\":\"\",\"show_modify_date\":\"\",\"show_publish_date\":\"\",\"show_item_navigation\":\"\",\"show_icons\":\"\",\"show_print_icon\":\"\",\"show_email_icon\":\"\",\"show_vote\":\"\",\"show_hits\":\"\",\"show_noauth\":\"\",\"urls_position\":\"\",\"alternative_readmore\":\"\",\"article_page_title\":\"\",\"show_publishing_options\":\"\",\"show_article_options\":\"\",\"show_urls_images_backend\":\"\",\"show_urls_images_frontend\":\"\"}","version":5,"ordering":"0","metakey":"","metadesc":"","access":"1","hits":"2","metadata":"{\"robots\":\"\",\"author\":\"\",\"rights\":\"\",\"xreference\":\"\"}","featured":"1","language":"*","xreference":"","note":""}