Michigan Area: First Saturday Mass
August 7, 2024
One of the topics at the Michigan Area’s August First Saturday was John 6:24–35 and how important the Eucharist is to Christian life.
The full First Saturday devotion was offered on August 3 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Royal Oak, which also featured the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Rosary recitation, and Mass.
Msgr. Michael LeFevre, ChM, the chaplain for the Michigan Area, celebrated Mass and heard confessions. The Rosary was conducted by DM Marcia McBrien. The readings were announced by Christi Small, a Candidate in Formation, and Patrick Jones, KM. The Prayers of the Faithful were offered by Chris Rutkowski, KM. The group was led in the Daily Prayer of the Order by Area Chair Andy Smith, KM.
Following Mass, Chris and June Rutkowski, who are part of the Michigan Area’s Hospitality Ministry, served a light breakfast.
In keeping with the Michigan Area’s long First Saturday practice, Msgr. LeFevre led Lectio Divina, with an emphasis on John 6:24-35, the Gospel reading for the following Sunday. Following the miracle of the loaves and the fishes, Jesus is followed to Capernaum by a multitude of people, some of whom are looking for basic physical nourishment and others who may be looking for something more spiritual. Jesus tells the audience, “I am the bread of life,” as the narrative comes to a close. Comparing “substance” to “sustenance,” Msgr. LeFevre said, “At our core, the substance of our life has to be Christ, or we fail.” Peggy Stanton, DM, offered some pertinent insights from her recent National Eucharistic Congress experience.
After the First Saturday event, Michigan Area members, under the direction of Patrick Jones, John Juriga, KM, and Sean Shriner, Member in Formation, gave out sack lunches to Detroit’s homeless population as part of the Area’s “Into the Fire” program.
Keep up with the Michigan Area on X (previously Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
