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St. Francis Xavier Petoskey
(opens in a new tab)This is the official Facebook page for St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey, Michigan.
23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
My dear brothers and sisters,
Today’s readings remind us that we are responsible for one another. In the first reading, God calls Ezekiel to be a watchman for his people. He is not to ignore someone who is going in the wrong direction, but to care enough to speak the truth.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to do this with love. He says, “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.”
The purpose is not to condemn someone. The purpose is to restore the relationship. Christian community is built on truth, forgiveness, and love.
Then Jesus gives us a beautiful promise:
“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
What does it mean to gather in Jesus’ name?
It means that Jesus is at the center of our gathering. We come together not simply as friends or neighbors, but as people who want to live according to his way.
When we forgive one another, Jesus is among us.
When we listen to one another, Jesus is among us.
When we care for someone who is struggling, Jesus is among us.
When we put aside our pride and seek reconciliation, Jesus is among us.
We don't need a large crowd. Even two or three people who sincerely gather in faith, love, and prayer can become a place where Christ is present.
So today, let us ask ourselves: When I gather with others, do I help make Christ present through my words, my forgiveness, and my love?
May our families and our parish become communities where people can truly encounter Jesus because we gather in his name and live in his love.
Amen
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I am happy to announce that the new parish and school websites were launched today and are now live!
A great thank-you to everyone who supported this project. It has been a long journey for all of us, and I greatly appreciate all the support, hard work, and labor of love that each of you put into making this project a success.
A special thank-you to the Diocesan Publication Team, Greg, Sierra, and the parish and school offices. It truly was a wonderful team effort, and I am grateful for everyone’s contributions along the way.
Thank you all, and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
God’s blessings to you all!
Fr Peter
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Yesterday, we gathered at SFX Parish Hall and Church for a special presentation by the Omnibus Company, the team responsible for the restoration of our beautiful stained-glass windows.
The stained-glass windows were installed around 1915, while our church was built in 1903. These remarkable windows are truly of museum quality and are an important part of the history and beauty of our parish.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who attended and to all those who helped organize this wonderful event. We are also deeply grateful to everyone who donated toward the restoration of these treasured windows. Your generosity has helped preserve them for generations to come.
Looking ahead, one of our future restoration projects will be the pipe organ. More information about this important project will be coming soon.
Thank you all for your continued support of SFX Parish and our efforts to preserve its history and beauty
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