Annunciation of the Lord Parish

09/01/2026

07/25/2026

Several U.S. Catholic bishops have recently strengthened diocesan funeral guidelines to ensure stricter fidelity to the Church’s Order of Christian Funerals.

The move comes in response to growing departures from traditional norms — especially regarding the handling of cremated remains, the timing and content of words of remembrance, and the proper place for visitation.

One of the most detailed responses comes from Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of Springfield, Illinois. In a recent pastoral letter and video message, he outlined new policies now in effect:

✅ Visitation will no longer be permitted in the church on the day of the Funeral Mass. The Vigil belongs the night before.

✅ Eulogies are not allowed during any of the official funeral rites. Only brief “words of remembrance” focused on the deceased’s faith may be offered — and these must be submitted for approval in advance and read only by a priest or deacon.

✅ Cremated remains must be kept intact and interred as soon as possible (ordinarily within 30 days). Scattering ashes, dividing them among relatives, keeping them at home, or placing them in jewelry is strictly prohibited.

Bishop Paprocki emphasized that these norms are not meant to burden families, but to protect the dignity of the funeral rites and the Church’s belief in the resurrection of the body.

Other dioceses across the United States are implementing similar clarifications as irregular practices continue to increase.

The Church’s funeral liturgy is not primarily about celebrating a person’s life on earth. It is a prayer for the deceased, an act of hope in the resurrection, and a proclamation of faith in eternal life.

How important is it to you that Catholic funerals remain clearly focused on Christ and the hope of heaven?

07/16/2026

Updated LOCATION for the Misa Campesina:

1515 W. Darbee Road, Caro, MI 48723

06/30/2026

Friday, July 4, 2026 is First Saturday Devotion at St. Michael in Port Austin with Confession at 8:30 AM, 250th Independence Day Mass at 9:00 AM, and Rosary for the USA at 9:30 AM.

06/30/2026

As we gather for Mass this Father’s Day weekend, we invite you to prayerfully consider supporting the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw Priests’ Retirement Fund Collection.

For generations, our priests have faithfully celebrated the sacraments, preached the Gospel, comforted families in times of loss, and walked with us through life’s most important moments. Even in retirement, many continue serving our parishes by celebrating Mass, assisting with sacramental ministry, teaching, and offering pastoral care.

Thanks to your generosity in past years, our diocesan pension plan remains strong and continues to provide for the financial and medical needs of retired priests while helping prepare for the future retirement of those currently serving.

Your gift is a meaningful way to thank the priests who have dedicated their lives to serving God and His people.

If you are attending Mass this weekend, you can use the special collection envelope provided by your parish. You may also make a secure online gift at https://saginaw.org/priestsretirement.

Thank you for your continued prayers, generosity, and support of the priests who have faithfully served our Diocese of Saginaw.

05/14/2026

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!