Communicating Christ. Connecting People. Making Disciples.
Our weekly News Beyond the Pews email keeps you connected with important parish updates, upcoming events, funeral notices, a Gospel reflection and weekend Mass information. You do not need to be a registered parishioner to receive it. To join the mailing list, email Jan Antor at communications@stmikes.us
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2026
The Diocese of Grand Rapids Office of Communications issues the following statement from Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids, following the news that Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma: We thank God that our Holy Father’s surgery was successful yesterday and that he seems to be recovering well.
I wish to thank the faithful and all people of good will who have kept Pope Leo in prayer these past few days. As we continue to receive updates from the Holy See regarding his condition, I encourage you to keep Pope Leo XIV in prayer, especially for his peace and for a return to full health.
We also pray in a special way for everyone who is battling cancer and their loved ones. May Pope Leo’s struggle with this illness be an inspiration to remain united to the Lord in difficult times by placing our trust in Him amid suffering.
We ask for the intercession of Saint Peregrine, patron saint of cancer patients, and Our Lady of Lourdes as we pray for Pope Leo XIV and all those afflicted by cancer.
Issued from: Office of the Bishop
Annalise Laumeyer, director of communicationsPhone: 616-551-5629 | 616-307-3474 cell Email: alaumeyer@grdiocese.org
News Beyond the Pews: October 14th
Dear Friends and Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
World Mission Sunday – October 17/18
This weekend, Catholics around the world unite in prayer and generosity for World Mission Sunday. Your contribution to this special second collection supports the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, helping spread the Gospel and provide assistance to communities in mission territories.
Pope Leo XIV has a special message for World Mission Sunday. I encourage everyone to watch and reflect on our call to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Watch: Pope Leo’s Message
Please also keep Pope Leo XIV in your prayers as he recovers from surgery for lung cancer. Let us join Catholics around the world in praying for his healing and recovery.
Mass Schedule Update
While Father is on vacation, there will be no daily Mass this week or next week. Please welcome Fr. Dan Depew, who will celebrate Masses this weekend, October 17–18, and Fr. Charlie Hall, who will celebrate Masses the following weekend, October 24–25. We are grateful for their assistance and ask everyone to give them a warm St. Michael welcome!
Parish Announcements
The Search: There will be no gathering tomorrow, Thursday, October 15.
Sunday Missals: Available for $5 in the church vestibule.
Part-Time Custodian: St. Michael Parish and School are seeking a dependable part-time custodian. For details, visit: Job Details
NCCW New to You Donations: We are collecting gently used Christmas decorations. Donations may be placed in the black trailer by the pavilion. Drop-offs are welcome anytime!
Upcoming Events
Alleluia Auction: THIS Saturday, October 17, at 6 p.m. Tickets are available in the school office or at the door. For questions contact Natalie at 217-721-0455 or alleluiaauction@gmail.com
Save the Dates
- Baptism Class: Sat., Nov. 7, from 9–11 a.m.
- NCCW New to You: November 7–8
- St. Michael School Veterans Day Celebration: Wed., Nov. 11, at 9 a.m.
- NCCW Feather Party: Sat., Nov. 14
- St. Michael School Thanksgiving Meal: Tues, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m.
- NCCW Sweet Treat & Cookie Walk: Sun., Dec. 6
Have a blessed week and thank you for being part of our St. Michael the Archangel family!
News Beyond the Pews: October 7th
Dear Friends & Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a wedding feast. The invitation is freely offered to everyone, yet some choose to ignore it. Others accept the invitation but fail to prepare their hearts for the celebration. God continually invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, but we must choose to respond.
Every day, God invites us to the “wedding feast” through prayer, the Eucharist, acts of love, & opportunities to serve others. Sometimes we can become too busy or distracted to recognize His invitation. The Gospel reminds us that saying “yes” to God is more than simply showing up, it means allowing His love to change the way we live.
Reflection Question: How is God inviting me to say “yes” to Him this week?
Part-Time Custodian: St. Michael Parish & School is seeking a dependable part-time custodian. For details, visit https://stmichaelremus.com/employment-opportunity/
NCCW New to You Donations: We are collecting gently used Christmas decorations. Please place donations in the black trailer by the pavilion. Drop-offs are welcome anytime!
No Bible Study: There will be no Bible Study on Thurs., Oct. 8.
Sunday Missals: Available for $5 in the church vestibule.
Upcoming Events
The Search: Finding the Meaning of Life: Thurs, Oct. 8 • 6 pm • Parish Center Cafeteria
World Rosary Day: TODAY, Wed, Oct. 7 • 1:15pm pm. Join St. Michael School & students throughout the Diocese of Grand Rapids in praying the Rosary with Bishop Walkowiak. The Rosary will be livestreamed for our parish family to join from home. Here is the Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/mp1Hfbls7fo
Alleluia Auction: Sat., Oct. 17 • 6 pm. Tickets are available in the school office. Sponsors, donations, & volunteers are needed. Contact Natalie at 217-721-0455 or alleluiaauction@gmail.com
Men of St. Michael: This Sat., Oct. 10 at 9am. Invite a friend.
Save the Dates
Baptism Class: Sat., Nov. 7 • 9–11 am
NCCW New to You: Sat., Nov. 7/8
NCCW Feather Party: Sat., Nov. 14
NCCW Sweet Treat & Cookie Walk: Sun., Dec. 6
Have a blessed week & thank you for being part of our St. Michael the Archangel family!
News Beyond the Pews: September 30th
Dear Friends & Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
This weekend’s Gospel reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God. He calls us to be faithful stewards of our time, talents, relationships, and faith, using them to bear good fruit for others.
Reflection Question: What gifts has God given me, and how am I using them to bear good fruit?
Respect Life Month: October is Respect Life Month, a time for Catholics to reflect on the sacred dignity of every human life. From conception to natural death, every person is created in God’s image and worthy of love, respect, and protection. May we pray and work together to build a culture that values and supports every life.
Employment Opportunity: St. Michael Parish & School is seeking a dependable part-time Custodian. For details, visit: https://stmichaelremus.com/employment-opportunity/
NCCW New to You Donations: We are now collecting gently used Christmas decorations for our New to You event! Please place your donations in the black trailer located by the pavilion. Drop-offs are welcome anytime! Thank you for helping make this year’s New to You event a success!
Upcoming Events
The Search: Finding the Meaning of Life: Thurs., Oct 1 at 6pm in the Parish Center Cafeteria
World Rosary Day: Join Us in Prayer
Join St. Michael School and students across the Diocese of Grand Rapids as we pray the Rosary with Bishop Walkowiak on Tues., Oct. 7, at 1pm.
The Rosary will be livestreamed, and we invite our entire parish family to join us from home as we pray for our students, families, parish, and diocese. Let us come together as one Catholic family and place our prayers in the hands of Mary. Here is the Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/mp1Hfbls7fo
Alleluia Auction: Oct. 17th at 6pm. Tickets are available in the school office! Sponsors, donations, and volunteers are also needed. Contact Natalie at 217-721-0455 or alleluiaauction@gmail.com
Save the Dates
Baptism Class: Sat., Nov. 7, 9–11 a.m.
NCCW New to You: Sat., Nov. 7
NCCW Feather Party: Sat., Nov. 14
NCCW Sweet Treat & Cookie Walk: Sun., Dec. 6
Have a blessed week and thank you for being part of our St. Michael the Archangel family!
News Beyond the Pews: September 23, 2026
Dear Friends & Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that faith is not just about what we say, but what we do. We are called to put our faith into action & say “yes” to God through our daily lives. Where is God asking me to say “yes” today? Or do my actions reflect the faith I profess?
With sadness, I share the passing of our parishioner, Karen Sanderson. Her Funeral Mass will be Thursday, September 24, at 11 am. There will be no funeral luncheon. Please keep Karen & her family in your prayers during this difficult time.
Pray for Our Priests: This week, September 21–24, the priests of the Diocese of Grand Rapids will gather for their annual Priest Convocation. It is a time for them to gather for prayer, renewal, fellowship & spiritual reflection with their brother priests. Please join us in praying for our priests this week.
Employment Opportunity – Part-Time Custodian
St. Michael Parish & School is seeking a dependable, hardworking part-time Custodian to help maintain a clean, safe, & welcoming parish & school environment. The position is approximately 3–11:30 pm, with occasional weekend/event coverage, & pays $14–$16.50 per hour, based on experience. Applicants must be 18 or older, have reliable transportation, & pass required diocesan background checks. A practicing Catholic is desired but not required. For details about the job, contact Robert Beers, Head of Facilities, at bobbeers1@stmikes.us
Upcoming Events
The Search: Finding the Meaning of Life. Join us Thurs., September 24 at 6pm in the St. Michael Parish Center Cafeteria as we continue our journey together.
This Saturday, Sept. 26th, join the K of C Highway Clean Up. It starts at 8:30am. Meet at Ferrellgas Outlet. (1 mile north of Remus on M-66) Contact: Mike Carmody at 989-967-8238
The Alleluia Auction – It’s Time to Get Your Tickets! Tickets are available for purchase in the school office. We are also still looking for sponsors, donations, & volunteers to help make this year’s auction a success. Contact Natalie at 217-721-0455 or alleluiaauction@gmail.com.
Save the Dates
Baptism Class: Sat., November 7, 9 – 11am
NCCW New to You: Sat., Nov 7
NCCW Feather Party: Sat., Nov 14
NCCW Sweet Treat & Cookie Walk: Sun., Dec 6
Have a blessed week and thank you for being part of our St. Michael the Archangel family!
News Beyond the Pews: September 16, 2026
Dear Friends & Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some begin early, while others arrive later, yet the landowner gives them the same wage. Those who worked all day feel this is unfair, but the landowner reminds them of his generosity.
This Gospel challenges us to let go of comparison & jealousy. God’s love is not limited, & His generosity is not based on who deserves more. Whether we have followed Him for many years or are just beginning our journey, God welcomes us with abundant love.
Can I rejoice when God blesses someone else, even when I feel I have worked harder or waited longer?
Upcoming Events
Tomorrow, Sept. 17th-our Fall Bible Study begins – Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother. It is from 9:30–11am in the Parish Office Conference Room. Open to men & women. Workbooks are $28. Contact Nancy Dague at 989-330-6363.
Tomorrow, Sept. 17th-The Search-Finding the Meaning of Life Begins-What is this journey in between the event we call ‘birth’ & the one we call ‘death’? What do you want from your life during the in between? The questions are there. And, the answers are too. What are you searching for? Join us at the St. Michael’s Parish Center Cafeteria on Thursday evenings at 6pm beginning Sept. 17 thru Oct. 29. This is an offering of the Augustine Institute.
Join Us for Mass-This Fri, Sept 18, at 10am, Fr, Mike will celebrate Mass at Royal View Assisted Living, located at 9100 Buchanan Rd. All are welcome to join the Royal View community for this special celebration of the Eucharist. We invite parishioners to come together in prayer and fellowship with the residents and staff.
Thank you to all who came out & supported St. Michael School & K of C’s Booths at the Wheatland Festival.
K of C Highway Clean Up: Sat, Sept 26 at 8:30am. Meet at Ferrellgas Outlet. (1 mile north of Remus on M-66) Contact: Mike Carmody at 989-967-8238
The Alleluia Auction-Save the date of Oct 17! We need sponsors, donations, & volunteers. Contact at 217-721-0455 or alleluiaauction@gmail.com. Thank you to all our past supporters!
Have a blessed week & thank you for being part of our St. Michael the Archangel family!
News Beyond the Pews: September 9, 2026
Dear Friends & Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
In this weekend’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how often he must forgive someone who has hurt him. Jesus reminds us that forgiveness has no limit. Just as God continually offers us mercy, we are called to extend that same mercy to others.
Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when the hurt is deep. It does not mean that what happened was acceptable, but it allows us to place our pain in God’s hands and begin to find healing and freedom.
Is there someone God is asking you to forgive or a hurt He is asking you to place in His hands today?
Confirmation Preparation-Students entering 8th–12th grade interested in receiving Confirmation are invited to register here: https://stmichaelremus.com/confirmation-registration-form/
Upcoming Events
Fall Bible Study – Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother. Begins Thursday, September 17, 9:30–11am in the Parish Office Conference Room. Open to men and women. Workbooks are $28. Contact Nancy Dague at 989-330-6363.
Choir Begins – Join us Friday, September 11, at 1pm at the church. New members are always welcome!
GHH Feet for Heat Walk-Wednesday, September 16, at 1pm/$10 individual / $25 family.
The Search – Finding the Meaning of Life-Join us Thursday evenings at 6p.m., September 17 – October 29, in the St. Michael Parish Center Cafeteria. Come explore the questions of life and faith through this Augustine Institute program.
Wheatland Music Festival – Come out this weekend and support the St. Michael School and Knights of Columbus booths!
K of C Highway Clean Up: Sat, Sept 26 at 8:30am. Meet at Ferrellgas Outlet. (1 mile north of Remus on M-66) Contact: Mike Carmody at 989-967-8238
Alleluia Auction – Save the Date: October 17. We need sponsors, donations, and volunteers! Contact Natalie Pennington at 217-721-0455 or alleluiaauction@gmail.com.
Have a blessed week and thank you for choosing St. Michael the Archangel!
News Beyond the Pews: September 2, 2026
Dear Friends & Family of St. Michael the Archangel,
In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to respond when we experience conflict or hurt. Rather than gossip, ignore the problem, or let anger grow, He calls us to approach one another with honesty, humility, forgiveness, & love.
Jesus reminds us, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” May we always seek to build bridges, make peace, & strengthen our community.
Is there someone God may be asking you to approach with love, forgiveness, or a desire for peace?
As we begin saying goodbye to our summer visitors, we thank you for being part of our St. Michael family. We will miss you & look forward to welcoming you back next summer. Until then, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Upcoming Events
Confirmation Preparation-Students entering 8–12th grade who are interested in Confirmation are invited to register: https://stmichaelremus.com/confirmation-registration-form/
Elephant Ears Volunteers Needed-Volunteers are needed for doughball making & the Wheatland Festival. Elephant Ears raises approximately $17,000 each year for St. Michael Home & School. Everyone is welcome to help!
Sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4CA9AA22A0FC1-63869053-elephant
The Search-Finding the Meaning of Life: Join us Thursday evenings at 6pm, Sept 17–Oct 29, in the St. Michael Parish Center Cafeteria. This program is offered through the Augustine Institute.
GHH Feet for Heat Walk-Wed, Sept 16 |Check-in 12:30pm|Walk 1pm. Choose a 1K, 3K, or 5K walk. $10 individual / $25 family.
Alleluia Auction: Oct 17 We need sponsors, donations, & volunteers! Contact Natalie at alleluiaauction@gmail.com. Thank you to all our past supporters!
Upcoming Events
Sept. 5 & 6: NCCW Ice Cream Social & K of C Cheese Sale
Sept. 11–13: Wheatland Music Festival. Come support the St. Michael School & K of C booths!
K of C Highway Clean Up: Sat, Sept 26 at 8:30am. Meet at Ferrellgas Outlet. (1 mile north of Remus on M-66) Contact: Mike Carmody at 989-967-8238
Have a blessed week & thank you for being part of our St. Michael family!