Changing Lives Together

 
Since his return to Detroit in 2009, Archbishop Vigneron has reached out to pastors and Archdiocesan
 
St. Joseph Parish Changing Lives Together video
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What is the Changing Lives Together Initiative and what are its goals?

  • Strengthened Parishes
  • Strengthened Catholic Education
  • Strengthened Formation of our Priests, our Seminarians, and our Lay Leaders
  • Strengthened Church Ministry in the City of Detroit

    Changing Lives Together is about creating a stronger future for the Catholic Church in Southeast Michigan and our collective ability to do God’s work.

    By working together to achieve this shared mission and by combining our time, talent, and treasure, we will be blessed with:

    What is the financial goal and how will the funds be used?

    • Parish Ministry ($95 million): Each of the parishes in the Archdiocese of Detroit will set their own unique pastoral priorities.
    • Archdiocesan Initiatives and Campaign Expenses ($40 million):
    • Archbishop Vigneron’s priorities include providing additional financial assistance to students in Catholic primary and secondary schools
    • Generating new funding for continuing education and formation of our priests
    • Increasing support for Sacred Heart Major Seminary for the education and formation of our future priests, deacons, and lay church ministers
    • Building a grant fund to support the ministry of the Church in the City

    These funds will also be used to cover the majority of the Changing Lives Together expenses.

       

    How were the initiative priorities determined?

      The initiative priorities were derived from Archbishop Vigneron’s pastoral vision, and informed by an extensive year-long planning study that involved a broad cross-section of clergy and lay leaders. This process tested the feasibility of these initiatives among those who would be leading the initiative. The planning study underscored the appropriateness of these initiatives for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

    Who will be asked to participate?

      Every parish and every household in the Archdiocese of Detroit will have the opportunity to consider an informed, thoughtful, and prayerful commitment. Support in time, talent, and treasure from all 1.4 million Catholics in the Archdiocese is needed to achieve the initiative’s priorities.

    How will initiative proceeds be shared among parishes and Archdiocesan ministries?

      70% of the gifts received by the parish will stay with the parish. 30% of the proceeds will support the Archbishop’s pastoral initiatives and major initiative expenses. Once a parish reaches its target goal for the initiative, it will retain 100% of any additional funds raised.

    How long will parishioners have to fulfill their pledges?

      Three years.

    Will the annual Archdiocesan Catholic Services Appeal be conducted during the initiative?

      Yes. The annual CSA is vital for Archdiocesan annual operations, just as parish operational support drives must also continue during the initiative. The CSA will launch in May, as usual, and will not interfere with the timing of individual parish Changing Lives Together Initiative launches. The overall archdiocesan CSA goal will be frozen for 2010, 2011, and 2012.

    Is this the right time for an initiative of this magnitude?

      Considering the urgent ministerial priorities throughout the Archdiocese and the results of the initiative planning study, now is the time to launch Changing Lives Together. The planning study concluded that parishioners throughout the Archdiocese have a deep understanding of the needs and favor a campaign to strengthen their parishes while also achieving Archbishop Vigneron’s objectives.

    How can I make a gift to Changing Lives Together?

      First, prayerfully reflect about making a three-year pledge to this initiative. This may enable you to consider a larger gift spread over a longer period. You will have the flexibility to fulfill your commitment on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.
        Apply your professional or personal talents to strengthen your parish and the Archdiocese of Detroit.
         
         

         

         

         

         

        Councils to identify the most critical needs of the parishes and the Archdiocese. While continuing to

        listen to their concerns and challenges, as well as those of the faithful throughout the Archdiocese, he
        is continually reminded of the blessings of strength and fellowship that come from working toward a
        shared goal in Christ. The Changing Lives Together Initiative will enable Southeast Michigan’s 1.4 million
        Catholics to continue growing together, sowing our faith, reaping wonderful blessings and rejoicing
        according to God’s will for his people.
        1) What is Changing Lives Together and what are its goals?
        The Changing Lives Together initiative will create a stronger future for the Catholic Church in
        Southeast Michigan and our collective ability to do God’s work. By working together to achieve
        this shared mission and combining our resources of time, talent and treasure, we will be blessed with:
        1. Strengthened parishes
        2. Strengthened funding for tuition assistance in our Catholic schools
        3. Strengthened formation of our priests, our seminarians, and our lay leaders
        4. Strengthened Church ministries in the City of Detroit
        2) What is the financial goal and how will the funds be used?
        The financial goal of Changing Lives Together is $135 million for the following priorities:
        • Parishes ($95 million): Each parish in the Archdiocese will analyze its priorities and develop a
        unique parish-based case for support.
        • Archdiocesan Initiatives and Campaign Expenses ($40 million): Archbishop Vigneron’s
        priorities include providing additional financial assistance to Catholic students in Catholic
        primary and secondary schools, generating new funding for the continuing education and
        formation of our priests, seminarians, deacons, and lay leaders, building a fund to support
        Church ministries in the City of Detroit, and covering the majority of Changing Lives Together
        expenses.
        3) How were the initiative priorities determined?
        Archdiocesan priorities for the Changing Lives Together Initiative are derived from Archbishop
        Vigneron’s pastoral vision. A planning study, involving a broad cross-section of clergy and lay
        leaders, was undertaken to test the feasibility of these initiatives. The planning study underscored
        the appropriateness of these initiatives for the Archdiocese of Detroit.
        4) Who will be asked to participate?
        Every parish household in the Archdiocese of Detroit will have the opportunity to consider an
        informed, thoughtful and prayerful commitment. Support from all parishioners in the Archdiocese
        is needed to make the initiative a reality.
        Q&A
        5) How will initiative proceeds be shared among parishes and
        Archdiocesan ministries?
        Seventy percent of the gifts received by the parish will stay with the parish. Thirty percent of
        the proceeds will support the Archbishop’s pastoral initiatives as outlined in the Changing
        Lives Together plan and will also cover the major initiative expenses. Once a parish reaches
        its target goal for the initiative, it will retain 100 percent of any additional funds raised.
        6) How long will parishioners have to fulfill their pledges?
        Parishioners will have three years to complete their pledges.
        7) Will the annual Archdiocesan Catholic Services Appeal be conducted
        during the initiative?
        Yes, the annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) will continue during the Changing Lives
        Together Initiative. The annual CSA is vital for Archdiocesan annual operations, just as parish
        operational support drives must also continue during the initiative. The CSA will launch as usual
        in May and will not interfere with the timing of individual parish Changing Lives Together
        launches. The overall CSA financial goal will be frozen for the next three years.
        8) Is this the right time for an initiative of this magnitude?
        Considering the urgent ministerial priorities throughout the Archdiocese and the results of
        initial planning research, now is the time for the Changing Lives Together Initiative. The
        planning study results concluded that parishioners throughout the Archdiocese have a deep
        understanding of the needs and favor a campaign to strengthen their parishes and achieve
        the Archbishop’s objectives. They are committed to supporting this effort with their time, their
        talent and their treasure.
        9) How can I make a gift to the Changing Lives Together Initiative?
        First, prayerfully reflect about making a three-year pledge to this initiative. This may enable
        you to consider a larger gift that can be funded over a period of time. You will have the
        flexibility to fulfill your commitment on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis.

        Mass Schedules

        Weekend Mass
        Saturday at 5:00 PM
        Sunday at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon

        Weekday Mass
        Tuesday at 7:00 PM
        Wednesday & Friday at 9:00 AM

        Holy Day Mass as Published

        Sacraments And Pastoral Concerns

        Sacrament of Baptism
        The sacrament of baptism is ordinarily celebrated on the second and fourth Sundays of the month following the 12:00 Noon Mass. Please call the Parish Office at 248-446-8700, at least two months in advance in order to make arrangements. There is a required Baptismal prep class which is normally offered on the second Monday of each month. Please call the Parish
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        Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
        (RCIA) is the process whereby new members are initiated into the Catholic Church through the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and eucharist, and baptized Catholics may complete their initiation. For information, call Cathy Borsh, Pastoral Associate, Ext. 109.
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        Sacrament of Marriage
        Please call the Parish Office at least 6 months before the proposed marriage dates in order to arrange for the necessary preparation. An appointment is necessary before a wedding date may be scheduled.
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        Order of Christian Funerals
        At the time of death, contact the funeral home of your choice. The funeral home will then contact         Saint Joseph Parish.
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        Registration in the Parish:
        You may come to the parish office or call 248-446-8700, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
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        hearing

        Interpeter for Hearing Impaired at 5:00 PM Mass on the third Saturday of each Month.