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Faithful from across the Diocese of Saginaw gathered for the Eucharistic Liturgy Celebrating 40 years of Lay Ministry Commissioning, Missioning and Renewal on Sunday, Oct. 18, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Saginaw.
Bishop Robert Gruss celebrated the Mass, during which lay ministry candidates were commissioned and missioned. Current lay ministers also renewed their commitments or obtained permanent status.
In his homily, Bishop Gruss reminded the faithful that through baptism, all receive a missionary call. Lay ministers answer that call in a specific way, and through the liturgy they were sent back to their individual faith communities to be missionaries.
"You bring the world the heart of the Church," Bishop Gruss said to the lay ministers.
The lay ministers commissioned or missioned at this year's liturgy are Matthew Begres, Julie DeSimpelare, Christine Fortier, Pamela Graul-Gwizdala, Mary Greyerbiehl, Russell Herlache, Paul King, Linda Knepfler, Jeannette Krawczak, Maria Meier, Steven Pelton, Robert Piaskowski, Jason Rasmussen, Noreen Warrick and Katie Youmans-Eichler. Additionally, 37 lay ministers renewed their commissioning and four lay ministers received permanent status.
The diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Program helps prepare Catholic adults for ministry by expanding their knowledge of Scripture and Catholic Theology, helping them live their baptismal call in service to others, and strengthens their relationship with God through prayer, retreats and spiritual formation. To learn more, visit www.saginaw.org/lay-ministry