Welcome to Our Lady on the River Parish!

The people of Holy Cross, St. Catherine and St. Mark welcome you to our parish website! Use the links on the right to go to common areas of information, like the bulletin or the listing of Masses scheduled at any of our locations. Then choose a link to find specific information.

The three parishes of Holy Cross, St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Mark officially merged on March 6, 2007, to become Our Lady on the River Parish, with the three locations of Holy Cross, Marine City; St. Catherine, Algonac; and St. Mark, Harsens Island. Historical Information and links on how the merger process was handled are provided on the "Together in Faith" page.

From the Parish

Weekly message from our Pastor, Fr. Robert Schuster, January 8, 2012

12 Days of Christmas

Don’t take down that Christmas tree yet! What? Too late? I knew I should have mentioned this earlier, but for the Church “Christmas Time” doesn’t come to a conclusion until the Baptism of the Lord. So the last day of Christmas is on the same day as the BCS National Championship - January 9th. (And speaking of presents, both MSU and UM got lots of “gifts” in their bowl games.)

It’s at least annoying that Christmas advertisements and commercials start before Halloween. And it’s equally annoying that the radio stations stop playing any kind of Christmas music on the afternoon of the 25th. I like that the Church continues the celebration of ‘Christmas Time’ long after the rest of the world has given up thinking about Christmas (It also gives me more time to finish my Christmas shopping and pick up some great discounts!) The joy of Christmas isn’t contained by one stinkin day! It’s too big for that, too amazing and wonderful.

The Church’s long celebration of Christmas should be a powerful reminder to us. As we eventually put away the Christmas ornaments, we can’t just “pack-up” what we have just celebrated. You want to be really counter-cultural? Don’t just leave the tree up until January 10th, but continue to celebrate God’s gift of Himself every day of the year, in all that you do, with everyone you meet.

Away in a Manger

Several months ago the Worship Commission suggested the purchase of a new Nativity Set for St. Catherine. If you have seen it you would have to agree that it is quite beautiful. Tom Babcock hand-made the manger and it almost completes the scene. We need a few additional pieces - animals and such and it will be perfect. If Santa was particularly generous with you and you have some extra monies you don’t know what to do with and you want to help us complete the manger scene - I won’t stand in the way of your generosity.

Go, Tell It On The Mountain

Speaking of generosity - Thanks to all of you who were so generous to the Parish at Christmas. The Christmas collection is an important part of our Parish Budget. I am grateful for your tremendous support of the parish mission today and always. Merry Christmas everyone, ,

I am,
Fr. Bob

P.S. As many of you know Sr. Geraldine celebrated her 80th birthday on December 21st. Sr. Mary Ann celebrates her 80th on January 9, 2021... (I am in such trouble...good thing I can run faster than her!)

Parish Announcements

Our Lady on the River Parish Choir

Attention all singers and instrumentalists!! Practices for the Our Lady on the River Parish Choir are every Thursday at St. Catherine starting at 7:00 p.m. in the church. We alternate Mass locations on a weekly basis. Music is a vital part of our liturgies that needs many volunteers. Come use your musical talents to praise the Lord! For more information contact Bea Wassenberg at 810-794-0098.

From the Archdiocese

Announcements from the Archdiocese, January 2011

From the United States Council of Catholic Bishops

Readings and Psalms of the Month

Please go to this page for Daily Mass Readings, Palsms and much more, provided by the USCCB.

Go to the NAB Podcast

From the Vatican

BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR September

VATICAN CITY, 1 SEP 2010 (VIS) - Pope Benedict's general prayer intention for September is: "That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people's hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress".

His mission intention is: "That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world". Please subscribe to the Vatican Information Service to receive messages from the Pope (free!) by going to this site: http://mlists.vatican.va/mailman/listinfo/visnews_en

Parish Mission Statement

We the people of Our Lady on the River Parish state in a common voice that we are a united Catholic community, bringing together three unique sites, each one being essential to the whole.

We welcome all people into our community. We support the human and spiritual needs of each person with dignity, which strengthens our bond as members of one Body sustained by the Eucharist.

Guided by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to the formation in our Catholic faith at all ages. We will provide a deep and firm foundation for our youth through Catholic education and good example.

We reach out to the greater community through our acts of service and prayer through the intercession of Mary, our Blessed Mother.

General Information

Guidelines for Reception of Holy Communion, from the USCCB
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops "What's New"
Links and Resources

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