Mercy in Action on Saturday, October 17, is more than just service projects ... it's lifting others up in prayer as well. All are invited to join us for the following: * Rosary for the Unborn at 9:30 a.m. * Prayer Service for Those Affected by COVID-19 at 10:00 a.m. * Prayer Service for Peace (led by youth) at 10:30 a.m.

The cancelation of the St. Vincent de Paul truck was a definite wrench in our plans for Mercy in Action. But we still are hosting a Food Drive for Lighthouse Clarkston on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The extended hours will allow parishioners to drop off food donations on their way to Mass. LET'S STUFF THEIR VAN!!! And representatives from Sleeping Bags for the Homeless will be here on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to accept donations to help the homeless make it through the winter. Lists of requested or suggested items can be found on our Mercy in Action web page.

We know a lot of you were looking forward to donating your items to the St. Vincent de Paul truck that was scheduled to be in the St. Daniel parking lot this weekend for Mercy in Action. Late Wednesday afternoon, we received VERY disappointing news from the SVdP Office downtown (Detroit) that they are unable to send trucks out to ANY parish this weekend, or anytime in the very near future. Their warehouse is overwhelmed with donations, and they just cannot accept anything more. Unfortunately, it's a common problem right now with all help agencies who run thrift stores. Also, the SVdP bins at the end of our parking lot are full once again, and it's unclear when they will be emptied. PLEASE DO NOT BRING DONATIONS FOR ST. VINCENT DE PAUL TO THE CHURCH PARKING LOT! And spread the word! If needed, our Christian Service Office can supply you with a list of nearby thrift stores who may take your donations. But what we've been finding is that they too are dealing with mountains of donations, and will only accept more items when they have room.

At least, you MAY have heard about it, but everyone in our parish will start learning about this new initiative within the Archdiocese, because all parishes are going to be involved, and it has the potential for creating significant changes in how parishes operate.  For this reason, here is the first of a short series of articles explaining what’s going on.

Thank you for returning your pledge cards, and for your donation to this year’s CSA! Some of you may have received a second mailing, but don’t be concerned. These were sent in error. The AOD apologizes greatly for all the confusion with CSA this year. The AOD tried to help the parishes by doing the bulk of the work for us. Unfortunately, in hind sight, it probably would have been better if each parish managed its own CSA — hindsight is 20/20! I thank all of you for your patience and understanding. I especially thank you for your great generosity to St. Daniel Parish, and for your generosity to our greater Church in the AOD. Please know of my prayers for each of you. Archbishop Vigneron is also truly grateful for your help and financial support of these much needed programs and ministries. -- Father John

All are invited to join us next Saturday, October 17 for Mercy in Action, a morning of prayer, fellowship, service and outreach to the needy. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!! There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, and the event is family-friendly. WE NEED DONATIONS!!! We will be hosting a Food Drive for Lighthouse Clarkston all weekend, and a St. Vincent de Paul truck will be in our parking lot to accept those donations that you’ve been holding onto. And we need warm winters coats, boots and other items to help the homeless make it through the winter. For complete details, visit the Mercy in Action web page!!!

Each year, the Knights of Columbus conduct the MI Drive to raise funds for Mentally Impaired individuals. Last year, Waterford and Clarkston area Knights of Columbus raised nearly $17,000 to give to charities like the Michigan Special Olympics, as well as many local non-profits such as Clarkston SCAMP, Kingsley-Montgomery School, ARC of Oakland County, Angel’s Place, Coffee House Dance, New Horizons, O.A.T.S., Club Create and New Gateways. This year, COVID-19 has impacted the MI Drive, limiting the number of roadway intersections and other public spaces where the Knights can accept donations. So we’re bringing the Knights to you! After Mass on this weekend (October 10/11), members of our parish Knights of Columbus Council will be at all parking lot exits to accept your donations to the MI Drive. Thank you for supporting this worthy cause!

Your support of the Archdiocesan Catholic Services Appeal enables its parishes and institutes to serve hundreds of thousands of individuals and families every year. No single parish could provide this all on its own. Check out the brochure for more information. Best yet, if our parish exceeds our CSA goal, 100% of the excess comes back to us!

Our parish St. Vincent de Paul Conference is helping to provide food, shelter, and basic needs of local families impacted by COVID-19 and other emergencies. Now through October 31, your gift to the St. Daniel SVdP Conference will be DOUBLED! Watch for the blue SVdP envelope in your mailbox, or visit https://www.stdanielclarkston.org/st-vincent-de-paul for more information about the good work that our Conference does, and to make a secure, online donation. Thank you, and may God bless!!!

St. Dan's Youth Group welcomes teens in the 9th through 12th Grades to join in on the fun!!! They meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.. Tomorrow, they will be participating in a Youth Hour of Adoration. Meetings are held outside (except for Adoration). Teens are asked to bring a chair and a mask. Snacks and drinks are provided. Email youthministry@stdanielclarkston.org for more information!

Our nation is grappling with political, civil, and social division, and needs God's mercy and healing. Sponsored by Father John Riccardo and his ACTS XXIX team, the national day of prayer and fasting calls us all to stop what we're doing and PRAY! Father Riccardo is suggesting it might be powerful if everyone came together in prayer (even virtually) at 3:00 p.m. on September 24 -- the Hour of Mercy. Or, our parish Knights of Columbus Council 15967 will be praying the Rosary virtually at 5:30 p.m. Maybe you could pray the Rosary at 5:30 p.m. as well, joining your prayers with theirs.

The theme for the 2020 Catholic Services Appeal takes inspiration from the city of Detroit's motto given by Father Gabriel Richard, "We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes." These are also the words Jesus speaks to his disciples after the Transfiguration: "Rise and be not afraid" (Matthew 17:7). This year, as our families, parishes and communities find ways to continue the mission of Christ amid new challenges, we are reminded that we too must rise up, follow Christ, and share with others the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are loved and that God is with us at all times. Please consider making a gift today. Visit www.givecsa.org to make a gift and learn more.

St. Dan's Youth Group is kicking off the 2020-2021 school year this Wednesday, September 16! Meeting is 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the cross on the hill (outside). Bring a chair and a mask and get ready to discuss "Priorities and Balance" and highlights for the fall! Also, make sure to stay tuned to the Teen page!!!

Due to the uncertainty of multiple factors, we will offer Faith Formation classes from October 4 through December 18 in an at home/online format only. NO IN-PERSON CLASSES. From January 10 through May 12, we plan to have in-person classes, but of course, this is subject to change due to the pandemic situation. Follow the link to check out more information about our expanded Faith Formation program by grade level or category, and to register/pay right online! DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS SEPTEMBER 23!!!  

The theme for CSA 2020 is "Rise and Be Not Afraid." Our community has faced unprecedented challenges this year, and proven our resilience once again. It’s our time to do what generations before us have done: rise and meet the needs of our communities.

Announcing some exciting news about our expanded Faith Formation program! See attached link for info and register by September 23. All information and an online registration form can be found at https://www.stdanielclarkston.org/children-youth.

Have you considered that this time of challenge and uncertainty could possibly be the Church in Detroit’s finest hour? This is a time for our parishes and communities to do what we do best: rise up. In southeast Michigan, we are no strangers to challenges, and we, with the grace and love of God, have always been resilient, rising from the ashes and overcoming these trials.

If you have been considering a housewarming gift for our new Pastor, Father John Bettin ... NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT!!! There are only 5 days left for you to go online to the Bed, Bath and Beyond Registry to select a gift to welcome Father John to our St. Daniel Parish and to Clarkston. Father landed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and could use a welcoming gift or two to settle down his hectic days.

We have not reached the maximum number of teams allowed in the Men of St. Daniel Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, September 12 raising funds for the youth of St. Daniel Parish. Please help us raise more money by putting a team together and signing up to play in our shotgun start, 18 hole golf outing . Click for details!

Saturday, September 12, 2020 at Fountains Golf & Banquet Center 6060 Maybee Rd., Clarkston 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start Proceeds benefit the Youth of St. Daniel Parish