“Lest we be confused, given the climate that we’re living in now, the weapons are goodness, truth, beauty, mercy, reconciliation and so much more,” Father Riccardo asserted.

Along with the missionary team from ACTS XXIX, Father Riccardo and musician Sarah Kroger travelled to Midland on May 17 to share the Gospel message through Rescue Michigan. (The apostolate is so named because the Acts of the Apostles ends with chapter 28, so we are living Acts 29 currently.)

Father Riccardo presented the kerygma, or the heart of the Gospel message, that we are Created, Captured, Rescued and now have the opportunity to Respond. He said that as Christians, we are called to be agents of healing, reconciliation, re-creation and more.

“The one that stuck out was to be an agent of healing,” said Sarah Stafford, who traveled two hours from Lakeport to take part in the day.  “I feel like perhaps the Lord was speaking to me on that one, because ... I've been asking for the Lord's heart and a compassionate heart. When Father John talked about being an agent of healing, whether it be in our marriage [or] in any aspect of our life with other people, that really, really called to me.”

The day included small group discussion, powerful presentations by Father Riccardo and an intimate Eucharistic procession. Sarah Kroger, who led praise and worship at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, also led praise and worship for the event.

“The music was incredible,” Sarah added. “Sarah Kroger and her band [are] phenomenal. Just so... anointed.”

“The Eucharistic procession was incredibly moving,” said Bob Zondlak, who serves in the Diocesan Office of Liturgy. He said he was reminded of the Eucharistic procession at the National Eucharistic Congress. “The reverence and prayerfulness in the room was overwhelming...  It was wonderful, and I didn’t want it to end since Jesus was truly present in our midst.”

The day also served as the official launch of  “A Diocese on Mission,” a call for parishioners to become missionary disciples.

“I am just so excited for all Catholics, all ages,” said Sandy Ward from Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish in Bay City.  “That's what's so cool. You just feel on fire when you get back into your faith. If you've left, come on back, because it's just a wonderful time to be Catholic.”

Sandy added that she was learning more and more that it is the responsibility of everyone in our Diocese to step up, welcome and accept one another and trust that Jesus will lead us.

As the day ended, Bishop Gruss encouraged attendees, including faithful from 36 parishes of the Diocese of Saginaw, to invite someone to church.

“In the last 10 years, we've lost over 30,000 Catholics [in our Diocese]. That's about 36 percent of registered parishioners. They're your friends; they're your neighbors; they're your family members, and the Lord wants you to get them back,” he said.

Bishop Gruss also reminded those gathered that the Lord has a plan for each of them, for their family, parish and the Diocese.

“Let's join together on mission and allow the Lord to reveal that plan in a particular way. Start praying and discerning, asking the Lord, ‘Lord, what is the plan you have for my life?’” Bishop Gruss challenged. “He's a big God and he wants to share everything with you.”