A History of St. Martin of Tours Parish
 While 1966 marks the 30th anniversary of St. Martin of Tours Parish, the beginnings of the Vicksburg parish actually date back a full 90 years, to 1906.  As the Lee Paper Company mill grew, it worked to bring a church to Vicksburg to meet the needs of Polish Catholic workers hired from the Chicago, New York and Wisconsin areas, who had been attending Mass in a room in the mill.  Fr. Joseph Lempka took charge of building the first church, a small wooden building measuring just over 30 by 60 feet on West Prairie Street.  The church building was completed in 1906, and was intended to be called St. Frederick in gratitude to Frederick Lee of the paper company.  But Fr. Lempka, fearing this name might not be acceptable to the Polish congregation, delayed giving the new parish an official name.  Then, within two months after the building was completed, Fr. Lempka was reassigned to Hilliards.  The Vicksburg parish, lacking a priest, became a mission of St. Edward Parish in Mendon.  Due to this connection, the Vicksburg church also came to be referred to as St. Edward, but officially had no name for 60 years.
 In 1951 a resident priest was again appointed to the Vicksburg church, Fr. Frank Burger.  Attendance grew, and in 1958 a building campaign was begun under the pastor, Fr. Benjamin Ginther.  Groundbreaking for the new church on W Avenue took place in January 1960.  Fr. Ginther received permission to designate the new church as St. Martin of Tours, which was to have been the name of the original church in Mendon.  Bishop Alexander Zaleski of Lansing dedicated the present church building on November 10, 1966, the eve of the feast of St. Martin of Tours.

 St. Martin's continued to be served by resident priests until 1992, when a pastoral minister was assigned.  Currently Sr. Marjorie Manning, CSC, serves as pastoral minister and Fr. Thomas Martin as parish moderator.  The parish is growing rapidly, and church membership currently consists of about 270 families.
 18 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church

A History of the Diocese of Kalamazoo
 The first official Mission in this corner of Michigan was on the shore of Lake Michigan, in the settlement of St. Joseph, in 1690.  It was named the parish of St. Joseph in 1720.  French explorers from Canada came with Jesuit missionaries, followed by Franciscans, and brought the Good News of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of the Northwest Territory.
 After the American Revolution all Catholics in this country came under the care of the Bishop of Baltimore.  The Diocese of Detroit, established in 1833, was the beginning of the formal growth of missions in this area.  Chief Pokagon of the Potawatomi Nation signed the 1833 Chicago Treaty only after he was assured that he and his people could remain in the area and practice their Catholic Faith.  That year the Chief built a church on forty acres of land in Silver Creek, deeded the land to the Bishop of Detroit, built a church on the property, and twice walked to Detroit to successfully petition the Bishop to send a priest.   As Catholic migrants joined the wagon trains into the vast lands of the west, many were attracted by the rich farmland, the "Michigan Plains", and the number of Catholics grew.  By 1900 there were 25 Church communities in this part of Michigan.
 The Second Vatican Council called for the creation of smaller dioceses so that bishops could be more available to the people they serve.  At the request of Pope Paul VI, a committee of Michigan bishops made a thorough study of the state.  The Holy Father then established two new dioceses in Michigan:  Gaylord and Kalamazoo.  In the nine-county area that comprises the Diocese of Kalamazoo, about 104,000 persons call themselves "Catholic", or about 11% of the total population.
 On July 21, 1971, the Apostolic Delegate of the United States read an Executive Decree creating the Diocese of Kalamazoo, carved from portions of the Dioceses of Lansing and Grand Rapids.  John Cardinal Dearden of Detroit ordained a priest from the Diocese of Lansing, The Most Reverend Paul V. Donovan, as Kalamazoo's first Bishop.
 On November 22, 1994, after 23 years of leadership, Bishop Donovan announced he was resigning as Bishop for health reasons.  On the same day, the Vatican announced that Pope John Paul II had appointed Bishop Alfred J. Markiewicz as the second Bishop of Kalamazoo.  The enduring mission of Jesus is envisioned in the SERVICE motto of Bishop Donovan - "To Serve Rather Than Be Served";  and the PEACE motto of Bishop Markiewicz - "An Instrument of Your Peace".
 Vicksburg, Michigan 3

  Dave Sirotti President
 Sue Bibbins Advocate for Handicapped
 Sherry Birkhold Christian Service
 Art Cieslak Building and Grounds
 Jan Gingerich Secretary for the Council
 Ron Gingerich Member at Large
 Deena Hickok Spiritual Development Commission
 Eileen Jancarz Education Commission
 Adrianne Renberg Youth Group Representative
 Betty Rice Diocesan Pastoral Council
 Margot Shick HALOS
 Dave Sirotti Vice President, Member at Large
 Pam Thamann Social Commission
 Sister Marge Manning Pastoral Minister
 Father Tom Martin Parish Moderator
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SUNDAY MORNING DONUTS
 Coffee, donuts, milk, orange juice and bagels are served on most Sundays throughout the year (except for certain holidays) immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.  Come and spend some time visiting with others in our parish family downstairs in Neumann Hall.  If you would like to help out, please call Bruce Hickok (649-2953).

WEEKDAY BREAKFAST CLUB
 The parishioners who attend weekday Communion Service or Mass frequently go out together for breakfast.  This is very informal and everyone is welcome to join whenever possible.  This is mainly a time to get together and visit with each other.  For information contact Vic Swager.
 

St. Martin of Tours
 Martin, a soldier's son, was born around 315 in what is now Hungary, grew up in Italy, and spent most of his adult life in Gaul.  As a young officer at Amiens he gave half his cloak to a naked freezing beggar, and the next night had a vision of Christ wearing that same half of the cloak and saying "Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe."  Soon afterward at age 20, Martin was baptized.  Two years later he asked for a discharge from the army, saying that "I am Christ's soldier; it is not lawful for me to fight."  At age 45 he became one of the clergy, and at age 55 was made Bishop of Tours.
 St. Martin is known as an evangelizer of rural Gaul, and the father of monasticism in France.  He was an extremely active missionary and had a widespread reputation as a healer and miracle worker.  He traveled widely thoughout his diocese and beyond, by foot, by donkey, and by water.  His example and encouragement led to the establishment of a number of religious communities.
 St. Martin is one of the first holy people who was not a martyr to be publicly venerated as a saint.  November 11, 1997, will be the 1600th anniversary of St. Martin's death.
 16 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
 

joining the Social Commission, if you have ideas for social events, or if you want to volunteer to help at any of the functions, please contact Pam Thamann at 649-1131.  Volunteers are always needed.  Exact dates of the various social events are announced at Mass and in the weekly bulletin.

ANNUAL DINNER DANCE
 The St. Martin "Anything Goes" dinner dance has been held annually since 1991.  Held on the weekend before Ash Wednesday, this party is not a fund-raiser, but a just-for-fun break from the winter blahs – one last social bash before Lent.  The theme of the last few parties has been the Mardi Gras.  This dinner dance is open to parishioners and friends, age 21 and up.  The price of the ticket includes admission, a catered dinner, and entertainment.

ANNUAL PARISH PICNIC
 The annual parish picnic has been held either at the beginning or end of summer, every year since 1991.  All members of the parish, young and young at heart, are welcome to join the fun after Mass on the lawn behind the church.  The price of the ticket includes the main entree, snacks, beverages, and table service.  Families attending are each asked to bring a dish to pass to round out the rest of the meal.  There are activities and prizes for the kids, and a raffle of donated and hand-crafted items, with the proceeds going to a worthy cause.

CRAFT GROUP
 The Craft Group is open to anyone in the parish – women, men and children of all ages.  The group meets on the first Monday of every month (except during the summer) at 7:00 pm in Seton Hall, and tries to learn a new craft each month.  The craft is usually displayed in the church vestibule a week or two before the meeting.  Come and learn a new craft each month, or bring something else you are working on, and join in the fellowship.  If you have any questions, contact Jan Gingerich (649-4286) or Patt Brumleve (327-8389).
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BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
 The Building & Grounds Committee is committed to the planned and orderly development and maintenance of our buildings and grounds to meet the needs of our growing Parish, within our fiscal capabilities.  Recent accomplishments include the expanded parking lot, the improved parking lot lighting, the air conditioning and repainting of the church building, and the conversion of the heating system in Seton Hall from electric heat to much more economical gas-fired hot water heat.  In the near future the failing south windows of Seton Hall will be replaced, and the old parking lot will be reconditioned.  The committee also provides a source of long-range planning for the growth and changing needs of our parish community, such as new facilities and a long-term site development plan.  For more information, contact the committee chairperson Art Cieslak.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
 The St. Martin Finance Committee, comprised of the Pastoral Minister, Parish Moderator and three members of the Parish, meets on a quarterly basis to review the church's expenditures and receipts.  They also review major capital purchases and all remodeling/improvement projects.  The Finance Committee works closely with the Parish Pastoral Council and the Building and Grounds Committee to plan the financial future of the St. Martin parish family, to be responsible stewards of the resources with which the Lord has blessed us.

DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL
 The Diocesan Pastoral Council, made up of laity, priests and religious, was formed in 1975 and continues to make recommendations for diocese-wide pastoral programs and for collaboration and shared responsibility between individual parishes.  Our representative to the Diocesan Pastoral Council is Betty Rice.
 6 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
 

KDSA CAMPAIGN
 None of the services offered to the community by the Diocese of Kalamazoo could happen without the effective work of the KDSA (Kalamazoo Diocesan Services Appeal) each year, and the generous response of people in every parish.  KDSA funds much-needed programs of the diocese such as the Marriage and Family Ministry, Migrant Worker Ministry, Native American Ministry, Jail Ministry, Marriage Tribunal, Project Rachel (abortion recovery), The ARK (youth in crisis), and many others.  Volunteers are needed each year to assist in the campaign at St. Martin.  If you are interested, please contact Sister Marge.
 

? WORSHIP / SPIRITUAL

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
 As a Catholic Christian Community we are called to worship together at weekend Mass.  Beyond that, it is important to have opportunities to further develop our spiritual relationship with God.  The Spiritual Development Commission discusses ideas and makes plans with the guidance of Father Tom and Sister Marge.  The commission also provides increasing input and planning for the weekend Masses.
 The Spiritual Development Commission meets about six times a year to review the upcoming liturgical season, including special feast days and other events that should be brought to the prayerful attention of the parish.  Meeting dates are posted in the weekly bulletin and the monthly calendar.  All are welcome to attend and participate.  For more information, please contact Sister Marge or Deena Hickok.
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? HALOS — St. Martin Women's Group
(associated with the National Council of Catholic Women)

 HALOS is an organization of women of the parish wishing to grow spiritually, strengthened by a diversity of age, and sharing faith to build our community.  There are no membership requirements for any woman in the parish.  Just bring an interest for the fun, friendship, and fellowship that grows out of planning and participating in numerous activities and services.  Some of the many projects and activities that HALOS arranges are:
  • Welcome Baskets for new families in the parish,
  • embroidery of baptismal stoles,
  • care of the altar linens and servers' albs,
  • annual Ladies-and-Girls Tea,
  • annual Mens-and-Boys Brunch,
  • annual Parish Ice Cream Social,
  • the Lenten Breakfast,
  • a women's winter retreat,
  • a  women's summer picnic,
  • several bake sales through the year.
 HALOS meets on the third Sunday of the month after morning Mass, for about one hour.  Just drop in on a meeting, or contact Margot Shick for more information.
 
 
 

? SOCIAL COMMISSION

 The Social Commission plans a variety of social functions throughout the year to increase fellowship among our parishioners.  Some events are for the entire family, other events are targeted to specific age groups in the parish.  By coming together at these events and getting to know the people of the parish, each of us will feel more a part of our parish family. Through these social events, new parishioners and visitors have opportunities to meet others and learn about the various other ministries of our parish and community.  If you are interested in
 14 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
 

IN-SHARING MINISTRY
 The In-Sharing ministry works in conjunction with other churches in the Vicksburg area and the South County Community Services to serve the poor and needy in the Vicksburg area.  For more information call Vera Royal at 649-0637.

ADVOCACY FOR THE HANDICAPPED
 The Advocate for the Handicapped serves as a resource to the parish, connecting others to services and information as requested or needed.  The Advocate acts as a liaison between the parish and the Diocesan Office of Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.  For information, contact Sue Bibbins at 649-3455.

OTHER MINISTRIES
 Several other ministries are in the process of being formed.  These include a Political Action Ministry, to keep the parish aware of product boycotts, petitions to Congress, etc.;  a Greeting Card Ministry, to send cards provided by the Christian Service Committee to hospitalized parishioners;  Visitation of the Sick and Homebound, to organize visits to the sick, infirm and elderly;  and finding a Collection Coordinator, someone to match the needs of various individuals and groups.  (For example, if you have a bed you would like to donate, you would call the Collection Coordinator to find out the name of an individual or group who needs that bed.)
 For more information on these new ministries, please call Sherry Birkhold, at 649-3655.
 
 
 

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LECTORS
 The Word of God is proclaimed by teen and adult Lectors during all Masses and other services.  If you feel you are gifted with the ability to proclaim the Word and wish to be a Lector, please contact the Rectory office.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
 Eucharistic Ministers are lay parishioners, confirmed and at least 16 years old, who are commissioned to assist in distribution of the consecrated Body and Blood during Masses and communion services.  Some Eucharistic Ministers are also commissioned to bring Communion to the sick.  After a required set of training sessions, you will be commissioned by the Bishop to serve in your parish for a renewable 3-year term.  If you are interested, please contact the Rectory.

ALTAR SERVERS
 Young parishioners, grades 4 and up, assist the priest at Masses and at other liturgical services.  Adults too are welcome.  Through his or her own participation, prayerfulness and dedication, the server is expected to be a leader in the community's prayer.  Servers are usually scheduled about once per month.  Training sessions for new servers are scheduled periodically.  For more information please contact Debbie Graham (746-4910).

ALTAR & SACRISTY
 The altar linens and servers' albs require regular laundering and maintenance.  This service is organized by the HALOS.  Those who can provide assistance are invited to contact Margo Shick or Patt Brumleve.

LITURGICAL DECORATING COMMITTEE
 The hard work of dedicated and talented volunteers is needed to decorate the church for the various seasons of the liturgical year.  If you wish to help, please contact Patt Brumleve.
 8 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
 

ADULT CHOIR
 The adult choir leads the parish at song during weekend and Holy Day Masses.  The choir practices on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the church.  Any teen or adult who enjoys singing and feels a musical gift is invited to join.  Contemporary music masses are scheduled twice a month, and musicians are also needed.  Please contact Eileen Jancarz or the Rectory.

USHERS
 Ushers are present to help assure an orderly Mass, by helping seating during crowded services, collecting the gifts, assisting the procession to Communion, and providing for the comfort of the congregation.  Ushers also serve as greeters to welcome parishioners and visitors as they arrive.  Each usher is asked to assist at one Saturday or Sunday Mass every 6 to 8 weeks.  If you are interested, please contact the Rectory.

NURSERY
 It is difficult to expect infants and toddlers to sit through an hour-long Mass.  To provide a more suited environment for children aged 6 months through 3 years, and to let parents attend Mass together, without being concerned about managing their children's behavior, a nursery is provided during Sunday morning Mass.  This provides a fun, supervised play environment in which children can meet new friends.
 The nursery is held in a classroom in Seton Hall.  Two adult parishioners are always present to care for the children, often assisted by one or more teen helpers.  Playpens and cushioned floor mats are available for infants.  Toys, books, art materials, and snacks are also provided.  The volunteers will attend to diapering as needed, but parents should provide their own child's diapering supplies.
 Please consider use of the nursery for your younger children.  For more information, or to volunteer to be a nursery worker or helper, please contact Jackie Sirotti.  It is only through the generosity of the volunteer workers that this nursery can be offered.
 Vicksburg, Michigan 13
 

RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS
 Single young men who are discerning whether they have a call to the priesthood, and men (single or married) who have an interest in learning about Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, as well as women and men interested in Religious Life as a Sister or Brother, are encouraged to contact the Rectory.
 All parishioners are urged to pray for vocations, to recognize and identify those with gifts for leadership and service, and to call forth and encourage those members to consider Priesthood or Religious life.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK
 This sacrament is available to any parishioner who is seriously ill or hospitalized.  Those who are dealing with grave health problems may also receive Extreme Unction and Viaticum.  The Rectory should be contacted to make arrangements, or iIn cases of emergency.
 
 

? CHRISTIAN SERVICE

FUNERAL MINISTRY
 The funeral ministry organizes volunteers to prepare and serve a meal after a funeral.  To volunteer to serve or prepare a dish for the meal, please call Genevieve Pinkerton at 649-0131 or LaVern Flanders at 649-0470.

RIGHT TO LIFE MINISTRY
 This ministry keeps the parish aware of Right to Life issues and programs including pending legislation, annual Right to Life Dinner, letter writing campaigns to Congress, the Life Chain, etc.  For more information contact Walt Galligan at 649-3314.

HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
 The Hospitality ministry provides meals for new mothers and other parishioners recovering at home after a hospital stay.  For more information contact Nancy Eicholtz at 649-2754.
 12 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
 

SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
 Frequent opportunities are provided to share in this most special sacrament, during Sunday Mass, at daily Mass, and at Communion Services.  All Catholics attending Mass and Communion Service are encouraged to receive Communion frequently.  Communion is also provided to parishioners who through illness, hospitalization or infirmity are unable to participate at Mass.  Contact the Rectory, or any Eucharistic Minister, to make arrangements.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA)
 RCIA is a process for welcoming new adult members into the Catholic Church.  The process begins with a period of Inquiry, in which persons considering membership in the Church can learn about the Catholic tradition, ask questions, and share their experiences.  The process is accented by a series of rites, each of which celebrates stages of relationship between the candidate and the Church.  RCIA is open to all unbaptized persons, to those baptized into other faith traditions, and to Catholics who wish to complete their own initiation through Confirmation.
 Current parishioners also are always welcome to attend the Inquiry and RCIA meetings, and will find them to be a good opportunity to "brush up" on the essentials of their Catholic faith.
 The assistance of parishioners is needed for the RCIA ministry.  Confirmed Catholics are invited to help in a ministry in which they can make good use of their gifts.  Sponsors will guide the candidates, introduce them to the parish, and share their faith with them.
 For information about the RCIA process, or to volunteer your help, please contact the Rectory.
 Vicksburg, Michigan 9
 

MEDITATION GARDEN
 Parish volunteers have designed and landscaped a lovely Meditation Garden in the area between the church building and Seton Hall.  This garden, dedicated to Mary in 1995, provides a peaceful area for individual prayer, and is the site for our May Crowning and other prayer services.  Volunteer green-thumbers help maintain the garden.  If you are interested in helping, please contact Patt Brumleve.
 
 
 

? EDUCATION

PRESCHOOL
 Religious preschool class is available for children aged 4 - 5 (the year before kindergarten).  This class, which takes place during the school year during Sunday morning Mass, provides the child with a religion readiness program, and begins introducing the child to basic Christian concepts.
 For more information, to register your children, or to volunteer as a preschool teacher or helper, please contact the Religious Education Office.

GRADE SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
 One of our most important callings as Christians is to instill the living faith in our children.  To assist parents in this duty, children in kindergarten through grade 5 are invited to participate in the religious education classes that meet weekly during the school year, on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., in the Seton Hall classrooms.
 For information, to register your children, or to volunteer as a catechist or assistant in any age group, please contact the Religious Education Office.
 10 St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
 

YOUTH GROUP
 Youth Group classes for those in grades 6 through 8 meet on Sundays during the school year.  Class time is 9:00 to 10:15, followed by 10:30 Mass.  High school students meet as a group following Mass twice a month.  The Group engages in discussion of topics relevant to teens, and participates in a variety of community service projects, as well as other fun activities.
 For information, to register, or to volunteer as a youth group leader or assistant, contact the Religious Education Office.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
 A summer family program is scheduled during August.  The 1996 program, Marketplace 29 AD, provided fun and learning for all ages - Bible stories, music, crafts, prayer.  Many volunteers begin planning in early spring.  Watch the bulletin for information.

ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
 Growth in your faith and in your relationship with God is a life-long pursuit which does not end with Confirmation.  Special programs for adults are offered through the year, and are publicized through announcements at Mass and in the weekly bulletin.  For example, during Advent and Lent special Bible Study groups are organized.  Contact the Rectory Office for more information.
 Wednesday mornings following 9:00 a.m. Mass you are invited to join a group who reflect on the following Sunday readings – sharing insights and applications of the Scripture readings.
 

 Vicksburg, Michigan 11
 

? THE SACRAMENTS

INFANT BAPTISM PREPARATION
 Parents of infants should contact the Rectory to prepare for their child's baptism.  Parents and sponsors will meet for information and instruction in preparation of the Sacrament of Baptism.  Infant baptisms are generally held on Sundays during or  immediately following the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

CHILDREN'S CONFESSION, FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION
 Your children are prepared for these Sacraments as part of the religious education program.  Regular attendance in the program, and parental participation, are required.  Contact the Religious Education office for more information.

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
 The Sacrament of Reconcialiation provides an opportunity to examine those areas in our lives in which God's grace is needed to grow into the people that God wants us to be.  Confession provides a source of God's grace, forgiveness and healing for those not suffering from known serious sin, as well as those who are dealing with more serious issues.  Private Confession is available on Saturdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am, and at other times by appointment with the Parish Priest.  Communal Reconciliation Services are held during the Advent and Lenten seasons.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE
 A marriage preparation program is available for couples.  Couples are encouraged to contact the Rectory at least six months prior to their planned marriage, and before they commit to other arrangements (e.g., reception hall).  The preparation program includes the Marriage Discovery Weekend.