This year’s Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) theme, Eyes Fixed on Jesus, comes from the letter to the Hebrews (Heb 12:1-2). It reminds us that when we focus on Our Lord and Savior, we receive the strength and courage to share our love of Jesus Christ with others so that they, too, may encounter him. Help us share the love of Christ and respond to the material and spiritual needs of individuals and families in Southeast Michigan by making a gift today at givecsa.org

Join us for Coffee and Donuts with St. Nicholas on Sunday December 8th after all Masses. Crafts provided for the kids. We will be serving Dutch Girl Donuts.

Mark your calendars! We will be having an Advent-Christmas Concert on Sunday December 15 at 4 PM in the church. Reception in the Social Hall will follow.

Although faith is fundamental to Christian life, its meaning and power are often misunderstood. This course, taught by Fr. Pieter van Rooyen, delves into the true essence and strength of the Christian faith as revealed in the Scriptures and through the teachings of Thomas Aquinas and other revered saints and doctors of the Church. FAITH: THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR Touching God through the Supernatural Power of Faith November 17 - December 14, 2024 Free online EQUIP course Course Modules: • Module 1: The Necessity, Nature, and Power of Christian Faith • Module 2: Growth in Faith • Module 3: The Demands of Faith • Module 4: Darkness and Faith ~ SIGN UP TODAY! SHMS.EDU/ADVENT

Euchre Night - Saturday, November 9th Doors open at 6:00 pm Play starts at 6:30 pm $20/Player Pizza/Salad/Refreshments Snacks and Prizes This will be an individual-play tournament, no teams. 6-rounds of play. Our Lady of Refuge Social Hall Immediately after the 5:00 pm mass Reservations requested Checks made out to Knights of Columbus Memo: Council 600 Euchre Email: leeann1whalen@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Harvest Wagon October 26-November 10 Want to know what the Harvest Wagon is? The Harvest Wagon is used to gather funds for OLR to purchase holiday food items needed for Thanksgiving and Christmas. These items will be provided to families in need who shop at our Food Pantry. We ask that you that you consider taking an envelope and make a donation of $20.00 or more. You may drop your envelope in the large slotted pumpkin or place it in the collection basket. Checks should be made payable to Our Lady of Refuge Christian Service. Your donations are greatly appreciated! Thank you for your generosity and kindness in helping those in need during the upcoming holiday season.

Our next blood drive with the Red Cross is on Monday, October 14, 2024 in the Social Hall from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Donating blood to someone in need is such a wonderful gift. Blood donations help accident and burn victims, heart surgery and transplant patients and those battling cancer. Please schedule an appointment today by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code "OLRC." The Red Cross website is very informative if you are donating blood for the first time. 

It’s that time of the year again!  Halloween is just around the corner, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary needs your help.  Each year the seminary community opens their doors and their hearts to over 2,000 children from the surrounding Detroit neighborhood so that the kids can have a fun and safe place to play games and trick-or-treat.  They need your help to make this year a success!  They are asking for donations of Halloween candy that will then be passed out to the many kids.  Please bring your bags of individually wrapped candy to the Parish Office or Gathering Space by Sunday, October 27th. Thank you for your generosity and support in making this event a success!

Catholic Social Teaching is a hidden treasure that can guide us in understanding contemporary issues and witnessing to Jesus’ wisdom and love communicated through the Church.  Beginning Saturday, October 12 for 7 Saturdays Fr. Alex Kratz, OFM, will offer a class at St. Joseph Chapel (400 South Blvd. West, Pontiac, MI 48341) at 1:00 pm (after the Noon Mass).  Grow closer to Our Lord as you learn more about the Catholic Faith.  For more information, contact Fr. Alex: email at abunaalex@yahoo.com or call/text at (313) 727-9784. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support the Capuchin Brothers in their ministries of Capuchin Retreat and the Solanus Casey Center. Get ready to tee off at the Capuchin Golf Classic! Join us for a day of fun and friendly competition at the beautiful Greystone Golf Club located in Washington, Michigan. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, this event is perfect for golfers of all levels. Come enjoy the scenic views on the golf course, make some new friends, and have a blast while doing it! We hope to see you on the green! For registration or more information, contact Angela Morris at (313) 579-2100, ext. 1173 or via email at amorris@thecapuchins.org.

Diocesan Mission Cooperation Appeal in our parish. On September 21-22, 2024, we will be honored to have Sr. Judith Laffey, SC. with us to share the good news of the mission works of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in China, Korea and Ecuador.

Our Annual Parish Picnic is right around the corner!! Join us for a fun and relaxing time as a church community! We will have bounce houses, face painting, burgers, hot dogs, and games! The West Bloomfield Fire Dept. and Orchard Lake Police will stop by to say hello and let the kids check out their vehicles and equipment! See sign-up sheets in the Narthex for ways to help make this another amazing OLR event!

The Annual Pontiac St. Frederick's Mass and All Class reunion will take place on September 8, 2024. The mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Damien Parish-St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. The luncheon will follow at Santia Hall on Cass Lake Rd. in Keego Harbor at 12:30pm. Please contact Pat Scully-Strong at pmstrong02@att.net or 248-396-2976 or Bridget Scully at bsscully1948@gmail.com or 859-421-3579.

On the Rise Bakery, sponsored by the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, will be here selling their delicious baked goods on Sunday, August 25th after both Masses. Every purchase helps fund supportive housing, training, counseling services, educational opportunities, and self-help programs. Please consider supporting this worthy cause.

Knights of Columbus Coffee & Donuts Sunday, August 18th after each Sunday Mass in the Social Hall

Starting Monday, July 8th summer hours for the parish office will be Monday-Thursday from 9:00-3:00 and Friday from 9:00-1:00. We will return to normal business hours on Monday, August 19th.

Our next blood drive with the Red Cross is on Monday, July 22, 2024 in the Social Hall from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Please schedule an appointment today by visiting www.redcrossblood.org and entering sponsor code "OLRC."

“Maker Fun Factory” 3 Day Vacation Bible School June 25, 26, 27 2024 Registration is open until June 1

Sunday, June 2 - Saturday, July 13 Online Self-Paced Course $10 or Included in Your Parish's Equip Subscription

Join us for Trivia Night on Saturday, April 27th in the parish social hall. Cost is $10 per person, register your team of 6-8 people. Doors open at 6:00 P.M. Game starts at 6:30