In June, Father Tony shared that following Father Weber’s departure, we would not have an associate pastor assigned at St. Robert at this time, and that it would be unlikely we would have one for at least another year. In his bulletin letter from June 22, he explains why. He also notes that having a single priest serving at St. Robert is not unprecedented and that our community has successfully navigated this situation before. He cites discussions with staff and other actions being taken that will help us navigate going forward. Your prayers for our parish community and for Father Tony are welcome!

Read his letter in full in the June 22 bulletin online (p. 2).

Early registration (before Aug. 1) has its benefits!
Keep reading to learn why.

We’re excited to welcome your children back for another joyful year of Faith Formation! Register today and help your child grow in the love of Christ, learn about the sacraments, and deepen their Catholic identity. With over 300 students expected to register this year, early registration (July 1-Aug. 1) saves you money, guarantees that you get into the class of your choice, and helps the faith formation office plan ahead.

To register your child(ren) for Faith Formation, visit
strobertchurch.org/faith-formation/registration/ today!

Contact Hans Whitmer, director of faith formation, (616) 676-9111, ext. 117, or hwhitmer@strobertchurch.org with questions.

We are also seeking catechists and assistants for various elementary grade levels. What better way to deepen your knowledge and relationship with our Lord than to prepare lessons about Him and teach them to our St. Robert Youth? As a thank you, all faith formation registration fees are waived for the families of weekly catechists and catechist assistants. Please ask God in prayer if He is calling you into this life-giving work. 

The following openings are available:

Tuesdays – 5:00-6:15 p.m.
Grades 1, 4 & 5 – 1 Catechist & 1 Assistant needed per grade

Wednesdays – 5:00-6:15 p.m.
Grades 1, 3, 4 & 5 – 1 Catechist & 1 Assistant per grade needed

Wednesdays – 6:45-8:00 p.m.
Grades 1 & 5 – 1 Assistant
Grades 2, 3 & 4 – 1 Catechist and 1 Assistant needed per grade

To learn more, contact Jolana Peard, pastoral associate for elementary ministry, at (616) 676-9111, ext. 123, or jpeard@strobertchurch.org.

Come and be part of the Senior Citizen Picnic as we host our senior neighbors for “A Garden Party” in Newminster Hall on Aug. 9! Volunteers are needed in several areas—a great opportunity for families to serve together! Our St. Robert parish community is incredibly generous with your time, talent and treasure and it makes the day special for everyone.

This annual picnic has been a tradition at SRN for over 35 years. It has expanded to include low-income seniors from local nursing homes and senior centers in the GR area. We expect to welcome about 160 guests this year for lunch, games and prizes. For some who attend, it is their only outing for the entire year.

GET INVOLVED!
Volunteers are needed for decorating, food prep, serving, set-up, clean-up, and socializing. We’re especially in need of luncheon servers, guest guides and game wranglers!

Find volunteer details and sign up at 
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F44ABA62DA2FF2-56586686-test#/ or see the clipboards at the Senior Citizen Picnic bulletin board in the church narthex outside the coat room. 

THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO CURRENTLY ACCEPTING:

• Gift cards and monetary donations (any amount to Walmart, Target, Meijers, Walgreens, Amazon and Aldi’s). Please turn them in to Molly in the parish office or to any committee member. Please note “Senior Citizen Picnic” on any monetary donations.
• Donations of physical items (must be new) so that each of our guests is able to take home a gift.

Questions? Please contact a committee member: Dawn, 616-437-1390; Cindy, 616-240-5990; Anna, 616-706-6271, or Nancy, 616-450-2354.  

Spots are still available in our preschool for the coming school year!
If you’ve been considering St. Robert for preschool, now’s the time to secure your spot! Call or email for more information: 616-455-4966, info@strobertschoolada.org.

If you know a family seeking preschool for their child, please share this information with them!

Visit https://strobertschoolada.org/ to learn more about our school.

Connect with our school on social media: Facebook | Instagram.

Thank you to all the individuals who put many hours into planning our parish feast day and Father Tony’s anniversary celebration, Father Weber’s farewell gathering, and the Corpus Christi procession. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus and the many volunteers who showed up to assist with set-up, food and clean-up. Thank you to all who were present and joined in these celebrations. Your presence and contributions do not go unnoticed. You are seen and appreciated. We are so grateful for this wonderful parish community.

Photo captions (beginning top left): Grandparent Camp June 16-18; Father Weber’s Farewell Gathering (June 29); Corpus Christi Procession (June 22) and SRN staff tour of the Education Wing expansion (June 18), part of Phase II of our parish’s Together in Christ campaign.

As the Church celebrated the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, Bishop Walkowiak announced the promulgation of a new pastoral plan for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. The final “Rooted in Christ” plan is a result of a year of data collection, interviews with priests, tours of every church and school in the diocese, listening sessions with clergy and laity, and several drafts of the plan.

Priests of the diocese urged Bishop Walkowiak more than a year ago to take a hard look at what is required for the well-being of our parish communities and priests, as the number of clergy available for active ministry has decreased. Meitler, a Catholic consulting group from Wisconsin, led this process.

To watch a video message from Bishop Walkowiak, read his letter to parishioners (included in our June 29 bulletin) and the final plan, and review the FAQ’s, visit: grdiocese.org/rooted-in-christ.

• Give to aid flooding victims in Texas – As Texas residents rebuild following the devastating flash flood over the July 4 weekend, please continue to pray for those who’ve lost loved ones, first responders, and the affected communities. If you would like to support relief efforts beyond prayer, please visit the Diocese of Grand Rapids website for details and ways to give through Catholic social service ministries providing disaster recovery assistance.
• Save the Date November 8! – All Parish Event! Planning for the St. Robert Catholic School Fall Fundraiser hosted by the Home and School Association is underway! Set aside the evening of Saturday, Nov. 8 for an elegant Black & White Ball Gala at Noto’s Italian Dining featuring dinner, an auction, and live music. Additional details 
  coming soon!
• Looking to get more involved in our parish or school? Visit the SRN website at strobertchurch.org/ministries/ or look inside the Parish Ministry Guide mailed to parishioners earlier this year for opportunities. In both places, you’ll find a list of ministries, descriptions and contact persons you can reach out to for more information. Or contact Lynn Mossner, director of stewardship and operations, lmossner@strobertchurch.org. She would be happy to meet with you personally to help you discern your gifts and learn more!
• Events around and beyond the Diocese – For a calendar of events hosted by or happening around the diocese, including events for the Jubilee Year of Hope and Catholic conferences and programs, visit https://grdiocese.org/events/list/. For a list of parish festivals happening around the diocese, visit https://grdiocese.org/parish-festivals-guide-2025/.

Enjoy this day in God’s presence!

© 2025

St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church
6477 Ada Drive Southeast, Ada, MI 49301
https://strobertchurch.org
(616) 676-9111