ENTERING THE HOLY YEAR For most, the concept of a Holy Year seems somewhat foreign, yet it is an ancient Biblical concept found in the Book of Leviticus (25:8-17).
The Jewish calendar was governed by the number seven, a number which seemed to signify fullness. So the seventh day of the week, the Sabbath, was a day of rest on which these former Egyptian slaves could celebrate their liberation.
Every seventh year was a sabbath year when less work would be done. The end of the seventh sabbath year led into a Jubilee Year, the fiftieth year.
In the Jubilee Year, all slaves were freed; all debts were canceled, all land returned to its original owners and no work was done at all! It was a whole year to celebrate what God had done for them.
After the Church made it through the first millennium celebration, which many truly feared would bring the end of the world, the Church "resurrected" the concept of the Jubilee Year calling it a Holy Year.
This Holy Year not only marks the 2,000th anniversary of salvation but it also serves as a special transition from the twentieth to the twenty-first centuries. While it can be said that every day and every year is holy, this year is an important invitation to live Christ more fully. OUR "HOLY DOORS" In Rome, the great basilicas have special "holy doors" which are opened only during a holy year.
Since most of us will not getting there to walk through them, we have transformed the doors to our worship area as a reminder of the special call to holiness. New door frames create a set of holy doors for our community.
I would like to thank Dennis Howe (who built our altar, ambo and tabernacle pillar) for his handiwork, again!
OFF TO THE BIG APPLE I will be gone this coming week, attending a conference on Strategic Planning in New York City. Since I have taken on the task of co-chairing the diocesan strategic planning committee, I thought it would be helpful to go find out what I have gotten myself into!
I'll be back in the office next week!
Fr. Dave Howell
During the month of December,we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Nicholas Ryan Schappert, son of Richard and Arleen Schappert; and Bryan David Sulkowski, son of David and Kym Sulkowski. We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Louise Churches, Lena, Jenny Brown, Joe Dinser, John Pepa, Joanna Bloese, Margo Twork, Cheryl Franks, Mary, Susan, Richard Sixbery, Raynald Raymond, Pete, Al & Ann Polcyn, Miriam Marker, Matt Even, Eileen Auld, Cornelius Smits, Keith Kovach, Ellen Colombo, Emerson Brown, Adeline Smith, Larry Cecil, Anna Cecil, Dottie King, Catherine Schumont, Ken Carson, Norman Moon, Shirley Brake, Karen (Pat Spindler's daughter), Laurie Deirlein, Ron Schaar, Jeannette Wood, Merle, Ed, Zora Kolef, Keith Freel, Tom Cavanaugh, Timothy Richards, Edith Reagan, Miren Mohrenweiser, Donovan, Mary Swift, Valerie Black, Joanne Fournier, Jerry Bettens, Russ Gardner, Gene Geiger, Gino, Orville Pelfrey, Janice McHeish, Lorraine Reagen, Rose Kumler, Margaret Resconich and Dennis.
Father Dave, Sister Maryetta & Saint Mary Magdalen Parisioners,
Our family would like to extend our deepest thanks for the beautiful service, delicious luncheon and
for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
Family of Dennis C. VanBuskirk
Tom and I would like to extend our best wishes for a memorable and safe New Year's celebration. May we all continue to include Him in our ongoing celebrations.
There are a few dates to be aware of in January. We will not meet again until Sun., Jan. 9, when we resume our weekly Sunday meetings.
Don't forget to save your empty bottles and cans for the weekend of Jan 8 & 9, when we will be back at the barn collecting them all weekend long. And on Thursday, Jan. 13, there is an orientation meeting for teens interested in the Young Neighbors program. Parents are encouraged to come as well.
In response to our 24-hour food fast for Catholic Relief Services, we are planning our own Souper Bowl Sunday celebration. We will be running a canned food drive the last week in Jan.
On Jan 30 we will also be collecting change at all the entrances of the church after the Masses. That afternoon we will be taking the food and money downtown for those who are in need.
We raised over $700 dollars for CRS, not including the money raised by the St. Pat's youth group.
Also in response to the food fast, we all signed a covenant stating some of the actions we intend to take to remember the poor in our prayers and to continue our service to them here locally. Please take time to look at the covenants. They are tacked up on the kiosk stand closest to the youth room. I think you will be quite impressed.
Please call me at the parish offices should you have any questions. Thank you.
Friday, Jan. 21, we will be putt-putt golfing at Golf-O-Rama on Old US 23. We have reservations from 7-9:30pm. The cost is $4.50 for a round and $2.50 for a second round should you want to golf more, plus the cost of pizza. A sign up sheet will be put out next weekend, along with a flier of the upcoming scheduled events.
Should you have any questions about the aforementioned events, please call me at the parish
offices.
Thank you. Margaret Callaghan
If you've ever felt like nothing was going right in your life and tried to figure out why, our study of the Book of Job may help. It begins Thursday, January 13, at 10:00 a.m.; day-care will be available.
Our second winter offering is an opportunity to experience the catechumenate in a special way. Beginning Tuesday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m., Fr. Dave will host a "Neo-Catechumenate" for those who were baptized "a while ago" and would like to join the catechumens in their special journey to Easter.
Our January Retirees" lunch will include an opportunity to do something new with your old glass Christmas bulbs. Bring them and a sack lunch on Monday, January 17, at 12:15 in the Social Hall for an informal gathering; dessert and coffee will be provided.
For more information call me at 229-8624. Yours on the Journey, Marilyn
Spirit 2000 is the theme for the all parish retreat February 6-9, here at St. Mary Magdalen. All other activities in the parish will be suspended so we can participate in these four days of spiritual renewal. Fr. Rudy Papes will be preaching at all the weekend Masses and then begin the retreat Sunday evening at 7:30. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday there will be reflections in both the morning after the 9:00 a.m. Liturgy and a different presentation in the evening at 7:30. We will have refreshments, daycare and an opportunity to socialize after both sessions. Please mark your calendars for these four special days in the life of our parish. If you would like to help the "E" Team on any of these days, please call Marilyn at the office, 229-8624. CARE GIVERS MEETING - For the January meeting, we have invited Carol Rostar from the Livingston County Department of Mental Health to join us and provide an overview of the programs available in the county and the state, such as where we can obtain resources for a fee and at no fee to assist in the daily care of our loved ones. We invite you, your family members, friends and neighbors to join us. Although we usually meet on the first Thursday of the month, we have changed the January date to the 13th. The place is the same, the lower level of the rectory at 7:30. For thrther information call Fr. Dave or Arlene Callaghan, 810-220-1693.
The Religious Education program begins for the new year on Wednesday, January 5. May it be a
year of growth in love in the Lord.
On a very personal note, my mother suffered a stroke on December 18. She is now in rehab at
Beaumont Hospital. A lot of my time is spent going to see her, and so the thank you notes may not
go out this year. So to all of you, thank you for your kindness, generosity and love to me during this
holy season.
Sister Maryetta
The three wise men who came from the East to pay homage to the infant Jesus brought Him rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh as part of their worship. What gifts have I brought to this celebration to offer to the newborn Savior?
So get your skates sharpened and your creative snowmen designs ready for a day of fun. Alternative plans will be an indoor "Winter Family Fun Day."
ALL are invited young and elderly; single or family. If you are planning on attending please sign the sheet in the gathering area so we can plan on how much food to prepare.
MASS INTENTIONS If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, arrangements can be made by calling the parish office (810) 229-8624. A contribution is usually made to pay for the cost of the bread and wine and all the other items that are needed for the celebration of the Liturgy.
A scout recognition Mass has been scheduled at St. Patrick Church on Saturday, January 8, 2000 at 5:00pm. All scouts (boy and girl) are encouraged to participate. Please contact Michael Diskin for further information (810) 229-1686.
Ministers of Prayer Schedule
Sunday, Jan. 2 Diane Kubus
Monday, Jan. 3 Kathy LaTarte, Laura Meader
Tuesday, Jan. 4 Christine Reid, Kathy McKay
Wednesday, Jan. Lisa Konieczka,Chris Kovanda
Thursday, Jan. 6 Betty Polaske
Friday, Jan. 7 Pam Hurn, Sandi Phillips
Saturday, Jan. 8 Leo Camden, Pete Happley
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000 Total income for the week of November 28/29, 1999:
Approximately 709 people participated:
Sunday Stewardship envelopes.............$ 12,461
Christmas Collection.....................$ 21,591
Sunday collection (without envelopes)....$ 509
Building Fund Pledge payments............$ 2,690
Other....................................$ -0-
Total receipts...........................$ 37,251
Weekly expenses..........................$ 16,682
+/- for week.............................$+20,569
+/- year-to-date.........................$+44,880
Sacrificial Giving Presently we have 782 families registered in the parish and 468 families have
made their stewardship commitment. If you have not returned your commitment card, please pray
about the sacrificial giving you will be making weekly/monthly and return the card either by mail
or the collection basket on Sunday.
The Finance Council
Winter Family Fun Day Sunday, January 9 from 1-5pm. We are planning an afternoon of ice skating, building snowmen and outdoor fun (bring your sled). Hot chocolate, hot dogs, cookies etc. will be provided. So get your skates sharpened and your creative snowmen designs ready for a day of fun. Alternative plans will be an indoor "Winter Family Fun Day." ALL are invited young and elderly; single or family. If you are planning on attending please sign the sheet in the gathering area.
CARE GIVERS MEETING - For the January meeting, we have invited Carol Rostar from the Livingston County Department of Mental Health to join us and provide an overview of the programs available in the county and the state, such as where we can obtain resources for a fee and at no fee to assist in the daily care of our loved ones.
We invite you, your family members, friends and neighbors to join us. Although we usually meet on the first Thursday of the month, we have changed the January date to the 13th. The place is the same, the lower level of the rectory at 7:30. For further information call Fr. Dave or Arlene Callaghan, 810-220-1693.
JUBILEE YEAR PILGRIMAGE TO SHRINES IN MEXICO offered by the Diocese of Lansing, under the spiritual direction of and accompanied by Bishop Carl Mengeling, April 2-7, 2000! Visit the Shrine of Guadalupe, Puebla, Cuernavaca, Taxco and more. Cost is $1,380 per person. Deadline for registration is Feb. 1, and forms are available in the church office. For more information, call Sr. Rita Wenzlick at 517-342-2502. SCOUT RECOGNITION MASS has been scheduled at St. Patrick Church on Saturday, January 8, 2000 at 5:00pm. All scouts (boy and girl) are encouraged to participate. Please contact Michael Diskin for further information (810) 229-1686.YOUNG ADULTS (20'S & 30'S) & ADULT SINGLES (35-55) Join young adults and adult singles from around the diocese for 12:00 noon Mass at St. Mary Cathedral and lunch in Madonna Hall. Come and spend time with our chief shepherd. Cost is $12, but scholarships are available. To register call Young Adult Ministry 517-342-2494.
Catholic Campus Ministry College students are encouraged to touch base with the Catholic Campus Ministry staff at their campuses. For information on campus ministry contact the Young Adult Ministry office at 517-342-2495.
Are you interested in making new friends? Revitalizing your inner self? Renewing your relationship with God? Are you between the ages of 21-35 and have never been married? If so, you may want to consider attending a CHOICE weekend encounter. Cost is $70 (includes lodging, meals and materials). For information contact Debbie at 810-887-2541. Financial aid is available.
Sunday, January 2 - Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a,5-6/Mt 2:1-12
Monday, January 3
1 Jn 3:22 - 4:6/Mt 4:12-17,23-25
9:00 a.m. Fred Mueller
Tuesday, January 4 Elizabeth Ann Seton
1 Jn 4:7-10/Mk 6:34-44
9:00 a.m. Communion Service
Wednesday, January 5 John Neumann, bishop
1 Jn 4:11-18/Mk 6:45-52
9:00 a.m. Communion Service
Thursday, January 6
1 Jn 4:19 - 5:4/Lk 4:14-22a
9:00 a.m. Communion Service
Friday, January 7
1 Jn 5:5-13/Lk 5:12-16
9:00 a.m. Communion Service
Saturday, January 8
1 Jn 5:14-21/Jn 3:22-30
Sunday, January 9 Baptism of the Lord
Is 42:1-4,6-7/Acts 10:34-38/Mk 1:7-11
4:30 (Vigil) James Francis Quinn
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parish
11:00 a.m. Rita Hilker
Monday, January 3
7:30 p.m. K of C (Rectory LL)
Tuesday, January 4
10:00 a.m. Scripture & Stitches (Adult Formation)
7:00 p.m. BeFrienders (Rectory LL)
Wednesday, January 5
9:30 a.m. M.O.M.S. (Adult Formation)
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
Thursday, January 6
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
7:30 p.m. Baptism Workshop
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry
Friday, January 7
No Activities Planned
Saturday, January 8
7:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast (Rectory LL)
Sunday, January 9
9:30, 11 & 5:45 Religious Education
9:45 a.m. New Parishioner Meeting (Adult Formation)
12:30 p.m. Baptisms
1:00 p.m. WINTER FAMILY FUN DAY
7:00 p.m. Youth Group
7:30 p.m. Grief Support (Rectory LL)
Vision Statement | Sacraments | Ministries | Weekly Bulletins
Parish Staff | Religious Education | Miscellanous Information | Special Events
