MARDI GRAS Soon we will begin the season of Lent: 40 days of prayer, penance and works of charity. For centuries, Christians have prepared for the season of fasting with a party. While I suspect that the drabness of winter also had something to do with the partying, it was a way to use up the foods that could not be eaten during Lent.

The French brought their custom of Mardi Gras to this continent where it continues to remain very popular in the southern Gulf States here in the US. New Orleans is the biggest, but many other towns with French origins in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama all claim to have the best Mardi Gras.

With all deference to these venerable places, I think that we do a good job of partying before Lent here at Mary Magdalen. The party will take place next Saturday evening March 1. Our Mardi Gras will have food and games, dancing and costumes for those who wish to "dress up". All of it intended to help us prepare for Lent: a little feasting before the fasting!

Come to the party next Saturday and defy the drabness of the winter! Come together; come alone; come and celebrate life!!

LENT begins the following Wednesday. These forty days of prayer and penance are not some sort of spiritual endurance test or exercise in self-discipline but a time to be transformed!

Lent began as a time of conversion for those preparing to be baptized on Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil. Although the rest of the Church joined them in doing penance, it was intended to renew and deepen a spirit of conversion or transformation in us all. Too often the focus of Lent was on fasting: what went into (or didn’t go) into the mouth.

Fasting was required for all those who were old enough to receive Communion (which until 1910 was the age of 14). Fasting meant that only ONE meal was eaten each day — no meat, meat by-products, no dairy and no eggs! Over the centuries, the rigors of Lenten fasting have lessened, but the focus remains on "giving up stuff".

Regrettably, that means Lent remains an exercise in self-discipline. While self-discipline is good and necessary for any Christian, Lent should bring about real change in our lives, enabling us to live the Gospel more faithfully.

I am reminded of Jesus’ admonition: It is not what goes into the mouth, but what comes out… I hope all of us will make the most of Lent — and seek to make changes that will make us better (rather than thinner). Fr. Dave Howell

Hosea was a prophet to God’s people about 750 BC. At that time, many of them had been unfaithful to God by worshipping at pagan shrines. Hosea recalls the covenant at Mt. Sinai 500 years earlier, and compares it to the commitment of a husband and wife in marriage. Although Israel has been an unfaithful spouse, God’s willingness to take them back is described in the tender terms of a husband and wife reconciling.

Our reading today of Corinthians continues Paul’s defense against various charges made against him. One fault they find is that other visiting preachers have had a letter of recommendation from Church authorities. Paul had none. Paul’s response is that the very existence of this Christian community, which he founded, is living proof that the spirit of God is active in his ministry. Paul uses a metaphor that alludes to the old covenant carved on stone tablets in contrast to the new covenant engraved on human hearts.

In today’s gospel Jesus reminds us that fasting is inappropriate at the wedding feast. He has come to make all things new - so we mustn’t hang on to old practices. To be good disciples we need faith in God’s love for us and we need each other. And when people with faith work with each other to make the world a better place, true religion is their offspring. Religion doesn’t create Christians. Christians create religion.

Forgiveness, too, is a gift from God. Freed from the paralysis of sin, the man in today’s Gospel was able to stand and give witness to the power of God. How do I let sin cripple me? Am I a good steward of the gift of God’s forgiveness?

The Finance Council

There’s Magic in the Air! Come join in the PRE-LENTEN CELEBRATION, Saturday, Mar 1 from 7— 10pm. It will be an evening filled with food, music, dance, and surprises. So whip up your most delectable dessert and bring it to the party for all to share. Beverages, pizza and snacks will be provided. Costumes are optional. Family fun is guaranteed! Sign up sheets are in the gathering area. Sponsored by Community Life. If you have any questions, call Mike Christie (810) 229-7557.

On Wed., Feb. 26 we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

Classes resume today for Kindergarten and the 9^th grade classes!

As a part of the curriculum all 6^th grade classes will be attending Temple Beth Eneth on Sunday, March 23. These youth have studied the Old Testament this year and we would like to reinforce what they have learned about our Jewish Heritage. Then on Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 pm. Fr. Dave will complete this lesson by meeting with these classes in Church comparing it to the Temple and our Traditions today! Information and permission slips have been mailed out. If you did not receive them in the mail please call me in the office.

First Penance Parent/Child Retreat on Saturday, March 8: parents are asked to register by calling the office. It will be held in the Social Hall from 10 am. -1:30 pm. Parent(s) are asked to attend with their child for this special day!

Please remember to pray for all those on the journey towards the sacraments. We especially pray for those preparing for the Sacrament of healing and forgiveness, as many of our youth will be celebrating First Penance in March. Please pray for their families as well as they attend the retreat March 8.

Lent is a good time to choose a book for spiritual growth. A newly acquired book, Choosing Life: The Significance of Personal History in Decision-Making by John English, S.J. is based on the Spiritual Exercise’s of St. Ignatius. Written for the layperson, the author uses examples from his own life and provides exercises of self-discovery to help the reader make authentic Christian decisions.

Other books of interest may be: Solving the Riddle of Self: The Search for Self-discovery by John Powell, S.J and The Invisible Partners: How the Male and Female in Each of Us Affects our Relationships by John A. Sanford. These titles and others on the subject of self-knowledge are located at 158.1.

ATTENTION: ALL AREA SCOUTS will be honored at the 9 am Mass at St. Mary Magdalen on Sunday, March 2nd. All boys and girls who are Scouts are invited to attend with their families. Please arrive 20 minutes before Mass begins and report to the gathering area wearing your uniform and being proud to be a Scout! All scouts will take part in the entrance processional and then will sit with their families.

Our ski trip last weekend was great. Everyone who went had a wonderful time despite the cold, bitter weather. Some of us even managed to ice skate and go sledding. Thank you to Bill Ross, Alisa, Rob Carpenter, and John Denzer who spent their weekend with us.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and are interested in the State Rally to be held in Lansing on April 26, contact me in the parish offices. We will gather first in the Lansing Center with teens and young adults from across the state. We will then walk over to the Capital Building and have lunch. Liturgy that day will be with Bishop Mengeling. It promises to be an awesome day with witness talks, live Christian music, and much more!

It’s hard to believe that Lent is just around the corner. The practices will begin in March for the Passion Play. Contact me in the offices with questions.

Teens participating in the NRN trip this summer will be selling Little Ceasar’s Pizza kits. The proceeds from these sales will help reduce the cost of their trip. Keep an eye out for the teens with order forms. The delivery date is March 17.

We will be at the Livingston County Food Pantry this Tuesday from 4-5pm. Make sure you sign up or contact me in the offices.

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Dennis Flynn, Patricia Ritter, Dora Demarais, Veronica Maher, Carol Sitkauskas, Rick Sixbery, Sophia Martin, Claudette Wilkinson, Joseph Schwab, Ann Proffitt, Alyssa Roney, Margaret Renaud, Tony Miskolci, Mary Thomas, Dorothy Duffy, Tammie Kramer, Kay Barrett, Don Schommer, Karen Spindler, Tom Waldeck, Tim Vedder, Joan Monforton, Wilber Emery, William Modic, Kelly Ferencz, Steven Zacharias Josephine, Joan Hutchinson, Patricia Brown, Corrine Reineke, Jamie Leugers, Mark Ruf, Beth Hersog, Jonathon Forbes, Marie Touchette, Wilma Scott, Joseph Hinkle, Raymond Clark, Carole Jones, Barbara Daniels, Eric Truhn, Pam Davis, Judy Woughter, Stella Paweski, Marcella, Andrew Doyle, Emilee Ritter, John Matta, Ray Willis, Joanne Corey, Virginia Johnson, Bob Stecewicz, Mary Galleher, Megan Grech, George Rutton, Robert, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Bridget, Alec Schalhamer, Eileen, Scott Delplace, Laura, Judy LaGrow, Becky Wilson, Bradley Stevens, Alexandria Nelson, Debbie, Ginther, Ralph Bennett, Evelyn, Bill, Craig Livingston, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Bishop Povish, and Donovan.

M.O.M.S. (Ministry of Mothers Sharing)

Mothers of infants & small children are welcome to attend. All sessions are Wed., 9:30 — 11:30 am. Childcare is provided for a small fee. Beginning March 5 — Apr. 16 - A Mother’s Way of the Cross.

I’ll see you at the Mardi Gras!

This is an interactive workshop guided by Sr. Maryetta Churches and Kathy Rakoczy RN. Come and learn the benefits of this therapeutic means to feed your spirit. You will have the opportunity to actually begin your "journey". Please call Sr. Maryetta Churches for more information. (810) 229-8624

The directory committee met in February and we will be meeting again Thursday, April 24 at 7pm. Please feel free to join us and share your time and talent.

Karen MacDonald has volunteered her time and talent to take photos. During the month of March, she will be updating our photo archives for the upcoming 2003 directory. Each ministry will be photographed during their respective meeting. It would be helpful to have as many members present during the March meetings as possible. The photos taken will be candid group shots.

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, please call the parish office to make arrangements. 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.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Laura L. Trombly-Etty, DDS, PLC

For Pain’s Sake — a support/ discussion group for folks dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis will be held Friday, March 7 from 1-3 PM at St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton. Come and join us for new ideas and encouragement. Please call Mary Kay Foley for more information (517) 545-9462.

CPR Training — Be Prepared to Save a Life! Sunday March 16 from 1- 5 PM in the Rectory, Lower Level. Mr. Aaron Pressel, EMT and Certified CPR Instructor will facilitate this session. Sign up in the Gathering Space or call (810) 229-2045. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus & the Wellness Ministry Team.

for all Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ministers of Hospitality (adults) and Music Ministers.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES -- 20 percent of our email address records are obsolete !! If you have changed your E-Mail address PLEASE CONTACT DEACON DAVE deacon1@ismi.net SO WE CAN UPDATE OUR RECORDS. THANK YOU

We C.A.R.E. Marriage Preparation Class Based on the highly acclaimed Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, this is designed to teach couples communication skills and techniques for handling conflict and promoting intimacy, with the aim of preventing future marital problems and divorce. Classes run from now until June in Livingston County. The cost is $75. Call Livingston Catholic Social Services at (517) 545-5944 for more information.

REFRESH weekend for Single Young Adults (21-35) March 21, 22, 23 2003 St. Joseph Retreat House, 1000 Porter St., Jackson MI. Hear a dozen presentations from the hearts of your peers on their experience of God, family, friends, the opposite sex, and more. Meet new friends. Have some laughs. Cost is $90. For more information call Young Adult Ministry at (517) 342-2495.

APRIL 12^TH & 13^TH FOR THE

ST. VINCENT CLOTHING DRIVE at St. Mary Magdalen.

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts"

St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Pinckney, corner of D-19 & M-36. All 6 Friday’s during Lent, from 4:30 — 7pm, in the School Activity Center.

The cost is $8 for adults, $7 seniors, $5 children under 12. Choices of baked fish or fried, baked, scalloped, or French fries, coleslaw, rolls, & dessert. Carry outs are available.

CATHOLIC MEN’S MOVEMENT meets Thurs., March 6, 2003 at Spiritus Sanctus Academy — Via Sacra, off Ave Maria Drive at Domino’s Farms. Deacon Peter Cornell will speak on Cleaning House — Building a Life of Faith. We begin with Mass at 7:30pm, followed by refreshments, fellowship and then the presentation. Call 734-930-4524 for more information.

St. Patrick’s Church has a social group for adult singles (30+ single, divorced, widowed) for the purpose of meeting other single adults in a local establishment to enjoy good food, fellowship and fun while planning group activities. This is not a dating service. We meet on the 1^st & 3^rd Monday of each month a E.G. Nick’s Restaurant on Grand River from 6:30-9pm. Dues: $2 per person/per night. For more information call Lynn at St. Pat’s Parish Office at (810) 229-9863.

Premiering on Hallmark Channel March 9, 2003

Every Sunday beginning

Consult your local listings.