First, one becomes aware of how utterly alone he\she is; then the person becomes very aware of the sounds and the life that is around them. And usually she\he becomes very aware of his\her self.

During Lent, we are invited to create some sort of desert for ourselves. We are challenged to simplify our lives in some way: by fasting from food or noise or distractions, etc. By creating this desert for ourselves, we create a place where each of us can go — no matter how briefly — to grow in awareness of God, others and myself.

This growing awareness of God, should lead me to prayer and a deeper relationship with the Lord. I should become more aware of God’s grace in my life and what God is calling me to do.

The growing awareness of others should lead me to reach out in love to those around me. I should also become more aware of those in need.

The growing awareness of myself should lead me to a deeper understanding of the attitudes that motivate my actions (or inaction).

Like the Sacrament of the Sick, which seeks healing for the body suffering from disease; the Sacrament of Penance seeks the healing for the causes of dis-ease of my spirit: the attitudes, desires and motives that are the root of sin in our lives. I bring those to a priest and ask not only for absolution (forgiveness) but, for a penance: some combination of prayer & actions that help me live better the way of Christ. (In many ways, the confessor is like a doctor who recommends the therapy needed for the penitent to grow stronger.)

Fr. Dave Howell

Events in today’s reading took place approximately 1800 years before Christ. In that pagan culture, child sacrifice was common. That’s why Abraham believed God wanted him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Later generations constantly looked back to this event as an example of Abraham’s great faith.

Today’s reading is part of a hymn that celebrates God’s love and which concludes the eighth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans. In our first reading, we heard how God spared Abraham’s only son; in this passage we will hear how, out of love for us, God did not spare His only son.

On the Second Sunday of Lent we always hear the story of the transfiguration. Mark is concerned with the true identity and mission of Jesus. He is also concerned with mistaken notions about Jesus. His resolution comes only at the end of the story but is hinted at in every scene.

The waters of Baptism make us part of the new covenant in Christ. But the bishops’ pastoral letter on stewardship reminds us that "there is a fundamental obligation arising from the sacrament of baptism…that people place their gifts, their resources — their selves — at God’s service in and through the Church."

The Finance Council

The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a Spaghetti Dinner at Saint Mary Magdalen on Saturday, March 15, 2003 from 5:00 - 6:30 P.M. Cost is $18.00 per family, $6.00 singles, $5.00 seniors, $3.00 children 10 yrs. and under. Door prizes !!!!!

As a part of the curriculum all 6^th grade classes will be attending Temple Beth Eneth on Sunday, March 23. Our youth have studied the Old Testament this year and we will 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.

Please remember to pray for all those on the journey towards sacraments. We especially pray for those preparing for the Sacrament of healing and forgiveness, as many of our youth will be celebrating First Penance this coming week.

Parents, we are offering many opportunities for you and your families to share in prayer experiences to help you grow in your faith together this Lenten season. Look for the purple sheet that came home with your child from Rel Ed this week.

For those who are interested in the teaching and theology of the early Church, we have a recent addition entitled Touching the Risen Christ; Wisdom from The Fathers. This collection of brief writings and homilies from the bishops of the early Church provides a variety of reading for study and meditation. As we approach Easter, it seems particularly appropriate with chapter titles such as: Repentance and Mercy, The Cross of Christ, The Risen Christ and The Eucharist, among others. It can be found among the books on theology at 230. Another collection of essays, this by a single scholar, C.S. Lewis, is also suitable for meditation, again, at 230.

The Spirit of God has gifted us with faith. It is up to us to nurture that gift. Participating in Faith Explosion is an exciting way to grow stronger in your faith. Be there, youth and young adults, to share in the spirit that gives us hope, love and peace. Have a stimulating and fun experience with our sisters and brothers who have been baptized in one faith. For more information or to register, contact me in the parish offices.

If you are attending NRN this summer, there is a meeting Monday March 10 at 7:30 pm and if you are participating in NCYC come November, there is a meeting Tuesday March 11 also at 7:30 pm. It will prove to be a busy week for many.

Our Spud night will be March 29 beginning after the 4:30 pm liturgy. The group participating in NRN will be sponsoring this evening and all proceeds will go toward their trip. Come and see what NRN is all about, as the youth who went last year will tell.

This spring we will be planning to reserve spots at a Lansing Lugnuts game for June 21. This is a fun and great way to spend the day as a family. Kids of all ages are welcome. This day will be so much fun it will have you seeing fireworks before the night is over.

Margaret Callaghan

Dinner & Improv Entertainment "Adults Night Out" hosted by St. Mary Magdalen Knights of Columbus will be held on April 26, at 6:30 pm in the social hall. This event includes a catered buffet dinner and the "Chicago Style Comedy" of Planet Improv, for a very affordable charge of only $25 per person. There is no need to drive to Chicago to enjoy the best in improvisational theater! Planet Improv, based out of Howell, has provided laughter to audiences all around the world, including the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. Their actors have trained and performed in the best improv theaters in the world, including The Improv Olympic and The Second City. If you enjoy shows like "Whose Line Is It Anyway", then you will surely love your evening with Planet Improv. To make reservations on a "first come — first serve" basis or for more information, call (810 229-2045. Make checks payable to: Knights of Columbus Council #12295, and mail to: Planet Improv Dinner, 5328 Daniel Drive, Brighton, MI 48114.

We don’t change the message; the message changes us.

An Invitation to All Men & Women 50+. Catholic Council on Aging will sponsor a Lenten Retreat on Thursday, April 3, at St. Patrick Church, in Brighton from 9:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. Fr. Lawrence Delaney from St. Francis Retreat Center will be the featured speaker. A $9.00 fee to L.C.C.S.S. will include Mass and Lunch. Invite a friend. See Sr. Joyce to register by March 25.

Seniors Lunch Bunch. Join us at 12:00 Noon for a Lunch Gathering on Tuesday, March 11, in the Adult Formation Room. The theme will be St. Patrick. Soup & dessert will be provided. Please bring a sandwich and an unwrapped white elephant gift.

Sister Joyce

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Dixie Senchuk, Barbara Daniel, Glenda Spicer, Laurence Brown, Lois Murphy, Michael Robertson, Helen List, Dennis Flynn, Patricia Ritter, Dora Demarais, Veronica Maher, Carol Sitkauskas, Rick Sixbery, Sophia Martin, Claudette Wilkinson, Alyssa Roney, Margaret Renaud, 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, Jonathon Forbes, Marie Touchette, Joseph Hinkle, Raymond Clark, Carole Jones, Barbara Donner, Pam Davis, Eric Truhn, Judy Woughter, Stella Paweski, Marcella, Andrew Doyle, Emilee Ritter, John Matta, Joanne Corey, Virginia Johnson, Bob Stecewicz, Megan Grech, George Rutton, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Bridget, Alec Schalhamer, Eileen, Scott Delplace, Laura, Judy LaGrow, Becky Wilson, Bradley Stevens, Alexandria Nelson, Debbie, Ralph Bennett, Evelyn, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Matt Even, Mary Beth, Bishop Povish, and Donovan..

CATHOLIC LEGISLATIVE DAY: Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Michigan, "Faithful Citizenship in Action" on Wed, April 2, from 9:30am to 2:00pm at St. Mary Cathedral Hall, 228 N. Walnut Street, Lansing. For Registration contact: Deacon Dave (810-229-8624). The registration deadline is Mar 12.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Gardens Unlimited — Julie Lopez

"Ask the Pharmacist" — Laura Bogdanski PharmD will be at Blood Pressure/ Stroke Screening after all three liturgies March 22/23. Please bring her your questions regarding medication regimens along with a list of your medications & the time schedule and dosages.

Caring For Our Teens — When To
Help will be the topic of discussion Wednesday, March 26^th after the 7pm Healing Mass. Joseph Bono, PhD, a clinical psychologist in private practice in Brighton, will present the signs, symptoms and "red flags" of depression and other risky behaviors that interfere with daily living.

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

You Are Invited to a "Men’s Health Seminar" - Mon, Mar 17 at 7:45pm presented by Dr. Mark Zawisa, a parishioner and family practice physician. Topics to be addressed include: cardiovascular health, testosterone deficiency, sexual dysfunction, prostate health and depression. Come and join us for a very informative session. Sign up in the gathering area or just show up! For more information call (810) 229-2045. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus & the Wellness Ministry Team.

St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Pinckney, corner of D-19 & M-36. On all Fridays during Lent, from 4:30 pm to 7 pm, in the School Activity Center. Choices of baked fish or fried, baked, scalloped, or French fries, coleslaw, rolls, & dessert. Carry outs available.

Old St. Patrick’s Church, Ann Arbor located at 5671 Whitmore Lk Rd will sponsor Fish Fries on all Friday’s of Lent, starting Fri, Mar 7 through Fri Apr 11. (Good Friday excluded) from 4:30-8 pm in the Parish Center. Fried Fish, choice of potato, salad bar, roll, and beverage. Carry outs available.

Invites you to attend the 7^th Annual On the Move fund-raising banquet on Thurs. April 3, 2003 at 6:30 PM. at Lake Pointe Manor in Howell. Pregnancy Helpline is n the move to larger quarters on Grand River in Brighton, adding services t enable us to help more women and children. Come and catch the enthusiam as we enjoy a meal together. Our featured speaker is Theresa Tomeo, radio host, sharing her journey from pro-choice to pro-life, and the influence of secular media on our culture. Cost is $40 per person and $320 per table of 8. Call Pregnancy Helpline for reservations at 810-632-5656.

Please consider promoting Life with your creativity or business by donating a theme basket. The challenge will take place at the annual Pregnancy Helpline Fundraising banquet on April 3. Donate a tax-deductible theme pkg., and we will conduct a vote at our banquet (at $1 per vote). The winning basket will be featured in our next newsletter, with all donations acknowledged. Please call for more info, to let us know your theme, and to arrange for delivery to our banquet. 810-632-5656. Baskets may be dropped off with Deacon Dave any time before the banquet.

This weekend the Church is asking your support of the NATIONAL COLLECTION for BLACK and INDIAN MISSIONS in the UNITED STATES, now 119 years in existence. Join your sacrifice to that of your brothers and sisters in Christ. The need for evangelization is so important to our Church in this modern world. PLEASE BE GENEROUS. Last year only a part of what was needed was received. Thank you for whatever you can give.

Mercy Volunteer Corps, a lay volunteer program for women and men sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, provides opportunities for people over 21 to give a year of service to those in need. Volunteer possibilities include teaching or nursing, working in homeless shelters, social service agencies and more, in urban or rural settings. The emphasis of the program is service, community and prayer. Room, board, medical insurance and a small stipend are provided. Loan deferments are available. Placements start in May for service beginning in August 2003. For more information, call 215-641-5535 or visit our website, ww.mercyvolunteers.org.

St. Mary Church in Pinckney (Council #11761) is sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Dinner Dance on Sat., March 15, 6:30pm to Midnight. This 2^nd annual event will include a Corn Beef & Cabbage dinner, DJ entertainment and Spirits. The location is at the St. Mary School activity center on D-19 Just North of Main St. (M-36). Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For tickets contact Kevin & Cindy Schang (734) 878-6902