Like much of our Catholic traditions, it has its roots in Judaism. Centuries before Christ, the synagogue became the place where believers gathered every morning and evening to offer a "sacrifice of praise". Using the psalms and other Scripture, the community prayed for themselves and for the whole Community of Israel.

The format was taken over by the early Church. During those periods that were free from persecution, those who were able gathered in a home to pray the psalms, read a passage from the rest of the Scriptures and offer intercessory prayer for the needs of the community. It was a practice that continued in parishes down to the dawn of the twentieth century. In communities of vowed religious men and women (especially convents and monasteries), this daily prayer as a community, has been a continuous part of their spiritual life.

We have begun the practice here, in hopes that at least a few will be able to come together to pray for our community and the whole Church.

On Monday evenings at 7 pm we have Evensong, a sung form of evening prayer that was once common in parishes. (It takes about half an hour and we pray together in church.)

On Wednesday & Saturday at 7:30 am, we have Morning Prayer, a spoken form of that prayer. (Because it is spoken, it takes about 20 minutes. We use the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.)

I know many are busy and need to rush off to work in the morning and don’t get home until early evening. But I am hoping that some of us will be able to come and join our prayer together for the good of the community and the whole Church. You may find it a meaningful addition to your prayer life.

Special thanks to the parents and catechists who helped prepare for this very special encounter with the mercy of God!!

Fr. Dave Howell

The book of Exodus tells of the Israelites escape from Egypt and their wanderings in the wilderness. Their trials during that time, the way they faced them and the way God responded, provided future generations with food for thought whenever they faced difficulties.

In writing to the Romans, Paul is dealing with a community he had not yet visited. Many Roman Christians were converts from Judaism who believed they would be saved by how they live out the Jewish Law. Paul stresses here, as he does frequently in his writings that Christians are saved not by the Law, but by faith — faith in what Jesus accomplished by His dying and rising.

Today we hear the story of the "woman at the well," a gospel story so well known it has acquired this special title. The vivid imagery, the rich dialogue, the underlying issues of race and gender, the questions of the disciples, and the conversion of the Samaritans make this gospel the most formative, educational, and inspiring of the New Testament.

Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. St. Paul reminds us that God Himself "did not spare his own Son." Are my gifts to the Lord — of my resources, of my time, of myself — also sacrificial?

Please remember in your prayers Mary Janke and family in the death of her husband, Bill Janke, Thomas Brown and family in the death of his father, Laurence Brown, Maryjo Keiffer and family in the death of her father, Joseph Wisniewski, and Joseph Attard and family in the death of his mother, Margaret Attard.

Sign-up sheets for Pastoral Council Nominations are now in the gathering area. This is a three-year commitment. You may nominate yourself or another (with their permission).

The 4th Annual St. Mary Magdalen Parish Golf Outing will be Sat., May 17 at Ironwood Golf Club. 18 holes, breakfast, lunch, dinner and prizes! Talk to your family, friends and neighbors to get your team together. More information will be coming soon or you may call Dave Guidos (810) 229-4728.

I would like to thank the 5th grade catechists, aides, parents and especially our students for the wonderful reception they put on for our First Penance Candidates and their families. What a wonderful example of service, community and way to celebrate God’s loving forgiveness!

All 6th grade classes will be attending Temple Beth Eneth on Sunday, March 23. We need drivers - please let your catechist know if you can help us out. Then on Thursday, March 27 at 6:00 pm Fr. Dave will meet with all the 6^th grade classes in Church to compare the Temple to our Church. If you have any questions, please call me in the office.

Many are already asking about JWJ our summer vacation bible school. The dates are July 28 - August 1. We are looking for new leadership to be on the planning committee this year! Please call Mary in the office or Peggy Weingartz at (810) 220-1678. Come join the team to take our youth on their summer journey! This year we’re going under the sea!

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. Lent is a good time to take time out to reflect on your relationship as a family with God.

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.

Catholic Council on Aging will sponsor a Lenten Retreat on Thursday, April 3, at St. Patrick Church, in Brighton from 9:30am—2pm. 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. Contact Sr. Joyce (810) 229-8624 to register by March 25.

Three weeks ago, someone generously donated 35 disposable cameras to the youth group. Since then, the teens have been taking pictures of people, places, or things that remind them of God in their everyday normal happenings in life. It is an exercise designed to make them aware that God does truly exist in all that we do. We will be displaying them later in the spring in a very special way.

Spud Night is coming up. Do you have your calendars marked for this special fundraiser? Well go and do so now, Saturday, March 29 after the 4:30 liturgy. You can purchase tickets this weekend and next for $20.00 per family, $7.00 singles, $5.00 seniors, and $4.00 children 8 yrs. and under. You will be treated to a special commercial next weekend and a presentation about the National Relief Network on the 29th.

We are looking for people to join us in the Passion Play. What better way to spend the season of lent then preparing for His passion. Think about joining Richard Switzer as he directs this very special performance.

M.U.D (6, 7 and 8 graders) This weekend we will be at retreat in Evart, MI., at Spring Hill. We are thrilled to be celebrating Mass with Fr. Dave upon our return home Sunday. The Liturgy is at 5 pm. What a great way to end our time together in retreat.

Margaret Callaghan

With a few warm breezes, our souls yearn for spring. I find myself looking near melted

snow piles for little wisps of green.

This month our SUSTAINABILITY series looks at the subject of tilling the earth and growing food. Most of us would probably think of the comforting picture of farmers being the most compassionate environmentalists. However, our need for the brightest and best of food and wanting it right here…right now, has changed farming.

Our featured speaker will be Merrill Clark, who with her husband John and their grown children oversees Roseland Farms in Cassopolis, Michigan. They grow organic food. Her talk, TILLING THE SOIL; TENDING THE EARTH, will give us a look at farming and food today. She will explore the complexities of this vital part of our lives. St. Paul Episcopal Church at the Millpond, will host this workshop on Sunday, March 30 at 6pm. Just by showing up, we witness to the fact that we as Christian churches are united in this belief in our God as Creator of all and our common responsibility to that creation.

Sunday, March 30, 5pm - 7pm Sister Maryetta and Sister Joyce will host a meal, evening prayer and open discussion on Religious Life today. It will be held at 850 Lexington Manor, Apartment 6 in Brighton. If you are interested in coming, please contact either Sister Joyce or Sister Maryetta at

810-229-8624.

We Catholics celebrate the Seder Meal in recognition of our Jewish heritage. The Seder is a combination of specific Jewish prayers, rituals, and foods of Israel’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. This dinner is observed by the Jewish faith annually on the first evening of the Passover. Jesus celebrated the Jewish Seder at Passover, which for Christians is now our Holy Thursday.

Here at St. Mary Magdalen we are offering an opportunity for you and your families to participate in this experience. The next 2 weeks you will find sign up sheets in the gathering area for this meal along with opportunities to help in the preparations. The meal is limited to 250 persons on a first come basis. The meal will take place in the Parish Social Hall, Wednesday, April 16, 6:30p.m. Singles, couples, and families are welcome.

Sr. Joyce

Catholics are a symbol ritual people. In the last 40 years we've come a long way in understanding the ritual. We are just beginning to explore the significance of our symbols. Symbols are not signs. They begin with a story and end with a personal journey. They are about limitations of language and immersion in mystery.

Focusing on the symbols of Holy Week, specifically the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday), this evening will be a multi-sensory experience. All adults in the parish are invited. It is especially important for those who are ministers of the liturgy, those who are "busy" during the Liturgy, to have a quiet opportunity to "rest in the mystery", and for all of us to let God’s shining presence overwhelm and embrace us.

We will begin this evening with Evensong of Lent

in the main worship space.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Scheanwald Roofing Co.

"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 Seek Help will be the topic of discussion Wednesday, March 26 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.

The next blood drive at St. Mary Magdalen is set for Friday, March 28 from 1 - 7 pm. The need for blood has increased. Also needed are volunteers to work the drive. If you are willing to donate blood and/or work the drive, both sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

Seventh Annual On the Move Fund-Raising Banquet, will take place on Thurs., Apr 3 at 6:30pm at Lake Pointe Manor in Howell. Pregnancy Helpline is on the move to larger quarters on Grand River in Brighton, adding services to help more women and children. Come and catch the enthusiasm 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. The cost is $40 per person and $320 per table of 8. Call Pregnancy Helpline for reservations at 810-632-5656.

Baskets for Life Challenge: Consider promoting Life with your creativity or business by donating a tax-deductible theme basket. A vote will be conducted at the banquet ($1 per vote). The winning basket will be featured in our next newsletter, with all donations acknowledged. Contact Pregnancy Helpline at (810) 632-5656 for more details. Let us know your theme; we will arrange for basket deliveries to our banquet. Baskets may also be dropped off at St. Mary Magdalen to Deacon Dave any time before the banquet.

Consider serving others through a church vocation.

St. Mary Student Parish and the Diocese of Lansing invite you to a

St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor

after the 9am Liturgy until the 7pm Liturgy.

Come join us to explore your options.

THE BASILICA AND NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION in Carey, Ohio, invites you to make a pilgrimage. We offer you a place of quiet prayer and devotion. The Franciscan Friars would be most happy to welcome you. Please call 419-396-7107 or visit website www.olcshrine.com for more information.

CATHOLIC LEGISLATIVE DAY at the State Capitol

Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Michigan

9:30 a.m. — 2p.m. Wed., April 2 at St. Mary Cathedral Hall, 228 N. Walnut Street, Lansing. For registration and information please contact: Deacon Dave at

(810-229-8624) Registration deadline is March 12.

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

The diocesan office for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development is currently accepting nominations for the annual Albert Wheeler Seeker of Justice Award. This award is given annually to an individual or an organization who affects extraordinary changes toward a more just society through living the gospel of peace and justice.

Criteria for Nominee are:

• Has a clear commitment to social justice.
• Has worked for institutional change, especially as it regards enabling and empowering low-income people.
• He/She lives in the Diocese of Lansing, and work has impacted the diocese.

Send name of nominee, contact info, a brief bio, and a statement of why this nominee should receive the award. Please have all nominations submitted by March 21, 2003. Submit or send to: Office of CCHD, Diocese of Lansing, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI. 48933. Fax: (517) 342-2446, phone: (517) 342-2470, e-mail at bpott@dioceseoflansing.org.