This June, our diocese will ordain the first married man as a Roman Catholic priest. Steve Anderson had been a priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church. Four years ago he left that communion and he, his wife and children became Roman Catholic.

While this has happened in a few other places, this will be the first married priest in our diocese. Steve and Cindy (his wife of 25 years) and their kids will relocate to Holy Family in Grand Blanc where Steve will serve as associate pastor.

Bishop Mengeling asked us to keep Steve and the two other men who will be ordained to the priesthood in our prayers.

If you would like to join others in prayer on Monday morning, our Memorial Day Liturgy will be at 9 am. Fr. Dave Howell

On Wednesday, May 28 we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

Today’s passage takes us back to the beginning verses of the Acts of the Apostles and sets forth the themes that Luke is going to develop throughout this, the longest book of the New Testament. His major theme is the role of the Holy Spirit, who enables the apostles to be effective witnesses to Jesus. The Holy Spirit is mentioned 57 times in the Acts of the Apostles.

This passage from Ephesians was chosen because of its reference to Jesus’ ascent to heaven, which is contrasted with his descent to the dead. Early Christians believed that those who died before the coming of Jesus awaited redemption in a shadowy existence described here as the lower regions of the earth. It is our Christian tradition that immediately after his death, Jesus went to these people to announce that they had been saved.

Today’s Gospel is taken from the longer ending of Mark as the original ending was at the empty tomb. Early Christian history bears witness to the ancient teaching that Jesus ascended to God’s right hand after his resurrection where He continues his role as priest, prophet, and king. That is the meaning of the words "took His seat at the right hand of God."

Jesus’ commandment is that His disciples love one another, even to the point of laying down their lives, if necessary. What gifts of myself — my skills and talents, my time and resources — will best demonstrate my love for God’s people?

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OPTION-For Sunday Contributions

St. Mary Magdalen is pleased to offer its members an option of making Sunday contributions electronically — through direct transfer from your designated checking/savings account. If you wish to sign up for the program, enrollment forms can be located in the gathering area or at the parish office. Please return forms to the parish office. Any questions or concerns contact Kay Thurmon, Bookkeeper (810) 229-8624.

On Pentecost Sunday (June 8), four of our registered and Confirmed members will be chosen by lot to serve on the Pastoral Council. Nominations are now being accepted. Look for the sheet in the Gathering Area. This is a three-year commitment. You may nominate yourself or another (with their permission).

MINISTERS OF PRAYER

For those of you who need to register for Religious Education classes for the fall, you may register this Wednesday in the office from 6 — 8 pm. You will need to give us two choices as many of the classes are filling up! The Family Program meets twice a month on Sunday mornings and we gather together with our families! Call me at 229-8624 for more information.

Many people have been asking me about working with our children in the fall! We train everyone who works in our formation classes AND we give you your own personal lead catechist to work with and give out door prizes during the year. We will start the training in August this year. If you are interested in helping in the program in the fall we need help in many different ways. Call or stop by my office for more information. If you know you want to help at a certain session or grade, let me know now! With the ministry fair continuing this weekend, we need many more volunteers to work with our youth in the fall. There are so many areas that are flexible to meet your needs! Besides sharing your faith there are just so many perks to helping out in Religious Ed! Consider being on the Formation Team! Our meetings are the third Monday of the month and we offer the BEST snacks of all the ministry teams! Stop by our table for more information!

If you did not pick up your child’s First Eucharist Certificate, you may pick it up in the Gathering Area, as well as their pictures if you had them taken. Have a good week!

For Your Good Health . . .

Spark Your Spirituality! Come to the "Journaling & Me" Workshop, Wednesday, May 28 following the 7PM Healing Mass. Give your spiritual life a boost! Journaling is a creative means toward personal growth, deeper spirituality and healing. Sr. Maryetta will facilitate this workshop. Contact her at (810) 229-8624 for further INFO.

Memorial Day weekend. This is it, the unofficial start to the summer. Let the camping, picnicking, and vacationing begin! Let’s all remember however that we must keep God a part of ALL we do.

This Tuesday, May 20, there is a meeting for participants of the National Relief Network program at 7:30 pm. We will be discussing balances due, paper work, a possible destination, and fundraising efforts. Please plan to make the meeting.

To the class of 2003, don’t forget to sign up for the breakfast in your honor June 1 after the 9am Mass at which you will be recognized. Come wearing your cap and gown. Seats will be reserved for you up front. Registration for the breakfast is required.

The participants attending the National Catholic Youth Conference are having a bottle and can drive May 30. Please start saving your empties for us. Every can counts! We will be collecting them in your neighborhoods.

M.U.D. (6,7, & 8 grade I would like to thank Sue Wagener for all that she does for the MUD group. She has dedicated her time to help in the planning and organizing of the events this past year. Thank you Sue for all that you do.

Wed., June 4, 9:30 a.m. Book Review

"The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold.

Wed., June 11, 9:30 a.m. Ideas for next year.

Wed., June 18, 9:30 a.m. Picnic at the Parish Pavillion.

All Moms are welcomed with any age children.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 10 12:00 noon for a potluck outdoor picnic at the Parish Pavillion. Seniors from Woodland will be joining us.

During the 12 weeks between June 3- August 26 all interested quilters and quilters-to-be are invited to join in making a theme quilt. The finished quilt will be given to someone who is ill or has another need. All the members enjoy prayer, fun, and conversation. Meeting will be Tuesdays, at 10:00 a.m.

Sr. Joyce

Mark your calendars for Renew’s first ever POTLUCK. If you are a past participant from either season (Fall & Lent), or if you are interested in learning more about REMEW, join us for a relaxed evening where you can talk about your experience with others in the know.

WHEN: Fri. June 13

Please let us know if you are attending, and what dish you will be bringing to share. Sign up in the gathering area or call Sr. Joyce at 229-8624. SEE YOU THERE!

The green plants in our gathering area are in need of a tender loving caretaker. Weekly watering and fertilizing is needed. Some need their roots cut and need new pots and others need some medicine. If you are able to help in this area, please call Diane in the parish office.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Seniors Only Financial

Participants can rent a parking space for $10 and are encouraged to bring used tools, athletic equipment, car parts, camping gear, lawn equipment, boat parts, fishing gear, outdoor clothing . . . PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!! But keep in mind that the things you bring have to be appropriate even for children to buy and that means absolutely NO firearms or weapons. You can tailgate or bring your own table. Call in advance or just show up! For more information, call Bob at (810) 227-6245 or Dan at (810) 227-7848 for details.

Becoming a deacon is much more than formal studies; it is more than responding to God’s call. It is the formation that occurs in the daily living among the people of God, seeking to serve them with the love of Christ. Becoming a permanent deacon is the Sacramental transformation that occurs over a lifetime.

Please pray today and every day, for all Bishops, Priests, deacons, and lay ministers who serve in the Sacramental priesthood. May we become the ministers that God’s people deserve.

Deacon Jim Chevalier

Visit our free information meeting on Tues. June 10, at 7 pm. Held at Adoption Associates, Inc. of Farmington Hills, this informal presentation will highlight our international programs in China, Russia, Moldova, and Guatemala — as well as presenting tips and information on building families through domestic adoption. To RSVP, call Adoption Associates, Inc. at 248-474-0990.

The e-mail addresses for the staff of St. Mary Magdalen have changed. Please note the following:

Fr. Dave Howell pastor1@saintmarymagdalen.org

Dave Scharf deacon1@saintmarymagdalen.org

Jim Chevalier deacon2@saintmarymagdalen.org

Sr. Joyce Hoile pastmin1@saintmarymagdalen.org

Sr. Maryetta pastmin2@saintmarymagdalen.org

Kay Thurmon sect1@saintmarymagdalen.org

Josie Doucette sect2@saintmarymagdalen.org

Margaret Callaghan youth1@saintmarymagdalen.org

Anne Williams rcia@saintmarymagdalen.org

The Diocese of Lansing’s ongoing response to sexual abuse of youth by priests or other Church personnel will now include a retreat this summer to help victims move toward spiritual healing from the long-term traumatic effects of abuse. Presenters: Patricia M. Martin, MSW, ACSW, a clinical social worker, and Fr. Larry Delaney, director of St. Francis Retreat Center. According to Martin, "The goal is to help victims move toward greater peace and a happier life — not to defend the Church or make excuses for the harm done." Fr. Delaney adds, "Naming the enemy lessens its power over you."

Did you know that FAITH magazine is available on tape? The print version is available on audiotape for persons who are sight-impaired, or those who have difficulty holding printed material. An annual subscription is just $15.00. Call Ministry with Persons with disabilities at 517-342-2500.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hamburg, 9565 Musch Rd. (corner of Winans Lake Rd.) June 5-6 from 9am-6pm and June 7 from 9am — 12 noon. Wheelchair accessible. Coffee and bagels available.

Has openings in their all day Monday — Friday Kindergarten, 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade. Please call Julie Jarnes at 517-546-0090 ext. 202 with any questions.

Scholastic is opening up their Warehouse Book Sale to the Public and will be at St. Joseph School 425 E. Washington St. Howell, Mi., on May 29 —31, 2003. This is a great opportunity to get books at a tremendous savings. The sale will be open Thurs., 12 — 8 PM., Fri. 10 AM — 6 PM., Sat. 10 AM 2 PM. Don’t miss out on this fantastic 50% off sale. Call 517-546-0090 for more information.

Located on the grounds of St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt

Do you or does someone you know have a mental illness? Christians Concerned about Mental Illness (CCMI) meets the last Tuesday of each month to share experiences relating to coping with mental illness. Meetings are from 12noon — 1pm in the first floor of the Diocesan Center. For more information, contact Joann Davis, Director of Ministry with Persons with disAbilities at 517-342-2500.