In recent years, some have referred to the Feast of Pentecost as the day we celebrate the birth of the Church. But in many ways, it is more accurate to speak of the Church as the re-incarnation of Christ! Filled with Holy Spirit — the very life breath of Christ — the Church begins to do what the Lord had done! And the mission of the Savior continues in His Body, the Church.

That is why the Sacrament of Confirmation is so important to us! While our life itself is a gift of the Spirit and in Baptism we receive a greater share of the life of the Spirit; it is only in Confirmation that we receive the fullness of Christ’s Spirit.

That means that all of us have been given a call to MINISTRY!

Many of our community find that their primary ministry right now is pastoring! (Pastor means shepherd; and pastoring and parenting have much the same task — that’s why I get called father!)

But our ministry changes as our lives change and sometimes we have several ministries. But without a ministry, a share in the mission of Christ’s’ life can be pointless.

If you find that you would have difficulty identifying your ministry\ministries or if you find that you have a "restless spirit" — a sense that it is time to move on to something else or you sense you could give more, I have a suggestion. We have five trained spiritual directors who can help you figure out where God is calling you next.

Either Sr. Joyce or Sr. Maryetta can give you the names and help you make the contact. You can also talk with Mary, Margaret, either of the deacons or myself.

Please consider sharing your gifts through ministry!!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please remember in your prayers Erin Wolfe and family in the death of Muriel Scheeler, Erin’s grandmother. Please remember also Dorothy Duffy who passed away last week.

The book of Deuteronomy contains a lengthy speech that Moses addressed to the people as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. This was a place where the people worshipped many gods and goddesses. Moses reminds them there is only one God- the One who brought them out of Egypt.

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his most detailed and important theological work. In this portion of the letter, Paul stressed the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians. Through the Spirit’s presence within us, we enjoy not only new life but also a new relationship with God, whom we can call by a new name.

The resurrected Jesus reveals Himself in a new way, which explains why those who had doubts fell down in homage. He is now the Christ, with full authority. It is in that authority that He gives the great missionary command to those who remain faithful; "Go, and make disciples".

St. Paul reminds us today that all of our gifts have their source in the Holy Spirit and that those gifts are given "for the common good." What gifts are mine to share?

As of June 1, 2003 — 251 families of our parish have made a gift to the DSA. Their gifts total $49,540. Our goal this year is $58,577 If you have not made a decision about your gift to the DSA, please pray about it. You can either bring your gift card to the parish office or place it in the collection basket.

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. Your contribution will be transferred from your checking/savings account on the first business day after the first Sunday of every month. If you wish to sign up for the program, enrollment forms can be located in the gathering area or at the parish office. Any questions contact Kay Thurmon, 229-8624.

The mound out front is dedicated to the First Eucharist children of St. Mary Magdalen! Each year they bring flowers to decorate the altar for First Eucharist, and then afterwards they plant them on the mound. I would like to thank the families that came out and weeded, pruned, and planted the flowers on behalf of the entire group! By the time we were finished, we were all very proud of the job we did! As you pass by it every week keep our youth and all in formation in your prayers as they journey towards the Sacraments!

Afraid of facing the empty nest syndrome in the fall? Help is needed for our classes! We train everyone who works in our classes and will start the training at the end of August this year. If you are interested in helping in the fall program, call or stop by my office for more information.

Catechist training opportunities dates are already set for the fall. Catechists and Aides, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 27, Wed Sept. 10 and 17 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM in the hall. Don’t forget our big day of formation classes being held on Saturday, September 27 for Souper Saturday!

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.

Exercise daily walk with the Lord.

the bottle and can drive last weekend. We raised money for the NCYC trip scheduled for November. Thank you Wendie for all of your time and energy. If anyone is interested in still donating your empties, you can drop them off in my office.

There are still open spaces for the NCYC trip If you are interested, contact me in the parish offices. We will be flying to Houston, TX November 13-16, 2003 where we will join thousands of other teens from across the nation to celebrate God’s love for us.

M.U.D (6, 7 and 8 graders)

A sign up sheet is in the gathering area for the pool party potluck June 13. Be sure to sign up what you will bring to pass and make sure you take directions to the Slack’s home.

Margaret Callaghan

Please save these dates for a wonderful, thought-provoking, prayerful weekend. You may call Sr. Maryetta for more information (810) 229-8624.

Sharing and learning more about my faith. Giving support and watching someone grow in their faith. If you like sharing your faith with others then maybe being a sponsor is part of your journey in faith. For more information on becoming a sponsor, call Ann Fraser, (517) 545-9279 or for information on other areas of RCIA involvement including hospitality team, the retreat team, catechist team and others, call Anne Williams at 229-8624.

Charity & Justice-Pregnancy Helpline Dresser Project will be starting the weekend of June 21/22. Thank you to Corrine Bielicki for donating the beautiful dresser and crib in the gathering space. If you would like to help Pregnancy Helpline assist a family in need, please take a tag. Return your unwrapped item, with the tag attached, and place it in the dresser or crib. The baby bottle is there for monetary donations for milk & formula.

Wed., June 18, Picnic at the Parish Pavilion

All Moms are welcomed with any age children.

Please come Tuesday, June 10^th 12:00 noon for a potluck outdoor picnic at the Parish Pavilion. The Seniors’ from Woodland will be joining us. Alternate space will be the Adult Formation Room.

All participants of the Renew Sharing Groups from both Seasons 1 and 2, (Fall & Lent), are invited to a potluck Friday, June 13, 6:30 p.m. in the Social Hall. Please take this opportunity to meet again with friends you have especially shared with and hear how others have found the Renew groups. Sign up sheets are in the Gathering space so we know how to prepare.

Tues., June 10, 7:30 pm Baptism Awareness

Sister Joyce

The word "ministry" is defined as the act of serving others. Our task, within our faith, has grown with the increased involvement of the laity in the church. The BeFriender ministry seeks to reach out to others beyond the traditional setting of the Sunday Mass. This is not a ministry of professionals but members of the family of Christ reaching out to help others within the family. If you are troubled or seeking help with a problem, please contact Judy Scharf, 229-8624.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Kruse’s Ford Stark HIckey

There will be a meeting on June 9 at 10 AM in the Adult Formation Room and 7 PM in Room 3 to discuss this season’s schedule and answer any questions. Please come and share your talents while "working in the Garden of Weeden." For any questions call Pauline Flowerday 248-685-0064.

Men and women are needed to help re-paint the Barn and Stable on Sat., 14, & 21. Come and meet your fellow parishioners and enjoy a few hours of doing God’s work. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Call Leo at the office for any information, 229-8624.

**Pick up a form in the gathering area and return it by mail or fax form to parish office (810) 229-6471.

**Sign-up at church June 14/15 thru June 28/29,2003

Join one of the ministry teams and share your faith and the gifts given to you from God.

Located on the grounds of

Discernment weekend: June 27-28 for men college age or older who have thought about priesthood. Please call Jane Sessions at 517-342-2504 for more information.

Football, Faith, & Fun Camp: from June 29-July 3 for young men entering grades 7-9. Jerry Hanlon, former assistant coach at the University of Michigan, will run the football camp. Coach Hanlon coached many All-American football players who went on to play professional football. Each day will combine the fundamentals of football with inspirational speakers, all while having fun. Please call 517-669-8321 or go to bethanyhouserc.org for more information.

Christian Imagination Retreat: from July 13-15. Students entering grades 7-9 who are interested in learning more about Tolkein, C.S. Lewis and other brilliant minds are invited to attend. Fr. Robert Copeland, associate pastor of St. Robert’s Parish in Flushing will lead the fascinating study of these authors. Please call 517-669-8321 for more information.

MAPLEGROVE CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS, presented by Catholic Social Services, is comprised of prevention and education groups for Livingston County children, grades 1-8, and their parents. Through play and interaction, children and parents will be offered a message of substance abuse prevention, positive reinforcement of feelings, problem-solving, personal safety, and the role of family. Come for two weeks, July 21 & July 28, 2003, Monday through Thursday, at the First United Methodist Church, 1230 Bower Rd., in Howell. For registration, or further information, contact LCCSS, 517-545-5944.

Reserve a weekend for just the two of you. The next weekend is June 27-29. To schedule a weekend or for more information call Jerry & Gail Allen toll free at (888) 628-7433

A support group for divorced and separated meets every 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of the month at 7:30pm at St. Thomas Parish Center in Ann Arbor. Topics of discussion: the five stages of grieving, helping children cope, legal issues, and spirituality. Call Virginia Mikola (734) 994-9194 for more information.

Christ the King in Ann Arbor will host the Couple to Couple League’s 4-part Natural family Planning series beginning on Mon., June 23 at 7 PM. To register, call Rob & Katie Choals at 734-662-4865.

St. Joseph Mercy on Byron Rd. in Howell, MI., will host the Couple to Couple League’s 4-part Natural Family Planning series beginning Sat. June 28, 2003, time: 9 — 11 AM. Please call Brandon Or Corrine Rogers, a CCL Certified Teaching Couple, at 517-552-9302.

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.