ALL THINGS
CONSIDERED
REMINISCING - It
seems hard to believe that the parish is already 10 years old. In fact, in many ways, the first year of our
community was more of a gestation period.
I say this because the first year was spent seeking parishioners.
From October to March, I held over
25 small group meetings with folks who were interested in a new parish. By December, it was obvious that there were
enough people interested, so our first Liturgies were celebrated at
By the spring of 94, I had met with
over 400 folks who were interested in a new parish. All of their comments, their hopes, their
dreams and expectations for a new parish were distilled into the Vision that
has guided our parish over these last 9 years.
On July 1, we opened the house that served as our parish “center”:
offices, meeting rooms, chapel and rectory.
And the first members of our parish staff started to work: Kay Thurmon, our secretary and bookkeeper; Sr. Maryetta, our
DRE; and Marilyn Pence (now Rhadigan) who did adult
formation\RCIA.
In August, those who wanted to
commit themselves to our Vision were invited to register in the parish. For the first year, I was the only registered
parishioner and in the first months of registration we had almost 300!
Sr. Maryetta began to recruit and
train catechists and sign up families for our first year of religious
education. There were over 300 children
and youths who started in our program that fall.
I marvel at all that this community
has accomplished in just 9 years. While
sometimes I am tempted to take credit, I know that it has been God’s grace and
the time and talents shared by so many giving people that have made it all
happen!
Fr.
Dave Howell
Please
remember in your prayers Steve Assenmacher and family
in the death of Leo Assenmacher, Steve’s father.
Sunday, July
20 – St. Mary Magdalen
Sg 3:1-4/2 Cor
Monday, July
21
Ex
14:5-18/Mt 12:38-42
9:00
am VAnna Burnett
Tuesday, July 22
Ex
9:00
am Communion
Service
Wednesday, July 23
Ex
16:1-5, 9-15/Mt 13:1-9
Thursday, July 24
Ex
19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20/Mt 13:10-17
9:00
am VLanore Chisholm
Friday, July 25 – James, apostle
2Cor:
4:7-15/Mt 20:20-28
9:00
am VLarry Barazsu
Saturday, July 26 – Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Ex
24:3-8/Mt 13:24-30
Sunday, July 27
2
Kgs 4:42-44/Eph 4:1-6/Jn 6:1-15
9:00
am St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00
am VRobert Hall
Elisha was
the successor of the great prophet Elijah, who lived about 800 years before
Christ. Elisha
was noted for his miraculous deeds.
Today we hear of one such deed performed during a time of famine.
The first three chapters of the
letter to the Ephesians teach doctrine; we now begin the second part of the
letter which contains practical advice for Christian living. Today’s passage sets forth the foundation of
the ecumenical movement. You will hear
the author speak of seven ways in which Christians are united.
Today and for the next four Sundays
we read the Gospel of John instead of Mark.
John’s account of the feeding of the multitude parallels Mark’s but then
goes into the “bread of life discourse” which we will be hearing the next few
weeks.
WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
Fiscal Year
runs from
Total income for the week of July
12/13, 2003
Approximately 1309 people
participated:
Using Stewardship envelopes.............. $18,369
Loose Collection/other............................... $972
Using Children envelopes............................ $15
Stewardship Total................................. $19,356
Weekly Expenses/Including Mortgage.. $20,827
+/- for
week without Bldg. Pledges $-1,471
Building Fund Pledge Payments................ $600
+/- for week $-871
Thank you for your gifts
STEWARDSHIP
BY THE BOOK
In today’s Gospel, Jesus had
planned to slip away from the crowds for a few moments of peace and a little
rest. When He saw the people gathered,
however, He put His needs aside to meet the needs of others. Sometimes, as good stewards, we are called to
do the same.
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. 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.
Charity & Justice-Remember to return items unwrapped & with the tag
attached for the dresser project July 19th & 20th. The baby bottle is there
for monetary donations for milk & formula.
1-800-MASS TIMES
There is a
nationwide ministry available to traveling Catholics providing free information
on the location of the nearest church and times of Masses on weekends and holy
days. This service is available to all
parishes by calling 1-800-627-7846.
II.
Austin Moore & Janine Coffman
II.
Brad Laibly & Allison
Lorenz
Monday,
July 21
Youth on NRN Trip
Tuesday,
July 22
Youth
on NRN Trip
Wednesday,
July 23
Youth
on NRN Trip
10-12:00 Journey with
Jesus Helper Training
Thursday,
July 24
Youth
on NRN Trip
Friday,
July 25
Youth
on NRN Trip
Saturday,
July 26
Youth
return from NRN Trip
Blood
Pressure Weekend (Chapel/Rm. 3)
Sunday, July 27
Blood Pressure Weekend (Chapel/Rm. 3)
MINISTERS OF
PRAYER
Sunday, July 20 Cathy
Goettsche, Tom Zuyus
Monday, July 21 Sue
Weir, Laura Meader, Ken
& Claudette Wilkinson
Tuesday,
July 22 Patti McRae
Wednesday, July 23 George
Schultz
Thursday,
July 24 Diane Boudah
Friday, July 25 Josie
Doucette
Saturday, July 26 Jan
Baldinger
Well I’m back from
Certification classes: Catechists/Aides interested
in taking certification classes are asked to check the bulletin board in my
office for the many summer opportunities being offered. Catechists in grades 6-8 wanting to attend
youth ministry training or a conference please let me know, as these
opportunities will help you in the classrooms as well! Let me know if you are
interested.
Enjoy
the week! Mary mmahar@parishmail.com
E-MAIL ADDRESSES
-- 20 percent of our email addresses are no longer valid
! If you have changed your email
address since you registered in the parish, PLEASE CONTACT DEACON DAVE at deacon1@saintmarymagdalen.org
or call the parish office (810) 229-8624. We need to update our files! THANK YOU!
BeFrienders
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
at the office 229-8624.
Thank you for your prayers this
week as we leave for
These past couple months, some of our leadership team and I
have been meeting with other Catholic churches in our region. We have been planning our first youth
regional event. Mark your calendars for
Sunday, August 17, as that will be our scheduled BBQ and Stuff gathering. It will run from
M.U.D (6, 7 and 8
graders)
A sign up sheet is in the
gathering area for our annual MUD car wash.
There are 3 different shifts to choose from. This is a great time to get to know others
and to spend time in the sun! The money
raised will help fund our activities throughout the year. The wash will be at Walter’s Home Appliance
on August 2 from
Margaret
Callaghan
Have you
thought about becoming Catholic?
or is there
someone in your life who has?
Faith Inquiry is a time to see what Catholic life is all about. It’s a time to explore Catholic beliefs, and
how Catholics live out those beliefs.
You are invited… so
bring your questions and we will do our best to welcome you, support you, and
give you the answers. Inquiry entails no commitments or obligations
to become Catholic. The new series
will take place on Monday evenings at
Women’s Retreat
Please
save these dates for a wonderful, thought-provoking, prayerful weekend. You may call Sr. Maryetta for more information
(810) 229-8624.
OF FAITH AND SERVICE
The next gathering: those interested
in exploring a Religious vocation are invited to supper, prayer, and
conversation, Sunday, August 10,
NEW - Coming this Year!!
Two
new offerings will begin this next year at St. Mary Magdalen. On Wed., Sept. 10, we will begin the first of
two evening teachings a month of the New Catechism. Staff and parish members will teach them.
The second offering will be a time of retreat on Fri.
evening and Sat., beginning Nov. 21 & 22.
The theme is Discovering Your God Given Gifts. These will be offered 5 different times
during the year. Please see me for more
information.
Sr.
Joyce
Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing
will, especially: Mike Polcyn, Marion Jakowski, Simone Lagimodiere,
Dave Sharpy, Earl Gamble, Kristine Wiltse, Ryan McDonnell, Kim Peruski,
Jean Pattison, Karen Davis, Christina Putnam, Ellen
Colombo, Joyce, John Wood, Linda Wood, Joel Endres,
Patricia Shepard, Albert DeMonaco, Fred Laber, John Colombo, Sally Myers, Ray Weis, Jeannie
Prather, John Collins, Lisa Hearn, Tony Rybski,
Julius Sharpy, Jodi Orrick, Brad, Karen, Irene Bonnee, Pat Dalgleish, Colleen
Whelan, Timothy Lee, Grace Wagner, Janet Lemannski,
Michael Robertson, Glenda Spicer, Patricia Ritter, Dora Demarais,
Carol Sitkauskas, Alyssa Roney,
Margaret Renaud, Mary Thomas, Kay Barrett, Don Schommer, Tim Vedder, Wilber
Emery, William Modic, Kelly Ferencz,
Joan Hutchinson, Jamie Leugers, Mark Ruf, Jonathon Forbes, Joseph Hinkle, Carole Jones, Barbara Donner, Eric Truhn, Marcella,
Andrew Doyle, Emilee
Ritter, John Matta, Megan Grech,
George Rutton, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Bridget, Laura,
Becky Wilson, Bradley Stevens, Alexandria Nelson, Debbie, Evelyn, Ralph Bennett,
June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Matt Even, Bishop Povish,
and Donovan.
2003 GOSPEL OF LOVE,
Join with the people of Holy Spirit in
Brochures are available by the drinking fountain or call
810-231-9199 for more information.
SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
Wilson Marine
The Salvation Army has recently requested our help in meeting the needs
of the poor and homeless in our community.
Personal care items, that we take for granted, such as soap, shampoo,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, diapers, wipes, paper products,
and laundry detergents are all in great demand.
This August, we will sponsor a “Summer Collection” to collect personal
care items for the poor and homeless. As you do your shopping, please remember
those less fortunate than yourself by purchasing some of these simple items.
Laundry hampers will be placed in the Gathering Space during the weekends of
August 2, 9 & 16 for your donations.
BEFRIENDER
MINISTRY TRAININGThis
ministry is a program of lay pastoral care.
That means specially trained persons enter into caring relationship with
others at times of special need by visiting with them, being with them,
bringing emotional and spiritual support.
A BeFriender candidate develops communication
skills, faith sharing and ministry reflection.
It also addresses issues such as grief and loss, spirituality, aging,
listening, and confidentiality. BeFrienders are there to listen, not to solve problems or
impose solutions. BeFrienders
also discern, with the person they visit, whether referral to
appropriate professionals are needed.
Are you called? Does this ministry speak to something within? There will be
training for BeFriender Ministry this August. The training will take place, Aug. 7, 8, 9,
and Aug. 14, 15, 16, in the evening from 7 to 9, and Aug. 21, 22, and 23, in
the morning from 9 to
FAITH MAGAZINE ON TAPE
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.
MILFORD ST. MARY is holding its annual
Fair August 1, 2 and 3. A variety of
food and entertainment is provided along with a wide selection of family games
and fantastic prizes. A Vegas tent will
be featured. The event takes place on
the corner of Commerce and
LIVINGSTON AREA CATHOLIC COUNCIL ON AGING
50+ LITURGY & l3th ANNUAL PICNIC will be held (rain or shine)
HOST FAMILIES
NEEDED
The SHARE! High School Exchange Program is a non-profit
educational foundation looking for host families willing to host a young
ambassador from another country for the upcoming school year or for a
semester. All of these students are
between the ages of 15 & 18 yrs. old, speak English, have their own
spending money and are fully insured. We
ask families to provide a bed, meals and a loving family atmosphere.
Representatives from SHARE! Are waiting to interview
American families and help match them with an exchange student available from a
variety of countries. These
representatives will be in close contact with the families. A variety of activities are offered to
enhance the experience for both the student and host family.
If you are interested in more information contact Eileen at
800-711-3738 or by e-mail at Eileen@shareheart.org.
Retrouvaille, a French word meaning rediscovery is helping couples put
the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. If your marriage is tearing the two of you
apart, if there is no meaningful communication, if you are considering
separation or divorce, there will be a Retrouvaille
weekend at 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
–