ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

WHAT DO I CONSIDER??

I worry about those people who have been hurt by the failure of our bishops to protect our children. I am also concerned about those whose practice of the faith has been shaken by this scandal. I wonder what can be done for these folks….

I am concerned about what will happen to our national and state economies. I understand the reason why many think that tax cuts will help boost it. But I fear this approach is very short sighted. It means future generations will be burdened with a massive debt run up by this generation AND cost of supporting them with Social Security.

I am confused by the decision of our state government to cut support for adult education but spend millions on buying computers for six graders. It just doesn’t make sense to me, especially since those who benefit most from adult education courses are those whose future depends on the second chance adult ed. offers.

I am very confused as to the real reasons for the war in Iraq. We were told the war was necessary for three reasons: the imminent danger of Iraq developing nuclear weapons, their ties to terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. Now we are told, the first two are not true and after four months, there is still no evidence of the weapons.

Now we are told its because Saddam was a bad guy. But that still does ring true since there are still many bad guys in the world, some more dangerous than Saddam.

I am concerned about the efforts of some outsiders who want to come into our state and amend our constitution. It seems to me that the Supreme Court tried to strike a balance in its U of M decisions. I am very suspicious of the motivations of those who are seeking to amend our state constitution.

I am very concerned about all the money being raised by our politicians. I am afraid that we will end up with the “best government money can buy…”

I worry about all these things to distract myself from worrying about those folks in our community who are going through difficult times. That’s why I frequently respond to the question – how am I? As well as can be expected, all things considered… Fr. Dave Howell

Please remember in your prayers Pete Kovalchik and family in the death of Susan Kovalchik, Pete’s sister.

 

Sunday, August 3

Ex 16:2-4, 12-15/Eph 4:17, 20-24/Jn 6:24-35

Monday, August 4 – John Mary Vianney, priest

Nm 11:4-15/Mt 14:13-21

9:00 am VDorothy Duffy

Tuesday, August 5

Mn 12:1-13/Mt 14:22-36

9:00 am VElana & Peppino Roperti

Wednesday, August 6 – Transfiguration of the Lord

Dn 7:9-10, 13-14/2 Pt 1:16-19/Mt 9:2-10

7:00 pm VAnna Burnett

Thursday, August 7

Nm 20:1-13/Mt 16:13-23

9:00 am VKeith Dunn

Friday, August 8 – Dominic, priest, religious founder

Dt 4:32-40/Mt 16:24-28

9:00 am VEarl Wolff

Saturday, August 9

Dt 6:4-13/Mt 17:14-24

Sunday, August 10

1 Kgs 19:4-8/Eph 4:30 – 5:2/Jn 6:41-51

4:30 (Vigil) St. Mary Magdalen Parish

9:00 am VElana & Peppino Roperti

11:00 am VDolores & Julian Bernard

 

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

1 Kings 19: 4-8

The prophet Elijah lived about 800 years before Christ. Because he was loyal to God, he fell into disfavor with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. He had to flee for his life to Mount Horeb (also known as Mt. Sinai). Today’s passage takes place at the beginning of his flight.

Ephesians 4:30 – 5: 2

This part of the letter to the Ephesians contains more practical advice for Christian living. The author says that, actions that cause division in a community are simply unacceptable. Today’s reading points out mutual forgiveness is seen as essential for any group that calls itself Christian. There is an echo here of part of the Lord’s Prayer.

John 6: 41-51

John uses the word “murmur” here deliberately. It was used to describe the grumbling of the exhausted Israelites in the desert and he intends for his readers to be reminded of it. He also wants them / us to see the difference between the manna and the living bread that is Jesus.

 

STEWARDSHIP BY THE BOOK

The crowd in today’s Gospel demanded a sign of Jesus and wanted to know what “work” He did to inspire their faith. May our faithful stewardship be a sign to others that we, like the Ephesians in the second reading, have laid aside our former way of life and acquired a “fresh, spiritual way of thinking” in Christ.

ELECTRONIC PAYMENT OPTION

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. Contact Kay (810) 229-8624 for more details.

 

St. Mary Magdalen’s Olan Mills Picture Directory is in the process. Several families and individuals have already had their pictures taken and many of our parishioners have set up an appointment in August and September. If you haven’t signed up to have your picture taken it is not too late. Please call the parish office (810) 229-8624, and we will be glad to accommodate you. Olan Mills Photographers will be here again Aug. 5-9; Aug. 26-29; and Sept. 2-6.

WANTED Your photos of any parish events, parties, activities, retreats or seminars taken over the last year. Your photos are needed for possible inclusion in the upcoming Olan Mills directory. Please share those doubles you don’t know what to do with! A blue box labeled “PHOTOS” will be in the gathering area through August 10th. Photos submitted will not be returned.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

Monday, August 4

7:00 p.m. Haunted House Meeting (Youth Rm)

7:30 p.m. K of C (Rectory LL)

Tuesday, August 5

10:00 a.m. Scripture/Stitches (AFR/Rm.4)

3-9:30p.m. Olan Mills (Rectory Basement)

6:00 p.m. BeFrienders (Room 5 & 6)

Wednesday, August 6

3-9:30 p.m. Olan Mills (Rectory Basement)

7:30 p.m. Worship (AFR)

7:45 p.m. Bible Study (Room 3)

Thursday, August 7

9:30 a.m. Rosary (Church)

10:00 a.m. Bible Study (AFR)

3-9:30 p.m. Olan Mills (Rectory Basement)

7:30 p.m. Music Ministry

Friday, August 8

3-9:30 p.m. Olan Mills (Rectory Basement)

6:00 p.m. BeFriender Training (AFR/Room 4)

Saturday, August 9

7:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast (Social Hall)

9-12:00 BeFriender Training (AFR/Room 4)

10-5:00 p.m. Olan Mills (Rectory Basement)

Liturgical Minister Sign-Up

Collection of Personal Care Items

Sunday, August 10

Liturgical Minister Sign-Up

Collection of Personal Care Items

7:00 p.m. Youth Group Meeting

 

Drivers Needed – Please sign up to deliver our parish food contributions to St. Anne’s Catholic Church (SA) or Brown Evangelical Mission (BEM) in Detroit, or Shared Harvest (Gleaners community Food Bank of Livingston) in Brighton Township. Weekly deliveries to Detroit are made on Sundays, after the 11 a.m. Mass; deliveries to Shared Harvest will be made during the week or on Saturday. The sign up schedule for the months of August through October will be in the Gathering Space. If you have questions or need to change your scheduled date of delivery, please call Marilyn Farrington 810-229-2871. The hungry of Detroit and Livingston thank you!

 

 

This year JWJ is collecting money to donate to the Hearn family for Lisa, a 10 yr old youth who has liver cancer. Due to her father’s death the family needs help with medical expenses. Anyone wanting to make a contribution to the family may do so by making the check out to St. Mary Magdalen putting it in an envelope clearly marked FOR LISA. This may be dropped into the fish bowl in the gathering area, or brought to the office. Thank you to all who have donated so far!

We had a great Journey with Jesus this last week! It is so awesome to see 50+ youth in grades 6-12 helping (and having so much fun doing it) over 160 little ones enjoying learning about the Bible, singing praise, doing crafts and so much more! Hey kids, “Believe in God” - Ok, ok, ok, ok, ok! We also had over 50 adults helping us all week too! THANK YOU to everyone who made this week so great!

Walk-in Registration for fall classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the office from 10:00am-3:30 pm please see Josie!

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. Let me know if you are interested.

WE NEED YOU!

Catechists and aides are needed for many of our classes. Training is provided and you work with a partner in each class. Please help our youth to learn how to live the message of the Gospel.

Enjoy the week! Mary mmahar@parishmail.com

 

Baby Bottle Boomerang

for Pregnancy Helpline

Baby bottles ARE available in the Gathering Area for you to pickup and fill with change. We have 200 bottles. The object is to fill the bottle with your spare change and return to Deacon Dave by September 8^th, The Birth of the Virgin Mary.

A Little Spare Change can Spare a little one …

 

MINISTERS OF PRAYER

Sunday, Aug. 3 Jack Hornsberger

Monday, Aug. 4 Joyce Muchler, Pete Kelly, Mary Ellen Magon

Tuesday, Aug. 5 Kathy LaTarte

Wednesday, Aug. 6 Chris Camden, Leo Camden

Thursday, Aug. 7 Tim Parcella

Friday, Aug. 8 Steve Oliveri

Saturday, Aug. 9 Mary Helen Buntin

Our trip to Tennessee with the National Relief Network two weeks ago was awesome. We learned what it was like to love as Jesus did and to carry the burdens of others. In the four days we volunteered, we worked on 10 homes, cleaned up some yards and tore down a carport so an elderly woman could move back home. We worked and played hard in those four days. Thank you to everyone who went and spread God’s love to those who desperately need love and acceptance, for truly that is was they did.

August 17, we are participating in our first regional event at Independence Lake from 2-8 pm. There will be a rotating BBQ, swimming, volleyball, and Frisbee. Come and make new friends, hang out with old ones and enjoy fun-in-the-sun time. Chris Padgett from Scarecrow and the Tinmen will be there to perform and talk with us about his faith journey. It promises to be a great time. Contact me in the parish offices with questions.

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

Beginning with the last Tuesday of September, the MUD group will be volunteering an hour of time at the Livingston CO Food bank the last Tuesday of every month. Mark your calendars now to help those in need.

Margaret Callaghan

 

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Dixie Senchuk, Albina Busser, Kathie Assenmacher, Mollie Risner, Mike Polcyn, Marion Zajkowski, Dave Sharpy, Earl Gamble, Kristine Wiltse, Ryan McDonnell, Kim Peruski, Jeanne Pattison, Karen Davis, Christina Putnam, Ellen Colombo, Joyce, John Wood, Linda Wood, Joel Endres, Patricia Shepard, Fred Laber, John Colombo, Ray Weis, Jeannie Prather, John Collins, Lisa Hearn, Tony Rybski, Jodi Orrick, Brad, Karen, 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.

 

The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

 

OF FAITH AND SERVICE

Seniors 50 +

In the gathering area is a sign up sheet for those who will attend the annual Mass and Picnic at Holy Spirit, Hamburg. The date is Thursday, August 14^th. We need to know numbers so we can set up accordingly. The outdoor Mass is at 11:00 a.m followed by a potluck picnic. Meat, tableservice and drinks will be provided. We ask that you bring a dish to pass.

Let’s Talk Vocations

The next gathering for those interested in exploring a Religious vocation includes an invitation to supper, prayer, and conversation, Sunday, August 10^th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Lexington Manor Apartments, Bldg. # 850, Apt. # 6. Please let Sr. Maryetta or Sr. Joyce know if you plan to come.

 

During the month of July, we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with: Deidre Grace, daughter of Theodore & Vanessa Zvosec; Charlotte Mildred, daughter of Scott & Annie Syke; Mikayla Jade Cristina, daughter of Gregory & Angela Froelich; & Jason Lawrence, son of Larry & Kelli Habarth.

We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

Sr. Joyce

 

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.

 

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

Suburban Family Credit Union

 

 

 

 

 

Faith Inquiry

Are you thinking about becoming Catholic and want to know more? You are invited to Faith Inquiry. We will explore Catholic beliefs and how Catholics live out those beliefs. 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 begins Monday, August 11 at 7:30pm. For more information, please call Diane Kubus in the parish office. (810) 229-8624.

 

RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

The ministry to which all are called

Those entering the Rite this year will begin their journey in the pre-catechumenate (Faith Inquiry) starting Monday, August 11. These are men, women and children (age 7 and older) who are seeking Christ. They have expressed the desire to learn about our Catholic way of life. We will minister to them in many ways:

We, the Assembly will pray with them, support them and celebrate with them throughout the year.

Catechists will echo the Gospel. They help guide them to experience God’s presence and love in his or her own life in and through the Word.

Sponsors are spiritual friends. They will support and care for them, sharing faith, and the life of our community with them.

Hospitality will embrace them in our community by welcoming them; serving refreshments and making them feel at home.

Retreats: Others will help guide the catechumens through scripture, prayer, reflections, and sharing.

We, the assembly, are greatly blessed. For we are all called to this ministry through our liturgical prayer, our community, our Christian way of life. It is our experience; our example and our prayer that will help guide these men and women in the formation of their faith.

If you are interested in the role of catechist, sponsor, or hospitality, call Diane Kubus in the parish office (810) 229-8624. Resources, training, formation and support are provided. Come find out more about RCIA. We are all on a journey of faith. RCIA is one journey you will never forget!

 

 

 

Women’s Retreat

August 15, 16, 17 in Dewitt, MI.

Please save these dates for a wonderful, thought - provoking, prayerful weekend. Call Sr. Maryetta for more info. (810) 229-8624.

 

 

Beginning Experience of Lansing will offer a spiritual weekend for widowed, divorced, and separated persons Oct 10,11& 12 in Jackson, MI. at the St. Joseph Center, 1000 E. Porter Street. Designed to help those among us who are wounded by the loss of a spouse, the weekend is gently guided by a trained team of peers. It is a time for working through grief and moving on to a new beginning in life. Pre-registration is required. Contact Mary Jo, to 810-229-0040 for more information.

 

RUMMAGE SALE

Agnus Dei Academy

11821 North Main St., Whitmore Lk.

Fri. Aug. 8 & Sat. Aug. 9 from 9am–3pm

 

 

HITTING HOME RUNS FOR KIDS

Coldwell Banker Hubbell is sponsoring this St. Vincent Fundraiser to benefit the campaign to rebuild the St. Vincent Home for children. It will be held at Oldsmobile Park on August 12 from 5-10pm. Tickets are $4 per person. Teams are made up of firefighters, police people, TV Stations and one is even made up of priests from the diocese. Come support this worthy effort. Call Erin at 517-321-1000, ext. 603, for more information.

 

FREEDOM FOR THE HEART CONFERENCE, a ministry to hurting people and those who face difficult life issues, will be held at Holiday Inn South in Lansing Sept. 5-6. Choose 3 of 11 heart-mending workshop sessions. Register by Aug. 15 by visiting www.freedomfortheheart.com. Cost is $40 per person or $75 per couple.

 

2003 GOSPEL OF LOVE, MISSION OF HOPE

Join with the people of Holy Spirit in Hamburg on August 8 and 9 to experience a Mission with Fr. John A. Corapi, S.O.L.T. Fr. Corapi’s late vocation to the priesthood followed some extreme life experiences. Now as a preacher of the gospel, he reaches millions with the simple message that God’s Name is Mercy.

Brochures are available by the drinking fountain or call 810-231-9199 for more information.

 

A Toast to Your Marriage!

When you care enough to love the very best, treat yourselves to a Marriage Enrichment Day. This event will be held on Sat. Oct. 4, 2003 at St. John the Evangelist K of C Hall, 600 N. Adelaide, Fenton. Check in for this event begins at 9 AM with opening prayer and Keynote speakers Teresa Tomeo and her husband Dominic Pastore presenting at 10 AM. Teresa Tomeo is a nationally know radio talk show personality and current co-host of “Morning Air” with Jeff Cavens 8 - 10 Am and the host of ”Catholic Connection” 10 - 11 AM. A continiental breakfast,, lunch, and refreshments will be served. The afternoon will consist of Inspirational Workshops – two of which each couple can choose to attend. The day will conclude with Mass at 5 PM. The cost per couple is $35. For more information please contact Jerry or Gail Allen at 888-l628-7433 or email – jerryandgail@chartermi.net.