August 15,16 1998

All Things Considered

by Fr. Dave Howell

Tempted to Despair: The outcome of last week's primary elections leads me to despair. Over the last number of years I have seen a continuing lack of concern for the poor and forgotten of our society. All too often the attitude conveyed is that these people need to be forced to be responsible for themselves. Helping, rather than forcing, is more consistent with the gospel. Moreover some are incapable of assuming that responsibility, in particular many of the mentally and physically disabled.

Some judge "good government" by how low its taxes are, or by having the least restrictions on "the right to bear arms". Those are not gospel values. The preservation and protection of life, especially the lives of those least able to care for themselves, is what the gospel calls us to.

The choices that will be offered to me this November are grim. One candidate seems to ignore the little ones of our society for whom the Lord has the greatest affection. The other candidate would call me a religious nut for trying to uphold consistent values in our society.

We live in a representative democracy, but if only a few take the time to express their beliefs or even vote, we end up with those who represent the voices of a few. Fr. Dave Howell

PRAYER LIST

Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Kyle (John McLellans grandson), Carl (brother of Jeanette Martin), Ron Sherman (father of Margaret Callaghan), June (mother of Donna Rushak), Timothy Richards (brother of Judy Davis), Zora (grandmother of Lisa Schifko), Mary Kay Davis (mother of Mark Davis), Dalton (son of Victoria Payne), Joanne Fournier, Adeline, Mike, Roland, Allie, Karen, Donavan, Danny, Walter, Robert, Jim, Carol, Laurie and Barbara.

NURSERY

Thanks to all who have donated toys and games for our nursery. They are being put to good use! We are looking for volunteers to staff the nursery for either the 9:00 or 11:00 Masses. Please call Colleen (632-3084) or Maureen (227-6357) with questions or to volunteer.

MASS INTENTIONS

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, arrangements can be made by calling Kay at the office. A contribution is usually made to pay for the cost of the bread and wine and all the other items that are needed for the celebration of the Liturgy.

PICNIC

Fifth Annual Parish Picnic & Ice Cream Social will be held Sunday, September 13, 1998, starting with 11:00 a.m. Liturgy. Your time and talent will help to make this another memorable picnic! Contact Steve or Pat Hancock (810) 632-7669 if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.

ON THE JOURNEY

"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing."

The United States Bishops chose this passage to begin their strategy and plan for evangelization in 1993. It was their hope that this would mirror the enthusiasm that each of us has and prompt us to share that "Good News" with others. Instrumental in that endeavor is an increasing awareness and familiarity with the Bible. If you find yourself seeking more information about Scripture this may be the time to join us in an adult study program. Our first sessions this fall will begin the week of September 13 with a four week Introduction to Scripture followed by a six week study of the Book of Genesis.

Adult Bible study will be offered twice, Wednesday evenings after Mass (7:45 p.m.) and Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (daycare provided). Registration forms will be available in the gathering area on the weekends or in the office during the week. Please consider signing up for some Adults Only classes this fall and get acquainted with this ongoing best seller. Any questions please contact me 229-8624. Yours on the journey, Marilyn

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The religious education program will begin on Sunday, September 20th and Wednesday & Thursday of that week. If you have not registered your children please do so as soon as possible.

The program is in need of many catechists, aides and hall monitors. If you feel called to this ministry, please call me. There will be a Catechist Meeting on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00pm. Please call the office if you are planning to attend. If you have any questions call me, 229-8624 Sister Maryetta

MELON DAYS FUN FESTIVAL

ST. JOSEPH'S 25TH ANNUAL MELON DAYS FUN FESTIVAL in Howell, Saturday, August 22, from 3:00-11:00 p.m. There will be kiddie games, bingo, Vegas games, and Fr. Rahrig's famous roast beef dinner (from 3-7:00).

Banns

III. Matthew Matuszak/Argenta Natoli

POSITION AVAILABLE

POSITION AVAILABLE evening reception work three nights per week. Light clerical duties, some child supervision and computer experience. For more details contact Jeanette McCrickard 227-2151 at Livingston County Catholic Social Services.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Last weekend approximately 1182 people participated in the Liturgies. These folks contributed $8,946.62 to the parish. Last year on this Sunday the contributions totaled $7,105.70.

YOUTH NEWS

Any teen interested in joining our Gospel Reflections every Sunday between Masses is welcome. We would love to see you. YOUTH DANCE Put your dancing shoes on and come on over this Friday, August 21 - 7:30pm! We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Haunted House Anyone who helped with the haunted house two years ago is asked to call Margaret Callaghan at 227-7937. We hope to have one this fall, and in order to do so we need your help. THANK YOU My dad's surgery went very well and he is recovering quickly. Thank you for all your prayers. Margaret Callaghan

CELEBRATING LITURGY

Sunday, August 16

Jer 38:4-6,8-10/Heb 12:1-4/Lk 12:49-53

Monday, August 17

Ez 24:15-24/Mt 19:16-22

9:00 a.m. +Cliff Shipley

Tuesday, August 18 Ez 28:1-10/Mt 19:23-30

9:00 a.m. Carl Nosal, Sr.

Wednesday, August 19 Ez 34:1-11/Mt 20:1-16a

7:00 p.m. Virginia Howell

Thursday, August 20 Ez 36:23-28/Mt 22:1-14

9:00 a.m. +Mary & Carl Wojewodzki

Friday, August 21 Ez 37:1-14/Mt 22:34-40

9:00 a.m. Fran & George Howell

Saturday, August 22 Queenship of the Virgin Mary

Ez 43:1-7a/Mt 23:1-12

Sunday, August 23

Is 66:18-21/Heb 12:5-7,11-13/Lk 13:22-30

4:30 (Vigil) St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners

|9:00 a.m. 50 Anniversary Leo & Janet O'Connor

11:00 a.m. John Francis McElligatt

LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE

Weekend of August 22 & 23

4:30 p.m. Saturday

Minister of the Word:
Jim Kronk, Jean Feterl

Ministers of the Eucharist:
Paul & Kathy St. Louis. Joanne Pasienza, Judy Kronk, Steve & Kathy Reichardt

Ministry of Server: Robert Green, Patrick Green

Ministry of Hospitality:
Katie Barazsu, Kathy Petrocella, Mary Janke, Diane Morrison, Bob & Ruth Green

9:00 a.m. Sunday

Minister of the Word:
Ruth Sadasivan, Steve Stegmaier

Ministers of the Eucharist:
Mary Ellen Magon, Jane Skerritt, Joyce Gonda, Ken Urbanski, Kyle & Randy Wilson, Judy Scharf, Chris Kovanda, Tammy Ritter

Ministry of Server:
Jacqueline Wilson, Keith Colley, Kris Colley

Ministry of Hospitality:
Gonda family, May & Harry Dreckmann, John & Jan Denzer, Al & Cheryl Beaudet

Nursery: Dan Nagle

11:00 a.m. Sunday

Minister of the Word:
Dan Schifko, Barb Buwa

Ministers of the Eucharist:
Duke & Priscilla Davis, Donna & Al Rushak, Maureen Graham, Steve & Maureen Crowell, Kay Thurmon, Kyle & Renee Geran
Ministry of Server: Angie Schifko, Colleen Holden

Ministry of Hospitality:
Lisa Schifko & family, Jahrling family, Hurn family, Kubus family

Nursery: Need