08-27-00

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED CONGRATULATIONS!

To Sister Maryetta and all the couples who renewed their vows this weekend. What a wonderful example of faith filled love. Our prayers are with you not only this, but every day! THE VOICES PROJECT Many thanks to all of you who have signed up to take part is Thursday's VOICES Session. I am grateful to all of you who are able to participate.
Just a word, please come on time so that we can start promptly at 7:30pm. There will be hospitality, so that people can visit, grab a cookie and something to drink. At 7:30pm we will ask everyone to take a seat and we'll begin. YOUR HOMEWORK Before you come, I would ask that you give some thought to what you see as the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Church and our parish now and in the future? These will form the basis of our discussion on Thursday evening. THE VOICES PROJECT - PART 2 The Strategic Planning Commission will take all the ideas expressed at the meeting this Thursday. These will be used to help formulate a plan that will direct the efforts of our diocese for the next ten years. But all that surfaces in the discussion will help us here at St. Mary Magdalen in our parish planning.
A committee from our Pastoral Council will take all the information gathered this Thursday to prepare for our meeting the following Thursday.
On Thursday, September 7, we will again gather all the members of our Councils and our Ministry Teams from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
First, we will pray then we will hear brief reports from all these groups regarding their efforts to help our parish move closer to its Vision. The committee from the Pastoral Council will present a report on the VOICES Session and list the top three priorities that came out of our meeting on August 31.
The rest of the evening will be devoted to planning for the coming year. Each of the Ministry Teams and the Finance Council will spend time creating a set of goals for itself based on the priorities we established the week before.
I hope every member of our Ministry Teams and Councils will be present on September 7. (Anyone who would like to join them is welcome, too.) Again, we have hospitality before hand and then start at 7:30 pm. SUMMER READING Thanks to Katie Oliveri (who along with her mom and brothers decided I needed a "happy bag") my summer reading is a bit different. Katie lent me her copies of the first two Harry Potter books. I have since purchased the last two books, which, after I finish reading them, intend to pass on to my niece, Kayla.
Kayla, who is 13 and an eighth grader, will be joining her mother this weekend. So there will be three of us in the rectory, two dogs - and Kayla's cat. (It's all great fun!) Kayla will be starting at Ore Creek Middle School. (And Uncle Dave will probably be learning a few things, too.)
Fr. Dave Howell

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

On Wednesday, August 30, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

Celebrating Liturgy

Sunday, August 27
Jos 24:1-2a,15-17,18b/Eph 5:21-32/Jn 6:60-69

Monday, August 28 - Augustine, bp., doctor 2
Thes. 1:1-5,11b-12/Mt 23:13-22
9:00 a.m. +Ruth Howell

Tuesday, August 29 - Martyrdom of John the Baptist 2
Thes 2:1-3a,14-17/Mk 6:17-29
9:00 a.m. +George Bennett

Wednesday, August 30
2 Thes. 3:6-10,16-18/Mt 12:27-32
7:00 p.m. +Lloyd Rupp

Thursday, August 31
1 Cor 1:1-9/Mt 24:42-51
9:00 a.m. +William Pfeiffer

Friday, September 1
1 Cor 1:17-25/Mt 25:1-13
9:00 a.m. +Catherine Monk

Saturday, September 2
1 Cor 1:26-31/Mt 25:14-30

Sunday, September 3
Dt 4:1-2,6-8/Jas 1:17-18,21b-22,27/Mk 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
4:30 (Vigil) +Catherine Schumont
9:00 a.m. +Mary Zupko
11:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners

Monday, August 28, St. Augustine, Bishop, Doctor of the Church. Born in 354, he studied the pagan classics, but rejected the Scriptures, considering them too demanding and uncultured. In 371 he moved to Carthage, accepting the Manichean teaching of the double principle of good and evil, which permitted concessions to indulgence of the flesh. Augustine then traveled to Rome, where he became deathly ill, but still avoided baptism. By 384 he was a teacher of rhetoric in Milan and was reunited with his mother, Monica. Hearing St. Ambrose give an explanation of Sacred Scripture, Augustine was captivated. At the age of 32, through anguished tears, he heard a child sing: "Take and read." Opening the Bible he read the words of St. Paul: "Let us live honorably as in daylight; not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual excess and lust, not in quarreling and jealousy. Rather, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." He was baptized by St. Ambrose therafter. After his mother's death he returned to Africa - he was ordained a priest at Hippo; in 395 he became a bishop. He lived a community life as a bishop and wrote some of his major works, which were Confessions, The City of God and On the Trinity. He died at the age of 76, in 430.

In Memoriam

Please remember in your prayers the Caster Family in the death of Shirley's sister, Rosalie; and the Korch Family in the death of Alan's mother, Martha.

Gifts from God

Fiscal Year runs from July 1,2000-June 30,2001
Total income for the week of August 19/20,2000
Approximately 1187 people participated:
Using Stewardship envelopes................$ 12,908
Loose Collection/other.....................$ 1,031
Using Children envelopes...................$ 21
Stewardship Total.......... 13,960
Weekly Expenses/Including Mortgage......... 17,413
+/- for week without Bldg. Pledges......... - 3,453
Building Fund Pledge Payments............. 1,250
+/- for week.............................. - 2,203
+/- year to date without Building Pledges $ -24,555
+/- year to date with Building Pledges....$ - 4,919

Thank you for your gifts

Stewardship by the Book

In today's first reading, Joshua challenges the people to decide whom they will serve. Recalling God's faithfulness to them and to their ancestors, the people declare, "We also will serve the Lord, for he is our God." May we, too, be mindful of God's gifts to us and renew our commitment to serve Him with grateful hearts.

Dates to Remember

Monday, August 28
7:00 p.m. Parish Nurse Ministry (Room 3)

Tuesday, August 29
10:00 a.m. Scriptures & Stitches (Adult Formation Room)
5:30 p.m. BeFriender Coordinators (Room 3)
7:30 p.m. Inquiry (Adult Formation Room)

Wednesday, August 30
7:00 p.m. Sacrament of the Sick during Mass

Thursday, August 31
7:30 p.m. VOICES project (Social Hall)

Friday, September 1

Saturday, September 2

Sunday, September 3
9:45 a.m. New Parishioners Meeting (Adult Formation Room)
12:45 p.m. Baptism

Religious Education

Many families have not yet registered their children for Religious Education for this fall. Spaces are limited and classes are filling up.

If you want to request a particular class time or day you need to come into the office to register your children. Some classes will be starting the week of September 24, so your child needs to placed in a class as soon as possible.

Catechists and aides are still needed for some of our weekly and family classes. Please consider helping out, even if you have never done so before! Formation classes are offered to help you if you are interested in being a catechist or aide. Please call the Religious Ed office today for more information. Mary Mahar

PRE-SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY!

Share your hugs with pre-school children. Two times a month during our Family Program, we need someone to oversee our pre-kindergarten children. Call Mary, 229-8624, for more details!

WE NEED YOU!

Yes you! We need you to be a 7, 8, or 9th grade catechist who will share your faith, promote a sense of community, and develop Christianity to its fullest while growing with our youth as they continue on their faith journey. Catechists are badly needed in this area. Guidance is provided to train you in this ministry!
Call Sr. Maryetta for more details.

ON THE JOURNEY

Summer,cottages and rain meant a good book or a jigsaw puzzle when I was a child; so last week at the cottage we set up the card table and took out a jigsaw puzzle. Maggie, Jim and I became obsessed with completing it before the weekend was over. Hours were spent bent over 998 pieces (there were supposed to be 1000). It struck me how often we had success in finding the right piece after we had been away from it for awhile. Nothing on the table had changed, only our perspective. How often in life do we find the same thing? Lost in the middle of a complex situation or faced with a crisis, we can't seem to make the pieces fit, and yet time and a fresh perspective often provide some answers to "Why?" and "Where is God?" God was always there; we just weren't looking in the right places. It's amazing the lessons one can learn on a rainy day.

Evening of Awareness will meet September 5, this is a two-part Baptismal Prep Program. If you are expecting or have a child in need of Baptism, contact me at 229-8624 to register for this workshop. Infant Baptism requires a two or three month planning period.

Yours on the journey,
Marilyn

Can our neighboring parishes work together to better serve the people of God? We need your input on the opportunities, issues, and challenges that face the Catholic Church and our parish in the future. We want to hear from you how we might best plan for the future. Join us on Thursday, August 31, 7:30pm in the Social Hall for our parish input session on VOICES. Your voice and vision can make a difference.

Youth Group

Our visit to the Mary Lou Brown Mission was a wonderful experience. It is definitely a service project we will do again. The experience was eye opening to just how much more we can do for those in need.
Most of you will either begin school this week or have started already. Tom and I pray for a safe and healthy year for all. But where did the summer go? God will soon bless us with the beauty of the fall colors. In fact, some of the trees have already started changing. I love this time of year!
I am looking forward to the youth group fall program we will be starting soon. Summer takes on a much more relaxed feeling. There are many exciting things coming up for us. So be sure to read my article to know what's happening.
On Wednesday, September 13, some of us will be traveling to St. Mary's in Chelsea to attend a Healing Mass for the teens in today's society. Fr. Joe Krupp will be the presider, and also present at the Mass will be a man by the name of Irving Houle. He has been graced with the gift of the stigmata. There is more information on the bulletin board near the offices. I encourage you to read it. You can contact me at the offices also for more information.

M.U.D.

For future news, Wednesday, September 27, we are scheduled to volunteer our time at the Livingston Community Food Bank. Our time slot is from 4-6pm. Be sure to mark your calendar now. There will be more details to come. Margaret Callaghan

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

The Council Picnic was a great success! Thanks to all that made it a memorable outing. Special thanks go to Dave Hauenstein and his father, Ralph, Larry Andree for his participation in the pit crew, Harold Reihl for his skill in meat cutting, and a very special thank you to Peggy reihl for the outstanding potato salad and baked beans. Thanks also to Susan Lintzenich for making the day most memorable for our youngest family members. All brother knights are invited to participatein the VOICES session this Thursday, Aug. 31, 7:30pm.Many tha nks from the family of Keith Dunn for all your prayers and support during his journey home to the Father. God bless you. Jan, Carolyn, Kirk & Jacci

Prayer - Ministers of Prayer Schedule

Sun., Aug. 27 Beth Economou
Mon., Aug. 28 Lisa Klein, Chris Camden, Jan Altermatt
Tues., Aug. 29 Ron Clark, Russ Gentner, Judy Gentner
Wed., Aug. 30 Mary Ann Hargrave, Patti Conahan
Thurs., Aug. 31 Leo Camden, Mary Cavanaugh
Fri., Sept. 1 Cindy Sultana, Debbie Barker
Sat., Sept. 2 Mary Jo Cubr, Donna Cayuela

FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH

American Red Cross Blood Drive - We are planning to host two blood drives in the coming year! February is our target month for the first drive. We are looking for Seniors or any willing parishioners who could assist the Parish Nurse Ministry with advertising, check-in and/or serving refreshments. Please contact Marilyn Rhadigan at the church office or Cathy Kolpacki at 810-229-0268 if you are interested. Blood Donor sign-up will be posted after the first of the year. Please consider participating in this life-giving endeavor.

September's BP Weekend Health Focus will be Arthritis. September 29, from 2-4pm, Dr. Edward Loniewski, one of our parishioners, will introduce the CARE program, Comprehensive Arthritis Recovery & Education. This program is based on the philosophy that arthritis impacts the body, mind and spirit. It aims to encourage people to participate in their own healing and to draw from many resources in order to provide a holistic comprehensive treatment program. Please join us for an informative and possibly life changing discussion!

Divorce Recovery Workshop

A program for divorced and separated persons of all ages will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Ann Arbor. They will meet every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm starting September 12 thru October 31,2000. If you are interested contact Virginia Mikola (734) 994-9194.

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 or checking the internet at www.masstimes.org.

SENIOR PARISHIONERS APPRECIATION WEEK will be celebrated throughout the Diocese from September 18-22. This time is set aside to honor and recognize senior members of our parish communities. Elders in Livingston County are cordially invited to attend a Mass for this purpose at Holy Spirit Parish, Hamburg, on Friday, September 22, at 11:00am. Lunch and entertainment will follow the Mass. Donations accepted. Please make your reservation by September 14, by calling Betty Polaske at 810-227-5370, as well as transportation arrangements.

LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY HOSPICE'S VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Volunteers are needed in all areas by providing support to the terminally ill and their families. Sessions will be held Saturdays, Sept. 9, 16, 23, from 10-2:00pm, and Wed., Sept. 27, 8:30-10:30am, at McPherson Hospital in Community Room 1. Call 517-545-6797 to register.

ANNUAL YOUNG ADULT CONFERENCE

Single & married 20's & 30's will meet at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Ann Arbor September 23. Come celebrate the Jubilee theme of the Trinity. There will be Mass with Bishop Mengeling in the afternoon with dinner and dancing in the evening. Contact Gary Ashby (517) 342-2495 for more details.

Bishop's Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, know this: You do have a place to turn! Your community offers treatment programs dedicated to assisting those with addiction to alcohol or drugs. Take part in a treatment program and take the first step toward reclaiming your life. To find out about programs in your area, call the DAP helpline, toll-free (1-877-342-2513).

BRIGHTON AREA CROP WALK -

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 8, 2:00pm! This is the date of the 3.1 mile walk through downtown Brighton, the proceeds of which go to Church World Service to help feed the hungry. The walk begins and ends at First Presbyterian in Brighton. Call Dudley Miller, 810-231-9708 for more information.