WHERE ARE WE GROWING?? Last Friday and Saturday, over forty of those who serve on our councils and ministry teams met to set the direction of our parish for the coming year.
We began with reports on the activities of all of our councils and ministry teams. Then we reviewed our parish Vision to begin discerning where we need to focus our efforts over the coming year.
On Saturday morning, we created a new goal for the coming year. Then the different groups began to set their agenda for the coming year, so that their efforts will help us achieve our goal.
During the next year, our focus will be: We re-dedicate our parish community to building the kingdom of God through commitment, education and communication; and to actively sharing the Kingdom with others.
Several concerns motivated this goal. One was a belief that we will grow well as long as we encourage people to become actively involved in some aspect of parish life and committed to its support. Second was a desire to help our people better understand our life as Catholics. A third concern was a desire to have greater ecumenical involvement with the other faith communities in our area.
The staff, councils and ministry teams will be completing their plans of action during the month of September. These will be printed in either the Visionary or the bulletin, or both, for you to review.
THE PICNIC Our annual picnic will take place next Sunday (or the following one, if the weather does not cooperate). For those who are new to the parish since last year, the picnic is the parish event, because it serves as the only event that has the capacity to bring us all together.
It will begin with 11 am Liturgy which will be celebrated out in the field beyond the parking lot. While it may be only a Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Liturgy proves to be a very festive celebration. Last year about 1200 participated! (Just a reminder, it is BYOC - bring your own chair!
The Liturgy is followed by a pot luck meal and an Ice Cream Social. There will also be games for the young and for the teens.
I hope you will make plans to be there!
Fr. Dave Howell
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.
III. David Spamer & Lisa Bovio
During the month of August, we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Justin Charles Ferris, son of Christopher and Kay Ferris; Emily Sarah and Payton Elizabeth Yoder, daughters of David and Jennifer Yoder; Breanna Leigh Kaliszewski, daughter of Brian and Stacy Kaliszewski; Zachary Michael Sprys-Tellner, son of Gregory and Jennifer Sprys-Tellner; and Olivia Marie Weiss, daughter of Todd and Lynda Weiss.
We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Larry Czap, Richard Waldeck, Sue Keough, Miriam Marker, Matt Even, Eileen Auld, Cornelius Smits, Keith Kovach, Ken & Ellen Colombo, Emerson Brown, John Fay, Adeline Smith, Larry & Anna Cecil, Catherine Howard, Dottie King, Catherine Schumont, Ken Carson, Emily Cooper, Shirley Brake, Keith Dunn, Karen (Pat Spindler's daughter), Laurie Deirlein, Ron Schaar, Marilyn (Steve Crowell's mother), Jeannette Wood, Jane, Merle, Ed, Zora Kolef, Keith Freel, Tom Cavanaugh, Timothy Richards, Mary Kay Davis, Edith Reagan, Joseph Pasienza, Miren Mohrenweiser and Donovan.
If you or someone you know has unanswered questions about what it's like to be Catholic today, you might consider joining us on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Adult Formation Room. The "Inquiry" gatherings took a brief break over the summer but are scheduled to resume September 14. Attendance comes without strings or expectations about becoming Catholic; for some it is the first step, but for others it is a time to understand or explore Catholicism.
Needed, a few good men and women to accompany our candidates and catechumens on their journeys of faith. If you are intimidated at the thought of sharing your religion with another adult, don't be. It isn't as scary as it sounds! The catechists and RCIA team are there to answer any heavy duty questions (hopefully); our sponsors share what living out the Catholic faith in their lives means to them. Please give some thought to sponsoring; we meet every Tuesday evening, with sponsor formation beginning in September. If you have any questions please give me a call.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Parish Picnic on Sept. 12 -
Yours on the journey, Marilyn
The schedule for next year is included. Many children are not registered as yet. Please drop in and fill out the forms during office hours - 9:30am to 3:30pm. There will be a catechist meeting on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00pm the social hall. Registration for this year will be held this week from 9:30-3:30 and evenings by appointment. Needed are catechists, aides and people to help in the program.
Schedule for next year: Kindergarten during the 11am liturgy, Grades 1-6
from 9:30-10:45am on Sunday, and Grades 1-8 on Wednesday and Thursday 6:30-7:45pm. The ninth and tenth grades meet Sunday evening from 5:45-7:00pm.
Sister Maryetta
There is a dance scheduled for Sept. 11 at St. Michael in Flint. If you are interested in attending, please let me know. The dance is from 7-10pm.
I am looking for you, and you know who you are! - someone who loves to be with the youth of today and witness to their growth. You are someone who has a desire to be an important part of a teen's life. You have a lot to contribute to the faith formation of the teens of today here in our parish. I would like to see our youth and adults working together, creating a relationship with each other. In this regard I'd like to have some adults participating on our leadership team that has been meeting twice a month for an hour and a half. If you could only see and witness what our teens are about, like Tom and I do! You would wonder why you you didn't become involved sooner. Think about it! You know who you are.
I have received a few calls this past month regarding names of babysitters. Anyone interested in gaining such a list of names, feel free to call me at the parish offices in the afternoons.
For our NCYC participants and chaperons, there is a meeting scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23, at 7pm. It will give us a chance to come together and get to know everyone who is going. We will be discussing roommates at that time.
We are selling t-shirts next weekend at the picnic. Each shirt will cost $6.00. Teens will be painting faces, and there will be a place where sr. high students can gather together to play a few games, such as basketball, soccer and volleyball.
In the course of my reading through a popular youth magazine, I came across some words of wisdom. I thought you might enjoy reading some of it today and in upcoming bulletins. "Don't be afraid to encounter risks. It's by taking chances that we learn how to be brave." Always remember that you never really do anything alone. God is always on your side. Just remember to say a prayer before taking on a challenge and ask God to be with you. He will not deny you.
Our next meeting is Sept. 19. All senior high students are invited to come.
Margaret Callaghan
Our next jr. high event is a dance scheduled for Saturday, Sept 25, from 7:30-9:30pm. Next weekend, there will be sign up sheets in the gathering space for the students to sign up and for adults to volunteer their time and talents. This dance is scheduled the same evening as the spaghetti dinner. What a great way to spend the evening together! Come and have dinner - then stay for more fun. So please take time in the next three weekends to sign up for a great evening.
Margaret Callaghan
MOST REVEREND CARL F. MENGELING, Bishop of Lansing, invites you to attend a special Mass and reception to celebrate the inauguration of a campaign for the new Father Gabriel Richard High School, Sunday Sept. 12, at St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor, beginning at 4:00pm with Mass. Reception follows immediately in the parish hall. Information, including pictures and plans of the proposed new regional high school, will be available along with diocesan staff, architects and consultants to answer any questions.
Registration runs through Sept. 12. Please turn in forms and payments to Marilyn in the office. Sessions begin Wednesday, Sept. 22, and run through Nov. 3, 9:30-11:30am. There will be seven weeks of personal and spiritual nurturing while sharing laughter, wisdom and friendship. Any questions about M.O.M.S., call Camy Watson (810) 227-6861 or Pauline Flowerday (248) 685-0064. We hope to see you there!
The M.O.M.S. Group is looking for childcare helpers in the fall on Wednesdays from 9:30 till 11:30am. A stipend will be offered for your services. Call Camy Watson (810) 227-6861.
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000
Total income for the week of August 28/29, 1999:
Using Stewardship envelopes..............$ 11,723.00
Loose collection.........................$ 1,032.00
Building Fund payment on pledges.........$ 1,520.00
Other....................................$ -0-
Total receipts...........................$14,275.00
Weekly expenses..........................$16,682.00
+/- for week.............................-$ 2,407.00
+/- year-to-date.........................-$ 1,425.00
Thank you for your Gifts
FLU SHOTS will be available through McPherson Home Care here at St. Mary Magdalen on Saturday, Oct. 23, 5:30-6:30pm and Sunday Oct. 24, 10:00am-1:00pm. Individuals covered by Medicare will need to bring their cards. Those paying cash will be charged $10.00. If you have any questions, call Mary Lou (517) 545-6161.
The Parish Nurse Ministry announces monthly Blood Pressure Screening. This will begin September 18 and 19 following all three Masses. Come and begin to regularly monitor your blood pressure!
A factual, history based exhibit featuring an actual sized transparency of
the Holy Shroud of Turin will be on display for your examination at Dominos Farms, in the Warehouse just south of Lobby B from August 17 through September 23, 1999,
every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00am-8:00pm,
Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm,
and Sundays from 12 noon-6:00pm.
The exhibit features not only the replica, but a historical interpretation of the Crucifixion of Christ, as reported in the Gospel of John. There is also a life size replica of the Crucifixion, as well as photos, charts and results of scientific and forensic study of the Shroud. Admission is free. For more information, call 734-930-7777.
Are you up to the Challenge issued by Joanie Monforton last week to fill a brown grocery bag with weeds pulled anywhere on the property, trimmings from shrubbery and trees, etc., and disposing of it in the dumpster. Remember a monetary prize has been offered to the person who brings the longest crab grass rhizome to the picnic, that has been pulled from and identified as coming from St. Mary Magdalen grounds.
If everybody accepts this challenge, our grounds will be in top-notch condition for the picnic on Sept. 12.
A Christian based pre-school program is now accepting applications for the 1999/2000 school year. They have openings for three, four and early five year olds. Please call (810) 229-0010 or (810) 229-6661 for more information.
Sixth Annual Parish Picnic & Ice Cream Social will be held Sunday, Sept. 12 (rain date Sept. 19), starting with 11:00am Liturgy. Your time and talent will help to make this another memorable picnic! Sign-up sheets are in the gathering area for volunteers to help with food service, set-up, Liturgy, games, ice cream social, signs, pictures and clean-up.
Also in the gathering area are invitations to the picnic; fill them out and return in the basket provided. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a dish to pass for 8-10 people (ice cream will be provided). Bring your favorite beverages (no glass) and frisbees, baseball mitts, etc. Any questions or concerns please contact Rick or Sandi Phillips (810) 229-7861.
The Charity & Justice Ministry Team continues to ask you to save your VG's receipts and return them in the container provided in the Gathering Area. Through these receipts organizations can collect 1% of the receipt total. These funds will be used to help those in need within our parish.
BRIGHTON AREA CROP WALK has set a goal of 200 walkers to raise $16,000 to help stop hunger in our community and around the world through self-help development initiatives. A portion of the funds raised will benefit St. Vincent de Paul, Lacasa and the Livingston Food Bank. Family, friends and co-workers of cropwalkers are urged to sponsor them. Sponsor envelopes will be available in the gathering area soon. Call Maureen or Steve Crowell (810) 227-3734 for more information.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES FALL PROGRAMS: Call (810) 227-2151 for information.
Families Experiencing Divorce, a 6-week support program for children of separated/divorced parents, begins Tuesday, Oct. 5, 7pm at LCCSS in Brighton. Children and parents participate.
Effective Parenting, a 4-week series at LCCSS in Brighton, begins Thursday, Oct. 7, 7pm. It focuses on building communication, raising self-esteem, and discipline alternatives.
How to Understand Grief and Loss, a 2-hour session, will be presented Monday, Sept. 27, 7pm here at St. Mary Magdalen, in an educational format and will explain some of the many responses to grief.
Who Will Make Your Health Care Decisions when You Can't, an information night on medical durable power of attorney and estate planning, will be held Monday, Oct. 4 at 7pm at St. Pat's, Brighton. Learn basic tips on the right to refuse medical care, estate planning, Medicare and Medicaid, and nursing home care.
FOCCUS/Sponsor Couple Marriage Prep Formation Training will be held here at SMM Oct. 4, 11 and 18 from 7-9pm, and Oct. 7, 14 and 28 at St. John, Hartland. Training is for experienced FOCCUS couples as well as newly recruited couples. Call the parish office for more information. Deadline to register is two weeks prior to date of first class.
COME ONE, COME ALL! to Catholic Central's 8th Annual Family Fest Sunday, Sept. 12, Noon to 4:00. Enjoy the finest food and drink in the metro area and bargain prices on all the things you want and need! Tons of fun for the whole family. Admission is $15 per adult. Kids 18 and under are free when accompanied by an adult! Call (313) 534-0550 for tickets, directions or additional information.
Join us every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Medilodge Nursing Home, 1333 W.Grand River, Howell. For more information contact Lisa Klein (810)229-0607.
This is a time set aside to honor and recognize senior members of our parish communities, and it will be celebrated throughout the Diocese from September 27 through October 1. All Livingston County seniors are cordially invited to attend a Mass for this purpose at St. Agnes, Fowlerville, Thursday, September 30, at 11:00am. Lunch and entertainment follows. Donations will be accepted. Please make your reservations by September 21 by calling Betty Polaske (810) 227-5370. Transportation arrangements can be made at that time.
Needed, a few good men and women to accompany our candidates and catechumens on their journeys of faith. If you are intimidated at the thought of sharing your religion with another adult, don't be. It isn't as scary as it sounds! The catechists and RCIA team are there to answer any heavy duty questions (hopefully); our sponsors share what living out the Catholic faith in their lives means to them. Please give some thought to sponsoring - we meet every Tuesday evening - with sponsor formation beginning in September. Call Marilyn Pence with questions.
"Kitchen Kommittee" will be meeting on Sunday, September 26, after the 11:00 o'clock Liturgy to formulate some general policies and practices to help us maintain an orderly and practical kitchen. If you belong to a group that uses the kitchen on a regular basis, please consider coming. It shouldn't take us more than an hour. We hope to start at 12:15.
SMM PARISH LIBRARY has nearly 300 items for loan. Since opening, we have been very pleased with the number of parishioners who have checked out books, periodicals, and videos. Still, we know there are many more who would find this service helpful. Be sure to visit the library in the Adult Ed. room near the office.
Livingston Community Hospice's Fall Volunteer Training begins
Saturday, September 11,18 and 25;
and Wednesday October 6 at McPherson Hospital in Community Room 3.
Classes take place between 10:00am and 1:30pm, except on October 6, when it will be from 9:30-11:30.
Volunteers are needed in all areas by providing support to the terminally ill and
their families.
Sept. 8, The Birth of the Virgin Mary. This 5th century feast marks the anniversary of the dedication of a basilica in Jerusalem built, according to tradition, on the location of the home of St. Anne, the mother of Mary, patroness of Cuba. The Immaculate Conception of Mary is celebrated on December 8, which is nine months before this day.
Sept. 9, The feast of St. Peter Claver, presbyter, religious, missionary. Peter Claver died Sept. 8 1654, a Jesuit who served in the missions in Colombia for 38 years devoted to caring for African slaves, baptizing over 300,000. He called himself the "slave of the slaves." At 70 he caught the plague and died. He is the patron of Colombia and of all missions to black people.
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass.
This column offers additional information.
THE KISS OF PEACE Although the exchange of a greeting of peace was only re-introduced into the Roman Liturgy with the reforms of 1969, its place within our tradition extends back to biblical times. Paul, in concluding his letter to the Romans, urged the Church there to "greet one another with a holy kiss. All the other Churches send you greetings" (Rom 16:16). This exchange of the kiss of peace was a common sign of unity among believers and was perhaps the way in which we greeted each other when we first cam together, thus making its inclusion in the Liturgy only natural.
The early Liturgy placed this rite at the beginning of the Preparation of Gifts. In Matthew 5:23, Jesus said that if we bring our gifts to the altar and remember that another has something against us, leave the gift, go reconcile and then come back to offer. Faithful to this injunction, the Peace Rite was a sign of both unity and reconciliation.
At the start of the fifth century, Pope Innocent I moved the kiss of peace to the location it presently holds in the Liturgy. He defended this new location by showing the connection between the rite and the last petition of the Lord's Prayer, "forgive as we forgive." It also restored the original meaning of this action as a sign of the unity which we would share especially in the Eucharist.
In the early Middle Ages, the priest would kiss the altar and the Eucharist and then pass this kiss of peace on to his assistants. They, in turn, would pass it on to those around them until it had been extended to the whole assembly. The British Church even created a special tablet of wood or metal called the pax (peace) board which was kissed and then passed throughout the assembly. In Medieval France, a prayer addressed to Christ was added to the ritual, and by the eleventh century this prayer came to Rome to be included in their Communion Rite as well.
While the prayer for peace remained, by 1570 it became a private prayer of the presider. The custom of actually exchanging the Peace of Christ became infrequent, being limited only to solemn High Mass, and then the exchange was only among the clergy.
Restored in 1969, the Rite of Peace is both a sign of reconciliation and a visible expression of the Communion we are about to share. But the peace we pray for, the peace we extend to each other, is not merely an absence of hostility. It is the peace that flows from the Risen Christ, the Easter Gift: a complete harmony with nature, with each other, within ourselves and with God.
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.
Sunday September 5
Ez 33:7-9/Rom 13:8-10/Mt 18:15-20
Monday, September 6
Col 1:24 - 2:3/Lk 6:6-11
9:00 a.m. Nadezda & Edward Hass
Tuesday, September 7
Col 2:6-15/Lk 6:12-19
9:00 a.m. Fr. Edward Boley
Wednesday, September 8 - Birth of the Virgin Mary
Mi 5:1-4a/Mt 1:1-16,18-23
7:00 p.m. John Loveland
Thursday, September 9 - Peter Claver, presb.,relig.,missionary
Col 3:12-17/Lk 6:27-38
9:00 a.m. Forest Bernia
Friday, September 10
1 Tm 1:1-2,12-14/Lk 6:39-42
9:00 a.m. Our Students
Saturday, September 11
1 Tm 1:15-17/Lk 6:43-49
Sunday, September 12
Sir 27:30 - 28:9/Rom 14:7-9/Mt 18:21-35
4:30 Edward Seebaldt
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Mildred Radke
Monday, September 6
LABOR DAY - Office is closed
Tuesday, September 7
7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus (Rectory LL)
7:30 p.m. RCIA Team (Adult Formation)
Wednesday, September 8
7:00 p.m. Catechist Meeting (Social Hall)
7:30 p.m. Finance Council
7:30 p.m. Picnic Meeting
7:45 p.m. Parables of Mark
Thursday, September 9
10:00 a.m. Parables of Mark
7:00 p.m. Basic Catholic Teaching
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry
Friday, September 10
NO ACTIVITIES PLANNED
Saturday, September 11
7:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast (Rectory LL)
Sunday, September 12
11:00 a.m. Parish Picnic
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