LOOKING AHEAD Last week, I shared with the Pastoral Council some of significant events and opportunities that are coming up. I thought I would also share some of that with you as well, so that you might mark them on your calendar. October will offer three different opportunities for folks to grow in their faith:
Small Faith Groups will be forming soon. These informal gatherings offer both couples and individuals (in groups of 8 - 12 adults) the opportunity to come together to discuss their faith. Over the six weeks, participants use a process that many have found to be very positive. The booklet provides background information on the week's topic along with discussion questions. Most of the gathering centers on the discussions and shared insights of the participants, ending with a prayer.
Several groups, meeting on different nights, will be forming. The groups will meet for six weeks beginning the week of October 10.
Healing and Reconciliation is a lecture style class which will be taught by me for three Tuesday evenings, beginning October 12 from 7:30 to 9 pm. Besides answering your questions on the Sacrament of the Sick and Penance, topics will also include their Scriptural roots, history and development, what is sin and the what, why and how of these Sacraments which bring healing and reconciliation to body & spirit.
A Retreat for Married Couples How do you make something good even better?? That is the purpose of this five hour retreat. Alan Theis is a former priest, a counselor and married man, who knows there is no "magic" formula for creating or sustaining a Sacramental marriage. So he developed this retreat a means of helping couples grow. I truly believe that couples owe it to their kids and, most of all, to themselves to participate in this retreat. Why just grow old together? Why not grow better together?
This retreat has been well received by married couples in several parishes across the diocese. I am so pleased that we are able to offer this opportunity to our married couples, that I'll even fix the dinner!!
SIGN UP As usual, sign up for the Small Groups, the class on Healing & Reconciliation and the
Retreat for Married Couples will take place in the Gathering Area.
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.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Larry Czap, Sue Keough, Miriam Marker, Matt Even, Eileen Auld, Cornelius Smits, Keith Kovach, Ellen Colombo, Ken Colombo, Emerson Brown, Adeline Smith, Larry Cecil, Anna Cecil, Dottie King, Catherine Schumont, Ken Carson, Norman Moon, Shirley Brake, Keith Dunn, Karen (Pat Spindler's daughter), Laurie Deirlein, Ron Schaar, Jeannette Wood, Merle, Ed, Zora Kolef, Keith Freel, Tom Cavanaugh, Timothy Richards, Mary Kay Davis, Edith Reagan, Joseph Pasienza, Miren Mohrenweiser, Donovan, Jessie, Mary Swift and Gerry Bettens.
During the next couple of weeks you may notice pew cards in the gathering area asking for names and addresses of individuals you know who have been away from the Church. Almost all of us can think of someone; a sister, brother, son or co-worker whose roots were planted in Catholicism but for one or more reasons have distanced themselves from our community. The pew cards will enable the "E" team to mail invitations to area wide reconciliation services "Celebrating God's Mercy". They are part of the Diocesan Celebrations of the Jubilee Year. It is our hope that this might be the first step in rediscovering their roots.
In a similar vein, 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 resumed on the 14th. 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.
We have begun sign up for facilitators for our Small Faith Communities for the fall.
Entitled "A Year of Favor from the Lord" our materials are coming from the Archdiocese of
Detroit and offer discussion topics related to the Millennium and our Church. They will begin
meeting the week of October 10th and run for five weeks. It is an excellent opportunity to meet
your neighbors and share your faith. For more information please call me at 229-8624.
Yours on the journey, Marilyn
The Religious Education Program began with excitement, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn
about our faith. As of today we have 610 children in our program. Many of them are preparing
to receive the sacraments this year and we ask that you remember those children in your prayers.
The confirmation students are asked to keep October 9th from 10-3 free for a very special retreat.
We need chaperons, people to share their faith stories and bakers. If you can help, please call me.
Sister Maryetta
We would like to thank all of you who purchased t-shirts at the picnic. We appreciate your support. Also thanks to all of you who donated your empty pop cans for the youth. I would also like to thank all of you who set up games and made sure all children and teens had fun.
I am really looking forward to our NCYC trip as I know all participants are after our gathering this past Thursday. There will be a diocese gathering of all participants Thursday, October 14 in Lansing 6:30-8:30.
We are happy to have new faces at our weekly meetings. I love this time of the year as I have stated before, but it's more than just the weather. For us as a youth group, we begin a new year. We make new friends and develop new relationships. God provides us with the time and energy needed to reach out and touch the lives of others while at the same time being touched ourselves by others.
I would like to thank everyone who helped out at the jr. high dance last weekend. Everyone who came and participated had a good time. Thank you.
Now, for our next event scheduled for Monday October 11. We are planning a trip to
Erwins Orchard in South Lyon to visit their haunted maze. Again there will be a sign up sheet in
the gathering space for both youth and adults to drive and chaperon. Please note however, that at
the time you sign up we are asking that you prepay for your ticket. The cost is only $7.00 which
includes a wagon ride to the maze, the maze and cider and a donut afterward.
Sue Wagener will be available at sign up to collect the money. If you are unable to sign up in the
next two weekends please contact me at the offices Tuesday thru Friday 1-5pm.
Margaret Callaghan
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000
Total income for the week of September 18/19, 1999:
Approximately 1360 people contributed:
Using Stewardship envelopes..............$13,364.25
Loose collection.........................$ 913.03
Building Fund payment on pledges.........$ 4,506.00
Other....................................$ 1,188.00
Total receipts...........................$19,871.28
Weekly expenses..........................$16,682.00
+/- for week.............................$+3,289.28
+/- year-to-date.........................$+4,248.00
Thank you for your Gifts
SINGLES SUNDAY - Dinner and Guest Speaker, Fr. J Munley - Singles 35 and older are invited to a talk and dinner on Sunday, October 10, 3:00pm at St. John's Activity Center in Fenton. Cost is $6.00. Call 517-342-2494 to place your reservation by October 5.
Life Chain is an ecumenical hour of prayer to focus attention on the issue of killing unborn babies. This is an opportunity to let the community know the importance of life, from the womb to the elderly. Please join us for one hour (2:30-3:30) on Sunday October 3, 1999. St. Mary Magdalen's assigned location is on Grand River, east of Latson by Beach Way. Any questions contact Karen Bierer (810) 227-2438.
St. Mary Magdalen Knights of Columbus is having a fall golf outing Sunday, October 10, at Faulkwood Shores golf course. 18 hole scramble w/cart, hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments provided. Members/wives and prospective members/wives are invited. Cost is $45 per player. Contact Dave Guidos (810) 229-4728 or John Reineke (810) 225-2040 for information/registration by October 1.
CHARITY & JUSTICE will sponsor a clothing drive during the month of October. We invite all parishioners to participate in this project. Please donate only clean usable clothing and shoes. Mary Lou Brown Mission in Detroit is the recipient of your generosity. Items for men, women, teenagers and children are welcome. We are in need of volunteers for this project. If you can help sort or deliver, call Mary Korch (810) 227-8384 or Dave Scharf (810) 299-8624.
PREGNANCY HELPLINE announces An Open House Sunday, Sept. 26, 2-5:00pm at the Life Choice Pregnancy Center, 9560 Highland Road, Hartland. Tour their newly expanded facility and learn about their vision for the future, meet the new medical director and our new President, visit our loan closet, and find out how you can be involved in this life-giving ministry. Call 810-632-5656 for more information.
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.
Share our Joy and Gratitude by celebrating the 25th anniversary year of St. Francis Prayer Center, October 3, 1999, 2:00pm. Come and enjoy an outdoor liturgy celebrated by Bishop Kenneth J. Povish.
Celebrate the Year of the Father Friday, October 8, 1999, 7:00pm at a generational healing Mass at St. John Catholic Church, Fenton.
Parents of students in Grades 7 and 8 are invited to the open house to be held November 14 from 1-5:00pm. This is a great help in the decision making process for the future education of your children. Come and see what Catholic Central has to offer.
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.
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.
Sunday, Sep. 26 Duke Davis
Monday, Sep. 27 Kathy Stegmaier, Carol McGrath
Tuesday, Sep. 28 Jeanette Martin, Mary Ellen Magon
Wednesday, Sep29 Patti Conahan, Becky Even
Thursday, Sep.30 Russ Gentner, Susan Fragosa
Friday, Oct. 1 Joyce Gonda, Lisa Klein
Saturday, Oct.2 Jan Baldinger
Prayer Intercessions may be filled out each weekend and placed in the basket located between the inside glass doors in our Gathering Area.
Wed., Sept. 29, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels. Michael's name means "who is like God," and in Christian lore, he is one of the chief angels in heaven. The Church honors him with four main titles: 1)the Christian angel of death, assisting the soul of each person in its journey after death to heaven for judgment; 2)he is the special patron and protector of the Chosen People of the Old Testament; 3)the supreme foe of Satan and the fallen legions. Mentioned twice in the O.T. and named specifically in the Book of Revelation as commanding the hosts of the Lord in the final struggle, he is the guardian of the Church and the patron of security forces and of the sick. Gabriel's name means "God's strength", In Christian lore, he is the "Angel of the Annunciation", mentioned as the angel sent to Zachariah(Lk 1:11-19), in the Book of Daniel(8:16,9:21) and to proclaim the Annunciation(Lk 1:26-38). He is believed to guard the Tree of Life and may have been the heavenly being who expelled Adam and Eve from Eden. He is patron of modern telecommunications and of postal services. Raphael's name means "Healer of God" He is honored in Christian lore as the head of the guardian angels, the angel of knowledge, and the angel of science. In the O.T. he appears in the Book of Tobit,telling Tobias: "I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord". He is not mentioned in the N.T. but tradition identifies him as the angel of the sheep pool in John(5:2). According to Jewish angelic lore and custom, he is one of the three angels who visited Abraham prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gamorrah. He is the patron of travelers and the blind.
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass.
This column offers additional information.
The Invitation to Communion The immediate preparation for both the priest and assembly varied greatly especially during the Middle Ages. It was only with the reforms after the Council of Trent and promulgation of the Missal of Pius V in 1570 that this section became standardized throughout the Roman Rite.
Before receiving communion, the presider prayed prayers for holiness and worthiness, then three times he prayed, "Lord, I am not worthy..." As a sign of humility he struck his heart with each repetition. To alert the assembly that communion was about to occur, a bell was rung with repetition as well. Next he prayed, asking that the Body of Christ preserve him to eternal life, and then he consumed the Body. Before consuming the Blood, the presider prayed a few verses from Psalm 116 which spoke of "taking up the cup of salvation", and again he prayed asking that the Blood of Christ preserve him to eternal life.
There were separate but similar prayers for the assembly as well. First, the Confiteor was prayed. This is the same prayer that was used by the clergy only at the beginning of Mass; now it was prayed by all, or at least by the servers in the name of the assembly. After a prayer of absolution, the presider turned and showed the assembly the Body of Christ again saying, "Behold the Lamb of God..." and the people responded using the threefold "Lord, I am not worthy..."
The reforms of 1969 simplified this rite considerably. Today there is only one preparation for both priest and people. As the Holy Eucharist is raised for all to see, the presider uses the invitation from John 1:29, "Behold the Lamb of God..." Both he and the assembly respond only once with words from Matthew 8:9 "Lord, I am not worthy..."
...the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a virgin and said to her, "Do not fear Mary. You have found favor with God. You shall conceive and bear a son and give him the name Jesus. On October 7 - Our Lady of the Rosary we will begin to pray the Scripture Rosary every Thursday evening from 6:30-7pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. All are welcome to join us in prayer. You will be provided with a booklet to help you follow the Scripture Rosary. Any questions please contact Barb Buwa (229-9661) or Kay at the parish office (229-8624).
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.
All adults members of the Parish are invited to join the fun of a Hoe Down, on Saturday, October 16 from 7-11pm right here on our parish grounds in the barn. Mark your calendars now! Weather permitting, we will have a bon-fire and hay ride also.
In the gathering there is a sign-up sheet if you are planning on attending (approximate head count). Also sign-up sheets to help with refreshments, decorations and set-up on Friday October 15 from 3-7pm or between those hours.
Sponsored by your parish 'Community Life Team' any questions or concerns contact Joanie Monforton (810) 229-5738.
Sunday September 26
Ez 18:25-28/Phil 2:1-11/Mt 21:28-32
Monday, September 27 -Vincent de Paul, presb., relig. fdr.
Zec 8:1-8/Lk 9:46-50
9:00 a.m. Rita LeClaire
Tuesday, September 28 - Matthew, apostle, evangelist
Zec 8:20-23/Lk 9:51-56
9:00 a.m. RCIA Sponsors
Wednesday, September 29 Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
Dn 7:9-10,13-14/Jn 1:47-51
7:00 p.m. Larry Shahinian
Thursday, September 30 Jerome, presbyter, doctor of the Church
Neh 8:1-4a,5-6,7b-12/Lk 10:1-12
9:00 a.m. Richard Waldeck
Friday, October 1 Therese of the Child Jesus, virgin, relig.
Bar 1:15-22/Lk 10:13-16
9:00 a.m. Robert Howell
Saturday, October 2 The Guardian Angels
Bar 4:5-12,27-29/Mt 18:1-5,10
Sunday, October 3
Is 5:1-7/Phil 4:6-9/Mt 21:33-43
4:30 Lillian Seebaldt
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Martha Sullivan
Monday, September 27
10:00 a.m. Nurse Ministry (Room 3)
6:00 RCIA Team Retreat (Marilyn's cottage)
7:00 p.m. LCCSS Grief Group (Adult Form.)
Tuesday, September 28
7:00 p.m. BeFriender Dual Mtg. (Rectory LL)
7:30 p.m. Sponsor Formation
7:30 p.m. Inquiry Adult/Child
7:30 p.m. Art & Environment
Wednesday, September 29
9:30 a.m. MOMS (Adult Formation/Nursery)
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
7:00 p.m. Mass of Anointing
7:30 p.m. Worship Meeting
7:45 p.m. Bible Study (Adult Form.Rm.)
Thursday, September 30
10:00 a.m.Bible Study (Adult Form.Rm.)
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry
Friday, October 1
No Acctivities Planned
Saturday, October 2
9:00 a.m. Diocesan Marriage Prep
Sunday, October 3
9:30, 11:00 and 5:45 Religious Education
9:45 a.m. New Parishioner Meeting
12:30 p.m. Baptism
2:00 p.m. Diocesan Marriage Prep
7:30 p.m. Bible Overview
7:30 p.m. Grief Group (Rectory LL)
7:00 p.m. Youth Group
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