LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD Last week I mentioned a few events and opportunities coming up in October, but there are a few other things that will be happening in the months ahead that you may also want to mark on your calendar.
For readers and early Christmas shoppers, the Catholic book store will be here the weekend of Nov 6\7. Beginning Dec. 2, the Thursday morning Bible study will take three weeks to study the Infancy Narratives in the Gospels.
We will Welcome the Great Jubilee with a family evening Dec 31. The evening's fun & games will conclude with amid-night Liturgy which spans the end and the start of the third millennium.
The last event I would really like you mark on your calendar is Parish Retreat which is scheduled for Feb 6-9. A Redemptorist priest, Fr. Rudy Papes, will be coming to conduct the retreat for us over four evenings.
HEALING & RECONCILIATION is the title of a series of classes I will be teaching 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 the Scriptural roots of these Sacraments and their history and development, why confess to a priest, what is sIn and the what, why and how of these Sacraments which bring healing and reconciliation to body & spirit. CONGRATULATIONS to our new K of C officers! They officially were installed in their offices this weekend after the Saturday evening Liturgy.
SPECIAL THANKS to Dennis Edoff who built our new information kiosks which now grace our
Gathering area. Please take a moment to look at them.
EMMAUS XIX I will be gone this week to the annual convocation of the priests of our diocese. The
topic this year is how we will deal with the declining number of priests. More importantly, it is the
beginning of a diocesan wide strategic planning process that will help our whole diocesan Church
proclaim the Kingdom more effectively into the next century.
During the month of August, we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Amy Nicole Parks, daughter of Christine and Douglas Parks; Maketa Lea Longo/Mattimore, daughter of James and Kathleen Longo/Mattimore; Olivia Beatrice Cousins, daughter of Christopher and Susan Cousins; and Anna Antionette Moug, daughter of Michael and Bernadette Moug. We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.
Pete, Al & Ann Polcyn, 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, Valerie Black, Joanne Fournier and Gerry Bettens.
FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH - A note from your Parish Nurse Ministry Influenza (the flu) is an acute viral disease of the respiratory tract. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses; i.e., asthma, diabetes, immunocompromised can develop serious complications. To prevent influenza, an updated vaccine is available yearly. The optimal time to receive this shot is between September and December. Protection develops 1-2 weeks after the injection and may last up to one year. Flu shots will be available this month after the Liturgies on Oct. 23/24. Cost will be $10. Those covered by Medicare need to bring their cards.
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 re-discovering their roots.
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, call me at 229-8624.
Yours on the Journey, Marilyn
The children in the Confirmation program are beginning their final preparation. Next Saturday, the
students will be participating in a day-long retreat to discern the call in their lives. Please continue
to pray for these young people.
If your child has not registered in the religious ed program this year, please call the office.
Sister Maryetta
If you have time this weekend, take a look at our newly decorated youth room. This past week we hung pictures up of past events. It is fun to look at them and be reminded of the places we've been and the things we've done. It's also fun to see how everyone grows over the years.
Just a reminder that for all NCYC participants and chaperons there will be a diocesan gathering of all participants Thursday, Oct. 14, in Lansing 6:30-8:30pm.
I want to start advertising our meeting on Oct. 24. We are expecting Phil Leonard who is a youth minister from Detroit. He will be coming to spend the evening with us playing guitar, singing and talking to us about the upcoming year of 2000. I guarantee it will be great evening.
Also that same weekend on Saturday, the Sr. high youth group will be hosting a dance of their own. The first one we had last year was a blast. So make sure you mark your calendars for a very fun and great weekend.
I cannot thank you all enough who helped with the dance last weekend. It would not have been as successful without you. We had a great turnout and everyone had a good time. Thank you.
Now, for our next event scheduled for Monday Oct. 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 $7.00 which includes
a wagon ride to the maze, the maze and cider and a donut afterward. Someone will be available at
sign up to collect the money. You will also need to pick up permission slips and health forms at the
same time. These can be returned the night of the event. If you are unable to sign up in the next two
weekends, please contact me at the offices Tues-Fri., 1-5pm.
Margaret Callaghan
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000
Total income for the week of September 25/26, 1999:
Approximately 1115 people contributed:
Using Stewardship envelopes..............$ 10,878.00
Loose collection.........................$ l,095.00
Building Fund payment on pledges.........$ 1,890.00
Other....................................$ 1,207.00
Total receipts...........................$ 15,070.00
Weekly expenses..........................$ 16,682.00
+/- for week.............................$ -1,612.00
+/- year-to-date.........................$ 2,636.00
Thank you for your Gifts
St. Mary Magdalen K of C is having a fall golf outing Sunday, October 10, at Faulkwood Shores golf course; 18 hole scramble w/cart, hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments. 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 to register, by Oct.1.
I. Melissa Touchette & Jason O'Hara
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.
MARRIED COUPLES RETREAT Sunday, October 24, from 2-7pm, St. Mary Magdalen will be hosting this retreat facilitated by Allen Theis, licensed marriage and family therapist. He'll present some effective ways to enhance and revitalize your marriage. Open to all married couples, a meal and child care will be provided. Contact Marilyn at 229-8624 for more information and to register.
THE CLOTHING DRIVE, sponsored by Charity & Justice will continue through October. Still needed are clean, usable clothing for men, women, teens and children. New purchases of socks and underwear are also needed. Drop off donations at the rectory garage. They will be sorted after the 11:00 Mass every Sunday in October. Please call Mary Korch (810) 227-8384 or Dave Scharf with questions or offers to help. Donations go to Mary Lou Brown Mission in Detroit.
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 in our own barn. Mark your calendars now! Weather permitting, we will have a bon-fire and hay ride also.
In the gathering area are sign-up sheets for attendance (approximate head count), 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'. Questions or concerns call Joanie Monforton (810) 229-5738.
WE THANK YOU for your generous gift of $650 on behalf of the people of Turkey, especially those living in the areas of their recent earthquake disaster. This money will go directly to the Catholic Relief Services to provide water, food and other basic necessities.
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.
CANDLE LIGHT LIVING ROSARY, sponsored by the Women's Guild of Holy Spirit in Hamburg, will be Thurs, Oct. 7, at 6:30 pm (after Benediction). All are welcome.
Sunday, October 3 Jack Hornsberger
Monday, October 4 Sue Weir, Mary Ellen Magon
Tuesday, October 5 Sue Monroe, Synthia Bisoski
Wednesday, October 6 Lynn Gentner, Lisa Arthur
Thursday, October 7 Ken Gentner, Josie Doucette
Friday, October 8 Mary Ziel, Jan Altermatt
Saturday, October 9 Beth Monte, Janice Cherry
NEW BEGINNINGS, sponsored by Family Ministry, Diocese of Lansing, is a remarriage seminar to be held at St. Pius X Church, Parish Center, 3139 Hogarth Avenue, Flint, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23, 1999. Cost is $85 per couple. This is a time for couples preparing for remarriage to share and reflect on all that is involved in a relaxed atmosphere. Conducted by a team of remarried couples with a variety of backgrounds who are especially trained in this ministry with assistance from Family Ministry.
FR. PAT JACKSON HOUSE PROGRAM is a non-denominational program serving homeless, pregnant and parenting adolescents and their children. Haab's Restaurant, Ypsilanti, has promised 10% of today's receipts in support of this program. Support this grass-root effort to help teenage moms-to-be by dining at Haab's today. Any questions may be directed to 734-761-1440.
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass. This column offers additional information.
In early Christianity, both bishop and people received the Eucharist in silence, but eventually the need to verbalize meaning soon resulted in various formulas. In Syria, Egypt, North Africa and Rome, each person was presented the Eucharist with words: "The Body/Blood of Christ". But by the early Middle Ages, this practice ceased in Rome.
It was not until the tenth century that various new formulas were introduced into the Liturgies celebrated in different parts of Europe. Similar in wording, these were more a blessing rather than the earlier form, which was a profession of faith requiring a response of the communicant.
The Missal of 1570 standardized the rite for both priest and people. When he distributed communion to the faithful, the priest used a prayer similar to the one he used for himself before receiving communion. To each person he said in Latin, "May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul to eternal life. Amen!" But still, even the amen was said only by the one who distributed communion.
In the reforms of 1969, the presider is still the first to receive communion and uses the same petition which serves as a profession of faith before receiving the Body and the Blood. Communion is given to the faithful, using again the ancient form that expects each communicant to make an act of faith in the true presence of Christ in His Body and Blood. Consistent to the Church is the understanding that while Christ commanded, "take and eat...take and drink" we receive communion rather than take it. For He gave His body broken and His blood poured out. Such a gift can only be received with gratitude.
....Mary answered the angel Gabriel: "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say." What is your answer to God when he calls you. Do you listen? Do you say yes? On Thursday,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.