THE STARTING LINE IS IN SIGHT This weekend we celebrated the Rite of Election for Confirmation for 32 of our young people. For the last couple of years they have been preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, which will complete their initiation into the Church.
Last weekend they had a retreat experience with Sr. Maryetta and her team. This past week, I met with each of them individually to discuss their desire to be Confirmed. This weekend we begin the final preparation for Confirmation. Some would say that the "finish line" is clearly in sight; it's almost over.
The reality is that Confirmation is not the finish but the starting line! Each of these young people will stand before the bishop on Dec. 4 and renew their profession of faith; a sign of their commitment and determination to live their faith in Christ as a member of the Catholic community. Then the bishop will call down the Holy Spirit upon them so that their commitment might be "made strong with" the gift of the Holy Spirit. [The latin word is con-firmare].
As Sr. Maryetta and the other catechists frequently tell me, this is an exceptional group of young people. I agree wholeheartedly. And I look forward with great hope to what these young people, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, will be able to accomplish.
I commend them to your prayer during the closing weeks of their preparation. HOMECOMING This Sunday afternoon at 2 pm, our bishop will lead a very special "Celebration of God's Mercy" at St. Francis Parish in Ann Arbor.
This multi-media Liturgy is part of our outreach to Catholics who rarely or no longer practice the faith. Using music, Scripture and dramatization we hope to pave the way for inactive folks to return to a more vigorous faith life.
The first part will be the service. The second hour will provide people with an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance individually or to meet with small groups or with counselors to get their many questions answered.
Over the last few weeks we have asked you to give us the names & addresses of folks to invite to this special service. Now I would like to invite you to come, too!
The service itself should be inspirational and beneficial to everyone who participates. But the
more important reason for asking you to join me at St. Francis this Sunday is to make sure that there
is someone there for these folks who may be making their way back to the Church. Imagine what
it would have been like if the prodigal son came home and found no one there! No it is important that
there be more than bishops & priests there for these returning folks. We want them to "come home"
to a home filled with a welcoming family!
Fr. Dave Howell
Mon., Oct. 18; Feast of St. Luke, the Evangelist. He is the author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. A physician, Luke is traditionally believed to have been a Greek Gentile from Antioch. He was a medical practitioner. A convert to the new faith, he accompanied St. Paul on his second missionary journey, remained six years in Philippi, Greece, and went on the third missionary journey. When St. Paul was martyred in 66, Luke went back to Greece where he is believed to have died at the age of 84. Luke is the patron saint of doctors and also painters owing to the belief in medieval times that he painted a picture of the Virgin Mary. Tues., Oct. 19; North American Martyrs,(Isaac Jogues & John de Brebeuf, and companions) French Jesuit and oblate missionaries to the Hurons and Iroquois of North America. Isaac was tomahawked to death by the Iroquois in 1646 near Albany; John was savagely mutilated and slain in 1649 near Georgian Bay; other martyrs were Anthony, Daniel, Gabriel Lalemant, Charles Garnier, Noel Chabanel and oblate Rene' Goupil and Jean delaLande.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Erik, Raynald Raymond, Pete, Al & Ann Polcyn, Larry Czap, Sue Keough, Miriam Marker, Matt Even, Eileen Auld, Cornelius Smits, Keith Kovach, Ellen 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, Miren Mohrenweiser, Donovan, Jessie, Mary Swift, Valerie Black, Joanne Fournier, Jerry Bettens, Ruth, Lorraine Reegen, Romaine & Chuck Colombo, Ami Erickson, and Dennis.
There is still time to join our Small Faith Communities for the fall. There are sheets in the gathering area with days, times and places of these gatherings. 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 run for five weeks and are an excellent opportunity to meet your neighbors and share your faith. For more information please call me at 229-8624.
Grief is a natural and normal reaction to loss, but sometimes the intensity of our emotions can
seem overwhelming. A New Day is a series of eight meetings designed to increase our understanding
of the stages of grief; offer some survival techniques; include prayer and Scripture reflections and
provide an opportunity to meet with others who have experienced similar losses in their lives. Our
sessions will begin Sunday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory lower level. There is a cost of
$10 for the New Day Journals. If you have any questions or want to register by phone, call me at
229-8624. A registration sheet is available in the gathering area.
Yours on the Journey,
Marilyn
The parents with children in the Penance program are asked to participate in a meeting on Monday, October 25, at 7:00pm. It will be reflecting on the Sacrament of Penance and also ways that you can work with your child on what needs healing in their lives.
The children in the Confirmation program presented their names to Father Dave this
weekend, and we ask that you support them by accepting a prayer partner and writing and praying
for that person throughout the preparation time.
Sister Maryetta
If you can make tonight's meeting, you will be in for a surprise. We will have a special visitor, and in order to meet this visitor you must attend this evening from 7-8:30. It will be interesting!
I must say that last weekend's kidnaping lock-in was our best ever! Everybody had a great time, the food was good and plentiful, and the games, craft and discussion groups were wonderful. All this was a result of our superb leadership team! The evening events were turned over to them and they ran with the responsibility of what it takes to plan such an evening. I am so proud of our teen leadership and how well they all work together as a team!! Congratulations to them all!
Next week is our long awaited meeting with 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, 2000. I guarantee it will be great evening so make sure you can make it.
First, that weekend on Saturday, Oct. 23, we are hosting an area wide Sr. high youth group dance. The first one we had last year was a blast. The cost is only $3.00. Pop and candy will be sold during the dance for only $.50 and $.75. Mark your calendar and bring a friend. For anyone who has attended our Hunger Awareness Retreat in the past with St. Pat's, there is a planning meeting for this year's retreat in December. The meeting will take place on this Tues., Oct. 19, at 7pm over at St. Pat's Church. Please let me know if you plan to attend. We will just meet there at St. Pat's.
It is that time of the of the year again and that is Jamboree time! Sat, Nov. 6, is when this day-long Diocesan event is held. There is a $30.00 charge and it takes place in Lansing. There is music, workshops, a Mass presided by Bishop Mengeling, and a dance to finish the day off. There are teens from all over the diocese numbering over 1000. It is a great way to spend a Saturday. If you have any questions feel free to call me at the offices. Please note that I will be looking for adult chaperons to accompany us for the day.
Last Monday about 40 of the students and about 9 adults went to Erwins Orchard in South
Lyon for our Halloween outing. Everyone who participated had a great time. I cannot thank the
parents enough for all of their support! The outing would not have been possible without you.
Thank you.
Margaret Callaghan
I. David Weitzel & Janet Katona II. Robert Palmer & Linda Marciniak III. Jason O'Hara & Melissa Touchette
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000
Total income for the week of October 9/10, 1999:
Approximately 1217 people contributed:
Using Stewardship envelopes..............$ 14,055.00
Loose collection.........................$ 2,380.00
Building Fund pledge payments............$ 4,772.00
Other....................................$ 180.00
Total receipts...........................$ 21,387.00
Weekly expenses..........................$ 16,682.00
+/- for week.............................$ +4,705.00
+/- year-to-date.........................$ +6,128.00
Thank you for your Gifts
THE CLOTHING DRIVE, sponsored by Charity & Justice will continue throughout October. Clean, usable clothing for men, women, teens and children will be taken to Mary Lou Brown Mission in Detroit. New purchases of socks and underwear are also needed. Drop off donations at the rectory garage on weekends before and after Mass. They will be sorted after the 11:00 Mass every Sunday in October.
Teens and adults are needed to help with day care during the next Sunday's Married Couples Retreat. If you could spare a couple of hours to spend with our kids while their parents attend the retreat please call Laurie Cooper at 248-328-0338. The hours are from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. and include dinner around 5:00.
Sunday, October 24, from 2-7pm here at St. Mary Magdalen. Facilitated by Allen Theis, licensed marriage and family therapist, some effective ways to enhance and revitalize your marriage will be presented. Open to all married couples, a meal and child care will be provided. Contact Marilyn at 229-8624 for more information and to register.
Your parish Community Life Team invites all adults members of the Parish to join the fun of a Hoe Down, on Saturday October 16 from 7-11pm right here in our own barn. Weather permitting, we'll 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. Call Joanie Monforton, 229-5738 with questions.
ALL SOULS DAY MEMORIAL MASS will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m. We invite all parishioners to attend, but especially those who have lost a family member or friend within the last year. If you cannot attend, please submit names of family and friends who have died this year to the office for inclusion in the prayers.
Catholic Book Store will be here on Saturday and Sunday, November 6 and 7, with a display of Books, Bibles, Religious Articles, Cassettes, etc. Please stop after Mass and pay them a visit. They will be glad to assist you in any way they can.
ALL Single Men & Women, Ages 18-35 "are you ready to take the next step?" Fr. Joe Krupp and team will facilitate a retreat October 29-31 at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Fee for the weekend, including lodging and meals, is $99. Call the retreat center at 517-669-8321 with questions.
50+ Livingston Area Catholic Council on Aging next meeting will be held Wednesday, October 27, at St. Pat's, Brighton. All 50+ Catholics are invited to attend the meeting from 10-12:00 noon.
K OF C SPAGHETTI DINNER will be Saturday, Oct. 30, 5-7:00pm. Please sign up if you will be attending so we can plan accordingly. This does not guarantee a reservation; it's still first come-first served! Profits fund service projects in our parish area. Call Gary (810) 229-2045 with questions or if you'd like to join the K of C.
We are called by Christ to be His Missionaries World Mission Sunday is next weekend, the Church calls us to special prayer and sacrifice for the Missions of the world.
We are just a few weeks away from the 2000 anniversary of the coming of Christ. Yet two-thirds of the world's people still do not know Him. How can they, if no one speaks to them about Him, if someone hasn't been sent to serve them in His name...if no one invites them to live in Him, as we live in Him. We believe in Christ. Therefore, we are the ones to speak out with His Good News.
As we pray and offer generous financial help through the Propagation of the Faith on World Mission Sunday, we ensure support for the missionary work of the Church around the whole world, and we help missionary work in our country as well. Please be as generous as possible on World Mission Sunday.
Sun., Oct.17 Dennis Wagener
Mon., Oct.18 John Bellanti, Joyce Muehler
Tues.,Oct.19 Kathy Clark, Shirley Caster, Pat Spindler
Wed., Oct.20 Barb Colley, Pam Hornsberger
Thurs.Oct.21 Laura DeLaMarre, Mary Cavanaugh
Fri., Oct.22 Colleen Atwood, Christine Camden
Sat., Oct.23 Cindy Sultana
Prayer Intercessions may be filled out each weekend and placed in the basket located between the inside glass doors in our Gathering Area.
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass. This column offers additional information.
Since the fourth century, it was customary for a psalm to be sung during the procession of communicants. One of the favorites was Psalm 34, "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord..." At Rome the choir and subdeacons sang the verses in alternation. With the lengthening of the chants for the Lamb of God and the continued decline of the numbers receiving communion, the psalm was shortened to a few verses.
The new Order of the Mass restores the communion song, which by its nature should speak of our union with God. It can be a psalm, other Scripture texts or a hymn specifically composed for the rite of communion.
Just as the Gospel, God speaking directly to us in Christ, is the high point of the Liturgy of the Word, communion is the high point of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. For in the reception of the Eucharist we become one with God which is the very meaning of the word communion. Ultimately, this union is the whole purpose of the Liturgy. We gather as one body and Christ is present. He speaks in His Word and finally becomes one with us and makes us truly one with each other.
Like all music in the Liturgy, the song during communion is prayer set to melody. The communion song thus becomes a sign of our unity and the common prayer of all who become one in Christ.
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, October 17
Is 45:1,4-6/1 Thes 1:1-5b/Mt 22:15-21
Monday, October 18 Luke, evangelist
2 Tm 4:10-17b/Lk 10:1-9
9:00 a.m. Richard Waldeck
Tuesday, October 19 North American Martyrs
Rom 5:12,15b,17-19,20b-21/Lk 12:35-38
9:00 a.m. Ron & Rita LeClaire
Wednesday, October 20
Rom 6:12-18/Lk 12:39-48
7:00 p.m. Irene McElligatt
Thursday, October 21
Rom 6:19-23/Lk 12:49-53
9:00 a.m. James Ahearn
Friday, October 22
Rom 7:18-25a/Lk 12:54-59
9:00 a.m. Norman Rutkowski
Saturday, October 23
Rom 8:1-11/Lk 13:1-9
Sunday, October 24
Ex 22:20-26/1 Thes 1:5c-10/Mt 22:34-40
4:30 Regina Keating
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Helen Becker
Monday, October 18
7:00 p.m. Lector Training (Social Hall)
7:30 p.m. Property Meeting (Room 3)
7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus (Rectory LL)
7:30 p.m. Baptism Workshop (Adult Formation)
Tuesday, October 19
7:00 p.m. BeFriender (Rectory LL)
7:30 p.m. Inquiry (Adult Formation Room)
7:30 p.m. Sacrament of Penance Class (Social Hall)
7:30 p.m. Eucharistic Minister Captain Training (Worship Area)
7:30 p.m. Community Life Team (Room 3)
Wednesday, October 20
9:30 a.m. MOMS Group (Adult Formation)
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
7:30 p.m. Pastoral Council (Adult Formation)
Thursday, October 21
10:00 a.m. Bible Study (Adult Formation)
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
6:30 p.m. Scripture Rosary (Blessed Sacrament Chapel)
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry (Worship Area)
Friday, October 22
NO ACTIVITIES PLANNED
Saturday, October 23
7:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast (Rectory LL)
5:30-6:30 p.m. Flu Shots
7-11:00 p.m. Sr. High Youth Dance
Sunday, October 24
9:30, 11 & 5:45 Religious Education
10-1:00 p.m. Flu Shots
2-7:00 p.m. Married Couples Retreat
7:00 p.m. Youth Group (Youth Room)
7:30 p.m. Bible Overview (Adult Formation)BR>
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