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ABOUT THE MASS TIMES Almost two years ago, we knew that it would be impossible to keep all of our Religious Education on Sunday. Over last winter, I watched the size of the 9 am Liturgy continue to grow to the point that we ran out of chairs on some weekends. The 11:30 was never as well attended, because for many it was too late in the day.
Already last winter, I suggested that since most of religious ed would take place during the week, we consider returning to our original Liturgy schedule. I mentioned it to several groups, wrote about it twice in this column and asked for feed back. I suggested our Pastoral Council people mention it to their contacts. Almost everyone who did comment was in favor of the change. So we decided last spring at Pastoral Council to return to our earlier Sunday schedule of 9 & 11.
This fall some are dissatisfied, preferring Rel Ed between the Liturgies as before. They have asked how and when this decision was made. It was not a unilateral decision, nor was it made without consultation or the opportunity for comment. Most all, the balance between the two Sunday Liturgies seems to indicate the new schedule works well.
ABOUT POLITICS Some have wondered why "we've become so political lately"? Our constitution separates Church and state. The purpose of this amendment was to guarantee freedom of religion for all our citizens. It was never intended to promote a freedom from religion.
Moral and ethical principles lie at the core of every law. The question is always whose principles? I find that quite frequently, the neo-pagans try to silence Christians by accusing them of "trying to impose our morality on others". They recognize no authority greater than themselves, and resent any appeal to a higher authority.
For the democratic process to be truly effective, there needs to be a clear and thoughtful discussion of opposing principles. For in the end, a principle will be made into a law. The Church, both its members and people, have the right and obligation to examine and comment on the moral and ethical issues that face our society. It is "what Jesus would do." CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA CERMACK! Lisa is one of our youth leaders. On Tuesday, Nov 17 Lisa will be one of the recipients of a Youth Leadership Award from the Brighton Optimists. She was proudly nominated by the parish. Congratulations, Lisa! Fr. Dave Howell
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Lynn and children, Jeanette, Bob, Claudette and child, Pete, Vivian, Jane, Harry, Timothy, Zora, Mary Kay, Wayne, Ed, Merle, Mike, Tom, Keith, Ruth, Karen, Victor, David, Kenneth, and Roland.
The Book of Rememberance will be displayed in the gathering space during the month of November. We invite our members to list all the names of loved ones who have passed away in the book, and they will be remembered in prayer throughout the month.
BEGINNING EXPERIENCE OF LANSING will offer a spiritual weekend for divorced, separated, or widowed persons, Nov. 13, 14 & 15, at St. Joseph Center in Jackson. Pre-registration is required. Contact Mary Jo 229-0040, for more information.
BAPTISMS During October, we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism with Delaney Susan Bussey, daughter of Daniel and Colleen Bussey; Bryce David Watson, son of Scott and Ruth Watson; Katherine Constance Black, daughter of Glen and Elana Black; Madaleine Lureta Parshall, daughter of Kirby and Cheryl Parshall; Olivia Grace Aurand, daughter of Todd and Renee Aurand; and Camryn Noelle Armbrustmacher, daughter of Eric and Kristin Armbrustmacher. Congratulations to parents and godparents. Accept our prayers and support, as you accompany them on their journey.
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass. This column offers additional information.
THE PRAYERS OF PREPARATION Before the fifth century there had been only one prayer for the preparation of the gifts, the Prayer over the Gifts. This was prayed by the presider when the altar was ready. By the eleventh century the procession of the gifts was gone; the server simply brought them over from a side table. So various prayers were added to the rite to fill out the actions. These were always private prayers intended to deepen the spirituality of the priest. The style of prayer spoke of sacrifice and offering almost anticipating the Eucharistic Prayer which would follow. These prayers varied greatly until they were standardized by the liturgical reform of Pope Pius V in 1570.
Two of these prayers completely changed the meaning of the action which accompanied them. The first action was the adding of water to the wine. In ancient times, people rarely drank their wine undiluted so this was a common practice. Adding the prayer made it a symbolic gesture. The mingling of the water in the wine became symbolic of Christ who joined Himself to our humanity. The prayer asks that we might come to share His divinity. The second gesture was the washing of the hands. It was originally a practical action. Having received all the gifts from the people, it was appropriate for the presider to wash his hands before continuing with the Liturgy. Even after the procession of gifts was ended, the washing of the hands continued. In the prayer that accompanies the washing, the presider asks God to purify him to offer the sacrifice of Christ. In the later Middle Ages the action would be allegorized, as symbolic of Pilate's washing of his hands.
The liturgical reforms of Pope Paul VI reduced the number of these prayers and changed their style considerably. They no longer speak of sacrifice or offering (words more properly belonging to the Eucharistic Prayers) rather they are simple prayers of thanksgiving to God. While in unusual circumstances they might be prayed out loud, the instructions insist that they should remain private prayers of the presider and be prayed very softly.
It's not too late to join the new session of A New Day, a grief support group meeting weekly here at St. Mary Magdalen. If you or someone you know has recently experienced a loss through death, please consider joining us. Our coming together provides an opportunity for us to share our mutual feeling and increase our understanding of the grieving process. We meet every Sunday in the rectory basement at 3:00pm. Yours on the journey, Marilyn
We congratulate the children and their parents who were received by the Rite of Acceptance for the Sacrament of Penance. Please continue to pray for all the children in the religious education program and especially all those who will be receiving the sacraments this year. Sister Maryetta
This coming weekend is our Hunger Awareness Retreat. I encourage all who are willing and able to fast for 24 hours to participate. It will begin Friday at 8:30 pm, and end Saturday at 7:00 pm at St. Pat's and is truly worth your time and effort. Permission slips will be passed out tonight. JAMBOREE On November 21, thirteen of us will be heading up to Lansing for the Jamboree!! Those attending must pick up permission slips tonight. Contact Margaret will any questions 227-7937.
JOB POSTING Catholic Charities Department of the Diocese is looking for a full-time level III secretary involving clerical support for three ministry staff and general receptionist for Catholic Charities Dept. Contact Lynn Buffin (517) 342-2463 for a copy of the posting and any further information (deadline Dec.4).
STEWARDSHIP REPORT Last weekend approximately 1197 people
participated in the Liturgies. These folks contributed $10,932.62 to the
parish. Last year on this Sunday the contributions totaled $10,315.61.
MOVING BEYOND A workshop for divorced, separated and widowed on Friday evenings will begin November 13 here at St. Mary Magdalen. Call Catholic Social Services (810) 227-2151 for information or to register.
ADOPT-A-FAMILY sign-up is ongoing after all Masses. Costs average about $100 per family member, so sign up for the size family you can accommodate. Two or three families can sign up for one large family. Info on age, size, sex will be provided. Gifts will be delivered on Dec. 19.
Saturday, November 21, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. bring your dancing shoes and/or your own chair and join us in the barn for an evening of fun, food and friendship! Look for the sign-up sheets in the gathering space and call Barb at (810) 227-7108 if you need more information.
November 8
2 Mc 7:1-2,9-14/2 Thes 2:16 - 3:5/Lk 20:27-38
Monday, November 9 - Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Ez 47:1-2,8-9,12/1 Cor 3:9c-11,16/Jn 2:13-22
9:00 a.m. Dominic Sforza
Tuesday, November 10 Leo the Great, pope, doctor
Ti 2:1-8,11-14/Lk 17:7-10
9:00 a.m. BeFriender Ministry
November 11 Martin of Tours, bishop
Ti 3:1-7/Lk 17:11-19
7:00 p.m. Carl Nosal, Sr.
Thursday, November 12 Josaphat, bp, relig., martyr
Phlm 7-20/Lk 17:20-25
9:00 a.m. Jack Duffy
Friday, November 13 Frances Xavier, Cabrini, virg., relig. fdr., missionary
2 Jn 4-9/Lk 17:26-37
9:00 a.m. Larry Barazsu
Saturday, November 14
3 Jn 5-8/Lk 18:1-8
Sunday, November 15
Mal 3:19-20a/2 The 3:7-12/Lk 21:5-19
4:30 (Vigil) St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
9:00 a.m.John Francis McElligatt
11:00 a.m. Julia Bogos
Minister of the Word:
Jim Kronk, Jean Feterl
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Joanne Pasienza, Judy Kronk, Steve & Kathy
Reichardt
Ministry of Server:
Robert Green, Patrick Green
Ministry of Hospitality:
Katie Barazsu, Kathy Petrocella, Mary Janke,
Diane Morrison, Bob & Ruth Green
Minister of the Word:
Ruth Sadasivan, Steve Stegmaier
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Mary Ellen Magon, Jane Skerritt, Joyce Gonda,
Ken Urbanski, Kyle & Randy Wilson, Judy Scharf, Chris Kovanda, Tammy
Ritter
Ministry of Server:
Jacqueline Wilson, Keith Colley, Kris Colley
Ministry of Hospitality:
Gonda family, May & Harry Dreckmann, John
& Jan Denzer, Al & Cheryl Beaudet
Nursery:
Jeanette Martin/B. Schaap
Minister of the Word:
Dan Schifko, Barb Buwa
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Duke & Priscilla Davis, Donna & Al Rushak,
Maureen Graham, Steve & Maureen Crowell, Kay Thurmon, Kyle & Renee
Geran
Ministry of Server:
Angie Schifko, Colleen Holden
Ministry of Hospitality:
Lisa Schifko & family, Jahrling family, Hurn
family, Kubus family
Nursery:
Need
Monday, November 9
7:00 p.m. Art & Environment
7-9:00 p.m. BeFriender Training (Soc. Hall)
7:30 p.m. Evangelization Team (Conf. Room)
7:30 p.m. Homecoming (Adult Ed)
Tuesday, November 10
7:30 p.m. Inquiry/Journey (Adult Ed)
7:30 p.m. Charity & Justice (Soc. Hall)
Wednesday, November 11
7:30 p.m. Finance Council (Conf. Room)
7:45 Genesis (Adult Ed)
Thursday, November 12
10:00 a.m. Genesis (Adult Ed)
6:30 p.m. Scripture Rosary - Chapel
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry
Friday, November 13
Youth Hunger Awareness Retreat at St. Pat's
7-9:00 p.m. Moving Beyond (Rectory LL)
Saturday, November 14
7:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast (Rectory LL)
Youth Hunger Awareness Retreat at St. Pat's
Sunday, November 15
3:00 p.m. Grief Support Group (Rectory LL)
7:30 p.m. Another Look (Adult Ed)
Vision Statement | Sacraments | Ministries | Weekly Bulletin
Parish Staff | Religious Education | Miscellanous Information | Special Events