THE END The Feast of Christ the King ends the Church year and serves as a reminder that Christ will come again when this world comes to an end.
As a part of our celebration, I would ask us to make this feast a special day of prayer. At the end of the 11 am Liturgy, the Blessed Sacrament will be placed in a special vessel called a monstrance [from the Latin word meaning see]. It allows us to see the Eucharist. It is as if the action of the Mass froze just as the Body of Christ was held before us as we were about to receive communion. It gives us the opportunity to thank God for the wonderful gift we receive and for all the many blessings of our lives.
At the end of the 11 am Liturgy, the Blessed Sacrament will be carried from the altar in the main worship area to the altar of Holy Cross chapel. During the next six hours, I hope that everyone who can,especially our Eucharistic Ministers, Ministers of Prayer and council leaders will come and spend some time in prayer. Then at 6 pm, the Eucharist will be carried in the monstrance back into the church, where we will pray Evening Prayer together.
THANKSGIVING is this Thursday. While this holiday is not a Church feast day, it certainly is most appropriate to begin the day with Eucharist, because the word itself means thanksgiving.
Over the years, there has been a steady increase in numbers of those who come to Liturgy on Thanksgiving morning. The faith and gratitude that is evident during that Liturgy has really made it one of my favorite Liturgies of the year!
The Liturgy on Thanksgiving morning is at 9 am. Those who participate are invited to bring food for the poor as well. Rather than follow our usual custom of leaving the food in the Gathering Area, we will follow the more ancient custom of bringing the gifts to the altar during the Preparation of the Gifts. [It's a bit chaotic, but it will give you the flavor of the way it was done for the first several hundred years of the Church.
TWO DECEMBER DATES Even though we have not even begun the Advent Season yet, I would
like you to keep two dates in December in mind:
The first is Saturday,December 4. Two events that are important to our parish will take place
that day. The first is the celebration of Confirmation with our young people during the 4:30 pm
Liturgy. [Bishop Mengeling will be coming again this year to preside.]
< The other event occurring that same day, will take place in South Bend, Indiana. At 4 pm [EST], our pastoral associate, Marilyn Pence will marry Jim Rhadigan. The wedding will take place in the Lady Chapel of Sacred Heart Basilica on the campus of Notre Dame. [Jim graduated from there "a few years ago".]
Since only family will be present for the Nuptial Liturgy, our parish will celebrate with the
new couple on Sunday, December 12. There will be an Open House at the rectory from 7 to 10 pm.
All the adults of the parish are invited to come and congratulate Jim and Marilyn.
Fr. Dave Howell
Mon., Nov. 22; St. Cecilia, virgin, martyr. In the year 545 Pope Vigilius celebrated this feast in the basilica of St. Cecilia in Trastevere (Rome) Italy. The Sacramentary of Verona states that Cecilia converted her husband Valerian and his brother Tivurtius to Christianity; she preserved her virginity even though married; and she was martyred for the faith. Her cult has been localized in two distinct places: in the catacomb of St. Callistus, where there is a picture of the saint, dating from the seventh century, and the basilica in Trastevere, which is mentioned in documents dating from the fifth century. The lack of information about St. Cecilia from the fourth to the sixth century, except for the graffiti on the walls of the catacombs, makes it difficult to explain her sudden popularity in the sixth century. She has been venerated as the patron of sacred music since the fifteenth century.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Joanna Bloese, Margo Twork, Cheryl Franks, Mary, Susan, Fr. Dan Wunderlich, Richard Sixbery, Erik, Raynald Raymond, Pete, Al & Ann Polcyn, 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, Mary Swift, Valerie Black, Joanne Fournier, Jerry Bettens, Russ Gardner, Gene Geiger, Gino, Orville Pelfrey, Janice McHeish and Dennis.
This past Wednesday, 16 of us left for St. Louis to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference. We will be returning tonight from a very exciting and spiritual 5 days.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and to Fr. Dave for blessing us for a safe trip at last Sunday's Mass.
On Thursdays, December 2 and 9, the Sr. high students will offer baby-sitting for those who want to start or finish their Christmas shopping. Donations for our time will be taken. Any time after 7pm you may drop your children off. Pick up time will be 9pm.
Our plans for the Hunger Awareness Retreat scheduled for December 17 and 18, are underway. For 24 hours we will gather together to fast and learn about hunger around the world. Because we are doing this in conjunction with St. Pat's, spaces are limited so call now to make sure you have a spot.
Again, next weekend and the following weekend, November 20 and 27, the youth of the parish will be selling advent candles and wreaths. It will be $7 to buy a set, $4 for just a wreath, and $3 for a set of candles.
Our trip last Monday to the Soup Kitchen was wonderful. Everyone who participated had a great time and were happy to have helped serve the less fortunate. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time to be with us. In December, we have arranged for the M.U.D group to participate at an Alzeheimer's care facility in Brighton called Ashley Court. Monday, December 6, from 4-5pm we will help residents create Christmas cards for their families. A sign up sheet is in the gathering space. Next weekend the M.U.D. group will be selling advent wreaths. Please read the Youth News article for more details. Margaret Callaghan
Transfiguration Parish, Ypsilanti, is hosting this event on Dec. 31 for young adults (20's & 30's) and adult singles (35 to 55). Doors open at 6:30pm, dinner at 7:30, with dancing to follow. Call Young Adult Ministry (517) 342-2494 to register.
Advent Wreath Candles will be blessed next weekend at all the Masses. November 28 is the First Sunday of Advent, so remember to bring your candles with you when you come to Mass!
The staff at St. Mary Magdalen would like to Thank you ALL for the blessings you are in our lives. Have a Blessed and bountiful Thanksgiving. The parish office will be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday, November 26.
Please continue to pray for the children who will be receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation, Penance and Eucharist. The children receiving Eucharist this year are encouraged to participate in the Rite of Acceptance on Sunday, December 5 at the 11 o'clock liturgy. Have you written to your prayer partner lately? Please drop them a note! Sister Maryetta
In the midst of all the holiday preparations consider giving yourself three mornings to reflect on the true meaning of the season. The Advent of the Savior is a study of the Infancy Narratives of Jesus. We will be meeting on Thursday mornings, beginning December 2, at 10:00. Child care will be provided. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area; consider making this the real beginning of your holiday preparations.
The newly "re-started" Magdalen retirees are hosting a Christmas potluck brunch with Fr. Dave on Monday, Dec. 13, after the 9:00am liturgy. Contact Katie Barazsu 810-227-2748 for more details.
The "New Day" grief support group this Sunday evening at 7:30pm will focus on "coping with grief during the Holidays." The meeting is open to anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. We will be meeting in the lower level of the rectory. Yours on the journey, Marilyn
On Wednesday, Nov. 24, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.
Helping People Help Themselves At today's Masses, we are taking the annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. CCHD supports projects of poor people as they work together to change their lives. CCHD was created by our Bishops in 1970 to enable each of us to exercise our Christian responsibility to reach out to those in need. CCHD has supported projects in every state and territory of our nation. Please give generously.
Pinckney St. Mary's Rosary Altar Society's Christmas Bazaar will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10-4:00. Over 100 exhibitors will be present. Handmade crafts, religious articles, Angel Wings, baked goods, refreshments and lunch will be available.
Loaves and Fish, 1999 A.D. Last week's response to the annual Loaves and Fish appeal has been tremendous. If you haven't yet had the chance to participate, it's not too late. Just drop your Loaves and Fish envelope in next week's collection basket or mail a check directly to Livingston County Catholic Social Services, 10291 East Grand River, Suite D, Brighton 48116. Your prayers and thoughtful support will help LCCSS minister to those county residents who are hurting or seeking direction and fulfillment in their lives. LCCSS is the only United Way member, private non-profit agency in our county offering professional services on a sliding fee or no fee basis. For more information, contact LCCSS Board member and parish rep, Tom Lawrence, or call the LCCSS office directly at 810-227-2151.
Our Church has a Credit Union As a member of St. Mary Magdalen, you qualify for membership in Suburban Family Credit Union. Some of the privileges include: group discount with AAA of Michigan on membership, auto and homeowners insurance; over 20 ATM service centers in the metropolitan area; checking accounts with minimal service charges; mortgages and home equity loans; VISA cards; variety of low interest rate loans to fit your needs and school tuition loans. Suburban Family Credit Union is located at: 31716 Grand River Ave., Farmington, MI. (248) 474-7100.
When the son of Man comes in glory, may we be among those who have fed the hungry, welcomed the stranger and clothed the naked. For Jesus tells us clearly that it is those who have demonstrated good stewardship by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate who will receive God's blessing and inherit the kingdom.
There is a nationwide ministry available to traveling Catholics providing 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.
Christmas Giving Tree will be set up in the Gathering Area the two weekends following Thanksgiving. On this tree are tags with items needed for several charities we service.
Take a tag and return it the week before Christmas taped to the item specified. This is a convenient way to help those less fortunate for the Holidays!
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass. This column offers additional information. The recessional song was never really a part of the Liturgy. Medieval Mass books often contained various texts for the recessional, especially Daniel 3:57-88 and Psalm 150. Later various prayers of thanksgiving were added to the conclusion, delaying the actual departure. Despite the fact that neither eastern nor western rites concluded the celebration officially with a song, a final hymn or music of some sort was frequently used to unify the celebration. The new order of the Mass still does not require a song! However, a document by the American Catholic Bishops, Music in Catholic Worship, suggests some musical ending to the Liturgy which can be a hymn by the assembly or the choir or use of instrumental music to conclude the gathering.
Sun., Nov. 21 Duke Davis
Mon., Nov. 22 Kathy Stegmaier, Carol McGrath
Tues., Nov. 23 Jeanette Martin, Mary Ellen Magon
Wed., Nov. 24 Patti Conahan, Becky Even
Thurs., Nov. 25 Russ Gentner, Susan Fragosa
Fri., Nov. 26 Joyce Gonda, Lisa Klein
Sat., Nov. 27 Jan Baldinger
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000
Total income for the week of November 13/14, 1999:
Approximately 1445 people contributed:
Using Stewardship envelopes..............$ 14,306
Loose collection.........................$ 791
Building Fund Pledge payments............$ 5,388
Other....................................$ 1,000
Total receipts...........................$ 21,
Weekly expenses..........................$ 16,682
+/- for week.............................$ +4,803
+/- year-to-date.........................$+14,216
Thank you for your Gifts
Sacrificial Giving Presently we have 782 families registered in the parish and 383 families have made
their stewardship commitment. If you have not returned your commitment card, please pray about
the sacrificial giving you will be making weekly/monthly and return the card either by mail or the
collection basket on Sunday.
The Finance Council
Minister of the Word: Bill Turowski, Rhonda Barclay, Jamie Colgin
Ministers of the Eucharist: Gary & Linda Kinneer, Chris Kovanda, Mary Korch, Pete Lintzenich,
Cindy Sinelli, Beccie & Ed Govan, Bonnie & Larry Andree
Ministry of Server: Katy Kovanda, Teresa Sinelli, Matthew Andree
Ministry of Hospitality: Kevin Kovanda, Don Terns Family, Kathy Gannon, Bielicki Family
Sunday, November 21 Christ the King
Ez 34:11-12,15-17/1 Cor 15:20-26,28/Mt 25:31-46
Monday, Novenber 22 Cecilia, virgin, martyr
Dn 1:1-6,8-20/Lk 21:1-4
9:00 a.m. Helen E. Lacca
Tuesday, Novenber 23
Dn 2:31-45/Lk 21:5-11
9:00 a.m. Jack Duffy
Wednesday, Novenber 24 Andrew Dung-Lac, presb., and companions, martyrs
Dn 5:1-6,13-14,16-17,23-28/Lk 21:12-19
7:00 p.m. George Bennett
Thursday, Novenber 25 Thanksgiving Day
Dt 8:7-18/Lk 17:11-19
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Family & Friends
Friday, Novenber 26
Dn 7:2-14/Lk 21:29-33
9:00 a.m. Victor Jarosz
Saturday, Novenber 27 Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin, relig. fdr., missionary
Dn 7:15-27/Lk 21:34-36
Sunday, Novenber 28 First Sunday of Advent
Is 63:16b-17,19b; 64:2b-7/1 Cor 1:3-9/Mk 13:33-37
4:30 (Vigil) Martha Sullivan
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Kathy Roux
Monday, Novenber 22
10:00 a.m. Nurse Ministry (Room 3)
Tuesday, Novenber 23
7:00 p.m. Recovery Group (Room 9)
7:30 p.m. Inquiry Retreat (Adult Formation)
Wednesday, Novenber 24
9:30 a.m. M.O.M.S. Group (Adult Formation)
No Religious Education
7:00 p.m. Sacrament of the Sick
Thursday, Novenber 25
Office Closed
Friday, Novenber 26
Office Closed
Saturday, Novenber 27
No Activities Planned
Sunday, Novenber 28
No Religious Education
11:00 a.m. Baptism
7:30 p.m. Grief Support (Rectory LL)
Vision Statement | Sacraments | Ministries | Weekly Bulletins
Parish Staff | Religious Education | Miscellanous Information | Special Events
