Here at St. Mary Magdalen, we celebrate this feast as a special day of prayer. The Holy Eucharist will be left exposed from the end of Communion at the 11 am Liturgy until Evening Prayer at 6 pm. This exposition of the Blessed Sacrament provides us the opportunity to become more aware of the awesome gift we receive in Communion. It also provides an opportunity for each of us to come and spend some quiet time in prayer with the Lord.

The Eucharist will be carried from the main church to the more intimate space of our chapel near the offices. At 6 pm, we will process back to the church for Evening Prayer.

I truly hope that everyone who is able, will return Sunday afternoon to spend time with the Lord, thanking Him for all the blessings each of us has received from Him.

Faith was begun by Bishop Mengeling almost two years ago. The purpose of this magazine is to bring the good news of our faith into every Catholic home and to reach out to those Catholics who may not be actively practicing their faith.

During its first year, the diocese paid all the cost of production and mailing. In the second year, people have been asked to purchase their own subscription and the parish pays the cost of those who do not subscribe.

Every so often, members of the staff of Faith Magazine have asked me what the folks of St. Mary Magdalen think of the magazine. So, I am asking you! I would like to know your opinion of Faith. You can also pass your comments on to Jim Rhadigan, who is on the magazine’s advisory board. Thanks!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Sam Marino, Pat Huhn, Madalyn, Mary, Monica, Bill, Marissa Provine, Craig Livingston, Barry, Joyce, Jennifer Hextall, Helen Jones, Larry Piesko, Bill Kottke, MaryAnna, Colette Bertrand, Carole, Larry Stanley, Rachel Holthus, Bob Brookins, Laura Drittler, Angela Cooney, Donald Schommer, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Steve, Shirley Brake, Steve Thuss, Joyce Fraser, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Johnson, Chuck Horka, Patti Conahan, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mel Oja, Elsie Whetter, John, Adam Weitzel, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Joey Boyd, Merrick, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Mike, Linda Nagle, Bishop Povish, Joanna Bloese, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, and Donovan.

THE MUSIC MINISTRY is looking for someone to help prepare the sheet music for the Thursday night music rehearsals. Mary Jo Rosen currently does the job (in less than one hour), but (sadly) she is moving. This job is very important to the music ministry and the church because it keeps the choir running smoothly, and at the same time, keeps costs down. Call Mary Jo at 810-227-3579 if you are interested. Training must start by December. Thanks.

Today we celebrate Christ the King and are reminded that all was created through Him and for Him. Does my stewardship of the blessings entrusted to me give evidence that Christ is Lord of my life?

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH. Therefore, I’d like to take this opportunity to invite any families in our parish who are touched by adoption, foster care, or just interested to join us for coffee and donuts on Sunday, December 2, 2001, following the 11:00am Mass in the adult formation room to celebrate these children of our hearts. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ginny McMullen at (248) 887-6062.

Livingston County Food Bank

Thank- You: Last Monday, Jim Chevalier and Dave Scharf delivered 182 pounds of food, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes to the Food Bank. This was the result of the first week of collecting over and above the normal St. Anne’s and Mary Lou Brown collections. I wish we could thank each and every one of you separately but …just know the people you are feeding thank you, as do we.

LARC BOOKSELLERS WILL BE WITH US TODAY. This might be a great chance to find some good reading for this Advent Season. Reading can stretch our mind and make us ready for prayer. Sister Jeanette Boudreau will be in the Community Room after all the celebrations to help you find just the right selection for your inspirational reading or the perfect gift of reading.

Thursday, Nov. 29 Joan Houran

Last week I attended the Diocese of Lansing Common Conference. It was 3 days of national speakers, workshops and prayer! Members of our staff, Formation Ministry Team and others attended this Conference. This conference was designed to enrich and celebrate our faith, inspire and motivate all ministers, and to share our common vision and help with skills for ministry! Bishop Mengeling led prayer as we remembered Jesus’ call to all baptized to continue His mission.

Students needing service hours for confirmation can find ideas posted on the bulletin board across from the office. Babysitters are needed for the Advent Candlelight service. Call the office to volunteer for service hours!

Classes resume this Wednesday and Thursday.

Parents of children preparing for First Eucharist are reminded of the important parent meetings during the class times on Dec. 5 & 6. Family program parents, and those with children in St. Pats may attend any session.

On November 2, my little Brian, aka Habakkuk, was born into the world, and quite quickly I might add. It was an exciting delivery. We have been blessed again with another healthy beautiful baby. Tom and I have much to be thankful for this holiday season. Since then I have been on maternity leave enjoying my time off to just be at home with my boys. Little Baruch has adjusted just fine. In fact he is quite loving and caring toward his little brother. Again I say we truly have been blessed.

I want to thank all of the parents who have been helping me out to make sure the youth program runs smoothly during my absence. Thank you to Sue Wagener, Jan Carpenter, Maggie Rife, Nancy Olzack, Kyle Wilson and Jan Altermatt. I cannot thank you all enough. I will be back December 17.

This weekend and next our teens are selling advent candles and wreaths after all the Masses. The cost is $4 for the candles and $6 for the wreath.

The sign up sheet and permission slip for the next event is in the gathering area. On Tuesday, December 4, we will meet at St. Mary Magdalen at 4:15 to practice Christmas carols and then leave to sing at Ashley Court. We will come back to the church for pizza and pop afterward. Sue Wagener is the adult in charge. Thank you to Jan Carpenter for taking charge of the food bank community service project.

Margaret Callaghan

While we are engaged in project "Enduring Freedom", we at St. Mary Magdalen would like to keep our active military family members and friends in our prayers. In order to do this, we will have a book available in the gathering area for you to place their names. We will also be starting a military support group in the parish for those with family members on active duty during this period. There will be a separate sign up sheet for those interested in joining this group in the gathering area.

The Retiree’s Lunch Bunch enjoyed a joint lunch with the Seniors’ from St. John’s on the 13^th. Our next meeting is Tuesday, December 11 after the 9:00 a.m. liturgy. It is our annual potluck brunch with Fr. Dave. For more information call me in the parish office, 229-8624.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Workshop Discussion Group will meet again Friday December 7^th from 1-3PM at St. Mary Magdalen. Friends & relatives are welcome. Call Joy Sullivan for information. (810) 227-6372. Join us for support, alternative coping ideas and new data!! Blessings!!

Holy Spirit Book & Gift Shop at Holy Spirit Church in Hamburg: Make it a Catholic Christmas with gifts of books, figurines, rosaries, medals, beautiful Christmas tree ornaments and cards, audio, video, advent calendars and wreaths, biblical action figures, Friendly Defender Catholic flash cards and much more. Open 9-5 M-F and before and after each weekend Mass. For more information call Marilyn Kennedy at (810) 231-9199.

Father John R. Day, K of C Council 2659, Howell, MI., will have their monthly Sunday Breakfast Dec. 2 9 to 1 pm., adults $4,children under 10 $3. For more information call after 6 pm on Friday, (517) 546-0389.

Rethinking Reproductive Medicine, presented by the Lansing Guild of the Catholic Medical Assoc. and the Michigan State Medical Society, being held Dec. 8 at U of M Medical Center. 7 Hrs. for CME and 7.2 CEU credit are being provided. For more information call 734-930-7480, or www.rc.net/org/cmalansing.

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WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER: Keeping in Shape? Are you exercising and dieting, jogging, swimming, and playing tennis to stay fit and trim. What are you doing to keep your marriage in good shape? Why not try a Marriage Encounter weekend? The next weekends are December 7-9 and January 25-27, 2002. Please call Tony & Kay Haines toll free, 1-888-628-7433, for more information or to register.