11/19/00

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

THE ENDÉTodayÕs feast of Christ the King celebrates the end of time. We look forward to that day when the Lord Jesus will return to us in glory and bring about His final victory over sin and death. This feast is also the last Sunday of the Church year.

It seems fitting that we conclude the Church year as a special day of prayer for our families, our parish, our world and ourselves. From the end of the 11 am Liturgy until 6 p.m. the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed (displayed) in Holy Cross Chapel where we have weekday Liturgy so that everyone can come and spend some quiet time in prayer with the Lord, present in the Holy Eucharist.

This time of adoration or prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is as if the moment just before receiving communion was frozen in time to allow us the luxury to contemplate the great gift.

I really hope as many as possible will find some time on Sunday afternoon to come and spend some time with Christ, especially those who are Eucharistic Ministers and our Ministers of Prayer.

At 6 p.m. we will process with the Blessed Sacrament to the main worship area where we will pray Evening Prayer together. THE BEGINNINGÉNext Sunday we begin the season of Advent. The word itself means "coming". Over the days of Advent we look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus. First we continue the theme of Christ the King by looking forward to His return in glory. Then, in the closing days of Advent, we begin to tell the story of how He once came to us.

Throughout the seasons of both Advent and Christmas, there will be a special weekly hand out called Welcome Yule! It has prayers, family activities and reflections to help the whole family make the most of these holy seasons. I sincerely hope that each of you will remember to pick up your copy each week as you leave. KUDOS to our Charity & Justice Ministry Team! Last year they organized a very successful Clothing Drive. This year they moved it to the barn hoping to have more room, and your response was to fill it, too!

Congratulations to them, to our Religious Ed families and to you! Because of your generosity a good deal of good, clean and warm clothing will be distributed from two non-denominational Missions down on the Cass Corridor area of Detroit. Congratulations!!

Fr. Dave Howell

Something to think aboutÉ Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because you are the most important person in the world to Him! "Beneath the Sacred Host, Christ is contained, the Redeemer of the world".

Mother Theresa

Liturgy Intentions For The Week

Sunday, November 26 Ð Christ the King
Dn 7:13-14/Rv 1:5-8/Jn 18:33-37

Monday, November 27
Rv 14:1-3,4-5/Lk 21:1-4
9:00 a.m. VRosalie Fradette

Tuesday, November 28
Rv 14:14-19/Lk 21:5-11
9:00 a.m. VEsther Dorset

Wednesday, November 29
Rv 15:1-4/Lk 21:12-19
7:00 p.m. VRobert A. Grierson

Thursday, November 30 Ð Andrew, apostle
Rom 10:9-18/Mt 4:18-22
9:00 a.m. VKeith Dunn

Friday, December 1
Rv 20:1-4,11 Ð 21:2/Lk 21:29-33
9:00 a.m. VGene Geiger

Saturday, December 2
Rv 22:1-7/Lk 21:34-36

Sunday, December 3 Ð First Sunday of Advent
Jer 33:14-16/1 Thes 3:12 Ð 4:2/Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 4:30 (Vigil) St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
9:00 am VCatherine Schumont
11:00 am VJohn & Irene McElligatt

Please pray that the sick will respond to GodÕs healing will, especially: Carol, Gregory, Norman VanDerBrouck, Toni Brenneman, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Donna Caldwell, Ralph Spencer, Bev Cermak, Fr. Bill Carolin, Jillian, Dottie King, Dave, Derrick Day, George LaVoie, Katelyn , Dante, Raynald Raymond, Rita Long, Joe, Bonnie Doty, Lottie Machowski, Jerome Wszola, Bob Johnson, Frank Gondek, Lane Kombs, Virginia Williams, Ralph Helmer, Joanne Fournier, Bev Zizka, Roger, Barry Wilkinson, Bob Chilton, Maryanna, Fr. Terry Dumas, Kyle Ward, Lee Alstott, Fr. Gil Rahrig, Vincent Kramer, Mike, Linda Nagle, Judy, Thomas Payne, Joan & John Becker, Danielle Snowgold, Bud Newberry, Bishop Povish, Roe, John Pepa, Margaret Resconich, Rose Kumler, Joanna Bloese, Maureen, Russ Gardner, Susan, Ann Polcyn, Pete, Norman Moon, Cornelius Smits, Matt Even, Ellen Columbo, Adeline Smith, Larry Cecil, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

MINISTERS OF PRAYER SCHEDULE:

Sunday Nov. 26
Diane Kubus, Jim Cubr

Monday Nov. 27
Sue Weir, Mary Ellen Magon, Joyce Muchler

Tuesday, Nov. 28
Pat Harris, Gale Harris, Judy Terns

Wednesday, Nov.29
Patricia Huhn, Lisa Arthur, Nancy DiValentin

Thursday, Nov. 30
Jan Baldinger, Gary Prise

Friday, Dec. 1
Katie Barazsu, David Bussey

Saturday, Dec. 2
Mary Helen Buntin, Carol McGrath

Gifts from God

Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 2000 Ð June 30, 2001
Total income for the week of Nov. 18/19, 2000
Approximately 1343 people participated:

Using Stewardship envelopes $17,950
Loose Collection/other $1,224
Using Children envelopes $26
Stewardship Total $19,200
Weekly Expenses/Including Mortgage $17,413
+/- for week without Bldg. Pledges $+1,787
Building Fund Pledge Payments $2,015
+/- for week $+3,802
+/- year to date without Building Pledges $-36,044
+/- year to date with Building Pledges $+5,525

Thank you for your gifts

Dates To Remember

Monday, November 27
6:30 p.m. Parish Nurse Ministry (Rectory LL)
7:00 p.m. ChildrenÕs Inquiry (Rooms 1 & 2)
7:30 p.m. RCIA Inquiry (Adult Formation Room)

Tuesday, November 28
10:00 a.m. Scripture & Stitches (Adult Formation)
7:00 p.m. BeFrienders (Rectory Lower Level)

Wednesday, November 29
9:00 a.m. Scripture Rosary
9:30 a.m. M.O.M.S. (Adult Formation)
7:00 p.m. Sacrament of the Sick (Chapel)

Thursday, November 30
10:00 a.m. Bible Study (Exodus)
6:30 p.m. Religious Education
7:00 p.m. R.C.I.A. Catechist Training (Rectory LL)

Friday, December 1

Saturday, December 2
7-10:00 p.m. M.U.D. Dance (Social Hall)

Sunday, December 3 Ð First Sunday of Advent
9, 11 & 5:45 Religious Education
9:45a.m. New Parishioners Meeting (Adult Formation)
11:00 a.m. Catechumen Dismissal (Adult Formation and Room 3)
12:30 p.m. RCIA (Adult Formation and Room 3)
12:45 p.m. Baptism
6:00 p.m. Youth Group Volunteer Honors Banquet (Social Hall)
7:00 p.m. Developing our Relationship w/God (Adult Formation)

Religous Education

Families are where the intimate relationships that shape our ideals, values, identity, and spirituality for life are formed. Our childhood experiences mold our future relationships with others, as well as our relationship with God. This Thanksgiving weekend take time to share your love and thanks with your family, friends and most of all, thank God for all He has given us. Make time to be with and have fun with those you love.

Dates to remember:
December 5 Ð First Penance Parent meeting, 7:30pm.
December 10 Ð Rite of Acceptance for First Eucharist, 11:00 am Liturgy.

Mary Mahar

ON THE JOURNEY

As the holidays surround us, more of our friends and relatives will be coming to Church with us. If someone you know will be attending Mass for the first time in a long time please look for the special editions of Our Sunday Visitor: Coming Home for Christmas in the gathering area. This special issue will be available in the middle of December and focus on reuniting alienated Catholics and encouraging forgiveness and harmony within families affected by conflicts and separation. It includes articles on the "Top Ten Reasons to Come Back to Church as well as "Making this Christmas a True Family Reunion." If you would like a copy sent to someone please leave their name and address with me and the "E" Team will see that they receive one.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Newly Baptized

This month we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Roman Preston Klenk, son of Donald and Brandy Klenk; Lindsey Jennifer Colwell, daughter of Chris and Amy Colwell; and Abigail Mary Maten, daughter of Patricia and Thomas Maten.

We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and continued support as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

On Wednesday, November 30, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

Youth News

The teacher at Mercy High School has reached her goal of collecting the 1,500 stuffed animals. Thank you so much for helping her. You have helped to make this season brighter for children less fortunate.

Jamboree was AWESOME! I thank the adult chaperones for participating in the day with us. The mass was energetic as it always is and Bishop Mengeling was WONDERFUL! God was present in all who attended and the Holy Spirit was amongst us in song, worship and prayer.

Bake Sale- December 9 & 10 we will be selling donated baked goods. Drop your goodies off before mass in the social hall.

This Thursday evening is the ARC of Livingston CountyÕs fundraising fashion show. Some of our teens will be helping to make things run smoothly. It is being held at Lake Pointe Manor on Grand River. For more information, please read the poster on the bulletin board near the offices.

Let us fully welcome God into our celebrations of the season. Let us remember what Christmas is all about by giving back to God what he has graced us with, giving to the poor, smiling at strangers and by giving drink to the thirsty.

M.U.D.

Next Saturday, December 2, is our dance in the social hall from 7-10pm. The cost is $3. Bring a friend and feel free to bring your favorite game and dance music CD from home to share with everyone. Margaret Callaghan

ADVENT RETREAT FOR YOUNG ADULTS (20Õs & 30Õs, married and single) will be held on December 9, 9:00am to 3:30pm at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt. Tony Sperendi is the facilitator. The cost is $35 single or $50 per couple. Please call the Retreat Center at (517) 669-8321 to register.

ADULT SINGLES & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY NEW YEARÕS EVE DINNER & DANCE Will be held at St. Joseph Church in Dexter, 6:30pm - 1:30am. Celebrate with dinner, dancing & prayer for the New Year. Adult Singles 35-55 and young adults (20Õs & 30Õs single or married) are invited. Get your tickets early as the cost ranges from $32 to $37 depending on when you buy your ticket. To register call Adult Singles & Young Adult Ministry office at (517)342-2494.

International Jubilee Day for Persons with Disabilities will be held Sunday, Dec. 3, at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Jackson. Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon followed by brunch. If you are a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Usher, Altar Server, or Greeter in your parish and would like to participate, please call Joanne, 517-787-1189. Call Joann for reservations if you will be attending brunch.

A Light In A Dark Place

ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS Each year the Salvation Army works to provide Christmas gifts and food certificates for families that are unable to meet the extra financial stress of the Christmas season. Parishioners are asked to consider adopting an entire family (small, medium, or large). When you adopt a family, you are asked to shop for gifts for each member (about $75 each) and to provide a gift certificate to a local grocery store for food. If the total expense is more than your family can afford, you might consider adopting a family with other friends or a group. Please contact the Salvation Army directly at 517-546-4750. They will share the sizes and genders of the family members that you adopt.

FROM THE SALVATION ARMY:

Dear Friends: Thank you very much for the personal care items which you so generously donated. Many times we take things that we use every day for granted. Thank you for reaching out to help those who are homeless and without the basic everyday necessities.

The Christmas Giving Tree is set up in the Gathering Area this weekend after all Masses. If you would like to help those who are less fortunate, please take a tag(s) from the tree. Each tag designates a Christmas gift/item to purchase, wrap and place under the tree (no bows please). Make sure the tag is taped securely to the package. Gifts can be placed under the tree anytime before Dec. 10.

The Giving Tree is a great way to involve the entire family in a very worthwhile project over the holidays. If you can donate any time to sorting and delivering gifts, please contact Chris Kovanda at 810-632-5077 or Donna Jones at 810-632-6517.

HOLY SPIRIT BOOK & GIFT SHOP is ready for Christmas with their tree full of beautiful ornaments, many gifts and books carefully chosen to reflect our Catholic faith. The shop is open 9-5:00 weekdays and before and after each weekend Mass. Call 810-231-6784 if you have any questions.

1-800-MASS TIMES

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.

FRIENDS

(For Renewal, Insight, Encouragement & Nurturing of Divorced & Separated) is a support group that meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 7:30pm at St. Thomas Parish Center in Ann Arbor. Topics of discussion include the five stages of grieving, helping children cope, legal issues, and spirituality. Call Virginia at 734-994-9l94 for more information.

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER

This Diocesan program is a great opportunity to enrich your marriage and helped engaged couples at the same time!! More married couples are needed to meet the demand for more weekend programs. If the sacrament of marriage is important to you and you can give two (2) weekends a year, please call Jim & Beth at 517-531-5120.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

WHAT IS THIS PLACE CALLED HOME Ð a retreat for married couples. What makes a wedding a marriage? A house a home? Is faith at the center of your marriage? Your home? Where/what is your Spiritual home? Give yourselves the precious gift of time away together. This weekend provides a wonderful chance to step away as a couple and focus on your marriage relationship. The weekend will include prayer, liturgies, presentations, quiet time, and opportunities for sharing as a couple. The weekend takes place Dec. 1-3 at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Cost is $200 per couple. Call 517-669-8321.