One of her more recent questions was why do I listen to the news so often? (I am a regular listener to National Public Radio’s morning and evening reports whenever possible. I also read two newspapers each day.)

I explained to her that it is important to know what is happening in the world beyond my own life and its concerns. In fact it does that and more!

One of the dangers of being unaware of the larger world is that we can become too caught up in what is happening in our own little world. Some things, which loom large for us, are in fact, small in comparison to other major events occurring in our world.

Today, for example, I woke up to the news that another destructive earthquake took the lives of hundreds in El Salvador and neighboring Central American nations. Nothing will happen during my day that will be as devastating as what occurred there. So I included the many victims in my prayer today and considered a donation to Catholic Relief Services to aid the victims.

While it does not take away the troubles of today, it does give them a perspective. The news gave rise to prayer for brothers and sisters who are suffering and it gave me the opportunity to do some good by sharing some of my blessings with those who have less.

Why listen to the news? For a little time today, I was connected to a larger world with all of its concerns. It helped me to be less self-centered and more self-giving.

Fr. Don Eder, one of our retired priests, will be here next weekend. Some of the former parishioners of St. John know Fr. Eder from the many years he helped out there.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please remember in your prayers Julie McCoy and Family in the death of Julie’s brother, Robert McGrath.

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Chris Burt, Joey Boyd, Merrick, Bill & Ann Hare, Jack Bitterle, Julianne Camilleri, Tony Pasienza, Diana Jax, Bill Janke, Vladimir Jandasek, Ken & Erin Colombo, Louise Churches, Kathy, Jack Mekjian, Martha Rushak, Laura Matthews, Kate Ross, Paul Duff, Carol, Gregory, Norman VanDerBrouck, Toni Brenneman, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Donna Caldwell, Bev Cermak, Jillian, Dottie King, Dave, Derrick Day, Katelyn ,Dante, Raynald Raymond, Rita Long, Joe, Bonnie Doty, Lottie Machowski, Bob Johnson, Frank Gondek, Lane Kombs, Virginia Williams, Ralph Helmer, Joanne Fournier, Bev Zizka, Barry Wilkinson, Maryanna, Fr. Terry Dumas, Kyle Ward, Lee Alstott, Fr. Gil Rahrig, Vincent Kramer, Mike, Linda Nagle, Judy, Thomas Payne, Joan Becker, Danielle Snowgold, Bud Newberry, Bishop Povish, Roe, John Pepa, Margaret Resconich, Joanna Bloese, Maureen, Russ Gardner, Ann Polcyn, Pete, Cornelius Smits, Matt Even, Ellen Columbo, Adeline Smith, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

9:00 a.m. Family Religious Ed Program

No ReligiousEducation/Formation classes on January 21,24,or 25! There are no classes so that our Catechists and Aides will be able to take part in an important evening of reflection, led by Sr. Maryetta. We will be exploring our gifts and what we each bring to our catechetical ministry. Every week the catechists/aides prepare lessons, come early to set up, teach class, and stay late for clean up. This year many of the grade level catechists and aides are also meeting as teams to share ideas and keep the various classes working at the same rate. Many hours go into their ministry each week and we are thankful for the gifts and talents they bring to and share with the youth of our parish! Please keep all of us in your prayers.

Our thought for the week comes from Chris, 3^rd grade, "The Kingdom of God is like my Mom and Dad, I will be loved no matter what."

Mary Mahar

Catholic Catechumenate sessions resumed this month on Monday evenings. Each night is devoted to a different area of Church doctrine and practice and is an opportunity for those of us who were baptized "some time ago" to update our understanding of our faith. Our sessions begin at 7:30 p.m. in the adult formation room and close about 9:00. The scheduled subjects for the next couple of months are:

January 15–What is Sin?

January 22–Entering into the Mystery–

Signs and Symbols

January 29–Sacraments of Initiation–

Baptism and Confirmation

February 5–Eucharist– Part One

February 12–Eucharist–Part Two

February 19–Marriage: Sacrament of Love/

Holy Orders: Ordering the Holy

February 26–the Call to Holiness–Lent,

Mary and the Saints

Please consider joining us for all or part of this program.

Just a reminder, our MOMS group continues to meet every Wednesday morning at 9:45 a.m. The gatherings provide an opportunity to pray and share experience and insights with other moms in the parish. For more information about MOMS call Jeanette Martin (810) 229-5197.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Next week begins our canned food drive in conjunction with our Souper Bowl Sunday collection, January 27 and 28. After all the masses we will be standing by the exits wearing soup kitchen hats and aprons, holding cooking pots to collect money. All the money will go to the poor. You can drop the cans off at church or have your children bring them to religious education the whole week of January 21. On Sunday January 28, we will take the food downtown.

We are filling up spaces for our 5^th annual ski trip. It is hard to believe that this is our fifth trip up north. We have always had a good time and look forward to this weekend every year.

Planning is underway for our Spring Retreat, Outrageous Request. I am happy to announce that Phil Leonard will be our special guest speaker! Mark your calendar for April 6-8, 2001. We will be going to Pine Hills retreat center.

Blast 2001! Saturday, February 24 from 5:45-10pm at St. Pat’s is the date and time for all 6,7and 8 graders to participate in this evening packed full of food, friends and music! Call Margaret Callaghan for registration forms and workshop choices. The cost is $15 for the evening.

Margaret Callaghan

Responding to questions posed by a journalist, Pope John Paul II brings to an accessible level the great theological concerns of our lives. He speaks about the existence of God; the dignity of man; about pain, suffering, and evil; about eternal life and the meaning of salvation; hope; and the relationship of all Christian faiths. (248.4 John)

The Diocese of Lansing Vocation Office will sponsor a Vocation Fair at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing, on February 18, 2001.

This is an opportunity for representatives of may religious congregations and diocesan vocation offices to talk to those who may be interested in exploring a vocation.

Think about inviting someone you know to attend. Contact Sister Carla Moeggenborg (517) 342-2506 for more information.

On Sunday, January 28,2001 from 5:30pm-10pm Community Life will be sponsoring a Chili Bowl XXXV Pot Luck Social gathering in conjunction with Super Bowl Sunday. Game time is 6:00pm. Bring your favorite chili recipe and or your favorite dessert to share. Football squares will be available, proceeds will go to a local charity. Card players and football enthusiasts welcome. So spread the word and come join us at the parish rectory lower level for an evening of fun, fellowship and maybe even some football. Beverages and snacks provided. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

Sunday Jan. 21 Diane Kubus, Jim Cubr

• Choose enjoyable activities;
• Adopt a realistic, convenient & affordable regimen.
• Consider an exercise buddy or group for motivation.
• Establish a reward system; acknowledge each goal accomplished!
• If we feel pain, we're working too hard! If we get hurt, STOP, until we heal.
• Make exercise part of our daily schedules; commit on our calendars.
• Explore avenues to increase physical activity in everyday life (use the stairs etc.).
• Remind yourself of the physical, emotional & spiritual blessings of an active lifestyle!
• Commit our health & lifestyle choices to the Lord, asking for His strength to accept our limitations and to always persevere!!

St. Mary Magdalen Parish will be holding a blood drive on February 23, 2001,Friday from 1-7p.m. in the Social Hall. Sponsored by the Parish Nurse Ministry. Please sign up during Blood Pressure Weekend 1/20 & 1/21, or at the Spaghetti Dinner, after masses the weekend of 1/20 & 1/21. If you have any questions, call Kathy Kolpacki 229-0258.

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, arrangement can be made by calling the parish office. A contribution is usually made to pay for the cost of the bread and wine and all the other items that are needed for the celebration of the Liturgy.

A special Voices session for Women in the Diocesan of Lansing will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2001, 6:30 — 9:00 p.m., in the Diocesan Center, Madonna Hall, 228 N. Walnut Street, Lansing.

This is a special opportunity for women to gather and voice their concerns, issues and challenges that face the Catholic Church in the future. Come even if you have attended your parish Voices session. For more information, call Catholic Charities, 517-342-2458.

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