NATIONAL HOLY DAY Next Saturday (Dec 8) we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which is our national holy day. (The US is dedicated to the special prayer of Mary, Immaculate.)

As a result, even though the feast falls on a Saturday, it is still a holy day on which we are obligated to participate in the Liturgy. We will have Liturgy on Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 9 am.

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Julie Hogland, 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, 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.

MINISTER OF PRAYER SCHEDULE

ON THE JOURNEY

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.

Our next Retirees’ Lunch 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.

Our next Scripture and Stitches meeting will be Tuesday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. If you have completed your Quilt for a Cure prayer quilt block, please bring it in. The following meeting will be a potluck brunch on December 18 at my house. For information on either meeting call me at 229-8624.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

This weekend, at the 4:30 Liturgy, the Rite of Acceptance celebrates the readiness of six children and nine adults to continue their journey of faith into the Catechumenate. Each member will be supported on their journey, a sponsor and a member of St. Mary Magdalen.

Helen Collins Betty Prise

Amy Colwell/Pam Curcuru

Stephanie Colwell Jacqueline Wilson

Travis Colwell/Chas Phillips

Kirk Dunn/Bob Shepard

Becky Geer/Ann Kehn

Jacci Lambert/Erin Mulvihill

Kenda Murray/Char Turowski

Jessica Neutz/Patty Flynn

Justin Neutz/Eugene DiValentin

Dylan Neutz/Eugene DiValentin

John Palmer/Dennis Flynn

Ken Palmer/Randy Wilson

Steve Schulte/Dan Schifko

Kim Wright/Patty Mohrenweiser

In our presence, those in the Catechumenate and in Inquiry, provide a catalyst to renewal and spiritual growth of this entire community as we provide them support and prayers.

Pancake Breakfast for Youth and Life

The Knights of Columbus will be serving a pancake breakfast next Sunday after both Masses. Proceeds will go to Youth Ministry and Right-to-Life. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, cereal, fruit cup and beverages. $15 per family, $5 singles, $4 seniors, $3 children 10 or under.

As we begin this wonderful season of Advent, we have the opportunity to share with our families various prayer opportunities being offered here at the parish. Mondays Dec. 3&10 we have evening prayer at 7 pm in church, Monday Dec. 17 we have our regional Penance service at 7:30 and on Wednesday evenings we have Liturgy at 7 pm. in Church. These are all opportunities for you and your family to spend quiet time with the Lord in preparation for His coming!

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. First Eucharist candidates will be celebrating the Rite of Acceptance on Sunday December 9 at the 11am Liturgy.

Confirmation rehearsal is Friday, December 7 at 7pm. for the candidates and sponsors. Our Confirmation Liturgy is Saturday, Dec 8 at 4:30. We will also have 7 youth from St. John the Baptist Parish joining us in our celebration as our youth receive the Holy Spirit are strengthened to take their place as full members of the Church! Please keep all of our youth in your prayers this week.

9^th grade students please make sure you are signed up to help at the Confirmation reception and that you advised us what you are bringing.

I ask that you keep our teens and adults traveling to Indianapolis this week to participate in the National Catholic Conference in your prayers. They will be gone for three full days listening to national speakers and Christian bands along with thousands of other teens from across the nation. What a great witness these teens are gathering together to proclaim their belief in God! Mass will be said on Sunday before they leave by numerous priest and bishops. The mass for me two years ago, when I went, was definitely the highlight of all three days.

There will be no meeting tonight but one next weekend and then none until January. Our Christmas gathering will be Friday December 28 at the Rife’s home. Details and directions will be discussed next week at the weekly meeting.

Tom and I would like to congratulate all of you who will make your confirmation next weekend. May God continue to be a part of your everyday life and decisions. You will be given great gifts next weekend and we pray that you fully unwrap them in your life.

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

This Tuesday we will be going to Ashley Court to sing Christmas carols and spread the Christmas cheer. If you have not signed up and would like to go, please call Sue Wagener at 229-9592.

Margaret Callaghan

During the month of November we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism with Haley Nicole Ball, daughter of Thomas and Ann Marie Ball; James Donald Keiffer, son of James and MaryJo Keiffer; Jack Taylor Krayer, son of John and Michele Krayer; James Arthur and Tabitha Frances Devine, children of James and Tina Devine; and Erika Savoie, Nolan Brian, and Regan Louise Abramson, children of Brian and Laura Abramson.

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

ST. MARY MAGDALEN MEN’S RETREAT

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 right away.

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

Flu Shots here at St. Mary Magdalen — Monday, December 10 from 10am to 12:30pm. The cost is $10 or free under Medicare. Please bring your current card. Come and give your immunity a boost.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC CHURCH, Ann Arbor is hosting a presentation on the Muslim religion Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7:00pm in the parish activities center. Presenter will be Professor Sherman Jackson (professor of Medieval Arabic Law and Theology at U/M). For more information, call Charline List at 734-821-2125.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

WEINGARTZ

SINGLES (25-35) & YOUNG ADULTS (20’S & 30’S)

ARE INVITED TO A New Years Eve Dinner & Dance in an Italian Café at St. Joseph Church, 440 E. Washing St., Howell on Dec. 31, 6:30pm to 1:30am. Cost is $35 to Dec. 10, $38 to the 25^th, and $40 afterwards. Call 417-342-2494 to register.

A TIME OF REFLECTION is the theme of an evening gathering at St. Joseph in Howell on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 6:15-9:00. Sr. Barbara Hansen will use Advent themes to provide spiritual framework for our busy lives. Call Dan at 517-540-1087 for information.