The new Church Year began this weekend with the season of Advent, which means coming. The first Gospel reading of this season, reminds us again of that promised return.

Recently a neighbor (whose children and grandchildren are grown) told me "Christmas is for kids". Sadly, the commercialism of Christmas had obscured its meaning for her. For the feast of Christmas is not about the delight children have in receiving; nor is it about the joy of giving. Christmas is a celebration that we have been given what we truly need, the Gift that will finally satisfy the deepest longing of our human heart. Advent, then becomes the season in which we open ourselves to accept the gift of a Savior more fully into our lives.

During Advent, two activities have been planned to help us prepare for Christ’s coming:

This passage from the book of Isaiah begins with God calling upon the prophet to encourage the Jewish people who are in exile. The prophet is to tell them that they will be returning home soon, and the road of the return will pass through the desert. We will also hear God call the people to proclaim from a mountaintop the goodness of God.

The second letter of Peter was written nearly 100 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Earlier, Christians had expected the Lord to return quickly. But by this time, they had lost confidence that the Lord would return in glory at all. The author doesn’t want people to abandon this hope, and gives a positive interpretation to this delay.

In the gospel, John the Baptist makes his entrance. He wears camel’s hair and a leather belt, dressing like Elijah in 2 Kings 1:8. John is a prophet, the last of the old prophets and the bridge to the new covenant. He calls people to repentance and prepares them to watch for someone more powerful coming soon. John heralds the arrival of Jesus.

In your packet (the first page) you will find your commitment card, please take time and prayerfully discern what your stewardship will be for the upcoming year and fill out the card and return it in the box provided in the gathering area.

We are the servants of God, each with his or her own task. We will be judged good stewards if, at His coming, He finds us ready and conscientiously pursuing the tasks we have been called to do.

Giving, whether we are talking about donating money to support a cause, volunteering our talents to help others, or even sharing our time with our families, involves sacrifice. We make these sacrifices because that is what Christ has challenged us to do. Our giving is a outward manifestation of the Christian way of life. The giving in support of Christ's mission reveals our commitment to answer the challenge of the Gospel.

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.

If you are interested in having your child prepare for the Sacraments of Eucharist, Penance or Confirmation, and did not attend a parent meeting you need to call 229-8624, ext.15 to set up an appointment to meet with me. Preparation is beginning, the First Penance children have their books from Fr. Dave to work on with their parents at home (the First Eucharist candidates will receive them next Sunday). Packets have been given out to the parents to help you to understand the requirements, Rites, and process for the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation!

Next Sunday we will be celebrating the Rite of Acceptance for those preparing for the Sacrament of Eucharist at the 9am Liturgy and those beginning their journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation at the 11am Liturgy!

All youth interested in helping proclaim the Gospel at 6:00 Liturgy on Christmas eve in the Nativity reenactment are reminded there is rehearsal this week on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6-6:30 pm in the church.

During the season of Advent, the Wednesday and Thursday formation classes will begin their class time by gathering in Church for the lighting of the Advent wreath. Parents are welcome to stop in as you drop your children off for class!

During the months of December and January the Family Program will be collecting travel size toiletries to build hygiene bags for the less fortunate.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE — The Livingston County Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Marilyn S. Jones, presents their 12^th Annual Christmas Concert Saturday, December 7^th, 8pm here at St. Mary Magdalen. Join them for a concert of seasonal music performed by the Chorale, Women’s Chorus, and Children’s Choir. Tickets are available at the Little Professor Book Store in Brighton, Shafer’s in Brighton and Howell, and the Music Man in Brighton.

We have a meeting tonight and if you are interested in attending the NCYC in December of 2003, plan to come to our meeting at 7pm(youth) and 8pm(parents). Both you and your parents will need to be there.

Congratulations to all of the tenth graders who were confirmed. May you take the gifts you have received and go forth in the world and make a difference. Steve Angrisano had us singing at Jamboree, "Go make a difference, you can make a difference." As youth filled with the Holy Spirit and thirsting for God to be a part of your everyday life, I challenge you to make a difference. You may not move mountains or change history, but you may be able to help a friend in need or reach out and care for someone who needs to be loved. Share your gifts with those around you. Confirmation is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship with God.

December 10, we are caroling at the Woodland Manor from 5-7pm. Come wearing your favorite holiday sweatshirts and hats!

Monday December 2 at 7:30, all Spring Hill participants are asked to attend a meeting in the social hall. I will be going over some specifics about the upcoming weekend in March.

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. 15.

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.

Baptism Evening of Awareness for first time parents -

attend during your pregnancy

Baptism Instructions

Includes practice

Godparents welcome

Childcare provided

Wednesdays, December 11, 18

12:00 noon —1:30 pm in Adult Formation room

Bring your lunch and we will discuss the

Infancy Narratives to prepare us for the

birth of Christ. Everyone welcome.

Christians of all ages. Anyone who takes their prayer life seriously and wants to grow in it.

That’s a good reason for considering spiritual direction.

*What do I talk about?

The usual focus is one’s experience and how God is revealed and how one responds. It is a move toward meaning in the Christian life.

Sister Joyce

FOR YOUR GOOD HEALTH…

Advent Blessings from The Wellness Ministry For Body, Mind & Spirit!

Praise God for our Senses! Through them we see, hear, taste, smell and touch His creation. We know His presence and His love and become aware of our needs and the need of others. In this season often wrought with commercialism, may we all be prayerfully challenged to give with the Heart of Jesus responding to the true needs of others. Through Him our gifts will become more "sense"-ational, healing and nurturing the Body, Mind & Spirit!

"Sense"-ational Giving! Recycle your Eyeglasses and Hearing Aides! This Advent you can help bless the life of someone struggling with a sensory loss by donating your old eyeglasses and hearing aides. A basket will be in the Gathering Space. Thanks!

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Dick Demmings, Jamie Leugers, Betty Polaske, Karen Zapalski, Kelly Rocha, Margo Twork, Mark Ruf, John Morrison, Beth Hersog, Joe Lopez, Jonathon Forbes, Marie Touchette, Sue Ferris, Wilma Scott, Jennifer Hextall, Joseph Hinkle, Raymond Clark, Myra Gauger, Carole Jones, Shirley Peddicord, Barbara Daniels, Eric Truhn, Pam Davis, Judy Woughter, Stella Paweski, Jeanne Carpenter, Cheryl Stecewicz, Marcella, Fletcher Armstrong, Andrew Doyle, Helen List, Jan Jandasek, Emilee Ritter, John Matta, Ray Willis, Joanne Corey, Virginia Johnson, Bob Stecewicz, Mary Galleher, Megan Grech, Jerry Neaton, George Rutton, Robert, Don Schommer, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Abigail Line, Bridget, Alec Schalhamer, Eileen, Cheryl Franks, Scott Delplace, Laura, Judy LaGrow, Becky Wilson, Mike Beauchamp, Bradley Stevens, Ashley Horning, Alexandria Nelson, Debbie, Ginther, Ralph Bennett, Evelyn, Bill, Craig Livingston, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Bishop Povish, and Donovan.

Old St. Pat’s in Ann Arbor will be hosting the Regional Meeting on Dec. 5, 2002 with Kay LaVern, former NCCW President as guest speaker.

Registration begins at 9:30am with our key note speaker at 10:00am. "Women Embracing Women" is the topic, followed by a question and answer period. Mass is at 11:30 with lunch at 12:15.

A Free Will Offering will be taken.

When: Sat. Dec. 7, 2002

Where: St. Mary’s Church, 201 N. Westphalia, Westphalia, MI.

Times: 5:40 PM Doors Open

6:00 PM Rosary Begins

6:40 Pm Visit of our Lady to Ivan

7:00 PM Celebration of the Holy Mass

8:00 PM Talk by Ivan

For more information call the Rectory at (989) 587-4201 or Lynn Strong (989) 587-3131.

St. Mary’s Rosary Altar Society of Pinckney will hold their annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, from 10 AM till 4 PM. the event will be held at St. Mary School, 551 E. Hamburg in Pinckney, MI. Over 100 crafters selling wood items, wall hanging, Christmas items, sweatshirts, jewelry, candles, soaps, sleigh photo Christmas cards of your child created on site plus many more unique gifts. To receive an application to rent a table to display your items call Mary at 734-878-6563 or Barbara at 810-231-2904.

St Joseph Church in Howell presents their 2002-2003 speaker series for your spiritual development. Advent is our focus with Marcy Keefe-Slager on Monday, December 9 from 6:20-7:30. Birthing God’s Love is her topic. She will explore how we, the Church (the Body of Christ) are also called to give birth to God’s love in our lives. All are welcome. Bring a friend! We meet in the church. Call Linda 517 552-0818 for more info.

NATIONAL NIGHT OF PRAYER FOR LIFE AND AMERICA will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hamburg on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 9:00pm till 1:00am Monday morning. Over 800 Catholic churches nationwide will be participating in this night of prayer and adoration in reparation for the murder of the innocent unborn and helpless ones in our society. Throughout the evening we will have Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a 15 decade rosary, pro-life prayers, Adoration and Benediction. Please join us at any time throughout the night as we bow down in unison (12 to 1) across the Nation in continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, please call the parish office to make arrangements. A contribution is usually made to pay for the cost of the bread and wine and all the other items that are needed.

Send a letter or card to veterans once a month thanking them for their service to this country and for your freedom! There are over 900 veterans living at these Veterans’s homes. Most of these Veterans are residents of Michigan. Many of them are 70-80 years old. A letter or card a month makes their lives worth living.

Letters or cards may be sent to:

To A Veteran, Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49505, (800) 642-4838, or:

To A Veteran, D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855, (800) 433-6760

Currently OLSHA provides a monthly support group for Grandparents/Acting Parents in need of information, referral and support on topics like, Legal Issues, Adoption/Guardianship, Alcohol & Substance Abuse, Stress Management, Health Issues, etc. Meetings are the 2nd Thurs. of each month at 6:30 PM, Livingston County. East Complex Building. 2300 E. Gr. River, Howell. For more information call 517-546-8500.

Give the Gift of Life — Organ & Tissue Donation information can be found in the pamphlet rack. Please explore this life giving choice and consider adding your name to the Michigan Organ & Donor Registry. Today, transplantation is a routine practice that can improve and even save the lives of those suffering with organ failure, bone defects, burns and blindness. Donating organs is an act of charity, fraternal love, and self sacrifice. John 15:13 reminds us that "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends". ref. Gift of Life Agency.