Tues. Dec. 17, 7:30 pm at St. Joe’s, Howell.

Wed. Dec. 18, 7:30 pm at St. Augustine, Deerfield

Thurs. Dec.19, 7:30 pm at St. John, Hartland.

Besides, these communal Penance Services, there are extra opportunities for the individual celebration of the Sacrament, including:

Sat. Dec. 21, 11am - 12 pm & 6 — 6:45 pm

Mon. Dec. 23, 11am - 12 pm & 7 — 8:30 pm

THE FLOAT Once more, I would like to congratulate all those who worked so hard to create a float to represent Mary Magdalen in Howell’s Festival of Lights. For those who missed it in last week’s bulletin, our float took second prize: the Spirit of Christmas Award!! Our first float, a couple of years ago, took first prize, so coming in second is a real tribute. Thanks to all who contributed lights, time and talent!!

Some of you may not realize that the stable in the Gathering Area was originally created for the first float. To add to our tradition of winning, we are going to save the star from this float. Next Christmas, you will see it mounted on the roof, just above the stable below. So you’ll see it outside when you come in and when you look through the sky light inside, you’ll see it above!

DECEMBER. In my family, we have all the activities and events of the Christmas season plus three December birthdays. So I am baking a few cakes, planning a couple special dinners and doing some extra shopping.

It’s no surprise that I have developed a greater sympathy for my parents (especially my mom) over these last couple of years. When we were growing up there were four December birthdays, plus four kids and all the Christmas "stuff". Life was only simpler for the kids!!

One of the birthdays is mine of course. So, I would like to share with you my birthday philosophy: The best part of birthdays -- is having them!!

Fr. Dave Howell

The passage refers to the "Ark of God" which was a wooden chest overlaid by gold where the stone tablets of the 10 Commandments were kept. King David, rich and comfortable in his palace, felt the Ark deserved to be housed in a similar splendor. God will tell David that a physical building is not as important as the "House" of David. We have seen this prophecy fulfilled in Christ, who was born of the house of David.

Today’s passage concludes Paul’s long letter to the Romans. It is one sentence, and it is very much like a toast offered to God. In effect, Paul is saying that it all comes down to this: We should give thanks to God that salvation is available to all people through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Annunciation. The promised Jesus comes not from the earth but from heaven, from the union of God with humanity. The child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. Mary, a virgin, responds "May it be done to me according to your word". In her womb she holds the Hope of endless ages, the Hope of every heart. God is becoming flesh!

All of the people in today’s readings of the prophet Isaiah, the Virgin Mary, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist — seemed to understand clearly and rejoice in what God was calling them to be and to do. Do I?

The Finance Council

At the end of their pastoral letter Stewardship - A Disciples’ Response, the US Bishops sum up stewardship in these words: "Christian stewards live this way - that is to say, a sharing, generous, accountable way of life - in the serene confidence which comes from faith: for they know that the human gifts they cherish and cultivate will be perfected - and they themselves fulfilled in that kingdom, already present among us, which Christ some day will hand over to God the Father."

Please remember in your prayers Cate Ross and her family in the death of Fletcher Armstrong, Cate’s grandfather.

Our parish will be celebrating Fr. Dave’s 25^th Anniversary of his Ordination on Sunday, January 19, beginning with a special Liturgy at 5:00 pm and a parish reception following. We will be asking for elegant hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Sign-up sheets will be in the gathering space starting early January. Please contact Char Turowski, 517-545-4521, or Sandi Phillips, 810-229-7861, if you have any questions or suggestions.

We will be creating a lovely memory book for Father Dave’s 25^th anniversary. If you would like to write a letter or a note to Father Dave to thank him for his ministry or what his ministry has meant to you and your family, I would ask that you place them in the basket in the gathering area. We will compile them and present them to Father Dave on his anniversary. They must be in by the weekend of January 4-5. If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Maryetta at 810-229-8624.

Sacramental preparation has begun for the Sacraments of Confirmation, Eucharist and Penance. Your child needs to be registered for each sacrament individually even if they are in Rel Ed classes! The children have received their books from Fr. Dave to work on with their parents at home; parents have their instruction packets from me outlining the Rites, requirements and everything involved for the journey towards these celebrations! If you did not attend a parent meeting you need to call 229-8624, ext.15 to set up an appointment to meet with me.

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. 18, from 6-6:30 pm in the church.

During the months of December and January, the Family Program will be collecting travel size toiletries to build hygiene bags for the less fortunate. There is a collection box located in the gathering area. If you have questions please call Barb Toth.

Christmas Break for the Religious Ed classes will begin Sunday, December 22 through January 5. Classes will resume on Wed/Thurs, January 8/9. The Sunday classes, including the Family Program, and a parent meeting for the 9^th grade confirmation candidates, resume on Sunday, Jan 12. Parents, please be sure to mark your calendars!

EMPTY PRINTER CARTRIDGES WANTED!

Thank you, Ann O’Reilly.

Our annual Christmas gathering has been changed from December 27 to December 21 and will be an overnight celebration. Mark your calendar for this special gathering. It will begin at 7pm at the church.

How nice it was to see so many of the youth involved with the Advent tea. Thank you.

If you are still interested in attending the National Catholic Youth Conference next November, a $50 deposit is required. You can bring it tonight to our meeting from 7-9pm. I will have a list of all the events for the upcoming year, events that will also cost money and require time for meetings.

During these days of rushing around, remember we are in the season of Advent. It is a time to reflect about God in our lives and how we are giving back to Him. Sometimes just by giving our time to visit those alone for the season or taking time for lunch with a grandparent is all He asks. Remember Jesus is the reason for the season!

Starting January 28, we will be volunteering the last Tuesday of every month at the Livingston County Food Pantry from 4-5pm. Only 10-15 students are needed. A sign up sheet will always be in the gathering area for this.

Margaret Callaghan

St Francis Retreat Center is located

703 East Main Street

Wednesday, December 18, from 12:00 noon —1:30 pm in Adult Formation Room. Bring your lunch and we will continue to discuss the Infancy Narratives to prepare us for the birth of Christ. Everyone welcome.

Do you sometimes wonder?

• If your prayer is all it could be?
• If religion means what it used to?
• If you are more frozen than chosen in your spiritual life?

• What is God asking of you now?
• If you are using your talents as God wants?

You may want to consider seeing a Spiritual Director on a regular basis for a time. More information is coming to our Parish.

Sister Joyce

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 for the celebration of the Liturgy.

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.

God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

WEINGARTZ

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 needs 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: Steven Zacharias Al Asfour, Abbey & Adam Rocka, Josephine, Linda Lambert, Joan Hutchinson, Patricia Brown, Corrine Reineke, Ann Grimsom, Betty Prise, 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, Carole Jones, Barbara Daniels, Eric Truhn, Pam Davis, Judy Woughter, Stella Paweski, Jeanne Carpenter, Marcella, 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, 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.

Young Adults 20’s & 30’s (single & married)

Singles 35-55

6:30 pm - 1:30 am, December 31, 2002

St. Joseph Church, 440 E. Washington St. Howell,

Sponsored by Diocese of Lansing,

Single & Young Adult Ministry

Celebrate the New Year with singles and young adults from around the diocese, Dinner, Music & Dancing. There will be a champagne toast at midnight with prayers for the New Year. Continental breakfast served after the toast.

The Milford office of Hospice of Michigan is looking for volunteers to serve as visiting companions to the ill in our local area. For an opportunity to share a brief visit with someone in need of a smile or a listening visitor, contact Ann Christensen at (248) 685-1333. You will find it a rewarding, personal experience.

Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

WKAR Radio Talking Book is a 24 hour news and information service provided free of charge for anyone who has difficulty reading conventional printed material. Every week more than 220 volunteers keep 1,500 print-challenged listeners in Mid-Michigan in touch and informed by providing verbatim readings from 14 daily newspapers, dozen of magazines, best selling novels, children’s books, advertisements and community calendars. For more information on the program or to volunteer call

(517) 353-9124.

A spiritual weekend for widowed, divorced, and separated persons will be offered February 7, 8, 9, 2003 in Jackson, MI. at the St. Joseph Center, 1000 E. Porter Street. Designed to help those among us who are wounded by the loss of a spouse, the weekend is gently guided by a trained team of peers. It is a time for working through grief and moving on to a new beginning in life. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call Mary Jo at

810-229-0040.

FGRHS News:

• Spring OPEN HOUSE scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003 — 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. At our new building site at 4333 Whitehall Dr., Ann Arbor, 48106. Directions: Plymouth Rd. to Earhart (Dominos Farms), right on Whitehall.
• Admissions entrance exam scheduled for Feb. 8, 2003. Time: 8:00 AM — 12:15 PM. Location: 530 Elizabeth St. Ann Arbor. Please call the school office at (734) 662-0496 to register.
• Application Process: Availability of positions is dependent on the date of receipt of the student’s application. Application packets are available through the main office.

ADOPT A VETERAN 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:

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