The Sacrament of Penance is a very important part of that preparation. The Sacrament celebrates not only the forgiveness of sin, but a whole openness to the healing power of God’s love. In the Sacrament of Penance, we welcome the merciful gift of a Savior more fully into our lives.

There are few remaining opportunities for us to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance during this last week of Advent. There will be a Communal Celebration here at St. Mary Magdalen on Monday evening at 7:30. Individual celebrations are scheduled for:

Wednesday from 4-5 pm and 7:45 to 9 pm.

Thursday from 5-6 pm

Saturday from 11 to 12 noon.

I hope you will take advantage of one of these opportunities to prepare yourself for the coming of Christ!

So we will gather around the altar twice within a space of 24 hours, celebrating the mysteries of Christ’s birth, life, death and resurrection!

On Christmas Morning, the Mass of the Shepherds will be celebrated at 10 am.

The schedule for next weekend means I will be celebrating seven Liturgies with you within the space of about forty hours! It will be a lot, but I know that it will be worth it!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: John Colombo, Ken & Erin Colombo, Madalyn Barr, Louise Churches, Kathy, Jack Mekjian, Martha Rushak, Laura Matthews, Paul Duff, Carol, Gregory, Norman VanDerBrouck, Toni Brenneman, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Donna Caldwell, Bev Cermak, Fr. Bill Carolin, 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 & 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.

Please remember in your prayers Sue Paielli & Family in the death of Sue’s brother, Richard (Earl) Painter.

Today’s gospel provides a blueprint for good stewardship: "Let the man who has two coats give to him who has none. The man who has food should do the same."

Last weekend we had the Rite of Acceptance for First Eucharist. We have 70 of our youth beginning the journey in their preparations for this Sacrament. Please pray for them and their parents as they begin this meaningful preparation process! There will be an important parent meeting during the classes on January 10&11. Parents of children in older grades, in our Family Program, or at St. Pat’s School are invited to attend any one of the session meetings, call the office if you have any questions.

Every Sunday we have Children’s Liturgy of the Word for our younger children. If you would be interested in occasionally leading a session please call the office.

Parents, during this time of "preparing" the way for Christ, it is a good time to model the Sacrament of Penance for and with your family. For our youth in preparation for this sacrament, take them with you to one of the communal celebrations listed in the bulletin, or bring them with you Monday, December 18 at 7:30pm here at St. Mary Magdalen. Those parents who missed the meeting last week need to see me for the parent guide needed to go along with your child’s workbook.

Help is still needed in the office approximately 2 Sundays a month for 1 hour. It is perfect for any high school student needing service hours. Please call Mary in the office if you can help.

Mary Mahar

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.

For your information: Anytime of the year that you are aware of someone who has been away from the Church and might benefit from a note or a call please let me know. I maintain a series of leaflets entitled "Another Look" and would love to include them in my mailing list.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Thank you to everyone who donated bake goods for our bake sale last week and to those who bought our goodies! Special thanks to Maggie Rife and Bill Ross who organized the sale.!

Mark your calendar for our Christmas gathering on Wednesday, December 27 from 7-10pm in the rectory basement. We gather together to eat, play and reflect on the birth of our Savior. There is a $10 donation that we ask for, and all the money is donated to the less fortunate.

Our ski trip has been scheduled for February 16-18. We will be going up to Nubs Nob located in the Harbor Springs area. I am looking for chaperons for this event. Please call me for more information. I will be available after all the Masses January 13 and 14 so you can sign up and pay. We ask that you be involved in our youth group meetings and activities so we can get to know you better before we spend a weekend together.

Permission slips are available for our Mary Lou Brown Mission community service project. They are located with the sign up sheets. Call me if you have any questions.

Margaret Callaghan

St. Mary Magdalen’s retreat date for the men of the parish is scheduled for the weekend of January 12-14, 2001. The theme for the retreat is "Packing for the Journey". This weekend retreat will look at some necessities for our suitcase on our faith journey, and suggest ways for us to continue the journey with vitality and dedication as Christian persons, contact Deacon Dave at the parish office, (810) 229-8624, if you are interested.

Give the Gift of FAITH this Christmas! FAITH Magazine makes a great Christmas gift to friends and family. Use the cards in the tract rack located by the drinking fountain to order them. Attached to the order card is a complimentary Christmas card to announce your gift. It’s a great way to remind them that you care and that they are a part of something — the Catholic Church.

Tuesday, Dec. 19 Ron Clark, Russ & Judy Gentner

Wednesday, Dec. 20 Mary Ann Hargrave, Patti Conahan

Thursday, Dec. 21 Leo Camden, Mary Cavanaugh

Friday, Dec. 22 Cindy Sultana, Debbie Barker

Saturday, Dec. 23 Mary Jo Cubr, Donna Cayuela

The Parish Nurse Ministry with the pastoral staff and congregation participates in the ongoing transformation of our faith community into a source of health and healing. This ministry views health as a dynamic process encompassing the spiritual, psychological, physical and social dimensions of each unique person. Because we believe spiritual health is the central to well being and that health is a reflection of body, mind and spirit, we also believe that we can be whole and not be physically cured!

We offer preventive health screening, education and promotion in response to the needs of the parish. Our goal is to empower individuals to become more active partners in the management of their health resources. We also assist individuals and families to obtain support from within our parish and from community health resources. All nurses and allied health professionals are invited to join us. We welcome your gifts and talents!

If you are interested in delivering food from the Sunday food collection to the Mary Lou Brown Mission or St. Anne's Church in Detroit, a new sign-up schedule is in the Gathering Area.

PLEASE SIGN UP. We especially need someone to drive Christmas week to the Mary Lou Brown Mission. If you have any questions, please call Jan Carpenter, 227-5269 or, Jan Denzer, evenings at 229-7852. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

Charity & Justice Ministries

A pilgrimage to Medjugorje, accompanied by a spiritual director, will take place, leaving Detroit on April 23 and returning to Detroit on May 2 for a cost of $1,315. The reservation deadline is January 19, 2001. Call Joe or Monique Weiss (810) 227-4664 for further details.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

SUBURBAN FAMILY CREDIT UNION

Is there a couple that has influenced your life? Thank them in a special way by nominating them for Couple of the year. Nominations should include a 100-250 word essay titled: "How the Love of this Husband & Wife has influenced My Life". Include your name, address and phone number as well as those of the nominees. Prizes include free registration to World Marriage Day Dinner & Dance (Saturday, Feb. 10, 2001). The couple must be married and able to attend the dance. Send entries by Jan. 5, 2001 to: Couple of the Year, PO Box 22, Fenton, MI 48430. Call 888-297-9477 for more information.

In response, Holy Spirit in Hamburg has dedicated every Wednesday to a Morning for Life for the sanctity of life and the conversion of our nation. Beginning at 9am and ending at noon, Mass will be offered, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, fifteen decades of the Rosary for Life and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You are welcome to participate in all or part as your schedule permits. For further information, call Judy Johnson at 810-231-6049.

Livingston County Catholic Social Services is in need of a part-time contractual psychiatrist. If interested, please fax resume to 517-545-7390.

While I am somewhat disappointed in having failed to do all that I should have or could have, I have decided that I will not let it get in the way of my ability to celebrate and enjoy Christmas.

I realize my need for Christmas more than ever. Not for all the festivities or other things that surround it, but for the very heart of Christmas itself. Once more, you and I are reminded that "God so loved the world, that He gave us His only Son…that we might have life!" Once more we gather to open our hearts and our lives to THE GIFT which gives us life — both here and hereafter!

Thank you to all of our Pastoral Musicians and Singers who spent many long hours practicing to create joyously prayerful Liturgies to celebrate this Holy Day.

Thanks to all of our parents and young people who shared with us the Story of the Christmas Gospel before the 6 pm Liturgy!

Over 100 people, old and young, worked to help us all celebrate THE GIFT of Christmas: Christ, the Savior. Thank you God for all your gifts and talents and thank you for your willingness to share them with us!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Bill Janke, Vladimir Jandasek, John Colombo, Ken & Erin Colombo, Madalyn Barr, 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, Fr. Bill Carolin, 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 & 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.

Sunday, Dec. 24 Diane Kubus, Jim Cubr

Sr. Maryetta Churches, OP, Education & Formation of youth

Mary Mahar, Religious Education Coordinator

Marilyn Rhadigan, Formation & Evangelization of Adults

Anne Williams, R.C.I.A. Coordinator

H. David Scharf, Deacon

Kay Thurmon, Secretary & Bookkeeper

Josie Doucette, Secretary, Religious Education

Tom & Margaret Callaghan, Youth Ministry

Leo Camden, Custodian

Steven H. Schulte, Musician

Saturday, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

Monday & Tuesday; Thursday & Friday-9:00 a.m.

Wednesday evening 7:00 p.m.

Saturday - 11:30-12:00 noon

We have a regular schedule for Infant Baptisms.

Arrangements can be made by calling Marilyn Rhadigan.

The weekend of January 12-14, 2001. The theme for the retreat is "Packing for the Journey". We will look at some necessities for our suitcase on our faith journey; suggest ways for us to continue the journey with vitality and dedication as Christian persons. Please contact Deacon Dave at the parish office, (810) 229-8624, if you are interested.

A pilgrimage to Medjugorje, accompanied by a spiritual director, will take place, leaving Detroit on April 23 and returning to Detroit on May 2 for a cost of $1,315. The reservation deadline is January 19, 2001. Call Joe or Monique Weiss (810) 227-4664 for further details.

A big THANK YOU to our 8^th grade students, Matt Andre, Steven Banas, Kayla Gladding, Bridget Schapp, Stephanie Terns, Rachel Weingartz and Andrew Wolterman who, along with two of our catechist, Janet Pingston and Mike Cronk sang at Krogers last week to help shoppers get into the Christmas spirit!

There will be an important parent meeting during the classes on January 10 & 11. Parents of children in older grades, in our Family Program, or at St. Pat’s School are invited to attend any one of the session meetings, call the office if you have any questions.

Every Sunday we have Children’s Liturgy of the Word for our younger children. If you would be interested in occasionally leading a session please call the office.

Parents who missed the First Penance meeting need to see me for the parent guide needed to go along with your child’s workbook

Help is still needed in the office approximately 2 Sundays a month for 1 hour. Please call Mary in the office if you can help.

Mary Mahar

Merry Christmas and welcome to our visitors and guests. If it has been awhile since you were in church, please look for the special editions of Our Sunday Visitor: Coming Home for Christmas in the gathering area. This issue addresses some of the concerns of those who have been away. Among the topics covered are: "The Top Ten Reasons to Come Back to Church" and "Making this Christmas a True Family Reunion." Please look for a member of our "E" Team during our holiday liturgies or call the office if you are interested in receiving a copy.

Our Retiree’s Brunch with Fr. Dave fell victim to the bad weather of last week. It is rescheduled for Tuesday, January 16 after the 9 a.m. liturgy.

Wishing you all a very happy, holy season, Marilyn

Our Sunday Nursery is still in need of parent volunteers for next year! Please stop by the nursery to get a sign-up schedule, and then call Janine Brandner at (810) 220-1107 with your choices! The nursery is in need of a small stool for the children to wash their hands. If you have one you would like to donate please drop it off in the nursery.

Jamie Colgin

Merry Christmas! May your celebrations this week be Christ filled! May you be blessed with laughter, surrounded by friends and family, and may you create memories to last a lifetime.

Our Christmas gathering will be on Wednesday, December 27, from 7-10pm in the rectory basement. There is a $10 donation that we request. All the money is donated to the less fortunate.

It is not too early to think of participating this summer in our Young Neighbors in Action week long work camp. I will be sending information home in early January. There will be a meeting for you and your parents Sunday, January 21, at 6pm.

Our ski trip has been scheduled for February 16-18. We will be going up to Nubs Nob, located in the Harbor Springs area. I am looking for chaperons for this event. Please call me for more information. I will be available after all the Masses January 13 and 14 so you can sign up and pay.

Our bake sale was our biggest yet! We raised over $400. Thank you again to everyone who baked and bought the goodies.

Margaret Callaghan

Calling all Mothers to be!! Say "Yes!" to life by heeding this message from the March of Dimes:

• Take a multi vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily and eat healthy!
• Seek early and regular prenatal care.
• Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Avoid taking any drugs except those approved by your doctor.

Call Heidi to register at (810) 229-8741. This class teaches the symptothermal method as well as highlighting Catholic teaching. It will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Hamburg. The course includes four class sessions scheduled for February 10, March 17, April 14 and May 12 from 10am-12pm. The cost is $60.00, which covers all supplies and class materials. Information is available in the pamphlet rack explaining Natural Family Planning and Catholic teaching regarding birth control.

Blessings as we all open our hearts and lives to the infant Jesus! Merry Christmas!

ENGAGED ENCOUNTER needs more married couples to meet the demand for weekend programs. If the sacrament of marriage is important to you and you can give two weekends a year, please call Jim and Beth at 517-531-5120.

Join us for a romantic dinner and dance on February 10, 2001. Mass and renewal of Marriage Vows will be at Holy Rosary at 4:30pm. Couples of all faiths are welcome. Tickets are $50 per couple. Send your name, address, and phone number to World Marriage Day, 187 Coke Dr., Montrose, MI 48457. Make checks payable to Worldwide Marriage Encounter. For more information, call (888) 297-9477.

Bishop Mengeling will celebrate mass with all Adult singles (35-55) and Young Adults (20’s & 30’s single & married) on January 21, 2001 at 12:00noon at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing. Lunch will follow in Madonna Hall. The bishop will give an inspiring talk on topics of interest to singles & young adults and answer questions. To register, call Adult Singles & Young Adult Ministry (517) 342-2494.