ALL THINGS CONSIDERED
THE CHRISTMAS SEASONFor many in the secular world, the Christmas season is over, but for us, Christmas just started. Over the 12 days of Christmas we continue to "unwrap" THE GIFT we have received.
Today’s feast of the Holy Family invites us to recognize and "use THE GIFT" we have received. For Christ wants to "go home with us", to draw our families together in love.
If you would like to do something special to celebrate this feast at home, I would like to suggest you pray together one of the House Blessing prayers found in the booklet of Blessings & Prayers which was given out at the beginning of Advent. (You’ll find two different versions on page 20.)
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Tuesday is the first day of the New Year and a holy day for us. Traditionally, it is celebrated as the feast of Mary, the mother of God, but for the last 30 years or so, it has also been celebrated as a day of prayer for world peace. Given the events of this past year, the continuing turmoil in the Middle East and Afghanistan and the economic and political uncertainties that loom in the future; it seems especially appropriate that we begin the New Year with the Lord. There will be two Liturgies for this holy day: 5 pm on New Year’s Eve and 10 am New Year’s Day.Again, I would like to call your attention to the booklet of
Blessings & Prayers. On page 19 there are two different prayers for peace: the first one prays for world peace, the second is a more personal and reflective prayer. I hope you will locate these prayers and use them.SPEAKING OF PRAYER
We will be inaugurating two special programs during the coming year. The first is the three Parish Retreat Weekends. The first retreat takes place the weekend of January 18-20.These retreats are based on the Scriptures and the challenge to live as disciples of the Lord Jesus. Each weekend is composed of talk, time for personal reflection and the opportunity for faith sharing.
I would ask you to pray for all those who will be participating in the retreats, and for myself and the others who will be leading the retreats.
Those who would like to make one of the Retreat Weekends are invited to sign up in the Gathering Area.
The other program is Renew 2002. While the program will not actually begin until next fall, the planning and preparation for it has already been in the preliminary stages for months.
Starting early in the new year, we will be forming the leadership team for Renew, and begin training sessions for those who will organize and direct the program.
I ask that you keep both of these programs, their leadership and participants in your prayer!
Fr. Dave Howell
OUR SYMPATHY
to Richard Pourcho and family in the death of his father, Harold Pourcho.Sunday, December 30 - The Holy Family
Sir 3:2-7, 12-14/Col 3:12-21/Mt 2:13-15,19-23
Monday, December 31
1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18
5:00 pm The People of St. Mary Magdalen
Tuesday, January 1 Mary, Mother of God
Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21
10:00 am St. Mary Magdalen
Wednesday, January 2 - Basil the Great and Gregory
1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28
7:00 pm V Rosemary Collins
Thursday, January 3
1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6/Jn 1:29-34
9:00 am V Major Marvin Furnish
Friday, January 4 - Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious
1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42
9:00 am V Karen Davis
Saturday, January 5 - John Neumann, bp. relig. missionary
1 Jn 3:11-21/Jn 1:43-51
Sunday, January 6 - Epiphany of the Lord
Bar 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12
4:30 (Vigil) V William Niemiec
9:00 am V Norman VanDenBrouck
11:00 am St. Mary Magdalen
A SPECIAL THANK YOU from Erin & Ann to everyone who helped us with the Children’s Nativity - Mary Mahar ("Shepherd Queen"), Christine McDunnough ("Angel Lady"), and Steve Schulte ("Music Man")! Thanks for all the parents patience and support, to the K of C for their donation of material for the costumes, and to all of the children who participated. Your shining faces and bright voices remind us again of the true meaning of the Christmas season:
Rachel McDunnough Josh Kehn Ben Kehn
Jenna Shoemaker Carolyn Kehn Lauren Putnam
Jessica Shoemaker Rachel Putnam Ashlee Goettsche
Marissa Shoemaker Jessica Nietzke David Quinn
Samantha Curcuru Cienna Ditri Ayla Hill
Connor Mohrenweiser Trevor Siemen Kortney Siemen
Bailey Mohrenweiser Aaron Osborne Jenny Schifko
Miren Mohrenweiser Alyssa Jacobs John Jacobs
Shannon McDunnough Allie Brown Mike Brown
Carson Chalmers Tom Brown Jared Heatley
Payton Chalmers Meg Heatley Michael Wolfe
David Parzuchowski
ST. MARY MAGDALEN MEN’S RETREAT
Men's retreat, January 11-13, 2002 at St. Francis Retreat Center. Retreatants may register by calling the Retreat Center toll free at (866) 669-8321. A $20 deposit is requested. Donation for the weekend is $110.00. Contact Deacon Dave (810) 299-8624 with any questions or concerns.
Fiscal Year runs from
July 1, 2001 — June 30, 2002
Total income for the week of Dec 22/23, 2001
Approximately 1580 participated for Advent IV:
Approximately 2,805 participated for Christmas
Using Stewardship envelopes $23,616
Loose Collection/other $22,894
Using Children envelopes $16
Stewardship Total $49,526
Weekly Expenses/Including Mortgage $18,798
+/- for week without Bldg. Pledges $+30,728
Building Fund Pledge Payments $3,355
+/- for week $+34,083
+/- year to date without Building Pledges $+24,617
+/- year to date with Building Pledges $+46,764
Thank you for your gifts
Monday, December 31
Parish Office Closed
5:00 pm Liturgy
Tuesday, January 1 Mary, Mother of God
Parish Office Closed
10:00 am Liturgy
Wednesday, January 2
No Religious Ed
7:30 pm Worship (Adult Formation Room)
Thursday, January 3
No Religious Ed
7:30 pm Music Ministry
Friday, January 4
Saturday, January 5
Youth Group Bottle and Can Drive (Barn)
Sunday, January 6 Epiphany of the Lord
9:00 Family Program
9, 11, 5:30 Religious Ed
9:45 am New Parishioners Meeting (Adult Formation Room)
11:00 am RCIA Dismissal
12:30 pm RCIA Session (Adult Formation Room & Rooms 3-4, & Chapel)
1:00 pm Baptisms
Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially:
Dean, Joseph Hommel, Sr., Don Camden, Robert Grace, Nancy Lymangrover, Alicia Miller, Evelyn, Shannon Knapp, Peter Bumpus, Julie Hogland, Sam Marino, Pat Huhn, Madalyn, Mary, Monica, Bill, Marissa Provine, Craig Livingston, Barry, Joyce, 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, 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.ON THE JOURNEY
We are starting off the new year with our first information meeting for anyone interested in working on the ground floor of our Renew 2000. This Core Team inquiry session will be Monday, January 14 at 7:30 p.m., in the rectory basement. Renew 2000 will be one of our key programs this year as we strive to maintain our sense of community while our parish population increases. Renew is parish structure which encourages people to join small parish groups to share faith and fellowship. Please place Renew on your prayer list this year.
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.
Our next Scripture Study will be Women of the New Testament. This new video series will give us an opportunity to reflect and discuss the impact some of these biblical women have had in sharing the Good News. It is scheduled to begin January 17 at 10:00 a.m. Daycare will be available. Sign up sheets are the gathering area.
Yours on the journey, Marilyn
ST. MARY MAGDALEN PARISH
2201 OLD US 23 HIGHWAY
BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN 48114
Telephone: (810) 229-8624
Fax: (810) 229-6471
Website: www.saintmarymagdalen.org
Office Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30am — 4:30pm
Pastoral Staff
Fr. David F. Howell, Pastor
Sr. Maryetta Churches, OP, Pastoral Minister
Mary Mahar, Education & Formation of Youth
Marilyn Rhadigan, Formation & Evangelization
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
SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION
Weekend Liturgies:
Saturday 4:30pm, Sunday 9:00 & 11:00am
Weekday Liturgies:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00am
Wednesday Evening 7:00pm
Sacrament of Penance: Saturday 11:30-12 noon
Baptisms: We have a regular schedule for Infant Baptisms. Contact Marilyn Rhadigan to make arrangements.
MINISTER OF PRAYER SCHEDULE
Sunday, Dec. 30 Kathie Assenmacher
Monday, Dec. 31 Lisa Konieczka, Becky Even
Tuesday, Jan. 1 Ron Clark, Ed Pound
Wednesday, Jan. 2 Leo Camden, Chris Camden
Thursday, Jan. 3 Linda Chevalier
Friday, Jan. 4 Mary Cavanaugh
Saturday, Jan. 5 Dennis Wagener
I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to Ann Kehn, Erin Wolfe and Christine McDunnough for all their hard work with the Gospel reenactment on Christmas Eve. This truly helped children and adults alike to be involved in and moved by our Liturgy! Along with the wonderful music by Steve and our music ministers, this was a beautiful celebration to welcome the Christ Child into our lives!
Enjoy your Christmas break! Classes will resume Sunday, January 6 for Kindergarten, Family Program, and 9th grade. The rest will resume on Jan. 9 & 10.
Parents of our 9th grade Confirmation Students are reminded of the Parent/student meeting in Church on Sunday, January 13 at 5:30 pm. You will be with your child during parts of this meeting, so mark your calendars!
First Penance families are reminded to be working on your child’s cross to be presented to Fr. Dave at the Rite of Enrollment on Sunday, January 20, at the 9 am Liturgy.
Catechists/aides are asked to mark your calendars for Wednesday, Jan.30 gr. K-4, and Thurs. Jan. 31 gr.5-10 for an evening of reflection over at the rectory.
I would like to thank all of you for the cards, gifts, prayers and good wishes you have given me this Holiday Season and throughout the year! Your encouragement helps me realize even more how blessed I am to serve and work with the families of St. Mary Magdalen!
If you have any questions be sure to e-mail me at mmahar@parishmail.com. Thanks! Mary
It has been a long and wonderful week with Christmas celebrations every day. Tom and I enjoy having people over visiting with friends and family all throughout the holiday season. We hope your celebrations were as memorable as ours have been.
In reflecting on the year, I must say that I am most grateful this year for my family. Two beautiful and healthy boys and a wonderful loving husband; what more could I ask for! I think a lot about the families who lost loved ones in the September 11 tragedy. They were on my mind all holiday season. It has made me appreciate the loved ones in my life even more. We never know what will happen tomorrow. I usually don’t make new years resolutions but this year I intend to let those close to me know how special they are. I pray that God will fill the loss in the lives of the victims with his love and memories of their loved one.
Our first meeting back will be next weekend. I am back in full force and will be there at the meeting. I cannot thank Maggie Rife enough for all that she did for me and for the youth while I was on maternity leave. Thank you. My family and I are part of a special community.
Money for the ski trip is due not later then January 20. If you are interested in going but cannot attend a Sunday evening meeting please call me, at 227-7937.
M.U.D (6, 7 and 8 graders)
Friday, January 25, we have scheduled an activity night for the students. It will be held from 7-10 here in the social hall. Sign up sheets are out now.
Margaret Callaghan
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Honor Your Father and Your Mother
Sirach 8:2-6, 12-14
"Kindness to a father will not be forgotten."
Our first experience of family is dependence. As children we need the help of parents. As children we get lots of attention. We do not earn it. We just receive it because of who we are.
Then our eyes are opened. We recognize the sacrifice our parents have made. We see how they thought less of themselves in order to give us life. Our respect for them grows.
On this first Sunday of the Christmas season, we remember the care that Mary and Joseph gave to Jesus. We recognize the sacrifice they made. We imagine the many ways they thought less of themselves to improve the life of the son entrusted to their care. Our respect for them grows too.
Sirach proclaims that those who honor their parents atone for their sins and keep themselves from evil. Their prayers reach God's ears. The benefits of satisfaction return to those who honor their father and mother The Christmastime feast of the Holy Family celebrates the model of home life, but it also reminds us to honor our parents. Kindness to them will not be forgotten.
How will you honor your parents this coming year? How will you keep their memory?
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
Happy New Year!
Numbers 6:22-27
"The LORD bless you and keep you!"
We begin the new year with hope. It is filled with possibility. Our new calendars look empty but they will soon be filled with activity and events. We have plans for some of them. Other events will surprise us. We realize this year will bring its measure of sorrow, but we trust it to bring its measure of joy.
Let this day and this year be a blessing!
On this New Year's Day we hear the words of blessing spoken by God to Moses: "The Lord bless you and keep you." They are words of protection. "The Lord be gracious to you." They are words of favor. "The Lord give you peace!" They are words that wish the finest blessing, the gift of peace.
This new year with all its promise gives us the possibility of blessing. Perhaps you have withheld blessing from someone you know.
Perhaps you especially need God's gift of peace. Perhaps you fear the absence of God's protection. Let this blessing calm your heart. Let it inspire you to breathe God's gift of peace to all you meet this day and this new year.
Let the blessing of God, first spoken to Moses, echoing throughout the ages, enter your home and warm your hearth.
Written by Paul Turner, 82001, Archdiocese of Chicago, Liturgy Training Publications; 1-800-933-1800;
www.ltp.org
Our Thanks to all who donated plants in memory or in honor of loved ones:
Members of the Fielek Family
Bela & Camilla Gergoe
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Baldinger
Mr. & Mrs. George Higgins
Anthony & Antoinette Grieco
Members of the Dalessandro Family
Members of the Frank P. Fodale Family
Henry Chiocchio & Barb Markusic
Norm, Ruth & Doug Hagler
Kenneth Michael Edwards
Kenneth Gerald Edwards
Margaret & Stanley Lickfold
Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Beauchamp
Members of the McAdam Family
Members of the Scharf Family
Jeanne & Margaret Jandasek
Bridget Fuentes Harold Jones
Ruth Blanchette Richard Waldeck
Joseph Pasienza Tony Pasienza
William Gerber Eugene Didyk
Daniel Even Anna Mason
Thomas B. Dyer Lester & Charlotte Gust
Adam Schaub Dorothy King
Donald & Kathryn Newman Clayton King
Charles Richard Coleman Dennis VanBuskirk
Bernice & John Watroba Edward Sulkowski
Roy Mousseau Richard Renko
Gloria DeLong Edna Letrowski
Mary & John Zupko Sigfried Gomer
Mary & Janina Kraczynski Philip Vincent
Marie Carney Anthony Aiello
Helen & Frank Dinda Thomas Knox
Thomas Chalmers William & Ward Frazier
Shawn B. Moore Mr. & Mrs. Fred Dietz
Charles & Julie Palmer Mary Kozumplik
John & Corinne O’Brien Angela Ferguson
Diana Campbell Nicholas Lee Parks
Mary & Carl Wojewodzki Keith Dunn
Norman VanDenBrouck Larry Baraszu
Al & Virginia Quinn Keith Erickson
Myron Johnson Charles Reid
Harry J. Holmes