ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

ONE DOWN… As I write this on Monday morning, I will admit I am more than a little weary. The retreat weekend takes a lot of energy. For the participants, there is a lot of sitting, and for me, it seems as if I am on my feet the whole time. These are a small price to pay, however.

When I came into the office after Mass, there were three notes from three of the 33 participants. It is gratifying to read how they had found the retreat to be a worthwhile experience and very helpful to their faith development.

There is still time for those who would like to sign up for either the February 15-17 weekend or the March 8-10 weekend.

FORTY DAYS Next Saturday, Feb 2, is Candlemas Day. The official name is the Feast of the Presentation, which commemorates the day Jesus was brought to the temple in Jerusalem. When Mary and Joseph entered the temple area, Simeon and Anna recognized this infant in the midst of the crowd as the promised Messiah. Simeon called Jesus the light. [You can read the full story in Luke 2:22-36.]

In medieval times, the Church began blessing on this feast, all the candles that would be used throughout the coming year. Many people brought their candles from home in order to have them blessed, too. That’s why the English began to call this feast Candlemas (candle-Mass).

I have never heard of any connection between the Presentation and ground hog day. But, that does not mean there is no connection. It is curious that both days seem to have a focus on light. Perhaps it has to do with a weariness many experience during the bleak winter days.

AWAY - I want to thank Fr. Don Eder for coming and celebrating our weekend Liturgies while I am away. I used to work for him back in the days when he was head of our diocesan office of communications. He produced a religious TV program for the diocese and I was one of the co-hosts.

I am grateful for his help and I’ll see you next weekend. Fr. Dave Howell

MINISTER OF PRAYER SCHEDULE

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Sue Evancho, Diane Lickfold, Bob Szajnecki, Ralph Bennett, Taryn Simon, Shannon McKay, Joseph Hommel, Sr., Nancy Lymangrover, Robert Grace, Don Camden, Alicia Miller, Evelyn, Shannon Knapp, Peter Bumpus, Sam Marino, Pat Huhn, Mary, Monica, Bill, Marissa Provine, Joyce, 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, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Johnson, Patti Conahan, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mel Oja, 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 Wednesday, Jan. 30 we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

Total income for the week of Jan 19/20, 2002

Approximately 1501 people participated

Using Stewardship envelopes $17,374

Loose Collection/other $1,024

Using Children envelopes $41

Stewardship Total $18,439

Weekly Expenses/Including Mortgage $18,798

+/- for week without Bldg. Pledges $-359

Building Fund Pledge Payments $250

+/- for week $-109

+/- year to date without Building Pledges $+23,711

+/- year to date with Building Pledges $+48,623

Thank you for your gifts

COMMITMENT CARDS the Finance Council would like to receive back from parishioners their commitment card, which can be found in your Sunday Envelope Packet, the very first card. As of ___January 21_______we have received (457) commitment cards, which is 50 % of our parish families of 862. Please pray about your yearly commitment and return the card either by mail or the Sunday Collection Basket.

Blessed are they who are what they are and do what they do for the sake of the kingdom! The Gospel today assures good stewards that their suffering and their service on behalf of the Kingdom will be rewarded!

Our Retirees’ Lunch Meeting for February will be an ethnic potluck with a presentation on finding your family roots and making a family tree. We will begin about 12:15 p.m. in the Adult Formation Room on Tuesday, February 12. If you have a copy of "A Time for A Scripture Based Life Review", we will be discussing session three--- The Importance of Things Handed Down from the Past. (If you need a copy of this journal, please let me know!)

Our Scripture and Stitches team is meeting every other Tuesday — the machines are humming and the fabric flying as they work on prayer quilts, finish Bible blocks and prepare for their first quilt show in the barn this June. If you are an experienced quilter or someone who has never attempted a quilt but would like to learn, join us for prayer, friendship and fun from 10:00 to 12 :00 noon in the Adult Formation Room. The next meeting is January 29.

Women of the New Testament, our 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 began January 17^th at 10:00 a.m. but it’s not too late to join.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

It’s about connecting–connecting with those around the world who want to help support their families with the work of their own hands. Work of Human Hands, a program of Catholic Relief Services, brings the arts and crafts of artisans throughout the world to the markets of the United States. SMM is proud to share in this work and to give our parish community the opportunity to purchase quality jewelry, baskets, toys, and home décor made by artisans of seventeen different countries. Shop the International Bazaar in the SMM hall after all Masses on the weekend of February 16-17.

There are no Religious Education classes this weekend and coming week. Classes will resume on Sunday, February 3. I ask for your prayers for our 100 catechists and aides this Wednesday and Thursday evening as they attend an evening of reflection. Sr. Maryetta will lead them to look at why they are called to lead in the formation of the youth of our parish and what this call means in their lives. While we know that you the parents are the primary influence in the faith formation of your children, these women, men and High School youth all work in partnership with parents to help our youth grow in their discipleship and develop their relationship with Jesus! This endeavor takes a lot of planning, praying and preparation on the part of the catechists. This evening will help renew their spirits!

Just a reminder about snow days from the Parent Handbook. If Brighton area schools are cancelled due to bad weather our Faith Formation classes will also be cancelled. In case Religious Education is cancelled during the school day, we will notify the radio station WHMI (93.5 FM) and we will call the local schools. We will also notify your child’s catechist and aide.

Thanks! Mary

Our annual Souper Bowl Sunday collection is this weekend. We will be standing out in the gathering area with pots and pans wearing aprons and soup kitchen hats. All the money will be donated to charity. We thank you for your generous donation and for your support in helping us to help others.

The date for our spring retreat is March 22-24. We will again be staying at Pine Hills retreat center in Hamburg. Our retreat theme will be God in nature. We are pleased to announce that the youth from St. Anne’s youth group in Detroit will be joining us; more details to come.

St. Anne’s youth will be joining us first for 11am Mass on February 10. If you like to cook and would like to share your talents with us, I would appreciate your donation of food for a potluck lunch afterward in the social hall. Call me at 227-7937 if you are interested in helping with this.

I would like to thank the parents who volunteered their time to be with us last Friday for the activity night. Our next event is the afternoon retreat Saturday February 23. Please sign up in the gathering area. Also, if you plan to attend the diocesan Middle School Rally, please turn in your forms as soon as possible. Thank you.

Margaret Callaghan

Each weekend, a segment of the Liturgy is explained three minutes before the Liturgy begins. This column will offer further explanation and background on that segment.

THE SECOND READING Until 1969, the Roman Liturgy only used two readings from Scripture. The first lesson was taken from either Testament and was chosen to compliment the reading from the Gospels. In eastern Catholicism, there are other liturgical traditions that use three or even four readings on Sundays and feast days. The fathers of the Second Vatican Council directed that a new lectionary or book of lessons be prepared to expand our exposure to the Sacred Scriptures. A new lectionary was composed with a three-year cycle and a second reading from the letters of the Apostles was added.

During the Seasons of Advent & Christmas and Lent & Easter the second reading is chosen to complement the other readings of the day. But during Ordinary Time, the second reading and the Gospels are continuous readings. Thus this reading often times has a different theme than the first reading and the Gospel.

THE GOSPEL ACCLAMATION The Gospel is the high point of the whole Liturgy of the Word so we greet and acclaim the Gospel with the alleluia. This was a Hebrew acclamation, shout or even rallying cry meaning: praise God.

The use of the Gospel acclamation began during the development of Easter in the middle of the second century. In the Roman tradition, the alleluia was reserved to the Easter season only. By the sixth century, its use was extended to all Sundays and feasts, except during Lent.

The singing of this acclamation became very embellished during the early Middle Ages. By the twelfth century it was extended with special songs that were composed for specific feasts. These songs were called a Sequence, because it followed the gradual. The number of feasts with a special Sequence grew until the reform of the Liturgy in the sixteenth century, when all but four Sequences were eliminated. The other Sequences moved into the official hymnal of the Church, but four still remain a part of the Liturgy. They are sung at Easter, Pentecost, Corpus Christi and the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Some will recognize them by their hymnal name: "Christ, the Lord is Risen Today!" "Come Holy Spirit" "Sing My Tongue, the Savior's Glory" and "At the Cross, Her Station Keeping."

Did you know that almost 4000 babies are born each year and or die from serious birth defects of the spine (spina bifida) and brain (anencephaly)? Between 50-75% of these cases could be prevented if the mother consumed sufficient Folic Acid before and during the early weeks of pregnancy. Please urge your friends and relatives, especially those of childbearing age to take a multi-vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily. Everyone can benefit from folic acid for research is pointing to its significant role in preventing heart disease and colon cancer. Arm yourself with a multi-vitamin everyday!!

BeFriender Ministers are trained parishioners who respond in the name of our church, to the emotional and spiritual needs of people by bringing a caring presence and living reminder of God's love, through compassionate listening.

BeFrienders have served this parish since 1995. We will be commissioning these ministers on Feb. 3, at the 9 am Mass, to continue serving this community. We thank you for your acceptance of our ministry and ask for your prayers that we may continue to serve you well.

Women’s Retreat (August 16-18, 2002) at the Weber Center in Adrian, MI. This is a time to reflect, share stories, pray, and be together.

MUSIC DIRECTOR NEEDED! St. Mary’s Church, Pinckney, is in need of a Music Director for all liturgies; immediate hire. Qualified person must be committed to Music Ministry in the Catholic tradition, must have experience with liturgical planning and conducting of choir; and proficiency in piano/organ. A full time position, with competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience, call 734-878-3161 for info or fax resume to 734-878-2383.

Livingston Cty. Catholic Home School’s Fair. Mark your calendar for Feb. 9, 9-1 p. m., at the Howell Church of Christ (across from McPherson Middle School). The fair will feature speakers, current curriculum as well as used curriculum to view and purchase. Call Cass Weber 810-220-4810, to reserve your spot.