CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN IT TO ME?? This past year, there has been a noticeable decline in the attendance of Religious Education classes. Beside the usual reasons, it seems that the extra curricular activities of some of our young people are more important than their Religious Formation.

When catechists call to find out the reason for the student’s absence, he\she is told: "my child had to be at practice." The obvious implication is that the hockey, swimming, dance, etc is more important than the child’s faith formation.

Extra curricular activities are important to a child’s development. They teach important motor skills, teamwork and the value of doing our best. These activities can be very helpful in enabling a child to develop a positive self-image.

But I sincerely doubt that the long-term value of extra curricular activities is greater than the enduring and even eternal value of faith formation. How will hockey help them make the important moral decisions, which will confront them in this world? How will dance help them to live the Gospel? How will swimming help them to find purpose in life and their role in this world? If anyone can answer these questions, I will be more than willing to listen.

I do understand schedule conflicts, and that, on a few occasions, Religious Ed might come in second. But, I would expect that parents would then work with their child to cover what had been missed in the Religious Ed session.

SEXAGESIMA was the name for this Sunday on the old Liturgical calendar. (It was changed and simplified as part of the Liturgical reforms promulgated in 1969 by Pope Paul VI.) It was the second Sunday before Ash Wednesday and 60 days before Easter. Purple vestments were worn and like Lent, the Glory to God and Alleluia were omitted from the Sunday Liturgy. It was not a time of fasting and penance, but rather, a reminder for the faithful to prepare themselves for Lent: that season of prayer, penance and good works intended to prepare us for EASTER.

LOOKING TOWARD LENT The word Lent means spring. It is not too early to give some thought to how you will use this Lent as a season of spiritual growth.

Beginning this weekend, we will have two different booklets available for you. One is a family handbook: Ashes to Exultation. It has been prepared by our Worship Team to help families grow together in faith during Lent. Families with elementary and (some) middle school students will find it helpful in developing family faith traditions. For teens and adults, we will have a Little Black Book, prepared by Bishop Untener and the Diocese of Saginaw. It offers a daily reflection and a "prayer starter" to help the user grow through Lent.

Fr. Dave Howell

9:00 am V Margaret Jolette

9:00 am V Ann Ptylewski

9:00 am V Fr. C. Robert Stockwell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Margo Twork, Mary Lou Colgin, Dennis Seefelt, Jason Summers, Ann Proffitt, Ayla Hill, Jerry Veatch, Ray White, Rheda Kane, Thomas Dimaggio, Debbie Carlton, Yvette Lagimodiere, Beverly Spiess, Joey Boyd, Bill & Anne Hare, Merrick, Jack Bitterle, Julianne Camilleri, Tony Pasienza, Diana Jox, Bill Janke, Vladimir Jandasek, Ken & Erin Colombo, Louise Churches, Jack Mekjian, Martha Rushak, Laura Matthews, Paul Duff, Carol, Gregory, Norman VanDerBrouck, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Toni Brenneman, Derrick Day, Dante, Rita Long, Bonnie Doty, Lottie Machowski, Frank Gondek, Lane Combs, Ralph Helmer, Joanne Fournier, Bev Zizka, Barry Wilkinson, Tyler Ward, Lee Alstott, Mike, Linda Nagle, Thomas Payne, Danielle Snowgold, Bud Newberry, Bishop Povish, John Pepa, Margaret Resconich, Joanna Bloese, Maureen, Russ Gardner, Ann Polcyn, Pete, Cornelius Smits, Matt Even, Ellen Columbo, Adeline Smith, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

Remember in your prayers Sandy Oliver and family in the death of Donald Newman, Sandy’s father.

Today’s Gospel has encouraging words for good stewards — "Give and it shall be given to you. For the measure you measure with will be measured back to you." What encouragement to give generously of the resources entrusted to our care!

Sunday Feb.18 Diane Kubus, Jim Cubr

R.E.AC.H. Out & Touch Someone: Volunteer sign-up has begun for R.E.A.C.H. — The Salvation Army’s rotating homeless shelter. St. Mary Magdalen will be hosting the area’s homeless from April 16 to April 23. Volunteer positions include driving, chaperoning, and providing meals (more details are in the February Visionary). Sign-up sheets and job descriptions will be in the Gathering Space on the weekends. Contact Ann Fraser (517-545-9279) or Jan Carpenter (810-227-5269) with questions or to volunteer.

Bring your favorite dish to share. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of fun, fellowship and dancing. Beverages & snacks will be provided. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

Also on the 24^th, St Pat’s Parish is hosting

Blast 2001! Invited are all youth in grades 6,7, & 8! This is a night of food, music, prayer and FUN! There is a small cost and registration forms are in the gathering space! Call the office or St Pat’s 229-4221 for more information.

I leave you with this thought for the week from Carson, 3^rd grade: "Today I did not pass my test, but then I got to try again and I got it right. The lesson I learned is if you try, try again, you will get it right." Have a great week, and keep trying!

Next weekend we will be celebrating the miracle of birth with Bill and Jen Ross. They are soon expecting twins. What a miracle life is! We are happy for them both.

Have you heard God calling you to do something out of the ordinary? Calling you in a direction you never dreamed of going? Being a good disciple of Jesus is not easy and sometimes is really difficult in today’s world. If you struggle with God’s call for you, plan to attend our Outrageous Request Retreat April 6-8, with special guest speaker Phil Leonard. It will be a wonderful weekend, time to discern His call for you and to just be in His presence. It will take place at Pine Hills in Hamburg. Sign-ups will begin in March.

The cost is $20 for two nights, food, and an evening at the Family Fitness Factory, swimming and playing basketball. I will be available at all the Masses the weekend of March 9 & 10 for sign up.

Tuesday Feb. 27, 6-8 p.m., we will be gathering with the Sr. High Youth Group to talk about Lent. There will be pizza, ice cream and donuts for dessert. Sign up sheet is out in the gathering space.

Margaret Callaghan

Once again, we will be accepting old palms to burn for ashes on Ash Wednesday. It would be appreciated if you would place your old palm branches in the basket in the gathering area. Feb. 24/25 will be the last weekend.

Step back; slow down; notice your life. Small Christian Communities help us help each other to connect everyday life and faith. Lent is a wonderful time to take stock of our lives and spend sometime with other members of St. Mary Magdalen in a small group setting. Beginning the week of February 25^th, our small faith communities will once again gather in each others homes to share and reflect on the Lenten readings.

These "SFC" are not just about meeting individual needs, they are also about building up the parish community and strengthening the life and mission of the parish. "The key to building a parish that makes a difference in the world around it, is to build a parish where people regularly make a difference in each others’ lives and faith." Join a Lenten small faith community today. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area or call me at the parish office.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

On Sunday, February 18, BeFriender Ministers were commissioned. BeFrienders are your parishioners and friends, who through their Baptism have heard the call to serve. Through training and prayer they exemplify the presence of God in someone’s life. BeFriender Ministers have been learning the skills of listening, the value/ importance of confidentiality, and the respectfulness of mutuality. During a time of loss, BeFriender Ministers can be the presence of Christ for those who need a safe place to share their story. If you have questions, or would like to talk to a BeFriender Minister, call the rectory, or Judy Scharf at (248) 889-0274.

A Slide Show on Brain Attack will be presented between the Masses Blood Pressure Weekend, Feb. 18. Brain Attack, or stroke, is the third leading cause of death and the # 1 cause of disability in the US. It is a medical emergency!! Let us commit ourselves to recognizing the warning signs of stroke and seeking prompt medical attention. Come after Mass and take a major step toward Brain Attack prevention. Have your Blood Pressure Checked Regularly!

ARC Blood Drive — Feb. 23 1-7PM - Please sign up in the Gathering Space! Walk-ins are welcome. If you are interested in helping out with the event or have any questions, please call Cathy Kolpacki at (810) 229-0258.

In March members of the Charity and Justice Ministry Team will be in the Gathering Space after all Liturgies with petitions to put the Concealed Weapons Bill on the November ballot. It is your choice.

February 2001 Charity of the Month

The effects of the Jan. 13 earthquake in El Salvador have been devastating to tens of thousands of Salvadorans. There is no water or electricity functioning in the capital city of San Salvador. Initial reports out of El Salvador by Catholic Relief Services indicate that an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 citizens nationwide have been affected and the formal health system is saturated with hospital patients staying outdoors for fear of collapses. Community buildings are being used as temporary shelters. This month 25% of Alms monies will be sent to Catholic Relief Services — El Salvador.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK Michael J McGivney P.C.

A Polish Feast — "Fat Tuesday"

Fri., Feb. 23, 2001, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Sponsored by K of C Council 8169. Dinner includes; Kapusta and Kielbasa, Golabki (stuffed cabbage), Pierogi, Paczki (Jelly donut), coffee, tea, lemon and orange drink. Tickets sold in advance or at the door. Adults $8.00, seniors $7.00, children 6 and under — free. For more info., call Bill Jakobiak (810) 229-5521 or St. John’s Parish Office (517) 546-7200.