Old Bulletins

February 20-21 1999

All Things Considered

LENT MEANS LESS The forty days begin on Ash Wednesday and culminate at sunset on Holy Saturday. [The forty does not include the Sundays of Lent, because every Sunday celebrates the resurrection.] It is a season that is deeply rooted in our Biblical story. Look at the stories that include 40:

In Noah's time, it rained for 40 days and nights. The flood caused by these rains made an end of sin and a new beginning of goodness. In the time of Moses, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. Through this journey, God purified them and made them ready to enter the promised land. Most importantly, Jesus entered the desert for 40 days. There He fasted and prayed, preparing Him to take on His mission.

It is through these stories that we learn the meaning of Lent. Our penance, fasting, prayer and good works are intended to help us make an end of sin in our lives so that we might grow in goodness. It is a time to be purified, to grow in holiness so that we might enter eternity. Finally, it is a time grow in our sharing in the mission of the Lord.

Lent is a time when we learn to live with less. We eat less and more simply. We live with less distractions by taking more time to pray. We learn to live with less and share some our blessings with those who have less.

Lent is a "season of LESS" so that we might become MORE: more faithful, more loving, more giving--more like Christ.

THE SYMBOLS OF LENT If Lent is a "desert in time", then the environment for our Liturgy should reflect that reality. The wood of the evergreen tree which proclaimed the birth of the Messiah, has become the tree of the cross. The many symbols of the resurrection are gone or covered. The somber purple and gray call us to mourn our sin.

So the baptismal font is empty and dry and the life-giving water has been replaced with the dry dust of ashes. The flame in the Shrine of the Fire has been extinguished. The Paschal Candle which was lit last Holy Saturday from the new fire, which was the first announcement of the resurrection, has been taken away. The risen Lord of our crucifix has been covered with a cross that signifies the five wounds of Christ. Even the Shrine of the Virgin Mary has changed. The several images have been replaced with the seven plaques which recall the seven sorrows of the Blessed Mother.

So now with Christ, we enter Lent - a desert in time. Over these forty days, we will seek to make an end of sin so that we might grow in the very holiness of God. Happy Lent!
Fr. Dave Howell

PRAYER LIST

Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Paul, Barb, Ron, Eileen, Brenda, Marilyn, Debbie, Nancy, Steve, Jeanette, Bob, Pete, Vivian, Jane, Timothy, Zora, Mary Kay, Wayne, Ed, Merle, Andrew, Tom, Keith, Ruth, Mary, Victor, David, Kenneth, Robert, Cheryl, Laurie and John.

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK On Wednesday, Feb. 24 we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

ON THE JOURNEY

ON THE JOURNEY The spirit of Mardi Gras was alive and well last Saturday night at Mary Magdalen. The King, Deacon Jerry, and the Queen, Laurie Cooper, reigned over a festive group of nearly 200 children and adults as we partied one last time before lent. A special thanks to Barb Colley and Steve and Patti Hancock as well as the "E" Team for all the planning, preparation and decorating; and to a few of our local merchants who added to the excitement with assorted door prizes. Among them were Ed Govan from Walter's Appliance, Yum Yum Tree, Brighton Cinemas and our local Dairy Queen. I'm already looking forward to next year! Yours on the journey, Marilyn

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

On Saturday, February 27, the children in the Penance program will be participating in the Penance retreat from 10:-3:00. Please pray for these children in a very special way. The children who will be confirmed next fall will receive the Rite of Acceptance during the 4:30 Mass on February 27. Please continue to pray for all the children in the religious education program. Sister Maryetta

YOUTH NEWS

Our first "Follow Me" reflection went very well and was very insightful for those who participated. It gives all involved a time to re-focus our lives and renew our faith. Anyone interested in attending the Nat'l Youth Conference and their parents are reminded to attend the meeting this Wednesday at 7:30. Our project to raise money for Autism is going quite well. Thanks to everyone who donated money in the alms box and thanks to Kimber Kunkel for speaking at the Masses two weeks ago. She did a great job! We will be introducing a different charity for March next weekend. Thanks, in advance, to Fr. Dave for taking time tonight to be with us. We appreciate the time spent together. Margaret Callaghan

BAPTISMS

During the month of February, we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism with Logan Matthew Bills, son of Jerry and Agnes Bills; Evan Michael Snowgold, son of Michael and Claudette Snowgold; Zachary Scott Metcalf, son of Jeremiah and Joddi Metcalf; Cassie Elizabeth Hoisington, daughter of Joseph and Josie Hoisington; and Elizabeth Kowalski Fragoso, daughter of Manuel and Susan Fragoso. We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

WHAT'S THAT DRESSER FOR?

WHAT'S THAT DRESSER FOR? Our Charity and Justice Ministry supports Pregnancy Helpline, who reach out to mothers and families who need help. They provide materials and emotional and spiritual support for the continuation of their pregnancies. This dresser will help with those needs by providing new items for the baby's first year. So come take a tag and let's fill our dresser for them. We also have a penny baby bottle bank for formula and milk money. Now the children can participate too!

FRANK IN CONCERT

FRANK IN CONCERT - Come join parishioner, Frank DeLaMarre, for an evening of easy listening, folk & Christian music at Halsey United Methodist Church, 10006 Halsey Rd., Grand Blanc, (810) 694-9243, on Monday, February 22, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 adult and $7.50 high school.

PENANCE: A GIFT from GOD

The last twenty-five years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of people who receive Communion and an equally dramatic decline in the number of people who celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. The reasons for this decline vary. For some, the intention is always to "get there next week." For others, a bad experience years ago has created a major road block to celebrating the Sacrament now. Some have been told that there is no need to celebrate it unless there is an awareness of serious sin in their lives. For others, it is not seen as a positive value in their lives. A few theologians credit the decline of penitents to a failure to understand the reality of sin in our lives.

This only begins to list the reasons.

Moreover, many question the necessity for the Sacrament at all. Why a priest? Why can't we just tell God? What is sin anymore, how do I recognize it in my life? How do I celebrate the Sacrament, it's been changed, hasn't it?

These are valid and sincere questions. Over the weeks of Lent, this column will have a series of articles which attempt to provide an answer.

But the basic premise of each of these articles is the reality that the Sacrament of Penance is the gift of Christ to His church. Through it, we continue our conversion to Him and a Gospel way of life. Through this Sacrament we open ourselves to God and the life He offers to us, restoring us to the holiness of our Baptism.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT

Stewardship Report Last weekend approximately 1350 people participated in the Liturgies. These folks contributed $11,892.70 to the parish. Last year on this Sunday the contributions totaled $8,211.63.

BAPTISM

During the month of January, we celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism with Theresa Marie Flammersfeld, daughter of Mary and Paul Flammersfeld; Dylan Jacob Anderson, son of Judy and Miro Anderson; Jordyn Taylor Chouinard, daughter of Felicia and Tom Chouinard;Benjamin Alexander Dumond, son of Judy and Tom Dumond;Kyle James Luce, son of Christina and James Luce;and Dalton James Payne, son of Victoria and Tom Payne. We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

CELEBRATING LITURGY

Sunday, February 21 First Sunday of Lent
Gn 2:7-9;3:1-7/Rom 5:12-19/Mt 4:1-11

Monday, February 22 Chair of Peter, apostle
1 Pt 5:1-4/Mt 16:13-19
9:00 a.m. Edward Howell

Tuesday, February 23
Is 55:10-11/Mt 6:7-15
9:00 a.m. Joanne Lintzenich

Wednesday, February 24
Jon 3:1-10/Lk 11:29-32
7:00 p.m. John Francis McElligatt

Thursday, February 25
Est C:12,14-16,23-25/Mt 7:7-12

9:00 a.m. Nadezda Hass

Friday, February 26
Ez 18:21-28/Mt 5:20-26
9:00 a.m. Children receiving First Penance

Saturday, February 27
Dt 26:16-19/Mt 5:43-48

Sunday, February 28 Second Sunday of Lent
Gn 12:1-4a/2 Tm 1:8b-10/Mt 17:1-9
4:30 (Vigil) Holden Triplets
9:00 a.m.St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Ruth Howell

LITURGICAL MINISTERS SCHEDULE

Weekend of February 27 & 28

4:30 p.m. Saturday

Minister of the Word:
Jean Feterl, Maura Giardina

Ministers of the Eucharist:
Gary Prise, Laura Drittler, Jill Winship, Casey & Mike Clabby, Barry Wilkinson, Myrna Angelucci

Ministry of Server:
Julie Crabbe, Tim Clabby

Ministry of Hospitality:
Katie Barazsu, Kathy Petrocella, Mary Janke, Hurn Family, Ken & Claudette Wilkinson

9:00 a.m. Sunday

Minister of the Word:
Rhonda Barclay, Bill Turowski

Ministers of the Eucharist:
Ed & Beccie Govan, Jim Rigley, Pete Lintzenich, Gary & Linda Kinneer, Irene Cappuccilli, Chris Kovanda, Fred Arthur, Diane Deater

Ministry of Server:
Andrea Cappuccilli, Erik Gubert, Randall Manetta

Ministry of Hospitality:
Don & Judy Terns, Kevin Kovanda, Youth Group, Charlie Klein

Nursery:
Deidre Osborne

11:00 a.m. Sunday

Minister of the Word:
David Sullivan, Dan Schifko

Ministers of the Eucharist:
Mike & Karen Hostnik, Sue Hlavaty, Priscilla & Duke Davis, Joy Sullivan, John Spalding,Jr., Debby Romanelli, Sue Paielli, Laura DeLaMarre

Ministry of Server:
Colleen Holden, Angie Schifko

Ministry of Hospitality:
Lisa & Jenni Schifko, Andy & Donna VanBuskirk, JoAnn & Wendel Burkhardt, Steve & Pat Holden

Nursery:
Lisa Klein

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, February 22
7:00 p.m. Evening Prayer (Church)
7:30 p.m. Pastoral Council (Conf. Room)

Tuesday, February 23
7:00 p.m. Informational Meeting on Nat'l Youth Conference for parents & youth
7:30 p.m. Inquiry/Journey

Wednesday, February 24
7:00 p.m. Sacrament of the Sick

Thursday, February 25
10:00 a.m. Women of the Old Testament (Adult Formation)
6:30 p.m. Scripture Rosary
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry

Friday, February 26
7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (Church) Middle School BLAST at St. Pat's

Saturday, February 27
7:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast (Rectory LL)
10:00 a.m. Penance Retreat (Soc. Hall)
1:00 p.m. Rite of Election-Adults (St. Pat's)
5-6:30 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner (Soc. Hall)

Sunday, February 28
7:30 p.m. Grief Recovery (Rectory LL)
7:30 p.m. Church History