Increasingly, many of us have responsibility for loved ones and we want to do our best for them. Next Sunday’s session on decision making will help us prepare to do that to the best of our ability!

There is still some room for a few more, so if you would like to participate in the last retreat, please call the office early in the week. It could well be the most positive penance you have ever experienced during Lent!

The first of almost 300 VOICES Sessions took place here in August of 2000. (We were the trial run.) Since then over 7,500 people came to similar VOICES Sessions to share their hopes and dreams for our Diocesan Church. The VOICES process eventually generated seven broad goals, which will affect the future of every parish, region and office in our diocese.

About 25 people worked with members of the commission to sift through thousands of comments made in all the VOICES Sessions to create a list of strategies or actions that can be taken in order to accomplish the seven goals. (Thank God for computers!)

This week I will be participating in meetings across the diocese. All those who helped lead their parish VOICES Sessions and all those who work in parish ministry (lay and ordained) will see the draft copy of all the proposed strategies. Using their comments and insights, the commission will craft a final list, which the bishop will give to the diocese on Holy Thursday. It has been a lot of work by many, many people and it has certainly been the work of the Holy Spirit!

Fr. Dave Howell

SACRAMENT OF THE SICK

On Wednesday, Feb 27 we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Charlie Brenner, Ashley Horning, Pauline Jones, Joan, Kathy, Alexandria Nelson, Jessica Wolfe, Janet Hucke, Jon Hancock, Debbie, Diane Lickfold, Bob Szajnecki, Ralph Bennett, Taryn Simon, Shannon McKay, Joseph Hommel, Sr., Robert Grace, Don Camden, Alicia Miller, Evelyn, Shannon Knapp, Peter Bumpus, Sam Marino, Monica, Bill, Joyce, Bill Kottke, Colette Bertrand, Larry Stanley, Bob Brookins, Laura Drittler, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Shirley Brake, Steve Thuss, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Carolyn Johnson, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mel Oja, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Joey Boyd, Merrick, Linda Nagle, Bishop Povish, Joanna Bloese, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers, Jerry Kunkel and family, in the death of Jerry’s father, Edwin.

The story of St. Therese of Lisieux will be performed by Monica Clark; at St. John’s in Howell on Sunday, March 3, 2002, at 7pm. This beautiful, theatrical drama is accompanied by orchestral music.

What temptations lure us from the path of discipleship? Possessions? Pride? Power? Oh Lord, create for us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us!

CHARITY & JUSTICE Many thanks to all who participated in the Baby Dresser Project for Pregnancy Helpline. Many thanks to Rosanna & Carl Hamilton for donating the crib, dresser, & changing table, and Cheryl & Jim Manatee for donating a jr. bed & mattress. The furniture and all the items were delivered the week of Feb. 11. Pregnancy Helpline sends a heartfelt thank you to the parishioners of St. Mary Magdalen.

R.E.A.C.H. The Salvation Army’s rotating homeless shelter. St. Mary Magdalen will be hosting the area’s homeless from April 15-April 22, using the old rectory at St. Joseph Church in Howell instead of our own facilities. Volunteer positions include driving, chaperoning, and providing meals. Sign-up sheets and job descriptions are in the gathering area. Contact Ann Fraser (517-545-9279) or Jan Carpenter (810-227-5269) with questions.

The Easter Tree of Life Please help this worthy cause by taking a tag or two from the tree and returning with a gift to assist the elderly in Livingston County. Please tape your tag securely to the gift or gift certificate. Many Seniors use the gift certificates to help offset the cost of their prescriptions. We will be delivering gifts to Brighton, Hartland and Howell Senior Centers, Catholic Social Services, Medilodge and Howell Care Center. Return gifts by March 10. This is an excellent Lenten Project! Call Stasia Eisenhut (810) 225-4221 or Corrine Bielicki (810) 220-2387 for more information.

There are many ways for you and your family to make this Lent more prayerful. Evening prayer on Monday at 7 gives you the opportunity to experience prayer in a different way, using your senses. Come Monday evening and see what I mean! In our classes, the children are attending the Stations of the Cross to learn about Jesus’ journey to His death. Friday evenings at 7 you are invited to reflect on His journey as we pray the stations together. Come pray with us.

Classes will resume TODAY, Feb. 24 for Kindergarten, Family Program and the 9^th grade classes, the Wed and Thursday classes meet this week also. The Wed 6:30 session children will be helping with the ministries for the Sacrament of the Sick Liturgy at 7pm on the Feb. 28. Parents are encouraged to attend as the children learn more about Liturgy, the ministries and to witness the Sacrament of the Sick.

On Wednesday, March 6, the 4:30 session children will be helping with a special 5pm Liturgy. There will be NO 7pm Liturgy that evening; and on Thursday, March 7, the Religious Ed. children will be helping with the ministries at a special 7pm Liturgy (there will be NO 9am Liturgy that day). Parents are encouraged to attend.

Spring Reteat — March 22-24 We will be staying at Pine Hills Retreat Center, Hamburg, Mi. Our retreat theme will be God in nature. The cost for the whole weekend is $20.

Our Lord’s Passion on Good Friday Call me at 227-7937 to participate for a schedule of practices.

Youth Group will be meeting every Sunday evening from 7-9pm; also every Friday at 7:30pm for Stations of the Cross, followed by an hour of reflection.

Book of Revelations on March 3 & 10, we are welcoming Marilyn Rhadigan to our meetings to talk to us about the Book of Revelations.

M.U.D (6, 7 and 8 graders)

Next weekend some of the MUD students will be going to Jackson to participate in the Middle School Rally. Please keep us in your prayers for a good time and safe travel.

Margaret Callaghan

ON THE JOURNEY

Prayer Quilts were put out recently for you to help tie. With each tie we ask you to say a prayer for the recipient. Please join us in this special way of remembering and praying for those injured or sick in our community.

Sacrament of Baptism with infants is not celebrated during lent. If you are considering having your baby baptized in the spring, please call now. Our infant baptism preparation includes two meetings for first time parents as well as our Presentation Sunday when we invite those preparing to have their children baptized to come forward for a special blessing. I am in the office every week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You and your baby are important to us and we want this, the first step of their faith journey to be a special, significant moment in both of your lives.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

American Heart Associations Simple Suggestions to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke:

• Check blood cholesterol regularly
• Do not smoke
• Have your BP checked regularly
• Be physically active
• Recognize and treat diabetes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat healthy foods, low in fat, cholestrol & salt
• Avoid excess alcohol

A multidimensional approach to wellness is advisable. It is wise to have a yearly physical and talk with your health care provider about health regimen modifications and health screening which can improve your overall wellness quotient!

Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Group will meet Fri. March 1, 1-3pm. Please join us to share information and support one another. If you are interested, call Mary Kay Foley (517) 545-9462.

On Sunday, March 3 join several members of our Health Ministry team and Fr. Dave for a presentation and panel discussion regarding end-of-life decision-making and Advanced Directives. We will examine subjects ranging from; the Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, Living Wills and Do Not Resuscitate Orders, to the Catholic perspective on aggressive treatment and dying. In conjunction we will host a presentation on Long Term Care for Your Loved One. Our presentations will take place from 7-8:30pm in the Adult Formation Room. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

DIOCESE OF LANSING (Catholic Committee on Scouting) will be having Scouting Religious Awards Presentation Sunday, April 21, at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing. Registration and reception are at 1:30pm, Ceremony at 2:30. All are welcome.

The Livingston Area Catholic Council on Aging will host a retreat on Thurs. March 14, 9:30—2pm at St. Agnes Church, 855 E. Gr. River, Fowlerville. Cost of $9 covers speaker and lunch. For info. call Michelle (517) 545-5944. Deadline for tickets, March 4

COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE will be offering a series of four classes for couples wanting to learn some practical aspects of living a holy life within their marriage covenant. Cost is $70 per couple. Classes areat St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, from 10 to 12noon. Dates are March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1. For more information call 734-973-3173.

ST. JOSEPH ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL, Howell Offers a Roman Catholic based Christian Education. Open House on February 27 from 7-8:30pm Any questions call (517) 546-0090.