Vision Statement | Sacraments | Ministries | Weekly Bulletin
Parish Staff | Religious Education | Miscellanous Information | Special Events
A GLORIOUS WEEK This week we return to Jerusalem to observe the two most wonderful weeks in human history. Today we entered Jerusalem with waving palms and shouts which acclaimed Jesus as our Messiah and Lord. But then things took a turn for the worse (or so it seemed). For the triumphal entry into Jerusalem set the stage for the final confrontation between Jesus and the temple authorities. It was the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple which led the authorities to seek Jesus' death.
On Wednesday evening we will celebrate a Seder or Passover Meal. This ancient celebration of Jewish liberation from slavery is still observed by every religious Jew throughout the world. It also forms the basis for our Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Our Seder Meal is intended to help us understand the meaning of Jesus' own passover through death to life. For He is the Lamb of the new Passover, His Body is our bread of affliction, broken and given to us. It is His Blood that will mark us as those who are spared eternal death and given eternal life.
THE PASSOVER of the LORD begins on Holy Thursday evening with the Mass of the Lord's Supper. Jesus and His disciples gathered to celebrate that same Passover on the night He was betrayed.
He began it by washing the feet of the disciples to show them that He would take on a servant's role to share with us the gift of His life. Then He would reveal to them in that ritual meal the meaning of His death and resurrection.
On Holy Thursday, we gather around Him as He washes our feet and gives us Himself. Then we go out to the garden to watch and pray with Him. After the Mass of the Lord's Supper in our "upper room" - the church - we will go with Him to the "garden" - Holy Cross Chapel - to watch and pray with Him until midnight.
On Holy Thursday, the Liturgy ends without a blessing or dismissal. We simply leave until we gather again on Good Friday evening to continue our celebration of the Passover of Jesus. There is no opening to the Good Friday service, we simply pick up with a prayer. Then we witness the Lord's death with the Passion account.
This is followed by the veneration of the cross, a sacred moment when we pause to recall the horrible reality of the death He suffered for us. (The cross we will use for this veneration will contain a small piece of the true Cross, on which the Lord was crucified.) Afterward, we receive communion and leave in silence (again there is no final blessing or dismissal). We simply leave to await our return to finish the Passover of Jesus.
On Holy Saturday we gather to enter the tomb of the Lord to "watch Him rise from the dead". The church is dark and new fire lit just outside is the first announcement of the resurrection. Then carrying that light of the Risen Lord, we enter the "tomb" to hear the Gospel which announces His resurrection. Once we have heard this, we commit ourselves to live the new life He has given us.
The water of the Baptismal font is blessed, we renew our Baptismal promises and then we come to bless ourselves in that life giving water as a sign of our commitment. Six people will then join the Church and be confirmed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Then they will join us in the Eucharist, receiving the Risen Lord.
Only then will the Liturgy begun on Holy Thursday evening come to its conclusion, when we are dismissed in the peace of the risen Christ, Alleluia! alleluia!
If you have never experienced the splendor of Christ's Passover, I invite you to please come celebrate the Liturgy of these three days. If you have, you know what I mean by using the word splendor -- and I trust you will make every effort to do so again.
Fr. Dave Howell
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Jake,
Shirley Brake, Keith Dunn, Karen (Pat Spindler's daughter), Nancy Spears &
unborn child, Paul Allberry, Barb Buwa, Brenda, Ron, Eileen Auld, Marilyn
(mother of Steve Crowell), Mary Wagener, Debbie, Nancy, Steve, Jeanette,
Bob, Jane, Timothy, Zora, Mary Kay, Wayne, Ed, Merle, Tom, Andrew,
Keith, Ruth, David, Kenneth, Robert, Cheryl, Laurie, Baby Keegan, Evan
Snowgold, Danielle & Wyatt Campbell, Barb, and John.
Minister of the Word:
Dave Cappuccilli, Jan Baldinger
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Laura Meader, Mary Korch, Al & Barb
Lanigan, Suzanne Neaton, Mike & Karen Polcyn,Bill Colley, Marie & Bill
Kuykendall
Ministry of Server:
Andy Wolterman, Romaine Witt, Nate Thomas
Ministry of Hospitality:
Deater Family, Didyk Family, DuPuis Family
Minister of the Word:
Dave Cappuccilli, Jan Baldinger
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Jim Connor, Joe Carron, Cathy Goettsche,
Mike Christie, Mary Ann Hargrave, Bob Thomas, Karen Barker, Barb Gow,
Gary & Kathy McKay, Joyce Gonda
Ministry of Server:
Jeff Kubus, Nicholas Barker, Luke Carron
Ministry of Hospitality:
Carron Family, Katie Connor, Marty Daniels,
Mary Ansbro, Barb & Kara Colley
Minister of the Word:
RCIA Team
Ministers of the Eucharist:
RCIA Team
Ministry of Server:
RCIA Team
Ministry of Hospitality:
Ed Pound, Frank & Roxanne Sadowski, Matt
Sadowski, Kathy Stegmaier, John Stegmaier,Russ & Judy Gentner, Kathy
Gannon, Janet Gentner
Minister of the Word:
Donna Lorenz, Jennie Ross
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Mary Ellen Magon, Deb & Mark Ruf, Jan &
Rob Carpenter, Marianne & Jeff Quada, Tammy Ritter, Shirley Caster
Ministry of Server:
Dave Carpenter, Brett Quada, Bobby
Henderson
Ministry of Hospitality:
May Dreckmann, John & Jan Denzer, Jocelyn
& Jacob Denzer, Bob & Denise Putnam, Sharon Linck, Kathy LaTarte
Nursery:
Jocelyn Denzer
Minister of the Word:
Maureen Graham, Josie Doucette
Ministers of the Eucharist:
Al & Donna Rushak, Rene & Kyle Geran,
Maureen & Steve Crowell, Larry & Jan Baldinger
Ministry of Server:
Angie Perkins, Lydia Alfaro
Ministry of Hospitality:
Jahrling Family, Becky & Rachel Even, Rob
Lintzenich Family
Nursery:
Maureen Ostrom
There will be a weekend retreat for women May 21 through May 23 at Weber Center in Adrian, Michigan. The theme for the weekend is, "Being Fed by the Lord." It is a wonderful opportunity to share your faith and love of the Lord with others. I will be directing the weekend, and the cost is $105.00. If you would be interested, please call me at 229-8624. Sister Maryetta
As a sacramental community, the Easter Vigil becomes ouropportunity to renew our baptismal commitment. It is so easy to take these promises for granted until we stop to think that without our baptism there would be no sacrament of Confirmation, or Eucharist or Marriage. Revoicing our baptismal vows at Easter is more than a replay of an historical event in our lives. It becomes a real renewal of a covenant that touches every aspect of our sacramental life.
It's not too late to sign up for the Seder Meal, Wednesday, March 31st at
6:00 p.m. Reservation sheets are available in the gathering area. Bring your
family and a dish to pass. If you are available to help set up the day before or would like more information call Ann Meredith,227-2986 or Karen Polcyn, 229-1728. We are also looking for donations of empty Paul Masson wine carafes for use that
night-- if you have any, please leave them in the box provided in the gathering
area.
Yours on the Journey, Marilyn
Parents of Children in the Eucharist Program Don't forget about the meetings on Thursday, March 18, about the history of the Eucharist, and Thursday, March 25, on the significance of the Eucharist in your child's life. Both meetings will take place at 7:00 p.m. Please plan to attend both of them. Sr. Maryetta
This week, I need to know if you are planning to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference trip to St. Louis in November. Names will be sent to the Diocesan office next Monday, April 5. Anyone interested or having concerns, please call me evenings at (810) 227-7937.
We are forming a team to participate in the Walk for Life 24-hour relay to raise money for cancer research. Anyone interested in joining our team, please call. Our team theme and name have yet to be decided, so come to tonight's meeting with suggestions.
This evening we'll be watching the video, "Jesus of Nazareth." It is a powerful video that will give a meaningful beginning to Holy Week for us. I think you'll agree after seeing it.
Last Monday was our last "Follow Me" group reflection. Thanks to all who participated. We learned a lot from each other as we welcomed the Holy Spirit into our conversations. I pray that we all may continue our desire to be closer to God, even after this Lenten season.
On Holy Thursday, we will be continuing Jesus' agony in the garden
after keeping vigil in the chapel until midnight. The night reflections will be
held at my home beginning at 1:00 a.m. The last hour is at 5:30 a.m. We'll
provide breakfast Friday morning, with pick-up time about 11:00 a.m. The
night will consist of prayerful discussions, reflection time and conversation
focused on the events leading up to Easter. Join us this Holy Thursday night
as we gather together as youth to learn and teach each other.
Margaret Callaghan
From the Properties Team: It is our hope to fill in, smooth out, etc., our parish lawn area behind the parking lot. In trying to save our parish money, Bill Frank and Ron Weingartz are bringing in some equipment and chairing this project on two Saturdays - April 17 and 24. We are looking for 6 to 8 men who would be willing to help on one or both of these days. If you have any equipment, or know how to operate big equipment, please indicate this also. The plans are then to hydro-seed. A sign-up sheet will be in the gathering space at church the weekend of April 10. This is an important project!
Parents and students in grades 6, 7 and 8 are invited to attend a meeting Tuesday, March 16, at 7:00 p.m. about planning activities. Please bring creative ideas and suggestions for a name for this group.
III. William Olzack & Nancy Pence
Stewardship Report Last weekend approximately 1324 people participated in the Liturgies. These folks contributed $14,608.83 to the parish. Last year on this Sunday the contributions totaled $9,150.09
Featuring Michael O'Brien's "Sounds of Medjogorje" Tuesday, April 27, 1999, 7:30 pm St. Mary, Our Lady of the Snows 1955 E. Commerce Road, Milford Adults: $8.00. Children under 12: $5.00 Hear the Medjogorje story of the Blessed Virgin's appearance in this tiny Bosnian village as told by former rock singer Michael O'Brien and at the same time, help Fr. Emil Cook's mission of bringing education and hope to the children of Honduras. Call Arlene (248) 685-3933.
As our parish has grown we are in need of volunteers to help with our bulk mailings. We will be compiling a list of volunteers. If interested please contact Kay at the parish office (810) 229-8624.
Easter Sunday begins daylight savings time! Don't forget to set your clocks one hour ahead before you go to bed next Saturday!
THE WELCOMING TEAM is in need of more couples or individuals on this ministry team. If you would like to help register new members into the parish, contact Theresa Wolterman, 227-7131, or Deacon Dave, 229-8624.
Reclaiming our Jewish roots is an important part of our understanding of Christ's life and passion. Each year we as a parish family celebrate a Seder meal during Holy Week. This Seder is a combination of specific Jewish prayers, ritual foods and reflection on Israel's liberation from the enslavement in Egypt called the Passover.
Sign up sheets will be available this weekend for the Seder on
Wednesday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m. Bring your family and a dish to pass. If
you are available to help set up the day before or would like more
information, call Ann Meredith, 227-2986, or Karen Polcyn, 229-1728. We
are also looking for donations of empty Paul Masson wine carafes for use that
night; if you have any, please leave them in the box provided in the gathering
area.
Yours on the Journey, Marilyn
Keepin in Shape??? Are you exercising and dieting, jogging, swimming, and playing tennis to stay fit and trim? What are you doing to keep you marriage in good shape? Why not try a Marriage Encounter weekend? Weekends are scheduled for April 16-18 and September 24-26. Call John & Michelle Macari at (313)572-8952 or toll free (888) 628-7433, for more information.
Marriage Difficulty Is your marriage tearing you apart? Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together. The Retrouvaille weekends are held at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. The 1999 weekend program date remaining is May 21-23, 1999. For information call (517)669-8321, Ext. 36.
A SINGLES RETREAT, facilitated by Fr. Larry Delaney and Fr. Phil Gallagher, is scheduled the weekend of April 23-25, 1999 at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. Friday and retreat ends after lunch Sunday afternoon. Cost is $99.00 for lodging and meals; $25.00 non-refundable deposit, payable to St. Francis Retreat Center, must accompany your registration. Call (517) 669-8321 for more information.
CHOICE WEEKEND Single Young Adults ages 21-35 who have never been married, will be held at the Dominican Center, Oxford, April 16,17,18,1999 sponsored by Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Lansing. For information call Dave (810) 736-9904.
EASTER TREE OF LIFE Gifts for area Seniors are to be returned this weekend with the tag attached. Contact Kathy Kolpacki (810) 229-0258 if you have any questions.
The Charity & Justice Ministry Team continues to ask you to save your VG's receipts and return them in the container provided in the Gathering Area. Through these receipts organizations can collect 1% of the receipt total. These funds will be used to help those in need within our parish.
Pink lids from Yoplait Yogurt are being collected by the youth members of Charity and Justice. You may put clean lids in the box located in the gathering area.
SAMARITAN NEWS We would like to thank all of the volunteers for your participation in the Samaritan group. March has been our busiest month ever! We have been busy delivering meals, providing baby sitting and other household chores for fellow parishioners. What a wonderful group of volunteers we have! One of our volunteers has been surprising our sick with flowers along with her fabulous meals. We even had a couple of people who volunteered to drive an infant to her physical therapy classes while her mother was recuperating from surgery. It is just so comforting to know that when you are in need, the Samaritans can assist you.
If you need our assistance or know someone who does, please contact Karen Alfanos at 229-9914, or Kathy Clark at 227-3099. If you would like to become a part of this caring volunteer group, please contact us for more details.
THE WELCOMING TEAM is in need of more couples or individuals on their ministry team. If you would like to help register new members into the parish, contact Theresa Wolterman, 227-7131, or Deacon Dave, 229-8624.
Sunday March 28 - Fifth Palm Sunday
Is 50:4-7/Phil 2:6-11/Mt 26:14-27
Monday, March 29
Is 42:1-7/Jn 12:1-11
9:00 a.m. Clara Vollway
Tuesday, March 30
Is 49:1-6/Jn 13:21-33,36-38
9:00 a.m. Genevieve Kruge
Wednesday, March 31
Is 50:4-9a/Mt 26:14-25
7:00 p.m. Greg Kurnick
Thursday, April 1 Holy Thursday
Ex 12:1-8,11-14/1 Cor 11:23-26/Jn 13:1-15
7:30 p.m.St. Mary Magdalen Parish
Friday, April 2 Good Friday
Is 52:13 - 53:12/Heb 4:14-16;5:7-9/Jn 18:1 - 19:42
7:30 p.m. Liturgy ofthe Lord's Passion
Saturday, April 3 Holy Saturday
Sunday, April 4 The Resurrection of the Lord
Acts 10:34a,37-43/Col 3:1-4/Jn 20:1-9
7:30 (Vigil) St. Mary Magdalen Parish
9:00 a.m.All our Families & Friends
11:00 a.m. People of the Parish
Monday, March 29
7:30 p.m. Parish Communal Penance Service
Tuesday, March 30
7:30 p.m. Inquiry/Journey (Adult Formation)
Wednesday, March 31
6:00 p.m. Seder Meal (Social Hall)
Thursday, April 1 Holy Thursday - OFFICE CLOSED
10:00 a.m. Chrism Mass (Lansing)
6:30 p.m. No Scripture Rosary
7:30 p.m. Mass of the Lord's Supper
Friday, April 2
1:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross
7:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Passion
Saturday, April 3
8:30 a.m. RCIA Retreat
7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil
Sunday, April 4
9:00 a.m. Easter Liturgy
11:00 a.m. Easter Liturgy
Vision Statement | Sacraments | Ministries | Weekly Bulletin
Parish Staff | Religious Education | Miscellanous Information | Special Events