ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

CHRIST IS RISEN! RISEN INDEED! This is the greeting the disciples on the road to Emmaus heard when they returned to Jerusalem on Easter Sunday night. It is also the traditional greeting used by Christians throughout the world.

This day is the culmination of the great Passover of the Lord Jesus, celebrating His passing over through death to life. It also celebrates our passing over with Him from death to new life as well.

The prayer and penance of Lent helped us to turn away from sin, to experience His mercy and rise from the old way of living to a new way of life.

Through these last three days, we moved from the upper room where we gathered around the Last Supper table of the Lord Jesus. Feet were washed to show us the meaning of all that He would endure out of love for us

On Good Friday, our church became Calvary and we gathered to witness the crucifixion.

On Holy Saturday, our church became the dark tomb of the Lord. We entered it with the light of the Risen Lord (a light that will remain burning at the entrance of our building until next Ash Wednesday). After proclaiming the resurrection of Christ, our catechumen were baptized into the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and all of us who are already baptized renewed our baptismal promises. Then, the newly baptized and those who were received into the Church were Confirmed. Finally, we joined them in the Eucharist and we were joined together with these newest members of the Church in the Body and Blood of the Risen Christ.

MANY THANKS I would like to acknowledge and thank all those who made these days such a wonderful event in the lives of all us who participated.

We would like to thank our catechists and sponsors who helped prepare our catechumen and candidates for the Sacraments. Special thanks to our musicians and singers who led us in the richness of sung prayer. To our youth under the direction of Richard Switzer: thank you for making the Passion and Death of Jesus so real that we could touch it. Thanks to all you who kept transforming our worship area into the upper room, the garden, Calvary and the tomb of the Risen One. Lastly, we are grateful to all those who served as Liturgical ministers.

A WEEK OF EASTER! The next eight days are very special in the life of the Church. In fact, they are so important that each will be a holy day (without the obligation to participate in Liturgy). It begins with Easter Sunday and continues with Easter Monday, etc. to Easter Saturday. If you read the Gospel of each day, you will notice that it is a resurrection account!

Each day is celebrated like Easter because it takes us a whole week to begin to understand the meaning of the resurrection. If it is at all possible, try to participate in Liturgy this week — just for the fun of it!! Fr. Dave Howell

May this Easter be a special time for every family member of St. Mary Magdalen to experience the graces, joy, peace and love of the Lord! Blessed Easter from the Staff!

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Jody, Lee Barker, Ayla, Jan Jandasek, Jim Pfeifer, George Sierant, Bradley Stevens, Kathy Rakoczy, Elizabeth Barclay, Maurine, Ruth, Ginther, Marcella, Paul Domsic, Cindy Sultana, Larry, Charlie Brenner, Ashley Horning, Kathy, Alexandria Nelson, Jessica Wolfe, Janet Hucke, Debbie, Jon Hancock, Bob Szajnecki, Ralph Bennett, Shannon McKay, Joseph Hommel, Sr., Robert Grace, Don Camden, Evelyn, Alicia Miller, Shannon Knapp, Peter Bumpus, Sam Marino, Bill, Craig Livingston, Joyce, Bill Kottke, Colette Bertrand, Larry Stanley, Laura Drittler, Bob Brookins, 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, Bishop Povish, Joanna Bloese, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers Sue Bumpus and family in the death of Robert Derengoski, Sue’s father, and Daniel Carlton and family in the death of Leon Carlton, Daniel’s father.

The Finance Council

Very early in the morning after the Sabbath; Mary Magdalen went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with precious oils. The reward of this good and conscientious steward was to be the first to know that Jesus had been raised from the dead! Amen.

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes our initiation into the Catholic Church. If you are an adult who has not yet been Confirmed, you are invited to participate in an area-wide Adult Confirmation Program during the Easter Season. Six Thursday Evening sessions will lead up to the celebration of Confirmation here in our own parish at the 9am liturgy on Pentecost Sunday, May 19. The six sessions will take place at Holy Spirit Church, beginning on April 11 (from 7:30 to 9pm). For more information and/or to register for the program, call Marilyn or Josie at (810) 229-8624.

7:00 p.m. Youth Group

Our spring scripture study will begin Thursday, April 11. We will be exploring the last of the Gospels The Gospel of John. Written later than the three synoptic gospels, it has a style and imagery that is both unique and thought provoking. Whether this is your first bible study or one of many, this should be challenging and exciting. Registration forms will be in the gathering area next weekend.

Prayer Quilts were put out recently for you to help tie. Each tie not only helps to hold the three layers of the quilt together but is also an opportunity for us to pray for the recipient of the quilt. Please take a moment and help us in this special way of remembering and praying for those injured or sick in our community.

As more and more parents call me with twins to register for baptism I’ve begun to question whether we should be starting our own Parents of Twins Support Group. If you are the parent of twins and might be interested, please contact me.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

I would like to thank the 5^th grade catechists/aides, parents and students for planning, calling and preparing the wonderful reception celebration we had following First Penance! The 5^th grade catechists and aides are: Jennifer Ross, Janine Fogg, Cathy Poteracki, Ruth Badalucco, Lori Sixbery, Karen Zapalski, Nan Robinson, Deb Taylor, Tammy and Frank Gless, and Lil Chont.

Parish Golf Outing - Win a Car!

The 3rd Annual Parish Golf Outing is just around the corner -May 18 at Ironwood Golf course. Reservations are being taken now. Funds raised will be used for various parish/community programs and charities. The $80 fee ($300 per foursome) will include 18 holes of golf with cart, continental breakfast, steak dinner, over $1,000 in door prizes, and a chance to win a car with a Hole-In-One! Registration forms are in the gathering area. We are also seeking hole sponsors ($100 per hole). For information, call John Reineke (810) 225-2040/Dave Guidos (810) 229-4728.

I would like to thank the teens who performed our Lords’ passion on this past Good Friday. It was narrated by Andrea Nasher. The actors were Chris Start, Rachel and Lauren Weingartz, Paul Nashar, MaryJo Yokum, Samantha Fraser, Ryan Burt, Andrew Wolterman, Kelly Powell, Ryan Trudeau, Cody Gless and Bridget Schaap. Thank you also to Richard Switzer who directed them. It was a wonderful reflection of the passion.

Our leaders and teens spent Holy Thursday night in reflection and prayer in the rectory basement trying to stay awake as the disciples were asked that night. It was a powerful evening.

National Relief Network — July 14-21 we are scheduled to participate with the National Relief Network, an organization committed to bringing large numbers of volunteers to state and federally declared disaster areas for the purpose of helping families in their efforts to rebuild their homes, communities and their lives. On April 14, Scott Harding, from NRN, will be here to talk to us about the trips he plans and the work NRN does. He will be traveling with us in July. I invite you and your parents to come and join us that evening from 7-9pm in the youth room. He will be able to answer any and all questions.

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

Our next activity is scheduled for Sunday, April 21. We will be participating in a Flick and Float at Howell Aquatic center. The cost is $3.50 per person, snacks and drink will be included. A sign up sheet will be in the gathering area.

Margaret Callaghan

Wellness Program A six week program for all ages to increase awareness of healthy lifestyle habits. Join members of the Health Ministry and fellow parishioners as we add a healthy habit each week! The program will encourage you to incorporate activities that promote wellness. Take the first step toward a healthier you. Sunday, April 14 — 7pm at St. Mary Magdalen! Any questions, call Maureen Crowell (810) 227-3734, Pam Evancho (810) 227-0797 or Tammy Gless (810) 227-3392.

BLOOD DRIVE The next blood drive here at St. Mary Magdalen will be on Friday, April 5, 1—7pm. The sign-up sheets will be in the gathering area for volunteers to work and for donors.

At Easter Vigil, 21 celebrated the Sacraments of Initiation. We shared the excitement of five catechumens as they stepped into the baptismal font. They are:

Stephanie Colwell

Travis Colwell

Ben Evans

Emily Evans

Steve Schulte

They were joined by:

Helen Collins Jacci Lambert

Amy Colwell Ray Lickfold

Lucille Demmings John Mitter

Drew Duff Justin Neutz

Kirk Dunn Dylan Neutz

Mark Evans Dan Otten

Becky Geer Scott Turner

Sandy Laird Kim Wright

as they completed the Sacraments of Initiation.

These 21 are an outward sign of the continuing renewal of our Church. We would like to congratulate them and their families, while we continue to offer them our prayers and support. We extend a special thank you to each of their sponsors for their commitment and willingness to share their faith. They, who represented us, the community, over the past year are:

Aaron Christie, Pam Curcuru, Steve Didyk, Gene DiValentin, Tony DiValentin, Dennis & Patty Flynn, Rick Fraser, Becky Hextall, Ben Hoisington, Ann Kehn, Patty Mohrenweiser, Erin Mulvihill, Kelley Pitts, Scott Price, Betty Prise, Gary Prise, Yvonne Prise, Dan Schifko, Bob Shepard and Jacqueline Wilson.

Beginning Experience will be having a spiritual weekend for widowed, divorced, and separated persons May 3,4,5, 2002 at St. Joseph Center, Jackson, Mi. It is a time for working through grief and moving on to a new beginning in life. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call Mary Jo (810) 229-0040.

The Flint-Ann Arbor WorldwideMarriage Encounter will be hosting its Third Annual Card Party at St. Mary Magdalen on Sunday, April 21 from 7-10pm. All encounter couples are invited for fun, games, and snacks. RSVP to Beth Monte (810) 227-7468.

Telephone: (810) 229-8624

Fax: (810) 229-6471

Office Hours: Mon-Fri — 8:30am-4:30pm

Fr. David F. Howell, Pastor

Sr. Maryetta Churches, OP, Pastoral Minister

Mary Mahar, Education & Formation of Youth

Marilyn Rhadigan,

Formation & Evangelization of Adults

Anne Williams, R.C.I.A. Coordinator

H. David Scharf, Deacon

Kay Thurmon, Secretary & Bookkeeper

Josie Doucette, Secretary, Religious Education

Tom & Margaret Callaghan, Youth Ministry

Leo Camden, Custodian

Steven H. Schulte, Musician

Sunday, Mar. 31 Christine Reid, Barbara Lee

Saturday, Apr. 6 Carol McGrath

THANK YOU — My family and I would like to thank our St. Mary Magdalen parish family for the overwhelming prayers and support you expressed regarding the unexpected death of my brother, Ken Atzinger. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful parish. On behalf of my family, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Bev Cermak & Family

WE CARE Communication and Relationship Enhancement Program is a marriage prep program sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing, Catholic Charities and Livingston Catholic Social Services. It teaches how to communicate, how to resolve conflict and reduce arguments, how to solve problems, how to keep intimacy a part of your relationship, how to develop skills to maintain commitment and understanding. The next one scheduled is at St. Pat’s, Brighton, April 22 & 23, 2002, from 6:30-9:30pm. Contact Margaret Henne at 810-229-9863.

The primary focus of the Cursillo Movement is on evangelization. Therefore, candidates must be practicing Catholics who want to enrich their appreciation and understanding of .our Catholic faith. Contact Maria Jaimez in Adrian (517) 265-2720 with any questions or concerns.

"WOMEN IN PRAISE OF THE SACRED" is a day of reflection for women of all ages. It will be held Saturday, April 20, 2002 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at St. Mary’s Church in Durand. The cost of $20 includes breakfast snack and lunch; sponsored in part by the Diocesan Council on Women’s Concerns. Registration Deadline is April 1, 2002. Any questions contact Mary Newman (810) 720-0280.

Bring your child to Maplegrove Children’s Programs. They are fun, free, and have important messages for children. Growing up in a society where there is alcohol or other drug abuse, or family stresses can be confusing and difficult for a child. The program is on Thursday evenings (six weeks) held at St. Joseph School in Howell from April 18-May 23, 2002. For more information contact Renee Kruse at Livingston County Catholic Social Services (517) 545-5944.

Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency (OLHSA)

Our agency provides Home Chore Services for low income senior citizens in Livingston County. We provide snow removal, one time heavy house cleaning, spring and fall clean up as well as summer lawn mowing. These services are available to seniors 60 and over who are unable to perform these tasks, have no family members to help, and are on a limited income. If you are a senior who qualifies contact Linda Michele-Dobel (517) 546-8500. We are also looking for volunteers/paid workers to assist us when seniors are in need of these services.

Grandparents/Acting Parents raising children, are you looking for a support group with others in the same situation as you? OLHSA has just such a group that meets the second Thursday of each month at 6:30pm at the Livingston County East Complex Bldg. In Howell. Children are welcome. Call 517-546-8500 for more information.

The ARC of Livingston County, an agency serving persons with developmental disabilities, needs volunteers to help with social events, transporting people to work, doctor appointments, church, shopping, social and sporting events. Also needed are people to help out in the office, answering phones, mailings, etc. Call Sandy Bader 5170546-1228, with questions or to volunteer.

SINGLES: Italy Pilgrimage, June 13-20, 2002, $1899 from Detroit. Call Bob or Linda Horning for details at (734) 663-3862 or 1-888-830-0010.