The Gospels of these Sundays come from John and tell of three encounters with Christ, which fundamentally altered the lives of those who met Him. This Sunday tells the story of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. According to John’s Gospel, it also becomes a pivotal reason for the decision of some of the leaders of the people to put Jesus to death. Unlike the last two weeks, we seem to know the name of this man whose encounter with the Lord Jesus changes his life forever. I say seem because the name Lazarus means helpless one. Knowing the great symbolism of John’s Gospel leads many to wonder if perhaps there is not a much richer and more personal meaning to this story: that it is more than just one person’s story — but rather OUR STORY.

How does the Lord raise us from death to life? How does He "untie" us so we might live in His freedom?

Sun. April 1 at 3 pm at St. John in Hartland

Tues. April 3 at 7:30 pm at Holy Spirit in Hamburg

Wed. April 4 at 7:30 pm at St. Mary in Pinckney

Sat. April 7 at 9 am at St. Patrick in Brighton

Mon. April 9 at 7:30 pm here at St. Mary Magdalen

I hope we will take advantage of one of these opportunities to prepare for the great feast of our redemption!

As we approach Holy Week, I hope you will plan to be a part of the celebrations of the Passover of the Lord. Those who have participated in the Liturgies of Holy Thursday (7:30 pm), Good Friday (7:30 pm) and Holy Saturday (8:30 pm) certainly understand why I would urge you to make this Passover journey with Christ. It truly brings our Lenten journey to a glorious end!

Fr. Dave Howell

Ez 37:12-14/Rom 8:8-11/Jn 11:1-45

9:00 am Communion Service

9:00 am V Sullivan & Warren Families

9:00 am V Charles Reid

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Pat Spindler, John, Lanore Chisholm, Adam Weitzel, Elmer VanWagner, Mike, Vi Hibbeln, Matthew Holthus, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Jason Summers, Ann Proffitt, Ayla Hill, Jerry Veatch, Ray White, 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, Jack Mekjian, Laura Matthews, Paul Duff, Carol, Gregory, Norman VanDerBrouck, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Toni Brenneman, Derrick Day, Dante, Bonnie Doty, Lottie Machowski, 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.

When Jesus heard about the illness of His friend, Lazarus, He responded, "This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Every aspect of our lives — our sufferings as well as our gifts — can, if surrendered to Christ, lead to blessing for others and ourselves.

Thursday, Apr 5 Deb Happley, Sue Bumpus

Saturday, Apr 7 Janet Gentner, Kathy Stegmaier

Sr. Maryetta and our 6^th grade children had the opportunity to visit the Temple Beth Eneth in Ann Arbor last Sunday. In studying the Old Testament this year the classes had a chance to enhance their learning experience about the Jewish Temple. We should be very proud of our children because they asked very insightful questions and they knew many of the answers. They were awesome!

During this Lenten season our classes are busy working with the Stations of the Cross, prayer, and talking about the life of Jesus. Many classes are preparing items of welcome for the week after Easter when our parish will open our doors to the homeless of Livingston County. Ninth grade parents are asked to call Maggie Rife at 225-3213 to sign up your child for service hours for Confirmation.

To help you grow together in faith during Lent, bring your family for Monday evening prayer, Wednesday evening Mass, or come pray the Way of the Cross on Friday evenings. These prayer opportunities are at 7:00pm in the Worship area.

Mary Mahar

Last weekend Baruch turned one! I cannot believe how fast this year has gone. He is a wonderful little boy, and Tom and I have been blessed. Speaking of being blessed, we are expecting again! The parish baby will be a big brother! Our due date is October 31.

Holy Thursday evening, our teen leaders will be leading a Walk With Jesus reflection, lasting all night. Our time together will begin at 10pm in the chapel with one hour of adoration. At 11pm we will leave and go over to the rectory basement where we will be lead through the events of the night as Jesus experienced them.

Our annual Easter Egg hunt will be Holy Saturday, from noon to 2pm, in the back.

Tonight, Mrs. Rife will be coming in to talk to us about our duties for our evening with the R.E.A.C.H. project. We are scheduled to host Saturday, April 21.

I will be taking names and a nonrefundable deposit of $50 to reserve your spot for our NCYC trip. The money is due to me by April 1. Please bring your money soon.

If you are interested in helping with the Easter Egg hunt please let me know. It will be a fun time for all.

Margaret Callaghan

Waiting for the Resurrection: Living with Loss is an evening of reflection and sharing for those experiencing grief during this Easter season. This special Holy Week program will take place in the Adult Formation Room on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. If you would like more information, please call me at the parish office, 229-8624. There is no pre-registration necessary.

Sign up sheets are still available for this year’s Seder Meal on Wednesday, April 11, at 6:00 p.m. Bring your family and a dish to pass. If you are available to help set up or bake bread at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10 or would just like more information, contact Kathy LaTarte at 227-7994 or Carolyn Jandasek at 227-3999.

Our April Sunday Evening Speaker Series will be held on the 8^th at 7:30 pm. Pat Christie will be presenting information about Healing the Children. Please join us in the Adult Formation Room.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Workshop will be held Friday, April 6, from 1-3PM at St. Mary Magdalen. Joy Sullivan CRNA will present possible alternatives/tools for coping with these chronic conditions. Come and learn some new ideas that may assist you or a loved one.

Helmet Sale Order Forms are in the Gathering Space!! These are a very economical option, offered at cost, and made possible through the Brain Injury Association of Michigan. Helmet options include head gear for bicycling as well as extreme sports. Orders need to be in no later than March 31st. We hope you will take advantage of this safety opportunity!!

"Sharing Our Spiritual Home" — R.E.A.C.H. Homeless Shelter — The response of our parishioners to this project has been tremendous! We are still in need of a few people willing to be Morning or Evening Drivers. Also, some evenings could use a third individual willing to spend the night. You would sleep in shifts and could leave by 6:30 am. Any questions about volunteering or donations, please call Jan Carpenter at 810-227-5260 or Ann Fraser at 517-545-9279.

Drivers Needed: There is a new sign-up sheet in the gathering area to volunteer to deliver food to St. Anne’s and the Mary Lou Brown Mission. Please sign up so we don’t have to disappoint those who have less than we do. If there are any questions please call Jan Denzer 810-229-7852

CATHOLIC MEN’S MOVEMENT meets Thursday, April 5. Fr. Louis Madey will speak to "Being a Man of God". All area Catholic Men and their sons are invited to Mass at 7:30pm, followed by talk and fellowship at Spiritus Sanctus Academy in Ann Arbor. For more information call (734) 930-4524.

K of C Golf Outing: Reservations are now being taken for the 2nd Annual St. Mary Magdalen Golf Outing, scheduled for May 19, 2001, at Ironwood Golf Course on M-59, Howell. Funds raised will be used to pay off the picnic pavilion near the stable and for other parish/community programs. The $75 fee includes 18 holes of scramble golf with a cart, continental breakfast, steak dinner, door prizes and a chance to win a car with a Hole-in-One. Registration forms are in the gathering area. For more information call John Reineke (810) 225-2040 or Dave Guidos (810) 229-4728.

Sponsor of the Week

Wilson Tent Services

For the next two weeks, Community Life Team will be collecting candy for our annual Easter Egg Hunt to be held on Saturday, April 14, from 12-2:00pm on the church grounds. Please donate individually wrapped candies to fill plastic eggs.

SENIOR EASTER TREE OF LIFE Today is the deadline for returning gifts for the Easter Tree of Life. Please place your gift in the gathering space near the Tree of Life with the tag securely taped on it. We will begin delivery of the gifts for seniors next week. Thank you to all who participated in this project of love and care for needy seniors of Livingston County.