Jesus began His life in a cave at Bethlehem and ended His life in a cave in Jerusalem. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes at His birth and wrapped in a shroud in death. Angels announced His birth and angels announced His resurrection. Lowly shepherds, who lived on the fringe of society, came to see Him at His birth. Women, who were considered second-class citizens, came to the tomb and saw the Risen Lord. The leaders of the people sought to destroy Him at His birth (King Herod) and the leaders of the people succeeded in killing Him. Jesus began His earthly mission in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was that same Holy Spirit who raised Christ from the dead as Messiah and Lord of Life!

Four were Baptized, and, along with seven others, were Confirmed and received Eucharist with us. While they have been a part of our parish community for a while, we welcome them now to full communion with us in the Catholic faith!

It is an unusual experience, because most of us use a different calendar. The Jewish people have their own calendar which is primarily a lunar calendar. Christians use a solar calendar. The Orthodox use the ancient Julian calendar and Western Christians use the Gregorian calendar.

By a wonderful coincidence, all the calendars converged and we all celebrated the great events of our faith at the same time!

Fr. Dave Howell

HE HAS RISEN - ALLELUIA

9:00 am V Mary & Carl Wojewodski

9:00 am V Louise Churches

9:00 am V Richard Waldeck

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Linda Lambert, Elsie Whetter, Alex Thome, Michael, John, Lanore Chisholm, Adam Weitzel, Elmer VanWagner, Jim Manetta, Vi Hibbeln, Matthew Holthus, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Jason Summers, Ayla Hill, Jerry Veatch, Thomas Dimaggio, Debbie Carlton, Yvette Lagimodiere, Joey Boyd, Bill & Anne Hare, Merrick, Jack Bitterle, Julianne Camilleri, Tony Pasienza, Diana Jox, Bill Janke, 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.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS Lisa Konieczka and family in the death of Lisa’s grandmother, Hortense Lawrence. Remember also Lynn Gentner and family in the death of Lynn’s grandfather, Michael Garnick.

In the second reading today, St. Paul reminds the Colossians that they have been raised with Christ, exhorting them to "be intent on the things above rather than on things of earth." We, too, have been raised with Christ. Let us rejoice and be glad!

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

They were joined by the following people who completed the Sacraments of Initiation:

These twelve 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. Those, representing us, the community, over the past year include:

Anne Williams

Brighton, Michigan 48114

Telephone: (810) 229-8624

Fax: (810) 229-6471

Fr. David Howell, Pastor

Sr. Maryetta Churches, OP

Education & Formation of Youth

Mary Mahar, Religious Education Coordinator

Marilyn Rhadigan,

Formation & Evangelization of Adults

Ann 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

Saturday — 4:30 p.m.

Sunday — 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri.—9:00 a.m.

Wednesday evening—7:00 p.m.

Saturday — 11:30 a.m. — 12:00 noon

We have a regular schedule for Infant Baptisms. Arrangements can be made by calling Marilyn Rhadigan

Sunday Apr. 15 Diane Kubus, Jim Cubr

This is a very special week; we have gone through the death of the Lord. We have joined His suffering to our sufferings. Today we celebrate His resurrection. As I myself ponder this, I reflect on my mother and how she suffered and was in much pain. Then the Lord took her, and she now celebrates new life in her resurrection.

Happy Easter! Today our Savior has risen! Spend today in joyous celebration with friends and family in God’s name and love for us! There is no better and meaningful holiday than Easter as it defines who we are and what we believe. Let our lives be forever changed.

I would like to thank Sue Lintzenich who directed our teens in the Passion Play presented to us Good Friday. Thank you also to the teens who devoted themselves and their time during these past six weeks of Lent. You did a great job!

Last weekend 20 of our teens participated in the Outrageous Request retreat at Pine Hills Camp. What a wonderful experience for everyone there! We learned a lot about God, ourselves and each other. Special thanks to Mr. Rife, Nancy Olzack, Phil Leonard and to the parents who drove us back here for Mass on Sunday. Without your constant support, events like this would not be possible. Thank you!

Saturday, April 21, the youth group will be hosting dinner for the REACH program. Please plan to arrive at 5:30pm. We will be volunteering until 10pm.

On Monday May 7, we will be going to Ashley Court, to help the residents play Bingo. A sign up sheet will be out soon.

Margaret Callaghan

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONFIRMATION 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 4:30 Liturgy on June 2, Pentecost Weekend. The sessions will take place here at St. Mary Magdalen Parish beginning on April 26 (from 7:30 to 9pm). For more information and/or to register for the program, call the parish office at 810-229-8624.

Where would you have been on the first Easter? A new book I picked up last weekend has made me wonder about where I would have been on the first Easter. While some of the apostles were gathered in the upper room nervous and afraid, two more were on their way to Emmaus. The reality is there wasn’t anything for them in Emmaus–so they were not really going to something, but rather away from the events of the past three days.

Where would Jesus have found you on the first Easter morning? I’d like to think I would have been with Mary Magdalen at the tomb--but that would have meant publicly declaring myself a follower. Even more than that–a follower who cared. I wonder if I would have had her courage.

May this Easter bring all of us the peace and the courage to live out our faith like Mary Magdalen today and always!

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

On the evening of April 28, Pastoral Council and our Knights of Columbus Council will be co-hosting an Appreciation Night for the clergy and staff of St. Mary Magdalen Parish. The evening will start with dinner, featuring hand carved roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetarian lasagna, green bean casserole, broccoli and cauliflower salad, fresh baked bread, assorted beverages and dessert. Immediately following dinner, there will be brief testimonials honoring our dedicated clergy and staff.

The Appreciation Night will be held at our own parish activity center, starting at 6:30pm. Tickets will be on sale for $10.00 each after Mass on a first-come basis. Unfortunately, the legal capacity of our activity center is limited so get your tickets early. Come and show your appreciation to Father Dave and his staff. Net proceeds for the evening will be given to the Pastoral Council. Come and give your own thanks to those who have touched our families’ lives in such positive ways!

Sponsor of the Week

St. George Pre-Kindergarten

LACASA may lose a $400,000 challenge grant awarded from the Kresge Foundation to help build a $2.5 million shelter for children and adults who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. LACASA has already raised $1.4 million and must raise $624,000 by June 1 to meet the challenge grant deadline. Further information is in the Gathering Area along with pledge cards and envelopes. In addition 25% of the April Alms monies will go to help raise the necessary funds.