ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Our pledges and gifts to DSA support these and many more ministries. I hope that if you have not already made a pledge or gift you will join me in supporting the Vision & Mission of our diocese.

This very question was addressed by Bishop Mengeling in our DSA organizational meetings and at a meeting for all the priests last Sunday. Any money that was spent for victim’s counseling or compensation has been paid out of a statewide insurance fund that was set up years ago by Cardinal Dearden. The money we give to support DSA is used only for the purpose of providing direct services to ministry.

Very soon you will see their largest project begin: the replacement of the roof. Last winter we had several problems with ice dams and leaking. Working with the construction contractors, we found that parts of the roof had been improperly installed and that it was not properly ventilated.

We have made improvements to correct the ventilation. We have also reached an agreement with the contractors who admitted their mistakes. As a result, most of the roof will be replaced soon. Two thirds of the cost will be covered by the contractors involved, the remainder (in the neighborhood of $20,000) will be paid by the parish.

I am grateful to Fr. Don Eder who filled in for me this Saturday evening at the 4:30 Liturgy.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Becky Wilson, Kyle Happley, Bob Stecewicz, Mike Beauchamp, Jody, Lee Barker, Ayla, Jan Jandasek, George Sierant, Jim Pfeifer, , Bradley Stevens, Elizabeth Barclay, Kathy Rakoczy, Ruth, Maurine, Marcella, Paul Domsic, Ashley Horning, Charlie Brenner, Alexandria Nelson, Jessica Wolfe, Debbie, Jon Hancock, Ginther, Ralph Bennett, Shannon McKay, Joseph Hommel, Sr., Robert Grace, Don Camden, Evelyn, Alicia Miller, Peter Bumpus, Sam Marino, Bill, Craig Livingston, Joyce, Bill Kottke, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, Bob Brookins, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Carolyn Johnson, Matt Even, Mel Oja, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Merrick, Joey Boyd, Bishop Povish, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, and Donovan.

Today we celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations. God continues to call women and men to be sisters, brothers, priests and deacons. Let us pray in gratitude for the gift of vocations to serve God’s people.

Last week, we had 46 families of our parish make gifts to the DSA. Their gifts total $9,579. This represents approximately 17% of our parish goal, which is $ 53,818. If you have not made a decision about your gift to the 2002 DSA please set aside a few minutes to pray about your gift. God has given us all different blessings — please share those blessings with others through DSA. You can either drop off your gift card at the parish office or place it in the collection basket.

Jesus says, " I came that they may have life, and have it to the full." Good stewards are grateful for the gift of life and joyfully share their abundance with others.

Thursday, April 25 Linda Chevalier

Saturday, April 27 Dennis Wagener

REGISTRATION for FALL Religious Ed/Formation classes will be held April 24/25, and after all Masses on the 27/28. As usual, classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Medical forms need to be filled out, as the Diocese requires us to have medical information on file for each child in case of an emergency, so please have your child's medical records available. The days and session times for Religious Formation Classes are as follows:

Kindergarten: Sunday - 9:00 Liturgy, 11:00 Liturgy

Grades 9-10: Sunday evenings - 5:30-7:00pm

Grades 1-8: Wednesday 4:30-6:00

Thursday 4:30-6:00 (NEW SESSION)

Family Program: bi-monthly (Sunday AM)

The tuition fees for 2002-2003 will remain: $55 for one child, $80 for two children and $100 for families with 3 or more children and Family Program.

Thanks, Mary

Just an update on Renew-- the core team continues to meet and attend workshops to better enable us to begin our fall session of Renew 2000. Some of us remember the Renew small group meetings in the mid-eighties. This is sponsored by the same organization but has been improved and updated to meet even more of the concerns of today’s Catholic. Make room in your fall calendar for a Renew group meeting–it will pay off.

The first of our 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.

If you are expecting a baby in the next several months, it’s not too early to begin preparing for his/her baptism. Call the parish office for a schedule of dates and times.

Next Sunday evening Fr. Dave will be coming to visit with us. We have been talking about what it means to be Catholic and what we are called to do. He will be coming to answer questions and talk more about our faith with us.

You can still purchase sweatshirts if you didn’t get a chance last week to do so. The cost for sweatshirts is $25 for adult sizes and $15 for children’s sizes. You can call me at 227-7937 or I will be in the gathering area again this weekend.

May 17-18 is the Relay For Life cancer fundraiser. This year we are joining the Charity and Justice team. You can sign up to be a part of the team after all the Masses this weekend or by calling me. You can pick up your fundraising packet when you sign up.

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

Saturday May 18, we are going to the Mary Lou Brown Mission to volunteer our time packing food bags, cleaning, or sorting clothes. A sign up sheet will be in the gathering area. Any parent who would like to come is also encouraged to sign up.

Margaret Callaghan

Currently OLSHA provides a monthly support group for Grandparents/Acting Parents in need of information, referral and support on topics like, Legal Issues, Adoption/Guardianship, Alcohol & Substance Abuse, Stress Management, Health Issues, etc. Meetings are the 2nd Thurs. of each month at 6:30 PM, Livingston Cty. East Complex Building. 2300 E. Gr. River, Howell. For more information call 517-546-8500.

The Worship Team works closely with our Musicians, Liturgical Ministers, our Art & Environment Team and Fr. Dave to plan the prayer and worship of our community. The team seeks to deepen its own understanding of the Liturgy and provide prayerful celebrations of the Sacraments and liturgical prayer to our people. Most of all, we are a group dedicated to helping all of our people understand and live in their daily lives, what we celebrate in the Eucharist.

The Worship Team meets on the first Wednesday of the month from August to June. All members of the team make a one-year commitment to this ministry. Those who volunteer for this team need to be registered parishioners, who love the Eucharist and have a desire to help our parishioners grow in a deeper understanding and appreciation of our Catholic Liturgical life.

Please join us on Pentecost Sunday!! (May19)

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.

Coping for Mind & Body — please join us for a two part mini series re: illness, forgiveness and spirituality. Elaine M. Tripi, PhD, a new parishioner and counseling psychologist in the private sector will be presenting. Sessions will directly follow the Healing Services April 24^th and May 29^th and run approx. 45 minutes. We invite anyone who seeks insight into addressing these important topics, which affect the mind, body and spirit!

Safety Helmet Sale Order Forms — will be in the Gathering Space next weekend, April 27/28. This is a non-profit program made available through The Brain Injury Association (BIA).

Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia Discussion Group will meet Friday, May 3^rd from 1-3 PM in the Adult Formation Room. Come, support one another and gain new perspectives on coping with these conditions. Family and friends are welcome. Call Joy Sullivan for more information at (810) 227-6372

The Wellness program meets on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30pm here at St. Mary Magdalen. (Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes.) Any questions, call Maureen Crowell (810) 227-3734, Pam Evancho (810) 227-0797 or Tammy Gless (810) 227-3392.

COMMUNITY LIFE IS SPONSORING A ROAD RALLY (an evening for adults only) on Saturday, May 11, beginning at 5:30pm. A reception will follow in the social hall. Sign up in the Gathering area!

Sponsor of the Week

Courtyard - Marriott

DRIVERS NEEDED - Please sign up to deliver our parish food contributions to St. Anne’s Catholic Church (SA) or Brown Evangelical Mission (BEM) in Detroit. Weekly deliveries are made on Sundays, after the 11 a.m. Mass. The sign up schedule for the months of May through July will be in the Gathering Space. If you have questions, please call Marilyn Farrington 810-229-2871.

Are you running out of room in your attic? Don’t need those junior high science projects any more? Are you still looking for a good home for the kid’s first golf clubs? St. Mary Magdalen K of C’s is coming to your rescue!! Sat. May 11, 9 AM -- 2 PM.

Bring your used tools, athletic equipment, car parts, camping gear, lawn equipment fishing gear; household items, PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!! to the parish parking lot, and rent a parking space for $10, funds will be used for parish and community projects. Refreshments served. NO reservations required. Questions, call Bob 810 227-6245 or Dan 810 229-7848.

"In Our Own Backyard"

Livingston County United Way/Family Independence Agency invites you to attend on April 30. Stop in anytime between 10 AM to 2 PM. Twenty-six different health and human service agencies will be on hand to share information on the programs and services they offer to the residents of Liv. Cty. For more information call Nancy Vicknair 517-548-0219.

The Catholic Youth Org. is accepting registrations now for summer camps. Enjoy the great outdoors while meeting new friends and just having lots of fun in a caring, Christian environment.

The Camps are located on Lake Huron near Port Sanilac, MI, and are open to youth ages 7 _ - 16. There are several sessions tochoose from and they fill up fast. Be one of the first to register by calling the CYO Parish Services and Camps Office 313-963-7172 Ext. 131. First Camp Session begins June 26, 2002.

CYO CAMP POSITIONS AVAILABLE!

The Catholic Youth Org. is now accepting applications for camp staff openings at their Camps near Port Sanilac, MI. Challenging opportunities are available for Administration, Counselors-in-Training, Group Counselors, Activity Specialists, Lifeguards and Camp Health Directors. Employment dates are June 17 to Aug. 3, 2002. All positions are paid, with room and board. Applicants must be at least 17 yrs. old. For more information, contact CYO Youth Services/Camps, 305 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 48226, or call 313-963-7172 ext. 168.

1^st grade registrations are as follows: All brothers & sisters of current students will be accepted first. New family student registrations will be processed as of date of family’s registration in St. Patrick Parish/or St. Mary Magdalen Parish and in accordance with St. Patrick School admissions policy.

New 1^st Graders will be invited to visit St. Pat’s present 1^st Grade Thurs. May 23, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. A parent meeting will be held at 6:30 PM in St. Pat’s Activities Building (gym). Registrations for 2^nd thru 8^th Grades accepted anytime. Call 810-229-7946 for any questions.

OLHSA — Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is currently looking for Respite Workers interested in working with our seniors. Duties include: Companionship, Light Housekeeping, and Meal Preparation. Interested persons should contact Linda Michele-Dobel — Senior Services Coordinator 517-546-8500. Flexible Hours, and Training Provided.