ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

This year, our diocese will begin to implement the seven goals of a pastoral plan. These goals embody the hopes and dreams expressed by almost 8,000 of our people. Our pledges and gifts to DSA support this vision that will direct our pastoral efforts over the next ten years as well as the many ministries of our Church.

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.

We read about the first novena in the first and second chapters of the Acts of the Apostles. At His ascension, Christ told His followers to prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit, so they waited and prayed for this great Gift for the nine days between the Ascension and Pentecost. Acts tells us that gathered together in the upper room were Mary the mother of the Lord Jesus, His apostles and disciples. On the ninth day, Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them with such power that it sounded like a loud rushing wind. It set those gathered "on fire" and moved them to begin proclaiming the Good News of the resurrection.

Over the centuries, other novenas have developed. Some pray for special gifts, others invoke the prayer or intercession of a particular saint. In every case they follow the pattern of the original novena: nine days of prayer.

The daily prayers are short (only a page) and each ends with a brief reflection for the day, like the little black books of Lent. All we ask is that you join your voice with many others to pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to rain upon God’s people, especially the new members of our Church and the people of St. Mary Magdalen!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Ryan Matta, Marianne Quada, Grace, 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.

Please remember in your prayers Reggie Dinser and family and Jim Keating and family in the death of Estelle Keating, their sister; and Joanne Nashar and family in the death of Mary Hankins, Joanne’s mother.

"The one who has faith in me will do the works I do, and far greater than these," Jesus tells his disciples. That’s quite an assignment for us as Christian stewards!

New to the SMM Library–A series of videos on the great religions of the world. Each 30 minute videotape addresses the origin, history, basic beliefs, and current status of a religion, including Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Protestantism. This is an excellent series which shows the universality of love for one’s neighbor throughout the world and gives hope that one day we may find peace among our brothers and sisters.

First Eucharist Pictures Taken

Sunday, April 28 Christine Reid, Barbara Lee

Saturday, May 4 Carol McGrath

Two years ago we made available a parish business directory. The goal of this directory is to provide a list of services to our community of fellow parishioner owned businesses. It is not an endorsement or guarantee of the goods or services provided. However, it is a way to support the business of our fellow parishioners.

REGISTRATION for FALL Religious Formation classes will be held this weekend after all Masses. New for next year is a Thursday 4:30 session! As usual, classes are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Medical forms need to be filled out for emergencies, so please have your child's medical records available. The days and session times for Religious Formation Classes are:

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 and6:30-8 Thursday 4:30-6:00 (NEW SESSION)

Thursday 6:30-8:00

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.

Rehearsal for First Eucharist is Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 pm. in Church. First Communion pictures are being taken Monday and Tuesday in Church.

Just a bit of e-mail humor- God grades on the cross, not the curve! Have a great week! 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 its not too early to begin preparing for his/her baptism. Call the parish office for a schedule of dates and times.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

"WHAT A GREAT FAITH LEARNING EXPERIENCE Sharing and learning more about my faith. Giving support and watching someone grow in their faith."

For more information on becoming a sponsor, call Ann Fraser, (517-545-9279).

Fr. Dave will be with us tonight to answer questions about our Catholic faith and traditions. If you would like to join us, come to the youth room from 7-9pm.

If you would like to be a part of the Relay for Life team, a sign up sheet is in the gathering area. You can also pick up a registration form and get more information. It is scheduled for May 17 and 18. This year we are teaming up with the Charity and Justice team.

If you are interested in participating in the National Relief Network program with us, call me for more information at 227-7937. A deposit of $50 is required to reserve your spot. It is due May 1.

The sweat shirts will be available this weekend after all the Masses. Adult sizes are $25 and children’s sizes are $15. Come and check them out.

Saturday May 18 from 9-3pm, we will be volunteering our time at the Mary Lou Brown Mission in Detroit.

What says summer better than a baseball game! Come join us Sunday June 23 at 2pm for a Lansing Lugnut Game. We are inviting the MUD families to Olds Park in Lansing. The cost is $8 per ticket. You can sign up for each event in the gathering area or by calling me at 227-7937.

Margaret Callaghan

Calling All Youth: 8^th to 12^th Grade students to a YOUTH RALLY at St. Joseph parish in Howell, Sat. May 11, 2002 from 9:45 AM to 11 PM. For those who have already made their confirmation this is an opportunity for continued growth in your faith. Meet with youth from area parishes to enjoy various speakers, skits, rockin’ music and of course lots of food. Featuring Fr. Carl Pung, St. Agnes in Fowlerville, Fr. Bill Ashbaugh, St. Joseph In Howell. Cost is $10. Register with Dan Beurkens 517-540-1087 or by email: moncasey@peoplepc.com.

TO ENCOUNTER CHRIST RETREAT (For Young Adults 17-24), sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing, is being held at Bethany House, Dewitt on May 25, 26 and 27, 2002. Hear faith-sharing presentations by different speakers, celebrate Mass, discuss in-depth issues of faith and life with peers. Call Fr. Matthew Fedewa, 517-342-2504 or 517-327-8884 to register.

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, please call the parish office to make arrangements. A contribution is usually made to pay for the cost of the bread and wine and all the other items that are needed for the celebration of the Liturgy.

The Health Ministry Team invites you to a "Brown Bag" Low-Fat Lunch Tuesday, May 14, 12:15pm here at St. Mary Magdalen. They’ll make you lunch–you bring your medications in a brown lunch bag! Meet with Dr. Laura Bogdanski, a parishioner and pharmacist, who will be on hand to meet with each of you to review your medication profile (upon your request). She’ll field questions regarding side effects, drug interactions, and the best times to administer your meds. This includes daily medications, over-the-counter meds and supplements. Also learn more from the American Heart Association regarding cholesterol, heart disease and stroke!

Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia Discussion Group will meet Friday, May 3^rd from 1-3PM in the Adult Formation Room at St. Mary Magdalen. 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

Give the Gift of Life — Organ & Tissue Donation information can be found in the pamphlet rack. Please explore this life giving choice and consider adding your name to the Michigan Organ & Donor Registry. Today, transplantation is a routine practice that can improve and even save the lives of those suffering with organ failure, bone defects, burns and blindness. Donating organs is an act of charity, fraternal love, and self sacrifice. John 15:13 reminds us that "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends". ref. Gift of Life Agency.

This week’s healthy habit: Eat 2 to 3 Fruits a Day! Fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, birth defects, diabetes, cataracts, diverticulosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and osteoporosis. Fruits contain Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Fiber. Fruits taste great! A serving of fruit is: 1 medium piece of fruit, _ cup or 6 ounces of 100% fruit juice, _ cup canned fruit, _ cup dried fruit.

Remember to continue the healthy habits from the past two weeks- physical activity and drinking eight cups of water a day.

The Wellness Program meets on Tuesday, April 30 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.

The St. Mary Magdalen Knights of Columbus in Brighton is sponsoring its 3^rd Annual Flea Market on Saturday, May 11, from 9am-2pm. Participants can rent a parking space for $10 and are encouraged to bring used tools, athletic equipment, car parts, camping gear, lawn equipment, boat parts, fishing gear, outdoor clothing, etc. Tailgate or bring your own table. Call in advance or just show up! Call Bob at 810-227-6245 or Dan at 810-229-7848 for details.

Our goal is to make available opportunities for families and singles, young and old, to come together in friendship in a Christian environment.

This ministry team organizes a monthly activity for our parish. All the members work together to plan the activity. If you have any ideas for activities that will bond our community, this is the ministry to join in and give your input.

Some of the activities in the past year were the Halloween Party, Mardi Gras, Road Rally. Upcoming will be the Annual Parish Picnic.

The community life members presently meet on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm. This commitment would be for a year’s service to your community.

WALDECKER

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 with any questions.

Please watch the bulletin for future announcements, or contact Steve Crowell, 810-227-3734 for more information.

In Our Own Backyard — Learn what services are growing in Livingston County — Tuesday, April 30, 10am to 2pm at the LESA Building, 1425 W. Grand River, Howell. 26 different health and human service agencies will be on hand to share information on the programs and services they offer to Livingston County residents. For more information, call Nancy 517-548-0219 or Jean at 810-494-3000.

TWO MILLION ROSARIES TO END ABORTION is a prayer event scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11, during the 8:00 a.m. hour. The hope is to accomplish an end to surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies. All are invited to join in at St. Mary Church, Westphalia for a rosary at 8:00 a.m.

Just a reminder! We are planning a Women’s Retreat at Weber Center in Adrian August 16-18. Please call the office to register. It is a very wonderful weekend to share, reflect and spend time together. If you have never participated in a retreat, think about joining us and sharing in this experience. Please call Sister Maryetta, at 229-8624 if you have any questions.

SENIOR SUMMER SCRIPTURE DAYS 2002 "Biblical Visions of Hope: God’s Universal Plan" is being presented by Dorothy Jonaitis, O.P., a Grand Rapids Dominican Sister. Cost for participants is $120. This year it is being held at St. Francis Retreat Center, Bethany House, in DeWitt on August 6, 7 and 8, 2002 or Weber Center on August 20, 21 and 22. Call Catholic Charities at 517-342-2458 for more information.

A CHANGING WORLD — People finding wisdom through Trauma, Grief, Reconciliation (a dynamic caregiver’s conference) will be held at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing Thursday and Friday, May 30-31, 2002. It is open to all interested persons. Call Susan Zimmerman at 517-339-7964 with questions.

Mother/Daughter Retreat — May 10-11, 2002 will be facilitated by Fr. Larry Delaney and Jane Sessions and daughters at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. It will include prayer, liturgy, presentations, quiet time and opportunities for sharing. Cost is $70/person, with a $20 non-refundable registration fee requested. Call St. Francis Retreat Center at 1-866-669-8321 for more information or to register.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter — Keeping in Shape? Are you exercising and dieting, jogging, swimming, and playing tennis to stay fit and trim? What are you doing to keep your marriage in good shape? Why not try a Marriage Encounter weekend? A weekend is scheduled for June 21-23. Call 1-888-628-7433 for more information or to register.

Fundraiser — The Father Patrick Jackson House Program, serving homeless pregnant and parenting adolescents and their children is planning a fundraiser and request your support. Their annual Tee for Tots Golf Scramble, with a Raffle Drawing will be held June 7, 2002 at Reddeman Farms Golf Club in Chelsea. First prize for the drawing is a week vacation at a castle in Ireland. Those interested in participating or who would like to make a donation can contact Tina Meagher at 734-761-1440.