DIOCESAN SERVICES APPEAL This weekend, all 95 parishes across the Diocese of Lansing began the annual Diocesan Services Appeal or DSA. The monetary pledges and gifts collected in this appeal fund over 30 different services offered by the larger, diocesan Church.

There are many services that help parishes like ours accomplish their missions. So much is supported by our pledge or gift. This year our goal is $51,850. I ask all of us to be as generous as our means allow. Thanks!

THANKS & PRAISE Over Easter Week, our parish was host to the homeless of Livingston County. While we had only a few guests in our spiritual home, many individuals and families were a part of our effort to host them.

On Monday morning, I had the chance to wish our guests goodbye just before they left. They were very grateful to all those who had a part in making their necessary stay with us comfortable and congenial. If fact, they were very impressed and pleased.

So I would like to pass this along, with my sincere congratulations to all those who were a part of this effort. I would like to thank all those who provided leadership to this effort: especially our deacon, Dave Scharf, Ann Frazer, Jan Carpenter and members of our Charity & Justice Team. They were responsible for coordinating this effort and organizing all the volunteers.

Thanks to all those who brought in food, preparing and serving dinner and breakfast and making lunch for our guests to take with them. Thanks to those who ate with our guests, visited with them, played cards with them, looked after their needs, provided rides and spent the night.

While I am sure that none did this for any other reason than the love of God, you all deserve thanks and praise. You were a wonderful credit to the spirit of our parish. Well done!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please remember in your prayers Shirley Caster and family in the death of Ann Hare, Shirley’s sister, and Joyce Gonda and family in the death of Joyce’s grandfather, Ernest McManus.

2. Kevin McDevitt & Theresa Kight

Liturgies for the Week

9:00 am > Frank Dinda

9:00 am V Louise Churches

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Lena, John Colombo, Mike Beauchamp, Alexander VanRiper, Elsie Whetter, Linda Lambert, John, Lanore Chisholm, Adam Weitzel, Elmer VanWagner, Jim Manetta, Matthew Holthus, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Jason Summers, Thomas Dimaggio, Yvette Lagimodiere, Joey Boyd, Bill Hare, Merrick, Jack Bitterle, Tony Pasienza, Diana Jox, Jack Mekjian, Paul Duff, Carol, Gregory, Norman VanDerBrouck, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Toni Brenneman, Derrick Day, Dante, Bonnie Doty, Lane Combs, Ralph Helmer, Joanne Fournier, Bev Zizka, Tyler Ward, Mike, Linda Nagle, Thomas Payne, Danielle Snowgold, Bishop Povish, John Pepa, Margaret Resconich, Joanna Bloese, Russ Gardner, Pete, Cornelius Smits, Matt Even, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

Wednesday, May 3 Pete Happley, Gene DiValentin Thursday, May 4 Deb Happley, Sue Bumpus

Saturday, May 6 Janet Gentner, Kathy Stegmaier

Bicycle Safety Fair Monday April 30 at 6PM here at St. Mary Magdalen! Please bring your bikes, helmets, friends and relatives!! Trooper DeVries from the Michigan State Police will be here with Safety Tips and The Knights of Columbus will be conducting Bicycle Safety Check-ups!! Practice your bicycling safety skills on a mock course. The Design-A-Helmet contest winners will be announced. Enter the free raffle and enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Hope to see you there!!!

You Are Invited! To BeFriender Ministry Information Night on May 15, 7-9 pm. in the Adult Formation Room. Attending the information night is not a commitment, but a chance to explore and ask questions about BeFriender Ministry.

The Information Night will focus on ~What is BeFriender Ministry? ~ What is its background, purpose, future? ~ What is involved in the training? ~ What is expected, and how much time will it take? If you can attend, or would like more information, please contact Donna Rushak (810) 229-4590, or Judy Scharf (248) 889-0274.

Last week I had the opportunity to work with both our Youth Group and 32 of our Confirmation Candidates as they helped with the REACH program here at church. They were in charge of set up, dinner, clean up, and in between they helped me with various tasks. If you need a good job done with two great groups, these are the ones to call!! After dinner they visited with our guests, and I am not sure who entertained whom! I would like to thank our High School youth on service done with loving hearts, and for all their hard work in cleaning up.

Religious Education/Formation parents are all encouraged to answer the surveys as they drop off/pick up their children this week, as we need your feedback on some possibilities for our programs next year! Eighth and ninth grade parents are encouraged to drop off their surveys in the office or give them to the catechists.

Don’t forget, May 3^rd is our final Religious Ed class for this year!

Next week is our First Eucharist weekend! Please keep all our First Communicants in your prayers as they come to the table for the first time.

Thanks! Mary

Beginning tonight and continuing throughout the month of May, we will be discussing relationship and dating issues.

Graduating seniors and your families, mark your calendar for Sunday, June 3. At the 9am. Mass you will be recognized and honored. Following Mass there will be a graduation breakfast for all graduates and their families. Wear your cap and gown!

Our teens are involved with the 24 Hour Relay for Life Cancer fundraiser. It takes place at Brighton High School’s track May 18 starting 6pm to May 19 6pm. If you are interested in being part of our team, please let me know. We set up camp and spend the full 24 hours there. It has always been a lot of fun.

Our Young Neighbors in Action team will participate in an overnight retreat May 4 & 5. We will be preparing for our trip this summer learning about service and justice. We will be doing service Saturday morning in Detroit at the Mary Lou Brown Mission. If you are an interested adult wanting to be a part of this wonderful experience, call me so we can talk about your involvement.

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

Monday May 7, we are going over to Ashley Court to help the residents play bingo. Sign up sheet is in the gathering space.

Margaret Callaghan

During Easter week, Jim and I had an opportunity to take a few days and go out west. On the return flight I looked out the window and could see the shadow of the plane on a fluffy white cloud–what a unique experience. It seemed to form a cross in the sky. It’s strange to find yourself above the clouds. It gave me a new perspective. Many of our experiences seem to do just that -- give us a new way of looking at life and discovering that God is ever present in all of them.

Beginning May 3, we will have an opportunity to look at Paul’s letters and the message they brought to an early Church as well as today’s. This nine week study of the "Captivity Letters" will begin at 10:00 am. Daycare is available. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area. Please consider joining us.

On Monday, May 14, Sr. Maryetta and I will facilitate the first of a six week program on grief entitled, "A New Day". If you or someone you know has recently lost someone close to them, please consider joining us in Bethlehem chapel at 7:30 p.m.

New house? New baby? New car? Remember the excitement and joy? Remember wanting to tell everyone in sight? If you have some of that same enthusiasm about your faith, then maybe you should consider joining the ADULT FORMATION AND EVANGELIZATION TEAM (commonly referred to as the "E" Team). Promoting, inviting and sharing the "good news" through assorted adult programs and activities are the focus of this group. For more information call me (229-8624) in the parish office or see one of our team members in the gathering area this weekend.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

PASTORAL COUNCIL - Wishing you could talk about something besides kids? Looking for a challenge among adults? Do you consider yourself a visionary? The Pastoral Council works closely with Father Dave to determine the direction of Saint Mary Magdalen. They meet monthly on the third Wednesday and each member is a liaison to another ministry team. Enter your name for the election (Drawing) which will take place on Pentecost Sunday (June 4).

We've just made a "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" mobile. On May 12, 2001 come test your trivia and driving skills while motoring throughout greater Livingston County. There will be a gathering following the completion of the Road Rally. Sign up sheets are in the back of church. Please register by May 5, 2001. This event limited to Adults only...Any questions, call Mike Christie (810) 229-7557.

CHARITY OF THE MONTH: URGENT - LACASA may lose a $400,000 challenge grant awarded from the Kresge Foundation to help build a $2.5 million shelter for children/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. More information is in the Gathering Area along with pledge cards and envelopes. In addition 25% of the April Alms monies will go to this cause.

PARENTING CLASS sponsored by Livingston County Catholic Social Services will be held Thursdays, May 3, 10, 17 & 24, from 12:30-2pm at the Livingston County Health Department in Howell. This class is for primary caretakers and supportive partners of infants up to 12 months old. Babies are welcome. The fee is $10 per session. Scholarships are available. For more information, or to register, call 517-545-5944.

Sponsor of the Month

England Real Estate

FR. GABRIEL RICHARD HIGH SCHOOL will benefit when Thomas Kinkade, "Painter of Light" and Lighthouse Gallery come together to create and auction off an original oil painting on May 12, 2001, at the Lighthouse Gallery in Okemos. Mention Fr. Gabriel Richard High School at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor, Lansing or Okemos between now and May 12 and the gallery will donate 10% of your painting/print purchase to Fr. Gabriel Richard. Mr. Kinkade will personally sign all purchases made at any Lighthouse Gallery between now and May 12. Call Greg at 734-827-2922 for further information.