ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

THE FEAST of the LAMB I hope you have noticed our newest icon hanging on the cross in the Gathering Area. It was commissioned for the Blessed Sacrament Chapel as a gift to honor the memory of Louise Churches (Sr. Maryetta’s mom).

The icon is based on Revelations 4-5. In these two chapters, John has a vision of heaven in which he sees Jesus, the Lamb of God, enthroned as the victor. If you look closely, you will see the scroll with its seven seals under the leg of the lamb on the throne. This scroll, the Book of Life, contains the names of those destined to be saved, around the throne are the four creatures who represent the four Evangelists: Matthew (the lion), John (the eagle), Luke (the ox) and Mark (the man).

The icon will remain in the Gathering area for a few more weeks; then on April 21, we will bless it and hang it in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

DSA 2002! Next weekend we begin our annual Diocesan Services Appeal. As Linda Nagle, our DSA chair, mentioned today, this collection funds over 120 different services in our larger diocesan Church. Most of these services support the work of our 95 parishes (including our own). It also provides a number of important services to a much broader community beyond parish boundaries: from campus ministry to prison ministry; from social services to migrant services.

I would invite you to join me in making a gift or a pledge to DSA. It is truly an investment in the future!

MARY MAGDALEN Some may be wondering about the statue of MM, which would normally have been placed in the Gathering area. Well, she’s gone for a face-lift.

The sculptor was not pleased with his work, and asked to take her back to his studio to do some more work on the statue. So the "new, revised Mary Magdalen" will return in time for her feast day at the end of July.

Fr. Dave Howell

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

Please remember in your prayers, Pete DuPuis and

family, in the death of Betty DuPuis, Pete’s mother; and Greg Milosek and family in the death of Raymond Milosek, Greg’s father.

Jesus meets the need of each disciple. To the fearful in the upper room, He speaks works of peace. To doubting Thomas, He provides the tangible proof of His resurrection. What do I need to become His disciple? What do I have to share that might meet someone else’s need?

Every year about this time, Bishop Mengeling asks for our help to support the ministries and services provided by the Diocese of Lansing through the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA). You will soon receive information in the mail that will help to explain how this money is used throughout the 10-counties of our diocese. I urge you to look at this information and discover for yourself what a worthy cause DSA is. Last year, St. Mary Magdalen raised $ 62,800 for DSA. Our goal this year is $ 53,818. I know that some families can afford to give generously and others will have to make smaller gifts, but I would encourage all of our registered families to consider a gift to the DSA. I would also ask each of you to pray for the success of the DSA, because of the many ministries and programs that the DSA funds every year. This once-a-year appeal asks all of us to consider making a small sacrifice in order to support our many diocesan ministries.

Classes for Religious Formation resume this week! The 6th grade class of Mr. & Mrs. Tuthill that normally meets on Wednesday at 6:30 will be meeting instead at 5pm on April 10 this week only. Fr. Dave will be giving the Wednesday 6th grade classes a tour of the Church to compare our traditions with our Jewish Heritage and talk about the similarities between the Jewish Temple we saw on our field trip and our Church.

First Eucharist: mark your calendars- the retreat for all Candidates and their parents is Saturday, April 27 from 10am-1:30 pm, and rehearsal for First Eucharist is Thursday, May 2 at 6:30pm. in Church. Parents of children celebrating First Eucharist here who are interested in having First Communion pictures taken are asked to sign up for a time on April 29, 30. Sign up sheets are posted in the gathering area. Anderson Photography will take pictures.

Thanks, Mary

R.E.A.C.H. We are in need of overnight and evening drivers volunteers, (overnights) 1 female & 1 male-Monday, April 15th, Wednesday, April 17th & Thursday, April 18th & 1 female or 1 male-Friday, April 19th & (evening drivers) 2- Saturday, April 20th. Call Ann Fraser @517-545-9279 or Jan Carpenter @810-227-5269.

Here is a list of the food items we need for the R.E.A.C.H. PROGRAM. They are: 3-8 oz. cream cheese, 2 lbs. turkey, 2 lbs. salami, 3 lbs. pears, & 24 pack/snack size chips. Anyone who would like to donate, please call Ann Fraser 517-545-9279 or Jan Carpenter 810-227-5269.

On April 13 and 14, we will be having a bake sale and also selling St. Mary Magdalen sweatshirts. Adult sizes are $25 and child sizes are $15. There will be some for immediate purchase and order forms to purchase more.

July 14-21 we are scheduled to participate with the National Relief Network, an organization committed to bringing large numbers of volunteers to state and federally declared disaster areas for the purpose of helping families in their efforts to rebuild their homes, communities and their lives. April 14, Scott Harding, from NRN, will be here to talk to us about the trips he plans and the work NRN does. I invite you and your parents to come and join us that evening from 7-9pm in the youth room. He will be able to answer any and all questions.

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

Our next activity is scheduled for Sunday, April 21. We will be participating in a Flick and Float at Howell Aquatic center. The cost is $3.50 per person, snacks and drink will be included. A sign up sheet will be in the gathering area.

Margaret Callaghan

CPR Classes — The Saint Mary Magdalen Health Ministry Team is offering two upcoming CPR classes. The dates are as follows, Saturday, April 20, and Monday, April 22. Both classes begin at 10:00 am in the Adult Formation Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church and will last 3-4 hours. Please call the Church Office @ 229-8624 to register. This class Does Not meet requirements if you need certification for your place of employment.

Wellness Program. Join members of St. Mary Magdalen Health Ministry and fellow parishioners as we begin a 6-week wellness program. Take the first step toward a healthier you by adding a different healthy habit each week. Receive support and encouragement to improve your health and manage your weight. Come to the wellness program kick off at 7:00 pm on Sunday, April 14 at St. Mary Magdalen. Any questions call Maureen Crowell (810) 227-3734, Pam Evancho (810) 227-0797 or Tammy Gless (810) 227-3392.

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.

Mystery Theatre: The Knights of Columbus, St. Mary Magdalen Church, is presenting a special "adult evening out" of dining and the live presentation of the "Mystery of the Forgery Fortune" (formerly known as "Murder of the Millennium) by Will Taylor Productions on Saturday, April 20. A tale of intrigue, false identities, and plenty of plot twists and turns promise to make this a mystery to die for! The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. in the church social hall. Dinner will be catered by Perriez Custom Catering of Milford. (Note: This production includes audience participation and simulated gunshots!) $25 per person, table of six $150, table of eight $190. Limited seating. RSVP by April 10. Call 810-229-2045 for information or see the poster in the gathering space.

RELAY FOR LIFE St. Mary Magdalen will host a team for the upcoming Livingston County Relay for Life, May 17-18, 2002, at the Brighton High School Track.

Our spring scripture study will begin Thursday, April 11. We will be exploring the last of the Gospels, The Gospel of John. Written later than the three synoptic gospels, it has a style and imagery that is both unique and thought provoking. Whether this is your first Bible study or one of many, this should be challenging and exciting. Registration forms will be in the gathering area next weekend.

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.

As more and more parents call me with twins to register for baptism I’ve begun to question whether we should be starting our own Parents of Twins Support Group. If you are the parent of twins and might be interested, please give me a call in the parish office.

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.

To be included in the directory, please fill out one of the information forms in the Gathering Area and drop it into the collection or give to Jim Chevelier or Deacon Dave.

If you have any questions please call the office, 229-8624.

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.

Sponsor of the Week

The Hartland Nimble Thimble

If you are a business owner, or just a loving person at heart, consider a donation to the Silent Auction for Pregnancy Helpline. Their annual banquet and auction will be held April 18 at Bakers in Milford. This is the major fundraising event for the ministry which serves mothers and their children, born and unborn. Any type of donation, product or service can be given for use in this auction. Your generosity can help Pregnancy Helpline to continue to do God’s work with these families. Please call 810-632-5656 for more information on how to donate or contact Denise Schifko 810-632-5546.

Catholic Legislative Day, Wednesday, April 17, 2002, hosted by the Diocese of Lansing will take place at St. Mary’s Cathedral Hall, 228 N. Walnut Street, Lansing, Mi. Take the opportunity to gather, discuss issues and meet with your state legislators. The day begins at 9:30am and ends at 2:30pm. The fee is $7.00, which includes lunch. The deadline to register is April 1, 2002. Call Mike Liberato (517) 342-2466 for more information and to register.

"WOMEN IN PRAISE OF THE SACRED" is a day of reflection for women of all ages. It will be held Saturday, April 20, 2002 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at St. Mary’s Church in Durand. The cost of $20 includes breakfast, snack and lunch; sponsored in part by the Diocesan Council on Women’s Concerns. Any questions contact Mary Newman (810) 720-0280.

Prisoner Pen Pals: This program is an integral part of the Restorative Justice Ministry, and provides spiritual and emotional support to prisoners through letters. Many prisoners are in need of encouragement. Reach out to our brothers in prison by volunteering to write. We especially need male volunteers. The letter writing is closely monitored. To find out more, call Angela at 517-342-2494 for our guidelines and application.

Diocesan Assistance Program is a service provided by the Bishops’ Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs to assist you with substance/abuse referrals, speakers, and program resources. Call toll-free pager 517-340-2920.

Bring your child to Maplegrove Children’s Programs. They are fun, free, and have important messages for children. Growing up in a society where there is alcohol or other drug abuse, or family stresses can be confusing and difficult for a child. The program is on Thursday evenings (six weeks) held at St. Joseph School in Howell from April 18-May 23, 2002. For more information contact Renee Kruse at Livingston County Catholic Social Services (517) 545-5944.

The Flint-Ann Arbor Worldwide Marriage Encounter will be hosting its Third Annual Card Party at St. Mary Magdalen on Sunday, April 21 from 7-10pm. All encounter couples are invited for fun, games, and snacks, RSVP to Beth Monte (810) 227-7468.

WE CARE Communication and Relationship Enhancement Program is a marriage prep program sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing, Catholic Charities and Livingston Catholic Social Services. It teaches how to communicate, how to resolve conflict and reduce arguments, how to solve problems, how to keep intimacy a part of your relationship, how to develop skills to maintain commitment and understanding. The next one scheduled is at St. Pat’s, Brighton, April 22 & 23, 2002, from 6:30-9:30pm. For more information contact Margaret Henne at 810-229-9863.

The primary focus of the Cursillo Movement is on evangelization. Therefore, candidates must be practicing Catholics who want to enrich their appreciation and understanding of our Catholic faith. Please contact Maria Jaimez in Adrian (517) 265-2720 with any questions or concerns.