ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Our parish goal is $53,818. So far, we have heard from 226 households. Their gifts and pledges total $57,423.

Despite the fact that it looks like DSA will fall short of its diocesan-wide goal, I am very grateful to you for all your generous support!!

We especially thank: Mary Mahar, our director of Religious Ed; all our catechists and their assistants; Sr. Maryetta and all those who prayed for our youth as they prepared for the Holy Eucharist.

I will be celebrating Confirmation this Wednesday at St. Mary in Pinckney and next Wednesday at St. Patrick in Brighton.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Mary Lou Haney, Renee, Karen Zapalski, Judy LaGrow, Marianne Quada, Grace, Becky Wilson, Kyle Happley, Bob Stecewicz, Mike Beauchamp, Jody, Lee Barker, 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 Yvonne Prise and family in the death of Louise Mullen, Yvonne’s mother; and Linda Alvey and family in the death of Rose Scodellaro, Linda’s mother.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus prays, "I have given You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do." Good stewards follow His example by using their time and talents for the glory of God.

Bishop Mengeling and a panel of experts in psychology, social work and law enforcement will be here to address the continuing revelations of the abuse by priests of children and minors. The evening will include information on the issue and time for participants to ask questions of the bishop and the panel. We will open and close the evening with prayer for the healing of all those injured by abuse. The meeting is open to everyone in our region. Our parish will host the evening on Sunday, May 19 from 7 to 8:30 pm.

Last weekend our Parish had 74 more children join us at the table for First Eucharist! This is always my favorite weekend of the year! Not because things slow down when it is all over, but as I tell the parents, we have been preparing the children not for a day, but for the rest of their lives to share in the Eucharist! It is so moving to see the families come from all over to be together to celebrate. It is so beautiful to see the flowers of all kinds around the table to represent each and every different family. It is wonderful to see our future lectors as they read the petitions and our future ministers as they set the table for our Celebration!

This week we had a dinner to thank our Catechists, Aides, RCIA Catechist Team, Children’s Liturgy of the Word Presiders, and our Parent Youth Group Leaders. These wonderful folks work so hard to make our Faith come alive to those they minister to! They do much more than just show up for class. They attend training classes, meet on the off days to plan lessons, talk with parents and come up with ideas to make their presentations come alive in class. If you haven’t already, take the time to thank these dedicated people in our parish for all that they do. I know I am thankful for all you do for the youth and adults in our Parish!

For those of you who need to register for Religious Education classes for the fall, we will be taking registrations in the office only on the Wednesdays in May. You may come to the office between 10am-8pm.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! We are going on a Bug Safari, where kids catch the buzz about God’s love! JWJ - Journey with Jesus — (our summer Vacation Bible School) will be held here at St. Mary Magdalen July 29-August 2! Youth in grades 6 and up are encouraged to come and help in the program!!

What better way to give back to God for all that we have than to help those in need and who are struggling. If you are interested in participating in the National Relief Network program with us, call me for more information at 227-7937. There are still plenty of spaces left.

If you did not purchase a sweatshirt these past weekends but still would like one, you can call me at 227-7937. Adult sizes are $25 and children’s sizes are $15.

GRADUATING SENIORS and your family are invited to attend a breakfast in your honor on June 2, after the 9am liturgy. Come wearing your cap and gown that morning. A sign up sheet is in the gathering area for you to register your family for the breakfast.

Due to the busy schedule of May, we will not meet again on Sunday evenings until June 2.

If you are interested in helping with the planning of our MUD activities for next year, you are invited to a meeting on Wednesday May 15 at 7:30pm. We will discuss possible activities and dates.

Margaret Callaghan

On Tuesday, May 14 the Health Ministry Team will be making lunch for the Retirees. Our 12:15 p.m. program will include time with Dr. Laura Bogdanski, parishioner and pharmacist, who will answer any questions we might have regarding drug interactions and side effects. Please mark your calendar and join us for a very special afternoon.

Attention mothers of twins: May 17 at 9:30am will be our first meeting in the Adult Formation Room. For more information call Mary Day 810-632-7690 or Jenny Ross 810-227-5256.

Don’t forget to help us finish our prayer quilts, located in the worship area, by saying a prayer for the recipient as you tie a knot.

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!

Coping For Mind & Body — Please join us immediately after the 7pm Healing Mass Wednesday, May 29. Elaine M. Tripi PhD, a counseling psychologist, will facilitate this program on illness, forgiveness, and spirituality. Even if you were unable to attend the first session in this two-part mini-series, participation in the second session is sure to be of benefit. May the Ultimate Healer bring us all healing and peace.

The Wellness Program will be meeting, Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30pm here at St. Mary Magdalen. (Come early if you would like to walk before the meeting). Any questions, call Maureen Crowell (810) 227-3734, Pam Evancho (810) 227-0797 or Tammy Gless (810) 227-3392.

This week’s healthy habit: Drink or eat 2 to 3 servings of low-fat dairy products a day. A serving of dairy is 1 cup of milk, skim, 1% or 2% (use whole milk before age 2), one-cup fat free or low-fat yogurt, 1 _ ounces low-fat or fat free cheese.

Osteoporosis can cause pain and crippling while the bones become porous and easily breakable. Osteoporosis affects both men and women. Dairy products contain calcium, protein, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. These play an important role in building and maintaining your bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

St. Vincent Home for Children in Lansing, MI. We will be leaving at 8:30 am on Monday, May 13 from the church parking lot. The tour begins at 9:30 and we should be back to St. Mary Magdalen before 12 noon. Contact Margaret Callaghan 227-7937or Jan Carpenter 810-227-5269 if you plan to attend.

National Relief Network: Attend a week of service work. Members of our parish can participate in a service project to help poor people recover from some natural disaster. It is likely we will be going to North Carolina where Hurricane Floyd went through in 1998. There are still thousands of homes, which need repair or demolition, and people are living in temporary Federal housing.

Our trip, by motor coach, is scheduled for the week of Sunday, July 14 thru Sat., July 20. Our group would make up one team. The cost is about $325 per person, which covers the bus, food, and lodging (at a local church camp, school, or someplace similar). Fund raising opportunities are available to cover individual’s costs. One day of the trip is for relaxing and scheduled sightseeing. Any questions contact Jan Carpenter at 810-227-5269.

Sponsor of the Week

Wilson Tent Services

ST. PAT’S 27^TH ANNUAL SHAMROCK FESTIVAL takes place Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10am. Win prizes! Purchase your raffle drawing tickets today (Grand prize is a choice of Ford 4 x 4 Ford Ranger or $20,000 cash). Second prize is a one-week conversion van rental. Third prize is $1,000 cash, with $500 cash prizes for 4, 5 and 6 places. Spaghetti dinner begins at 5:00pm. Call 229-9863 for more information.

"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 & 8, 2002. Also at Weber Center on August 20, 21 and 22 For more details and information call Catholic Charities 517-342-2458.

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 to choose 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.

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.

The ARC of Livingston County, an agency serving persons with developmental disabilities, needs volunteers to help with social events, transporting people to work, doctor appointments, church, shopping, social and sporting events. Also needed are people to help out in the office, answering phones, mailings, etc. Call Sandy Bader 517-546-1228, with questions or to volunteer.

Keeping in Shape? Are you exercising and dieting, jogging, swimming, and playing tennis to stay fit and trim? Why not try a Marriage Encounter weekend? Our next Weekend will be June 21-23, 2002. Call 1-888-628-7433 for more information or to register.

WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER announces this ongoing workshop series on Thursdays, May 21 through June 11 from 7-8:30pm. Learn how to respect your own personality and your own abilities and express yourself confidently. This workshop will help you gain an understanding of the behaviors and attitudes of others while becoming more comfortable meeting and making new friends in a friendly, inviting, and safe atmosphere. The workshop fee is $30 for the entire series in advance or $7.50 per week. Call (810) 227-9960 to register.