MEMORIAL DAY is our national holiday to honor all those who died defending freedom and justice. It began as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War and has since been expanded to include all those who have died in military service, law enforcement and fire fighters.

Back when I was a kid, my grandparents called it Decoration Day because the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated with a small flag. But for my grandfather, it was important that we go to the cemetery to decorate all the graves of family members with flowers.

For many people, this holiday has had that dual meaning: honoring fallen soldiers as well as all those who have died. For those who would like to join in prayer for all the dead, the Memorial Day Liturgy will be celebrated Monday, May 27 at 9 AM.

CONGRATULATIONS! We would like to offer our best wishes to Al Rushak, Kathy Heatley, Katie Barazsu and Maggie Rife. Along with Megan Hillman (from the youth), they were chosen to serve for three years on our Pastoral Council.

THE GRAND MARSHALL! We would like to congratulate Ed Prise (also known to many in Hartland as Mr. Soccer!) On Monday, he will be the Grand Marshall for Hartland’s Memorial Day Parade. (Remember Ed, smile!!)

In the back parking lot we are adding the lights we neglected to install four years ago. As we finished the building process, we decided to pave all of the parking area needed for both the first phase of construction (the present building) and for the future (when we build the permanent church). Because the back section of the parking lot is so dark we decided to rectify the situation by adding the lights.

Finally, the roof is being replaced. Due to contractor errors and architectural miscalculations, our roof was not adequate. Ventilation problems have been corrected and now we are replacing the roof. We are also covering the whole roof with a special ice and water shield. The contractors are covering most of the cost and the parish the rest.

We are able to do these "extras" thanks to all those who generously support our parish!

Fr. Dave Howell

Homes are needed for students from many different countries for the coming school year and also for French and Spanish teenagers who will be coming to Michigan for 4 weeks this summer between June 28 and August 9. Students will be here to learn our culture and improve their English on a first-hand basis. Sponsored by Nacel Open Door, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting international understanding at the family level. For more information, call the National office at 800-622-3553 or visit the web site at www.geocities.com/nacelod.

E-mail: lccss@voyager.net

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.

(Call 517-668-3747 or www.BethanyHouseRC.org for registration information on any of these opportunities.)

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Marie Seagel, Laura, Pat Fuller, Jessica, Ninfa Aragona, Nancy Sharpy, Mary Lou Haney, Renee, Karen Zapalski, Judy LaGrow, 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, and Donovan.

The Gospel today is sometimes called "the Gospel in miniature: because it so concisely sums up the Gospel message. In even more condensed for, "God loved…God gave…" it is the paradigm for stewardship — we give because we love.

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.

Bishop Mengeling has asked everyone to observe Friday, June 7 as a day of prayer and penance for the healing of all the victims of abuse.

June 7 is the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the feast that celebrates His mercy and love, revealed in His passion, death and resurrection.

Our observance will begin with the Liturgy of the Sacred Heart at 9 am in the church. As the Liturgy closes, the Blessed Sacrament will be brought to Holy Cross Chapel (near the offices). All those who are able, are asked to come and spend time in prayer petitioning the Lord for the gift of healing. The time of quiet prayer will end with a special Prayer for Healing Service at 5 PM.

Whether you can come to church or not, please take some time to pray on June 7 for the healing of the victims and for the Church. We are also asked to join penance to our prayer. These penitential practices can take the form of fasting, abstinence, works of charity or self —denial.

For those of you who need to register for Religious Education classes for the fall, we will be taking registrations this Wednesday. You may come to the office between 10am-8pm. You will need to give us two choices as many of the classes and the Family Program are filling up! The Family Program meets twice a month on Sunday mornings and we gather together with our families! Call me at 229-8624 for more information.

Many people have been asking me about working with our children in the fall! We train everyone who works in our formation classes and will start the training at the end of August this year. If you are interested in helping in the program in the fall we need help in many different ways. Call or stop by my office for more information. If you prefer to help at a certain session or grade, let me know now!

Catechist training opportunities dates are already set for the fall. Mark your calendars for Monday, September 6, and Saturday, September 28.

I’d like to share with you a parable written by one of our Thursday 3^rd graders: Leah L. wrote-"The Kingdom of God is like a small acorn growing into a big huge tree. It’s like a flower or rainbow that’s quiet and beautiful. It is also special like a family. It’s a nice place like your home. So all put together, it’s big, quiet, beautiful, nice, peaceful, and special!" And with that thought, have a great week!

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!!

The weather was cold, but with everyone’s warm heart (and the added warmth of Bill Ross’s Trailer…Thanks Bill) we had a great time.

See you back next year!

P.S. If there are any member’s with donations that haven’t been turned in, please call Steve Crowell, at 810-227-3734 and they will be picked up.

Mark your calendars for Fri. June 14, when we will be having our end of the year picnic-pool party from 5-10 pm. at Andrea Nashar’s home in Brighton. I will have directions at next week’s meeting on June 2. Note: There is no meeting tonight.

Graduating seniors and your families can sign up for the senior graduation breakfast, which will take place after the 9am Mass next weekend, June 2. Registration is a must by calling the office.

You can still purchase sweatshirts. The cost for sweatshirts is $25 for adult sizes and $15 for child’s sizes. You can call me at 227-7937.

If you are interested in participating in the National Relief Network program, call me so I can talk with you. We will be going July 14-20, most likely to Kentucky, where we will be helping with clean up after a tornado that devastated a poor community. Scott Harding has established a relationship with the people of this small town and says they are very grateful.

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

August 24, in the parking lot of Walters Appliance on Grand River, we are scheduled to have our annual car wash, from 9am to 3pm. More information and sign up sheets will be out in early August.

Our First Annual Quilt Show in the Barn will take place on Sunday, June 9^th from 10 to 4 in the parish barn. Sample quilts from all seven years of our Scripture and Stitches will be on display as well as quilts we have made for family and friends to commemorate special occasions. There will be refreshments and quilt-related activities for children in the pavilion.

The next meeting of the Twins Play Group is Monday, June 10, at 10:00 a.m., in the Adult Formation Room and Nursery. If you have questions or want more information please call Mary Day at 810-632-7690 or Jennie Ross at 810-227-5256.

On June 11 at 12:15 p.m., the Retirees’ Lunch Bunch will celebrate the summer birthdays in the Adult Formation Room. Bring your sack lunch and join us for cake and coffee.

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

Coming in September, you will have an opportunity to become part of Renew 2000. Set aside time now — it will mean a revitalized community for us all.

Sponsor of the Week

Yoga Center for Healthy Living, LLC

May 30, Thurs., at 7 PM, we will be meeting in the Adult Formation Room. We will walk through the gardens, and discuss this year’s plans for planting.

Coping For Mind & Body — Please join us at St. Mary Magdalen 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 of 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.

Chronic Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet Friday June 7 from 1-3pm at St Mary Magdalen, Brighton. We invite you to come and gain new perspectives on living with these conditions. Family & friends are welcome. Call Joy Sullivan for more information at (810) 227-6372.

Safety Helmets Are Here! Please pick up your order in the Social Hall! Thanks!

Come and join us for Mass. A picnic lunch and games will be provided following the noon Mass.

For further information call 419-396-7107 or visit the website listed above.

Saturday, June 1 Carol McGrath

Livingston County Catholic Social Services (LCCSS) served over 1,600 people, in the program areas of Counseling, Family Life Education, Senior Resource Advocacy and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, during the past year?

Shelter the Homeless. While Jesus may not have had anywhere to lay his head, the Catholic Church recognizes that one of the most significant contributions to human misery is the lack of a safe home. You can work to provide homes for others, but can also help others to feel at home with you. Here are some suggestions:

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. Contact Jan Carpenter at -227-5269.

The Second Annual Flag & Holy Item Retirement Campaign — Livingston County Catholic Home School, Girl Scout Troop 911 & Cub Scout Pack 353, will be collecting your tattered/soiled flags and unwanted or broken Holy items. VFW post 3671 will retire the flags in a beautiful ceremony on Flag Day. Father Dave will retire the Holy items, in a reverent ceremony. Please place flags or holy items in the appropriate boxes in the gathering area thru May 31. Any questions or concerns please contact Kate or Sam Oliveri 517-546-4091.

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.

CELEBRATING THE RHYTHMS OF LIFE (Cancer Survivor’s Day) will be celebrated Sunday, June 9, 2002, 1-4pm at Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building in Ann Arbor. All cancer survivors, family, friends and healthcare providers are welcome to attend. The event is free and open to the public. Call 800-742-2300 category 6275.

Come and join us in an evening of fun? St. Joseph Parishioners in Howell are planning to see this fabulous circus, at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Friday, June 28. The price of $96 per person includes circus tickets, dinner and bus transportaiton. We will depart from St. Joseph at 2 PM and return approximately at 8:30 PM. Make reservations NOW by calling Lita at 517-546-0090 ext. 106.

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.

Youth & Families for Life Fun Run/Walk will be held Saturday, June 15, at Bethany House in DeWitt. Registration starts at 9am; a picnic lunch will be provided afterwards. Cost is $10 per person or $35 per family. Proceeds go to local causes that support life. Anyone can attend.

Spirituality of St. Therese Retreat, an in-depth look at the spirituality of St. Therese of Liseaux, called the saint of the new millennium, will be presented June 17-18 at Bethany House in DeWitt by Dr. Ralph Martin. Open to young adults, ages 18-30.

Faith, Fun & Football Camp is being hosted at Bethany House in DeWitt for young men entering grades 7-9 on July 8-12. Former University of Michigan Coach, Jerry Hanlon, will run the camp. Guests include players and coaches from U/M and MSU. Cost is $200.