CAN YOU HEAR ME?? It was recently brought to my attention that some of our folks have difficulty hearing. So the first remedy is to provide individual devices that can be discretely used by anyone, much like a small, transistor radio. The sound system now has a transmitter and we have four small receivers with volume adjustments and small earphones. These will be kept in the hospitality room (to the right of the baptismal font). You can ask one of our hospitality people for one, or help yourself. All I ask is that you return it for another to use.

I realize that there are some other difficulties with the sound. If you have a comment, let me know. You can also talk with Dave, the deacon, Sr. Maryetta, the nun, or Steve, the piano man. Thanks!

DIOCESAN SERVICES APPEAL Last 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. This year our goal is $51,850. !

WITH OUR PRAYERFUL best wishes, we congratulate our younger sisters and brothers who join us for the first time in the Holy Eucharist this weekend. A total of 71 youngsters move closer to becoming full members with us in the Body of Christ. (Their initiation is complete when they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.)

I would also like to congratulate the parents, who brought their children to the altar to receive the gift of Christ. For many, it has been an eight-year journey from Baptism to this weekend. While they will come with you many times more in the years ahead, there is a certain satisfaction in today’s celebration.

Perhaps, the only greater satisfaction will be when you bring them again to the bishop for Confirmation, or perhaps it will come on the day when you lead your child to the altar for marriage (as some couples arrange it) or when you bring them to the altar for religious profession or ordination.

Thank you to our parents, our catechists and their helpers, Mary Mahar and Sr. Maryetta for all you have done to prepare our youngsters for today!

FROM the MOUTH of BABES Sunday morning, a youngster gave me a handmade card. I generally get one or two a weekend. What made this card unusual was what was written: "Dear prest, please pray for my dad to come to church with my family."

Somehow children seem to know the effect praying together can have on family life. I hope you will join me in praying that this little one’s prayer will be answered.

Fr. Dave Howell

Liturgies for the Week

Acts 13:14,43-52/Rv 7:9,14b-17/Jn 10:27-30

9:00 am Communion Service

9:00 am V Thomas Castello

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Jimmy Sexton, Mel Oja, Dolores & Donald Schommer, Lena, John Colombo, Mike Beauchamp, Alexander VanRiper, Elsie Whetter, Linda Lambert, John, Lanore Chisholm, Adam Weitzel, Elmer VanWagner, Jim Manetta, 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, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

In Sympathy

Please remember in your prayers Jim Jonas and family in the death of Alicia Jonas, Jim’s sister.

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Last week we had 54 families of our parish make gifts to the DSA. Their gifts total $10,835. This represents approximately 20% of our parish goal of $51,854. If you haven’t made a decision about your gift to the 2001 DSA please set aside a few minutes to pray about your gift. God has given us all different blessings — please share those blessings with others through DSA.

Paul and Barnabas encountered both violent rejection and joyful acceptance of the message that they preached. We, too, may meet with mixed reactions when we use our gifts in the service of God. But, the Gospel assures us the reward for those who follow faithfully is eternal life.

Next weekend , May 11 & 12 Mother’s Day carnations will be available after all the Liturgies. Proceeds will go to Right to Life of Livingston County.

We would like to congratulate the children who received their First Communion. It is a wonderful day for our parish.

I would also like to reflect with you on the First Eucharist retreat that these children and their parents participated in. The social hall was filled with millions of children. They shared their faith, found out who they were as God’s children and as children of their parents. They talked about their gifts and how they are exploring new gifts all the time. We shared what and how we all need forgiveness in our lives.

Parents and children reflected on this together. The children saw the video, Grandma’s Bread and shared together that this will be a celebration and that we are all FAMILY! I would like to thank all the children and their parents who participated. It truly was a growth filled time for both the children and the parents. May we continue to grow in the love and life of the Lord.

Sister Maryetta

Youth News

Senior Breakfast will be Sunday, June 3. Sign up sheets will be in the gathering area. Plan to attend the 9am Mass wearing your cap and gown, and staying to attend the breakfast with your family in your honor.

Saturday June 3, from 7-10 pm, our youth group will be hosting a dance here at the church. Mark your calendar and bring friends. Also,, Wednesday June 20, is the annual Cedar Point trip. The cost is $ 23.00 I will need chaperones and drivers to attend this event to make it possible.

Having just mentioned chaperones, I will be holding an adult meeting Tuesday, June 5, from 7-8:30. I will go over upcoming events schedule this summer and into December. I will need the help due to my upcoming maternity leave beginning late October. If you enjoy sharing your faith, have a lot of energy, and want to help the youth in their journey, then you are perfect! Plan to attend the meeting and we can talk about your involvement.

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

Tomorrow, Monday May 7, we are going over to Ashley Court to help the residents play bingo prizes. Thank you to the Slack family who opened their home for our movie night.

Margaret Callaghan

We will be having a spring clean-up day here at St. Mary Magdalen on Saturday, May 12. Everyone is welcome to participate. So come and help spruce up our parish grounds. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

It’s not too late to join us for a look at Paul’s letters and the message they brought to an early Church as well as todays. This nine week study of the "Captivity Letters" will begin at 10am, Thursday mornings. Daycare is available. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area. Please consider joining us.

The Scripture and Stitches quilt for Habitat for Humanity is in the Adult Formation Room. If you would like to help with the quilting please feel free to join us our next regular meeting is this Tuesday, May 8 at 10am, however, you can stop by and quilt anytime the building is open.

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 Holy Cross Chapel at 7:30 p.m.

Our next Retiree’s Lunch is May 15 at 12:15p.m, in the Adult Formation Room.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Newly Baptized

During the month of April, we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Gregory Theodore Bogdanski III, son of Gregory and Laura Gogdanski; Austin Leo Lally, son of Ronald and Carol Lally; Paige Christina Luce, daughter of Jim and Christina Luce; Liam Thomas McMullen, son of Thomas and Ginny McMullen; and Keenan Michael Stolz, son of Scott and Melissa Stolz. We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and continued support as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

Join us for Fitness & Fellowship!! Come to walk, jog, or roller blade at Kensington Valley Metro Park, at 9am every Saturday in May (except May 11). We will meet at the East Boat Launch off the Kent Lake exit. Please call Tammie Gless with any concerns or questions (810) 229-3392.

Bike Helmets have arrived! Please pick up your order in the Social Hall!

Thank you to all Bike Safety Fair Participants: the Knights of Columbus, Trooper DeVries and all the families who came out for a fun and informative evening! Have fun cycling and remember Safety First! The Design-A-Helmet entries were terrific! our winners are: Ryan Trudeau, Sam Kolnitys, Celine Castro & Stacey Struhar. Congratulations!

Free Professional Car Seat Safety Inspections will be conducted Sunday, June 1 here at the church. Sign up sheet and information with be in the gathering area next weekend, May 12/13.

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.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT — The Livingston County Catholic Homeschool and Girl Scout Troop 911 are collecting soiled flags and damaged or unwanted religious items. The flags will be burned in a respectful ceremony by V.F.W. post 3671. The religious items will be burned or buried by Fr. Dave in a reverent ceremony. Look for boxes in the gathering area until May 21. For further information call Kate Oliveri at (517) 546-4091.

Sponsor Of the Week

HR Handi Rental

APPRECIATION NIGHT REFUND: Parishioners desiring refunds for Appreciation Night Tickets can receive them by either contacting John Yanok (220-8304) or by turning their tickets in to the parish office in an envelope addressed to "Knights of Columbus-Appreciation Night." Kindly include with your tickets appropriate telephone, e-mail or mailing address. Unclaimed funds after June 1, 2001 will be turned over to the Pastoral Council.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION — Volunteers are still needed to deliver food to St. Anne’s and Mary Lou Brown Mission on Memorial Day Weekend, as well as June 24 and July 22. Please sign up in the gathering area.