ALL THINGS CONSIDERED

Our parish goal is $53,818. So far, we have heard from 228 households. Their gifts and pledges total $50,973. This is the last week of the appeal and I hope you will join me in making a pledge or gift to support the Vision & Mission of our diocese.

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.

The novena begins on Thursday, May 9 and ends on Saturday, May 18, the Vigil of Pentecost Sunday. [Normally, it would have started on Ascension Thursday: May 9. However, we now observe the custom followed in most of the world, and our bishops in the US transferred the Ascension to the following Sunday. While the time between the Ascension and Pentecost has been shortened, we didn’t want to shorten the novena!]

It’s my hope that we’ve run out of the novena booklets. So if you did not get one, I ask that you join us. All you need to do to join the novena, is pray each of the nine days that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will bless God’s people, especially the new members of our Church and the people of St. Mary Magdalen!

The work will begin May 20. The construction management and sub-contractors involved are paying a substantial part of the cost.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Nancy Sharpy, Karen Zapalski, Judy LaGrow, Marianne Quada, Grace, Becky Wilson, Kyle Happley, Bob Stecewicz, Mike Beauchamp, Jody, Lee Barker, Ayla, 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.

Mothers’ Day Carnation Sale: Next weekend Carnations will be available for your moms after all of the Masses. Donations for the flowers will benefit the Livingston County Right to Life.

Those who obey the commandments, Jesus says in today’s Gospel, are the ones who really love Him. Does my stewardship reveal my love for Jesus?

ON THE JOURNEY: Our Prayer Quilts were put out recently for you to help tie. Each tie is an opportunity for us to pray for the recipient of the quilt. Please take a moment to remember and pray for those injured or sick in our community by tying a tie.

On Tuesday, May 14^th 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^th at 9:30am will be our first meeting in the Adult Formation Room. For more information call Mary Day 810-632-7690/Jenny Ross 227-5256. Marilyn

I would like to take the time to thank all the families and children who participated in our Faith Formation classes this year! We grew to almost 700 in our programs every week! Over 200 youth were Confirmed or celebrated First Penance and First Eucharist. Our Catechist and Aides grew to 104 with some teaching two grades in the Family Program. This year we also welcomed approximately 10 teens into working with our classes! We had 3 husband and wife teams working together in our classes! Thanks to the many parents volunteering to watch the nursery, we were able to offer babysitting for our catechists and aides during class time for the first time this year at St. MM! Thanks also to the K of C who sponsored "Mr. Magico," for our end of the year celebration (they are sooo lucky he did not spill any milk on the rugs!!).

June 2 is our annual senior breakfast for the graduating class of 2002, come to the 9 AM Mass wearing your cap and gown and stay for breakfast in your honor. A sign up sheet for registration will be in the gathering area next weekend.

M.U.D (6, 7 and 8 graders): The pink arrows are out again and that can only mean one thing, there are many things going on that you need to be aware of and sign up for. On May 18, we are going to the Mary Lou Brown mission to volunteer our time. Sunday, June 23, we are going to a Lugnuts game at Olds Park in Lansing. You can sign up and turn your money in to the office. Call me at 227-7937 with questions Margaret Callaghan

Sponsor of the Week

Action Towing & Recovering LTD.

BEFRIENDERS: April 16 we met with men and women interested in the Befriender Ministry. According to part of our Mission statement, the Befriender Ministry exists to train lay people to respond, in the name of the Church, to the emotional and spiritual needs of individuals. We also discussed the qualities of a BeFriender minister; to be a good listener, caring, responsible and interested in ministering to others with a focus on the gospel values. In October there will be another information evening. Please contact Judy Scharf 810-229-8624, at the church office with any questions.

WELLNESS PROGRAM: Meets on Tues. May 7 at 7:30 pm. This week’s healthy habit: Eat 3 Vegetables a Day! Fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, obesity and birth defects. Vegetables are a good source of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Eat a variety of vegetables each day. A serving is: 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables, _ cup other vegetables cooked or raw, _ cup vegetable juice, 1 medium potato.

(Come early to walk before the meeting). Any questions, call Maureen Crowell (810) 227-3734.

THANK YOU REACH VOLUNTEERS!!! — Over 100 of our parishioners volunteered their time, treasure, and food items in an effort to house and feed the homeless people of our County! What a wonder witness you are to Christ’s presence among us.

OLHSA — Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency is currently looking for Respite Workers interested in working with our seniors. Duties include: Companionship, Light Housekeeping, and Meal Preparation. Interested persons should contact Linda Michele-Dobel — Senior Services Coordinator 517-546-8500. Flexible Hours, and Training Provided.

Currently OLSHA provides a monthly support group for Grandparents/Acting Parents in need of information, referral and support on topics like, Legal Issues, Adoption/Guardianship, Alcohol & Substance Abuse, Stress Management, Health Issues, etc. Meetings are the 2nd Thurs. of each month at 6:30 PM, Livingston Cty. East Complex Building. 2300 E. Gr. River, Howell. For more information call 517-546-8500.

Give the Gift of Life — Organ & Tissue Donation information can be found in the pamphlet rack. Please explore this life giving choice and consider adding your name to the Michigan Organ & Donor Registry. Today, transplantation is a routine practice that can improve and even save the lives of those suffering with organ failure, bone defects, burns and blindness. Donating organs is an act of charity, fraternal love, and self sacrifice. John 15:13 reminds us that "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends". ref. Gift of Life Agency.

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

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 5170546-1228, with questions or to volunteer.

Calling All Youth: 8^th to 12^th Grade students to a YOUTH RALLY at St. Joseph parish in Howell, Sat. May 11, 2002 from 9 AM to 9 PM. For those who have already made their confirmation this is an opportunity for continued growth in your faith. Meet with youth from area parishes to enjoy various speakers, skits, rockin’ music and of course lots of food. Featuring Fr. Carl Pung, St. Agnes in Fowlerville, Fr. Bill Ashbaugh, St. Joseph In Howell. Cost is $15. Register with Dan Beurkens 517-540-1087 or by email: moncasey@peoplepc.com.

ST. PAT’S 27^TH ANNUAL SHAMROCK FESTIVAL takes place Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10:00am. 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 place. Spaghetti dinner begins at 5:00pm. Call 229-9863 for more information.

CYO CAMP POSITIONS AVAILABLE!

The Catholic Youth Org. is now accepting applications for camp staff openings at their Camps near Port Sanilac, MI. Challenging opportunities are available for Administration, Counselors-in-Training, Group Counselors, Activity Specialists, Lifeguards and Camp Health Directors. Employment dates are June 17 to Aug. 3, 2002. All positions are paid, with room and board. Applicants must be at least 17 yrs. old. For more information, contact CYO Youth Services/Camps, 305 Michigan Ave., Detroit, 48226, or call 313-963-7172 ext. 168.

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 tochoose 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.

Announces a new program, Adolescent Transitions Program, a new parenting series. It is designed to help parents of young adolescents, ages 11-14, develop effective parenting skills. This is a 12 week series with no cost for participation. Weekly parent groups will meet Tuesdays, May 7 to June 25 from 7-8:30m. Call 227-9960 for more information.

Confidence Building for Sensitive People will take place Thursdays, May 21 through June 11 from 7-8:30pm. Workshop fee is $30 for the entire series in advance or $7.50 per week. Call 227-9960 to register.

LaVida International — parents are needed to adopt orphaned Asian born infants and toddlers. You are invited to attend a free information meeting to be held in Novi on May 5, 2002. Call Lisa or Joanie at 800-513-1910 for more information.

Murder at the Rock Show is a mystery dinner theater that will be presented at Memories Restaurant on Wednesday, May 29, beginning at 6:30pm. Richard Switzer and Andrew Wolterman, two members of our parish are both involved in this production. Call Richard at 229-9056 for more information.

SENIOR 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.

TWO MILLION ROSARIES TO END ABORTION is a prayer event scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 11, during the 8:00 a.m. hour. The hope is to accomplish an end to surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn babies. All are invited to join in at St. Mary Church, Westphalia for a rosary at 8:00 a.m.

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.

TO ENCOUNTER CHRIST RETREAT (For Young Adults 17-24), sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing, is being held at Bethany House, Dewitt on May 25, 26 and 27, 2002. Hear faith-sharing presentations by different speakers, celebrate Mass, discuss in-depth issues of faith and life with peers. Call Fr. Matthew Fedewa, 517-342-2504 or 517-327-8884 to register.

In Our Own Backyard — Learn what services are growing in Livingston County — Tuesday, April 30, 10am to 2pm at the LESA Building, 1425 W. Grand River, Howell. 26 different health and human service agencies will be on hand to share information on the programs and services they offer to Livingston County residents. For more information, call Nancy 517-548-0219 or Jean at 810-494-3000.

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.