Marilyn’s ministry among us has touched many people. Her ministry came under the broad title of evangelization.

She organized our RCIA team, who helped form adults and older children who came to us wanting to share our Catholic way of life.

She has been deeply involved with all our families who came asking to have their little children baptized. Out of this involvement with parents, she helped organize our MOMS group, which helps moms reflect on their faith and their ministry of sharing that faith with their children.

Since we have been in our building, Marilyn started our Bible Study on Thursday mornings. She has also blended her own interest in quilting with Scripture by creating a Scriptures & Stitches Group.

Over the years, she has organized several small faith sharing groups to help people continue to reflect on their faith and grow in it.

Marilyn has also worked with several groups in the parish as well. She was instrumental in helping our Seniors Group to organize. She created our Grief Group.

Our Community Life team began as a part of our Evangelization team. Its purpose is to help strengthen our community through social activities. The Parish Picnic is, of course, the largest of all our parish social events and Marilyn was instrumental in helping to start it and keep the tradition going all these years.

Marilyn’s concern for Catholics who no longer practice their faith has led her to organize several efforts to reach out to these folks: seeking to heal their hurts and strengthen their understanding of what a "lived faith" can mean in their lives.

Marilyn has also worked with many individuals over the years: sharing their struggles, listening to their stories and helping them through the Church annulment process.

Over these last eight years, Marilyn has shared many significant moments in our lives. And we have shared many significant moments in her life.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Betty Prise, Scott Delplace, Mikaela, Marie Seagel, Laura, Pat Fuller, Jessica, Ninfa Aragona, Nancy Sharpy, Karen Zapalski, Judy LaGrow, Grace, Becky Wilson, Kyle Happley, Bob Stecewicz, Mike Beauchamp, Jody, George Sierant, Bradley Stevens, Ruth, Maurine, Marcella, Paul Domsic, Ashley Horning, Charlie Brenner, Alexandria Nelson, Jessica Wolfe, Debbie 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, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Matt Even, Mel Oja, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Joey Boyd, Bishop Povish, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers Annette Darnell and family in the death of Burdette Sinclair, Annette’s father.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends out the disciples to meet the needs of others. His admonition to them is the same challenge he makes to us: "The gift you have received, give as a gift."

Thursday, June 20 Linda Chevalier

Saturday, June 22 Dennis Wagener

The word "ministry" is defined as the act of serving others. Our task, within our faith, has grown with the increased involvement of the laity in the church. The BeFriender ministry seeks to reach out to others beyond the traditional setting of the Sunday Mass. This is not a ministry of professionals, but members of the family of Christ reaching out to help others within the family. If you are troubled or seeking help with a problem, please contact Judy Scharf, BeFriender Coordinator, at 229-8624.

Hats off and two thumbs up to the Mary Magdalen Quilters. The First Annual Quilt Show in the Barn was a beautiful display of over 80 quilts. They reflected the seven years the group has been meeting and combining Scripture and Stitches. The group meets weekly in the summer with a new Bible project to tackle. If you are interested in joining, the next meeting is Tuesday, June 18 in the Adult Formation Room at 10:00 a.m. No experience necessary – just a desire to meet new people, learn a little Scripture and thread a needle.

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.

For the next 3 Wednesdays in June, we will have registration for the approximately 90 families that have not yet registered for fall classes. Registration will be on 6/19 from 9:30am-7pm, and on 6/26 from 9:30-4, 6:30-8pm. If you have not yet done so, please stop in and register for next year! Some of the classes are now full, but we have added on the new Thursday 4:30 session to help out, and we still have some openings in the Family Program that meets twice a month on Sunday mornings.

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 fall program we need help in many different ways. Call or stop by my office for more information. If you know you want to help at a certain session or grade, let me know now! Thank you to all who have already said yes!

Catechist training opportunities dates are already set for the fall. Catechists and Aides, mark your calendars for Monday, September 16 & Saturday, September 28.

I’d like to share with you a parable written by one of our Thursday 3^rd graders: Kayla G. writes, The Kingdom of God is like a tiny stone someone throws into a lake and the ripples start small and they grow bigger until they have spread very wide. One person can do something nice for someone else. Then that person will do the same to others and so on and so on. Make a ripple in someone’s life this 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! Registration forms are in the gathering area. Sign up early as St. John’s in Howell will be companions on our journey with Jesus this year.

I want to thank everyone who stopped by One Stop Tire and Auto and supported our youth going to Kentucky this summer. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Thank you also to the Nashar family who opened their home to us this past Friday for our end of the year BBQ/pool party. We will not be meeting weekly again until the end of August. Enjoy the time to be with family and friends!

Save your bottle and cans for our bottle and can drive scheduled for June 29 and 30. This is yet another fundraiser for our NRN trip. You can bring your empties to the barn after all the Masses.

Thursday, June 20, there is a meeting for the NRN participants. If you would like to find out more about our trip, you are welcome to attend. We will begin at 7pm.

I want to wish all the fathers a happy, and fun filled day. May you have the opportunity to spend the day with your loved ones!

I would like to Thank Sue Wagener. She has been an important part of the activities that the MUD group has done this past year. I appreciate her time and energy to make the activities successful.

Margaret Callaghan

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 Providence, Kentucky, a small town that was hit by a tornado. We will help to clean up the aftermath so that the community can rebuild.

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.

Sponsor of the Week

The Equity Group

Sponsored by St. Patrick’s Council of Catholic Women, will be held in the school activity building on Thursday, June 20, and Friday, June 21, 8am to 5pm. Items for sale will be accepted on June 17 and 18 from 10am to 5pm.

North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics Presents: "Wonder Wisdom Wholeness JOY": 2002 Annual Conference and Leadership Training

Remember how it feels to be in love? Knowing that someone is thinking of you often, eager for the next time you will meet, anxious to be with you.

This is how God feels about us. He loves us unconditionally, wants to be with us, and patiently waits for our attention." You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you . . .I will never forget you. See, upon the palms of my hands I have written your name." (Isaiah 43:4, 49:15-16) but in the hectic pace of daily life, the thought of spending time with God can seem like yet another chore instead of a joy. But when you see prayer as being with the one who loves you most, you can learn how to revel in his very personal love. The key is to find the joy in daily prayer.

The first step is to find the right place. If your home allows, try to create a prayer spot. This can be a small corner in a larger room where you put an altar, a comfortable chair, or even a big pillow — whatever will make you comfortable while you are there. Surround it with statures or holy pictures — anything that will help you focus on God while you pray.

The second step is to find the right time to pray. The trick is to find time when you can give God your whole attention, when you won’t feel rushed or hurried. Getting up 15 minutes earlier, postponing going to bed for a few minutes each day, praying with your morning cup of coffee can be habit forming. But a quick heartfelt prayer anytime of the day is an opportunity to feel God’s peace.

Third, it is important to find the right way to pray. Personal prayer is as individual as a fingerprint, much like a conversation with a friend. Starting out with formula prayers or breaking into spontaneous prayer may be helpful. Choose from hundreds of prayers to match your mood and spiritual intent: praise, thanksgiving, forgiveness, petition and intercession. Check out The Catholic Prayer Book or The Essential Catholic Prayer Book.

Finally get to know Him better. The most reliable way to do this is to combine Scripture with personal prayer. Explore Scripture by randomly selecting a different passage each day and meditating on its meaning for you. Or choose a good study Bible. Find different ways to continually seek God. He is always listening and always waiting.

"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." (Jeremiah 31:3)

1-800-MASS TIMESThere is a nationwide ministry available to traveling Catholics providing free information on the location of the nearest church and times of Masses on weekends and holy days. This service is available to all parishes by calling 1-800-627-7846.

to be held at JB’S Brighton House, 10180 E. Grand River, Brighton, MI. 48114, Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 PM. Cost for the show is only $10 per person. Meals are not included with this price. It is not required you purchase a meal; however, menus will be available if you so desire. A cash bar will also be available. Those performing in the production from our parish; Cody Gless, Sarah Kinneer, and Richard Switzer. For further information, contact the office of Will Taylor (810) 513-7247, or Richard Switzer at (810) 229-9056. Please RSVP by June 20.

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.

FAITH HELPS is a free, online, monthly learning companion to FAITH magazine for groups and families for reflection on faith issues raised in the magazine. Each issue is one or two pages of discussion questions, background information and activities.

WE C.A.R.E.: Christian Communication and Relationship Enhancement Marriage Preparation Program The CARE Program emphasizes constructive arguing techniques that allow couples to adjust their communication styles and achieve more positive and intimate communication, in a Christian setting. Other key topics include Expectations, Commitment, Values, and Beliefs. On July 16-18, 2002 Margaret Henne will be the facilitator at St. Patrick, Brighton. Any questions or concerns please contact Livingston County Catholic Social Services (517) 545-5944.

Single and Holy Retreat What is the meaning of life? What is my purpose in life? Bethany House is hosting a Single and Holy Retreat for single young adults 18-30 on July 5-7. Come share with others the challenges of being single AND holy in today’s culture.

Life’s Instruction Book Retreat, Do you want to get energized by the greatest book ever written? Bethany House is hosting a retreat for high school youth on how to use the Bible as a guide for life July 13-14. Cost is $65 per person. for registration information, please call 517-668-3747 or visit us online.

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.

Begins, Thurs. June 20, from 7 — 8:30 PM, at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Brighton. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. It’s a place to be around people who understand what you are feeling. At GriefShare, you’ll learn valuable information about recovering from your grief and renewing your hope for the future. To register: please call 810-227-5099.

G.A.P: Grandparents/Acting Parents Raising Children. 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. Grand River, Howell. For more information call 517-546-8500.