Since the fourth century, we usually call the worship area a church. But whether it is as grand as a basilica or a mud-walled, thatched roof hut; wherever a permanent community of God’s people (the Church) gather, the worship area is called church. Celebrating the anniversary of the church’s dedication provides an opportunity for the community to rededicate itself to "living the love we celebrate."

To make it possible for most of us to participate, our parish celebration of the Feast of the Dedication will take place Friday at 7 pm. I hope you will be able to join us!

As I write this, I have to admit that I have not read the policy (our internet server is down), so all I know is what has been reported in the secular press. But I would like to offer some thoughts.

Reports on the policy indicate that any priest or deacon who engages in any sexual contact with a minor will be removed from ministry and no longer be able to present himself or dress as a cleric. In other words, "one strike, you’re out."

There is no question about those who prey on young children: they should be immediately removed from ministry, laicized (removed from priesthood) and, if possible, criminally prosecuted.

I would prefer the policy to have done more than recommend that all accusations be reported to law enforcement officials for investigation. I believe the credibility of Church authorities can only be enhanced if the secular authorities are the ones to decide on any allegations of impropriety.

But, to be honest, I have mixed emotions about a policy that leaves no room for any exceptions. As I understand it all past, present and future sexual contact with a minor will be treated the same. So I wonder how the policy defines sexual contact and whether or not circumstances are considered. Hopefully, the policy would be based on standards similar to those governing teachers or other youth workers.

While some are angry that the Church will not automatically laicize all priests or deacons who are guilty of abuse, I do not think it is a reasonable expectation. Bishops cannot laicize a priest unless there is evidence of some personality disorder which invalidates his ordination. But bishops can revoke a priest’s faculties. (Faculties are the right to function in ministry. In simpler language, he is fired and "black listed" from ever receiving faculties elsewhere.

Lastly, I am concerned that the bishops have not yet dealt fully with this whole scandal. They did establish a standard policy for all priests, deacons and church workers; but they said nothing about bishops who failed to protect children from serial predators. Until that issue is dealt with, there will be a gaping hole in any attempt to restore the credibility of the Church through a consistent policy on sexual abuse by clergy and Church workers.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please remember in your prayers Kenda Murray and family in the death of Kenda’s mother, Lynn Hirst.

On Wednesday, June 26, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.

"Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed," Jesus tells us in the Gospel today, "and nothing hidden that will not become known." May our stewardship of God’s gifts be such that we would not be ashamed if it were seen in the clear light of day.

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Bill Slack, Ken Evancho, Cheryl Franks, Kim Hahn, 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, Bill, Craig Livingston, Joyce, Bill Kottke, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Bishop Povish, and Donovan.

Sunday, June 23 Christine Reid, Barbara Lee

Monday, June 24 Mary Ellen Magon, Peter Kelly

Tuesday, June 25 Lisa Arthur, Judy Terns

Wednesday, June 26 Kathy Carney, Deb Ruf

Thursday, June 27 Lisa Klein, Pamela Evancho

Friday, June 28 Jim Chevalier

Saturday, June 29 Carol McGrath

The BeFriender Ministry is a caring Christian presence. They seek to guide not to advise using Christian principals. If you are in need of this help, Please call Judy Scharf 248-889-0274.

1-800-MASS TIMES: There 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.

Registration: Registration will be 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.

Registrations are in the Gathering area for JWJ our summer vacation Bible school! We will be asking St. John the Baptist Parish to join us this year as they are under construction and are unable to use their building this summer. Register early! This year we are going buggy as we go on safari to catch the buzz about God’s love for us! Help is needed in all areas, and the bugs we are working with are not the scary kind!

Last weekend I got to spend Father’s Day with my dad for the first time in many years! As we gathered to pray our family blessing, we thanked God for the gift of fathers, those present and those no longer with us, and we asked blessings on all those who are ill, especially my Dad and sister-in-law Nancy (she’s been on our prayer list for awhile now). The party at my house is winding down, as my parents will be leaving this week to be camp hosts in Oregon! It has been good to visit with them.

Our car wash was canceled last weekend due to the weather. Mother Nature did a fine job of washing your cars herself.

Bring your empty bottle and cans for our bottle and can drive scheduled for next weekend, June 29 and 30, to the barn after the liturgies. This is another fundraiser for our NRN trip.

Tim Clabby and Jimmy Mahar will be leaving for the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp this weekend and will be gone all week learning leadership skills that they will bring back to our parish leadership team. Chris Start who went two years ago will also be there as a camp leader. Keep them in your prayers for a safe and fun week.

The youth participating in NRN this summer are selling pizza kits. You can purchase a kit after the liturgies or by calling me at 227-7937.

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

I am planning an activity once a month for the MUD group to participate in from Sept. through May. There is a mixture of social activities and community service. Students in the 6, 7 and 8^th grades are welcome to participate. Our first activity is August 24 at Walters Appliance, our annual car wash. Should you have any questions about being involved please call.

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 www.BethanyHouseRC.org.

Real Answers Apologetics Retreat, Have you ever had to defend your faith in high school or college? Bethany House is hosting a Real Answers Apologetic Retreat for young adults aged 16-21 August 12-14 to help you answer your questions regarding the Catholic faith. Among the featured speakers is Steve Ray, author of Crossing the Tiber and Upon This Rock. For registration info. call 517-668-3747 or visit us online www.BethanyHouseRC.org.

Brighton Area Offers a separated and divorced support group and other activities. Contact Mary Jo Germaine at (810) 229-0040 or email mischiefmj@yahoo.com

WE NEED YOUR CORRECT E-MAIL ADDRESS so that we can utilize them to notify folks (who have them) of happenings here at St. Mary Magdalen. Please notify deacon1@ismi.net of any E-mail changes as they occur.

Call Jillane Job at 517-342-2595 or e-mail jjob@dioceseoflansing.org. FAITHhelps will arrive each month via e-mail. You can read on your screen or print it out and then photocopy.

Monday, June 24th - The Feast of The Birth of John the Baptist. Called "the man sent from God", the a religious recluse, a prophet and a martyr was the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth and was a relative of Jesus. Born probably in Ain-Karim, near Jerusalem, his birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel. This feast, dating from the 4^th century in both the East and the West, came to be celebrated, in accord with Lk 1:36, six months before the Lord’s birth. Quoting Jn 3:30, St Augustine found this date (near the summer solstice) appropriate for, after the birth of John, daylight begins to grow shorter, whereas after Jesus’ birth, it begins to increase.