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THE DEDICATION It seems hard to believe, but the dedication of our Spiritual Home was just a year ago this Monday, June 28. To celebrate this special anniversary the Liturgy on Monday will be celebrated on Monday evening at 7 pm in the Worship area. The Church attaches special significance to the anniversary of the dedication, not because the building itself is so important, but rather it is what the building represents.
For centuries the place where we gathered to celebrate the Liturgy was not called a church, it was called the House of the Church - the place where God's people gathered. Only after long usage did the building itself get called a church, but only because of who gathered there.
Monday's evening Liturgy gives us the opportunity to re-dedicate ourselves to creating a place for God's people to gather. As we say in our Vision: "a community of simplicity, peace, joy, inspiration and renewal; a haven where we share our hopes and our hurts."
MINISTERS OF PRAYER Almost 50 of our parishioners volunteered to minister to our community through prayer! That means that every day there will be one or two of us in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, praying for our individual needs and the good of the parish.
This Thursday, July 1, at 7:30pm, there will be a meeting in the social hall for all those who have volunteered for this ministry. The purpose of the meeting is to "get organized". It will clarify the expectations of the ministry, explain how ministers will receive the prayer requests and we'll establish the individual commitments. The meeting will last about an hour.
The Ministers of Prayer will choose a specific day of the month on which he or she will spend an hour in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The minister may come any time during that day to fulfill their commitment.
If you did not sign up for this ministry but would like to join, please come to the meeting! Beginning next weekend, there will be a spot in the Gathering Area for you to write out your prayer requests. These will be placed in a basket in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
COMMUNITY LIFE As you can tell from the number of people who volunteered to be a Minister of Prayer, many of our folks responded to the opportunity to share their gifts and talents with the community.
The only ministry team that did not get many volunteers was a new one: Community Life. It surprised me because this is the team that is responsible for Fun-Raising. The task of this ministry team is to bring our folks together for social events. It gives us the chance to enjoy each other's company and build community in a relaxed way.
If you think you would like to be a part of the Fun-Raising Team, I'll put out a sign up sheet
next weekend. Thanks!
Fr. Dave Howell
If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, arrangements can be made by calling Kay at the office. A contribution is usually made to pay for the cost of the bread and wine and all the other items that are needed for the celebration of the Liturgy.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Miriam Marker, Matt Even, Eileen Auld, Keith Kovach, Ellen Colombo, Ken Colombo, Emerson Brown, John Fay, Adeline Smith, Richard Waldeck, Larry Cecil, Anna Cecil, Catherine Howard, Dottie King, Nola Mitchell, Catherine Schumont, Ken Carson, Emily Cooper, Jake, Shirley Brake, Keith Dunn, Karen (Pat Spindler's daughter), Laurie Deirlein, Ron Schaar, Marilyn (Steve Crowell's mother), Jeannette Wood, Bob Chilton, Jane, Merle, Ed, Zora Kolef, Keith Freel, Tom Cavanaugh, Timothy Richards, Mary Kay Davis, and Donovan.
On Wednesday, June 30, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.
About five years ago the secular world discovered angels. Angels began appearing everywhere - books, movies and television. The Church however, has always acknowledged the presence of angels and included them in a special way in our liturgy and prayer. With our first encounter in the Book of Genesis, we see the special tasks assigned to specific angels and their importance in God's relationship to man. This summer's Scripture and Stitches project will give us an opportunity to explore these special friends of God and include them in a photo transfer quilt.
Our first meeting will be Tuesday, June 26 at 10:00 a.m. We will go over equipment needs
and fabric selections that morning. Please let me know if you need day-care for your children.
Yours on the journey, Marilyn
Successful Single Parenting, sponsored by Livingston County Catholic Social Services is a four-week workshop held in Howell, and designed for single parents who wish to enhance their parenting skills in an informal and supportive environment. Workshops will be held on Thursdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29, 7-9:00pm. Fee is $40. Call by July 1 at (810) 227-2151 to register.
Schedule for next year: Kindergarten during the 11am liturgy, Grades 1-6 from 9:30-10:45 on Sunday, and Grades 1-8 on Wednesday and Thursday 6:30-7:45. The ninth and tenth grades meet Sunday evening from 5:45-7:00pm. We are in need of catechists, aides and hall monitors.
Journey with Jesus will be held the first week of August. Please join us for a wonderful week!
We received word from the Bishop's office that the date for Confirmation is Saturday,
December 4, 1999 at the 4:30 liturgy.
Sister Maryetta
We leave tomorrow for Cedar Point. I'm looking forward to a fun day in the sun. Keep us in your prayers for a safe day with safe travel.
Kimber, David and Maggie all had a great time at Camp this past week. Nancy Olzack and I spent the day with them last Thursday. What an experience! What an awesome, inspiring thing to be with 100 teens who are together in the spirit of Jesus!
Fliers will be delivered today and again on Friday to remind everyone about our bottle and can drive scheduled for Monday, July 5. We will pick up the empties that are placed out on the front porch. We will also have a drop-off site at the church parking lot.
Reservations have been made near Hastings Lake for our camping trip in August. Let me know soon if you plan to attend. We may need more sites, and I'll need to know soon.
Our next meeting will be July 11 from 6:00-9:00pm. We are devoting this time to the planning of our annual lock-in. If you would like to help in this process, please plan to attend.
I will begin working part-time this week here at the church. You can reach me here (810)
229-8624, as well as at home (810) 227-7937.
Margaret Callaghan
STEWARDSHIP REPORT Last weekend approximately 1,095 people participated in the Liturgies. These folks contributed $10,877.l6 to the parish. Last year on this Sunday the contributions totaled $8,920.54.
Diocesan Services Appeal - Of our 733 families, we have received responses from 279. Our total now stands at $51,261, which is 99% of our parish goal of $51,855. Thank you for your generous support to the 1999 Diocesan Services Appeal.
FRIENDS, a support group for divorced and separated Catholics, and sponsored by St. Thomas Church in collaboration with St. Francis of Assisi, is offering a series of presentations addressing the needs of divorced and separated Catholics. The fourth in the series will be held July 20 in the Parish Activity Center Bldg. at St. Francis of Assisi, and is titled "Getting Out Safely - Issues in Domestic Abuse". If you have any concerns in this area, plan to attend!
ROAST BEEF DINNER is today from 12-4:00pm here in the social hall. All proceeds will go to
benefit the bone marrow transplant fund for Keith Dunn, (Carolyn Jandasek's son) who is in second
remission from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The cost is $7 for adults and $2 for children. Come show your support and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time. If you are unable to support their effort, please remember Keith in your prayers.
Also mail in donations accepted: payable to:
National Foundation for Transplants
c/o Keith Dunn
PO Box 31101
Knoxville, TN 37930-1101
Pictures need from "All" We need your pictures for the new pictorial directory. Submit them to Deacon Dave as soon as possible. Include on the back the ministry team name or event and who is in the picture (if known). All Ministry Teams: Charity & Justice (and sub-groups), Music, Art & Environment, Worship, Youth Group, Finance, Pastoral Council, Religious Education Classes etc.
We also need snapshots from social events (picnic, hoe-down, 50's dance etc.) and from Journey with Jesus; along with any other activity you can think of.
All young adults in their 20's and 30's are will be held at St. Michael in Grand Ledge on Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21, and 28, 1999. To register, call Young Adult Ministry (517) 342-2494.
Summer Pastoral Theological Institute presents two evening sessions on spirituality in an effort to help ordinary people of faith realize the profound relationship they have with God. St. John Neumann Parish, 44800 Warren Road (1/4 mile west of Sheldon), Canton, will host both presentations.
Family Spirituality "Ordinary Ways To Connect With Our Extraordinary God" will be presented by Kathleen Chesto, D. Min., Monday, August 9, 7:30-9:00pm. This will be a focus on the family unit, the domestic church.
Spirituality For the New Millennium "Global Perspectives and Challenges" will be presented by Margaret Brennan, I.H.M., Wednesday, August 11, 7:30-9:00pm. Margaret focuses on the connection we have to Christ through the global disregard for human life.
In both dimensions we encounter the awesome presence of God. For further information, call (734) 455-5910.
CHANGE TO BE CONSIDERED IN BY-LAWS: The Pastoral Council shall be composed of twelve members who shall be representative of all the registered and Confirmed membership of the parish, and a thirteenth member for one year of the high school youth. The twelve members shall be elected at large in the manner as prescribed in Section I and the thirteenth member representing the high school youth shall also be elected at that time: Elections. Each member shall serve for a three year term, beginning with the June meeting in the year they were chosen, with the exception of the high school youth representative, who will serve for one year. Only one third (four) council members and the high school youth representative shall be elected each year. The pastor serves as president and a member of the parish staff may be appointed to the council by him. Elected or appointed council members may serve no more than three consecutive years.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 23, at St. Agnes Parish, Fowlerville. Mass will be at 9:00 am and the meeting will follow from 10:00-12:00 noon. All 50+ Catholics are invited to attend. Any questions or for more information, call Cynthia Gagnier (810) 227-2151.
I. Mandi Dobrynski & Andrew Taylor
II. Patricia Pless & Dennis Flynn
COUPLE TO COUPLE LEAGUE will be offering two different series of four classes for engaged or married couples who want to learn some practical aspects of living a chaste and holy life within their marriage covenant. Cost for materials for each series is $55.00 per couple. At St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor, beginning Sunday July 11, 2-4:00 pm. Other classes are Aug. 15, Sept. 12 and October 10. Call Tina at (734) 944-1182 for more information. At St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, beginning Saturday, Aug. 7, from 10-12:00 Noon. Other classes are Sept. 11, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6. Call Becky at (734) 973-3173 for more information.
The Prodigal Son Has Returned! One of our books has been missing since the library opened; but the other day it appeared on the table. Ironically, the title is "The Return of the Prodigal Son." This is a beautiful book-length meditation on fathers, brothers and sons, written by Henri J.M. Nouwen.
Inspired by Rembrandt's depiction of the parable and including illustrations of the paintings, the author reflects on the elements of the gospel story.
Check it out from the Parish Library in the Adult Education Room near the office.
A RETREAT FOR DIVORCED AND SEPARATED MEN AND WOMEN will be held Friday, August 27, through Sunday, August 29, at Manresa Jesuit Retreat House in Bloomfield Hills. The weekend includes special presentations, healing service and Mass. Cost is $110 which includes meals & single accommodations. For more information, call Virginia (734) 994-9194.
We would like to thank all of you who volunteered to help on the Church Directory. Without your kindness and support, projects like this are not possible.
MARRIED COUPLES RETREAT will be held at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, July 30-August 1. The theme is "Marriage and the Cost of Sharing". Facilitators will be Fr. Larry Delaney and Fr. Charlie Irwin. The retreat will look at sharing in all areas of married life - family, sexuality, finances, emotional intimacy, faith and spirituality. Give yourselves the precious gift of time away together. For more information, call the retreat center (517) 669-8321.
Celebrating Mass at St. Mary Magdalen on June 13 was one of the most special times of my life and something I don't think I will ever forget. What made it so special was all of you.
The chalice and paten that you gave to me are beautiful gifts (everyone I show them to loves them also). I was deeply touched by your outpouring of gifts and warmth to me at the reception following Mass.
St. Mary Magdalen will always hold a special place in my heart. I will miss all of you.
Fr. Jerry
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass. This column offers additional information.
THE PREFACE There are four kinds of prayer: contrition or sorrow for sin, petition or prayer of request, then prayer of praise. But the highest form of Christian prayer is thanksgiving. It is the highest because it goes beyond praise, thanking God for all that has happened, all that God does now in our lives and all that God will do for us. It is the prayer that arises out of a confidence in God. In Greek, the word for thanksgiving is eucharistia.
Ancient texts often refer to the Eucharistic Prayer as the Great Prayer; for in this prayer we enter into the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus with deep and confident gratitude. We join with Christ in offering ourselves to the God of our salvation.
Because it is the Great Prayer, it does not begin with a simple invitation to pray, but with a dialogue between the presider and the assembly, using a pattern similar to one used in the first century synagogue Sabbath service. This dialogue serves as an invitation, an admonition and an affirmation.
For it is the grace of the Holy Spirit that enables prayer (the Lord be with you...); it is the Holy Spirit that enables us to direct our whole focus of life to the Father (lift up your hearts...); it is the Holy Spirit that enables us to confidently give thanks to the One who has made us children through Christ Jesus (let us give thanks...).
In the Roman tradition, only the Preface, the first part of the Great Prayer, varied. This tradition is unlike that of the rest of the Church in the east, where they had several different complete Eucharistic Prayers.
While the whole Eucharistic Prayer is one of thanksgiving, the preface states more specifically why we give thanks to God this day. So for example, the preface for funeral liturgies expresses our gratitude for the promise of resurrection, as we do at Easter. At Christmas, we gratefully praise the God who gave us the Son, born of the virgin Mary. At a wedding we thank God for the gift of married love, and so on. Having stated our particular reason for giving thanks, every preface concludes by joining our voices with those of heaven who endlessly thank God by singing the Holy, Holy.
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 or checking the internet at www.masstimes.org.
Sunday June 27
2 Kg 4:8-11,14-16a/Rom 6:3-4,8-11/Mt 10:37-42
Monday, June 28 Solemnity of the Dedication
Is 56:1,6-7/Eph 2:19-22/Jn 2:13-22
7:00 p.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
Tuesday, June 29 Peter and Paul, apostles
Acts 12:1-11/2 Tm 4:6-8,17-18/Mt 16:13-19
9:00 a.m. Wayne Lobbestael
Wednesday, June 30
Gn 21:5,8-20/Mt 8:28-34
7:00 p.m. Winn Rhadigan
Thursday, July 1
Gn 22:1-19/Mt 9:1-8
9:00 a.m. Michael Anderson
Friday, July 2
Gn 23:1-4,19; 24:1-8,62-67/Mt 9:9-13
9:00 a.m.David McAdam
Saturday, July 3 Thomas, apostle
Eph 2:19-22/Jn 20:24-29
Sunday, July 4
Zec 9:9-10/Rom 8:9,11-13/Mt 11:25-30
4:30 Mary Maciejewski
9:00 a.m. St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
11:00 a.m. Mary & Carl Wojewodzki
Monday, June 28
7:00 a.m. Youth Cedar Point Trip
7:00 p.m. Anniversary of the Dedication
Tuesday, June 29
10:00 a.m. Scripture & Stitches (Adul Formation)
7:30 p.m. Inquiry (Conference Room)
Wednesday, June 30
7:00 p.m. Mass of the Anointing
7:45 p.m. Revelations (Adult Formation)
Thursday, July 1
9:30 a.m. M.O.M.S. Core Group
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry
Friday, July 2
No Activities Scheduled
Saturday, July 3
No Activities Scheduled
Sunday, July 4
No New Parishioner Meeting
12:30 p.m. Infant Baptism
Vision Statement | Sacraments | Ministries | Weekly Bulletin
Parish Staff | Religious Education | Miscellanous Information | Special Events