WITNESSING TO THE RESURRECTION is our parish motto and the primary role of our parish’s patron saint: Mary Magdalen. Witnessing to the resurrection is much more than making a simple announcement that Christ is risen! It is a way of living in this world, of living with the perspective of the risen Christ. We have a different way of looking at things and, as a result, a different way of living in this world. I would like to offer a few thoughts on what this could mean for us to live in our modern world.

BEGINNING, END & IN BETWEEN Over the last few weeks, I have heard and read a great deal about stem cell research and its pitfalls and possibilities. Ethicists ask, is it right to create embryonic human life and then destroy it? Is it right to do this even if we could save lives?

Framed in terms of saving lives, such research has an almost Christ-like purpose. Yet, I think some use this phrase to cloak another ugly attempt to diminish the value of human life.

Is it morally justified for someone to lay down one’s life for another? Yes! But is it morally justified for anyone to take someone’s life in order to save another? Yet that is what human, embryonic research demands. Would Jesus bless, much less sanction, such research? I don’t think so.

Would Jesus approve of abortion, the denial of basic health care, or the death penalty? What would he say about our state and federal budget priorities, our willingness to exploit cheap labor to provide us - the richest nation of all history - with a steady supply of inexpensive clothes, food, electronic and manufactured goods?

Witnessing to the resurrection is much more than a nice motto; it is meant to be a way of life. It means we view all moral/ethical questions from the eyes and mind of the Risen Lord. Anything less is lip service.

ON CONCEALED WEAPONS Since I am on a roll…

I am fascinated by the actions of several county prosecutors. They resigned from county gun boards to protest the new Concealed Weapons Law, which went into effect in Michigan a couple of weeks ago. Like our county prosecutor, several resigned because the law removes most local control over the issuance of these permits. Others resigned from these gun boards to protest the dishonorable method used by our state legislature to make this law "referendum proof". (They added a small appropriation to make sure voters would be kept out of this issue.) Finally, some resigned to protest the failure of a majority of our Michigan Supreme Court justices to recognize a con job. The most interesting part of this whole sad fiasco is that last week I read that over 600 Livingston County residents have applied in just the first two weeks of this ill-conceived law. Why would 600+ need a concealed weapon in this county?

A POSTSCRIPT: The first part of today’s column is based on the beliefs of the Catholic Church. The section on the new law is my opinion.

I am not asking that everyone agree with my opinion; it is simply my opinion. All that I am attempting to do is apply the teachings of the Gospel and the Church to the situations of life. If you don’t agree, you are more than welcome to share your thoughts with me.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Priscilla Davis, Margo Twork, Tom Johnson, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Johnson, Chuck Horka, Patti Conahan, Matt Even, Bill Janke, Kathy Riccardi, Jim Colgin, Marcella, David Girouard, Charlotte Sullivan, Jim Brake, Jimmy Sexton, Dolores & Donald Schommer, Mel Oja, John Colombo, Elsie Whetter,Linda Lambert, John,Lanore Chisholm,Adam Weitzel, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Jason Summers, Yvette Lagimodiere, Joey Boyd, Bill Hare, Merrick, Diana Jox, Paul Duff, Carol, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw,Ralph Helmer, Bev Zizka, Lane Combs, Tyler Ward, Mike, Linda Nagle, Bishop Povish, John Pepa, Joanna Bloese, Cornelius Smits, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers Mary Jo Cubr and family in the death of Jerry Kurdunowicz, Mary Jo’s brother; and Ann Meredith and family in the death of Ann’s father, William Clark.

Today’s readings speak of hospitality. Abraham, who cheerfully did for his guests all that desert hospitality required, was rewarded with his heart’s desire a son. Martha also busied herself with all the details of hospitality, but grudgingly and with complaint. Am I a cheerful or a grudging giver?

It is time for you to help those less fortunate than yourself. Drivers are needed to deliver food to St. Anne’s and the Brown Evangelical Mission in Detroit. The food can be delivered anytime after the 11am Mass on Sundays. A sign up sheet can be found in the gathering area for August, September, and October. Any questions or concerns please contact lJan Denzer (810) 229-7852.

1. Scott Corey & Joanne Stephens

9:00am Catechumenate Dismissal

Charity & Justice Personal Care Items collected

Today we celebrate the feast of the "Apostle to the Apostles", St. Mary Magdalen. From Easter morning on she lived her life as a witness to the resurrection. While her life story is filled with numerous speculations and theories, we can be sure that her love and faith in the Lord made her a dominant personality in the early church.

This weekend gives us an opportunity to reflect on our patron saint and ask ourselves as a community how well we are doing in "Witnessing to the Resurrection".

Next weekend sign up sheets will be out to help with our Eighth Annual Parish Picnic and Ice Cream Social–September 9. Get in on the ground floor by signing up for a picnic committee.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

Chris Camden

Deb Babiarz

Sue Monroe

Pam Ruffini

Kathleen Shipley

Hi, I’m back! Josie is trying to get me to focus on registrations, but I am still seeing the beauty of the Maine coast! We had a great family vacation. Back to work!

JWJ is coming! The team leaders are planning all kinds of neat art experiences, songs, bible stories, and other fun activities. T-shirts are being ordered and we need you to register your children now to journey with us to the North Pole during the week of August 6-10. As a part of the planning, we are in need of several items. If anyone has access to a commercial size snow cone machine, clean empty 5-gal plastic buckets with handles or 5 wading pools, please contact Peggy Weingartz (810) 220-1678. We are also in need of rolls of CLEAR contact paper, dried peas, beans or rice and those packing peanuts that come in packages. If you can donate any of these items please call me at the parish office 229-8624.

I leave you with some thoughts on ways to share your time with your children in these hot summer days! Wonderful ways to love a child: listen from a heart space, ask their opinions, open up, go barefoot (watch for bees!), giggle together, sing during dinner, let them eat ice cream first (my personal favorite!), answer their questions, honor their differences and stay up late together!

Mary Mahar

Just this past week, our teens spent the week in Chicago participating in the Young Neighbors In Action work program. We have lots of stories to tell, so I encourage you to make time next weekend to stay a little longer after the Masses to hear about our experience. We will be available in the social hall.

It’s hard to believe, but our first haunted house meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 1, at 7:30pm. At this first meeting we will be brainstorming ideas. It is a lot of work but a very fun event!

This Wednesday July 25, I am holding a meeting for anyone interested in helping with planning events. Students are encouraged to attend also. Bring your planner, the meeting starts at 7:30pm.

The car wash is scheduled for next Saturday at Walters Appliance, on Grand River. Please come and support the M.U.D group.

Margaret Callaghan

Joan Monforton, Barry Wilkinson, Paul

Schifko

Ministers of the Eucharist:

Ken Anderer, Christine Reid, Kathy

Reichardt, Ed Pound, Sue Eagle, Theresa

Eagle, Dena Sulkowski

Ministry of Server:

Ian Rife, Brett Rife, Steven Banas

Ministry of Hospitality:

Donuts: Jan Geiger

Ministers of the Word:

Lee Ann Louis-Prescott, Dan Ahearn,

Devon Wolfe

Ministers of the Eucharist:

Ministry of Server:

Matt Andree, Marc Phillips, Teddy

Eisenhut

Ministry of Hospitality:

Donuts: Lillie Chont & Family

Nursery: Jamie Colgin

Ministers of the Word:

Josie Doucette, Diane Kubus, Rich Sistek

Ministers of the Eucharist:

Kim & Tom Sochacki, Nick Sochacki,

Duke & Priscilla Davis, Gary & Kathy

McKay, Shannon McKay, Laura Rector

Ministry of Server:

Aaron Sochacki, Ben & Chris Hoisington

Ministry of Hospitality:

Senchuk Family, Winchell/Chont Family

Evans Family

Donuts: Nan & Mark Robinson

Nursery: Liz Hinkson

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.

NATIONAL SHRINE PILGRIMAGE III — The Diocese of Lansing is invited to visit the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, D.C., August 30-Sept. 2, 2001. Cost of $168 includes 3 days, 2 nights housing at Trinity College with most meals, along with round-trip bus fare. Guided White House tour is available. For information call Black Catholic Ministry Office 517-342-2496.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

KRUSE’S STARK HICKEY FORD

SENIOR PARISHIONERS APPRECIATION WEEK will be celebrated the week of September 17-21. Anyone who wants a senior to pray for them or for a special intention should send their request to Aging Ministry, Catholic Charities, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933-1577 by August 1.

Sunday, July 22 Christine Reid, Barbara Lee

Saturday, July 28 Carol McGrath