I have tried my best to keep informed about the different candidates and the issues. I try to measure each of them against our Catholic moral and social principals.

On the Democratic side, Rep. David Bonior would get the highest marks. He is often considered "radical" by some, but most of his positions reflect our Catholic social teaching. (Not surprising for a former seminarian.) His position on "life issues" differs from the teachings of the Church (he supports limited abortion), but is the closest of the three democratic candidates.

Attorney General Jennifer Granholm would come in second. She is also Catholic but supports "abortion rights", but holds other positions closer to Catholic life issues. Several of her other positions seem to be influenced by Catholic social teaching.

Using the same standard of measurement, the positions of former Governor Blanchard are the least similar to our teachings on life and social justice.

On the Republican side, the Lieutenant Governor, Richard Posthumus, would receive high marks for desire to end abortion, but several of his other positions differ in many ways from Catholic teaching on life and social principals. Although Senator Joseph Swartz has consistently voted for "abortion rights", the rest of his positions are much more in tune with our teachings and beliefs.

These comments are not an endorsement of any party or candidate. But political commentators often say people "vote their pocketbook". I offer you this assessment of the candidates from the perspective of what our Church teaches, because I believe the voters of this parish are much more conscientious and concerned.

Please remember to vote on Aug. 6. It is both a civic and Christian obligation.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Robert, Marianne Quada, Dennis Seefelt, Abigail Line, Don Schommer, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Bridget, Margaret & David Wenzel, Alec Schalhamer, Eileen, Jan Jandasek, Nancy, Kathleen, Bill Slack, Cheryl Franks, Kim Hahn, Betty Prise, Scott Delplace, Marie Seagel, Laura, Pat Fuller, Jessica, Ninfa Aragona, Nancy Sharpy, Karen Zapalski, Judy LaGrow, Becky Wilson, Kyle Happley, Bob Stecewicz, Mike Beauchamp, George Sierant, Bradley Stevens, Ruth, Marcella, Paul Domsic, Ashley Horning, Alexandria Nelson, Jessica Wolfe, Debbie, Ginther, Ralph Bennett, Shannon McKay, Joseph Hommel, Sr., Robert Grace, Don Camden, Evelyn, Bill, Craig Livingston, Joyce, Bill Kottke, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Bishop Povish, and Donovan.

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, please call the parish office to make arrangements. 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.

Total income for the week of July 20/21, 2002

Approximately 1156 people participated:

Using Stewardship envelopes $16,078

Loose Collection/other $1,210

Using Children envelopes $10

Stewardship Total $17,298

Weekly Expenses/Including Mortgage $22,971

+/- for week without Bldg. Pledges $-5,673

Building Fund Pledge Payments $150

+/- for week $-5,523

"The law of Your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces," says the Psalmist today. Does the amount of my offering suggest that I could honestly say the same?

To our Parish Family:

Words cannot begin to express how deeply touched we were by your thoughtfulness and gift of love. Our family will be forever touched by your generosity. You will be forever in our thoughts and prayers.

With sincere thanks and all our love,

The Family of Kenneth J. Evancho

Pam, Matthew, Mitchell and Meredith

The next blood drive is Friday, August 9, from 1pm-7pm in the Social Hall. We also need volunteers to work. Please sign up in the gathering area

9:30am-12:00 pm Journey with Jesus

12:30 p.m. Baptism

We are not meant to live our lives alone; we need the support of our fellow Christians. As we gather each week for Mass, we are called together as a community to support and love one another. Many parishioners may not feel connected to one another, and some may not feel they are a part of the Church.

In sharing our faith, we can establish common bonds. In Small Christian Communities, or faith sharing groups, we can have the opportunity to talk about what is happening in our lives, find deeper meaning, enjoy our relationships, pray, learn from one another and support each other as we struggle together to live our faith every day.

St. Mary Magdalen is initiating in September a program called RENEW, which will provide all parishioners the opportunity to be a part of a small faith sharing group. Do you want to deepen your spiritual life? Do you want to know more? Keep an eye out each week for more information in the Bulletin.

Our Bug Safari begins this week! Registrations are still in the Gathering area — please register today! It runs from 9:30 am -12:00 pm. Monday through Friday.

Confirmation candidates please note: Confirmation is Saturday, November 30, 2002 at the 4:30pm Liturgy. The Confirmation Retreat for all those to be Confirmed in November is a weekend retreat from September 13 through the 15. We will be going to Bethany House in DeWitt, the new YOUTH retreat center for the Diocese of Lansing! Details will be mailed out soon.

Registration for the Fall Formation classes can be made on Wednesdays in Aug. from 9:30 am — 4 pm in the office. If you need an evening appointment, please call me at 229-8624. We still have families that have not registered and some classes are filled, so you may not get your first choice.

Can you help? Catechists, Aides, Hall monitors are some of the ways we need you to help throughout the year starting in September. Please help us further the vision of St. Mary Magdalen Parish and get involved!

Formation Team members mark your calendar for our first meeting on Monday, August 19 at 7:30pm!

Catechists/Aides mark your calendars for 6:30 Tuesday, August 27 for our first meeting!

I am happy to introduce the formation of the Wellness Ministry Team. Befrienders, Samaritans and the Health Ministry have joined as one body to serve the Body of Christ. We are excited about this collaboration! For more information, call me at 810-229-8624.

Sr. Maryetta

The Wellness Ministry Team (Befrienders, Health Ministry, Samaritans) would like to invite you to a Respite Care Meeting. Respite refers to an interval of rest or relief for a caregiver or care receiver. Darlene Fraley from Livingston County Catholic Social Services will present information regarding respite care. All are welcome to attend this meeting on Monday, August 19, 10-11:30 a.m. here at St. Mary Magdalen. For additional information, call Sr. Maryetta at 229-8624.

Our trip to Kentucky was very challenging, hot, fun, and rewarding! I am extremely proud of all that our teens accomplished not only the work they did but also how they came together as group. After each liturgy this week, teens will be available in the gathering area to share their experiences with you. Please take a minute to stop and listen.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the youth programs here, there is a meeting scheduled for July 29 at 7:30pm. I will go over in detail about the activities planned and how you can become a part of it all.

Monday August 12, we are planning to spend the day at Cedar Point. Adult chaperones and drivers are needed.

If you are interested in becoming involved with the MUD students, please plan to attend the meeting mentioned above.

Our annual car wash is Saturday, August 24, at Walters Appliance on Grand River. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

Taking God to School Retreat, Is it hard sometimes to live out your faith in school? Bethany House is hosting a retreat for high school youth on how to be a Catholic every day in high school August 16-18. For registration information, please call 517-668-3747 or visit us online.

Friday, August 23, at 7:00 p.m., the first gathering of the St. M & M Solos will be held in the parish hall. Our goal is to explore ways to live the single life a positive way - sharing experiences with one another, getting new ideas, and finding contentment in being single. This group will be geared to those 35 or older. If you are interested in learning more about this group call Jan Geiger at 810-632-2089.

Sponsor of the Week

RC Nitro Zone

FLOAT TIME — ST. Mary Magdalen #1 AGAIN! This year, for the second time, St. Mary Magdalen will be entering a float in the Festival of Lights Parade, held in Howell every November.

A float was built two years ago by a large group of our parishioners. We had a great time, a lot of fun doing it, and our float won 1^st place in the parade (our 1^st place plaque is hanging in the gathering space). It was quite a thrill for all of us!

For us to do this again, we will need a lot of help, young, old and everyone in between. We need carpenters, electricians, engineers, costume workers, and anyone who likes to have a good time and meet fellow parishioners. NO experience needed. We will also be collecting Christmas lights and other materials, more info on that will be coming. We need to start soon. The first organizational meeting will be Thursday, August 8, at 7:30pm. There is a sign-up sheet in the gathering space for all interested. For more info, please contact Barb Colley, 810-225-0052, or Bob Barclay, 810-227-6245.

Parish Picnic - It’s hard to believe it’s been 9 years since the inception of St. Mary Magdalen. On Sunday September 8, 2002 we will be celebrating our 9th annual parish picnic, beginning with an 11 am outdoor liturgical celebration next to the barn. So mark your calendars, brush up on your favorite recipes and get ready for a day filled with fun, food and fellowship. This year’s picnic will be focused on more traditional activities like watermelon eating contests, egg and water balloon tossing, horseshoes, volleyball and many more activities with great prizes.

In order to make this year’s picnic a success, we are looking to you for some assistance. If you work for a generous employer or know someone that would be in a position to donate monies or picnic supplies, please fill out the donation form in back of church or call Pat Christie at (810) 229-7557 (home) or (586) 873-0265 (cell). If you are interested in volunteering your time on one of the various sub-committees, please sign-up on the sheets provided in the gathering area.

Sun, Aug. 4 11:30 am - 5:30 pm., located at 6481 Faussett Rd. Dinner includes Chicken, Baked Potato, Corn on the Cob, Country Slaw, Baked Beans Rolls Pie Coffee, Tea & Lemonade, priced at $6 & $7. Raffle prizes every hr. Live D.J., Bake/Craft Shoppe, Bingo, Kiddie games, Moonwalk.

A group of approximately twenty will be going on the journey. Spiritual director is Fr. George Beaune, C.S.B. If interested in joining the group, please call Monique or Joe at 227-4664. Seventeen have already signed up. Only a few spots remain at the low promised rate.

The CARE Program on August 16 - 17, 2002 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. Mark Robinson will be the facilitator at Livingston County Catholic Social Services, 2020 E. Grand River, #103, Howell, MI. Any questions or concerns please contact Livingston County Catholic Social Services (517) 545-5944.

An information meeting for people, who are considering adoption will be held at 7:00 PM., Tuesday, August 13, 2002, at Adoption Associates, Inc. 26105 Orchard Lake Rd., Suite 301, Farmington Hills, MI 48334. Information will be shared on building families through both Domestic (US) and international (China, Russia, Guatemala, Moldova, Ukraine, Poland) adoption. We are the only agency in Lower Michigan that is accredited to work with Russia. Come meet some of our staff! Please R.S.V.P. to 248-474-0990.

Tuesday, July 30^th, St. Peter Chrysologus ("golden-tongued"), bishop, doctor. He was called "golden-tongued or worded" because of his exceptional preaching ability. About 170 of his homilies survive to this date.