I mention this, because our parish has had a special link to Ste. Anne’s for several years already. When we first began to collect food for the poor, the local food bank informed us that they had an adequate supply, so we began to look for other places with which we could share our bounty. We began to transport our food offerings to Mary Lou Brown Mission in the Cass Corridor (a nondenominational mission to the poor and homeless near downtown Detroit) and Ste. Anne’s which is located near the Ambassador Bridge. Neither community received any help from suburban parishes or churches.

It was my recommendation that we help Ste. Anne’s since we were the youngest parish in the state and they were the oldest; it seemed an appropriate match.

To honor their 300^th anniversary, I would like to suggest that Ste. Anne’s be our charity for the month of September. A percentage of our Alms box will go to the parish to be used for their outreach and community service.

I would also suggest that if you are looking for something to do on a long summer day, you might visit Ste. Anne’s. It is a gorgeous church, built in the nineteenth century. It is also the burial place of Fr. Gabriel Richard. Fr. Richard brought the first printing press to Michigan, helped found U of M, was the first priest to sit in the US Congress and was meant to be the first bishop of Michigan. He was the last victim of the cholera epidemic.

My ancestors belonged to Ste. Anne’s when they first came to this country. My great grandfather even helped place the crosses on the steeples of the present church. Like a good Belgian, he owned a beer garden nearby. I trust that his proximity to the church was the primary reason why he was involved in such a high-flying task!

There are some that would ask why bother with Detroit or say that they would never go down to the city. The reality is that all of southeastern Michigan is closely knit. The fate of the city and its economic and social success, have a deep impact on this whole region.

It is my sincere hope that Detroit will prosper in the years ahead and that the whole region will be able to help the city improve so that we can all bask in the light of its success!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Rosemary Duffy, Harold Stewart, 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, Joanna Bloese, Cornelius Smits, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, Jeanette Wood, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers the Coffman family in the death of Jim’s mother, Lucille; and the Moulton family in the death of Dia’s father, John Pepa.

We are in need of sponsors for the catechumenate candidates. There will be a meeting on August 6 at 7:30pm or if you would like more information about this commitment please contact Deacon Dave at the parish office 229-8624.

Jesus is describing God’s immeasurable generosity when He says in today’s Gospel, "Whoever asks, receives; whoever seeks, finds; whoever knocks, is admitted." But is should also be the description of us as Christian stewards, those seeking to follow Christ by using our gifts in service to others.

Sign up sheets are out this weekend for our Eighth Annual Picnic and Ice Cream Social, scheduled for September 9.

The Youth Group are working on special T-Shirts for the occasion and they will be going on sale soon.

Get in on the ground floor and join a picnic committee now!! It’s our biggest social event of the year.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

2. Scott Corey & Joanne Stephens

American Red Cross Blood Drive Friday, August 3 from 1-7pm here at St. Mary Magdalen!! There is a significant need for blood in our community!! Blood donors and volunteers are needed to work the blood drive. Please sign up in the gathering area if you can contribute. Walk-ins are welcome! Thanks for saying "Yes!" to life!!

BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is being served Sunday, August 12, following the 9am & 11am Masses by representatives of Habitat for Humanity and the Knights of Columbus. The menu includes pancakes with sausage and bacon, fruit cup, juice and coffee. The cost will be $5. Come support this worthwhile charity!

Attention Parents! The week of August 6-10 we are having Journey with Jesus here in the Social Hall! What is JWJ you ask? Well it is our version of Vacation Bible School for our St. Mary Magdalen children and their friends! All are welcome to join in our arctic blast as we go on a Polar Expedition to discover how cool Jesus’ love is! We need you to register your children to help make this week a success. Forms are on the bulletin board in the hallway or in the gathering area - just look for the polar bears guarding the registrations! If you register now you still have the opportunity to order t-shirts for your children!

Thank you to all that stopped by the Religious Formation table and to those who signed up to get more information about helping in the program! Catechists and aides are still needed for all sessions, especially every other Sunday in our Family Program. If you are a High School student needing service hours, helping in the program is a good way for you to share your faith with younger children! We also need help on Sundays during Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Call the office if you can help!

It’s hard to believe, but our first haunted house meeting is scheduled for this 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!

Next weekend, August 3-5, is our annual camping/canoeing trip. We are going to Monroe MI. If you are interested in joining us, contact me at (810) 227-7937.

Hope you’re all planning to attend our pool party at the Perkins home. It’s scheduled for Saturday, August 18, from 4-8pm. Come join us!

Margaret Callaghan

The St. Mary Magdalen MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) group will be starting a 6 to 8 week journal series on September 12 from 9:30 to 11:30. The group gathers for fellowship, laughter, and spiritual growth in a supportive and fun environment. Childcare is provided for a nominal fee. Snacks and coffee are always provided free of charge. On August 26 and Sept 9, M.O.M.S. will be in the gathering area after all Masses with information and registration forms. If you are a Mom of any age or experience, please consider joining our group.

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 hosing 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.

The 2001 Senior Summer Scripture Days are scheduled for August 7-9 at St. Francis Retreat Center, Dewitt; and August 21-23 at Weber Center, Adrian. "Great Letters of Paul: Messages For Today" will be taught by Jean Schaub, Pastoral Associate, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jackson. Scriptural presentations will be combined with liturgies, creative activities, prayer, recreation and fun. Contact Catholic Charities, 517-342-2458, for brochures and registration information. Scholarships are available. If you are interested in excellent scripture study, these days are for you.

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER — Plants need fertilizer to grow healthy and strong and so too does your marriage. Without some nurturing and care it will remain weak and unfulfilling. Spread a little fertilizer on your relationship. Make a Marriage Encounter weekend and watch your love for each other grow. Call toll free (888) 628-7433 for more information

SINGLE & YOUNG ADULT OVERNIGHT RETREAT will be held at St. Joseph Retreat House, 1000 East Porter, Jackson on August 17-18, 2001, beginning at 7:00pm. Featured will be keynote talks on topics of interest to singles and young adults. The weekend will conclude at 1:00pm Saturday. Cost is $35. Call Single & Young Adult Ministry at 517-342-2494 to register by August 13.