A YEAR OF JUBILEE The Jewish people have always observed the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, as a day of rest. But in Biblical times they also observed the seventh year as a Sabbath year. The land and its people were invited to rest, some fields were left unplanted, certain debts were canceled and some of the slaves were set free.
The seventh Sabbatical year occurred every 49 years (7x7). It was a Jubilee Year - an entire year of celebrating what God had done for them.
HOLY YEARS Almost a thousand years ago, the Church adopted this concept of a Jubilee Year, which was celebrated every 50 years. (The Church had the habit of adding one to whatever we had carried over from our Jewish roots. The ONE was Christ. So, Sunday became the Eighth day, the Jubilee Year came every fiftieth, etc.).
In the Middle Ages, Holy Years were celebrated with special joy. Folks made pilgrimages to special shrines, debts were canceled and the whole year was filled with joy and celebration.
JUBILEE 2000 The year 2000 is the next Holy Year and since it leads us to the new millennium, it becomes a special year of Jubilee. For two years already Catholics throughout the world have been preparing for the Jubilee.
The second is Directions 2000. It is a six hour gathering of all members of our councils Although we have not always been successful, the pope, in the name of the whole Church, has made genuine efforts to reach out to those whom we have wronged: among these are the Jewish people, Eastern Christians and other Christians and non-Christians.
Another part of the preparation for the great Jubilee has been an effort to encourage the wealthier nations to cancel the strangulating debt of the poorer Third World countries.
Some of the Third World debt has already been canceled, mainly by European nations. Catholics and other Christians, especially in Europe, have actively lobbied their governments for this debt relief. In Ireland almost half of all the adults signed petitions urging this action.
You will be hearing more throughout the coming weeks which will lead up to the start of the Jubilee Year. My hope is that we can approach Y2K as an opportunity and a real celebration of the grace and favor God has bestowed on us.
CONGRATULATIONS to Kimber Kunkel, Maggie Pence (the organizers) and all those involved with the Walk for Autism. More than 40 walkers raised over $1,000 for this very good cause. Another fine example of Teen Power in action!
OUT ON THE BACK FORTY Just behind the old stable our Knights of Columbus have begun the work of turning the stable into a picnic pavilion. It will be a 3 year project, but the first step will be taken soon as they pour the concrete floor of the pavilion in time for this year's picnic.
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.
II. David Spamer & Lisa Bovio
III. John Murphy & Dana Sullivan
III. William Schuler & Jennifer McCarthy
On Wednesday, August 25, we will celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick during the 7pm Liturgy. All who have serious or chronic illness are especially invited.
Please pray that the sick will respond to God's healing will, especially: Larry Czap, Richard Waldeck, Sue Keough, Miriam Marker, Matt Even, Eileen Auld, Cornelius Smits, Keith Kovach, Ellen Colombo, Ken Colombo, Emerson Brown, John Fay, Adeline Smith, Larry Cecil, Anna Cecil, Catherine Howard, Dottie King, Catherine Schumont, Ken Carson, Emily Cooper, Shirley Brake, Keith Dunn, Karen (Pat Spindler's daughter), Laurie Deirlein, Ron Schaar, Marilyn (Steve Crowell's mother), Jeannette Wood, Jane, Merle, Ed, Zora Kolef, Keith Freel, Tom Cavanaugh, Timothy Richards, Mary Kay Davis, Edith Reagan, Joseph Pasienza, Miren Mohrenweiser and Donovan.
One of the things I like best is the opportunity to show visitors "Mary Magdalen". Our building only begins to depict the spirit and sense of community that exists here. You have stood with me through the darkest days when Jerry died, and once again I felt your support and encouragement last Sunday when Father announced my engagement to Jim Rhadigan.
Jim proposed in Lady's Chapel at Sacred Heart Basilica, Notre Dame, and we later found
that we could be married on December fourth in the same spot. Please keep us in your prayers as we attempt to blend our ten children, their spouses and our fourteen grandchildren. Jesus performed one wedding miracle at Cana - this may require another - but He has blessed us so far in giving us each other. Thank you all again for your support and love.
Yours on the journey, Marilyn
If you would like to advertise your goods or services in a Free parish business directory, just complete a form titled, "Business Directory Information" located in the gathering space, and leave it on the table or turn it in to the parish office. The goal is to provide this list as a service to the St. Mary Magdalen community; however, it cannot be considered an endorsement or guarantee of the goods or services. Any questions, please contact Jim Chevalier (810) 229-9734.
The schedule for next year is included. Many children are not registered as yet. Please drop in and fill out the forms during office hours - 9:30am to 3:30pm. There will be a catechist meeting on Wednesday, September 8 at 7:00pm the social hall. Registration for this year will be held this week from 9:30-3:30 and evenings by appointment. Needed are catechists, aides and people to help in the program.
Schedule for next year: Kindergarten during the 11am liturgy, Grades 1-6
from 9:30-10:45am on Sunday, and Grades 1-8 on Wednesday and Thursday 6:30-7:45pm. The ninth and tenth grades meet Sunday evening from 5:45-7:00pm.
Sister Maryetta
Please note on your calendars that there is a meeting tonight at 7pm until 8:30. This will be the last meeting for the next two weeks. Labor day and the parish picnic both are reasons to take time to be with your families.
I have received a few calls this past month regarding names of babysitters. Anyone interested in gaining such a list of names, feel free to call me at the parish offices during the day.
For our NCYC participants and parents, you should be expecting a letter in the mail from me regarding the final payments, and a health form needed to be filled out specifically for this trip. Like our health form, this too will need to be notarized. Please call me with any questions.
In the course of my reading through a popular youth magazine, I came across some words of wisdom. I thought you might enjoy reading some of it today and in upcoming bulletins. "Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart or let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or the future." Today is the present, a gift from God. Live each day to the fullest and don't take the day for granted. Tell those closest to you that you love and appreciate them today.
The Autism walk that Kimber Kunkel and Maggie Pence organized last weekend was a great success. They raised over $2,000.00! It was a beautiful day for a walk. Both of them wish
to thank all of you who came and supported their cause by walking or donating money or both.
Margaret Callaghan
Our next Jr. High event is a dance scheduled for Saturday, Sept 25, from 7:30-9:30pm.
Please note the change of time by a half hour. These Jr. High events are planned for students in the 6, 7 and 8 grades. I am planning to have an activity at least once a month. Please take time to read the section of Youth News in the visionary this month. I have further explained the Jr. High youth group there.
Margaret Callaghan
Registration runs through Sept. 12. Please turn in forms and payments to Marilyn in the office. Sessions begin Wednesday, Sept. 22, and run through Nov. 3, 9:30-11:30am. There will be seven weeks of personal and spiritual nurturing while sharing laughter, wisdom and friendship. Any questions about M.O.M.S., call Camy Watson (810) 227-6861 or Pauline Flowerday (248) 685-0064. We hope to see you there!
The M.O.M.S. Group is looking for childcare helpers in the fall on Wednesdays from 9:30 till 11:30am. A stipend will be offered for your services. Call Camy Watson (810) 227-6861.
Fiscal Year runs from July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000
Total income for the week of August 21/22, 1999:
Using Stewardship envelopes..............$ 9,465.00
Loose collection.........................$ l,307.00
Building Fund payment on pledges.........$ 6,915.00
Other....................................$ 480.00
Total receipts...........................$18,167.00
Weekly expenses..........................$16,682.00
+/- for week.............................$ 1,485.00
+/- year-to-date.........................$ 982.00
Thank you for your Gifts
The Seventh Annual Catholic Campaign for Human Development "Poster Art
Contest" is underway. This year's theme is "Helping People Help themselves." Any K-12
student in our Diocese may participate by illustrating this theme or a related theme for
the Catholic Campaign Development using an 8 1/2 x 11" format. There are four categories: K-2 grade, 3-5 grade, 6-8 grade and high school. Three prizes will be awarded for each category. Call (517) 342-2463 for details. Send your entry to:
Catholic Campaign for Human Development,
Diocese of Lansing,
Catholic Charities,
300 West Ottawa,
Lansing, MI 48933.
All entries must be postmarked by September 21, 1999.
Ninth Annual CCHD "Celebration of Justice" dinner to recognize those who work for greater social justice is on Thursday, Oct. 21. The CHD Poster Art Contest winners and this year's CCHD local Community Business Grant recipients will be acknowledged. It will be held in St. Mary Cathedral Hall, Lansing, beginning at 6:30pm. Tickets are $9.50 or $60 for a table of eight. Call 517-342-2463 by Oct. 7 for reservations.
FLU SHOTS will be available through McPherson Home Care here at St. Mary Magdalen on Saturday, Oct. 23, 5:30-6:30pm and Sunday Oct. 24, 10:00am-1:00pm. Individuals covered by Medicare will need to bring their cards. Those paying cash will be charged $10.00. If you have any questions, call Mary Lou (517) 545-6161.
The Parish Nurse Ministry announces monthly Blood Pressure Screening. This will begin September 18 and 19 following all three Masses. Come and begin to regularly monitor your blood pressure!
A factual, history based exhibit featuring an actual sized transparency of
the Holy Shroud of Turin will be on display for your examination at Dominos Farms, in the Warehouse just south of Lobby B from August 17 through September 23, 1999,
every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00am-8:00pm,
Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00pm,
and Sundays from 12 noon-6:00pm.
The exhibit features not only the replica, but a historical interpretation of the Crucifixion of Christ, as reported in the Gospel of John. There is also a life size replica of the Crucifixion, as well as photos, charts and results of scientific and forensic study of the Shroud. Admission is free. For more information, call 734-930-7777.
Are you up to the Challenge issued by Joanie Monforton last week to fill a brown grocery bag with weeds pulled anywhere on the property, trimmings from shrubbery and trees, etc., and disposing of it in the dumpster. Remember a monetary prize has been offered to the person who brings the longest crab grass rhizome to the picnic, that has been pulled from and identified as coming from St. Mary Magdalen grounds.
If everybody accepts this challenge, our grounds will be in top-notch condition for the picnic on Sept. 12.
A Christian based pre-school program is now accepting applications for the 1999/2000 school year. They have openings for three, four and early five year olds. Please call (810) 229-0010 or (810) 229-6661 for more information.
Sixth Annual Parish Picnic & Ice Cream Social will be held Sunday, Sept. 12 (rain date Sept. 19), starting with 11:00am Liturgy. Your time and talent will help to make this another memorable picnic! Sign-up sheets are in the gathering area for volunteers to help with food service, set-up, Liturgy, games, ice cream social, signs, pictures and clean-up.
Also in the gathering area are invitations to the picnic; fill them out and return in the basket provided. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and a dish to pass for 8-10 people (ice cream will be provided). Bring your favorite beverages (no glass) and frisbees, baseball mitts, etc. Any questions or concerns please contact Rick or Sandi Phillips (810) 229-7861.
The Charity & Justice Ministry Team continues to ask you to save your VG's receipts and return them in the container provided in the Gathering Area. Through these receipts organizations can collect 1% of the receipt total. These funds will be used to help those in need within our parish.
BRIGHTON AREA CROP WALK has set a goal of 200 walkers to raise $16,000 to help stop hunger in our community and around the world through self-help development initiatives. A portion of the funds raised will benefit St. Vincent de Paul, Lacasa and the Livingston Food Bank. Family, friends and co-workers of cropwalkers are urged to sponsor them. Sponsor envelopes will be available in the gathering area soon. Call Maureen or Steve Crowell (810) 227-3734 for more information.
Catholic Host Families Needed for Students from SPAIN to study in Catholic High Schools for the 1999-2000 school year. These students are 15 to 17 years of age and come from middle-class families. The goal of the program is to receive academic credit for their studies here and to perfect their English. They have accidental/medical insurance through the program and their own spending money. Spanish Heritage pays the full tuition at the school, so this is a very inexpensive way to make international connections and get to know another culture. If interested in helping make their dreams come true, please contact Spanish Heritage at (800) 669-0589.
This program is for divorced and separated persons of all ages on Tuesday
evenings, Sept. 7 through Nov. 9, 1999, 7-9:00pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Church parish hall, 530 Elizabeth Street, Ann Arbor. Cost is $20, which includes participant's book "Divorce and Beyond". Send registration form to:
"FRIENDS",
c/o Virginia Mikola,
921 E. Huron,
Ann Arbor 48104.
Call Virginia at 734-994-9194 with questions.
COME ONE, COME ALL! to Catholic Central's 8th Annual Family Fest Sunday, Sept. 12, Noon to 4:00. Enjoy the finest food and drink in the metro area and bargain prices on all the things you want and need! Tons of fun for the whole family. Admission is $15 per adult. Kids 18 and under are free when accompanied by an adult! Call (313) 534-0550 for tickets, directions or additional information.
Old St. Patrick's Labor Day Weekend Festival in Whitmore Lake runs from September 3 thru September 6, from 12 noon to 12 midnight. Festivities include a teen dance, pony rides, petting zoo, raffles, entertainment, beef & chicken dinners, auction, cloggers, music, rides, and much more. Win a 199 Chevy S10 Pickup. Free admission! For more information call 734-662-8141.
Join us every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Medilodge Nursing Home, 1333 W.Grand River, Howell. For more information contact Lisa Klein (810)229-0607.
CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY College students are encouraged to touch base with the Catholic Campus Ministry staff at their campuses. For information on campus ministry contact the Young Adult Ministry office at (517) 342-2495.
This is a time set aside to honor and recognize senior members of our parish communities, and it will be celebrated throughout the Diocese from September 27 through October 1. All Livingston County seniors are cordially invited to attend a Mass for this purpose at St. Agnes, Fowlerville, Thursday, September 30, at 11:00am. Lunch and entertainment follows. Donations will be accepted. Please make your reservations by September 21 by calling Betty Polaske (810) 227-5370. Transportation arrangements can be made at that time.
Needed, a few good men and women to accompany our candidates and catechumens on their journeys of faith. If you are intimidated at the thought of sharing your religion with another adult, don't be. It isn't as scary as it sounds! The catechists and RCIA team are there to answer any heavy duty questions (hopefully); our sponsors share what living out the Catholic faith in their lives means to them. Please give some thought to sponsoring - we meet every Tuesday evening - with sponsor formation beginning in September. Call Marilyn Pence with questions.
"Kitchen Kommittee" will be meeting on Sunday, September 26, after the 11:00 o'clock Liturgy to formulate some general policies and practices to help us maintain an orderly and practical kitchen. If you belong to a group that uses the kitchen on a regular basis, please consider coming. It shouldn't take us more than an hour. We hope to start at 12:15.
St. Mary Magdalen Parish Library has a small but interesting collection of videos, including a number of children's Bible stories, family movies with a religious theme, and educational videos on many interesting topics. Check one out in the Adult Formation room near the office.
Livingston Community Hospice's Fall Volunteer Training begins
Saturday, September 11,18 and 25;
and Wednesday October 6 at McPherson Hospital in Community Room 3.
Classes take place between 10:00am and 1:30pm, except on October 6, when it will be from 9:30-11:30.
Volunteers are needed in all areas by providing support to the terminally ill and
their families.
TAKE CHARGE is a program for families, friends and co-workers of a substance abuser. It offers myth-shattering explanations about chemical dependency and shows families how to motivate someone with an alcohol or other drug problem to accept help. To borrow a copy of "Take Charge" from St. Mary Magdalen, please contact Jim or Dottie at (810) 227-7908 or Deacon Dave at (810)229-8624.
Sept. 3 feast of St. Gregory the Great, pope, religious doctor. Born in Rome in 540, the son of a Roman senator, Gregory himself became prefect of the city; and after the death of his father, he distributed his great wealth among various monasteries and turned the family home into a monastery. In 579 he was sent to Constantinople as the emissary of Pope Pelagius II, after being ordained a deacon. He also served as secretary to Pope Pelagius, whom he succeeded in 590. He was the first monk to become a pope.
Pope Gregory the Great was both contemplative and a man of action. He was the first pope to call himself "Servant of the servants of God." He sent missionaries to England, and he was a peacemaker between nations. He served the papacy for 13 years. Gregory conducted a massive reform of the clergy and clerical affairs, established guidelines of religious practice, promoted monasticism, and appointed numerous monks to offices of the Holy See. He is credited with the creation of the form of musical worship known as the Gregorian Chant and with contributing prayers to the Gregorian Sacramentary.
Gregory also ransomed captives from and concluded a peace agreement with the Lombards to spare Rome from siege and destruction. He rebuilt Rome after many natural disasters and launched a series of charitable programs to feed the large numbers of hungry people throughout Italy. The title "the Great" was given to him by Pope Boniface VIII.
The labors of his pontificate ensured his place in history as he is considered the founder of the medieval papacy. He is one of the four Fathers of the Western Church, together with St. Ambrose, St. Augustine and St. Jerome. Gregory is the patron saint of music.
Sunday, Aug. 29 Duke Davis
Monday, Aug. 30 Kathy Stegmaier, Carol McGrath
Tuesday, Aug. 31 Jeanette Martin, Mary Ellen Magon
Wednesday, Sept. 1 Patti Conahan, Becky Even
Thursday, Sept. 2 Russ Gentner, Susan Fragosa
Friday, Sept. 3 Joyce Gonda, Lisa Klein
Saturday, Sept. 4 Jan Baldinger
Prayer Intercessions may be filled out each weekend and placed in the basket located between the inside glass doors in our Gathering Area.
Before each weekend Liturgy begins, there is a three minute explanation of a segment of the Mass.
This column offers additional information.
THE OUR FATHER The addition of the Lord's Prayer, with its themes of bread, forgiveness and mutual peace, made this prayer an ideal preparation for communion. At first it was placed immediately before communion, but St. Augustine (354-430) considered the Our Father to be closely linked to the Eucharistic Prayer. This influenced St. Gregory the Great (590-604) to move this prayer to its present placement in the Liturgy, directly following the Eucharistic Prayer.
Contrary to the custom of the Eastern Church where the Our Father was sung by all the people, the custom of the west reserved this prayer to the presider. The early western tradition had the assembly echo the Great Amen by repeating the amen after each petition (or line) in the Our Father. Eventually, the Roman practice diminished this to a single amen at the end of the prayer.
Curiously, it seems the whole Church felt that the Lord's Prayer, which ends with the final petition "but deliver us from evil" was incomplete. At Constantinople, the Church added a final doxology, saying "for the kingdom, the power and the glory..." The antiquity of this acclamation is evident from the fact that this addition was even included in some copies of the Gospels. The Romans added a prayer which continues the request that we be delivered from all evil and through the intercession of Mary, together with Peter, Paul and all the saints. Finally, the Roman conclusion to the Our Father asked that we be kept safe from sin, turmoil and be granted genuine peace.
The reformation of the Liturgy in 1969 mixed the traditions of east and west. The Our Father became a prayer of the whole assembly, but continues with a shortened version of the ancient Roman prayer. The reformers added a verse from the Letter to Titus (2:13) "as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ!" Then we add the ancient doxology from the eastern tradition, "for the kingdom.." Not only did this reform blend two different customs, but this "package of prayer" also helps us to prepare for communion, whereby Christ, the faithful one, will enable us to live in the reign of God, the Father.
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 August 29
Jer 20:7-9/Rom 12:1-2/Mt 16:21-27
Monday, August 30
1 Thes 4:13-18/Lk 4:16-30
9:00 a.m. Cliff Ritter
Tuesday, August 31
1 Thes 5:1-6,9-11/Lk 4:31-37
9:00 a.m. Donna Micallef
Wednesday, September 1
Col 1:1-8/Lk 4?38-44
7:00 p.m. Catherine Monk
Thursday, September 2
Col 1:9-14/Lk 5:1-11
9:00 a.m. Msgr. Walter Mehm
Friday, September 3 - Gregory the Great, pope, relig., doctor
Col 1:15-20/Lk 5:33-39
9:00 a.m. Kathy Roux
Saturday, September 4
Col 1:21-23/Lk 6:1-5
Sunday, September 5
Ez 33:7-9/Rom 13:8-10/Mt 18:15-20
4:30 St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners
9:00 a.m. Dorothy Hartman
11:00 a.m. Clarke Seckinger
Monday, August 23
9:30-3:30 Religious Ed Registration
Tuesday, August 24
9:30-3:30 Religious Ed Registration
7:30 p.m. Art & Environment
Wednesday, August 25
7:30 p.m. Worship
Thursday, August 26
7:00 p.m. Basic Catholic Teaching (Adult Formation)
7:30 p.m. Music Ministry
Friday, August 27
NO ACTIVITIES PLANNED
Saturday, August 28
NO ACTIVITIES PLANNED
Sunday, August 29
9:45 a.m. New Parishioner Meeting
12:30 p.m. Baptism
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