This is our annual mission co-op appeal. Each year several groups active in the Catholic missionary effort, both here and abroad, ask our bishop for support. Many of these groups are assigned to make an appeal in one or two parishes in the diocese. All the funds raised from these appeals go to the diocese. Approximately 90% of what we give as a result of Sr. Meg’s appeal will go to the mission fund of the Sinsinawa Dominicans (of Sinsinawa Wisconsin). The rest will go into a "common pot" to be divided up among the different groups that were unable to make an parish appeal.

I mention this to you, because even though the envelopes have the address of the Sinsinawa Dominicans on it, I would ask you to return the envelope to St. MM — any checks should also be made out to St. MM. We send the money on to the diocesan mission co-op.

Thank you for your cooperation and your generosity — which has always been magnificent!

Sr. Maryetta, OP, is an Adrian Dominican. There are also Oxford Dominicans. To find out how many different communities of Dominican Sisters there are, you would have to ask Sr. Maryetta — our resident expert. All of these different communities are known by the same initials: OP. Long before these initials stood for a popular line of clothing, they stood for something more important: Order of Preachers!

I hope you will welcome Sr. Meg when she comes to preach to us about the missions.

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Anna Rife, Larry Baldinger, Rosemary Duffy, Harold Stewart, Priscilla Davis, Margo Twork, Tom Johnson, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Johnson, Chuck Horka, Patti Conahan, Matt Even, Bill Janke, 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.

Seeing Jesus transfigured made Peter want to do something to mark the event. But the Voice from the cloud said clearly that the first task of those who recognize Jesus as Lord is to listen to Jesus — and then act!

The planning continues for our Eighth Annual Picnic and Ice Cream Social on Sunday, September 9, 2001. Sign up sheets for the picnic will be out next week-end. Don’t miss it. It is our biggest social event of the year.

Sign up sheets for assorted picnic committees are out in the gathering area. Please take a moment and add your name to the list of volunteers.

Our second picnic planning meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, August 8th at 7:30 p.m. in the Adult Formation room.

Watch for the unveiling of the Youth Group Picnic T-Shirts–coming soon!

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

URGENTLY NEEDED — Parishioners willing to deliver food to St. Anne’s or Brown Evangelical Mission. The sign-up sheets are in the gathering area for August, September and October. The food can be delivered anytime after the 11:00am Mass on Sundays. Any questions or concerns, please contact Jan Denzer (810) 229-7852.

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

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.

WE NEED YOUR CHILDREN! We have openings for them in our Religious Ed/Formation classes being held on Wednesday 4:30 & 6:30, and Thursday 6:30, starting in the fall. Please register for classes now! Kintergarden and the Family Program still meet on Sunday in the morning and High School meets on Sunday evening. Registration can be done by coming in the office between 9:30 and 3:30 during the week.

JWJ starts tomorrow from 9:30-12:00! The team leaders have planned all kinds of neat art experiences, songs, Bible stories, and other fun activities Registration is still open for your children to journey with us for the week to the North Pole starting Monday at 9:15 AM!

Continuing on thoughts for the summer, here are some phrases for a positive approach to take with your children. That’s sweet of you, that’s really good work, I think a lot of you, I like the way you explained it, that’s so good, you make being a mother (father, aunt) really fun, show us how, I’m so proud of you, I like that, this is the best yet, that shows thought, that’s interesting, I like having you with me. Outstanding! Your room appears so neat (let me know your secret if you use this phrase!), and thank you for making me breakfast in bed! (Well it was worth a try).

Our next haunted house meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 21, at 7pm. Beginning in September we will be meeting every Monday at 7pm. Even if you can’t make them all and want to help, that is great. It is a lot of work but a very fun event!

Thank you to the adults who participated in and volunteered their time to be with us last weekend for our camping/canoeing trip. It was a good time.

Beginning August 12, we will be meeting again at our regular time from 7-9pm in our youth room. I am looking forward to a great year. In July, our leadership team gathered and planned out the year of activities and meeting topics.

Tuesday August 15, we will be joining St. John’s youth group at their church to participate in their regular meeting. If you are interested in joining us, please let me know.

Thank you to everyone who supported our car wash last weekend. It was a great day!

There is a sign up sheet in the gathering space regarding our pool party scheduled for August 18 at the Perkins home.

Margaret Callaghan

BREAKFAST TO BENEFIT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is being served Sunday, August 12, following the 9am and 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!

Kathy Gannon/Robin Erickson

Anne Goudie

Marie A. Batten

Joan Monforton

Retrouvaille (a French word meaning rediscovery) is helping couples put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. If there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, Retrouvaille can help you. The next weekend is at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt on August 24-26, 2001. For more information, call 517-669-6631.

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.

Sponsor of the Week

St. George Pre-Kindergarten

THE BEGINNING EXPERIENCE will offer a spiritual weekend for widowed, divorced, and separated persons Sept. 28-30, 2001 in Jackson at St. Joseph Center. It is designed to help those who are wounded by loss of a spouse. It is a time for working through grief and moving on to a new beginning in life. Call Pam 248-486-0924 for more information.

St. Mary Parish of Milford: Annual Fair, Aug 3 — 5, food and entertainment, family games and fantastic prizes, there will also be a Vegas Tent. Hours are Fri. 5 pm to 12 am, Sat. 1 pm. to 12 am, Sun. 1-5 pm. Located on the corner of Commerce and Burns Rd.