Labor has changed since the days when this holiday was added to the calendar. More and more jobs require keen minds, clean hands and the ability to sit for long stretches of time. But while the kinds of work we do may have changed, its ultimate purpose has not. Whether it requires brute strength or computer skills, all work is a continuation of the work of the Creator. For at the end of "His work", He turned the job of finishing the task over to us.

See you Wednesday!!

Renew is a program that offers adults the opportunity to come together to reflect on the Scriptures and our faith and to grow in their understanding.

As adults, each day we are presented with opportunities, issues and challenges. To each of these, we are asked to respond as Christians. Renew is directed toward helping adults live better Christian lives with understanding and confidence.

Next weekend you will be invited to sign up to join a small group of other adults for six weeks. These groups meet in homes for two hours each time; to reflect on the Sunday readings, what they mean and to share how we might live them.

Please consider giving just 12 hours this fall to Renew your life! I can’t think of a better way to grow. Thanks!!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Joel Pasienza, Virginia Johnson, Nikki Nystrand, Bob Stecewicz, Mary Galleher, Joe Weis, Megan Grech, Kathy Sayles, Jerry Neaton, Genevieve Rupp, George Rutton, Robert, Dennis Seefelt, Don Schommer, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Abigail Line, Bridget, Alec Schalhamer, Eileen, Nancy, Cheryl Franks, Scott Delplace, Laura, Pat Fuller, Jessica, Ninfa Aragona, Judy LaGrow, Becky Wilson, Mike Beauchamp, George Sierant, Bradley Stevens, Ruth, Marcella, Ashley Horning, Alexandria Nelson, Jessica Wolfe, Debbie, Ginther, Ralph Bennett, Robert Grace, Evelyn, Bill, Craig Livingston, Colette Bertrand, Laura Drittler, Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Ethan Montague, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mary Lou Colgin, Mary Beth, Bishop Povish, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers, Patrick and Janet Keough and family in the death of their son, Brian Keough.

In today’s second reading, St. Paul exhorts the Romans to total stewardship. Brothers and sisters, he urges, "…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God."

Tuesday, Sept. 3 Dena Sulkowski, Emma Aiello

Thursday, Sept. 5 Joan Houran

During the month of August, we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Anthony Alan and Camila Andrea, twins of Tim and Diana Greig; Nicole Ann and Vincent Gerald, children of Victor and Sheryl Lauria; Aidan Michael son of Adam and Jennifer Zebari; Theodore Alfred Bester IV, son of Ted and Karen; Alexander Thomas, son of Paul and Dana Burant; Jonathan Ignatius, son of Jonathan and Janice Chmielewski; Cameron Marie, daughter of Joe and Robin Gormley; Micah Elijah Zielinski, grandson of Cate Ross. We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and support, as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

There will be a Seniors Day at Kensington Park, Tues., Sept. 3 at 11:00 am. We will meet at the parish parking lot to carpool. Call Betty Polaske for more information 810-227-5370.

Don’t forget the Senior Parishioners organizational meeting, Tues., Sept. 10 in the Adult Formation Room at 9:30 a.m.

There are several classes without catechists and aides in them, and without you - we cannot start the year. Please think of all the youth of our parish who need you to help share your faith with them. We will train you and make sure you are comfortable walking into the classroom. This is your chance to make a difference in a child’s life. Call me at 229-8624.

Registration: Registration can be made on Wednesdays in August from 9:30am-4pm in the office. If you need an evening appointment, please call me. Many classes are filled so please have two choices ready when you register.

JWJ Update: The children of our parish donated $335.50 (mostly pennies-ask the Weingartz family!) to the St. Vincent Home! Great job! See the thank you note on the bulletin board by the office!

Confirmation Retreat: Information has been mailed out about the retreat; if you did not receive it please call the office. The packet contains the information and permission slips necessary for you to attend the weekend retreat Sept. 13-15. Chaperones are needed to accompany us for the weekend and adult volunteer drivers are needed, please call me in the office (ext #15-if after office hours) if you can help.

Confirmation Interviews: Interviews start Thursday, Sept. 19, and will be held in the office with Fr. Dave. Sign up sheets are in the Gathering Area. Each Candidate must meet with Fr. Dave before Confirmation.

Formation Team Members: Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 4, for Directions 2003. We will start off with Liturgy at 7.

Catechists/Aides: Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11, at 6:30. Please call the office if you need babysitting.

Religious Formation classes begin Sept. 22, 25 & 26. Open House is on Sept. 25, 26, & 29. There is a Family Program start up meeting 9-22 from 10-10:30.

R.E.A.C.H. Homeless Shelter: Please mark your calendars for the week of October 28th through November 4th. This is the week that parishioners from St. Mary Magdalen Church will be hosting the homeless of Livingston County. We will need individuals willing to provide food, meals, and time during that week. Watch the Bulletin & Visionary for information on how to help or call Jan Carpenter (810-227-5269) or Ann Fraser (517-545-9279).

Register now for the annual diocesan Jamboree on Saturday November 16, 2002, at the Lansing Center. Keynote performers will be Steve Angrisano and Jessica Alles-Smith. The cost is $32 and will cover workshops, lunch, dinner, liturgy, and a dance. Haunted House. There is a meeting scheduled for Thursday September 5 from 7-8:30pm and on September 7 in the barn from 8:30-10:30am. The dates for these meetings will be posted weekly in my article. Contact Margaret Callaghan in the office with any questions. Plans are coming along great!

Sweatshirts are available for sale in the gathering area. They are $15 and $25. You can purchase a hooded or zipped collar adult size style and a round collar in the child’s sizes.

Be sure to pick up a purple packet of scheduled MUD activities for the school year in the gathering area and mark your calendars now. Should you have any questions contact me at the offices.

A Thank you to everyone who participated in our car wash last week. It was fun and successful, raising over $200! Our next activity will be community service in Detroit. You can get all the information from the purple packet.

Is a gathering of women who come together to grow in faith, share their stories and meet other women struggling through life issues. It is a wonderful way to make new friends and to visit with old friends. We meet every Wednesday morning from 9:30 — 11:30 am, beginning September 11, 2002. Childcare is available for a small charge and we always have food and hot coffee. Please contact Sr. Joyce for more information.

Practical Implications of the

What does the Church teach about Social Justice?

Dr. Liberato has extensive experience in dealing with the political system and issues of Justice.

What does the Church’s teachings of Social Justice have to do with Public Policy?

Walter’s Appliance

Merrill Lundgren will present a dynamic workshop to give new energy to the Spiritual, Family, Work, and Re-creation aspects of your life.

The workshop will be held here at St. Mary Magdalen Saturday, October 19^th, 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. It is limited to 20 people and the cost is $20.00 per participant. Pre-registration is necessary. Please call Sr. Joyce at the office 229-8624 to register.

I will be facilitating the first six-week program on grief entitled "A New Day." If you or someone you know has recently lost someone close to them, please consider joining us.

The grief group will begin Monday, September 9, from 7-8:30 pm in the Bethlehem Chapel. Please call the office to register or for more information, 229-8624.

Sr. Maryetta

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

St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospice invites you to join our hospice team! Volunteers are needed in all areas: office, patient care, respite, bereavement, transportation, running errands and more!!

Volunteer Training begins Tues., Sept. 10, 17, 24, Oct. 8, 15. From 1-3 PM and one Wed. Oct. 23 from 8:30 — 10:30 AM. at St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospital 620 Byron Rd. Howell. To register for the training or for more information, call Sue-Anne at (517) 540-9000 or (517) 540-9125.

"Senior Parishioners Appreciation Week will be celebrated throughout the Diocese from Oct. 7 —11. This time is set aside to honor and recognize senior members of our parish communities. Elders in Livingston County are cordially invited to attend a Mass for this purpose at St. Joseph, Howell on Thurs., Oct. 10, at 11:00 AM. Lunch and entertainment will follow the Mass. Donations accepted. Please make your reservation by Oct. 3, by calling Betty Polaske at 810-227-5370. Transportation arrangements can also be made at this time."

Will have their Monthly Sunday breakfast, Sept. 8 from 9 - 12:30 PM. Cost is adults $4, children under 10 $3. All you can eat, pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, potatoes, juice and coffee. All proceeds for Eagle Scout Project. For more information, call Fri. after 6 PM (517) 546-0389.

Friday September 13 4 PM — 12 AM and Sat. September 14, from 11 AM — 12 AM. at 440 W. Washington St., Howell, MI. Great food, Raffles, Bingo, Beer, Wine and Mixed Drinks, Live Music, Games for all ages, Casino Nights, Luau Theme.

Thursday, September 3, Gregory the Great, Pope from 590-604, Doctor of the Church, last of the Latin Fathers of the Church. A Roman patrician by birth, he was born in Rome, the son of Gordiaus and St. Sylvia. He began a most promising secular career, receiving appointment as prefect of the city. He soon abandoned any thought of such a course as he embraced the religious life, converting his estate on the Caelian Hill into a monastery and founding six other monasteries on his lands in Sicily. Pope Pelagius II ordained Gregory a priest, and he became a papal nuncio in 578. In 579, he represented the pope to Constantinople, remaining there until 586. Returning to Rome, he served as abbot of St. Andrea until 590; when Pelagius died in a plague and Gregory was unanimously elected as his successor, being consecrated on September 3, 590 despite serious reluctance on his part to take up the burdens of the papacy. The labors of his pontificate ensured Gregory’s place in history, as he is considered the founder of the medieval papacy. Gregory conducted a massive reform of the clergy and clerical affairs, established guidelines of religious practice, promoted monasticism, appointed numerous monks to offices to the Holy See, and sent St. Augustine and forty monks to England, thereby starting the conversion of the English. 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. As Rome was in a state of political crisis — owing to the advance of the Lombards and the virtual disintegration of civil government — Gregory was forced by circumstances to assume many temporal duties. He ransomed captives of the Lombards, concluded a peace agreement with the Lombards to spare Rome from siege and destruction. He also rebuilt Rome after many natural disasters and launched a series of charitable programs to feed the large numbers of hungry people throughout Italy. This last project was one of deep importance to Gregory, who once wept openly upon learning that someone had starved to death in Rome during his administration. With Pope Leo I, he is only one of two popes to be honored with the name the Great.

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