We will mark September 11 as a special day of prayer.

9 am: There will be a Prayer Service at 9 am. It will include both prayer and quiet reflection.

12 noon: A Rosary for Peace

7 pm: A Special Liturgy will be celebrated to pray for all those harmed by the terrorist attacks last fall, both the living and the deceased. At the end of the Liturgy, we will process outside to the new flagpole. After blessing the flagpole, we will raise the flag for the first time. I hope you will join us.

Private Prayer: As always, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel will be open all day long for private prayer. (The chapel entrance at the back of the building, is always open — day and night)

The money to purchase the pole was collected from the knights, the 6^th grade bake sale, and a few other parishioners. It was erected just this past week in time for this Wednesday’s commemoration.

We would like to especially thank Dan Schifko, who led this project as well as the other knights who worked with Dan to "raise the flag".

Renew is a process of gathering people together to reflect on the Scriptures and how we might live them better. It is meant to help us live better lives as mature Christians with understanding and confidence.

Over the next few weekends you are invited to sign up to join a small group of other adults for just 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 out during the week.

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: Ray Willis, Joanne Corey, Virginia Johnson, Joel Pasienza, 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 Jean Feterl and family in the death of her brother, Leonard Feterl.

Am I my brother’s keeper? All three readings today suggest that for the Christian steward the answer is "Yes!"

Thursday, Sept. 12 Linda Chevalier

Saturday, Sept. 14 Dennis Wagener

There are several classes without catechists and aides in them, and we cannot start the year without you. 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 from 9:30 am — 4 pm in the office. If you need an evening appointment, please call me.

Confirmation Retreat: We will leave from the church parking lot promptly at 6:00 pm on Friday, Sept. 13. Permission slips are due in the office by Wednesday.

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.

Catechists/Aides: Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 at 6:30 PM. Please call the office if you need babysitting. We will be doing lesson planning and attending Liturgy. Please get your reservations in for Monday, Sept. 16, as we need to know how many will be attending the training classes. Other parishes will be joining in this evening of Enrichment, so reserve your spot now!

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

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?

The annual diocesan Jamboree will be 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. Contact Margaret Callaghan for more information.

Haunted House. 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 at the picnic this weekend. 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.

Our first of the weekly meetings will be next Sunday, September 15. We meet from 7 — 9 pm. All students in the 9 - 12 grades are welcome to come. We gather together for discussion, fun, friendship and of course food. Bring a friend and come check us out!

Our next activity will be community service work at the Mary Lou Brown Mission in Detroit. A sign up sheet will be out next weekend in the gathering area. We will meet at 9 am and return back to St. Mary Magdalen at 3 pm on Saturday September 21.

Margaret Callaghan

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 Day Chapel. Please call the office to register or for more information, 229-8624.

Sister Maryetta

The word "ministry" is defined as the act of serving others. Our task, within our faith, has grown with the increased involvement of the laity in the church. The BeFriender ministry seeks to reach out to others beyond the traditional setting of the Sunday Mass. This is not a ministry of professionals but members of the family of Christ reaching out to help others within the family. If you are troubled or seeking help with a problem, please contact Judy Scharf at 248-889-0274.

Hartland Eye Care

Sharing and learning more about my faith. Giving support and watching someone grow in their faith. If you like sharing your faith with others than maybe being a sponsor is part of your journey in faith. For more information on becoming a sponsor, call Ann Fraser, (517) 545-9279 or for information on other areas of RCIA involvement including hospitality team, the retreat team, catechist team and others, contact Anne Williams, RCIA Coordinator 229-8624 or e-mail rcia1@ismi.net.

Plan to participate in an enriching seminar based on 6 positive rules for living. Merrill Lundgren will present a dynamic workshop to give new energy to the Spiritual, Family, Work, and Re-creation aspects of your life. It will be here at St. Mary Magdalen Saturday, October 19, 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 me soon to get you signed in.

Tuesday, September 10 is the Evening of Awareness for first time parents having their child baptized. The class is 7:30 pm — 9:00 pm in the Adult Formation Room. It is good to attend this class early in your pregnancy because it has information to consider before the birth of your child. Please call to register.

All Senior Parishioners Organizational meeting Tuesday, September 10 in the Adult Formation Room at 9:30 a.m. SENIORS PICNIC is at Kensington Park at 11:00 a.m.

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.

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."

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.

WKAR Radio Talking Book is a 24 hour news and information service provided free of charge for anyone who has difficulty reading conventional printed material. Every week more than 220 volunteers keep 1,500 print-challenged listeners in Mid-Michigan in touch and informed by providing verbatim readings from 14 daily newspapers, dozen of magazines, best selling novels, children’s books, advertisement, community calendars. For more information on the program or to volunteer call (517) 353-9124.

The ARC of Livingston County, an agency serving persons with developmental disabilities, needs volunteers to help with social events, transporting people to work, doctor appointments, church, shopping, social and sporting events. Also needed are people to help out in the office, answering phones, mailings, etc. Call Sandy Bader 517-546-1228, with questions or to volunteer.

A panel of legal experts will be addressing the issue of relatives other than parents raising children. A community resource table will be available on site. Child Care available. Please call 517-546-8500 To Reserve Your Spot.

Catholic Charismatic Meeting The Second and Fourth Wednesday of Every Month from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 830 S. Lafayette, South Lyon, MI. Rooms 7A and 7B. Use Courtyard Entrance. For more information call Barbara Vitale (248) 437-4271 or Fran O’Rourke (248) 437-2792.