I won’t bemoan the reality that like most holidays, the purpose of Labor Day has become obscured by the "vacation opportunity" it presents. On the contrary, I would only ask that somewhere over this holiday weekend each of us might give some thought to the value and dignity of labor.

I would also ask you to remember in your prayers those who are looking for work. Over the last months, more than a few of our parishioners have experienced the loss of their jobs as a result of changes in the economy or corporate structure.

The feast of the Triumph of the Cross, on September 14, provides the turning point for the Liturgical Year. Originally the feast celebrated the fourth century finding of the true cross in Jerusalem. But it soon took on another meaning: the celebration of the ultimate victory over evil. It serves as a reminder for all who experience difficult times: we will eventually overcome all difficulty in Christ!!

After this feast the Scripture readings begin to focus our attention on the end times. We move toward the end of the year on the feast of Christ the King (Nov 25) when we will celebrate the end of the world and ultimate victory of Christ. Between these two feasts, the "liturgical mood" of excitement and joyful anticipation slowly grows; so that even as we move from fall to winter watching the world of nature slowly die, we know that, in Christ, we will overcome it all!

In his farewell address, President Washington warned us about the danger of political parties. He urged us to elect individuals of principle and integrity.

I watch the politicians take important issues and use them for their political advantage. I realize that it has always been that way — ever since Adam blamed Eve for his "bite of the big apple." I would only beg that we be wise enough not to get caught in the "spin cycle" of the politicians.

It’s never too late to listen to George!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Sophie Martin, June Bennett, Steve Reichardt, Shirley Brake, Jaylee Doremire, Brad Heinitz, Jan Geiger, Kathy Rakoczy, Jean Killen, Steve Thuss, Joyce Fraser, Ethan Montague, Micah Zielinski, Dave Sharpy, Harold Stewart, Rosemary Duffy, Priscilla Davis, Tom Johnson, Carolyn Johnson, Mary Johnson, Chuck Horka, Patti Conahan, Matt Even, Jimmy Sexton, Mel Oja, Elsie Whetter, John, Adam Weitzel, Mary Beth, Mary Lou Colgin, Joey Boyd, Merrick, Paul Duff, Kateri Sullivan-Golbiw, Mike, Linda Nagle, Bishop Povish, Joanna Bloese, Ellen Colombo, Karen, Laurie Deirlein, and Donovan.

Please remember in your prayers Russell Smith and family in the death of his wife, Adeline.

BUILDING FUND PLEDGES

One goal of the Finance Council this year has been to increase our communications with parishioners concerning the financial status of the parish. We hope we have created an awareness that as our Building Fund Pledges are fulfilled; we need to rely on increases in stewardship commitments from existing parishioners and new members as we grow, to meet our budgeted expenses. Your weekly stewardship commitment will have an increasing impact on the funding of parish operations.

Prayerfully consider the needs of our parish, and through stewardship of your time, talent and treasures, returning to God a sacrificial portion of all blessings received.

In the Gospel today, Jesus warns us not to give in hopes of repayment, but to give open-handedly to the poor and needy. That sort of giving mirrors the bountiful giving of God, and Jesus assures us it is blessed indeed!

The picnic and fun will follow after the Liturgy. Sign up forms are in the gathering area if you are planning on attending. Don’t forget your chair and a dish to pass (hot dogs and ice cream will be provided).

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE PICNIC are needed on the following committees: Set-up (tents, platform etc.) Games for the children; Signs, Clean up & Take Down and Food set-up. Please consider helping on one of the above committees. Sign up sheets are in the gathering area.

Kathy Gannon/Robin Erickson

Anne Goudie

Marie A. Batten

Joan Monforton

BETHANY HOUSE, the Diocese of Lansing’s Youth Retreat Facility, will be holding an open house on Sunday, September 9, 1-4:00 pm on the grounds of St. Francis Retreat Center, 703 East Main Street, DeWitt. Come tour the new facility and meet the staff. Refreshments will be served.

For the last couple weeks I have been asking for families to register and for catechists to help. What you don’t see is the numbers we are dealing with so far! For the 290 families that have registered their 619 children, I thank you!! For the 71 catechist and aide volunteers that have stepped forward so far, our families and children thank you!! For the other 17 adults that have said yes to being a substitute, hall monitor, or working in the nursery during class for the catechist/aide children I thank you too! Many of our time slots for certain grade levels are filled! Our program is growing and growing! You are truly witnessing to the resurrection!

We are still missing at least 57 families from the program last year who have not yet registered and we still have many openings for catechists/aides.

Parents and Catechists alike, mark your calendars for Wed., Sept. 19, Richard Strife will be here from the Diocese to talk to us about Attention Deficit Disorder and give us ways to help our children in the classroom setting. Reservations can be made by calling 229-8624.

Classes will begin with families gathering in Church and Open House on October 3, 4.

And Kids, have fun in school this week! Thanks! Mary

We will be selling T-shirts for the parish picnic again this weekend after all the Masses. Thank you to Nick Christie who designed them. The cost is $10 a shirt.

With this being Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end of summer, many of the youth will be returning to school and the everyday bustle of homework and sports will be evident in households. Personally, I love this time of the year, the cooler air and the colors of the trees. Tom, Baruch and I will be traveling up north this weekend to enjoy it all. One last getaway before the big day in October! We hope your last weekend of summer is a safe one.

Beginning next week, our haunted house meetings will take place every Monday at 7pm. We will need all the people we can get, so think about lending a helping hand.

I hope you have made plans to attend this year’s parish picnic. It is a great way to spend time amongst our community. I love being outside and visiting with everyone.

Sept. 15 we are going to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen to serve lunch to those in need. There is a sign up sheet in the gathering space. Please fill out a registration form as well. You can turn it into the office. Thank you, Margaret

Sign up sheets are out now for the Story of David, our fall Thursday morning scripture study. Beginning September 20, at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Formation Room, we will explore the First and Second Books of Samuel to learn more about this historical biblical figure whose life helped set the stage for the birth of Christ. There is a daycare program available during our sessions.

Yours on the journey, Marilyn

During the month of August we celebrated the sacrament of Baptism with Ian James MacIntosh, son of James and Melissa MacIntosh; Jacob Michael Dunn, son of Brian and Amy Dunn; Nicholas Gerard Matuszak, son of Matthew and Argenta Matuszak; and Seth Aaron Buff, son of Ron and Michelle Buff.

We congratulate their parents and godparents and offer them our prayers and continued support as they accompany them on their journeys of faith.

The RCIA Program has started a Sponsor Pool this year. We are in need of sponsors for the Catechumenate candidates. If you would like to join the Sponsor Pool or find out more information about this commitment please contact Ann Fraser at (517) 545-9279 or Deacon Dave (810)229-8624.

Between Jobs, laid off, fired? Need a friend, a prayer, someone to talk to? Come and join us, Monday, September 24, at 7:30 in the lower level of the Rectory. We would like to begin a group to assist the transition from what has been to what is now. We need your help. Give us a try; help us to put something together. Please contact Maryetta Churches, Dave Scharf or Anne Williams (810) 229-8624 if you want to join us or if you know someone who should join us.

SENIOR PARISHIONERS APPRECIATION WEEK will be celebrated throughout the Diocese from September 17-21. 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. Mary, Pinckney, on Thursday, September 20, at 11:00am. Lunch and entertainment will follow the Mass. Donations accepted. Please make your reservation by September 13, by calling Betty Polaske, 810-227-5370. Transportation arrangements can also be made at this time.

The annual Men’s Retreat for 2002 is scheduled for the weekend of Jan. 11-13 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, MI. This retreat is open to all men of the parish. To register for the weekend retreat call St. Francis Retreat Center at (517) 669-8321, or toll-free at 1-800-669-8321. A $20 non-refundable deposit is required to register. For more information, please contact the retreat center or Deacon Dave.

The St. Mary Magdalen MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) group will start a 6 to 8 week journal series on Sept. 12, 9:30 to 11:30. The group gets together 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 Aug. 26 & Sept 9, MOMS will be in the gathering space after all Masses with info/registration forms. If you are a Mom of any age or experience, please join the group and share yourself with the rest of us.

Sponsor of the Week

Preview Properties

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.

Carol Ameche, Author, and TV Host, Sandra Timco, to speak at Domino’s Farms Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Ulrich Center, Lobby E. The topics will be "Mercy-Our Final Hope", "The Lumen Christi TV Show" and "Live From the Shrine". Admission is free. Call Domino’s Farms for more information.