TWO-DAY RETREAT\MISSION This Sunday evening, we will have the first of two evenings that invite to pause and ponder the ways we can live with a stronger faith in God. Fr. Jerry Vincke will be leading a two-day parish retreat or mission.

Many of you will remember Fr. Jerry. He was with us as an intern during his last six months before being ordained a priest. He now runs our diocesan youth retreat house in DeWitt and led the retreat for our Confirmation candidates last weekend.

Perhaps more than ever, with all of life’s anxieties, concerns and busy-ness, it is important to take time for prayer and reflection. So often folks will say to me that they wish they had a stronger faith. To all of those who have this desire, I say come to the retreat\mission. Faith doesn’t grow unless it’s nurtured — and that’s what Fr. Jerry is coming to do!

A NATION OF ADMIRERS A Christian arrested for standing up for civil rights, begged his brother to join him in the struggle for justice. Because he was a local politician, the brother sadly told him he could not, explaining that to do so would be political suicide. From his jail cell, he challenged his brother, asking how he could refuse to take a stand if he was a Christian! The politician responded by saying, "I love the Lord, but I’m not willing to commit suicide for Him!" The brother sadly stared through the bars at his brother, "You’re no follower of the Lord, you’re only an admirer."

Many of civil leaders and politicians claim to be Christian, as do a large majority of Americans. But many seem to be willing to support actions that are contrary to the Gospel.

They claim to be personally opposed to abortion, but they are not willing to support actions that would at least limit the free and unrestricted access to abortion. Some claim that personal moral convictions should not limit the free choice of others. I wonder if Jesus would agree?

Many claim to be pro-life, but some of our leaders and, if the polls are correct, many people in our predominately Christian nation support an American military intervention in Iraq. Some believe it should be done because Iraq has rejected UN resolutions on inspections. Some fear the possible danger of terrorist attacks from the present regime. I don’t know any passage in the Gospel that would justify such an attack.

If a person’s words or actions are not what Jesus would do, then that person is not really a follower of Christ, but only an admirer.

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: Pauline Jones, Marianne Quada, Helen List, Paul Sharpy, Jan Jandasek, Martha Rushak, Myra Gauger, Emilee Ritter, John Matta, James Scharf, Ray Willis, Joanne Corey, Virginia Johnson, Nikki Nystrand, Bob Stecewicz, Mary Galleher, Megan Grech, Jerry Neaton, George Rutton, Robert, Don Schommer, Pat Cote, Tom Clark, Abigail Line, Bridget, Alec Schalhamer, Eileen, Cheryl Franks, Scott Delplace, Laura, Pat Fuller, Ninfa Aragona, Judy LaGrow, Becky Wilson, Mike Beauchamp, George Sierant, Bradley Stevens, Ruth, 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 Vicki Payne and family and Claudette Snowgold and family in the death of their grandfather, Claude Bund.

In today’s Gospel, the vineyard owner says, "I am free to do as I please with my money, am I not?" We are likewise free. Is a generous return to the Lord in thanksgiving for His many blessings among the choices we have made?

Religious Formation classes begin THIS WEEK! Open House for Parents and students is on Sept. 25, 26, & 29. 10^th grade classes will meet today at 5:30 pm. in the Rectory Basement due to the RENEW retreat tonight (9^th grade will still be in the hall). Last weekend Tim Schiller, Jan Bordo, Steve Didyk, Margo Eberts and I spent the weekend with 43 of our Confirmation Candidates at Bethany House with Fr. Jerry Vinke and his crew on retreat! The youth spent their time talking, praying, playing, (not sleeping) and learning more about the call of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We had a night walk under the stars for evening prayer; listed the top 10 reasons to be Catholic, learned that many things are a mys-ter-y in our faith, listened to 2 high school youth give their faith journey stories and what Confirmation means to them, celebrated Reconciliation, stumped the priests with Fr. Dave, talked about faith and saints and much more. It was a good retreat! We also had a huge football game, learned this group cannot follow directions well-ask them about the eyes down game! And remember, the Jury Rules!

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: Just a reminder to get your registration forms in for Souper Saturday, September 28 at St. Pat’s in Brighton.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL, sponsored by The Livingston County Domestic Violence Prevention Council and LACASA, will be held Tuesday, October 15, 7:00pm on the county courthouse lawn in downtown Howell to raise public awareness and show support for the effort against domestic violence. Bring family and friends!

Jamboree. Sign up now for this annual diocesan event scheduled for Saturday November 16, 2002! You will not want to miss out! It will take place 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. Meetings will be Saturday from 9-2pm in the barn every Saturday.

I am encouraging all teens to participate in the Renew retreat these next two evenings. The youth will be gathering in the youth room at 6:30; so we can all attend the evening. Hope to see you there.

Last winter the youth donated money to the St. Vincent Home building fund. This fall we are sponsoring a school supply drive, collecting things from trapper keepers to back packs, to pencils, paper and pens. You can drop off items in the youth room. Delivery of the items to the home will be the first week of November.

Thank you to the adults and students who volunteered their time and energy serving those less fortunate. Working together to serve God’s people is a day well spent! Sign up now for our October evening of mayhem!

Margaret Callaghan

R.E.A.C.H. Homeless Shelter

Grab your spot! Volunteer sign-up has begun for R.E.A.C.H. St. Mary Magdalen will be hosting the area's homeless from October 28th through November 4th. Volunteer positions include driving, chaperoning, and providing meals. The sign-up sheets will be coming soon in the gathering space. You may also call Ann Fraser (515-545-9279) or Jan Carpenter (810-227-5269) with questions or to volunteer.

If you would like to have a Liturgy celebrated for a special intention, please call the parish office to make arrangements. 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.

SPONSOR OF THE WEEK

BMS Brighton Mini-Storage LLC

Anyone with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Rheumatoid Arthritis and family members who are interested in learning more about autoimmune disorders,

Topic this month: University of Michigan News Release — "Fibromyalgia pain isn’t all in patient’s head, new brain study finds first objective measure of mysterious ailment, provide road map for future study."

Faciliators will be Joy Sullivan CRNA, and Mary Kay Foley, RN. Any questions call the parish office 229-8624.

The next blood drive is Friday October 4th from 1-7 pm. There will be a sign up sheet in the gathering area starting this weekend. Sign up will be there for donors as well as volunteers.

Thank you for making last year’s American Evangelization Appeal a success. Even during the tragic aftermath of September 11, you generously gave to the evangelization efforts of St. Mary Magdalen and our diocese. Thank you for answering Christ’s call to evangelize. The appeal raised $157,718.64 — a portion of which went to national evangelization efforts. However, the bulk stayed right here — making our own local evangelization efforts, like FAITH Magazine and the television Outreach Mass, possible.

By supporting the American Evangelization Appeal, you will help us continue to answer Christ’s call to reach out with the Gospel message.

Whether you will be participating in the small Christian community faith sharing groups or not, please plan to attend the 2-evening Renew Mission given by Father Jerry Vincke, Sunday and Monday evenings, September 22, and 23, from 7:00 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. in the Church.

When we are isolated and alone in our spiritual lives, we can become comfortable living in the darkness of our own thoughts. In small Christian community groups of ten, we at St. Mary Magdalen, are called to gather, to look into the faces of one another, share faith and end the isolation. We are offering you RENEW, the opportunity to become a part of a faith sharing group, which will meet once a week for 6 weeks beginning the week of October 6.

These sessions, led by a facilitator, will discuss the upcoming Sunday readings so we can know our thoughts about them before Father gives us his view of them for us. These sessions are gentle and self-driven. We can speak our thoughts or listen as we choose…it’s all-okay.

The committee will still be collecting Renew Sign Up Cards until September 29.

This 4-hour workshop can help you to manage difficult life situations that are quite stressful to you. Do you need to get rid of stress? Do you need to re-energize your marriage or your outlook on life? Do you need to change your work attitude? Merrill Lundgren’s Seminar is based on six positive rules for living, bringing new energy and conviction to the Spiritual, Family, Work, and Re-creation aspects of your life. This workshop will be here at St. Mary Magdalen Saturday, October 19, 9:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m. Attendance is limited and the cost is $20.00 per participant. Please call me to register.

If you are not praying for your child, who is? Moms In Touch is a non-denominational group of Bible believing mothers who meet weekly to pray for their children and schools. If you would like to start praying for your child, we meet on Mondays at 1:00 pm, starting September 23, 2002, at Pauline Flowerday’s house. Don’t hesitate to call Hartland Consolidated Schools-Lakes Elementary with questions or for directions, 248-685-0064.

AWESOME! POWERFUL!

A great reflection for the entire family!

Special Guest: Fr. Joseph, MIC, Director of the Association of Marian Helpers. To bind us closer in prayer and works of charity, Fr. Joseph welcomes the opportunity to meet those dedicated to spreading the message of God’s mercy in their families, workplaces and communities. Receive a special blessing with a first class relic of St. Maria Faustina, the first saint of the new millennium. Don’t miss this special evening of wonder, prayer, and fellowship!

Please join us on Oct. 5, at 6:00 PM as we unravel clues throughout Livingston County to get us to the final destination where dinner is served. Registration forms are available by contacting Rich at (810) 231-3966.

Beginning Experience A spiritual weekend designed to help the widowed, divorced, and separated make a new beginning in life. The Beginning Experience helps participants work through the grief process associated with loss and provides an opportunity to begin the healing process.

When: 3 or 4 times yearly

Where: St. Joseph Center

1000 E. Porter Street

Jackson, Michigan

Contact: Mary Jo (Brighton) (810) 229-0040

LESA Head Start invites all to spend an evening discovering:

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002

5:00 — 7:00 PM

Livingston Educational Service Agency

Education Center

1425 E. Grand River, Howell

Refreshments served

If you are unable to attend the event and wish to learn more about Head Start and the programs offered in Livingston County, please contact Gina Coopersmith at (517) 548-2100 ext. 304.

Livingston County Catholic Social Services (LCCSS) announces the enrollment for a new cycle of Maplegrove Children’s Programs.

The Maplegrove Children’s Programs provides daily lessons on staying healthy, towards the goal of the prevention of the use and/or abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The topics include feelings, self-esteem, coping, peer pressure, decision-making, families, chemical abuse, self-care, and how to find help for yourself.

All Livingston County children, grades 1-8, are invited to attend; though enrollment will be limited to the first 30 children. A program for parents will be provided at the same time.

This is an 8—session program, meeting on Tues. 6—8 pm, from Oct. 1 — Nov 19, 202. All sessions to be held in the Pre-School building of St. Joseph School in Howell. For further information, contact LCCSS, at 517- 545-5944, and ask for Maplegrove.

GABRIEL RICHARD HIGH SCHOOL in Ann Arbor is holding an open house Sunday, October 13, from 1-4pm on the new building state-of-the-art site located at 4333 Whitehall Blvd. Come learn about the possibilities of attending high school here. Our fall entrance exam is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002 from 8:00am to 12:30pm. Call 734-662-0496 to register for the exam. Cost is $20.