Five years ago, when the Construction Task Group decided to erect the Shrine of the Cross, we had several reasons in mind. First, it would be the first thing to greet everyone as they arrive; secondly, it honors Mary Magdalen who stood at the foot of the cross. The third reason for the shrine, is that it would provide a sacred place for the burial of the ashes of parishioners who chose to be cremated.

We created the Shrine of the Cross from the cross that was originally made for the entrance of our first chapel and placed it on a small hill made from dirt that was excavated for our new building. Thanks to the generosity of the Monforton"s (Bob & Joan), we added the figures of Jesus and Mary Magdalen.

Now thanks to the generosity of John & Laura Kelly of Keehn Funeral Home, we added the memorial stone as a way to remember those whose ashes are buried here.

DO YOU KNOW THE ANSWER??. How many Catholic Churches are there? When did Roman Catholics begin using Latin for the Mass? Why do we sing some parts of the Liturgy and recite others? Why does the deacon (or priest) add water to the wine? What does the Passover have to do with the Eucharistic Prayer? Why do Catholics pray so "aerobically"?

If you can’t answer these questions, read on!

THREE MINUTES ON THE LITURGY Next weekend, we will begin a 30 week journey through the Eucharist.

This is the third time we have gone through each of the different parts of the Liturgy and explained them. The verbal explanation takes place three minutes before Mass starts. There will also be a companion article in the bulletin THREE MINUTES MORE which gives additional information and historical background.

The spoken instruction and the written explanation will generally, but not always coincide. Sometimes, they will vary. So I suggest that anyone who really wants to learn more, come a few minutes early! The whole purpose of these 30 weeks is to help all of us better understand and celebrate this gift of the Holy Eucharist!

Fr. Dave Howell

Please remember in your prayers Kim and David Hahn and family in the death of Kim’s mother, Beverly Jean Gardner.

Wis 9:13-18b/Phlm 9:10,12-17/Lk 14:25-33

Col 1:24 - 2:3/Lk 6:6-11

9:00 am Communion Service

Col 2:6-15/Lk 6:12-19

9:00 am V Be
Snook

Col 3:1-11/Lk 6:20-26

7:00 pm V Ruth Bennett

Col 3:12-17/Lk 6:27-38

9:00 am V Dorothy King

Nm 21:4b-9/Phil 2:6-11/Jn 3:13-17

9:00 am V Victoria Vasu

1Tm 1:15-17/Jn 19:25-27

Ex 32:7-11,13-14/1 Tm 1:12-17/Lk 15:1-32

4:30 (Vigil) V Mary & Carl Wojewodzki

9:00 am V Dorothy King

11:00 am St. Mary Magdalen

Please pray that the sick will respond to God’s healing will, especially: John Bordo, Kathy, Donald Schommer, Bonnie, Jack Bogos, Ed Stephens, 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.

The St. Mary Magdalen MOMS (Ministry of Mothers Sharing) group will be starting a 6 to 8 week journal series on Sept 12 from 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 Sept 9, MOMS will be in the gathering space after all Masses with information and registration forms. If you are a Mom of any age or experience, please join the group and share yourself with the rest of us.

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.

Jesus tells the crowd that only those who renounce all of their possessions can be His disciples. Is He truly asking us to give up everything? Perhaps instead, He is trying to help us see that everything we think we own is really a gift from God. Good stewards know that and strive to use those gifts accountably.

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.

Religious Ed/Formation classes will begin on October 3 & 4 with an Open House for parents and children both. Kindergarten classes, the Family Program and the 9 & 10^th grade Confirmation classes will all begin on Sunday, Oct. 7. This will allow for catechist training during the month of September beginning on the 12^th.

Sunday, Sept. 16 is Catechetical Sunday, meaning it is a day we bless our catechists and assistants and pray for them as they begin to break open the Word to our youth of St. Mary Magdalen. Join in blessing them at the 9 and 11:00 Liturgies!

Confirmation candidates are reminded that our Retreat is on Saturday, Sept. 29^th and you must call the office to register.

Parents and Catechists alike, mark your calendars for Wednesday, 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.

Ps. (to the kids) It sure is quiet without you around the house! Be good and listen to your teachers this week!

If you have not purchased the hottest T-shirt in town yet, you can do so at the picnic. They are going fast so don’t wait too much longer. Just this weekend we had our 5 annual freshman kidnapping lock-in. (It is hard to believe that Tom and I have been here for 6 years now) It is always a great opportunity to meet new people and to watch friendships develop. Thank you to all of the parents who helped out right from the kidnapping to keeping watch on the graveyard shift!

Remember to mark your calendars for the haunted house meetings that take place every Monday at 7pm. We will need all the people we can get so think about lending a helping hand.

The next two weekends the teens who are going to Indianapolis to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference will be collecting bottles and cans after all the masses in the barn. All of the money collected will go toward their trip.

Friday, September 28 we will be going to Howell to make our way through The Maze! ,a corn maze located off Burkhart Road. Please read the flyers and the information located on the kiosk in the gathering space. Afterward, we will have a bonfire at the Perkins home. It will be a great time!

The Retirees’ Lunch Bunch will have their first meeting of the fall this Tuesday, September 11 at 12:15 p.m. Join us in the Adult Formation Room with a sack lunch–Dessert and coffee are provided.

The Scripture and Stitches Group will meet this Tuesday from 10:00 to 12:00 in the Adult Formation Room. If you are interested in helping out with the Habitat for Humanity Quilt please join us.

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.

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.

Sincere Thanks to all August 3rd blood donors and volunteers!! Our goal was 125 and 124 turned out. We collected 98 productive units of blood which means 296 lives will potentially be saved!! Tom Schicker, the area coordinator, commented that "this may be the friendliest group I've ever worked with!" The Health Ministry Team thanks all of you for your amazing efforts!!!

On Tuesday, October 2 at 7pm presented by Frank Federico a professional personal trainer. A healthy back is strong, flexible and pain free. Learn how to stretch and strengthen muscles and joints that support your back. Proper back care can improve a problem back, maintain a healthy back, and "train" your back to stay well aligned and strong. The exercises in this class are safe for most people. They are not, however, intended as a substitute for professional health care. Please join us for a lively and informative evening. Sign-up sheets will be in the Gathering Area.

Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Support Group will meet Friday October 5th from 1-3pm. Come to share ideas and support one another! This is a terrific opportunity to learn of alternative therapies and coping strategies. We welcome the community, friends and family.

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.

SOMEONE NEEDS YOU: The Interfaith Volunteers Caregivers Program (IVCP) needs volunteers for their Respite program. Respite volunteers provide short-term relief to a caregiver by providing in-home supervision and companionship to a chronically ill or disabled family member. If you have three or four hours a week to spare on a regular or occasional basis, please call Darlene Fraley, Catholic Social Services, (517) 545-5944.

Sponsor of the Week

CMC Mortgage Company

Diocesan Assistance Program is a service provided by the Bishops’ Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs to assist you with substance/abuse referrals, speakers, and program resources. Call toll-free pager 517-340-2920.

ELEVENTH ANNUAL CCHD "CELEBRATION OF JUSTICE" DINNER to recognize those who work for greater social justice is being held Thursday, Nov. 8. The dinner will be at St. Michael Parish in Flint beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 each and available by calling (517) 342-2463 by October 19.