ST. MARY MAGDALEN Page 1 BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN

Transcription

1 ST. MARY MAGDALEN Page 1 BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN ALL THINGS CONSIDERED The SACRAMENT of PENANCE For those who have put it off, there are two more opportunities to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ through the Sacrament of Penance: Monday morning from 11 am - Noon Monday evening from 6:30 7:30 pm (no Penance on Christmas Eve) CHRISTMAS LITURGIES The office has already begun getting calls about the Christmas schedule, so if you are one who is planning ahead, there will be 4: CHRISTMAS EVE: 4 pm, 6:15 pm & 10 pm CHRISTMAS DAY: 10 am The Christmas Eve 6:15 pm Liturgy begins with the children retelling the Christmas story. The Mid-Night Liturgy of Christmas is at 10 pm. It is the primary Liturgy of Christmas and is especially beautiful. It follows the pattern of the Christmas Liturgy of the fifth century. Three readings from the Old Testament remind us of how the promise of a Savior guided God's people and prepared us to hear the Good News of Jesus' birth. The morning Mass of the Shepherds (10 am) is much simpler, also very beautiful. LEAVING the 4 PM CHRISTMAS LITURGY!!! As most of you know, the first Liturgy of Christmas Eve is the most crowded. We will overflow seating in the Community Room with the video live-streamed from the church, and Eucharistic ministers will bring the Eucharist to folks in the Community Room. If the church is overflowing, so will the parking lot be, with many folks trying to leave at the same time. PLEASE NOTE: We have contracted with the County Sheriff s Department for a deputy and car to sit in the left turn lane. So EVERYONE will only be able to exit the parish grounds by TURNING RIGHT! The hope is that the line of cars will exit much more swiftly and those needing to go south on Old US 23 can go around the block through Shenandoah Sub (and see all the lights) or go further north and turn around. It won t be convenient for everyone, but hopefully it will clear the parking lot sooner so that those going on to family gatherings will get there sooner. Since we were only allowed one exit and entrance by the county it seems like a reasonable plan. Let me know how it worked! Fr. Dave Howell THIS WEEK S LITURGIES Dec. 23, Monday Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1: :00 am +Harold Burt Dec. 24, Tuesday - Vigil of Christmas Is 62:1-5/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 4:00 pm St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners 6:15 pm St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners Office Closed Dec. 24, Tuesday - Mid-Night Christmas Liturgy Is 9:1-6/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2: :00 pm St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners Office Closed Dec. 25, Wednesday - Nativity of the Lord Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1: :00 am St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners (No 7:00 pm Mass) Dec. 26, Thursday - St. Stephen, The First Martyr - Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Mt 10: :00 am +Harriet Wahlrab Dec. 27, Friday - St. John, Apostle and Evangelist 1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 9:00 am +Jack Wagner Dec. 28, Saturday - The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 Jn 1:5 2:2/Mt 2: :30 pm +Helen Callaghan Dec. 29, Sunday - The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Col 3:12-21/Mt 2:13-15, am +Lynn Howell 11 am St. Mary Magdalen Parishion- Feast of The Holy Family Sirach 3:2-6, The book of Sirach was written by a wise teacher who lived 200 years before Christ. Sirach ran a school for young people in Jerusalem. In today s section, he advises his students on the proper way to honor their parents. Colossians 3: The letter to the Colossians was written about the year 80 A.D. A significant concern in this letter is how the Christian community appears to outsiders. The author offers guidelines so that Christian families will live in such a way that others will notice the difference. Matthew 2:13-15, This gospel passage relates the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, a story that is told by only one of the evangelists, Matthew. This gospel is intent on establishing Jesus Jewish roots, as Matthew was well aware the nation of Israel had been in Egypt too. Reflect: In your household, how do you protect and take care of each other, especially in times of danger or sadness?

2 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 2 DECEMBER 22, 2013 THE WEEK AHEAD STEWARDSHIP REPORT Week of 12/15/13 Approximately 1278 people participated Env/Cash $14,628 EFT $14,100 Securing Our Future $ 8,806 TOTAL $37,534 Thank you for your gifts. Important It is advised that all contributions for the year 2013 should be in the church office by December 31, 2013 to receive credit for this year. We cannot guarantee that funds received after that date will be posted to the year Please pray for all the sick who have been commended to our prayer that they will respond to God s healing will, especially: Ruth Hughes, Kay Bosco, Mark Siegrist, Vic Howe, Karen Johnson, Liam, Linda Kehn, Jessi, Kathryn Cook, Jean Galazyn, Marianne Dluzniewski, Mike, Lee, Nick Monte, Joanne Plant, Jim Darish, Larry Baldinger, Genevieve Ditri, Terry Fitzwater, Sean, Dorothy Koprowicz, Dorothy, Vince Masi, Joddi Metcalf, Janet Milo, Sherri Kunkel, Sachi Blair, Marilyn Wojohowitz, Bill Gamble, Mary Marcus, Pete Kovalchik, Sarah Weide, Lisa Duranso, Abbie, Elizabeth Wisniewski, Tom Nelson, Abby Fountaine, Julie (Anderer) Lloyd, Deneatha Smith, Steve Reichardt, Mel Schmidt, Ellen Wojcik, Pete Pasienza, Hogan McCuan, Peggy Schmidt, Lynda Lawrence, Vicki Gilbert, Dick Price, Tom Sulkowski, Cullen Walker, Kathy Code, Ed Fisher, Jan Baldinger, Shirley Milatz, Jerome Wszola, Bob Newell, Tom Geni, Sharon Mayer, Jennifer Mosely, Skip & Sharon Dixon, Lynn Long, Diane Burr, Justina M. Pellerito, Mark Horzelski, Jeff Fontaine, John Conahan, Nancy Sharpy, Stacie Sherman, Fred Hoekstra, Sabrina Watt, MaryAnna, Michael Albanelli Church Building Closed - Dec. 24 & Dec. 25 Monday, Dec :am Art & Environment Christmas Set Up 6:00 pm Magdalen s Kitchen Tuesday, Dec Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Christmas Vigil Mass 6:15 pm Christmas Vigil Mass 10:00 pm Mid-Night Mass Wednesday, Dec Christmas Day 10:00 am Christmas Mass Thursday, Dec. 26 4:30 pm Office Closes 7:30 pm Music Ministry Friday, Dec. 27 9:30 am Rosary - Guadalupe Shrine Saturday, Dec. 28 7:30 am Men s Breakfast - RLL Sunday, Dec. 29 9:00 am RCIA Dismissal 10:15 am Ichthus 11:00 am Baptisms MINISTERS OF PRAYER Sun., Dec. 22 Dennis Wagener, Kay Ferris Mon., Dec. 23 Madelyn Gostomski, Peter Kelly, Shirley Brake Tues., Dec. 24 Rachel Tuzinsky, Mary Ellen Magon, Tracy Helms Wed., Dec. 25 Lillian & Richard Rumpz, Joe Lubig Thurs., Dec. 26 Margie Evans, Tom & Rita De raud, Anna Demonaco Friday, Dec. 27 Marilyn & Dan VanTiem, Mary Ann Hargrave Sat., Dec 28 Kathy Stegmaier, Mary McKaig The Board and co-workers at LCCC would like to thank you for your generous donations through our annual Loaves & Fish Appeal. Your generosity is overwhelming to all of us at LCCC and those we serve. We could not continue the good works we carry out in Jesus name in our community without your support? If you have not had the chance yet to send in your tax deductible donation, it s not too late. You may send your gift using the gift card mailed to you through the appeal or visit our web site at and make your donation online. The blessings you bestow bring hope to so many right here in Livingston County. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

3 ST. MARY MAGDALEN Page 3 BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN Religious Formation News from Mary at mmahar@parishmail.com and Karen at sect2@saintmarymagdalen.org Christmas Break Begins Dec. 22 Classes Resume Jan. 5! Thank you in advance to Erin Wolfe and her crew for organizing and creating the Children s Nativity for our 6:15pm Christmas Eve Liturgy! Thanks also to our parents who brought their children to the many rehearsals! All our angels are going to be just wonderful! Help Needed! Sunday, January 5, we need help with the Children s Liturgy of the Word. Please let me know if you can help during the 9 or 11, right at the beginning of Mass. Also, Magdalen s Kitchen is in need of some volunteers; see the sign-up sheet in the gathering area. Starting in January, 8 Great Dates needs childcare help on Friday evenings from 6:15-9pm. Call or me if you can help in any way. Rites: Solemn Penance Rite of Enrollment, crosses turned in to Fr. Dave Saturday, Jan.11, at 4:30. First Eucharist Rite of Enrollment, chalices turned in to Fr. Dave Sunday, January 12, 9am (followed by a pancake breakfast hosted by the Knights!). All parishioners will be asked to pick a name after liturgy to pray for a youth and their family as they journey towards the sacrament making you their prayer partner. 9th gr. Parent/Candidate meeting is scheduled for Sunday Jan. 12 at 5:30. Home Study Meeting Sunday, Jan 12, at 10:15. Formation Classes: We still have room in our classes if you haven t registered yet (regardless of your ability to pay-just call me). Come into or call the office for more information. As we end this year, your Lead Catechists: Katie, Jill, Sharon, Cheryl, Stasia, Kevin, Cathy, Elizabeth, Diane, Karen and I would like to take the time to thank all our parents and families for all you do in the formation of your children! No matter what the season, it is always important to celebrate the simple things in life. There are too many things that slow us down in the winter - make each day matter! Have a Blessed New Year! Youth News from Margaret at yminister1@gmail.com and Stasia at tkcsmom@att.net This week we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus. He was born into the world over 2,000 years ago. How is he born into our lives today? Men traveled from afar to visit him and give gifts to this child, to a king. How far do you go today to seek Him? What gifts do you have to offer Him? During the Lenten season think about joining the high school youth s presentation of The Passion. Practices start on Sunday, February 9th, and continue on Sundays all through the season of Lent. The performance for the parish is on Good Friday, April 18th. Easter is Sunday, April 20th. Our annual Winter Weekend Getaway is scheduled for the end of January. If you read this and would like to still take part in the fun, we might be able to squeeze you in. The cost is $100 and is due at the time of sign up for the weekend of Jan 23-26th. Contact me at yminister1@gmail.com for information and details. To serve others and help those in need, plan to participate in our week-long summer work service trip with the National Relief Network (NRN) scheduled for the week of July 14. An information meeting will be scheduled in early February. A large fundraising opportunity for this trip is volunteering at MIS for the races scheduled June We camp, clean, dumpster dive and all the while earning money for the work service trip. Our first meeting back is January 5th. After a two-week break it will be nice to see everyone and to hear about holiday celebrations and visits with family in town and out of town. Any high school student in grades 9-12 are welcome to join us every Sunday evening in the youth room from 7-9pm. EDGE: Our EDGE Christmas gift exchange and party was fun. We shared gifts, pizza and cake with one another! May your celebrations these next few weeks be filled with as much joy and laughter. Our next meeting back is Monday, January 6th. It s a bonus meeting as we still will have two more meetings in January.

4 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 4 DECEMBER 22, 2013 Adult Education and Formation Faith and Service - From Sr. Joyce pastmin1@saintmarymagdalen.org December Intentions for the Year of Faith: In Thanksgiving for all God has done for the Church of the diocese of Lansing M.O.M.S. This dedicated group of women meet in the North Room, next to the Nursery throughout the school year. Meetings with Prayer, Food, Fun, and Friendship occur every Wednesday morning from 9:30 am noon. Moms of all ages and stages are welcome to come anytime. See the M.O.M.S brochures in the Gathering area racks for more information. Please feel free to contact Erin Wolfe at devonwolfe@comcast.net or Holly Oakes at hoakes73@gmail.com with any questions School for Discipleship: Winter Classes January will be here before we know it and the start of classes. Please register soon, so that we know how to prepare. We offer you the following 6-week classes: Mondays 7-8:45, 9 pm beginning January 13 The Sacraments: Father Dave Howell Explore the sources for all the sacraments and the significance of the moments God wants to connect with us. This class gives credit to Catechists in Formation. Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 14, 7:00-8:45 pm Christianity in America: Mr. Daniel Moulton Trace the threads of Christianity in American History and explore its ongoing role in the fabric of American Society. Classes are free to parishioners and a nominal fee for non-parishioners. See Brochures at the Adult Formation Board or register online. Living the Eucharist: A Parish Lenten Experience At present, The Evangelization & Adult Formation Ministry Team is preparing for a Parish-wide faith activity for Lent. Our common experience and the essence of our faith is in receiving and living Eucharist, Christ among us. There will be choices offered for in-home Family sharing, Teen sharing groups, Adult faith-sharing groups, Individual at home daily prayer offerings and readings so that we all, according to our time circumstances can participate. There will be an evening of Retreat on Easter Thursday for sharing of experiences and thoughts. While future information will be coming, please pray and consider how you can best be one with us in your participation. Catholics Returning Home Have you considered asking someone to come to Christmas Mass with you? Is there someone you would like to ask if this is the time they might want to return to the Church in a committed heart-felt way? In January we will offer a few evenings when people can come and talk about their hopes and dreams for living their faith in the Catholic Church. We are here to listen, to help and to help heal. Sunday, January 5 A Eucharistic Day ADORATION We have come to do Him homage. Those words, spoken by the Magi from the East as they searched for the infant Jesus, resound through the centuries to be echoed in the heart of every person who makes a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. The presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is as real today as the infant Jesus was to the Wise Men who sought Him by following a star rising in the East. Following the 11am Liturgy the Eucharist will be exposed on the altar and we may come to pray anytime before 4pm. We will then close our day with EVENING PRAYER All members of the parish are invited to spend some quiet time in prayer. You may come when you like and stay as long as you like. Especially invited are the members of the Worship Ministry Team, Eucharistic Ministers and Ministers of Prayer. "How I would like a Church that is poor and for the poor!" Pope Francis

5 ST. MARY MAGDALEN Page 5 BRIGHTON, MICHIGAN THE ANGEL TREES And with the angel there was a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God! Continuing the tradition in the parish that we began a few years ago, all are invited to bring an unbreakable angel ornament of any size or type for the trees at the stable in the gathering area (ONE PER FAMILY). Please place them in the basket near the trees. We store them each year and the angel trees continue to be filled adding to the beauty of our Christmas environment. Ichthus Friendship Stories Music If you desire a deeper relationship with God and to grow in friendship with others, then consider visiting Ichthus. We meet each Sunday morning at 10:15 am in the north room. All are welcome. The nursery is staffed from 10-1 pm. Dec 22 and 29 - Alan Pittel reflects on Pope Francis' recent paper Evangelii Gaudium about "The Joy of the Gospel" covering a personal relationship with Jesus, challenges we face, proclaiming the good news, social considerations, and moving in the Spirit and the intercession of Mary. MARRIAGE...OUR SACRED VOCATION Plan to attend the 4th Annual Marriage Enrichment Conference presented by St. Patrick Church here at St. Mary Magdalen on Saturday, Feb. 8, Cost is $60/couple (includes continental breakfast & lunch). Featured speaker is Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. For more information and registration, visit: Seniors go hungry without our volunteers! The Meals on Wheels organization needs volunteers. We would love the opportunity for you to be a part of our team of volunteers. Positions available are for packers and drivers. This is a commitment of 1 to 3 hours of your time as little or as often as you would like. Our volunteers deliver more than just a meal. For more information please call or c.zastrow@lwmow.org. Taizé A Time of Prayer St. Mary Magdalen FRIDAY, JANUARY 17 AT 8PM Taizé is an ecumenical prayer service (approximately 40 minutes) composed of song, scripture and silence. We gather for a quiet evening of prayer and reflection in the midst of our busy lives. Have you experienced a divorce? Or, are you in the middle of the divorce process and feeling overwhelmed? Do you know someone that is going through a divorce? Or, who has gone through a divorce but is still wrestling with the social, spiritual or psychological pain? DIVORCE & BEYOND RECOVERY & HEALING This may be the information and support that you or that special person that you know is looking for. Co-hosted by the Catholic parishes of the Livingston Region and Livingston County Catholic Charities, this education and support group is available for you. Topics will include: The Process of Divorce, Self-Image, Stress, Anger, Blame and guilt, Loneliness, Forgiveness, Happiness and Pathways to Growth Divorce and Beyond is for people who are already divorced or have filed for divorce, but is not for those considering a divorce. Register with Sr. Maryetta Churches, for Friday evenings, 7-8:30pm, January 24-March 28, 2014 here at St. Mary Magdalen. There is a $10.00 fee for program materials.

6 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Page 6 DECEMBER 22, 2013 Have you heard about our 8 Great Dates? We have successfully offered these date nights for married couples (and a few engaged!) for the last 3 years, with much positive feedback! We re again planning these evenings from 6:30-9pm on Fridays, Jan. 10 through March 7, 2014, including catered dinners at tables for 2, candlelight, a little music along with an entertaining video presentation. It s designed to enhance your marriage relationship. Call Sandi Phillips at or in the office at with questions or to pre-register. Loss Programs Offered by Arbor Hospice: Loss of Spouse or Partner begins Jan. 20, Loss of Spouse or Partner begins Jan. 22, Loss of Child begins Jan. 23, Adult Loss of Parent begins Jan 27, General Loss begins Feb 4, More information is available on the Arbor Hospice website at Mon. 12/23 Tues. 12/24 Wed. 12/25 GYM SCHEDULE No Open Walk 10:00 am-12:00 pm Travel B Ball Christmas Eve Church Bldg. Closed Christmas Day Church Bldg. Closed Thurs. 12/26 9:30-11 am Open Walk 4:30 pm Office Closed 8:30 pm Men s B Ball Gym Fri. 12/27 Sat. 12/28 Sun. 12/29 No Open Walk 10:00 am-12:00 pm Travel B Ball 8:30-9:30 am Boot Camp Nothing Scheduled Waiting in Silence by: Carey Landry we are your people, we long for you, Lord. God ever with us, Emmanuel, Come, Lord Jesus, Maranatha! we are your people, we trust in your love. O Sun of Justice, true Prince of Peace, Come with your justice, Lord, Maranatha! we are your people, Lord, we seek your truth. Wisdom Incarnate, teach us your way; Show us the path of life, Maranatha! we are your people, we long for new life. O Key of David, open our hearts. Give us new vision, Lord, Maranatha! we are your people, our hearts thirst for you. Flower of Jesse, bloom in our midst. Make us your garden, Lord, Maranatha! 2002, Carey Landry. Published by OCP. All rights reserved.