THE NATIIVITY OF THE LORD DECEMBER 25, 2017

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2 ST. MARY MAGDALEN CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!! All of us who work for you and with you here at St. Mary Magdalen, want to wish you a Christmas filled with every grace and blessing from above! Our Pastoral Staff: Sr. Maryetta, Diane Kubus, Gary Prise, Roxanne Hundsrucker, Sr. Joyce Hoile, Dave Scharf, Margaret Callaghan, Stasia Eisenhut, Megan Tierney, Erin Wolfe, Jim Chevalier, Steve Schulte, Devon Wolfe & Fr. Dave Howell Our Office Staff: Sandi Phillips, Gayle Zawisa, Karen MacDonald, Diane Whiton & Dave Wisniewski Our Facilities Staff: Dan Tuthill, Kathleen Gehring & Mark Wolf Our Pre-School Staff: Kathie Anderer, Sue Abraham, Michele Anderer, Wende Cofield, Sherry Mick, Kathy Riccardi and Amanda Faiola CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD Each year our pre-school staff collects versions of the Christmas story from our four-year-olds. Here are some of those stories: Once upon a time there was a Jesus born on Christmas Day. A fairy watched over him. Shepherds came with their sheep. The star was shining high up in the sky. Three wise men came and brought frankincense, gold and myrrh. Baby Jesus was born. The wise men came. The shepherds came too. There were angels there. The baby was born in a stable. There were animals in the stable. There was snow. It was pretty. Santa came and brought presents. That was the first Christmas! Once upon a time there was a little baby. It was Jesus. Shepherds came to see him. The star was bright when Jesus was born. The angels comed to see him. They touched him and sang to him. And they told him a night story. That was Christmas the first one. Once upon a time there was a baby whose name was Jesus. Joseph and Mary came to the stable and had a baby. That baby was Jesus. They put him in the dusty, old hay in the manger. Then they wrapped him in a blanket and fell asleep. And there wasn t a sound from him. He was a very good baby. He had a fun Christmas. He opened his presents from Santa Claus. The story of Christmas is an old one. Yet if each of us hears it anew like a little child it becomes a story brimming with joy and promise. It is my sincere hope that each of us, especially this year, can hear the story again in a way that will fill us with wonder and awe at the God who would love us so much to come to share our lives. May God bless each of us with the heart of a child this wonderful Christmas Day! Fr. Dave Howell THIS WEEK S LITURGIES BRIGHTON, MI December 25, Monday, THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD Is 62:1-5/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-25 4:00 pm Vigil St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners 6:15 pm St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners Is 9:1-6/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2: :00 pm St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners Is 62:11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2: :00 am St. Mary Magdalen Parishioners December 26, Tuesday, St. Stephen, The First Martyr Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59/Mt 10: :00 am +Lucille Baldori December 27, Wednesday, Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 1 Jn1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8 7:00 pm +Daniel Keefe December 28, Thursday, The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1 Jn 1:5-2:2/Mt 2: :00 am +Ann Bund December 29, Friday 1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2: :00 am +Lynn Howell December 30, Saturday 1 Jn 2:12-17/Lk 2:36-40 December 31, Sunday, The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3/Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19/Lk 2: :30 pm Vigil +Jean Schultz 9:00 am St. Mary Magdalen 11:00 am +Doris Zaragoza THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3 In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was thought it essential to have a male descendent to carry on the family line and inherit all that his parents had worked for. But the elderly Abraham and Sarah were still childless, which seemed to contradict God s earlier promises to them. Today s passage will tell us how this problem is resolved. Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, The author of the letter to the Hebrews frequently held up Old Testament heroes as models of faith. He did this because he was writing to a community whose faith was wavering. Today he presents, as examples, Abraham and Sarah whose faith had survived severe testing. Luke 2:22-40 This account of the Presentation of the Lord comes from a first century Jewish Milieu, fulfilling the Law of Moses. In the Temple, they meet two other Jewish figures, the devout Simeon and the prophetess, Anna. The Spirit of God filled these prophets. Reflect: Can you name what the Spirit of God is saying to you today? 2

3 THE ART OF MAKING CHRISTIANS At Christmas we not only celebrate the birth of Christ, we also celebrate His coming into our lives every day. More people come to church on Christmas and Easter than any other time during the year. Perhaps this is because it is at these times we are more aware of God s presence in our world and in our lives. Maybe it s an increased awareness of our personal need, our need for God and for a Savior. This is the reason practicing Catholics come to Church every Sunday. It s in response to their need for God. If you are not Catholic, and have thought about it or would like to know more about Catholics, we invite you to come inquire. We will answer any questions you may have. What do Catholics believe? How do they pray? These are some of the many questions people ask. You can then decide if you would like to pursue it further, to take a long hard look at what being a Catholic means and what the Church offers. CHRISTIANS ARE MADE, NOT BORN. Becoming a Christian is not automatic or instantaneous. It is a process that takes time. While doctrinal instruction is a part of the process, the initiation of adults aims at changing the heart and transforming the spirit. This is what conversion means. It is not something that can be programmed, it happens in God s own time. It is a journey of faith that begins with answering your questions about faith in a way that leads to a life-giving faith in Christ. For more information about becoming Catholic, call Erin Wolfe, (810) Today, O Heav'ns Acclaim the Morning Star Today, O heav'ns acclaim the Morning Star That rises when earth's dark is at its height; Today announce hope's Dayspring from afar That quenches for all time the powers of night. Today, archangels, bow before the Lord, The Word of God in human flesh adored. Today, O earth, awake to see the light; Look east, the first edge of new Dawn to bless. Today take heart, O captive world of night; Arise to hail the Son of righteousness. Today, exult, you just, before the Lord, The Word of God in human flesh adored. Today, O choirs of heav'n and earth confess: In Bethlehem there breaks a glorious Morn. Today, all you redeemed, in joy profess: In Christ the everlasting Day is born. Today has come your Savior, here your Lord: The Word of God in human flesh adored. Text by Genevieve Glen, OSB. 1995, The Benedictine Nuns of the Abbey of St. Walburga. Published by OCP. All rights reserved. 3

4 ST. MARY MAGDALEN RELIGIOUS FORMATION NEWS Roxanne Hundsrucker Today we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent We have come to an abrupt end of Advent today as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and the Eve of Christmas. The shortest period of Advent may seem to many as a rush to this year s Christmas celebration. Merry Christmas I pray that all our parishioners and visitors have a great Christmas! In the midst of shopping and preparing for parties, which is not necessarily all bad, please remember the gift that was given to us in Jesus. Make sure to take time to thank the Lord for the many blessings you have. A suggestion: at your family gatherings, read the Scriptural account of the Nativity found in the Gospel of Luke 2:1-14. The Nativity Scene Many of us have a nativity scene we put up in our home around Christmas. Churches display them outside and inside, many times to put an image out to describe the Scriptural elements of Jesus birth. This idea was established by St. Francis of Assisi in He wanted to do something to honor the Christ child. I encourage you to look at the displays, in your home or in church, and let the Gospel story come alive, experiencing what took place in our salvation history. The following is a nativity scene blessing for your homes~ Blessing of a Nativity Scene God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love when our need for a Savior was great you sent your son to be born of the Virgin Mary. To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy and love. Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus and raise up our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen YOUTH NEWS Margaret Callaghan BRIGHTON, MI Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent and Merry Christmas! Whew what a weekend! May your time with family to celebrate all things good be filled with laughter, warmth and lots of love. As you participate in family traditions, share in thoughts for a new year and enjoy a break from the mundane, everyday schedule of life, I pray that God finds his way into your hearts and homes. Be grateful for the gifts given to you, joyous in the gifts you give away, and present in the moment to truly enjoy the people you are with. Beginning February 11, we will be joining the 9 th grade Confirmation preparation class for a parish-wide Youth Alpha. Think about being a part of this wonderful, spiritual journey with us. The video led program will be an opportunity to grow in relationship with Jesus and with one another through small group table discussion. Something a little different than YG meetings is that attendance for the program is necessary. Each week builds on the last and the small group depends on consistency. Life happens of course and if something comes up, you ll be fine to miss one or two. All 9 th graders will participate through their confirmation preparation class. All other youth should register with Margaret Callaghan at yminister1@gmail.com. Each small group will be led though discussion by a youth host and an adult helper. Be sure to stay up-to-date with the YG Remind text updates. Just text the to EDGE Edge is a middle school youth group for students in 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade. All students are welcome to join us the second and fourth Monday of the month, 7-8:30pm in our youth room. These meetings are planned with the students in mind and are filled with movement, games and discussion. We grow in relationship with God as we grow in relationship with one another. Our meetings for January are Monday the 8 th and the 22 nd. Contact Margaret Callaghan at yminister1@gmail.com with any questions. 4

5 OF FAITH AND SERVICE Sr. Joyce Hoile, OSF CHARITY & JUSTICE Invitation: Will you come? The Christmas holidays are a blessed time. Will you consider inviting someone who hasn t been to any Church that you know of, or a family that doesn t worship regularly? Invite them to come and sit with you. Celebrate this time together. Only God knows where this might lead. Look for God s hand in all of this. Welcome Back Meeting Friday, January 19 at 7:00 pm Are you someone who s been away from the church for a while? Are you a practicing Catholic with questions about your faith? You are invited to meet with Sr. Joyce and Father Dave in an informal setting to explore your questions and let them know how they can be of service. ST. MARY MAGDALEN Wednesdays 10am-12pm Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm Would you like to start the new year exploring your faith? Are you wondering where Christ fits into your life? Do you sometimes feel disconnected from your faith? Starting January 10 & 11 Alpha begins at St. Mary Magdalen. Alpha includes a meal (continental breakfast or simple dinner), a short video, and time for small group sharing. Take this time to refresh and renew your faith and meet others in our St. Mary Magdalen family. Childcare is available. Registration forms are in the Gathering Space under the large white and red Question Marks. Drop forms in the Alpha Box, mail to the office, or to alpha@saintmarymagdalen.org. Questions? Call Sandi in the church office at The Charity and Justice Ministry team wishes the Parish a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you for all of your support for our projects. In the past year we ve helped 26 different groups with 25 projects in addition to our own on-going activities like Magdalen s Kitchen. The parish has helped people as far away as Flint and Detroit and as near as our local families. We are grateful for the support of our parishioners and their generous giving of skills and time. If you are interested in helping, see our Opportunities to Serve list in the Gathering Space and on the parish website, join our monthly meetings at 7 pm on the second Tuesday of each month or contact Ken Kuna by ken.kuna@gmail.com or by phone May you all enjoy the splendor and love of the Christmas season and the celebration of the birth of Christ the King. We are truly thankful for the many blessings that you so lovingly bestow throughout the year on Livingston County Catholic Charities (LCCC) and most of all, those that we serve in Jesus name. Your prayers, gift of time and donations through the Loaves & Fish appeal, memorials or special gifts bring Help and Hope to Livingston County individuals and families who turn to LCCC in their time of need. Thank you for caring & sharing. God Bless! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Blessed 2018! The Board & Co-workers Livingston County Catholic Charities With Sympathy Please remember in your prayers: Julie Hargenrader and family, in the death of her sister, Charlotte Nason. 5

6 ST. MARY MAGDALEN SAINT MARY MAGDALEN PARISH 2201 South Old U.S. 23 Highway Brighton, Michigan Phone: Fax: Preschool: Website: OFFICE HOURS Monday Thursday... 8:30am 8:30pm Friday..8:30am-4:30pm SACRAMENTAL INFORMATION Weekend Liturgies: Saturday: 4:30pm Sunday: 9 & 11am Weekday Liturgies: Mon., Thurs., Fri.: 9am Wed.: 7pm Sacrament of Penance: Saturday: 11:30am 12noon Infant Baptism: Call Erin Wolfe Sacrament of Matrimony: Please contact the office at least nine months prior to wedding date. PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK Mark Ashton Sue Beaumont Taylor Brake Jeanne & Eugene Buel Brandy Burelle Nancy Burelle Larry Buslepp Jerry Carb Ryan Cirelca Linda Coffman Carol Conklin Hugh Conahan Pam Connor Myra Conti Keith Craffey Mark Craig Leeann Davenport Cienna Ditri Patrick Doyle Sean English James Farhat Tamara Fella Kylie Flint Bill Gamble Rosemary Gamble Greg Grech Dorothy Guidos Bob Gustitus Julie Hargenrader Barb Hemmi Julia Herrell MaryAnna Horkan Mel Kaminsky Bev Kelley Herb Langer Mary Ellen Langer Robert Laginess Kelly Luch Gwen Maes Darlene March Rita Marcy Annie & Drew Martin Jeanette Martin Lori Martin Jean Mayer Dennis McCusker Tom McSweeney Emily Metcalf Diane Morrison Peggy Ortiz Stan Osdras Nancy Pellerito Sam Petrocella Ray Ruszczynski Michelle Schmid Ron Sherman Kim Siegrist Matt Siragusa Stephanie St. Clair Ron Summers Ryan Thomas Marylyn Trader Robert Warner Jennifer Wichmann Tom Zremski Anthony Bushra Chris Emily Heather Matt Mike 6 BRIGHTON, MI PASTORAL STAFF Pastor Fr. David F. Howell pastor1@saintmarymagdalen.org Deacon H. David Scharf deacon1@saintmarymagdalen.org Deacon James Chevalier deacon2@saintmarymagdalen.org Deacon Gary Prise deacon3@saintmarymagdalen.org Deacon Devon Wolfe deacon4@saintmarymagdalen.org Formation - Evang. Adults Sr. Joyce Hoile, OSF pastmin1@saintmarymagdalen.org Pastoral Minister Sr. Maryetta Churches. OP pastmin2@saintmarymagdalen.org Youth Minister Margaret Callaghan yminister1@gmail.com Dir. Rel. Formation Roxanne Hundsrucker dre1@saintmarymagdalen.org R.C.I.A. & Infant Baptism Erin Wolfe baptisms@saintmarymagdalen.org Liturgist/IT Specialist Diane Kubus liturgist@saintmarymagdalen.org Pastoral Musician Steven H. Schulte steve@colleengleason.com Director of Preschool Kathie Anderer preschool1@saintmarymagdalen.org Bookkeeper Dave Wisniewski bookkeeper@saintmarymagdalen.org Rel. Form. Admin Asst. Karen MacDonald sect2@saintmarymagdalen.org Administrative Asst. Gayle Zawisa sect3@saintmarymagdalen.org Administrative Asst. Sandi Phillips sect4@saintmarymagdalen.org Administrative Asst. Diane Whiton sect5@saintmarymagdalen.org Facilities & Maintenance Dan Tuthill maint1@saintmarymagdalen.org MINISTERS OF PRAYER Sun. Dec. 24 Luigi & Adriana Milani, Dennis Wagener Mon. Dec 25 Barb Dolkowski, Pete Kelly, Joyce Muchler Tues. Dec 26 Joe & Barb Kowal Wed. Dec. 27 Lisa Pajtas Thur. Dec 28 Jim Hynes Fri. Dec. 29 Volunteer Sat. Dec 30 Volunteer

7 THE WEEK AHEAD Monday, December 25 Christmas Day OFFICE CLOSED 6:00 pm Magdalen s Kitchen Tuesday, December 26 OFFICE CLOSED Wednesday, December 27 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Thursday, December 28 7:30 pm Music Ministry Friday, December 29 OFFICE CLOSED Saturday, December 30 Sunday, December 31 ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE There will be NO ACTIVITIES IN THE GYM the week of Monday, Dec. 25, through Sunday, Dec. 31. MASS OF ANOINTING will be celebrated Wednesday, January 3, at 7:00 pm. All who have a serious or chronic illness, or facing surgery are encouraged to attend. MEN S RETREAT January 19, 20 and 21, 2018 Friday, 5 pm until Sunday, 1 pm Come join the men of our parish for our annual Men s Retreat. For more information, contact Deacon Jim in the parish office. Important Please be advised that all contributions for the year 2017 should be in the church office by December 31, 2017 to receive credit for this tax year. Funds received after this date, will be posted to the year Thank you. 7