The Visionary. A newsletter of St. Mary Magdalen Parish

Transcription

1 The Visionary A newsletter of St. Mary Magdalen Parish EIGHT PARISHES ONE LITURGY from Fr. Dave Howell May 2008 Volume XV Issue 5 The Diocese of Lansing is made up of 95 parishes spread across ten counties in south central Michigan, including Livingston County. It was carved out of the Diocese of Detroit seventy years ago and over history it has had four bishops. On April 29, Bishop Earl Boyea was installed as our fifth bishop. Since most of us were not able to attend this historic Liturgy, the eight parishes of Livingston County are planning one of our own to welcome our new bishop. On Saturday, May 17, all eight parishes (including our own) will cancel their Saturday evening Liturgies and come together for a single Mass. This Liturgy of Unity and Celebration will take place at 5 pm in the gym of the new Hartland High School. The Liturgy will feature a choir, musicians and liturgical ministers from all the parishes. The gym will be able to seat over 2,000 people, so there will be plenty of room for all. The new Hartland High School is located just south of the Village of Hartland. Take M-59 east and after passing under US 23, turn north (left) on Hartland Road for about 1 mile. Turn east (right) on Dunham Road (at the traffic light). Hartland High School is located on Dunham Road about 1/3 mile east of Hartland Road. ONE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST from Mary Mahar As we come to know the Risen Christ more fully, we gather around the Table of the Lord to receive the Body of Christ, the Bread of life. Eucharist is the very heart of our faith as Catholics. We give thanks for all who have joined us at the table for the first time as our youth celebrated their First Eucharist! We also want to thank our Parents and Catechists/Aides. Your teaching, witness, and faith sharing have helped them to prepare for this special time in their lives as they begin their journey participating in our Eucharistic celebrations! Please welcome these youth who join us more fully in the celebration of the Risen Christ: August Abraham Adriana Anderson Mitchell Augustyn Matthew Bannon Justin Baravik Natalie Batten Alec Bayoneto Kameryn Bell Dylan Bilicki Anthony Bosio Jacqueline Burant William Burke Jack Callaghan Jack Chevalier Alexander Chouinard Gabrielle Chouinard Matthew Clark James Connor Alexander Cramer Salvatore Curcuru Katherine Day Sarah Day Matthew Decker Janelle Dompierre Sydnee Downer Alexis Doyle Makenna Eddy Raimi Fenrich Madison Gradowski Anna Grattan Emily Grattan Rebecca Habarth Rebecca Heaman William Held Jacob Henderlong Nathanael Heppler Julia Herrell Chloe Holt Dino Iannello Sean Keiffer Nicholas Klein Claire Krzywiecki David Lamberjack Luciano Lopez Michael Lundwall Delaney Mack Taylor Malkowski Vincent Matuszak Sean McDunnough Mia McMullen Kayla Meabrod Noah Miller Madeline Morley Kyle Myers Jared Osborne Sally Parzuchowski Sydney Pezzoni Emily Pierzynski Destiny Pullen Lauren Pytlak Natalie Pytlak Rachel Retana Lorraine Riffle Antonio Rizzo Patrick Rosso Grace Schiefelbein Annalise Shaw Ashley Shoner Hannah Slattery Parker Speers Matthew Stachelski Bryan Sulkowski Ryann Swann Kelly Wagner Braydon Walker Gavin Wink Daniel Zaccagni Aziza Zebari Rayna Zebari

2 from the PASTORAL COUNCIL Our Pastoral Council met in April and continued to work on our Parish Pastoral Plan. Unfortunately not all of our ministry teams have turned in their strategies with a clear indication of who will be responsible for completing the strategy and when it will be completed. We will continue our efforts in May and hope to have the completed plan ready to be published in the June Visionary. We decided to continue our partnership with St. Patrick School. Through the agreement we will continue to provide our families with the opportunity to provide their children with a Catholic school education. Through the present agreement we are guaranteed a fixed percentage of the spaces in the school. An other matter that came before the council was a request of LESA, the intermediate school district for the county. They are in great need of another site on this side of the county for 17 children enrolled in the Head Start program. We agreed to permit LESA to lease a room for three days a week during the school year as a commitment to the wider Livingston County community. The Members of the Pastoral Council Jan Baldinger Cheryl Burda Gretchen Buslepp Tom Callaghan Kathy Carney Patti Conahan John Finn Ann Kehn Mike Lamberjack Rob Lintzenich Nancy Nychypor Mary Beth Rupp Josh Kehn, Youth Rep. Debbie Dehanke, Secretary Sr. Maryetta Churches, OP Fr. David F. Howell from the FINANCE COUNCIL July June 2008 As of March 31, 2008 REVENUE SOURCES Mar. 31 Year to Date Projected Budget Sunday Stewardship 110, ,814 1,208,900 Religious Formation/Donations 1,072 80,779 88,800 TOTAL 111, ,593 1,297,700 BUILDING FUND: $1,748,433 EXPENDITURES Mar. 31 Year to Date Projected Budget Programs & Staffing 61, , ,100 Building Operations 13, , ,600 Building Pledge 25, , ,000 TOTAL 100, ,805 1,297,700 BALANCE (plus/minus) +11,048-22,212 The Members of the Finance Council Chris Cousins Chris Cramer Dick Demmings Sandra Howe Bruce Heatley Sharon Rossiter Mike Lamberjack Bob Reske Marianne Quada Kristin Turner Ben Lindamood Sharon Wagner Chair, Deb Guidos Bookkeeper, Dave Wisniewski Fr. David Howell from the STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL The Stewardship Council has been working to solicit stories from some of the real stewards of time and talent who do wonderful work for others in our community. They have prepared invitations and outlines for the series called My Story so that we can resume the series again in preparation for the Spring Stewardship Fair. Any one who would like to share their stories of how and why they share their time and talent with others and how their sharing shapes their lives of faith should contact Sharon Wagner or Sr. Maryetta. They are at work on the Spring Stewardship Fair with its theme of The Greatest Stories Ever Told. Members of the Stewardship Council Brigitte Burke Jim Chevalier Barb Colley Eric Feiler Mary Beth Rupp Ann Fraser Joe Martinez Sonia Petrous Rick Phillips Devon Wolfe Caryn Schmidt Sharon Rossiter Lisa Schifko Sharon Wagner (Chair) Sr. Maryetta Churches, OP Fr. David F. Howell 2

3 MAGDALEN S LITTLE PEOPLE from Kathie Anderer Our last month of Preschool will be full of fun times and making memories. Our moms will be coming to our Mother s Day tea. We have been working on special surprises and songs to sing for them. It is always such a nice time having our moms come in and spend that special time with us. We talked about Community Helpers for our Job unit. We were lucky to have moms and dads come in and share their jobs with us. We had a nurse, a policeman, and a couple of fire fighters. Thank you! Spring feels great! It was a long hard winter and it feels so good to be in our short sleeves again! We will get outside to the playground again! Last month the preschool staff went to the Early Childhood Teaching Conference in Grand Rapids. It was a good conference and we had the privilege of hearing Dr. Becky Bailey speak on Loving Guidance. She is wonderful! We recommend her work. We also saw Jim Gill who sings children songs and creates fun times for all. Maybe some of you saw him at the Brighton Center for Performing Arts during the Children Series. We still have a few openings available for next school year. If you or someone you know needs a preschool next fall, please stop by for a visit and fill out an application. We would LOVE to have you join us! It has been another wonderful year. It will be hard to say goodbye to all of our friends who will be going on to Kindergarten. Thanks for the memories! YOUTH GROUP NEWS by Margaret Callaghan We are well on our way in the planning of our service trip planned this summer. We will be working with National Relief Network (NRN) and the youth of St. Joe s in Dexter. We will be gone July Our goal for the week is to bring support and hope to those who have lost everything in a natural disaster. We will be cleaning up from storms that have devastated communities. We will listen to people s stories, clean up yards and parks; tear down homes that need to be rebuilt. It is our mission to share the love of God by lending a helping hand and a listening ear. If you are interested in finding out more about NRN you can contact me via at margaretcallaghan766@msn.com or by checking out their website at nrn.org. The trip cost for working very hard, getting very tired and very dirty is $400! If you would like to make a donation to help a youth with the cost, contact me via or in the office. The month of May tends to be fairly quiet for the youth group. We celebrate our moms on Mother s Day, the unofficial beginning of summer on Memorial Day weekend, and the proms are all going on this month. Take the time to really be in the moments that God gives us. Spend extra time with your mom, or sit and reflect on her life if she has passed on; spend good quality time with your friends and make good, safe choices during this time, and if you have plans to travel for the holiday weekend, travel safe. Graduating seniors, be sure to sign up for the graduation breakfast that will take place Sunday, June 8, following the 9 am Liturgy. Come wearing your cap and gown for this special Liturgy that recognizes your accomplishment. We are a community of family, and being so, we are proud of all that you have done and wish to pray for your future. What a great time for all of you! THE EDGE (for grades 6-8) Many friends were made, wonderful pictures were taken, and memories were made. It has been fun! I would like to thank Jill Joyce, Colleen Schulte, Corrine Bielicki, and Jeannie Herrell who have dedicated their time and energy to EDGE to make it awesome and wonderful! Thank you too to the high school teens who gave of themselves as well. What great witnesses they are to their younger brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you all for sharing the gift of you! 3

4 THANKS AND PRAISE from Sister Maryetta Churches, OP OF FAITH & SERVICE from Sr. Joyce Hoile, OSF For three weekends this month there will be the opportunity to sign up for the planning ministry teams of our parish. The members of these teams make a one year commitment to provide direction for our parish. (see pages 8-9) Here are some: COMMUNITY LIFE The Community Life team has had some very committed members who have served our parish for several years: Sue & Don Eagle, Mary & Dick Walker, Karen & Bob Kerr, Joanie & Bob Monforton and Donna & Bob Sixbery. We deeply appreciate all that they have done for our community. Unfortunately they have decided to move on to other ministries! Community Life meets the second Wednesday of each month from 7-9 pm (except July). They plan and host all of the fun events in our parish. These have included the Parish Picnic, the Halloween Party, Scavenger Hunt, the Barn Dance, Euchre Parties, Mardi Gras and the Easter Egg Hunt. These have been the tradition. New ideas are always welcome both for new events and for ways to advertise the events, to gather donations from parishioners, to decorate, purchase food and prizes, set up and take down!! I would like to invite others to step forward and join this fun and frolic group! So, please pray and consider helping our parish to build our community in fun ways! Sign up at the Ministry Fair!! We give thanks and praise to all the wonderful people who have served on Ministry teams over this past year. Your sense of dedication has made these teams dynamic and very meaningful to our community. Thanks for all your support. Our sincere thanks goes out to great hall monitors and the patient nursery moms who were a part of our Religious Formation ministry. These wonderful people are: Kim Holt, Linda Nagle, Linda Keeling, Trina Clark, Corey Ann Gniewek, Linda Parzuchowski, Denise Schifko, Kitty McLaren, Rosemarie Kennedy, Shelby Kottke, Matt Burke, Mary Ann Hargrave, Colleen Grosso, Ann Grose, Christine Murray-Slack and Jeanette Martin! Thanks a million! 4 THE E-TEAM The E-Team reaches out to the un-churched, inactive, alienated and practicing Catholics by developing and promoting programs for the adults in our community to grow in the their faith and understanding of our beliefs. This Team meets the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7 9 pm. They plan an annual event to invite inactive Catholics to reconsider returning to the practice of their faith. They organize Welcome Home Sunday and Catholics Returning Home; they plan events to invite those without a church to consider ours. The Team plans special speakers, Advent & Lenten Retreats and/or Activities, The School for Discipleship, Bible Studies, and Small Faith Sharing Groups. I would like to invite you to step forward and join this effort to grow in our own faith even as we reach out to share our faith with others. So, please pray and consider helping our parish to share our faith! Sign up at the Ministry Fair!! BAPTISM TEAM I am looking for four to six people to form a new Baptism Team. The team members will visit parents of newborn children to answer their questions about Baptism, lead parent information sessions and follow up with families of the newly Baptized. Training sessions will be provided!! I am also looking for a couple of people to sew simple Baptism garments for infants. If you would like to be involved in this new ministry, please call me at the office! ( ) We would like to praise Mrs. Micallef and her Second grade class for starting the project called Pennies for Love. The children did good deeds to earn pennies and collected $20.05 for the needy. Great job!

5 THE GIFT OF NEW LIFE from Diane Kubus Well, (finally), spring is here and we can see the new life in the world around us. What has long been brown and gray is turning green and new growth is sprouting from the earth and budding on the trees. Following the Feast of Pentecost (May 11), we begin the longest season on the church calendar, through summer and into fall. It s the green season called ordinary time and its theme is growth. We have celebrated new life; the resurrection of the Lord for fifty days of the Easter season. Through the gift of Christ Himself in the Eucharist we receive into our bodies the very power of His resurrection and His life. How awesome the mystery! God abides in us and is continually in relationship with us. He constantly fills us with his Spirit, giving us new life again and again. Now we continue to ponder the Gift and ask what it means for us. We know that the Holy Spirit is at work in us and our lives can truly be transformed. We can live with hope and grow in grace, strength, courage, and virtue. And because of this we can share this gift of new life with others. The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ( R.C.I.A. ) is the process by which we share what we have experienced; what we have come to know and believe with those who are seeking Christ and the gift of His life. Some people enter into this process seeking God. Even more than that, they come seeking life, to live as a disciple of Christ. Through their experience of community and prayer in our parish, we share that gift of life with them. If you would like to help serve those who come seeking, and are a Confirmed, registered member of the parish, you may do so in a variety of ways. You may be called to be a SPONSOR, a companion and friend who walks with them on the journey, attending sessions with them and sharing the gift of your faith. You might be a HOSPITALITY minister by serving refreshments and making them feel at home and a part of our community. There are also those who help plan and participate in the RETREATS. These are times of more intense preparation, reflection and prayer that mark the periods of initiation formation. There are many ways through which you might share the gift of God s life with others. The ministry of R.C.I.A. is one of them. If you are interested or would like more information, please call me in the parish office (810) ext. 28. THE SAMARITANS From Kathy Clark The Samaritans are a group of parishioners who provide short-term help to fellow parishioners. This help is in the form of meals, household help, errands and transportation. We also donate food and our time to put on funeral luncheons for the parish. The Samaritans do not have meetings, except an occasional training or retreat. This makes our group an ideal ministry for busy people, and is a great way for new members to get involved in the parish community. Please call Kathy Clark, WHY DO THE KNIGHTS DO ALL THIS? by Ron Weingartz, Grand Knight Many of the things our council does we do without giving a second thought. As good Catholic men we support our parish, community and those in need. Recently that it hit me how effective the Knights have been. A few weeks ago my wife Peggy and I attended an Open House at the St. Louis Center in Chelsea which is a residence for mentally and physically challenged youth. We were given a tour of the facility, celebrated Mass and had dinner with the residents and staff. As we entered a wing of the facility Father Enzo, the director, pointed out the K of C logo and commented, this was the Knights of Columbus wing. He went on to say if it was not for the Knights of Columbus the St. Louis Center wouldn t be here today. During Mass the kids shared everything they were thankful for and the Knights of Columbus were named again. I should point out this was not a K of C event so there was not any reason for them to even think about the Knights. Seeing the love and support the St. Louis Center provides to these mentally impaired children made me proud to be a Knight. What can one man do? As one of 75,000 Michigan Knights together we have made a significant difference in these kids lives. 5

6 THE DEACONS BENCH from Dave Scharf This time of the year there are many graduations, weddings, barbeques and yard parties. Please remember: Children and young adults see drinking all around them - at home, in restaurants, at family celebrations and on television - and they are naturally curious about alcohol and the way it affects people. Some parents say that because alcohol is a legal drug, it is hard for them to think of it as being dangerous. Other parents say they find it difficult to talk about alcohol because they drink. Yet, alcohol is the drug most often used by young people and the consequences of its use can be harmful to your child in many ways. Unfortunately, while the majority of kids grow up to become healthy adults, the use of alcohol greatly increases the chances that they will be involved in a car crash, homicide or suicide, the leading causes of death for teenagers and young adults. In fact, a 16-yearold is more likely to die of alcohol-related causes than any other. Consider these facts about alcohol in the United States: 3 million children ages 14 through 17 are regular drinkers who already have a confirmed alcohol problem. 24 percent of eighth graders say they have used alcohol in the last 30 days. More than 100, years-olds binge drink every month. Ninth graders who drink are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who do not. 40 percent of children who begin drinking before the age of 15 will eventually become alcoholics. Talk to your kids about the dangers of under-age drinking. Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of death and injury among teenagers. Experts say the number one deterrent to under-age drinking is having parents who talk to their teens about the dangers. So let s keep them ALL safe this summer. CHARITY & JUSTICE from Lisa Klein TIME FOR SPRING CLEANING! You are invited to help the society of St. Vincent de Paul by donating clothing items, including shoes/ boots. Our spring clothing drive is scheduled for the weekend of May 10/11. There will be 2 pods in the back of the church parking lot for your donated items. MOTHERS DAY CARNATION SALE: There will be carnations for sale in the gathering area the weekend of May 10/11. The Mothers Day carnation sale will benefit Right to Life of Livingston County. PREGNANCY HELPLINE: We will collect baby items in the gathering area June 7-15 for Pregnancy Helpline. They will provide these items to new mothers in need of assistance. If anyone has a new or gently used baby dresser that could be donated to this project, please contact Lisa Klein at lmspitzley@aol.com or THE OTHER BENCH from Jim Chevalier With the Easter Season nearly over and Spring blooming everywhere, we should be filled with hope and joy for a better tomorrow. But that tomorrow will not come without a conscientious effort on our part. We need to re-direct our hearts by loving God and by loving our neighbor. Without a caring heart we will never be able to see Christ in others, we will never be able to let go of the possessions of this world, we will never be able to truly believe in, and hope for a better tomorrow. By prayer, fasting, and alms giving, we have gotten through the winter of our lives, and have already been able to focus our hearts on what really matters, our salvation. And, who knows, by summer we might be able to rest in the Lord, to enjoy His love for us, and to love Him in return by caring for others. However, even during this beautiful season, there are many in the Church who think themselves unlovable both to others, and even to God. By being patient, kind, and loving to all we meet, we can do our part to bring about peace, harmony and love in our corner of the world. RELAY FOR LIFE: Due to the special Liturgy of Unity and Celebration that will take place at Hartland High School on May 17 welcoming our new Bishop Earl Boyea, we decided not to proceed with a Relay for Life team this year. We look forward to a successful Relay for Life event next year! 6

7 CHOOSING SAINTS!! From Fr. Dave Howell Once our church is renovated our community will have four shrine areas that will honor 16 different men and women who are among the Venerable, the Blessed and the Saints and we are looking for holy men and women to fill these spots. If you would like to recommend someone who is numbered among the Venerable, the Blessed or the Saints, pass your suggestion on to me. Please include your reason for recommending him or her as a model of faith and inspiration for our community. You can drop it off at CTG bulletin board or me at pastor1@saintmarymagdalen.org. I would point out, however, that we will have a shrine honoring the Blessed Mother and the cross honors the Lord, St. Patrick, St. John the Baptizer, the Blessed Mother and the Magdalen. Since these are already depicted, we are not planning to repeat their images in the new church. Here is the list of names suggested so far: Saints from the Unites States include: St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brebuef, St. Katherine Drexel, St. Theodora (or Mother Theodore), St. John Neumann, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Saints from the Americas include: St. Peter Claver of Columbia, St. Martin de Porres of Panama, St. Marguerite d Youville (Canada), St. Juan Diego (Mexico) and St. Rose of Lima. Other saints include: St. Joseph, Sts Cosmas & Damian, St. Joan of Arc, St. Thomas More, St. Faustina, St. Nicholas, St. Cecilia, Saint Maria Goretti, St. Gianna Baretta Molla of Milan, Italy, St. Padre Pio, St. Monica and Sts. Joachim & Ann. From those the Church has declared Blessed are: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha (Lily of the Mohawks USA), Blessed Damien of Molokai USA, Blessed Marianne Cope of Molakai USA, Blessed John XXIII, Blessed Andre Bessette (Canada), Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher (Canada), Blessed Frederick Ozanam Founder of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Blessed Francis Seelos of New Orleans. Then, there are some whom the Church has declared Venerable that have been suggested. Two are from Michigan: Solanus Casey of Detroit and Frederick Baraga The Snowshoe Priest of Marquette. The others who are also in this category are Dorothy Day - Founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Juniper Serra - Founder of the California Missions, Michael McGivney - Founder of the Knights of Columbus, Oscar Romero - Martyred Archbishop of El Salvador, Matt Talbot (Ireland) Patron of the Addicted and Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Finally, two more suggestions are Jesus, the Divine Mercy and Fr. Gabriel Richard of Detroit. There stories will be posted on the CTG bulletin board and on our parish website. In the fall we will have a parish vote to determine which of the holy women and men will be depicted in our new space. COUNCIL COMMENDATIONS The Council would like to commend all of the teens who ministered to us by portraying the passion of the Lord on Good Friday. It truly was a very prayerful and meaningful experience for all of us. Thanks also to Richard Switzer for all his time and talent as director. The Stations of the Cross on Good Friday were also very powerful this year thanks to all of the wonderful readers who made them so meaningful, prayerful and powerful. Thank you for all your efforts to present them to us. IN APRIL Tom & Kathy DeKeyser Erik Chester Kuchta William & Janet Zabawaski Tim & Lisa Cermak The addresses and phone numbers of new members have been omitted in compliance with internet privacy law. 7

8 WHAT ARE YOU DOING - FOR GOD'S SAKE? The following are descriptions of the various ministries which advance our efforts to fulfill our Vision. Beginning the weekend of May 12/13, parishioners are invited to make a one year commitment to work with any of these ministry teams. PASTORAL COUNCIL On Pentecost Sunday (May 11), four of our registered and Confirmed members will be chosen by lot to serve on the Pastoral Council. The Council works with our pastor and the various ministry teams to guide our parish according to our Vision Statement. Specifically, council members seek to grow through their own continuing education. Secondly, we send members as liaisons to each of the ministry teams. Thirdly, we create opportunities for all our parishioners and ministry teams to participate in discerning the needs of the parish and in the setting of goals and projects to fulfill these needs. Volunteers for this ministry make a three-year commitment. STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL The Stewardship Council is composed of parishioners committed to the Biblical concept of stewardship. They recognize that our time, our gifts, our talents and our treasure ultimately comes from God, and they thank the Lord by returning to God, some of what they have received. More importantly, the Stewardship Team is committed to helping all of our parishioners to become good stewards. Members who volunteer for this ministry council are asked to make a three-year commitment. SIGN UP for a ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT COMMUNITY LIFE TEAM In a sense, this ministry team might be called the ministry of fun and frolic! This team is committed to enhancing the social and communal life of the parish through an assortment of gatherings throughout the year, including: the September Picnic, as well as fun events for families and adults. Those who join this ministry are asked to make a one-year commitment. ADULT FORMATION TEAM This team is composed of men and women who are interested in sharing their faith. No experience is necessary! The aim of the team is to continue to build an inviting, welcoming atmosphere in our community for all adults and to reach out to those who have no religious affiliation of their own and to the inactive or alienated Catholics in our area. We would especially welcome those who have a talent for journalism, marketing or public relations, who could assist us with creative ways to spread the "Good News". This ministry team meets about eight times during the school year. Volunteers for this ministry make a one -year commitment to it. RELIGIOUS FORMATION TEAM The Formation Ministry Team looks for ways to develop communication between the parish, youth and our families. We are committed to embracing our children as our younger brothers and sisters in Christ. Our mission is to support a strong Religious Education program and a Youth Group that will excite our youth into learning and sharing our faith fully. This ministry team meets once a month, usually on the third Monday. We encourage you to make this one-year commitment to invest in the faith formation of our youth! SIGN UP BEGINS MAY 10/11! 8

9 PARISH WELLNESS TEAM SIGN UP for a ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT This is a ministry team of health care professionals and other caring, service oriented people whose concern is the care and well being of our parishioners. They coordinate services to those need (food, transportation, light housework, etc). They also share their knowledge with the community in a variety of informational and service programs geared to our better health. Those who join this ministry make a one - year commitment to this ministry. CHARITY & JUSTICE TEAM The Charity & Justice Ministry Team plans and coordinates our parish's effort to reach out to those in need by providing assistance. Some of their many tasks are to bring food to the needy, work with the homeless shelter, collect gifts at holiday time and collect clothes for needy infants. They also are charged with the task of working to help the needy help themselves. This Ministry Team has about 10 meetings a year (on the second Tuesday of the month). Members who volunteer for this ministry make a commitment for one year. PROPERTIES TEAM This is a hands-on ministry team. The Properties Team is concerned with the maintenance, upkeep, safety and continuing development of our parish buildings and property. The efforts of this team involve our maintenance personnel. Special projects require the recruitment and organization of volunteers or the hiring of contractors. Besides the ongoing work of this group, team members will meet about 8 times during the year for planning. Those who sign up for this ministry are asked to make a one-year commitment to it. WORSHIP TEAM The Worship Ministry Team plans and coordinates the Liturgical celebrations of our parish. Bringing together our Liturgical ministries, pastoral musicians and members of the Art & Environment team, they work to plan and coordinate prayerful celebrations of the Liturgy. They also strive to enrich our people's understanding of the Mass. This Ministry Team has about 10 meetings a year (on the first Wednesday of the month) and does additional work in between the meetings. Members who volunteer for this ministry are asked to make a commitment for one year. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - CATECHISTS & AIDES Our Vision commits us to embrace our children as our younger brothers and sisters in Christ. We envision a strong religious education program that will excite our youth into learning and sharing with us fully. St. Mary Magdalen has a dynamic program dedicated to this vision. Many parishioners volunteer to assist in our program but many more catechists and aides are needed. Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment. TECHNOLOGY TEAM Our Technology Team reviews the technology (hardware and software) used in our parish offices. They recommend and install appropriate updates as needed. This team also oversees and updates our parish website. Volunteers are asked to make a one-year commitment to this ministry. SIGN UP BEGINS MAY 10/11! 9

10 MARKING THE CALENDAR May 7 (Wednesday) RELIGIOUS ED CATECHIST APPRECIATION DINNER May 9 (Friday) TAIZE EVENING PRAYER This is a contemplative and ecumenical form of Evening Prayer. In church at 9 pm! May 11 (Sunday) MOTHER S DAY May 12 (Monday) PICTURES for NEW PARISH DIRECTORY BEGIN Olin Mills will take portrait photos in the lower level of the rectory. All participants will receive a free copy of their photo, a copy of the new directory and will have their picture included in a mosaic window that will be placed in our renovated church. Call to schedule an appointment. May 17 (Saturday) EIGHT PARISHES - ONE LITURGY! The eight parishes of Livingston County (including our own) come together for a single Mass to welcome our new bishop Earl Boyea! This Liturgy of Unity and Celebration will take place at 5 pm in the gym of the new Hartland High School. May 10\11 & 18 RELIGIOUS ED REGISTRATION after all the Liturgies. ++ MINISTRY TEAM SIGN UP Beginning Pentecost Sunday through May 24/25, we are inviting our parishioners to share their gifts through one of these ministry teams. If you would like to serve (or renew your service) please sign up! May 26 (Monday) MEMORIAL DAY This national holiday commemorates all those who have died in defense of our national freedom. Our Liturgical commemoration will take place at 9 am in the chapel. PASTORAL STAFF: PASTOR Fr. David F. Howell pastor1@saintmarymagdalen.org SAINT MARY MAGDALEN PARISH 2201 S. Old U.S. 23 Highway Brighton, MI (810) Fax (810) PASTORAL MINISTER Sr. Maryetta Churches, O.P. pastmin2@saintmarymagdalen.org EDUCATION & FORMATION- YOUTH Mary Mahar, Director mmahar@parishmail.com Stasia Eisenhut, Adm. Assistant Karen MacDonald, Secretary sect2@saintmarymagdalen.org FORMATION & EVANGELIZA- TION- ADULTS Sr. Joyce Hoile, O.S.F. pastmin1@saintmarymagdalen.org RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION & LITURGICAL COORDINATOR Diane Kubus rcia@saintmarymagdalen.org liturgist@saintmarymagdalen.org DEACONS H. David Scharf deacon1@saintmarymagdalen.org James Chevalier deacon2@saintmarymagdalen.org SECRETARIES Josie Doucette sect1@saintmarymagdalen.org Debbie Dehanke (Evening) evening1@saintmarymagdalen.org BOOKKEEPER Dave Wisniewski bookkeeper@saintmarymagdalen.org PRE-SCHOOL DIRECTOR Kathie Anderer kanderer@juno.com YOUTH MINISTRY Tom & Margaret Callaghan margaretcallaghan766@msn.com PASTORAL MUSICIAN Steven H. Schulte steve@colleengleason.com MAINTENANCE Leo Camden