Infant Baptism: Contact Erin Wolfe. Sacrament of Matrimony:
Please contact the office 9 months prior.
DECEMBER 30, 2018
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 30, 2018
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Isaiah 60:1-6 The last part of the book of Isaiah contains the words of a prophet who lived after the Jews returned from exile. They found their temple destroyed and the city leveled. But the prophet, with the eyes of faith, sees a wonderful future for Jerusalem. Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 The Ephesians were a community in which Jewish and Gentile converts lived side-by-side. The author of this letter confirms that God’s saving grace is available to everyone, whatever their background. Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew’s purpose in telling this story is the same one that governs his whole gospel, that is, to demonstrate that every prophesy and promise of old has come to fulfillment in Christ. Resistance too, is part of God’s plan, since only the death of the messiah will bring God’s plan to fulfillment. Reflect: “ Go and search for the child.” How will you come closer to Jesus this New Year?
THIS WEEK’S LITURGIES
December 31, Monday, Vigil The Solemnity of Mary 1 Jn 2:18-21/Jn 1:1-18 5:30 pm St. Mary Magdalen January 1, Tuesday, The Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Nm 6:22-27/Gal 4:4-7/Lk 2:16-21 10:00 am St. Mary Magdalen January 2, Wednesday, Saints Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church 1 Jn 2:22-28/Jn 1:19-28 7:00 pm + James Danahy January 3, Thursday 1 Jn 2:29-3:6/Jn 1:29-34 9:00 am + Donald Reott January 4, Friday, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious 1 Jn 3:7-10/Jn 1:35-42 9:00 am + Robert Sixbery January 5, Saturday, Saint John Neumann, Bishop 1 Jn 3:11-21/Jn 1:43-51 January 6, Sunday, The Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6/Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6/Mt 2:1-12 4:30 pm Vigil St. Mary Magdalen 9:00 am + Robert Laginess 11:00 am + Norma Pellerito
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED
MANY THANKS!! To all those who made
“Christmas happen” here at St. Mary Magdalen! Thanks to all of our musicians and singers who added so much to our Christmas Liturgies! All of us are grateful to those who served as lectors, servers, Eucharistic ministers and hospitality! Many thanks to all who spent hours assembling trees and putting on the lights, “fluffing” and hanging the garland – transforming us from Advent to Christmas! Thanks to those who set up the quad for Christmas Eve’s Magdalen’s Kitchen, fixed the meal and served it. Within minutes after the 4 pm Liturgy ended, we were ready for our guests!
ATTENTION LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Please contact Deacon Gary at 810.229.8624 ext 119 or [email protected]. He would like to hear your thoughts on parish security.
NEW YEAR A new year is much like a Christmas tree
with a pile of presents all around it. One might look at a any particular gift and suspect what might be in it, but often it is only a guess and those are frequently wrong. We will come to know what is there as each gift is unwrapped and opened. No one, except God, knows what 2019 will have in store for any of us. At best, we know it will be a mixture of good and bad, wonderful surprises and difficult moments. We can worry and obsess over what problems may loom in the coming year; or we can approach each day as a real gift from God. Trusting that the God who gave us the gift of another day will also give us the grace to make the best use of whatever another day may bring. I invite you to begin the New Year with the Lord. Liturgies will be at 5:30 pm on New Year’s Eve and at 10 am on New Year’s Day. Begin the new year with the Lord and trust that “nothing will happen this coming year that you and the Lord can’t handle together!” Amen!
CUTTING A DEAL Earlier in December, I spoke with
the chief financial officer of the diocese to see if we could arrange a deal on our mortgage. It is something we have talked about in our parish Finance Council for years. He listened to my proposal and took it to his advisors and the Diocesan Finance Council. Over the next six years, we owe $2.2 million plus 5% simple interest. I asked for an 18-month moratorium on the interest. In turn, we will make an increased effort to pay down the debt. With the money yet to come from the Witness to Hope Campaign, no interest to pay and increased mortgage payments, we could pay off the debt almost three years early! More information to come!!
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 30, 2018
WELLNESS QUOTE The words you speak
become the house you live in. ~ Hafiz
THE WEEK AHEAD
Monday, December 31 OFFICE CLOSED 5:30 pm Vigil Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Liturgy 6:00 pm Magdalen’s Kitchen Tuesday, January 1 OFFICE CLOSED 10:00 am Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God Liturgy Wednesday, January 2 1:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 4:30/6:00 pm Religious Formation 7:30 pm Community Life 7:30 pm Worship Thursday, January 3 9:00 am Preschool 1:00 pm Finance 5:30 pm Religious Formation 7:00 pm Baptism Class 7:30 pm Music Ministry Friday, January 4 9:00 am Preschool 9:45 am Yoga 1:00 pm Pain Sake Saturday, January 5 8:30 am Host/Helper training for Alpha 4:30 pm RCIA Sunday, January 6 9:00 am Family Program 10:10 am New Parishioner Meeting 12:45 pm Baptisms 5:30 pm 9th Grade Confirmation Session 7:00 pm Youth Group
STEWARDSHIP REPORT Week of 12/16/2018
Approximately 1553 people participated Env/Cash $ 17,554 EFT/Online $ 4,055 TOTAL $ 21,609 Children’s Collection $93.74
SAINT MARY MAGDALEN PARISH 2201 South Old U.S. 23 Highway
Infant Baptism: Contact Erin Wolfe Sacrament of Matrimony: Please contact the office
at least nine months prior to wedding date.
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK
John Babcock Lee Barker Nicholas Barr Marilyn Bitterle Caitlin Bohlen Taylor Brake Larry Buslepp Nancy Carr Michael Columbus Georgett DeMonaco Cienna Ditri Rosemary Gamble Julie Glasgow David Grinnell Michael Harrah Jill Hibbeln Elaine Kay
Dorothy Koprowicz Herb Langer Gwen Maes Jean Mayer Hogan McCuan Joey McMullen Steven Micunek Bob Monforton Diane Morrison Wilma Murphy Anne O’Hara Stan Osdras Nathan Ostrowski Richard Rumpz Henry Schandevel Dave Scharf Margie Sharpy Ron Sherman
Paul Sultana Emma Thompson Marylyn Trader Karen Turner Michelle Turner Ed Walblay Eddi Waterson Lynn Weggins Geraldine White Jennifer Yanick Tom Zremski Abbey Andrea Annabelle Brenda David Diane Jeannette
Important Note About our Prayer List
The names of the sick will run in this column for 6 weeks, at which time they will be removed. To add a name, re-list a name, or remove a name, please call the parish office at 810-229-8624. Many people have recuperated so we appreciate updates, in order to be current. Thank You!
Card Making Class Tuesday, January 8, at 1 pm
Class is taught by a professional instructor and the $5 fee includes all materials. You will make three cards and it is asked that you donate one birthday card to Meals On Wheels. Please consider helping us put a smile on the face of a client by joining this fun class. Please call Pam at 810-772-8252 to register so we have enough materials available.
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 30, 2018
YOUTH NEWS
Margaret Callaghan
RELIGIOUS FORMATION NEWS
Roxanne Hundsrucker
As We Celebrate the Christmas Season We honor Mary the Holy Mother of God, January 1 with a holy day of obligation. We celebrate Epiphany of the Lord next Sunday, January 6. Epiphany is also known as the “Twelfth Night, Theophany, or Three Kings Day.” We chalk the entry way into our homes as a symbol meaning “May Christ bless the house.” 20+C+M+B+19 The 20 in the beginning and the 19 at the end represent the year, and the letters represent the Magi whom are Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar. They came to visit Jesus at his first home.
Religious Formation Christmas Break We will resume classes on January 2 and 3rd this Wednesday and Thursday.
Catechists and Aides Remember to register with me for “Called to Echo the Good News,” the Diocesan Catechist Formation Day to be held at St. Patrick on Saturday, January 26, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. If you are interested in becoming a catechist or aide, please contact me and I will register you for this beautiful day of catechist formation.
Annual Pet Food Collection Our first grade classes will begin collecting pet food for needy dogs and cats for the Livingston Area Pet Pantry. Our donations will help the needy and elderly that might not have enough means to feed their pets. Look for the decorated collection bins in the parish Gathering Area. You can donate grocery store or Target gift cards too.
Just a reminder about snow days: Since it is January, it is a good time to remind you of our snow policy. I f Brighton Area Schools are cancel led due to bad weather, our Religious Formation classes will also be cancelled. When Religious Formation is cancelled during the school day, we will notify each family by email. (We are no longer using the automated phone calling sys-tem.) If you have a change of email or phone (cell) numbers, let Karen in the office know.
Happy New Year! Of course this time of the year is filled with hope, dreams and goals. I hope it might also be a time of reflection of the 12 months just passed. How was God a part of your 2018 journey? How did you grow in your relationship with him? Maybe you didn’t and that is part of your 2019 goals. Or, perhaps Advent was a great time of growth for you. I pray that God is a part of your celebrations today, your plans for the year and a part of your everything in the mundane moments of your days. Happy 2019!! It was fun to have so many people come by to visit us during our Youth Ministry Open House in the Youth Room. It was fun to have conversations with people about what is offered. Many families came in asking about our middle school program, EDGE, for their kids who will be in sixth grade next fall. If you have questions about our program here, do not hesitate to contact Margaret Callaghan at [email protected].
Looking ahead, mark your calendar to participate in
our annual Winter Weekend Getaway January 18-
20. The cost for the weekend is $100 which includes lodging and 5 meals. If you plan to ski, all rentals and lift tickets are extra.
EDGE We are off now until we meet again in January on the
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 30, 2018
OF FAITH AND SERVICE
Sr. Joyce Hoile, OSF
Catholics Returning Home Come Tuesday evening, January 22, at 7 pm to meet with Sister Joyce and her team to talk about returning to regular participation in the Catholic Church. We will attend to your questions and concerns, meeting you where you are in your faith, and guide you into the next steps. Please call the office to register. Consider bringing a friend.
The Catholicism Series Change in Dates: Beginning Tuesday, January 29- March 26, 7 pm – 8:45 pm for 10 weeks, we will expe-rience a spectacular review of the Catholic Faith. Father Robert Barron’s (now Bishop Barron) video series takes us to places of origin and gives us a fresh view of our beliefs. Please call the office or sign-up in the gathering space to register for the first session. Since each week has its own topic, you may attend any or all sessions.
50 + Seniors Lunch Bunch We will meet Wednesday, January 23, 10 am - 1 pm to continue discussion of the book Aging Starts in Your Mind. Sr. Joyce has two additional books for anyone interested in obtaining a copy.
Sr. Joyce Yoga at St. Mary Magdalen: Join us for a hatha yoga class Mondays and Fridays at 9:45 a.m. in the East room. This is a gentle class which links breath and movement, designed to relax and strengthen the body and mind. ALL are welcome. Bring a yoga mat and dress in comfortable clothing. $5 free will dona-tion with proceeds benefitting Magdalen's Kitchen community meal program. Class is taught by parish-ioner Janine Fogg-Liedel. Contact Janine at [email protected] with any questions. There will be NO YOGA CLASS on Monday, December 31. Class resumes on Friday, January 4.
AT ST. PAUL OF THE CROSS DETROIT
January 11-13, 2019
Contact Deacon Jim Chevalier for more information. 810-229-8624
Magdalen’s Preschool
Saturday, January 12, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
We offer a Christian-based preschool program for 3, 4, and early 5 year olds. We invite you to come meet our pre-school staff; tour the classrooms, chapel, and gym play area; ask questions; and find out more about our excit-ing preschool program!
Please contact Amanda Faiola at 810-229-0010 for more information.
Please remember in your prayers:
David Guidos and family in the death of his father, Robert.
Thursday evenings 7:15 - 8:45 pm Beginning January 17, 2019
All adult men and women welcome!
Please contact Jerry Sams at [email protected] or 248-882-2065 for more information.
Father Dave’s Retirement
As we move closer to June 2019, and Father Dave prepares for his retire-ment, arrangements are being made for a special retirement dinner at Crystal Gardens, May 16. Tickets will be available at the end of January. If you want to purchase tickets, but will be out of town at the end of January, call the office.
We have also planned receptions following all the Liturgies the weekend of June 22 & 23.
Father Dave hopes to spend some of his retirement traveling. We realize many will want to wish Father well and perhaps give him a gift. A suggestion would be a monetary gift to put toward his travels. For this purpose, special envelopes, with notecards, will be available in the Gathering Area, at the Welcome Desk.
Space is limited; please register early. Childcare is
available.
Important 2018 Year-end Contributions
Please be advised that all contributions for the year 2018 should be in the church office by December 31, 2018 to receive credit for this tax year.
Funds received after this date, will be posted to the year 2019. Thank you.
7 Super Dates! BEGINNING JANUARY 11
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR SPOUSE!
7 Date Nights with candlelit dinner for two, catered from area restaurants.
Friday evenings, 6:30 - 8:45 pm. Each evening has a short video to spark meaningful conversation with your spouse. Childcare is available. Register in the Gathering Space or call the office at 810-229-8624. $225 per couple (less than $35 per date).
FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT THE MOVIES!
January 19 at 6 pm Come to the Drive-In Movies!
Make your own cardboard box car to sit in during the movie. Look for examples in the Gathering Area soon. Macaroni and cheese and sloppy joes will be served. Please bring a snack or dessert to share!
May you all enjoy the splendor and love of the Christmas season.
We are truly thankful for the many blessings that you so lovingly bestow throughout the year on Livingston Coun-ty Catholic Charities (LCCC) and most of all, those that we serve in Jesus’ name. Your prayers, gifts of time, and donations through the Loaves & Fish appeal, memorials or special gifts bring Help and Hope to Livingston County indi-viduals and families who turn to LCCC in their time of need. Thank you for caring & sharing. God Bless!
Wishing you all a Blessed 2019!
The Board & Co-workers Livingston County Catholic Charities
THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH DECEMBER 30, 2018
MINISTERS OF PRAYER
Sun. Dec. 31 Dennis Wagener
Mon. Jan. 1 Joyce Muchler, Ted Eisenhut
Tues. Jan 2 Bob & Dawn Gustitus,
Mary Ann Hargrave
Wed. Jan. 3 Diane Olsem
Thurs. Jan. 4 Matt Kroll
Fri. Jan. 5 Volunteer
Sat. Jan. 6 Judy Brown
LIVINGSTON YAM: YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
EVENTS & HAPPENINGS FOR THOSE 18-35 www.livingstonyam.com
