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11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sent Out as Disciples of Christ

June 15, 2008

Reading I: Exodus 19:2-6a (A Holy Nation)
Reading II: Romans 5:6-11 (Receiving Reconciliation)
Gospel: Matthew 9:36-10:8 (The Sending of the Twelve)

Gospel Summary - The gospel reading today concludes the book of Matthew. It was at this point that Jesus, knowing he was about to return to the Father, commissioned the apostles to carry the message of the Good News into the entire world. They would baptize, make more disciples, and teach the message Jesus had brought them. Jesus made it clear that his ascension did not mark an absence; he would always be with them. This gospel message is the foundation of the Church and makes clear what we are called to do and be.

Reflection for Families
- We don't need to go to the four corners of the earth to be missionaries. We are called as parents to the same mission as the apostles. We are the first and most significant teachers of our children. We bring them to baptism and show them the Good News. Not only our actions speak to our children about what we believe and how we hope they live Christian lives, but our efforts to prepare them for the sacraments and come to the Lord's table every week helps them know the full depth of our faith.

Bringing the Gospel Into Your Family -
During the past weeks we have been reminded often by Jesus that he will not leave us alone. Sometimes it's hard to explain to children where someone is whom we can't see. Like the people in the early Church we have faith but we also have doubt. Share ideas with one another about where we can look for Jesus. In what way can you as a family help others know Jesus' presence?

 

HOPE MEAL & RIDE PROGRAM

June 15th to June 21st

Coordinator:   Jen Bastian

 610-636-4720

Please give 3 days notice.  The needy and I thank you for your superb and generous commitment and compassionate hearts.

Daily Mass is now at 8:30 AM

MASS INTENTIONS

SATURDAY, June 14

  8:30AM Anna R. Vargo

  5:30PM Jean Doyle

SUNDAY, June 15

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

  7:30AM Intentions of Dr. & Mrs. David Thomas

  9:30AM John Thomas Hayes

11:30AM Carl D’Orio

MONDAY, June 16

  8:30 AM Lillian A. & Edward J. Crescenta

  TUESDAY, June 17

  8:30 AM Frank J. Urso

  6:30 PM Renewal of Vows – 30th Anniversary

       Jim & John Rayer (Bishop Thomas)

WEDNESDAY, June 18

  8:30 AM Annamarie Contino

THURSDAY, June 19

  8:30 AM William Greto

FRIDAY, June 20

  8:30 AM Frances McCoy

 SATURDAY, June 21

  8:30AM Charles & Margaret Del Sordo

  5:30PM Daniel Forde

SUNDAY, June 22

  7:30AM Molly D. Walker

  9:30AM John Thomas Hayes

11:30AM Cornelius & Mary Breen

 

5:30PM- (will resume again on Sunday Sept 7, 2008)

 

 

PRIEST CHANGES AT SMM

Father James Melle has been transferred to St. Agnes Parish in West Chester.  Father will be leaving on Monday, June 16th.  We thank Father Melle for his four years of service to our parish and we pray for his continued priestly service at St. Agnes.  Due to lack of vocations to the priesthood, we will not have an assistant here at this time.  Father’s new address: St. Agnes Rectory, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380

 

 Monsignor John Galyo will be coming as a resident retired priest. Father will help us with Mass and other sacramental liturgies. This year three priests were ordained and 41 retired or went home to the Lord.  Please pray that soon we will be blessed with the first priestly vocation from our own parish family.

 

 

SMM School News

Thank you to the families in our school for their end of the year gift to all the teachers and staff.  We appreciate your thoughtfulness.   We wish you and yours a safe, relaxing and peaceful summer!  The Faculty and Staff of SMM School

 

The following students have successfully graduated from our parish school: Kari. A. Albercht, Luke J. Antonello, Clare M. Brabson, Julie M. Britt, Julia M. Brogan, John J. Burdsall, Kenneth A. DeStefano, Brenna E. Donato, John P. Erbicella, Ryan T. Fulmer, William A. Ghaul, Colleen M. Goldhorn, Jeffrey D. Gropp, Zachary E. Hallinan, Jennifer A. Heinerichs, Daniel P. Henry, Madeline S. Inglis, Madeline M. Jacob, Grant C. Jamgochian, Elisabeth J. Jensen, Colleen M. Lake, Dara Gabriella Lynch, Brynne E. Martin, Kyle A. Maylish, Nicole M. McAlee, Thomas F. McCarthy, John McGovern, Ian McLarney, John M. McNichol, Bernadette McShane, Jenna L. Meissner, Noelle C. Mitchell, Victoria Monzo, Matthew J. Narzikul, Thomas V. Naselli, Jordan A Neelan, Kerry E. Newby, Buckley H. O’Brien, Julianna C. Ricco, Ryan M. Rogers, Allison H. Saft, Peter A. Scheuerman, Margaret M. Shevlin, Joseph T. Sincavage, Erica R. Swiniuch, Sean E. Taylor, Caroline E. Theveny, Erica J. Volpe, Ciara E. Ward, Jessie Marie West, Ellen E. Wilson

 

During the Graduation Ceremony the following students received special awards.  The Presidential Academic Award given by the President of the United States and the Department of Education as a pin, certificate and a letter from the president to members of the schools graduating class who have achieved academic excellence by maintaining a final 8th grade average of 95 or above. This was awarded to: Clare Brabson, Kenneth De Stefano, Ryan Fulmer, Madeline Inglis, Grant Jamgochian, Gabriella Lynch, Nicole McAlee, Ian McLarney, Jenna Meissner, Kerry Newby, Julianna Ricco, Allison Saft, Joseph Sincavage, Jessie Marie West, and Ellen Wilson.

         

Principals Awards were presented to those who have distinguished themselves throughout the years by their cooperation with school personnel.  The students who received the award were: Clare Brabson, Julia Brogan, Jeffrey Gropp, Jennifer Heinerichs, Madeline Jacob, Elisabeth Jensen, Colleen Lake, Gabriella Lynch, John McNichol, Bernadette McShane, Jenna Meissner, Noelle Mitchell, Victoria Monzo, Matthew Narzikul, Allison Saft, Caroline Theveny, and Erica Volpe.  The Kathleen M. Bonner Award is presented to a graduate who exhibits strength of character, determination, perseverance, courage of convictions and a positive attitude towards life was presented to Joseph Sincavage.  A Good Citizenship Award, and a saving bond from the House of Representative of the Commonwealth of PA is presented to a student who has displayed active involvement in school activities and a spirit of cooperation with fellow students and faculty.  The recipient of this award was Kerry Newby.  A certificate and an award from St. Mary Magdalen Parish for service as an altar server were presented to Peter Scheuerman. A certificate, a medal from the school and a monetary gift from St. Mary Magdalen Senior Citizens to students for being examples of our Religion in Practice were presented to: Luke Antonello, Brenna Donato and Zachary Hallinan. A certificate, a medal and a monetary gift from St. Mary Magdalen School for Diligence in Study was presented to Jenna Meissner and Erica Swiniuch.  A certificate, a medal and a monetary gift from the Home and School Association for General Excellence in Studies was presented to Nicole McAlee and Ian McLarney.  Pastors Christian Stewardship Scholarships for $1000.00 are awarded to two students to be utilized at a Catholic High School.  These scholarships are not considered solely on academic ability.  The scholarships are awarded to students who through the year practiced Christian values, gave service to the parish and community, cooperated with all school personnel, and exhibited effort in academic work.   These students represent the attributes desirable in a graduate of St. Mary Magdalen School.  Ryan Fulmer and Colleen Goldhorn were the recipients of these scholarships.  Congratulations to these students, parents, and teachers for receiving these special recognitions!

BAPTISMAL PREP CLASSES: Call Peter or Mary Zurbach to sign up for class at 610-565-5736.  Sponsor Eligibility Letters from the parishes are needed three weeks before the Baptism.  Next Pre Jordan is Sacramental Saturday on Sept. 27th.

A time to die, please pray for the members of our SMM Faith Community who have died: Dr. John Clark, Lynne Kramer, Joan Hagan, Joan Mueller, all the victims of war, and the 4,100 daily abortions.

A time to heal…PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK & OUR SOLDIERS in harm’s way: Our Children: Richard Andruszko, George Arneson, Mary Benedetti, Ethan Bedwell, Farnsworth Bisbee, Christopher Bogdash, Judge Harry Bradley, Bernie Brill, Kelly Brommer, Anna Bruno, Chrissy Burgess, Mary Burke, Gianna Campbell, John Clark, Baby Anthony Coletti, Chick Carman, Rosemary Casey, Daniel Casullo, Gennela D’Orazio, Barbara DeCicco, Ann Deeley, Ann DiDonato, Erin DiMartino, Domenic and Eleanor DiPangrazio, Patricia Dolente, Carla Donato, Frances Dougherty, Lucy Falcone, Pauline Ferres,  Patrick Gassaway, Baby Cooper Gates, Charlotte Grozzo, Vincent Grasso, Margaret Greto, Ann & Bobbi Guggino, John & Helen Hartman, Caroline Hislop, Father James Hughes,  Joseph Jascewsky, Elliott Johnson, Henry Johnson,   Leon Kazmierczak, Francis Kuhn, William Lanzelotti, Nancy LoMonaco, Joseph Manion, Michael Manganiello, Joe MacDonald, Theresa MacCombie, Judy Maltby, Kathy Mauer, Charlotte Mazurkiewicz, Francis McCabe, Joe McCarthy,  Lucille Noonan, Dinai Norris, William O’Brien, Fran Okon, Bob Pepe, Timothy Poole, Anthony Prudente, Helen Rauchet, Bobby Ruggieri, Jean Quarto, Jackson Roche, Carolyn Rock, John Shea, Brad & Melissa Speck, Mary Stevenson, Kenny Syracuse, George Tyson, Samantha Johnston-Twining, Louise Veit, Theresa Vivacqua, Tom Ward, Sr., Rev. Bill Wright, Kathy Zamrowski,  Eileen Zimmerman..

 

WELCOME OUR NEW FAMILIES: Mr. Patrick McCabe, SEE FR. CHIEFFO FOR A REGISTRATION FORM. If you would like your family and home to be blessed, please contact the rectory. If you are interested in visiting our new families to share about our parish activities, please contact Joanne Hinkle at 610-892-3998.

 

Please call the rectory if you are sick or want a priest to visit you in the hospital or at home.  Remember it is a spiritual work of mercy to pray and visit the sick and bring them the consolation and companionship of Jesus.

 

PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Praise Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!  Now that our new Church and Chapel are open, we are beginning to refill our 24-hour schedule. Representatives will be calling each of our Adorers to inquire if you would like your “old” time slot back. You can call Monica 610-891-9483, Doris 610-325-2876 or Shelly 610-353-7739 to “reup” or for questions. We are sincerely hoping to resume our 24-hour schedule in the new Chapel. Join us 9 AM –9 PM Mondays through Fridays until September.

 

 

Vacation Bible School June 23 to 27

9AM to 12 Noon

For ages entering kindergarten this September to entering 4th grade. 150 children maximum – We still have a few spots left so register now. $35/child $110 family max. Registration forms can be found at www.stmarymagdalen.net or in the church foyer.

 

If you have registered for Vacation Bible School a music CD with your last name will be sent through SMM School or may be picked up from the back of the church. Please only take a CD if your name is on it.

 

All VBS VOLUNTEERS please report at 8:40AM on Monday, June 23rd to get your assignments.

 

PREP News - Registration forms for the 2008-09 school year have been sent home with the students.  Please fill out and return according to the deadlines listed.  Additional forms may be found in the church.  If you know of anyone new to the parish or with a child of school age please pass this information along to them.

 

CYO BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM

The boy’s team made the playoffs for the first time in 4 years.  Congratulations to all the players and their coaches for their dedication and hard work.

 

THE ROSARY

Join us every Tuesday in the chapel at 7:15PM.  Benediction will resume in September.

 

YOU CAN GROW IN YOUR FAITH

BY LISTENING AND SHARING

Consider joining a small faith-sharing group made up of fellow parishioners. These groups meet in an informal setting to review the Sunday Mass readings and discuss their relevance to today’s world in our individual and collective lives. It is a wonderful way to meet & connect with one another as a community of believers on a journey toward our spiritual home. Meetings are approximately one and a half hours. Facilitators and times of meetings are listed below. Please call either Terry Campbell (610-627-1109) for more information, or one of the facilitators.

Sunday evenings, 7:30PM: Terry Campbell (1st and 3rd Sundays).

Mondays at 2 PM: Betty Mulhern 610-353-5035.

Twice monthly: Sue Mita 610-566-4819

Tuesday evenings, 7:30PM (monthly): Mary Ann Foster 610-566-1399.

Men’s Group: Jim Dooley (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) 610-892-9684 at 7:30PM.

Wednesday mornings, 7 AM Men’s Group: Don Saleski (610-566-3492) in Church Gathering Room.

Monthly, 9:30 AM, toddler’s welcome: Jeanne Barker 610-627-1009.

Weekly, 3 PM: Eleanor O’Rourke, White Horse Village 610-558-9128.

Thursday evening, 7:30 PM: Bonnie Clark (2nd and 4th weeks) 610-353-7930.

If you want to start a group, call Fr. Chieffo.

 

RELIGIOUS BOOK STUDY GROUP

We meet two Tuesday evenings per month, usually on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday’ at 7:35PM in the school library, first floor. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Gina Mesko (610-872-0876).

 

H.O.P.E.:  PRAYER CHAIN

Accepts prayer requests to show our parish spiritual support during difficult times.  Contact Maria Flannery at 610-565-3144 for your prayer request and also to be a prayer warrior for SMM.

 

HOPE SUMMER RESPITE

Beginning June 29th through September 6th, HOPE and all its gracious givers will take a respite to refresh and collect new recipes! Services will resume on September 7th. Urgent summer emergencies will be handled on a case to case basis.

 

STEWARDSHIP AND TITHING

June 8th - $ 24,461.00

Last Year - $20,502.00

 

ENDOWMENT - $1107.00

 

TWINING FUND- $51,760.00

 

By tithing our time, talents, and treasure,

we demonstrate our gratitude and pass forward the gift of God’s love and compassion.

 

JESUS LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER

BUILDING FUND

Cash received - $5,859,436.70

Balance due on pledges – $453,184.67

Total amount spent - $8,276,454.06

Includes all expenses.

 

Help us reduce our $900,000.00 loan by donating to your ability at this time.

God bless you for your generous hearts!

Grace and Peace in Jesus, Fr. Ralph

 

SCHOOL TUITION

The first tuition payment for next year was due on May 8, 2008.  There is a $25 late fee assessed now for anyone who has not made this first payment. All tuition statements have been sent out as well as reminder notices.  Call Mary Lou at the parish offices for any questions.

 

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY

For more info on any of our programs, contact paul_manion@yahoo.com.

 

ALTAR SERVER SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 21

   5:30PM – M. Szipsyzky, M. Volpe

Sunday, June 22

  7:30AM – C. Bauwens, H. Laut

  9:30AM – I. McLarney, J. McLarney

11:30AM – M. Doyle, K. Doyle

 

 

 

4th ANNUAL LADIES NIGHT OUT

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

FATHER HUGHES PARISH CENTER

Ladies, mark your calendars now for a fun filled night of shopping, snacking and socializing! We are also looking for vendors to fill our tables.  If you or someone you know would like to participate, please contact Nicky Verna at 610-627-2383 – tnverna@comcast.net

 

SMM PARISH YOUTH CHOIR NEWS

All Parishioners, Grades 1-8, are invited to join.  Practices will be in the basement Music Room 1 hour before the Mass we sing.    Please come and share your love of music with the Parish!  Call Mrs. Belczyk (610-566-6339) to join us.  

 

FR. CHIEFFO ON CATHOLIC RADIO

Tune into 800AM every Thursday from 5 to 6PM.  Fr. Chieffo teaches and welcomes your insights and questions.  Call 610-527-2906. 

 

2nd ANNUAL VOCATION CONGRESS

ATTN:  6TH, 7TH & 8TH

GRADE BOYS & PARENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 26TH – 9AM TO 7:30PM

ST. CHARLES SEMINARY

The Vocation Office for the Diocesan Priesthood is sponsoring this one day event led by our Philadelphia Seminarians which will provide young men an opportunity to hear and consider the call of Christ.  The day will include:  Great music, Sports/Activities, Powerful Prayer & liturgy, Morning/Evening Prayer/ Eucharistic Adoration.  For more info, call 610-667-5778 or go to:  www.HeedTheCall.org.

 

SMM AED - DEFIBRILLATOR

“We want you to go to Heaven

but we’d like to delay the Trip”

To help to train a core group of parishioners to be ready and able to respond to a cardiac emergency at our church or at home we will be offering a 3hr. CPR/AED training program on Thursday, June 19th in the large meeting room in the basement of the church from 6:30 to 9:30PM. - This PA Dept of Health certified our own “resident expert” on emergency care education, Frank Poliafico, RN, will teach the course. A former ER Nurse, Frank is widely acknowledged as “Father of EMS” in Delaware County; he also formerly served as Director of EMS for New York City. Please look for our AED installed in the foyer of the Chapel by the phone.

There is no charge to our parishioners interested in learning how to help extend life in people “with hearts and brains too good to die.” To register or for more information contact Pierina Antonello, RN at 610-565-1822 or pca315@comcast.net.

 

THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS

 

1.          Jesus is Condemned to Death – St. Maximilian Kolbe

2.          Jesus carries His Cross – St. Francis of Assisi

3.          Jesus falls the first time – Blessed Matt Talbot

4.          Jesus meets His afflicted mother – Blessed  Teresa of Calcutta

5.          Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His Cross – St. Martin of Porres

6.          Veronica wipes the face of Jesus – St. Katharine Drexel

7.          Jesus falls the second time – St. John Neumann

8.          Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem – Ss. Elizabeth Ann Seton &  Gianna Mollo

9.          Jesus falls a third time – St. Therese Lisieux

10.      Jesus is stripped of His clothes – St. Faustina

11.      Jesus is nailed to the Cross – St. Pio of Pietrelcina

12.      Jesus dies on the Cross – Pope John Paul, II

13.      The body of Jesus is taken down from the Cross – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

14.      Jesus is laid in the tomb – Pope Benedict.

 

In the foyer, we will place the names of major contributors of commemoratives around the painting of Mary Magdalen and the Risen Jesus.  We will also have the Book of Remembrance.

BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE

Rosemary & Vincent DiBiase

Theresa & Robert Dieter

Sylvia & Charles Kelemen

Lorri & Tim Krushinski

Cynthia Martin

Mary Beth & Anthony Pante

Beatrice & Albert Warren

 

COMMEMORATIVES –new contributor PEW – Kevin and Christine Coyne

Robes – Rosemary & Vincent DiBiase

 

WISH LIST - Baby Grand Piano

REMAINING COMMEMORATIVES

Baptismal Font - $100,000.

Candle Holders (new) @ $3,000, (1)

Candlesticks for dedication @ $1,000 (3)

Chairs: $500 each: Choir or Family Room

Chandeliers $10,000 each – 6

Marble pedestals holding Statues- $5,000 (2)

Pews@$10,000

Pew Frontal for kneeling: $600 each

Reconciliation Rooms (2) @ $25,000 ea

Robes –choir and altar servers-$100 for each

Stained Glass Restored Windows for Chapel - $25,000 each- 3 remain

14TH STATION OF THE CROSS AVAILABLE - ($15,000) – “Jesus is laid in the tomb.” Pope Benedict is depicted.

If you would like to help us financially, contact the rectory or use your Building Fund Envelope. Check our Website: www.stmarymagdalen.net

 

ST. MARY MAGDALEN SCHOOL

REGISTRATION FOR SMM SCHOOL

To enjoy a personal tour with our Principal, Miss Pat Miniszak and see our wonderful faculty and students developing Christian minds and hearts, call our school office at 610-565-1822 during school hours. No registration will be accepted without:  Birth certificate - Baptismal certificate (if not baptized at SMM) - Immunization records- Social Security number and a $100 deposit per family.  Parish families are reminded to offer $20 a week in the church collections and non-parishioners tuition cost is double tuition.

PREP REGISTRATION forms are available in the vestibule.  We will be interviewing all new families starting in June so please register now, if you want your children to enjoy the blessings of forming their hearts and mind with the conscience and commitment of Jesus!

 

SACRED HEART

Show devotion to the Sacred Heart by “Enthroning the Sacred Heart” in your home, which is a way to give formal recognition of the kingship of Christ over your family and home (see http:/www.fisheaters.com/sh.html)

 

 

LAUGH WITH THE PASTOR

Kindergarten graduate, Ryan states that he is closest to Jesus, when he is asleep.  How about you?

 

Msgr. Galyo told me that a man went to the doctor.  The doctor told him that “I have bad news and worse news for you. “Tell me the bad news first,” said the patient.  The bad news is that you have 24 hours to live.  What is the worse news then?” inquired the patient.  The doctor alarmingly responded: “I have been trying to contact you since yesterday!”

 

 

YOU CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE –

BY BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT

Foster families provide temporary homes to children of all ages, races and religions whose families are in crisis. The love and commitment that Catholic Social Services provide has a lasting and positive effect on all children whose lives they touch. For more information about how you can become a foster parent, call Melissa or Pat at 215-587-3960.

 

BLOOD DRIVE

Thank you to all of the donors who came to donate blood on Friday, May 20th at the Red Cross Blood Drive held here at St. Mary Magdalen. 44 pints were collected. We also thank the blood drive committee, Mary Stevenson, Julie Schramm, Chris Lamoureux and Lori Trevlyn for making calls to past donors. Thank you to everyone for being true heroes.  Lori Trevlyn

 

HELP FOR CATHOLIC HOME SCHOOLERS

Beginning September 8, 2008, Living Bridges – a lay Catholic ministry – will host an academic support program for home school families every Monday and Thursday at St. Mary of the Assumption School in Phoenixville. Dedicated to St. John Neumann, this program and family catechesis promotes a team approach to education, bringing together the student, parent, teacher, priest and Living Bridges’ coordination. Our curriculum is based on Mother of Divine Grace, a popular classical curriculum for Catholic families, and is offered to children in kindergarten through 8th grade.

 

 We also offer an enrichment program beginning Wednesday, September 17, 2008. This program meets weekly on Wednesdays. Beginning with Mass, we offer supplemental classes in fine arts, phys.ed. and religion. For more information or to register, please contact Denise MacMurtrie at 610-525-4770 or email us at: staff@livingbridges.org.

 

THE CALL OF ST. MATTHEW

 

To Mercy’s table are we called,

By Mercy are we bidden eat

The bread of life that Mercy breaks

Upon the cross, true Mercy’s seat.

 

The tax collector feeds on wealth

The cost, the poor their board and bread.

The tax collector seems to thrive,

But deep within, the heart is dead.

 

The Word of life bids Matthew rise

And feast upon a different fare

Where Christ hoards nothing but the good

Of starving sinners nourished there.

 

The sinner lives, the dead arise,

The poor are fed by Mercy’s hand

On bread and wine which taste of love

That flows from heaven’s Promised Land.

 

CYCLE A: THE YEAR OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Since the second century Matthew has been the most influential gospel for church life and practice. Just as Moses left to the community of Israel five books of the Torah to guide their lives, Matthew’s Jesus utters five great discourses (chapters 5-7; 10; 13; 18; 24-25) which provide guidance and inspiration to Christians. As teacher of God’s wisdom Jesus invites “all who labor and are burdened” to come to him, “for I will give you rest,” and “take my yoke upon you and learn for me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.” (Mt 11:28-29

 

A HEARTY THANKS TO OUR FINANCE COMMITTEE AND OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Dear Members and Friends of the SMM Parish Family,

 

Marcie and Bill were the “Team Teachers” for first grade religious education in a rather affluent suburban parish. They took on that responsibility since their own daughter was in the class. For the last few weeks, the class had been studying the Old Testament Prophets, and Marcie and Bill were eager to see just what the class had learned. “Well class,” Marcie began, “We have been studying the prophets. Can anyone tell me what ‘a prophet’ is?” Not one hand went up, except for the hand of their own daughter, Natalie. Well, at least Natalie knew the answer! And so Marcie said, “Go ahead Natalie; tell everyone what ‘a prophet’ is.” Without hesitation, Natalie stood and said: “Everyone should know that ‘a prophet is when you make more money than you can spend.” Yikes! Do you think Marcie and Bill will be reviewing that lesson?

 

There are good reasons, friends, why every parish is obligated to have an active Parish Finance Council. First of all, it’s the law of the church! The Code of Canon Law, Article #537, reads as follows:

“Each parish is to have a finance council which is regulated by universal law as well as by norms issued by the diocesan bishop; in this council the Christian faithful, selected according to the same norms, aid the pastor in the administration of parish goods.”

 

On the practical level, the finance council helps us to live within our means. All of us would like to have “more money than you can spend.” The reality is that most of us have a limited income. We budget, we pay our bills, we try to make the best use we can of any monies that we may have left. The SMM Parish Finance Council helps the parish family do the same. They work on the budget, try to balance the income and expenses, and help decide what projects and services are affordable and best benefit the entire Parish Family. It’s certainly not an easy task, and I join you in thanking those who take on the serious responsibility.

 

The following have served and have agreed to continue serving on the SMM Parish Finance Council: Anthony Antonello, Tina Barker, Paul Breen, Anthony Cardamone, Larry Donato, Lester Fry, Scott Inglis, Philip Mullen, William O’Shea-Committee Head, Vincent Zeller and Secretary-Valarie Fry.  Endowment: Joseph Raspa, Colleen Robinson, and Pat Miniszak.

 

SMM PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

We, the faithful of St. Mary Magdalen Parish, are a Catholic, Christian Community committed to the gospel message that Jesus Christ is our Savior. We promise to love God with our whole mind, heart, and soul, and love others in the way God loves us in Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 

We ask all organizations to place on their letter heads: St. Mary Magdalen Parish, building a family of faith, through Catholic Worship, Education, and Charity.

 

I thank all who attended our pastoral council and finance committee meeting last Tuesday.  We are certainly blessed with so many parishioners who share their vibrant faith and love for God in a variety of charities.  Almost every organization is involved in a stewardship project. Over the summer pray on how you can add to our hands and hearts for Jesus.

 

We do need to increase our Sunday Collections to maintain our increasing budget for the church, school, PREP, and adult formation programs.  We ask you to consider tithing (5%) of your time, talents, and treasure for the good of the parish family and 5% for other charities.  Our next major project is renovating the Fr. Hughes Parish Center: new gym floor, ceiling, and lights.  If you have any recommendations, please write me.  Fr. Ralph

 

SMM PARISH GOALS

To implement our parish goals we as a parish strive:

To deepen our understanding of and commitment to our faith.

To stimulate a greater awareness of the needs of the human family and to discover new ways to respond to those needs.

To encourage broader participation of our parishioners in parish life.

To engender a spirit of unity among all our ministries and organizations.

To empower the youth and young adults of our parish to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

 

I ask the parish ministry and organizations to come up with specific action items to implement the parish mission and goals: e.g. Priests and Deacons to prepare homilies to welcome back inactive parishioners. School and PREP faculty are reinforcing Sunday worship among students. Youth Group is playing for music, lecturing and ushering at the Sunday 5:30 PM Mass; President of School is offering religious instruction and parenting classes; Respect Life Committee- choosing to support Generation Life Organization; CYO to encourage stewardship projects for each team.   Wellness Ministry is training more volunteers for increasing services to sick and homebound. Perpetual Adoration Committee is looking for more adorers to reinitiate 24 hour adoration this Fall.  Bereavement Committee is organizing regular group meetings. Business Manager is monitoring increasing expenses of maintenance and ongoing improvements.  Finance Committee working on a better means of increasing school budget and benefits.