PARISH CONTACT INFORMATION Parish Office 616-455-9310 Director of Music 1253 52nd St. SE Emily Rushmore 616-455-9310 ext. 105 Kentwood, MI 49508 erushmore@stmmagdalen.org Fax 616-455-4139 Coordinator of Faith Formation Email address witness@stmmagdalen.org Molly Wisdom 616-455-9310 ext. 103 Website address www.stmmagdalen.org mwisdom@stmmagdalen.org Facebook St. Mary Magdalen Parish Coordinator of Christian Services/Volunteers Pastor Ruth Bush 616-455-9310 ext. 106 Fr. Peter Vu 616-455-9310 ext. 100 rbush@stmmagdalen.org pvu@stmmagdalen.org Coordinator of Youth & Young Adults Parish Secretary Allison Hawkins 616-455-9310 ext. 104 Laura Moore 616-455-9310 ext. 107 ahawkins@stmmagdalen.org lmoore@stmmagdalen.org Pastoral Support Staff:. Administrative Assistant Deacon Mike Wood Michelle Mason 616-455-9310 ext. 112 Sacristan Joseph Nguyen mmason@stmmagdalen.org Housekeeping & Maintenance Business Manager Brenda Bush & Tim Olexa 616-455-9310 ext. 109 Joseph Hakeem 616-455-9310 ext. 102 Pastoral Council jhakeem@stmmagdalen.org Financial Council

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

Third Sunday of Advent

December 16th, 2018—Year C

Here are some options for your year-end giving: The General Fund provides the funding for our operations and programs, such as Faith Formation (including Sacrament reception) for all ages, pay for the utilities and maintenance of our campus, and provides supplies and resources for our worship. Basically, it keeps us doing what we’re doing.

The Benevolent Fund provides the funds for us to do the Christian Service part of our mission. We provide emergency assistance to your fellow parishioners, as well as rent and utility bill help to those facing a short-term financial crisis. Through the Benevolent Fund we also donate to reputable, responsible charities which share our concern for those in need, and for the unborn.

The Maintenance Fund helps us prepare for the long-range maintenance needs of our campus, the expenses that come up that are more than our normal budget can handle. Donations made to this fund are set aside in a special account that we are trying to build to handle these types of expenses.

So, when you review the many requests I am sure you have received or will be receiving in the coming weeks, please keep your Parish family in mind as well.

Joe Hakeem

Important Reminders...

Additional confession times– Father Peter will be having confession on: Monday, 12/17 at 8:30-10 am & at 6-8 pm Wednesday, 12/19 at 8:30–10 am & 6-8 pm Thursday, 12/20 at 8:30-10 am & 6-8 pm Friday, 12/21 at 8:30-10 am Church cleaning; Wednesday, 12/19 at 11 am, please

plan on helping to get our church ready for the coming celebrations.

The Church Office will be closed Monday, 12/24 through Wednesday, 12/26. We will reopen on Thursday, 12/27 at 8:30 am.

ADVENT prepares us for

Christmas:

Prepares our eyes to see the star.

Prepares our ears to listen to

the angels singing.

Prepares our feet to run to the

manger, as did the shepherds.

Prepares our knees to kneel before Him, as did the Magi.

Prepares our hearts to worship

Jesus!

Dear friends: in this third week of ADVENT, may you

rejoice, whatever situation you find yourself in, because the

Light of the world has come in the person of Jesus Christ to

chase away all the darkness in your life.

ST. MARY MAGDALEN PARISH 1253 52ND ST SE, KENTWOOD, MICHIGAN

Kyle Friar Dorothy Terpak Barbara Kuhn Mary Schauer Oliver David Jean Jeremiah Herrmann Camden Keeley Max Witgen Paul Toohey Matt Potter Potter Family Ruth Borek John Chirco Colleen Antiel Robert Church Kathy Fraher Dorothy Nelson Andrew Downey Sally Downey Norma Reese Pam McDaniel Darrell Schmuker Audrey Robinson Judy McCaffrey Trudy Swing Germaine Kaminski Rebecca Cusack

Let us pray for one another with one mind and heart to the Lord our God

Mass Intentions & Prayers

Saturday, December 15, 2018 5:00 pm †Joseph Thu & Luca Tien Bui by Hoa & Muoi Nguyen †Paul & Mary Nguyen by Totam Nguyen †Kristin Rober Belli by Dick & Gretchen Tierney Kathy Lundgren by Margo Rich Sunday, December 16, 2018 9:00 am †Claire Meehan by family 11:00 am †Richard Janousek Jr. by Parish Family 5:00 pm Our Parish Community Monday, December 17, 2018 8:00 am RoseMarie Benson by Morning Mass Ladies †Elizabeth Hensell by Jack Hensell †Rosaline Coon by Dorothy Columbus Wednesday, December 19, 2018 8:00 am All souls in Purgatory by Mr & Mrs. Huyen Nguyen Thursday, December 20, 2018 8:00 am Louise Chester by Dick & Sarah Jennings Friday, December 21, 2018 8:00 am †Bill Derr by Joan & Family Saturday, December 22, 2018 5:00 pm †Ben Rich by Margo Rich Sunday, December 23, 2018 9:00 am †Marshall Soderberg by MaryAnne Soderberg †Estelle & Frank Fabian by Bob & Arlene Chatlosh 11:00 am Visitors of St Mary Magdalen 5:00 pm †Ngoc Thay Nguyen by Ngan Tran

Important Dates & Information

MASSES & SACRAMENT SCHEDULE

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Sunday 9 and 11:00 a.m. , 5:00 p.m. Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri., 8:00 a.m. Holy Days — Consult the bulletin Adoration — 1st Friday of the month 8:30 a.m.—6:30 p.m.

Reconciliation Saturday 3:30-4:45/ Or by appointment if necessary (Please see the front page for additional Confession times.) Baptism 1st Sunday of the month – noon Call Parish Office—prep necessary Wedding 6 months preparation necessary Call Parish Office Anointing 1st Saturday of every month-6pm Funeral Call Parish Office

Lectors for the Weekend of December 22nd & 23rd, 2018 5 p.m — Jeanine Bryant & Joan Miller

9 a.m.— Mark O’Gorman & Peggy Jacobs 11 a.m.— Laurie Emelander 5 p.m.— Bill Kelly

Readings for the Week of December 16, 2018 Sunday Third Sunday of Advent Zep 3:14-18a; Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6; Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18 Monday Gn 49:2, 8-10; Ps 72:3-4ab, 7-8, 17;Mt 1:1-17 Tuesday Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18- 25 Wednesday Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5- 25 Thursday Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-6; Lk 1:26-38 Friday Saint Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Saturday 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5- 10; Lk 1:39-45

Women’s Guild of St Mary Magdalen The Women’s Guild of St Mary Magdalen will be meeting at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 20th at Brann’s Steakhouse, 4157 South Division Avenue SE. We cordially invite all women of the Parish to join us. We will be wrapping up the Craft Show business.

Youth Ministries

December 16th, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent, Year C

Faith Formation

Hello everyone! Gaudete Sunday is here, which means we get to more intensely focus on the joyous part of the Advent season. The theme of joy flows throughout our two readings. Israel is called to both shout and sing for joy, while Paul urges us more than once to rejoice. It’s important for us to remember that joy is not the same as happiness. Most people spend their lives searching for ways to be happy, and they tend to search for it here on earth—happiness can take the form of a new iPhone, a vacation, a good test score, a promotion. Happiness isn’t bad, and God most definitely wants us to be happy. But more than that, God calls us to joy. It’s not a coincidence that the phrase “Rejoice and be glad” puts joy first and gladness second, nor is it a coincidence that our first reading tells Israel to “shout for joy” and “sing joyfully” before it says to “be glad.” We tend to search for happiness when we’re experiencing a sense of anxiety in our lives, but in reality it’s God’s joy that will more fully sate our need for peace. I think that’s because joy is not only deeper than happiness, but also more lasting. It’s less likely to fade with the newness of a material thing or even an experience. And although I think that things on earth can get us partway, our joy ultimately comes from God, who is a source of unending joy. So how can we experience joy in this season, rather than just happiness? In a world that tells us how we can be happy, how can we be joyful? Perhaps scripture this week has the answers: we are to be renewed in God’s love, and by prayer and petition know the true peace of Christ. We are to show kindness to one another. Joy can be an overwhelming feeling—an emotion that makes us feel like our hearts are about to burst. It can be a quiet contentment, as well. By following scripture, we will know it as it fills the heart and endures long after happiness fades. Through it, we’re able to sense God’s presence and His peace. Rejoice!

Allison

Upcoming Choir Practices Sunday the 16th 3:00 pm Extra Morning Ensemble Rehearsal Tuesday the 18th 5:45 pm Hand bells 7:00 pm Adult Choir Wednesday the 19th 4:30 pm Children’s Choir Saturday, the 22nd

3:30 pm Saturday Night Ensemble rehearsal

THANK YOU! Knights of Columbus and Women’s Ministry Group for hosting the annual Breakfast with Santa and Ornament Party. A special thanks to our special visitor too! A great time was had by all!

On behalf of the St. Mary Magdalen chapter of the Knights of Columbus, thank you to all the children who participated

in the Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest. Your creativity and faithfulness was a blessing.

Children's Christmas Presentation Children are invited to be a part of a story about

Christmas! The presentation will take place at 3:30 pm on Christmas Eve, just before the 4 pm Mass begins. Sign

up in the Gathering Area to be a part of this reminder of what lies at the heart of our Christmas celebration .

Rehearsal dates and times are Sunday 12/16 @ 12 pm and Wednesday 12/19 5:30 pm.

Thank you to Kathy Roos & Becky Vetter for organizing our annual Soup’s On For All bowl painting project! They initiated the idea several years ago and have kept it going, bringing attention to the needs of the GR community and

Catholic Charities of West Michigan.

Attention 8th Grade Confirmation Candidates The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will be

celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 7 P.M.

(Further details will be mailed to students and parents.)

Faith Formation News/Dates: Wednesday, December 19, FF Class 6:15-7:45 PM Wednesday, December 26, NO FF CLASS Wednesday, January 2, NO FF CLASS Wednesday, January 9, FF Classes Resume

Christian Services

Financial Reflections

ST. MARY MAGDALEN PARISH 1253 52ND ST SE, KENTWOOD, MICHIGAN

Gaudete Sunday is the traditional name for this Third Sunday of Advent. We are halfway to our anticipated goal of the Season of Christmas. The entrance antiphon and readings tell us to “rejoice!” The prophet in the first reading tells Israel to rejoice because the Lord is in your midst. This was the first coming of Christ. In our second reading, the apostle, Paul, instructs the Christians at Phillipi- and ourselves- to rejoice because “the Lord is near.” Paul is speaking of the second coming of Christ. Just as John the Baptist prepares the people for the coming of the Lord, so this season of Advent prepares us to encounter the Lord In our hearts now, so we may be prepared for our final communion with him. Let us rejoice in God’s plan for our salvation. Emily Rushmore

Dear God, bless your Church with love. Raise up dedicated and generous lead-ers to serve as priests, dea-cons, sisters, brothers, mem-bers of secular institutes, and lay ministers. Send your spirit to strengthen them to serve your people, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

We especially pray for:

Daniel R. Orris,

Jr.

University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary

1000

BISHOP DAVID J. WALKOWIAK ASKS US TO

PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS

It was a cold morning, but with the help of some hot coffee, these guys got the lights on the trees. A big THANK YOU goes to the Men’s Group members, Keith Ward, Mike Snyder, Tom Roos, Charles Mason, Bob Dodde and Mike Bush. Thank you for making the outside of church as beautiful as the inside.

+++ Help will be needed Saturday, December 22, to deliver the holiday baskets. The time commitment is only 30-60 minutes. This is a great activity to do as a family.

+++ Here are a couple of different gift ideas that support our

Parish:

Our annual Wines & Steins event! This year’s theme is ‘Wacky Wines, Crazy Crafts, and Funky Food’. Tickets will go on sale January 5/6 and will be $30/per person. This is a great opportunity to try new wines or craft beers from local breweries. The food is always delicious.

Another gift idea is tickets for the annual ‘Soups on for all’. Join others on January 28, at the B.O.B. sampling soups, breads, and desserts from local restaurants while listening to live music and entertainment. You may even see a bowl that was created by one of our Middle School or High School students.

+++ It’s time to start thinking about our annual chili cook-off on January 12th. Mike Bush has won it several times and is thinking about what he can do differently this year so he can win again

Please RSVP your chili to Ruth so we have enough room for you.

Don’t make chili, but love to eat it? Everyone is invited to come be a judge.

Dear God, bless your Church with love. Raise up dedicated and generous lead-ers to serve as priests, dea-cons, sisters, brothers, mem-bers of secular institutes, and lay ministers. Send your spirit to strengthen them to serve your people, following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

BISHOP DAVID J. WALKOWIAK ASKS US TO

PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS

We especially pray for: Deacon

Robert C. Mulderink

University of St. Mary of the Lake Mundelein Seminary 1000 East Maple Ave.

This Week In The Parish Parish News

June 24, 2018 The Nativity of John the Baptist, Year B December 16th, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent, Year C

Monday, December 17th 8:30-10 am Confession 6:00-8 pm Confession Tuesday, December 18th 5:45 pm Morning Ensemble Choir 7:00 pm Boy Scouts-BAC Bldg 7:00 pm Adult Choir Wednesday, December 19th 8:30-10 am Confession 9:00 am Adult Scripture Study 11:00 am Church Cleaning 4:30 pm Children’s Choir 5:15 pm Family Dinner 6:00-8 pm Confession 6:15 pm Faith Formation 8:00 pm Men of Emmaus Thursday, December 20th 8:30-10 am Confession 11:30 am Women’s Guild 6:00-8 pm Confession Friday, December 21st 8:30-10 am Confession Saturday, December 22nd 10:00 am Basket Delivery 3:30-4:45 pm Confession

Please Pray for Our Military Josh Lemke, Alex Beauchamp, Gage

Dionne, Thomas Church , Egan Simmons, Lindsey Garrett , Paul

Beauchamp, John Beauchamp, Steve Jacobs, Sean Branagan, Scott

Stockreef, Jon Fraher, Daniel Yonker

A BIG thank you to O’Field Funeral Home for once again suppling our parish with new calendars for 2019.

Please pick ne up in the gathering area.

We would also like to welcome our new ushers, Gary Novak at the 9 am Sunday Mass and Henry

Johnson at the 11 am Sunday Mass. We appreciate your service!

REMINDER Wednesday, December 19th at 11 am, we need help cleaning the church, many hands make light work.