St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church Diocese of Tyler 18221 FM 2493, Flint, TX 75762 903-894-7647 Fax: 903-894-7739 www.stmarymagdaleneflint.org Pastor: Rev Fr. Timothy Kelly Deacon: Rev. Mr. Clarence Blalock 903-245-7239 [email protected] Saturday evening - Mass at 5:00 pm Sunday morning - Masses at 9:00 am and 11:30 am Monday evening - Mass at 6:00 pm Wednesday evening - Mass at 7:00 pm Friday evening - Mass at 6:00 pm

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time- September 20th, 2009

Sacrifice By Sacrifice Building The City Of God CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The success of most activities is directly proportional to the involvement of the people that choose to actively participate in the effort, use their unique abilities to forward the goal, and engage in sacrificial giving. This is particularly true in a fund raising effort. The more people that become actively involved the more successful the effort. We are all very busy people. We live in an age when everyone is on the go and it seems as if we are always catching ourselves coming and going. We have to ask ourselves how important this campaign is to St. Mary Magdalene Parish. We have had a wonderful response so far but there is still a lot to be done. An effort of this magnitude takes hundreds of volunteers. Please do not hesitate to become part of the remarkable effort. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are doing something worthwhile, something that will benefit not only the present generation but also future generations. When you are called to serve, please say yes. You will not be asked to do something that is difficult or time consuming. You won!t regret the experience. The more people involved in this project the easier it will be for everyone. God bless you and please keep the campaign in your prayers. Say the campaign prayer often. To quote Albert Schweitzer: “One thing I know: The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Congratulations to the new volunteers for agreeing to help with the campaign: Pacesetter Chair: Ray Modlin; Advanced Gifts Chair: Neysa Mueller; and Parish Family Chair: Chris Milawski

Saturday, Sept. 19

5:00 pm Mass 7:00 pm Golf Party

Sunday, Sept. 20

9:00 am Mass; 11:30 am Mass 10:15 am Life in the Spirit HS Formation

Monday, Sept. 21

6:00 pm Mass 6:30 pm Women ACTS Retreat Team Meeting 6:30 pm Sacramental Prep Meeting (Parents & Candidates) 7:00 pm Fall Festival planning meeting

Tuesday, Sept. 22

9:00 am Rosary 4:30 pm Lectio Divina Prayer Group 5:30 pm Golf Meeting 6:00 pm Faith Formation Teachers’ Meeting 7:00 pm Mark’s Gospel Lecture

Wednesday, Sept. 23

6:00 pm Children’s Faith Formation Classes 7:00 am Adoration

Thursday, Sept. 24 Friday, Sept. 25

6:00 pm Mass

Saturday, Sept. 26

8:30 AM Women’s ACTS Retreat Meeting 5:00 pm Mass

Sunday, Sept. 27

9:00 am and 11:30 Mass 10:15 am Life in the Spirit HS Formation 10:15 am Alms Committee Meeting Feast of St.Vincent dePaul

Wednesday Adoration

7-Day Candle for the week of September 20 through September 26 is donated by Rose Brown in memory of her mother, Beatrice Kohoutek.

“The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself.” - Pope Benedict XVI Sacramentum Caritatis If you can dedicate an hour each week or if you would like to be on the Adoration email list, please contact Joseph Guzzetta at 903.705.3305 or [email protected]

Prayer Line If anyone knows of someone who needs prayers, or you want to pray for someone who needs prayers, please call the prayer line ministry for St. Mary Magdalene at 903 894-3875.

2

Reflection on Sin (Part 1) Fr. Tim Kelly

People sometimes complain that modern priests don!t talk enough about sin. In the “good old days,” the priest thundered off the altar about the “sins of the flesh” and the “perils of self-satisfaction” and the need for self-control. As a child, I do remember one or two fire and brimstone priests. But when I ask my elders what Fr. O!Den was always shouting about, they remember that he was angry at the Beatles and the upward movement of the skirt line as the 1960!s progressed. Pop music and mini-skirts moved many a fine preacher to high flights of oratory in those days. One of our parishioners recently recalled how she had to confess her sins to her old Irish pastor, the sin being that she wanted to marry an Italian! Lo and behold, when she finally did marry her Italian, the priest refused them a Nuptial Mass and they were married quietly in the rectory. My grandmother often recounted how the parish priest called to our farm one morning as she and her family was milking the cows. A bit flustered, my grandmother invited him into the house and prepared breakfast for her honored guest. She fried him sausage and bacon and eggs and everybody joined in the unexpected feast. On Sunday morning the same priest gave a sermon about how Catholic Church law was being ignored in the parish, how he had been so deeply offended on Friday morning when a farmer!s wife had offered him meat for breakfast. What is Ireland coming to, when people tempt the priest with meat on a Friday? My poor grandmother was so ashamed because everybody knew he was condemning her. Needless to remark, the priest did not tell the congregation that he had cleaned his own plate, meat and all. There are women in this parish who have been told by a priest that they many not receive Holy Communion because they have been divorced. I know of people who left the Church 30 years ago when their marriage fell apart. These people were told that they were in a state of sin because they got a divorce. This is obviously not the church!s teaching. Nevertheless, in some parishes, Church law was whatever the pastor said it was. I know people who believe that it is sinful to drink alcohol or to dance. Some of my schoolteachers warned me that playing cards and gambling was sinful; that the deck of cards was “the devil!s prayer book.” A few years ago, in Omaha, Nebraska, the bishop told a retired Catholic schoolteacher that she had committed a sin by criticizing him over his handling of some sexual scandals. He told her that she should beg God for forgiveness for daring to disagree with him in public. Believe me, I know that there is great deal of sin in the world. I would never pretend that sinful actions and sinful words and thoughts are excused away. Of course, I believe sin is the great enemy of the happy life, ever time I celebrate the Mass I wash my hands ritually in front of the people asking God to forgive my sins, “Lord wash away my iniquity, cleanse me from my sins.” In the last five years, as I have preached the Gospel in this parish, I have tried to explain what sin is and how it affects our relationship to God. I have attempted to teach that Christ came for the pardon of our sins and that the principal task of the church is to forgive sins in Christ!s name. What then is sin? Is there a definitive list, a checklist of sins against which we can judge our own conduct, the conduct of others? How can we know what is serious sin? As you have already read, I am reluctant to approach this question on the basic of rules and commandments. My own life!s experiences and my observation of human life makes me want a more profound and reflective answer. Don!t just expect me to obey a set of rules, instead tell me why breaking those rules is sinful. St. Augustine teaches that sin happens when a human person turns away from what God wants and begins to chase after his own desires and pleasures. By stooping down to follow his own inclination, he becomes less human than when he sought to follow God!s plan. When humans cling to God!s love, they are noble and strong. When humans rebel against God!s way, they become unhappy and selfish. The central quality of sin is that it seeks to find success, power, pleasure and glory without any place for God!s love in all that activity. Sin excludes God from our lives. There is nothing wrong with pleasure, nor is there anything wrong in seeking success. It is not sinful to have a good reputation. It is not a sin to excel in business or sport or work. All of these objectives are good and should be sought so that God will be given the praise. Sin enters into our lives when these good things assume a place in our lives which is inappropriate. Over the next few weeks, I will try to explain some practical areas of our lives where we can sin. Sin cannot simply happen to us, like picking up an allergy or growing old. Sin is a choice we make. Sin is where I decide that my desires and wants are so important that God!s will for me has to take second place. Sin enters into my life by my own bad decisions, by my decision to say or do something, or by my decision to stay silent and avoid doing right. Sin is placing things in the wrong order, putting a value on certain things that they don!t really have. As the weeks proceed, maybe this will become clearer.

3

Flowers for September 19 and 20:

St. Mary Magdalene K of C Council 14636

K of C Officers meeting will be the first Sunday of each month between the 9:00 am & 11:30 am Masses Knights of Columbus Meetings Regular meeting of the K of C will be the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact either Larry Hitchcock 903-920-3067 or Harold Thompson 903-894-5633.

The flowers are donated by Hazel Edwards in Memory of Ben Edwards. The flowers are also donated by Ron and Teresa Farish for Irene Hedinger. If you would like to sign up to donate flowers for a weekend, you can sign up on the the bulletin board outside the front entrance of our church.

Christian Initiation Weekly sessions for adults who desire to learn more about the Catholic faith are scheduled year round on Sunday mornings. We meet at 9:00 am in Room 204 for the Liturgy of the Word, catechesis, and fellowship. To register or for further information please call 903-894-7647.

4

!!!!!!!!!!!!!Calling ALL High School Youth Come Join “Life in the Spirit”, the High School Faith Formation Class with Matt & Vince as your teachers! When: EVERY SUNDAY at 10:15 a.m. Where: Last room UPSTAIRS on the right. (The room with the Pool Table) Coming Events: Youth Retreat, Youth Rally for Diocese of Tyler, and More!

Children’s Faith Formation 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Kindergarten – 8th Grade Preparation for Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist to begin in September. Dear Parents, Classes will soon begin for Faith Formation for your children. It is important to remember that you are your children’s FIRST CATECHIST. It is your responsibility to make sure your family receives formation in the Catholic faith. • If your child DOES NOT attend a Catholic School, please register your him/her for the Wednesday evening classes. • If your child needs to attend preparation classes for the Sacraments of Confirmation & First Eucharist, please plan on attending the meeting on Monday, September 21st, at 6:30 pm.

For more information, you may contact Lisa Ellis, Director of Children’s Faith Formation at 903-561-8935 or [email protected]

Children’s Liturgical Choir Grades 3-8

Important Meeting For Parents of Candidates wishing to receive First Eucharist & Confirmation

To meet on Wednesday evenings 6:00-7:00 p.m. During Regular Faith Formation

Parents & Candidates must attend!

If your child likes to sing and wants to learn how to worship through song, he/she may attend this class. This is also a Faith Formation class.

Monday, September 21, 2009 6:30 pm Contact Lisa Ellis 903-561-8935 for more information

5

Announcements FALL FESTIVAL MEETING - anyone interested in helping with the upcoming Fall Festival please join us Monday Sept 21st at 7pm in room 205. Any questions please contact Robbie Noyes 903-894-4550 or email [email protected]. Feast of St. Vincent de Paul September 27th. Members plan to attend 11:30 Mass.Reception and special presentation following mass - All are welcome High School Youth The High School Youth Meeting will continue Sunday at 10:15 am. Mark's Gospel Tuesday, September 23, 7:00 pm Fr. Kelly continues his lecture series on Mark's Gospel. These classes will continue every Tuesday during September in the media room. Healing & The Holy Spirit PRAYER MEETING at Terry & Sherry Pettit's (4th Monday night of the month) at 605 Shiloh Ridge, Tyler,TX at 7:00 PM. Phone Terry for directions at 903-239-3455 or Alan Harris at 903-963-7146. YOUTH AFLAME RETREAT SAVE THE DATE: Oct 23-25. Please pick up your applications for the YOUTH AFLAME RETREAT from Ms. Debi or from Peaches Hall. This is for ages 13 and up through young adult. Come and be encouraged in the Lord with youth and young adults from around the diocese. For more information see the website at tylerevangelization.com First Eucharist & Confirmation September 21 at 6:30 pm will be the first parents and candidates meeting for Confirmation & First Eucharist. K of C Officers meeting K of C Officers meeting will be the first Sunday of each month between the 9:00 am & 11:30 am Masses. Knights of Columbus Meetings Regular meeting of the K of C will be the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Contact either Larry Hitchcock 903-920-3067 or Harold Thompson 903-894-5633. Tuesday Morning Rosary Tuesday Morning Rosary is held at 9:00 am. RCIA We meet at 9:00 am Sunday in the media room upstairs. The second part will begin at approximately 10:15 am and it's open to everyone. Lectio Divina The Lectio Divina prayer group meets on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30-5:30 pm. All are welcome. For directions, please call Mary Green at 534-0312 or email:[email protected] for a map.

Saints for the Week: Saturday, September 19, Januarius, bishop, martyr -- died in 305; according to his legend, thrown to bears at Pozzuolo under Diocletian; bishop of Benevento; as early as 1389, his blood has liquified on this and other days each year; patron of Naples. Monday, September 21, Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist -- According to the bishop, Papias, the Church's canonical text of Matthew draws upon the Aramaic traditions associated with his name. Composed c. 85, the gospel is generally arranged in an alternating pattern of narrative and discourse. Intended for a largely Jewish-Christian audience, it seeks to portray Christianity as consistent with the Jewish tradition and a continuation of it. Tradition holds that Matthew preached in Judea and in Ethiopia where he was martyred; symbolized by the winged human being; mentioned in the Roman Canon; patron of accountants and custom officers. Wednesday, September 23, Pio of Pietrelcina, priest -- "Padre Pio" was born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in the small Italian village of Pietrelcina. A Capuchin priest who had received the stigmata, he spent fifty years in the monastery of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he was much sought after as a spiritual advisor, confessor, and intercessor. Despite such notoriety, he would often say, "I only want to be a poor friar who prays." His life was devoted to the Eucharist and to prayer. He died in 1968 at age 81. Pope John Paul II announced the inclusion of his memorial in the General Roman calendar in June, 2002. He is considered the patron of civil defense volunteers and Catholic adolescents.

6

Food Pantry Update: Our Food Pantry has been very busy the month of August....serving 201 families! We actually broke our record of serving 55 families the third week of August. Thanks to all your donations, we did not have to turn anyone away because of lack of food AND a huge thanks to all our volunteers who help load/unload all this food on Tuesdays to serve so many and those who help on Wednesdays to keep our ministry successful. *If anyone is available on Tuesdays from 11:45am to 1:00pm at St. Mary Magdalene to help unload food and get it up to the pantry, please contact Sandra Thompson at 903.316.0293 or just come to the church at your convenience. We sure could use a couple more hands! The item of the month for September is rice....even instant and/or seasoned rice, such as Minute or Rice-a-roni, would be a welcoming change. And as usual, baking goods are always a favorite. Blessings from your Food Pantry Volunteers

Welcome to the Word - Mark's Gospel Mark's Gospel - Tuesday evenings in September - Mark, the First Witness We will read the Scriptures of the following Sunday and discuss how they are to be preached and understood. Venue: Media Room Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Class Format: video, lecture and discussion Class is usable as Diocese of Tyler L.I.F.E. accreditation Teacher: Fr. Kelly

Sunday's readings:

Mass Intentions

Reading One: Wis 2:12, 17-20

Saturday, September 19, 5:00 pm -- Eugene Gillespie, RIP

Reading Two: Jas 3:16-4:3

Sunday, September 20, 9:00 am -- Beatrice Kohoutek, RIP

Gospel: Mk 9:30-37

Sunday, September 20, 11:30 am -- Pro Popolo (for the people)

Collection total for the weekend of September 12 & 13 = $8,519.65

Saturday, September 26, 5:00 pm -- Gil Allgaier, RIP

Church Bulletin Bloopers

Sunday, September 27, 9:00 am -- Bertha Reider, RIP Sunday, September 27, 11:30 am -- Pro Popolo (for the people)

7

1) Don't let worry kill you. Let the Church help. 2) Thursday night-Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow. 3) Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community. 4) For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

What happens when you need a Friend and there’s no one there? Having no one to turn to in a moment of need is a trying experience for anyone, but especially for the poor. Are you willing to be a friend of the poor? For nearly two centuries, the poor and needy of the world have found a friend in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. This year, on September 27th, the Society will hold its second annual nationwide Friends of the Poor® Walk. We invite you to participate and become Friends of the Poor®, too. 100% of pledges made on behalf of registered walkers in a given community will benefit those most in need in that same community. To register as a walker, to pledge support for a walker, or for more information, go to www.svdpusa.net/ pledgathon/public Please join us. Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes and find out how good it feels to give.

Sunday, September 27, 2009 Bishop T.K. Gorman Catholic School Walker Check-In begins @ 2:00 p.m. in the MS Gym 1 mile walk begins @ 2:30 p.m. near the MS Gym Refreshments in the MS Gym following the walk. Mass @ 4:00 p.m. on campus, in conjunction with the ICC Parish Fair.

OCTOBER 2009 WORSHIP THE LORD WITH GLADNESS An open forum on worship at St. Mary Magdalene parish with Fr. Kelly

Where? Media room When? Tuesday evenings in October Time: 7:00 pm– 8.30 pm Date: October 6, 13, 20, 27

This four meetings review how we worship God here at St. Mary Magdalene. Included in each night’s class is a discussion on a short written reflection by Fr. Kelly. These reflections are available on the parish website and are also available at the class.

St. Mary Magdalene 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament Eagle’s Bluff Country Club Monday, November 2, 2009 99 Eagle's Bluff Blvd Bullard, TX 75757 10:30 am—Registration | 11:30 am—Lunch | 12:30 pm—Shotgun Start, 4 person scramble

ENTRY FEE: $100

(per player)

Includes Hamburger Buffet

*Make checks payable to St. Mary Magdalene Church Mail checks to: St. Mary Magdalene

18221 FM 2493 Flint, TX 75762

Player REGISTRATION FORM

Name:________________________________ Company:____________________________ Address_______________________________ City:__________________________________ State:_________________________________ Zip Code:_____________________ Phone:________________________________ Email:_________________________________

Please list all players in your foursome: ________________________________________________________________________