January 22, 2004

Dear Catholic Lawyer,

Happy New Year! Join us for events planned to shake off the winter blahs, make you forget about the weather, and welcome the spring when it finally gets here!

Our first order of business is the Mass for the Speedy Recovery of Judge Susan Bieke Neilson: Sts. Peter and Paul Church, East Jefferson at St. Antoine, Wednesday, January 28,2004, at 12:15 p.m. Sue, our treasurer, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, or refractory anemia. The stem cell transplant was a success, the disease eradicated, but she is still recovering. The hard part is waiting for her immune system to build itself back up. That is where she is right now. We organized a Mass in thanksgiving for the success of the initial procedure, and for the speedy return to her regular lifestyle. Because of the suppressed immune system, expressions of support are limited. Please join us, or say a prayer for Sue if you cannot join us.

The next big “event” is our fundraiser at UDM. Our charitable focus committee spent many hours deliberating a successor project after Dominican. We wanted something “legal” which could also provide pro bono opportunities. The UDM Mobile Law Office seems the perfect fit for our needs. We also asked local bar associations to co-sponsor the event. Now we need to show our support for our project. That fundraiser is January 29, 2004, at UDM School of Law, 651 East Jefferson, Detroit, at 5:30 p.m. THE INVITATIONS DID NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY: WLAM-Wayne Region is the SEVENTH co-sponsor. And WE HAVE ENTERTAINMENT: THE FORUM SHOPPERS will make a special appearance. We encourage your attendance and support. RSVP to Tiffany at UDM: 313.596.0224 ASAP. Also, Professor Michael Bryce, clinic director, is looking for volunteers to help inaugurate the Mobile Law Office on January 30, 2004, 10 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Monastery. If you are interested, please contact Michael at 313.596.0200 as soon as possible.

Our Lenten Evening of Recollection, March 4, 2004, at Madonna University, promises to be very special. We have persuaded Eleanor Josaitis, co-founder of Focus:Hope, to speak about the organization. Please join us to learn more about Fr. Cunningham’s dream and legacy. The Evening also includes dinner and Mass celebrated by our Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Robert McGrath, who needs no introduction to most members. See the separate flyer for details.

CLS member Paul Manion is co-chair of Sharin’ of the Green at Most Holy Trinity Church on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2004. Early donors are listed in the program. Contact Paul for details.

Please mark your calendar for our Annual Meeting, scheduled for April 25, 2004, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. We will see the recent renovations firsthand, and their facility also allows us to have our Brunch on the premises following the 10 a.m. Mass. Further information will be sent later.

Family Picnic details are still being worked out. Stay tuned.

As always, we depend on our members for ideas, suggestions, and support. I can be contacted at the letterhead address, or by email at jscolom@aol.com. We encourage members to provide email addresses to facilitate quicker and more economical communication.

Finally, if you have not paid your dues, they are OVERDUE. We are a shoestring operation, and your $35. goes a long way toward defraying costs. Or, you could become a life member…

Thank you for your continued support of the CLS. Hopefully we will see you at some or all of the listed events. Stay warm, and may God bless and keep you.

Sincerely,
Jane Sullivan Colombo,
President