January/February 2018

FROM THE EDITOR:

Amazing things happen in our parish schools FAITH INTERVIEW:

For Chris, men’s conference was ‘what I need … what my family needs’ CULTURE:

Creating an appetite for faith

1

FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea

Carlson Productions

WE MUST WELCOME THE STRANGER

“THE MORE PROSPEROUS NATIONS are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin.” So states the Catechism of the Catholic Church. (#2241) St. John Paul, in his 1995 letter The Gospel of Life, touched on this issue, among many others: We cannot but think of today’s tendency for people to refuse to accept responsibility for their brothers and sisters. Symptoms of this trend include the lack of solidarity towards society’s weakest members – such as the elderly, the infirm, immigrants, children – and the indifference frequently found in relations between the world’s peoples even when basic values such as survival, freedom and peace are involved. (#8) Of course, we all know that Pope Francis has spoken often about migrants all around the world. His 2014 message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees includes these beautiful words: We ourselves need to see, and then to enable others to see, that migrants and refugees do not represent a problem to be solved, but they are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected, and loved. They are an occasion Providence gives us to help build a more just society, a more perfect democracy, a more unified country, a more fraternal works, and a more open and evangelical Christian community.”

These Church teachings all stem from Matthew 25 and the parable told by Jesus: “For I was … a stranger and you welcomed me.” If we did this to the least of Jesus’ brothers and sisters, we did it to him; if we did not, we similarly ignored Jesus.

Obviously, every nation has a right and, in fact, an obligation to regulate its borders and manage its immigration policies. However, a country which breaks up families, which deports non-criminals whose only ‘For I was … a stranger and violation was to be brought to the country as a child, you welcomed me.’ If we did which does not allow for persecuted refugees to this to the least of Jesus’ find safe harbor, which does not bring workers out brothers and sisters, we did of shadows, is not conducting a rational immigration program. We are not being neighbor to those in need. it to him; if we did not, we I wish that we could revisit the 1930s and remove similarly ignored Jesus.” the very strict limits we placed on Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. We could have saved so many more lives. That stain on our history should not be repeated. Pray for and work for a more just and comprehensive immigration policy and system. And individually, let us open our hearts to the stranger in our midst.

3

FROM THE EDITOR

FAITH HELPS

AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN IN OUR PARISH SCHOOLS

DISCIPLESHIP

I

T.Gennera

N MY TWENTY YEARS of priesthood, I have served as pastor of three different parish communities. Of those three parishes, two of them have had parish schools. There is something different when it comes to the experience of being pastor of a parish community with a parish school. To be sure, there are plenty of blessings and there are a few challenges. One of those challenges is the sacrifice that is required as part of parish life in order to support a parish school.

FATHER DWIGHT EZOP

is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Church, Bellevue Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.

4

It may seem a little odd to think that a parish school requires sacrifice, but it certainly does. The inherent question implied here is this: is the sacrifice worth it? In order to arrive at an answer, let’s take a few moments to think about the work of any parish school.

I think it is best to see a parish school as an integral part of and an expansion of the ministry that is offered by a parish community. Viewed in this way, everything that is undertaken by the school becomes an extension of the core mission of any parish: to help individuals of all ages to discover, build and live an active and loving relationship with God through the life of the Church. At the very core of this vision is the desire to share Jesus with everyone we meet. That desire cannot be viewed as a product – it is really about living lives in which we encounter Jesus daily in prayer, study, work and service. Such a life has a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose that transforms the “ordinaryness” of everyday life into a series of encounters with Jesus and his Church. It is a way of life that encourages and fosters faith and invites others into a relationship with Jesus.

This is what I have seen time and again in the parish Time and schools that have been a part of my priestly ministry. again, I have In order for this to be possible, a parish community must sacrifice resources that might be used in other seen how a ways, in order to make a parish school possible and parish school support its operation year after year. Parents, guardians, can touch grandparents and many others make a shared sacrifice the lives of of family resources in order to make a Catholic education possible. Faculty and staff make a combined people of sacrifice of compensation and time in order to ensure faith and that our students are formed in faith and well-educated. those who are Is this sacrifice worth it? Take some time to read seeking faith.” about how a Catholic school impacted the lives of Danielle and her family. Time and again, I have seen how a parish school can touch the lives of people of faith and those who are seeking faith. To be sure, a parish school is not the only means by which such growth in faith can occur. It is, however, a very unique means by which the faith of many can be nurtured and sustained.

At the end of January, we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week. If you’ve never visited a parish school, take the time to do so. I think you’ll be both surprised and touched by the amazing things that are happening in our parish schools, all made possible through our shared sacrifice. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

For personal reflection or small group discussion Parenting Journey 1.

Discuss Luke 6:31: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” Talk about ways we can intervene with kind words if we witness bullying in any form.

GROW+GO 1.

2.

GROW: How can you still your heart and listen for God’s whisper each day? Do you set aside a specific time or place?

How can we ensure we aren’t giving God the leftovers of our day?

GO: The virtue of patience and the ability to take advantage of opportunities helped Rich Budd witness to a friend and invite him to church. What words can you use to invite a loved one to come back?

Discipleship 101 1.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus?

Discuss 1 Peter 5:6-7

Cover story 1.

Danielle’s journey into the Church took several years, and included the witness of many different people. Is there someone in your life who you feel might be open to returning?

FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO FAITHPUB.COM TO FIND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES

INSIDE JAN/FEB 2018

COVER STORY WHEN DANIELLE’S KIDS BECAME CATHOLIC, SHE DID TOO: HOW CATHOLIC SCHOOLS EVANGELIZED HER FAMILY P. 16

YOUR LIFE

6 parenting journey How can I stop my daughter from bullying someone online?

7 marriage matters She says: ‘I think we should sacrifice to have no debt.’ He says: ‘I think we can carry a balance on the credit card and live well’ What do they do?

work life My co-worker won’t stop talking about his marriage problems

YOUR FAITH

10 grow Listen for God’s whisper each day

11 go Richard’s witness brings friends back to church

12 in the know with Father Joe How can I ‘do’ Lent better?

14 discipleship 101 It’s all about relationship

Still talking about Jesus – What’s Molly been doing since winning our 2010 essay contest?

24 FAITH interview For Chris, men’s conference was ‘what I need … what my family needs’

P. 9

FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

PLUS Solanus Casey beatified at Ford Field in Detroit

Alternative spring break?

Can I mix fun with something meaningful?

Creating an appetite for faith

20 feature story

25 beatification

8 goodlife

9 culture

YOUR STORIES

28 local news 30 popewatch P. 25

What Pope Francis has been saying and doing recently 5

YOUR LIFE

How can I stop my daughter from bullying someone online?

Q:

My daughter is

A: Most of us can remember childhood incidents that led us to feel isolated.

At recess, my classmates and I online. What can I do occasionally would sing, “Nobody likes as a parent to me, everybody hates me, guess I’ll go stop her? eat worms .…” The somber, yet gross lyrics captured the attention of children over generations. In fact, in 1905, Charles Scribner’s Sons published an illustration of a forlorn child sitting PARENTING on his porch steps, head sunk onto hand. The “worm JOURNEY song” captioned the picture. But bullying differs from occasional squabbles because it is a persistent behavior repeated again and again. Your awareness of your daughter’s behavior provides you with the opportunity to intervene in the bullying.

T. GENNARA

bullying a friend

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

6

Bullying contexts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 16 percent of high-schoolers are cyberbullying victims. Most bullying still occurs in schools, buses, playgrounds and neighborhoods; cyberbullying may co-occur with these contexts or occur only electronically.

Cyberbullying isn’t as evident to parents and teachers. It follows the victims into what are safe havens from face-to-face bullying: bedrooms, family rooms and even vacation trips.

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

Discuss the bullying. Ask your daughter how the bullying began and what forms it takes. Is she part of a group that bullies? Has she been coerced into joining in? Is she a victim in a different context? Listen carefully as she describes her activities. Explain that you plan to become familiar with the apps and internet sites that she uses – and that you will monitor her activity. Taking away access to a phone or computer tends to make the issue go underground, but monitoring can guide her in positive use of technology.

Partner with the school.

Counselors, teachers and principals can help when they understand the dynamics of student relationships beyond the classroom. Does your daughter display difficulty regulating her emotions at school? Does she react to classmates as if they have hostile intentions even when the intentions actually are benign? Is she targeting students who are different from the rest of her classmates? Some schools have strategic interventions to address bullying. If they don’t, this is a time to promote their adoption.

Repercussions for the bully. Help your daughter understand that she will face consequences. If the classroom becomes a hostile environment for the victim, then it is the bully who needs to be moved.

Also, information posted on the internet may be available in searches years later. As a young adult, her college or career plans may be impacted by her online cruelty. It may be useful to ask your parish staff for a referral to a psychologist who focuses on adolescents.

Cyberbullying takes many forms, such as spreading rumors, isolating or embarrassing someone, or taunting. All of these run contrary to the loving message of our God: “Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is nothing in him to cause a fall. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 Jn 2:10-11)

MY CO-WORKER WON’T STOP TALKING ABOUT HIS MARRIAGE PROBLEMS

Q

My co-worker talks too much about his marriage problems in the office. Is there a way to ask him to stop without alienating him?

T. GENNARA

YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

JIM BERLUCCHI

is the executive director of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership.

Alienate him? He’s already

His venting reveals low regard – first for himself, then his spouse and marriage. Add to that a lack of consideration for his work and colleagues, and you have a toxic brew.

Your best bet is to appeal to his own self-interest. Meet outside the workplace, maybe at lunch or a happy hour. Tell him you feel bad he is hurting – that you are a person of faith and one thing you can do for him is pray for him and his situation. With empathy and persuasion, ask if he agrees with even one of these points: • His colleagues are totally illequipped to help his situation.

They are co-workers, not professional or religious counselors. Agree?

• A lot of talking about our problems makes them worse.

SHE SAYS:

I think we should sacrifice to have no debt Daniel thinks a growing balance on our credit card is fine, but I don’t think we should keep spending and paying these high interest charges.

We need to live within our means.

HE SAYS:

I think we can carry a balance on the credit card and live well I don’t see the problem with paying a monthly fee on our credit card bill so we can buy the things we want and live comfortably. Christine is too frugal.

DIFFERENT VIEWS ON

WHAT DO THEY DO?

A alienated himself.

SPENDING and finances can create tension in a marriage, but it can balance out, too, when a

spender is gently harnessed in by a saver, or a saver is loosened up by a spender. It can work if both parties listen to the other and – together – forge a financial plan that allows them to live in a way that conforms to their shared faith, desires and goals.

We spin our wheels, view life more negatively and expend a lot of psychic energy with nothing to show for it. Agree?

• Marriage is personal and even sacred (if he believes so).

Might he owe it to himself and his wife to keep their private matters private?

• Does he want success at work and home? Then give to the workplace what belongs to work, and to marriage what is due marriage. Agree?

Focusing on work can actually be a healthy diversion from our personal problems. Not an escape, but an opportunity to be engaged, productive and earn a living.

If he has a listening ear, he might agree. “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”

(Prv 1:5)

The first step is clarifying sensible financial principles.

Christine, while you might want no debt whatever, remember there’s a big difference between dumb debt and smart debt. While the first will almost always hurt you, the second really can help you.

Smart debt is borrowing to purchase necessary, non-depreciating or income-producing items, such as a home, a business or an education. Dumb debt is borrowing to purchase unnecessary items, such as a vacation, eating out or a fancy new car (but look at used cars with just the features you really need). Sorry, Daniel, but most reputable financial advisers agree that carrying a credit card balance to purchase these things is a textbook example of dumb debt. If you have such a balance, pay it off ASAP, sacrificing if you have to.

The second step is realizing, in light of our faith, that to truly “live well” means less about how we balance spending now vs. saving for later, and more about how we care for our souls. For instance, wherever else we channel our money, we must first tithe a generous portion of it to God. This is as much for our own happiness as it is for that of the recipients.

Finally, even if we have enough money left over to indulge in the luxuries of “the good life,” prudence is always best. While God wants us to enjoy the fruits of our honest labors, he also warns us about “the deceitfulness of wealth,” (Mt 13:22) which, like weeds, can slowly choke off his life within us. As C.S. Lewis put it, “Don’t let your happiness depend on something you may lose.”

YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS

STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON

hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.

7

YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE

ALTERNATIVE

GETTY IMAGES

Spring Break?

CAN I MIX FUN WITH SOMETHING MEANINGFUL?

F 1

8

EELING A TUG TO DO SOMETHING more meaningful on your spring break than relax on a beach? Here are a few things to consider: What is my purpose?

Not your purpose in life – but the purpose behind your spring break plans. Are you looking to leave your life behind and R-E-L-A-X? Are you finding a way to glorify God in your plans? You can absolutely glorify God in relaxation – though the path to questionable decisions often begins with idle time.

2

Are you giving God the opportunity to bless your hard work this year? We

all need breaks from the routine of life and school, but are you able to bring God along to whichever type of break you choose? Does your decision leave room for him to bless your actions and relationships?

3

Have you prayed about it? If you are going somewhere with a group of people who challenge you in a positive way, encourage good decisions and generally seek to include God in their lives, a trip to the mountains or the beach can be great. But if you hear a quiet whisper to explore an alternative spring break, perhaps God is asking you to open the door for him in a bigger way. Listen for his voice as you pray for guidance.

Ask a few trusted adults in your life if they ever experienced an ASB; their stories may surprise and inspire you. Remember to trust your heart as you seek our Father’s blessing over your plans.

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

CYNTHIA KAAN

DILL DIP 1 1 1 1 1 ½ ¼

cup mayo cup sour cream tablespoon dill weed tablespoon dried parsley tablespoon onion flakes teaspoon celery salt teaspoon onion powder

In a food storage container, combine all ingredients. Cover and store overnight in the refrigerator.

Serve with veggies, crackers or artisan bread.

T. Gennara

YOUR LIFE CULTURE

MICHELLE DIFRANCO

is a designer and the busy mom of three children.

CREATING AN APPETITE FOR FAITH WE RECENTLY HOSTED dinner for two of our parish priests, and in the minutes before they were due to show up, I was frantically finishing up the appetizers. With an eye toward presentation, I meticulously arranged the crackers and veggies both spatially and by color, and garnished the dip with a sprig of dill. When I was satisfied with the display, I carefully set the tray out … only to have my 11-year-old son dive in like a ravenous vulture.

So much for the carefully crafted presentation!

I quickly became incensed. At the instant I was about to scold him, the doorbell rang. Lucky for him, I thought, as I angrily walked toward the door. But my disappointment for his “ruining” the appetizers was soon eclipsed by pride as my son enthusiastically and joyfully greeted our priests with a warm hug and a fist bump.

After our guests had left, I reflected on the entire evening. I was truly grateful for the great conversation we shared and, in particular, for just how attentively my kids had been listening to all we discussed.

This made me reminisce over the days my parents would host similar gatherings that were, without a doubt, instrumental in my faith formation. They would occasionally invite local priests or young engaged couples whom they counseled. They also opened up their home to larger groups for Christian fellowship and their regular Marriage Encounter meetings. And through all of this, my sisters and I were present and attentively listening, too. I can recall being just like my 11-year-old son – eating half of my mom’s veggie tray with the delicious dill dip that she served.

As I finished cleaning the last of the dishes that night, I pondered that maybe the doorbell ringing at the precise moment I was about to lash out at my son wasn’t a coincidence. For this, I thank God for intervening. Clearly, to give my kids the chance to receive and interact with these priests in our own home is far more important than the “pristine presentation” of an appetizer tray. One day, I hope my son will welcome clergy and fellow parishioners into his own home. One day, I hope that he can also reminisce about the positive experiences he had when, as a child, his family worked to build the domestic Church in their home – delicious veggie dip and all.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA

9

YOUR FAITH

GROW

as a disciple of Jesus

Listen for God’s whisper each day “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

(1 Sm 3:10)

M

Y MOM USED TO SAY, “God gave us two ears and one mouth so we could listen twice as much as we talk.” The older I get, the

more I realize I need to put her wise words into practice. I’m often guilty of half listening and double-talking, and that bad habit even spills into my relationship with God, the Father. When I get tangled up in my plans or worries, my prayer is more like, “Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking,” instead of the other way around.

GROW

SHERI WOHLFERT

is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries.

10

When we face frustration and disappointment, it can seem like God isn’t listening. And when we’re in the middle of struggle and strife, we can feel abandoned and ignored by the Father. The good news is that as we grow in discipleship, we learn that the opposite is true. The Father speaks to his children all the time, but he doesn’t speak the language of the world. He doesn’t speak about position, pride, possession or prestige like the world does. He speaks love, he speaks peace and he speaks mercy. In an attempt to help us slow down and focus on his infinite love, he often whispers, and unless we’re familiar with the sound of his voice, we will miss his words.

God has a perfect plan for each of us, and he promises to reveal that plan one little piece at a time. If we begin each new day inviting Jesus into our schedules, our friendships, our parenting, our

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

marriages, our jobs and our very lives, he will make our path clear. If we embrace the role of listening servant and trust in his wisdom and love, instead of trying to do his job for him with our own planning and organizing, we will find his way is always better and the path will always be filled with his grace.

Pray every day: Spend some time each day praising God and thanking him for the places you have seen him guiding and directing you. Pay special attention to those things that just seemed to “fall into place,” and recognize them as God’s loving touch to your day.

Study the faith: Read something about prayer. Read an article or a book, watch a video or listen to a podcast and learn something to help you be still and listen to the Father’s voice. I recommend God, Help Me; How to Grow in Prayer by Jim Beckman Engage in parish life: Find one new prayer activity to participate in at your parish. Join a rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer group, attend eucharistic adoration, participate in a Bible Study or attend daily Mass.

Serve others’ needs: One of the disciplines of Lent is fasting. Does your parish participate in Operation Rice Bowl? Your fasting can be combined with almsgiving to make a difference to brothers and sisters in need.

GO

evangelize

YOUR FAITH GO

Richard’s witness brings friends back to church PRAYER In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul says, “Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself.” (Phil 2:5-7) Why? To save us. Paul encourages us to imitate our Lord. When there’s someone we wish to pray for, we have to be able to go for broke. Oftentimes that includes prayer, fasting and penance.

WITNESS After graduate school, my roommate Matt had fallen away from the faith, but had a respectful religious attitude. My witness at first was that I simply acted like religion wasn’t a special topic. If something came up and God was a part of the topic, I mentioned my faith freely. If I was in a tough situation, I’d say, “Yeah, I really have to pray about that issue.” I treated the faith as a part of life that didn’t need to be handled with kid gloves. It was natural, and not like I was sticking it in his face, but more like I was unashamed. As time went on, and after a period of friendship and trust, Matt entered a stage of curiosity about the faith. At that point, he’d ask me questions and I saw those moments as an open door for witness. I think what worked in terms of that witness was waiting for the right moments, and then speaking honestly about God and his The Armchair Catholic work in my life. Much of witness is The Armchair taking advantage of opportunities.

Catholic is a podcast for the everyday Catholic. The hosts are Craig Pohl, the director of new evangelization, Sean Costello, superintendent of schools for the diocese, and Richard Budd, director of marriage and family life. Podcasts include interviews and lively discussions on topics important to all Catholics. Visit ARMCHAIRCATHOLIC.COM to subscribe.

INVITATION In my college years, my roommate Michael wasn’t going home for Christmas, so I asked him if he’d like to go to midnight Mass, and he said yes. After Mass, the priest was outside and my friend talked to him about being grateful for the Mass.

The key to invitation for me was to wait for the right opportunity.

I wasn’t then going to ask him every Sunday, but when there were opportunities, we went to Mass together, and a few other times he told me that he had gone. I try to remember that the Lord invites, and we simply follow his lead. The Lord is working on hearts in a lot of ways, and through a lot of graces, many of which we are unaware. When it’s our turn to reach out, we need to be ready.

ACCOMPANIMENT I’ve found that the key to accompaniment is patience.

The truth is that no one gets there the first time around because there are always peaks and valleys. I try to celebrate with them during their peaks, walk with them in their valleys and be human about it. Be their friend.

We are always called to evangelize. Sometimes our part in another person’s journey is 10 minutes, sometimes it’s years.

Visit TINYURL.COM/DOLPLAN to develop your personal evangelization plan

BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

11

How can I ‘do’ Lent better?

Q GETTY IMAGES

DEAR FR. JOE: Every year, Lent happens and I start off really hoping to make something of it. My intentions are the best, but it always seems like, the next thing I know, it's Easter and I’ve missed it.

Can you help me do better this year?

T. Gennara

YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

FATHER JOE KRUPP

is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack

12

A

I believe I can help you! Let’s start with an important point: You are struggling with something that I think most people do – the inability to “get it right," no matter how good our intentions or plans.

What do we do about that?

We’ll start with St. Paul. St. Paul wrote about three-quarters of the New Testament. He was the bridge God gave us between Greek culture and philosophy and Hebrew culture and religion. He is so important to our faith that he is sometimes called simply “The Apostle.”

Yet, even with all that, he, too, struggled. Let’s peek at this passage he wrote in the Book of Romans:

willing is ready at hand, but doing the good is not. For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want. Now if [I] do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. So, then, I discover the principle that when I want to do right, evil is at hand.

For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Miserable one that I am! Who will deliver me from this mortal body? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Therefore, I myself, with my mind, serve the law of God but, with my flesh, the law of sin. (Rom. 7:15-25)

What I do, I do not understand.

For I do not do what I want, but I do what I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I concur that the law is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh. The

Isn’t that amazing? One of the greatest saints who ever lived ran into the same problem that you and I do, basically summed up in a simple phrase: I can’t get it right, no matter how hard I try, so I need to count on Jesus.

That’s the first step here:

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

dedicate your efforts to Christ this Lenten season. Pause right here and now, reading this, and ask God to help you have a great Lent. Pour out your heart to him, share your past frustrations and your current hopes. Ask him to be your strength so that you are not relying on something so questionable as our human willpower.

Now, for the second step: get to confession. To me, confession is one of those sacraments that we simply ignore at our peril. This is an opportunity to let Jesus “take the garbage out” and fill our empty spaces with his mercy, his love and his strength. If you are nervous and out of practice, let the priest know that. Tell him you are scared and haven’t done this in a while. Tell him why you are there. He’ll pray with you, grant you absolution and send you out the door ready to have a Christ-filled Lent.

The next step is about our attitude. We need to approach Lent with a mental attitude that we don’t get to define a “successful Lent.” Why do we do this? Because our idea of success is so much different than God’s. We tend to judge success by our performance and/or how we feel.

We cannot judge a “successful Lent” by our performance for a simple reason: that often can lead to pride, if we have a good performance, or discouragement, if we have a bad one. I imagine you’ve met people who seem to “get it right” most of the time: they know the rules, they live them well and seem to spend a lot of time focusing on how others aren’t performing as well as them. These people, in my experience, can be some of the angriest people around and they don’t model a behavior that is appealing. This is because they have limited the idea of holiness to performance. St. Paul wrote a lot about this. You and I stand with St. Paul and recognize that judging our “spiritual success” by performance leads to

Children nurtured in the love of the Holy Spirit grow in Knowledge, Virtue and Joy! • Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade • Small class sizes and dedicated teachers • Consistently outrank Diocesan and National testing norms in reading and math as measured

by NWEA Map testing • All School Masses, Daily Rosary and Chaplets

arrogance or giving up. Our goal is not to be dependable for God, it’s to grow in our awareness of our dependence on him.

We also need to recognize that we can’t judge our Lent as “successful” based on our feelings because, frankly, our feelings are wildly unreliable. Often, they will unintentionally tie us to the first problem: going on our performance.

So, we’ve prayed and dedicated our efforts to the Lord. We've gone to confession to let Christ “take the garbage out” and we’ve let Jesus purge us of the human means of judging our Lent. What do we do now?

We embrace the purpose and mission of Lent! We fast, we pray and we give alms.

Each of these activities is geared toward the heart of it all: We treat Lent as a spiritual boot camp where we push ourselves to renounce our affection for and allegiance to this world and deepen our understanding and

• After School Care and Sports Programs • Catholic Schools Week Open House is January 28, 2018 from 12-3 pm • Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Open House is April 21, 2018 from 12-3 pm

commitment to Christ.

As Catholics, we fast. And during Lent, we take it up a notch in two ways. First, we abstain from meat on Fridays (put that as a repeating reminder in your calendar for every Friday in Lent – all caps: NO MEAT!).

Second, most of us fast from something during the entirety of Lent, except for Sundays. A good standard here is to choose something that you will miss, but don’t need. Hint: It doesn’t need to be food. You may fast from TV or Facebook. Every time you feel that hunger pang or that draw to eat what you have given up, pray that you will hunger for God like you hunger for it. Tell God, “I give you this suffering in sacrifice for my sins and the sins of the whole world.” That’s how we fast.

Importantly, ramp up your prayer life, both communally and personally. If you don’t typically go to a weekly Mass, make sure you do once a week during Lent.

Make sure you get to confession

Visit

wps.HolySpiritRCS.org or call

810-900-9050 for a tour

Make the call and send your children to a remarkable school

$1500 NEW FAMILY TUITION DISCOUNT

at least once during the Lenten season. Mark those things on your calendar now so it doesn’t become a thing you do if you think about it. For personal prayer, get a daily prayer guide and use it each day. My favorite is the Magnificat.

Almsgiving is caritas: love in action.

This is when you and I pledge to be especially generous during Lent, to our Church, to the poor, to anyone God puts in our path.

Check out your local Catholic Charities: They do amazing work and are always in need of financial assistance. In terms of your parish, consider giving more than you usually do each week. As a pastor of two parishes, I can promise you it will help!

Each of these activities is geared toward the simple premise of Lent: We push ourselves to renounce our affection for and allegiance to this world and deepen our understanding and commitment to Christ.

May God bless our Lenten season with holy dependence on him!

We need to approach Lent with a mental attitude that we don’t get to define a ‘successful Lent.’ Why do we do this? Because our idea of success is so much different than God’s.”

13

YOUR FAITH DISCIPLESHIP 101

IT'S ALL ABOUT

RELATIONSHIP 14

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

IN 2018,

FAITH offers a new column, Discipleship 101, based on Sherry Weddell’s books, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to

Knowing and Following Jesus (2012) and Fruitful Discipleship: Living the Mission of Jesus in the Church and the World (2017). Sherry is a leading voice in the Catholic world in the field of forming missionary disciples – engaged Catholics who strive to grow as disciples of Jesus and go evangelize, sharing the Gospel with others.

The 2008 Pew “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey” found that the majority of American adults who change from their childhood faith do so in a series of steps rather than a single giant leap. This holds true for former Catholics too. Very few people wake up one morning and decide, “I think I’ll become a Baptist today.” All the evidence is that people feel dissatisfied and consider leaving for a couple of years before actually taking the first step, and that the majority pass through two or three religious changes before settling into a new spiritual home. Most people have mixed feelings about leaving the faith of their childhood. They are unsure of leaving and unsure of where to go after they leave. In other words, changes of faith are, for most people, a journey and a search, not an instant, simple, and painless abandonment of belief.

The truth is that at this very moment, millions of Americans, including many ex-Catholics, are open to the faith of Jesus Christ and his Church. Consider those who we know who are either actively searching or at least passively scanning the horizon for spiritual alternatives: • Those who were raised without a faith and who are exploring their options.

• Those who have left a childhood faith but “haven’t found the right faith yet.”

• The millions of “religious unaffiliated” who know religion is important, pray regularly, and wander in and out of our congregations.

• Catholics who have left the faith but have not yet adopted another religious identity and are searching.

• Dissatisfied Catholics who haven’t left but are considering doing so.

These people are already seeking.

Our job is to reach out deliberately and intentionally to help them find the pearl of great price.

The truth is that at this very moment, millions of Americans, including

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIP When Pew researchers asked American adults a series of questions about the kind of God they believed in, a startling pattern emerged: Nearly a third of self-identified Catholics believe in an impersonal God. I had always blithely assumed that when people said that they believed in God, they meant a personal God. What other kind of God is there? Not so. Only 60 percent of Catholics believe in a personal God. Twentynine percent said that God is

many exCatholics, are open to the faith of Jesus Christ and his Church.”

an “impersonal force.” Eight percent responded that God was “other,” or “both” personal and impersonal, and one percent didn’t believe in God at all.

It is especially sobering to learn that when Pew surveyors asked the question, “Which comes closest to your view of God: God is a person with whom people can have a relationship, or God is an impersonal force?” only 48 percent of Catholics were absolutely certain that the God they believed in was a God with whom they could have a personal relationship.

So it should be clear that retaining a Catholic identity does not mean that someone necessarily believes in the God at the heart of Catholicism. How much of our faith can make sense to millions of Catholics when the bedrock foundation – belief in a personal God who loves us – is not in place?

Where does all this leave us? Certainly one of the most fundamental challenges facing our Church is this: The majority of adult Catholics are not even certain that a personal relationship with God is possible.

In short, statistical reality bears out this prophetic passage from Pope John Paul II’s Catechesi Tradendae (On Catechesis in Our Time): It is possible for baptized Catholics to be “still without any explicit personal attachment to Jesus Christ; they only have the capacity to believe placed within them by Baptism and the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

(Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, Sherry A. Weddell, Huntington, Ind: Our Sunday Visitor, 2012, pp. 42-44, 46.)

SHERRY ANNE WEDDELL created the first charism discernment process specifically designed for Catholics in 1993. In 1997, she co-founded the Catherine of Siena Institute, an affiliated international ministry of the Western Dominican Province, and currently serves as Executive Director. Sherry has developed numerous unique formation resources that are used around the world.

15

YOUR STORIES

COVER STORY

“M

Y FATHER GREW UP in a small South Carolina farming community – one traffic light and a Baptist church at its center. My grandfather was a deacon in that church, and every Sunday, Daddy, along with Grandma and his two sisters,

would attend services and Sunday school as a family. After church, they would return home and gather around the table for a large Sunday dinner.

“My father’s legacy was keeping faith and family at the center of life.”

“Even as adults, as often as they could, my dad and his sisters would come together on Sundays with their spouses and children to sing with the choir, worship with the congregation and eat Grandma’s cooking. I loved Sundays with my dad – especially dinnertime when the family bond was strongest. Sitting there amongst my brothers and cousins with Daddy and Grandma and our aunties watching over us, it felt as if I didn’t have a care in the world.

“My parents divorced when I was young, so I lived with my mother and would visit my dad and brothers during holidays and summer. During the school year, even though we lived miles apart, I thought that if I went to church, we could all be together somehow.

“My daddy’s church is where I came to know Jesus, and grew in my core values – knowing someone was there to help when I needed it. In high school, I realized I had developed a relationship with Jesus. I carried that feeling with me wherever I lived.

“After I graduated and went off to college, my personal drive to do well in my endeavors, the stress of school and the distance from family overtook the connection I had with a church

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JIM LUNING

16

community. As an undergrad at Jackson State University in Mississippi and a veterinary student in Tuskegee, Ala., my need for a church where I would receive the same heartfelt feelings waned.

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

17

YOUR STORIES COVER STORY

“A

FTER GRADUATION, I moved to Michigan and found a church where I could worship and really feel God’s message like I did growing

up – without a lot of fanfare and with a sense of family and belonging. But when the pastor moved on, the church lost its sense of family for me.

“It wasn’t until after I married David and our family started growing that I began to really seek another church home. When my brother Terry passed away 10 years ago, I felt a much deeper need to go to church. While we tried attending a few other churches, that feeling in my heart still wasn’t there. I would keep saying, ‘David, I’m just not feeling this.’ He agreed we would keep looking. But our search didn’t lead us anywhere. Even more, I realized that if we didn’t find a church home, our four children would never have that sense of belonging in a faith family that nourished me as a child.

“David had graduated from Lansing Catholic High School, and always thought his children would attend there, too. When we decided to make a change in our kids’ education, we enrolled the younger two at St. Gerard Catholic School and the twins at Lansing Catholic. When I asked them, ‘What did you learn today?’, their answers really fascinated me. I especially loved learning about the history of the Catholic Church. When we started attending Mass at St. Gerard, Father John [Klein] had me mesmerized. I always wanted to learn the deeper story of whatever he shared in his sermons.

“One day, out of the blue, David said, ‘When I leave Mass, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders.

Refreshed, you know? Like: We can do this! We can do this!’ He brought it up, but what’s funny is that I was feeling the same way.

“When our third-grader, Terryn, came home and announced she wanted to become Catholic, I didn’t object. Many of David’s friends from high school had children attending St. Gerard, and they always made us feel welcome. Terryn’s teacher, Mrs. Prichard, offered to be her godmother. So, in 2015, my baby girl was baptized into the Catholic faith.

“A short time later, my son, Conrad, said he wanted to become Catholic, too. After some thought and prayer, I realized that we had finally found the church home I had been looking for all those years. I enrolled in the RCIA program to join the Church with my three sons.

18

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

“At first, I was overwhelmed with the time commitment and the volume of information in the class. But, at the same time, I felt intrigued. Soon enough, Sunday RCIA class routines became my new normal. I learned how and when to pray, developed my faith and beliefs and explored how to live as a Catholic. Near the end of our journey, I attended a retreat with my fellow RCIA classmates. Listening and spending time in contemplative prayer, I felt as if I was going back into my childhood and connecting with how I used to know God. “When my sons and I were welcomed into the Catholic faith on Easter Sunday 2017, I felt right at home. I’m still developing as a Catholic – still reading the Nicene Creed from the front of the book. But RCIA helped me find my quiet spot where I can check in with God to see what his plan is for me. It opened me up to God’s voice guiding me to what’s most important in life. I strongly feel RCIA helped me get to know myself and others better, and prepared me to better serve my family, church and community.

“While I was enrolled in RCIA, my father suffered a heart attack the week before Thanksgiving.

He lingered a few days as we all came home to see him one last time and say our goodbyes. After he passed, we gathered around the table for a bittersweet Thanksgiving dinner before going off in the different directions our lives have taken us.

“My father’s legacy was keeping faith and family at the center of life. I want to live like he raised me so my children can build their lives around that legacy too. I have the same family tradition I always valued, but I went a little deeper into my faith and came out Catholic.

“There’s something in me that needs to live like I can make my father proud. I think I’m doing that now.”

INTERESTED IN BECOMING CATHOLIC? Do you have any questions about becoming Catholic, or do you know someone who does? Contact your local parish to learn about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program.

INTERESTED IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION? At the 33 schools in the Diocese of Lansing, students grow in faith, knowledge and service. To learn more about our Catholic schools, including information on tuition assistance, visit DOLCATHOLICSCHOOLS.ORG

“When my sons and I were welcomed into the Catholic faith on Easter Sunday 2017, I felt right at home.�

19

STILL TALKING AB YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY

“H

OW DO I TALK to my friends about Jesus?” Molly Cook answered this question in 2010 as a senior in high school, and appeared in FAITH Magazine as the Teen Issue essay contest winner for that year. She wrote then: “Youth group has helped me to realize that being a part of the Church is like being a part of a family or a community. The relationships I have gained from being a part of my church and youth group activities mean the world to me and have brought Jesus into my everyday life and conversations.”

READ MOLLY'S 2010 ESSAY, JESUS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ME: TINYURL.COM/2010TEENESSAY

20

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

BOUT JESUS

What’s Molly been doing since winning our 2010 essay contest?

Molly continues to bring Jesus into her everyday.

Over the last seven years, God has continued to provide opportunities for Molly to experience her faith through communities and relationships that draw her closer to God’s people and his love. FAITH caught up with Molly to see how the Lord has been at work in her, and what she would tell her 2010 teenage self about life, faith, community and the Church.

“The way that I have experienced the constant presence of Jesus is through people. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. I mentioned in 2010 that the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC) was life-changing. I’ve been amazed at the impact it has continued to have in the years since I went.

I still think about it all the time. In fact, my roommate for three years at college was someone I had met through DYLC. People I had those experiences with in high school remain dear friends. We even served in various ministries at Aquinas College together,” she said.

In her time at Aquinas College, Molly’s faith grew through experiences of working in ministry, as well as experiences of being ministered to. “I was introduced to spiritual direction in college and that influence has been one more example of the way I experience God through people. Because of that, I look to how people have evangelized to me so that I can evangelize to others. The greatest gift people have given me has been their presence, so I work to be present to others. I try to hear, to listen and also to pray that I’m open to being present in whatever capacity I’m called to be.”

After college, Molly participated in a year of service with Christ the King Service Corps, a group affiliated with the Catholic Volunteer Network. Throughout that year, God continued to bless her willingness to live as a witness to his love. “That year of service in Detroit was a transformative experience. We lived in community, made $100 a month and focused on service, simplicity and faith. I saw the beauty of working together and being in community. And since then, I’ve desired that.

That’s where I most feel Jesus is present.

“In August of 2016, I started graduate school at the Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development at Illinois State University, and am pursuing a master’s in sociology with a focus on community development. My graduate school experience is unique because faith is not formally a part of it, but I’m intentionally learning about the good that people are doing in the world. And because it’s a part of

me, my faith is a part of it.” Beyond coursework, Molly spent time as a teaching assistant, and is currently living in Montana for her graduate placement while she writes her thesis.

“As I look forward to finishing in June, I don’t know what God has planned, but I’m considering two possibilities. One is to start a coffee shop and employ people who are homeless. My research for my thesis involves finding out about social enterprises that employ those who are or were homeless, and it’s exciting to find out what is being done and to dream about what could be done. Another option for me is to pursue my Ph.D., with the intent to teach and incorporate service into the classroom. I’ve been blessed with great teachers, and I can see that as a path for myself as well,” she said.

While anticipating the future, Molly reflects on the past seven years with gratitude for God’s faithfulness and blessings: “In high school, I realized that I could experience God’s love through his people. And that reality has been affirmed over and over again. I’m really thankful that I grew up in DeWitt and in the Diocese of Lansing, and that I started there with a foundation of love, support and community. Home molded and shaped me and gave me a foundation that has remained.

“If I could tell my high school self anything, I’d say, ‘Don’t be so afraid. Fear doesn’t come from God. Try to talk to and be with as many people as you can.

Everyone has a beautiful story to share – don’t be afraid to get to know God’s people.’”

SEE PAGE 23 for this year’s Farther Charles Irvin Scholarship essay question

In high school, I realized that I could experience God’s love through his people. And that reality has been affirmed over and over again.”

BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

21

WITNESS TO HOPE Accountability Oversight Committee

The Witness to Hope Campaign Policies and Guidelines call for the establishment of an Accountability Oversight Committee (AOC) “to review the pledge receipts and their disbursements to the various case elements” in order to assure “the highest level of accountability to the clergy, lay leadership and parishioners of the Diocese of Lansing.”

In addition, the AOC will provide advice and recommendations to our Catholic Foundation as to effective reporting concerning its administration and the ultimate use of the funds raised through Witness to Hope.

The initial members of the Accountability Oversight Committee were appointed by Bishop Boyea. They 22

held their initial meeting in August and a second meeting in November, 2017.

Each of the initial members of the AOC has professional experience in accounting, finance or law. They are: 1. Fr. James Conlon, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ann Arbor 2. Richard Hendricks, parishioner, Christ the King Catholic Church, Ann Arbor 3. George Landolt, Diocesan CFO and parishioner, St. Mary Catholic Church, Williamston 4. William Pressprich, parishioner, Christ the King Catholic Church, Ann Arbor 5. Fr. Ryan Riley, Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas Parish, East Lansing

At their initial meetings, AOC members were presented with reports from the Diocese of Lansing’s Finance Department and the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lansing detailing campaign pledges

FAITH Magazine | MONTH 2017 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

made through Nov. 8, 2017, and cash received through Sept. 30, 2017. The committee members also reviewed the distributions approved by the Catholic Foundation’s board of directors for all funds received through June 30, 2017. These distributions included payments to each of the Pilot Wave and Wave I parishes, a payment to the diocese in lieu of the 2017 DSA, and initial payments for the benefit of the six endowments created through Witness to Hope, as well as the Priests’ Pension Fund and specific capital projects supported by the campaign at each of our five Catholic Charities agencies.

Witness to Hope’s active fundraising period was scheduled to end Dec. 31, 2017. In fact, several of our parishes are still engaged in active fundraising as of the mailing of this issue.

The Witness to Hope Accountability Oversight Committee will publish an annual report here in FAITH Magazine each year while pledges are being collected, beginning in fall 2018. In the meantime, FAITH will provide regular updates on Witness to Hope, our first diocese-wide capital campaign.

YOUR STORIES FAITH INTERVIEW

For Chris, men’s conference was

‘WHAT I NEED …

WHAT MY FAMILY NEEDS’

C

HRIS CULLIN SIGNED UP, and paid the $40 fee, but as the date drew near for the 2017 Men’s Conference at Our Lady of Fatima in the Jackson area, he told his wife he would not be attending. Spending seven hours at “church” didn’t sound very appealing. But circumstances led to his attendance, and Chris walked away transformed by the experience.

MORE INFO THE 2018 MEN’S CONFERENCE, THE MAN EVENT, WILL BE HELD ON SAT., FEB. 24 AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA IN MICHIGAN CENTER AT 10 A.M. SPEAKERS ARE BISHOP BOYEA AND STEVE RAY. REGISTER AT THEMANEVENT. ORG.

24

How did you end up attending the conference after having such strong reservations? I was the Grand Knight for our Knights of Columbus, and I had a district meeting, and they were adamant I had to get a group to go to this men's meeting. I'm a Sunday, onehour guy. Saturday comes and it was a rare Saturday where we didn't have anything going on, and it was also rare that there was a high of 29 degrees because I am a psycho golfer. If it was in the 30s, and there was no snow on the ground, I would have been playing golf, but I was out of excuses, I had paid, I was signed up and I had a friend going.

What was your first experience at the conference and how did that shape your expectations for the rest of the day? I pull up and I'm shocked because the parking lot is so full that they’re parking cars like it's the State Fair. This thing was huge, so I’m already sort of impressed. I walk up and there was a big smoker, and there was a pig roast going on, and

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

people are flooding into this place. I sat down and I looked at the clock, and it was 10 a.m. and I thought this was still going to be the longest day of my life.

But it was fantastic.

The first speakers … their message was when you receive the Eucharist, you ask for the things you need in your life emotionally and spiritually. I had always been taught at Communion you go back to your seat, you say the Our Father and a Hail Mary and you people watch. But listening to these guys, I thought, “This is what I need, this is what my family needs” – it was a different way of looking at the Eucharist than I had ever considered before.

What was the best part? Confession. At lunch, I went to get the barbecue, but they had this huge line, so I thought I will go to confession. I'm 55 years old, and I can't remember having confession in my adult life. I'm in line, about 10 deep, and I'm nervous.

Really nervous. There is a kid, probably in his 30s, in front of me, and he can see I am nervous. I'm almost ready to wander off. I've already violated a couple of rules: don't make eye contact; don't talk to the person in front of you or behind you. And he says, “Chris, it's going to be great.” And I'm thinking this is the Holy Spirit, because how does he know my name, and I realize that I have a nametag on.

He says to me, “You are not going to believe how good you feel when you're done with confession.” And he was right, it was incredible. I said to the priest, “I don't remember the last time I went to confession.” I am bracing for impact and he says, “Welcome home.”

When I walked out of there, I felt like I was walking on air. I had some barbecue and really settled in.

There were other great parts to it. It was just really inspirational seeing all the people, young and old, black and white. I was very apprehensive about it, but it flew by and it was incredibly powerful.

Why would you encourage someone to go to the 2018 Men’s Conference? It’s not preachy. It’s not homilies. It’s men talking about their faith. One of their messages was that, with the whole world battling all its demons, Christian men are like the white blood cells of the body. We are responsible for keeping out the infections of our society, and being our moral conscience. That's a role that maybe I have not taken as seriously as I should have, but I felt motivated and inspired to live as an example after this meeting.

But I just can’t say enough about confession. I don't know why we don't go to confession more often. It is liberating and a great confirmation of our faith, and what we are taught, like forgiveness. It gives you strength and confidence, and it lets you let go of all the regret, self-doubt and guilt.

I will definitely go back this year.

BY MICHAEL SPATH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

SOLANUS CASEY BEATIFIED AT FORD FIELD IN DETROIT

Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron concelebrates the beatification Mass of Blessed Solanus Casey Nov. 18 at Ford Field in Detroit.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

On Nov. 18 at Ford Field in Detroit, more than 60,000 Catholics gathered to hear Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, read aloud the apostolic letter from Pope Francis proclaiming Father Solanus Casey, a Capuchin Franciscan friar from Detroit, “Blessed Solanus Casey.” The stadium roared its approval after Detroit Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron read the proclamation in English.

Father Solanus Casey, who died in 1957, is well-known in the Detroit area for his miraculous healings and intercessions, and for being a compassionate listener, especially for the sick and the poor. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of healings are attributed to Father Solanus over the course of his lifetime. Pope Francis recognized the authenticity of one miracle involving the healing of a woman in 2012.

As a fellow Capuchin, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, OFM Cap., archbishop of Boston, said: “It was just so moving seeing all those people praying in the stands, especially when you realize the devotion and the faith that motivate the people to come out on a rainy day and be part of such a joyful, beautiful, faith-filled celebration.” Cardinal O’Malley continued, “His availability and his closeness to people and love for the poor is what inspires people. The homeless, those who have great problems and challenges in their lives. He was so present to them.”

About 35 bishops, 400 priests and deacons, more than 200 Capuchins and 300 members of the Casey family joined the thousands of faithful at the Mass.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

ERIN CARLSON

ERIN CARLSON

BEATIFICATION

25

YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will be celebrated: • Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m., Christ the King, Ann Arbor: parishes of the Lenawee/Hillsdale and Washtenaw vicariates • Feb. 17, 2 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Davison: parishes of the Genesee and Livingston vicariates • Feb. 18, 3 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing: parishes of Clinton/Eaton/Ingham and Jackson vicariates Jan. 5-7, Retrouvaille Weekend Retreat is a program that helps couples heal and renew their marriage, and provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. For information or to register, call 517.290.5596 or visit retrouvailleoflansing.com.

Wednesdays, Jan. 10-March 14, 7 p.m., Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University’s personal finance classes will be held at St. John Vianney, Flint. Registration is available online at fpu.com/1051079.

For information, call Lisa Burgess at 810.659.4027. Scholarships are available.

Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., annual Concert of Prayer for Unity and Life, “Cry to the Lord with One Voice,” an evening of praise and prayer held at Summit International Assembly, 2118 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor. Sponsors include St. Thomas Catholic Church and Prolife Action Network, Inc. For information, contact Marilyn Geyer at 734.973.2422 or mgeyer@ provide.net.

Jan. 27, 7-11 p.m., first-ever Lansing Catholic Corks+Cuisine fundraiser at Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing. You are invited to the ultimate food tasting, wine and beer event that includes both fun activities and entertainment. For information, call Paula Wilcox at 517.267.2121.

All Faith Ministry for Disabilities Jan. /Feb. events: Jan. 28 and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Special needs Masses will be celebrated at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel in DeWitt, 26

for a couple prayer series during Lent in Fr. Mac Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing. Child care is provided.

Register online at elcatholics.org.

followed by light refreshments.

Please RSVP to Cathy Blatnik by Jan. 24 and Feb. 21, respectively, at 517.381.1410 or at lcblatnik@ juno.com. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, please visit disabilitiesministries.org.

Feb. 1, 34th annual Davison Knights of Columbus Seminarian Dinner/ Auction: social hour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by a short presentation and the auction that includes quality handcrafted items. To purchase tickets or donate items or services, contact Kasey Hall at 810.653.4090, Greg McCarty at 810.653.0088 or Carl Knieper at 810.569.1245.

Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic High School is hosting a prospective family night for families with children of all ages to learn what it has to offer. There is a set schedule for the event, and includes both breakout and Q&A sessions. Registration is not required, but is appreciated.

To register, 517.267.2102 or admissions@lansingcatholic.org.

Feb. 10, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., all women are invited to the sixth annual Women’s Retreat Becoming Women of Joy – Sharing the Joy of the Gospel, sponsored by St. Martha, Okemos’ Council of Catholic Women in the parish hall. Includes both a continental breakfast and lunch, and concludes with 5 p.m.

Mass. For information, contact the parish office at 517.349.1763 or visit st-martha.org.

Feb. 10-11, after all Masses, at both St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Church and Student Center, East Lansing, a Lenten book sale that includes the “Little Black Books” from the Diocese of Saginaw.

Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday to March 25, Palm Sunday, there will be a 40 Days for Life campaign to pray for an end to abortion. The Ann Arbor team will hold a prayer vigil from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Dr. For more information, visit 40daysforlife.com/annarbor or plan2pray.org or call Sandie Weathers at 734.657.1936.

Enrich Your Marriage: Join us Thursday evenings, Feb. 15, 22 and March 1, 8, 15 and 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.,

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

JAN/FEB CAFÉ EVENTS

Feb. 16, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish in Swartz Creek will host a euchre tournament fundraiser sponsored by its Knights of Columbus council. For more information, call 810.635.3684.

Jan. 16, 7 p.m. and Jan. 21, 2 p.m., a new group of people seeking to learn about the Catholic Church will begin meeting at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing.

Individuals can choose the time they want to attend.

These will be interactive sessions, so please bring your questions.

For information, contact Pete Ries at 517.351.5460, ext. 1328 or pries@ elcatholics.org.

Feb. 16-18, a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for men and women who are suffering from guilt, sadness, anger or post-abortion stress. The retreat is hosted in a supportive, confidential and nonjudgmental environment. For information or to register, contact the New Life Center Office in Lansing at 517.993.0291.

Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m., everyone is invited to come and learn more at the free Alpha Program introductory dinner in Fr. Mac Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing. Alpha sessions begin Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. and will run for 10 Monday evenings.

For more information, please contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@ elcatholics.org.

March 4, Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson Ladies’ Guild invites you to its annual retreat, Faith Lift: Faith, Fun, Friendship. For information, contact Hillary Kalahar at 517.358.4183 or mkalahar@ sbcglobal.net.

Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 913 Napoleon Rd., Michigan Center, will host the 2018 diocesan Men’s Conference: The Man Event, includes lunch and 4 p.m., Mass.

Speakers will be Bishop Earl Boyea and Steve Ray. Information and registration for the conference are available online at themanevent.org.

Feb. 24-25, Catholic Engaged Encounter in Holly: A Christian marriage preparation ministry based on Catholic teachings and values; emphasizing the relationship of the couples in terms of their sacramental commitment. For information, visit lansingcee.org or call Sue and Wayne Fransted at 517.740.4132.

March 4-6, St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh will host a joint Lenten Mission featuring Father Dan Crosby as presenter. For information, contact the parish office at 517.423.2447, ext. 5.

March 10, 9 a.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Milan Catholic Women’s Circle will host a Lenten retreat. Sheri Wohlfert will speak on “The Joy of Living Lent.” The event is free, but pre-registration is required by calling the parish office at 734.439.2030. A light lunch will be served following the program.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

PARISH LENTEN MEALS Feb. 16-March 30, unless otherwise noted: • Fridays, Feb. 16, March 2 and 9, 5-6:30 p.m., St. Anthony, Hillsdale’s Knights of Columbus will host a fish bake.

• Fridays, Feb. 16-March 23, 4-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell’s fish fries will be served in Thompson Hall. The menu and pricing are available online at stjohnhowell.com.

• Fridays, Feb. 16-March 23, 4:30-7 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus’ handbattered fish fries with homemade side dishes will be served in Lothamer Parish Center. Takeout available. The Stations of the Cross are at 6 p.m. in the church.

• Fridays, Feb. 26–March 23, 5-7 p.m., St. Michael, Grand Ledge’s fish fries will be served in Fellowship Hall.

Cost: $9 adults, $7 seniors 65+, $6 children 6-12 and $32 family rate.

Takeout is available.

• Fridays, 4-7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing’s Knights of Columbus fish fries will be in the parish’s school gym. Drive-thru and takeout are available. Credit cards accepted.

• Fridays, 4-7 p.m., St. Casimir, Lansing will have its fish fries in the Holy Family Center, 800 W. Barnes Ave. March 30, Good Friday, lunch only from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., no smelt. Cost: $10 adults and for takeout, $9 seniors and $6 children 6-12.

• Fridays during Lent, 4:30-7 p.m., St. Patrick, Ann Arbor’s 40th annual fish fry in the parish hall includes Alaskan pollack, choice of potato or mac/cheese, salad bar and beverage. Dessert is extra.

Cost: $9.50 adults, $8 60+ and $6 children 6-11.

• Fridays during Lent, St. Pius X, Flint will have a parish soup supper followed by a Lenten reflection and Stations of the Cross. For information, call the parish at 810.235.8574.

• Wednesdays during Lent, 6-7:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have food for the body and the soul – delicious soup dinner – followed by a short presentation in Fr. Mac Hall.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950, OWOSSO: 989.723.8239, OR CCSGC.ORG • Help us put Hope in a Box for those in need. January: toilet paper. February: shampoo and conditioner. Your group, business or organization can help Catholic Charities provide these needed items to our Community Closet that aids individuals and families. To donate or volunteer, email estebbins@ccsgc.org or visit www.ccsgc.org.

• March 15, Catholic Charities will be celebrating in a big way with our St. Patrick’s Day Box Lunch Sale. This fundraiser is a Flint tradition, offering a delicious boxed lunch that includes a sandwich, stacked high with corned beef and Swiss on rye, chips, coleslaw, pickle and a treat – for only $7.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, 517.879.0599 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG • Jan. 12, 6-9 p.m. and Jan. 13, 9 a.m.-noon, WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation class at Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Seton Hall, 6060 S. Wisner St., Jackson. Attendance at both sessions is required. Cost is $75 per couple. Pre-registration and payment are required. For information, call Catholic Charities at 517.782.2551.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.327.9717 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG • Have you thought about becoming a foster parent? Find out more about our foster care program through one of our orientation meetings, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays of each month. To learn about how you can support children and families

in crisis, visit our website at csswashtenaw. org/pregnancy-adoption/foster-care or call 734.971.9781, ext. 448.

You also can support families and children by donating items from our wish lists. To find out what items our programs need, visit our website csswashtenaw.org/wish-list/.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG or 517.545.5944 • Thinking of becoming a foster parent?

Livingston County Catholic Charities (LCCC) holds an orientation for persons interested in learning more about foster care the third Monday of each month. The next orientation sessions will be Jan. 16 and Feb. 20, 5-7 p.m., at LCCC, 2020 E. Grand River, Ste. 104 in Howell. To reserve a place, call Amanda at 517.545.5944.

• Feb. 3, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation class will be held at LCCC office. Cost is $75 per couple. Preregistration and payment are required.

For information, call Catholic Charities at 517.545.5944.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG • Faith-based counseling is now available: It brings the love, mercy and grace of Jesus Christ from a Catholic perspective with the use of Scripture, prayer and tenets of the Catholic faith to offer healing, peace and hope to all who are hurting and struggling. These services are provided

by Tammy Render-Morris, a licensed professional counselor with a Christian counseling designation. Issues treated include: addiction, anxiety, depression, family/couple conflicts, faith, grief and loss and pornography. Please contact Tammy at 517.323.4734, ext. 1735 to schedule an appointment.

RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., a Spiritual Health Retreat for the New Year: Experience physical, mental, emotional and spiritual benefits as you pray using movement, music, guided meditation, journaling and Lectio Divina. For information, contact Janene Ternes of Prayer in Motion, LLC at 734.347.2422 or visit prayer-in-motion.com.

St. Francis Retreat Center retreats directed by Tony Sperendi: • Jan. 17, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., A Contemplative Retreat on the Life of Jesus; cost is $65 and $55 for seniors 60+; includes Mass, snacks, lunch and time to reflect on the key themes of the Gospel.

• Jan. 19, 5-9 p.m., an evening of Fun, Food and Learning about Love; cost is $75 and includes dinner.

• Feb. 10, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., a marriage retreat, Building Trust, Communication and Intimacy with each Other and the Lord; cost is $99 per couple and includes snacks, lunch, Mass and handouts.

• Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., a new Lenten retreat, 40 Days to a Better You; cost is $65 and $55 for seniors 60+; includes snacks, lunch and Mass.

SHARE YOUR FAITH FOLLOW FAITH PUB ONLINE

27

YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

SISTER ANN SERAPHIM SCHENK REACHES 100-YEAR MARK Adrian Dominican Sisters, and family members and friends, gathered Oct. 25 for a special celebration: the 100th birthday of Sister Ann Seraphim Schenk, OP. The celebration included a Mass, a festive dinner for Sister Ann and her family and an afternoon reception. Sister Ann entered the congregation of the Adrian Dominican Sisters in 1936, and has spent her years primarily as an educator. She was a teacher and principal at St. Mary School in Chelsea from 1960-66.

SPECIAL NEEDS HOLIDAY PARTY The Diocese of Lansing, office of specialized ministries and all faith ministry for disabilities collaborated on Dec. 10 to sponsor a Special Needs/Holiday Party at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Mass and lunch were followed by a visit from Santa Claus. For more information on this ministry, contact Cathy Blatnik at 517.381.1410.

JACKSON LUMEN CHRISTI CHOIR TO PERFORM AT CARNEGIE HALL The Jackson Lumen Christi Catholic School Choir won a gold medal rating at a competition last April in Chicago, and were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in April 2018. The choir director is Justin Marcero.

The trip will cost $1,700 per student, which is a challenge for many families. If you would like to make a donation to help make this dream come true for the 35-member choir, email the choir director at jmarcero@myjacs.org.

28

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

BLACK FRIDAY COATS FOR KIDS The Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus and local Knights of Columbus Councils collaborated to distribute a large number of new winter coats to Flint children in need on Black Friday. The Knights turned the traditional consumer-driven Black Friday narrative on its head, and remembered those who lack the basic necessities that many take for granted.

Nationally, the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program has distributed more than 400,000 new coats since the program was launched in 2009.

D. QUILLAN

INSTITUTE FOR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION GRADUATION The Institute for Spiritual Direction at the St. Francis Retreat Center held a commencement service on Dec. 7 with a Mass, dinner and presentation of certificates of completion to its first cohort of graduates. The institute offers an 18-month program to prepare for the ministry of spiritual direction – accompanying others on their spiritual journey. One graduate reflected: “When starting this journey I wasn't even sure I completely understood what the fullness of spiritual direction could offer. I'm now confident and feel capable of being a spiritual director. The journey changed, challenged and focused my thinking.”

And another commented: “I learned about the different types of spiritualities, which in turn allowed me to recognize individual differences in myself and others."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT FR. DAVID ROSENBERG, DIRECTOR OF ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, AT 517.388.5291 OR DROSENBERG@STFRANCIS.WS.

SISTER XIOMARA MÉNDEZ-HERNÁNDEZ, OP, PROFESSES FINAL VOWS WITH ADRIAN DOMINICANS Sister Xiomara made her Perpetual Profession of Vows with the Adrian Dominicans on Dec. 18 in the Dominican Republic, her native country. She first met the Adrian Dominican Sisters, who served in her country in 1993, and “became captivated by their passion to preach truth, make peace, and reverence life,” she said. Sister Xiomara earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago in 2014, and is now the chaplain at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.

maximize your business potential with one of mid-Michigan’s largest magazines

Contact Tom Gaskin to learn more about advertising in FAITH Phone: 517-853-7648 | E-mail: tgaskin@faithcatholic.com | www.FAITHpub.com

CREDITS

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

FROM THE EDITOR:

Amazing things happen in our parish schools FAITH INTERVIEW:

For Chris, men’s conference was ‘what I need … what my family needs’ CULTURE:

Creating an appetite for faith

JAN/FEB 2018 VOLUME 18: ISSUE 1 1

www.FAITHpub.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

FIND US ONLINE AT FAITHPUB.COM

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Pope Francis arrives with Myanmarís State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi for a meeting with members of the civil society and diplomatic corps in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Nov. 28, 2017.

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Kayla Simon

TO MYANMAR: ‘THE FUTURE MUST BE PEACE’

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR

Cynthia Vandecar DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Marybeth Hicks MARKETING DIRECTOR

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Mike Jones DIRECTOR OF TECH AND DIGITAL MEDIA

POPE WATCH WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY

Michelle Hildebrandt CREATIVE DIRECTOR WEB

Lindsy Sambaer WEB AND DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jim Berlucci |Michelle DiFranco | Mary Gates | Cynthia Kaan | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Steve and Bridget Patton | Nancy Rosebush Schertzing | Michael Spath | Sherry Weddell | Sheri Wohlfert CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlson Productions | Shane Folkertsma | Mike Frieseman | Tom Gennara | Sarah Moore Kuschell | James Luning | Gretchen Mathos | Don Quillan

“Let us look to Jesus today and say to him in our hearts: ‘REMEMBER ME, LORD, NOW THAT YOU ARE IN YOUR KINGDOM!’”

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR For advertising information, contact Tom Gaskin Call 517.853.7648 or email tgaskin@faithcatholic.com For subscription information: Call 1.866.76.FAITH

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHpub.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2017 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

30

NOV. 26

SIX MONTHS AFTER formal relations were established between the Vatican and Myanmar, Pope Francis traveled to the country in late November to show solidarity with the small Catholic community there. He met with bishops and Buddhist leaders, and celebrated Mass with thousands of young people.

He then traveled to Bangladesh, where he met with Rohingya refugees, a Muslim minority group who has fled Myanmar in huge numbers because of violence against them. He said, “The presence of God today is also called ‘Rohingya.”

In a speech in Myanmar, the Holy Father said: "The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group – none excluded – to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good.”

THE MASS IS ‘THE TRIUMPH OF JESUS’ STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE of the Mass in a series of general audiences, Pope Francis explained in late November: “This is Mass: to enter into Jesus' Passion, death, resurrection and Ascension. When we go to Mass, it is as if we were going to Calvary, it's the same.” He reiterated that the Mass is not simply a “memorial,” remembering an event from the past. Instead, when we are at Mass and we truly enter into Jesus’ Passion and make that event alive and present, we are transformed and strengthened to go forth and bear witness. He said: “Every celebration of the Eucharist is a beam of that sun that never sets, which is the risen Jesus Christ. To take part in Mass … means entering into the victory of the resurrection, being illuminated by his light, warmed by his heat.”

FAITH Magazine | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

100%

high school graduation rate

Tuition assistance available

23.5

average ACT score,

well above the national average

98%

of our grads get into the college of their choice

RYAN KERWIN, JTV

WITNESS THE DIFFERENCE AT DOLCATHOLICSCHOOLS.COM

ANN ARBOR

FLINT

JACKSON

LANSING

FATHER GABRIEL RICHARD

POWERS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

LUMEN CHRISTI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

LANSING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Membership Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing Want to receive FAITH Magazine? Visit FAITHPUB.COM Follow FAITH Pub The Way to Happiness Is Jesus Find out more at DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG Find a Catholic Church at MASSTIMES.ORG Serving Ann Arbor, Flint, Jackson, Lansing And Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties

Save the Date for Catholic Schools Week 2018: January 28-February 3, 2018!