March 2004

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www.FAITHmag.com | www.FAITHteen.com

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing March 2004

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true to His name: God is with us f r o m

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C. Jones

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unday, July 13, 2003, was a beautiful day. Like many midsummer Sundays in Michigan, it was warm and bright, if not a little humid. The weather was nice – but that day was made beautiful for an entirely different reason. Late that morning – a bit before noon – names human and divine were spoken, water was poured, chrism was gently applied, and a white garment and lit candle were given. On that Sunday, with her family and faith community surrounding her, Lily Marie Cadwallader was baptized. Before baptizing Lily, I turned to the gathered assembly, and with tears in my eyes, reminded them that we were witnessing a miracle. Very few of us knew the deep meaning of those words.

In truth, the miraculous was present on so many levels that sunny Sunday. Lily’s father and mother, Carl and Kathy, had been through so much in 13 years of marriage. Beyond the stress and strain of busy professional lives and the everyday demands of married life, the Cadwalladers had managed, with God’s help, to clear so many hurdles.

The preceding years had brought with them a mix of troubles – marital, physical and emotional. They also included a number of pregnancies and ensuing miscarriages. Carl and Kathy had ridden a roller coaster – but God was along for the ride. He had led them through times of great joy and deep sorrow – and continues to lead them as Lily now journeys through life – their beloved daughter who is also a beloved child of God. For the Cadwalladers – as for all of us – God has been and continues to be consolation and strength, healer and life-giver, source of abiding love and unending forgiveness. Carl and Kathy never turned their backs on God – and God never turned His back on them. There was only deep, profound trust that God would see them safely through.

True to His name, God is with us, each and every day. God was with Connie Leo (now Connie Samuels) and her family as they lived through the terror of war-torn Italy and the challenges of forming a new life in a new homeland. God has been with Jason Johnson, leading him on a journey of deepening faith with the support and encouragement of the faith community at Holy Trinity Student Parish.

God is true to His name. We, in turn, are called to honor God’s name with all that we are, all that we do, and with all that we shall yet become. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

God is true to His name.

We, in turn, are called to honor God’s name with all that we are, all that we do, and with all that we shall yet become.

– Fr. Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude.

Liturgical Cale

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Cover Story

The heartache from miscarriage can cause trouble for a marriage. Find out how Carl and Kathy’s marriage over came this pain. “A lot of couples have trouble in their relationships and take it out on each other with harsh words,” Kathy says. “We never did that.” f e a t u r e s

Escaping the Nazis:

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The Nazis took over Connie’s home.

How did this Italian girl survive after fleeing to the hills during WWII? What kept her strong?

In the know with Fr. Joe: Dear Fr. Joe: I recently read a book called “The Da Vinci Code” and am very confused and upset. Have you read it? The author states in the beginning that everything he says in there is true. If so, how can we pretend that our faith is real? Help!

What I Learned in College:

8 Like a user manual for faith – we can read Council documents to learn how to use our faith

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– Fr. Joseph Krupp

Theology 101:

Jason learned a lot more about himself and his faith at a student parish. Jason is convinced that God Himself called him to the Church.

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– Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

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From the Bishop: In the name of the Father: names are important – how can we stop taking them for granted?

– Bishop Carl F. Mengeling

19 Christian in name only? Find out how you rate at work 21 Parenting – 3 ways to help your child pray in a healthy way Work Life:

Culture:

Meatless meals – To honor His sacrifice, we make one of our own, every Friday during Lent. Here are three recipes you’ll enjoy.

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– Tim Ryan

The Journey:

– Dr. Cathleen McGreal

22 name of God

Spiritual Fitness: Reverence in prayer – the cross and the

– Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

Your Marriage Matters • money tips: make a family

financial plan – what are your needs and dreams?

• time: revisit the basics • connecting: couples quiz – find out how well you and your spouse communicate • romance: 3 ways to liven up any marriage • plus: a prayer moment and resources for your marriage

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Last Word: Use the Lord’s name as you would the name of

a loved one – Fr. Charles Irvin w o r l d

Vice President Dick Cheney’s first meeting with Pope John Paul II came at a time when U.S.-Vatican relations are in a rebuilding phase following the war in Iraq.

gical Calendar: St. Katherine Drexel, Virgin March 3 | St. Casimir March 4 | St. John of God, Religious March 8 | St. Frances of Rome, Religious March 9 | St. Patrick, Bishop March 17

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The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Most Reverend Carl F. Mengeling PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR

March 2004 • Volume 5 : Issue 2

the scope of the sexual abuse crisis report from the Diocese of Lansing: 1950-2002 f r o m

t h e

b i s h o p

Rev. Dwight Ezop

Diocese of Lansing Protecting God’s Children program

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Patrick M. O’Brien MANAGING EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alton Pelowski ASSISTANT EDITOR/WEBMASTER

Jillane Job SUBSCRIPTIONS/SECRETARY

Evelyn Weitzel SUBSCRIPTIONS

Patrick Dally GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER

Rev. William Ashbaugh Sr. John Mary Corbett, O.P Bob Horning Elizabeth Johnson Rev. Joseph Krupp Patricia Majher Sr. Maria Gemma Martek, O.P. Cathleen McGreal Sr. Elizabeth Ann O’Reilly, O.P. Tim Ryan Jan Rynearson Nancy Schertzing Sr. Maria Faustina Showalter, O.P. Elizabeth Martin Solsburg CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING

Christine Jones James Luning (cover) Philip Shippert CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Patten CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

Wayne Case Vicki Bedard David Fenech Patricia Garcia Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev. James Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD

Rev. Cecilio Reyna WEB MINISTRY

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg FAITHhelps

Tim Ryan FAITH Magazine Service

C. Jones

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My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

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The sexual abuse scandal of the last two years has been painful Find out more about our and disheartening for you, me, and our clergy. Victims of sexual diocese’s Protecting God’s abuse carry a heavy cross of betrayal and suffering. Some clergy, Children program on: betraying their position of trust, have sexually abused minors. Some www.DioceseofLansing.org • Sexual Abuse Policy bishops, betraying their position of trust, failed to remove them.

On Feb. 27, 2004, a report on the full extent of sexual abuse of minors • Summary of Audit Report • Victim Assistance by clergy in every diocese in the United States will be made public. We Coordinator cooperated with the independent experts who compiled this report. It is • Code of Pastoral Conduct of utmost importance that you understand this report.

• VIRTUS Awareness Training In fulfillment of their commitment to full disclosure, the U.S. • National Charter for the bishops commissioned the John Jay College of Criminal Justice of Protection of Children the City University of New York, an independent institution, to conand Young People duct this study. The number of allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the United States since 1950 will be disturbing. Understanding the tragedy of sexual abuse will help protect children in the future.

The report about the Diocese of Lansing encompasses 52 years, from 1950 until 2002. During that time, more than 780 priests and 107 deacons ministered in our diocese, not including religious order priests. There were 21 allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy. These 21 allegations were made against 19 priests and deacons. The allegations against 13 of these clerics were found credible and substantiated. The allegations against four (4) clerics were found false or not credible. Allegations against two (2) clerics were withdrawn. That amounts to 1.46% of the priests and deacons who ministered in our diocese during those 52 years.

Of the 19 accused priests and deacons, two (2) were found innocent and are in active ministry.

The rest are no longer in active ministry: five (5) are deceased, six (6) are retired, three (3) are on administrative leave and three (3) are laicized.

In these 52 years covered by the report, the Diocese of Lansing has paid $473,533 in compensation and therapeutic care to victims and their families. Of this total $459,360 has been reimbursed by insurance. The remaining cost was paid for by interest generated from the diocese’s investment fund for unexpected eventualities.

The financial costs related to sexual abuse of minors included in the John Jay Study and the amounts reported in the March 2003 issue of FAITH Magazine differ for two reasons. First, subsequent to the publication of the FAITH article, additional records that identified costs and insurance reimbursements were discovered and entered in the calculations. The second reason is that the John Jay Study limited the report of costs to those associated with the care of victims and their families only. This is an amount less than the total cost of the abuse cases which the diocese had previously reported.

I regret that any child or young person was abused by anyone working for the Church, especially our clergy. Our diocese remains committed to healing victims and protecting children and young people.

What is apparent and unstated is that more than 98% of our priests and deacons, during those 52 years, have been and continue to be good and trustworthy shepherds and faithful servants of Our Lord and you, His people.

Rogers Printing PRINTING FAITH (USPS 019993) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933. Published monthly except February and August.

Subscription rates are $15 per year. Individual issues are $2.50. Send all subscription information and address changes to 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933; (517) 342-2595; fax (517) 342-2537 or e-mail j job@dioceseoflansing.org.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Lansing, MI or additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FAITH, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933. ©Catholic Diocese of Lansing.

In our Good Shepherd,

+ Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling Bishop of Lansing St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church March 18 | St. Joseph, Husband of the Virgin Mary March 19 | St.

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of Americans who attended Church services last week said, “I am completely satisfied with my life.” Only 33% of those who did not attend services felt that way.

Gallup Jan. 2004

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ave you ever given any serious thought to your name? I mean have you ever considered the significance of the name you were given? What about nicknames? Who has given you nicknames in your life? How did a particular nickname for you arise?

The theme for this month’s issue is the second commandment given to Moses in the book of Exodus: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. (20:7) It was this topic which got me thinking first about our names. For you see, names carry with them a great deal of meaning.

Read the rest of Doug Culp’s essay only on FAITHmag.com

better than ever: the redesigned FAITHmag.com

Perpetua & Felicity meet two of the most popular saints in the early Church s a i n t

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Ss. Perpetua and Felicity Feast: March 6 d. 203 A.D. Claim to fame: Perpetua and Felicity were two of the most popular saints in the early Church.

Vivia Perpetua was a 22-year-old matron, and the mother of an infant. Felicitas (Felicity) was a pregnant slave. Both were catechumens. Both were arrested for being Christian. They were imprisoned with three fellow catechumens. Their catechist, Saturus, voluntarily joined them in jail and they were martyred in 203 A.D. as part of the gladiatorial games in Carthage.

Words to live by: Perpetua wrote a moving prison account. Her father, a pagan, tried to convince her to recant her faith. Perpetua replied, “Father, do you see this vessel – water pot or whatever it might be? Can it be called by any other name than what it is? … So also can I not call myself by any other name than what I am – a Christian.”

Dream a dream: While in jail, Perpetua had a vision that she would ascend a golden ladder to heaven and would suffer martyrdom. She saw her catechist, Saturus, waiting for her at the top of the ladder.

Let the “games” begin: After confessing their Christianity to the judge Hilarion, Perpetua and Felicity were beaten on the face and then kept for the gladiatorial shows. Felicity gave birth while imprisoned, and her baby daughter was immediately adopted by other Christians. At the games, the women were first attacked by a mad heifer, which injured them, but did not kill them. Inexperienced gladiators were dispatched to kill them, and Perpetua had to guide the sword of her nervous executioner to her own throat.

The #1 Web site according the Catholic Press just got better.

Take a FAITH break: Make FAITHmag.com your home page Story of the day • Daily Catholic news briefs • Online polls FAITHtoday: online feature of the day • Web exclusives E-Talk: ask the experts • Online discussion forums • Past issues • FAITHteen • FAITHhelps • It’s all on FAITHmag.com 19 | St. Toribio de Mogrovejo, Bishop March 23 | The Annunciation of the Lord March 25

Best-loved saints: Perpetua and Felicity were universally honored and their names occur in the canon of the Mass from early Church history. By the fourth century, their Acts were read publicly in the churches of Africa and were so popular that St. Augustine, as bishop of Hippo, had to protest that they should not be ranked with sacred Scripture.

The Second Commandment: These laywomen were living witnesses to the Second Commandment, suffering martyrdom rather than renouncing the name of God. – Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

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Dear Fr. Joe: is there truth to the book The Da Vinci Code? i n

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Dear Fr. Joe: I recently read a book called “The Da Vinci Code” and am very confused and upset. Have you read it? The author states in the beginning that everything he says in there is true. If so, how can we pretend that our faith is real? Help!

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hank you for your letter.

I have gotten more inquiries about this book than most other topics. I hope that this article is the beginning of a restoration of your faith. Did I read the book? Yes. To date, I have read every book written

by Dan Brown, and enjoyed most of them. When I read “The Da Vinci Code,” I never anticipated that the book would cause such a firestorm.

First of all, let me start off by saying that an absolute must for anyone who has read this book is to read the article “Dismantling The Da Vinci Code” by Sandra Miesel. You can find it at www.crisis magazine.com/september2003/ feature1.htm.

With that, I want to state that some of what I am going to write in this article comes from Sandra Miesel’s article, and the rest comes from my own research. I’ll try to give you some references to help you do research on your own.

For the rest of you, let’s estab-

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There is a story about a monastery in Europe perched high on a cliff several hundred feet in the air.

The only way to reach the monastery was to be suspended in a basket which was pulled to the top by several monks who pulled and tugged with all their strength.

Obviously the ride up the steep cliff in that basket was terrifying. One tourist got exceedingly nervous about half-way up as he noticed that the rope by which he was suspended was old and frayed. lish some key ideas: Premise one: The book “The Da Vinci Code” can be purchased in just about any local bookstore. In order to find it, you need to go to the Fiction section. That’s right, folks. It’s in the fiction section. By putting his book in the fiction section, Brown absolves himself of any need to be realistic or truthful, despite his claims of veracity in the beginning of the book. That is an essential premise to keep in mind.

Premise two: The author is clearly no fan of organized religion, particularly Catholicism.

In one section of the book, a character explains that “ ... every faith in the world is based on fabrication,” and in his book “Angels and Demons,” Brown explains at great length how he believes “Third-century laws cannot be applied to the modern followers of Christ.” To be clear, even fans of this book comment on its “preachiness.”

No opportunity to let the read-

joeinblack@priest.com

J o e

With a trembling voice he asked the monk who was riding with him in the basket how often they changed the rope.

The monk thought for a moment and answered brusquely, “Whenever it breaks.”

er know his opinions is passed up by Brown. He preaches as if he has a kind of authority that he despises in the Church. The hierarchy seems to bear the brunt of Brown’s rage. He describes the leaders of the Catholic Church – and Opus Dei as well, he seems to have a special hatred for them – as corrupt, misogynistic and violent. I understand that it is politically acceptable to ascribe all sorts of moral horrors to Christian leaders, but I urge readers to remember that judging others so harshly can have bad implications for our souls.

Premise three: Brown’s research is suspect. Again, assuming he was simply attempting to write a fictional novel, then there should be no problem here. The issue seems to be that people are taking his fiction and embracing it with faith that it does not demand.

If you look at Brown’s sources, you can see a great many authors and books that most

scholars – both Christian and non-Christian – give no credibility. The best example of this would be Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln.

OK, the rest of this article is going to contain some “spoilers,” so if you haven’t read “The Da Vinci Code” and desire to, then you may want to save this particular article until after you’ve read it. Read the bishop’s article instead. It rocks.

With those ideas in mind, let’s look at some of the more outlandish errors Brown made: The Priory of Sion is a central focus of The Da Vinci Code. In the book, the Priory of Sion is an ultrasecret group that meets regularly to preserve, study and keep secret the great mystery – Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married goddess worshippers who produced heirs to the throne of David in Israel. For a great article on the myth of the

Send your Questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com

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what year was Mr. Rogers born? h i s t o r y

Gallup November 2003

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It was a beautiful day in the neighborhood of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, when Fred McFeely Rogers was born on March 20, WHAT YEAR? The Presbyterian minister was the host of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” on PBS, beginning in 1965, until his death from cancer last year.

In New York City, Archbishop John McCloskey, 65, became the first American to be named a cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. The ceremony took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on March 15, WHAT YEAR? Now, that was a hockey game! The Detroit Red Wings beat the Montreal Maroons in nine periods (six overtimes) on March 24, WHAT YEAR? At 2 hours, 56 minutes and 30 seconds, it is still the NHL’s longest game on record Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, selected 128 Catholics to voyage from England to the New World. They arrived in Maryland on two ships, the “Ark” and the “Dove,” on March 25, WHAT YEAR? The colony, under the leadership of Leonard Calvert, Lord Baltimore’s brother, gave Catholics the freedom to practice their faith, which they did not have in the colonies settled by the Puritans.

Answers: 1928, 1875, 1936, 1634

Priory of Sion, please go to www.alpheus.org/html/articles/ esoteric_history/richardson1.html.

It’s a good explanation of how the myth came about, and it would take too much space for me to cover here.

Now clearly, the idea that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married is something that the Church isn’t big on. Let’s look at the source of this myth in order to debunk it. The primary source(s) for this are the Gnostic gospels. The book contends that the Gnostic gospels contain “The Truth” about Jesus, and the Church worked hard to suppress them. If this is true, then half of the world’s Christian population is in trouble. Check out this lovely exchange between Jesus and Peter in the “Gospel of Thomas”: “Simon Peter said to them: ‘Let

64%

of Americans say their religious beliefs will be important in deciding how to vote in the upcoming presidential election

Mary leave us, for women are not worthy of life.’ Jesus said, ‘I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males.

For every woman who will make herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (v. 114) In the words the great philosopher Bill (of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”), “Dude. I so don’t get it.”

Make no mistake; the Gnostic gospels were condemned by the Apostles and their successors immediately after they were written. There was/is no coverup here. As you will read in the next paragraph, the Church had no power to cover anything up in the first 300 years.

Brown contends that the Emperor Constantine forced the Church to claim that Jesus was

Do you know what your name means?

We asked this question to young adults at Christ the King Parish, Ann Arbor.

CNS/Reuters

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“‘Who is like God.’ It comes from the name Michael.”

– Michelle Flanagan, 26

“‘Reborn.’ It’s a derivative of the word ‘renew.’”

– René Forsythe, 26

divine. This one can’t survive a logical attack. Remember, for more than 200 years, Christianity was a capital offense in the Roman Empire, and a great many people suffered and died rather than reject Jesus’ divinity. Among those under the reign of Constantine were a great many Christians who had been mutilated and tortured by the Romans for belief in Christ’s divinity. Also, wouldn’t at least some of the Christians alive at the time notice that the entire focus of this new religion had changed, and resist that change? The way Brown writes it, Constantine changed the entire belief structure of Christianity and somehow destroyed every book and killed every person who fought the change. That is not a realistic idea of the fourth century.

Brown describes Leonardo Da Vinci as a “flamboyant homosexual” who was commissioned by the Vatican to create “hundreds” of works of art. (p. 45) I’m afraid Brown gets two strikes on this one. First of all, there was one allegation of homosexuality made toward Da Vinci, but that certainly doesn’t qualify a person as “flamboyant.” Also, Da Vinci was

“I’m told it means, ‘God will increase.’”

– Joseph Mangan, 23

commissioned by the Vatican for one work of art, not hundreds.

On page 125, Brown asserts that the Church killed more than five million witches. This one actually feels mean-spirited to me. First of all, if that were true, it would be a demographical nightmare for Europe at the time and the repercussions would still be felt by those of European descent. Also, the witch killing that did occur was carried out by the State and vigilantes – not just the Church.

Now, I am not defending the actions of the Church, but in the same way that you and I don’t want our sins to be exaggerated, we should not allow it to be done to others. Those issues aside, for a non-Christian discussion of the witch killing that includes more accurate numbers, please go to www.gender cide.org/case_witchhunts.html.

I could continue, but alas! I am running out of space. I hope that this article has been helpful. In the meantime, let’s remember to rejoice in what has been handed on to us by the Apostles.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

March 2004

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FAITH Magazine

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like a user manual for faith: we read manuals to learn how to use computers – so too we can read Council documents to learn how to use our faith t h e o l o g y

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p a r t

2

V a t i c a n

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The single best way to really grasp the teachings of the Second Vatican Council is to read the documents. log onto the Vatican’s Web site: www.vatican.va/archive/

Dei Verbum, Part 1 of 2

Have you ever received a gift that seemed to have every technological feature imaginable?

What did you do with it? Unless you’re some sort of prodigy, you probably had to find out what it was and how it worked before you could do anything at all! The most obvious places to begin would be talking to the person who gave it to you and reading the instruction manual.

The very fact of our existence has put us in a situation not unlike the one just described. Are not our very lives a gift, which we must learn how to “use,” so to speak? Some people believe human life is simply a mystery, and all we can expect of each other is to blunder around, trying not to hurt anyone. Others believe we can’t know what life is for, and so make it their aim just to have as much pleasure as possible. Still, others avoid the question altogether. Yet, as Catholics, we believe that God did not simply leave us to ourselves to discover who we are and the meaning of our lives. Rather, the Giver of all good things has revealed Himself to us and has made His purpose for us abundantly clear.

Returning to our original example, wouldn’t it be overwhelming if the person who gave you the gift sat you down and read the

entire instruction manual to you all at once? God is certainly no less wise than us, and so has revealed Himself to us in stages. He began with our first parents, when He made known to them that He had created them to enjoy intimate friendship with Him. By sharing His own divine life, they were capable of responding to, knowing and loving Him far beyond their natural capacity. (cf. CCC 52) Even when Adam and Eve sinned – the equivalent of throwing a friend’s gift in His face – God did not stop revealing Himself.

Rather, He showed the depths of His goodness and love by promising them salvation and offering them His covenant. Through His promises to Noah, Abraham and Moses, God formed His people and revealed His law to them. Through the prophets, He filled His people’s hearts with the hope of salvation and the expectation of a new and everlasting covenant intended for all, to be written on their hearts. (cf. CCC 64, Jer 31:31-34) God revealed Himself fully by sending His own Son. Dei Verbum, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, calls Jesus the “mediator and fullness of all revelation” because He both reveals God to us and is Himself the fullness of revelation.

(DV 2) While He was still on earth, Jesus made sure that everything He did and taught would be handed on faithfully to all people of every time and place. He gave His Apostles authority to preach the Gospel to the very ends of the earth, and sent them the Holy Spirit to “remind them of all that He had told them” and “to lead them into all truth.” (John 16:4,13) In turn, the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, handed on what they themselves had received from Christ in two ways: orally, by their preaching, example and the institutions they established; and in writing, by themselves or by others associated with them, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The living transmission of the Gospel is called sacred Tradition, while the Word of God communicated in writing is sacred Scripture. Together, both sacred Tradition and sacred Scripture make up one single “deposit” of the Word of God, entrusted to the Church. (DV 10) In other words, God has both explained His gifts to us and left us an instruction manual!

The “deposit of faith” has been entrusted to the entire people of God. However, the task of authentically interpreting the Word of God belongs exclusively to the Church’s teaching office, the magisterium. The word magisterium comes from the Latin word magister, meaning teacher. The magisterium is simply Christ’s own authority to teach, handed on through the Apostles to their successors, the bishops – enabling them to apply revelation to the particular circumstances of every time and place. The magisterium is not itself a part of the deposit of faith, but is its servant. (DV 10) This teaching office is necessary, because even though God’s revelation to us in Christ is “already complete, it has not been made completely explicit.” (CCC 66) In other words, the magisterium doesn’t make up new things for Catholics to believe. It explains what the truths Christ has entrusted to us mean for us today. Our response to God’s revelation is faith. We hear His word, we give our assent to it and we put it into action.

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Part 2 of our series examines the teachings of Dei Verbum (Latin for Word of God), the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. It was promulgated by Pope Paul VI on Nov. 18, 1965.

If public revelation ended with the death of the last Apostle, what do the apparitions of Mary mean?

Throughout history, there have been occasions of “private” revelations to certain individuals that have been recognized by the Church as authentic. Examples include the appearances of Mary to three children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, and to St. Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Private revelations do not add anything new to the deposit of faith, which has been transmitted in its entirety. If private revelations are not part of the deposit of the faith, thus not requiring the assent of faith, why has the Church recognized some to have value? Private revelations can never surpass, correct or contradict the deposit of faith, but they may help Catholics to live their faith more fully in a certain period of history. (cf. CCC 67) Scripture alone? How does the Protestant understanding of Scripture differ from that of Catholics?

The doctrine of sola scriptura, or Scripture alone, means for Protestants exactly that – the Bible alone is the infallible authority for their faith. Our Catholic understanding of Scripture is quite different! As Catholics, we hold that there is not one, but two distinct modes of transmission of the truths of revelation: sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition, which are safeguarded and interpreted by the magisterium. In Dei Verbum, the council Fathers stated, “both sacred Tradition and sacred Scripture are to be accepted and venerated with the same sense of loyalty and reverence ... for both of them, flowing from the same divine wellspring, in a certain way merge into a unity and tend toward the same end.” (DV 9) infallibility vs. inspiration All parts of the three-legged stool of Scripture, Tradition and the magisterium, have a share in the charism of infallibility, which means that they are preserved by the Holy Spirit from teaching error in matters of faith and morals. However, it is Scripture alone that has the charism of inspiration. Simply put, “God is the author of sacred Scripture.” (CCC 105) God inspired human authors to put down in writing everything and only those things which He wanted written. Since God is the author and cannot make a mistake or lie, it necessarily follows that Scripture is without error. This is another “I” – inerrancy! prayer and reflection: act of faith As one of the three theological virtues – along with hope and charity – faith expresses our belief in God as three divine Persons and in all that He has revealed. For centuries, the faithful have prayed the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity for an

increase in these virtues which unite us directly to God. Along with the concise Act of Faith below, you may wish to make up your own, or take one straight from Scripture.

(Look up Mark 9:34 and John 11:27.)

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths that the holy Catholic Church teaches, because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.

Bishop Mengeling’s personal photos of the council Bishop (then Father) Carl Mengeling was a student in Rome and served as an aid to the council Fathers.

He took many photos – look for them throughout this year’s series.

big “T” and little “t” tradition In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a clear distinction is made between apostolic Tradition and ecclesial traditions. apostolic Tradition – sometimes distinguished by capital “T” – refers to those teachings handed on by the Apostles, received from Jesus’ teaching and example, and from what they learned from the Holy Spirit. This apostolic Tradition, in virtue of the fact that it has been given to us by God and has been part of the Church’s life and practice since its beginnings, may not be changed or discarded, regardless of whether a particular teaching is popular in today’s society. While apostolic Tradition itself may not be changed, “the particular forms, in which the great Tradition is expressed,” may be adapted to different cultures and times.

– Sr. Maria Faustina Showalter, O.P., Sr. John Mary Corbett, O.P., Sr. Maria Gemma Martek, O.P., and Sr. Elizabeth Ann O’Reilly, O.P., are Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Ann Arbor.

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In the name of the Father names are important – how can we stop taking them for granted? f r o m

t h e

b i s h o p photo illus. P. Dally

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Upon reflection, many Catholics will agree that the Second Commandment usually gets minimal attention. It is seen as a practical rule tacked onto the first – simple and

direct. In school and formation classes, it is a brief and easy “teach.” With little thought, I have too often simply considered the second as the “lightweight” among the Ten.

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photo illus. P. Dally

C. Jones

For many years, I never knew or understood the message, spirit, power and significance of this often trivialized commandment. It was like having an orange in the hand and never getting beyond the peel to the fruit. For me, and I suspect others, it’s been easy to miss the profound meaning and value of the Second Commandment.

For many years, I never knew or understood the message, spirit, power and significance of this often trivialized commandment. It was like having an orange in the hand and never getting beyond the peel to the fruit.

For me, and I suspect others, it’s been easy to miss the profound meaning and value of the Second Commandment.

There are two ways to get beyond the peel to the fruit.

One is human and one is divine. For true knowledge and understanding, we need both. They complement each other. Together, they show us the whole picture.

These two ways reflect and apply an ancient and perennial truth: Grace builds on nature. This makes sense, because our reflection is on God and humanity. The meaning and importance of “name” is the key. What does God in divine revelation say about “name?”

What does humanity say?

Let’s begin with us. We can’t get along without names. How often we hear and speak names is beyond counting. How many times each day do we use names of places, things and people? Because names are a

constant, we can easily take them for granted.

Yet, the names of people are extremely important.

Shakespeare’s Juliet asks, “What’s in a name?” She is referring, of course, to Romeo, who has the family name “Montague.”

Everything hinges on their names. That’s true of all names of people. The gift of “name” leads to familiarity, trust and intimacy. We introduce ourselves and others by name. People in love have special names for each other. We use “nicknames” that denote others’ talents, traits and accomplishments.

With names, we recognize others. How pleased we are when our name is remembered! How intimate is the link between name and person! Our human way with names plays into the divine way, for we are called to use human names in a divine way. More importantly, we are to use divine names in a divine way.

We don’t usually perceive names like the Old Testament people did when Moses gave them this commandment. The Hebrews understood the singular connection between a person and a name. A name,

Read more of Bishop Mengling’s writings on FAITHmag.com

for them, was more than a word that distinguished a person from others. Hebrew names like Israel, Joshua, Moses, Abraham and Jesus had meaning. Names spoke identity, mission and destiny. They spoke relationship of love and trust with God and one’s people. They linked the divine and human. They invited respect, trust and closeness.

This Hebrew respect for human names helps us to appreciate the respect for divine names. The Hebrews had such a respect for the name of God that they dared not speak the name God used with Moses at the burning bush. The leaders devised many other names for God, instead. That is how sacred God’s name was to them.

These brief insights of the human and divine way with names calls for respect and reverence. We use and speak divine names with awe and reverence that arises from our awareness of being loved by God. We give God worship, adoration and devotion in union with Christ.

We dishonor God and people by using a name in an insulting, contemptible and inconsequential way.

When we encounter dis-

couragement, hatred, failure and setbacks, it is so easy to use divine names to express our exasperation, disgust and displeasure in contempt and anger.

These are sacred names, not just words or sounds.

Remember how important and sacred our names are when the Church hears them spoken at our baptism, confirmation, marriage, holy orders or religious profession – as we enter more and more into the life and mission of Christ and His Church.

St. Augustine (†430) in his fifth treatise on contrition of the heart, writes: “Hope again, O sinner, hope and despair not. ... Jesus for your Name’s sake, do for me what your Name proclaims. Jesus pardon the pride that offended you.

Look on the unhappy one who invokes your sweet Name; Name of delight, Name of comfort to sinners, Name of blessed hope. For what does your Name mean Jesus, but Savior. Therefore, for your Name’s sake, be to me Jesus, be to me, a merciful savior.”

–

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling is the

fourth bishop of Lansing.

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Married right out of college in 1990, Carl and Kathy knew they had each found the love of their life. Carl describes Kathy as “the most loving person I’ve ever met.” When they talked, they connected on a soulful level and they shared a vision of a wonderful life together.

As expected, in 1992, that life took them away from Kathy’s hometown of Houghton, Mich., when she earned her Bachelor of Science degree and Carl completed his Master of Engineering degree at Michigan Tech University. Carl accepted a job with General Motors, and the couple moved to Howell.

Carl started work right away and Kathy found herself alone most days in a foreign environment searching for a job. Everyday elements of “downstate” living became major adjustments for this young woman raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). Expressway driving was new to Kathy who was accustomed to UP highways and back roads. Though record snowfalls were common in her life to that point, Kathy found ice storms terrifying. Perhaps most frightening was the daily barrage of bad news from the Detroit media. It wore her down as she sat waiting for potential employers to call.

By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by James Luning

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“A lot of couples have trouble in their relationships and take it out on each other with harsh words,” Kathy says. “We never did that, so when we made the decision to reconnect with each other, we didn’t have scars that we needed to heal first.”

For six months Kathy searched for a job and tried to adjust to her new environment. By the time she accepted a position at the Howell Library, she felt as if she was constantly under a heavy weight. Though she had completed the transition from small-town girl to professional woman, Kathy still doubted whether she could handle living in this new environment. She knew something wasn’t right in her life, but she didn’t know what it was. She attended Mass and prayed that God would grant her peace, but never felt as if God answered her prayers.

Time passed. Carl accepted a position in the Lansing area, so he and Kathy built a lovely new house in DeWitt and continued on in their new life. Carl settled into a productive career with General Motors.

Kathy earned a master’s in library science degree from the University of Michigan.

From the outside, life appeared just as they had planned.

But inside the house, reality didn’t match the idyllic image. Carl had recently turned 30, and found himself in a crisis as he confronted issues of mortality and life goals. Carl’s father had died of a pulmonary embolism at age 39. Fearing he would follow in his father’s footsteps, Carl became driven to work harder

and accomplish all his life’s goals in the nine years he felt confident he had left. He expected Kathy to be strong and as goal-oriented as he. He prayed that Kathy would change and become the partner he needed.

When Carl came home from work, however, he often found Kathy exhausted and feeling tired all the time. She slept more than normal, took little interest in her personal appearance and seemed oblivious to many details of daily life. Most difficult for Carl, perhaps, was the fact that Kathy no longer engaged in conversations with him. She had no opinion on any subject and found it impossible to make decisions as simple as where to go for dinner at night.

Carl felt his connection to Kathy slipping away under the weight of her burden and his fears. He put extra hours in at work and even accepted a position at the GM Tech Center, adding a two-hour commute to his workday. Though neither of them knew what was afflicting the other, they both felt their marriage fading.

They prayed for God to show them the way back to each other.

Then, in 1997, Kathy discovered she was pregnant. Delighted, she and Carl told friends and family their good news, and began to hope that this was the answer they sought to save their marriage. For a month and a half, they talked and planned, hoped and prayed.

But seven weeks into the pregnancy, Kathy miscarried.

The weight she had been living under became crushing and, joined with her grief, forced Kathy into counseling. To her relief, she discovered that the weight she had felt had a name: depression. Her counselor suggested some steps she could take to get the depression under control, and helped her examine the conditions that led to it. One of those was her relationship with Carl.

When Kathy suggested he join her in counseling, Carl resisted. Looking back, he smiles ruefully and says, “When you’re going through marriage problems, all the problems belong to the other person. I thought I was beyond needing counseling.”

Undeterred, Kathy continued with her therapy sessions, looking inside her mind and uncovering the layers laid down over the course of her life. She worked through her grief over losing the baby, and came to see how she viewed the pregnancy as a way to save her failing marriage. As she confronted her fears and trusted in God’s healing power, Kathy felt the weight of her depression beginning to lift. All this time, Carl could see her transformation. He decided to join her.

“When you’re in counseling, you have all the issues in your marriage and everything else from your life,” he explains.

“This might sound sexist, but as a guy, I was always programmed that you don’t bring weakness to the table. We had a lot of problems together as a couple, but there’s a fundamental bond between

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Kathy and me. I’d never met someone so deeply loving. To let that go would have been too painful.” Carl looks at Kathy and says, “I had to make some choices in my life.” He embarked on his own journey within. He discovered his own wounds and God’s power to heal them as well.

They spent the next six months working with their counselor on communication skills. They learned more about themselves and each other than they had ever realized. Through it all, Carl and Kathy worked together, resolving their disputes and discussing their differences respectfully and without malice. “A lot of couples have trouble in their relationships and take it out on each other with harsh words,” Kathy says. “We never did that, so when we made the decision to reconnect with each other, we didn’t have scars that we needed to heal first.”

Looking back, Kathy says, “That first baby was really, really vital to continuing our relationship. We would never have sought counseling and done the personal work necessary to save our marriage if we hadn’t had that loss.” They decided to wait until they had completed their therapy before trying to get pregnant again.

Almost three years later, Kathy and Carl were delighted again by the prospect of a new baby growing in Kathy’s womb. This time, with Kathy able to control her depression and Carl fully engaged in the relationship, the couple began to hope and pray they would soon celebrate the birth of their child.

When Kathy was 10 weeks into the pregnancy, however, an ultrasound showed their child at only seven weeks developmentally. Her doctor counseled her that the baby wasn’t developing as it should, and she would probably lose this pregnancy as well. Devastated, she and Carl went home to await the miscarriage they knew would come. Within a week, with Carl at her side, Kathy lost the second baby.

Kathy became pregnant two more times and lost both babies within the first seven weeks. Still, they continued on after each loss, faithfully building on their new knowledge of themselves and the inner strength they felt from God. Kathy could feel the old familiar weight bearing down again.

As the depression settled in, she wondered whether it would ever lift, or if she would have to deal with it the rest of her life.

Fear rose up inside her. “Am I going crazy?” she wondered.

“How far am I going to go down this time?”

Yet, even as she battled the depression, Kathy and Carl held onto their faith and chose to give their dream of raising children one more try. They consulted another doctor. Within weeks Kathy and Carl were treated to an ultrasound of their new baby growing in Kathy’s womb.

They were both nervous wrecks. After so many prayers and so many dashed dreams, Kathy and Carl were afraid to hope. They adopted a wait-and-see attitude toward this pregnancy. Slowly, they began telling family and their closest friends. Despite their caution, however, several of Kathy’s coworkers guessed her secret as her pregnancy and her morning sickness progressed.

The word spread, and Kathy and Carl both found themselves inundated with prayers and good wishes for the birth of this child. “Our successfully having a child became a big effort of

prayer and hope for many people,” Kathy smiles. “We had such an outpouring of support from so many.”

Twenty weeks into the pregnancy, Kathy went in for another ultrasound. Everything was perfect. For the first time, she and Carl relaxed and started planning for their baby’s birth. They decorated the nursery and finished preparations for their longawaited child. Kathy finished a project at work and decided not to return after the baby was born. Carl arranged for four weeks of family leave from his job. They could feel this extraordinary blessing growing in Kathy’s womb and they arranged their lives to embrace it.

With one week to go before their due date, Carl received a phone call from an automotive supplier in Rochester, Mich. A sunroof manufacturing company was offering him the position of general manager. Kathy and Carl spent the week discussing the opportunity and all the changes it could bring. Along with their discussions, they prayed for guidance in making their choice. By the end of the week, they decided it was an offer he couldn’t refuse.

The day before Father’s Day, Kathy went into labor. Twenty-six hours after the first contraction, Lily Marie Cadwallader came into the world. She was the greatest Father’s Day present her daddy could ever have imagined, and “the bee’s knees” to her mama.

As Kathy and Carl look back over their time as parents, they marvel at the changes that have accompanied Lily’s birth. Carl accepted the position in Rochester. They found a house they loved there, sold their DeWitt home two weeks after putting it on the market and moved just after Lily turned three months old.

Once lonely and overwhelmed, Kathy now has so many friends calling with good wishes, she sometimes has to let the answering machine take the calls so she has time to take care of Lily’s needs! Carl sums up the transition this way: “With all the changes we’ve undertaken the last few months, I keep saying the same prayer over and over. ‘Lord, help me walk the right path and have the understanding and vision to let you help me do what I’m supposed to do.’ The stronger my faith is, the less I have to worry about that.” Carl pauses, then continues, “Yep. I prayed about this. Kathy and I talked about it.

This is where I’m supposed to be.”

Kathy nods in agreement. “During the miscarriages, I spent a lot of time trying to think about what good could come of this.

For the first miscarriage, there was so much good that resulted.

And with each loss we found out more about ourselves and gained more support from other people,” she smiles. “It’s really easy to take things for granted, but when you go through a process like this, you realize everybody is a miracle.”

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The Nazis took over Connie’s home How did this Italian girl survive WWII?

During the German occupation of Italy in World War II, Monte Cassino was a stronghold for the Nazi forces, preventing the Allies from pushing toward Rome. Six miles north is St. Elia, where Connie Samuels (then Connie Leo) grew up on the edge of the battlefields.

She clearly remembers the shoved him aside and took day when her brother, Tony, the sheep. “He was heart-browas leading the sheep home, ken,” Connie says. unaware that the German That was the beginning of army had moved in and taken two years of misery for over their big, new house as Connie, her family and the their area headquarters. surrounding populace. What When they saw Tony, 15 made it worse was that her years old at the time, they father had been in America

By Bob Horning | Photography by Christine Jones

most of the time since 1921, and her oldest brother, Mike, had been there since 1938. Mike was working at the River Rouge Ford plant and sending money back to support the family, allowing them to build their dream home. The plan was for Connie’s father to come back and join the family. But now with the war, and the dream house in enemy hands, everything had changed.

When German soldiers began seizing men and boys to build roads and do other labor, and began taking advantage of the women and

girls, the townspeople “headed for the hills.” For Connie’s family, the “hills” were three miles away – to the old house in which her grandparents once lived, and which was now used for shelter and storage.

They soon learned that the structure was a target for American bombs, as was anything in the Monte Cassino area that might be a hiding place for the German army. “The bombs were too close for comfort,” Connie recalls. “We were scared all the time. Mom would get the rosary and say, ‘Let’s pray.’ There were also cannon shots from one mountain to the other, with constant explosions and red flames. It seemed like the whole world was on fire.”

For greater protection, they dug a huge hole in the mountainside, which became their home for two months, and from which they ventured only at night, or when on desperate searches for food.

“We were always hungry,” Connie says. One time, her mother went down to their home when the soldiers were gone on maneuvers, to try to reclaim some of the food that her family had hidden. But the German army had found it all, even the seeds. While she was away, the bombing became heavy, so Connie and a cousin went looking for her.

They came upon the dead bodies of two distant relatives, trapped between two walls that had collapsed in

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Connie says that knowing God has a plan for everything makes it easier to forgive.

“We keep our faith going, let Him guide us, and He has the solution. Young people tell me that the Church is too strict. But later in life, you see that it is the only thing you have to help you face difficult situations.”

CNS/Journey Films

the bombing. Afraid of being killed themselves, they ran most of the way home, where they found their mother safe.

“Another time, we heard that a German horse had fallen down a ravine and died,” shares Connie. “Though it was three days later when we found it, and it had begun to spoil, we cut it up and ate it anyway. It was a feast for us because we hadn’t eaten meat in so long.”

The Americans soon spread the word that the people should come down out of the hills for their own safety. They were all loaded into army trucks and taken to Calabria.

From there, some people were sent to Sicily where it was safer and less congested. A number of families were separated during that time. Connie’s family remained in Italy, in the little seacoast town of Locri.

There they remained, sleeping with 50 people in one large room. Again, there was no food, except for a quarter pound of heavy bread that the U.S. Army gave them each day, and the food they were given in return for working in the fields.

They had to beg in the town during mealtimes. “Sometimes, we were given beans or olive oil,” Connie says.

When the fighting finally ended in the area with the taking of Monte Cassino, the Leo family returned to their home. They found it only slightly damaged, but with no furniture. All of their close relatives, with whom they had lost touch during the fighting, were safe, but poverty and destruction were everywhere.

Connie’s father saw no future for his family in Italy, so he arranged to have them come to America. It was Feb. 5, 1947, when they sailed into New York harbor. They were met

by Mr. Leo and then went on to Detroit.

Connie’s brother, Mike, saw that his family was dressed for southern Italy weather and not for winter in Michigan, so he spent all of his money the next day, taking them shopping for clothes.

Connie, who was now 15 and knew no English, attended school for a couple of years before she went to work at the Hudson’s

department store on Woodward Avenue. After that, she worked at Grand Machining, an auto parts maker. There, she met her future husband, a supervisor named Tom Samuels. They married in 1958.

“Though my husband was Jewish (he died in 1983), he didn’t object to raising our two children in the Catholic Church,” Connie says. “He rarely went to the synagogue other than on holy days, but he would occasionally go to Mass with us. He always said, ‘Don’t do any wrong.’

He would give money to some of the poorer workers at the factory for their bus fare home, and I remember him sitting for long periods of time with my mother when she was an invalid.

“I think God had me marry a Jewish man so I could see that there are good people in all religions. Tom’s family received me as one of theirs. They were wonderful to me (and still are), and because Tom was so loving, my family accepted him as a son.”

Connie worked at the Dearborn Public Schools for 19 years.

During that time, in 1986, she moved to Ann Arbor, where she joined St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and worked a second job for seven years, cleaning the church rectory. She now works two to three hours per day as a lunch helper at the elementary school near her home.

“Life has been hard,” she admits. “But I have been fortunate to be in a loving family that cares for one another. I still have 200 relatives around Detroit, whom I see often and talk to on the phone regularly. I pray the rosary for them every day.” Connie also has four grandchildren nearby.

After all that she went through during the war, and having to leave Italy, Connie had to deal with some anger. “We were all mad at the Germans and at (Italian dictator) Mussolini during and after the war,” she says. But I have forgiven them.”

Connie says that knowing God has a plan for everything makes it easier to forgive. “We keep our faith going, let Him guide us, and He has the solution. Young people tell me that the Church is too strict. But later in life, you see that it is the only thing you have to help you face difficult situations.”

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what I learned in college Jason learned a lot more about himself and his faith at a student parish

Jason Shawn Johnson, 21, originally from Belleville, Mich., is a senior at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. A German major and literature minor, Jason entered the Catholic Church last Easter. He now serves as the emcee of the “Rocks” sessions, a student-led campus program sponsored by Holy Trinity Student Parish. Besides leading prayers and coordinating the music for “Rocks,” he is also involved with stewardship and evangelism at the parish.

While growing up, Jason’s family attended the Pentecostal Church of God. His grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher and his mother taught Sunday School in the church. He has one sibling, a 24-year-old sister who lives in Ypsilanti.

During high school, some of Jason’s Catholic friends took him to church, and he found the Mass to be a beautiful experience. “For some time, I wondered about the mystery of Catholicism,” Jason shares. “It was shortly before I joined the Navy in May of 2002 that I resolved to become Catholic.

“During my stay at boot camp at Great Lakes, Ill., I found I truly needed the aid of God and His holy Church to get

By Jan Rynearson | Photography by Christine Jones

me through the day,” he continues. “I am convinced to this very day that it was God Himself who called me to the Church and still calls me to deeper service for Him and the dedicated service of His people on earth.”

Jason’s time in the Navy was brief.

He had a preexisting condition in his shoulder that was a constant problem.

When he had completed boot camp and was about to receive a ship assignment, the Navy decided he wasn’t medically fit and he was discharged. “You can understand that I was upset, but again I saw the hand of God in the matter and decided I would trust Him in my life and take what came gratefully,” Jason explains.

After this stint, he took a job as a resident adviser at Eastern Michigan University. This is when Jason decided to take the next step and joined the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) at Holy Trinity Student Parish.

“This was my first exposure to the ‘real Church’ as it related to functioning outside of the mystery of Mass, which I had made an effort to attend daily and every Sunday,” Jason says.

He found being a candidate in the RCIA program to be a totally joyous experience. He says that it was the guidance of Holy Trinity’s pastor, Fr. Francis Mossholder, that inspired him to constantly try to remain in God’s presence. “Fr. Francis is an advocate,” says Jason. “His total system of prayer and the Masses he celebrated aided me in times of personal doubt. I had never been so run ragged by others before I decided to become Catholic.”

Few of Jason’s relatives were in favor of the idea of him entering the Catholic Church. In fact, some were downright hostile.

It became an exercise of his will to continue the process, and God was always there for him When not at Holy Trinity Student Parish or attending classes, Jason works as a watch and jewelry repairman. Already mechanically inclined, he learned the trade through on-the-job training.

“I’m sort of an apprentice,” he explains. “I enjoy the watch and clock work better than jewelry repair.”

Besides collecting clockwork toys and music boxes, his other interests include cycling and playing board games. “I’m a board game fanatic,” says Jason. “I like all types, but my favorite is Risk.”

Jason’s service in the body of Christ is reflected in his Alternative Spring Break (ASB) work. His first trip was to Hammond, La., in 2002. There, he and others spent a week planting bald cyprus trees in the swampland. In total, they planted more than 2,500 trees, half of which were expected

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Jason says, “I am convinced to this very day that it was God Himself who called me to the Church and still calls me to deeper service for Him and the dedicated service of His people on earth.”

Christian in name only? find out how you rate at work w o r k

to survive. “It was a wonderful experience,” Jason says. “I rather enjoyed working with the environment, but when the time for ASB came again, I decided to aim for a more human goal.”

The next trip was to Boston, working on the meals program at a wellness center dedicated to serving those who were suffering from HIV or AIDS. At the center, volunteers were dedicated to the mission of comforting those who were afflicted physically, mentally or spiritually. The people they served, Jason explains, varied in health, race, creed and economic status.

“It was truly an eye-opening experience to see them make each day count as they moved closer to death,” he says. “It was a very moving experience which has profoundly affected the way I think about people. I have a much more profound appreciation of the mystery of life and Church, over which we have been given stewardship,” Jason says.

With great plans for a continued life of service, Jason recently attended the week-long International Conference of Catholic Stewardship. Additionally, he hopes to serve as a site leader for an Alternative Spring Break program. “I’m really hoping for Habitat for Humanity,” he says. “I have a great desire to work with the underprivileged.”

Feeling he may be called to a life of selfless service as a priest, Jason has inquired about the priesthood in the Diocese of Lansing and the Archdiocese of Chicago. “I love being Catholic,” Jason concludes. “I’ve actually encountered God. I meet Him in these wonderful prayers and amazing traditions.” m i n i s t r y

f o c u s

Parishes serving university students The Diocese of Lansing is unique in that three major universities are here. The diocese has three parishes dedicated to serving the students and faculty of these great centers of learning.

Student Parishes in the Diocese of Lansing: Holy Trinity Student Parish Eastern Michigan University St. John Student Parish Michigan State University St. Mary Student Parish University of Michigan What makes a student parish unique?

Student Mentoring is offered by parishioners who are willing to give time, energy and resources to help the students have a positive experience academically and socially.

Student Formation includes seminars and talks on the Catholic faith.

Student Retreats are offered.

Mission Trips and Social Ministry provide opportunities to help the poor locally or by taking a mission trip.

C. Jones

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tryan@faithmag.com

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friend of mine took a job once in large part due to the fact that the owners of the company professed to be devout Christians. On the surface, their actions supported that claim. But my friend soon discovered that there was a lot more going on behind the scenes. For example, they would treat employees and clients unfairly all in the name of making or keeping as much money as they could.

They were essentially asking people to trust them because they were Christians, but then would abuse that trust. Is this not taking the Lord’s name in vain?

Although we may not be as blatant about it, are we not sometimes guilty of doing the same in our workplace? After all, we profess our faith in Mass every Sunday. Do we sometimes fail to reflect that faith and God’s love in our worklife? For example: Are you unduly critical of others’ per- Of all of the Ten formance without first trying to under- Commandments, stand the personal or professional cir- most people probably consider the cumstances they are dealing with?

Are you too worried about some lesser second one as a task you need to get done rather than “gimme.” That is, helping someone with a bigger issue? it’s one of the easiAre you doing your part to improve er ones to obey. the workplace, or do you blame It’s not quite that simple. everyone else for the problems?

Are you doing an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage?

Of all of the Ten Commandments, most people probably consider the second one as a “gimme.” That is, it’s one of the easier ones to obey. As long as I don’t swear using the Lord’s name, then I’m OK – right? Not so fast. It’s not quite that simple. The Catechism states, “The Second Commandment forbids the abuse of God’s name, i.e., every improper use of the names of God, Jesus Christ, but also the Virgin Mary and all the saints.” (2146) It goes on to say, “In baptism, the Lord’s name sanctifies us and we receive our name in the Church.” (2156) At the time of our confirmation, we may take on the name of a saint, and thus take on the responsibility of being an example of what that saint stood for. We become the face and name of God in the world. If I do not reflect God’s love and mission, am I not misrepresenting God and thus taking His name in vain?

Rather than getting in someone’s face, telling them how righteous we are, we simply have to recognize that as baptized and confirmed Catholics, we are now God’s light in our workplace and the world.

– Tim Ryan is an information technology professional in Fowlerville and has earned a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Loyola University New Orleans. He is a member of St. Joseph Parish, Gaines March 2004

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your marriage matters a new series to help you strengthen your marriage

Online Resource: YourMarriageMatters.com The Diocese of Lansing Family Ministry Office provides marriage &

a family financial plan: what are your needs and dreams? m o n e y

t i p

After openly discussing attitudes and dreams about money, couples must take time to map out their goals and future as a family. To endure, their financial plan must be philosophically built on a spiritual and biblical perspective, not secular. It must also be covenantal in nature, like the sacrament of marriage; not contractual, like most other financial issues.

Discuss the big picture with each other: How do these issues impact our family’s finances, lifestyle and faith?

1 Stewardship – Time, talent and treasure are gifts from God, to share through this sacred ministry.

2 Budget – No financial plan works without a budget. Quite simply, make one and follow it, and revise it often!

3 Careers – What are your time commitments and expected earnings? Can you afford to have one major breadwinner, so one of you can stay home with the children or retire early?

4 House – Where do you want to live? How big a house do you need right now and in the future?

5 Saving – What about retirement, college, Catholic schooling, vacations or other dreams?

This is your family’s future. We can’t escape the realities of our getand-spend world, but we must let our faith guide our thinking and journey through it. – John Morris is a diocesan FOCCUS couple trainer.

recapture the good times T i m e

m a t t e r s :

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Revisit the basics! Remembering the time spent dating your spouse can provide valuable insight into what made your relationship grow – the time spent looking into each other’s eyes; holding hands while taking a walk; talking on the phone to each other. Those were special times together when you shared your hopes, dreams and plans for the future.

They are basic building blocks of a healthy relationship. So maybe it’s time to revisit the events of the past and rediscover what made your spouse that special person.

– Tom and JoAnne Fogle are members of the diocesan Family Ministry Committee.

Time tip: Create a mission statement for your life, expressing what is most important to you. It should be both realistic and short enough to memorize. Pray for the wisdom to know God’s plan for your life, and make sure your mission statement reflects this.

Remind yourself often of your mission statement when choosing how to spend your time.

couples quiz: find out how well you and your spouse communicate c o n n e c t i n g

Simply asking yourself about your communication is a good place to start, so that you can move forward from wherever you are. The activity below will help you to answer this question together.

Quiz: Separately, reflect on the following nine statements and for each one, respond: True, False, Sometimes or Not enough.

Write down your answers on a sheet of paper or below. ___1 We make enough time to communicate with each other. ___2 We are best friends and share with each other often. ___3 Small arguments often snowball into large blowups. ___4 My spouse respects me and what I have to say. ___5 We almost always get interrupted when we share. ___6 I avoid conversations because they often lead to fights. ___7 I’m afraid to share my true feelings; I don’t feel accepted. ___8 There’s too much going on with work and kids to share. ___9 I feel my spouse listens well to me and rarely interrupts.

After you have finished: come together to discuss your answers. But, first keep the following in mind: • Listen. • Show respect. • Validate. • Don’t judge.

• Paraphrase back your spouse’s statements, so you’re sure you got their message. • Stick to one topic at a time.

Remember: all couples have issues. What’s really important is how you deal with them!

– Tony Sperendi is a group speaker for couples in marriage preparation.

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marriage resources: Retreat day for couples: Communication & Intimacy in Marriages: You Can’t Have One Without the Other will be held April 3, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Center, Lansing. Tony Sperendi will be the presenter. To register, contact the Family Ministry Office.

rriage & family resources. Call (517) 342-2471 or (517) 342-2458 for more

3 ways to liven up any marriage r o m a n c e

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1 Affirm your spouse every day and avoid too much negativity and criticism.

Nothing dampens the passion in a relationship more than nagging or criticism. The goal is to build up, not tear down your spouse. According to Anthony J. Garcia in his book “Rekindle the Passion While Raising Your Kids,” every criticism, put down, or negative interchange needs five positive exchanges to counter it.

2 Become best friends. Close friends make time for each other and support one another. But even good friends have disagreements, become distant or take each other for granted. We may need to repair the friendship with our spouse to enliven romance.

Start by performing a “care check” every day.

That might be a phone call, going for a walk, or a “cuddle-huddle.” These check-ins are a time of caring for each other, not for keeping score or venting your own problems.

3 Pay attention to your health and appearance. Romantically speaking, keeping up your health and appearance goes a long way.

It works best when you exercise or diet together. You will gain more energy and stamina in the long run. When it comes to appearances, approach time with your spouse as if it’s your first date together.

Present yourself well-groomed and put on that special outfit.

– Rick and Diane Peifer are members of the diocesan Family Ministry Committee.

p r a y e r

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Prayer for nurturing a healthy married life May we be one as you are one, O Lord.

May we begin our days together in prayer.

May we eat our meals together with thanks.

May we rest at day’s end in your love.

May we be united in mind, body, and soul.

May our love for each other last as You are everlasting.

May we carry our burdens together.

We do not know what is before us, except You are before us.

May we accept and nurture time for each other.

May we talk over our concerns together.

May we listen with our hearts without judging each other.

May we feel no shame in each other’s company.

May we forgive and forget one moment to the next.

May we love each other without counting the cost. Amen.

– Pat Nischan is a consultant to the diocesan Family Ministry Committee.

parenting: 3 ways to help your child pray in a healthy way t h e

C. Jones

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cmcgreal@faithmag.com

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ot long ago, my son, Ryan, came home from school saying, “This is my lucky day!” Having put four quarters into the vending machine, two bottles of soda popped out. The expectation with vending machines is that you put in a designated number of coins, press the button that matches what you want, and presto, a product is there for your enjoyment. An extra is a pure bonus, but one thing is certain – anger is justified if you don’t get one of what you want!

If a child prays to get specific things and then doesn’t get what he wants, he may complain that God isn’t answering his prayers. In other words, he might have a “vending machine” concept of prayer – if I invest so many prayers, then God is under obligation to deliver. As parents, you can help your child invoke the name of God in healthier ways.

But this isn’t just a task for children.

Our images of God continue to mature throughout life.

Prayer is a conversation, not a bargain. Nothing is too trivial to bring to prayer. We don’t have to worry about “bothering” God with unimportant matters. There is a tenderness in God’s relationship with us, as we read in Hosea, “I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.” (Hos 2:14) Encourage children to share their feelings with God instead of just presenting God with a list of “wants.”

Thy will be done. When Jesus taught us how to pray, we learned to ask that God’s will be done. The problem with the “vending machine” image of God is that we want God to do our will. Prayer isn’t a way to convince God that we have a better plan! Instead, through grace and mercy, we seek God’s will even in disappointment and sorrow.

Talk to your children about their motivation for prayer. Are they trying to convince God that their way is really the best way?

Prayers are answered in unexpected ways. Often we pray for specific outcomes but the answer to the prayer happens inside us, not outside in life’s events. As Fr. Pat McCloskey says, “God is the fixed point and I am the one who changes.”

Help children explore the different ways that prayers can be answered. Parents often offer comfort when the answer to a request is “No.” Has God ever responded to prayer with consolation or insight?

James and John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” They wanted to make sure they had their “Yes” ahead of time! Jesus overlooked their audacity and simply asked, “What is it you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:3537) Allow time this Lent for reflecting on how God has answered prayers in the lives of your family.

– Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a professor of psychology at Michigan State University an a certified spiritual director.

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reverence in prayer the cross and the name of God s p i r i t u a l

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” (Matt 6:9) “Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.” As Jesus said, we are to “hallow” the name of God. God’s name is holy and deserves our utmost care and respect in its use. It seems that we can grow very casual in our use of God’s name or things related to God. It is possible to wear religious objects and sacramentals such as crosses in a very casual or thoughtless way. We may use them in vain just as we can use God’s name in vain. So, our spiritual fitness this month will focus on how can we increase our love and reverence for the name of God and the cross of Jesus Christ. If we have misused either of them, there is a way in which we can find forgiveness – through contrition (sorrow) for our sins, and confessing those sins to a priest in the sacrament of reconciliation. Before we enter the spiritual exercises, let’s consider the cross of Jesus.

The cross is at the heart of our Lenten journey. It stands as a sign of contradiction to the wisdom of the world.

“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor 1:18) As Catholics, we begin our prayers and worship of God by making the sign of the cross on our bodies and saying, “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” It is so automatic for Catholics, we do it without much thought. In marking ourselves with the sign of the cross, we acknowledge that the cross of Jesus claims us. The cross of Jesus saves us. St. Bernadette Soubirous, who saw our Blessed Mother at Lourdes, France, was observed making a very reverent and thoughtful sign of the cross as she began her prayers. It was not a hurried action, but full of devotion and care. Bernadette was imitating Mary! How important it is for us to know the meaning of the cross in our lives. The cross of Jesus puts sin to death in us. We each have a cross to carry that unites us to the suffering of Jesus. If we have such an understanding, we respect and reverence the cross. Knowing that the cross is precious and sacred, we should not make the sign of the cross or wear the cross in vain.

Through the cross, we have access to the grace of baptism and entrance into the family of God. This is also the focus of our Lenten journey. We renew our baptismal graces as

f i t n e s s

we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. We actively participate and experience Christ’s saving death and resurrection. In dying with Jesus on the cross, sin dies in us. This is the same dying that occurs in baptism. When we rise from the waters of baptism, we rise with the risen Christ as adopted sons and daughters. We are born through baptism in water and the Spirit new children of God’s family. At this time, we receive the ability to call God a new name – Father! So, our knowing God as Trinity was made possible by the cross of Jesus Christ. No wonder we begin our prayers with the sign of the cross and speaking out the name of the Most Holy Trinity.

To speak someone’s name is to acknowledge that person’s presence. When we speak the name of God the Father or our Lord Jesus or the Holy Spirit, we acknowledge they are present. And not only that, we also acknowledge that we are adopted children of the Trinity. I can say, “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” because I am “in” the family. I belong! As a son or daughter, I have a status in the family. As the letter of John says, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called children of God. Yet, so we are.”

(1 John 3:1)

So, if we misuse God’s name, we hurt ourselves, for we are misusing our own family name. We hurt our own identity, not recognizing that God is our beloved Father,

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C. Jones

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Jesus our beloved Savior and brother, and the Spirit our beloved Advocate and Counselor. We end up joining those who surrounded Jesus while He died on the cross and blasphemed Him. They reviled Christ, not recognizing that God was present before them. That is the worst use of the human tongue.

Our spiritual exercises this month are aimed at helping us overcome bad lip habits and a routine or empty use of the sign of the cross. If we can rid our mouths of unholy words, our minds and hearts will be emptied, too. If we fill our mouths with holy

words, our hearts and minds will become holy, too. The cross of Jesus is essential to this because before the cross we either confess Him as Savior, asking for forgiveness and adoring Him, or we show our indifference and unbelief and curse Him. – Fr. Bill Ashbaugh is

spiritual exercise:

Jesus, whose words destroy what is false, Jesus, whose words enflame our hearts with love, Jesus, whose words bring joy, Jesus, whose word is truth, Jesus, whose word is love,

1. With deliberation and care, make the sign of the cross. Hold a cross in your hand. If you wear a cross, take hold of it.

2. Read Mark’s account of the passion of Jesus in Chapter 15.

Consider what came out of the mouths of those who were in the presence of Jesus Christ.

3. Read Luke’s account in Chapter 23:33-48. Again consider what came out of the mouths of those who were with Jesus.

4. Imagine yourself before the cross of Jesus. Think about the way you have talked about God in your life. How have you talked about people? How have you used your lips? Ask for forgiveness if you have sinned in speech.

5. Express your sorrow – contrition of heart – to Jesus.

6. Pray this litany before a cross and feel the words on your lips. I have listed many titles and names for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so when you come to them, it is better to take time to say a few names and consider their meaning, than to rush through them all. The words in bold print can be said after pronouncing each name to continue the litany.

Father in heaven, have mercy on me.

Jesus, Word of God made flesh, Holy Spirit, Breath of God, Jesus, most gentle of heart, Jesus, who suffered revilement, Jesus, who suffered indifference, Jesus, who was scourged with words of abuse and unbelief, Jesus, whose words give life, Jesus, whose words give hope, Jesus, whose words heal, Jesus, whose words forgive, Jesus, whose words encourage, Jesus, whose words console, Jesus, whose words strengthen faith, Jesus, whose words defend, Jesus, whose words dispel evil, Jesus, whose words correct error,

pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Howell

God the Father, your Name is holy. Help me to know you.

Abba, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of Mercies, Father of Lights, Father of Glory, Father of Spirits, Almighty God (El Shaddai), God of our Fathers, God of All Comfort, God of Peace, God of Glory, Living God, Most High God, Majestic Glory, Eternal Immortal Invisible King, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, Father of Heaven and Earth.

God the Son, your Name is holy. Help me to serve you.

Jesus, Good Shepherd, Wisdom of God, Substitute for Sinners, Suffering Servant, Lord of Righteousness, Lord our Portion, Glory of the Lord, Messiah, Prince of Peace, Child of Bethlehem, Faithful One, Morning Star, Desire of Nations, Fountain Opened for Sinners, Sun of Righteousness, Son of David, Son of Man, Son of God, Lamb of God, Ascended Lord, Crucified Savior, Power of God, Reconciler, Joy of Saints, Hope of Salvation, Coming Lord, Bread of Life, Beginning and the End, Light of the World, Risen Lord.

God the Holy Spirit, your Name is holy. Help me to love you.

Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, Spirit of Grace, Spirit of Goodness, Giver of Life, Giver of Divine Gifts, Eternal Spirit, Power of the Most High, Spirit of the Father, Spirit of the Son, Advocate, Paraclete, Counselor, Spirit of Love, Spirit of Wisdom, Spirit of Knowledge, Spirit of Understanding, Spirit of Courage, Spirit of Holy Fear, Purity of God, Holiness of God, Healer of Souls, Protector of the Poor, Defender of the Persecuted, Giver of Praise, Giver of Holy Speech, Love of God. Amen.

7. Express your sorrow for your sins by going to the sacrament of reconciliation. What a great way to celebrate the power and mercy of God that has come to us through the cross! What a great way to use our lips!

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Meatless Meals

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c u l t u r e

To honor His sacrifice, we make one of our own every Friday during Lent

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rom the dawn of Christianity, Friday has been set aside as a day of abstinence to honor the memory of Christ suffering and dying on that day of the week. But when did that day become associated with abstinence from meat?

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian made explicit mention of this practice in their writings – and they both died in the third century. Pope Nicholas I, who served from 858-867, formally declared that abstinence from meat be required on Fridays. And there is every reason to assume that Innocent III – pope from 1198-1216 – had the existence of this law in mind when he said that the obligation would be suppressed whenever Christmas Day should fall on a Friday.

This year-round obligation continued for seven more centuries until – in the midst of the sweeping changes following the Second Vatican Council – American bishops released their flocks from this practice, except on Fridays during Lent and on Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are also obligatory days of fasting, which for adults, involves the consumption of one full meal and two smaller ones.

That means during the Lenten season, you’ll be challenged to come up with meatless meals for eight different days. Listed below are suggestions for four of those meals – a healthy twist on traditional fried fish, East Coast crab cakes, a fancy grilled trout and skewered shrimp.

1 Oven-Fried Fish Fillets Serves 4 1 lb. sole, cod or lake perch 4 Tblsp unsalted butter 2/3 cup crushed Ritz crackers 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 Tsp dried basil 1/2 Tsp dried oregano 1/4 Tsp garlic powder Pre-heat oven to 350º. Melt butter in a 9” x 13” pan in the oven. While it melts, combine the other ingredients, except the fish, in a pie pan. Dip the fish in the melted butter, then dip into the crushed cracker mixture and return to the baking pan.

Bake the fillets for 20 to 25 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork.

2 Maryland Crab Cakes Serves 4 1 lb. crabmeat 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 1 egg, beaten 1 Tblsp mayonnaise 1 Tsp Dijon mustard 1 Tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 Tblsp Old Bay® Seasoning 2 Tblsp butter In a medium-sized bowl, combine the bread crumbs and the crabmeat. In a separate bowl, stir the beaten egg, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce and Old Bay Seasoning. Lightly

4 Shrimp en Brochette Serves 2 1/2 lb. medium shrimp, cleaned and deveined 12 small mushrooms 4 tablespoons lemon juice 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tsp olive or vegetable oil 2 Tsp grated ginger 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Set aide to marinate 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat broiler. Thread 3 shrimp and 3 mushrooms alternately on each of 4 skewers. Reserve marinade. Broil skewers for 3 minutes. Turn, baste with reserved marinade, and broil 2 to 3 minutes longer until shrimp are pink and opaque.

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mix these ingredients into the crabmeat mixture, being careful not to overwork the crab. Form into 8 round, flat cakes.

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the cakes on each side in the skillet, until crusty and golden brown.

Serve warm.

3 Fancy Grilled Trout Serves 4 1/4 cup lemon juice 2 Tblsp melted margarine 2 Tblsp vegetable oil 2 Tblsp chopped parsley 2 Tblsp sesame seeds 1 Tblsp Tabasco sauce 1/2 Tsp ground ginger 1/2 Tsp salt 4 brook trout, about 1 lb. each In a shallow dish, combine lemon juice, margarine, oil, parsley, sesame seeds, Tabasco sauce, ginger and salt. Mix well.

Pierce skin of fish in several places with the tines of a fork. Roll fish in juice mixture to coat inside and out. Cover. Refrigerate 30 minutes to 1 hour, turning occasionally. Remove fish from marinade. Reserve marinade. Place fish in hand-held hinged grill. Brush fish with marinade. Cook about 4 inches from hot coals for 5 minutes. Turn. Brush with marinade again, and cook 5 minutes longer. Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.

By Patricia Majher | Photography by Philip Shippert

Just a reminder…

In 1966, when American bishops lifted the obligation of meatless Fridays during Lent, they also said that “Friday should be in each week something of what Lent is in the entire year. For this reason, we urge all to prepare for that weekly Easter that comes with each Sunday by freely making of every Friday a day of self-denial and mortification in prayerful remembrance of the passion of Jesus Christ.”

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OnceCatholic.org is a welcoming online resource for individuals who are no longer active in the Church.

Café Resources

c o m m u n i t y

things to do Radio talk show host and author, Al Kresta, is the featured speaker at the St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor, Lent Event. In February 2003, Kresta lost his left leg to a virulent infection, often referred to as a “flesh-eating bacteria.” On Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m., he will share his insights about faith, hope and prayer in a speech titled “When You Don’t Have a Leg to Stand On.” Admission is free, and all are welcome. Call (734) 9304525 for more information.

Salvation Story will be presented at Ionia Theater on March 6 at 7:30 p.m. It will be performed by the youth of Ss. Peter and Paul Parish and Mt. Zion Youth to Youth Catholic Evangelization. For more information, please call (616) 527-3610.

The Introduction to National Family Planning Class will be offered at St. Joseph Retreat Center, Jackson, on Sunday, March 7, from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. All engaged couples are encouraged and invited to attend the class, which is offered at the conclusion of the Engaged Encounter weekend. Call (517) 342-2587.

A lecture titled “Who? Me? Ministry? Finding Your Self in Service” will be presented March 10 at St. Mary Student Parish, Ann Arbor, at 7 p.m.

The speaker will be Edward P. Hahnenberg, Ph. D., a professor of theology at Xavier University. For more information on the education lecture series, call (734) 663-0557.

Singles Saturday will be celebrated March 13, at St. Francis Parish Center, Ann Arbor, from 3-8 p.m. This Lenten experience is aimed march readings

Sunday, March 7 Second Sunday of Lent Gen 15:5-12,17-18 Ps 27:1, 7-9,13-14 Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1 Luke 9:28b-36 Sunday, March 14 Third Sunday of Lent Exod 3:1-8a,13-5 Ps 103:1-4,6-8,11 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12 Luke 13:1-9 When the 1st Scrutiny is celebrated: Exod 17:3-7 Ps 95:1-2,6-9 Rom 5:1-2,5-8 John 4:5-42 or 4:5-15,19b-26,39a,40-42 Friday, March 19 Joseph, Husband of the Virgin Mary 2 Sam 7:4-5a,12-14a,16 Ps 89:2-5,27,29 Rom 4:13,16-18,22 Matt 1:16,18-21,24a or Luke 2:41-51a Sunday, March 21 Fourth Sunday of Lent

Josh 5:9a,10-12 Ps 34:2-7 2 Cor 5:17-21 Luke 15:1-3,11-32 When the 2nd Scrutiny is celebrated: 1 Sam 16:1b,6-7,10-13a Ps 23:1-6 Eph 5:8-14 John 9:1-41 or 9:1,6-9,13-17,34-38 Thursday, March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord Isa 7:10-14;8-10 Ps 40:7-11 Heb 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 Sunday, March 28 Fifth Sunday of Lent Isa 43:16-21 Ps 126:1-6 Phil 3:8-12 John 8:1-11 When the 3rd Scrutiny is celebrated: Ezek 37:12-14 Ps 130:1-8 Rom 8:8-11 John 11:1-45 or 11:3-7,17,20-27,33b-45

at renewing the spirits of singles. Call (517) 342-2494.

A REFRESH Retreat for single young adults, 21-35, will be offered at Pine Hills Retreat Center, Brighton. The retreat will begin 7 p.m. Friday, March 26, and end 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 28. The cost is $90. Financial aid is available.

Call (517) 342-2494 for registration information.

A To Encounter Christ (TEC) Retreat will be held March 27-29, Saturday through Monday, at Camp Dainava, Manchester. Young adults, 17-24, are invited to attend. The cost is $60. To register, call Lupe at Cristo Rey Church, (517) 882-7074.

The diocesan Tribunal and Office of Family Ministry are sponsoring an annulment workshop at the Diocesan Center on Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m.-1:24 p.m. It is intended for anyone who is thinking about submitting a case to the Tribunal.

Eileen Jaramillo, JCL, a Tribunal judge, will speak on marriage as a covenant, invalid marriages and misinformation about annulments.

Call (517) 342-2465 for more information.

Concert performances of Fauré’s Requiem will be held Thursday, April 1, at Good Shepherd Church, and on Friday, April 2, at St. Mary Church, Mt. Morris. The concerts will feature the combined choirs from both parishes and begin at 7:30 p.m.

Call (810) 397-4183 for more information.

A Marriage Enrichment Day will be held at the Diocesan Center on April 3, from 9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

March Café Events A Lenten study series on “Sin, Conscience and Confession” will be held at St. Mary Church, Manchester.

Reflections will be presented from 7-9 p.m., on Tuesdays, March 2, 9 and 16, in the church hall. Contact the parish office at (734) 428-8811.

A Lenten study series titled “The wilderness will lead you to ... ” will be held Thursdays during Lent at St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish, Adrian. Each meeting begins at 6 p.m. and features a soup dinner, Scripture study and prayer. Another series, titled “What Catholics believe,” will be presented Tuesdays, March 9 and 16, at 6:15 in the Guadalupe Chapel. Call the Faith Formation Office at (517) 265-4160.

A potluck dinner and presentation titled “Women of the Gospel” will be held at St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Concord, on March 9, at 6 p.m. For more information, call (517) 524-7578.

The topic is “Communication and Intimacy in Marriage: You Can’t Have One Without the Other.” All married couples and FOCCUS couples are invited to attend. The cost is $25 per couple, and includes lunch. Pre-registration is required. Call the Family Ministry Office at (517) 342-2458.

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For questions about CAFE: Catholic Adult Formation & Education resources or programs, call Pete Ries at 517-342-2486 or pries@dioceseoflansing.org. l o c a l

Diocese of Lansing represented at annual March for Life A motorcoach of 57 was among several groups of Diocese of Lansing pilgrims who travelled to the 31st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. The trip, organized by the family life ministry at St. Mary Parish, Pinckney, allowed youth from around the diocese to join tens of thousands of pro-lifers visiting our nation’s capital and witnessing to the Gospel of Life. The annual pilgrimage included attending the Vigil Mass for Life at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Jan. 21, and marching to the Supreme Court building on Jan. 22, which is the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision.

Lansing priest joins Maryknoll for five-year mission commitment Fr. Michael Kuchar, former pastor of St. Thérèse Parish, Lansing, joined the Maryknoll Priest/Brother Associates program this past October. After completing a two-month orientation program at the Maryknoll Society Center in New York, he received his assignment to Latin America. With the permission of the Diocese of Lansing, he will serve at a Maryknoll mission site for the next five years.

n e w s

Because of school closings due to weather, this year’s Catholic Schools Week was shorter than usual in the Diocese of Lansing. Nonetheless, students participated in many events celebrating their faith-filled future.

The National Catholic Education Association, which organizes Catholic Schools Week together with the USCCB, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Resurrection students participates in quarter launch Daniel Heller, a first-grader at Resurrection School, Lansing, recently became the youngest person to stamp his own state quarter. His father, Patrick Heller, is the owner of Liberty Coin Service, Lansing, and in 2001, was appointed by former Gov. John Engler as one of 25 members of the Michigan Quarter Commission.

Patrick and Daniel were among 12 guests to attend a ceremonial strike ceremony on Jan. 8 at the Denver Mint. Daniel pressed the button on the coin press machine, striking the second Michigan quarter of the ceremony. All of the Resurrection students were invited to attend the public launch of the quarter at the State Capitol on Jan. 26. During the ceremony, Gov. Granholm was presented the coin Daniel helped to make. Since that time, Liberty Coin Service has conducted food drives at local Catholic schools, giving students new Michigan quarters in exchange for supporting the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

Lansing Catholic schools celebrate a faith-filled future On Monday, Jan. 26, Bishop Mengeling celebrated the annual All-Schools Mass at St. Mary Cathedral, kicking off this year’s Catholic Schools Week (CSW). The theme this year’s CSW was “Catholic Schools: A Faith-Filled Future.”

In his homily, Bishop Mengeling talked about how Catholic schools embrace the “two wings” of reason and faith. “Knowledge is earthbound. It’s important, but not sufficient,” said the bishop. “The second ‘wing’ raises us up as sons and daughters of God.”

Lumen Christi wins state football championship At the beginning of the football season, few would have predicted that Jackson Lumen Christi High School would come out the winner of the 2003 Division Five state football championship at the Pontiac Silverdome. Facing a tough schedule, the Titans lost two of their first three games. Yet, the team – consisting of 27 seniors, 25 juniors, eight sophomores and three freshmen – ended the season with an overall record of 12-2. This includes the Nov. 29, 23-0 championship victory against previously undefeated Muskegon Oakridge (13-1). – The Catholic Times

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the nun who inspired Mel Gibson’s movie: a Lansing author talks to FAITH about the mystic Ultimately, the inquisitors praised her profusely, and Mystical City of God has been translated into dozens of languages and published worldwide since its original publication in 1670.

Blessed Junipero Serra, Franciscan founder of the California missions, is among those inspired by Sor María’s missionary zeal.

When he came to America in the 18th century, he carried only two books – the Bible and Mystical City of God. FAITH: Is Mystical City of God one of the background sources Mel Gibson consulted in preparation for making his new film, The Passion of the Christ?

Fedewa: Yes. In the third volume of Mystical City of God, Sor María writes of the passion and death of Jesus, from His mother’s point of view. It follows the biblical accounts, but expands on them considerably.

The writings of Venerable Mary of Ágreda, a 17th-century Spanish mystic, were among the early influences on the script for “The Passion of the Christ,” Mel Gibson’s new epic film on the last 12 hours of Jesus’ life.

Recently, FAITH Magazine interviewed Marilyn Fedewa, a Lansing author whose devotion to Sor María de Jesús de Ágreda (Spanish for Sr. Mary of Jesus of Ágreda) has led her to study and write about the nun’s life. Fedewa is an informal liaison with the vice postulator of Sor María’s cause for sainthood in Ágreda, Spain.

FAITH: Why was it controversial, and what about the charges of anti-Semitism against her, as well as Gibson’s film?

Fedewa: Controversy has always swirled around private revelations. Did the experiences actually happen, people ask, and what is the relevance to others? Since 1997, I have spent years reading and studying all 2,700 pages of Mystical City of God. I find it profoundly inspirational on all levels – personally, historically, and spiritually. It’s possible, however, that people might look at condensed versions of her work, or just a few passages, and find some shocking statements.

FAITH: Who was Sor María de Ágreda?

Fedewa: Sor María was a dynamic, controversial 17th century woman of faith. A self-taught, cloistered nun – a mystic behind convent walls in the remote mountains of northeast Spain – she wrote voluminous works based on private revelations.

FAITH: Can you think of any examples of inflammatory statements that might have been taken out of context?

Fedewa: Yes. On pages 593-4 of Volume 3, she writes that the Jews “took upon themselves and their children the responsibility for this crime” – referring to the crucifixion of Christ. However, she leveled the playing field very quickly – on the next page, in fact – writing that the “sins and depraved lives of the Christians” spoke in actions far louder than words of “their abuse of the blood of Christ and their consent to guilt in His death.” Sor María was tough on everybody, especially herself. Mystical City of God is riddled with self-criticism and longing for spiritual perfection.

FAITH: What are her books about and why are they relevant?

Fedewa: Sor María’s most noteworthy work, Mystical City of God, chronicled the life of the Blessed Mother in eight books that are published today in four volumes, totaling 2,700 pages. Sor María was deeply devoted to Jesus and His Blessed Mother, and from an early age, she spent many long hours in deep meditative prayer.

Later, she had private revelations of Mary, which were deeply private experiences, centering on Mary’s life and spirituality.

She was encouraged to write about them by her confessors and superiors, but the Spanish Inquisition scrutinized her closely throughout the decades it took her to complete the work.

FAITH: Sor María’s cause for sainthood was abandoned and resuscitated on and off for centuries. What could possibly be her chances for sainthood today?

Fedewa: Each era in history has its issues, its conundrums and its favorites. In Sor María’s case, she wrote down her beliefs and her experiences for all to see. The simple truth of her work and devotion has been bandied about from century to century, as her body remains uncorrupted in the convent crypt in Ágreda, Spain. Now, after the entire population of Spain recently celebrated the 400th anniversary of her birth on April 2, 1602, there is renewed hope for her beatification. – Alton Pelowski

To read more about the life and works of Sor María de Ágreda, log on to Marilyn Fedewa’s Web site at cambridgeconnections.net.

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Operation Rice Bowl 2004

“The People’s Override” petition is underway The Knights of Columbus, the Michigan Catholic Conference and Right to Life of Michigan have formed a partnership to allow voters the opportunity to sign petitions so that the House and Senate can ban partial birth abortions in Michigan. The campaign’s kickoff was Jan. 15.

Q. Why do we need this petition drive?

A. This petition will end partial-birth abortions by declaring any partially born child to be a person with full legal protection. In Oct. 2003, Gov. Granholm vetoed this same law after it was passed by wide margins in the House and Senate. With enough signatures and a simple majority vote in the House and Senate, this initiated legislation will become law, completely bypassing the Governor.

Q. When will this be on the ballot?

A. It won’t. This petition is for citizen-initiated legislation, meaning with enough registered voters’ signatures (verified by the State Board of Canvassers), it will become law with a simple majority vote in the State Legislature. The governor has no role in approving or vetoing the law.

Q. Is this the same legislation that President Bush signed?

A. President Bush did sign a federal partial-birth abortion ban, but it was immediately suspended pending several challenges in the courts. This initiative takes an entirely different legal approach than the federal law. If challenged, the Legal Birth Definition Act will be heard by different courts and may have a higher likelihood of being upheld as constitutional.

Q. Is partial birth abortion ever medically necessary?

A. Experts in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology have testified over and over again that the procedure known as partial birth abortion is never medically necessary to save the life or health of a pregnant woman.

Catholic Relief Services’ Lenten program collects funds from parishioners to help the hungry at home and overseas. 75% of ORB funds collected go overseas while 25% helps the local hungry and supports international solidarity efforts conducted by people from the diocesan geographical area.

The 2003 recipients of Operation Rice Bowl Grants are: • Gaines Community Council • Advent House Ministries • Refugee Services – Food Provision Project • Livingston Catholic Social Services • The Global Workshop • Giving Tree Farm • Holy Trinity Student Parish Hunger Coalition • St. John Student Parish – St Vincent de Paul • Daily Bread of Lenawee • Guatemala Work Project • St. Mary on the Lake – Food Pantry • Holy Spirit Parish, Hamburg – St Vincent de Paul • St. Luke Street Ministry, Flint • St. Thomas the Apostle – St Vincent de Paul For more information, call Barb Pott, diocesan director of Catholic Relief Services, at (517) 342-2470.

fourth annual blood drive is a success The Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive was the most successful of the drives since their beginning in 2001.

Sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing Office of Black Catholic Ministry, in partnership with the Great Lakes (Lansing) and Detroit regions of the American Red Cross, the blood drive was an eightday event, beginning on the actual birthday of Dr. King, Jan. 15.

Since 2001, the drives have netted blood products for nearly 30,000 people in Michigan alone. This year, blood donations reached approximately 92% of their goal, pushing the diocesansponsored total to more than 10,000 since the program began.

For every productive unit donated, three people are helped with blood products. This year, blood was collected at area colleges – in effort to include more young adults – as well as at Catholic parishes and Protestant churches in mid-Michigan.

The drive has become a national event, duplicated in other dioceses around the country. Ann Kammerer, communications specialist with the Great Lakes region of Red Cross, states, “This drive comes at a critical time and meets a critical need for diminished blood products in our region and elsewhere in the U.S.” According to Ronald Landfair, diocesan director of Black Catholic Ministry, “These drives could not happen without hundreds of well-meaning volunteers behind the scenes, working very hard on behalf of others who need our help.”

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Meeting between pope and Cheney comes as U.S.-Vatican rebuild relationship

Vice President Dick Cheney’s first meeting with Pope John Paul II came at a time when U.S.-Vatican relations are in a rebuilding phase following the war in Iraq.

Cheney met with the pope in a private audience Jan. 27 and later held talks with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano. The discussions dealt primarily with the current situation in Iraq, the Middle East and international terrorism.

The pope and other Vatican officials argued strongly against the U.S. decision to invade Iraq, but in recent months they have focused on the need for cooperative reconstruction rather than on past differences.

As the pope said in his speech to diplomats Jan. 12, the international community needs to help Iraqis “retake the reins” of their country and establish a real democracy. He and his aides have emphasized the role of the United Nations in this process and in the larger task of “collective security” throughout the world.

The pope and other Vatican experts also have made increasingly strong statements against international terrorism, underlining the need for more effective curbs against terrorist groups.

“In the necessary fight against terrorism, international law is now called to develop legal instruments provided with effective means for the prevention, monitoring and suppression of crime,” the pope said in his World Day of Peace message.

But there remains a fundamental difference between the Vatican and the United States over the concept of pre-emptive or “preventive” war as a tool against terrorism.

Before the invasion of Iraq, Vatican officials repeatedly rejected the idea that nations could wage war without responding to a specific act of aggression and without the explicit backing of the United Nations or international treaties, in order to eliminate a potential threat of terrorism.

“On the concept of ‘preventive war,’ the position of the Holy See has not changed at all,” Archbishop Giovanni

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Lajolo, the Vatican equivalent of a foreign minister, said Jan. 24 in a response to questions by Catholic News Service.

“Obviously, defense against terrorism must be preventive to some degree. That doesn't mean shooting first, but rather working so that there is no interest in shooting,” the archbishop said.

“All this requires a concerted action by states at various levels, and primarily, in my view, at the cultural level,” he said.

The Vatican does recognize that the use of force to prevent acts of terrorism can sometimes be legitimate, as an extension of the principle of self-defense, but the threat must be specific and well-defined.

The Vatican’s views were perhaps best illustrated by its very different reactions to the U.S. military actions in Afghanistan in late 2001 and to the invasion of Iraq last year.

A Vatican spokesman and other Church officials offered qualified support for U.S. attacks against al-Qaida strongholds in Afghanistan, saying the use of force in that situation represented an extension of self-defense against a terrorist organization that could be expected to strike again.

But the same case could not be made for Iraq, and this was underscored by the lack of an international consensus in support of the war, Vatican officials said. – John Thavis (CNS)

Star of ‘Passion’ film challenges college students to ‘be saints’ A private screening of Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of the Christ” and a keynote speech by actor Jim Caviezel, the movie’s star, were among the highlights of the national leadership conference of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, or FOCUS, held in Denver Jan. 16-18.

The sixth annual conference drew nearly 1,400 students and FOCUS missionaries and campus ministers from colleges across America. It was the largest private screening of the picture to date, according to FOCUS officials.

The Jan. 17 banquet featured Caviezel, who portrays Jesus in the film. A Catholic, Caviezel captivated the audience when he described his experience of portraying the Savior. His physical sufferings during the filming included a shoulder separation, migraines caused by the tightness of the crown of thorns and pneumonia.

He urged the college students to “shamelessly express your faith in public. You must be a people animated by your faith.”

“God our Father, our Lord Jesus Christ, and His Mother guide you all the days of your life. Be saints!” he said.

Founded in 1998, FOCUS takes recent college graduates and trains them to go back onto college campuses to evangelize.

CNS/James Baca, Denver Catholic Register

CNS/Reuters

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– Claudia Cangilla McAdam (CNS)

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Father Groeschel still in Florida hospital after Jan. 11 accident

use the Lord’s name: as you would the name of a loved one l a s t

Father Benedict Groeschel, a 70-year-old founder of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, an evangelist on the Eternal Word Television Network and a prolific author on spiritual matters, was hit by a car Jan. 11 near the Orlando International Airport.

He was listed in critical but stable condition, according to Father Glenn Sudano, superior of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, who also said the priest has come through a number of successful surgeries to repair injuries he sustained in the accident.

In the accident, Father Groeschel suffered a heart attack and head injuries, as well as a broken right shoulder, leg, arm and hand.

Father Sudano has issued daily updates on Father Groeschel’s condition, and they can be found on the order’s Web site, www.franciscanfriars.com. – CNS

Deacon Roy, first AfricanAmerican permanent deacon, dies

CNS/Catholic Review

Deacon Americus M. Roy, the first African-American to be ordained to the permanent diaconate and a longtime advocate for social justice, died in Baltimore Jan. 19 after a yearlong battle with liver cancer.

He was 76.

Cardinal William H. Keeler of Baltimore said Deacon Roy was “blessed with both a wonderful faith in the Lord Jesus and with a heart full of charity for the good works of Christ.”

Growing up in East Baltimore, Deacon Roy became a Catholic at age 16. After Pope Paul VI restored the permanent diaconate in 1967, he was among the first to apply. He was ordained in Baltimore on June 12, 1971, a member of the first class of deacons ordained in the United States. – George P. Matysek Jr. (CNS)

CNS/Paul Haring

Teens pray in front of Supreme Court building at end of March Teens from Fredericksburg, Va., pray in front of the U.S. Supreme Court at the end of the March for Life Jan. 22 in Washington.

Participants in the annual demonstration walked from the Ellipse near the White House to Capitol Hill and the court building in protest of the court decision in Roe vs. Wade that legalized abortion.

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“Y

ou shall not utter the name of Yahweh your God to misuse it, for Yahweh will not leave unpunished the man who utters his name to misuse it.” (Exod 20:7, Deut 5:11) What’s in a name? A name identifies a person as a distinct individual, who is in relationship with others. To illustrate this, try to imagine an encounter with a nameless person. In such an encounter, that person would be utterly distant and unknown to you. Name and identity are so interrelated, that a “nameless person” would be a “non-person” to you, a non-entity and someone with whom you could not relate.

Uttering the Giving a name to someone is the oppo- name of another site. It means you relate to this person’s inner summons that being, that this person has special meaning and person’s very value to you. Sweethearts sometimes give each being to you. The other names of endearment, names that mean occasion may be something to each other – meanings no one formal or it may else can understand. When lovers speak each be intimate. other’s names, something is called out from Nevertheless, the within that is so intimate that no one else can effect is the experience that unique connection. For exam- same. When your ple, think of what happens inside “Julie” when name is uttered, her husband softly whispers, “Oh, Julie, I really called, or whislove you!” Something deep within her stirs. pered, you Uttering the name of another summons become part of a that person’s very being to you. The occa- special relationsion may be formal or it may be intimate. ship with the one Nevertheless, the effect is the same. When your using your name. name is uttered, called, or whispered, you become part of a special relationship with the one using your name.

Thus it is that a name is given at baptism and at confirmation, or when a person enters a religious order. Who that person is takes on a new and special meaning in his or her relationship with God. Is then, God’s name, or Jesus’ name, to be used as an exclamation point? As part of a curse? As an oath you have no intention of keeping or honoring? Perjury is not simply an offense against the honor of a court in which you have sworn by God’s name to tell the truth. No, it is more – it is an offense against the honor, dignity and very being of God! Perjury is using God – His honor and dignity – in order to get away with a lie.

Jesus takes all of this very seriously. In His Sermon on the Mount we find Him teaching the following: “Again, you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” (Matt 5:33-37) – Fr. Charles Irvin is the founding editor of FAITH Magazine and is now living an active retirement in DeWitt.

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The Duty of the Strong to Defend the Weak . . .

This Time Only Requires Your Signature I

gnoring overwhelming support from the people and Michigan legislators, Governor Jennifer Granholm, with a stroke of her pen, vetoed state legislation that would have effectively banned partial birth abortion in our state.

The Legal Birth Definition Act (LBDA) declares that any partially born child is a person with full legal protection, thus making partial

birth abortion equivalent to murder.

Right to Life of Michigan has initiated “The People’s Override,” a citizens petition, to pass The Legal Birth Definition Act in a veto-proof format. With enough signatures, the registered voters of Michigan may provide legislation to the Michigan House and Senate. Once passed by the two bodies, the legislation cannot be vetoed by the governor.

See page 29 for more

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

300 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933

Online: On TV:

www.DioceseofLansing.org www.FAITHmag.com The Outreach Mass, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Flint – FOX 66 Lansing – FOX 47

On Radio: Mass, 11 a.m. on WJIM 1240 AM

At least 254,206 valid signatures of registered Michigan voters will need to be collected within 180 days from the beginning of the petition drive (early January).

For more information or to join us in circulating petitions, please visit us online at www.thepeoplesoverride.com or www.rtl.org. Or call (616) 532-2300. TOGETHER WE CAN END PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION.

(c) Life Issues Institute. Used with permission.

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