SPECIAL REPORT
BLACK HISTORY IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
WHY CAN’T NON-CATHOLICS RECEIVE COMMUNION? FROM THE BISHOP
SCIENCE AND REASON CAN POINT US TOWARD THE SPIRITUAL
b o j t n e m e r i t e r s ’ L Beth O O H C S C I L O H at a CAT CONVERSION r e h o t d le
Protecting Catholic Families At Each Stage of Life Is All We Do.
SCIENCE AND REASON CAN POINT US TOWARD THE SPIRITUAL
BISHOP EARL BOYEA
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea
Carlson Productions
FROM THE BISHOP
IT HAS BEEN RELATED TO ME that already in middle-school, our younger brothers and sisters are tuning out God. They may not formally call themselves atheists, but effectively they no longer believe in a God, including a loving God and a God who wants us to be with him in heaven. It is not certain where these young people stand on the issue of the next life. Some have told me that everyone gets to heaven, or its equivalent, even if there is not much belief in God. That puzzles me. We call this the secularization of our culture. This is not like the communists forcing believers to stop believing. Rather, it seems more to be a result of a lack of trust in all our social institutions, including the Church (often deserved), or a result of simply not wanting to be bothered by anyone or anything other than my own self-guidance. This is a pretty glum picture! However, one of the major reasons for our young people abandoning a belief in God is the challenge of science. Many people have come to see this world as only this world, as just material and having no room for the spiritual. Certainly, science has never intended to either prove or disprove the spiritual realm. Science deals only with concrete reality, and simply cannot speak beyond what confronts our senses (when it tries to it is really going beyond its proper realm!). However, even science and reason can point us toward the spiritual. The Jesuit scientist, Father Robert Spitzer, has worked many years to counter this trend, and has offered a plan of instruction for our young people to challenge the current bias in favor of materialism. He has found that reviewing with students the studies of nearOur students have terrific death experiences demonstrates that there is a spiritual reality and that we are part of it (that we have souls). Second, no matter how hearts and are open to faith, many theories of the universe(s) there are, there has to have been a but they are besieged by beginning; that and the incredible circumstances (against great odds) secular stimuli of every kind.” that led to life and to us human beings all point to a guiding creator. Third, young people are surprised when they hear that the Church teaches that faith is not against evolution, and does not require a literal interpretation of the Book of Genesis. Now, the Church does always teach that there is more to this world than simply matter, and that is the spiritual realm. Fourth, Father Spitzer points out that we need to do a better job of pointing out the historical evidence for the death of Jesus, as well as the evidence pointing to his resurrection. Father Spitzer then sums up: “In conclusion, our students have terrific hearts and are open to faith, but they are besieged by secular stimuli of every kind. We have found that if we present the evidence for God, Jesus, the soul and the foundations of morality to them, most will respond at least partly, and many almost fully to the call of Christ.” Once we strengthen our faith in God, in a loving God, in a just and merciful God, in a God who showed himself in Jesus Christ, in Jesus Christ who died and rose from the dead for us, then we will all be challenged to respond, to live in imitation of the Son of God. 3
FROM THE EDITOR
Celebrate your
BAPTISMAL DAY ONE WEEKEND A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, while I was still pastor of St. Jude in DeWitt, Deacon Ted Heutsche was scheduled as the homilist. As he began his homily, Deacon Ted held up a dollar bill and said he would give it to anyone in the assembly who remembered the date of their baptism. He looked around for a few moments – no hands upraised. Finally, I held up my hand. "February 14, 1966," I said. Deacon Ted glared at me, to which I replied, "It's easy to remember it when you're baptized on Valentine's Day by Father Valentine!" And yes, in case you are wondering, I gladly accepted Deacon Ted's dollar.
T.Gennera
Deacon Ted was banking on the reality washed away in baptism. As one person that for so many of us who were born and put it just a few years ago, "I left a lot of raised as Catholics, the date of our bapstuff behind in that font!" tism is a somewhat misty date, unless we Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017, is a day that I actually research it. That's because for the will remember for the rest of my life. Beth vast majority of Catholics, we are baptized Wildern, the sixth grade teacher at St. Mary as infants, so our awareness of the actual School in Charlotte, where I am currently date is not very strong. Usually the only pastor, was baptized. Surrounded by her way we discover our baptismal anniversary family, friends and the entire school commudate is by requesting a copy of our baptisnity, Beth was freed from the stain of original mal certificate, normally as part of sin, anointed and welcomed into preparation for marriage, or, as in the Body of Christ, the Church. my case, as part of the process of Beth's journey to baptism is memapplying to seminary. orable and unique. You can learn The deeper point which Deacon more about her journey of faith Ted made through his homily in this month's issue. I'm sure that FATHER that weekend is that all of us, no Beth will remember and celebrate DWIGHT EZOP matter when we were baptized, Sept. 21 for the rest of her life. is the editor of should know and celebrate the I have always been thankful for FAITH Magazine anniversary of our baptismal Deacon Ted's encouragement to and pastor of date because on that day, our know and celebrate the date of St. Mary Parish, lives changed in a profound and our baptism. If you don't know Charlotte and beautiful way. On that day, the yours, talk to your parents or St. Ann Church, stain of original sin was washed Godparents, or contact the parish Bellevue away and we became members of in which you were baptized. Once Email: editor@ the Church, the Body of Christ. In you know the date, promise to FAITHpub.com. the presence of parents, Godparmake that day special in some ents, family and friends, we were way each year. Perhaps attending washed and anointed, and our ears and daily Mass that day, or engaging in some mouths were ritually unsealed to hear and sort of annual service project might be proclaim the Good News. good ideas. Get in touch with your parents I am reminded of this each time I celor Godparents and thank them – or pray in ebrate the baptism of another – infant, thanksgiving for them, if they have jourchild or adult. Yet I find that the baptism neyed home to God. of adults is, for me, one of the most pro Baptism is the gateway to the rest of the foundly moving priestly experiences that I sacraments. It is both a sacred, life-changknow. Again and again, I have been told by ing experience, and it is an open door to those who have been baptized as adults even deeper life with God. Celebrate it! that they literally felt their old selves being And so, our journey in FAITH continues. 4
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
YE A R OF
PR AY E R Forming Missionary Disciples LENTEN PILGRIMAGE This Lent, consider making a pilgrimage as a way of preparing for Easter. St. Joseph's Shrine in Brooklyn, for example, offers an unusual and picturesque setting for reflecting on the passion and death of Jesus. On Iron Lake, just south of Brooklyn on US 12, pilgrims can meditate on the Stations of the Cross depicted in mosaic tile as they walk along the gently rolling hills.
Lord, you have asked us to seek where you may be found. As I make this Lenten pilgrimage (either physically or spiritually), please be my companion, my guide and my strength. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on your son, Jesus, my ears open to his word, and my heart receptive to his grace. In Christ's name, Amen.
FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG TO FIND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THE YEAR OF PRAYER
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
INS IDE
FROM THE BISHOP:
The Blessed Mother points us to Jesus DISCERNING GOD’S WILL:
Priesthood or marriage? + Jacob trusts in discernment process + Tyler is in his first year of seminary
Gordon Terwilliger, our cover story from May 2017, died on Jan. 1, 2019. Everyone at FAITH extends their condolences to Gordon’s family and friends. SPECIAL REPORT:
Our Lady of Fatima 100 years of grace
INSIDE March 2019
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COVER STORY BETH’S RETIREMENT JOB AT A CATHOLIC SCHOOL LED TO HER CONVERSION P. 16
YOUR LIFE
YOUR FAITH
6 marriage matters
He says: ‘She wants a divorce, I had no idea.’ She says: ‘Of course he didn’t know, he’s oblivious.’ What do they do?
7 parenting journey How to help your child forgive
work life What are some tips for building trust in the workplace? 6
8 grow
This Lent, keep your focus on Jesus
9 go
As a church musician, Dominic is constantly ‘inviting others into prayer’
YOUR STORIES
20 our story Praying as a couple, Joe and Sherry are trying to ‘help each other get to heaven’
14 theology 101 Encountering Jesus in baptism
SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS
22 special report Black history in the Diocese of Lansing
10 in the know with Father Joe Why can’t non-Catholics receive Communion?
FOLLOW FAITHMAG
PLUS
12 culture ‘ A righteous man’ And the patron of so many things …
30 Church in the world 5
YOUR LIFE
MARRIAGE MATTERS
STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON
hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.
HE SAYS:
She wants a divorce, I had no idea Out of the blue, Rachelle says she’s seriously thinking about a divorce – I didn't even know there was a problem.
SHE SAYS:
Of course he didn't know, he's oblivious That’s actually a huge part of our problem right there – James is just so clueless and unconcerned about my feelings.
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James can at least be grateful that he first WHAT DO encountered the word THEY DO? “divorce” directly from Rachelle, and not via service of legal papers. Many stunned spouses are not so lucky. Still, the fact that he didn’t see this coming speaks volumes of sadness. Whether he is a poor communicator, or he is not meeting her emotional needs (or some combination of the two), it will help to review both the commitments they made at their marriage, and the reasonable hopes – versus expectations – that flow from those commitments. The trigger line in a Catholic wedding liturgy – what creates the marital bond – is the mutual commitment to take the full, mixed bag of a fellow sinner. While there is also a corresponding mutual commitment to fully, exclusively and irrevocably give one’s self, the spoken words of binding consent are limited to the “I take you…” half. And they include a sobering litany of “for worsts” that accompany all the “for betters.”
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Now since, as the saying goes, an expectation is a pre-meditated resentment, the safest way to begin a marriage is to hope for “the betters,” expect “the worsts,” and never get the two mixed up. In other words, Rachelle, while you might hope James will meet all your emotional needs, that might be more than he would ever be capable of. In most healthy marriages, we need to rely on family and friends for a full spectrum of emotional support. That said, James, you might need to do some major work on both the “take” and the “give” parts of your marital commitment. Rachelle has a basic human need to be fully listened to, that is, to be taken in. This might be extremely difficult for you. But that’s no excuse for doing nothing. Recommit yourself to give all you can to learn and to be healed. An important step is to consider attending a Retrouvaille weekend retreat and/or seeing a marriage therapist together. Your marriage is worth saving, and that means it’s worth working for. And pray. God is a guarantor backing your marriage and he wants to help save it. But you have to ask.
How to help your child forgive Sometimes, amidst all the bad news headlines, we read a story of luminous forgiveness. One example is Jennifer ThompsonCannino’s story of rape and forgiveness, told in the book, Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption. It’s well worth the read. But for most of us, and our children, forgiveness won’t be as dramatic. For the everyday hurts and wounds our children experience, how can we help them learn to forgive?
T. GENNARA
YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY
DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL
is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.
Check out books from your local library. There are age-appropriate books that can stimulate discussions of forgiveness. Address how the characters respond, guiding your children toward healthy reactions. Explore attributions about others’ behavior. Psychologists talk about the “fundamental attribution error”: When “I” behave in a negative way that hurts others, it is because of the situation, but when “You” behave in a negative way, it is because of a bad disposition! Help your child explore various ways to interpret the behavior of others. Don’t minimize your child’s pain. Emotional pain is powerful, and forgiveness when one has been seriously
YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE
What are some tips for building trust in the workplace? Here are five precepts, with five "therefores":
1
Trust should be intelligent. One who trusts others too quickly is lightminded. (Sir 19:4) Trust should not be naïve or stupid, but bestowed based on proof of trustworthiness. Trust is an earned thing. Therefore, observe and appreciate the qualities in your colleagues that show their trustworthiness.
2
Nurture a strong prayer life in your children. Help your children bring their concerns to our loving Creator. Empathy and compassion toward others help children learn to forgive. Pope Francis, in his Sunday Angelus on Sept. 15, 2013, suggested the following: “Everyone in silence think of someone with whom things aren’t going well: someone we are angry at, someone we don’t wish well. Think of this person, and in silence in this moment let’s pray for this person and become merciful towards this person.”
Spend time with them. Find out what makes them tick – what they love and value; what is important and meaningful to them; what person has significantly affected their lives, etc. Team-building exercises are effective because they help people get in touch with one another.
and violations take place. Don’t just wait till it happens. Anticipation plus awareness boosts prevention. Therefore, have an honest discussion about specific, potential roadblocks to trust. List them. Then be on the lookout for them.
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5
Trust should be defined. It’s essential to make explicit the values that guide the workplace. No ethics = no trust. Good ethics = trust. What are the ethical principles that you propose, decide on and commit to? Therefore, go through a joint exercise of brainstorming and declaring your ethical guidelines. For instance: We do not gossip about another colleague. If we have a concern about a colleague, we go directly to him.
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Mistrust should be uncovered. It’s silly to assume that suspicions don’t exist or won’t arise. Even in the best of relationships, disagreements
Trust should be declared. The Spitzer Center takes work teams through five explicit commitments for increased trust. Number Five is: “I trust you until you give me ample reason to do otherwise, and I will cut you plenty of slack because I realize that, like me, you are not perfect.” Therefore, starting with the leadership team, express this commitment to one another.
T. GENNARA
Trust should be time-tested. When you gain a friend, gain him through testing, and do not trust him hastily. (Sir 6:7). Just as trust is at the heart of friendship, it also takes time and testing. Therefore, get to know your colleagues.
wronged is a process. It is like peeling through the many layers of an onion. Friendships may never be restored, but forgiveness can diminish the anger that your child feels.
JIM BERLUCCHI is the executive director of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership.
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YOUR FAITH Mass today, wasn’t that good of me, doesn’t that count for extra?” It was almost like a giant score card, and Lent was the bonus round. Now, I realize it’s about me watching him. It sure takes a lot of the pressure off! My biggest Lenten task is to do the things that help me fix my gaze on him. If I’m looking to him and I know he’s looking at me, that influences my choices and attitudes; that helps me grow in holiness.
GROW
as a disciple of Jesus
PRAY: Take some time to pray about your Lenten journey. Ask the Father to show you the things you should “give up” and not “pick back up” – things that will help you look at Jesus the way he looks at you.
This Lent, keep your focus on Jesus … and your Father who sees …
L
(Mt 6:6)
ENT IS ALMOST UPON US. Welcome to that time of year when we set out with all our hearts to
grow in holiness. For me, it’s easy to look at the road to holiness and feel a little overwhelmed because I get so off track. It’s easy for me to look at Lent as a time to “bear down” and try to do some really hard stuff. My intentions are good, but these words from the Ash Wednesday Gospel hit my heart. Most years I set out to do some crazy long list of stuff in order to “make up” for all my shortcomings the rest of the year. Lent certainly has a penitential feel and purpose, but it’s not a time to lock ourselves in a personal dungeon and be crabby and miserable for six weeks.
SHERI WOHLFERT
is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries. Sheri blogs at www.joyfulwords.org
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
I think I wanted to do hard stuff so Jesus would see me and notice all the sacrifice and love and suffering. The Father sees … he sees all the time, and he sees us with such love and mercy. It makes me think of a chubbycheeked baby and how I just want to kiss their cheeks when I see one! I believe the Father looks at us that way every … single … time! He’s always looking, he doesn’t miss a thing, so that realization changed the way I think about Lent. The point is not to get the Father’s attention; not to get him to look at me and the hard stuff I’m doing. The point is to get me to look at him! What we “give up” this Lent should be something we don’t pick back up! We need to give up those things that take our focus off him so if they are coming between us now, they will probably come between us later, so why not ditch ‘em? If you’ve ever taken children to the pool, you know how many times they can say “Hey, watch this” in a 30-minute span. That was the way I did Lent; “Hey Jesus, look at me I’m not eating chocolate,” or “Hey Jesus, did you see that I went to an extra daily
STUDY: Make a commitment to read a book about our Catholic faith this Lent. It could be a book about the Mass, such as A Biblical Walk through the Mass, by Edward Sri. It could be about discipleship, such as Walk in Her Sandals, by Kelly Wahlquist, or The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity, by Matthew Kelly. Just pick up a book and draw closer. ENGAGE: Join your parish family and participate in Lenten devotions such as the Stations of the Cross, the rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, or make a commitment to attend an extra Mass each week. In the true spirit of Lent, invite someone to join you. SERVE: Take a look at the “things” that fill your home. Are there things you can offer to those in need? Consider giving up some of the clothes, shoes, toys and things that fill your home. The sacrifice of parting with some of your “extra” could be a great blessing to someone in great need. Consider offering your daily coffee or weekly pizza night money to a shelter or agency that serves those in need.
GO
evangelize
As a church musician, Dominic is constantly ‘INVITING OTHERS INTO PRAYER’ PRAYER: I believe it is important to begin every day with prayer. In order to evangelize others, I first need to take care of my own spiritual life. Personally, I use spontaneous prayer that comes directly from the heart. I start by simply talking to God about whatever is on my mind. This helps me form a very personal relationship with the Lord, and opens the channels of communication both ways, so God can speak to me in a personal way as well. Other prayers that I pray daily include the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Litany of Trust, and the St. Michael Prayer. INVITATION: Being a church musician, I am constantly inviting others into prayer. Every time I play a hymn at Mass, I invite all to participate in singing. Before each Mass, the choir and I pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit through our music, and that it may touch the hearts of the congregation, drawing them closer to God. Then, we play our music to the best of our ability and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. WITNESS: It is a goal of mine to always be a living example of the faith. By establishing a personal relationship with God through daily prayer, it makes being a joyful witness easy! I like to evangelize through example, where other people can see God at work in my life, and the effects that go with it.
ACCOMPANIMENT: Faith is a lifelong journey, and it is important to have people you can rely on to be there along the way. I always try to be there for others in their faith life, just as many people have been there for mine.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
Dominic. Kryst is a. senior organ. performance. major at. Eastern. Michigan University,. as well as. director of. music. ministry. and organist. at St. John. the Evangelist. .in Jackson..
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YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
Why can't non-Catholics RECEIVE COMMUNION? Q
DEAR FATHER JOE: Why can’t my non-Catholic friends/relatives receive Communion when they join me at Mass? Their churches allow everyone to receive – why don’t we?
A
T. Gennara
This is such an important question and one I think I can help with. I want to begin this explanation with an image for you. On my desk is an old salt shaker with FATHER a little bit of dirt in it. It’s been on my JOE KRUPP desk since late 1999. It’s very special to is a former me, but you would never look at it and comedy writer see anything special: there are millions who is now a of salt shakers out there and this one is Catholic priest. not particularly pretty. To top it all off, @Joeinblack it’s clearly got dirt in it. When people see it, they don’t know anything about it except what they see and as a result, well-intentioned people have thrown it out twice and both times I got in a Dumpster to get it out. Why would I get it out? Because that salt shaker is from the Old Tiger Stadium in Detroit and the dirt inside of it is from home plate. I love the Tigers, and my affection for baseball borders on idolatry at times. In 1999, when the last game there was played, people were allowed out on the field and I got dirt from home plate, put it in the salt shaker, and it’s gone with me to every parish assignment since. I went to my first Tiger game at the old stadium. I saw Aurelio Lopez and Willie Hernandez pitch, Lou Whitaker hit a home run and Allen Trammell hit one on the very next pitch, all standing next to my dad. I have wonderful memories there. Most people see an old, ugly salt shaker with dirt in it and treat it accordingly. I see something that is more than that. Now, when we Catholics gather for Mass, the whole thing culminates in the moment when we enter the Last Supper with Jesus. At that moment, we are not re-creating or reenacting the Last Supper – we believe we are actually there, present with Jesus and his disciples as he transforms bread into his very flesh and wine into his very blood. It is an astounding mystery, a mystery of love, a mystery of vulnerability – it is a perfect example of our God making 10
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
himself tiny and breakable so that he can enter our tiny and breakable bodies. This understanding of the Eucharist was shared for more than 1,400 years by a vast majority of Christian believers. Then, about 500 years ago, the Protestant Reformation resulted in a fracturing of Christianity, and now a number of Christians believe that the Eucharist is something merely symbolic. As such, they do not at all hold it in reverence and awe like we do. So, what is the result? At many funerals and weddings or Masses where I know non-Catholics are present, we’ll make an announcement and/or put something in a handout that gently reminds people that receiving the Eucharist is for Catholics in a state of grace. Still, some well-intentioned people will step forward to receive. Now, I have no way of knowing who is Catholic and who isn’t, and the following things occur: •P eople come up chewing gum, giggling and being inappropriate in the line. • People receive the Eucharist from me and take it back to their pew, leaving it there or dropping it on the floor – all sorts of things. They are, for the most part, not at all trying to be disrespectful, but they just see a piece of bread. You and I look and see God made present. We feel awe and wonder; we act and move with reverence and devotion. It is utterly heartbreaking to walk through a church after Mass to make sure I find all the hosts left there. There are many reasons non-Catholics can’t receive Communion, but as I have moved through life and talked to my Protestant borthers and sisters, I’ve learned the explanation I just gave is the primary difference, and it makes sense to both Catholics and Protestants alike, and so I share it with you. I’d like to close with a story that Dr. Peter Kreeft shared in Crisis Magazine. In it, Dr. Kreeft talks about his friend, John, who brought a Muslim man, ‘Isa, with him to Mass. After explaining to the man what Catholics believe about the Eucharist, the conversation went like this: John: “I think I know what you mean. You can’t empathize with anyone who believes something so shocking. You don’t see how you could ever get down on your knees before that altar.” ‘Isa: “No, I don’t see how I could ever get up. If I believed that thing that looks like a little round piece of bread was really Allah Himself, I think I would just faint. I would fall at His feet like a dead man.” May we embrace the awe and wonder of so loving, so powerful and so vulnerable a God. Enjoy another day in God’s presence.
HOW DO YOU ENCOUNTER
CHRIST IN THE SACRAMENTS? ENTRIES DUE: APRIL 8
Talk to your English or theology teacher, your parish youth minister or director of religious education for more information. For official submission guidelines, go to WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG
‘ ‘A RIGHTEOUS MAN’ AND THE PATRON OF SO MANY THINGS …
“Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families.” - St. John Paul II
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA
YOUR FAITH CULTURE
MY DAD HAS A PASSION FOR WOODWORKING, and keeps a meticulously organized workshop full of tools like no other I’ve seen. On the wall, amongst the arranged chisels, router bits and clamps, sits a shelf with a statue of St. Joseph holding a carpenter’s square. As a man of faith, it is only fitting he would have this very statue on guard, since St. Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters, craftspeople and workers.
T. Gennara
But as St. John Paul II said, St. Joseph was more than “a just man and tireless worker.” He was the “upright guardian of those entrusted to his care.” His greatest strength was demonstrated when he was entrusted with the most incredible task of caring for MICHELLE and protecting Mary, after learning that the child she DIFRANCO was carrying was not his. He was faithful even before is a designer and an angel appeared to him in a dream revealing that the busy mom of “what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” (Mt three children. 1:20) And he continued to be trusting and obedient to God’s commands in caring for Mary and Jesus. Of the little knowledge we have about the life of Joseph, Scripture has stated the aforementioned and importantly states that he was “a righteous man.” (Mt 1:19) He lived a life both ordinary and extraordinary, and is the patron saint of much in this world. As Saint Thomas Aquinas said, “Some Saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking.” Indeed this holy man has been nominated the patron saint of many, many things; of fathers, families, workers, the universal Church, and the patron of many cities, regions and countries. March 19 is designated to St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary, and May 1 to St. Joseph the Worker. The former is most recognized, and in Sicilian culture, celebrated as a major holiday. Many recipes from that area of Italy are specific to the feast day, and they often include bread crumbs, since they represent a carpenter’s sawdust. They also often include fish, since the day falls within the Lenten period. One such dish is St. Joseph’s Day pasta, which is spaghetti with anchovies and breadcrumbs. Personally, I’m not a fan of anchovies on a pizza, but I can assure you, when incorporated into a sauce, the results are delicious! I will forever remember and cherish the statue of St. Joseph in my dad’s woodshop. And like this recipe, which lends the symbol of “sawdust” to commemorate the work of a carpenter, I will always feel a sense of reverence for the woodworking my dad loves so much. This March 19, I look forward to preparing my own version of this dish for my family. And, as my dad did in his craft, ask this patron saint of so many things to lend his presence to the work of my hands.
ST. JOSEPH’S DAY PASTA • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 pound spaghetti 2-3 tablespoons butter 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 4-5 tablespoons olive oil 4-5 anchovy filets 1 medium onion (chopped) 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or less if preferred) 4 cloves garlic (minced) ¼ cup white wine 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 14.5 oz. cans of diced tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste Grated parmesan cheese Chopped basil for garnish (optional)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and stir to separate. Cook according to package directions or until al dente. While pasta is cooking, heat butter in large sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs. Using a spatula, constantly stir until they are completely coated and light golden brown. Transfer breadcrumbs to a bowl and set aside. In the same pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Throw in the anchovies and stir until dissolved. Add the onion and red pepper flakes and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until onions are mostly translucent. Add garlic and stir. Add white wine, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (and salt and pepper to taste) and cook until sauce slightly thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Add the drained pasta to the sauté pan and toss to coat. Add the toasted breadcrumbs, grated parmesan and chopped basil on top of each serving. 13
The Baptism of Christ, by Annibale Carracci
ENCOUNTERING JESUS IN
BAPTISM Pope Benedict XVI once said, “... the faith is not a theory, a philosophy, or idea; it is an encounter. An encounter with Jesus.” It is this encounter with Jesus in the sacraments that
S. OLSON
is the focus of this year’s Theology 101.
DOUG CULP
is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
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An authentic encounter with Christ presupposes faith in him first. The sacraments of the Church presuppose faith, even as they also nourish it. This faith, of course, is grounded in the authority of Christ. It is a faith that is only possible with the community of believers that is the Church, as it is “only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe.” (CCC 1253)
THE SACRAMENT OF FAITH This reality is perhaps most apparent in the sacrament of baptism. A catechumen (a person of at least seven years of age who is asking for baptism) or a godparent (a person who actually speaks for an infant or small child asking for baptism) is asked during the celebration of the sacrament: “What do
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
you ask of God’s Church?” The proper response to this question is simply: “Faith!” But let’s remember that the faith required for baptism is not perfect and mature. On the contrary, it is only a beginning of a life of faith that is then called to develop. The preparation for baptism seeks only to lead us to the threshold of new life. And, yes, baptism is the source of this new life in Christ “from which the entire Christian life springs forth.” However, as the catechism states, “for all the baptized, children or adults, faith must grow after Baptism.” Still, in this initial act of faith, the path is cleared for us to have an encounter with Christ through the sacrament.
TWO KEYS TO ENCOUNTER
An encounter with another person is diminished by division. Whether the walls are real or constructed by presuppositions, prejudices, or hurtful words and actions, those walls prevent us from “seeing” the other and, therefore, encountering them. In our relationship with Christ, sin has the same effect. Through baptism, however, all sins and all punishment for sins are forgiven. The waters of baptism wash away all that separates us from communion with Christ and, therefore, the Holy Trinity. We are then made into an altogether “new creature,” who is capable of believing in, hoping in and loving God, acting under the promptings of the Holy Spirit and growing in goodness. Baptism then breaks down the walls of separation that sin has constructed and makes an encounter with Christ possible. In fact, baptism goes so far as to make us an adopted daughter or son of God, a “partaker of the divine nature,” a co-heir with Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. Another key to encountering the other is to be where the other is. If we want to encounter someone, our chances are greatly enhanced if we seek out those places where the person is often to be found. The same would seem to hold true for the encounter with Christ. By incorporating us into the body of Christ, the sacrament of baptism greatly increases the number of our opportunities to encounter him. For Christ is present in his Church:
YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101
TIMELINE: Top 10 baptism events Before Christ
Jewish Purification 1 The Jews practiced various ablutions for the sake of purification and the initiation of proselytes. John the Baptist 2 John the Baptist preached repentance and practiced ritual “washings” in the River Jordan. Jesus Was Baptized 3 All four Gospels record that Jesus was baptized in the River
During Christ
Jordan. At Jesus’ baptism, the heavens opened up, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice said, “You are my beloved Son; on You my favor rests” (Mk 1: 9-11). Disciples Baptize 4 Jesus baptized (John 3: 22) and he authorized his disciples to
Early Church
baptize, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19)
c100 The Didache 5 The Didache records that one should be instructed, fast,
in his word; in prayer; in the poor, the sick and the imprisoned; in the sacrifice of the Mass; in the person of the minister; and in all his sacraments.
3rd - 7th Century
Middle Ages
Modern Times
and then be baptized in “cold running water,” if possible. 150 Justin Martyr 6 Justin Martyr wrote that an inquirer be “taught in prayer and fasting” before being baptized in water and led to the banquet table. 100-600 Initiation Practices 7 Clear initiatory practices began to emerge – they included baptism, anointing and Eucharist.
600 Sacramental Practices Separate 8 The sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist began to be separated due to the unavailability of the bishop, the high infant mortality rate, and a new emphasis on original sin. Emphasis on Sin 9 During the Middle Ages, the understanding of baptism as entrance into a community was
less emphasized than salvation from original sin and the damnation that went with it. 2nd Vatican Council 10 The Church rightly refocused our attention on the redemptive acts of Jesus and developed rites for child and adult baptism.
In the same way, the sacrament of baptism invites us into the “shoes” of Christ; into an intimate communion and encounter with him. Jesus began his public life with his baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. He did this not because he WALK A MILE needed to be cleansed from sin, but to “fulfill all righteousness.” (Mt 3:15) At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy The admonition to walk a mile in another’s shoes Spirit descended on him as a prelude of the new before judging or criticizing expresses another key creation (just as it had hovered over the waters of to encounter. Walking a mile in another’s shoes the first creation), and the Father revealed Jesus allows us to get into the mind of another – to gain as his “beloved Son.” Through our baptism, we insight to the other’s experiences, challenges, participate in the baptism of Christ. As in the case of perspectives; and to see through his or her eyes. It Jesus, the Spirit descends upon us making us a new is a type of encounter that can be powerful because creation, and the Father reveals us to be his beloved it is an intimate encounter through communion with adopted sons and daughters. and participation in the experience, mind, love and What’s more, our baptism allows us to participate thought of another. in the public life of Christ through our corporal and spiritual works of mercy as members of his body, the Church. Baptism also enables us to participate in the mission he gave to his Church: “Go “The ordinary ministers of baptism are the bishop and priest and, in therefore and make disciples the Latin Church, also the deacon. However, in case of necessity, anyone, of all nations, baptizing them in even a non-baptized person, with the required intention, can baptize, by the name of the Father and of using the Trinitarian baptismal formula. The intention required is to will to the Son and of the Holy Spirit, do what the Church does when she baptizes. The Church finds the teaching them to observe all reason for this possibility in the universal saving will of God and the that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20) necessity of Baptism for salvation.” (CCC 1256)
DID YOU KNOW…
WHY IS OIL USED AT A BAPTISM? After a person is baptized with water, he or she is anointed with sacred chrism, a perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop. The anointing with oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized, who has now been incorporated into Christ, who is anointed priest, prophet, and king. (CCC 1241)
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YOUR STORIES
A
VETERAN TEACHER with nearly three decades in the classroom, Beth Wildern is still learning.
Her sixth-grade classroom at St. Mary School in Charlotte is decorated with math posters, signs announcing the virtue and saint of the month, and, above her desk, a reminder that “Happiness Is a Personal Relationship with God!” “I do love teaching math,” Beth says, adding that she struggled with it as a child and especially feels for students who balk at the subject. Beth came to St. Mary’s four years ago after 25 years in the Charlotte Public Schools system. The daughter of an educator, Beth loved teaching in her hometown, but felt her time in public schools was at its end. Beth was unsure of her next step, and then a position opened when St. Mary expanded from K-5 to K-8, and the principal found herself in need of a sixth-grade teacher. Beth happily took it. But there was a catch: she wasn’t Catholic.
Beth’s retirement job at a CATHOLIC BY ELIZABETH HANSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING
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COVER STORY
On Sept. 21, 2017, Beth received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at an all-school Mass.
C SCHOOL led to her CONVERSION
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HAT FOLLOWED WAS NOT only Beth’s first experience teaching in a Catholic school, but her first immersion in Catholicism in general. And it was immersion: Beth recalls that the majority of her students that year came from practicing Catholic families; between their exuberant faith and the rhythm of regular morning prayer and school Masses, her curiosity was piqued, and the teacher found herself a student. By her third fall at St. Mary, Beth entered the Catholic Church, embracing the faith that won her over through the simple witness of children. “That first year was so special,” she says. “It was like they just took my hand, and someone was always volunteering to be a buddy and sit next to me at Mass, show me how to do things.” Beth was struck by how easily her students spoke about and lived their faith, whether through classroom discussions or their quick impulse to show kindness to each other. They were unabashed in explaining Catholic traditions, such as Beth’s first Lent, and she was moved to see how tangibly the school’s focus on
Between their exuberant faith and the rhythm of regular morning prayer and school Masses, her curiosity was piqued, and the teacher found herself a student.”
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virtues took root among her students. “As their teacher, it just amazes me what having that love does to a person,” she says. Beth’s faith background was known from the beginning of her interview process (an interesting experience in itself, as Beth’s daughter-in-law, Mandy Wildern, is the St. Mary School principal, and could not be involved in the formal interview process). Despite not being Catholic, however, Beth’s teaching experience and long-standing presence in the Charlotte community, where she and her husband raised their four sons, spoke for themselves, and she felt welcomed. Beth remembers Father David Rosenberg, thenpastor at St. Mary, giving her some early advice: “Don’t let the fact that you’re teaching at a Catholic school be the reason you become Catholic.” “He didn’t say that to put anything in my head,” Beth says, but his words were “so powerful to me,” and put her at ease. As a child growing up in Charlotte, Beth had attended what she describes as “a little country Bible church.” She and her five siblings would come for Sunday morning and evening services, Wednesday night prayer meetings and youth group – at the least. But by the time she started at St. Mary, Beth was no longer attending church regularly, though she still held on to the Christian values of her youth.
“I always believed in God,” Beth says, “I could say I accepted Jesus as my Savior, and that was my saving grace.” But she was keenly aware of “something missing.” “I needed something,” Beth says, “I needed God, I needed church.” Beth taught every sixth-grade subject except religion. For that, Brian Epkey, the parish’s director of faith formation, stepped in. At first, Beth thought she’d use the break to catch up on work, but she soon found herself listening in and participating – “a student with the other sixth graders,” she jokes. She also started attending weekly RCIA meetings, not with the intention of converting, but in order to better understand the students and families she was serving. “I knew right away I needed to learn about Catholicism,” Beth says. Looking back, though, she adds, “I’m not sure it was so much the RCIA classes, but the group of kids I had who just showed me [the faith] and loved me” that turned her heart toward actually joining the Church. Her second year was joy-filled, too, and at some school Masses, Beth found herself overwhelmed with emotion, as if the prayers and homilies were speaking directly to her heart. She continued going to RCIA. “How will I know?” she remembers asking Brian – meaning, of course, when to convert. “You will know,” was his response. At the beginning of her third year, she got a not-sosubtle nudge: “Hey, Beth,” Brian told her – “let’s make this happen.” On Sept. 21, 2017, Beth received the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist at an all-school Mass. “This school is my family,” she says; it seemed so fitting to have her students there. The rest of the day was filled with more celebration and joy – some students made her a banner, and her class made cards. “I think we just had fun,” she laughs. Beth now teaches religion – and her experience has given her a new perspective on how to approach the subject with her students. “As a teacher, I need to model, and part of modeling is sharing what I’m thinking as I read this passage, or what I heard during morning prayer,” she says. “I tend to get very personal with the kids and share my thoughts and my wonders with them … I feel like I do become part of them.” “I’m so new, I’m at the beginning,” Beth acknowledges. But she finds that phrasing her questions in terms of wondering – “I wonder why…?” – can help draw out students unsure of sharing their own thoughts, and reminds them that even teachers continue to learn. This year, she’s seen her class grow closer through their sharing.
Here, there is more meaning, because we start with God.”
Beth says, in referring to her years in the public school system: “I had a great career.” But the differences she sees in a Catholic environment continue to amaze her and transform her own life as a teacher. She treasures being able to urge her students on in virtue, to be aware of Jesus’ presence among them, and to know that “Jesus is our rock, and he always loves us.” Every morning, Beth joins the rest of the St. Mary staff in prayer, a practice that drew her in even as a non-Catholic: “Here, there is more meaning, because we start with God.” That in itself, Beth believes, is cause for wonder.
Have you ever considered teaching at a CATHOLIC SCHOOL? The mission of the schools of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing is the mission of Christ and of his Church – to educate and form young people as disciples who reach their full spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical potential. The schools are to be prayerful communities of witness, evangelization, and discipleship, where the distinctively Christian way of life is modeled, taught, and lived. In every respect the schools are to be grounded in truth and Christ who is the Truth. The Diocese of Lansing seeks teachers who wish to answer this special call of Discipleship. If you are interested in teaching in one of our Catholic Schools, please see our open positions at www.dioceseoflansing.org/ employment.
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Praying as a couple, Joe and Sherry are trying to ‘help each other get to heaven’
“Transform us. Transform our lives.” BY ELIZABETH HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
E
VERY MORNING, Joe and Sherry Dunn hold hands on their living room couch and pray these words of openness and vulnerability to God working in their lives. Taken from Matthew Kelly’s “Prayer of Transformation,” this daily ritual as a couple has indeed changed their lives – and their marriage. High school sweethearts and married for 33 years, the Dunns have not always considered themselves the type to pray with and over each other. “We didn’t think we were ‘those people,’” Sherry laughs. For the past four years, though, she and Joe have set aside about half an hour each day to read and reflect together on the day’s Gospel or other spiritual reading, pray the “Prayer of Transformation,” and share how they’ve seen moments of that transformation in their lives. “I just started seeing Jesus much more in other people,” says Joe, who runs an insurance agency in
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East Lansing, where the couple also attends St. Thomas Aquinas/St. John Church and Student Center. “We’re less likely to miss those moments, those graces,” Sherry adds, even if it’s as simple as an interaction at the grocery store. From there, they’ve found themselves having new types of conversations: How would they tithe? Where is God leading them? How is he asking them to evangelize? They’ve noticed a deeper sense of gratitude within themselves and a desire to give back, to mentor young couples – and all because they started praying together. “We’re not any more special than anyone else,” Sherry says, “but what we’re doing is trying to give God more of our time – and each other more of our time.” The “total pivotal point” was a new couples prayer series at St. Thomas, now led annually by Deacons James Kasprzak and David Zygmontowicz, usually during Lent. The weekly meetings aim to give couples a practical foundation of how to pray together. The Dunns had gotten into the habit of daily personal prayer, especially after their three children began moving out of the house. But learning to pray as a couple was new – and awkward at first. “You’re opening up,” Joe explains. “A lot of times you don’t share those deep prayers you have inside.” Both he and Sherry encourage couples who are uncertain about this new level of vulnerability to stick with it, just like any new habit. Even just a few minutes a day, or a line from the Gospel, is a worthwhile starting point, Joe says.
“Just show up,” Sherry urges. “If we can do this, anyone can.” God will honor any starting point a couple finds themselves at, she says. “If someone has a desire to improve their marriage or their faith life, they don’t have to worry about ‘how will I do this.’ Just start.” The Dunns believe so strongly in the fruits of praying together that they’ve focused their efforts What we’re on encouraging other couples to doing is do the same. They’ve gone back trying to to the couples prayer series, this time to share their story, and they give God meet with engaged couples from more of our the parish throughout the year. time – and They try to stress that there’s each other no one way for a couple to pray together: what’s important, Joe more of our says, is “whatever works best for time.” the couple.” Working with younger couples seemed a natural opportunity, Sherry says, when she and Joe began praying about how God was calling them to share their gifts. “It’s not that we have a perfect relationship,” she says, but “we have this gift of a healthy marriage. We want to give back.” They see themselves as a sounding board for the engaged couples who come to their home for
conversation, encouragement and practical advice on how to live out the sacrament of marriage. Above all, Joe says, they want them to know God’s presence in their relationship. “I hate being put on a pedestal,” Sherry says, “but we want other people to feel as blessed as we do” by the new level of openness and intimacy they’ve found through regular prayer together. She and Joe describe the sense of peace and freedom that settles on them during their morning prayer time. “Because Jesus is there with you,” Joe says, “he’s got a big open heart, and he doesn’t judge. We’re just so grateful we found this.” Sherry converted to Catholicism in their early years as a young family, and learning to pray with Joe has only deepened her awe of marriage as a sacrament. “One of our missions in life is to help each other get to heaven,” she says. “Through couple prayer time, we can do that.” The Dunns end their prayers by tracing the sign of the cross over each other in blessing. “God, continue to be in Sherry’s mind,” Joe prays, “and in her eyes to see your beauty ….” He continues, marking a cross on her lips, ears and heart, before she does the same for him. Then, with a kiss, they move on to begin their day, ready to meet Jesus wherever it may take them.
YOUR STORIES OUR STORY
CALL YOUR PARISH A NUMBER OF PARISHES AROUND THE DIOCESE OFFER A COUPLES PRAYER SERIES DURING LENT.
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SPECIAL REPORT
•F irst black professor to earn tenure at the University of Michigan • First black mayor of Ann Arbor in 1975 • Active civil servant in advocating for black rights • Helped found the forerunner to Ann Arbor's NAACP chapter, the Civic Forum, and served as local president of the NAACP • As mayor, established the Human Services Department and a Fair Rental Practices Commission, both committed to remedying housing practices that prevented black residents from moving to the city • Instrumental in establishing the Campaign for Human Development • Worked for the Archdiocese of Detroit • Catholic Charities named its Seeker of Justice award after Albert Wheeler because of his work in civil rights
FLICKR.COM/WYSTAN
BLACK HISTORY IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING
Albert H. Wheeler, mayor of Ann Arbor and UM professor
Catholic Charities refugee resettlement
Father Norman DuKette First black priest ordained in Michigan
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ISSUU.COM/FAITHMAGDOL/DOCS/FM1005 ISSUU.COM/FAITHMAGDOL/DOCS/FM0914
JIM LUNING
When the Diocese of Lansing was established in 1937, Father Norman DuKette was already ministering to black Catholics in Genesee County. Ordained in 1926, Father DuKette was the first black priest from the See of Detroit, and was sent to serve the Flint area in 1929. Father DuKette founded Christ the King parish in 1929. He celebrated the first Mass of the “Colored Catholic Mission,” as it was known at the time, at St. Joseph Hungarian Church with just three other people. This was on the feast of Christ the King. Choosing Christ the King as its patron, the congregation celebrated Mass in the homes of parishioners, and then a Methodist parsonage, until enough money was raised to purchase an old government building. About 200 families continue to gather at Christ the King to worship today. Father DuKette served the Flint community until 1970, when he retired at the age of 80. The Father DuKette Intercultural Center opened in 1977 to serve the needs of blacks in Flint, and at its opening in 1980, DuKette Catholic School was named to honor his contributions to the black community. He died in 1980 at the age of 89. Although the school closed in 2008, it was an important part of the community for almost 30 years. According to one grandparent, “parents sent their children to DuKette because of the small classes, good teachers and strong emphasis on God and values.”
St. Vincent Catholic Charities in Lansing offers Refugee Services to people from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Senegal, Somalia and Sudan, among other areas. Catholic Charities helps hundreds of refugees each year in the resettlement process by picking them up at the airport; locating safe and affordable housing; providing furniture and other household items; providing English as a second language classes; enrolling children in school; helping with employment services, etc. See the links below for FAITH magazine cover stories on refugees who were resettled in the Diocese of Lansing.
BY SUE PARKER
TIMELINE OF BLACK MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING
1926
Father Norman DuKette ordained first black priest in Michigan
1929
Father DuKette founds Christ the King parish in Flint for black Catholics
1937 1938
Diocese of Lansing is established
1942 1943 1977 1980 1986
Knights of Peter Claver Fr. Norman DuKette Council #90 founded
Genesee, Livingston and Shiawassee counties added to Diocese of Lansing
Knights of Peter Claver in Flint The Knights of Peter Claver is the largest black Catholic lay organization in the United States. Named for the Spanish saint who served Africans enslaved in Colombia and the West Indies in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was founded in Mobile, Ala. in 1909 by the Josephites. The organization had councils across the country by 1946, and currently has more than 700 units throughout the United States. In Flint, Father Norman DuKette Council #90 was established in 1942 by lay members of Christ the King parish, and the Ladies Auxiliary Father DuKette Court #90 was founded a year later in 1943. Council #90 declares the mission of the Knights of Peter Claver as its mission: “Our purpose is to render service to God and his Holy Church, render aid and assistance to the sick and disabled, and promote social and intellectual association among our members.” The Knights are dedicated to service, inspired by the work of St. Peter Claver, including promoting civic and social justice, contributing to charity, nurturing relationships within the community, youth and family, and promoting education by providing scholarships for postsecondary education. Their mission is carried out through the work of several divisions for men, women and young people. U.S. Statistics on black Catholics •T here are THREE MILLION black Catholics in the United States. •O f Roman Catholic parishes in the United States, 798 ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PREDOMINANTLY BLACK. Most of those continue to be on the East Coast and in the South. Further west of the Mississippi River, black Catholics are more likely to be immersed in multicultural parishes.
Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Father DuKette Court #90 founded DuKette Intercultural Center opens in Flint Fr. DuKette Catholic School opens
Bishop Povish establishes the first Black Catholic Diocesan Coordination Team
1987
Bishop Povish leads 10-member delegation to first National Black Catholic Congress in Washington, D.C.
• At present, there are 15 LIVING BLACK BISHOPS, eight of whom remain active.
1988
• Currently, SIX U.S. DIOCESES are headed by black bishops, including ONE ARCHDIOCESE.
1992
•T here are 250 BLACK PRIESTS, 437 DEACONS, and 75 BLACK MEN IN SEMINARY FORMATION for the priesthood in the United States.
2008 2014
•T here are 400 BLACK RELIGIOUS SISTERS and 50 RELIGIOUS BROTHERS.
2018
Diocesan Pastoral Council approves establishment of Black Catholic Ministry Office, which opened in 1990 Oliver Washington ordained as first black deacon of Diocese of Lansing Fr. DuKette Catholic School closes
Fr. DuKette Scholarship at Powers High School established by the Rachor Family Foundation Bishop Boyea announced the formation of the Diocese of Lansing Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools led by Joan Jackson Johnson. 23
100%
high school graduation rate
Tuition assistance available
$7.3 23.8 milion
average ACT score, well above the national average
Scholarships awarded for the Class of 2018
RYAN KERWIN, JTV
WITNESS THE DIFFERENCE AT DOLCATHOLICSCHOOLS.ORG
ANN ARBOR
FLINT
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YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO Feb. 8, 7 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville will have Trivia Night in the LPC sponsored by the parish youth group. Cost: $10 per person. There are cash prizes, snacks are allowed but not beverages. Beverages can be purchased there to support the youth group. For information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684. Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Patrick, Brighton, will host the 8th annual Marriage Enrichment Conference. Alan Hunt will be the keynote speaker. Bishop Boyea will celebrate Mass at 2 p.m. Registration is available online at stpatchurch.org. March 1, 4-7 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell, Knights of Columbus will have a Polish Fest Dinner at 2099 N. Hacker Rd. in Thompson Hall. For information, contact the parish office at 517.546.9154. March 2, 5:30 p.m., St. Paul Catholic School Dinner/Auction. Come enjoy an adult only Mardi Gras celebration at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1259 E. Main St., Owosso. Silent auction and dinner at 6:30 p.m., with live entertainment, music and dancing. A live auction at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $50 per person, includes
dinner and drinks. For tickets, contact the parish or school office or online at stpaulowosso.org. March 3-5, St. Mary, Chelsea will have a parish mission. Presenter is Father Michael Schmitz. A short video of him is available on the parish website at stmarychelsea.org. For information, contact the parish office at 734.475.7561. March 5, St. John the Evangelist, Davison, will host Mardi Gras with a spaghetti dinner, cannoli paczki and a jazz band in building 450. For more information, call the parish office at 810.653.2377 or parishoffice@stjohndavison.org. March 7, 14, 21 and 28 and April 4 and 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Enrich Your Marriage. Couple Prayer Series for engaged and married couples at St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing in Father Mac Hall. Presented by Deacon Jim and Karen Kasprzak, Deacon David and Ann Zygmontowicz. March 8-April 12, Fridays during Lent St. Pius X in Flint will have at 5:45 p.m. a soup supper, at 6:30 p.m. Lenten reflections and at 7 p.m. the Stations of the Cross. For information, call the parish office at 810.235.8574. March 8-April 12, 6 p.m., Fridays
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG •O n March 14, Catholic Charities will be celebrating with our St. Patrick’s Day Box Lunch Sale. Proceeds will go to support our programs. Lunches can be purchased individually or as a group and will be available at St. Joseph Oratory in Jackson. To order, visit our website at catholiccharitiesjlhc.org or call 517.262.0466. To volunteer to help make and deliver lunches, contact Mikhail Fedewa at 517.262.0466 or mfedewa@catholiccharitiesJLHC.org. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 and OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 or CCSGC.ORG •O n March 14, Catholic Charities will be celebrating in a big way with our St. Patrick’s Day Box Lunch Sale. This fundraiser is a Flint tradition, offering a delicious boxed lunch that includes a sandwich stacked high with corned beef and Swiss on rye, chips, coleslaw, pickle and a treat. More information to come on our Facebook page and website. • May 4, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and 26
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during Lent St. Therese in Lansing will have the Stations of the Cross followed by a soup supper in Father Murray Hall. All are welcome. For information, call the parish office at 517.487.3749. Mondays, beginning March 11, a six-week program “Couples Prayer” sessions in Holy Spirit, Brighton’s Activity Center: Couples who pray together stay together. Many couples sincerely want to live their vocation fully, but they don't have the tools to do so. Deacon Jerry and Ronnie Brennan are the presenters. To register, call parish at 810.231.9199, ext. 200. March 15, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, 4413 Morrish Rd., Swartz Creek, will host a euchre tournament fundraiser sponsored by its Knights of Columbus Council. For more information, call 810.635.3684. March 16, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Rita Catholic Church in Clarklake will host Find Your Greatness with speaker Jonathan Fanning from Dynamic Catholic. The event is appropriate for ages 12 and older. For tickets, call 859.980.7900 and for information, call the parish office at 517.592.5470. March 17, 2 p.m., All Faith Ministry for Disabilities and the Diocese of
Genesee Counties invites you to the “Chair-ity Event of the Season” at the Genesys Conference and Banquet Center, 805 Health Park Blvd. in Grand Blanc. Join us for dinner and a silent and live auction – bid on one of a kind collectible chairs to benefit the Center of Hope. For information or buy a ticket, call Joan Clarke at 810.232.9950 Ext. 710 or visit catholiccharitiesflint.org/chairity. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG •M arch 9, LCCC's 15th annual Salute to the Stars and Celebrity Dance Competition is at Crystal Gardens in Howell. Five dynamic teams will be competing in the dance competition. To learn more about the teams, purchase tickets or become a sponsor for the event, visit livingstoncatholiccharities.org. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG •W E C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes are scheduled: March 15, 6-9 p.m. and March 16, 9 a.m. to noon at Cristo Rey Church, 201 W. Miller Rd. in the Juan Diego Room. Cost: $75 per couple. Pre-registration with payment is required. Class size is limited. Registration form is available online at stvcc.org/services/wecare. For information, call 517.323.4734 Ext. 1726.
Lansing’s Special Needs Ministry are hosting a Special Needs Mass at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt, followed by light refreshments. Please RSVP to Cathy Blatnik by March 11 at 517.381.1410 or lcblatnik@juno.com. Everyone is welcome. March 22, 5-6:30 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua’s fourth Friday community supper at the church, 11 N. Broad St. in Hillsdale. For information, contact the parish office at 517.437.3305. March 22-23, St. Mark the Evangelist, Grand Blanc, Conference of Catholic Women’s annual fall scrapbook CROP: March 22, 6 p.m. to midnight, cost is $12 and March 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., cost is $35. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served on Saturday. Registration fee includes snacks, vendors, prizes and lots of space. To register, email Cindy Bell at cabsandkids@aol.com. March 23, 9 a.m.-noon, the Catholic Women’s Circle at Immaculate Conception Church in Milan will host a Lenten Retreat in the family center. Deacon Wayne Slomiany, the state director of vocations and evangelism for the Knights of Columbus, will speak on “We Are a Resurrection People.” A light lunch will follow. The retreat is open to all at no charge, pre-registration is required. To register, contact the parish office at 734.439.2030. April 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh’s Rosary Altar Society will have its 13th annual Mom2Mom Sale in the parish center, 506 N. Union St. On sale, gently used clothing babies to teens, toys, furniture and more. Open to the public. Admission: $2. For table rental or information, call Nance Schlanderer at 517.423.6003 or 517.281.1051. May 16-19, St. Peter, Eaton Rapids’ Ox Roast Festival includes Mexican food night, live bands, fantastic food, beverage area, raffles and much more. For information, contact the parish office at 517.663.4735 or spceatonrapidsoffice.gmail.com. May 17-19, Lansing Retrouvaille Retreat: Allow our Lord to resurrect your love and commitment by bringing new life into your
relationship. God can restore you and make you new together as a couple. For information or to register, contact Larry and Beth Bauer at 734.879.9427 or toheal4give@outlook.com. Save the date: May 22 the Millennial Church Conference will be at the Diocese of Lansing. The conference is for anyone interested in learning how to better accommodate and empower youths and young adults in our parishes. For information and to register, visit dioceseoflansing. org. For questions, contact Dawn Hausmann at 517.342-2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org.
PARISH LENTEN MEALS March 8-April 12, unless otherwise noted March 8, 29 and April 12, St. Anthony of Padua, Hillsdale’s Knights of Columbus fish dinners. For information, call the parish office at 517.437.3305. 4:30-7:15 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus will have hand-battered fish and homemade side dishes served in the Lothamer Parish Center. Carryout is available. For information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684.
RETREATS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS March 15-17, Marriage Encounter weekend is for couples newly married or married for decades. Couples will learn new communications skills and work together privately to enrich their relationship. For information, call Chris and Darla Vinton at 734.531.9191.
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FISH FRY
4-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell will serve its fish fry in Thompson Hall. For information, call the parish office at 517.546.7200. 4-7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Fenton’s Knights of Columbus will serve its fish fry in the Activity Center. For information, call the parish office at 810.629.2251. Fridays, March 9–April 12, St. Mary, Chelsea will have its fish fry at the church 14200 E. Old U.S. Hwy. 12. For information, call the parish office at 734.475.7561 4-7 p.m., St. Mary, Pinckney Men’s Club will have its annual fish dinners with baked or beer-battered fried fish; choice of French fries, scalloped or baked potato; vegetables, coleslaw, mac’ n cheese and more. Cost: $10 adult, $9 senior, $5 for children under age 12 and $35 for immediate family only plan. Credit cards accepted and takeout available. For information, contact the parish office 734.878.3161. 5-7 p.m., Knights of Columbus fish fry in the
Fellowship Hall at St. Michael Parish, Grand Ledge. Cost: $10 adult, $8 senior 65+, $6 children ages 6-12 and under free. Family rate is $35. Take out is available. For information, contact the parish office at 517.627.8493. 4:30-7 p.m., 41st annual Lenten fish fry at Old St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor, includes: Fried Alaskan Pollack, choice of potato or mac ‘n cheese, salad bar and beverage. Desert is extra. Cost: $9.50 adult, $8 senior, $6 children 6-11 and under are free. For information, call the parish office at 734.662.8141. March 8-April 19, 4:30-7:30 p.m., the Owosso Knights of Columbus will have its fish fry at their hall, 1259 E. Main St. Come and enjoy a delicious cod or shrimp dinner. For information, call the parish office at 989.723.4277 Ext. 1101. 4-7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing’s Knights of Columbus fish fry will have baked and fried fish, French fries, mac ‘n cheese and more in the school gym. Carryout is available. For information, contact the parish office at 517.351.7215. 27
LOCAL NEWS
REQUIESCAT IN PACE Father Lehr Barkenquest, OSFS, died on Jan 4. He was 83 years old. He made his first profession of vows for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales in September of 1954, and was ordained a priest in 1964. Father Lehr had a long career in Catholic education in Ohio and New York, and then became pastor of St. Rita Parish, Clarklake in 1991, where he served for 22 years. A memorial Mass was celebrated on Jan. 9 at St. Rita.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE Msgr. Vincent Howard, senior priest of the Diocese of Lansing, died on Dec. 6, 2018. He was 100 years old. Ordained in 1947, Msgr. Howard served in the Archdiocese of Detroit before transferring to the Diocese of Lansing. He then served as pastor of St. Thomas in Ann Arbor and St. Elizabeth in Tecumseh. A memorial Mass was celebrated on Dec. 14 at St. Mary Church in Chelsea.
March for Life
Hundreds of students, staff, clergy and parents from around the Diocese of Lansing traveled to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 18 to take part in the 46th Annual March for Life, marking the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, making abortion legal throughout the United States. One marcher from the diocese said, “What sets us apart is we march for those who cannot march for themselves,” and another commented, “Seeing a large group of people for one belief, made me realize we are not alone. Everyone fighting for God’s beautiful creations.” The participants joined the March for Life Rally on the National Mall, then marched up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court and U.S. Capitol Building. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKEY SMITH
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
NEW BOOK ABOUT CONSECRATED LIFE
Father Benjamin Werner died on Dec. 25, 2018. Father Ben was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Buffalo in 1964. After serving in Buffalo and Savannah, Georgia, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Lansing. Here, he was called to serve as chaplain at both the University of Michigan and Veterans Hospital in Ann Arbor, where he comforted the sick and their families for more than 25 years. Upon retirement, he relocated to the senior priest residences in DeWitt. A memorial Mass was celebrated on Dec. 29 at St. Jude Parish in DeWitt.
Eileen Jaramillo, who served as a judge in the tribunal for the Diocese of Lansing from 1997-2015 and now teaches at the University of Detroit Mercy, has published a new book Envisioning the Future of Consecrated Life: Its Beauty and Challenge During these Troubled Times. In it, Eileen addresses the challenges that are as much a part of the lives of religious as they are for others – secularism, injustice, poverty and the environment – while also highlighting the distinctive Spirit-centered charism of women and men religious as the foundation for their particular response to these challenges. She also offers insight into new religious communities that are coming into existence and the new form of consecrated life that is emerging. The book can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and your local bookstore.
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
St. John of God Feast Day: March 8 SAINT OF THE MONTH
compounded by poor
choices, Saint John of God accepted God’s immense love
Canonized: 1690
and mentally ill. His compassion
Founder: Brothers Hospitallers, dedicated to caring for the sick poor and the mentally ill.
For just as water extinguishes a fire, just so does charity blot out our sins.”
Since 2016, the Adrian Dominican sisters have worked to reduce energy usage on their 106-acre campus that houses almost 300 sisters. The congregation has invested thousands of dollars in clean energy equipment, and is now realizing savings from their investment. Energy efficiency measures include thermal storage water chillers that produce ice during off-peak, nighttime hours to distribute cool air during
espite a life full of tragedy
Did you Know?
Patron Saint of: Hospitals, nurses, the mentally ill, the dying, booksellers, printers, and firefighters
ADRIAN DOMINICAN SISTERS INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY
D
for him and chose to express his gratitude by caring for the sick inspired others to join him, and the Brothers Hospitallers was founded in 1572. The order now maintains a presence in 53 countries, operating more than 300 hospitals. Kidnapped at eight years old and abandoned far from his home in Portugal, Saint John of God spent much of his life lost, restless and seeking purpose for his life. He worked as a shepherd in Spain until the age of 22, when the glamour of the soldier’s life lured him away. He spent 18 years as a soldier, narrowly escaping death on two occasions. He eventually felt remorse for his sinful actions as a soldier, and sought ways to repent. John settled in Granada, Spain, to sell books, especially religious titles. John experienced a major religious conversion in 1537 after hearing John of Avila preach one day. John began to publicly, beat himself, pulling out his hair and throwing himself in the mud to express sorrow for his sins. Committed to a mental hospital, he welcomed the beatings that were treatment for the mentally ill at that time. John of Avila visited him in hospital and convinced him that God is more pleased by serving others than by self-abuse. John responded by taking in the mentally ill and destitute, literally carrying them to his home by day and begging for alms to feed them at night. Many were moved by John’s sincerity, and began donating food and money to support his work. Others joined him as caregivers to form the Brothers Hospitallers. John died in 1550. The story of his life demonstrates that God’s love can transform the lives of those who seek him, even when circumstances seem hopeless and our choices lead us far from him.
peak times in the summer. Energy-efficient window replacements and LED lights are also part of the strategy. According to the director of facilities, energy usage on the campus has dropped 21 percent since 2013, while electric bills are 15 to 20 percent lower each month. The efforts align with Pope Francis’ Laudato Sí encyclical in 2015, which “puts forward the idea of integral ecology, which suggests how we treat creation affects how we treat our fellow human beings,” according to the Adrian Dominican Sisters.
The Adrian Dominican Sisters’ congregation has invested tens of thousands of dollars in clean energy equipment to reduce energy usage. Photo by Michael McCluskey, courtesy of the Energy News Network. 29
SPECIAL REPORT
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The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing MARCH 2019 VOLUME 19: ISSUE 2
www.FAITHpub.com PUBLISHER
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ent job Beth’s retirem IC SCHOOL at a CATHOL NVERSION led to her CO
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Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., blesses the new ultrasound machine for the Mother of Mercy Free Clinic in Manassas.
VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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Knights of Columbus donates 1,000th ultrasound machine
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On Jan. 14, 2019, the Knights of Columbus donated its 1,000th ultrasound machine to a pro-life clinic in Manassas, Va. Beginning in 2009, the Supreme Council of the Knights vowed to pay for half the cost of ultrasound machines in clinics nationwide
when local councils paid for the other half. The Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Virginia, which opened in 2017, offers prenatal care and adoption services, and ministers to pregnant mothers in need as well as post-abortive women. During the ceremony donating the 1000th machine, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, "There’s an old proverb that whoever saves a child saves a world. No phrase could better describe this ultrasound program. We are saving worlds.”
New Congress is more than one-third Catholic
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In 2019, the 116th Congress has almost 100 new lawmakers, with Catholics making up nearly 30 percent of the congressional freshman class. Usually, there are between 30 and 50 new members of Congress. In total, there are 163 Catholics sitting in either the Senate or House of Representatives. Among new members of Congress, Catholics were the only religious group in double digits, with 29 new members.
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POPE FRANCIS’ MONTHLY PRAYER INTENTION FOR MARCH Recognition of the Right of Christian Communities
Let us look at our hands, often so empty of love, and today let us try to think of some gift we can offer freely. @Pontifex Jan. 14
That Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
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