April 2012

s p e c i a l

r e p o r t

Are Mormons Christians? b e s t

h o m i l y

If you could give only one more homily, what would you say to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people? f r o m

t h e

b i s h o p

People of faith under attack

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See Dt 15:7-8

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

Jan./Feb. 2012 • Volume 13: Issue 3

Patrick M. O’Brien

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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MARKETING MANAGER

Patrick Dally

ART DIRECTOR

Michelle Hildebrandt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEBMASTER

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT

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PROOFREADING

Carlson Productions | Tom Gennara | James Luning (cover) | Philip Shippert | Don Quillan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Patten | Chris Sushynski CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2011 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

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6 work life My coworker’s lunch stinks! 8 parenting journey I want my children to love their father even if I don’t 8 conflict resolution A family member posted a private matter on Facebook 8 marriage matters She says: “My brotherin-law is having an affair. I want to tell my sister.” He says: “We need to stay out of it!” What do they do? 10 culture Sweet mercy

12 yourfaith 12 in the know with Father Joe Why is the Church refusing to pay for birth control? 15 morality everyday ‘You have six months to live’ 16 theology 101 Creationism or evolution – which is true? 18 spiritual fitness Mercy abides in all times of strife

table of contents

D. Quillan

6 yourlife

J. Luning

contents

21 our story Bob and Phyllis Hummel make sure nobody has to miss Mass 22 cover story ‘Until they go home to be with God’ – Sister Mary and the Servants of God’s Love make life special for older adults

Liturgical calendar: Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord April 1 | St. Isidore, bishop and doctor of the Church April 4 | Holy Thursday April 5 |

T. Ludvigsen

21 yourstories

from the editors

Our elders are our treasures –

gifts from the past, gifts from God

n December 1987, I was fortunate to be able to travel to South Korea with my family. It was a wonderful trip to a beautiful country with a culture as ancient as any in the world. Our two-week stay offered us plenty of time to visit a variety of historic sites.

One of the sites we visited was a village that had been constructed to allow visitors to experience traditional Korean culture. There were

T. Gennara

Father Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude. E-mail: editor@ FAITHmag.com.

demonstrations of music and drama, woodworking and crafts, cooking and calligraphy. I was amazed at the number of very talented people who had studied, practiced and worked hard for many years in order to preserve a variety of important aspects of Korean culture. In fact, a few of the artisans in that village were among the last people in Korea who were preserving a number of dying arts. The South Korean government recognized their rare talent by designating such artisans and craftspeople – many of them elderly – as living national treasures. Such a designation not only afforded the artisans a modest living, it also gave them the opportunity to make sure their artistry would be preserved through an appren-

saint of the month

St. Julie The patron saint against illness and disease St. Julie Billart was born in 1751 in France, the sixth of seven children. She was a devout and pious child,

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

ticeship program. Since that trip to South Korea, I have been fascinated by the idea of showing one another the value of our elders by acknowledging them as the treasures that they are. It was a lesson I learned during high school through my confirmation service project. As part of that project, I worked as a volunteer at the county nursing home. During my two years there, I had opportunities to meet a number of fascinating older folks who called that place home for the last years of their lives. Many of them had little or no family in the area, and they received few visitors other than volunteers. In helping residents get to weekly Mass, summer picnics, the area strawberry festival, and a variety of other activities, I had the opportunity to get to know many of them. I loved the stories they were able to share with me and the rich life experience they had to offer. In particular, I remember Mamie, an African-American

woman who grew up in the south, the granddaughter of freed slaves. Her stories helped me to understand more clearly the civil rights movement as we studied it in history class. Down the hall from Mamie lived Bertha, who grew up on a farm near Bay City. Badly crippled by rheumatoid arthritis, Bertha spent her days confined to a wheelchair. I still remember the day she told me, “Dwight, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from arthritis, it’s that when you find it hard to walk, you need to make every step count.” For me, folks like Mamie and Bertha were treasures. Their experience and wisdom, so freely shared with me during those two years, realigned my understanding of the value and dignity that are inherent in our elders. In this issue, you will meet Sr. Mary Zielinski, SGL – a member of the Servants of God’s Love, a community of religious women based in our diocese. Sr. Mary’s community helps to run two remarkable homes for older adults in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Sr. Mary, other members of her religious community, and a cadre of volunteers, care for their guests in both Emmanuel House locations. Each guest is treated like the treasure they are – a gift from God. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

who memorized the Catechism. As an adult, she catechized children from her sick bed. Julie was paralyzed due to nervous shock after someone shot her father. She spent the next 22 years confined to bed, often praying for four or five hours per day. She founded the Sisters of Notre Dame, and the number of convents grew to 15 within 12 years. She is the patron saint against ills, and disease.

Julie knew the Catechism at a young age.

– Story and illustrations by Chris Sushynski

Good Friday of the Passion of the Lord April 6 | Holy Saturday April 7 | Easter Sunday and the Resurr

75th

Anniversar y

the

Diocese

Lansing

The oldest deacon in the Diocese of Lansing – Lou Weitzel

T. Gennara

The Diocese of Lansing celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Throughout the year, we’ll be presenting pieces of our history, thanks to our diocesan historian, Msgr. George Michalek.

hat do John Paul II, the Ku Klux Klan, a bomber pilot in the second world war, and the oldest active deacon in the diocese have in common? The answer is Lou Weitzel. Lou was born May 18, 1920 (the same year as Pope John Paul II), in Zionsville, Ind., into the only Catholic family in town, at a time when the Ku Klux Klan was strong in the Midwest. “Every Saturday night, they would burn a cross on our front lawn, and would often slip notes under the door, threatening to burn down the house,” Lou recalls. “My dad found it humorous that they had to buy the wood for the crosses at his lumber yard.”

The Sisters of Notre Dame focused on children’s salvation.

On Sunday mornings, the Weitzels travelled 17 miles to Mass in Lebanon. In 1945, his parents began a church in their living room that has grown into a parish of more than 1,300 families; the parish hall is named for his parents. Two of Lou’s brothers became Redemptorist priests, and the third a Redemptorist brother. Lou studied engineering in college, but left to be a pilot in World War II. However, he was rejected by the Army Air Corps, so went north and received his wings from the Canadian Air Force. Later, the U.S. brought back him and 800 other pilots and he was sent to England

Julie worked on equality among sisters.

as a B-24 bomber pilot. “The scariest part of each sortie was when the bomb run began,” Lou said. “We couldn’t vary our altitude or speed, so we were easier targets for the Germans. … I said more rosaries during the bomb run than a whole church could say in a half hour.” Since the average loss on missions was 8.5 percent of the planes, Lou was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for always bringing his crew of 10 through safely. On March 14, 1943, Lou married Kathleen McCarthy; the couple had three children. A month after Lou’s retirement from Ford Motor Co., his wife had a stroke. She died seven years later. “I had a decision to make,” Lou says. “I could spend my time playing golf and sitting on a bar stool, or I could become a deacon and do something fulfilling.” Lou moved to his summer home on Lake Somerset, and on Oct. 3, 1992, at age 72, was ordained by Bishop Kenneth Povish. “I wanted to be a priest,” he said, “but the bishop said I was too old. I keep living to show that I wasn’t.” Deacon Lou is the oldest active deacon in the diocese, and maybe the second oldest in the country to 97-year-old Milt Opper of Sandusky, Ohio.

In 1815, convents were spared by Napoleon’s forces in the Netherlands.

rection of the Lord April 8 | Divine Mercy Sunday April 15 | St. Anselm, bishop and doctor of the Church April 21 | St. George, martyr and St. Adalbert, bishop and martyr April 23

work life

My coworker in the next cubicle brings tuna for lunch every day. By the end of the afternoon, the smell is awful. We don’t have a lunchroom with tables, so that’s not an option. What can I tell her to do?

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

You can’t tell her to do anything. You don’t have the authority. That’s the bad news. But for Christians, every problem is a potential blessing. The workplace is an incubator for virtue. And this aggravating circumstance gives you a “virtual” opportunity to grow as a person and a professional. As with all challenges, the Lord is with you. He understands. And he wants to help you. Two virtues are needed. The first is fortitude. You will grow in courage as you take steps to solve the problem. It takes courage to raise an awkward personal issue with a coworker. Taking action in the face of some hazard, to achieve a good, is the first quality of fortitude. It’s called “attack.” And your question suggests you’re ready. Courage has a second quality – endurance. It’s harder than attack. According to St. Thomas Aquinas, enduring is the principal act of courage, and a strong activity of the soul. We tend to get discouraged and complain when disturbed. So if your attack strategy doesn’t work, you’ll need an increased dose of long-suffering to cheerfully fulfill your professional duties in an odorous atmosphere. Humility is the second needed virtue. You’re in a tough spot. Your coworker is doing nothing wrong. She has a deeply embedded tuna habit. You labor in a cubicle. Your workplace lacks a lunchroom. And you, a mere mortal, have a lowly body with

9 marriage matters

10 culture

T. Gennara

My coworker’s lunch stinks!

8 parenting journey

P. Shippert

yourlife

inside:

Jim Berlucchi is an educator, executive coach, speaker and author, Jim Berlucchi is the Executive Director of the Spitzer Center, whose mission is to build cultures of evangelization (www.spitzercenter.org). five senses, one of which is being assaulted. Consider how you can humbly raise the dilemma with your coworker. You wouldn’t presume to ask her to change her menu, but wonder if she can help you minimize the impact. Tactfully describe the afternoon after-effect on you. Remember that “a gentle tongue is a tree of life.” (Prov. 15:4) If she’s a reasonable person, she’ll want to help. However, if she’s touchy and defensive by nature, don’t bother. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you.” (Prov. 9:8) Instead, humbly appeal to your boss. Your productivity is in her best interest and she does have the authority to rectify the situation. Perhaps you could relocate or a lunch area could be designated? Ultimately, neither of these approaches may work. If the situation is truly insufferable, you may want to seek other employment. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Prov. 16:3)

St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr April 24| St. Mark, evangelist April 25

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Contact: Father John Linden, Director of seminarians

517.342.2507

www.dioceseoflansing.org/vocations

Y O U R

L I F E

parenting journey

I want my children to love their father

even if I don’t

My ex-husband and I had a terrible marriage, which ended recently. How can I help my children have a good relationship with their father even though I dislike him intensely? your children. It isn’t a matter of either one of you winning when making decisions. Instead, focus on what will lead to the most beneficial outcome for your children. Scripture tells us, “… everyone should be quick to listen but slow to speak and slow to human anger.” (James 1:19) Listen carefully to your ex-husband’s viewpoint and try to assess the consequences for your children. Follow through on your agreements. Many states now require parents to complete parenting plans that are very specific. Spelling out details before circumstances arise can help reduce tension. Exactly what time do holidays begin and end? What arrangements need to be made for important activities for the welfare of your children, such as

Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

A family member posted a private matter on Facebook We are having some problems with one of our children. Another family member posted it on Facebook – asking for prayers. I really wanted this kept private – how do I respond?

a social network without your consent. Matthew 18:15 reminds that when we feel offended we must first sit down with the one who has offended us. Discuss with your family member that the boundaries

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

conflict resolution

and content of what is considered “private” differ among individuals. Relay your desire for privacy. Acknowledge your gratitude for the good intention, but help your family member understand that the means used were not necessarily the best. You and your family may want to visit Facebook’s policy page, www.facebook.com/policy.php, and review the privacy settings together.

S. Kendrick

Facebook and other social networks were created to give people the power to share with family, friends and business associates their concerns and their feelings. In your situation, your family member posted a prayer request for your child via

church attendance and sacramental preparation? How will aspects of your children’s health be addressed? This helps provide consistency and enhances the sense of security that your children feel. Look to the future. Your future will be intertwined with that of your ex-husband for the rest of your lives. There may be teacher conferences, sports events, weddings and eventually grandchildren! Allow your children the freedom of sharing with you the good experiences they have with him. Since harboring resentment adds tension, pray for the desire to forgive your ex-husband for the behaviors that led to such intense dislike. Knowing that both of you are there for them will help your children in the ups and downs of life. T. Gennara

Once, when I was a lunchtime helper at my daughter’s grade school, her classmate asked me to read a note tucked inside her lunchbox. The note was a reminder that it was Friday and she needed to take the school bus to her dad’s house. Her mother wrote that all week Dad had been missing her and now it was his turn to be with her. Mom expressed her love and hopes for a good weekend. Despite the stress of a recent divorce, the mother had been able to convey a sense of security and well-being to her daughter. It was OK to have a good time with Dad. Your question shows a similar attitude; despite your own feelings you want the best for your children. Shift perspective. When we feel antagonistic toward someone, our first reaction isn’t cooperation. It is natural to think, “After such a terrible experience, why should I make his life easier?” But positive interactions with both parents are important for

Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a psychologist and family counselor.

St. Peter Chanel, priest and martyr April 28 | St. Pius V, pope April 30

She

says:

“ My brother-in-law is having an affair. I want to tell my sister.”

“We need to stay out of it!”

Jim says: I’m sorry that Cathy’s brother-in-law is being unfaithful. But I really don’t think it’s any of our business to spill the beans. Cathy and I are arguing about this all the time.

Cathy says: I recently found out my brother-in-law is having an affair. I think we should tell my sister – I’m worried about her health. What if she’s being exposed to STDs? Jim says no way.

What

do they do?

irst, let us make one thing clear – every married couple has a stake in all marriages. To say it is none of our business what another married couple does is wrong – when it comes to defending the sacredness of the sacrament of marriage. It does matter, and if more married couples would take an active interest in supporting marriage and taking positive action when another couple encounters an obstacle or strays, we would see a lessening of unresolved marital issues.

action to take. Ask the Holy Spirit to confer the gift of courage to both of you; to overcome the fear of taking risks and to stand up for what is right in the sight of God even if it means accepting rejection. Prayer will open Jim and Cathy to the wonders of compassion, forgiveness and the virtue of wisdom. Before addressing Cathy’s sister, we recommend that Jim first approach his brother-in-law and see if the wrong path he is taking can be rectified, help him come to his senses and maybe even help him to get back on the right path of living out his sacramental marriage covenant. Scripture tells us, “If your brother sins against you [remember we

your marriage matters all have a stake in maintaining sacramental marriages] go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.” (Matt 18:15) Approaching him alone allows Jim to gather the facts in private and ensure the facts are accurate before taking further steps. Should it be that he is indeed having an affair, Jim should attempt to persuade him to get help and to acknowledge it to his wife, Cathy’s sister. Scripture also tells us, “…be concerned for what is noble in the spirit of all ...” (Rom 12:17) Jim and Cathy should be supportive of them, not judgmental. Be there to help them to see what is at stake and to help them renew their commitment to each other. Jim and Cathy can be an example to their brother-in-law and sister as they stand united and share their belief that God’s love and forgiveness are always available to those who seek it. T. Gennara

What should be the approach for Cathy and Jim is not if they should take some type of action, but how and what actions they should take! We are bothered also by the toll this is apparently taking on Jim and Cathy’s relationship. Arguing about this situation all the time is not conducive to keeping their marriage together. If they are not careful, their own relationship will become degraded and in need of intervention. We have seen this destructive dynamic in families several times in the past – a polarization of a couple around the issues faced by their extended families. Difficult as it may be, a couple needs to be unified about the steps to be taken before becoming involved. The first course of action would be to take this to prayer, asking God and the Holy Spirit to guide you in the correct

says:

Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle help prepare couples for marriage.

Y O U R

L I F E

culture

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Sweet mercy

t was a cold and dreary April day. Easter Sunday had come and gone. I was feeling a bit sullen and resenting the winter that wouldn’t go away. Wanting a change of scenery and someone to talk to, I loaded the kids in the car and headed to my sister’s house. The drive there was anything but a change of scenery. Where was the blue sky – the green grass – and the budding trees? I glared at the slate gray sky and lifeless brown fields. And they glared back. Springtime felt so distant. “Lord have mercy,” I thought. Upon arriving, my sister happily greeted each of my kids with a very colorful, potted bouquet of what looked like truffles on a stick. “Oh great, more sugar,” I commented. I am sure I gave a half smile to acknowledge the kind gesture toward the kids. But my general attitude was sour and, in retrospect, I must have seemed rather unpleasant.

Springtime treat bouquet

T. Gennara

My family was introduced to cake pops a year ago, when “Auntie Renee” had given a bunch to my kids on that bleak April day. These ubiquitous sweet treats are fun and easy to make, and the flavor variations are endless. Below is a recipe for my kids’ favorite, chocolate chip, but you can use just about any cake mix or frosting to achieve the flavor of your liking. So round up a few simple ingredients and create away.

Michelle DiFranco is a designer and the busy mom of two children.

Now my sister could have responded with a biting comment or negative glance. But, in this case, she didn’t. She observed my morose attitude, but was merciful. She continued being the wonderful, kind and generous aunt that she is and enjoyed every minute of being with her niece and nephew. I was pleased by my children’s delight as

For this delicious project, you will need: •1 box white cake mix, prepared according to box instructions • 1 16 ounce container vanilla or buttercream frosting •1 cup mini chocolate chips •P ackage of lollipop sticks •P ackages of candy melts (in colors of choice) •S mall candies or sprinkles for decorating •P lastic foam block for drying (found in the floral section of any arts & crafts store) •S mall pot •P lastic foam ball/block (to fit into pot) •P aper grass •T reat bags and ribbon (optional) Bake cake according to box instructions and let cool. In a large bowl, crumble cake completely. Add ½ to ¾ container of frosting and chocolate chips to cake crumbs and mix thoroughly (using wooden spoon or hands). Roll cake mixture into 1 ½ inch balls and place

the sucrose colored their lips and coursed through their veins. In time, my mood was buoyed. My sister’s merciful act that day both lifted my spirits and taught me a lesson; patience, thoughtfulness, and mercy can bring a lot of happiness to the world – something our faith has taught us for two thousand years.

on a wax paper or parchment lined cookie sheet. Melt ½ of package of candy melts in microwave according to package instructions. Dip the tip of the lollipop stick in the melted candy and insert no more than halfway into cake balls. Place in freezer for 10-15 minutes to achieve firmness. They can also be placed in the fridge for a longer period of time. In microwave safe bowls, melt remaining candy. Dip

or rotate cake pops until completely coated. Tap or twist stick to remove any excess upon removing from bowl. Decorate with candy or sprinkles as you wish and place stick into plastic foam block to dry. Place small foam block or ball inside pot. Cover with colorful paper grass. If you choose, place cake pops inside treat bags and tie with a ribbon. Arrange and stick finished pops in the pot. Photography by Philip Shippert

yourfaith in the know with Father Joe

Why is the Church refusing to pay for birth control?

I’ve been hearing a lot about the Church not wanting to pay for couples who want to use birth control: What’s the deal? Aren’t we refusing to help the poor when we do this?

This is a great and timely question. Right now, one of the core issues the Church has with the Health and Human Services mandate is that it would force Catholic employers to pay for artificial birth control. Why is that an issue? Why does the Church oppose married couples using artificial birth control? This struggle may be a gift God is giving us. This teaching has been ignored by us for so long because, frankly, at first blush, it may seem strange and inconvenient. But this teaching is a beautiful part of the vast treasure that is the faith. So, I’m inviting us all to pause today and see and rise to the challenge of embracing our Catholicism in a new and stronger way. Let’s let the Holy Spirit convict and move us into a deeper understanding of marriage in all its beauty and wonder. Can we do that? Can we pray right at this moment that God will use the words here to help us? Good. Let’s get to it. We’ll start with a simple reality: In this teaching on the dan-

gers of artificial birth control, the Church showed that she had no interest in winning any popularity contest. The fact that the Church continues to teach this should point us to a powerful reality: The Church has to teach us what God gives her, even what we don’t want to hear. God’s love for us is total. It is complete. God poured out himself in love for us – he held nothing back. This is how God loves within himself: In the Trinity (which we call the central mys-

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Humanae Vitae: www.vatican.va/holy_ father/paul_vi/encyclicals/ documents/hf_pvi_enc_25071968_ humanae-vitae_en.html

Revolution of Love: www.revolution oflove.com/dads/ articles/nfp/wrong_ bc.html

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

18 s piritual fitness

T. Gennara

Dear Fr. Joe:

tery of our faith) we have three persons completely pouring themselves out into each other through love. This divine being, this Trinity, also pours itself into his bride, the Church. When Jesus declared us his bride, he did so on the altar of the cross: He completely and totally gave himself to us. He held nothing back, not even his last drop of blood or his last breath. When a two people marry in the Church, they are called to watch the ultimate groom (Jesus) and the ultimate bride (the Church) and imitate that reality. The key reality to marriage that often gets overlooked is that marriage is not about two people who found each other, it’s about God drawing two people together and helping them become one with each other as a means to become one with him. Their oneness then, and all that they sacrifice to achieve it, speaks to and heals the world around them. Marriage is not about a social contract or even exclusively about human love: It’s about God’s love for the couple in bringing them the gift

16 theology 101

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com of their spouse and God’s love for the human race in gifting the world with a couple so deeply and totally in love. The problem with artificial birth control is that it attacks that reality: Two becoming one is hampered when a barrier is placed between them at the most intimate moment of their marriage. In the marital act, a couple is imitating and worshipping the life of the Trinity – they are proclaiming their deep and abiding love for each other and their desire to be one. That kind of love is all about life. There are so many reasons the Church teaches us that artificial birth control is wrong and damaging to our human dignity – the mobi tags at left will send you directly to a couple of them. In the future, I’ll go through some of the questions/ challenges posed by this issue and, hopefully, address them in a helpful way. In the meantime, thank you for reading this with an open mind and heart. May God continue to bless us by calling us to grow in love and mutual sacrifice and commitment. Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

best homily

FAITH Magazine asked Monsignor Michael D. Murphy,

If you could give only one more homily, what would you say to God’s people?

ost of us are familiar with GPS. Turn-by-turn, these systems help us navigate the streets so that we do not stray from the correct route and get lost.

The Church also has need of a navigational system. As a pilgrim people, we are journeying toward a very specific destination: eternity and union with God. And like any traveler, if we are going to reach our destination, we need the spiritual equivalent of GPS: the Scriptures. The Scriptures enable us, as St. Paul so wisely tells us, to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who alone is the way, the truth and the life. To avert our eyes from Jesus then is to find ourselves lost, sidetracked or in a cul-de-sac going nowhere fast. This is the ultimate sadness: To have lived only to find out that we did not make it to our final destination. The choice is simple really. We can hold fast to the Scriptures, obey God’s commandments and live the Beatitudes, or we can try to do it on our own. One leads to eternal life, the other leads only to death. What complicates this choice, however, is that the road to perdi-

tion is wide and seemingly more appealing. This path promises us that we can do it “my way,” without reference to God, and still safely arrive at our destination. After all, who of us wants to submit to another’s will? How often would we rather drive around lost for hours than admit we are on a dead-end road? Conversely, the route leading to eternal life is indeed narrow. There is only one way to get there – keeping the commandments, as Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” There is no doing it our own way because salvation is from God, and on his terms. This takes faith. For example, I was once driving with my sisters and the GPS led us straight to a river, which was not shown on the route. Of course, our first reaction was that we must have missed a turn somewhere along the way. But had we turned to go another way, we most certainly would have gotten lost. Instead, we trusted the system, boarded the ferry that traversed the river and safely arrived at our destination. When we use the Church’s GPS, we must trust that the system given by Christ to his people will accurately guide us to where we want to go: paradise and union with the Lord. If we question or “disobey” the directions, we cannot blame the system if we end up lost. Likewise, we must trust that Jesus will give us all the help we need for us to safely arrive at our eternal home.

Based on an interview by Douglas Culp | Photography by Don Quillan

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morality everyday

‘You have six months to live’

hen you work in the field of patients’ rights, end-of-life medical ethics and estate planning, you sometimes hear stories about people who were given a prognosis from their doctor that they only had a certain amount of time left. They talk about the impact this news had on them, the decisions they faced, the emotional turbulence and, finally, the acceptance of their mortality. And then, you hear how, years after they were supposed to have died, they are doing fine and continue to enjoy their lives. Some of these are people just beating the odds, but some of them have been cases of mistaken diagnosis. Now, think about how the picture can change if doctor-prescribed suicide is seen as a legitimate option. Instead of vowing that you’re going to live life to its fullest until it’s your time to go, you give up and gamely take the deadly prescription. Or perhaps, instead of enjoying the time you have left and facing death with acceptance when it finally comes to you, you rail against the injustice of

fate and determine to take matters into your own hands and kill yourself. And what if the diagnosis was wrong? That’s one mistake you’ll never be able to correct. Some people, in the prime of their lives, can’t imagine what it would be like to have to live with some physical limitations or with the gradual debilitations that almost always accompany age. They, too, might be inclined

to say to themselves, “I wouldn’t want to live like that.” But the thing about human beings is that we are remarkably resilient. We adjust to changing circumstances. As we get older and (hopefully) wiser, we come to see that many of these limitations are natural. It’s a question of shifting our focus. Stories abound of people who explicitly said, “If I can no longer [fill in the blank], then life is no longer worth living, so just put me out of my misery.” And when that very situation happens, if they are still competent, they change their attitude completely and realize that life is worth living. Doctor-prescribed suicide plays into our fears and speculations about what might happen, and offers what seems like an efficient solution to an unbearable situation. But the meaning of our lives is not determined by our health or abilities. We are created in the image of God – our lives are a gift from him, and it is not for us to throw that gift back in his face. By Jason Negri

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theology 101

Creationism or evolution â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

which is true? What is the Catholic view of the two stories of creation in light of the theories of creationism, intelligent design and evolution? It would be a mistake to treat the creation stories in the Bible as science. The Hebrews did not think this way (as science is a relatively new discipline). Instead, the creation stories seek to give the meaning of life in the context of a Middle Eastern people living 3,000 years ago.

And this is the important point: Biblical texts give meaning, i.e., they have a religious function. In contrast, science gives data and descriptions of the mechanics of a thing, but it cannot give meaning. Consequently, for the believer, any theory of evolution does no more than offer an explanation of the process by which God creates, not whether God creates. Pope John Paul II, in his allo-

cution to scientists, and Pope Pius XII (Humani Generis) both seem to imply that the Catholic understanding of creation does not conflict necessarily with those theories of evolution that allow for the guidance and direction of evolutionary processes by God. With regard to the theory of intelligent design, the basic assertion is that because the world is intelligible, which is the essential presupposition for the practice of science, there must be an intelligence behind it. In other words, this theory describes how one can come to a natural knowledge of God. This is not inconsistent with the Hebrew Wisdom literatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s notion that creation is a reflection of the creator, or with the teaching of the First Vatican Council that we can come to a

Seminary professors talk Scripture Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L., is an assistant professor, Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Elizabeth Nagel, S.S.D., is a professor in the Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Catholic News Service

Vatican II

Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria (September 26, 1897 – August 6, 1978) was elected to the papacy on June Pope Paul 21, 1963, following VI opens the the death of Blessed second session Pope John XXIII. of the Second The following day he Vatican Council Sept. 29, spoke to the Col1963. Followlege of Cardinals and ing the death pledged to re-open of Pope John the Second Vatican XXIII, Pope Council, which had Paul guided the completion of closed automatically the council’s upon the death of the work, presidprevious pope. ing over three His great achievesessions and ment was steering the directing the important folCouncil to a conclulow-up work in sion despite many difareas of liturgy, ficulties arising from ecumenism, religious life and “progressive” and “conservative” tenevangelization.

dencies within the Council. Pope Paul VI promulgated the Second Vatican Council’s sixteen documents and closed it on December 8, 1965. After the Council concluded, Paul VI took charge of the interpretation and implementation of its mandates. He took the name Paul to signify a renewed worldwide mission to spread the message of Christ. He fostered improved ecumenical relations with Orthodox and Protestants, which resulted in many historic meetings and agreements. He also sought dialogue with the world, with other Christians, other religions and even atheists. He is also remembered for Humanae Vitae which provoked controversy in Western Europe and North America despite eliciting support in Eastern and Southern Europe and Latin America. It is perhaps an understatement to say that Pope Paul VI served during turbulent times: the time of his papacy included student revolts, the Vietnam War and other social upheavals. Throughout, Paul VI tried to understand these changes but also to defend the Deposit of Faith as it was entrusted to him. The diocesan process for his beatification began on May 11, 1993.

from the Genesis accounts that the authors did not intend to give. In contrast, the Catholic view recognizes that the texts in Genesis are theological documents, i.e., their purpose is to reveal something about God and the divine relationship to, and purposes for, creation. Their authors did not intend to write a history or a scientific paper. So what do the creation accounts reveal about God? Among other assertions that they make are the following: God set up

the order of the universe and found it all to be “very good”; every human being is made in God’s image and, consequently, holds an exalted position in the created order and, consequently, human beings are to be treated with more dignity and care than animals, plants, etc.; unlike plants and animals, humans are not created “according to species.” In short, Galileo’s remark that Scripture teaches us how to go to heaven and not how the heavens go sums up the Catholic view. – Professor Nagel

What pope re-opened and finally closed the Second Vatican Council?

natural knowledge of God. Of course, for Catholics, the revelation through Christ brings with it an even fuller understanding of God and God’s relationship to humanity and creation than that which comes from reason alone. – Father Schoenstene These theories try to explain creation as follows. Strict creationism presumes that the writer of the creation accounts in Genesis was writing history, understood as an objective eyewitness account, and claims that in the beginning every element of creation existed just as it is today. Creationism therefore rejects the theory of evolution that explains creation as a process of either undirected or directed natural selection. The theory of intelligent design insists that there is an intelligence of some kind behind creation, which directs its development. All three theories seek information

Catechism quiz

The Catechism teaches that freedom is “the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one’s own responsibility. By free will, one shapes one’s own life.” At the same time, we are told that human freedom, or personal autonomy, is not an absolute value, but rather limited and fallible. How can this be?

Sin. By freely sinning or refusing God’s plan of love, humanity deceived itself and became a slave to sin. Sin, therefore, forever distorts our vision and decision-making. (CCC 1739) Interview and sidebars by Doug Culp

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spiritual fitness

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Supper at Emmaus

Mercy abides in all times of strife word, he opens their frightened and disillusioned hearts and spirits and minds to the Truth that genuinely sets people free. Later, when they ask him not to leave, but to stay with them, Jesus breaks bread with them in the Eucharist and their eyes were opened and they began to realize who he was – and then, right then, when they actually recognize him, he disappears from their sight! That instruction from the word of God and that food enabled them. Right away, that night, they return to Jerusalem to pound on the door where the other disciples were hiding in fear of the authorities, and to exclaim what had happened to them on the road to Emmaus. Brothers and sisters: Look at God’s mercy! That same mercy is available to us all. Particularly, I want to speak to those of you who are carrying very heavy crosses right now and may be faltering in your faith: “Where is God? Why did he let this (whatever it is) happen?” In this Easter season, I ask you to bring your cross: your loss or betrayal or failure. Perhaps it is a cross made of poor health, economic difficulties, death of loved ones – whatever it is, I want to encourage you to bring this pain to the foot of the cross – his cross. Lay your cross down under the shadow of his cross so that you might begin, even in the midst of , to know the tremendous power of Christ’s resurrection, raising you up with new faith and new hope.

T. Gennara

want to come back to a favorite passage of mine in Scripture as we enter this great season of Easter, the feast of feasts. I want to look at the disciples on the road to Emmaus – Luke 24:13-35.

Sister Ann Shields is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. Questions can be addressed to Sister Ann Shields, Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

These two disciples of Jesus decide to leave Jerusalem; these are men who are disillusioned, angry, frightened, deeply discouraged. In a matter of days, they have moved from a hope and confidence in the Messiah to a place of crushing loss. “We thought he was the one,” they said. “We hoped he was the one to For more complete redeem Israel.” BUT: It is now the third day teaching: since this happened …” In other words, there A free booklet, “Capis no hope. It is the third day since his death. tured by Mercy” is Jesus is really dead! “This Jesus was not the available by calling one we had hoped for – he, this Jesus of 1.800.282.4789. Nazareth, is dead so he cannot be the longed A CD, “Captured by for one.” And so they do what we often do Mercy” is available for when we have endured a very painful shock. $10. Order by writThey go back, back to Emmaus, back to what ing Renewal Ministries, is familiar, back to what was part of their old Att: Jan Sauter, 230 life before they became disciples. They leave Collingwood, Suite 240, the community of believers. Ann Arbor, MI 48103. How many times in life have we experienced (Check payable to Rea similar blizzard of conflicting emotions and newal Ministries) thoughts, a sense of loss and sometimes, yes, real or seeming betrayal? We can’t think straight at all. It is no time to make major decisions, but There are two ways from this 24th Chapter of Luke that we can learn these men do what a lot of us how to “access” the faith and the hope and the love that God wants to do: “I’m out of here.” There’s impart to each of us in our particular circumstances: too much fear, too much confusion, too much loss. Read slowly Chapters 14-17 of the Gospel of John. See what Jesus tells and It is precisely when these promises his disciples – that includes you and me. men are in that frame of mind Come before the Blessed Sacrament as often as you can and read his that Jesus begins to walk word – especially Luke 24 and Psalms 8 and 51. Gratitude and repentance where along with them. They don’t needed help us to be open to God’s grace. recognize him, because they Receive the Eucharist as often as you can. God will nourish you on his body don’t expect him. He is dead, and blood and that will strengthen you to continue the journey. isn’t he? But Jesus walks The steps I am giving you are the very steps that are described in Luke 24:13-35. That along with them and, over Gospel passage is given us to show us how our Lord brought frightened and disillusioned the next while, teaches them disciples back into union with him and with one another. May this be a blessed Easter seafrom the Old Testament about son for you and may you know the new life that God wishes to give you. the Messiah; he “opens the Scriptures to them.” By the

1 2 3

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from the bishop

People of faith under attack

n February, we celebrated Presidents’ Day. One of our favorite presidents, Abraham Lincoln, reacted with outrage after an anti-Catholic riot in Louisville, Ky., in 1855. The riot had been instigated by the Know-Nothing Party, whose hostility to African Americans, immigrants and Catholics was legendary. “I am not a Know Nothing. That is certain,” declared Lincoln. How, he asked, could someone like himself, who abhorred the oppression of African Americans, turn around and favor the oppression of immigrants and Catholics?

Carlson Productions

Lincoln’s rhetoric soared as he denounced those who would reduce the national creed – all persons are created equal – to a crimped allowance of rights for certain favored groups only. “When the Know Nothings get control,” he continued, “I shall prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.” Today, we, and all people of faith, are under attack again. Our own government has been developing a pattern that marginalizes believers. They talk about “freedom of worship” (that is, be-

Bishop Earl Boyea is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing.

lievers staying in their churches), which is a very poor substitute for what our Constitution guarantees, “freedom of religion” (that is, believers fully engaged in the social life of our country). They revoked the USCCB’s grant to combat human trafficking, the best program available, because we would not refer rape victims to abortion clinics. They were on the losing side, thanks be to God, in the Supreme Court’s recent unanimous ruling in favor of religious groups hiring and firing their own religious ministers. I cannot fathom why the government chooses this time in American history to mount such an attack on First Amendment freedoms. In January, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services decided to force nearly all Catholic employers to cover contraception, abortifacients and sterilization in their health-care plans. In early February, the president announced an “accommodation” that moves us no closer to the liberty guaranteed by the Constitution. The aim, they say, is to provide women’s reproductive services. These are already available, especially through the

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

government-funded (about half a billion dollars per year) Planned Parenthood. The real aim of this policy is a fundamental re-ordering of society, in ways that deny the sanctity of life and marriage. Why has the Catholic Church been attacked in the past, and why is it being attacked today? The reason is the same across the ages: Because the Church stands for truth, even when it is inconvenient. And those who have an agenda for a more secular future find the Church to be a formidable obstacle. Many will point out that even large numbers of Catholics do not follow the Church’s teachings about abortion and birth control. This may be true. However, I would dare say that many do not follow her teachings on cheating and stealing and marital fidelity and keeping holy the Sabbath. Our sinfulness, including my own, does not create our teachings. Our teachings flow from a constant tradition originating from Christ himself. The truth does not come from common behavior or from a democratic vote. Rather, it comes from God as revealed in nature, in the Scriptures, and in the wisdom of the ages. Sometimes that truth is inconvenient; sometimes defense of that truth leads to suffering and death, as it did for Jesus. We must be ready to pay the same price. Our country was founded as a cry for religious freedom, not just in our church buildings, but so that we can be faith-filled

people where we work and play and socialize and serve others and engage in political life. And we do serve others – a lot of others – through our schools and health-care institutions and Catholic Charities. We do all this because Jesus taught us to care for the least of his brothers and sisters. All our work in the public arena is the result of our faith. This is a great country, and we have been blessed because we have been allowed to practice our religion openly and freely. The recent “accommodation” announced by the president does not respect the religious liberty and moral convictions of all those involved in the health-care process. At a minimum, this means that the mandate issued by HHS should be removed completely, and not just “accommodated.” However, can we really trust this department not to meddle with religious freedom in the future? The best route is for Congress to pass the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act and any other legislation to guarantee our constitutional freedom of religion. I ask you to contact your United States representative and urge support for the Conscience Act. I ask you to contact our two United States senators, urging them to support fully the religious liberty on which this nation was founded. I especially ask for your prayers, that the Holy Spirit will grant wisdom and courage to those engaged in this important struggle.

yourstories

ob Hummel, a former Marine and technology industry entrepreneur, sold his business in the early 1990s and retired. Shortly thereafter, he joined his wife, Phyllis, and their daughter on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. It was during this trip that Bob experienced the power of the Mass.

Bob and Phyllis Hummel make sure nobody has to miss Mass 22

22 ‘Until they go home to be with God’ – Sister Mary and the Servants of God’s Love make life special for older adults 30 Are Mormons Christians?

J. Lunning

inside

“One day while I was there, mainly because there isn’t a lot to do, I went to Mass five times,” explained Bob. “When I ask myself what the happiest day of my life was, it is that day.” Bob began attending Mass every day. But when he and Phyllis travelled to visit their daughter, they were able to find churches, but never made it on time. Bob realized that this is a problem faced by many Catholic travelers. Bob spent months collecting parish data, and worked with CARA, a Catholic research organization. After three years, he’d assembled all of the U.S. dioceses’ information on a toll-free number that has now become www.masstimes.org. Still a daily communicant and an avid proponent of eucharistic adoration, Bob says that none of his work with Mass Times would have been possible without the Holy Spirit.

By Kevin Duffy | Photography by Tim Ludvigsen

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

to Emmanuel House, they live here the rest of their life. We relate to our residents as if we’re coming into our parents’ home to help them. Our volunteers provide meals, personal care and household cleaning, and address residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs as they are able.” “We’re not a licensed facility, so we don’t provide medical care. We do advocate for our residents’ medical needs, though, and take them to doctor appointments and on errands as needed,” says Sister Mary as she sits at the dining room table, smiling at Helen Janis, one of the residents who has lived at Emmanuel House for four years. Helen speaks up: “Very seldom do I go out – doctor’s appointments mostly. Getting in and out of a car can be tough with my back. I remember twice going around the block ... ” She looks to Sister Mary. “No, you don’t go out very often, Helen. But you are quite a card shark!” Helen laughs, “Oh I like Rummy, and some 21. I can be a bookworm. I used to just eat books up, but I don’t read so much anymore. I have a hard time staying focused. Mostly now I get up and I eat, then I take a nap and I eat,” Hela quiet Ypsilanti neighborhood sits a pleas- len says. Everyone around the table laughs. ant, ranch-style house. Except for a few “You don’t remember things cars coming and going from the driveway, quite as well as you used to, do nothing marks this Hillside Drive home as you?” Sister Mary asks Helen. The effects of a stroke and pain special. It’s what happens on the inside medication to ease a degeneraat Emmanuel House for Older Adults that tive disk problem in her back are makes all the difference. Inside its walls, eroding Helen’s memory, but not the sisters, volunteers and guests gather her spirit. Sister Mary explains, in Jesus’ name and enjoy God’s presence “Helen came to us on recomwoven into every meal, every word, every mendations from three different people. Her pastor, her doctor smile and every breath. and her social worker all called within a 24-hour period to see if she could live with us.” “Because of The simple, unremarkable events and moments that add up to her back pain, they thought she was a fall waiting to happen. It took a life are holy at Emmanuel House for Older Adults. Sisters from a while to get her meds stabilized to keep her pain at a reasonable The Servants of God’s Love religious community work with vollevel.” Helen looks up surprised. “Really? I don’t remember it at all,” unteers to provide a free, long-term home for guests who are no she says. “I can’t walk on my own anymore. On a good day, I try to longer able to live alone and whose families cannot provide them walk from my room to the chapel [just off the kitchen in the house]. with adequate housing. Residents live at Emmanuel House “until they go home to be with That must be about two miles!” She laughs. Sister Mary continues, “Like most of our residents, Helen didn’t God,” explains Sister Mary Zielinski, S.G.L. “Once someone comes

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by Jim Luning

to us saying ‘I cared for a loved have family who could care for one and I want to continue her and she lacked the income caring in this way,’” Sister Mary to pay for assisted living. When says. we met her, we had to take an Across the table from Helen, honest look at her circumstances Sue Stout nods in agreement: and needs to decide whether we “Our parents passed away quite could adequately care for her. a while ago – our kids hardly We also tried to get a sense of knew them. I like the continuum her personality by talking to her of life here. We’ve celebrated referrals and hospital discharge marriages, welcomed babies planners. Through it all, we and listened to children playing prayed, and the Holy Spirit led instruments. It’s just living life us to invite her to come live in – just living life together. All of Emmanuel House until she is us volunteers would say we get welcomed to her eternal home. more than we give.” “We believe God has blessed “We really do share life and our residents with a long life, become like a family,’ Sister Mary and it is our privilege to walk agrees. “We find the Lord in the through these precious days with little things like making oatmeal, them. Most are with us three playing card games or watching to four years. We work hard to How to help Emmanuel House football together. All those little make it possible for residents things together over a period of to do what they want to do for Residents live at Emmanuel House for free - like time have eternal value. It’s not as long as they can. Helen used they would if we were family. The Servants of God’s rocket science. Anybody can give to read and paint, for example, Love volunteer alongside lay people from all walks love that demonstrates and witso we have books and painting of life to love and be loved in return. Completely nesses to the love God gives us. supplies for her to use. Another dependent on donations and volunteers, both Em “One of the priceless times is resident loved being a homemanuel House locations (in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor) when residents are going home maker until macular degenerawelcome gifts of time, talent, money and prayer. To to God. Then we have an endless tion stole her sight. After one of contribute, mail your check to Emmanuel House, cycle of volunteers coming in to our volunteers taught her to knit 475 Evergreen, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. If you’d like say goodbye, pray the rosary and by feel, she made hundreds of to volunteer or support Emmanuel House in another just be with our resident who is baby washcloths for orphanages way, contact Sister Mary Zielinski through e-mail at dying,” Sister Mary says. in Nicaragua. ehypsi@juno.com or by phone at 734.528.9031. Sue’s eyes brighten: “I was “I get a front row seat to blessed to be with my fatherwatch what God is doing in in-law when he took his last people’s lives – not only our breath. I remember thinking, residents, but also our volun‘This is holy ground.’ I feel that same way here when one of our teers. One of our volunteers, Sister Sarah Marie, found her vocation residents passes away. The sisters encourage and inspire me by what here and joined our order. Another changed her major to nursing they give and how they love. Even when death is approaching, they because of her experience here. A medical student moved in as a don’t get anxious. They just say, ‘God knows what will happen.’ I care-giver to experience how people with chronic illnesses do in love them.” their homes. She felt it would make her a better doctor. Another Sister Mary tips her head slightly, accepting the compliment and care-giver with a chronic condition wants to model her own physimoves into her next thought. “It’s phenomenal what people can rise cal challenges on the way she saw one resident cope with her pain and limitations. I am especially humbled by people who have come to here. When we open our hearts to whatever God wants us to do, we get to see the Holy Spirit transforming lives – our residents’, volunteers and our own.” “You can’t buy this. This is what God makes when we come together for this purpose.” “Emmanuel House volunteers (left) will tell you they get more from their experience than they give, and many say that their experience here is life changing.” – Sister Mary Zielinski

yourcommun things to do

things to do Mar. 22, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., Catholic Urban Project Spring Benefit Dinner – “Planting Seeds on Holy Ground” – keynote speaker Father Andrew Apostoli at Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor. To purchase tickets, contact Carmen Saran, 734.483.3360 or ksaran@ parishmail.com. Proceeds will fund a summer missionary program for young adults. Apr. 1, 4 p.m.-6 p.m., Bishop Boyea will speak during the Work of Christ Prayer Meeting, 4828 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ events/340807205957940/. Apr. 6, 8 p.m., St. Mary Church, 2500 N. Franklin, Flint, will have a Tenebrae service on Good Friday. Apr. 10, 1 p.m.-6:45 p.m., St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Howell, will have a Blood Drive. To set up an appointment, log on to redcrossblood.org to register. The sponsor code is HartlandSaintJohn. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Apr. 10, 7 p.m., St. Martha, Okemos, Knights of Columbus and Council of Catholic Women will be hosting Stephen Ray for a talk on “Spiritual Life, Swimming Upstream: Living the Catholic Life in a Pagan Culture.” No fee to attend and all are welcome. Apr. 12-14, Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Brighton’s Women’s Guild will have a Rummage Sale. Apr. 12-13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Apr. 14, 9 a.m.-noon, at the church, located on the corner of Winans Lake and Musch Road. It is wheelchair accessible. For information, call the parish at 810.231.9199. Apr. 13-15, Retrouvaille weekend retreat – a ministry designed

Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, 901 Chippewa St., Flint, 810.232.9950 or www.ccsgc.org: The North End Soup Kitchen is in need of canned or nonperishable food items. Monetary gifts also are welcome and can be made online at www.ccsgc. org. Please drop off food items Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. -5 p.m., 735 E. Stewart Ave. in Flint. Livingston County Catholic Charities. 517.545.5944, www.livingstoncatholiccharities.org: Apr. 21, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., 8th annual Salute to the Stars starring nationally renowned husband and wife comedy routine with Kerri Pomarolli and Ron McGehee at St. Patrick Parish Life Center in Brighton. Tickets: $50 per person or $360 for table of eight. For information or to purchase tickets, call 517.545.5944 or www.livingstoncatholiccharities.org. to help troubled marriages – at St. Francis Retreat Center, Bethany House in DeWitt. For information or to register, call 800.470.2230 or www.retrouvailleoflansing.catholicweb.com/. Apr. 14, 6:30 p.m., Holy Redeemer Catholic Church’s Family Life Center, Flint, will host Steve Ray, who will present his journey to the Catholic Church. Light refreshments will be provided. A free-will donation gladly accepted. Learn more at www.catholic-convert.com. Lansing Catholic Singles invites all mid-life singles, mid 30s-60s, to their upcoming April events: Apr. 14, 6 p.m., Euchre party and potluck at Village Green Apartment Clubhouse behind Lansing Mall. Bring your own beverage and dish to pass. RSVP required by Apr. 12; and Apr. 22, 9 a.m., Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing followed by brunch at the Flapjack Shack in Frandor. For more information, call 517.321.7886 or LansingCatholicSingles@live.com. New members always welcome.

Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, 1522 Joy Ave., Jackson, 517.782.2551 or www.catholiccharitiesjacksonlenaweehillsdale.org: May 11, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., and May12, 9 a.m.-noon, We C.A.R.E. diocesan communication and relationship enhancement program for couples getting married will be at St. John the Evangelist, 711 N. Francis St., Jackson. To register, call 517.782.2551. Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, www.catholiccharitiesflint.org or 810.292.9950: Every Wed., 4 p.m.-6 p.m., foster parent orientation, 901 Chippewa St., Flint. Children placed in foster care have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect. We recruit, train and license individuals and families interested in becoming foster parents.

Apr. 14-15, Sat. 9 a.m.-Sun. 1 p.m., Women’s Discernment Retreat, Camp de Sales Retreat Center in Brooklyn. Women ages 18-35 who desire to discern the vocation for which God is calling them, please join us. Questions or to register, contact Dawn Hausmann at 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org. Apr. 15, 12:30 p.m.-3 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing, will have its annual Parish Swiss Steak Dinner. Please join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. For information, contact the parish office at 517.393.3030. Apr. 18-May 16, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., St Thomas of Aquinas Church, East Lansing will have “The Least of My Brothers and Sisters: Who are they?” How should we see Christ in them? Come join us to talk about these questions and issues on five Wednesday evenings. For information, contact parish at 517.351.7215.

Apr. 19, 12:30 p.m., the Catholic Women’s Club of Lansing is having a Spring Style Show and Luncheon at Walnut Hills Country Club of East Lansing. Reservations are $20 and payment must be received by April 2. For information, call 517.351.5666. Apr. 19-30, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Flint will be hosting Our Lady of Guadalupe Traveling Missionary Image from Mexico City. It will be shown for public veneration with devotional services at the parish. For information on activities, contact the parish office 810.787.5701. Apr. 20-June 22, Fridays, 7 p.m.8:30 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, 2201 Old U.S. 23, Brighton, Divorce and Beyond – recovery and healing is for those who are divorced or have filed for divorce. Co-hosted by Livingston County parishes and Catholic Charities. Cost of $10 is for program materials. For information and to register, contact Sister Maryetta Churches, 810.229.8624.

Corporate Travel Service is proud to offer Catholic faith-based pilgrimage tours especially organized to enliven and deepen the spiritual life of our participants. Join Father Bill Ashbaugh, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor and Dr. John Jeter Oct. 15-26 for a 12-day pilgrimage to Spain, Portugal and France. For more information, visit www.pilgrimageplace.com or call Corporate Travel at 313.565.8888.

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

nity

local news

Apr. 28, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Mom to Mom sale at St. John the Baptist, 2099 N. Hacker Rd., Howell. For more information or to reserve a table, e-mail sjmomssale@ yahoo.com.

Retreat Centers Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St. E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, 616.454.1241 or www.dominicancenter.com/programs/ Journey into Silence – Holy Week Directed Retreat Apr. 5, noon until noon Apr. 8, cost is $270. An inclusive, hospitable environment with a Spirituality Center, this retreat includes participation in Holy Week services on the 34-acre Marywood Campus at Dominican Chapel. Capacity is limited, so register early. St. Francis Retreat Center, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt, 866.669.8321 or www.stfrancis.ws May 11-12, Mother and Daughter retreat, a time to pray, rest and enjoy being together with the women of your family. Presenter is Father Larry Delaney. Weber Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, 517.266.4000 or webcenter@adriandominicans.org June 6, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Laugh Jest for the Health of It – cost is $35 and includes lunch; and June 11-16, 3:30 p.m.-1 p.m., Holy Land Pilgrimage at Weber Center – an opportunity to experience a journey without leaving the country.

Dr. Janet Smith – consecrated virgin

ishop Earl Boyea celebrated the rite of consecration to the life of virginity for Dr. Janet E. Smith at St. John the Baptist Church in Ypsilanti. Janet became a consecrated virgin on the feast day of St. Agnes, Virgin and Martyr. A

consecrated virgin does not join a community, but lives in the world. By her consecration, she is betrothed to Christ and dedicated to the service of the Church. Bishop Boyea, the episcopal moderator of the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins, approved the decision for Janet to be consecrated. Father Bob Roggenbuck, pastor of St. John the Baptist Church, related that “Janet joined the parish when she moved to Ypsilanti. For the parish, Janet becoming a consecrated virgin is really a symbol of her love for the Church and the Lord. We are really proud of her.” – Jan Hoffbauer

A simple act of kindness Hearts, love, and cupid are just a few words to describe the month of February. It is the time of year people send Valentines to one another. However, this year, the kindergarten and first-grade students at St. Paul School in Owosso did more than send cards to each other. They made Valentine door hangers for the residents of the Ovid Health Care Center in Ovid. The students made the door hangers in the hope of bringing some Valentine’s Day spirit to the residents.

local news

Ladies Guild’s fundraisers benefit St. Joseph Church

St. Gerard Girl Scout Troop – be prepared to care for others

St. Joseph Parish Ladies Guild in Jackson has a strong Polish background, especially via their culinary skills. Lori Klee, secretary for the church shares, “Our ancestors came from Poland and built this church in 1902. It is a closeknit parish; we enjoy each other, and love everybody.” Abut 20 women of the Ladies Guild made 1,100 golumbki. This was their fifth year for the Polish treat sales.

St. Gerard Junior Girl Scout Troop 281 purchased supplies to fill 12 care packages for children staying at St. Vincent’s Home for Children in Lansing. They brought the care packages to St. Vincent and learned more about the home and the children. The troop is planning on returning to St. Vincent’s Home to assist in cleaning and organizing the family visitation room.

St. John Vianney School’s new chapel A Mass and blessing was held at St. John Vianney School in Flint for the St. Francis of Assisi Peace Chapel. Father Thomas Firestone, pastor of St. John Vianney, and Father Steve Mattson, superintendent of Catholic school education for the Diocese of Lansing and pastor of St. Mary Queen of Angels in Swartz Creek, concelebrated, along with Father Mattson’s assistant, Sean Costello. The chapel was envisioned by Mrs. Mary Allen, the school principal, who came to the school in 2011. She worked with the St. Joseph Guild and Jim Skerjance, a school parent, to transform the space into a chapel. Along with paint and carpeting, a tabernacle from the closed Holy Cross Church in Lansing and a sanctuary light from closed St. Luke, Flint were placed in the chapel with the help of Msgr. George Michalek.

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

St. Louis Center Legacy Campaign St. Louis Center in Chelsea is asking for $10.5 million in a five-year Legacy Campaign. Peggy Cole, development director, stated, “One parent said my dream is to live one day longer than my child.” For parents or siblings of intellectually and developmentally disabled people, that is their dream. Knights of Columbus, with their more than 400 Michigan councils, are active supporters of St. Louis Center. They have been instrumental in raising funds. If individuals or organizations would like to donate to help enrich the lives of the residents of St. Louis Center, please contact Peggy Cole at 734.475.8430, ext. 204 or at peggyc@ stlouiscenter.org.

St. Gerard student – now a missionary in China

Timothy Iding, a former St. Gerard student, is a theologian and missionary in China. Each month he teaches the saints to the first-graders at St. Gerard School in Lansing. He teaches his lessons via Skype. When he was home for Christmas, he visited St. Gerard to meet his students face-to-face. While he was there, he taught a special lesson on China, including how to write numbers in Chinese. He has since returned to China.

Jean Schaub retiring in June

National Youth Conference

In January, Bishop Earl Boyea celebrated Mass at St. Mary on the Lake Church, Manitou Beach. Afterward, Jean Schaub, pastoral coordinator, told parishioners she would be retiring in June, after serving the parish for 11 years. She thanked the parishioners for the faith journey for her and her husband, John. She added that she knows the faith community will continue to pray, teach, love, heal and serve. After Mass, a luncheon was served. – Jan Hoffbauer

Youth Director Todd Gale from Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church in Jackson accompanied some 30 students to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. “It was a terrific experience for the students to get to see the wider life of the Church from all over the world,” said Todd. More than 23,000 students sang rap music to adorations. St. Mary on the Lake Manitou Beach parishioner Amelia Sibrt said the closing Mass was the best.

Victim assistance coordinator If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church, please believe in the possibility for hope, help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out. Every diocese in the United States now has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to obtain support for your needs, to help make a formal complaint of abuse to the diocese and to arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative if you desire. The victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Lansing is Adrienne Rowland, LMSW,ACSW. Her telephone number is 1.888.3086252; and her email is arowlandvac@dioceseoflansing.org.

The Diocese of Lansing celebrates its 75th anniversary this year Can you identify where this was taken?

Coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas Si has sido víctima de abuso por alguien que representa la Iglesia Católica, por favor, cree en la posibilidad de esperanza, de ayuda y sanación. Te exhortamos a presentarte y declarar. Cada (arqui) diócesis/eparquía en Estados Unidos tiene ahora un coordinador o coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas a quien puedes acudir para que te apoye en tus necesidades, te ayude a hacer una denuncia formal de abuso ante la (arqui)diócesis/eparquía, y a solicitar una reunión personal con el obispo o su representante, si así lo deseas. La coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas en tu (arqui) diócesis/ eparquía es Adrienne Rowland, LMSW,ACSW, 1.888.308.6252 or arowlandvac@dioceseoflansing.org

If you know what school these ladies are cheering for, drop us a line on our Facebook page. Answers next month! Last month’s answer: Holy Redeemer, Burton, parish festival July 26-28, 1963. Pictured left to right are: Father Robert Lunsford, Father James O’Leary and Father Raphael Dunnigan

For more local news and parish events, visit www.FAITHmag.com

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gather around the Mormon Salt Lake Temple.

special report

Are Mormons Christians?

he 2012 presidential election campaign season is upon us. Among the candidates vying for the Republican Party’s nomination is Mitt Romney. Questions about his Mormon religion have surfaced, in particular as it pertains to whether or not Mormons are Christians.

The Mormon view

The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints (LDS) clearly identifies its members as Christians. The church’s official website declares that LDS always has accepted Jesus of Nazareth “as testified of in the Bible: the divine Redeemer and Son of God who atoned for the sins of all mankind and ensured our universal resurrection. The church has never ceased to affirm that there is no other name given whereby man can be saved.” LDS does acknowledge doctrinal differences with other Christian denominations,

FAITH Magazine / April 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

but it maintains that such differences are inescapable given the large number of Christian denominations. Further, LDS asserts that these differences cannot cancel out its “sincere belief in, and commitment to, Jesus Christ as Lord and Redeemer.”

A brief history of mormonism According to the LDS website, the story of LDS began with the life of Jesus Christ and the church he founded. However, after the death of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles, the church began to fade away as followers abandoned the Gospel.

Did you know... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes the Book of Mormon, first published in 1830, represents the “fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” In 1823, they believe Joseph Smith encountered a heavenly messenger named Moroni who told him the book written on thin metal sheets of gold was buried on American soil nearby. Smith found it and translated it into English, naming it the Book of Mormon after the ancient prophet who compiled it. Known as the Great Apostasy, the result was the loss of apostolic authority to bestow priesthood and receive revelation. Not surprisingly, errors crept into the church, truth was lost and only conflicts of opinion remained. Mormons believe this condition persisted until God selected 14-year-old American Joseph Smith in 1820 as his messenger. As Joseph Smith searched for a church to join, he believed he received a vision in which God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, appeared. Jesus told Joseph not to join any of the churches because they didn’t have the fullness of truth or the authority to baptize and perform other saving ordinances. This vision officially marked the beginning of the “Restoration of the church of Jesus Christ,” which Mormons believe God authorized to be established 10 years later by the prophet Smith and named the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The Catholic view According to the late Richard John Neuhaus, founder of the journal First Things and noted ecumenist, LDS represents a Christian derivative that most closely resembles, although not perfectly, Islam, itself a derivative of Judaism and Christianity. He wrote in the March 2000 issue of First Things that both Joseph Smith and Muhammad claimed new revelations, produced “corrected” versions of the Jewish and Christian scriptures and claimed to be the true children of Abraham. Perhaps more significantly, Neuhaus explained that dialogue between Christians and both Islam and Mormon-

ism is understood as inter-religious rather than ecumenical, or dialogue between Christians. Particularly problematic for Catholics is that Mormonism presents itself as a form of Christianity that is incompatible with historic Christian faith. In the Mormon view, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are not three persons in one God, but rather three separate entities or deities. This is pagan rather than Christian. The Catholic Church also rejects Mormonism’s acceptance of Joseph Smith’s teachings and the Book of Mormon as divine revelation, its claim of the failure of the church instituted by Christ until its restoration under Smith, and the validity of Mormon ordinances (sacraments). For instance, the Catholic Church does not recognize the baptism of Mormons as a Christian baptism. First, the sacrament calls for a specific Trinitarian formula, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” While it is true that the Mormon formula is similar, there is no doctrinal agreement, as noted earlier. In addition, Mormons do not believe in original sin or that Christ instituted baptism. Consequently, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith declared in 2001 that those baptized in the Mormon religion must be baptized in the Catholic faith upon their conversion, as they were never validly baptized as commanded by Jesus and taught by the Catholic faith. Side by side comparison: Catholicism and Mormonism Catholicism Mormonism God Christ

Trinitarian

Tritheistic

Same Separate nature with nature from the Father Father

Authority

Peter; unbroken succession

Peter and Twelve; restored in Joseph Smith

Scripture

OT and NT; Canon closed

Canon open; revelation ongoing

Eucharist

Real presence; true body and blood

Remembrance of body and blood

Justice needs mercy

last word

he symbol of Justice is found on the façade of our U.S. Supreme Court and on many of our courthouses. It’s the image of the ancient goddess of Justice, a blindfolded woman holding scales with one hand and a sword (the sword of the state’s power) in the other. It is telling us that Justice impartially weighs the rights and duties of one party to a conflict as against the rights and duties of the other. Before the power of the state can be applied there must first be a trial in which the relative claims and merits of both parties are impartially weighed. The symbol also is telling us that there must be a restoration of balance so that the grievance of one party is met by the restitution of the other in order that rights and duties of both can be restored to what they were prior to the trial. This brings into play another factor, namely the question of restitution. Our system of justice is derived from the AngloAmerican body of common law, the principles of which are derived from the common practice of humans in the same or similar circumstances. This is a “bottom up” process of determining what laws we should have. Other systems are derived from code law, many laws of which come to us from the ancient Roman system of laws. This is a “top down” approach to determining what laws we should have. As Christians, we believe that God is

infinitely just and, at the same time, infinitely merciful. How does God put those two transcendent values together? The answer to that question has taxed the minds of legal scholars, philosophers and theologians for centuries. Added to the mix is the question of what constitutes fair and adequate restoration of rights and duties? It’s a good thing there is a God because some of the legal conflicts we have faced from time to time have seemed insoluble. But, as Christians, we have faith. We believe that God, and sometimes only God, can blend all of the elements together in infinite fairness. That is one of the reasons why the founders of our nation wrote our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution appealing to God for the guidance in determining how we should, as Americans, relate to each other in fairness and with justice.

Father Charles Irvin is the founding editor of FAITH Magazine and is retired.

notes:

Llamar: Padre John Linden, Director de seminaristas

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