“Do not be afraid! ... He has been raised just as he said.” (Mt. 28:5-6)
SPECIAL SECTION:
Preparing for the future of the Diocese of Lansing AND:
Covid-19: Catholics are called to prayer and spiritual communion
After a Called and Gifted workshop,
Katrina uses her gifts ‘to bring Christ more fully into the world’
This Easter season, have faith like St. Peter
1
FROM THE BISHOP
I ask that you enter more deeply into prayer and sacrifice for the physical and spiritual health of GETTY IMAGES/ALTERYOURREALITY
every one of God’s children.”
THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IS STILL SHINING IN OUR DIOCESE MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST — We are living through a crisis that is unprecedented in our lifetimes, in which our businesses, schools and even our churches have had to cease or drastically curtail their normal operations. Out of deep concern for all the people of the Diocese of Lansing, especially our elder sisters and brothers, I suspended the public celebration of the Mass until it is safe for us to come together again. I am praying that these steps will slow the spread of the CoronaVirus pandemic that has us in its grip, and that you will be blessed with health and peace of spirit.
Carlson Productions
Even though we may not be able to gather for Mass, I assure you that the light of Christ is still shining in the world and in our diocese. Our health-care workers are still ministering to the sick, and many of you are still engaged in the vital work of feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and protecting our communities. You are examples of Christ’s love as you care for the vulnerable among us. Thank you for your generous witness to your faith in Jesus Christ. As we move through this penitential season of Lent, and contemplate the paschal mystery, I ask that you enter more deeply into prayer and sacrifice for the physical and spiritual health of every one of God’s children. This time of deprivation and fasting can become an opportunity for increased prayer and for
BISHOP EARL BOYEA
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea
fostering a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, who understands our fears and who is with us in times of illness and sorrow. Your priests continue to offer Mass daily, and are lifting your intentions up to the Father in heaven as they do so. You may join with them through an Act of Spiritual Communion, which you will find on page 6, and by watching Mass on television or through a digitally streaming service. Check with your parish or watch the Diocese of Lansing’s Outreach Mass (see page 7). And Jesus continues to be present in tabernacles across our diocese with churches open for private prayer. Even as we deal with this crisis, we are looking forward to the time when we are all together again with our parish families, able to participate fully in the Mass and receive Christ in his precious body and blood. Here in the Diocese of Lansing, we had already begun a process of looking forward — it is called Realign Resources for Mission, and there is a lengthy report about it in this issue of FAITH. You’ll find a lot of statistics, and information about the committee I have appointed to study our parishes and make recommendations to me. My most important charge to this group was to pray often, so as to seek the common good. It is important that all of us pray for this same common good, in our current national emergency and in the days after it, as we plan renewal and growth for our Church. Our intent is to grow a diocese filled with parishes that are fully alive communities of missionary disciples. In our churches, we will nurture a vibrant sacramental life, where everyone can encounter Jesus Christ, most especially in the Eucharist. My dear sisters and brothers, I pray for you always. Please pray, too, for me and for your priests. 3
FROM THE EDITOR
Uphold and encourage one another I AM WRITING THIS COLUMN on Thursday, March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Yesterday, March 18, our diocese entered into a period of time during which all public liturgical celebrations have been suspended in order to do what we can to safeguard people from exposure to the coronavirus. On a certain level, I feel as though we have all slowly stepped out of reality and into a science fiction novel. Even as nations and governments continue to formulate their response to this crisis, the work of our parishes and the life of faith continues on even in a time of uncertainty.
T.Gennera
As pastor of a mid-Michigan parish with a small school, it has been quite a journey in a few short days to help transition our school and parish into a virtual world. Using the great gifts of technology that God has helped us to develop, we are able to engage our students of all ages so that they can learn at home. On the church side of the FATHER equation, we have been able to offer daily Mass via livestream video DWIGHT EZOP so that even though we cannot join together in person as the Body is the editor of of Christ, we can still be joined together in prayer with and for one FAITH Magazine another. In all these efforts, my hope is that there is a sense of peace and pastor of and comfort for the people of our parish community and the many St. Mary Parish, others who are able to access these new ways of living as Church Charlotte and during this time of concern and uncertainty. St. Ann Church, As I celebrated a streaming Mass for the children of our parish school Bellevue and their families, the Gospel for the day had Jesus remind us, “to love Email: editor@ the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your FAITHpub.com. strength,” and “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mk 12:28-31) As with so many other times in life, God has managed to send just the right words at just the right time to be a source of encouragement and strength. With so much uncertainty at the moment, we can turn to God’s constant love for us and draw strength and consolation. As we turn to God’s ever-constant love for us to find the encouragement we need, we can grow in love for God. That love can then be revealed in how we uphold and encourage one another during this challenging time. This period of time provides us with an opportunity to hold fast to our Christianity – the gift of our faith and how that faith can be lived in the daily choices we make to show and share Christ’s love in the world. Through words of encouragement and reassurance, we can reach out to stay in touch with one another via phone, email or text message. Making sure to check on the well-being of our older brothers and sisters and undertaking safe steps to protect them and meet their needs as we are able is one possible way to be Christians with and for one another. Making the time to pray, lifting up the needs of the sick, the safety of health care workers and emergency personnel, and the work of medical researchers who are diligently seeking to develop effective responses to the coronavirus is a tangible way that we can bring our faith to bear. Taking the time to regularly pray individually or as a family can provide some shape and form to days that might otherwise be lacking in regular structure. Above all else, we can recall Jesus’ words of reassurance, “Do not be afraid, I am with you always.” In other times of uncertainty and fear, these words have brought great comfort. May our words and actions as people of faith reveal the fearless love of God in our world and how that love can be lived daily in new and unanticipated ways. And so, our journey in FAITH continues. 4
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
A Prayer of St. Augustine Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and let your angels protect those who sleep. Tend the sick. Refresh the weary. Sustain the dying. Calm the suffering. Pity the distressed. We ask this for the sake of your love. Amen. – From Prayers in Times of Illness, FAITH Catholic publishing (store.faithcatholic.com)
INSIDE APRIL “Do not be afraid! ... He has been raised just as he said.” (Mt. 28:5-6)
SPECIAL SECTION:
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing
COVER STORY
APRIL 2020 VOLUME 20: ISSUE 3
AFTER A CALLED AND GIFTED WORKSHOP, KATRINA USES HER GIFTS ‘TO BRING CHRIST MORE FULLY INTO THE WORLD’ P. 12
Preparing for the future of the Diocese of Lansing AND:
Covid-19: Catholics are called to prayer and spiritual communion
After a Called and Gifted workshop
Katrina uses her gifts ‘to bring Christ more fully into the world’
This Easter season, have faith like St. Peter
1
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DIGITAL MANAGER
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P. 19
SPECIAL SECTION: Preparing for the future of the Diocese of Lansing
6 special report Covid-19: Catholics are called to prayer and spiritual communion
Overview....................20
YOUR STORIES
16 DSA 2020 YOUR FAITH
8 grow+go • This Easter season, have faith like St. Peter • John feels God’s presence in serving others
10 in the know with Father Joe Can non-Catholics go to heaven?
The Office of Fertility and Life Ministries works to uphold the dignity of human life
PLUS
Diocese of Lansing Schools: The 10-Year Trends..........................21 Diocese of Lansing Parishes: The 10-Year Trends......................... 22 Sacraments............... 24 Realign resources for mission
18 culture Savoring an Austrian
meeting dates.......... 25
Easter tradition
the Chairman............ 26
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Most Rev. Earl Boyea, Member | Rev. Dwight Ezop, Chair | Rev. Msgr. George Michalek, Vice Chair | Rev. Timothy MacDonald | Anne-Marie Welsh | Deborah Amato, Ex Officio | George Landolt, Ex Officio FAITH CATHOLIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR FAITHTM (USPS 019993) 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. ©2019 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
Eight questions for
29 local news
The Holy Spirit
30 things to do
the diocese................ 28
is guiding
5
USCCB response
ARCHBISHOP JOSÉ H. GOMEZ OF LOS ANGELES, PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS, (USCCB) ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT MARCH 13 REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19):
DANIEL IBÁÑEZ/CNA
With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity — that the peoples of this world are our brothers and sisters, that we are all one family under God. God does not abandon us, he goes with us even now in this time of trial and testing. In this moment, it is important for us to anchor our hearts in the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to intensify our prayers and sacrifices for the love of God and the love of our neighbor. Let us draw closer to one another in our love for him, and rediscover the things that truly matter in our lives. United with our Holy Father Pope Francis, let us pray in solidarity for our brothers and sisters here and around the world who are sick. Let us pray for those who have lost loved ones to this virus. May God console them and grant them peace. We pray also for doctors, nurses, and caregivers, for public health officials and all civic leaders. May God grant them courage and prudence as they seek to respond to this emergency with compassion and in service to the common good. In this time of need, I invite all the faithful to seek together the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and I share this prayer with you.
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FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Pope Francis and the spiritual communion of the Eucharist As Pope Francis prays for those who are isolated due to the spread of Covid-19, he invites Catholics to unite ourselves to Christ and one another in the spiritual communion of the Eucharist. What is spiritual communion? Spiritual communion is the practice of desiring union with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is used primarily by individuals who cannot receive Holy Communion, such as the ill, the divorced and remarried, and those who have not yet been received into full communion with the Church.
DANIEL IBÁÑEZ/CNA
Covid-19: Catholics are called to prayer and spiritual communion
Act of Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana. Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness. For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust. In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts. We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy. Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Your parish brings you the light of Christ. Please help keep the light shining by giving through your parish’s online program or app. supportyourchurch.com
Each Sunday, the Diocese of Lansing airs the televised Outreach Mass. The Mass airs at 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM on WLAJ Lansing TV53, and at 10:00 AM on WBSF-TV Flint Channel 46 (CW Network). Please contact your local cable provider for channel information. The Outreach Mass is also heard each Sunday at 11:00 AM on WJIM-AM 1240, Lansing, and on Good Shepherd Catholic Radio Jackson on 1510-AM and 93.3-FM, at 12:00 PM. Visit WWW.WATCHTHEMASS.COM for alternative ways to watch the Mass.
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YOUR FAITH MY FAVORITE PERSON IN THE BIBLE (other than Jesus and Mary, for obvious reasons) is St. Peter. Not only is he my namesake, but also I identify with his rollercoaster faith and behavior. For instance, in Matthew 16:16, in response to Jesus’ poignant and ageless question, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Peter boldly and accurately responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms this declaration by extending the keys of the kingdom to Peter – talk about flying high! However, seven short verses later, Jesus says to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan!” Yikes! – that’s quite
Don Quillan
a turnaround.
PETE BURAK
is the director of i.d.9:16. He has a master’s degree in theology, and is a frequent speaker at events for youth and young adults. 8
This Easter season, have faith like
St. Peter
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
This is not an isolated text. Peter walks on water, starts to sink, then walks again with Jesus’ help. Peter witnesses the Transfiguration, and naively suggests they build tents to stay awhile. At the Last Supper, Peter refuses to have his feet washed, realizes his folly and then asks Jesus to wash his head as well. And, of course, at that same meal, Peter proudly declares that he will never desert Jesus, but a short time later, after following Jesus at a distance, Peter vehemently denies ever knowing him. In Peter, we see ups and downs; brilliance, then ignorance. He’s believing yet fearful, faithful but broken. In short, he’s us, and therefore can teach us an invaluable lesson on how we should approach our relationship with Jesus, particularly during this Easter season. Peter’s denial of Jesus came while he was at a distance from his Lord. Peter would not make that mistake again. On Easter Sunday, when Mary Magdalen announces Christ’s resurrection, Peter and John literally race to the tomb. John wins, but waits at the door. Since Peter will never again intentionally distance himself from Jesus, he goes right into the tomb to see for himself. The evidence of the resurrection solidifies in Peter an unwavering commitment to find and be with Jesus. This is why, a short time later, Peter jumps out of the boat to be with the Lord when the apostles see Jesus on the shore. Peter’s journey of faith is a microcosm for all of us. We are called to be in relationship with Jesus. We will have our ups and downs. When we follow Jesus at a distance, we will find ourselves denying him. But just as for Peter, Christ’s resurrection gives us the hope of redemption, the joy of restoration and the possibility of permanent connection with God, provided we remain in an intimate relationship with him. As we celebrate this glorious Easter season, let’s try to be more like Peter: Crash into the tomb, jump out of the boat and humbly and gratefully declare, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you!”
GO
evangelize
JOHN FEELS GOD’S PRESENCE IN SERVING OTHERS INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN
John Thelen began volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul in St. Johns in 1995, and is now the executive director. He oversees the work of the St. Vincent de Paul store as well as the client assistance office.
PRAYER: When I began in this position six years ago, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to this role, so I don’t hesitate to lean on the Lord to ask for guidance. At the start of each day, I ask God to help me “see the face of Christ” in those I meet. At the end of each day, I think about the people with whom I interacted and thank God for his presence in my day’s work. WITNESS: We regularly experience “God moments” in our work at St. Vincent de Paul. We try to share those moments to give witness to God’s involvement and presence in our work. Some of the people we meet in our client assistance office may not belong to a church, and we encourage them to consider exploring a church, as their church family can be very supportive
to them and can possibly relate to what they are experiencing.
INVITATION: Our mission of serving others could not exist without our 100+ active St. Vincent de Paul store volunteers. We regularly invite others to be a part of our ministry and mission to serve others. You just have to have a kind heart with a desire to serve others. Many of our volunteers have invited others to be a part of what we do because of the satisfaction they receive knowing they are serving others. ACCOMPANIMENT: As families seek assistance from St. Vincent de Paul, we try to listen to what they are experiencing. We often see people asking for assistance for the first time. Life happens and the car breaks down, so they pay to fix the car and now they can’t pay rent or their Consumers Energy bill. That’s when they reach out to our St. Vincent’s. We try to ease their fears and help them through the process and encourage them to “pay it forward” when their situation improves. 9
GETTY IMAGES/BLUEBEARRY
CAN NON-CATHOLICS GO TO HEAVEN?
Q
DEAR FATHER JOE: I got into a pretty heated discussion on a Catholic website the other day about whether or not people who are not Catholic can go to heaven. Some say they can't. Is this true?
A
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FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience – those too may achieve eternal salvation.” (CCC 847) The central thing to understand is that Jesus became human, suffered, died and rose from the dead in order to save us. We are called to follow him, and to imitate him. Here it is, step by step: 1. We believe that Jesus, who died for us, is the way to salvation. 2. We are connected through our loving God to all of his children, including those who know Jesus, but who are imperfectly in communion with the Church, as well as those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Jesus. 3. These realities combine to lead all of humanity to salvation through Christ.
I encourage you to pick up the catechism and read sections 836 to 848. And enjoy another day in God’s presence!
YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
T. Gennara
You know, those websites drive me crazy sometimes. They are often a huge source of misinformation and lack of charity. I’ve had people who were considering the faith tell me that they’d backed away because of the things people said to them in supposedly Catholic places on the Internet. Here’s the deal: We know that Jesus Christ alone is the way to heaven. He says it clearly in the Gospel of John – “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (14:6) That’s the core. It’s not enough to be nice, or live a good life. Salvation isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift from God. So that gets back to the original question – does this mean that people who don’t believe in Jesus go to hell? Or people who believe in him, but are not Catholic? No. If you look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church, you’ll see that, “All men are called to this catholic unity of the People of God … And to it, in different ways, belong or are ordered: the Catholic faithful, others who believe in Christ, and finally all mankind, called by God's grace to salvation.” (CCC 836) So we are all God’s creation, and are part of his Church, some in full communion, and some imperfectly. The Church teaches that, “Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel
FATHER JOE KRUPP
is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack
YOUR STORIES
After a Called and Gifted workshop,
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KATRINA IAMARINO’S STORY BEGINS WITH AN ENDING.
“I earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown and a law degree from Notre Dame. After graduation, I went to work protecting vulnerable children in ‘D.C. and Lansing. When my husband, Christopher, and I were blessed with Matthew just 11 months after our wedding, I could not imagine anything more important than protecting and raising him. “I asked my father what he would think if I quit my job and became a stay-at-home mom. He told me, ‘Katrina, no time spent on a child is time wasted.’ Though I experienced some backlash from others, my husband and I decided I would dedicate my time to raising our son. Two years later, Jesse was born, and I settled into the phase of life I like to call ‘my quiet years in Nazareth.’
Katrina uses her gifts ‘to bring Christ more fully into the world’ FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
COVER STORY
BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING
“When our boys were 3 and 1, my father passed away. He and my mom had raised me in the Catholic faith, but I had fallen away. I honestly don’t think I attended Mass more than a handful of times in my college years. I remember mourning my father, standing in my living room. And I said out loud: ‘God I believe in you. I know you created me for some purpose, and I think it has something to do with being a wife and a mother. Show me what you want.’ “Boy! Be careful about asking something like that from God, because you get an answer in no uncertain
terms! A short time later, I was reading an essay, I believe by Catholic writer Amy Welborn, who was imagining a conversation with God. ‘I see you are a reader,’ God said to her. ‘Have you ever read my book?’ “That ignited a fire in me! I’ve always loved immersing myself in books, so I visited a Catholic bookstore in a nearby town and started reading about my faith. I read and read, filling my mind and heart with sacred Scripture and the wisdom of great Catholic thinkers and saints. I even audited classes through Catholic Distance University. I was just so … I just bubble over! 13
“Before I asked God my question, I would have described myself as a spiritual, not a religious, person. My husband was the good Catholic in our marriage. But as I read, my faith and knowledge of Catholicism grew by leaps and bounds. I became a different person in a short period of time. “That St. Paul-like conversion was not without some hiccups. Due to some missteps on my part, my family found my intense experience challenging at times. We worked through this together, though, and now they encourage and appreciate my knowledge and passion for Catholicism. They are my biggest cheerleaders. “Three years after my father’s death, I started a Bible study group at our parish. Later, when we moved back to our hometown, I moved it to our home parish, St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing. Teaching people about God and the saints fills me with joy! “Shortly after we moved to St. Thomas, I was invited to attend a Called and Gifted weekend. Designed by the Catherine of Siena Institute, the program takes us through a process to recognize and understand our charisms – our gifts the Holy Spirit provides then calls us to give away. “The weekend begins with attendees taking an inventory of our gifts, then walking through a discernment process to decide which are true charisms. The Catherine of Siena Institute suggests that a charism bears fruit when you share it with others. Charisms earn feedback – people thank you for sharing your gifts and often will seek you out for it. Finally, charisms generate joy, or a sense that God created you to share that gift with others.
‘Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.’ –St. Catherine of Siena
“Prayer is an essential part of the Called and Gifted process. In order to truly understand and use our charisms, we need to communicate with Christ on a regular basis. It’s fuel for the fire the Holy Spirit is using to light the world and guide us to our greatest potential. “After attending the Called and Gifted workshop, attendees have an opportunity to meet with an interviewer, who goes through a thorough process to help each person discern which charisms they have been given. Then interviewers ask attendees to choose one charism and commit to working on it for the next two months. To support that work, attendees may choose a saint who also shares that charism and can help them through intercessory prayer. The process is between the attendees and God, knowing that God provides everything we need. 14
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
“The more we tap into our charisms, the more joy we experience. That’s what happened for me! I have discerned the charism of knowledge and enrolled in a master of arts in theology at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. I have almost completed my online degree with a concentration in dogmatic theology. I have loved pursuing my charism and am excited about the opportunities my new degree will open for me. “Now that my boys are in college, I don’t know what my next step will be. I just know it’s coming, and it will be perfect. God meets us where we are, but loves us too much to leave us there. When we tap into our
I nterested in a Called and Gifted workshop near you? Contact Roberta (Bert) Schomberger, lay ministry coordinator for the diocese, at bert.schom@gmail.com.
charisms – our gifts from the Holy Spirit – we feel joy and greater blessing every day we use them to bring Christ more fully into the world. “God provides everything we need with perfect timing. I look back on my life after making the decision to stay at home with our boys. It wasn’t always easy. There were no paychecks or awards like my classmates were earning. You don’t get to see the fruits of parenting while you’re working at it, and when you’re done you have raised children to leave and step into lives of their own. “Yet God did so many things for me during my quiet
years in Nazareth. Not everyone has the ability to stay at home with their children. My husband and I are both very grateful that I could. I think I have had the chance to evangelize more people as a stay-at-home mom than I could have as a professional. I like to think of it as my ‘call within a call.’ “Life is so transitory. So quick. If we seek God’s will, he’ll provide everything we need to live out our charism and be effective disciples. St. Catherine of Siena said, ‘Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.’ I am so grateful I answered the invitation to Called and Gifted. Because of it, I am working to change the world.” 15
THE OFFICE OF FERTILITY AND LIFE MINISTRIES WORKS TO UPHOLD THE DIGNITY OF HUMAN LIFE 2020
Diocesan Services Appeal
IT’S AS IF JENNY INGLES stood in front of a column of perfectly aligned doors, each bringing her an opportunity to open subsequent ones. The first door opened during a college course called Christian Love. The professor and class discussion provided fruitful ground for Jenny, then a professed atheist, to realize her views on sexuality were in alignment with Catholic theology. Door no. 2 was another class Jenny took, this time with her husband as they prepared to convalidate their marriage in the Church. Experiencing infertility, the required natural family planning (NFP) class became an answer to their prayers. Successfully birthing three children using NFP, Jenny began teaching NFP to other couples. The result was door no. 3, becoming the full-time director of fertility and life ministries in 2018.
The work of fertility and life ministries is based on Catholic teaching which upholds the sacredness and sanctity of all human life. “I wish every Catholic fully understood what it means to be the image and likeness of God in your marital relationship. That is the real meaning of sexuality. If everyone understood that, all other things would fall into place,” says Jenny. 16
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Jenny’s department, which is funded with DSA support and housed in the Department of Vocations, works hard to give substance to that wish. While both divisions, life and fertility, overlap in many areas, there are a few specifics to each one. The fertility piece provides NFP education as a part of marriage preparation, and is responsible for training
individuals to teach those classes. The diocese prescribes to several NFP methods or models: the Billings Method, the Creighton Model, the Marquette Method and the Couple to Couple League, and works at having trained staff available for each of them. Constantly looking for ways to reach and better serve the diocesan population, Jenny is currently working on locating and training instructors who speak Vietnamese and Spanish. “This is all about working with God’s natural plan for the female body to plan pregnancy. Contraceptives take God out of it. Our offices provide NFP practitioners who are knowledgeable on Theology of the Body and Humanae Vitae. We help people understand the Church’s teaching on sexuality and the beauty behind it,” Jenny says.
In terms of the life aspect of her ministry, Jenny says: “I’ve been working on getting all the individual ministries our various parishes provide to network in order to have a stronger pro-life presence in the diocese. We have found the truly successful pro-life parishes are the ones that vibrantly embrace the four pillars of prayer, activism, education and healing. Our goal is to be a resource for parishes to locate what they need in order to offer all four of those pillars to their own parishioners.” One of the ways Jenny helps parishes tackle this is by offering grants for resources or materials. Applications are always available. “Our long-term goal is to end abortion. I want every person in the pew to know where they can turn if they or someone they know is postabortive or considering it. Abortion has affected a lot of people. There is a need for healing, to know God loves them, forgives them and wants to pour out his mercy on them,” she says. Jenny’s ministry is one that often deals with despair. She says, “A lot of brokenness comes out
in our sexuality, in our spousal relationships. Jesus meets people in a very profound way when learning Theology of the Body. When couples encounter God’s truth, they find joy, hope and love, and when they start to heal themselves, they can work on their relationship with their spouse and with God. They become disciples.” The Office of Fertility and Life Ministries, and all of its offerings, is available to every parishioner in the diocese because of DSA funding. DSA dollars provide grants for pro-life services at parishes, to fund Crisis Pregnancy services, Sidewalk Counseling initiatives, and miscarriage support, to name a few. A significant portion of funding goes to training both NFP teachers and registered nurses to help couples use NFP. NFP instruction is also part of marriage preparation classes. The Diocese of Lansing is one of the few dioceses that provide these services free of charge. Jenny’s dream is for her office to have sufficient financial resources and trained nurses to allow every parish to have
an active and thriving pro-life and pro-NFP community, and that these communities in turn offer education and intercessory prayers to promote the sanctity of life.
Our long-term goal is to end abortion. I want every person in the pew to know where they can turn if they or someone they know is post-abortive or considering it. Abortion has affected a lot of people. There is a need for healing, to know God loves them, forgives them and wants to pour out his mercy on them,
Jenny’s willingness to venture through each of the doors that have popped up in her life has deeply affected her faith. She says: “This ministry has helped me see how delicately and lovingly Christ works in people’s lives and the resulting healing. It is very humbling to be part of the intimacy couples share and to watch God working through them.”
Q: What is NFP? A: “Natural family planning (NFP) is the general title for the scientific natural, and
moral methods of family planning that can help married couples either achieve or postpone pregnancies. or a 2020 NFP class schedule, to register F or for answers to other NFP FAQs, visit: WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/NFP.
BY ROSE ROBERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
17
Savoring an
AUSTRIAN EASTER TRADITION I’M FASCINATED WITH CULTURES FROM around the world, and I have covered countless customs and recipes in this column that explore how different countries commemorate Christian holidays. But it recently dawned on me that I have never explored the traditions of my own cultural heritage. Being of Austrian descent, I started reading up on how the people of Austria celebrate Easter. Some of what I found is ... delicious!
T. Gennara
YOUR LIFE CULTURE
MICHELLE DIFRANCO
is a designer and the busy mom of three children.
Austria is largely a Catholic country, and its people hold dear many religious traditions. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday when willow branches are decorated with ribbon and fruit and blessed at Mass to mark the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. These Palmbuschen are then taken home to protect the family. Presently, the Easter festivities and markets are in full swing and, as with many European countries, the cuisine is plentiful. Austria is known for Easter eggs of the chocolate variety, and as well as colorfully decorated eggs, which have been carefully handblown and painted. But what really caught my attention was the reindling. Reindling is from the Carinthian province of Austria. Even though it is considered a cake, it can
Austrian reindling for Easter DOUGH 1¼ oz package active dry yeast 2½ cups all-purpose flour 1 large egg 1/3 cup granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened) 1 cup milk FILLING 1 ounce rum ½ cup raisins 4 tablespoons melted butter 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1/3 cup brown sugar (plus more for pan) ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
18
be served as a part of the main course with an Easter ham, or as a dessert, after. It is sweet, but not overly so, and among the more popular flavors are ones with cinnamon, raisins and walnuts. Its circular “ring” shape makes it easy to spot, and its flavor is worthy of the holiday it accompanies each year, when the aroma of the bakeries subtly announce the resurrection of Christ to passers-by. Of course, taking in a performance of the Tresdorf Passion Play (another Catholic Easter tradition of Austria), while enjoying authentic reindling on Carinthian soil, would be ideal. But if travel is not in your plans this year, the good news is that reindling can be made here at home. And I can assure you this recipe won’t disappoint! Happy Easter!
DIRECTIONS In a large mixing bowl, add water, yeast and a pinch of sugar. Set aside for 5 minutes (it should get bubbly). Add flour, egg, sugar, salt, butter and milk, then mix until thoroughly combined. The dough should be soft and sticky. Cover bowl and set aside until doubled, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small dish, soak the raisins in the rum and set aside for 1820 minutes (or while dough is rising). Grease (with butter) and coat (with additional brown sugar) a 9-inch Bundt pan and set aside. After the dough has doubled in size, transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes, adding a bit of additional
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
flour to make a smooth (and not sticky) dough. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll the dough into a 12”x18” rectangle and roughly about a third of an inch thick. Brush with melted butter, then top with cinnamon, brown sugar, drained rum-soaked raisins and walnuts, distributing everything evenly. Roll up the dough and carefully place it in the greased/ sugared Bundt pan. Cover and let sit for an additional 30 minutes. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until top is golden brown and cake is baked through. Immediately turn out of pan (while hot) onto a cooling surface so caramelized sugar doesn’t stick to pan. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve warm.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA
SPECIAL SECTION:
Preparing for the future of the Diocese of Lansing INCLUDES: • OVERVIEW • 10-YEAR TRENDS FOR PARISHES AND SCHOOLS • PARISH MEETING DATES
19
REALIGN RESOURCES FOR MISSION:
Overview N
OT SURPRISINGLY, the Diocese of Lansing Realign Resources for Mission (RRM) process begins with
Jesus Christ. After all, Christianity is primarily a personal GETTY IMAGES/PAOLOGAETANO
encounter with the person of Christ. It is in this experience that we discover our greatest happiness, deepest peace and ultimate purpose in life. Therefore, the purpose of the Diocese of Lansing is to present Jesus Christ anew to the people in our part of Michigan by forming communities of missionary disciples who can evangelize in their localities in a way that is culturally credible, intellectually coherent and socially compassionate. But how do we achieve this? “The key to all that we aim to achieve apostolically is as simple as it is profound: Jesus Christ, truly present in the holy Eucharist,” says Craig Pohl, director of the Office of New Evangelization for the Diocese of Lansing. “The eucharistic sacrifice is the source and summit of both our own interior life and of our collective apostolic endeavors or, as St. John Paul II put it in his great eucharistic encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia: ‘The Eucharist makes the Church and, in turn, the Church makes the Eucharist,’” says Craig. It was with the arrival of Jesuit priests from Quebec in the mid-17th century that Jesus in the holy Eucharist arrived in Michigan. “The link between the holy Eucharist and the holy priesthood is both beautiful and undeniable,” explains Deb Amato, chief of staff. “It is only the priest, in persona Christi, in the person of Christ, who can offer the holy sacrifice of the Mass which makes present the holy Eucharist upon our altars. In short: No priest, no Eucharist, no Church, no New Evangelization.” The rapid evangelization of Southeast Michigan was such that, by 1937, Pope Pius XI felt the need to create the Diocese of Lansing by carving out territory from the Archdiocese of Detroit. “Over the years, our diocesan boundaries have changed, parishes have been established and some have been merged, schools created and others closed,” explains Michael Andrews, chancellor of the diocese. “In that sense, we’ve always been realigning our resources in order to pursue our unchanging mission to bring the love of Christ to all souls within our diocese.” “Through it all,” adds Michael, “the one truth that has always impelled and inspired all our apostolic efforts is a deep love for Jesus Christ, truly present in the holy Eucharist – from the earliest missionaries down to our forebears who helped establish this diocese and often had to travel great distances to participate in Sunday Mass.” 20
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
And so, in the autumn of 2019, Bishop Earl Boyea established a new 14-member committee to review how the resources of the diocese can be best used to better evangelize the 1.8 million people who live within its boundaries. Bishop Boyea’s decision to establish the committee has been informed by several key statistics. The number of priests currently in active ministry across the diocese is 88, with 18 eligible to retire, compared to the number of parishes, which is 74. There is also a continued decline in people attending Sunday Mass, with a loss of more than 20,000 people since 2009. The membership of the committee includes priests, deacons and lay men and women from across the diocese who were nominated by the presbyterate and diocesan staff. In his commissioning letter to the members of the committee, Bishop Boyea encouraged them to be “bold and innovative,” in re-imagining parishes where “everyone can encounter Jesus Christ, most especially in the Eucharist.” It seems fitting, therefore, that the committee’s emblem, created by designer Michelle Hildebrandt, is a compass with the holy Eucharist at its center. In recent months, the committee has worked hard amassing data on the spiritual and temporal health of the diocese using various state-of-the-art analytical programs. “Now, however, the committee would like to hear from parishioners across the 10 counties,” says the committee chair, Father Mathias Thelen, “and so starting on Tuesday, April 21, we will be offering presentations to every parish community across the Diocese of Lansing on the RRM process.” Each presentation will be hosted by a member of the committee plus, in most cases, a member of staff from the diocesan curia, who will explain the process. “The key thing, though, is to hear parishioners at these meetings,” adds Father Mathias, “What are your hopes and fears for the future of your parish and our diocese? What do you love about your parish? And what are your recommendations for its future? You tell us.” The end result of the RRM process will be a final report delivered to Bishop Boyea, with recommendations for the future of the Diocese of Lansing.
Diocese of Lansing Elementary Schools: The 10-Year Trends 2009-10 count
School
EATON
GENESEE
INGHAM
JACKSON
LENAWEE
LIVINGSTON
SHIAWASSEE
WASHTENAW
% Change
Numerical Change
Most Holy Trinity, Fowler
81
105
+30%
+24
St. Joseph, St. Johns
273
199
-27%
-74
St. Mary, Westphalia
262
295
+12%
+33
St. Mary, Charlotte
94
129
+37%
+35
St. Michael, Grand Ledge
145
95
-34%
-50
Holy Rosary, Flint
86
82
-4%
-4
St. John’s, Fenton
428
184
-57%
-244
Holy Family, Grand Blanc
499
395
-20%
-104
S. John Vianney, Flint
250
142
-43%
-108
St. Pius X, Flint
212
95
-55%
-117
St. Robert, Flushing
253
175
-31%
-78
St. Gerard, Lansing
530
434
-18%
-96
St. Martha, Okemos
179
86
-51%
-93
Resurrection, Lansing
178
173
-2%
-5
St. Mary, Pinckney
170
110
-35%
-60
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing
154
179
+16%
+25
St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing
332
265
-20%
-67
St. Mary, Williamston
94
55
-41%
-39
Queens, Jackson
290
251
-13%
-39
Star of Sea, Jackson
149
106
-28%
-43
St. Johns, Jackson
175
170
-3%
-5
Sacred Heart, Hudson
86
52
-39%
-34
St. Joe’s, Howell
362
80
-78%
-282
Holy Spirit, Brighton
59
64
+8%
+5
St. Patrick, Brighton
455
421
-7%
-34
St. Paul, Owosso
146
51
-65%
-95
St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor
272
70
-74%
-202
St. Francis, Ann Arbor
446
385
-14%
-61
6,660
4,848
-27%
-1,812
TOTAL:
Diocese of Lansing High Schools: The 10-Year Trends 2010-11 count
2019-20 count
% change
Numerical change
Father Gabriel Richard HS, Ann Arbor
507
482
-5%
-25
Lansing Catholic HS, Lansing
478
481
+1%
+3
Lumen Christi HS, Jackson
478
309
-35%
-169
Powers HS, Flint
538
642
+19%
+104
2,001
1,914
-5%
-87
TOTAL:
DIOCESE OF LANSING SCHOOLS
CLINTON
2019-20 count
21
Diocese of Lansing Parishes: The 10-Year Trends
DIOCESE OF LANSING PARISHES
Parish
22
CLINTON
2009 count 1,450
887
-39%
-563
1,088
871
-20%
-217
St. Joseph, St. Johns
1,177
1,043
-11%
-134
St. Mary, Westphalia
1,753
1,498
-15%
-255
5,468
4,299
-21%
-1,169
St. Mary, Charlotte
802
490
-39%
-312
St. Peter, Eaton Rapids
515
249
-52%
-266
St. Gerard, Lansing
3,074
2,634
-14%
-440
St. Michael, Grand Ledge
1,046
731
-30%
-315
5,437
4,104
-25%
-1,333
Holy Redeemer, Burton
1,177
1,275
+8%
+98
SS. Charles & Helena, Clio
879
494
-44%
-385
St. John Evangelist, Davison/Blessed Sacrament
1,824
1,728
-5%
-96
St. John Evangelist, Fenton
2,094
1,678
-20%
-416
St. Robert, Flushing
1,392
875
-37%
-517
Christ the King, Flint
118
102
-14%
-16
St. John Vianney, Flint
1,288
683
-47%
-605
Holy Rosary, Flint
722
303
-58%
-419
St. Matthew, Flint
580
228
-61%
-352
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Flint
476
267
-44%
-209
St. Pius X, Flint
946
342
-64%
-604
St. Mark, Grand Blanc (Goodrich)
391
382
-2%
-9
Holy Family, Grand Blanc
2,033
1,443
-29%
-590
Good Shepherd, Montrose
265
270
+2%
+5
St. Mary, Mt Morris
660
350
-47%
-310
St. Francis Xavier, Otisville
306
205
-33%
-101
St. Mary, Swartz Creek GENESEE COUNTY TOTAL: HILLSDALE
INGHAM
Numerical change
St. Jude, DeWitt
EATON COUNTY TOTAL:
GENESEE
% Change
Most Holy Trinity, Fowler
CLINTON COUNTY TOTAL:
EATON
2019 count
St. Anthony, Hillsdale
733
436
-41%
-297
15,884
11,061
-30%
-4,823
830
1,101
+33%
+271
St. Thomas Aquinas/St. John Student, E Lansing
3,731
2,304
-38%
-1,427
St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing
1,019
568
-44%
-451
St. Casimir, Lansing
655
383
-42%
-272
IHM, Lansing
1,033
674
-35%
-359
Resurrection, Lansing
735
885
+20%
+150
St. Therese, Lansing
615
451
-27%
-164
Cristo Rey, Lansing
583
527
-10%
-56
424
-7%
-31
605
-31%
-266
St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Lansing
455
SS. Cornelius & Cyprian, Leslie Oratory
279
St. James, Mason
592
St. Martha, Okemos
1,508
993
-34%
-515
St. Mary, Williamston
685
665
-3%
-20
11,890
8,479
-29%
-3,411
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
INGHAM COUNTY TOTAL:
Diocese of Lansing Parishes: The 10-Year Trends Parish
JACKSON
2009 count 864
704
-19%
-160
348
190
-45%
-158
St. John Evangelist/St. Joseph, Jackson
2,056
1,140
-45%
-916
Queen’s, Jackson
1,515
1,441
-5%
-74
St. Mary Star of Sea, Jackson
1,006
797
-21%
-209
Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center
617
460
-25%
-157
6,406
4,732
-26%
-1,674
269
-29%
-112
851
-36%
-474
St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn
381
St. Joseph, Adrian Oratory
625
Holy Family Adrian (St. Mary, Adrian)
700
Light of Christ, Deerfield
521
312
-40%
-209
St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh
866
693
-20%
-173
Sacred Heart, Hudson
407
369
-9%
-38
St. Mary, Manitou Beach
228
164
-28%
-64
3,728
2,658
-29%
-1,070
St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton
1,427
1,326
-7%
-101
St. Patrick, Brighton
2,665
2,168
-19%
-497
St. Agnes, Fowlerville
748
521
-30%
-227
Holy Spirit, Brighton
630
605
-4%
-25
St. John the Baptist, Howell
1,458
1,009
-31%
-449
St. Joseph, Howell
1,649
844
-49%
-805
St. Augustine, Howell
530
460
-13%
-70
St. Mary, Pinckney
1,049
730
-30%
-319
10,156
7,663
-25%
-2,493
410
-56%
-515
LIVINGSTON COUNTY TOTAL:
SHIAWASSEE
St. Mary, Durand
644
St. Joseph, Gaines Oratory
281
St. Isidore, Laingsburg
345
246
-29%
-99
St. Mary, Morrice
388
232
-40%
-156
182
-15%
-33
949
-52%
-1,044
2,019
-48%
-1,847
Holy Family, Ovid
215
St. Joseph, Owosso Oratory
793
St. Paul, Owosso
1,200
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY TOTAL:
WASHTENAW
Numerical change
St. Rita, Clarklake
LENAWEE COUNTY TOTAL:
LIVINGSTON
% Change
St. Catherine, Concord
JACKSON COUNTY TOTAL:
LENAWEE
2019 count
3,866
Christ the King, Ann Arbor
1,553
1,215
-22%
-338
St. Francis Assisi, Ann Arbor
3,004
2,146
-29%
-858
St. Mary Student, Ann Arbor
2,519
1,860
-26%
-659
St. Thomas, Ann Arbor
1,720
1,362
-21%
-358
St. Mary, Chelsea
869
687
-21%
-182
St. Joseph, Dexter
1,185
888
-25%
-297
St. Mary, Manchester
356
230
-35%
-126
Immaculate Conception, Milan
486
352
-28%
-134
St. Andrew, Saline
1,940
1,317
-32%
-623
St. Patrick, Ann Arbor
630
456
-28%
-174
St. Joseph, Ypsilanti
389
390
0%
+1
St. John Baptist, Ypsilanti
856
1,377
+38%
+521
WASHTENAW COUNTY TOTAL:
15,507
12,280
-21%
-3,227
DIOCESE OF LANSING TOTAL:
79,172
58,396
-26%
-20,776
23
3,300 3,200 3,100 3,000
29%
2,900
32%
2,800 2,700
40%
2,600 2,500
1,005
2,400
964
1,396
2,300 2,200 2,100 2,000 1,900
TOTAL CATHOLIC POPULATION:
1,800 1,700 1,600 1,500 1,400 1,300
22%
1,200 1,100 1,000
177
900 800
2019
2010
2019
610
2010
787
2019
2,334
2010
3,298
200
2,086
300
3,482
400
2,185
500
2010
2019
100 0
TOTAL BAPTISMS
FIRST COMMUNIONS
CONFIRMATIONS
217,672 (2010) 185,580 (2019)
15% 32,092
TOTAL POPULATION:
700 600
3,190
SACRAMENTS
3,500 3,400
TOTAL MARRIAGES
1,790,849 (2010) 1,813,907 (2019)
1% 23,058
Some words of ENCOURAGEMENT I am very encouraged
“We are in a period in the history of the Church where the Church
that the diocese is
must once again rise to confront the challenges facing the world. There is no doubt, given the decline of participation in our parishes,
dealing with the reality
that we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us individually as well
of continuing decline by
as corporately. Bishops Boyea's vision, Go and Announce the Gospel,
appointing a committee to ‘think outside the box’ about how to realign resources and deal most effectively with the current challenges. Let’s all pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine them with true wisdom about how to move forward in the face of the significant challenges.” Ralph Martin, president of Renewal Ministries in Ann Arbor 24
has the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and calls all of us to a deeper faith and greater sacrifice. It is not enough to ‘do a program.’ Each of us must now decide whether we are going to do the real work of evangelization and evaluation to determine whether we are really hitting the mark. Come let us rise and call on God for help.”
Deacon Ralph Poyo, Founder of New Evangelization Ministries
“I was in Germany recently speaking to the senior leaders of a large diocese, and they asked me to name U.S. dioceses that were deeply and effectively committed to evangelization. Lansing was at the top of my list. I have been very impressed by the strong, thoughtful commitment of Lansing's leadership to evangelization, from Bishop Boyea through local parish pastors and leaders at all levels. I have also been very moved by the stories of transformed lives and communities that I hear from your diocese, and use your stories to inspire Catholic leaders around the world!” Sherry Weddell, speaker, author and co-founder of the Catherine of Siena Institute
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Some words of ENCOURAGEMENT “I commend our good Bishop Boyea for his dedication to our diocese and his push as the pastor to call all of us to the very thing for which we exist, to bring people to a knowledge of the truth. Thank you, Bishop Boyea, for seeing the need and taking actions to inspire us all to be more faithful Christians living joyfully in the heart of the Catholic Church.” Steve Ray, CatholicConvert.com
“Discipleship is a long road … and thank God for that! So often, we prefer to be ‘done.’ But God wants us to keep walking. God needs us to keep moving forward. In the history of Christianity, God has always done his best work when people are walking in darkness. To have the grace of hope and perseverance in the midst of seeming failure is the way of the disciple of Jesus. And so we keep on. We keep on walking. We keep on serving. We keep on following the Lord.” Father Mike Schmitz, director of youth and young adult ministry for Diocese of Duluth, Minn.
REALIGN RESOURCES FOR MISSION MEETING DATES TUES., APRIL 21, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. John the Evangelist, Jackson | Queen of the Miraculous Medal/St. Catherine Laboure, Jackson to meet at Queen of the Miraculous Medal WED., APRIL 22, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Mary, Manchester | St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor THURS. APRIL 23, 2020, AT 7 P.M. Light of Christ Parish, Deerfield | St. John the Baptist, Ypsilanti | Immaculate Conception, Milan | St. Andrew, Saline | Christ the King, Ann Arbor MON., APRIL 27, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Mary, Chelsea | St. Agnes, Fowlerville TUES., APRIL 28, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach | Holy Family, Adrian | St. Joseph, Ypsilanti | St. Joseph, Dexter | St. John Vianney, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Matthew to meet @ St. John Vianney Parish WED., APRIL 29, 2020, AT 7 P.M. Sacred Heart, Hudson | St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson | St. Anthony Padua, Hillsdale | St. Mary Student Parish, Ann Arbor | St. John the Baptist, Howell THURS., APRIL 30, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Rita, Clarklake | St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh | St. Patrick, Ann Arbor | St. Augustine, Howell | Holy Family, Grand Blanc MON., MAY 4, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. John the Evangelist, Fenton | Church of the Resurrection, Lansing | St. Gregory the Great, Lansing TUES., MAY 5, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Patrick, Brighton | St. Mary, Mt. Morris | St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing | St. Mary, Williamston | St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor
When St. John Paul II said we’re in the ‘springtime of evangelization,’ it was no cliché. It’s a reality taking place right in the Diocese of Lansing. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and am looking forward to more great fruit being borne out of this journey of renewal. God bless all of you!” Matthew Leonard, Catholic author and founder of Next Level Catholic Academy
WED. MAY 6, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Joseph, Howell | St. Pius X, Flint | St. Thomas Aquinas/St. John Student Center, East Lansing | Catholic Community of Sts. James, Cornelius & Cyprian THURS., MAY 7, 2020, AT 7 P.M. Holy Spirit Parish, Brighton St. Mary, Pinckney | St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton | Holy Rosary, Flint | Cristo Rey, Lansing | St. Martha, Okemos MON., MAY, 2020, 11 AT 7 P.M. St. Mark the Evangelist, Goodrich | St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing | St. John the Evangelist, Davison | St. Francis Xavier, Otisville | St. Therese, Lansing WED., MAY 13, 2020, AT 7 P.M. Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton | SS. Charles & Helena, Clio Good Shepherd, Montrose | St. Mary Queen of Angels, Swartz Creek | St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Lansing SUN., MAY 17, 2020, FOLLOWING THE 9:45 A.M. MASS Christ the King, Flint MON., MAY 18, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Michael, Grand Ledge | St. Peter, Eaton Rapids TUES., MAY 19, 2020, AT 7 P.M. Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center | Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing | St. Mary & Joseph, Durand | Catholic Community of St. Jude, DeWitt | St. Gerard, Lansing WED., MAY 20, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn | St. Isidore, Laingsburg | St. Paul, Owosso THURS., MAY 21, 2020, AT 7 P.M. St. Mary, Morrice | Holy Family, Ovid | Most Holy Trinity, Fowler | St. Mary, Westphalia | St. Joseph, Saint Johns | St. Mary, Charlotte The meeting dates above were accurate at the time of printing. Please check news from your parish for any changes or cancellations. 25
time for this?” So as a result, I didn’t say yes right away and took it to prayer. After receiving positive confirmations from the Lord, my spiritual director and my priest fraternity, I was confident the Lord was calling me to say yes and use my gifts for the good of the diocese.
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TOM GENNARA
What do you think are the greatest challenges facing the Catholic Church in this part of the U.S. today?
EIGHT QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAIRMAN:
Meet Father Mathias Thelen F
ATHER MATHIAS THELEN is the chairman of the Realign Resources for Mission (RRM) Committee. The 37-year-old is a
native of the village of Fowler. He was ordained to the holy priesthood in 2010. He served in several parishes before being appointed pastor of St. Patrick in Brighton in 2017. In the summer of 2019, Bishop Boyea asked him to chair the newly created RRM Committee.
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ow did you feel when Bishop Boyea asked you H to head up the Realign Resources for Mission Committee? At first, I was honored that the bishop would ask me to lead such a significant effort to advance the mission of Christ in the diocese. But then I quickly thought to myself, “How in the world will I have
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Of the many challenges facing the American Church today, I believe two are most urgent. The first concerns the spiritual health of the Church. The decline in Mass attendance, for example, in our 10-county diocese is about more than the shifting demographics and the increasingly secular culture. At root, this decline, in my judgment, is essentially about the lack of authentic discipleship and our inability to pass on our faith to the next generation, which is only exacerbated by the cultural milieu in which we live. This is difficult for many in the Church to acknowledge. Yet we cannot solve the problems we’re unwilling to acknowledge. Notwithstanding the real heroic witness of so many lay faithful and clergy in our diocese, we need to also admit that the only path forward in the impending demographic crisis is nothing other than the path of holiness and radical discipleship. One reason it’s so hard to pass on the faith and follow Jesus today is that so many, both inside and outside the Church, are suffering the devastating effects of relational and family breakdown ultimately caused by sin. The path of holiness is also the path of wholeness; the more we surrender to Jesus and the work of his Spirit in our humanity, the more our broken hearts, fears, anger and insecurities are healed and the more we are capable of loving as God loves. As we encounter the saving love of Jesus, we are renewed in our confidence that we are indeed loved by God the Father, and are empowered by his Spirit to bring his healing love to a wounded Church and world. Therefore, if we want renewal in our Church, we must return to the call to holiness and give Jesus everything, so that renewed by his love, we can bring his saving love to the world wounded by sin. The second challenge concerns the bold leadership needed to be proactive in ensuring the Church is focusing all her energies toward the new evangelization, as called for by St. John Paul II. (Redemptoris Missio, 3) Since priests, deacons and the laity are so busy tending to the current needs of the people of God, it takes real additional time, clear vision and leadership to shift from what we are doing in our parishes and schools to a renewed focus on becoming healthy communities of missionary disciples that engage culture. Given the demographic trends of the number of priests and lay faithful in our
diocese, this shift must happen sooner than later if we are not to collapse and grow ineffective. In other words, if we continue with business as usual in the Church, we’ll soon be out of business. We cannot afford to be reactionary to our situation. What’s needed is bold and decisive leadership that proactively moves us out of the pastoral posture of managing decline to a posture of strength in which we as a diocese can more effectively and joyfully share with the world that Jesus is alive and, in his name, we have salvation. This shift in missionary focus cannot happen without tremendous courage, vision and determination, all of which are given in abundance by the Holy Spirit.
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What are the greatest opportunities and reasons for hope? I believe the formation of our committee is a sign that the Holy Spirit is leading us through the leadership of Bishop Boyea. The existence of our committee represents a proactive approach to our demographic and spiritual situation – an approach that frees us from being forced to make reactive, lose-lose decisions. A proactive approach best positions us to listen to the Spirit and to the clergy and laity to consider how to align our resources to better implement the mission of Christ. In other words, through the bold and decisive leadership of Bishop Boyea, our diocese is now able to be strategic in making the tough decisions necessary for the current and future health of our diocese. As a result, parishes and schools will have a chance to become healthier and more effective communities of missionary disciples than they are now.
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What do you hope the committee will achieve? Bishop has asked our committee to submit to him a final report by Dec. 8, 2020, that contains recommendations about how to best realign the resources (parishes, schools, financial personnel, etc.) of our diocese. We hope that having taken into consideration the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and input from priests, deacons and lay faithful, our report to the bishop will represent a clear and compelling vision for what a healthy Diocese of Lansing could look like. Given the scope and seriousness with which we are taking this work, we sincerely hope the bishop prayerfully considers and implements most, if not all, of our recommendations.
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How would you describe the range of talent and personalities you have on the committee? Our 14-member committee arose out of the
nominations of the priests of the diocese. Our committee is composed of four priests, one deacon and nine lay faithful. Three of the lay members are key diocesan curial staff. In the formation of the committee, we were careful to ensure all the regions of the diocese were fairly represented. We also were intentional to make sure to strike a balance between members who had strategic, influencing, executing and relational strengths. We firmly believe that each member has a critical role to play in the effectiveness of our committee.
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What is the most important thing for your committee to remember as it does it work? We are keenly aware of the fact that God is with us and guiding us in our work. We remind each other of this often as we pray together in our meetings. We thank God for his providential love in this entire process.
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What tools are you are using to measure the physical and spiritual health of the diocese? The committee has several tools at its disposal that will help us better map out the cultural, spiritual and demographic landscape of our diocese. One of the most impressive tools we have is a new software technology called MapDash for Faith Communities, which measures and projects congregational vitality and sustainability by analyzing U.S. Census data and all of the layers of data we add regarding our parishes and schools. We also have access to consultants who help us understand how to best strategically position our schools for success. The Disciple Maker Index survey that the parishes conducted in February, along with other data-gathering tools offered to priests, will give us another glimpse into the unique character of each parish and priest in our diocese. Moreover, the input we receive from our upcoming parish visits will be invaluable.
Through the bold and decisive leadership of Bishop Boyea, our diocese is now able to be strategic in making the tough decisions necessary for the current and future health of our diocese.
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How important is consulting with parishioners in each location? We know that the diocese as a whole is made up of smaller communities of disciples. Since we believe that each local parish is unique and each local school is unique, we also believe that each deserves special consideration in our efforts. We cannot afford a one-size-fits-all approach to diocesan renewal. The data we receive from consulting with the people of the diocese, in this sense, is the most important data we will receive. 27
The Holy Spirit is guiding the diocese A
S THE ISRAELITES APPROACHED the land of Canaan for the first time, the Lord
commanded Moses to send 12 men to scout the Promised Land. After 40 days, they returned with conflicting reports. While all 12 recognized the bounty of the land, the inhabitants of the land and their perceived strength intimidated 10 of them, so they fearfully told the Israelites that, “it is a land which devours its inhabitants; and all the people we saw in it are men of great stature.” (Nm 13:32) The people were so scared by the false report that they cried out against God and Moses, and actually wished they could return to Egypt! Only Caleb and Joshua stood for the truth and remembered the faithfulness and power of God. As a result, they and their tribes were spared the judgment of the 10 other tribes of dying before ever entering the
“Be strong and of good courage; for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them; and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you; he will be with you, he will not fail you or forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed.” (Dt 31:7) I believe we need to embrace the encouragement and prophetic nature of this passage. Now I’m not here to compare Father Mathias Thelen to Joshua, or pretend our committee represents the 12 spies, but I do believe the Lord wants to reveal a new promised land for the Diocese of Lansing. There are giants (both those self-created and brought on by the world, the flesh and the devil) arranged against our collective mission, and we have a choice to see their size and strength or firmly believe that through
obedience, faith and decisive action, the Lord has prepared to deliver them into our hands. We need to remind each other that Jesus goes before us, and he will not fail or forsake us. We need to banish all fear and anxiety, and passionately cling to what we know about our infinitely good, faithful, strong, loving, merciful and just Father. The process of realigning resources for mission is not marshaling our strength to escape Egypt, but rather receiving a gift prepared for us by the Lord. We can choose to flee our old ways of doing things yet occasionally pine for what was, or we can step boldly into this new vision and mission to unite with Jesus in his purpose to seek and save the lost. Much like the pillar of fire and the pillar of smoke, the Holy Spirit is guiding this diocese. Let’s courageously and peacefully step into this new land of missionary discipleship, and see what the Lord has in store!
Promised Land. Years later, as they prepared for their entry into Canaan, Moses reminded Joshua of the Lord’s covenant as he commissioned Joshua to lead the people into their new home. 28
FAITH Magazine | APRIL 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
PETE BURAK, a husband and father, is the author of the GROW column on page 8. He is a parishioner of Christ the King in Ann Arbor and a member of the RRM Committee.
YOUR COMMUNITY
IF YOU HAVE BEEN ABUSED OR VICTIMIZED BY SOMEONE REPRESENTING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out.
DIOCESAN MEN’S CONFERENCE DRAWS 1,500 The 2020 men’s conference, “Accept the Challenge,” was held on Feb. 28 at the Oosterbaan Field House in Ann Arbor, with approximately 1,500 in attendance. The event, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, featured speakers Bart Schuchts of the John Paul II Healing Center; Father Larry Richards of The Reason for our Hope Foundation; Father Mathias Thelen of Encounter Ministries; and Dan DeMatte of Damascus Catholic Mission Campus. Bishop Boyea said: “There’s nothing like having a group to help you be who you know you are called to be. I am hoping that camaraderie, that fraternity, will really be a strength to all of them.”
RITE OF ELECTION Hundreds gathered at St Martha Parish in Okemos on March 1 to celebrate the Rite of Election with Bishop Boyea. The Rite of Election welcomes those who are non-baptized and coming into the Church, called catechumens, and those who are baptized but not yet in full communion with the Church, called candidates. In his homily, Bishop Boyea encouraged all gathered to enter into the desert with Jesus, and to use Lent as a time to enter more fully into our relationship with Christ in preparation for the celebration of Easter and Pentecost. Churches throughout the diocese will welcome more than 400 new Catholics this year at the Easter Vigil. – PHOTOS AND STORY BY JOSH HAMILTON.
If I have been the victim of child sexual abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, whom should I contact? Contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Lansing, Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, LMSW, 888.308.6252 or cwilliamshecksel@dioceseoflansing.org. What if I am an adult victim of sexual harassment, abuse, or other types of harassment by someone who works for the Catholic Church? Contact the Lighthouse Incident Reporting service, 844.446.0009, or Lisa Kutas, Human Resources Director, 517.342.2511 or lkutas@dioceseoflansing.org.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES THINGS TO DO April 4-5, 8:30 a.m., the Diocese of Lansing’s annual Women’s Discernment Retreat for women ages 16-39 who are discerning the call to religious life will be hosted at the De Sales Center in Brooklyn. There is no cost. Register online at 2020women_discern.eventbee. com or contact Dawn Hausmann at 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@ dioceseoflansing.org. April 14, St. Agnes Parish in Fowlerville will host a free breakfast and bingo in its Lothamer Parish Center. It begins at 10:30 a.m. with a hearty, homemade breakfast, followed by bingo and prizes to the winners. All are welcome to attend this free event. For more information, contact Liz Heslip at 517.223.8684. April 16, Livingston Vicariate Men-on-Fire Night, 5:45 p.m. prayer, 6:15 p.m. Mass and 7 p.m. speaker, Bart Schuchts, JPII Healing Center, followed by fellowship and refreshments. Free-will offering. Will be held every third Thursday. April 17, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, 4413 Morrish Road, Swartz Creek, will host a euchre tournament fundraiser sponsored by its Knights of Columbus Council. For more information, call 810.635.3684.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES (JLHC), JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG April 24, 1-4 p.m., the Lenawee County Child Advocacy Center, a program of Catholic Charities JLHC, is hosting a free training opportunity in recognition of National Child Abuse Month at Adrian High School Performing Arts Center. Speaker is the nationally renowned filmmaker Sasha Neulinger. To make a reservation, please visit lccacminiconference.eventbrite.com. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY (CSSW), 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Two Lasting Promise marriage preparation classes: Class 1 is May 8, 6:30-9 p.m. and May 9, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 14200 E. Old U.S.-12 in Chelsea. Class 2 is May 29, 6:30-9 p.m. and May 30, 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi, 2150 Frieze in Ann Arbor. Cost is $95/couple. For information, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashenaw.org.
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SAVE THE DATES:
The Four Levels of Happiness presentations • April 18, Lumen Christi High School, Jackson • April 25, Powers Catholic High Schools, Flint • May 2, Lansing Catholic High School, Lansing The Nazareth Association’s $2,000 scholarship deadline is June 1. nazarethassociation.org. July 24-26, Ann Arbor Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. Call Beth at 734.879.0427. Oct. 13-22, Cruise the Seine with Father Andrew Czajkowski. Call Father Andrew at 810.653. 2377.
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CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES (CCSGC), FLINT: 810.232.9950 AND OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 or CCSGC.ORG Foster parents are needed. If you are considering fostering a child, please contact Deborah Pettway, director of child welfare at 810.232.3418, ext. 321 or dpettway@ccsgc.org for information and to answer your questions. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, (LCCC), 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG LCCC offers a variety of care-giver support activities each month for those caring for a senior loved one at our Be Our Guest Adult Day facility. Visit us at LivingstonCatholicCharities.org to view the current activities. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LANSING STVCC), 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG A Lasting Promise marriage preparation class: May 2, 9 a.m-3 p.m. at St. Gerard’s Adult Education Room, 4437 W. Willow Hwy. in Lansing. Registration is recommended four to six weeks prior. Cost is $75/couple. For information, contact Jessica Gallegos at 517.323.4734, ext. 1726 or GallegJ@stvcc.org.
April 17, 5 p.m., St. Mary, Manchester’s Knights of Columbus will host a dinner at the parish hall, 108 Madison St. Free-will offering. All are invited to attend. For information, call the parish office at 734.428.8811. Fridays, April 17 and May 8, 11 a.m-1 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton will host a 50+ senior potluck lunch in the parish community room. Bring a dish to pass. For information, call the parish office at 810.229.8624. April 17, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and April 18, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St Agnes in Fowlerville is hosting a rummage sale to benefit the Gift of Joy Dance Company’s family scholarship fund and special needs dance program. Plan to come and enjoy a spring treasure hunt. For information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684.
April 18, St. Paul School invites all adults to the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1259 E. Main St. in Owosso for their annual St. Paul Dinner/ Auction. Doors will open at 5 p.m. There is both a silent and live auction. Activities include a photo booth, music, dancing and more. Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner and drinks. To reserve a ticket, call St. Paul School at 989.725.7766. April 22, 5-7:30 p.m. and April 23, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Michael Parish in Grand Ledge will host its annual spring rummage and bake sale. For additional information, contact Kelli at 517.649.8918 or Glenna at 517.256.5182. April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m., the Shared Pregnancy Women’s Center will host a “lifesavers celebration” fundraiser at the
RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS Mid-life singles (30s to 50s): Are you looking for a renewed sense of purpose and belonging? Take a chance and register for a life-changing REFLECT weekend retreat on April 17-19. Cost is $185 for a single room and meals. For information or to register, call 586.770.1772, email reflect.michigan@gmail.com or visit ReflectRetreat.com.
Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 Bridge St. Admission is free. There will be a silent auction, ice cream sundaes, children’s activities and face painting. For information, call 517.484.1882 or visit sharedpregnancy.org, and follow our Facebook page for auction updates. April 25, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Martha, 1100 W. Grand River in Okemos, with Allen Hunt will host a Dynamic Catholic event. Come and join us for a life-changing event titled “Find your Greatness.” To purchase tickets online, visit DynamicCatholic.com. For information, contact Jackie Rosalez at 517.349.1763 or jrosalez@stmarth.org. April 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Peter Parish, Eaton Rapids will host a Small Business Expo and Craft Show with crafts, toys and something for everyone. If you are a vendor or for information, visit www.spceatonrapids.org. April 25-26, Catholic Engaged Encounter (CEE) of Mid-Michigan will have a weekend retreat in Holly. CEE is a marriage preparation program based on Catholic teachings and values that emphasizes the relationship of the couple and their sacramental commitment. Registration closes April 11. For information, visit lansingcee.org, email info@ lansingcee.org or call Sue and Wayne Fransted at 517.740.4132.
WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, ADRIAN, 517.266.4000 or WEBERCENTER.ORG April 17-19, the Adrian Dominican Sisters invite women 19-35 to a special weekend – “A Time to Discern: Come and See for Yourself” – at their motherhouse, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian. There is no cost for the weekend. To register online, visit tinyurl.com/ ADSDiscern. For information, contact Sister Tarianne DeYonker, OP at ideyonker@adriandominicans.org or text 517.920.1395.
April 26, the Diocese of Lansing’s Disabilities Ministry and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are hosting a special needs Mass at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel located at 703 E. Main St. in DeWitt. Mass starts at 2 p.m., followed by light refreshments. Please RSVP Cathy Blatnik by April 22 at 517.381.1410 or at lcblatnik@juno. com. Everyone is welcome. April 28, 9:30 a.m., Mass at St. John Vianney in Flint for seventh grade Vocation Day for all Diocese of Lansing’s Catholic school students. There will be vocation presentations for students from 10:15-11:45 a.m. and snacks will be provided. For information, contact
Dawn Hausmann at 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org. May 14, 6:30 p.m., St. Casimir will host its annual card party in the Holy Family Center with lots of family activities, delicious desserts, beverages and door prizes with a top prize of $500. Tickets available at the door at 6 p.m. For information, call the parish office at 517.482.1346. May 30, 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Michigan State Council Knights of Columbus will host the Living Rosary Pilgrimage – Do you Believe – Faith in Action at 11 a.m. at the State Capitol in Lansing. For more information, contact mikofclivingrosary.org.
PLEASE NOTE: At the time this magazine went to print, many events were being cancelled or postponed because of the coronavirus. Please check with the parish or organization before deciding to attend an event.
APRIL CAFÉ EVENTS May 17, 2 p.m., a new group of people seeking to learn about the Catholic Church will begin meeting at St. John Church and Student Center in East Lansing. For more information, contact Pete Ries at 517.351.5460, ext. 1328 or pries@elcatholics.org. St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have the following programs in Fr. Mac Hall: April 14, 7 p.m., a DVD presentation: Pivotal Players of Catholicism – “G.K. Chesterton, The Evangelist”; and April 21, 7 p.m., a talk about G. K. Chesterton by Dale Ahlquist, “The Gentle and Bloody Art of Defending the Catholic Faith.” For
information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@elcatholics.org. St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor will host the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for both diocesan and nondiocesan parishioners in August. To register, a $100 nonrefundable deposit must be remitted with registration by June 30. For information, contact Albert Holder at 734.794.2075 or aholder@sta2.org. 31
Membership Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906 Want to receive FAITH Magazine? Visit FAITHMAG.COM Follow FAITHMAG The Way to Happiness Is Jesus Find out more at DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG Find a Catholic Church at MASSTIMES.ORG Serving Ann Arbor, Flint, Jackson, Lansing And Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties
