May 2010

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He says: "I hate not being the breadwinner." lila Jm~.w wmJ Jfi. is it OK to believe in space aliens?

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2 T. Gennara

“I learn more from you than you do from me.”

Teaching in the lay ministry formation program @

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

from the editor

Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

May 2010 • Volume 11: Issue 4

FAITH Catholic Patrick M. O’Brien

n the May 2006 issue of FAITH, we shared the story of Sister Marilyn Barnett, OP, who coordinates the program in theological studies for Siena Heights University in Adrian. The program, which is a partnership between the Diocese of Lansing and Siena Heights, is one of the ways that new or currently serving professionals in lay ministry receive solid academic and spiritual formation. Through 12 courses, the students, most of whom are already working in some capacity in parish ministry or who are contemplating work in the church, are offered a solid grounding in Sacred Scripture, theology, church history and liturgy. If a student completes all 12 courses, he or she will have earned the equivalent of an undergraduate major in theology.

I have been serving as an instructor in the program since fall 2001 and have loved every minute of it. In the time since, I have taught courses in the church’s liturgy, sacramental theology and Christology – our theological understanding of who Jesus is.

My class sizes have ranged anywhere from a dozen students to nearly 30, depending on the time of year and the demand for a particular course.

When I meet with a group of students for our first class, I tell them, “Believe it or not, by the time this semester is finished, I will have learned more from you than you will have learned from me.” As I reflect back on almost 10 years of teaching (and learning) in the program, that has been the truth for each class. Students in my classes have ranged from folks are who beginning the ministerial discernment process at the urging of their pastor to people who have been “in the trenches” of parish ministry, so to speak, for more years than I have been ordained. The collective wisdom that gathers each time a class meets is very impressive.

Yet it is not just the wisdom I find impressive, it is the powerful witness of faith that I find so moving.

I’m sure this isn’t breaking news to anyone, but a parish can be a very challenging place in which to minister and work. Parish ministry requires a unique combination of skills and personal quali-

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

ties: diplomacy, energy, vision, motivation, sensitivity, empathy, honesty, dedication, self-sacrifice and (depending on one’s state in life) a supportive spouse and family. All of these are held together by the gift of a living and dynamic faith. These are the qualities that I see and experience in the students who have taken part in my classes over the years.

I have found it very moving to see younger students learn powerful lessons from older, more experienced fellow travelers. It is also inspiring to see older students caught up with a sort of youthful enthusiasm. It has been my experience that almost none of our time is spent on “If only...” Instead, the vast majority of our class time is reflective of people who love their faith and the life of ministry to which they have been called both by God and by the church.

By the time we reach our final class each semester, I am careful to thank the members of each class for the wisdom they have shared with me and with one another.

Together, we pray for God’s continued blessing on our current or future ministry.

Then, we go in peace, to love and serve the Lord and one another. We take back to our respective parishes and ministries all that has been shared and learned through a unique series of grace-filled gatherings. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Joanne Eason DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY MARKETING

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Lynne Ridenour

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEBMASTER

Janna Stellwag Abby Wieber

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT

Doug Culp Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle Paul Jarzembowski Rev. Joseph Krupp Dr. Gelasia Marquez Dr. Cathleen McGreal Nancy Schertzing Sister Ann Shields Michelle Sessions DiFranco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Derek Melot

PROOFREADING

Carlson Productions Tom Gennara James Luning (cover)

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wayne Case Michael Eichhorn Mary Jo Gillilland Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone Joseph Reid Rev. Bernard Reilly James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez Dcn. David Rosenberg Rev. James Swiat Rev. Jerry Vincke Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD

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. ©2009 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

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FOUNDING EDITOR

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faithcatholic.com

Liturgical Calendar: St. Joseph the Worker May 1 | Feast of Ss. Philip and James, apostles May 3 | Blessed Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka’i, martyr May 10 | Ss. Nereus and Achilleus, m

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FAITH Magazine / May 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

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Not just another ‘church lady’ – tales of a religious educator Cathy Guinan is a ‘church lady’ – one of those amazing women who make a parish run. And she can always makes you smile. For a dose of Irish Catholic storytelling, read about Cathy here in the pages of FAITH and then visit www.

FAITHmag.com to meet her ‘in person.’

Catholic Education in our diocese – 10 Q&As with Father Steve Mattson

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Who wouldn’t want this job? The life of a Catholic elementary-school principal

Special Report:

4 from the bishop The leadership role of the bishop – Bishop Earl Boyea 5 work life I’ve been offered a job – do I take it or stay on unemployment?

– Nick Synko

6 parenting journey I can’t get my 3-year-old to use the potty – Dr. Cathleen McGreal 7 marriage matters She says: “I make more money than my husband.” He says: “I hate not being the breadwinner.” What do they do? – Tom and JoAnne Fogle 8 culture From recliner to remembering – a keepsake photo album – Michelle Sessions DiFranco

10 in the know with Fr. Joe Is it OK to believe in space aliens? – Father Joseph Krupp 11 spiritual popcorn Iron Man – Tony Stark’s second chance – Paul Jarzembowski 12 theology 101 A different way to track time – the liturgical year. What is liturgy?

Part 2 of a 14-part series – Rita Thiron 14 spiritual fitness The Scripture is your life preserver – Sister Ann Shields 31 last word What is Catholic Education? – Father Charles Irvin

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Health Care Reform: What does it mean? What does the church say about it?

Have you ever been lucky enough T. Gennara

to have a mentor?

Elizabeth Solsburg is editorial director of FAITH Magazine. She can be reached at esolsburg@FAITHcatholic.com

@

have. When I was a brand-new director of religious education, still in graduate school and feeling like a fish out of water, I was blessed to find an amazing mentor. She was the DRE of a neighboring parish, and her catechists and students raved about her. She clearly loved the people with whom she worked, and they loved her back. Her laugh was, and is, absolutely infectious. And she ran one of the greatest religious education programs I’d seen.

I was grateful she agreed to become my mentor. There is nothing like having some-

one to turn to who does the same thing you are doing – just with a lot more experience

columnists

what you’ll get out of this issue

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inside this issue

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and skill. Despite my seemingly endless phone calls asking for advice, my moments of frustration and the occasional panic, she never made me feel as if I were imposing on her. Just kept laughing and advising – and kept me in perspective.

A mentor is one of the best teachers you can hope to have – or to be. A mentor shares wisdom, provides much-needed support, and most importantly – teaches by example.

A good mentor models the behavior we aspire to imitate. I was truly blessed to find that kind of mentor, and I only hope I can do the same for someone someday. I believe it is the ultimate way to “pay it forward.”

I am honored to introduce you to my mentor here in the pages of FAITH – one of the wisest women I know, and a truly amazing director of religious education – Cathy Guinan. When you read her story, and meet her in our online video presentation, I think you’ll agree.

reus and Achilleus, martyrs; St. Pancras, martyr May 12 | Ascension of the Lord May 13 | Feast of St. Matthias, apostle May 14 | St. Isidore the Farmer May 15 | St. John I, pope and martyr May 18

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4 J. Carlson

The leadership role

of the bishop

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

from the bishop

he recent health care debate and, particularly, the actions by the Catholic Health Association, have raised questions about the governing ministry of the bishops. The Second Vatican Council stated: “Bishops … govern the particular churches entrusted to them by their counsel, exhortations, example and even by their authority and sacred power, which indeed they use only for the edification of their flock in truth and holiness” always remembering to be a servant. (Lumen gentium, #27) Pope John Paul II noted that “the exercise of authority in the Church has often proved taxing.” He wrote that this authority will only be appreciated if we understand that it is “founded on the charism of apostolicity.” (Pastores gregis, #43) Thus Pope John Paul concluded that bishops are to exercise authority as the apostles did, both by their words and the witness of their lives. It is his task to order the priestly, prophetic and kingly mission of all the people of God (clergy and laity) in his diocese, such that all builds up the body of Christ. Communion, being in union with one another, which the whole church, and with God, is the key aim of all ministry.

Thus the bishop is not only called to witness to the truth, but he is also called to “evaluate and discipline its outward expression by the believers entrusted to his pastoral care.” (Pastores gregis, #44) It is this last line which can prove taxing. However, if the aim of all the governing activity of the bishop is to create and nurture those “tissues of communion,” as CarBuilddinal George of Chicago ing up has stated, then the aim is the body of Christ already supported by the gift of the Holy Spirit. means building Building up the body up relationships, of Christ means building up relationships, making making connecconnections, and realizing tions, and realizing that we are sisters and that we are sisters brothers in the Lord. Now this does not mean that and brothers in the bishop is simply the the Lord. moderator of dialogue, as if he were merely a master of ceremonies. No, he is responsible before God, and will be judged thusly, for the actual communion in faith, hope and love of the portion of the flock entrusted to his care. Thus, leading and belonging to the flock are the two

stances which the bishop must always have.

This signals that the church, and all those who claim to be in communion in the church, do not decide on their own where they will go. Instead, it is the Holy Spirit, promised to the church, and particularly to Peter and the apostles, who guides us all toward heaven and final communion with the Trinity.

When Catholics, even groups of Catholics, such as the CHA, act apart from the bishops and, in fact, even contrary to the bishops, they are serving to harm communion. They act like the lost sheep who chose to wander off on its own seeking pastures that are not meant for it. The aim of the bishops, then, is to go out in search of such lost sheep and try to bring them back into communion. We do this by rebuilding the relationships that have been hurt, not as disinterested emcees but as those responsible for giving an account to the Divine Master about our stewardship.

A prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours (Lent, Evening Prayer, Week I, III, IV), recited by clergy, religious and many laity, states: “Father of all holiness, you gave us Christ as the shepherd of our souls; stay with your shepherds and the flock entrusted to them, do not leave the flock without the loving care of its shepherd, do not leave your shepherds without an obedient flock to follow them.” The very apostolic nature of the church requires that we remain in the flock. Around 255, St. Cyprian of North Africa wrote:

Whoever is not with the bishop is not in the Church.

You must understand that it is to no avail that people may beguile themselves with the illusion that whilst they are not at peace with the bishops of God, they may still worm their way in and surreptitiously hold communion with certain people. (Unity of the Church 66:8:3) This sacred duty to guide the flock is necessary for its unity, so that we may all journey together toward salvation.

St. Bernardine of Siena, priest May 20 | St. Christopher Magallanes, priest and his companions, martyrs, May 21 | St. Rita of Cascia, May 22 | Solemnity of Pentecost May 23 | St. Mary Magdalen de’Pazzi, vi

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FAITH Magazine / May 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Q

I lost my job eight months ago and do I take it or stay on unemployment? have been collecting unemployment ever Nick Synko can be reached at nsynko@synkoassociates.com. since. I have about 10 Additional questions to consider include: Is it a job in an emergmore months to go before my benefits run out, but ing industry, where your experience will pay future dividends? Does I was just offered a job. While this would normally the job pay less, yet provide lifestyle options with limited stress be good news, my new salary would be quite a bit and generous time off? Is the job a match for who you now know less than unemployment is paying – should I take yourself to be? Does the job have a social service benefit or mission the job or wait for something better to come along? with which you are connected?

I’ve been offered a job

Retired? Trying to decide whether you’ll play golf every morning or keep a part-time job at the local grocery store?

One of the first steps toward a successful retirement is to

create a vision of what you’ll be retiring from, and what you’ll be retiring to.

• Keep in mind what this newly available time will cost, and what you’ll do to

One of the largest dangers is outliving your assets. If you’re spending too much, you’ll need to figure out the endurance of your funds. To enjoy a comfortable retirement, you must determine both immediate and long-term expenses. Talk with a financial planner to make sure you have a realistic idea about what you’ll need to live the life you want when you’re no longer working.

money tip

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ith foreclosures still looming, and high levels of unemployment, it doesn’t seem like you’d be able to save a dime. But that doesn’t have to be you! We asked senior financial consultant Chris Millio for some common-sense tips to ride out the financial storm.

stay occupied.

• Communicate regularly with your spouse about what retirement will look like – one of you might want to be in the Bahamas, and the other might want to be near the family in Maine.

• Develop some nonwork interests.

• Ask yourself: Will your money outlive you, or will you outlive your money? You have to figure out what you’re going to spend, and how long you’ll need to spend it.

work life

What do I do after I retire?

When working with our clients in similar situations, we begin writing key questions and a range of bullet-point answers on flipchart paper. Next, we highlight critical factors, re-sort and restate them until we have a collage of information that collectively begins to speak to the situation being evaluated. This storyboard approach is often highly productive in moving individuals from endless thought to well-thought-out decisions. (It is interesting to observe how the mind uses the eyes to think.)

One of the intriguing aspects of Jesus’ life is how he needed time alone to pray, and, we assume, to think. This is certainly an example of how we should live our lives. I, too, would recommend you spend considerable time in prayer and in thought before making your decision.

The only thing I would add is that for us who often process our thoughts visually, I would take along a flipchart pad. Jesus is available to meet with you and help you to make the best decision.

T. Gennara

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Working as a career coach, I often hear similar questions. Should I relocate or remain here until ...? Should I go back to school full-time or should I wait until ...? Should I take a job that is not on my current career path or ...? Should I settle for good enough or hold for a great next step?

I wish there were quick answers to complex career questions. There aren’t. For example, is the job you are being offered with a large, growing organization? If it is, take the job now! Even a “lousy job” in a great organization with a strong future is one to pursue, since you will have a foot in the door and be able to demonstrate your capabilities. Is it a small, privately held company with low pay? Perhaps even that should be considered, if the owner is an individual who treats employees well and is likely to increase your pay as the company grows and profits increase.

– You can reach Chris Millio at christopher.g.millio@ampf.com.

Magdalen de’Pazzi, virgin May 25 | St. Philip Neri, priest May 26 | St. Augustine of Canterbury, bishop May 27 | Solemnity of the Holy Trinity May 30 | Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary May 31

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I can’t get my 3-year-old

T. Gennara

to use the potty Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual advisor.

Q

My 3-year-old son is mature in every way but one.

He just refuses to use the potty and is perfectly content with a diaper. I’ve tried everything I can think of – any suggestions to help train him?

A

parenting journey

First, say a little prayer for patience! When our daughter, Erin, was about 2½, she seemed ready for toilet training. She didn’t like the feel of wet diapers and she was eager to wear “big girl” underwear. Her coordination was good and we knew that she would be able to pull her pants up and down as long as we were careful with her wardrobe choices. We purchased a small potty chair and let her decorate the lid with “beautiful” stickers. Then we placed a plastic jar of M&Ms on a bathroom shelf and explained that Erin would get to pick one M&M each time she successfully made it to the potty. She happily agreed; candy treats were rare in our household.

After the first bowel movement in the potty, she stared at it and then at us saying, “Two candies for doo-doo.” I wanted to burst out laughing, but I handed over the two M&M’s with a straight face. After a

Using the Potty 101.

while, she forgot to ask for her treats and when the jar was empty, it wasn’t refilled – until Kaiti came along!

Mature in every way but one?

A mature preschooler is able to

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Share your insights with your mother and discuss the concept of tough love – keeping your brother dependent is not really loving him. The goal is for him to become a

Our culture doesn’t have as much exposure to natural body functions as we did in the past. We don’t go to Grandma‘s house and see the horses in front of us pooping as they pull the carriage. Taro Gomi’s book, Everyone Poops, explains that since animals and people eat, they all need to poop. Your library has similar books geared toward preschoolers. Help your son understand the process. When he is with you in a bathroom, explain what you are doing out loud so that the sequence is modeled in a matter-of-fact way, just as you do for other skills. If you don’t feel comfortable with candy rewards, then stickers on a chart work well as a reward, too.

My brother won’t grow up Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a psychologist and family counselor.

fully functioning, independent adult.

If possible, the three of you should meet to develop a strategy to help him become an independent adult.

Steps toward independence might include: • Have an end date in

S. Kendrick

what gets my goat

Q

My brother has been sponging off our elderly mother for years. We just found out how much money she’s been giving him every month and are just sick about it. Mom doesn’t realize that this is really not helping him become an independent adult. How can we get him to stop sucking our mother’s bank account dry and grow up?

First, let’s think about your brother.

The big question is why he is trying to live off your mother. Is it because he doesn’t know to budget? Is he just extravagant? Is he an alcoholic or compulsive gambler?

communicate his needs to you verbally.

By 3, he is doing some things “all by myself.” This type of independence is generally a good sign of readiness for toilet training. But there are physical aspects, too. You probably have friends with children who have been trained for over a year! Remember that physical development varies. Just think, when they are teens, some of these boys will go through their growth spurts at 12 years and others at 15. Have your son’s physician check and make sure everything is on track. Let the physician know how long your son’s dry periods in his diapers last and whether the bowel movements are regular.

mind. “I will continue helping you until…” lets your brother know this is not permanent.

• Help him make a budget and check with him to see if he’s sticking with it.

• If necessary, go to the bank with your mother to request a second signature (yours) for any withdrawals from her saving or checking accounts.

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FAITH Magazine / May 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

“I make more money than my husband.”

Jessica says: I have worked hard to get a graduate degree in my field, and I have a good job with a good salary. In fact, I make enough that we have some money for travel and some of life’s little luxuries. Instead of being happy about that, Steve seems to resent my success. We seem to argue about money all the time.

“I hate not being the breadwinner.”

T. Gennara

Steve says: I don’t resent Jessica’s success, but I admit it bothers me that she is the primary breadwinner. I grew up assuming that I would make more money than my wife. Jessica’s salary makes me feel a little like a failure.

I don’t mean to snipe at her about it, but I can’t seem to get past this.

He said | She said what do they do?

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your marriage matters

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

What is really imneeds the help, but this is far from being true in a marriage. If portant here is not who is the most successful one spouse has a problem concerning or involving the other based on salary, but how successful the two of spouse, then, like it or not, both spouses have the problem. It you are at building up your marriage relationship. Steve is now experiencing what many women have experienced for centuries – will take both spouses working together to find an acceptable being paid less than their spouses (sometimes for the same level of solution that is life-giving for both and not life-depleting. Prior to seeking professional assistance, Steve and Jessica can begin the work effort and position) and feeling like second-class citizens. process by discussing the “why” of the issue. Such as, why does We would suggest Steve count his blessings and be thankSteve believe he should be making more money than Jessica, and ful that both of you are earning a wage. Of course, it would also why is the amount of money being made a source of arguments? help if Jessica, as a primary breadwinner, does not treat Steve They may also wish to begin reviewing how money was handled as a bread-loser! In marriage, there is no room for one spouse within their own families of origin. It’s likely that in Steve’s family, to be “the primary” and the other spouse to be “secondary” for it was his father. Going back a generation, it was probably his anything. Marriage is about two individuals becoming one, liftgrandfather as well. This may give Jessica a glimpse into why ing each other up and helping your spouse become the greatest Steve may be feeling the way he does; it is a matter of family traperson he or she can become. There is no room in a marriage for dition and how a family unit should operate. To change a family jealousy, envy or pride. Neither is there room within a marriage tradition takes a lot of love, understanding, time, and commitfor competition between the spouses.

From our experience, we can almost assure Steve and Jessica ment from both spouses to weather the ridicule and suspicion that family of origin members may impose. Jessica could offer that, without some third-party assistance, they will find it difficult to get beyond this issue – primarily because Steve doesn’t Steve assurance that in no way does it make Steve any less of a success to this relationship. Steve and Jessica should remember seem to know how to “get past” the idea that Jessica makes the two of them are a team and this argument has to end! It is not more money than he does. This is not just Steve’s problem, even though he may be the one who is exhibiting the behavior. life-giving and does not show unconditional love, which Jesus has called us to give. Steve and Jessica should take this to prayer, It is Steve and Jessica’s mutual problem. asking the Holy Spirit for the strength and guidance to overcome Too often in marriage we believe the person who is most vocal this obstacle in their relationship. or who is exhibiting the unacceptable behavior is the one who

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8 From recliner to remembering T. Gennara

a keepsake photo album

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By Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Photography by Philip Shippert

culture

et’s face it, a reclining chair is a man’s greatest treasure.

There’s just no parting with it, no matter how ugly, old and beat-up it is. And if it has any ounce of sentimental value, you can forget about him ever wanting to part with it. I know this firsthand, since I have one in my house (a chair that is, not a man; well – actually I have both).

Allow me to describe. There are two types of distressed leather chairs – the intentionally distressed ones you see in a popular catalogue; and the other ones that look like a chew toy for a pit bull. Unfortunately, ours is the latter. I cannot say that it is overstuffed, since the stuffing has, well, fallen out. Even worse, it comes with an ottoman, which serves no purpose other than a place for my 3-year old son to hide his toys (in its many holes).

My husband sees the chair differently.

For him, it’s a little beat up, but so what?

It’s comfortable, has character and most important, has sentimental value. You see, it was his father’s chair before we inherited it.

My husband and all his siblings were told stories by their dad in that chair. They were scolded in that chair, studied in it, slept in it and played in it using their imaginations to transform it into things that ranged from battleships to medieval castles.

Mostly, what my husband loves about

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the chair is attached to the many moments of formation and lessons that his father spent with him as a child. And as a mom who cares, I acknowledge that the best religious education and formation start at home. I do believe we, as parents, have a responsibility to model, reinforce and teach the virtues and habits that build character and please God. Love or hate the chair, I respect my husband’s feelings and secretly hope one day my kids will have similar “keepsakes” that serve as symbols of our role as parents.

So what about that dilapidated chair and ottoman today? I convinced my husband that at least the ottoman had to go to the curb. It really looked as if it had been dropped from a skyscraper. But he wasn’t going to let go of it that easily. Rather than toss it outright, he found a way to give new life to the sad, old, tattered thing.

With my father-in-law’s 75th birthday nearing, my husband skinned the old

ottoman the day before trash day. Like a triumphant hunter over his felled 12-point buck, he went to work on its hide, salvaging whatever pieces of un-torn leather that he could. He then collected a bunch of pictures of his dad from over the years and grouped them according to various memories and moments. The final, completed photo album then received its new cover – brown leather from the expired ottoman.

In this sense, my husband gave new life to the old furniture. Its spirit lives on, in my husband’s mind, in the photo album that now adorns my father-in-law’s bookshelf.

As for the chair, hopefully I can convince him to make a few more leather bound albums to give to family or keep for ourselves.

Do you have an old piece of furniture or article of clothing that should be thrown away, but evokes too much sentiment to part with? Here’s something you can do to give it new life.

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FAITH Magazine / May 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Keepsake album cover

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Take apart photo album or scrapbook. Cut the fabric/textile for each (front and back) cover, measuring 1 ½ inches bigger around all sides. Cut enough fabric/textile to cover spine of album. Set aside.

2

In a well-ventilated area, spray a light coating of adhesive on front and back covers of album and the spine. Center and adhere both covers on backside of each piece of fabric/textile. Flip over. Press and smooth fabric/textile until it’s completely intact. Adhere remaining piece to front of spine. Set aside.

3

Flip front and back covers over again. Place a bead of hot glue to four corners of fabric. Working quickly (so glue doesn’t harden) fold the glued fabric over the corners of the inside of album (making a 90 degree angle). Make a glue line on top, bottom, right and left side of both covers and fold fabric over, making a tight fit.

4

Trim each piece of cardstock 1/8-inch smaller than inside of front and back covers. With glue gun, adhere to inside of front and back covers to give it a finished look.

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keepsake album cover

Supplies: • Any sentimental textiles of your choice (leather, upholstery, etc.)

• Two large (12” x12”) pieces of cardstock • Photo album with removable screws or scrapbook album • Sharp scissors • Ruler • Marker • Craft knife • Spray adhesive • Glue gun

1

Using the point of a craft knife, cut slits into the fabric covering the screw holes. Carefully put the album back together.

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Dear Fr. Joe:

is it OK to believe in space aliens?

T. Gennara

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 1500 E. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48906 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com

Q

I just read an article that the Vatican says it’s OK to believe in life on other planets. I thought God only created humanity in one place – isn’t the Vatican off-base on this one?

OK – good stuff!

The L’Osservatore Romano is the somewhat official newspaper of the Holy See. It runs in Italian daily and has weekly versions in a lot of other languages. It covers Vatican news and press releases and really is worth checking out if you have time. In May 2008, L’Osservatore Romano interviewed Father Jose Gabriel Funes. Father Funes is a Jesuit priest from Argentina and is an astronomer who serves as the director of the Vatican Observatory.

In this interview, Father Funes stated his belief that Catholics can believe in life on other planets. He went on to speculate that any alien cultures we may encounter in the future could even be free from original sin. Father Funes was clear that this was speculation on his part and that part of his reasoning was that it’s always a dangerous thing to put limits on our Creator.

Father Funes wasn’t the first Vatican official to say such things. Monsignor Corrado Balducci served as a theologian at the Vatican for many years before his

in the know with Fr. Joe

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death in September 2008.

He was a distinguished author and a famous exorcist and was not at all afraid to make the “controversial statement.”

Monsignor Balducci looked at how different

angels are from humans.

He felt that the gap between angels and us was so big that it’s probably filled by another being that we haven’t met yet.

Now, neither of these men were making claims to be sharing approved Catholic doctrine, but both were clear that believing in life on other planets is something Catholics can do and still be in good

standing with the church.

C.S. Lewis wrote a trilogy about these ideas and I found it to be quite worth reading. A warning to Lewis readers: This is a series that is quite different from his other works.

In these books, Lewis explored what it would be like if we encountered a planet where folks had not given in to original sin.

These books are Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra

Why do fish live in salt water?

Because pepper makes them sneeze!

Illustration by Bob Patten

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On sale now www.FaithCatholic.com

Iron Man Tony Stark’s second chance Read more of Paul Jarzembowski’s thoughts on www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com.

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his month, the sequel to the first Iron Man movie hits theaters.

EVERETT

In the first film, protagonist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) truly had a paschal experience: life, death and rebirth.

Stark, a billionaire weapons manufacturer, is on a routine sales trip to the troops in the Middle East when his caravan is destroyed and he is taken hostage by terrorists.

He is riddled with shrapnel and requires an implanted electromagnet to keep it from killing him. The hero of the story has reached the lowest point – quite literally a death experience (if not for the magnet, powered by a car battery, keeping him barely alive).

He also discovers that the weapons he helped to create are in the hands of the terrorists, a brutal wake-up call as he realizes that he is responsible for all this war, destruction and killing.From this low point, though, Tony Stark has a conversion experience and a rebirth – he becomes “Iron Man.” When the hero returns home, his life-altering experience firmly in his mind, he charts a new course – and dedicates his life to dismantling the weapons industry he and his father worked so hard to create. But that was then – and this is now.

The superhero story of Tony Stark reminds us not only of our own paschal journey (that in the face of death and loss, God promises new life), but also challenges us to do something with our second chance.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the prophet Samuel admonishes the people for squandering the good fortune of their exodus from Egypt: “Today you

spiritual popcorn

and That Hideous Strength.

In terms of God creating humanity in one place, we don’t really see that anywhere in the Bible or our tradition that I could find. In fact, when I was discussing this with a friend, he reminded me of the passage in John where Jesus says “I have other sheep that are not of this fold, I must bring them also and they will hear my voice; and they will be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16) That passage points us toward the key in any discussion of this sort: the universality of our faith.

Whatever we find in the future (or whatever finds us) it is important for us to remember that the things Jesus taught us, and those things he continues to teach us through the church, are for everybody. We are called to bring the light of Jesus to everyone. As I noted earlier, Monsignor Balducci pointed out that if we do encounter life from other planets, they may have never fallen into the “first sin” that brought us original sin and death.

C.S. Lewis speculated the same in Perelandra. If that is the case, we will learn much more than we can teach, I think.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

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have rejected your God, who delivers you from all your evils and calamities.” (1 Sam. 10:19) Tony Stark is an example of making the very best of his second chance – and by making a stance against war, fulfills Isaiah’s hopeful wish: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.” (Isa. 2:4) Sadly, Stark is not the ideal example of redemption, as he does resort to vigilante tactics in his new life as Iron Man. Like you and me, this character struggles with making the right choice and keeping true to his values. But these struggles are part of the ongoing cycle of the paschal experience. In the end, we pray for God’s iron strength to keep making the right choices and work tirelessly toward the reign of God.

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A different way to track time – the liturgical year T. Gennara

What is liturgy? Part 2 of a 14-part series

Rita Thiron is director of the Office of Worship for the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and a member of the board of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.

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e live by our schedules. We check the clock, consult our electronic datebooks, and record important events on the refrigerator calendar. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and holidays with family rituals and increased festivity.

Similarly, the church has developed, over many centuries, a liturgical calendar.

But this is not merely based on chronology. It acknowledges sacred time (kairos) – a time filled with meaning, always lived in relationship with God. Central to that relationship and to all our liturgies is the paschal mystery – the incarnation, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus – and our participation in it. We recall the past, seeing all of salvation history in relation to Christ’s redemptive act. And in that remembering, we make that

redemptive act present (anamnesis) – we realize how Christ continues to redeem us here and now. Finally, we look forward to the time when we shall see God face to face in the fullness of the kingdom.

It takes a whole year to even begin to explore all the facets of so great a mystery, so the church has carefully arranged seasons, weeks, days and even hours that help us to do so. Early Christians celebrated Jesus’ resurrection every Sunday. They would gather on the day of the resurrection, read from

the memoirs of the apostles, give thanks to the best of their ability and share a meal of bread and wine.

We still do that! Easter is still the high point of our year and our week.

We still gather faithfully every Sunday – the day of the resurrection, the first day of creation, the day of the Holy Spirit’s descent, the Lord’s Day. The Easter triduum is still the culmination of the entire year, the days around which all other days are arranged. The word “triduum” means “three days” and these are Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter, including its great Vigil. Good Friday begins with its own vigil; on Holy Thursday evening we celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. On Friday, we recall Christ’s passion and death. Easter Vigil, which commemorates the holy night when Christ rose from the dead, ranks as the “mother of all vigils.” (General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar, 21) Our celebration of his resurrection continues on Sunday morning and the triduum concludes on Sunday evening with Easter Vespers. Actually, we may go home and return to church again, but we are celebrating one long liturgy over 72 hours.

The Easter triduum is followed by 50 days of rejoicing. The Easter season

Above: The blessing of the Easter vigil fire.

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Glendalough and Knock, Ireland Glendalough (from the Irish, Gleann Dá Loch, mean-

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St. Therese of Lisieux Better known as the Little Flower of Jesus, St. Therese is the doctor ofconfidence and missionaries. She entered the Carmelite Convent at 15 where two of her sisters had preceded her. In Therese’s memoir, Story of a Soul, she explains her “little way” to holiness. This “little way” consists not of extraordinary sacrifices but of the monotony of little acts offered to God through love. Her memoirs were published in more than 60 languages and she quickly became known and venerated throughout the world.

She was canonized in 1925, just 28 years after her death.

She is patron saint of aviators, florists, France and foreign missions.

Her feast day is Oct. 1. the fourth century. Roman Christians may have Christianized a pagan feast of

ing “Glen of Two Lakes”) is a glacial valley located in County Wicklow, Ireland.

It is most noted for its early medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin, a hermit priest, in the sixth century.

The valley, as known as the “City of Seven Churches,” was part of Ireland’s Golden Age. The settlement, however, was destroyed in the late 14th century by English troops.

At its peak, the monastery included workshops, areas designated for the composition and copying of manuscripts, guesthouses, an infirmary, farm buildings and dwellings for both monks and a lay population. The site attracts more than 1 million pilgrims per year.

Knock (from the Irish, An

Schcambo

Every year, Catholics from around the globe travel to religiously significant locations in order to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the Catholic faith, to venerate Mary and the saints, to ask for intercessory prayers and to express gratitude.

Here is just one of the many places you might want to make a pilgrimage.

“The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily do not rob the little violet of its scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”

the winter solstice; modern liturgical historians, however, think that this date was chosen by calculating that Jesus was conceived on the same day as his death (approximately March 25). Following an ancient Roman custom, there are four distinct Masses on Christmas – Vigil, Midnight, Dawn and During the Day. The Christmas season also recalls other early manifestations of Christ’s divinity, such as the preaching in the temple, the Epiphany, and Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan. Christmas, too, has an octave that concludes with the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Theotokos – God Bearer).

The largest of our seasons, of course, is Ordinary Time, but there is nothing “ordinary” about it! The word actually comes from the word “ordinal” or “counted” time. In these weeks, we do not focus on a specific aspect of the paschal mystery, but on the entirety of Christ’s earthly life, his miracles and his revelation of God’s kingdom.

Which calendar guides our life? Is it the school year? Retail sales? The fiscal year? Sport seasons? Let us resolve to enter more deeply into the Liturgical Year. Let us pray for the grace to participate more fully in the paschal mystery, and to more deeply relate our own sufferings and joys, dying and rising, to the life of Christ.

Saint Kevin’s monastery

Cnoc, meaning “The Hill”) is a small town in County Mayo, Ireland, that received international attention after a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist in 1879. Following the Catholic Church’s declaration that the visions

were trustworthy, pilgrims have flocked to the Knock Shrine including Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Mother Teresa in 1993. Today, more than 1.5 million pilgrims annually visit the shrine, which has become western Ireland’s most popular attraction.

pilgrimage destination

Pilgrimage destination of the month

Who said that?

theology 101

begins with a sacred octave – eight days that are celebrated as solemnities. Forty days after Easter, the church marks the Ascension of the Lord. In all but six dioceses in the United States, this solemnity has been moved to the Seventh Sunday of Easter so that more people can observe it. The season concludes on Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish observance of the giving of the law to Moses; it was celebrated 50 days after Passover. (That is why people of every nation were in Jerusalem when Peter threw open the doors and preached the good news. Despite the many languages they spoke, they understood him and came to believe.)

We prepare for the sacred triduum in a season we call Lent (from the Middle English word for “lengthen”). This season has two natures – baptismal and penitential. It is an intense period of preparation for our elect as they near the Easter sacraments and it serves as a baptismal retreat for those already baptized. This season begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Thursday afternoon.

Next to the triduum, the Nativity of the Lord holds the most sacred place on the liturgical calendar. Christmas first appeared as a separate observance in

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The Scripture is your

life preserver

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T. Gennara

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

esus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, “I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now, I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.” (John 14:23-29)

• Make a decision to start to read and obey God’s word. As you do in your daily life, God will draw nearer.

• How often do you read the Bible? Do you reflect on it in your daily life? Do you apply it?

• Do you repent when you fail?

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spiritual fitness

In this month of the great feast of Pentecost, there are many lessons to be learned and put into practice. In the Gospel passage for the sixth Sunday of Easter, John has faithfully recorded what Jesus has said and promised, if only we will put Jesus’ direction into practice. It’s a little like being in a storm on a lake, for instance, and knowing that we will drown unless someone rescues us. Someone throws us a life preserver and we discard it because we want to be saved some other way!

We want to be loved! I talk to so many people who say they don’t know if God loves them, or that God definitely couldn’t love them because of past sins, etc. But look at verse 23.

Jesus makes very clear that he will send his Spirit to teach us and empower us to carry out his teaching!

You are not an orphan. You do not have to figure it out alone. (Don’t throw away the life preserver.) Take up the Scripture – particularly the Gospels and the Psalms – and read it! Ask for the wisdom and understanding that comes from the Spirit; ask for the humility to repent when you fail; ask for the grace, the courage, to stand up and begin again.

He will draw closer and closer as you live your daily life in this way. And you will grow strong in the sure and certain knowledge of God’s love for you.

The Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the love between the Father and the Son desires a relationship with you in which you give him your all and, in exchange, he gives himself to you. Sometimes, it seems to me that we would rather drown than trust ourselves to the One who is utterly trustworthy.

He is, however, not a dispensing machine. We don’t go to God and tell him what and when and where and how we need our needs to be met …

We entrust ourselves to him.

Period. As an adult, renew your baptismal vows, and tell him, in your own words, that you choose him above all and before all. Bring him every need and allow him to decide what to do with it.

God never promised that he would take us out of or keep us from the storms of life. But he did promise us his love, his presence, hs peace. May God increase your faith and trust in him!

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18 “I don’t want this article to be about me.” ¶ This is what my mother says as I’m interviewing her for the article FAITH has given me the honor and challenge of writing: an article about Cathy Guinan, director of religious education (DRE) for St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. This humility is typical, and what makes her such a wonderfully gifted and effective DRE, mentor, mother and Catholic. ¶ It is an honor because my mother is inspirational; to have a small part in sharing her with others is amazing and humbling. Yet it is a challenge. I have only so many words to tell of the journey that brought her where she is now. ¶ My mother has been St. Mary’s DRE since 1993. Before this, she had been an English teacher in Detroit; that was the job she thought would always have. But when we moved to Chelsea in 1988, all that was available was subbing. I remember hoping that she would be hired to teach at my school – a testament considering I was in sixth grade. But she wasn’t,

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and it was difficult to understand why until she found her calling as a DRE. ¶ Over the last 17 years, she has helped develop the program at St. Mary into a thriving one that involves many of the parishioners as leaders themselves.

How long have you been involved in Catholic Education? I have been attending, teaching or working with Catholic education since I was 6.

Where in your life have you heard God calling you toward one path or another? I did not want to attend Marygrove College, but I was offered a scholarship. God knew the women who would influence my life – friends and teachers – and called me there. My senior year, the theme was “Conviction is commitment”; I liked the idea that I had to respond to the gifts God had so generously given me in my life. I felt a calling to be at a small school where I felt I could make a difference, so I pursued teaching at St. Francis de Sales in Detroit. When the school closed, I was called to Immaculata. I was desolate when it closed and stayed home a few years, wondering where to go next. God led me to LaSalette. When we moved to Chelsea, I offered to be a catechist. At almost every occasion, I would say, “Here I am, Lord.”

master’s programs available and found LIMEX (Loyola Institute for Ministry). The program gave me a means of discernment of my talents and an awareness of God’s presence in my life. I had often been confused because I didn’t know what I should be doing. I loved teaching, but there didn’t seem to be a place for me.

Through the LIMEX study, my faith deepened; sometimes I felt as if the ground was shaking under the simple beliefs I had held as a child. But through the struggle, I came to a more adult un-

At the end of last year, I asked the children what they learned that was really important. ... I knew the year was a success when a little child said, “I know God will always forgive me.” Another said, “Jesus really loves me!”

How did you decide to pursue becoming a DRE? I was on the St. Mary committee to hire a new DRE. I was driving home from a meeting and saying aloud, “I can do this!” With the help of Mary Lou Hahn-Setta, St. Mary’s coordinator of youth ministry, and prayer, it seemed the right thing. I looked into the

derstanding of my faith, which has continued to develop through my position as DRE. How has working for the church affected your faith? I have found amazing friends and relationships with my colleagues who work with and support me at St. Mary. I also love my involvement with the RCIA program; I am humbled by their acceptance of God’s call and their willingness to spend time searching.

At the end of last year, I asked the children what they learned that was really important. I was proud they mentioned sacraments and the Ten Commandments, but I knew the year was a

To volunteer as a catechist, contact your pastor or DRE.

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them to do it. Otherwise, it’s skewed – we’re telling them to live love, but then not modeling it.

I know children of people who overextend themselves in service to the church. Those children are sometimes very angry with the church. They resent that the church took their parents’ time – that they felt they were second-best. My children were involved with my ministry – both were catechists. So they spent time with me at church and at home. And because Mary Lou has such an effective youth ministry program, the kids really wanted to be here.

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What do you do to support your catechists and teachers? People are happy if they have three things with their job: some control over what they do, a sense that what they do is important and appreciation. I strive to help all our catechists experience these three. I also work with Marinell High at St. Joseph in Dexter to offer catechist formation classes. If anything, my gift is that I’m approachable; if people want to do something, they can come to me – that’s how our Bible studies and meditation group have started. They have an idea, and I try to make it happen.

success when a little child said, “I know God will always forgive me.” Another said, “Jesus really loves me!”

What has been your biggest challenge as a DRE? In the beginning, the hardest part was managing time – knowing how to balance. How do you give it the time it deserves, but not overextend in any one area. One of my greatest callings from God was to be a wife and mother. That has always been my priority and I tell my catechists that it is their biggest priority as well. So if they have to take a day off to go to a child’s game or concert, I tell

After completing LIMEX you returned as a facilitator.

Do you consider yourself a mentor for other DREs? LIMEX offered me such amazing training and experiences of sharing faith that I wanted to offer that to others, and I was blessed by the program. But I wouldn’t consider myself a formal mentor – when I meet with other DREs and teachers, we do so much talking that I always leave with new ideas from them. I enjoy the sharing of all our wisdom. One of my LIMEX professors told me, “Grace is a relationship, the gift of God’s own self in relationship with each of us. A wise person is in a graced connection with others and with God. A wise person also takes joy in these connections.” I take great joy in these connections; they offer me as much as I may offer them.

Kathy reminisces about her Irish grandmother – and more – at www.FAITHmag.com

A parish success story: religious education at St. Mary

Nearly 70 members of St. Mary’s 1,100 registered families are involved as catechists from the pre-school program through adult formation – and five have been teaching for 15 years each.

“Having so many involved is how

it should be. As DRE, my role is like that of a choir director: to ensure they have music, place and time – but they’re the ones who do the actual singing. Our catechists are what make the program work. They provide a model of a faith-filled adult willing to help children develop a loving relationship with Jesus. That is what makes our program effective.”

One of the best aspects of the program are the community days.

Second through fifth grades gather for a theme – like the Last Supper – and listen to the story; then there

is a craft, shared snack, community building, and prayer.

There also are eight adult programs focusing on Bible and faith study open to any members who want to attend.

As Cathy repeatedly emphasizes, all that’s done is done by many, not just her: “I am so grateful for the incredible people who enrich my life – family and friends, co-workers like Father Bill Turner, Mary Lou Hahn-Setta, Mary Underwood, Deacon Tom Franklin and so many more. They allow others to share their charisms; that is what makes the program successful.”

For more information about lay lormation, contact Nancy Joseph at njoseph@dioceseoflansing.org.

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Catholic Education in our diocese

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10 Q&As with Father Steve Mattson

Catholic schools

AITH caught up with Father Steve Mattson, superintendent of Catholic Schools, on a busy afternoon to talk about the crucial role that Catholic education plays in our culture and in the lives of our children…

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This is your first academic year as superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Lansing. What is your assessment of our Catholic schools? I’ve been very pleased to see how manifestly Catholic our schools are. We are truly blessed to have faithful leadership in our principals, and their influence is evident in the commitment of our teachers and the participation of our families across the diocese. I’m also grateful for the level of commitment by our pastors to the mis-

sion of Catholic education.

Their stalwart support for our Catholic schools is crucial as we go forward.

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What concerns you most about Catholic education? Easily my biggest concern is financing – the funding of our Catholic schools. If we don’t begin to broaden our funding model, we will be faced with more and more difficult decisions as we assess the feasibility of offering parish-based Catholic education to our families. It is vital that we understand

the importance of this unique type of formation and that, as Catholics, we accept the stewardship responsibility for maintaining our schools across the diocese.

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How can you get the level of commitment from all parishes and all parishioners, even those who don’t have a personal stake in Catholic education? We know that people who have truly experienced conversion to the faith – who have developed that strong bond with the Lord – are more willing to steward the ministries of the church because they see all of the work of the church as vital, not just those activities that may affect them.

This is where evangelization takes place. And people who are converted are more willing

to tithe – giving their time, talent and treasure – so that God’s love and God’s word can be spread more widely through the community.

The previous model of single parishes subsidizing their schools is no longer possible. Other dioceses across the country have begun to implement alternative models of funding, such as a diocesan tax on parishes without schools, and because this is understood as an expression of stewardship, it is accepted and supported.

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Should we be concerned about the trend of closing urban schools? The larger cities in our diocese all have gone through some reconfiguring of Catholic schools in the last several years; the

By Marybeth Hicks | Photography by Tom Gennara

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Parents often rediscover or recommit to the faith through their children, don’t they? Yes they do, and this is a beautiful manifestation of God’s love.

He allows couples to be part of creation with the gift of children, and then he sometimes uses those children to reach out to the couple.

A challenge for pastors is to figure out ways to reevangelize our parishioners.

Parents feel connected to the parish because their kids are in religious education or in the Catholic school and they seem to feel this is enough.

Unfortunately, they substitute their children’s participation for their own attendance at Mass or reconciliation. We need to say to those parents, “Christ loves us so much that he invites us into his heart of love.” When we reach out to parents in this way, they often discover that their own faith grows in knowledge and maturity as they work to impart their beliefs to their children.

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How do you juggle your many roles – superintendent of schools and religious education as well as being the pastor of a busy parish? I’m blessed to have excellent help in both places!

It is sometimes a challenge to split my time between my office in Lansing and St. Mary in Swartz Creek, but it’s a great opportunity as well.

Catholic Schools, another ministry supported by the DSA. For more information, call 517.342.2482

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Given the culture in which our children are growing up, is a Catholic education more important than ever? The culture makes it particularly challenging for families to live out a Catholic Christian life. Choosing a Catholic school environment won’t hold the culture at bay completely, but it may offer the kind of support that parents want in today’s world.

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or in parish catechism classes, parents need to be fully engaged in a Catholic Christian lifestyle. This means weekly attendance at Mass as a family, prayer time at home and frequent conversations about the way our faith instructs us in all aspects of our lives. g in ns La

What is the value of Catholic education?

As a lifestyle choice, an investment in our children’s Catholic education is an investment we will never regret. This isn’t about the end result of getting into the best colleges – though we’re very good at preparing students for this. It’s about becoming a young man or woman who grows up in the maturity of faith.

Catholic schools can create ready, rich soil within which Christ can grow. Hopefully the parents who send their kids to Catholic schools are part of that mission.

By the numbers:

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There are compelling cultural even have an available reasons for parents to pursue Catholic school option? a Catholic education for their The position of the church is children. In a Catholic school, that a Catholic education is we can speak about the world preferred if it is at all posand about relationships with sible. This is one reason why our eyes wide open. We can it is imperative that we make speak the truth without worCatholic schools available rying about offending anyone and affordable to as many when we invoke the name of families as possible. But we Jesus. How can we educate know that not every family our children without Christ? can make this choice, and, In a Catholic school environunfortunately, a few areas ment, Christ is a part of the simply do not have schools conversation. locally. Other parents choose We also are able to frame to homeschool their children, those conversations as quesand this is an option that the tions of morality. So, for church allows and respects. example, The vast when teachmajority of ing children families in and teens our diocese about online are supported communiin their cation, we 2009/10 Catholic School formation don’t just talk enrollment of K-8 across through parabout safety, the diocese: ish religious we talk about education protecting programs. the human I’m happy to 2009/10 Catholic School dignity of report that enrollment of 9-12 across others and those are the diocese: ourselves. thriving. We have literally So, for hundreds of examcatechists 2009/10 estimated Reliple, when who are truly gious Ed students across it comes committed to the diocese: to Internet teaching both use, while children and the public adults about schools our Catholic necessarily must focus on faith. And I would urge all keeping kids safe, Catholic families to be as involved as schools also are able to fo- they can be in those programs cus on keeping kids good. for the benefit of their children.

Exactly. Our job isn’t just inHaving said this, neither opformation, it’s formation. So in tion – parish religious education every aspect of children’s lives classes or a Catholic school – – academic, social, athletic, will be successful in the formabehavioral – we are promoting tion of Catholic children unless spiritual growth along with a parents are full participants well-rounded education. in that process. The church recognizes the supremacy of the What about families parents in the education and who simply cannot formation of their children, and provide a Catholic school it offers support for that miseducation for their chilsion. But whether our children dren, or those who don’t are enrolled in a Catholic school

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Lansing area will undergo yet another transition in the coming school year as we close another K-8 school.

These are hard realities. But it is so important that we keep a presence in our urban areas, not only as an educational opportunity for our Catholic families, but also as a witness to God’s presence among us.

Our schools have a long and important tradition of evangelization that we must uphold.

We also must consider the impact to our four high schools when we lose a K-8 school in an area. This is why we are working closely with our high school principals.

The more we collaborate on marketing and information strategies, the stronger our enrollment will be for both the elementary and high schools.

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DIOCESAN

SERVICES

APPEAL

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22 age from three to 13. She plays with the little ones when they arrive at IHM and joins either her IHM or St. Casimir students for morning prayers every day. In addition to administrative duties, she teaches preschool and kindergarten music and joins the children for lunch and recess.

“I’ve got to get to their level to share God’s love with my kids if I want them to share it with each other,” she explains.

Smiling, Angela sits at the dining room table of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Rectory. Thin and wiry as a coiled spring, she’s ready to pop into action any second.

“We had all the kids together last week. We brought our middle-schoolers from St. Casimir’s over for Mass at IHM. I stood in the back of church just thinking how wonderful it was to have everyone together.” Reliving that memory, Angela bounces in her seat: “Christ is giving himself to us and we receive him right here!

“I am so excited to share Jesus, and when we show that excitement in our schools he continues to spread. It’s evangelizing because we take Christ to our students and they take him home. Then our parents tell us stories of how their families have taken Christ into their communities!

“All these children are ours, and it is so important that we reach out to them and to their parents. I love it when parents stay for morning prayers after his is not the life she had envisioned for herself. But if you ask Angela Johnston how she feels about her work they drop their children off at school. They stay and pray as principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Elemen- with their children, then go off tary and St. Casimir Middle Schools in Lansing, she to work at 8 a.m. when their doesn’t hesitate. kids go into the classrooms.”

Growing up in Hudson, “There is nothing I like more than teaching kids about Christ.

Angela settled in her hometown. She and her husband, Don, I want to teach about him, our faith and our sacraments every have raised their daughters, Molly and Elizabeth, there two day. What greater job is there than to share our faith?” She doors down from Angela’s parents. This closeness has meant exclaims, “Who wouldn’t want this job?!?” a great deal to Angela, whose daily routine now includes a As principal of IHM-St. Casimir, Angela guides the educatwo-hour commute. tion and faith development of nearly 200 students ranging in This is not the life Angela had envisioned. “I love people,

Who wouldn’t want this job?

The life of a Catholic elementary school principal

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By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by Tom Gennara

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a day in the life of an elementary school principal

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my story

4:45 a.m. Rise and shine.

5: 30 a.m. Angela kisses everyone goodbye and heads for Lansing. She calls her 65-minute drive her prayer time that she can spend with Christ. “I ask Christ ‘Use me today however it is you wish to use me,’ and I can feel him wrap himself around me and my family every day. I love this time!”

6:20 a.m. Her daughter Molly, a freshman at Grand Valley State University, calls to check in. Then Angela calls Don and Elizabeth (nicknamed Busy) as they begin their days.

6:45 a.m. Arriving at IHM, Angela grabs the daily prayers and spends time in reflection. “Sometimes I have to remind myself to make Christ the center of my thoughts and my actions. I ask the Holy Spirit to speak through me to help the kids understand that God is always present in our lives. I try to use my own experiences to help them see that as well.”

7:15 a.m. When students begin arriving, Angela heads outside to greet them and play in the parking lot/playground for the next half hour.

7:45 to 8 a.m. She leads morning prayers, either at IHM or St. Casimir. The rest of her day includes paperwork, phone calls, e-mails and some discipline interspersed with recess, lunch and music classes.

2:40 p.m. Angela leads closing prayer.

5 p.m. She tries to get back on the road for home, where Busy or her mom often has dinner ready. Once or twice a week, however, evening meetings or other duties keep her too late to make the return trip safely, so Angela stays in Lansing.

9:30 p.m. Whether in person or by phone, Angela and her family gather for their evening prayers. Just as she did with her parents and siblings, Angela and her family pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition and Angel of God, followed by personal prayers and petitions.

10 p.m. At home, Angela climbs into bed to read Scripture and say her private prayers until she falls asleep.

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and I always wanted to help others,” she explains, “but I knew without a doubt I did not want to teach. I was a sophomore at the University of Dayton when my faith became very real to me and I knew Christ was always present with me. I felt, ‘Oh my Gosh! I get this joy every day!’ When you have that experience, you want to share it.

But I wasn’t sure how.

“My dad suggested I look into music therapy, and that was the answer to my prayers! I became a music therapist for the state of Michigan, working with juvenile offenders. I dearly loved my job, had great benefits and was able to work near home.

Everything was going great! But Christ knows where we need to be and what he needs us to do.

“My girls were attending Sacred Heart School in Hudson – my alma mater – when one day a man from our parish asked me to consider taking over for the departing school principal. I laughed and told him no! I loved my job and I had never been interested in teaching. I didn’t give it another thought. Then a few days later, another person spoke to me about becoming Sacred Heart’s next principal. Something was going on.

“In all, four members of my parish asked me to consider the position. So I prayed about it. I especially prayed for a roadblock!

But I told God, ‘If this is what you want me to do, you make it happen.

“The roadblock never came, and I have found I love working in Catholic education! In my eight years as principal at Sacred Heart School, I even went back to college and earned a master’s in education leadership.

“Every day I pray, ‘Lord, if you send us your children we will send them right back to you.’ I ask God to use me as an instrument to help them learn about Christ, walk with Christ and to grow and serve him every day. I think that’s the essence of Catholic education. We live the Eucharist.

We live our baptism. And when we do, we put Christ to work in our lives.

“It’s not what I expected, but now I can honestly say there’s nothing I like more than teaching kids to know, love and serve Christ! It’s an honor to work with staff, students, parents and parishioners who are committed to their faith. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with all these wonderful people at Sacred Heart School and at Immaculate Heart of MarySt. Casimir School!”

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For more information about Catholic schools in the Catholic Diocese of Lansing, go to www.dioceseoflansing.org/schools

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Health Care Reform

The cost…

helath care special report

What does it mean?

What does the church say?

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he newly signed health care reform law seeks to extend insurance coverage to an estimated 32 million Americans by 2019. However, the law will impact almost every American citizen.

What this legislation means in the next year…

Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform, articulates several “key benefits” to be implemented in the next year, including: • Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage.

• Young people may remain on their parents’ insurance policy until age 26.

• Insurance companies will be banned from: Dropping people from coverage when they become ill.

Implementing lifetime caps on coverage.

Instituting restrictive annual limits on coverage for certain plans.

• Uninsured adults with pre-existing conditions will have access to insurance through a temporary subsidized high-risk pool.

• Small business offering coverage to employees will receive tax credits of up to 35percent of premiums.

• New private plans will be required to provide free preventive care.

• Medicare beneficiaries who “hit the gap” in prescription drug coverage (Part D) will receive a $250 rebate and, in 2011, a 50percent discount on prescription drugs in the so-called “donut hole” will be instituted.

And in 2014…

• Those without insurance will have to pay a penalty individually ranging from $95 to 1percent of income, whichever is greater. This will rise to $695 or 2.5per-

cent of income by 2016.

Families will have a limit of $2085.

• Medicaid will be expanded sharply.

• The new state-based insurance marketplaces, or exchanges, will begin to operate.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the legislation will cost $940 billion over a 10-year period.

In 2013, the Medicare payroll tax will increase from 1.45percent to 2.35percent for individuals earning more than $200,000 per year and couples earning more than $250,000 per year. In addition, unearned income such as dividends and interest over a certain threshold will be taxed an additional 3.8 percent.

In 2018, the portion of most employer-sponsored health coverage (excluding dental and vision) that exceeds $10,200 per year for individuals and $27,500 for families will face a 40percent excise tax.

What the church says…

The church’s position is best summarized in a statement released from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on March 23, 2010.

In this statement, the effort to expand health care to all is applauded. The bishops state that many elements of the health care reform measure do address concerns shared by the Catholic community. In particular, the measure seeks to expand access to affordable health care to “expectant mothers, struggling families or those with serious medical or physical problems” as well as to the poorest and most defenseless in society.

But there are serious concerns…

There is a concern, voiced by some states’ attorneys general, that there are unfunded mandates in the law; also some concerns that this will actually add to the deficit.

Most importantly, the Catholic bishops opposed the passage of the health care legislation for several reasons:

Abortion – There is “compelling evidence” that it will expand both abortions and the federal government’s role in funding and facilitating abortions.

• It doesn’t explicitly prohibit the use of newly appropriated billions in funding for abortions.

• It “forces those who choose federally subsidized plans that cover abortion to pay for other people’s abortions with their own funds.”

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the USCCB, points out that the need for an executive order “to establish an adequate enforcement mechanism to ensure that Federal funds are not used for abortion services” underscores the deficiencies in the bill. He also questioned how an executive order, “no matter how well intentioned,” can substitute for statutory provisions.

Conscience Protection – The USCCB finds the statute to be “profoundly flawed because it has failed to include necessary language to provide essential conscience protections (both within and beyond the abortion context.)” The failure to accommodate the full range of religious and moral objections in the provision of health insurance and services is problematic.

Effect on Immigrants – Many immigrant workers and their families will be worse off under this new law because they will not be allowed to purchase, even with their own money, health coverage in the new exchanges that will be created.

For the full text of the USCCB’s March 23, 2010 statement, as well as additional resources, visit the USCCB Web site at ww

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• The National Catholic Bioethics Center – www.ncbcenter.org • The White House Web site – www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2010/03/23/whatshealth-care-bill • The 111th United States Congress Web site – www.opencongress.org/ bill/111-h3200/show • Kaiser Health News (a nonprofit news organization committed to in-depth coverage of health care policy and politics) – www.kaiserhealthnews.org

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Additional resources:

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• The Senate Health Care Reform Bill: Funding Abortions at Community Health Centers www.usccb.org/healthcare/ communityhealthcenters.pdf • Abortion Funding in the Senate Health Care Reform Bill • What’s Wrong with the Senate Health Care Bill on Abortion?

A response to Professor Jost

If you have faith, take action. Sister Anthonita Porta did exactly that. As a high-school freshman, she was called to join the religious community and, against the advice of sisters she spoke with, wanted to join before graduation.

Unhappy with her experiences in school, she successfully entered the postulancy in 1949 at 16. For the rest of her life, she was a prolific childhood educator, stressing the importance of the Montessori method of teaching.

After obtaining her master’s degree in childhood education, she returned to Adrian and started a Montessori school at St. Joseph Academy. Upon its creation, only 18 students had enrolled, but it grew substantially each year, resulting in 190 students in 1975. The program’s success allowed for a satellite expansion to Tecumseh and for the creation of a toddler program. Sister Anthonita went on to become an active member in the American Montessori Society, and taught at several Montessori Institutes across the nation. After 60 years of service to the church, Sister Anthonita died suddenly Sept. 9, 2009, at the age of 76.

Even when beset by the loss of her father, and then her mother, Sister Anthonita never seemed to lose faith. Indeed it was her faith that compelled her to seek a life of an educator, and to focus on a point in life when education matters the most. A woman full of inexhaustible spirit, nothing could contain her desire to reach out to children with faith and education, not even borders. She spent time abroad, educating teachers and children. In the U.S. she focused especially on disadvantaged children and impoverished cities, in the hopes that the children who needed the most would benefit from her seemingly relentless pursuit of doing good for children and society. She instructed children and teachers of many faiths, with the belief that one of greatest gifts from God is access to education for all, despite differences. Neither age, nor religion, nor personal setback derailed this conviction.

The continuing success of the program evidences the resonating devotion of its founder.

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For more on the federal funding of abortion, click on these links on the USCCB Web site at www.usccb.org:

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The USCCB has indicated that the government’s implementation of health care reform will be followed closely in the hopes of ensuring that Congress and the Administration “live up to the claims” that contributed to its passage. However, the church believes new legislation will be needed to address the deficiencies in the current law.

With that in mind, the church will need to recommit to working for health care that “truly and fully safeguards the life, dignity, conscience and health of all, from the child in the womb to those in their last days on earth.”

Sister Anthonita Porta and Montessori education in the Diocese of Lansing

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FAITH Magazine / May 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

– Andrew Peltcs. The Adrian Dominican Sisters contributed to this story.

Saint Joseph’s Academy was started in 1971 at Siena Heights University in Adrian Michigan, and a satellite program was started in neighboring Tecumseh in 1991. St. Joseph’s is an inter-Dominican program that teaches a program of 98 children using the Montessori method.

Their Montessori education is spiritual without a formal religious focus. Instead, Montessori models Christianity for children by teaching them the golden rule and treating them kindly.

“This sows the basic seeds” for Christianity to develop. Further, the Montessori program reaches out to others in need throughout the year, giving the children many opportunities to learn how to help others. Most recently, a Haiti program was undertaken to collect basic goods to send to a Haitian family in need.

Similar to Kindergarten, Montessori teaches children aging from 3-5 years old in the same classroom together. A class size is 18 to 20 children, in a large classroom (about double the size of an average classroom), with two teachers in the room at all times. “This staff-to-child ratio creates lots of one-on-one time.” Currently, Saint Joseph’s is going through an extensive re-accreditation process with the American Montessori Society. This accreditation “establishes that [the educators] do what they say they do.” The staff of St. Joe’s believe that no matter how good you are, you can always be better.

For more information, please visit Saint Joseph’s Web site at www.sjaschool.org

– Doug Culp

Web site at www.usccb.org.

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Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities St. Vincent Catholic Charities, Lansing Visit Impact Hope Blog at www.lifeinlansing.com – The Life In Lansing Web site shares current information on events, sports, restaurants and what’s happening in the Lansing area.

Beginning in March, a new blog dedicated to human rights and human services was launched – Impact Hope. Impact Hope will be administered by the St. Vincent Catholic Charities community relations and marketing director, Julie Picot.

Every Tuesday, Impact Hope blog will provide you with information on events around the world, legal matters and facts that pertain to services provided in the Greater Lansing area. Impact Hope also will provide you with information on opportunities to volunteer or get involved in your community.

The main focus will be on children and families in need, the homeless and refugees.

Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee has a Survivors of Suicide Group, which is a support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one through suicide. It meets on the first and third Thursday of the month from 6 p.m-7:30 p.m. For information, call 810.232.9950 or bilingual line 810 239.4417.

FAST (Families and School Together) is an early

things to do:

community

St. John in Howell will have a Moms to Moms Sale on May 1 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission is $1 and strollers are welcome after 11 a.m. The sale features slightly used children’s items such as clothing, books, toys, baby and play equipment.

St. Mary, 120 E. Wesley St. in Jackson will have a Spring Fling with Your Spouse on May 14 at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $30 a couple. For more information or to register, call 517.796.5116 or jmarken@uwjackson.org.

Father Stan Fortuna, an internationally known musician and composer, is coming to St. Robert in Flushing, April 29, 7 p.m., for more info contact 810.659.8556; and Holy Family, Grand Blanc, April 30, 7 p.m., for more info contact 810.694.9072, ext. 101.

He also will give a presentation at Holy Family School and Powers Catholic High School on April 30.

The next Witness to Hope Talks will

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intervention prevention program working collaboratively with schools and families, targeting elementary and middle school students who are having behavior problems at home and/or at school. For more information, call 989.723.8239.

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw will have a Chip-in Fore Children Golf Outing benefiting the families at the Father Patrick Jackson House and Washtenaw Child Advocacy Center. It will be held June 18 at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor. Cost is $100 per golfer, $400 per foursome and $35 to attend the award banquet only. For reservations and sponsorship opportunities, call Catholic Social Services at 734.971.9781 x 313.

Livingston County Catholic Charities’ Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet May 11, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Independence Village in Brighton. No fee. For more information, contact Pam at 517.546.9910.

Catholic Charities of Jackson County will have a Help and Hope Tour May 3. Please join us for a one-hour tour/presentation to learn more about Catholic Charities of Jackson County. Tours are held at noon at our Mechanic Street office. Lunch is provided. Please RSVP to Lisa Gross at 517.262.0466 or e-mail her at lisamgross@ comcast.net, if you plan to attend.

be May 3, 7:30 p.m. at Christ the King in Ann Arbor on “Mary, the Witness to Hope.” You may access the talk from March 17 at www.witnessestohope. wordpress.com and click on Witnesses to Hope Talks under the “Talks” tab.

Attention single men and women mid 30s-50s. Would you like to meet new people? Lansing Catholic Singles, bringing together friends for fellowship and fun in a faith-filled environment.

For more information and a complete calendar of upcoming events visit its Web site at lansingcatholicsingles.com or call

517.321.7886.

May Crowning will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church of Lansing on May 4 at 7 p.m. with a prayer service. An invitation is open to all interested. The evening will include a program presented by the preschool-grade 6 religious education children, followed by a social in the parish family center.

Marriage Matters of Jackson will have an All About Us-Marriage Retreat May 14-15 at Camp Michindoh in Hillsdale.

Cost is $50 per couple and includes

May café events There is a Women of the Heart Meeting for women of all ages every second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m.-noon at St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor. For more information, contact Sister Dorothy Ederer, OP at 734.663.0557 x 228 or

dorteder@umich.edu.

St. John Student Chapel, East Lansing has Student Bible Study.

Please consider joining one of the on-campus Bible Studies offered: East Complex, Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m. in West Akers Lounge; South Complex, Tuesdays, 8:45 p.m. in South Wonders Lounge; and off campus, Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. in St. John Student Center Lounge. Find us on Facebook – SJSC Bible Study.

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meals and lodging for two. For information, call 517.796.5166 or info@marriagemattersjackson.com.

at ksleziak@grdominicans.org or Upcoming Project 2o3 is May 16 at 616.643.0378.

St. Matthew in Flint. If you are interested in making new friends and enjoying teen Would you like to meet with other underactivities, please come and check us out.

St. Vincent Catholic Charities will graduate Catholics For more inforhave a Volunteer Information Session like yourself? Then mation, contact Summer Scripture Days 2010 May 6 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at 2800 W. come to the St. Amber Zelley at Willow, Lansing. You will learn more about 810.694.9072 Mary Student Looking for more understanding of the STVCC and about the great volunteer Parish’s Newx 153.

Gospels? Come join us at Summer opportunities it has available and receive man Student Scripture Days as we examine the the necessary paperwork to become a Gathering at Father GaGospel of John, “My Peace I Give volunteer. If you would like to attend the Donnelly Hall and briel Richard High You” Chapters 11-21. Empower your volunteer information session, contact Newman Hall School’s 21st knowledge by attending, Aug. 10–12 Elyse Lee 517.323.4734 x 1204. every Wednesday Annual Golf Outat St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. evening from 7 ing, Irish Open, Register before July 30, 2010 by An Engaged Encounter weekp.m.-9 p.m. We is scheduled for contacting Diane at 517.342.2465 or end will be May 22-23. To register, sing and pray toJune 11 at Fox darzberger@dioceseoflansing.org please contact Jim and Beth Sabin at gether and discuss Hills Golf and 517.750.9898 or visit their Web site at issues that many Banquet Center. www.lansingcee.org.

All proceeds from the auction will be used students face throughout the year. All are welcome. to support Catholic education at FGR. Good Shepherd Family Life Center will To register, call 734.662.0496 x 210 have a Mother’s Day Brunch on May Lansing Deaf Mass Schedule in May or visit www.fgrathletics.com and click on 2. For more information, contact the parfor Lansing at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 golf outing. ish at 810.639.7600.

Seymour St. and St. Gerard, 4437 W. Willow Hwy.: May 1, 4:30 p.m. St. Two Project Rachel Retreats are Persons who are Sight Impaired/ Gerard; and May 16 and 23, 4 p.m. at scheduled. One is in the Ann Arbor/ Blind Annual Retreat is May 11-13 St. Mary Cathedral.

Detroit Area from June 18-20. For at the St. Francis Retreat Center in information, contact Beth Bauer at Mark your calendars for two events celDeWitt. Reservations and fee required.

734.369.3470 or pbbauer@yahoo. ebrating the 25th anniversary of our For more information, contact Joann com. The second is in Grand Rapids Davis at 517.342.2497 or jdavis@ from June 25-27. For information, con- Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp dioceseoflansing.org tact Maggie Walsh at 616.340.1824, for high school youth. The DYLC Reunion is Aug. 7 at St. Martha in Okemos. toll free in MI 800.800.8284 or St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt’s All of this year’s campers and other recent mwalsh@ccwestmi.org. spring fundraiser is a perennial plant attendees and leader teams are invited. sale on May 8, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., of both The DYLC 25th Anniversary Banquet College-age Women: Are You prepackaged vegetables and bulbs. will be Oct. 16 and it will have a fundCalled to Serve is a program sponraiser dinner for adults who have been sored by the Dominican Sisters of St. Pius X in Flint will have the sacracampers, team members or supporters of Grand Rapids. This two week program ment of first Eucharist May 2 at the our leadership camp. is May 9-21; room and board provided 11:30 a.m. Mass. On May 5, it will have at Aquinata Hall. For more informaa May Crowning.

Diocese of Lansing Parishioner tion, contact Sister Kathi Sieziak, OP E-News is a monthly e-newsletter to parishioners diocesan-wide. The content At our retreat centers regularly consists of news and information of events happening in our regions St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt 866.669.8321 or www.stfrancis.ws and at our parishes and schools, as well May 7-8, Mother and Daughter Retreat. as the Central Service Departments of the diocese. To subscribe, please visit Dominican Center at Marywood in Grand Rapids www.dioceseoMay 13, Illuminare Ministry Renewal Days – For Everything there is a Season: flansing.org and Ministry and Change enter your eMay 23-28, Individual Directed Retreats mail address in May 23-28, Preached Retreat: Finding God in the Ordinary the form, choose the “Parishioner Weber Retreat Center, Adrian, 517.266.4000 E-News” checkMay 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Savoring Chocolate and Us, the presenter is Janet box and click Schaeffler, OP. “submit.”

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local news

I was hungry and you gave me something to eat ...

When Connie Lesley, from Holy Family Parish Outreach, called the school to find out if there were any students interested in making a poster to bring to a press conference at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Tim Humphreys and Brad Miller were up to the task. These sixth-graders got together on the weekend to create a beautiful poster thanking the Food Bank from Holy Family Parish. They, along with their parents, attended the press conference for the Food Bank’s annual Holiday Campaign. By participating in the press conference, Holy Family Parish received 100 pounds of free food.

Holy Family School students extend prayers and thanks During Catholic Schools Week, Holy Family School students wrote thank you cards and made prayer cards for the parishioners to share their appreciation for their support of our school. The picture at right includes samples of the cards the students created. Original cards were randomly stuffed into bulletins for our parishioners to enjoy.

Youth group members of St. Matthew Parish in Flint will participate in several service events during May. On May 8, they will assist

Sister Kim’s journey from religious discernment to religious life Kimberly Beaubien, a former employee of the Servants of Charity, experienced a lengthy discernment process before entering the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor.

Kim was hired by the Servants of Charity in February 2008 as a special projects assistant. One of her jobs was to coordinate article submissions for the Voice of

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in repairing a family’s home with Salem Housing Task Force. The evening of May 16 will find them hosting the Regional Youth gathering “2o3” in the St. Matthew Field House. On May 22, they will prepare and serve meals at the North End Soup Kitchen.

Providence magazine.

Kim was homeschooled until eighth grade, and completed her high school education at Portage Central.

She also graduated from Michigan State University.

The Servants of Charity honored Kim with a celebration Mass and farewell reception on Aug. 2 and she entered the SMME congregation on Aug. 28. Her first four months were spent as an aspirant and she will be a postulant until August 2010. Her next two years will be spent as a novice and

On Nov. 29, 2009, Father Kusitino Cobona celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood. The Mass at Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc was filled with Fijian elements, such as the blowing of the conch shell, liturgical dancers and presentations of the Salusalu (Lei) during the presentation of the Gospel and presentation of the gifts. The parish celebrated with a reception afterward in which the food had a Fijian flair. A Kava ceremony and traditional dance lessons also were a part of the day.

Dominican Sisters of Mary

St. Michael in Flint’s youth group has activities

Father Kusitino Cobona celebrates anniversary

Postulant Sister Kim confers with other Dominican Sisters of Mary on an outdoor walk on their grounds in Ann Arbor.

then another five years will be spent under temporary vows. The last step after

eight years of study will be her final vows.

– Joseph Yekulis

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Successful blanket drive!

Family Stations of the Cross

KofC winter leadership meeting blanket collection.

local news

Cindee McColley, director of religious education at St. Pius X in Flint, said the parish has been doing family Stations of the Cross for about eight years.

“I thought it would be a memorable experience for each family and especially the children that were involved,” she said.

Each family is asked to draw a picture of its station. The drawings of each station are then projected.

The families read their station and proceed to the candles where they put out a candle – reminding them that they are walking closer to the death of Jesus.

At the 15th station, the candles are lit as an expression of the resurrection – for Jesus is the light of the world.

In the fall of 2009, St. Vincent Catholic Charities in Lansing put out a request for blankets to go directly to those we serve. We had an incredible response from the Catholic Community. Many local parishioners, priests and parish employees donated new and gently used blankets.

The children, teachers and school administration in Catholic schools across our diocesan schools collected and donated 265 blankets.

The Knights of Columbus, under the direction of Bob Moody, state deputy, and through the tireless efforts of John Thelen, state community director, donated 1,287 blankets, 83 twin sheet sets and 127 pillows! Most of the items donated were new.

350 cartons (2 per box) filled an 18-foot box truck.

St. Robert School has family geography night On the evening of March 9, St. Robert School had its second family geography night sponsored by Cindy Kelly, Social Studies Department chair. Students and their parents were invited to the Activity Center to spend two hours exploring and learning geography in a funfilled, festive atmosphere. Stations were set up to challenge students’ geographical knowledge. The stations ranged from “What are you wearing – how we depend on other countries for everyday products” to “Memory maps – practice mental map skills on state, national and world maps.”

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St. Robert’s Team Nutrition Mini-Grant St. Robert School in Flushing received a Team Nutrition Training Mini-Grant for 2010-2011 for $2,500 and earned the distinction of being one of 20 schools in Michigan to participate in the pilot garden program through Michigan State University. St. Robert sent a team to MSU on Feb. 26 for a training day at the Children’s Garden.

St. Robert School was the only Catholic School selected for this program and will embark on a journey to improve its courtyard garden and develop a more inclusive garden long-range plan that includes harvesting vegetables for the cafeteria and community gardening, along with using the garden as a science laboratory.

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What in the world?

The top 10 Catholic news events this month

Book celebrates Year for Priests using art from around the world – Steen Heidemann has written “The Catholic Priest – Image of Christ through Fifteen Centuries of Art.” It is his gift to God in thanksgiving for his conversion to Catholicism.

2 British court rules in favor of Catholic adoption agency – A Catholic adoption agency prevailed in a legal battle to continue its policy of assessing only married couples and single people as potential adopters and foster parents.

3 Organization to distribute grants to retired religious – Support Our Aging Religious, a national organization working to help U.S. religious congregations finance the retirement of their elderly and infirm members, will distribute $750,000 in grants to 44 religious congregations.

4 Vatican launches new Twitter channels – Vatican Radio has announced the launch of six Twitter channels in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German and Portuguese to share news and multimedia content about the life of the Church.

This “flower” died rather than execute Christians

Saint Florian of Lorch

Feast Day: May 4

local news saint of the month

St. Florian of Lorch was born in the third century – his name means “flower.” During the Diocletian persecutions, Florian was serving as an officer in the Roman army and was stationed in Austria.

According to legend, Florian prayed and threw a single bucket of water on the flames of a burning town, which extinguished the fire and saved the town.

Rome: 302 A.D., the time of Diocletion persecutions.

Florian’s demise begins...

Legend has it that he stopped an entire town from burning by throwing one bucket of water on the flames.

“It might be easier to list all the things Florian is not the patron of...”

Florian was ordered to execute Christians, but refused. He offered himself as a sacrifice instead, and maintained his own Christian faith. He was scourged, stripped of his skin, and drowned with a rock attached to his neck. A group of Christians collected his body, and buried him at an Augustinian monetary near Lorch. St. Florian’s relics lie in Rome and Poland.

St. Florian is the patron saint of the following: against battle; against drowning; against fire; against flood; Austria; barrel-makers; brewers; chimney sweeps; Diocese of Chur, Switzerland; coopers; drowning victims; fire prevention; firefighters; harvests; Linz, Austria; Poland; soap-boilers.

– Illustrations by Chris Sushynski

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Iraqi Christian gunned down – Sabah Gurgis was killed in Mosul, Iraq.

His death follows a recent string of violence against Christians. Hundreds of Iraqi Christians have protested against the government’s inaction.

Vandals tear down pro-life posters and attack Australian campaigner – Trevor Grace, a pro-life campaigner in Australia, was assaulted with rocks after he videoed people taking down pro-life election posters.

3,000 catechumens join the Church in Hong Kong – Some 3,000 catechumens were received into the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Hong Kong.

Last year more than 2,700 catechumens took part in Lenten Rites of Election in the diocese.

Pope to visit queen and beatify Cardinal Newman – The September papal visit was formally announced by Queen Elizabeth II in March.

As part of his visit, the pope will beatify the 19th century theologian and scholar Cardinal John Henry Newman.

Knights of Columbus rallying against contraception campaign – Knights of Columbus in the Philippines rallied against the government’s pro-contraceptive campaign as lawmakers debate population control programs that promote condoms and birth control pills.

5 Beatification date announced for Italian teenager – Venerable Chiara Badano will be beatified Sept. 25. According to an official Web site created in her honor, she lived a short, but intensely spiritual life before she succumbed to bone cancer.

European bishops welcome pope’s letter, pledge new abuse initiatives

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Catholic Education?

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

T

he world of ideas, the intellectual world, that world wherein values are shaped, is highly competitive.

It’s filled with the voices of those who seek to shape our thinking and our values, the so-called leadership classes made up of media stars, newspaper columnists and editorialists, business leaders, politicians, and academics.

Many of those voices seek to silence the voice of Catholicism using ridicule, scorn, outright bigotry, and claims that God, religion, and the church are irrelevant. To be heard and to effectively compete we need to be educated, well educated and articulate Catholics.

If Jesus Christ is the son of God, if he became one of us, suffered, died and rose from the dead – then what he had to say is of immense importance. Presenting what he had to say and presenting his values, values that enrich our common good as human beings, requires that we be more than simply “nice people.” We need to have the intelligence and skills to deal with present day realities and effectively compete in the world of ideas.

The Catholic Church knows that human nature is the same everywhere. Geography plays no role in changing what is in the human heart. Nor does time. Today’s politicians employ the same political machinations that were employed in ancient Imperial Rome, among the Greeks before them, in the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs, and in the earliest time

in human recorded history.

Times and places change – human nature does not.

Catholics, with their faith and beliefs, have richly contributed to the American Experiment. We need to know and understand why and how. We need the ability to apply the best that we have to our present-day problems.

To be silent, to be mute and dumb, not only demeans what Christ has given us but it deprives our fellow citizens of our treasures; it deprives them of the richness that is found in the two-thousand years of our church’s existence.

What do you consider to be a Catholic education? Completing eighth-grade catechism lessons? Completing preparation for confirmation? There’s more, much more. To be an educated Catholic, one must have at least a minimal knowledge of the history of ideas and what Catholicism has to offer in that history.

There will never come a time when there is not more to learn about God – Catholic education is never finished.

last word

– Jonathan Luxmoore, CNS

What is

T. Gennara

Catholic bishops from the Pope Benedict XVI’s native Bavaria have pledged to tighten procedures for handling abuse claims against local clergy.

Our uppermost priority must be to seek the truth and create an open atmosphere which encourages victims to state what was done to them,” bishops from the Munich and Freising and Bamberg archdioceses said in a statement after a mid-March meeting.

We wish to investigate every suspicion and clear up every mistake.We therefore unanimously recommend revising our church’s guidelines to include an obligation to register suspected sexual abuse with the authorities and physical abuses with the district attorney’s office so it can immediately mount an independent investigation.

As bishops, we must do everything in our power to prevent abuse.”

The bishops also said they felt “consternation and shame” at reports of sexual abuse by priests in the south German region, which includes the pope’s hometown of Marktl am Inn.

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You are the light of the world, Jesus said. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lamp stan where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:14-16)

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notes:

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