SPECIAL REPORT

Catholics staying CATHOLICS CONNECT

During this unprecedented crisis, Catholics have found creative ways to stay connected with God, the Church, and each other. Whether it was learning to livestream Mass, or figuring out new ways to teach the faith remotely, members of the Church have met the challenge.

Catholics have been charitable. Catholics have been generous. Catholics have said “thank you” to those who are reaching out to them during this crisis. Catholics have continued to connect with one another in the midst of adversity.

Here are just a few examples of how the Church has continued to shine the light of Christ in these dark times.

Kirkland, Washington

Holy Family Parish in Kirkland, Wash., encouraged parishioners to create prayer tables at home and share photos on social media.

Sacramento, California

The Joyful Noise Children's Choir of St. Simon Parish in San Jose, Calif., shared a virtual performance on Easter Sunday of "Join in the Dance.” Volunteers from the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Sacramento, Calif., provide brown bag lunches to the homeless four days a week. As the number of guests has grown in recent weeks, they have been blessed by the generosity of parish members, local support and free delivery by Paratransit, a fully accessible transportation service.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

With the pandemic came a host of additional problems for many people, especially those who have been hit hard by the economic crisis and unemployment. Catholic Charities agencies across the country continue to assist those most in need. In Tulsa, volunteer Brent Partee helps gather food for 300-400 families a day, about five times what they did before the pandemic. (Courtesy Eastern Oklahoma Catholic)

Laredo, Texas

Since the Senior Center in Laredo, Texas, closed for the pandemic, the staff of Catholic Charities has been delivering meals and groceries to the elderly. Bishop James Tamayo visits and prays with them.

connected Portland, Maine

Bishop Deely in the Diocese of Portland,

Me., granted permission for pastors to hold Masses in parking lots with clear conditions for maintaining social distancing.

Falmouth, Maine

Holy Eucharist Parish in Falmouth, Me., made 1,000 fabric masks for area hospitals, jails and shelters — and continue to make more.

The Newman Club at Montclair State University in the Diocese of Newark produces the talk show “Quarantined Catholics,” which airs on Facebook

Live to keep connected with college students sheltering at home.

Flushing, Michigan

The parishioners of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Flushing, Mich., organized a parade to say “thank you” to their priests for all they have done for them during the pandemic.

Chatham, Illinois

In Chatham, Ill., St. Joseph the Worker Parish donated its entire Easter collection to three food banks and a ministry to the homeless in their community.

Newark, New Jersey

Parnell, Michigan

Third-graders at St. Patrick School in Parnell, in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, used household items to make crosses that serve as a reminder of God’s presence even in the midst of a pandemic.

Nashville, Tennessee

In Nashville, Tenn., Catholic Charities’ annual Pathways to Possibilities fundraiser met its goal despite having to convert its in-person event to a virtual one. By May 6, more than $100,000 had been received, and donations continued to come in. The funds will be used to help communities in the Diocese of Nashville hit March 3 by a deadly tornado.

Preschool teachers at St. Andrew Early Childhood Center in Raleigh, N.C., organized a parade so children could tell teachers goodbye when the school year ended abruptly. Almost all of the 120 children participated.

Bishop Raica of Gaylord appointed Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama

Most Reverend Steven J. Raica, Bishop of Gaylord, was named the fifth bishop of Birmingham, Ala., by Pope Francis on March 25, to succeed retiring Bishop Robert J. Baker. Bishop Raica will be welcomed to the Diocese of Birmingham with solemn vespers on June 22. The Mass of Installation will take place at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Birmingham on June 23.

“I’ve never been to Alabama, so I have no idea what to expect,” Bishop Raica said in a recorded audio interview with Father Scott Lawler on March 30. “The people and bishop I have spoken with have been very kind.” The Diocese of Birmingham has approximately 3 million people, with 105,000 Catholics in 55 parishes.

Bishop Raica was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Lansing in 1978. He served in several parishes as an associate pastor and pastor. From 1999-2005, he served as the superior of the post-graduate residence for priests at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, and in 2005 became the chancellor and vicar general of the Diocese of Lansing. He was named Bishop of Gaylord by Pope Francis in 2014.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SEEK DONATIONS FOR SEMINARIAN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

As part of the Knights of Columbus’ continuing mission to support priestly vocations, the Michigan State Council pledged to raise $1,000,000 in order to create an Endowed Scholarship Fund (E.S.F.) at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. The fund is designed to help support seminarians while they are studying for the priesthood.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knights are struggling to meet this challenge, and so they are expanding their appeal to the entire Catholic population of Michigan. If you are in a financial position to assist the Knights as they help build the foundation for the future of the Church, please contact John Rademacher, j.rademacher@mikofc. org for more information or donate directly by mail: Michigan State Knights of Columbus Charities Inc. Memo line: E.S.F. to MI K of C/E.S.F, POB 58, Eagle, Mich. 48822.

LANSING CATHOLIC STUDENTS HOST MOBILE PANTRY IN APRIL

Students from Lansing Catholic High School hosted the City of Lansing’s Mobile Food Pantry April 18 despite the challenges presented by the spread of COVID-19 in the area. “I have been humbled but not surprised by the degree to which our teachers, our parents and, especially, our students have insisted on carrying out acts of Christian service during this COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tom Maloney, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Lansing.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

Sister Mary Estelle Printz, age 92, religious 71 years, entered eternal life on April 12, 2020. In the Diocese of Lansing, she taught at Lumen Christi High School in Jackson.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

Father Paul Cummings, senior priest of the Diocese of Lansing, died on May 4, 2020 at the age of 94. Ordained in 1955 in the Diocese of Lansing, he served as parochial vicar at St. Roberts, Flushing; St. Therese, Lansing; St. Mary, Mount Morris; and St. John, Davison. He served as pastor at St. Isidore, Laingsburg; Holy Family, Ovid; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing; St. Peter, Eaton Rapids; and Holy Spirit, Brighton. Father Paul continued to serve area parishes by presiding at liturgies after his retirement in 1996. A memorial Mass was celebrated on May 8 at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Jackson.

Sister Celine Marie Lesinski, CSSF, age 92, religious 71 years, entered eternal life on April 12, 2020, She taught in the Diocese of Lansing at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Flint.

Why I support my parish

It’s a priority for us because we have been blessed and want to give back to others. The Catholic Church was very impactful in all stages of my life — from being a young

FAITH asked some parishioners why supporting their parish is important to them, and why they have chosen to make it a priority in their lives.

altar server through my time in college at the campus Newman Center. I was unable to give much financial support then, but I can now, and I want to show my gratitude to God for

During the Covid-19 crisis, it was important to me to continue supporting my parish. Liturgical, educational, faith formation and charitable outreach actions are supported by donations and so vital to the mission of the Church. Prayer is paramount, but financial generosity will enable the church doors to open wide once again. When we contribute financially to our parish, we facilitate Christ’s mission of love and mercy.”

– CATHY PIETRASIUK

Both in and out of church, I see the parish as a vehicle to serve others. I serve in two ways: as a eucharistic minister at Mass and leading a monthly Communion service at an assisted living center. I feel honored and fulfilled — although unworthy — when I can offer Jesus to people through his body and blood.”

– PAUL WARD

all that the Church has given me. I also want to make sure this support system remains in place for younger Catholics.”

– CHRIS ONGENA

Supporting our parish will ensure that it is viable for the next generation. In this day of online payments, it’s critical that we discuss our donations with our children since they may not see us dropping an envelope in the basket at Mass. I want them to understand that it is important to us, and I pray that one day it will be important to them too.”

– KAREN ONGENA

The day-to-day commitment of the parish community has kept me as a member for all these years, and continues to strengthen my faith. These strengths and commitment include the skill of our pastors, the depth and diversity of the music ministry, and the commitment of the social ministry team to serve those in need.” – BRIAN O’NEIL

Membership Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906

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