July/August 2006

parenting

God punÂˇ h us with illness and death?

journey

Why am I sick? How to help children cope with irl ness. work

life

Compassion - it's not just for friend and family. culture

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editor comforting the sick

how we can overcome our fear of others’ illnesses f r o m

e r e d i t o r t fh r eo m e d ti ht o

hen I was a kid, I spent a lot of time being sick. Spring and summer allergies meant frequent ear infections, visits to the doctor and days off from school. This cycle would repeat itself in the late autumn and early winter as the weather changed from warm to cold. Eventually I would learn to manage the symptoms, but even as an adult I am not entirely free from these annual events. As I look back on those days of frequent childhood illness, I could do without most of what I recall. However, I do have one very fond memory that stands out as the place where I could consistently find comfort and a little bit of relief – my parents’ rocking chair. There was something soothing about that chair’s motion that helped the hurt fade away. A few minutes in Mom or Dad’s lap, or even alone, and the world always seemed to be better. For me, that rocking chair had quasi-medicinal powers. It also likely explains why to this day I remain a great fan of rocking chairs. Being sick is no fun. It is not an enjoyable experience either for the one who is ill or for those who are their caretakers. However, little things – like the comfort of a rocking chair – can go a long way in helping to make illness more bearable. A brief visit, a quick phone call, a card or short note all help to ease the fear, boredom or anxiety that often accompany illness. Visiting the sick can sometimes make us uncomfortable. What do I say? What do I do? Should I pretend that the person isn’t sick? What if I say or do something wrong? These are all common fears that many of us have when it comes to facing the challenge of visiting someone who is not feeling well, and it may not matter if their illness is chronic or acute. When I am faced with my own anxiety about visiting a sick parishioner, I often remind myself that the most important thing is just showing up. God will take it from there and will provide the right words to say at just the right time. I simply need to get over my own hesitancy and trust that God will do the rest. I find that when I place my trust in God and overcome my own inner fear, the resulting experience is a blessed one. During these lazy summer days, I encourage you to take some time to reflect prayerfully on one concrete way that you can reach out to comfort a loved one, friend or neighbor who is not feeling well. Little gestures will mean a great deal. The words, “I’m praying for you,” will mean the world to someone who, when faced with physical illness, may find it nearly impossible to focus her or his attention, let alone spend any length of time in personal prayer. After reflecting, take the initiative to make a reality of your own chosen way to comfort someone who is ill or afflicted. You may be surprised at what happens – both to the one whom you comfort and to yourself with God’s help. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

When I am faced with my own anxiety about visiting a sick parishioner, I often remind myself that the most important thing is just showing up. God will take it from there and will provide the right words to say at just the right time.

T. Gennara

– Fr. Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude.

Liturgical Calendar: Blessed Junipero Serra, Priest July 1 | St. Thomas, Apostle July 3 | St. Elizabeth of Portugal July 4 | St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest July 5 | St. Maria Gorretti, Virgin and M

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inside 28

what you’ll get out of this issue

• Dear Fr. Joe: Catholic school or going back to work? what do I do? 6 in the know with Fr. Joe – Fr. Joseph Krupp

• She says: I should be number one! He says: But she’s my mother! What do they do? 8 your marriage matters – Deb McCormack

• Why am I sick? How to help children cope with illness. 9 the parenting journey – Dr. Cathleen McGreal

p r o f i l e Coming home at Mother Teresa House – Penny Koch and her husband found a loving place to spend his final days Mother Teresa House provides a home, care and love for the dying. Find out more about this “happy place.”

– Marybeth Hicks

m y

s t o r y A day in the life of a seminarian – find out what it’s like to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Lansing. Mark Rutherford is studying to be a priest at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. FAITH shadowed him to find out what a seminarian does all day. – Bob Horning

c o v e r

A heart in the right place Despite his own infirmity, Paul Minarik brings Christ to the homebound. – Nancy Schertzing

• Compassion – it’s not just for friends and family. How we show we care in the workplace 11 work life – Tim Ryan • A step-by-step guide through the church’s liturgies. 12 theology 101 – Elizabeth Solsburg

• To comfort the afflicted – how becoming a priest taught me about this work of mercy 14 from the bishop – Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling

• “Take up your cross and follow me.” How we can embrace our crosses. 26 spiritual fitness – Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

• Light up your summer nights with luminaria. Make these special votives that blend atmosphere and faith. 28 culture – Michelle Sessions DiFranco

• “Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord. Does God punish us with illness and death? 31 last word – Fr. Charles Irvin

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The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Most Reverend Carl F. Mengeling PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR

July/August 2006 • Volume 7 : Issue 6

Rev. Dwight Ezop EDITOR IN CHIEF

report rep p s p e c i a l

r e p o r t

Patrick M. O’Brien MANAGING EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg ASSISTANT EDITOR/STAFF WRITER

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR/WEB DESIGNER

Jillane Job SUBSCRIPTIONS/SECRETARY

Patricia Oliver SECRETARY

Rev. William Ashbaugh Michelle Sessions DiFranco Marybeth Hicks Elizabeth Johnson Rev. Joseph Krupp Deb McCormack Tom and JoAnne Fogle Bob Horning Cathleen McGreal John Morris Rick and Diane Peiffer Tim Ryan Nancy Schertzing Allena Tapia Sara Teller CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Derek Melot Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING

Tom Gennara Christine Jones James Luning (cover) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicki Bedard Wayne Case Patricia Garcia Mary Jo Gilliland Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez Dcn. David Rosenberg Rev. James Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD

FAITH Publishing Ser vice Rev. Dwight Ezop CHAIRMAN

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Beverly Sherman SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

Enomhen Odigie GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGN

InnerWorkings PRINT MANAGEMENT

FAITHPublishingService.com FAITH™ (USPS 019993) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933. Published monthly except February and August. Subscription rates are $15 per year. Individual issues are $2.50. Send all subscription information and address changes to 209 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933; 517. 342.2595; fax 517.342.2537 or e-mail jjob@dioceseoflansing.org. Periodicals Postage Paid at Lansing, MI or additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: FAITH™, 209 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933. ©FAITH Publishing Service. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Publishing Service.

Subscriptions: 1.517.342.2595

Will my parish close? A report from the diocesan coordinating commission

The Bishop’s Coordinating Commission has issued its first report. Look to FAITH for continuing updates about this impor-

tant work The Bishop’s Coordinating Commission has been meeting. Having determined its mission statement and guiding principles, it is now working on a methodology to follow, as well as constructing evaluation instruments that will allow it to make good recommendations to our bishop. The deliberations are thoughtful and careful. Hopefully the commission’s work, which shall continue to be published here, will benefit all of the faithful in our diocese. Mission Statement

Guiding Principles

Seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and input of the faithful, the Bishop’s Coordinating Commission for the Diocese of Lansing will design a plan to address the sacramental, pastoral, leadership and formational challenges and opportunities of each diocesan faith community. The commission will monitor the timely implementation of the approved plan, assuring that the process is carried out with great sensitivity for each individual faith family and its unique culture.

• We will openly communicate our efforts to the people of the diocese and strive to ensure that all the work of this commission will be characterized by mutual respect and honesty. • Full sacramental ministry will be available to all our Catholic people in every geographic area of the diocese. • Competent pastoral ministers (lay, religious or ordained) will serve in every geographic area of the diocese. • We will have a special concern to meet the needs of the poor and marginalized.

• We will engage all of our individual faith communities in planning for their future. Every faith community will evaluate its communal, spiritual and sacramental life, its faith formation programs and its financial stability. • We will seek to be creative in our efforts to reconfigure our diocese for an era with fewer priests and shifting population. • Any re-configuration of the diocese will respect the needs of both the people and the individual minister.

Principles for Communication • Transparency is essential. We will be forthcoming in our efforts to communicate the work of our commission. • We will issue our communiqués and/or press releases to FAITH Magazine, our diocesan communications department, our diocesan VOICES Alive newsletter, The Catholic Times, and to regional secular newspapers. • We will employ the diocesan Web site to support our public communications efforts wherever possible.

St. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr July 20 | St. Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor July 21 | St. Mary Magdalene July 22 | St. Sharbel

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web s saint aint Ss. Joachim and Anne

busting the myth

Jesus’ grandparents

of the “teenage monster” o n l i n e

a t

y daughter and I made a promise to each other several years ago, and we’re trying to keep it. We swore we would avoid becoming the stereotypical mother and daughter through her teen years. We wouldn’t subscribe to the myth that teenage girls naturally become disrespectful and condescending to their moms or that moms are unreasonable and oblivious to the real feelings of their girls. Mind you, this is a cultural myth that has a whole lot of traction keeping it going. Just stand outside the fitting room in any Gap store on a weekend and listen to an entire generation of girls treat their mothers with the same courtesy and respect they would afford a cockroach (the same mothers whose credit cards are relied on at the checkout counter). You’ll know why society takes for granted the truth of the “difficult teen.” Back when Katie’s 13th birthday approached, I heard endless warnings about what my future would hold with a teenager in my home. Because she is my oldest, I had no experience with teens, so parents offered the conventional wisdom. “Just wait,” I was told. “She’ll turn into a monster.” T. Gennara

s a i n t

f a i t h m a g . c o m

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t h e

m o n t h

Ss. Joachim and Anne Feast Day: July 26 Claim to fame: Even though they appear nowhere in the Bible, Joachim and Anne are honored as the parents of Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Their story is told in a second century apocryphal book called The Proto-Evangelium of James. Little-known fact: July 26 as the feast of Ss. Joachim and Anne together dates only from the time of Vatican II. Before that, the feast belonged to Anne alone, who was more popular than her spouse. Veneration of St. Anne dates from the fourth century, while interest in St. Joachim didn’t emerge until the 15th century. He didn’t even get his own feast day until 1913.

Or this encouraging thought: “Get ready to find out just how stupid you are.” And my favorite piece of optimistic advice: “Don’t worry. It’ll get better by the time she’s 23.” If I had a nickel for every time someone told me to get ready for the change in my daughter, I would have – well, I would have a big, honking pile of nickels. I couldn’t imagine or believe that my delightful teenager was destined to become a holy terror for 10 years or that there was nothing I could do about it. More than that, I wouldn’t stipulate to an assumption I simply didn’t buy. – Marybeth Hicks

Did Marybeth’s daughter turn into a monster? Find out, and read other exclusive news and essays, only on FAITHmag.com.

What made them saints: In a time when children were considered a sign of God’s favor, Joachim and Anne were mocked for being childless. Instead of becoming bitter, Joachim and Anne each prayed to God for a child; angels appeared to each separately and promised that they would conceive. The church honors Joachim and Anne for their role in God’s plan for salvation. Their daughter, Mary, grew in grace and holiness under the loving care of her parents, who dedicated her to God’s service from the time of her conception. Joachim and Anne are also honored for their trust in God and their gratitude for his blessing in giving them a child. Best quote: While we have no actual quotes from either St. Joachim or St. Anne, The Proto-Evangelium of James attributes the following to St. Anne after she received news from the angel that God would bless her with a child: “As my God lives, if I should conceive either a boy or a girl, the child will be a gift to my God, serving him in holiness throughout the whole of its life.” How they died: Tradition says that Joachim and Anne both lived to see the birth of their grandchild, Jesus, and died of old age. Prayer: Jesus, your grandparents provide families with a model of a loving, faith-filled home dedicated to the service of God. Strengthen all Christian families, and help all grandparents to be living examples of love and family unity. Amen. – Elizabeth Johnson

harbel Makhluf, Priest July 24 | St. James, Apostle July 25 | Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary July 26 | St. Martha July 29 | St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest July 31

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dear Fr. Joe: Catholic school or going back to work? what do I do? i n

t h e

k n o w

w i t h

F r .

J o e

“I have to make a decision between sending my child to Catholic school, which would involve me going back to work full time, and staying home with my younger children who are not in school yet. What do I do?”

reat question! What you have here are two conflicting goods: Catholic education and being home with your kids. The good news is, no matter what you decide, a good thing will happen, right? So, what do we do? In my mind, there is nothing I can think of that would trump you staying home with your children. I believe that that is an invaluable experience for your young ones, and I can’t imagine any circumstance where that good should be neglected. The fast-paced nature of our In my mind, there is country and difficult financial nothing I can think times have often pushed parents of that would trump into making tough decisions you staying home financially, and I don’t want to be with your children. insensitive to that. I remember that quote from The Screwtape I believe that that Letters where a senior devil says is an invaluable to a student tempter, “If I can’t experience for your young ones, make them bad, I’ll make them and I can’t imagine busy.” And that seems to be a any circumstance huge factor anymore. Maybe what I will do for this article is where that good focus on the benefits of Cathoshould be lic education and offer some neglected. alternatives for those who simply cannot pull it off financially. When I think of my experience at a Catholic school, I find it difficult to articulate how important I feel a Catholic education is for one simple reason: Jesus. As a Catholic, there is nothing more integral to our human experience than the person of Jesus. At a Catholic school, we can introduce Jesus into every element of the students’ lives. When a student needs help, we can pray. At Lansing Catholic, we have experienced a lot of tragedy in the last year; each time, our response (at the student’s request), has been to have Blessed Sacrament exposition. A part of the life of a student at a Catholic school can be daily Mass, confessions, prayer, all on top of learning. I honestly believe that there is nothing better than that. I also point to our teachers at Catholic schools. As a general rule, teachers at Catholic schools are taking

So, I’m driving through a local neighborhood when I see a young boy with a lemonade stand. The signs says “All you can drink – 55 cents”. Now, being a firm believer in supporting local businesses (as well as thirsty), I decided this was a good deal. I paid my .55 and was given a little paper cup of lemonade. I drank it down and asked for another when the boy said, “Sure, you can have another for 55 cents.” I confess to being a bit shocked and pointed to the sign. The young man responded “Right. That’s all you can drink for 55 cents.” a serious financial hit. They could make much more money elsewhere, but choose to minister in their role as a Catholic school teacher. That kind of sacrifice touches my heart and introduces a powerful element into the education equation. Usually, our Catholic schools don’t have the financial resources of our public schools and we struggle with our facilities and the opportunities we can offer, but I think that if we continue to strive toward being faithful to the teachings of Christ and his bride, the church, we will grow to be all we can be. I’ll close this section with a quote

from our bishops who say that Catholic school education offers the “fullest and best opportunity to realize the fourfold purpose of Christian education, namely to provide an atmosphere in which the Gospel message is proclaimed, community in Christ is experienced, service to our sisters and brothers is the norm, and thanksgiving and worship of God is cultivated.” (Renewing Our Commitment, 2005) Now, despite the obvious benefits of a Catholic education, some simply can’t do it. There are a couple of things to do here that may help – and again, we are going on the

St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor August 1 | St. Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop August 2 | St. Peter Julian Eymard, Priest August 2 | St. John Mary Vianney, Priest August 4 | The Dedication of t

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An unsolved mystery

poll what makes you feel better when you are sick?

What year did Amelia Earhart disappear? h i s t o r y

FAITH asks:

q u i z

p a r i s h

Amelia Earhart vanishes in the Pacific Ocean on July 2, WHAT YEAR?, with only 7,000 miles left to go in her flight around the world. Several search parties have since been conducted to find the remains of her aircraft, but all have come back empty-handed.

p o l l

We asked eighth-graders in Ms. Hodack’s class at Holy Rosary School, Flint, “What makes you feel better when you are sick?” Three of their answers appear below, and they reflect the popular vote for soup as a remedy for all that ails us!

On July 4, WHAT YEAR?, the United States declared its rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness when the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Mission complete! Father Junipero Serra of Spain founded the first Catholic mission in California, at present-day San Diego on July 16, WHAT YEAR? He then went on to successfully establish a second mission in Monterrey the following year. Unlocking the key to translating ancient Egyptian demotic script, hieroglyphics and ancient Greek text, the Rosetta Stone was discovered on July 19, WHAT YEAR? Named after the location of its discovery in Egypt, the granite stone now resides at the British Museum in London.

Evan (age 13): I might go outside and ride my bike or shoot some hoops. After a while, I start to feel a bit better because of the fresh air.

Answers: 1937, 1776, 1769, 1779

premise that the most important thing here is the possibility of being at home with your children. First, have you considered home schooling? More and more Christians are taking this option and finding a great opportunity to combine the power of family time together, traditional education and a strong faith life. There are numerous resources available on this issue and I encourage you to check them out. I would bet there are any number of

people in your parish who are practicing home schooling and finding it to be a great joy. Also, I know that many groups who are home schooling are combining their resources and working together. I think another thing for you to consider is your parish religious education program. I think a lot of people overlook this incredibly valuable opportunity to help their children grow in faith and knowledge. Make sure and check with

Katie (age 13): When I’m sick, I like to listen to music, sleep and eat soup. I also like to watch my favorite TV show. That always makes me feel better.

your parish about the opportunities available to you for religious education programs for your children. Enjoy another day in God’s presence. – Fr. Joseph Krupp

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine 209 Seymour Ave. Lansing, MI 48933 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com

Take me out to the ball game! Lansing Lugnuts Family Night for Vocations Support vocations in the Diocese of Lansing by attending a Lansing Lugnuts baseball game on July 21 at Oldsmobile Park. The pre-game festivities begin at 6 p.m., the first ball is thrown at 7 p.m. For tickets, contact your local Knights of Columbus representative or call 517.485.4500, ext. 246. Mention the Diocese of Lansing so you can sit with everyone else and enjoy the seventh-inning stretch!

Jaclyn (age 13): When my mom makes me her special soup. Also, when I get lots of rest and quietness.

o n l i n e

25% of Mass attendees in the United States were born in a non-Englishspeaking country. – CARA, Winter 2006

What do you think? Log on to FAITHmag.com then click FAITH forums to discuss this and other interesting topics.

ion of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome August 5 | The Transfiguration of the Lord August 6 | St. Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr and his companions, martyrs August 7 | St. Cajetan, Priest August 7

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marriage g

he says ... she says ...

what should they do?

y o u r

m a r r i a g e

m a t t e r s

r om ance

Take a few minutes to think about what it would be like without your spouse. Write him a note about the things that make him most precious to you.

Play and party together. “P” is for party; “A” is for all-right; “R” is for right now; “T” is for take it easy; and “Y” is for “YNot!” Have fun together. Laugh until it hurts. m oney

Mad money, that wonderful leftover cash. What to do with it? How much do I get to spend frivolously? For marital harmony and financial stability, discuss the OUCH! factor in your marriage – the agreed amount you can spend without consulting each other.

iane and Bob have been married two years. Bob’s relationship with his mother is causing stress in his marriage. What should Bob and Diane do?

I should be but she’s number one! my mother! Diane says: : I love Bob and I respect his mother. But she calls every day after work, just at dinnertime, and she wants to talk with Bob for an hour. She also expects him to come over every Sunday and do small chores for her, and then stay for dinner. She always makes some excuse for excluding me from the invitations. I thought married men were supposed to put their wives first, but I’m definitely feeling like a runner-up!

Bob says: My dad died when I was a teenager, and my mom relied on me. I was her only companion for years. I love Diane and she is definitely my first priority in life, but I can’t say ‘no’ to my mother – she really needs me. And is it really so much for her to expect one dinner a week with her son? I just wish Diane could understand that this is important to me and my mom.

The expert says: Remember Genesis? God said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) Seems that God may have predicted this issue and gave us pretty clear directions. A man needs to align himself with his wife. While the ‘what to do’ is clear, the ‘how to’ is not. How a man and

T. Gennara

time

St. Dominic, Priest August 8 | St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) August 9 | St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr August 10 | St. Clare, Virgin August 11 | St. Maximilian Mary

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Marriage Resource:

how we help children deal with illness

visit www.stfrancis.ws for information about upcoming marriage retreats.

p a r e n t i n g

j o u r n e y

c o m m u n i c a ti o n

woman make a marriage and family work is not always easy, especially when it comes to our extended families. These triangles in relationships can happen in the best of families. The best way to handle this problem is to talk about these issues ahead of time, before the marriage takes place. Identifying how each feels and why, is the first step to making this problem feel better. Bob and Diane need to make sure their relationship is well nurtured. They need to spend quality time together. The trust the partners develop in their relationship helps them weather the ups and downs of life, and they cannot go wrong by focusing on communication. Putting the marital relationship first is critical to a successful marriage. The rule of thumb is to communicate with each other openly. Bob and Diane should pick a time to talk when they are not already angry at one another. Bob should listen to Diane – really hear her and imagine how he would feel in her spot. Can he understand how she might feel? Diane needs to try to own her feelings, using “I” language that does not blame. How does it make Diane feel that Bob’s mom only calls him? Is dinner every Sunday acceptable? Is it possible that minor maintenance could be done monthly? Now it is Bob’s turn. He needs to acknowledge how torn he feels, and Diane needs to listen. Hopefully, Diane can imagine how Bob’s mom may feel. The competition between Diane and Bob’s mom needs to be talked about openly by the couple. Bob needs to clearly let Diane know that she is No. 1 in his life. That doesn’t mean he can’t help his mom. Once Bob and Diane agree on what is comfortable for them, the boundaries on which they agree need to be communicated to Bob’s mother. These same guidelines can be used for Diane’s parents and family as well. Families are important; they provide necessary love and support. Perhaps Bob and Diane can find a role for Bob’s mom. Is she willing to help with children? Could Sunday dinner move to Bob’s and Diane’s? Including Bob’s mom in their family life will help her feel cared for and a part of their lives, not just Bob’s. It would be great if she gained a more supportive caring relationship with Diane. This is a bonus for any mom in these fast-paced times. – Deborah McCormack

Marriage requires regular maintenance, just like your car. Plan a night out together where you focus just on each other – no kids, no talk about work. Talk about each other, just like you did while you were dating. Tell each other something new about yourself – even in a long-term marriage, we are always learning about the other person.

T. Gennara

why am I sick?

alitha koum! Little girl, I say to you arise! The Gospel of Mark that greets us in July involves a “sandwich story” of Jesus’ mercy. Jairus entreats Jesus to heal his daughter, but is interrupted. A woman touches Jesus’ cloak, convinced that her hemorrhaging will be cured. Jesus acknowledges her faith and the cure. Reaching Jairus’ home and being told the little girl is dead, Jesus speaks and she rises. Contemporary children are not spared from disease and death any more than children were spared in biblical times. They need our help to incorporate faith into their understanding of health and illness. Illness is NOT a punishment from God. People don’t get sick because they do something wrong. In biblical times, it would have been assumed that the woman in the Gospel was hemorrhaging because she had sinned. Children often make this assumption, too. Make sure that they know that God doesn’t decide to give people diseases or cause accidents. Prayers are answered in different ways. We don’t always understand God’s will when we pray the Our Father and say the words, “Thy will be done.” Often, we want Jesus to say, “Talitha koum!” and bring about physical cures. Children, and even adults, want God to answer prayers in certain ways. The Holy Spirit does answer our prayers – but sometimes it is through comfort and healing, not curing. Look beyond what you think you see. The crowd around Jairus’ daughter saw only death, but Jesus saw life. Sometimes, children are disturbed by the appearance of those who are sick or injured. Explain aspects of physical appearance or of medical equipment that might seem unusual ahead of time. Allow time for children to adjust to the situation – age and temperament play a major role. As parents, we need to help our children when they are distressed or when they are in the presence of others who are ill, so that they can realize God is there, too – offering comfort and consolation. – Dr. Cathleen McGreal

n Mary Kolbe, Priest and Martyr August 14 | The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (a holy day of obligation in U.S.) August 15 | St. Stephen of Hungary August 16

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top10 what in the world?

the Catholic Church and AIDS

the top-10 Catholic News events this month

how best to fight this deadly disease

t o p

1 0

Domino founder’s plan for town near Catholic university sparks debate Tom Monaghan’s plans to build a family-friendly town near Naples, Fla. – free of pornography, contraceptives and abortion – have raised concern inside and outside church circles.

Architects praise Michigan nuns for their ‘green’ motherhouse The American Institute of Architects has given the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary one of its top 10 green projects awards for their motherhouse in Monroe.

Drink, drive and go to confession Drunken driving is a sin that ought to be confessed, Indian Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil said in a pastoral letter.

“Rege” and the “Cos” help pay a debt Regis Philbin and Bill Cosby performed at St. Mark Parish in Richmond, Ky. to help pay off the parish’s $1 million debt.

Ohio priest convicted of murder Father Gerald Robinson, a retired priest of the Diocese of Toledo, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison May 11 for the murder of Mercy Sister Margaret Ann Pahl more than 26 years ago.

Religion in school? For the past six years, Modesto, Calif. public schools have required ninth-graders to take a nine-week course on world religions.

Da Vinci and Opus Dei The head of Opus Dei said The Da Vinci Code had exploited his organization and launched “grotesque” accusations against the Catholic Church.

Polish nuns against prostitution Polish nuns are protesting plans to import up to 100,000 poor young women to Germany for the soccer World Cup.

Spanish archbishop suspends Masses until town apologizes to priest The archbishop of Valencia has suspended the celebration of all Masses in the town of Sinarcas following the attempted beating of the town’s parish priest.

Mass attendance steady despite sex abuse crisis The clergy sex abuse crisis has produced little change in Mass attendance and monetary contributions to parishes, said a study by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. But diocesan contributions have been hard-hit.

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atican officials said a study on condoms and AIDS protection was still in the consultation stage and that Pope Benedict XVI had yet to decide whether a document would be issued on the topic. The sources said there were a commission of scientific and strong arguments for allowtheological experts to prepare a ing married couples in which document on condom use and one spouse is infected with AIDS prevention. He said the HIV, which causes AIDS, to use document would be made pubcondoms as a disease-preventing lic soon. measure, when it overrides any Speaking to Vatican Radio contraceptive intent. April 25, the cardinal On the other hand, The Vatican is clarified his remarks, the sources said, the hesitant to make saying his council had Vatican is hesitant undertaken a study any move that to make any move would be seen as that would find its that would be seen an endorsement way through usual as an endorsement of of condoms as a Vatican channels to condoms as a method method of disthe pope, who would of disease prevention, ease prevention, decide how to use it. because condoms do because conThe Vatican sources not offer 100 percent doms do not offer said Cardinal Lozaprotection from AIDS 100 percent no’s office had been and could encourage protection from asked to study one sexual promiscuity. AIDS and could aspect of the wider The officials spoke encourage sexual question of condoms on condition of and AIDS, which has promiscuity. anonymity to Catholic been under quiet News Service April 26, after sevexamination at the Vatican for at eral days of speculative reports least 10 years. on what the Vatican planned to “No document has been say on the subject. prepared yet. Cardinal (Lozano) Cardinal Javier Lozano BarBarragan was asked to respond ragan, the head of the Pontifical to a particular question concernCouncil for Health Care Minising use of condoms to prevent try, prompted the reports when transmission of the disease behe said in a newspaper interview tween a husband and wife,” one April 23 that the pope had asked source said.

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worldwork world w work

compassion – not just for friends and family how we show we care in the workplace w o r k

The church via satellite The Archdiocese of New York and SIRIUS Satellite Radio will create and collaborate on The Catholic Channel, which will air nationally seven days a week, 24 hours a day. It will feature contemporary talk, music programming and live daily Masses. Listeners will be encouraged to call in to talk about issues that are on their minds and in the news. Msgr. Tom McSweeney, executive editor of Faith Erie magazine, has been involved in the planning stages of the launch of The Catholic Channel, which is likely to occur this fall. He is expected to play a role in programming once it becomes more clearly defined.

DaVinci Code draws laughs and silence in early reviews at Cannes

T. Gennara

Toward the end of the movie The Da Vinci Code, the main character, Robert Langdon, tells his sleuthing partner, Sophie Neveu: “You are the last living descendent of Jesus Christ.” That line, meant to be the dramatic apex of the film, drew laughs from many of the approximately 900 journalists who viewed the film’s first press screening May 16 at the Cannes Film Festival.

l i f e

Linda and Margaret both worked for the same company for many years. Linda is at headquarters in the information technology department, and Margaret was an accounting clerk in one of the plants in another state.

argaret and I worked well together. She was cordial and understanding whenever she called with a problem. We had polite chats, but never got into each other’s personal lives too much. About a year ago, I noticed a gradual change in Margaret’s demeanor. She became abrupt, impatient and defensive. I had to repeat instructions numerous times, which made me frustrated and angry. It became unpleasant to work with her; others at headquarters felt the same. Then we heard through the grapevine that Margaret had been diagnosed with cancer and had been undergoing treatments. Between the stress of the illness and the treatments, her personality changed and her performance suffered. Since Margaret had been such a good employee for so long and needed the income and a sense of purpose, management decided to keep her on. My attitude changed, and so did my co-workers’. We doublechecked her work, and took extra time to walk her through new procedures. A few months ago, Margaret died. I believe she taught us more about becoming a community than she realized. I now believe compassion should be more stressed in the workplace – how can I make sure this continues in our company?

The expert says: Gregory Pierce, former president of the National Center for the Laity, writes in his book, Spirituality @ Work, “In some cases, people’s situations are not obvious or are well hidden. While prying into the personal lives of colleagues is certainly not appropriate, an atmosphere where there is openness and understanding of personal problems is encouraged”. What Pierce is reflecting here is what Linda learned the hard way. It’s easy to respond judgmentally when we don’t like someone’s attitude. However, as Christians, it is our responsibility to be more understanding. We shouldn’t automatically take offense; consider instead what this

person may be dealing with. It often takes prayer and practice to establish and sustain an understanding, positive attitude. To help in this endeavor, post the following passages on your tool box, computer, or in your organizer as daily reminders: • For I was ill and you cared for me. (Matt 25:36) • Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (Luke 6:28) • Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. (Rom 12:17)

• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matt 5:9) • Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Tim 2:7) – Tim Ryan

Bartholomew, Apostle August 24 | St. Louis of France August 25 | St. Joseph Calasanz, Priest August 25 | St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor August 28 | The Martyrdom of John the Baptist August 29

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theolog g

wedding liturgies

a 9-part exploration of the church’s public prayer t h e o l o g y

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T The ministers of the sacrament of marriage are the bride and groom. w h y d o w e d o t h a t ?

The kiss (or handshake) of peace: Why do we pause in the middle of Mass to shake hands or hug the people around us? This gesture arises from Christ’s injunction to reconcile with each other before laying our gifts at the altar. We are symbolically making peace with any one of our sisters and brothers against whom we may have a grievance – before we join them in the ultimate act of unity, Communion. The kiss of peace has its origins in the earliest days of the church; St. Justin Martyr speaks of it as early as the second century – “When we have completed the prayers we salute one another with a kiss, whereupon there is brought to the president bread and a cup of wine.” FAITH Magazine

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who ’s in the s anctuary?

Liturgist: The liturgist is a person specially trained in the form and rubric of the church’s public worship. The liturgist is expert at selecting appropriate music, prayers and petitions. Usually, the liturgist is also responsible for training the other lay ministers who assist at Mass – lectors, altar servers, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and others.

During the early church, Christians got married within the framework of their cultures. At least some of the Apostles were married; we know Peter had a mother-in-law, for example. Marriage was principally a legal institution, but Christians began to see the parallels between the committed love of a man and woman with the love of Christ and his church. It was not until the 12th century that the church recognized marriage as one of the sacraments. A Catholic wedding ceremony takes place within the assembly of believers, and is unique because it is not administered by a priest or deacon. The ministers of the sacrament are the bride and groom themselves; the priest or deacon acts as the church’s official witness. The wedding can be embedded in a Mass, or be part of a Scripture service. Generally, couples who are not both Catholic choose the latter option, which is structured around the Liturgy of the Word and the nuptials, but does not include the Liturgy of the Eucharist. A procession begins the liturgy – it is often somewhat more elaborate than many other liturgical celebrations. Some brides still choose to be “given away” by their fathers, a tradition rooted in the custom of the bride’s father and the groom exchanging money for a wife in

T. Gennara

C. Jones

he sacrament of marriage reflects God’s love for his people; it is therefore beautiful and appropriate that it take place in the community of believers in the sacred space of worship – the church. This understanding of marriage has evolved throughout the years, however.

July/August 2006

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bible quiz

the time of Moses b i b l e

q u i z

Israelites, their deliver1. A famous folk figure in ance, and their covenant Near Eastern culture, with God. who is described in Numbers as a charismatic prophet who spoke 7. The book(s) that contain(s) mostly cultic oracles from God. laws written by priests during and after the return 2. Led the Israelites after the from exile. death of Moses. 3. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. 4. According to the Bible, there were ____ plagues. 5. The book(s) of the Bible that deal(s) with the social organization of Israel based on the 12 tribes. 6. The book(s) of the Bible that recount(s) the story about the enslaved

8. The book(s) with the theme or main message that the people will succeed or fail depending on how they follow the Law. a. Numbers b. Deuteronomy c. Joshua d. Leviticus e. The Pentateuch f. Ten g. Exodus and Deuteronomy h. Balaam

Answers: 1:h; 2:c; 3:e; 4:f; 5:a; 6:g; 7:d; 8:b

front of a magistrate. Other couples choose to highlight the partnerships they are undertaking and the nurturing they have received from their parents. They may elect to process down the aisle on the arms of both their parents and symbolically bid them farewell at the steps of the sanctuary. The presider leads the assembly in prayer and gathering, and the Liturgy of the Word follows. The readings are selected by the couple to reflect their understanding of the nature of marriage and faith. The presider usually offers a brief homily emphasizing the points of the readings. The bride and groom then stand before the assembly and, in response to the presider’s questions, consent to the marriage they are about to undertake. They join hands and turn to each other, speaking the vows that unite them as husband and wife. They are married at the moment they have finished speaking, before the rings are exchanged or the final blessing imparted. If the wedding takes place in the context of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist follows. The sharing of Communion reflects the unity of the couple and of the entire congregation as members of Christ’s body. The priest or deacon then blesses the couple and prays for them to have a rich and fruitful life together; he enjoins them to be witnesses of Christ’s love to each other, their children and the whole community. They go forth as a visible sign of covenant – their fidelity to each other mirrors God’s fidelity to each of us. By Elizabeth Solsburg | Illustrations by Bob Patten

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w h a t ’ s t h e s e a s o n ?

Feast/ Solemnity/ Memorial: Solemnities are the church’s most important celebrations – some are part of the universal church and some are particular to a specific country, parish or religious order. For example, St. Patrick’s Day is a solemnity in Ireland. Feast days are slightly less important celebrations, usually in memory of a specific saint. Memorials are celebrations of other saints and events – some of them are commemorated by the whole church and some by smaller groups. The liturgical color for solemnities and feasts is usually white, or red for a martyr.

Miter: The miter is the tall peaked hat that bishops wear. Its two shield-shaped halves are said to represent the Old and New Testaments. Two strips of fabric called lappets hang down the back. Originally, the lappets could be tied around the chin to prevent the miter from falling off while the bishop was on horseback. The miter is laid aside while the bishop prays. Underneath the miter, the bishop wears a zucchetto, a skullcap which was originally devised to keep hair oil off the miter. w h a t ’ s

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Sacrarium:

he vessels used for the consecration of the bread and wine receive special treatment when it is time to clean them. They are washed in a sink called a sacrarium that is located in the sacristy (the small room near the sanctuary where the priest vests). The sacrarium’s drain flows directly into the ground rather than into the sewer or septic system.

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To comfort the afflicted how becoming a priest taught me about this work of mercy f r o m

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s a child and teen and even into my mid-twenties, the work of mercy, “Comfort the afflicted and sick” was nowhere on my radar screen. In truth, only after becoming a priest at 26 was there an awakening to these many people who were always there, but I never really knew them. Suddenly the blinders fell from my eyes as I began my ministry as a parish priest.

The Sacrament of Anointing offers comfort to the sick. FAITH Magazine

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It seems that most people experience the elderly, the sick and the disabled as they grow up. Most develop (unwittingly) sensitivity and a loving concern that grows and becomes a lifetime gift to so many. Somehow I missed out. Children who have experienced the joy of knowing their grandparents, and who have received lots of grandparental attention, have a sense of the elderly. My family missed all of them, because they were in Europe. We never met them. Thankfully some uncles and aunts sort of took their places. We had no close contact with the disabled. They were seen at a distance and were never part of our lives. My life was also mostly free of any experience of the seriously ill. I do vividly recall two tragic events. During the polio epidemic, the boy next door fell victim and lived in an ‘iron lung’ for a long time. He pulled through and is still with us. Another 11-year-old boy on the next block died of leukemia. Then, in my first parish assignment, I quickly discovered a lot of people whom I had previously barely experienced. Every reader, not just priests and deacons, can tell endless experiences about comforting the sick and afflicted. It’s the received and given blessing of all followers of Jesus and many others. It’s what we’re all about in so many ways. Here are some true stories about the works of mercy that opened the eyes of a young priest. First experiences as parents, teachers, coaches, managers, etc. are usually significant eye-openers. We have some sense of what to expect, but first

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bishop

J. Luning

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young woman opened my eyes in extraordinary ways. She is so unforgettable that I can still vividly picture her and the room where she spent her life. We were in our mid-twenties, yet she was my teacher for over four years of first Fridays. From her childhood, Ellen lived in the home of an aunt whose love sustained her and challenged her. She was happy in a happy environment of faith and love. Ellen knew she was truly loved. She was severely disabled in body and limbs, with a speech impediment. She was reared as a Catholic. Her faith in Our Lord was the center of her life. She enjoyed the presence of special people in the St. Mark community. The highlight of her days was confession and the Eucharist. After receiving Communion, she always prayed aloud, slowly and devoutly. Then Ellen, her aunt, and I shared a lively visit. For those years and those visits I am so grateful. I was blessed and cheered on those first Fridays. Ellen smiled a lot and was always upbeat. When I felt sorry for myself, I remembered Ellen. I believed she was a parent in the making. All of us can tell so many stories like this. The saintly Jean Vanier was a pioneer on behalf of persons with disabilities. In 1964 he established L’Arche (the Ark) for them. His own words reveal profound insights about the special people with whom he worked and about everyone else. “In the domain of the

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actual experiences are usually real awakenings. As I write this on Mother’s Day, one marvels at the awakening that a mother and father share at the births of each of their children. A newly ordained priest going to his first assignment is no different. It happens too when a priest becomes a pastor or a bishop! Those are blessed ‘reality checks.’ My “first” as a priest was in 1957, two weeks after ordination. I’ll never forget that June 13. It was St. Anthony’s day. I arrived at St. Mark Parish as one of the assistants to the pastor. It was a parish of 2, 600 families. At last, I was a parish priest – a dream come true! Encountering a parish of around 8,000 people and not knowing anyone, or the territory, was an awesome prospect. Getting in the swing of things, I soon experienced an awakening on a grand scale. There was much to learn. In truth, there was everything to learn. Three weeks later, on the first Friday of July 1957, I experienced another awakening. In those days, the priests brought the Eucharist to the homebound, sick, disabled and elderly on first Fridays. Because St. Mark Parish had so many to call on, our visits were Wednesdays through Fridays. On those three days, I met almost 70 of the afflicted, sick, elderly and disabled who came into my life. Before this, I had only limited awareness and little personal contact with the ill and disabled. They opened my eyes and heart. One remarkable and resilient

I soon experienced an awakening on a grand scale. There was much to learn. In truth, there was everything to learn.

heart, the weak and wounded are the teachers of the wise and robust. They may be limited in intellectual ability and in doing things with their hands, but they have marvelous qualities of heart. “Indeed the human is more than head and hands, for more important is the heart that often manifests wondrous gifts of joy, celebration, peace, tenderness and compassion. “The disabled person is a gift to the human and Christian community. Encountering them we gain insight into our weaknesses and limitations; our fears, resistance to communion with others, egoism, hardness of heart and ingratitude. We learn that, deep within, we have gifts and qualities that have been obscured. “Since the learned and strong are often ignorant of and numb to the ways of the heart, the disabled person reminds us of gifts in our hearts, the place where God dwells. “Jesus lovingly welcomed the little ones. His response and ours to little ones in their weakness and vulnerability is the quality of heart – compassion. The heart of the Good News is compassion, to which our Lord exhorts us.” A biographer of St. Teresa of Avila told the following apocryphal story about this compassionate saint: “The devil appeared to her in the guise of the Risen Christ. Seeing through the deception, she rebuffed Satan. Satan asked Teresa: ‘How did you know I was an imposter?’ She replied: ‘Because you have no wounds.’” – Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling is the fourth bishop of Lansing

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By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by Jim Luning

Despite his own infirmity, Paul Minarik brings Christ to the homebound

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aul Minarik’s heart messed up his life. For 32 years, this Korean War vet had worked as a Fisher Body inspection repairman. For 38 years, he and his family had farmed their land just south of St. Johns. For 27 years, he had served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, DSA coordinator and member of the school’s board of education at St. Joseph Parish in St. Johns. His wife, Barb, volunteered in a number of behind-the-scenes roles at church and worked in the school’s cafeteria. Their four growing children also kept them busy. Life was full, and Paul was happy. That life came to screeching halt Dec.16, 1985, when Paul nearly died of a massive heart attack. Doctors operated to try to repair the damage. Five weeks later, however, he suffered a devastating stroke. Unable to walk or talk, Paul’s full, happy life lay in ruins.

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orced retirement and physical therapy defined his new life for a time. He and Barb struggled with uncertainty, but held fast to their faith. During this dark time, St. Joseph’s Eucharistic ministry director, Sister Sheila Clause, told Paul something he would always remember. “The Lord’s not finished with you, Paul,” she said. Somehow, in his heart, he knew she was right.

Within a year, Paul recovered his speech and mobility. (Only his left hand shows any sign of the stroke today.) Before long, Sister Sheila was recruiting him to return to Eucharistic ministry. “I talk to them, and Paul accepted, and began taking Communion to hospital patients when they start crying, I start cry- – sharing both the Eucharist and ing. I figure God his recovery stories to give them hope. is with me when As life settled into a more I do this. I go into normal routine, Paul built hospital people’s homes to visit with them. and homebound Communion I don’t look at how visits into his new retiree schedule. clean their house For two years, he took Communion to hospitals and the local is or how dirty. I take them as they nursing home. Eventually, however, he found his heart was more are, and I enjoy seeing their needs into the homebound visits. “Sister Sheila wanted me to try are met.” this program called BeFrienders,” Paul explains, “where we go into people’s houses and listen if they need someone to talk to. She said ‘You’re supposed to listen to them and comfort them.’ Well,

Paul Minarik has a heart for those who are ill. FAITH Magazine

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that didn’t work as well for me,” he smiles. “I stuck with the home Eucharist visits. “I found this very enjoyable, giving back to the church. I guess ’cause I like people. I couldn’t follow rules and just listen to them for 10 minutes then leave. I talk to them, and when they start crying, I start crying. I figure God is with me when I do this. I go into people’s homes to visit with them. I don’t look at how clean their house is or how dirty. I take them as they are, and I enjoy seeing their needs are met. “A friend of mine has MS [multiple sclerosis] and she just had to move into a nursing home. This was a hard time for her and her husband. I wanted her to be comfortable, so once her husband got her settled in I made sure a priest would visit her and that she would receive Communion in her nursing home. “Back in 1996, I made weekly visits to a man for about six months. The last Friday of each month, he wanted me to be at his house by 9:00 in the morning so he could take Communion before his daughter took him up to the casino,” Paul laughs. “I don’t know if that helped meet his needs or not! Anyway, the last time I took Communion to him he looked pretty bad, so I called to check up on him later that day. His

daughter told me he had just died. “No matter what the situation, it comes to you, what to say or do. You don’t even think about it. You just follow your heart. I do think God is with me when I do this. “One time I remember real well, I was visiting a widower who had just gotten diagnosed with liver cancer. Even though he lived alone, he told me he didn’t need any help. He said he would take his Communion at Mass just like always. So after I saw it was getting harder for him to come to church, I just asked him if I could come out to visit sometime. He agreed. “Well, eventually he let me bring him Communion, and we talked about a lot of things. One day, I was called to his house to give him Communion because he was dying. His children were all gathered

For more information about becoming an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, contact y

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gently smiling. “He just seems to know,” she says proudly. “Paul has that comforting feeling. I don’t know how to explain it. He just had a call. It comes from his heart, from God. “Paul was visiting six or seven homes a week, taking the Eucharist to homebound folks. But then last October, he lost his memory

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“I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I couldn’t leave him. Something told me to stay, so I held his hand and remained with him until he died. After he had passed, I stayed with his family for a while to help any way I could.”

Comforting the sick There are a number of ways you can bring comfort to those who are suffering from physical or mental illness. • BeFrienders are trained to be pastoral listeners. The role of a BeFriender is to be a companion on the journey – a companion who shares the gift of listening, compassion and presence.

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around to be with him. “I didn’t know what to do, but I knew I couldn’t leave him. Something told me to stay, so I held his hand and remained with him until he died. After he had passed, I stayed with his family for a while to help any way I could. Barb Minarik sits across the table from her husband of 50 years,

because of a sodium imbalance in his body. His memory is mostly back now, but for a while he didn’t remember much of anything. Since then, Paul has not brought Communion to anybody, but I have taken him to visit some of his friends. “When I have driven him to his home visits, I’ve waited in the car because that is their time together. That’s special. I don’t do homebound Communion visits because I never felt I was worthy to give the Eucharist. I thought I wasn’t good enough,” Barb explains. “But now that I’m a Eucharistic minister at Mass, I feel OK. It’s an honor. Maybe there are others out there who feel like me. They need to try it. “It is such a joy and an honor to be a Eucharistic minister. It does the heart good. God has blessed us, and we have to give back.” Looking back across the years since Paul’s heart attack, Barbara smiles at her husband. “It’s been 20 years of growing experience,” she says simply. Their grateful hearts show in the smile they share with each other.

• Many parishes have a ministry to the homebound, in which parishioners can visit their brothers and sisters who are unable to get out and about the way they once could. • Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion bring the gift of Christ’s Eucharistic presence to those who are hospitalized or unable to come to Mass. To participate in any of these vital ministries, contact your pastor or parish pastoral associate.

ntact your parish priest or director of worship.

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coming home to Mother Teresa House Penny Koch and her husband found a loving place to spend his final days p r o f i l e

ooking back on the five days she spent with her dying husband at Mother Teresa House, Penny Koch admits there was much she did not know.

She didn’t know how it would feel to be at a place designed especially for people who face the end of life. She didn’t know the phases her husband would go through as he succumbed to his disease and passed away. She didn’t know how quickly death could happen or how it would feel to be swallowed up by grief at the loss of her spouse. But most of all, Penny didn’t know that she could feel such genuine love from a group of total strangers. “Right away I knew these people loved me and my husband. I could feel it and it was real,” she says. “That had to come from God.” Jeffrey Koch was only 59 when diagnosed with liver cancer, but he had endured years of poor health. Penny, his wife of 13 years, had cared for him through countless illnesses, including the year before his death, when Jeff spent more than 200 days in the hospital. “I knew all the nurses and staff at Ingham Medical Center,” Penny says. “They were so kind to me because after all that time, they knew me and they wanted to help me.” But Penny and Jeff had no longterm relationship with the staff and volunteers of Mother Teresa House, where they came for support while Jeff was under hospice care. “From the first time I walked into Mother Teresa House, it felt like a happy place,” Penny says. “I know that doesn’t seem possible, but it’s true.” Despite its purpose of caring for the dying and their families, the house is cheerful and bright, with an atmosphere of peace. The center of the house is a large familystyle kitchen, “just like you would find at home,” says director Karen Bussey. “Our kitchen is the heart of the home, the place where we gather with our guests.” “Guests” is the term used for the dying persons who come to Mother Teresa House in the final days FAITH Magazine

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and weeks of life. Since the facility does not provide medical care, the residents aren’t referred to as “patients;” rather, they are welcome visitors to a place that delivers comfort and compassion. Like Jeff Koch, all of the guests at Mother Teresa House must be terminally ill and under hospice care, provided through several tricounty health-care agencies. “Hos-

pice nurses visit our guests here at Mother Teresa House, just as they would if the person were staying in his or her own home,” Karen explains. “We provide support for our guests and their families.” This was just the kind of help Penny needed. With no family nearby to assist her, she was unable to manage caring for Jeff at home, but she felt strongly that she didn’t want to take him to a nursing home. “I didn’t know what to do,” Penny recalls. “When I learned there was a space at Mother Teresa House, I was so relieved.” Jeff was transferred from Lansing’s Ingham Regional Medical

By Marybeth Hicks | Photography by Tom Gennara

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profile o Center to Mother Teresa House, concerned than even some of my where he lived only five days. “In friends,” Penny recalls. “I still can’t the short time we were there, the believe they can show such love for people at Mother Teresa House felt people they don’t even know.” like family,” Penny says. Yet God knows every person, Karen explains that a willingness and this is the premise on which to connect emotionally with new Mother Teresa House rests its mispeople is the mark of a hospice sion of love. caregiver. The facility has only In the end, Penny learned a a few paid staff members, while good deal through her experience round-the-clock care is provided with Mother Teresa House and the by a devoted group of volunteers. volunteers she came to know. “We’re very clear about what One important lesson was that our mission is here,” Karen says. she had to let her husband go. “To work with the dying, you have “They helped me to understand to be ready to be with someone’s that I had to let Jeff know it was suffering. You have to be able to OK to leave; I had to say goodbye be uncomfortable, to to him,” she says, wipstretch emotionally and “From the first ing away her tears. “It time I walked into was so hard, but they to forget yourself and Mother Teresa your concerns while made me realize that you are here.” Ministry House, it felt like we both needed me to to the dying calls for a a happy place. I do it.” unique selflessness, she know that doesn’t Karen recalls that the says, because the only seem possible, staff was concerned real tool at a volunteer’s but it’s true.” about Penny, disposal is love. who feared the Love, in fact, is the mission of stark reality of watching Mother Teresa House. “We’re not her husband take his last here to evangelize,” Karen says. breath. “She was worried “We’re here to be the Gospel, not that he would gasp for air to preach it. Of course, we pray and that he would suffer,” with people and we offer spiritual Karen says. “We support, but we honor and respect tried to assure the various faith traditions practhat Penny had a ticed by our guests. support system to “Sometimes, our guests have care for her when no particular faith life, or else the time came.” they have bitterness and anger That time was toward God that they are trying to Nov. 22, 2004. resolve,” Karen says. “What I see In the morning, most often are people who have Jeff had been never experienced unconditional able to move love in their lives. When they’re slowly about the here and they feel that kind of love, house, even jointhey usually connect it somehow ing staff memwith God’s presence.” bers for lunch in That presence was palpable the kitchen. But to Penny and Jeff. “The people he was losing who cared for us seemed more strength.

Mother Teresa House cares for those who are at the end of life, providing a loving and peaceful environment. To step through the doors is to experience an aura of holiness. Mother Teresa House, under the direction of Karen Bussey, is primarily funded by donations – to contribute, visit www. motherteresahouse.org or call 517.484.5494.

In the afternoon when Penny came to visit, she was unable to rouse him and became fearful. But with reassurance from the staff, Penny talked to him, and Jeff was able to tell her that he loved her. Late in the afternoon, Penny said goodbye to him, and then left the house to take a break and have dinner. Some experts believe the dying can choose when to finally let go. Many people hang on until a loved one arrives at the bedside, while others seem to wait until family members leave the room, perhaps to spare them grief and sorrow. Jeff died when Penny left the house. Receiving a call from a staff member, she returned to Mother Teresa House, driven there by the friendly waiter at the restaurant where she often eats. More than a year later, returning to Mother Teresa House isn’t sad for Penny. “This is not a depressing place,” she says. “It’s a home. Coming back here is like visiting with family.”

For more information, visit www.motherteresahouse.org

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Mark Rutherford spends a quiet moment with the Lord in the seminary chapel.

en years ago, Mark Rutherford and his two older brothers became involved in the drug and alcohol scene. Soon after, his grandfather signed them up for a youth conference at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and his dad made sure they were on the bus. During the weekend, all three of them experienced Jesus’ love. On the final day, Sunday, Mark responded to an altar call for those interested in the priesthood. Last year, he graduated from Ave Maria College with degrees in theology and philosophy, and is now in his first year at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He describes for us a day in his life at school.

I love being a seminarian. Pope Benedict said in his address to seminarians at World Youth Day that seminary is not just a place, but “it is a significant time in the life of a follower of Jesus.” These words echo in my heart every day. It’s joyful knowing that I am giving my life to him in this amazing way. FAITH Magazine

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July/August 2006

5:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

I wake up at 5:30, thank Jesus for the gift of another day, drink coffee, take a shower, put on my collared shirt and khaki pants (which all the seminarians wear), and head off for an hour of Eucharistic adoration at 6:00. The holy hour isn’t mandatory, but is encouraged. I then go to Mass, which is required, at 7:15. It lasts a half hour, followed by breakfast. We sit and talk for about 45 minutes while we eat, maybe about what a professor said in class, or about the latest papal encyclical. All of the food is excellent, and since there is a lot, it obliges you to go to the gym.

Classes then begin, and go until noon. This semester, I am taking Christian Anthropology, which covers what God and the church say about the human race. Also, Church History II, Pauline Literature, Hebrew, Homiletics I, Field Education, and Catechetics and Evangelization. A note about four of my classes: Not enough people signed up for Hebrew, so when another guy and I found out that Fr. Mike Byrnes knew the language, we asked him to do a directed study for us. In Homiletics, we learn the meaning of proclaiming the Gospel as the primary duty of a priest. The priest’s ability to preach

By Bob Horning | Photography by Tom Gennara

5/30/06 4:00:07 PM

vocations a day in the life of Mark Rutherford

find out what it’s like to be a seminarian for the Diocese of Lansing

v o c a t i o n s

per semester. I would say that the amount of classes and study isn’t “sweating blood” intense, but it’s intense enough. There is a good balance between prayer, study, exercise and social activity. We also have our assigned house duties, and an hour of spiritual direction every other week. Never a dull moment.

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Noon Lunchtime! After lunch, I try to work out for about 1 1⁄2 hours. I lift weights and run three or four times per week. On Fridays, a few of us have a boxing club, which I and another seminarian started; I learned boxing over the years from Father Pat Egan.

2:30 p.m. The remainder of the afternoon is spent in class or doing homework. Besides daily work, we have about eight papers to write

Every so often, Jesus unveils things that are already familiar to me, but on a deeper level, on what it means to prepare for priesthood. For instance, the necessity of spending time with Scripture. In order to proclaim it, we need to know it. About one hour per day praying and meditating with the Word of God is good.

5:15 p.m. At 5:15, we have Evening Prayer, which, along with Morning

I would say that the amount of classes and study isn’t “sweating blood” intense, but it’s intense enough. There is a good balance between prayer, study, exercise and social activity.

Prayer, is mandatory. Then dinner at 5:30. After dinner, I can pray, study, work out if I haven’t already, or chill out. On the top floor of the seminary is a “pub” that serves drinks and snacks in the evening. Probably about one-third of the 80 seminarians use the room regularly, for talking, meetings, playing cards, playing pool.

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well on the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is directly linked to the people’s belief in the Eucharist. Catechesis and Evangelism is one of my favorite subjects, because it deals with the need to bring people to Jesus. For Field Education, I am teaching catechesis to two people at my home parish, Christ the King in Ann Arbor.

8 p.m. Every Thursday we have an hour of obligatory adoration in common, from 8-9 p.m. And on the first Thursday of the month, we have all-night adoration, many of us taking a one-hour time slot. Night prayers are held at 9:00 in the chapel each night for those who want to pray together.

10 p.m. Lights out. I go to bed between 10 and 11 o’clock, most of the time. Read news, essays and other interesting stories at www.FAITHmag.com.

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The Office of Seminarians and FAITH Magazine produced Priest Vocation Stories, the moving accounts of many of our diocesan priests. This book is shared with young men who are considering priesthood.

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is there a vocation crisis? questions for Father Jerry Vincke, director of seminarians

FAITH chatted with Father Jerry Vincke, director of the Diocese of Lansing Office of Seminarians. We’ve all heard about the shortage of priests; we wanted to know what’s happening in our diocese regarding vocations. FAITH Magazine

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What are you looking for in a seminarian – what are the qualities that make a good priest? Someone who has a passion for the Lord. Someone who is willing to lay down his life for the church and others. Someone who knows it’s not about me, but about Jesus. At St. John Vianney College Seminary, where we send our college seminarians, they end every prayer time with their pledge and prayer: “Men in Christ. Men of the church. Men for others.” That sums it up best. A seminarian must be open to formation and be able to be formed. There are four principal components of seminary formation: intellectual, spiritual, pastoral and human. Everyone who goes through the seminary process integrates these aspects of the human person. I think Father Mark Inglot said it well, “You don’t have to be perfect, just willing.” Why is there a shortage of priests? We went through a lull in priestly vocations for a

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The weekends are less structured, other than the formation meetings two Saturdays per month from 9 a.m.-noon. We cover topics like celibacy, the evangelical counsels and plans for our summer Holy Land pilgrimage. Part of the weekend I prepare for teaching my catechesis class in Ann Arbor. Sundays are pretty free. After Mass, sometimes I go rock climbing with fellow seminarians, and occasionally a number of us go out to dinner.

To young men considering priesthood, I invite them to simply ask the Lord Jesus where he wants them in the heart of his church.

Every other Monday at 9 a.m. is a rector’s conference with Father (Steven) Boguslawski (OP). He speaks to us about the latest things going on in the church, like statements on the incongruity between homosexuality and priesthood, or about how to relate pastorally to lay ministers, etc. Father Boguslawski has a genuine concern for our education and formation, and strives to be a father to us.

Those interested in supporting Diocese of Lansing seminarians can donate to DSA and to the Bishop Albers Trust Fund: 517.342.2504

while, due to a number of things, including the clergy sex abuse scandal. And in the Diocese of Lansing, we will only have two ordinations over the next two years. But seminary applications are on the rise. We have about 10 new guys entering soon. Next year, we’ll have approximately 15 undergraduate seminarians. Within the next couple of years, we hope to have a total of 30 seminarians in formation for the Diocese of Lansing. What accounts for the upswing? We have good priest role models in the Diocese of Lansing and good priest morale. And Pope John Paul’s death prompted many people to consider their vocations. The pope’s life was rich in mercy and love; he prompted others to give their lives in service. Prayer is vitally important, too. We have a number of parishes and prayer groups in our diocese who regularly pray for new priestly vocations. And of course, Bishop Mengeling is very supportive of his priests and seminarians. He holds dinners for men who may be considering the priesthood, so they get a chance to meet him and talk about their hopes and concerns. So men go to the seminary to study theology and become priests? Entering the seminary is not a guarantee that a man will become a priest. However, it’s the best place to dis-

July/August 2006

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Over Christmas break this year, I stayed at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Ann Arbor, along with two other seminarians. Part of the time, we prayed together and went evangelizing on the University of Michigan campus. This summer, we go on a pilgrimage to Israel for five weeks, plus one week in Rome. We raise our own money for that. Then, after three weeks off, we have a 30-day silent Ignatian retreat in South Dakota.

How many men will be ordained for the Diocese of Lansing in the next few years?

what goes through the mind of a man

2006 2007 2008

who is considering entering seminary

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2009 2010

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To young men considering priesthood, I invite them to simply ask the Lord Jesus where he wants them in the heart of his church. If it’s in his priesthood, then get into seminary. Don’t procrastinate. You aren’t irreversibly committed to the priesthood just because you sign up for seminary. For me so far, seminary has been a wonderful experience of Jesus’ love and presence.

cern whether this is what God is calling him to do. Sometimes the greatest joy is when someone discerns that the priesthood is not God’s plan for him – he is then able to discern his true vocation in complete freedom. Undergraduate seminary is four years, and then major seminary is another four, right? Who pays for all this? The Bishop Albers Fund was established to help young men who are studying as undergraduates. The diocese pays for anyone who is attending a major seminary. What is your role in all this? I’m a big sports fan and I pay attention to recruiting methods. I liken it to that – I develop relationships with guys who are considering their vocations. I work with Emmaus House in Lansing and Chi Rho House in Ann Arbor to be available to college students. I feel like I’m a spiritual father to some of the guys in formation. At the same time, my primary role is actually to be an advocate for the diocese in assessing a man’s readiness to enter seminary and to be ordained. In all this, I am assisted by numerous other people, especially the whole people of God. What are some of the obstacles for a young man who’s considering priesthood? Unfortunately, parents don’t seem to be as supportive as they were in the past – they’re afraid their sons will be lonely, and they’d also like grandchildren. My response to them is this: If you’re concerned, remember that the seminary is only discernment. If the priesthood is God’s will, then it will be something that will make your son happy and fulfilled. Otherwise, it’s not God’s will.

FAITH talked to men who are actively considering the priesthood to find out what drew them to this and what concerns them about it. What is attractive to you about the idea of priesthood? Zach: Having an opportunity to follow the Lord’s will and bring others more deeply into life with Christ. Tom: The holiness and greatness of being a priest. So far, it’s a big muddle of mixed emotions. James: The Eucharist. To have the privilege to bring the body, blood, soul and divinity to my sisters and brothers would be an indescribable honor. David: Bringing Jesus to people. Nathan: Sharing the Good News to all! What is or was your biggest concern? Tom: So far, just the discernment process. I have doubts about the validity of my motives. David: Knowing that “free” sometimes means respecting others’ right to reject the Gospel. Nathan: I fear most failing as a priest and not being able to guide others to Christ. Mark: Is it possible to be a saintly priest like JPII? Could Jesus possibly call someone like me? Who discerns my vocation – me or the church? What if I’m not ready by the time I am ordained? How do I know for certain that Jesus is calling me to priesthood? John: How am I going to be able to fulfill all that is required of a priest? How am I, as primarily an introvert, going to be able to become comfortable enough to be such a public person? Anthony: What would my friends think, and would they treat me differently (better or worse) if I were to tell them? Neil: Are priests lonely without a family to live with? Have you told your family and friends, and if so, how have they reacted? Zach: Yes. They reacted unfavorably at first, although they’re opening up more to it. Tom: I’ve told my parents and they’ve reacted positively, but I haven’t told my friends, mostly because I’m afraid to. James: Yes, they’re all very supportive. David: Yes and they’ve reacted surprisingly well. Nathan: Not yet. It is still a new thought to me. I don’t think the family would understand it and help. I want to let some more time go by before I tell friends.

For more information on exploring the priesthood, contact Father Jerry Vincke at 517.342.2507 or e-mail jvincke@dioceseoflansing.org.

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“Take up your cross and follow me” how we can embrace our crosses s p i r i t u a l

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he cross of our Lord Jesus is inseparable from the life of a Christian. Even before we are baptized, we mark the tents of our bodies with the cross – because on the cross, Jesus, our paschal lamb, shed his blood for us. Now the Angel of Death passes over us, and we are filled with the divine life of the Holy Spirit. Yet we realize that the cross of Jesus Christ is not just an instrument of execution – not just the altar on which he offered himself as sacrifice for our sins. It is also intrinsic to our lives as followers of Jesus. As St. Rose of Lima said, “Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.” Carrying the cross is not easy. After hearing the words of Jesus who said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me,” (Matt 16:24) I received this e-mail from one of my second-grade parishioners: Dear Father Bill, I was wondering to know if I can pick my own cross? I don’t really want the cross that’s supposed to be my cross. What I mean is I don’t know if the cross I have is a ... uh, the one Jesus picked for me. What I mean is uh, again, I ... I think I should have a different one. What I mean is I don’t think [my brother] should be my cross because well, I think he is too difficult! How do I deal with him, just in case that is the cross Jesus gave me? I smiled when I read this e-mail, because I know this family. It is not pleasant to think that we might be someone’s cross, but if the truth be told, we are. Certainly we are Christ’s, who, out of love for you and me, willingly suffered death for us. Without FAITH Magazine

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his sacrifice on the cross, we all would be lost. In our lives, any honest struggle to “bear with one another” out of love for Jesus Christ is a part of our carrying the cross. Any honest struggle to stay true to God, true to love, true to the commandments, true to our faith, true to our hope as Christians is how we carry the cross, for it was out of love and obedience to his Father’s will that Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha. And because each of our lives and challenges are unique, the cross is specific for each one of us. For some, it can be bearing with a troublesome brother; for others it is coping and suffering in faith and trust through an illness or injury, or the loss of a loved one. No two crosses are

alike! The cross causes us to die to self, and surrender to God. It seems to be knit into the fabric of our lives. When we embrace it in faith, a paradox occurs. What seemed on the surface to be death, becomes the means through which God gives us life. “Whoever loses his life for my sake and the sake of the Gospel will find it.” Still, bearing the cross with faith and love is the greatest challenge we face as we walk the earth. When the cross comes, sometimes people ask things like: “Did I do something and now God is mad at me? Am I being punished?” “Why is this happening to me?” “Does God love me?” “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” A person may be thrown into a crisis of faith.

July/August 2006

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ual fitness

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Spiritual Exercise:

e cannot carry the cross by our own power. We need divine help! That help began at our baptism when we “died with Christ,” and it continues throughout our lives. One of the great ways to be encouraged to embrace the cross is to read sacred Scripture and passages that deal with the cross. Symbolically, hold a cross in your hands and ask for the faith, hope, and love necessary to embrace whatever cross you are facing in your life. The cross puts sin to death. The cross draws love for God and compassion for others out of us. The cross is the suffering in our lives that conforms us to Christ. As you hold in your hands a cross, prayerfully reflect on some of the following Scripture passages. Use your own Bible and let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Carrying the cross puts sin to death

One of the great ways to be encouraged to embrace the cross is to read sacred Scripture.

John 15:12-13: “This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Gal 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

12:10-13; 1 Peter 4:12-14, 1 Peter 5:8-11

The glory of the cross and our hope

God’s love and grace help us carry the cross

Rev 17: “Then God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

2 Cor 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”

• See also 1 Peter 1:6-9

The necessity of carrying the cross

The cross of Christ and our sharing in it

Matt 16:24-25: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Read any of the Passion Narratives. • See also 2 Cor 6:4-10; 2 Cor 11:23-28

Encouragement to persevere in carrying the cross 1 Peter 3:14-15: “Even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.” Luke 12:4, 6-7: “I tell you,

my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more ... Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” • See also 2 Cor 1:3-7; Heb 10:31-39; Heb

• See also Matt 10:37-39, Mark T. Gennara

Our suffering Lord is very close to a person during those times. God says, “I will never forget you ... I have carved you on the palm of my hands.” (Is 49:15-16) To persevere through times of suffering, one needs to trust God and surrender to God. Just looking at the cross can help. Looking at our Lord crucified can strengthen us. As we ponder his cross, its power can bring forth a similar surrender within our souls. “Not my will Father, but thy will be done.” That kind of faith, hope, and the surrender of love is carrying the cross. I saw this happen in a young girl named Carrie. She suffered and battled with cancer very courageously, and became a source of strength and grace for others – her own family, the doctors and nurses who took care of her, her friends who also had cancer. She allowed the doctors to try different procedures in the hope that it might help not only herself, but others. Through it all, her suffering changed her. Her soul became more beautiful, more concerned about what was truly important in life, more free. She accepted the cross, and her last few words in life reflected the resurrection. She was near death, then suddenly she sat up in bed with her family around her, and she said, “Can you see how beautiful it is? Wow!” Those around her could not see what she saw, but they could see “how beautiful it is.” They could see the beauty of goodness shining out from Carrie as she was dying. Christ suffers with me and you, and makes even our suffering a vehicle of grace for ourselves and others. Such is the power of the cross we embrace.

8:31-32, Mark 8:34-35 – Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

5/30/06 4:01:27 PM

By Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Photography by Phillip Shippert

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c u l t u r e

light up your summer nights with

make these special votives to blend atmosphere and faith n January, I attended a prayer service for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday at my church. The entire evening was quite beautiful. What really set the tone was what I saw driving up to the church before the service. In the darkness of the night were hundreds of luminaria lining the sidewalk and driveway going into the church. On each was written, “choose life.” They created such a beautiful and serene effect on such a cold January night. Like all of those who came that evening to pray for troubled mothers and their babies, these luminaria were warm beacons of hope in an otherwise dark landscape. I thought it was a great way to set the tone for an evening of faith and prayer. In fact, I made a mental note that evening to perhaps create some of these for my own home for the next time I entertain or host an event that serves my church or my faith. Or heck, maybe even for a backyard barbeque – something my husband and I do a lot! Typically, luminaria are made of a white paper bag filled with sand and a candle, and are displayed in the winter months. However, for summer, I thought it would be neat to change them up a bit. These warm-weather luminaria are made of a metal pail filled with sand and a votive candle. When they are lit, the glow from the candle creates a brilliant affect on the imagery that’s collaged on the inside rim. The collage is up to you. Do you have a devotion to the Blessed Mother or a saint? What about a favorite Gospel reading or religious symbol? Then

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put it on the inside of the pail. These are much more durable and stable than the paper bag luminaria and can be displayed almost anywhere. One makes an attractive votive holder to place on a patio. In a group, they create quite an ambiance, whether you’re hosting an evening of Christian fellowship or simply having a friend over for dinner. And maybe they’ll even serve as a little light of hope for someone just passing by.

For this project, you will need: • One or several quart-size metal sand pail(s) with handle (found at an arts and crafts store)

• Any printed religious art finds you have lying around the house. (Old Christmas cards, prayer cards, print from Internet, etc. Be creative!)

• One roll of double-sided clear tape

• Glossy decoupage medium (found at an arts and crafts store)

• Paintbrush • Play sand (or art sand found in different colors at an arts and crafts store) • One or several votive candle(s) (a tea light candle will work also)

The technique is really simple! Adhere your printed religious art to the inside rim of the pail, 3⁄4 of the way toward the bottom (in any fashion) with the doublesided tape. Next, apply a coat of the glossy decoupage medium with a paintbrush over the entire inside of the pail with art. Let dry for a couple of hours. Fill the pail halfway with sand and place the votive inside.

More ideas • Don’t limit them to summer use! Each pail could feature a saint and you could display them on Nov. 1 for The Feast of All Saints. • Use a small citronella candle in place of a regular votive to use on a patio table outside. • Use a calligraphy paint pen to write a prayer or Bible verse on the pail instead of using the collage technique. • For really vibrant luminaria, use metal sand pails in different colors.

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In The Footprints of God. Steve Ray’s video series Steve Ray, from the Diocese of Lansing, has created the sixth in his popular Footprints of God series. David and Solomon shows how the successive kingdoms of David and Solomon had great meaning for salvation history and delves into the title of Christ as Son of David. David and Solomon is available at your local Catholic bookstore.

St. Louis Center honors community and staff A capacity crowd of 250 attended the annual recognition dinner dance at St. Louis Center, Chelsea. After Mass was concelebrated by Chelsea native Father David Harvey and St. Louis’s Father David Stawasz, attendees enjoyed an Outback Steakhouse dinner. The dinner was prepared by nine Outback employees, who volunteer their time to cook and serve for this event. Awards for many supporters and friends of St. Louis Center followed, concluding with the Resident of the Year Award, which went to Kayoma, who “has a smile for everyone.” The St. Louis Center began in 1960, when the Servants of Charity came from Italy to start a school for children with special needs.

Hurricane Katrina cleanup continues More than 35 people went “down south” with St. Francis Parish, Ann Arbor, to participate in Operation Helping Hands, sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. They spent a week in April in New Orleans assisting the community in reoccupying their homes and cleaning-up from the hurricanes, and making a visit to their twin sister parish St. Paul the Apostle.

The St. Francis Heartbeats jump for joy – and help others along the way The St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, Heartbeat Precision Jumping Team has qualified for the 2006 National Jump Rope Championships in Disney World this summer. The Heartbeats team has performed at more than 500 school assemblies in southeast Michigan, as well as at the Detroit Pistons, University of Michigan, Notre Dame University and the Indianapolis Colts. They have raised thousands of dollars for the American Heart Association. Kathy Green has coached the team for the past 28 years. FAITH Magazine

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things to do Catholic Adult Formation and Education July/August events Opportunities in the Sun, a chance to explore faith formation topics that will also count toward catechist formation credit, will be held at St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn, July 25-27. Sessions are offered from 4-6 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. St. Joseph Shrine sponsors women’s prayer every Thursday at noon. All women are welcome; bring a sack lunch. A discussion on Pope Benedict’s encyclical, God is Love, will be held at St. Joseph Shrine on July 25 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Conversations in ministry, Theology of the Body, with Dr. Janet Smith, professor at Sacred Heart Seminary, is being offered Sat., Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral Parish Hall. Call 517.342.2504 for registration information. Stem cell research will be the topic at an ongoing formation day at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Brighton, Thurs., Sept. 14.

Vacation Bible School is being offered at St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn. Sessions are offered on Wednesday evenings, June 14July 12, 6-8 p.m. A Festival for Education will be held Sept. 8-10 behind St. John Parish and Jackson Catholic Middle School, Jackson. Festivities begin Fri. at 3 p.m.-midnight and continue Sat., noon-midnight and Sun., noon-7 p.m. A collaboration of seven parishes in the Jackson region, the proceeds benefit students in the region’s Catholic education system. Carnival rides, Reno night, Texas Hold’em tournament, food court, themed dinners, and a raffle of a car, television, computer system and other prizes. Christ the King, Flint will celebrate summer with a festival from July 14-16. Festival begins with a fish fry. Festival Mass at 9:45 a.m. Sunday. At the St. Francis Retreat Center The following events are scheduled at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Call 866.669.8321 for more information or to register. July 1-2, Divorced/Separated Retreat: Starting Over. This retreat is intended for those who have experienced a divorce or are in the process of getting divorced. The retreat will focus on the fact that there are always new beginnings. In a religious sense, a resurrection is possible for every loss or death. July 10-16, Directed Retreat A quiet retreat with the availability of daily spiritual direction and liturgy is cosponsored by the Dominican Center for Religious Development and St. Francis Retreat Center. Aug. 4-6, Married Couples Retreat Aug. 4-6, Singles Retreat Aug. 11-13, REFLECT. A singles retreat for adults in their mid 30s to 50s. Aug. 22-24, Summer Scripture Days: Songs of the Soul – Praying the Psalms. Aug. 25, Day of Prayer for Catholic School Teachers

July/August 2006

5/30/06 4:02:10 PM

“Vengeance is mine,” says the Lord does God punish us with illness and death?

Teacher of the Year Nancy Fink, first-grade teacher at St. Therese School in Lansing, was named the Lansing region teacher of the year by the Wal-Mart Corporation. Parents and colleagues spearheaded a campaign to get the vote out for Nancy. Monica Dowell, the after-school care director, says, “Nancy is more than a teacher, she’s an awesome friend. She treats the kids with respect, listens to them, and is fair. Many of the parents find a confidante in her.” Nancy is married to Eric, and they have two sons and a daughter, who surprised her by attending the awards ceremony.

The Passion at Holy Family The Holy Family Youth Group acted out The Passion of Jesus Christ during the parish’s 10 a.m. Palm Sunday Mass. The play began with Jesus coming into the city of Jerusalem and concluded with the crucifixion. The actors included Andrew Braun, Carly Schiffer, Katie Herrington, Gus Filda, Pat Schiffer, Alison Braun, Eileen Mapes, Jenna Plesko and Brittany Newmann. The narrator was Kylie Neumann. july/august readings Sunday, July 2 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Wis 1:13-15;2:23-24 Ps 30:2,4-6,11-13 2 Cor 8:7,9,13-15 Mark 5:21-43 or 5:21-24,35b-43 Sunday, July 9 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Ezek 2:2-5 Ps 123:1-4 2 Cor 12:7-10 Mark 6:1-6 Sunday, July 16 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Amos 7:12-15 Ps 85:9-14 Eph 1:3-14 or 1:3-10 Mark 6:7-13 Sunday, July 23 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Jer 23:1-6 Ps 23:1-6 Eph 2:13-18 Mark 6:30-34 Sunday, July 30 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2 Kings 4:42-44 Ps 145:10-11,15-16,17-18 Eph 4:1-6 John 6:1-15 Sunday, August 6 The Transfiguration of the Lord Dan 7:9-10,13-14

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Ps 97:1-2,5-6,9 2 Peter 1:16-19 Mark 9:2-10 Sunday, August 13 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 1 Kings 19:4-8 Ps 34:2-9 Eph 4:30-5:2 John 6:41-51 Tuesday, August 15 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin (holy day of obligation) 1 Kings 19:4-8 Ps 34:2-9 Eph 4:305:2 John 6:4151 Sunday, August 20 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Prov 9:1-6 Ps 34:2-7 Eph 5:15-20 John 6:51-58 Sunday, August 27 Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Jos 24:1-2a,15-17,18b Ps 34:2-3,26-21 Eph 5:21-32 or 5:2a,25-32 John 6:60-69

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ears ago, when the AIDS epidemic was first recognized, some preachers were declaring that God was punishing all who had AIDS because of their sins. More recently, I heard it claimed that God used Hurricane Katrina to punish the people of New Orleans because of their sinful ways. Nevermind the fact that babies and children dying of AIDS were not sinners. Nevermind the fact that the Bourbon Street area of New Orleans was spared while the poor black neighborhoods were washed away. On the other hand, I have heard of Calvinist Christians claiming that wealth and prosperity are gifts of God to his elect, his rewards to those who live righteously. And I have known other Christian preachers claim that those who are “in the Lord” will have obedient, well-behaved and successful children, while those who are not “in the Lord” will have nothing but troublesome children who will give their parents much grief. The argument is not new. Jesus had to face similar claims. In the ninth chapter of St. John’s Gospel, we read: “As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.’” We need to be careful when it comes to taking God’s place and pronouncing condemnatory judgments on others, particularly those who are suffering. It is God who sits on the throne of judgment – we don’t. By what warrant do we take his place? When it comes to sinners and those who are afflicted, we would do well to treat them as Jesus treated them. Let God be God. Let us be his children. If we are to make mistakes in judgment, let us err on the side of compassion, mercy and forgiveness. The judgment of God is that it was worth allowing his Son to die for us because he loves us. – Fr. Charles Irvin

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Hundreds of ministries are supported by DSA Catholic Charities: Life Justice, Natural Family Planning, Restorative Justice, Black Catholic and Multicultural Ministry, Hispanic & Migrant Ministries, Catholic Deaf/ HH Ministry, Ministry with Persons with disAbilities, Outreach Catholic Charities Agencies: Catholic Charities of Jackson, Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties, St. Vincent Catholic Charities of Lansing, Catholic Charities of Lenawee, Catholic Social Services of Livingston, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw, Catholic Outreach, Cristo Rey Community Center Chancery Services: Bishop’s Office (The Curia), Diocesan Archives, Diocesan Legal Advisor, Diocesan Tribunal, Council of Vicars, Diocesan Ecumenical Officer, Vicar for Religious, Scholarships for Religious, Office of Missions Communications: Media

Contact, TV Outreach Mass, DioceseofLansing.org, video production, Voices Alive Newsletter, In-house Publishing Education and Catechesis: Catechesis, Evangelization, Family Life, Catholic Schools’ central administration and instructional programs, Young Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, Office of Worship FAITH Magazine: FAITH magazine, FAITHteen, FAITHhelps, FAITHmag.com, online Discussion Forums. Finance: Development, Building Commission, Real Estate, Diocesan Property Management, Environmental Issues, Information Technology Services, Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA), Central Services Accounting, Parish Audit Services, Stewardship Initiative, Copy/Mail Services, Parish Capital Campaign Council, Building Services

Office of Pastoral Planning: Diocesan Strategic Pastoral Planning, Diocesan Pastoral Council, Parish Pastoral Council Formation, Coordinating Commission Formation: The Office of Seminarians, Office of Deacons, Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry, Vocation Services, Continuing Education for Priests, Priestly Life & Ministry, Bishop Joseph Albers Trust Fund

Other: Hospital Ministry, Sacred Heart Chapel, Council of Catholic Women, Support of Infirm and Retired Priests, Presbyteral Council, St. Francis Retreat Center, Bethany House, Priests’ Special Ministry Assignments, Support of the USCCB and the Holy See

Thank you for supporting DSA 2006

209 Seymour Ave. Lansing, MI 48933 Online:

www.DioceseofLansing.org www.FAITHmag.com

The Outreach Mass: Sundays On TV:

Flint: Lansing:

FOX 66 10 a.m. WHTV, UPN 18 10 a.m. WLAJ, ABC 53 at 6 a.m.

On Radio: Mass, 11 a.m. on WJIM 1240 AM

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