work life M y co-worker is interested in Catholicism goodlife Powerful posting: 4 tips for healthy social media content ordination 2015
Meet the three
new priests ordained for the Diocese of Lansing
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FROM THE BISHOP
BISHOP EARL BOYEA
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea
WE RECENTLY CELEBRATED the funerals of two of our actively assigned priests – Father Paul Schwermer, assigned to the parishes in Flushing and Montrose, and Father Lawrence Delaney, chaplain of our retreat house in DeWitt. This is rather unusual that a priest dies while in an assignment. The two funerals were thus occasions for deep sadness and for the participation of many clergy and many of the lay faithful who were being served by these fine men and priests.
Just after these events, we ordained three new priests for service in our diocese. These three will join a presbyterate (the term for the entire body of priests in our diocese) which has never ceased to impress me in the seven years of my service to this diocese. We do not all agree on everything. However, it is truly amazing how this band of brothers cares for each other and gets along with one another. Believe me, this does not happen everywhere. The priesthood really exists for only one reason, to continue the eternal sacrifice of the Mass handed on to us by the Son of God – that sacrifice which he offered to his Heavenly Father during the Last Supper and on the cross on Good Friday. We are a privileged people who are able to worship the Father with this same sacrifice of Jesus Christ and, what is more, who are then able to share the fruits of that sacrifice, the body and blood of Jesus. Such a sacrifice needs a priest. Jesus, the eternal High Priest, The designated his Apostles and their successors to maintain that priesthood in the Church for service to priesthood his Church. really exists No one, of course, takes this ministry on himself. Rather, being called by God to this vocation and having that vocation confirmed by the Church, the priest sees that this ministry is not of his own doing for only one but is rather entirely the grace of God. We priests know this because we know we are not worthy of reason, to this office. I am a sinner. My brother priests are all sinners. We are tempted as are all others and we fall, continue we fail. For me, I know that this experience has helped me be a better “forgiver” when I am faced with the eternal another sinner. I have experienced the deep and generous mercy and forgiveness of God. Yet, we only engage in this ministry because God has called us to it. To live our lives out of a calling sacrifice of from God is what ultimately gives meaning and purpose to our lives. This is even more the case with the Mass all those called to be baptized, for each of us is summoned to a life of holiness which will end in eterhanded on to nal life with God in heaven. Nothing in life can be more meaningful. Most of us experience the great us by the Son calling of a life of service in the Sacrament of Marriage, where pouring out our lives for our spouse and children is a daily sacrifice which mirrors the very love God has for his people. Others are called to a of God life of service to the Church as a consecrated woman or man who tries to live in perfect imitation of Jesus Christ himself, all for the purpose of being a light to the rest of us on how we should live our lives. This past month, my parents celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They have lived the PRAY life to which God called them, and through the daily trials and joys have been found worthy of FOR THE many blessings. NEW PRIESTS Let us help one another, let us help our children to be attentive to God’s will in our lives, for ORDAINED IN in hearing God’s will and then doing it, we will find the happiness we all seek. THE DIOCESE 2
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CALLED BY GOD TO LIVES OF SERVICE
INSIDE July/August YOUR LIFE
6 m arriage matters
She says: ‘We should plan our funeral.’ He says: ‘She’s being morbid.’ What do they do?
7 w ork life
My co-worker is interested in Catholicism
7 parenting journey
Does summer vacation have to be so structured?
8 goodlife
Powerful posting: 4 tips for healthy social media content
COVER STORY TYLER MINISTERS TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE P. 18
10 in the know with Father Joe Can you be anointed more than once?
J. Luning
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T. Gennara
Meet the three new priests ordained for the Diocese of Lansing
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22 my story
‘It feels like half of you is gone.’ Judy finds comfort in bereavement support group
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What pope francis has been saying and doing recently
31 last word
A good priest is a servant priest
Christians are witnesses not to a theory, but to a Person: Christ risen and alive, the one Saviour of all. – Pope Francis @Pontifex 05/28/2015 POPE WATCH P. 30
D. Quillan
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1 2 3 FLINT PASTORAL TEAM In order to better serve the people of Flint, and continuing the diocesan commitment to the city, Bishop Boyea has put in place the following team of priests who will minister to the five parishes within the city limits of Flint: • Rev. Thomas Firestone, pastor of St. Michael Parish, St. Matthew Parish, St. Mary Parish and St. John Vianney Parish. • Rev. James Mangan, parochial vicar of St. Michael Parish, St. Matthew Parish, St. Mary Parish and St. John Vianney Parish. • Rev. Zachary Mabee, parochial vicar of St. Michael Parish, St. Matthew Parish, St. Mary Parish and St. John Vianney Parish • Rev. Paul Schmitter, pastor of Christ the King Parish. • Rev. Dan Kogut, chaplain of Powers Catholic and chaplain of the Newman Center, which operates out of St. Michael Church.
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Marriage Matters
1. Have you and your spouse ever dealt with the issue of funeral pre-planning? How did you begin the discussion? 2. Is your view of death hopeful or pessimistic? What does Scripture teach about this?
Work Life
1. What would you do to evangelize in a situation like this? What virtues are helpful in this situation? 2. How do you respond when co-workers ask you about your faith?
Consecrated Life
1. Brother Francis was obedient to his superior, and it led him to a life he had not envisioned. Have you ever had a similar experience, perhaps on a smaller scale? How has God worked in your life through the advice of others?
Cover story
1. Have you ever had to comfort someone of a different religion who has lost a loved one? How did you approach the situation? 2. How can we find hope and meaning in grief?
Saint of the Month
1. How can we grow in the beatitude of meekness?
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YOUR LIFE
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PROFILE OF A DISCIPLE
PAT PREPARES SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS FOR SACRAMENTS BY KATIE SUSKO PHOTOGRAPHY BY DON QUILLAN
“As they said in Field of Dreams, build it and they will come,” says Pat Whaley. But instead of a baseball field, she is referring to a sacramental preparation class for those with special needs at St. Thomas Aquinas. “Most of these parents think that their children will never be able to complete the sacraments, so it’s a beautiful thing to see how genuinely happy they are,” she says. In addition to regular classroom time, Pat takes her students to visit the church every month, where they practice sitting in the pews, going into the confessional and using holy water. “This is the most amazing group of kids. They are reachable and teachable, so more of these programs need to exist.”
LEARN MORE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION CLASSES FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE LANSING AREA, OR FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO START A PROGRAM, CONTACT ANNIE KITCHING AT 517.351.5460 EXT. 325
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YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS
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JOHN’S RELUCTANCE IS ONLY HUMAN. Even if we can mentally accept the fact of our WHAT DO THEY DO eventual death, our flesh and our imaginations still naturally recoil from it. We just don’t want to think about it, let alone plan for it.
SHE SAYS
HE SAYS
WE SHOULD PLAN OUR FUNERAL
SHE’S BEING MORBID
John and I should really plan our funerals and let our children know what our endof-life directives are. However, he refuses to discuss it, or anything related to death. It’s as if he thinks he’ll never die!
Listen, I know we’re all going to die, but I think it’s morbid to focus on it. Once we’re gone, we won’t care anyway, so why do we need to plan it all out? I wish Elaine would just let this drop.
But it doesn’t have to be that way, and it shouldn’t be. For the Christian, death contains a positive meaning. Indeed “the Christian can experience a desire for death like St. Paul’s: ‘My desire is to depart and be with Christ.’” (CCC 1010) John and Elaine’s first step should be to pray – on their own and together – for a more peaceful, hopeful and faithfilled attitude about their ultimate destiny with God, and one another, in heaven. But even if we can accept death and, in a proper sense, desire it, isn’t there still something a bit unseemly about making our own funeral arrangements? On the contrary, it’s a thoughtful and responsible thing to do. Most people want to leave their survivors with only good things, including not only bequests but also happy memories, including the last: an orderly state of their affairs. Moreover, don’t be so sure, John, that once you’ve crossed over to the other side you won’t care about what CHECK OUT you left your survivors to deal with. PAGE 4 FOR God will judge our lives primarily on DISCIPLESHIP how much (or how little) we loved QUESTIONS TO others (CCC 1022), and planning our BE USED FOR funeral and cemetery services in adPERSONAL vance is a loving thing to do. How so? REFLECTION OR SMALL GROUP Those who provide these services DISCUSSION regularly hear comments like these from family members upon discovering that the details for their deceased loved ones were pre-arranged: “You mean, everything’s really taken care of?” “There’s no balance due?” “What a blessing.” Indeed, it’s not uncommon for surviving family members, in the midst of their grief, to be so overwhelmed with gratitude that they were spared having to make funeral decisions, let alone pay for them, that they decide to do the same for their own children and family members. Isn’t that the kind of legacy you want to leave?
STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON
hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento. 6
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My co-worker is interested in Catholicism Q
A
YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY
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faith is evident and attractive. However, since it’s obviously a sensitive issue in your company, be circumspect in responding. It would be wise to keep the conversation outside of your workplace and work hours. Continue to develop a friendship with your colleague, and tactfully explore his interest in the faith. It wouldn’t hurt to mention your concern about company policy. You want
Does summer vacation have to be so structured?
T. Gennara
Q
DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL
is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.
IT’S SUMMER AND MY KIDS ARE OUT OF SCHOOL. I remember the lazy days of summer in my childhood, but these days, it seems as if everyone’s kids are at camps or summer enrichment opportunities. Should I be structuring my kids’ vacation more? How much is too much?
A
As summer vacation began, my friends and I would sing, “No more pencils, No more books!” But there were still books because the summer library reading program was popular. Our parish Scout troop attended camp every summer, too. The rest of the time was spent devising our own activities, supervised by moms and grandmas. The changes that you mention
to make sure that he never feels pressured, or that your dialogue doesn’t cause some tension in your work relationship or the work environment. Congratulations on your good witness in the workplace and your desire to share your faith. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.” (Col 4:6)
YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE
T. Gennara
Well it doesn’t sound like you’re exactly Bible thumping and altar calling from your desktop. What is the purpose of the no-proselytizing policy? I assume that the goal is to ensure a professional atmosphere free from the distraction and divisiveness that proselytizing can generate. Are you preaching or is he just reaching? I get the impression that he’s taking the initiative and you simply want to respond. That’s an entirely different dynamic, so I would think you’re well within the bounds of company protocol. Moreover, it seems like he’s seen in you something that prompted him to raise the issue. Apparently your
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One of my co-workers has indicated some interest in Catholicism. How can I evangelize him without violating my company’s noproselytizing rule?
JIM BERLUCCHI
is the executive director of the Spitzer Center.
reflect societal changes. More parents are in the work force. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Labor released the Employment Characteristics of Families Summary. Three-quarters of moms with children ages 6 to 17 years were employed in 2014. That year, 93 percent of fathers with children under 18 were in the labor force. Grandmas often work outside the home, too. Many children attend summer programs because parents are working Home all summer? Set up a flexible structure to avoid falling into passive forms of entertainment. Having regular waking and bedtimes promotes a healthy pattern. Summer programs can be enriching, but informal activities are valuable, too. Grade school children are eager to learn new skills, such as building a birdhouse. Chores are a part of life, too, even in the summer! Allow time in the day for your children to choose activities. Read Annotation #2225 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and choose summer activities that foster a wholesome family life! 7
YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE
POWERFUL POSTING: 4 tips for healthy social media content expression is easy, but pairing what’s trendy with your values can sometimes pose a challenge. Try these tips for keeping your social media account active, current and spiritually aligned. BY EMILY LENHARD
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GETTING CAUGHT UP in digital
1. SHARE TO CARE.
Our parents and grandparents had to wait and hear it through the grapevine. Today, we have Share buttons that send information – good or bad, fact or fiction – across town just as fast as it goes global. Make sure the stories you’re sharing line up with your beliefs and the mentors you follow.
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2. NEVER TAKE A SELFIE.
That’s not to say you can’t take a photo of yourself. But
when taking photos – alone or with friends – remember God’s presence. Be sure the images you share glorify him and his ultimate creation – you!
3. #BANDWAGON.
Social media is a rush of information. New stories and events appear every microsecond. Viral posts may create a “group think” mentality that many join in on without first educating themselves on the issue being discussed. Be fair and consider all angles before promoting or attacking something you aren’t fully versed in.
4. FOCUS ON THE ORGANIC.
The best way to evaluate your social media accounts is to compare them with the true, organic you. By discerning what your values are, creating your next post will be easy. One of the most effective ways you can spread the word about Christ and what he means to you is with your digital footprint.
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CONSECRATED LIFE
LIVING THE GOSPEL IN A RADICAL WAY
Engaged in the daily life with 20 young men where he was an educator, mentor and caregiver 24 hours a day, Brother Francis soon felt burned out. He went to see his order’s campus spiritual director, Edward Overstreet, to understand why helping others wasn’t more satisfying. “Edward reminded me that God did not need helpers, He sent me to Boysville to be helped by these homeless kids,” says Brother Francis. “God, as I have so many times been told by my confreres, does not call us to something just because he needs someone to do the job. He calls us because he knows our personal gifts, and we were created to share those gifts with the most marginalized of God’s children.” His religious community recognized the gifts Brother Francis had to offer. Edward encouraged him to move beyond the life he saw for himself and inspired him to attend graduate school. “I was just a happy science teacher,” he says. “Edward recognized a gift in me, and I was obedient to my superior and followed his guidance. If he hadn’t seen that part of me, I wouldn’t have the necessary qualifications needed today.” Edward’s guidance and the encouragement of his community led Brother Francis to his position as executive director of Holy Cross Children’s Services. For more than 40 years, his focus has been to love, not help, those who lack the opportunity to thrive. “Religious life can be dangerous,” Brother Francis says. “The men and women of Holy Cross I have lived with remind me an encounter with Christ causes us to see life in new ways. When you encounter Christ, you have to change.” Living in community has strengthened Brother Francis, deepening his reservoir of love. Community for him is synonymous with family, which is often most appealing for anyone considering living a consecrated life. “Young men joining the Congregation of Holy Cross today want to minister to others through their community life,” he says. “They want to share who they are. When we find God in the people we love, we are only sharing God’s love for us, and we become much more aware of his presence within us. Sharing our gifts with others is our way of thanking God for his gifts to us.”
BY MARY KAY MCPARTLIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
Brother Francis Boylan, CSC
I
N THE 1960s, there were only two ways for young men and women to become missionaries – join either the Peace Corps or a religious order. The call to consecrated life was strong for Brother Francis Boylan, and, with education as its charism, the Brothers of Holy Cross community was a perfect fit. Armed with a teaching certificate, Brother Francis made his way to Boysville of Michigan in Clinton. That assignment, almost 50 years ago, changed his life in a radical way – and continues to do so today. “We had just finished a retreat directed by Dorothy Day,” Brother Francis says. “Dorothy had stressed living the Gospel in a radical way. She said to pray a lot and live a life of voluntary poverty, hospitality and pacifism. I felt pretty comfortable with that verbiage. I had taken vows of poverty and obedience, and as a religious community we prayed often. Now I was free to help people.”
MAKE AN IMPACT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DISCERNING A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD OR CONSECRATED LIFE, CONTACT FATHER JOHN LINDEN, DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS, AT 517.342.2507, OR DAWN HAUSMANN, DIRECTOR OF CONSECRATED VOCATIONS, AT 517.342.2506, OR VISIT WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/VOCATIONS.
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YOUR FAITH
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IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
Q
DEAR FATHER JOE: What is the difference between the sacrament of the sick and last rites? I thought you could only be anointed once.
T. Gennara
A
FATHER JOE KRUPP
is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest.
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Let’s get right after it … Before the Second Vatican Council, there was (as far as I can tell) no difference between the anointing of the sick and last rites. During that time, one was only anointed when the danger of death was very real and, because of that, priests tended to wait until “the last minute” to celebrate the sacrament. In Vatican II, the Church separated these two ideas into the sacrament of the sick and what we call “last rites.” The ritual for the sacrament of anointing the sick instructs the priest that this sacrament is for those people “whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.” It goes on to tell us that we shouldn’t delay in offering it, particularly to those who ask for it “at the beginning of a serious illness.” When we anoint the sick, our catechism tells us that five things happen: First, the sick person’s sufferings are united to the Passion of Christ for the good of the person and of the whole Church. This is important for us. Our Church is always about the holy task of reminding us that we are never alone: we are a part of the body of Christ and, although we may not always feel it, whatever happens to one of us affects us all. When you and I suffer, we are invited to unite those sufferings with Jesus and help
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him save the world. We recognize, then, that when we feel sick or are limited in what we can do because of our sickness, our mission “shifts” to prayerful support for the Body of Christ that is the Church. You are not just suffering, you are joining your suffering to Christ and building up his body. Second, the person who is anointed will be given strength, peace and courage to help them endure their sufferings in a Christian manner. Dr. Peter Kreeft once described Christians physical pain as “a jealous tyrant respond to with a whip commanding all our attention at every moment, suffering by shouting ‘look at me! look at imitating me!’” To deal with such a thing Jesus: we is difficult and we don’t help acknowledge ourselves by falling into one of two extremes: either making the hurt and sure everyone knows our pain invite our God and seeking pity or comparing into it. our pain to the pain of others and chastising ourselves for not liking it. Christians respond to suffering by imitating Jesus: we acknowledge the hurt and invite our God into it. We say “Jesus, I join my sufferings to yours” and trust that, whatever we may feel, Christ has joined our sufferings to his and good is happening as a result. Third, if the sick person was not able to get to confession, their sins are forgiven in this sacrament.
last rites. On this topic, nothing says it better than the catechism. Let’s check out section 1523: “If the sacrament of anointing of the sick is given to all who suffer from serious illness and infirmity, even more rightly is it given to those at the point of departing this life; so it is also called sacramentum exeuntium (the sacrament of those departing). The Anointing of the Sick completes our conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, just as Baptism began it. It completes the holy anointings that mark the whole Christian life: that of Baptism which sealed the new life in us, and that of Confirmation which strengthened us for the combat of this life. This last anointing fortifies the end of our earthly life like a solid rampart for the final struggles before entering the Father’s house. B. Patten
Sometimes, through circumstances beyond our control, we are not able to get to the sacrament of reconciliation and we find ourselves in a hospital or laid up with illness. In those cases, the sacrament of the sick can and should serve as an opportunity to rectify that. Fourth, the sick person is led to the healing of their soul, “but also of the body if such is God’s will.” (CCC 1520) This can be the tough one. It’s very easy to remember that physical pain is a real struggle for us, and it’s also easy to forget that, for Jesus, our spiritual healing is of primary import. I genuinely believe that we are so used to our spiritual wounds that we don’t often identify them as painful. When we receive the sacrament of anointing of the sick, we can trust that God is healing our spiritual wounds and that he will heal our physical wounds, if that is his will. We have to remember that, for lack of a better phrase, God is “in it for the long haul.” God is less interested in saving us from a short time of physical pain if it will strengthen and heal us and others spiritually. His goal for you and me is heaven and, if getting there involves us experiencing physical pain, he loves us enough to allow that. This, in and of itself, is a nuanced point that I’ve addressed a lot in the past. For the fifth point, we see the difference between the sacrament of the sick and what is commonly called
Q: WHAT LIGHTS UP A SOCCER STADIUM? A: A SOCCER MATCH!
In this, we see that the fifth point is what separates the anointing of the sick from the last rites. The prayers are different and the actions with the prayers are different. Instead of praying for healing of body and soul, we are commending the person to the intercession of the saints and the hands of our loving God. So, that walks us through some of the beauty and wonder of God meeting us in every circumstance and situation in our lives. May we always trust his love and his presence. Enjoy another day in God’s presence. 11
YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS
SISTER ANN SHIELDS
Make time for an S
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AT-HOME RETREAT
o often I hear people say: “Oh, I wish I could make a retreat, but my schedule makes that impossible or ...” You can insert your
own explanation for not making a personal retreat, and it may sound valid. However, so often people don’t make retreats because “I wouldn’t know what to do,” or “That is for holy people and I am not.”
SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO SISTER ANN SHIELDS: RENEWAL MINISTRIES, 230 COLLINGWOOD, SUITE 240, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103.
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5. D ecide what areas in your life you want to address. What impedes you from growing in holiness: anxiety, discouragement, anger, lack of forgiveness, selfishness, health problems that cause suffering? Perhaps it is an issue of discernment that is needed to obtain wisdom from the Lord; perhaps it is a major decision that will substantially affect your life and/or the life of your family? 6. S pend some time each day of your retreat in the morning, afternoon and evening reading the Bible. Let the word take root in your heart. The word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. (see Hebrews 4:12) In other words, God’s word has the power to challenge, convict and console you. It has power to change your mind and heart, if you allow the word to take root. Talk to God about your life.
Let me say, unequivocally, that God wants time with us. But he never violates our free will. We can refuse. Please take a look and see what God is asking of you in order to For something to take root, you need to till the draw you into a deep and personal relationship with him. soil and remove the rocks (repent): Look at the Scriptures. Throughout the four Gospels, we hear such words as: “In these days he went out into • Go to confession as soon as possithe hills to pray and all night he continued ble. Water the soil by renewing your in prayer to God.” Or, “Sit here while I go baptismal vows, and the promises yonder to pray.” Time and again, Jesus gave you made at confirmation. Ask God us the example of his relationship with the for the seeds of grace that have Father to teach his disciples how important Please take come to you through the sacraments it was to retreat from daily life and spend a look and to take root. Pull out the weeds time with God alone. (sins) each day; don’t let them grow see what God So, you can go to a retreat house and or take root. Weeds choke the seed. make a private retreat, or you can join a is asking of • Go to Mass as often as possible group retreat. Or, why not try an at-home you in order to receive his precious body and retreat? Although it will take careful to draw you blood. Adoration of the Blessed preparation in order to make it fruitful, it Sacrament bestows many graces on into a deep can be done.
FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
and personal relationship
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It is hard to accomplish too much in one retreat, but a good annual retreat can set you on a good path. Remember it takes time and perseverance to change the direction of our lives and put us on, or back on, the right course. Finally, before you end your retreat, make one concrete, practical decision that will help you to draw closer to God and be more the son or daughter he created you to be! “Fear not, little flock! It has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom!” (Luke 12:32)
with him.
1. N otify family and friends what you are doing; tell them the time frame and ask them to pray for you. 2. Turn off all radios, TVs, computers, family phones and cell phones for the duration of the retreat. 3. S tay as much as possible in one or two rooms so you don’t see the need to clean or fix something. 4. D ecide on the materials you need: Bible, journal, notebook, spiritual reading material, perhaps a CD.
those who make it a priority.
T. Gennara
is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. @srannshieldssgl
Ordination 2015
The Diocese of Lansing was blessed with three new priests on June 20. Bishop Earl Boyea ordained Robert Bacik, David Fons and Zachary Mabee to the priesthood at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. In the next few pages, meet the three newest priests for the Diocese of Lansing, and enjoy photos of their ordinations. You can see more photos at www.FAITHpub.com. PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
LEARN MORE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT DISCERNING A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD, VISIT WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/ VOCATIONS
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What was the process that led you to pursue the priesthood? I entered the Church as I was completing my undergraduate studies. I was a philosophy student who liked to pray, study and serve others, especially those in need. So there was an affinity for the priesthood that emerged pretty quickly. As I prayed about the matter more, I became quite confident that I wanted to pursue the vocation. What has this journey been like the last few years as you’ve prepared to be ordained? It’s been a good and satisfying journey, indeed. I think I’ve learned a great deal about myself and about the sort of priestly life and witness the Church wants and needs in this day and age. Though it’s been a long journey (seven years), I’m deeply grateful for the time I’ve spent in seminary. Was there a single person who greatly influenced your decision to become a priest? I would point to two priests in particular: Father Frank Canfield, SJ, who was a spiritual mentor and father to me in high school, even before I was Catholic; and Father Pat Egan, who has guided me spiritually and accompanied me as a friend, particularly in the early stages of this journey.
Father Zachary Mabee Zachary Mabee, who was raised Lutheran, went through the RCIA program at St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor.
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What message would you pass along to those who want to serve God but do not know how? I would encourage them heartily to give some sort of religious vocation a try! I think that the culture of “discernment” nowadays can at times be crippling. People of my generation seem to be waiting too eagerly for a sort of knock-down sign that they have a vocation. The Church, in her wisdom, however, has seminaries and novitiates in place precisely to help with this process. How has being a deacon the last few years influenced the type of priest you will be? I think my diaconal service has clarified for me the core of priestly ministry: liturgical service and works of charity. First and foremost as a priest, I will celebrate the sacred mysteries of the Church’s Liturgy, for the glory of God and the sanctification of his people. Also, and flowing from this service, I will strive to serve all people who come into my life with the humble charity of Christ himself.
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How did you know you were called to the priesthood? Since I was very small, thoughts of the priesthood would come to me. After college, I worked for five years as a youth minister and the thought was even more intense, so I started talking to some people. I also attended a conference called Catholics on Call, designed to help anyone discern a call of service to the Church. I eventually understood I needed to be in the seminary to figure things out. When I told my parents my decision, I had an incredible sense of peace that continued to grow as I worked through each step. Ultimately, I realized not only was God calling me, but I wanted to be a priest. What has seminary preparation been like for you? Seminary is completely unique, as you are with a diverse group of men who are all trying to discover the will of Christ in their lives. It has been a blessing to set six years of my life aside to focus on my relationship with Christ. It has also been challenging in that it is away from the parish and the people. We come here because we feel called to serve the people and yet we are separated from them. This is hard and necessary. How has being a youth minister impacted your vocation? I view my time as a youth minister as part of my formation. I think youth ministry is one of the places the Church is most alive right now. I learned a lot and will continue to learn from the enthusiasm, excitement and openness of our young people. I also had a great pastor who modeled what a constructive relationship between a pastor and employee is like. He taught me to recognize how lay people and staff need to be supported and given permission to offer their gifts within the Church as well. What are your thoughts about beginning priestly life? It is a little surreal. I am anxious to get started. I have been preparing a long time, yet have no idea what it will be like. Seminary has helped me trust more fully in God and I am excited to see where the Lord is going to take me. – By Rose Robertson
Father Robert Crowley Bacik Robert Crowley Bacik’s home parish is Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson.
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How did you know you were called to the priesthood? In prayer one time, I told God that I wouldn’t consider being a priest without a clear sign from him. While on a youth retreat my junior year of high school, during adoration, my pastor started speaking about the priesthood. As he spoke, I felt my heart being drawn to the Eucharist on the altar and I started weeping. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and desire to give God my life. What has seminary preparation been like for you? God has deepened my desire for the priesthood and given me a whole new grounding of himself. He has shown me more love. This has been a time of drawing closer to the Lord and a desire to bring the Eucharist to the people. I’ve also fallen in love with the Church in a deeper way, seeing the beauty and history of God dwelling with his people throughout history. Has anyone in particular influenced your decision? My parish pastor, Father Ed Fride, from Christ the King. He has been my pastor since childhood. He is joyful, and one who emphasizes knowing God and living in the Holy Spirit. When I felt called, he was the first person I talked to.
Father David Michael Fons David Michael Fons is an Ann Arbor native who attended Christ the King during his formative years.
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How has being a deacon had an impact on your vocation? Being a deacon and trying to live out the call has refreshed my consciousness that we are called to really serve by laying down our lives. Serving at Mass is a very humbling experience, and so exciting being that close to the Lord. What advice do you have for discerning a vocation? Focus on God’s primary vocation to know and love him and grow in holiness. From that relationship, he will begin to show you a way to say “yes” to a full commitment of whatever he calls you to. If finding God is a challenge, ask him to show himself to you and he will. How do you feel about ordination? A lot of excitement and weight at the magnitude of this challenge; the way my life will dramatically change that day; a sense of unworthiness, yet God is still calling me to it; and to trust God and not myself. – By Rose Robertson
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DIACONATE ORDINATION On Saturday, May 16, 2015, 11 men were ordained to the diaconate for service to the Diocese of Lansing. The Ordination Mass, celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea, was held at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing. The following men (with their parish of assignment) were ordained to the diaconate: •D eacon Robert Ernest Bauer St. Michael, Grand Ledge •D eacon Carl Joseph Boehlert St. Martha, Okemos •D eacon John Daniel Crowley St. Joseph, Adrian •D eacon David Carlton Etters St. John the Evangelist, Jackson •D eacon William Todd Russell St. John the Baptist, Howell •D eacon Jeffrey Joseph Southerland St. Augustine, Howell •D eacon Curtis Anthony Scholl St. John the Baptist, Ypsilanti •D eacon Christopher John Vida St. Rita, Clarklake •D eacon David George Zygmontowicz St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing Peter James Lawrence (assigned to Holy Family Parish, Grand Blanc) and Ryan Lawrence Riley (assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton) were ordained to the transitional diaconate, with their presbyteral ordination scheduled for June 10, 2016.
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BY CARI ANN DELAMIELLEURESCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING
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YOUR STORIES
Burying the deceased is one of the seven corporal acts of mercy. But to Tyler Pray – a fourth-generation licensed funeral director at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte and a member of St. Mary Parish – burying the dead is just the beginning; caring for the grieving family is how we care for the deceased. “We often are called to place the needs of a grieving family before the needs of our own family,” Tyler says. “Putting others first is, I believe, one of the core components of any form of ministry.” Twenty-eight churches stand in Charlotte, and whether the Pray family is serving someone of the Catholic, Baptist, Muslim or Bahá’í faiths, Tyler says – even though his personal beliefs guide the way he serves – he must remain conscious of what the family believes: “I do not see a funeral as a time to apply my personal experiences, but a time to minister to the convictions of the bereaved, to help manifest their 20
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beliefs into a tangible form of healing.” The Pray “undertaking” business was established in 1921 by Ernest and Myron Pray. Up until 1930, the family business was located on the main street of Charlotte’s downtown business district, where they owned a furniture store. The business was then moved to West Seminary Street. “They actually ran all the funerals out of my grandpa’s house – which
is right next door – and did all the embalming and everything else in the back of the furniture store,” Tyler says. During a funeral service, furniture was moved out of his grandfather’s home, and the deceased were laid in the living room, according to Tyler. In 1949, the current funeral home building was constructed. Not only has the business been in the family for five generations, the family has lived either in or near the business for just as long. While Tyler lives behind the building, his grandfather has continued to live in the house next door, and his father lives across the street. “I have the longest commute – 120 steps. That’s twice as long as my dad’s, which is a little more dangerous, I suppose, because he has to cross the
“WE OFTEN ARE CALLED TO PLACE THE NEEDS OF A GRIEVING FAMILY BEFORE THE NEEDS OF OUR OWN FAMILY,” TYLER SAYS. “PUTTING OTHERS FIRST IS, I BELIEVE, ONE OF THE CORE COMPONENTS OF ANY FORM OF MINISTRY.”
CHECK OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT THE DIOCESE OF LANSING CEMETERIES MINISTRY OFFERS FAMILIES, CONTACT JOE DIONISE AT JDIONISE@ DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG OR 517.342.2495.
street,” Tyler says, laughing. Being a licensed funeral director wasn’t always Tyler’s plan, and he said he sometimes wonders what will be his next calling. About 10 years ago, Tyler was pursuing a career in journalism in New York, but he returned to Charlotte to be closer to his family. He attended Wayne State University for mortuary school, where he got his license “just in case,” he says. At that time, being a licensed funeral director felt like a “fall back,” but now he feels his calling is serving others. In a busy year, Pray Funeral Home holds about 200 funerals, and Tyler explains that part of the ministry is being truly present with each family. “If you can find a way to make sure they’re not shoving it aside and really … diving into it, then you know you’re doing them a service,” he says. No day is the same. When Tyler re-
ceives a call that someone has died, he drops everything he’s doing, travels to be with the deceased and sits with the family. That first contact, Tyler says, is probably one of the “most intense moments in what we do.” Being present with the family in that moment and reading exactly what’s going on in the room is a necessity. “It’s super intimidating. I always get nervous for that moment. I’ve done it … nearly a thousand times, but just that moment is kind of nerve-wracking because we could totally screw it up,” Tyler says, adding that he can often understand a person’s concerns by reading their body language. The deceased are brought back to the funeral home and, depending on the family’s beliefs, Tyler and his father often begin the embalming process. After the initial contact, Tyler then meets with the family to make the funeral arrangements. He stresses, “You have to listen to figure out what’s important to them and somehow get that communicated in the service, so they walk away feeling like they just had a meaningful experience.” The Pray family serves as a liaison between a family and clergy; often, though, how a person experiences loss and applies it to their faith may not coincide with the clergy’s approach. “Occasionally there is a complete religious void in the funeral experience where faith would be for a Christian family. It is a great responsibility of ours to either help them find meaning and healing in a dark time, or to help make a connection with a faith leader. Those who have been away from the Church may suddenly be in a position to reconsider their feelings,” Tyler says. Regardless of what type of funeral, Tyler explains that the details are important to think about ahead of time. And for Catholics, family involvement
during a funeral Mass depends on the priest and how much the priest is willing to allow: “Our goal is to do anything and everything we can for the family, whether that means finding a way for them to participate in the ceremony in whichever way is most healing to them.” Participation is built into a Catholic Mass, including the readings and bringing up the offertory gifts. And a Catholic funeral is one of the few times where pallbearers are actually used, Tyler said. Pallbearers and casket bearers are two separate jobs. A funeral pall is the white cloth that is draped over the casket during a Catholic, and sometimes Lutheran, funeral. “In that case, you have people who can place the pall over the casket,” and people who carry the casket, Tyler says. Occasionally, Tyler encounters people who have “an intense distaste” for the Catholic Church, and often times a funeral is one time when the Church can really shine, he says. “You have to remember that when you have a Catholic Mass, probably a majority of the people in attendance are not Catholic. It’s part of our job to educate them as to what they’re witnessing and what they’re experiencing, and to try to have them understand why it’s important,” Tyler says. The Pray family plays a large role in teaching those attending a Catholic funeral about the meaning behind the Church’s beliefs and how it relates to their feelings, and this is sometimes a moment when a family will find their way back to the Church. “It often starts with us,” Tyler says. “Many times, flexibility and understanding on the part of the clergy can be the ‘finisher’ in helping to complete the process we have worked hard to begin with a family, the process of bringing them back into the community of faith.”
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‘IT FEELS LIKE HALF OF YOU IS GONE’
Judy finds comfort in bereavement support group W
hen Judy Wood’s husband died suddenly three years ago, she felt lost.
“We were partners,” she says. “And it feels like half of you is gone.” After 41 years of marriage, Judy says Jim’s death left her desolate. That’s why she has been grateful for the Bereavement Support Group at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. She started attending shortly after Jim died, and says the group has given her the ability to move forward. “Everyone’s life is complicated in different ways, and there’s no right way to grieve,” she says. “You just have to go through it.”
BY EILEEN GIANIODIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
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The support group at St. Thomas was started in 2011, and welcomes participants to share their grief stories and listen to the stories of others. The group meets every other week. “We’re all different, and the way we go through grief is all different, too,” Judy says. Joining the group helped Judy feel supported in more than just her grief, she says. The couple has a son, Steven, who lives in Chicago, and Judy says they see each other as often as possible. One big change for Judy was that she needed to take over tasks she hadn’t done before. “There were a lot of things that Jim took care of that I never did,” she says. “We had always divided work – he took care of bills, trusts, legal matters, the house … It was very different for me. It scared me. The group encouraged me to seek advice where needed and gradually get a sense of order.” The group leader, Jim Zalba, uses the book Un-
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derstanding Your Grief, by Alan Wolfelt to direct them, and encourages members to journal. Typically, there are eight to 10 members at a meeting. “I found a journal that I wrote back in 2012 and it was interesting to read. I found that the writing helped,” she says. “The firsts – holidays, anniversaries – are hard, very hard at first. I didn’t realize that I would feel so bad. But it does get better gradually and it was so good to have the support in this group.” Judy attended meetings The firsts regularly for 18 months fol– holidays, lowing her husband’s death, and now she attends when anniversaries – she feels the need. are hard, very Members share confidenhard at first. I tially, she says, and that has didn’t realize become an important aspect for her and for other memthat I would bers of the Bereavement feel so bad. Support Group. But it does “I like the confidentiality,” get better she says “I think people are more free to express what gradually and they really feel.” it was so good A member of Resurrection to have the Parish, Judy enjoys the fact support in this that parishioners from many different churches come to group.” the group, and that it is a faith-based. “We start and end with a prayer, and that is important to me,” she says. “It makes it real when you talk about the death of someone you love, and you need the support.” Judy attended other groups before the one at St. Thomas, but she grew to feel most comfortable with this one. Along the way, she also has learned to appreciate all different types of loss. “There are parents who have lost children, adults who’ve lost parents or siblings, other women like me, men who have lost wives – grief is pretty universal,” she says. “Some people don’t want to go because they think it will be too depressing. I didn’t feel that way, I feel supported. We are a bunch of people supporting each other,” she says. “A group of friends.”
CHECK OUT FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GRIEF SUPPORT MINISTRIES, VISIT WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/GRIEF_SUPPORT OR CALL YOUR LOCAL PARISH.
AFTER 41 YEARS OF MARRIAGE, JUDY SAYS HER HUSBAND’S DEATH LEFT HER DESOLATE. THAT’S WHY SHE HAS BEEN GRATEFUL FOR THE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP AT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS PARISH IN EAST LANSING.
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YOUR COMMUNITY
THINGS TO DO July 11, St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus Council 8605 will have a pig roast dinner and euchre tournament. Dinner is at 4:30 p.m., limited to 150 diners with advance ticket of $10 per person. Euchre tournament also is $10 per person and begins at 7 p.m. For information or ticket purchase, call 517.223.8684 or 517.223.1138. July 12 and Aug. 9, 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Our Lady of Grace Special Families Ministry and the All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are having a Mass at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. Mass is at 12:30 p.m., followed by food and fellowship. RSVP Cathy Blatnik at lcblatnik@juno.com by July 6 for July Mass and Aug. 3 for August Mass, and advise of dietary restrictions. All are welcome. July 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. John Catholic Church’s sixth annual Car Show, 2099 Hacker Rd., Howell; awards, auction and bake sale. For further information, contact the parish office at 517.546.7200. July 20-24, private directed retreat at the Weber Retreat Center in Adrian will provide time and space for solitude, personal prayer and optional participation in campus liturgy and Tuesday evening peace prayer. Each participant will
JULY/AUGUST CAFÉ EVENTS Opportunities in the Sun catechist classes at St. Joseph Shrine in Brooklyn. Cost: $10 per session for non-parishioners. To register, contact Diane Dover at 517.467.2106. July 31, 4 p.m.: 1. Ministry of the Catechist; 6. What
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meet daily with a spiritual director. Cost: $375, includes room, meals and daily spiritual direction. Commuter rate: $250. To register, call 517.266.4000 or visit weber. adriandominicans.org/Programs/ Programs. July 23, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 W. Main St., Manchester will host its “traditional” Ice Cream Social, including both American and German dishes – from hot and cold potato salads to pulled pork sandwiches and sauerkraut – plus ice cream, homemade cakes and pies. There also will be children’s games. All are welcome to attend. July 25, 5:30 p.m. to midnight and July 26, noon to 5 p.m., St. Joseph Heritage Festival. The event kicks off July 25 with a Polka Mass at 4:30 p.m. at 705 N. Waterloo St., Jackson. Festival will have live Polka music, children’s games, pony rides, bingo, raffles and concessions with golumbki, pork, barbecue and brats. All are welcome. July 26, noon–3 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas’ Knights of Columbus will sponsor a parish picnic with food, games and lots of fun at Patriarche Park, 1100 Alton St., East Lansing.
ATTEND A CAR SHOW
COME TO THE RIVER RUN/ WALK
GOLF FOR A CAUSE
Lansing Catholic Singles is hosting its fourth annual Statewide Picnic for Catholic singles in their mid30s and older: Aug. 1, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. – picnic 5 p.m. – at Burchfield Park’s North Bluff shelter in Holt,
is Faith?; 12. Liturgy and Worship; 16. Old Testament Themes; and Enr. 1. Learning Disabilities. July 31, 6:30 p.m.: 2. Learning Process and Faith Development; 7. Mystery of the Triune God; 11. The Church; 20. How to Use the Bible with Different Age Levels; and Enr. 2. Evangelization and Sharing Our Stories. Aug. 1, 9 a.m.: 3. Using the Text as a Tool; 8. Creation and Incarnation; 13. The Sacraments; 17. New Testament Gospels; and Enr. 3. Understanding the Mass. Aug. 1, noon: 4. Effective Catechetical Techniques;
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10. Mary and the Saints; 14. Prayer; 19. New Testament: Acts and Letters; 22. Catechesis and Social Justice; and Enr. 4. Gospel of the Family. Aug. 1, 2:15 p.m.: 5. Managing Student Behavior; 15. Overview of the Bible; 9. Jesus Christ; 17. Key People of the Old Testament; 21. Moral Development; and Enr. 5. Century 21: Diversity and the Church. July 7, 7 p.m., Summer movie series “Edith Stein, the Seventh Chamber” and Aug. 10, “Soul Searching, the Journey of Thomas Merton” at St.
just south of Lansing. Rain or shine. Bring your own beverage, dish to pass and lawn chair. Meat, table service and bonfire provided. Cost is $7, plus park admittance. For information or to RSVP by July 29, call 517.321.7886, email LansingCatholicSingles@live.com or visit lansingcatholicsingles.com. Join us for food, fun and fellowship. Aug. 2, noon to 5 p.m., St. Augustine Catholic Church, 6481 Faussett Rd., Howell will have its 38th annual Chicken Barbecue. Chicken dinner is $10 for half a chicken and all the sides. Children’s games all afternoon. Stop by and enjoy a delicious dinner at the little church in the cornfield. Aug. 15, St. Casimir Parish, 815 Barnes Ave., Lansing will have its 5K and 10K Come to the River Run/ Walk. Cost: $25 per person, or $80 per family of four if registered by Aug. 3. Register online at runningfoundation.com/Come_to_the_River5k.html or mail registration form to parish. For information, call parish office at 517.482.1346. Aug. 16, Knights of Columbus Council 7545 will hold its annual Charity Golf Outing in memory of Mike Pitlanish at Wheatfield Valley Golf Club in Williamston: 8 a.m., coffee and donuts provided; 9 a.m., shotgun start; 18 holes of golf with cart; light lunch at turn; raffle prizes and steak or chicken buffet dinner. For additional information, call Bill Pulling at 517.410.4581.
Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, downstairs in the Bishop Baraga room. Meet at Fr. Mac Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas from 6-8 p.m. on the Third Thursdays in the summer for WHOLE-istic Prayer! Praying through Music, Movement and Art. This a monthly gathering of young and old, families, singles, couples – anyone who is interested in coming for a meal and a faith-building opportunity. Reservations are requested for meal preparation. Email dsilvey@ elcatholics.org.
Aug. 21, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Aug. 22, noon to 11 p.m., St. Michael Parish will have its Parish Funfest. All activities will be on the parish grounds at 345 Edwards St. in Grand Ledge. For more information, visit stmichaelgl.org.
RETREAT CENTERS ENJOY SOME ICE CREAM
Aug. 18, Summer Scripture Days begins. This year’s focus will be the women of the New Testament and their influence on the community of their time. For more information, contact Diane Arzberger at 517.342.2465 or darzberger@dioceseoflansing.org. Nov. 20-22, Contemplative Retreat for women; presenters: Sister Joanne Podlucky and Trudy McSorley.
Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m., St. Paul in Owosso will have a back to school Ice Cream Social. Come see your friends, greet the teachers and enjoy some delicious ice cream. Sept. 11, 7 p.m. and Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, Howell will host the next Unbound Conference, which presents the Unbound prayer model popularized by author/speaker Neal Lozano in his book Unbound: A Practical Guide to Deliverance. Cost is $35 by Aug. 29 and $45 after. For more information or to register, call the parish at 517.546.0090. Sept. 21, 11:00 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School Golf Outing, Teeing It Up for Tuition, at The Polo Fields, Washtenaw; Shotgun start. Call 734.821.2208 for more information.
BETHANY HOUSE/ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT 866.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS
WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, ADRIAN 517.266.4000 or WEBERCENTER.ORG HELP SUPPORT CATHOLIC CHARITIES
GO ON A PILGRIMAGE
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER Why not celebrate the Year of Marriage by making your good marriage even better? Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter to renew and enrich your marriage and your faith. Upcoming weekends will be Aug. 7-9 at St. John in Fenton, (you sleep at home or in a hotel); Sept. 25-27 at the Holiday Inn in Troy; and Oct. 16-18 at the Saginaw Center for Ministry. For more information or to register, visit wwme.org or contact Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433. NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ABORTED CHILDREN Sept. 12, 1 p.m., a memorial service will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2520 W. Willow St. in Lansing. Following the service, a reception will be held. For information, contact Cecilia Tombelli at ctombelli@resurrectionlansing.org or Chris Veneklase at memorialservicelansing@gmail.com. DIOCESE OF LANSING PILGRIMAGE Aug. 29-Sept. 1, the Office of Multicultural Ministry invites those in the diocese to join the eighth Woman of Hope Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and other sites. Cost is $75 per person roundtrip and includes three days and two nights housing at Trinity College, breakfasts Friday to Sunday and Sunday brunch. Limit: 42 people. For more information, contact Ronald Landfair at 517.342.2496 or rlandfair@dioceseoflansing.org.
Sept. 18-19, Fri., 3 p.m.-Sat., 6 p.m., “The Wisdom Years and Dominican Spirituality” – a time for current and former Adrian Dominican Sisters to reconnect and reflect; Sept. 20, 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., autumn equinox is a time to gather with others to say thank you to earth; and Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., “Today’s Mystics: Dorothy Day and Bede Griffiths” – come meet two mystic companions and guides who support and encourage us to trust our own mystical journey. CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES 810.232.9950 OR CCSGC.ORG As you travel this summer, remember Catholic Charities. We are in need of your travel size toiletries in our Community Closets. Items collected are distributed free of charge to clients and families in need. For more information, call 810.232.9950 or 989.723.8239. WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes will be held July 10-11 at St. Robert Bellarmine in Flushing; and Aug. 7-8 at St. John the Evangelist, Fenton. Registration: $75. For information, call 810.232.9950. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG or 517.782.2551 Aug. 21, Scramble and Golf Ball Drop at Lakeland Hills Golf Club, Jackson. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG or 517.545.5944 Foster families needed: Thinking of becoming a foster parent? LCCC is holding an orientation for persons interested in learning more about foster care on the third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m.-8 p.m., 2020 E. Grand River, Ste. 104 in Howell. There are no fees for becoming a foster parent. To RSVP, call Christine at 517.545.5944. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Interested in becoming a foster parent? CSSW licenses foster families to provide a safe, loving, temporary home until a child is able to be reunified with their birth family. Foster care orientations are held at 4925 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Upcoming meetings are: July 9, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; July 23, 9 a.m.-noon; Aug. 13, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; and Aug. 27, 9 a.m.-noon. For information or to RSVP, please call 734.971.9781, ext. 448. There are no fees associated with becoming a licensed foster parent. We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes are July 17-18 and Aug. 14-15. For registration information, 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or csswashtenaw.org.
L EA R N , VOLU N T EE R , DO N ATE , P R AY
FAITH IN FL INT.C OM
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BISHOP BOYEA ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS •R ev. Kusitino Cobona, effective Oct. 1, 2015, pastor of Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian Parish, Leslie; and remains pastor of St. James Parish, Mason.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL St. Anthony of Padua, 11 N. Broad St., Hillsdale, July 1317, 9 a.m.-noon, age 4 through grade 4. For information, contact the parish office at 517.437.3305. St. Mary Magdalen, 2201 Old US 23 Hwy., Brighton, July 27-31, 9:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m., contact Sandi Phillips at 810.229.8624 for information. St. Patrick Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor, July 27-31, 9 a.m.-noon, age 4 through grade 6. To register, 734.662.8141 or stpatricka2.org/parish-life/ vacation-bible-school.
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CATHOLIC COLLEGE NIGHT
• • • •
SENIOR PARISHIONERS’ APPRECIATION MASSES All at 11 a.m., unless otherwise noted. • Sept. 2, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Davison, Genesee County Catholic Council on Aging • Sept. 8, St. James Parish, Mason, Ingham County Catholic Council on Aging • Sept. 10, Immaculate Conception Parish, Milan, Washtenaw County Catholic Council on Aging • Sept. 17, St. Isidore Parish, Laingsburg, Shiawassee County Catholic Council on Aging • Sept. 22, St. Mary Star of the Sea/St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Jackson County Catholic Council on Aging • Sept. 24, Light of Christ Parish, Deerfield, Lenawee/ Hillsdale Counties Catholic Council on Aging • Sept. 25, St. Agnes Parish, Fowlerville, Livingston County Catholic Council on Aging 26
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avigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities N Benefits of a Catholic education Life on a Catholic campus Catholic athletics
More than 25 Catholic colleges, universities and schools of nursing from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois will be displaying at the fair. The Knights of Columbus will provide complimentary pizza and pop. Please visit catholiccollegenight.org/ for additional information.
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• Rev. Michael Petroski, from pastor of Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian Parish, Leslie, to senior priest status, effective Oct. 1, 2015. • Rev. Carl Simon, from parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Davison and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Burton, to senior priest status, effective July 1, 2015.
St. Pius X Church, G-3139 Hogarth Ave., Flint, Aug. 5-6. For information or to register, 810.235.8574 or spxdre@ comcast.net.
The St. Patrick Knights of Columbus Council in Brighton is hosting a free Catholic College and University Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Cleary University in Howell. The goals of this fair are to give students and their parents the opportunity to speak with representatives of Catholic colleges and universities regarding:
• Rev. James Mangan, having completed studies in sacred theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas in Rome, to parochial vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Flint and St. Michael Parish, Flint; and effective Oct. 1, 2015, to parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Flint.
Ordained to the priesthood June 20, 2015 • Rev. Robert Bacik, to parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Davison and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Burton. • Rev. David Fons, to parochial vicar of St. Gerard Parish, Lansing. • Rev. Zachary Mabee, to parochial vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Flint and St. Michael Parish, Flint; and effective Oct. 1, 2015, to parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Flint.
DIOCESE OF LANSING PRIESTS’ ANNIVERSARIES
10 YEARS
•R ev. Chas Canoy, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson • Rev. Steve Mattson, pastor of Church of the Resurrection Parish, Lansing • Rev. Michael O’Brien, pastor of St. Paul Parish, Owosso • Rev. Jeffrey Poll, pastor of Light of Christ Parish, Blissfield/Deerfield • Rev. Gordon Reigle, pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing, and Good Shepherd Parish, Montrose
25 YEARS
•R ev. Kenneth Coughlin, pastor of Ss. Charles and Helena Parish, Clio, and St. Francis Xavier Parish, Otisville • Rev. Dennis Howard, pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler • Rev. Joseph Kim, pastor of St. Andrew Dung-Lac Parish, Lansing
50 YEARS
•R ev. Roland Calvert, OSFS, senior priest • Rev. Frederick Taggart, OSA, pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Flint
YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
FATHER PAUL SCHWERMER, REQUIESCAT IN PACE Rev. Paul Schwermer, age 59, entered eternal life on May 16 in the St. Robert Bellarmine Parish rectory, with family and friends at his side. The Funeral Mass was held on May 20 at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, with Bishop Boyea presiding. Interment followed at St. Robert Cemetery. Father Schwermer, a graduate of Father Luke M. Powers High School in Flint, was ordained in 1982 after completing priesthood studies at St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth. He served as parochial vicar of: St. John the Evangelist, Jackson; St. John the Evangelist, Ypsilanti; St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing; and St. Gerard, Lansing; and as pastor of Ss. Charles and Helena Parish, Clio and Holy Rosary Parish, Flint. WOMEN’S CURSILLO RETREAT Rev. David Rosenberg, pastor of St. Mary Church, Charlotte, gave several talks at the Women’s Cursillo at Camp Dainava, Manchester. He became a diocesan priest four years ago and, prior to that, had been a deacon for 10 years. A follow-up to the Cursillo weekend, participants got together in small groups and talked about their retreat experiences.
FATHER LAWRENCE P. DELANEY, REQUIESCAT IN PACE Father Lawrence P. Delaney, age 75, of DeWitt, passed into eternal life on June 7, 2015, after a brief illness. Father Larry was born Feb. 15, 1940 in Owosso, Mich. to Charlotte Maloy Delaney and Earl F. Delaney. He was baptized on March 10, 1940 at the parish of St. Paul, Owosso. He graduated from Resurrection High School, Lansing in 1958, attended Michigan State University and was a graduate of Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse, Wisc. He received his Master of Divinity degree from St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, Mich. in 1967. Father Larry was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Alexander Zaleski on June 3, 1967 at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing. During his years of ministry to the people of the Diocese of Lansing, he served as associate pastor (parochial vicar) for: St. Charles Parish, Coldwater; St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Jackson; and St. Therese, Parish, Lansing. He served as pastor of Holy Trinity Student Chapel, Ypsilanti and was chaplain at Eastern Michigan University from 1975 to 1989. In 1989, Father Larry was appointed by Bishop Kenneth Povish to be the first director of the St. Francis Retreat
DIOCESE OF LANSING’S NEW ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Ray Rzepecki has accepted the Diocese of Lansing’s offer to become associate superintendent of schools. He has worked at St. Mary Parish in Westphalia for 20 years, first as a teacher, then as the principal. Ray and his wife of 35 years, Beth, are parishioners at St. Gerard Parish in Lansing. Since 1980, he has been a catechist and involved with the youth ministry team at the parish. He holds multiple degrees from Central Michigan University, and he has served the Catholic schools in the diocese through participation on multiple committees and through other roles and initiatives. Ray began his new position at the diocese at the end of St. Mary School’s academic year.
Center, DeWitt, and he continued in that role until the time of his death. He was a pioneer in facilitating healing retreats for those who had suffered from clerical sexual abuse, and he was one of the early columnists for FAITH Magazine in the Diocese of Lansing. Living and working at the retreat center gave Father Larry the space to indulge in his love of animals – and guests at the retreat center were often treated to a speech about the value of chickens, or were recruited to help retrieve peacocks that had wandered off. He always had a beloved canine companion, and his current dog, Kerry, was constantly at his side. Father Larry is survived by his brothers and sisters, Donald (Margaret) Delaney, Douglas (Linda) Delaney, Dennis (Patricia) Delaney, Frances Schnepp, Cheryl (Mac) Williams and Suzanne Price; by his sister-in-law, Harriet Kay Delaney; and by his nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his family, Father Larry will be mourned and missed by his brother priests in the Diocese of Lansing, his colleagues, and the innumerable people whose lives he touched throughout the years of his priesthood. He was famous for saying, often as part of a retreat talk, “Remember this for life!” This pronouncement was always followed by words of wisdom – and he would joke that nobody really remembered those words, not even he. But everyone who met Father Larry Delaney will remember one thing for life – that he showed them the face and the love of God. 27
YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
MOTHER TERESA HOUSE BREAKFAST Mother Teresa House, a home for people with terminal illness, held its annual “Path of Peace” fundraising breakfast on May 5 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath. The house provides loving, personal, around-the-clock care to people of any faith at no charge, with priority given to those in greatest need. Bishop Boyea gave the invocation and Karen Bussey, the director, explained the vision of Mother Teresa House. All are invited to attend a “Tour of Peace,” which is a tour of the house located near St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. For more information on attending a tour, to make a donation or to inquire about volunteering, please visit www.motherteresahouse.org or call 517.484.5494. STS. CORNELIUS AND CYPRIAN DESIGNATED MICHIGAN HISTORICAL SITE A Michigan Historical Marker for Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Parish in Leslie was dedicated in May. Father Michael Petroski, pastor of the oldest parish in Ingham County, gave a brief history of the historical significance of the church, cemetery and buildings. Michigan Historical Commissioner Thomas Truscott was present for the event. The church was built in 1863. 28
NEW DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES
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Bishop Earl Boyea announced the appointment of Deacon James Kasprzak as director of Catholic Charities, effective May 4, 2015. A longtime economist and financial manager for the State of Michigan, Deacon Jim recently retired as the chief financial officer and chief of the Administrative Division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. In the course of a distinguished career in state government, he served in several capacities that will prepare him for his new role. His time as director of the Bureau of Administrative Services of the then-Family Independence Agency, and his role as director of the Office of Human Services for the Department of Management and Budget provided deep insight into the challenges and issues faced daily by those who provide services to the vulnerable and the under-served. Since his ordination in 2009, he has been assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas/St. John the Evangelist Parish in East Lansing
SPECIAL NEEDS MASS IN FLINT On April 19, Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton held the first Genesee County Special Needs Mass. It will host a Special Needs Mass the fourth Sunday of each month, which all are welcome to attend. The Mass was celebrated by Father Anderson. Many of the youths who attended are students at Elmer A. Knopf Learning Center (EKLC) in Flint. Both Cherie Wagner, assistant superintendent at the school, and Marianna Skunda, the principal, attended. Sharlene Howe shared her sign language skills as her face and hands interpreted the Mass for the hearing impaired. Haley Wilmot, a student at EKLC, invoked the response for the petitions: “Let us pray.” At the end of Mass, the hymn “My Redeemer Lives” was sung with people clapping their hands accompanied by tambourines and maraca. ST. PAUL SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT SEMANA SANTA The fourth- and fifth-graders at St. Paul School in Owosso experienced how Holy Week (Semana Santa) is celebrated around the world in Spanish-speaking countries. Each class created a float that would become the focal point of a school-wide assembly. The fourthgraders created a float for Mary and the fifth-graders created a float for Jesus. Although the fourth- and fifth-graders did most of the work for the procession, the kindergarten through third-grade students also helped. They colored in designs that were laid on the floor where the floats passed by. BALLET CHELSEA BRINGS FUN AND DANCE TO ST. LOUIS CENTER At the beginning of 2015, Ballet Chelsea began teaching an “Adaptive Dance Program” to several residents of St. Louis Center on Friday mornings. According to instructor Catrina Choate, “Dance and movement can be enjoyed by people of all abilities and, so far, the St. Louis Center residents in the program are having a great time and enjoying their experience.”
FAITH Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2015 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM
CREDITS
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing JULY/AUGUST 2015 VOLUME 15: ISSUE 6
www.FAITHpub.com Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER
Rev. Dwight Ezop
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The ‘Pope Franciscus’ white rose
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FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2013 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
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POPE WATCH WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY
In a world in which it is so normal to experience a throwaway culture – if we are not happy with something we discard it – you live this situation with heroism. You are the little heroes of life.” – Pope Francis to an audience of sick children and their parents in May.
Pope Francis @Pontifex (May 16, 2015) “It is better to have a Church that is wounded but out in the streets than a Church that is sick because it is closed in on itself.”
Two French horticulturists, Croix Dominique and Jacques Ranchon, recently named a new breed of white rose “Pope Franciscus” after the pontiff. Pope Francis has a devotion to the Little Flower, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and receives white roses from her intercession: “Whenever I have a problem, I ask the saint not to solve it, but to take it into her hands and to help me accept it and I almost always receive a white rose as a sign.” Fifty rose bushes are planted in the Vatican Gardens and at Castel Gandolfo.
The protection and promotion of life
DID YOU KNOW? Pope Francis has not watched television since 1990..
In his address to the Science and Life Association in June, Pope Francis said that a civilization that fails to protect life does not fulfill its responsibilities. He said that abortion, euthanasia, malnutrition and abandonment of immigrants are attacks against human life. “I invite you to highly maintain your gaze on the sacredness of every human person, so that science may truly be at the service of man, and not man at the service of science,” he said
REUTERS/Tony Gentile
Pope Francis waves during a special audience with a group of children whose parents are inprisoned.
WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM
SAINT OF THE MONTH
LAST WORD
T. Gennara
A good priest is A SERVANT PRIEST
FATHER CHARLES IRVIN
is the founding
St. Maria Goretti Feast day: July 6
WHEN A YOUNG MAN IS ORDAINED, he editor of FAITH has no idea about what lies ahead of him. But Magazine and is retired. then the same is true for newly marrieds, for graduates and for those starting new careers or businesses. So it is not what lies ahead of a newly ordained priest that really matters, it is how he enters into what will come. More accurately, it’s what he brings with him – not just knowledge but, more importantly, people skills.
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus called the meek blessed. He also demonstrated vividly that he was meekness itself, and therefore innocent. Innocence in this sense means to know nothing of evil at all. In a similar way, St. Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was innocent. Born to a poor farming family in Italy, she lived only 11 years. She was brutally stabbed 14 times by the much older Alessandro Serenelli, whose family shared the same house as Maria’s family. She was killed because she refused to give in to the advances of Alessandro. As he pressed her, she reportedly cried out that what he wanted to do was a mortal sin that would result in his eternal damnation. St. Maria lived for 24 hours after the attack, during which time she expressed forgiveness for her murderer and declared her wish that he might join her in heaven. Alessandro eventually repented after St. Maria appeared to him in a dream. He became a lay brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, and lived in a monastery until his death in 1970. The witness of St. Maria Goretti testifies to the power of forgiveness and praying for our enemies as we travel the path to holiness.
While it’s true that the seminary experience is filled with intellectual development, it is arguable that the spiritual formation process is more important. But what is even more important is formation in relating to people, as Jesus related to those around him. What needs attention is not so much what Jesus did in terms of teaching, but how he related to people, friends and enemies alike. It was what came forth from his heart that really mattered and what drew people to him. The Cure d’Ars, St. John Vianney, is the patron saint of parish priests. He had difficulty with his seminary studies, but was eventually ordained a priest and sent to an obscure little village in France named Ars, near the French Alps. He became famous because of his loving care for the people of his parish. They experienced his caring, and the words that came from his heart. Great intellectuals and important people traveled to Ars by the thousands to listen to the Cure, including one of the most famous preachers of the day by the name of Henri Lacordaire. What attracted all of those greats? It was the humble caring that emanated from this simple priest’s heart – not simply his words. A priest like Jesus is a servant priest, a priest who sacrifices his own interests, who sacrifices control over his life, who sacrifices having a family in order to be available and open to CHECK OUT everyone. Being available isn’t just a matter of PAGE 13 TO time, it means having a well-known loving and MEET THE NEW caring heart. PRIESTS OF THE DIOCESE OF A priest like Jesus is a priest like Pope Francis. LANSING A priest like Jesus thinks not of time as his own, but realizes that any and all of his time belongs to those he serves. He is not a professional, he is a servant. For a good priest, the only way up is through humility. People will love a priest who they know loves them. You see, in the long run, it is not what’s in our head that will save us, it’s what is in our hearts and has been given away to others. Jesus saved us by emptying himself out on the cross. Priests are saved by emptying themselves out for others in this suffering world of ours. Is that a costly challenge for any young man? Certainly. But all precious things are costly.
BE INNOCENT
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