ORDINATION 2016:
MEET FIVE NEW PRIESTS FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING SPECIAL REPORT:
THE CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO THE WORST MASS SHOOTING IN U.S. HISTORY PLUS:
HOW WE WILL WITNESS TO HOPE THROUGH OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
SURVIVING DIVORCE
How Irene’s faith helped her find peace
FROM THE BISHOP
BISHOP EARL BOYEA
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea
Carlson Productions
HOW CAN WE HELP ‘ANNOUNCE THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD’?
“GO AND ANNOUNCE THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD.” These words of Jesus have been guiding our diocese in a particular way these past four years. These words are also the charge given us for the years ahead. The Holy Spirit is clearly telling us what we are to do. Now it is up to each of us to become disciples of Jesus and then go out there and disciple others! This is never easy. We are in a society that is often encased in sin and pessimism. We can even get quite discouraged at the condition of our faith and our Church. We choose, however, not to focus on the darkness. Rather, we are boldly stepping forth to Witness to Hope. We have taken positive action by building up our own Household of Faith. There are many activities going on in all of our parishes, thanks be to God. This fall, we will have our second Diocesan Assembly to help us bring back the Lost Sheep, those we know are called by name by our God and whom we must now call by name back to the Lord and his Church. In addition, our evangelization efforts need funding. Thus, after a serious period of consultation and prayer, we are beginning a diocesan-wide capital campaign aptly called Witness to Hope. The biggest single chunk of the funds raised will return to our parishes, where the evangelizing and re-evangelizing takes place. While a small proportion will go to support our senior priests and to assist with infrastructure work at the cathedral, most of the funds raised will support our announcing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These elements include support for our Catholic Charities and their witness to hope and service of those in need; for need-based assistance to children in Catholic schools; for improving and supporting our religious education and parent formation programs; and for supporting our seminarians on their way to becoming our future priests. While our annual DSA supports the ongoing operations of the diocese, this campaign is focused on moving us to be ever greater lights in the darkness of our world. Such a campaign is formative for all of us in two ways: it does remind us how we are all stewards of the financial gifts with which God has graced us; and it reminds us that we are Catholic, that is, that while we love our parishes, we belong to the wider Church and it is always better to work together to achieve God’s will. So, I invite – in fact, I beg – all of you to pray for the success of this campaign, as well as the success of our Diocesan Assembly. Then I invite you to consider, as part of your prayer, how you may become sacrificially involved in this great act of stewardship, how you may become a Witness to Hope. I look forward, over the next year and a half, to being with you as we get moving and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
We choose, however, not to focus on the darkness. Rather, we are boldly stepping forth to Witness to Hope.”
FROM THE EDITOR
FAITH HELPS
Help grow your faith
DISCIPLESHIP
I
T.Gennera
HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD QUITE A BIT this spring and early summer. As I drive about various parts of our diocese, I have been delighted by the beauty of the fields. Winter wheat, corn and other crops have been sprouting up. The fields have been glorious green to match this longest stretch of Ordinary Time in our liturgical year, which will take us from spring through late November and the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The green that marks this season of Ordinary Time is meant to reflect the lush green and growth that we see in the world around us. These summer months are all about growth – the growth we see happening in the fields around us, as well as the growth that is to be taking place in our spiritual lives.
FATHER DWIGHT EZOP
is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Church, Bellevue. Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.
LEARN MORE READ ABOUT OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN, WITNESS TO HOPE, STARTING ON PAGE 11
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This ongoing need for growth in faith for people of all ages and stages is a very important aspect of the New Evangelization that has been proclaimed and promoted by Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and our current Holy Father, Pope Francis. The goal of the New Evangelization is not just the proclamation of the Gospel, but also a deep-seated desire to help connect people with God’s grace in order to help all of us – no matter where we are on our journey of faith – to grow in relationship with God and deepen our understanding of our Catholic faith. The process of facilitating these efforts across our diocese will require tremendous resources. Take some time to learn more about Witness to Hope, a unique diocese-wide capital campaign that will encourage all of us to provide the financial resources necessary to assist our parishes and our diocese to better respond to the call of the ongoing New Evangelization. Our individual and collective response to Witness to Hope will have an immeasurable positive impact on the growth and sharing of faith with all people in our diocese. New growth can also be painful, even as it seeks to bring about healing. Irene Myers was divorced after 28 years of marriage. Her divorce began a journey of personal healing and growth as she sought to draw closer to God in order to bring some peace to her life after divorce. Eventually, Irene responded to God’s encouragement to establish and foster a divorce support group in her own parish community. What began as an individual experience of painful growth and healing has led Irene to help a number of other divorced Catholics find the peace and the healing they need and desire. Just a few weeks ago, our diocese welcomed five newly ordained priests, as well as two newly ordained transitional deacons. Father Ryan Riley, one of our newly ordained priests, served a year with me at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Fenton. It was a joy to witness then-Deacon Ryan grow in his identity as a public person and minister in the life of the Church. Now he is Father Ryan Riley; he and his classmates assume a unique role in assisting all of us to grow in relationship with God as they preach the Word and celebrate the sacraments. As the People of God, we have the responsibility and privilege to help them grow into their priestly ministry. These summer months are all about growth. The beauty of field and forest is reflected in the green that marks our liturgical celebrations. Let us make the best of these summer days to grow in faith and in relationship with God, and with one another. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.
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For personal reflection or small group discussion Parenting Journey
1. What technology-free family activities might you implement to encourage your child to cultivate relationships off the screen?
Work Life
1. What are some ways that you can bring Christ’s presence into your daily tasks at work which might energize you?
In the Know with Father Joe
1. Father Joe says that a priest’s call is considered “God’s call” more than “his call.” In what ways do you see your vocation in life as God’s call rather than your call? 2. How is your service to the world and the Church similar to or different from that of Catholic priests or religious brothers or sisters?
Ordinations
1. Are there people in your life who help you hear and respond to God’s call? 2. Have you had any major experiences that have helped you improve your spiritual life and draw closer to the Lord?
Cover story
1. What aspects of your faith help you through life’s greatest difficulties?
FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO FAITHPUB.COM TO FIND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES
INSIDE JULY/AUGUST
P. 15
P. 16
P. 17
P. 18
COVER STORY SURVIVING DIVORCE HOW IRENE’S FAITH HELPED HER FIND PEACE P. 20
P. 19
YOUR LIFE
6 marriage matters
She says: ‘All we ever do is argue.’ He says: ‘She is blowing this out of proportion.’ What do they do?
7 p arenting journey
How much screen time is too much?
P. 11
work life
Is it OK to take a ‘mental health’ day?
WITNESS TO HOPE
11
How we will Witness to
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aith in action – Mary Beth F and John are ready to engage in new campaign
YOUR FAITH
8 in the know with Father Joe Priest, pastor, nun, brother:
How are these roles different?
10 theology 101
Mercy begins with spiritual conversion
P. 30
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Hope through our capital campaign – An interview with Bishop Boyea
oly Spirit at work – Kathleen H and Joe witness to their faith through capital campaign
PLUS
28 culture
onoring a selfless Polish H priest with a Polish barbecue
FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS
3 0 special report The Catholic response to
the worst mass shooting in U.S. history
31 last word My best day as a priest 5
YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS
Couples are as likely to disagree about needing to see WHAT DO a counselor as they are about THEY DO? needing to ask someone for directions. (“We’re lost!” “No we’re not!” “We need help!” “I know what I’m doing!”)
SHE SAYS:
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HE SAYS:
All we ever do is argue
She is blowing this out of proportion
I feel as if all Mike and I do anymore is argue. It’s almost a sitcom – we even fight about the way the toilet paper goes on the roll. We can’t seem to stop the constant bickering on our own and I think we need to go to a marriage counselor – before we are in serious trouble.
I think Jenny is blowing this way out of proportion. I’m stressed from work, and if she could just cut me some slack and stop nagging about every little thing, we’d be fine. We’re certainly not at a point we need the interference of an outsider. Marriage counseling is for people at the brink of divorce, and that’s not us.
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And these can actually be reasonable disagreements. One might in fact be more comfortable with constant bickering than the other, just like one might have a more confident understanding of what it means to be “lost.” (“I mean, we’re in the right city aren’t we?!”) The bottom line is that if one perceives a need for outside help while the other doesn’t, each needs to respect the other’s feelings. Mike, please understand that Jenny’s angst about your arguing might very well be more acute than your own. Please affirm that it’s reasonable for her to feel that way, and, out of love and respect for her, seriously consider going with her to a counselor, even if you don’t see the need. STEVE AND On your part, Jenny, try to BRIDGET PATTON understand that Mike might hold master’s very well have thicker skin than degrees in you do about quarrelling, and theology and that that’s OK too. If, for whatcounseling and ever reason, he just will not go serve as family with you to a counselor, aclife ministers for cept that, affirm him and back the Diocese of off. But also consider going Sacramento. to a counselor by yourself. In fact, sometimes all it takes to defuse domestic strife is for one spouse to get professional help to figure out how to break an unhealthy cycle of communication. One way or the other, if things don’t improve, don’t wait until you’re at the brink of divorce to seek help. Just like it’s unwise to wait until you’re almost dead to see a doctor, so it is with the health of your relationship. The sicker you are when you finally go in, the less there is to work with. The best time to work on your relationship is before you encounter big problems. As Pope Francis puts it in his exhortation The Joy of Love: “Communication is an art learned in moments of peace in order to be practiced in moments of difficulty.”
HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS TOO MUCH?
Q
My 8-year-old son seems to spend all of his time on digital devices, watching shows, playing games and “talking” to his friends. My friends say this is what’s normal today, but I think he should be outside playing. How much screen time is too much?
DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL
is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.
A teachers spoke of attending the When I was young, one of my
1931 White House Conference on Child Health and Protection as a contributor to the Children’s Charter. Her favorite phrase was: “For the child, his play is his work and his work is his play.” President Hoover noted that, “These plans must constantly be translated into action.” The suggestions that children need opportunities to grow spiritually, to have secure homes, to attend wholesome schools and to spend time in play still need to be translated into action. What games and shows are favorites? Today’s parents may recall becoming intrigued by the western expansion across the U.S. through
YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE
Is it OK to take a ‘mental health’ day? I can hardly drag myself into work some mornings – is it OK for me to use sick time to take a 'mental health' day?
Q
The Oregon Trail. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? stimulated interest in geography. Check out the quality of your child’s games. Do they enrich educational skills? Are they consistent with your values? What activities do digital devices replace? “Talking” with friends digitally isn’t the same as face-to-face interaction. Encourage imaginative play. My daughter and her friends enjoyed decorating wooden embroidery hoops with ribbons; then they tossed the hoops back and forth, watching the colors stream through the air.
WHAT A GREAT IDEA! I was just dragging myself to write this column. Where have you been all my life? Unless your employer allows a creative interpretation of sick time – I’m sick of my job, my boss makes me sick, I’m sicking my dog on my co-worker – it’s not OK to skip work for mental health purposes. Lord knows, if that were the case, the noshow rate would be 50 percent. The phenomenon of dragging oneself to work is not uncommon. Work is not a curse, but sometimes it feels like it. In fact, work is a blessing. But the consequence of the fall made labor arduous, with sweat, toil, thorns and thistles. (Gen 3) But the Redeemer has redeemed this central activity of our lives. Through work, we become co-creators with Christ and bring his presence into our mundane tasks. Even our suffering becomes an avenue to partner with him, mindfully piggybacking our temporary afflictions onto his great suffering to help redeem
A
In-person conversations are richer than that of children texting. Monitor the quality of the interactions as well as the amount of time. “Face-time” on a cell phone with grandparents who live far away helps maintain key relationships. Consider what your children observe in terms of your own digital activities. Are family meals a time to focus on sharing food and conversation? Or do you text at the table? Make choices about whether “normal activities” are life-renewing or distracting. Pray your concerns: Proverbs 2:6.
the world. But even to do that we need energy, and it sounds like you’re depleted. Smart self-care makes one a better steward. And mental well-being is necessary for serving your employer well and fairly. Take time to reflect and seek advice on your daily and weekly routine. Are you going to bed early enough and getting a good sleep? Are you eating well and exercising? JIM BERLUCCHI Are you beset with is the executive a bad relationship or director of the financial anxiety? Do Spitzer Center. you have vitality in your relationship with Christ? Or, might you just be going through a rough patch that you need to endure? All these things, and a lot more, can drag us down. Seek wisdom from good counsel and take the corrective steps to energize your life. T. Gennara
T. Gennara
YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY
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YOUR FAITH
READ MORE FIVE MEN FROM THE DIOCESE OF LANSING WERE ORDAINED TO THE PRIESTHOOD ON JUNE 10. READ THEIR STORIES, STARTING ON PAGE 14.
REUTERS
are “Catholic.” When it comes to “Protestant,” you are referring to a large and ideologically diverse group of people. What is true of some Protestant pastors is not true of others. With that in mind, I’ll focus on some general, but key differences. Also, there are Eastern Rite priests and Western/Latin Rite priests (we often call them Roman Catholic). Within the Latin Rite, there are ideas that apply to some, not all: for example, most Latin Rite priests are celibate, but some are married and have children. It’s one of those situations where, no matter how I answer, it would be relatively easy for someone to point out an exception. With that in mind, I’m going to answer in the broadest way possible. Both Catholic priests and Protestant pastors believe themselves to be sent by God to serve his people. Their lives are all about the spiritual care of a group of believers. They offer their lives in service to God’s people by teaching; praying for, over and with them; and putting themselves a distant third behind their relationship with God and their care for a community of believers. You’ll find Catholic priests and Protestant pastors at hospitals, prisons, schools and homes, doing our best to bring God’s love and light. If a man discerns that he is called to be a priest, he must go through a process of discernment that involves a lot of different people and a significant amount of schooling. It is never to be understood as “his call,” as much as “God’s call” and, because of that, a good number of people who are part of the body of Christ are a part of that discernment. This time of prayer, discernment and education culminates in an ordination: a eucharistic celebra-
Priest, pastor, nun, brother:
HOW ARE THESE ROLES DIFFERENT? FATHER JOE: What is the difference between Q DEAR a Catholic priest and a Protestant pastor? What is the difference between sisters and nuns? What about between brothers and monks?
T. Gennara
IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
FATHER JOE KRUPP
is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack
8
A
These questions sure made me do some research! It’s funny, but I found that there were some elements to this that I simply didn’t know. One of the first things I discovered is that there are official terms and designations and there is the way we talk – these can be two different things! Think of what happens when you want to blow your nose: you ask for a Kleenex. What you are really asking for is officially called “paper facial tissue”, but we all call it one brand of paper facial tissue: Kleenex. (Massive props to the Kleenex marketing department). This linguistic dynamic also is found in some of the terms used below. Let’s get right to it … What is the difference between a Catholic priest and a Protestant pastor? We’ll have to start here with a note: not all the non-Catholic definitions are so hard and fast. Catholicism is monolithic, meaning, there is a defined set of rules, theology and concepts that
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tion where the man’s soul is altered and he is graced with the sacrament of holy orders. After ordination, Catholics believe priests are unique in that they act in the person of Christ. The priest is given this special grace so that he can offer it to others through the wonder of the sacraments.
B. PATTEN
What’s the difference between brothers and monks? A monk is a person who lives with other monks in community. These communities tend to be self-sufficient. They serve the Church through their prayer, meditation and offering the fruits of their time with God. A monk’s work and prayer are primarily for the world. A monk may or may not be a priest. A brother may or may not live with other brothers, but does not (as a general rule) live in a monastery. Any food or goods that he has are a result of the generosity of others. He tends to stay within a defined geographical area and serve within it. His work and prayer are primarily in the world. Both monks and brothers take and live vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.
What’s the difference between a sister and a nun? A nun is a woman who lives in a monastery as a contemplative person. As a general rule, her work is for the world, not in the world. She works and prays within a monastery Most often, within her community, she will be called “Sister.” A Catholic sister, or religious woman living an active apostolate in the world, is different. She works in the world, taking the Gospel wherever she goes. She may live in a convent or live on her own, but she lives in some form of community on a mission. Both of these are forms of religious life, and both take take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Different communities vary in how these are lived out.
Q: WHY DO THE FRENCH LOVE TO EAT SNAILS? A: THEY DON’T LIKE FAST FOOD.
If you are considering religious life, you should call your diocese and ask who you can talk to about all of this – there’s way more than I can go into here! Enjoy another day in God’s presence. 9
Banquet at the House of Simon by Bernardo Strozzi
Mercy begins with SPIRITUAL CONVERSION A
ND JESUS TOLD THEM THIS PARABLE: “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’
when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”
S. Olson
YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101
DOUG CULP
is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
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Pope Francis has made it clear that the Church’s mission of being a witness to mercy begins with our own spiritual conversion. We simply cannot witness to mercy if we have not experienced the merciful love of Christ. We cannot experience the merciful love of Christ if we are blind to our own sinfulness and need for mercy, a mercy that is always offered to us in the forgiveness of our sins.
THE CALL TO CONVERSION Each of us is called to conversion by Jesus. The first conversion consists in our hearing the Gospel – our encountering Christ, our believing in him and our deciding to order our lives accordingly. Baptism, of course, is the primary place for this fundamental conversion. In baptism, we renounce evil and win salvation. This first conversion
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(Lk 6:41-42)
is completed when we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in confirmation and the gift of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist. These sacraments of initiation together leave us “holy and without blemish.” However, the new life granted to us in Christian initiation does not mean that we will remain “holy and without blemish.” Our human nature means that we still tend toward sin. Nonetheless, Christ ceaselessly calls us, through the work of the Church, to turn anew from our sinfulness through repentance. Through the gift of grace, we are invited to respond with a contrite heart to the merciful love of the God who has loved us first. Consider the Gospel of Luke 7:36-50. While Jesus is dining at the house of a Pharisee, a sinful woman stands behind him bathing his feet with her tears and anointing them with oil. When the Pharisee objects,
Jesus replies, “Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” In other words, the love the woman shows Jesus is the evidence of her conversion – the evidence that her sins have been forgiven through the encounter with God’s mercy.
A SACRAMENT OF HEALING The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults indicates Jesus entrusted this ministry of reconciliation to the Church. In particular, the sacrament of penance is God's gift to us so that any sin committed by us after baptism can be forgiven. With absolution, we are reconciled to God and to the Church. The sacrament of reconciliation is the unique sacrament of mercy because it is an experience of the gift of God's boundless mercy.
How we will Witness to Hope through our capital campaign An interview with Bishop Boyea
What are the diocesan needs that have prompted the capital campaign?
The Church today is faced with many challenges – declining attendance at Mass on Sundays, and in participation in the sacraments, which are the instruments of God’s grace. It can be tempting to respond with pessimism and discouragement. But that is the work of the devil – and we are people of hope. We are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, to be messengers of the Gospel and be faithful disciples. How do you see the campaign as a Witness to Hope? First
of all, through the process of the campaign, we are calling people to make a commitment about something very personal – their financial well-being. People often see their finances as the way they value themselves. We need to recognize our financial blessings are gifts from God, and we should be generous to God’s Church with the gifts he has given us. That is how we respond at a personal level to God, and how we bear witness to our hope in his Church. What are your principal goals for the campaign? I believe
there are three major goals. First of all, our work of evangelization as we Announce the Gospel of the Lord has clearly demonstrated, as if we needed that demonstration, that the place where all this happens is the parish. This campaign will strengthen our parishes, not just financially, but also by instilling a sense of stewardship. That is why the largest component of the campaign is financial assistance for our parishes. This leads to the second goal. We need to develop a greater sense
of stewardship among all of us. We have not been challenged in this way before. Thus I see this campaign as a formative experience, as an important component of what it means to be a disciple. Pope Francis, on Ash Wednesday, made an important connection: “If the Jubilee doesn’t reach our pockets, it’s not a Jubilee.” The third goal for this campaign, and what makes it different from what many of you may have experienced in other campaigns, is rooted in our very essence as Catholic. We have a responsibility for the broader Church and, of course ultimately, for the whole world. This is not just a matter that there are things that we cannot do on our own, but that we shouldn’t do on our own. We really are in this together as we do God’s work. Belonging to a parish is at the heart of our faith lives and I would not want it any other way, but that very belonging includes belonging to the broader Church, our diocese, and to the Catholic Church. This is an opportunity for all of us to make that reality even more concrete. Why should we give to the campaign? This is part of our diocesan plan, being played out in our diocesan assemblies, and in this year’s prayer for mercy. All of this points us to the need for re-evangelization, for calling our absent brothers and sisters home. This campaign supports our evangelization efforts financially and expresses the renewed faith commitment of our people. There is a complementarity between this and our diocesan pastoral plan.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LEAVE A LEGACY? Leaving a legacy might mean financial security for your children. It might be treasured family mementoes handed down to the next generation, to be used lovingly and passed along. It can also mean leaving a memorial gift to the causes that mean the most to you and that you have supported during your lifetime. For many Catholics, the parish is central to the faith journey – a lifetime home. Some of you may even be one of the founders of your parish and perhaps helped with the early construction of your church building or school. One simple way to continue the support you’ve always provided to your parish is by leaving a bequest in your will. As part of the Witness to Hope campaign, Bishop Boyea is calling on all of us to remember the Church in our estate plans. Please consider a memorial gift for your parish or school when planning your estate. Gifts can be in the form of life insurance, a provision in your trust or a bequest in your will of a specific dollar amount or a percentage of remaining assets. There may be tax advantages for various other gifts, including annuities and gifts of real estate. You should consult a tax professional for more information. Also, if you are a retiree and are 70.5 years old or older and have an IRA, the federal government allows you to make an annual charitable distribution of up to $100,000 each year to a charity of your choice. Since the IRS requires an annual distribution anyway, why not make a gift now to your parish while thinking about your legacy? It is a “win-win” for you and for the Witness to Hope campaign!
FAITH IN ACTION
Mary Beth and John are ready to engage in new campaign BY MARY KAY MCPARTLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
F
ROM PROVIDING ASSISTANCE to diocesan and parish evangelization efforts to supporting Catholic education and everything in between, Mary Beth and John Pirich are excited about a new way to engage their Catholic faith.
We need everyone who can participate to participate. The benefit is going to happen over a long period of time.”
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“It’s a very comprehensive proposal and program,” says John. “We’ve always been a family of faith, and our faith is intertwined in our life on a daily basis. We believe in the message of Jesus Christ.” Mary Beth sees an opportunity to witness her faith through support of the Witness to Hope diocesan campaign. It provides tangible means to grow more faithful, which is important to her as an individual, as well as to her family as a whole. “We are not afraid to speak out,” Mary Beth says. As active members of the intertwined parishes of St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Student Center in East Lansing, Mary Beth and John are witness to the growth of faith from early childhood to young adulthood. “Our church is very vibrant and our priests are so accessible. There’s a strong sense of community,” says Mary Beth. She enjoys seeing the college students’ enthusiasm about their parish. “It’s a key time for young people to decide which way they want to go with their
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faith. To see them get engaged when they are freshmen is inspiring. A lot of people come back here to get married because they say this is when their faith took hold. That’s pretty dynamic to see.” “I’m a regular reader at St. Johns. We have Tuesday and Thursday night Masses,” John says. “To see the number of college students who attend these Masses is really exciting. Senior adults from St. Thomas Aquinas are engaged working with students from elementary to college age. It’s all part of evangelization. We just have this tremendous outreach.” Parish life may be the heart of the family’s faith, but their desire to do Christ’s work spreads beyond their parish, as they care for Catholics and non-Catholics within the community. Mary Beth volunteers with St. Vincent Catholic Charities, and works with disadvantaged youth. Many of the children are wards of the state, and most are not Catholic. “Mary Beth does a lot of work at St. Vincent Catholic Charities’ home on the west side of Lansing. It’s amazing to see faith in action,” says John. “I think most of the parishes throughout the diocese have a similar experience. It’s exciting to see the impact our faith is having in our diocese and within our state.” “To whom much is given much is expected,” Mary Beth says. “We’ve been very, very blessed, and we know whom it came from.” John and Mary Beth are excited to share their excitement with others in the diocese on this new way of thinking about diocesan support. “To ask people to reach into their resources for this kind of effort is incredibly important because we have a tremendous opportunity,” says John. “We think the Catholic faith is the best way to accomplish the goals of this campaign. We’re asked to do it every day and not episodically. We do things by actions and deeds and not by words alone. We’re going to lead by example. We need everyone who can participate to participate. The benefit is going to happen over a long period of time.” “This is so easy. You can just jump in,” Mary Beth says. “The pope is calling us to this kind of mission. Our bishop is calling us to this kind of mission. They are making it happen. It’s simple. If everyone could just give something, as opposed to just a few leaders in the community giving a lot, we would consider that a success.”
HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK
Kathleen and Joe witness to their faith through capital campaign BY MARY KAY MCPARTLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
K
ATHLEEN AND JOE THORREZ of Clarklake are ready to take their faith to a new level with the Witness to Hope campaign. This as an opportunity for them and the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Lansing to grow and strengthen.
It’s important in all of our daily encounters to strive to be witnesses to Jesus Christ.”
“Our Catholicism is the basis of so many of our encounters, our beliefs, our roots,” Joe says. “It’s expressed not only in our families, but the way our parishes are part of the universal Church. It’s not an exclusive group, it’s all-inclusive.” “I feel so fortunate that God chose me as a Catholic,” says Kathleen. “What a beautiful gift!” The couple’s involvement with their parishes, Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson and St. Rita’s in Clarklake, has nurtured their faith and provided opportunities for spiritual growth. “Parish life has greatly enhanced our faith formation, and our Catholic schools have educated our children” Joe says. “There is energy and it is coming forth in the parishes,” Kathleen says. “You can just tell the Holy Spirit is actively at work.” They see the movement of the Spirit continuing in a tradition that harkens back to the Church of earlier times. “This, for me feels like we are back to the time
when early apostles went out in the communities to evangelize for Christ,” says Kathleen. “Our parishes and neighborhoods are close to crisis. I hope people recognize right now the Church and schools are bleeding, and in need of help. The Catholic faith is there, we just need to regenerate. It seems like God is knocking on the door. This is an exciting time for the Church. It’s a beautiful opportunity to show the way of Christ.” Joe and Kathleen know many Catholics have lost their way and don’t even come to church on a weekly basis. To have the opportunity to evangelize those who have forgotten the power of God is an exciting honor for them. “We feel humbled and honored to be part of this cabinet,” Joe says. “Bishop Boyea put the notice out, and it was a propellant for all of us in the Diocese of Lansing to understand we are a greater Church. It goes back to our Catholic heritage when we were helping this all-inclusive community well before our [governmental] social programs began. It’s important in all of our daily encounters to strive to be witnesses to Jesus Christ.” “We were the welfare programs,” says Kathleen of past leadership in the Church. “That information is not out there, and people have forgotten.” With Witness to Hope, Kathleen and Joe see an opportunity to care for the churches and communities their grandparents built a century ago or more. It is a new calling and a different way to respond with faith. “The first step in a large program like this is reflection and prayer,” Joe says. “That’s going to be key for all the parishes in the diocese. From there, our hearts must be open for each family to make a personal response to this call.” “The idea is to speak about this in such a grander way – to listen to what the vision is and see if people can actually imagine the opportunity this mission would bring to our diocese,” says Kathleen. “It shouldn’t be considered a sacrifice. It’s a beautiful gift we can give our faith. We have the chance to be right there and are excited for our bishop being so bold to take this step, and to see all the positive graces that can flourish from the Witness to Hope campaign in the years to come.” 13
O R D I N A T I O N
2016
THE DIOCESE OF LANSING WAS BLESSED with five new priests on
June 10. Bishop Earl Boyea ordained Paul Donnelly, Peter Lawrence, Brian Lenz, Mike Murray and Ryan Riley to the priesthood at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. In the next few pages, meet the five newest priests for the Diocese of Lansing, and enjoy photos of their ordinations. You can see more photos at www.FAITHpub.com. BY MICHAEL SPATH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
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O R D I N A T I O N
2016
FATHER PAUL DONNELLY P
aul Donnelly, 34 and a native of Ypsilanti, lived in Honduras and New York City before returning to his home state to pursue the priesthood. He served as a
Franciscan brother for 12 years. How did you hear God’s call to become a priest? The change that led me to pursue
the priesthood was interior. No one among my acquaintances asked me to consider a priestly vocation. But during high school, I experienced Jesus' lordship and had to admit to myself that something I had actively resisted was becoming desirable. What was your personal journey like over the last 15 years to reach this ultimate destination? The journey toward ordination during
In order to the past few years has been full of surprises. From 2003 to 2015, I was a Franciscan brother, seminarian and deacon. Beginning in 2012, I discerned know how to with the community how I might pursue parish ministry. Father James serve God, Martin was hugely helpful in this. learn to pray It became clear that it would be best for me to leave the community and deeply.” come under the care of a diocesan bishop. Although I had lived far from my native diocese of Lansing for 12 years, the Lord paved a way for me to come back. Being here and expecting to remain here have already exceeded all that I expected. Was there anyone who greatly influenced your decision to become a priest? Bishop
Earl Boyea has influenced my decision most – beginning at age 16 when I was on a discernment retreat at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and he served there as dean. He and I had a conversation I have never forgotten. This came full-circle last year when I petitioned him for admission to this diocese. He was ready to put me to work. What advice would you offer to someone who wants to heed God’s call, but maybe doesn’t know how? In order to know how to serve God, learn to pray deeply. This process
involves a lot of discomfort and a lot of time that may seem wasted. It is not wasted. The fruit comes one day when you do not expect it to come. Ask the Lord to show you today why he has you here today. Wait for the answer. 15
O R D I N A T I O N
2016
FATHER PETER LAWRENCE P
eter Lawrence, 28, viewed the Catholic Church as an institution with rules and commandments for most of his upbringing, but a retreat in college opened his
mind and his heart to God’s true calling, leading him to pursue the priesthood. What led to you answering God’s call to become a priest? I attended a young adults’
During the course of my priestly life, if God works through me to bring just one soul to heaven, I’ll consider my priesthood a success!”
retreat in Steubenville, Ohio, that deeply impacted me. There were a number of speakers there who really challenged me on the retreat to live my faith as a relationship with a God who loved me, as opposed to just a bunch of rules to be followed. One of the speakers made it clear how essential prayer was for living out the faith as a relationship with God when he said, “How can you have a relationship with someone you never spend time with?” So following the retreat, I made a commitment to start praying every day and reading Scripture, in particular giving God at least five minutes of silence every day where I would allow him to just speak to me. That’s when things started to change. I encountered God’s love in a powerful way and experienced a love, peace and joy I didn’t know was possible on earth. That’s when I first started noticing the call to priesthood. I initially drew away from the call and didn’t want to address it, but God kept slowly and gently presenting it to me as the way in which I could respond to the great love he had shown me.
What has seminary life been like for you? Seminary has been both incredibly challenging and incredibly beautiful at the same time. It’s extremely humbling when you realize just how incredible and holy the priesthood is, and how, as a fallen, sinful, human being, God still calls you to be his instrument of mercy to his people. What are your thoughts about living a priestly life? I can’t wait! Incredibly excited!
During the course of my priestly life, if God works through me to bring just one soul to heaven, I’ll consider my priesthood a success! I can’t think of anything of more lasting value than allowing God to work through me to bring someone home to heaven to be with him for all eternity. 16
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O R D I N A T I O N
2016
FATHER BRIAN LENZ B
rian Lenz grew up in St. Martha Parish in Okemos, and credits his parents as those who most influenced his decision to become a priest. He is grateful for his
call to the priesthood, and the chance to serve God. How did you know you were called to the priesthood? I was 17 when the idea of priest-
hood first came to me, but at the time I hoped to eventually just “grow out of it” and move on. Alas, that didn’t happen – it persisted throughout college, even as I moved in a different direction and pushed the idea aside. I was happy in many ways, and yet, deep down, the question of priesthood remained undeniably unresolved. Our single Was there a single person who greatly influenced your decision to become a priest? Not one but two: my parents. I learned from them
what love of God looks like and how a life of faith shapes the way we make decisions. They taught me by their example that nothing in the world is worth more than the happiness God desires for us. What message would you pass along to those who want to serve God, but do not know how? Serving God begins by knowing him. This
most important task of service is living in God’s presence.”
is great news! When we want to serve God but don’t know how – and even when we do – our single most important task of service is living in God’s presence. How has being a deacon influenced the type of priest you will be? The day after
my ordination, when I read the Gospel at Mass as a deacon for the first time, I nearly wept. In some ways, that has been a paradigm of my diaconal ministry – not the weeping part, of course, but the awareness of such a great gift received, which gave rise to those tears of gratitude. I hope God will make me a priest who is always grateful. What advice do you have for those discerning a vocation? Your vocation is as unique as your fingerprint – it is God’s individual plan to be glorified in you personally. Thus, more than anything, your vocation is about a relationship. And the best discernment tool we have is prayer. 17
O R D I N A T I O N
2016
FATHER MIKE MURRAY T
he path to the priesthood for Father Mike Murray, 66, has been quite a journey. A widower, Murray has two adult children, 35 and 30. With their blessing, Mur-
ray answered God’s call to serve. What was the process that led you to pursue the priesthood? I have been a deacon
since 2005. Following the death of my wife, I spoke with several priests, prayed about this possibility and then approached the bishop. He was willing to let me begin the process, and so here we are. Pray. Keep praying, but be patient. In God’s good time, his desires for you will become apparent to you.”
What has the journey been like these past few years as you have prepared to be ordained? Obviously, the death of my wife was heart-
breaking. It’s hard to summarize all that has happened, but I would say that, through it all, I have seen the Lord’s mercy at work. Who influenced your decision to become a priest? As an older sem-
inarian, I have had the benefit of decades of wonderful guides and mentors. Certainly I would be nowhere without my dear wife and children, along with my parents, my brother and his family, my beloved aunts and uncles and so many priests down through the years. What message would you offer to those who have the desire, but are not sure how to answer God’s call? Pray. Keep praying, but be
patient. In God’s good time, his desires for you will become apparent to you. How has life as a deacon influenced the priest you will become? It has been a great
blessing to work with so many outstanding priests. In particular, I hope to use what I have learned while observing closely the gentle and wise manner of my own pastor. What are your thoughts and expectations about living a priestly life? It will be an incredible privilege. I just pray for the grace to be the instrument of the Lord’s mercy and healing in a troubled and confused world. 18
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O R D I N A T I O N
2016 TRANSITIONAL DEACONS
FATHER RYAN RILEY R
yan Riley is an average guy who lived the college “frat boy” life. He tried to separate himself as far as he could from his faith, but only when he embraced
God, did he understand his purpose. What was the process that led you to the priesthood? Serving Mass and watching
Father Robert Kolenski, our pastor at the time, intrigued me and drew me into the Mass as a kid. We moved when I was in the seventh grade, though, and being the “new kid,” I was more concerned with fitting in. Over the course of my high school years, my faith life decreased and the thought of priesthood waned. My faith in God and the Church were Formation the furthest things from my mind. takes time When the chaos of college stopped, the silence of living alone really because moved me to start thinking about where my life was headed. In the Jesus wants silence, the Lord found a way of reaching me again. I found myself starting to go back to Mass occasionally and, in the this time with context of confession, I asked the priest if it were possible the Lord us. He wants might be calling me to the priesthood. The priest got up and left! He to purify and came back with that day’s Grand Rapids Press. In the religion section heal us.” was an article titled “Grand Rapids’ man’s road to priesthood an unusual one.” It was a story similar to my own. I saw this as a little nudge from the Lord. What has the journey been like? A roller-coaster. There have been a lot of highs and lows in discerning and preparing for ordination. In the seminary, the Lord asks each one of us to confront the messiness of our lives – our sinfulness, our pasts, our weaknesses, the lies we’ve begun to believe about ourselves. Jesus asks us to face our humanity. Formation takes time because Jesus wants this time with us. He wants to purify and heal us. All of this takes a lot of humility – something I wasn’t accustomed to. I didn’t realize how much my own ego got in the way of authentic discernment and formation. So, this journey has been one of learning to trust and to surrender myself.
Anthony Smela I grew up in Flint, attending St. John Vianney and Powers Catholic. After three years at the University of Michigan-Flint, I entered the seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. This summer, I am interning at St. Robert Bellarmine in Flushing and Good Shepherd in Montrose.
Joseph Bosco Campbell After finishing college seminary in St. Paul, Minn., I've been at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and have been serving at the Catholic Community of St. John (Davison) and Blessed Sacrament (Burton) since the beginning of May 2016. During this upcoming school year at the seminary, I'll return to St. John and Blessed Sacrament on the weekends to assist at Mass and other events at the parish.
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YOUR STORIES
“YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW EXCRUCIATING IT IS.” Irene Myers recalls the first months after she and her husband came to the mutual decision to end their marriage. “I was married 28 years, and even though my marriage wasn’t good, the divorce ripped my life apart.” “There was really no communication be- lung cancer and had my right upper lobe retween us. When my physical therapy clinic moved. Luckily it was stage one, so I didn’t closed, I lost my job and was home all day need chemotherapy or radiation, but it gave while he worked from our house. It became me the strength to reach out to the associclear we needed to end the marriage. We ate pastor at St. Andrew Parish in Saline. Fadon’t have children, so that made it simple in ther Dave Rosenberg [now director of the St. that regard. I spent a frenzied summer purg- Francis Retreat Center] agreed to provide me ing things, getting the house on the market with spiritual direction for both the cancer and moving. and my marriage difficulties. “People say divorce is like a death, but “By the time my husband and I had decidthat’s not quite right. In some ways, death ed to divorce, St. Andrew was my home. It would have been easier. When a spouse dies, was a very special grace that God gave me to you get sympathy. People make food for you. hold onto my faith, because after the divorce They mow your lawn. that was all I had left. I Googled resources for “The best analogy isn’t death. It’s amputa- divorce support at local parishes, but there tion. Your identity is wasn’t much. I did shattered. You don’t find a website called just lose your spouse. the Catholic’s DiMy life’s been turned You lose your invorce Survival Guide inside out from a quiet, laws, mutual friends, [featuring a program dull life that lacked Christmases with his designed by Rose brother’s children.” Sweet], and found meaning to one where Tears fill her eyes. Rose was leading a God has lined up all “With a divorce, “Healing at the Well” these wonderful things. people don’t really retreat nearby. I regknow what to do or istered. ... Everything I lost has what to say. And di“One month latbeen replaced with vorced people don’t er, still a hot mess, something greater. know how to reach I found myself surout. But they need rounded by about 30 the help. That sumother Catholic wommer and fall, I didn’t think I was going to be en and men in various stages of healing from able to handle the pain and panic. First thing their divorces. For some, like me, the wounds in the morning, I’d wake up and cry – even were fresh and emotions really raw, but others before I sat up. I had a couple of close friends had been divorced for years. Their experiences who were very supportive, but you can only were different, but we all needed healing. dump on the same people for so long. “I knew I needed to bring the Catholic’s “Though I had given up on the Catholic Divorce Survival Guide to St. Andrew so I Church as a teen, I returned a bit in the late could continue healing myself and other di‘90s when my marriage wasn’t going well. vorced men and women in our parish. Rose Searching, searching, searching, the Church gave me some suggestions that I immediately didn’t have what I was looking for, and I put into action. Our pastor, Father Francis didn’t know how to reach out. I felt so alone Mossholder, tapped Deacon Paul Ellis to fain the pews that I decided to build a library of cilitate the sessions, and within two months spiritual readings at home instead. we launched the 12- week course with eight “Then, in 2011, I was diagnosed with other St. Andrew parishioners. 22
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“The first session was titled “Getting Your Bearings,” which was exactly what I needed! The experts on the program helped me understand that when you’re in emotional and physical turmoil, you have to go higher to your intellect to make it through. You won’t necessarily feel God’s presence, but you can will yourself to turn to God. Attending Mass regularly, going to confession, maintaining a prayer life – even if sometimes the only prayer you can form is “Help” – these are lifelines for people like me who just feel like they’re drowning. If I hadn’t followed them, I honestly don’t know what I would have done. “The weekly sessions go more in-depth on topics like anger, dealing with your ex-spouse, forgiveness, letting go and much more. Each week builds on the lessons already presented and helps you keep on track toward God. You can learn more about it and sample the segments at www.catholicsdivorce.com/. “It was so powerful to share this journey
THE CATHOLIC’S DIVORCE SURVIVAL GUIDE The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide offers a wealth of information and resources for individuals and parishes ministering to divorced members. From Frequently Asked Questions and reliable answers to a search engine to help you find support groups in the area, the website (www.catholicsdivorce.com/) offers individuals a great first step in creating a new and vibrant life after divorce. Irene’s advice: “Reach out to the divorced Catholics you know who could benefit from this! Give them the information, point them to this program and trust God to do the rest.” RESOURCES RETROUVAILLE IS A WEEKEND EXPERIENCE FOR COUPLES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING TROUBLE IN THEIR MARRIAGE. FOR INFORMATION ON RETROUVAILLE, COUNSELING OR OTHER MARRIAGE RESOURCES, CONTACT RICHARD BUDD IN THE OFFICE OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY AT 517.342.2471.
with people at all stages of recovery! Some went through hell on their own because the Church wasn’t there for them years ago. The Catholic Church has been slow to respond to our needs. But it is responding now. A lot of misconceptions need to be addressed, but things are changing. “When we wrapped up that first course, I began facilitating a second course with one of my colleagues from the first one. We had five regular attendees in various stages of healing from their divorces over different time periods. Then, we launched our third cycle of courses. “I’ve always been fascinated by mystics, but it would scare me if I ever actually experienced anything like that! About the time our first course ended, I was struggling with loneliness and isolation and had so many questions. I decided to spend some time in adoration of the Eucharist. As I sat before the host, I had what I can only describe as a moment of clarity. My head snapped up and
I had this thought, clear as a bell: “You will not find what you are looking for in other people until you find it in me.” Irene’s eyes open wider as a smile warms her face. “After that, the heaviness lifted and I felt happy for the first time in so long. You could see it. Throughout the spring, people would ask what happened to me, and I just told them I surrendered. God threw me a bone. “My life’s been turned inside out from a quiet, dull life that lacked meaning to one where God has lined up all these wonderful things. I went through anxiety, meltdowns and overwhelming pain, but everything I lost has been replaced with something greater. “It’s just too much to say it’s all chance. I believe God used me to bring this program here, and it’s already impacted other people’s lives in a positive way. I hope my story of recovery is a testament to the healing power of Christ and his Church, and that it might help other divorced Catholics find peace.”
WHAT IS AN ANNULMENT? The term “annulment” is a civil term which means that something never existed. The marriage always will have existed, and children will not be declared illegitimate. The canonical term is “invalid." When we are declaring a marriage invalid, we are declaring that it did not meet even the minimum standards set by the Catholic Church. The most common reasons a marriage may be invalid in a formal case fall into two categories: acts of the will and psychological grounds. Severe psychological issues include alcohol abuse. An example of an act of the will is entering into marriage with the intent not to have children. The three judges on the Tribunal panel discuss the case and vote. Call 517.342.2560 for more information. 23
YOUR LIFE THINGS TO DO
JULY/AUGUST CAFÉ EVENTS
Sept. 28, a 75th anniversary celebration event for Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties is scheduled at Powers Catholic High School in Flint. No additional details are available at this time.
July 18-22, a private directed retreat at Weber Retreat Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights, Adrian, will provide time and space for solitude, personal prayer and optional participation in campus liturgy and Tuesday evening peace prayer. Each participant will meet daily with a spiritual director. Cost: $375, includes room, meals and daily spiritual direction. Commuter rate is $250. To register, call 517.266.4000 or visit weber.adriandominicans.org/programs
ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SUNDAY LATIN MISSA CANTATA
Our Lady, Undoer of Knots devotion at St. Mary, Mt. Morris, third Wednesday of every month – rosary at 6:30 p.m. with Mass at 7 p.m., followed immediately by devotional prayers. For information, contact the parish at 810.686.3920. Every Sunday at 12:15 p.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson has a Latin Mass with Gregorian chant. All are invited to attend the Sunday Latin Missa Cantata.
July 21 and Aug. 18, 6-8 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have food, fun and faith formation in Fr. Mac Hall. For information, contact Annie Kitching at 517.351.5460, ext. 325. ATTEND A CAR SHOW
July 7-9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., St. Joseph’s annual flea market will be in the parish center, 3430 Dover St., Dexter. For more information, call 734.426.8483 or visit stjos.com. July 11-14, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Casimir, Lansing will have Vacation Bible School for age 3 through grade 5. To sign up/volunteer, call Kim at 517.482.1346.
INVEST 44 HOURS TO RENEW AND ENRICH YOUR MARRIAGE AND YOUR FAITH
July 15–17, St. Joseph Parish Festival at 6805 Mast Rd., Dexter. Friday, 7 p.m., night concert featuring “Measure for Measure,” a men's choral group; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 St. Francis Retreat Center is once again offering a two-year internship in spiritual direction, beginning in September. The program is open to interested women, men, clergy, deacons, religious and laity who have some theological background and ministerial experience. Individuals with full-time commitments may participate. For information, contact Father David Rosenberg, retreat director, at drosenberg@stfrancis.ws. WEBER RETREAT CENTER, ADRIAN, WEBER.ADRIANDOMINICANS.ORG or 517.266.4000 July 24, 6:30 p.m. to July 29, 1 p.m., “Experiencing Ourselves as God’s Beloved” retreat will give you time, space and silence to experience yourself as being and becoming God’s beloved. Cost: $350 for single occupancy and $225 for commuters. Registration available online at weber.adriandominicans.org. 24
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Aug. 14, 10-11 a.m., JustFaith information sessions will be at St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing in the Baraga Room; and 11 a.m.noon at St. John Church and Student Center in the library, room 12. Come and learn about the JustFaith program that will be offered this year at the parish. For information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460, ext. 329. There will be entertainment, a food court, children’s games, inflatables and more. For information, call 734.426.8483 or visit stjos.com. July 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. John Catholic Church, 2099 N. Hacker Rd., Howell, will hold its seventh annual car show, that will include a silent auction, food and live music. Show car entrance fee: $20. Spectator general admission per car: $2. For more information, contact the parish at stjohncarshow@gmail.com or 517.546.7200. July 28-31, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler will host its annual parish festival with a classic car show, social tent, Las Vegas games, children games, raffles for cash and prizes, a volleyball tournament and 3-on-3 basketball. A complete list of events and registration forms for volleyball and basketball are available online at mhtparish.com. Aug. 1-4, 9-11:30 a.m., St. Paul and St. Joseph Parishes in Owosso will have Vacation Bible School. Registration is open for age 4 through grade 4. Cost is $10 per child. For information, contact Sharon Hardenbergh at 989.723.1400 or 989.723.4765 or religioused@stpaulowosso.org. Aug. 1-5, 9 a.m.-noon, St. Mary, 14200 E. Old U.S. Hwy. 12, Chelsea, will have Vacation Bible School for age
4 through grade 7. All are welcome. Registration forms are available on the parish website at stmarychelsra. org or in the church’s gathering space. For information, contact Beth at 734.475.7561 or bewald@ stmarychelsea.org. Aug. 5, 5-11 p.m. and Aug. 6, noon11 p.m., St. Michael Parish, Grand Ledge will host its annual parish fun fest with a euchre tournament, live music, children’s games, raffles worth $10,000, live and silent auction, a barbecue chicken dinner and more. For more information, contact the parish at 517.627.8493 or stmichaelgl.org. Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends: Invest 44 hours to renew and enrich your marriage and your faith either Aug. 5-7 at St. Mary, Westphalia or Sept. 16-18 at the Augustine Center, Petoskey. For information on these or other weekends, or to apply, visit wwme. org or call Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433. Aug. 12-14, St. Casimir, Lansing will host its annual Corn Roast Festival with its famous corn on the cob, beer tent, children’s games, dancing to live music, 5K run/walk and raffles to win $5,000 and other prizes. For information/tickets, call the parish at 517.482.1346. Tickets also will be available during the festival.
Aug. 14, 9 a.m. shotgun start, St. Mary, Williamston’s Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a golf outing at Wheatfield Valley Golf Club, Williamston in memory of Mike Pitlanish. All profits will be donated to charity. Cost: $80 for single golfer or $320 for fourperson team. For information, contact Bill Pulling at 517.410.4581 or pullingv69@gmail.com. Aug. 20, St. Casimir will host its sixth annual Come to the River 10K run and 5K run/walk. Online registration at the parish website, st.cas.org, or at https:// runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/ CometotheRiver. All participants will receive a free T-shirt and a Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast. Registration is $25 per person or $80 per family through Aug. 7. If interested in being a sponsor, contact the parish at 517.482.1346. Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Agnes, 855 E. Grand River Ave., Fowlerville will host its 24th annual family funfest with a live auction, free pony rides, picnic-style dinner, hourly 50/50 drawings, children’s games and more. All are welcome. For information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684. Aug. 21, noon, St. Rita Parish, Clarklake will have its parish picnic featuring delicious food and fellowship. For information or tickets, call the parish office at 517.592.5470. Diocesan Nun Run: Ladies join us Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 for a visitation of five different religious orders in the Diocese of Lansing. Ask questions and learn about their lives. For more information, visit dioceseoflansing. org/vocation_events. Sept. 9-11, Retrouvaille Retreat for married couples experiencing problems in their marriage. For information, contact Larry and Beth Bauer at 734.369.3470 or lpbbauer@yahoo.com. To register, call Retrouvaille at 517.290.5596 or visit retro4lansing@comcast.net. Sept. 9, 5-11 p.m., Sept. 10, noon11 p.m. and Sept. 11, noon-5 p.m., the Church of the Resurrection, 1531 E. Michigan, Lansing, will host its 82nd Ox Roast Festival. For information, contact the parish at 517.482.4749.
COME TO THE RIVER 10K RUN AND 5K RUN/ WALK.
LEARN ABOUT THE FIVE DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS ORDERS IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG or JACKSON 517.782.4616 or LENAWEE/HILLSDALE 517.263.2191 •A ug. 12, 11:30 a.m. registration, Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties will host its sixth annual Charity Golf Scramble at Lakeland Hills Golf Club, Jackson. Cost: $50 single golfer/$200 foursome. For information, contact Adriene Davis at 517.782.4616 or Kyle Anne Jansen at 517.262.0466. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, CATHOLICCHARITIESFLINT.ORG/CONTACT-US or GENESEE 810.232.9950 or SHIAWASSEE 989.723.8239 •F ield trip opportunities are available for schools and youth groups. To learn how you can serve those in need at Catholic Charities, call 810.232.9950, ext. 143 or 325. •A s 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 in Genesee County and 989.723.8239 in Shiawassee County. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW, CSSWASHTENAW.ORG or 734.971.9781 •C atholic Social Services of Washtenaw County offers foster care for children who have been separated from their birth families for reasons of abuse and/or neglect. CSSW licenses foster families to provide a safe, loving temporary home until the child is able to be reunified with their birth family. For information, join us for one of our orientation meetings: July 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; July 28, 9 a.m.-noon; Aug. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; or Aug. 25, 9 a.m.-noon at 4925 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor. For information or to RSVP, call 734.971.9781, ext. 448. There is no fee associated with becoming a licensed foster parent. •C SSW will have two We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes for engaged couples; choose either July 14-15 or Aug. 11-12. Register early, as space is limited. For information or to register, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org for registration information. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, WWW.STVCC.ORG or 517.323.4734 •J oin our many community partners in supporting our annual Operation Backpack Campaign, where you can help send children in-need back to school equipped with the necessary materials to learn. Visit stvcc.org/operation-backpack for information and the drop-off locations. •T he Children’s Home has 40 children between the ages of 5 and 17 and is always looking for fun activities for them. Donations of gift cards and tickets to events, such as movies, amusement parks and sports, help to provide experiences they would be unable to experience otherwise. To learn how you can make this summer one to remember for a child, please contact Alysia Christy at 517.323.4734, ext. 1357 or christa@stvcc.org. 25
G. MATHOS
G. MATHOS
YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
NEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS STATE CHAPLAIN APPOINTED
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BLESSING OF BURTON SENIOR PRIEST RESIDENCE The blessing and dedication of the new senior priests’ residence in Burton was conducted on Wednesday, June 1. Bishop Boyea presided and was joined by priests of the diocese, members of the local Knights of Columbus councils and many guests. An open house followed the ceremony.
Effective July 1, Canon William Turner, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Chelsea, takes the post of state chaplain for Michigan’s Knights of Columbus. As the state chaplain, Canon Turner will advise the Knights’ State Council, be their spiritual advisor and attend various meetings in Michigan.
CORRECTION: FAITH magazine apologizes for the error in its May issue: St. Paul Catholic School student Isabel Migan (not Megan) won the Cross Catholic Outreach’s World Food Day poster contest.
NEW DIRECTOR OF CATECHESIS FOR THE DIOCESE “I feel called and happy to be here. I feel like I’ve been prepared to be here and accomplish something,” said Tim Carpenter, who recently assumed the position of director of catechesis. Tim has served as the director of faith formation at both St. John the Baptist in Howell and St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor after completing his graduate work in Catholic theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. In his new position, Tim will help support religious education directors and diocesan parishes in their preschool through confirmation-level programs. He hopes to help parishes recruit and train catechists who are “in love with Jesus” and who can effectively share that love and knowledge with their students. “My goal is to help the directors of religious education and catechists understand [theological concepts] at a deeper level and trust their call as a catechist to help students accommodate these concepts,” Tim said. “In the end, I really feel like I’m following the Holy Spirit.” -Sydney Schneider 26
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HONORING A POLISH BAR
• A SELFLESS POLISH PRIEST •
H T I W
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FAITH Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM
BECU E
“No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” T
his past Memorial Day was a particularly solemn one for me, and the verse above kept coming to mind as
I thought of the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
As we were driving to my parents’ house for a barbecue, we explained to our kids what the holiday is all about, and that we wouldn’t be visiting family, grilling or swimming if it weren’t for their sacrifice. As the kids asked questions, my mind shifted from military battle to spiritual battle, and I thought of another soldier – one who was on the front lines fighting to win souls for Christ. St. Maximilian Kolbe was born Raymund Kolbe in Poland (which was then part of the Russian Empire). He knew at a very young age he was destined for martyrdom when Mary appeared to him in a dream: “That night I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.” He had his marching orders. He left home to become a Franciscan friar, and was later ordained a priest. He founded a monastery, and ran several publications encouraging veneration of the Blessed Mother. After undertaking missionary work outside of his home country, he fell ill and returned to Poland.
Grilled kielbasa sandwich
• • • • • • •
1 lb. Polish kielbasa (ring) 2 cups sauerkraut, drained 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 large poppy seed or kaiser rolls ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon rice vinegar ½ teaspoon hot sauce
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA
When World War II broke out, Poland was overrun by Germany, but Father Kolbe refused to accept German citizenship. For his role in hiding up to 2,000 Jews from the Nazis and for his anti-Nazi publications, he was arrested and transferred to Auschwitz. There, he was subjected to harsh beatings and other mistreatment. When three of the prisoners from his unit escaped, the commander ordered 10 of them to an underground bunker to starve. One of the selected men cried out, “My wife! My children!” Father Kolbe stepped in to take his place. Despite horrid conditions and poor health, Father Kolbe’s spirit remained strong and he continued his mission of encouraging others and praying with them. Two weeks later, all but a few of the prisoners had died, and Father Kolbe was one of the few remaining. He willfully accepted death by lethal injection on Aug. 14, 1941. One the day of his canonization in 1982, Pope St. John Paul II declared Maximilian Kolbe a martyr. He said, “Maximilian did not die, but gave his life ... for his brother.” Each time I ponder the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, I wonder what other saints-in-the making are out there in the world today, defending and even dying for our faith. And I ask myself, “Would I ever have the courage to do that?” I think that’s why feast days are so important. They are great reminders of the sacrifices of our holy men and women and the fact that we are all called to be saints. For St. Maximilian Kolbe’s feast day in August, we thought it fitting to memorialize such a courageous saint with a Polish barbecue.
Prepare honey mustard sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, rice vinegar and hot sauce. Set aside. Preheat grill. Cut kielbasa into 4-inch pieces and then butterfly lengthwise. Set aside. Place sliced onion and sauerkraut on large sheet of heavy-duty foil. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper. Fold and seal foil pouch and place on hot grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes and then flip pouch. Meanwhile, place kielbasa links skin down on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes and flip to other side. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until meat is done and has a light golden crisp. Remove pouch and transfer sliced kielbasa to a large plate and cover with foil. Place open rolls on grill and heat for less than a minute. Place sliced kielbasa links on each roll and top with sauerkraut and onions. Drizzle with honey mustard sauce.
CULTURE
T. Gennara
• • • •
(Jn 15:13)
MICHELLE DIFRANCO
is a designer and the busy mom of three children.
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CREDITS
ORDINATION 2016:
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing JULY/AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 16: ISSUE 5
www.FAITHpub.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER
Rev. Dwight Ezop
MEET FIVE NEW PRIESTS FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING SPECIAL REPORT:
THE CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO THE WORST MASS SHOOTING IN U.S. HISTORY PLUS:
HOW WE WILL WITNESS TO HOPE THROUGH OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
SURVIVING DIVORCE
How Irene’s faith helped her find peace
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Jim Berlucchi | Doug Culp | Michelle DiFranco | Rev. Charles Irvin | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Mary Kay McPartlin | Sister Ann Shields | Nancy Schertzing | Michael Spath
SPECIAL REPORT:
THE CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO THE WORST MASS SHOOTING IN U.S. HISTORY P
ope Francis and a chorus of U.S. bishops condemned the shooting in Orlando,
Florida on June 12, which killed 49 people and injured more than 50.
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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. ©2015 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
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PRAY LET US PRAY FOR HEALING FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ORLANDO SHOOTING. MAY THEY DRAW STRENGTH AND PEACE FROM THEIR FAITH IN GOD AS THEY WORK TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES.
FAITH Magazine | JULY/AUGUST 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM
soon as possible, to effectively identify and contrast the causes of such terrible and absurd violence which so deeply upsets the desire for peace of the American people and of the whole of humanity.
THE VATICAN RESPONSE
THE U.S. BISHOPS REACT
Pope Francis joined bishops and clergy across the U.S. in condemning this attack on innocent civilians, calling the violence an act of “senseless hatred.” A statement from the Vatican read:
Bishops throughout the country expressed their condolences and offered prayers of healing for the victims, their families, the community and the country. Below are excerpts from some of these statements.
The terrible massacre that has taken place in Orlando, with its dreadfully high number of innocent victims, has caused in Pope Francis, and in all of us, the deepest feelings of horror and condemnation, of pain and turmoil before this new manifestation of homicidal folly and senseless hatred. Pope Francis joins the families of the victims and all of the injured in prayer and in compassion. Sharing in their indescribable suffering he entrusts them to the Lord so they may find comfort. We all hope that ways may be found, as
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Waking up to the unspeakable violence in Orlando reminds us of how precious human life is. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this terrible act. The merciful love of Christ calls us to solidarity with the suffering and to ever greater resolve in protecting the life and dignity of every person.
LAST WORD
Cardinal Seán O’Malley, archbishop of Boston As our society faces the massive and violent assault on human life in Orlando on Sunday, the Archdiocese of Boston offers and encourages prayers on behalf of those who were killed in the attack, those who were injured, and all their families and friends. At this time our prayers are also with Bishop Noonan and the Diocese of Orlando, with the wider community of Orlando, and for our country, once again confronted by the face of hatred expressed through gun violence. The United States proudly upholds its long-standing tradition of being open and welcoming to those in need of a safe haven. Our country greatly benefits from human creativity and achievement cultivated without distinction of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality or any other differentiating characteristic. From a multitude of differences we have sought unity. We must meet the challenges of combining freedom, pluralism and unity in our increasingly diverse society if the United States is to continue to be a beacon of hope to the world.
ON TWITTER:
Bishop Earl Boyea, Diocese of Lansing: “Life is under attack – migrants at sea, kids in night clubs, the unborn & starving, Christians in Syria. Let us pray for respect for human dignity.” (June 13)
Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami “Hatred blinded the conscience of the perpetrator of these horrible acts, acts no one must be allowed to excuse or justify.” (June 12)
MY BEST DAY AS A PRIEST M
Y ASSIGNMENT FOR WRITING THIS PIECE was to share some thoughts about my best day as a priest. I was a bit daunted by sifting through 49 years of being a priest to find that best day, but two instances surfaced rather quickly – one being the most memorable day, the other the best day. There is a difference between the two.
The most memorable day occurred in Rome when I was one of a group of priests invited to celebrate an early Tuesday morning Mass with Pope (and now Saint) John Paul II. As luck would have it, I found myself celebrating the Mass standing next FATHER to Pope John Paul at the altar in his private chapel. CHARLES IRVIN It was an amazing experience for me – a simple is the founding priest from Michigan, concelebrating a Mass standeditor of FAITH ing next to the pope. What a demonstration it was Magazine and is of the connectedness and unity of the priesthood of retired. the Catholic Church, with pope and priest together offering Christ's Holy Sacrifice at the same altar. My best day as a priest came a few years later when, in early January of 2001, I presided over A priest the funeral liturgy for my mother. Here I was, my isn’t about mother's only child, accompanying her soul on her memories. journey homeward to heaven, there to be immersed A priest is in the infinite love of God our Father. She was being born again into eternal life. I was “birthing” the all about woman who gave birth to me. bringing God’s I had been with my mother when she passed presence, away, sleeping peacefully on the afternoon of Janupower and ary 6. She had suffered from Alzheimer's disease for eight years. Toward the end of her life, I was asking love to us and God to bring her back home to heaven. My mother bringing us gave birth to me on January 6, 1933, and here on back home my birthday God answered my prayers. to God, our Now, as her priest and her son, I was sending her off through Christ, with Christ and in Christ Father.” to our home in heaven. Never have I felt more forcefully what it means to be a priest. Never have I experienced the love of God more intensely than at that moment in celebrating her funeral liturgy at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Ann Arbor. Clearly, it was my best day as a priest, and it is a reality that is more than just memorable. Why? Because a priest isn’t about memories. A priest is all about bringing God’s presence, power and love to us and bringing us back home to God, our Father. That I could do that for my own mother was a great blessing – my best day as a priest. T. Gennara
Bishop John Noonan, Diocese of Orlando A sword has pierced the heart of our city. Since learning of the tragedy this morning, I have urged all to pray for the victims, the families and first responders. I pray that the Lord’s mercy will be upon us during this time of sadness, shock and confusion. I urge people of faith to turn their hearts and souls to the great physician, our Lord Jesus Christ, who consoles and carries us through suffering with mercy and tenderness. The healing power of Jesus goes beyond our physical wounds but touches every level of our humanity: physical, emotional, social, spiritual. Jesus calls us to remain fervent in our protection of life and human dignity and to pray unceasingly for peace in our world. We pray for the people of the city of Orlando that God's mercy and love will be upon us as we seek healing and consolation.
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