September 2010

T. Gennara

2 We can learn a lot

from teens! @

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

from the editor letters

Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

September 2010 • Volume 11: Issue 7

FA I T H Catholic Patrick M. O’Brien

ust a few weeks ago we heard the Gospel parable that has been named by some as the parable of the foolish rich man. In that parable in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a man who is apparently so successful that he no longer has enough space for all his stuff. The man’s solution is to tear down his old barns and build bigger ones that will safely hold all his possessions. Satisfied by his material success, the man thinks that he should “eat, drink and be merry,” since, from his perspective, he has nothing to worry about. Little does he know that God will, that very night, demand his life, calling him a fool for placing too much trust in material goods and not storing up enough treasure in heaven. This is certainly a tough parable for us to hear in our own time and place. In this month’s issue of FAITH, we feature a variety of teens from around our diocese whose lives and dedication to service provide a powerful and helpful corrective to the attitudes that we adults can sometimes display that too often mimic those of the foolish rich man in Jesus’ parable. These young women and men have found some pretty amazing ways to blend together a desire to be of service with a desire to continue to grow and stretch their faith. They have also grown in their understanding of many of the challenges that face people every day in the quest for food, shelter, safety and dignified work to support themselves and their families. These young people have been changed by those encounters. We, as readers, have the opportunity to be touched and transformed by their stories. In Jesus’ time, what made his parable so shocking was the rich man’s attitude that he could be greedy, hoarding all his material blessings. As a successful and blessed indi-

vidual in his own time, the people of his village or town would have rightly expected the man to share some of his material blessings with them. In fact, it was an expectation that the rich man would be especially sensitive to the needs of the folks on the margins—the poor, widows and orphans. The teens whom you will meet on the pages ahead don’t draw big salaries, most likely don’t have big 401k’s, and are very unlike the foolish rich man. They know they have gifts. Their gifts are not material ones; instead, they have the gifts of loving hearts, lots of energy, nearly boundless altruism, and a deep desire to love God more and more each day. They remind us that we adults have unique gifts too, and that we can put them to good use. These young people show us that perhaps we should not be worried about building bigger barns. Instead, we can cooperate with God’s grace, and allow God to build in us bigger, more loving hearts. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

Thank God for AA

one alcoholic helping another. The results are life changing, but it would be an error to suggest that the program confirms or denies someone as having an addiction. That would be a personal admission realized after hearing others share their stories. Just thought you might want to clarify the issue. Thanks and thank God for AA.

Your recent article about alcoholism [Marriage Matters, July/August 2010] refers to AA as having specialist in the field. If you can be a specialist by being alcoholic then “yes.” But the implication in your publication is that there are counselors available in the fellowship and that is not so. The “fellowship” is just that –

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Liturgical Calendar: St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the church Sept. 3 | Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sept. 8 | St. Peter Claver, priest Sept. 9 | St. John Chr

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

A different kind of summer camp

Ask many teenagers to name the highlight of the summer and you’d probably hear about beach vacations, music concerts or sports camps. But Kevin Wojciechowski considers community service the best part of his annual break from Davison High School. Read more about his time swinging a hammer for Catholic Heart Work Camp.

T. Gennara

for FAITH!

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

When I came to work here as the assistant editor six years ago, FAITH

published a magazine for the Diocese of Lansing – and a quarterly publication for the Diocese of Laredo, TX. Today, FAITH publishes 23 different magazines for various dioceses and Catholic organizations. We are honored to work with these fine publishing partners, and delighted that we did so well at the convention. Some of our awards included Best Cover for our anniversary issue, Best Personality Profile for our teen issue cover, Best Feature Article for Anne-Marie Welsh

of FAITH Erie, and Best Personality Profile (freelance) for Gary Bouchard of Parable, the magazine of the Diocese of Manchester, NH. Our client, Catholic TV of Boston, was named television station of the year – there’s an article about that in the back of this issue of FAITH. The absolute pinnacle for all of us, though, was the award of the President’s Medallion, the Catholic Communicators’ highest honor, to Vicki Wells Bedard, our former director of client relations. Vicki’s story of dealing with fronto-temporal lobe dementia is truly inspiring – you’ll read more about her in upcoming issues of FAITH. As proud as we are of the work we do to spread the Gospel, as proud as we are of our publishing partners, we are even more proud – and blessed – to have worked with Vicki Wells Bedard.

rysostom, martyr Sept. 13 | Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sept. 14 | Our Lady of Sorrows Sept. 15 | St. Cornelius, pope and martyr, and St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr Sept. 16

inside this issue

25 years of Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

building disciples one teen at a time

Hooray

ometimes, you just want to toot your own horn. And this is one of those times. This summer, during the annual Catholic Media Convention, FAITH Catholic’s publications won 11 awards.

Dear Fr. Joe: T. Gennara

What does it mean to be a practicing Catholic? @

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

What does it mean to be a practicing Catholic? Do I have to believe everything the church teaches, or just most of it? And if I don’t go to Mass every single Sunday, am I still Catholic?

in the know with Fr. Joe

It’s wild, but as much as we throw around the phrase “practicing Catholic,” it’s a hard concept to nail down... so, great question! Let’s get right to it. First of all, many times, in questions like this, the easiest thing to do is slap down some guidelines and say “Stick with these and you’ll be fine.” That’s the temptation, because it’s so easy to track. The problem is, when we talk about faith, we are talking about relationship. When we talk about relationship, we lose something very special when we start explaining it as a list of what we must do and what we shouldn’t do. Think of it this way: Imagine your best friend approached you with a pad of paper and a pencil. Then she asked you to sit down and says, “Listen. I want to be your friend. I know I should. Tell

me, what is the minimum I can do and still be considered your friend?” If that sounds crazy, that’s because it is. In the same way, when we look at our relationship with God, if our question is “What is the minimum I can do and still be Catholic?”, then we’ve got to stop and look at the core of the question. God wants a relationship with you. How intense is that? All our theology, all our sacraments, everything we do is all rooted in our belief that what God desires is a personal relationship with us, lived out in a community of believers. Take some time and ponder that, because its pretty intense and perhaps take

us out of minimalist thinking. Yet, even with all this, we do need a list, don’t we? Part of the role of the church is to show us precisely what is needed. If we don’t hold ourselves to the standard that the Catholic faith gives us, it is way too easy to fall into self-deception. Ultimately, then, after a lot of looking around, I have a list that I’ll share with you. While researching this, I read a letter that Bishop George Wiesner wrote for the Diocese of Prince George. It was a great source of information. Anyway – here’s what we’ve

got. Please don’t see this list as infallible or perfectly extensive. There’s really no way to cover it all. In terms of the sacraments, a practicing Catholic has an active sacramental life. He or she goes to Mass a minimum of once a week and lives the Communion they receive by being in union with the church and her teachings. Since we are talking Communion, we need to remember that the sacrament of reconciliation is a huge part of this. Anytime we have committed a mortal sin, we have to get to confession as soon as possible before we attempt to receive Communion. We also need to hit our holy days of obligation. Besides public prayer, a practicing Catholic prays every day in private. Each day, a Catholic responds to God’s call to personal communion through quiet time and reflec-

What did the astronaut think of the restaurant on the moon? He thought the food was fine but there wasn’t much of an atmosphere St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the church Sept. 17 | St. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr, Paul Chong Hasang and companions, martyrs Sept. 20

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

On sale now www.FaithCatholic.com

my captain! Read more of Paul Jarzembowski’s thoughts on www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com.

ach September, when students are back in school, I like to watch one of my favorite movies, Dead Poets Society. In this 1989 film, Robin Williams plays John Keating, an unorthodox English teacher at Welton Academy, an all-boys prep school. Beyond poetry and literature, Keating teaches the boys in his class the value of critical thinking. The lessons he shared went beyond the textbook. Consider the moment when Keating crouches down in the middle of the classroom, reading and speaking to the students about the passion, the fire and the energy that poetry can give someone. No text or lesson plan could ever capture the enthusiasm this teacher conveyed through his actions, words and emotions. Dead Poets Society reminds me of all the teachers, professors and mentors who have had an impact throughout my life and education. Like Keating, those men and women didn’t just teach me the subject – they taught me how to use it and to love it by their own passion and drive. Think back to the teachers and guides who have moved and motivated you. Think about the instructors who made their subjects come alive. The Scriptures tell us about such teachers. When passing on the Law to Moses, God asked that all generations teach it not only in their speech, but in all that they say and do: “You shall teach this Law to your students, speaking to them when you sit in your

house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down to sleep, and when you rise up again.” (Deut. 11:19) When I watch the ending of Dead Poets Society, when Keating’s students proudly stand on their desk as free thinkers to honor their teacher and shout out, “O captain, my captain!”, I can’t help but think about mentors in my own life. It makes me wonder if I showed them this kind of appreciation when I was their student. It causes me to thank God for their presence in my life. Who are the great teachers in your life? For whom would you stand up? As another school year begins, let us take the time to thank God for each and every one of the teachers and mentors in our lives. If it is still possible, seek them out, thank them for all they have given you through their words and actions, and proudly stand up and say to them: “O captain, my captain!”

| Feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist Sept. 21 | St. Pio of Pietrelcina, priest Sept. 23 | St. Vincent de Paul, martyr Sept. 27 | St. Wenceslaus, martyr Sept. 28

spiritual popcorn

O captain,

EVERETT

tion. A practicing Catholic prays with his family everyday and never lets a schedule get in the way of that. The personal and communal prayer of a practicing Catholic compels her to go into the world and spread the Gospel of Jesus in the way she lives and loves. In terms of the social issues of our day, a practicing Catholic dedicates his financial, emotional and physical resources to those things that reflect the Kingdom of God on earth: We help our parish continue to function and minister effectively. A practicing Catholic votes and lives pro-life – we do not support abortion under any circumstances or in any form. We oppose capital punishment and unjust wars. We support initiatives that help the poor and downtrodden and give our time and treasure to helping the “least among us.” In short, her every action, political or social demonstrates a firm conviction that every person is a gift from God and must be treated in the same way that we would treat Jesus. Well, I’m out of space, but not ideas! Perhaps you can use this article as a jump off point for a discussion among your family and friends. See where God wants to challenge us to redefine what it means to be a practicing Catholic. Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

J. Carlson

Growing in zeal

for the Lord

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

from the bishop

or the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live well-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. While we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14) Fifteen years of my life were spent in forming seminarians. What continues to strike me about these men is their zeal. It is not a zeal to succeed or to make a name for oneself. Rather, it is God’s own zeal — they have a divine desire to do God’s will. Any bishop will tell you that the most enjoyable part of our ministry is confirmation. Here in the Diocese of Lansing, this is celebrated for 8th-, 9th- or 10th-graders. The letters these confirmands send me contain information about the saint’s name they are taking, their sponsor, the retreat they went on, the Christian service projects they participated in and the catechesis they received. What is most pronounced, however, is that all these activities lead them to a real desire, a deep zeal, to be active adult members of the church. They may not know it yet, but they want to do God’s will. Many lament today the absence of so many of our teens and young adults from our Sunday worship of God. It seems to me that what our confirmation programs are doing is an excellent way to continue to engage our youth in the life of the church. However, and this is another point, they need witnesses. They need men and women with ardent zeal

for doing God’s will in their lives. Pope Paul VI said that we will believe witnesses and we will believe teachers only if they also are witnesses. It is, after all, all about Jesus – knowing him, loving him and serving him. Certainly, our parents need to be this for their children. So, too, do our Catholic school teachers and catechists. We all need to be like those seminarians, who are zealous for God’s will. With this kind of example and leadership, the means for engaging our youth is at hand. They, too, want to know Jesus and so we provide them with ever more appropriate catechesis which demonstrates how our Christian freedom is following the incredible demands of the cross. We engage them in the worship of the Father that Jesus continues in the church. They, too, want to love Jesus, and so we invite them to retreats and various spiritual exercises so they can gaze at the face of Jesus and fall in love with the one who loves them so much. They, too, would serve Jesus, and so we call them to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, serving the least of the brothers and sisters of the Lord. Our youth and young adults are a treasure given to us by the Lord for our future witness to his presence in our midst. Certainly we want to train them to be our doctors and lawyers and mechanics and mothers and fathers. But more noble than all these is the call to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. Thus Paul could write the Corinthians in holding up love above all, “Be zealous for the higher gifts”. The zeal is there in our young. Let us know how to direct it.

Feast of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael, archangels Sept. 29 | St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the church Sept. 30

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

25 years of Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp building disciples one teen at a time

This year, the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp celebrates its 25th anniversary. Throughout the years, many camp participants have gone on to lives of ministry in the church. FAITH introduces some of them here.

Bob Bacik Bob Bacik is in his second year of philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He attended DYLC in 1995 and as a youth team leader the following year.

“During that week at camp, my Catholicism went from something I inherited to something I took ownership of.”

During that week at camp, my Catholicism went from something I inherited to something I took ownership of. I made a response to the faith and it came alive. Once I was clear on my role in the church, and had the tools I received from DYLC, things were able to click when I went back to my parish, Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson. Having a supportive pastor and youth minister is a big help. The fruit of DYLC continues today through the friendships I developed there with both peers and adult staff. Because it is a supportive and affirming community, where people are free to be themselves, I still

have a handful of close friends that I stay in close contact with and who help each other live the faith authentically. Through the troubles and temptations of college, I would often recall the impression that the adult leaders made on me and it kept me on the right path, making the right decisions. I wanted to be like them. As I got older, those same people became my mentors in my work as a youth minister in the Grand Rapids diocese. And I definitely used tools I learned from DYLC,

which are timeless, such listening skills and event planning. The friends I made at DYLC, youth and adult, were major factors in deciding to enter seminary for the Lansing diocese. Along with the fact that Lansing involves youth in ministry, making it more powerful. When I see young people change as a result of the seeds I plant (God brings the change), I am changed, too, because I get to be a witness of the living Christ. The goal is to have happen with them what happened to me at DYLC.

By Bob Horning | Photography by Tom Gennara

Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

I had been in leadership roles before DYLC, but I didn’t know how leadership could be synthesized with discipleship until going to camp. The small group setting helped me discover the gifts God has given me, and gave me the tools to share them with the church community. I felt like my small group leader really believed in me, and so he was able to pull out my strengths.

8 Amber Zelley

“I had no idea what to expect when I went in 2000, but I was pleasantly surprised.”

Amber Zelley attended DYLC in 2000 as a member of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, where she is now coordinator of high school youth ministry.

I had no idea what to expect when I went in 2000, but I was pleasantly surprised. As a teen, it was easy for me to judge and stereotype people. But, as I got to know everyone, I saw only amazing people, saw that Christ is in everyone, and saw that God has given them all gifts. By the end of the week, the Holy Spirit reached me. I realized what it meant to be a leader, that I was empowered to spread the Gospel, and that it was my responsibility to help make my parish a better place. I had been a faithful Catholic, but during that week I experienced a conversion. I knew God was calling me in a specific way to follow his will and to fall more deeply in love with Jesus. I began helping with baptisms, served on the youth team and went to Jamboree, among other things. One thing was to witness to parents of those being baptized how fortunate we had been to have parents who raised us in the faith. The next year, I returned as a youth leader and soon learned that camp was not about me; it was about ministering to others. With that realization, it became clear during my college years that I was supposed to do lay ministry in the church. I remember at my first camp there was a strong emphasis on examining our conscience in preparation for the rite of reconciliation. I experienced the grace and power of the sacrament for the first time. Since then, I have had no fear of it. That helps me in my work now, to

know that as youth get rid of their barriers, they are open to God’s love. At camp, I caught a vision of youth ministry – recognizing that we are the body of Christ, that we need to love and build up each other, and that we need to use our gifts.

It can be difficult for both adults and teens amid our struggles to keep the focus on what we are doing and why, and to retain our faith and hope. But we can, and it’s amazing to see the fruit of being a channel of the Holy Spirit and God’s love, to see youth grow closer in relationship to God.

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Dave Laidlaw Dave Laidlaw attended DYLC in 2004 and is now youth minister at St. Anthony of Padua in Grand Rapids.

When I went to camp, I was going through some difficult times. I was able to share them with the people there during the small group sessions. It helped me to trust in the church more. I saw that there is a larger church community out there that cares; that I have a huge support group I can depend upon.

Growing up, I would say that Catholicism wasn’t always the most appealing; through DYLC, I became aware that there is more to the church than Mass on Sunday. My youth minister saw more potential in me to be a leader than I did when he asked me to attend DYLC. And the following year, when I was a team leader, through the preparation and the experience itself, it was huge for me in realizing that I could be a leader. For anyone wanting to be a leader, there is certainly training and support available through DYLC. My eyes were opened to God more at camp. My relationship with the Lord was deepened as I saw him in others. It was like God screaming at me, “I’m here.” I could feel God’s presence, as others did, and we didn’t want to leave at the end. God

is so in the place. Sometimes when I am putting in so much time and effort at my current job, I wonder if I’m doing any good. I’m planting seeds, hoping the youth will get one word, remember one thing. In youth work, you don’t usually get immediate results. But from time to time, you see that you are impacting kids. They may get more excited about the Lord or take more responsibility. My first year had challenges I didn’t see coming, but I learned so much. One thing is that it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the planning and the details. But the planning should lead to encouraging and improving relationships. If it doesn’t, nothing lasting is happening. I also found that it is a big boost when parents of the teens are supportive and helpful.

Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

“It was like God screaming at me, “I’m here.” I could feel God’s presence, as others did, and we didn’t want to leave at the end.”

10 “My greatest joy is being part of peoples’ lives – the highs and lows.”

Father Geoff Rose, OSFS Father Geoff Rose, OSFS, was ordained in 2002 and is chaplain at Lumen Christi High School in Jackson.

I was at the first DYLC in 1986 at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. I learned the names of everyone there and still remember many of them, because, at the first ice-breaker we gave our name, preceded by an adjective beginning with the first letter of our name. Mine was: Grateful Geoff. From the first day, there was a

sense that everyone was going to be fully present and let God work among us. We experienced a real outpouring of the Holy Spirit; the sense of community we built in such a short time was really amazing. I remember some of the leaders wondering how we would handle the emotions of going our separate ways at the end of the week. To their credit, though, they didn’t try to change or stop what was happening; they let the Spirit lead. That was a valuable lesson for me. We make plans, but God’s plans are so much more powerful than ours. It’s an amazing thing whenever youth can bask in the faith together.

is for them, the parish and the church.

Going through the camp gave me credibility to be involved in my parish, St. Mary, Adrian. In fact, upon my return from DYLC, there was an expectation that I be more involved. I was trusted to lead. I firmly believe that the more youth are involved, the better it

My greatest joy is being part of peoples’ lives – the highs and lows. Whether it is a wedding or if a family member is suffering, people invite me to be a part of their lives. It is an honor that they ask my counsel and advice for their lives.

At DYLC, the youth leaders are involved in planning, leading throughout the week and in giving talks. I saw how effective that was, and try to follow that model in my ministry today. Probably the top challenge for me, and many of us working in the church, is the limitation we encounter because we are a divine institution run by people, and we are all broken. So the vision and the reality don’t always align. I do a lot of ministry with people who suffer as a result of this reality.

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

try out my newfound faith.

Father Tim MacDonald Father Tim MacDonald is pastor of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson.

When my youth minister at St. Michael Parish in Flint, who was on the DYLC planning team, was persuading me to attend camp shortly afterwards, I figured it might be a good chance to challenge myself and

After my week at DYLC, I got involved right away at the parish as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and as a youth group representative on parish council. It is an expectation that once your parish has sponsored you at DYLC, you will give back to the parish in terms of service and leadership. Now I see the importance of that, because the more youth events are planned by and for youth, the greater the numbers of young people who will attend.

In hindsight, I don’t see how I could have, or would have, decided to go seminary without the influence that DYLC had on me. When I served as chaplain at Powers Catholic High School in Flint, I put into concrete use some of the things I learned at camp. A big challenge in the priesthood is to make sure the church remains relevant to people between baptisms, funerals and weddings – that it not be pushed to the edge of daily life. A huge reward is the privilege of being with others at the most important times in their lives. We are a reminder that God is with them during the high times and the low times. We constantly receive built in affirmation that we don’t always deserve. When, like me, you can’t imagine doing a different job, it’s a sure sign that you enjoy what you are doing. Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp, along with many special people, helped point me in the right direction.

“In hindsight, I don’t see how I could have, or would have, decided to go seminary without the influence that DYLC had on me.

Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

God was somehow able to break through to me when I was confirmed as a high school freshman on May 15, 1989. Until then, I hadn’t taken my faith seriously. Now I was choosing to go to Mass, rather than being forced to.

Through the liturgies and small group sessions, the blinders were taken off and I could see how wonderful our faith is. Being around like-minded people, I didn’t have to worry about looking cool or not, so I wasn’t afraid to open up to God and to others. All of the activities kept me engaged. Perhaps the highlight was witnessing so many young people go to confession during the reconciliation service. It was definitely not a waste of time.

12 “Each year that I return to DYLC, I am refreshed.”

Jackie Popadich Jackie Popadich first went to camp in 1994, was on the teen team in 1997 and has attended every year since 2000. She was the DYLC coordinator in 2006.

I had the best time of my life the first year at camp. I made friends and learned a lot, including how to put my faith into action. Also, the bishop was there. When I told my mother, (Mary Lou Hahn-Setta, the Coordinator of youth ministry (CYM) at St. Mary of Chelsea), she said, “No. It was a great time, but now you have to go out and use it. That’s the best thing, when you sacrifice to help others.”

I did get more involved in the planning and organizational end of things in the parish, instead of just attending events. Reconciliation was a significant part of the week for me and others. Restoring the relationship with God brings happiness. Confession for many of us went from the least- to most-liked sacrament. Of course, the biggest benefit of DYLC was that I met my future husband, Nick, there. Several faithfilled marriages have been a by-product of the camp over the years. As director of religious education at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton, and leader of middle school ministry, I have incorporated the DYLC vision for youth ministry into my work. It really is a vision for the whole church. We must empower youth, integrate

them into the church and help them to grow spiritually. When those three things all work together, lots of kids dedicate their life to God. Then vocations happen. A frustration with my work is when the Gospel message doesn’t get out, especially if it is the result of me letting people down by not living the Gospel. But the joy is when you put in the work and see the seed bear fruit. For example, the middle-schoolers, who traditionally are mean to everybody, were never mean to each other all year during their weekly two-hour catechism class. Each year that I return to DYLC, I am refreshed. The ways the teens come up with to connect to God are amazing. One of the reasons I got into youth ministry was the creativity and humor of the skits on Saturday night.

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Jennifer Giddings Jennifer Giddings is director of middle and high school youth ministry at both St. Thomas and St. Stephen parishes in the Diocese of Saginaw.

Paul. I became a lector, served on the parish council, encouraged friends to get involved and pushed for more activities for the youth. We only had high school religious education at the time, but after I graduated from high school in 1999, the parish hired a full-time CYM.

I was amazed to hear about the active youth ministries in so many parishes. I wanted what they had for my parish. I was affirmed in my faith through the small groups, and decided to get involved at St.

Another benefit of DYLC was that I fell in love with the gorgeous campus of Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, where DYLC was held in 1997. I decided to attend college there and received a degree in

I began full-time youth work in 2004; much of what I do every day is based on what I learned at DYLC. I still have my books from camp, and use them as references for things like how to share in small groups, leading retreats and teaching leadership skills. There are challenges in youth work. Teens face tough family situations, concerns about paying for college or the death of friends and classmates. I need to be available to help them through those times and help them to continue to grow in their faith and experience God’s love for them. On the more joyful side, there is the chance to share my faith and experiences with the teens. They can tell when they hear meaningful, powerful experiences. It is rewarding to see a youth who decides to become more active in their faith or pursue a vocation of lay or ordained ministry.

Karah Keller

“I was affirmed in my faith through the small groups, and decided to get involved at St. Paul.”

Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

I wasn’t particularly strong in my faith. I was basically going through the motions when I arrived at camp the first time in 1997 as a member of St. Paul in Owosso. That changed as a result of the small group sharing.

It was at DYLC that I decided I wanted to be a youth minister, in order to make sure other teens wouldn’t face the same lack of a youth program I had. I wanted them to be able to discuss and question their faith in a safe setting that was more interactive than the usual religious education program, and to have opportunities for service projects with their own Catholic community.

community leadership and theology.

14 and realized it might be something to look at as a vocation. DYLC gave me a vision for youth ministry.

Pete Fiero Pete Fiero is coordinator of youth ministry and RCIA at St. Martha Parish in Okemos. Next year, he will be the DYLC adult coordinator.

DYLC is the reason I am in youth ministry today. You could say that DYLC grabbed me. I had no idea before attending camp that I would be doing church work. But, I was so impressed by the youth leaders at camp that it prompted me to get more involved in the parish. My involvement continued after high school, first as a middle school catechist, then working with high school students. I enjoyed it

Camp influenced me in an important way in another area, too. The student leader who greeted me and carried my bags the first day is now my wife. We have four beautiful children. Two of our fellow campers were in our wedding. That’s an example of the relational aspect of DYLC. I definitely learned leadership skills, but the reason I am working in the church today is found in the relationships I made. This underlines that a key ingredient of leadership is relating to others; much of youth ministry itself is relational. The most exciting part of my ministry is the opportunity to share my faith. Youth ministry made a big impact on me. Hopefully, the youth at

St. Martha will catch that same passion. Perhaps the biggest challenge is finding ways to meet the spiritual needs of today’s youth. There are 300-400 young people and we try to get them active in the church in some way. Whether its youth group meetings, religious education classes, singing at Mass or doing service, we offer opportunities for all of the youth to get involved. For the last four or five years, I have been on the DYLC committee. This year, I was co-coordinator; next year, I will be the coordinator. It’s great to see how kids who are nervous and shy at the start of camp learn and grow through the relationships they make with others and, especially, with God. It refreshes me and keeps me going to see kids both at camp and in the parish respond, learn leadership skills and grow.

“DYLC is the reason I am in youth ministry today.”

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

4 FAQs about DYLC

What happens during DYLC? Throughout the week, campers are put into small groups. They participate in powerful experiences of prayer, all while learning about various elements of successful leadership. At the end of the week, each camper receives his or her basic youth ministry training certificate. DYLC has produced more than 2,000 certified basic level youth ministry leaders. Our daily themes reflect upon significant symbols of our faith: water, word, fire, cross, bread and wine and oil. Areas of formation include: listening skills, affirmation, small group dynamics, planning skills, vision of youth ministry, servant leadership, and spirituality. Meaningful experiences of reconciliation and Eucharist highlight the week.

How can you support it? There are many ways to support the DYLC. First, please pray that DYLC continues to be an empowering experience of faith and helps to lead others to Christ through our church. Financial support is becoming more and more vital to allow more teens the opportunity to participate in camp. As costs have continued to rise across the board, this year’s camp will cost each camper and his or her family $335. Many parishes support a portion for this week-long experience, but the financial outlay for individual families can be a stretch. This deters many willing and able future Catholic leaders from the opportunity to participate in this leadership training program. With that in mind, we are launching the DYLC Scholarship Fund to ensure every teen who desires to more fully engage in leadership roles within his or her parish will have that opportunity.

Where can I find out more? Contact Pat Rinker at the Diocese of Lansing’s Offices of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, prinker@dioceseoflansing.org or 517.342.2485

St. Gerard, Lansing

116

St. Mary, Chelsea

107

Holy Redeemer, Burton

102

St. John, Fenton

St. James, Mason

St. Jude, DeWitt

St. Robert, Flushing

St. Patrick, Ann Arbor

St. Patrick, Brighton

SS. Charles & Helena, Clio

St. Joseph, South Lyon

Immaculate Heart, Lansing

St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton

Queen’s, Jackson

St. Paul, Owosso

St. Joseph, Dexter

St. Andrew, Saline

St. Michael, Flint

Holy Family, Grand Blanc

St. Francis, Ann Arbor

St. Martha, Okemos

St. John, Flint

St. Joseph, Owosso

St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh

St. Mary, Pinckney

St. John, Jackson

Holy Rosary, Flint

St. Joseph, St. Johns

St. Michael, Grand Ledge

Cristo Rey, Lansing

Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp

What is Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC)? DYLC is a week-long leadership training for Catholic youth around the Diocese of Lansing. It attempts to engage and empower young people for leadership roles in and around their home parish. Traditionally, many young people in the church have felt disengaged and left out of opportunities in their home parish. We have had great success in the 25 years of DYLC and many of our youth have gone on to become priests, deacons, religious sisters, coordinators of youth ministry and campus ministers. But, equally important, is that so many have become lifelong leaders and members of the Catholic Church.

Parishes with 20 or more DYLC Participants

cover story

sk many teenagers to name the highlight of the summer and you’d probably hear about beach vacations, music concerts or sports camps. But Kevin Wojciechowski considers community service the best part of his annual break from Davison High School. In 2009, Kevin was one of about 300 teenagers from around the country who spent a week at a Catholic Heart Workcamp at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Davison. The group fanned out to perform community service projects from inner-city Flint to Imlay City in the state’s Thumb region.

“Once you get on fire to help others, it becomes easier and you want to do it more.” That was certainly the case for Kevin, who worked with a small group of fellow teens from Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio at the 2009 camp. Under the supervision of an adult leader, the crew spent three days performing landscaping duties at a Goodwill store in Flint. Kevin, 16, was so moved by the experiThey also washed windows and perence that he could hardly wait for the 2010 formed household chores for a disabled camp, which St. John was scheduled to host woman and painted the outfield fences at July 18-24. the youth baseball fields in Davison. Shed “[Camp] was so much fun,” Kevin, 16, ding sweat together helped the group form a said. “Usually, community service isn’t that quick bond. much fun. But getting to hang out with “We all had the same goals in mind,” new people you’ve just met and seeing the Kevin says. “We all wanted to help the comrewards from people you’ve helped … it was munity as we served God and to see what an awesome experience.” kind of new people we could meet and what Founded in 1993, Catholic Heart Workcamp new experiences we could have.” is a national program aimed at serving others, When the work day is complete, the revitalizing communities and empowering campers return to their home base to eat, young people to grow spiritually through sercelebrate Mass, relax and forge new friendvice and sharing the Catholic sacraments. More ships. There are a variety of activities, icethan 11,000 young men and women – ranging breakers and entertainment, including a live from seventh-graders to first- and second-year band. Each student also has an opportunity college students – will take part in camps to pray and participate in sacraments such across the United States this summer. as Eucharist and reconciliation. St. John sent students to Catholic Heart Workcamps for “It gives them a nice Catholic experience beyond working several years before committing to serve as a host site for three in the mission fields,” Schlegelmilch says. years, starting in 2009. Kevin had the chance to talk individually with an adult Paul Schlegelmilch, director of religious education and leader about questions regarding his faith. youth ministry at St. John and at St. Michael in Flint, says the “It was really moving,” he says. “She was easy to talk with camp has provided much-needed help for local communities, and she really helped open my eyes to some things.” while teaching teenagers to connect with their baptismal call Kevin, who just finished his junior year at Davison High to serve others. School, made friends with several students from other states “We’re hoping they learn to become the arms and legs of and has stayed in touch with them through Facebook and Christ in the world when they go to help others,” Schlegelmilch text messages. He hopes to see some familiar faces this sumsays. “When you’re a kid and your mom or dad tells you to wash mer – and to meet a whole new crop of friends. the dishes or paint the garage, you don’t want to do it. But when “You really get a chance to know people,” Kevin says. you do it to help a neighbor, it becomes so much fun and you “You can connect with them on a personal level and really begin to understand your baptismal call. see how God is working through everyone.” That type of spiritual awakening is precisely what camp was inspired by their participation in the camps are designed to non-denominational workcamps. These produce, Schlegelmilch says. workcamps lacked a Catholic spirituality “There’s nothing like feeling, and perspective. The first Catholic HEART touching and smelling your Workcamp was held in Orlando, with 100 Catholic HEART Workcamp was foundfaith – getting in there and participants, as an extension of St. Margaret ed by Steve and Lisa Walker in 1993. seeing it come alive,” he said. Mary Youth Ministry. The first Workcamp The Walkers were both youth ministers at “This is not just something Office consisted of only a desk in the corner St. Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park, you do, it’s something you of Steve and Lisa’s home. Fla. The idea of offering a Catholic workexperience. It’s just changed so many kids’ lives.”

“ Once you get on fire to help others, it becomes easier and you want to do it more.”

Catholic Heart Workcamp

For more information about Catholic Heart Workcamp, visit www.heartworkcamp.com.

By Todd Schulz | Photography by Jim Luning

Tyler, Alex and Laura spend vacations doing service

our story

teens sometimes they get a bad rap

veryone knows the stereotype: They’re loud and obnoxious. They only care about themselves. They dress weird. They listen to loud music. They travel in packs. Sometimes, they even swear.

But Laura DeWitt says teens can have a different image. She and two Lansing Catholic High School classmates have spent four years trying to debunk the stereotype, in fact. The trio has spent every high school spring break on a service trip. That’s

roughly 120 days spent in service to others. And, that doesn’t count the 40 hours of service they do each year to meet their theology requirement. “I really think (service trips) are a great opportunity to show everyone that just because we’re in high school doesn’t mean we’re not disciples of Christ,” says Laura, 17, a senior from St. Gerard Parish in Lansing. “We’re just young and still working it.” Her friends – Alex Thompson and Tyler Sanford, both 18, seniors and parishioners at St. Therese in Lansing – agree. All three have spent every spring break in the southern United States doing clean-up from hurricanes, rebuilding houses or performing finish work on homes. “For me, it’s always been an obvious choice,” Alex says. “It’s a good cause, cheap and I get to be with my friends.” At first blush, it might seem like Alex is just trying to get out of town with a bunch of his friends, but he

says that, over the years, his service has become increasingly important. “I’ve learned that changing the world doesn’t have to be something big,” he explains. “It can be something small that happens every day. I don’t have to lead a nation to make a difference. I can do small things in our community, or somewhere else, that will have a positive effect.” Tyler says he “always thought it was cool to help people, and have a chance to give something back.” Laura says she learned about the service trips from her older sister. “My sister always talked about these trips. They always seemed like a winwin, you can get to know your friends and teachers so much better,” she says. Lansing Catholic has been partnering or sponsoring mission trips since 1992. The high school sponsors two mission trips over spring break to southern locations and one in an ‘urban plunge’ trip in January. Their freshman year, Laura, Alex and Tyler all traveled to Mississippi to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The next two years, all three traveled to Montgomery, Ala., for a week’s worth of effort with an organization called Rebuilding Together.

By Eileen Gianiodis | Photography by Tom Gennara

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

During their senior year, Laura and Alex went on a seniors-only trip to Tennessee, while Tyler went back to Alabama. Doug Moore, Lansing Catholic’s assistant principal for instruction, curriculum, campus ministry and student activities, says that students who repeatedly attend service trips serve as leaders for others. As an educator, though, Moore wants more than leadership. “I want them to get fired up about serving others and putting their faith into action,” he says. “I want them to concretely see how they can further the Kingdom of God simply by putting their gifts at the disposal of others. I want them to see their peers and teachers in a different light. I want them to gain as much as they are giving – that’s not why I want them to go, but I know it happens.” For the students, the reasons vary for going back every year. “I always kept going back because the work never finishes,” Alex says. “There’s always someone who needs our help.” Tyler agrees and says that, although many of the jobs the group does on spring break seem small, it’s hard work. “But it always feels good to do that hard work,” he says. Laura says she keeps returning because she is addicted. “You get addicted to that positive energy,” she says. “You might go back to the same place every year, but the people you go with are different and so are the people you do the work with.” From roofing to replacing flooring and painting, all three students say they’ve learned valuable skills. Moore says that students such as Laura, Alex and Tyler make a difference, but that’s not the sole reason he likes to see students repeat a service trip. “They become more committed,” he says. “Not just because they’ve given up their break for four straight years, but because they now have developed relationships with people in different places over four years. “You can be touched by someone in a one-time experience and even make a difference yourself, but to see it happen repeatedly means you can’t dismiss it as a fluke experience. They get to experience the power of God’s Spirit working

Laura DeWitt

through them. That can be humbling, but also reassuring,” he says. Tyler says there’s more to helping people than hard work. Sometimes, other people see it. “This year, we were working on this house and all of us were covered in soot,” he remembers. “A woman driving by stopped and asked what we were doing. We told her, and she drove off. A little while later she came back with snacks and drinks for us. She said she thought what we were doing was a good thing. “She didn’t have to do that, but she did. It wasn’t a great neighborhood, or anything. It was a small way of showing support.” The students say they get something back from the experience of volunteering. “All the people we work with live with hard times,” Alex says. “And they’re always happy with what little they have. One woman told me that she felt blessed to have what she did … and it wasn’t much.” The students agree that working with people who are grateful for their small blessings reminds them to be grateful for all that they have. Laura says that working with people who are so happy to get some help gives her hope. “Working with the people that we do, helps me have a positive attitude. It also gives me hope that we can come together to do something great.” How do these students become better disciples of Christ?

Alex Thompson

Tyler Sanford

Disciple is clearly a title with which they are completely comfortable. Humble is more like it. “I find myself praying a lot better than before,” Alex says. “I just really like to help people,” Tyler says. Laura sees her ‘discipleship’ a bit differently. “I think sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the structure or the formality of being Catholic,” she said. “It’s easy to forget that God wants us to have fun. These trips give us a chance to take a step out of our daily lives, they wash away the stress. “If Jesus is working through me, meeting all these new people, my faith life certainly can’t be hurt by that experience.”

For more information about alternative spring break, contact Pat Rinker at prinker@dioceseoflansing.org.

What is it like to be homeless?

Teens in Saline who are living on the Edge

feature story

n Saline, it is cool to have a strong faith and even cooler to live life on The Edge. For example, a typical sleepover for middleschoolers may include a stack of newly released videos, a gaming system and food. Lots of food – pizza, popcorn, ice cream, maybe a bag of Twizzlers and some M&Ms.

But in Saline, members of the St. Andrew Parish middle-school youth group proved a sleepover can be fun and even spiritually uplifting when there’s not a thing on hand to eat. All it takes is a few big cardboard boxes, a heart for serving the poor and a desire to live “on the edge.” The Edge is the middle-school youth program at St. Andrew, one look at this vibrant middle-school community reveals kids who not only are committed to a strong faith life, but also are instilled with a desire to sacrifice and serve for their faith. The enthusiastic group held its second annual 24-Hour Food Fast in May, bringing together more than 150 participants, including high-schoolers, who make it cool to be a faithful teen. Beginning on a Friday at 9 a.m., teens gathered with only juice and Gatorade to provide sustenance for the day. Edge Director Nancy Carter and her team filled the day with activities and service projects aimed at distracting the teens from their inevitable hunger pangs. A major service project during the fast was the construction of dresses for Little Dresses for Africa, a Christian relief organization that aids African orphans. Sewing simple dresses made of pillowcases

for distribution to orphan girls, the Saline teens helped send a message of dignity and love to little girls around the globe. The fast day also included talks about faith, hunger and suffering around the world. When it was finally time to settle down and sleep for the night, the teens of St. Andrews curled up in refrigerator boxes outside the church as another reminder of the ways in which people around the world live in poverty. Fasting and sleeping in boxes weren’t the highlights of the overnight experience, though. Despite their hunger, the positive attitudes of the participants shone through. “The experience made me realize the sacrifices and suffering that some people go through every day, and it felt good to have a deeper understanding of that,” said eighth-grader Nick Omichinski, 13. “There’s a general feeling of both pain and joy. The physical part hurts, but the spiritual part is so rewarding that you don’t really notice.” Participating for a second year, eighthgrader Sean Dew thinks the 24-Hour Food Fast is the most worthwhile part of belonging to The Edge. “We learn so much by living the suffering for a day, more than we ever would by just talking about it.” Eighth-grader Amelia Wittig, 13, explained that the fast is “hard, but good. It is an important lesson about the reality and struggles of hunger around the world.” But gaining insight into the lives of the poor is only one benefit of the fast. It’s also a time for middle-schoolers to open up about their faith and discover that it’s cool to be a strong Catholic. “At about 2 a.m. my box blew away in the wind, so I went into the church with some friends and we sang some hymns instead,” Sean recalls. “The Edge gives me a great opportunity to strengthen my faith and my friendships together, and that makes them even more rewarding.” For Nick, Sean and Amelia, The Edge has been an important place to develop a vibrant faith. Next year, they’ll move into the Life youth group for high-schoolers, is great base environment for faith development. The students that go through The Edge look forward to Life Teen and confirmation, the parish’s youth ministry for high school students. Of course, they’ll still be living their faith on the edge. In Saline, it’s the cool thing to do.

By Elizabeth Hicks | Photography by Don Quillan

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Jay Fadden and Father Robert Reed

What makes you different from EWTN? First of all, we are similar to EWTN in the sense that we seek to faithfully represent the church and present the precious gift of our faith that has been handed down to us. We are distinctive, perhaps, in the style of our presentation and our relationship to local dioceses and parishes. We strive to create an experience of the church that serves to both connect the sick and the elderly and to reconnect those who have become estranged from the life of the Catholic community. In many ways, we are being formed by the parishes and dioceses, the religious orders of women and men, as well as the many creative minds who make up the tapestry of life in the Catholic community of this nation. That’s why we call ourselves: America’s Catholic Television Network!

named Television Station of the Year

n June 3, CatholicTV’s Director Father Robert Reed and General Manager Jay Fadden accepted the Gabriel Award for “Religious Television Station of the Year” by the Catholic Academy For Communications Arts Professionals. The award was given at the Catholic Media Convention in New Orleans. How did it feel to win station of the year? Of course, it was a tremendous tribute for The CatholicTV® Network to be named “Television Station of the Year.” The academy has honored us, not for any one particular series or initiative, but for the work of our entire team. I deeply respect the men and women with whom I labor each day, as well as our on-air personalities who continually strive to unfold the treasures of our Catholic faith in a way that is dynamic and understandable. We seek to connect people with the church and to help them develop a more vital relationship with God. This Gabriel Award is a tribute to the dedication and commitment of a wonderful team at America’s Catholic Television Network. Why haven’t most people heard of The

How can people get Catholic TV in their area? Well, people can always find us online at www.CatholicTV.com. I do believe that our web presence is the finest of television network websites in the world, with more than 1,400 full-length episodes on-demand and a robust live stream which can be viewed anywhere in the world. We also extend our web presence through our widget (a miniature version of our website) at www. CatholicTVjr.com and our iPhone/iPad App (www.CarryYourFaith.com). However, where The CatholicTV Network is not available on cable and satellite, you can help bring us to your area by simply filling out the easy form at: www. CatholicTVeverywhere.com Then, be sure to pass that address along to all of your contacts. Any help you can provide in spreading the word would be fantastic!

Catholic TV

CatholicTV Network? Over the last four years, we have been working quietly (perhaps too quietly) to create a broadcast and online platform for dioceses, religious orders and individual producers of content. At staff meetings, I often ask “Why are we keeping all of this a secret?” Because advertising can be so costly, we have relied heavily on social media, such as our Facebook page (www.Facebook.com// CatholicTV), to get the word out. We are also quite proud of the station’s robust web presence (www.CatholicTV. com) and the fact that The CatholicTV Network was the first Catholic television station in the world. I guess it’s time to shout from the rooftops!

To donate to the Father Charles Irvin scholarship fund, send your donation to

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

ver since I was a little girl, my parents have taught me the importance of faith in my life. Church was never an option when I was younger, and each Sunday we would sit in the same seat, in the same row, as a family. As my friends would tell me stories of the amazing adventures they had on Sundays, I became jealous and wished I could go shopping, rather than spend my day at Sunday School and church. It took me until I entered high school to learn how very lucky I was. Throughout my high school years I have been very involved in my youth group, and the opportunities it has provided me with have certainly changed my life. Being a member of youth group has helped me to realize that being a part of a church is like being a part of a family or community. The relationships I have gained from being a part of my church and youth group activities mean the world to me and have brought Jesus into my everyday life and conversations.

o: Father Charles Irvin Scholarship Fund, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906

teen essay winner

One of my best high-school experiences was attending so we can sacrifice a little bit in the time before Easter. I’d like Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp for a week during the to say that as a Sunday-school teacher, I know all the answers summer of 2008. At this camp I learned what it meant to about the Catholic faith. Unfortunately, that would be a lie, and be a leader and true follower of Jesus. However, the best of a lot of times all I can do is tell people that I’ll have to find out the part of this camp was the relationships that I formed with the answer to their question and get back to them. I often ask other youth from our diocese. We all became great friends so my friends who are different religions questions about their faith quickly because we had something very important in comas well. I have actually learned a lot about other religions by mon: our faith. We spent the week talking about the impact doing this. It is interesting to hear what Jesus and God mean to Jesus had on our lives and all that we had to be thankful for. people in different religions. Ultimately, no matter what the reliI continue to stay in contact with many gion, I have found that each faith knows of the people I met at camp, and we that God loves them, and that is what often find ourselves talking about the unites us all. The 2010 struggles and questions in our lives. We The phrase “actions speak louder than Father always come to the same conclusion words” is very true. I try to show my faith Charles when we are talking, though. No matter not just by talking to people about it, but Irvin Essay what is going on, Jesus is always there also by living it. As a first-grade CateContest for us and can make anything better. chism teacher, I teach my students about Winner My favorite part of summer is driving Jesus’ life and accomplishments, but Every year, FAITH awards a through town with my windows down also teach them that by just being nice $1,000 scholarship to a highand singing to the music on the radio. to their friends and family, they are being school senior in our diocese, My station of choice is 88.1 Smile FM. a witness of Jesus. When I participate based on an essay on a topic This station plays contemporary Chrisin various fundraisers and community related to life in the church. Our tian music that is not only great to listen service activities with my school and goal is to promote insightful to, but as they often say on the radio, youth group, I may not be talking about thought and excellent writing, “each song has a purpose.” I feel like I’m Jesus directly to the homeless, but our and to encourage careers in solving a puzzle as I listen to the music actions show them that he is there and Catholic journalism. There are and try to figure out what God is trying to alive in our hearts and in our minds. This many ways to spread the good teach me from each song. Often, when is perhaps one of the truest witnesses news of Jesus Christ, and good I am giving friends a ride, and they hear of our faith and Jesus that there is. It’s writing is one of them. We hope the catchy songs playing, they will ask important to do what Jesus would do and you enjoy this year’s essay, by me who the artist is. As I explain to them recognize him in each and every person. Molly Cook, of DeWitt High which Christian artist it is, many of them When I respect those around me both School and St. Jude Parish. are surprised to hear that the music is with my words and actions I am talking Christian. This station alone has started and living the life that Jesus intended for many conversations about Jesus and me to live. religion with my friends as we sing along to the songs together I am so grateful that I have a wonderful group of Chrisand try to figure out the words. Once we have figured out the tian friends who I can talk to about Jesus. For those of my words, one of my friends in particular, always likes to talk about friends who aren’t Christians, I love talking to them about what they mean. These songs remind us that we are loved by my faith and trying to better understand their beliefs. I have Jesus, and nothing is impossible with him in our lives. learned so much from my friends about what it means to be A few of my friends have come up to me and asked why the a follower of Christ. I may not know all the answers about Catholics do certain things, like not eating fish on Fridays or giv- my faith and religion, but I do know one thing: Jesus will ing up something during Lent. When my friends ask questions always be there for me. like these, I do my best to explain it, but what it comes down to is that Jesus loved us so much that he gave his life for us, By Molly Cook | Photography by Tom Gennara

24 A clean-up crew collects booms soaked with oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill on a beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Special Report:

special report

n April 20, 2010, an explosion ripped through the Transocean Limited’s Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers and wounding 17 others. The rig had been drilling beneath 5,000 feet of water and 13,000 feet of seabed as part of a British Petroleum (BP) project 42 miles southeast of Venice, La. Within two days of the blast, the entire rig had sunk and a five-mile-long oil slick had formed. Over the next 85 days, an estimated 95 million to 184 million gallons of oil poured into the waters of the Gulf of Mexico as repeated attempts to cap the well failed. Finally, on July 13, BP confirmed that the well had been capped. At the time of this report, the cap appeared to be working and the relief wells were nearing completion. In terms of cleanup, the U.S. government indicated that, as of July 22, more than 270,000 barrels of oil (11.3 million gallons) had been burned in controlled operations since the start of the spill in April. In addition, the government estimated that approximately 34.6 million gallons of oil water had been recovered. The good news is that it seems the surface

oil has dissipated substantially since the well was capped. According to national incident commander Thad Allen, only one barrel of oil was removed by the 800-boat oil skimmer fleet on July 27. However, others are still concerned about potential oil plumes that may be at greater depths. The spill led to the stepping down of BP CEO Tony Hayward, effective Oct. 1. Robert Dudley will assume the role of CEO, the first American to ever hold the position. Dudley will take the helm of a company that had spent $2.9 billion on what is now considered the largest spill in U.S. offshore drilling history. Additionally, BP estimates the total cleanup cost will be $32.2 billion, which includes the $20 billion escrow account the company has agreed to establish to reimburse people and businesses harmed by the spill.

The Catholic response Catholic Charities USA reports that much of the initial response to the oil spill was centered with Catholic Charities of New Orleans. Catholic Charities partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank, the local governments and state agencies, other local nonprofit institutions and even British Petroleum, which gave $1 million, to organize five disaster relief sites to distribute food, mental health assessments and vouchers to help people pay their utility bills, as many have lost part or all of their income due to the loss of the fisheries. The Catholic Charities website shows that through July 21: • 18,541 people (6,983 families) have received emergency assistance from Catholic Charities; • $371,500 in gift card and/or food vouchers have been distributed to affected families; • $78,540 in emergency food boxes from Second Harvest Food Bank have been distributed; • 393 cans of baby formula have been distributed with 1,051 packBy Douglas Culp

Reuters

The Catholic response

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

ages of diapers; and • 5,843 people have received crisis counseling. Anyone wishing to help by either volunteering or making a donation to Catholic Charities of New Orleans should go directly to Catholic Charities at www.ccano.org. With that said, Catholic Charities agencies along the coast in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida also are either already serving many in need or planning to serve populations that may be impacted in the coming days or weeks. In fact, preparations in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee are well under way. Catholic Charities has met with BP officials and other emergency response personnel to organize the response. With 200 miles of coastline, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee faces numerous challenges in relation to the spill. From the potential destruction of the oyster business (10 percent of America’s oyster industry) to the devastation of the tourism industry (20 percent of the local economy and 13 percent of employment), the oil mats that have washed up on the white sand beaches have dealt another blow to a region still recovering from hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 and the latest economic recession. Catholic Charities in PensacolaTallahassee has indicated that those wishing to donate or possibly volunteer (keep in mind special training is needed in dealing with this event) should go directly to www. catholiccharitiesnwfl.org.

Informing a Catholic response to disasters: solidarity The church’s rich tradition of social teaching has much to say about how Catholics are to respond to disasters such as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Particularly informative is the principle of solidarity. In Solicitudo Rei Socialis, Pope John Paul II described solidarity as “not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people,

both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all.” (#39) The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops makes the point even more clearly in Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish. In this document, the bishops write, “The central message is simple: our faith is profoundly social. We cannot be called truly ‘Catholic’ unless we hear and heed the Church’s call to serve those in need and work for justice and peace. We cannot call ourselves followers of Jesus unless we take up his mission of bringing ‘good news to the poor, liberty to captives, and new sight to the blind” (cf. Lk 4:18). The principle of solidarity seeks to build upon our nature as beings made by God for eternal life with God, who is a communion of three persons. This communion with God is possible only through our communion with our neighbor here and now. And who is our neighbor? Everyone is our neighbor whom we are to love … and this love looks like something.

Informing a Catholic approach to the environment: stewardship This great gift of a life destined for eternal communion with the Triune God

has also given human beings a unique place in the universe. Scripture teaches that humans enjoy the privilege of sharing in the divine governance of visible creation. However, this privilege is to be exercised in justice and holiness. For the International Theological Commission in “Communion and Stewardship,” this means that as human persons are created in the image of God, they are called to imitate divine rule of the universe, not displace it. Any attempt at usurping the divine represents a failure of justice, or right relationship. Humans, then, are stewards of the environment, not the masters of the environment. Like any steward, humanity will eventually have to render an account of its activities for judgment by the master. The criteria for determining correct stewardship are moral legitimacy and the efficacy of the means employed. Put another way, humans are to always act with the proper end in mind, or in service to the divine design for the whole of creation and for all creatures. Means can never be substituted for ends. For example, just because something is technologically possible doesn’t make it moral. As Pope Benedict XVI once wrote, “We need to care for the environment… [this] means not selfishly considering nature to be at the complete disposal of our own interests, for future generations also have the right to reap its benefits and to exhibit towards nature the same responsible freedom that we claim for ourselves.” The Pope’s advice given in the 2008 World Day of Peace celebration is still applicable; “It is important for assessments in this regard to be carried out prudently, in dialogue with experts and people of wisdom, uninhibited by ideological pressure to draw hasty conclusions, and above all with the aim of reaching agreement on a model of sustainable development capable of ensuring the well-being of all while respecting environmental balances.”

things to do:

community

St. Mary School, Pinckney: Sept. 7, first day of school, half-day; new band students meeting is at 6 p.m. in the band room and Open House is 7 p.m. in the gym. Sept. 21, Student picture day; Sept. 27, I Love School Tour Assembly at 2 p.m. in the gym. Sept. 30, a Walk-athon fundraiser for the technology program. For information, contact Principal Veronica Kinsey at 734.878.5616 or mrskinsey@stmarypinckney.org St. Michael Parish School in Grand Ledge invites you to our Back to School Open House and Ice Cream Social on Sept. 1 from 4:30 p.m.6 p.m. We have 3- and 4-year-old preschool, half-day Developmental Kindergarten, all-day Kindergarten and grades one through eight. Licensed onsite childcare available from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. We are an accredited school through the Michigan Association of Non-public

Catholic Charities St. Vincent Catholic Charities Refugee Services resettles hundreds of refugees every year. Unlike in most cities around the nation, St. Vincent is the only refugee resettlement program for families in the Greater Lansing area. Resettlement services range from setting up a home to health screenings and employment. Other services include social adjustment, outreach and referral. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact Elyse Lee at 517.323.4734 ext. 1204 or leee@stvcc.org. Schools. Find out for yourself why St. Michael is called the “hidden gem.” Project 2o3’s 20102011 theme is The Word became flesh. Upcoming events are on Sundays 2010: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 21, and Dec. 19; and Sundays 2011: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 20, April 17 and May 15. Hosting parishes have not yet been determined, so e-mail Amber Zelley,

September café events St. Matthew, Flint will begin the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults sessions in Sept. There will be two sessions: Wednesdays, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. or Fridays, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. If you are interested in becoming Catholic, or an adult Catholic who has not been confirmed or an adult Catholic interested in renewing a faith life, please phone the parish

office at 810.232.0880 to register or for more information. St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor will have a Women’s Bible Study beginning Sept.

Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties will have its fifth annual Blessed Mother Teresa Society Fundraising Reception at St. Joseph Parish, Adrian’s Father Williams Hall Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP by Sept. 13 to Carrie Burgett, 517.263.2191 or cburgett@ tc3net.com. Livingston County Catholic Charities – Sept. 17, Divorce and Beyond is for people who are already divorced or have filed for divorce. It will be at St. Mary Magdalen, 2201 Old U.S. 23 in Brighton from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. To register, call Sister Maryetta Churches at 810.229.8624.

coordinator of high school ministry, Holy Family Parish, Grand Blanc, alzelley@gmail.com, for more information. Marriage Matters of Jackson will have a workshop, Marriage L.I.N.K.S., Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Cascades Manor House, 1970 Kibby Rd., Jackson. Cost is $45 per couple and includes dinner each week and all materials. For more information or to register, call 517.796.5116 or info@ 16, 10 a.m.-noon at St. John Neumann in Canton. A children’s ministry program will be available for children 3-6-years old and baby-sitting for ages 2 and under. For information, call Sue Middlemis at 248.344.0246 or email wcbs.css@hotmail.com. SS. Charles and Helena, Clio has Bible Study on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the parish office at 810.686.9861.

marriagemattersjackson. com. St. Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor is having a joint high school youth retreat with several Livingston county and Washtenaw county parishes Sept. 25-26. For more information, contact Jen Delvaux at 734.821.2126 or jen@ stfrancisa2.org. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University begins Sept. 20 and concludes Dec.13. The classes will be Monday evenings, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Community Center of St. Jude Parish, 801 N. Bridge St., DeWitt. There will be a class preview on Aug. 30, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at the same location and you will be able to register. For further information, contact Rob Strouse at catholic. stjude@comcast.net or 517.669.8335x10. Attention single men and women mid-30s50s looking to meet new people. Join Lansing

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Parish festivals

information, visit www.oldstpatrickannabor.com or call 734.662.8141.

Lake Gardens. For more information, visit www.otih.org.

Join us on Aug. 27-28 at St. Michael Parish in Grand Ledge, 345 Edward St. for our parish festival. Activities include a euchre tournament, beer tent, entertainment and games for the kids, and a silent auction, Mass under the tent and a delicious chicken dinner. For more information, please see our website at www.stmichaelgl.org.

Sept. 10-12, SS. Charles & Helena Catholic Church in Clio will have its annual Septemberfest. For more information, contact the parish at 810.686.9861

Sept. 19, St. Joseph Parish, Ypsilanti will host its Harvest Festival from noon – 6 p.m. Raffle, chicken dinner, crafters, live auction, children’s games, live entertainment and more.

Sept. 16-19, St. John the Evangelist, Fenton will have its 38th Applefest. For information about the event, visit www.stjohnapplefest.org.

Sept. 12, St. Mary, Chelsea’s parish picnic begins with outdoor Mass at 1 p.m. and is followed by barbeque chicken and games. Please bring a dish to pass.

Sept. 17-19, Holy Rosary will have its parish festival. It opens at 6 p.m. on Sept. 17 and closes at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19. Admission is $2. Kids’ games, an entertainment tent with live music and more. For additional information, visit holyrosaryflint. com or contact the parish office at 810.736.4040.

Church of the Resurrection, Lansing, Sept 10-12, 76th annual Ox Roast Festival. For more information, call the parish office at 517.482.4749.

St. Patrick Labor Day Festival is Sept. 4-5 at 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. in Ann Arbor. Music with Remix and Paradise bands, games for kids, including pony rides, inflatables, rock climbing wall and a Grand Prize $5,000 raffle. Come noon to 11 p.m. Free admission. For more Catholic Singles for a fall ritual, a trip to the Country Mill in Charlotte on Sept. 26 for the Michigan Apple Festival. For more information, e-mail lansingcatholicsingles@live.com or call 517.321.7886.

Sept. 18, St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn invites everyone to attend the 5th annual Oh These Irish Hills Festival from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Hidden

For a complete calendar of upcoming events, check our website at www.lansingcatholicsingles.com. St. Louis Center, Chelsea will have its fall Auction and Dinner, Nov.

Retreat centers St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, 866-669-8321 or www.stfrancis.ws. Sept. 18, 9 a.m.-noon, Bulbs: Spring, Summer and Deer Resistant Weber Retreat Center, Adrian, 517.266.4000 Sept. 10-12, Servant Leadership for a Renewed Church Sept. 24-26, We Live Inside a Story! Do you know what story you are in? Sept. 27-Oct. 1, Skills for Facilitating Workshops (course entails three sessions – Oct. 25-29 and Dec. 6-10). Sept. 30-Oct. 3, A serenity retreat for women.

St. Mary Church in Flint will have its annual Fall Dinner, Dance and Silent Auction Sept. 25 in the parish center. Catered dinner, music and beer and wine are included with ticket. To purchase tickets, please call the parish office at 810. 232.4012. Sept. 26, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lansing will host its annual parish picnic at Hawk Island Park at 12:30 p.m. – great food, fun and games for the whole family.

6, 6 p.m. at the Chelsea Community Hospital. If you questions, would like to donate auction items or help, please e-mail mail@ stlouiscenter.org or call 734.475.8430. Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Religious Education Program for 3-year olds to grade 6 will be taking registrations in September. Classes will begin the first week of October. Preschoolers3’s to kindergarten meet on Sundays. Grades 1-6 meet on Tuesdays in the hour of family choice-4:30 p.m.-5:30 or 7 p.m.8 p.m. The religious education experiences are family focused and include many opportunities for family involvement. If you have questions, call JoAnn Angers, director

of religious education, at 517.393.3033. Treat yourself to a heavenly delightful book signing opportunity in downtown Dewitt. From 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd. Local author Fr. Charlie Irvin will personally sign copies of his book on The Lord’s Prayer at Dewitt’s Sweetie-licious Bakery Cafe in DeWitt, MI. Oct. 16, Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp 25th Anniversary Benefit Dinner at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center in Lansing. For online registration and payment, visit the Diocese of Lansing’s website Youth Ministry Department’s link www.acteva.com/booking. cfm?bevaid=207391.

local news local news

Foundation announces 2010 gifted educators The Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation presented the 2010 Mother Seton Gifted Educator Award to Dorella Page-Hunter of St. Joseph School in St. Johns. Page-Hunter is a third-grade teacher at St. Joseph School. For additional information on Mother Seton Gifted Educator awards and other programs of the Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation, contact Danielle Casavant at dcasavant@glcef.org or visit www.glcef.org.

Mary Garden rededication On June 9, Monsignor Richard Groshek, vicar general of the Diocese of Lansing, lead by an honor guard of Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Council #0510, officiated as Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties rededicated its Mary Garden and Shrine to the Queen of the Golden Heart. Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties welcomes visitors, events and gardeners to its Mary Garden. Visit givehope@ccsgc.org, or call 810.232.9950, ext. 129 or 160. All are welcome.

Local youth sell urban-grown veggies at farmers market The Catholic Charities of Genesee and Shiawassee’s Mr. Rogers Program sells produce at the Flint Farmers Market on Thursdays and Saturdays all summer. The Mr. Rogers Program provides mentoring and teaches urban agriculture to area at-risk youth. Participants learn job skills, teamwork and work ethics while planting, growing, harvesting and selling produce. To learn more about the Mr. Rogers Program or to make a contribution, please contact Greg Gaines at 810.232.9950.

St. Martha Parish hosts Amy’s Fun Run

Fowlerville Knights of Columbus Council #8605 receives special recognition

“Every morning, even on chemo days, I’d wake up and hear the “thwap, thwap, thwap” … it was Amy running on the tread mill. She would say running gave her a good feeling that would last the whole day,” said Blake Mossholder, Amy’s husband. It was that good feeling that motivated Amy Mossholder to head St. Martha School’s Mileage Club for eight years. On June 2, five months after Amy passed away from breast cancer, St. Martha gathered for its first annual Amy’s Fun Run. Led by Blake and Amy’s children – Jake, 15, Casey, 13 and Maddie, 11 – the students, decked out in bright green T-shirts and big smiles, took off on their two-mile or one-mile loop. At the end of the run, the kids touched a good luck stone dedicated to Amy saying “Never quit. Never give up.”

Father James Lothamer, pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Fowlerville, asked the Rev. James W. Lothamer, S.S., pastor at St. Agnes Knights of Columbus to Parish, blesses the newly construct a day chapel at constructed day chapel. the parish. After a year and a half of donated labor by the Knights, a day chapel for daily Mass and prayer and adoration was completed. The renovation project also included creating new, private vestry for the pastor, an alter servers dressing area, a bride’s or small conference room, a maintenance office and a coffee serving area. At the Knights of Columbus’ State Convention at Mackinaw Island in May 2010, Council #8605 from Fowlerville received the State Council Service Program Award, which is the highest possible award issued for a special project.

Reverend Paul Grehl, O.S.F.S. On May 23, Reverend Paul Grehl, O.S.F.S. celebrated his golden anniversary of serving others. More than 300 guests joined him for Mass and brunch at St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach, where he has been the sacramental minister for the last 22 years. Father Grehl taught at Lumen Christi High School for 22 years. He continues there in retirement ministry and at the Jackson prisons. Jean Schaub, St. Mary on the Lake’s pastoral associate, said; “Father Paul is a daily example of his favorite prayer ‘Live Jesus!’ He exemplifies Jesus by all he says and does.”

FAITH Magazine / September 2010 / www.FAITHmag.com

Storybook lands $2,000 award for kindergarten classroom Mrs. Theresa Purcell’s kindergarten class from Holy Family Catholic School in Grand Blanc won first place in the statewide K-2 division in the 2010 Digital Storybook Competition sponsored by the Michigan Council for Social Studies. Their first place award granted them $2,000 for their classroom. This video will be posted on iTunesU and hosted on the MCSS website.

2010 Habitat Interfaith build dedication

Patrick Tobin, O.P., a former Ann Arbor resident who earned a master’s of science and then a doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of MichiganAnn Arbor in 2003, was ordained a Catholic priest for the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, archbishop of St. Louis, on May 9 at St. Francis Xavier Church on the campus of St. Louis University in St. Louis.

On July 18, the Krisel family’s home in Ypsilanti was dedicated. This Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley build was sponsored and rehabbed by a coalition of local congregations, including St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and volunteers from many of the local Catholic parishes. For information about next year’s Catholic House go to www.catholic-habitat. blogspot.com/ or contact Maggie Porter, Habitat’s faith relation associate at 734.677.1558.

Advertising makes a difference Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties recently advertised its services on billboards, with the message, “Wanted: A Family to Love.” According to the agency’s president/CEO, Vicky Schultz, “When we designed the billboards we were hoping to reach families looking to foster or adopt children, but we purposely wanted the message to reach an even broader audience.” One success story from the campaign: a young mother who saw the billboard placed her newborn daughter with Catholic Charities’ Child Welfare Services for adoption. For more information on adoption or foster care, contact Catholic Charities at 810.232.9950.

Bishop Boyea recognizes St. Louis Center supporters at 27th annual dinner St. Louis Center, Chelsea hosted its 27th annual Recognition Dinner April 18. Bishop Earl Boyea and members of the local Servants of Charity community celebrated Mass with other members of the community.

St. Joseph Church is in the movies The movie “Conviction” was partially filmed at St. Joseph Church in Dexter. You can see the doors of the church in the arrest scene and some of the Dexter homes across the street. It is a true story of a sister’s unwavering devotion to her brother who, in 1983, was convicted for murder and sentenced to life in prison. “Conviction” has a release date of Oct. 15.

Siena Heights University renames chapel As part of its 90th anniversary celebration, Siena Heights University officially renamed Lumen Ecclesiae Chapel to St. Dominic Chapel on April 30. To celebrate the renaming, the chapel was blessed in a special ceremony by Siena Heights University President Sister Margaret Albert, OP, PhD, Father Tom Helfrich, SHU chaplain, and Jeff Kallenbach, chair of the Teaching Faculty Assembly.

Catholic lawyers guild’s new executive officers The Catholic Lawyers Guild of the Diocese of Lansing announced the election of its new executive officers for 2010: Retired Judge Thomas E. Brennan Jr. will serve as president. Robert J. Andretz

was named vice president. Laura Skriba is the incoming secretary. Gary Adamo will serve as treasurer and Father Charles E. Irvin has been designated chancellor. For more information, please contact Sister Joan Meerschaert at 517.484.5332 or e-mail jmeerschaert@ dioceseoflansing.org.

local news

Patrick Tobin ordained in St. Louis

What in the world? The top 10 Catholic news events this month

American bioethics leader named to board of Vatican life council – John Haas, president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, was named to the Pontifical Academy for Life, which advises the pope on questions on abortion, stem-cell research and other issues.

2 Oldest known paintings of Christian apostles discovered – Archaeologists and restorers working at the Roman catacombs of St. Tecla announced the discovery of the world’s oldest known paintings of the Apostles Peter, Paul, Andrew and John.

St. Dominic

the boy saint

local news saint of the month

Patron saint: of boys, children’s choirs, choir boys, choirs, falsely accused people, juvenile delinquents Meaning of name: Dominic meaning “belonging to God;” Savio meaning “wise’ learned”

3 New website highlights Catholic Church’s significant role in immigration – The educational website about the role the U.S. Catholic Church has had on immigration issues can be found at http:// libraries.cua.edu/ achrcua/packets.html.

4 Pope announces council for new evangelization – Pope Benedict XVI announced he is establishing a pontifical council for new evangelization to find ways to help people rediscover the value of faith.

Feast Day: March 9 Dominic Savio was born April 2, 1842 in Riva di Chieri, Turin Italy. He was one of 10 children of Carlo, a blacksmith, and Birgitta, a seamstress. At the age of 5, he became an altar boy, which began his preparation for the priesthood. At age 7, he received his first Communion, even though the customary age was 12. By the age of 12, Dominic had entered the Oratory School and became a protégé of Saint John Bosco. Dominic Savio was put in charge of organizing those who were the center of Bosco’s order, and he received the respect of many of the older boys. Although he was young, he led by example – and always reminded the older boys to say grace before meals.

Dominic prepares for priesthood.

He reminded others to always say grace.

When 12 was the customary age, Dominic received communion at age 7.

Dominic was often scolded for his bursts of laughter.

Saint Dominic regularly cared for the boys that were forgotten and he was often scolded by the teachers for his bursts of laughter. Dominic died at the young age of 15 from tuberculosis. His dying words were “What beautiful things I see.” Dominic focused on the little things in life, like helping others and playing games. He offered everything he had up for God and lived his life in holiness. It was his dream to become a priest, and he lived the motto of “death, but not sin!” Pope St. Pius X said, “A teenager such as Dominic, who bravely struggled to keep his innocence from baptism to the end of his life, is really a saint.” Illustrations by Chris Sushynski

Cardinal Ouellet to head bishops’ congregation – Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet of Quebec as prefect of the Congregation for Bishops. It’s the first time a North American cardinal has been placed in charge of the powerful congregation.

Pope recognizes founder of Chicago-based order – Pope Benedict XVI recognized the heroic virtues of Mother Maria Kaupas, who established the Sisters of St. Casimir Order in 1907 in Scranton, Pa. This is the first major step toward sainthood.

Church official criticizes Mexico City divorce process – The Archdiocese of Mexico City expressed disappointment with the liberalization of marriage laws to allow for express divorces, which can be approved in less than two hours.

Cuba to free 52 political prisoners – Following unprecedented dialogue between Cuban officials and the country’s Catholic leaders, political authorities in Cuba announced they will release 52 political prisoners.

Pope Benedict XVI chooses religious freedom as theme – The Vatican announced that the pope decided the theme for the 2011 World Day of Peace celebration will be “Religious freedom, the path to peace.”

top ten

5 Bishops’ doctrine committee said direct abortion always wrong – The U.S. bishops’ Doctrine Committee, to eliminate confusion about church teaching raised by media reports, issued a statement of clarification stating direct abortion always is intrinsically wrong and illicit.

FAITH by the numbers

Why is the DYLC so important? 25 years of forming Christian disciples

Pat Rinker is director of youth ministry and young adult ministry for the Diocese of Lansing.

FAITH asked: The state of Arizona is being sued by the federal gov. to overturn its new immigration law. What did our readers say?

36%

The federal government should stay out of state issues. We need to protect our borders no matter what.

30%

The Arizona law is racial profiling.

I don’t know.

The four dimensions of youth ministry are with, to, by and for. We minister to and for young people, but we also minister with them and often ministry is by them. Too many times, ministry leaders fail to appreciate the tremendous gift of faith in our young people. Too many times, we underestimate the gifts of the Holy Spirit in them and the gifts they have to share according to the ministries to which they have been called. They are the body of Christ as much as any of us and they show it year after year at DYLC. For 10 months, 13 teens and a dozen adults work together as the DYLC team, planning every day of the leadership camp. These teens have gone through

the DYLC experience themselves and are certified at Level I of our formation program for lay ecclesial ministers. They are gifted and faith-filled. They have depth in their planning and in their faith lives. They bring to the table so much enthusiasm and creativity – and a willingness to work with each other The DYLC bears witness to what we teach and believe. The three goals of youth ministry are: forming Christian disciples; calling youth to responsible participation in the life and mission of the church; and responding to the total needs of youth. These goals guide the planning and implementation of DYLC every year. Teens come out of this experience ready to serve as disciples of Christ,

in his church today. As you have read in this issue of FAITH, many parishes benefit from their service on parish youth ministry teams, pastoral councils, as catechists, youth leaders and in many other roles. As time passes, many of these teen leaders continue to answer God’s call to ministry in vocations of priesthood, religious life, married life, lay ecclesial ministry and in many volunteer lay ministry positions in their parishes. We have helped produce a generation of spirit-filled, collaborative leaders, with the skills to serve and the heart of Christ’s love. There will be a benefit dinner for DYLC on Oct.16, at The Ramada Hotel & Conference Center in Lansing. For information, please contact Pat Rinker, 517.342.2485, prinker@dioceseoflansing. org You can also search for the DLYC Alumni group on Facebook.

FAITHlast at 10 word

30%

have been involved in leadership formation of young people for more than three decades in many dioceses. I can honestly say that the Diocese of Lansing’s Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp employs the principles of youth ministry with more integrity than any other program I have seen.

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