September 2011

THE

MAGAZINE

OF

THE

CATHOLIC

DIOCESE

OF

LANS I NG

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FAITH exdusive - an interview

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OctOber 5-9, 2011

at the St. Francis retreat center • DeWitt, MI Come! Delight in God’s Word and Sacrament.

Delight in writing in a beautiful and serene retreat setting. Delight in meeting and sharing with other Catholic writers and publishers. (Limited to 60 attendees) For more information and to register, go to www.stfrancis.ws • This retreat is sponsored by St. Francis Retreat Center in collaboration with FAITH Catholic Publishing and Communications and The Catholic Writers’ Guild

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contents table of contents

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

September 2011 • Volume 12: Issue 7

Patrick M. O’Brien

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Cynthia Vandecar

MARKETING MANAGER

Patrick Dally

ART DIRECTOR

Michelle Hildebrandt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEBMASTER

Jillane Job

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT

Cari Ann DeLamielleure | Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Doug Culp | Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle | Marybeth Hicks | Rev. Charles Irvin | Paul Jarzembowski | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Gelasia Marquez | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Andrew Peltcs | Sister Ann Shields | Todd Schulz

6 yourlife

6 parenting journey Survivor’s guilt after a fatal accident 8 living a joyful life Fidelity or Betrayal?

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Derek Melot

PROOFREADING

Carlson Productions | Tom Gennara | James Luning | Don Quillan | Philip Shippert | Jonathan Tramontana

8 yourfaith

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Patten | Chris Sushynski

8 in the know with Father Joe What happens inside the confessional?

10 theology 101 It is right to give God thanks and praise: the Eucharistic Prayer 13 spiritual fitness Is God telling you, ‘Enough!’?

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATORS

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2011 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR

For advertising information: Call 517.853.7600

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FAITH exclusive an interview with Harry Connick, Jr.

14 ministryfocus 14 special report What’s happening with lay ministry today?

16 cover story Who runs the parish when there is no priest?

special repor t

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It has been 10 years since terrorists changed the world on 9/11.

FAITH remembers that awful day, and takes a look at what has happened since – in our country, the world and the Church.

liturgical calendar: St. gregory the great, pope and doctor of the Church September 3 | Feast of the nativity of the Blessed virgin Mary September 8

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from the editors

We stand on the shoulders of giants

W

e stand on the shoulders of giants. I often say this about the parish community that I pastor as I think about its history and the many blessings that are a part of more than 40 years as a parish. I am especially aware of this now, as so many of our parish founders are reaching the later years of their earthly lives, and many of them have already gone home to God. Our parish community reflects the faith, love and joy of that unique group of individuals and families who asked the bishop of Lansing for permission to found a parish in DeWitt in 1969. Working in cooperation with God’s grace, the vision and love of our parish founders continue to have profound influence on our parish life. We stand on the shoulders of giants. priests who have had such a powerful influence on my life – they have names like Fathers David, Alcuin, Pat, Ed, Mark, William, Charlie, Roman, Roy, Brendan, Roger, Bob, Larry, Steve, John and Joe. I have witnessed and experienced the beauty of Catholic priesthood through the successes and the challenges that have been a part of their priestly lives and ministry. They invited me in, so to speak, to be able to see and experience the day-to-day life of priesthood. I am thankful for the gift they have given me

saint of the month

St. John Chrysostom the patron saint of preachers

John was born in Antioch in 349.

In his youth, he was educated by the pagan teacher Libanius. From him, he

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through the years.

There is one more group of “giants” who have been tremendously influential in my life as a priest.

They are a wondrous collection of dedicated professional lay ministers who have had a profound role in shaping my personal

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I stand on the shoulders of giants. I often think about this as I reflect on the ongoing unfolding gift of priesthood.

Some of you know these “giants” and many of you have met some of them through the reflections I have shared with you, here, through the years. Who I am becoming as a priest has been heavily influenced by the gift of faith given to me by my parents, Jan and Gene, and their continued witness of faith-filled living. Who I am becoming as a priest also has been heavily influenced by the many good

life and my priesthood. They have names like Janelle, Bill, Pattie, Scott, Dave and Jack.

There have been many more through the years. Each, in their own way, has offered a powerful example of how one can and must respond to the God-given gifts that are a part of the lives of each of us. Although they would never say so, I have watched as each of them has made tremendous and joyful sacrifices in order to undertake a life of ministry in the Church.

My life and the lives of their parish communities have been enriched by the unique combined gifts of their faith and their dedicated and tireless service.

What is true for my life and the parish community that I serve is true for each of us and the parish communities to which we belong. We stand on the shoulders of giants. Someday, God willing, someone may say that of each of us. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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

developed a career in speaking and a love of language and literature.

John emphasized charitable giving and meeting the physical needs of the poor.

He spent time as a hermit, focusing on religious and spiritual goals. His interpretation and explanations of the Bible were practical and applicable to everyday life.

John also founded many hospitals to serve the poor.

John shares his love of literature.

– Story and illustrations by Chris Sushynski

FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

St. peter Claver, priest September 9 | the Most Holy name of the Blessed virgin Mary September 1

Do you remember where you were when …?

numbers

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ow often have you told the story of where you were when the towers fell? Or Kennedy was shot?

Or Pearl Harbor was attacked?

Or how you met your spouse? Or the day your child was born?

– that transformed listeners’ lives, and that drew them into community with each other and with God. And that’s what we try to do in the pages of FAITH – every month, we tell the stories of people’s relationships with God and how their lives have been transformed.

So, this month, as we observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11, remember the stories of where you were in 2001. Share them.

And tell the other stories of your life as well – the joys and sorrows, the moments where you’ve seen God. When you do that, you forge ties with your brothers and sisters, you build community, you share the faith. t. gennara

As humans, we share stories to share experience. I tell you how I sat in front of the TV watching the planes fly into the World Trade Center, and hitting the redial button for my sister’s New York phone number – you tell me about your cousin who went to work in the morning and never came home. We both remember the eerie silence in the skies for days afterward, when flights were grounded.

Somehow, by sharing these stories, we share more fully in an experience that changed our lives and our world.

That’s what Jesus did in the Gospels. He told stories – parables

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

He emphasized charitable giving.

80%

of U.S. lay ecclesial ministers are female.

lay minister pattie Scherer works with RCiA candidates.

60%

of U.S. lay ecclesial ministers are over the age of 50.

There are approximately

38,000

lay ecclesial ministers (working more than 20 hours per week) in the U.S.

14 % of U.S. lay ecclesial ministers are vowed religious.

Get the free mobile app at

http://gettag.mobi

To learn more about lay ecclesial ministry in the Diocese of Lansing, turn to page 14 or visit www. dioceseoflansing.org/ layministry/

John’s schedule as a hermit.

Scan the above tag with your mobile device to learn more about lay ecclesial ministry

His teachings were practical.

12 | St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church September 13 | Feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14 | our lady of Sorrows September 15

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yourlife events and other highlights that the boys celebrated together. Let your friends know that you have the book ready as a gift for them and see if they would like to share their pictures, as well.

parenting journey

Survivor’s guilt after a fatal accident

Q a

My son and one of his friends were in a horrible car accident last year. My son survived, but his friend did not. We were very close to his parents, but we haven’t known how to talk to them since the accident. How can I get past this and reach out to our friends?

Many parents have felt the terror of a phone call about an accident or hearing a diagnosis from a doctor. Whatever the source, there is a sense of distorted reality that can never be forgotten. You and your friends shared the horror of the accident. But your relief doesn’t require an equal measure of guilt; it’s appropriate to express the compassion that you obviously feel.

• Make a photo memory book. Ask your son to go through his digital pictures and look through photos of birthday parties, scouting

Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual advisor.

Fidelity or Betrayal?

There are nine circles of Hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy, each representing greater and greater evil.

Three historical characters share residency with Satan at the lowest circle of Hell: Judas Iscariot, betrayer of Christ; Brutus, the roman general; and his co-conspirator, Cassius, both of whom

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were responsible for the assassination of Julius Caesar.

These souls paid a heavy price for their betrayal.

Fortunately, there have been positive role models in history who understood the relationship between happiness and fidelity.

One example is

FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

• Ask God’s assistance. Spend time asking God that you be able to recognize any way that you may bring comfort to your friends. “ … I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:12) The book Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope details how the Van Ryn and Cerak families learned that the identities of their daughters had been switched after a fatal car accident. Although Whitney Cerak’s mom struggled with her “happy ending,” the Van Ryns’ prayerful reaction helped ease the sense of survivor guilt. t. gennara

• Share a meal. What did you do together before the accident? If you went out to dinner or had each other over, then issue an invitation. Our society tends to avoid discussions of death, but bringing up memories of the friendship

between your sons is meaningful. You are not going to be reminding them of the loss because they think of their son from the moment they wake up. Sharing your memories acknowledges the importance of his life. Let them know that you don’t have the words to describe what you would like to say, but you want to be there for them.

• Include the parents in social events. Let your friends decide whether they want to participate in ongoing traditions. For example, if you sat side-by-side watching your boys play football, then they still may want to go to the games.

Don’t exclude them because it seems too heartbreaking to you.

living a joyful life Mary Magdalene who with the Mother of God remained at the foot of the cross.

Another is Helen Keller who said, “Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true

happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” That “purpose” is not personal happiness in this life but eternal happiness in the next.

David Eich’s new book, Happiness: Only in the Next, is available now at www.FAITHmag.com

St. Cornelius, pope and martyr and St. Cyprian, bishop and martyr S

For a listing of Mass times in your area, visit www.masstimes.org just a mile from the shore she could not see. She tried a few months later; the same fog set in, but this time, she persevered, because she held a picture of the shoreline in her mind while she swam. The sentiment of this movie is similar – the characters keep on chugging along, step by step, and are surprised by the turnout.

FAITH exclusive

Did the dolphin and the young boy inspire you? This story speaks to faith – and the ability to survive. It’s especially evident in the doctor’s choice to spend the effort and money to do rehab rather than euthanize, which might have seemed the obvious choice.

What is the biggest challenge of working with animals in a movie?

There weren’t really a lot. We worked with the real Winter and another dolphin named Panama. Once in a while, you’d ask them to do things that are not normal. Once in a while, she’d make a mistake, but no more than us. It’s really cool to swim with them.

FAITH exclusive an interview with Harry Connick, Jr., star of A Dolphin Tale

O

n Sept. 23, Warner Bros. will release Dolphin Tale, the amazing true story about Winter the dolphin and the people who saved her. FAITH spoke with Harry Connick, Jr., who stars in the film.

it. There are so many specialized films in various genres – it’s nice once in a while to have one that everyone can see.

Can you tell us a little bit about the movie. Why is it a good choice for families? It’s based on a true story, which is amazing. Winter is a dolphin who lost her tail in a crab trap. A young boy manages to convince a renowned doctor to design a prosthetic tail for her. When I read the script, I didn’t even realize it was a true story. After I read it and spoke to the director, I was astounded to realize this actually happened. I think it’s a sweet, nice film. And to risk a cliché, people of any age would enjoy

Is there a message you hope people take away from this movie? Faith is a pretty good word for this movie. You can’t have more adversity than Winter has – or the people who worked to help her. My character has a lot thrown at him, but he keeps on going. The characters remind me of Florence May Chadwick, the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. When she was swimming from Catalina to the California coast in 1952, thick fog set in and she gave up –

September 16 | St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church September 17 | St. Januarius, bishop and martyr September 19

You attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans – how did Catholic education shape your life? I think it gave me a lot of information that is important.

There was a lot of structure, which is good in different ways.

You feel like you’re part of a community. And faith is the “something else” that holds the community together.

Are you a member of a Catholic parish, and if so, what does that mean to your life? I’m not the ideal parish member because I travel so much and can’t always be there. But I like going to Mass in a place where I know the priest and see familiar faces. It’s nice to have a place to call home.

You are known for having a strong family life – has your faith helped shape that? That’s the foundation for most things in my life. When things get rough, your faith is where you go when you have no place else to turn. It’s been there for me always. We all struggle but we’re so lucky to have so many resources to help us through.

– Interview by Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

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yourfaith

10 The Nicene Creed

12 Is God telling you, ‘Enough!’?

in the know with Father Joe

What happens inside the confessional?

Q

Father, It’s been a long time since I’ve gone to confession – what should I expect?

a

Last time, I talked about how to go to confession. We made an examination of conscience, I got you inside the confessional – now, let’s look at what to expect next.

At this point, you’ll tell your sins. In terms of confessing, you want to remember that this is not spiritual direction. Spiritual direction is a “gathering together” of two in the name of Jesus, the spiritual director and the directee, to help a person to develop a closer relationship with God and to better discern how the Holy Spirit is leading in their life.

The sacrament of reconciliation is not really the time for that. This is the time to ask God’s forgiveness and receive it with joy. If you have a situation in your life where you need guidance or if you have theological questions, you may want to make an appointment to talk to the priest later.

So, if you made a list, this is the time to share it. Remember a couple things here – you don’t need to tell the priest the

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“whole story” of why you were offer you some words of consolation or challenge. Rememdisrespectful to your spouse ber, for this sacrament to work or impatient with your kids. best, you’ll need three things: If he wants more details, he’ll ask for them. You also want 1. Knowledge of your sins to be sure that you remember 2. Sorrow for your sins that these are sins. This is not 3. Trust in God’s mercy something you “are working on” – these are sins. We conEverything the priest says fess them because they are bad should take you back to those for us and God wants to free three points. us! We work Once he’s on cars, not spoken to you, our sins. he’ll offer you Tip: You The beautia penance. may not ful, life-givWhat is a penbe sure if ing process ance? Penance something of receiving is another is a sin.

God’s mercy word for a disDon’t hesiis often very cipline to help tate to ask! guide the proI know emotional. cess of your some people Don’t apolorepentance. worry about gize for your For example, getting emotears – these if you are sintional: Please are gifts that ning against don’t worry. you offer God. If the priest purity, then he may ask you to is worth his pray a certain salt, he’ll not number of only be ready Hail Mary’s, asking our Mother for it, but also expect it. The beautiful, life-giving process of to send you the grace of her Son for purity. If you are sinning by receiving God’s mercy is often being selfish or stingy, he may very emotional. Don’t apoloask you to volunteer at the local gize for your tears – these are homeless shelter. Each act of gifts that you offer God. penance is not done to “make When you are finished, let up for” your sin: Jesus did that. the priest know in some way. I like the old “These are my sins”. It’s to help you practice the virAt this point, the priest may tue that God wants you to live.

FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

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Dear Fr. Joe:

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com Now, once you’ve got your penance, he’ll invite you to offer an Act of Contrition or Prayer of Sorrow or something similar. This is where you’ll say something that expresses that you know your sins, are sorry for your sins and trust in God’s mercy. There are many options out there for you, pick one that you like best.

Tip: Print out your Act of Contrition and bring it with you so you can read it!

Once that is done, the priest will stretch out his hand and pray what is called the “Prayer of Absolution.” The key is when he says the last line, which is “I absolve you of your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

When that is finished, the priest will say any number of things as a closing. I say “The Lord has freed you, go in peace” to which you can respond “Thanks be to God!” Now, you aren’t finished yet! It turns out that, after you leave, you’ve got a couple more things to do.

First, be sure and thank God because, according to our catechism, you and Jesus just

St. Andrew Kim taegon, priest and martyr and St. paul Chong Hasang, martyr and their companions, ma

eveRett

spiritual popcorn

Silver Screen Sisters

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ver the decades, a wide variety of religious sisters have graced our movie theatres. There is something special about seeing women religious in otherwise secular movies – like their real-life counterparts, cinematic nuns often bring peace, comfort, compassion, tradition, order and gentleness to whatever situation they find themselves in.

Perhaps some of the most memorable on-screen sisters include the Mother Superior and the teaching staff at St. Francis Academy in The Trouble with Angels (1966). The sisters here treat the rebellious 60s-era teenagers under their watch with kindly direction and correction, inspiring one of them to eventually enter the novitiate by the end of the film.

This film reminds us of another recent favorite, Sister Act (1992), where a group accomplished the following: You’ve reconciled with God and his Church and received his grace. You’ve allowed God to take away the punishments our sins merit, you’ve received the gift of consolation and you’ve been given what you need to fight the good fight of faith!

Second, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of accepting the mercy that has been offered to you. I often will explain this to people in the sacrament this way:

of women religious are confronted with the popular culture of their day. Lounge singer Deloris van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) must hide out in a convent as part of a witness protection program. This encounter changes the sisters and inspires Cartier – a wonderful relationship that speaks to the humility and openness we are called to in service to others.

To list all movie nuns would be impossible – though one cannot go on without at least

In Reconciliation, you are giving Jesus your sins. He is taking those sins with him to the Garden of Gethsemane and then to the cross. He is killing your sins – and that would be enough to give you joy all of your days.

But he did even more.

By rising from the dead, he shows us that all of our sin, all of our guilt were not strong enough to overcome his love.

So, those sins you

mentioning Sister Mary Benedict (Ingrid Bergman) playing opposite Bing Crosby in The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945); Mother Maria (Lilia Skala) playing opposite Sidney Poitier in Lilies of the Field (1963); and Sister Michelle (Mary Tyler Moore) playing opposite Elvis Presley in Change of Habit (1969) – all who show dedication and love for their work.

But one sister stands out among the rest – giving us one of the most dramatic, intense, and compassionate performances in the real-life portrayal of Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ (Susan Sarandon) in Dead Man Walking (1995).

In this gripping tale, Sister Helen goes against the grain by journeying with and advocating for unrepentant death row inmate Matthew Poncelet (Sean Penn). She tells him on the eve of his execution, “I want the last face you see in this world to be a face of love, so you look at me when they do this thing.” Sister Helen shows moviegoers the incredible gift that religious vocations can provide for our world: to be the face of Christ in the midst of crisis, vengeance, struggle, and hopelessness. What an even greater joy that this particular nun is not a fictional character, but a real life person alive today.

So let us pray for all our religious sisters – and give thanks for their presence on screen, in our Church, and in the world.

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

confessed? Gone. Not your property anymore. They belong to God and you can’t have them back. When or if you start to feel guilt again about what you’ve confessed, reject that guilt in the name of Jesus.

He took care of

it. It’s over.

I personally believe that everyone should go to confession at least once a month. It’s a great gift that the Church offers us and an amazing experience.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

Father Joe’s book, Smart Answers and Bad Jokes, is available now at www.FAITHmag.com. it’s also available for your Kindle at www.amazon.com

artyrs September 20 | Feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist September 21 | St. pio of pietrelcina, priest September 23 | Ss. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs September 26

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Y O U R

F A I T H

theology 101

t. gennara

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

St. vincent de paul, priest September 27 | St. Wenceslaus, martyr Sep

It is right to give God thanks and praise:

the Eucharistic Prayer

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he eucharistic prayer is the center and summit of our entire celebration (GIRM 78). Like many of our traditions, it has its origin in Jewish practices. The leader of the meal would have offered a blessing (barekah) over the bread that praised God, acknowledging his past and present deeds. Over the wine, he’d offer a three-part prayer that would include praise for creation, thanksgiving for salvation history, and petition that God’s saving acts would continue.

Though scholars debate whether or not the Last Supper was a Passover meal, Jesus, too, offered such prayers to his Father. He added an important dimension when he said “… this is my body” and “This is my blood.” Further, he commanded his disciples to “Do this in memory of me.”

The early Christian communities continued to gather in table fellowship and to use traditional prayer forms as they broke bread in memory of the Lord. Most of these prayers were extemporaneous until about the fourth century when texts became fixed in various regions. In the West, they used the term canon (Latin for “rule” or “law”) and in the East, they used the term anaphora (Greek for “lifting up” or “offering”).

By the fourth century, the prayers that made up the Roman Canon became fixed.

The canon was formalized by Gregory the Great (590-604).

It was sung or recited out loud until the ninth century, when it began to be prayed in a low voice. Vatican II restored the practice of the presider saying the prayer out loud so that the assembly might pray as he

leads it.

The Council also expanded our repertoire of canons. Eucharistic Prayer I is the Roman Canon. Eucharistic Prayer II is based on the Apostolic Tradition (attributed to Hippolytus in Rome, 215 AD); Eucharistic Prayer III is a modern composition based on the Mozarabic (Spanish) rite; and Eucharistic Prayer IV is based on Eastern anaphoras, especially from St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom. In 1974, Eucharistic Prayers for Children were developed; they included acclamations that heightened a child’s attentiveness. In 1975, two Eucharistic Prayers for Reconciliation were added. In 1995, the Swiss Synod Prayer or the “Eucharistic Prayer for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions” was added to the official list.

No matter which one is chosen for Mass, each eucharistic prayer has these eight elements (GIRM 79): • Thanksgiving – throughout the prayer, but especially in the Preface, naming what God has done • Acclamations – including the Sanctus and the Memo-

rial Acclamations • Epiclesis – (“a calling upon”) invocation of the Holy Spirit upon the gifts and upon us • Institution Narrative/ Consecration – the Scriptural account of Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist; the words the priest uses to consecrate the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ • Anamnesis – This is not a mere recollection, but a remembering that makes an historic event present here and now • Offering – we offer Christ’s sacrifice with him to the Father, in the Holy Spirit • Intercessions – we pray for the living and the dead, in communion with all the saints • Final Doxology – concluding words of praise offered through, with, and in Christ (per ipsum) to which we add “Amen.”

Soon, you’ll notice significant changes to the translations of our eucharistic prayers. But the structure of the prayers will remain the same. You will still recognize the eight elements listed above. Listen carefully for some new words.

You will hear the word “chalice” instead of “cup.” This links the narrative closer to the ceremonial vessel we use today and to the original Latin word.

The priest will simply say “The mystery of faith.” “Let us proclaim the…” has been omitted since it seemed out of place to suddenly address the

ptember 28 | Feast of St. Michael, St. gabriel and St. Raphael, the archangels September 29 | St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church September 30

t. gennara

Rita Thiron is director of the Office of Worship for the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and a member of the board of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions.

assembly in the middle of a prayer directed to the Father.

One of our responses – “Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.” – will no longer be used. These three declarative sentences are good strong statements about Christ; but they do not match the other responses, which are prayers directed to Christ. In addition, the other responses acknowledge our sharing in Christ’s sacrifice and its fulfillment.

In the words of consecration over the precious blood, you’ll note several changes. The word “everlasting” is replaced by “eternal.” The former refers to something that lasts a long time; the latter describes something for which no measurement of time is possible.

There will be a new translation of pro multis. Where we used to hear “for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven” we will now hear “…poured out for you and for the many for the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus did indeed die to forgive sin and he sacrificed his life so that all may have salvation. Some will freely choose to reject this great gift, so the Holy Father chose the words “for the many.”

As we join in this great prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification, let us be aware that we are offering a sacrifice of praise for all that God has done for us and that we are, once again and still, joining in the great sacrifice of Christ.

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Is God telling you,

‘Enough!’?

12

FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAitHmag.com

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F A I T H

spiritual fitness

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ecently, I read an article by Cardinal Francis George of Chicago in which he described, through a friend’s eyewitness account, the bombing of a Catholic Church in Bagdad. Two priests were killed – one at the altar, one coming out of a confessional. Many people were shot down as they tried to escape the brutal massacre. t. gennara

to satisfy ourselves. Enough! It is important for all Cardinal George went on to relate a particuof us to let that word sink into our own minds and larly important incident that occurred that day in hearts and spirits. the church. A 3-year-old boy named Adam saw When we were his parents brutally shot baptized, we were in front of him. For three brought into the hours, he walked among family of God – we the bodies saying only When we were baptized actually became the one word to the terrorwe were brought into sons and daughters ists, “ENOUGH!” At the the family of God – we of God. Do we live end of those hours, they as though we know shot and killed him. actually became the who we are or do I don’t think I would be sons and daughters we live like orphans overstating to say that of God. Do we live as and aliens with no child was like the Christ roots?

Child saying to all of though we know who I believe God us, “Enough!” Enough we are or do we live like used this child war and bloodshed, orphans and aliens with Adam to cry out bitterness and envy, the truth to us. Stop jealousy and hatred. no roots? going down these Enough anger and envy, paths; stop actun-forgiveness and ing as though you withholding mercy, lying and cheating. Enough verbal and physical abuse, don’t know who you are; stop letting yourselves be used as tools of the enemy to sow strife and stealing people’s good and also their honor and reputation; stop the lust and using others’ bodies destruction and death. Enough!

Sister Ann Shields is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. Questions can be addressed to Sister Ann Shields, Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 For more reflections on prayer and a fuller treatment of this topic, see my book: Pray and Never Lose Heart, available from Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. $12.

September is a month of new beginnings. Summer is over; cooler weather is on the way; school is starting; crops are being harvested. This is a good time to take stock of our internal and spiritual life. If I were asked to render an account today before God, how would the ledger look?

• Do I seek, where possible, to be a peacemaker, or do I always find fault and “pick” a fight?

• Do my conversations promote peace and hope or do they produce tension, doubt, jealousy and suspicion? Am I more negative or positive in my interactions with others?

• Do I quickly forgive or do I hold grudges?

• Do I share the good things I have with my spouse, friends or coworkers?

• With what do I fill my mind? Do I read what will inspire and encourage me to do good or do I read about what others have done wrong?

• What part does daily Scripture reading have in my life?

What part do good biographies of saints play in my weekly reading?

• Have I developed an attitude of gratitude?

That phrase “an attitude of gratitude” can sound trite, but it is imperative in the negative attitude that pervades our airwaves and print media. Having eyes and ears to give and receive gratitude can destroy the plague of anger, jealousy and envy. Those evil fruits grow out of a negative attitude toward daily life and relationships. We can choose – and it is a choice – to live out of gratitude, thankful that we are children of a God who loves us and gives us His Spirit to guide us daily, hourly and moment to moment. So often we miss the gifts that God lavishly gives us because we are looking “down” instead of “up.” Daily ask the Holy Spirit to give you grace to “see” his loving care for you day in and day out. (I also recommend a book on the New York Times, best-seller list: A Thousand Gifts by Ann Vosskamp.)

None of us wants war and bloodshed. The change has to begin, not with nations, but in each person’s heart. As each heart changes, the “climate” begins to change. Mother Teresa’s life brought enormous social change for her country and for the world. As she would say, “One life at a time.” May it be so with us!

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ministryfocus

What’s happening with lay ministry today?

contributions to the work that continues today and we are excited to be moving forward. The Diocese of Lansing is a national leader in lay ministry and we continue to build on the foundation that made that so.

For more information about lay ministry, register for the vocations workshop at the Common Conference.

What is the formation experience for lay ministers? We follow the structure used for priestly and diaconal formation – the four pillars of ministry: theological, spiritual, pastoral and human.

We base this on Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, the he Office of Lay Ministry is currently U.S. bishops’ wonderful document published in 2005 that guides under the direction of Deb Amato. the development of lay ecclesial ministry. Formation is important!

FAITH asked Deb about what’s hap“Ongoing formation, which strengthens ministerial identity as well pening with lay ministry in the Dioas enhancing ministerial skills, is not a luxury to be pursued when time and resources allow, but is rather a permanent necessity for cese of Lansing today every ecclesial minister, lay or What is the state of lay ordained.” (Co-Workers, 51) ministry in the Diocese Mary Tardif, first diocesan director Lay ministers can receive a of Lansing today? We are for the Office of Lay Ministry certificate in religious studies building on a well-laid foundaby attending courses offered tion. A lot of good work has Mary Tardif was the first director of the Office of Lay Minthrough Siena Heights Univertaken place in the Diocese of istry, appointed by Bishop Povish in September 1987. The sity. Newly instituted graduate Lansing over the years. PreviOffice of Lay Ministry coordinated educational and formation options being offered include ous directors made significant opportunities for lay ministers within the diocese, and Mary distance learning programs also acted as the diocesan liaison to the Professional Pastoral through Augustine Institute Ministers Association (PPMA).

Contact in Denver, Colo., Franciscan “The PPMA is a wonderful group where you can rub shoulDeb Amato University in Steubenville, Ohio ders with peers who talk your language. When you consider from the and Holy Apostles Seminary in that so much of the Church’s work is done by lay ministers, you Office for Cromwell, Conn. can see how important the PPMA is for providing theological Lay EcclePastoral and human formation training, spiritual formation and mentoring groups.” sial Ministopics such as avoiding burnout, ters at 517.342.2512 maintaining healthy boundar-

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

s

photography from left to right: the first lay minister commissioning in the Diocese of lansing – oct. 10, 1992. Certificates being distributed at the first teacher training graduation

by Bishop green – Apr. 21, 1963. teachers institute – oct.

18, 1974. The PPMA is addressed by Bishop Mengeling in 2001

ies and families, discernment, and how to pick a spiritual director will be offered through half-day Formation Saturdays beginning this year. We strongly recommend spiritual direction for our lay ministers. A yearly review with the director of Lay Ecclesial Ministry helps the lay minister to maintain a balanced formation emphasis and provides feedback on ministry needs within the diocese.

Lay ministers can be recognized for their intentional formation and experience as leaders in the diocese through our

ministry certification program. Five levels of certification exist with certification levels III-V approved by the USCCB/CCA. A five year certification is awarded to those who complete the certification process. A lay minister, who receives certification at level IV or higher, may pursue public commissioning. In his homily at the Rite of Commissioning last year, Bishop Boyea said, “This is a recognition and authentication of the call they feel to a greater level of collaboration with the bishop in his pastoral guidance of the diocese.” The Rite of Commissioning takes place annually in the fall at the cathedral.

Why is lay ministry important for the Church? Lay ministry is important for the Church because by virtue of our baptism, we are all called to be disciples of Christ and to lead others to Christ. This is an acknowledgement that this is a shared work.

99.9 percent of the Catholic population are the laity, so we should be sharing in the work of evangelization. Our pastors cannot do it without us.

What do you see as the future of lay ministry? Growing.

There are areas that we cannot even fathom today. We have approximately 80-100 people in some stage of formation right now.

What do lay ministers say about the PPMA?

from 1983-1997 I felt rather secluded from others in the more normal activities of lay ministers. PPMA was my way of being connected with the broader Church.”

Marcy Keefe-Slager: “PPMA provides an umbrella type of network for our lay ministers so we can support and encourage each other. We strive to help all lay ministers, whether members or not, to be strong in their spirituality and ministerial skills and to encourage continued growth.”

“Personally, PPMA has been my connection with the diocese. As a hospital chaplain

Dr. Carol Fowler, Archdiocese of Chicago: “In 1987, I left the Diocese of Lansing to become Director of Ministry in Higher Education with the Archdiocese of Chicago. In 1991, I became Director of the Department of Personnel Services, overseeing the human resource function for all 16,000 employees of the Archdiocese. I have been active in the National Association of Church Personnel

The Professional Pastoral Ministers Association (PPMA) celebrates its 25th anniversary Since 1986, the Professional Pastoral Ministers Association (PPMA) has been nurturing the personal and professional growth of lay people serving in the Diocese of Lansing.

Its mission: “To celebrate and nurture those who serve, by their baptismal call, the People of God in the Diocese of Lansing through support, formation and education.”

The PPMA sponsors a convocation every spring and fall to help professional and vol-

Administrators and participate in the National Association of Lay Ministers, the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management and the Villanova University Church Management Institute. I love my work and the people who do it with me.”

“Looking back, though, I will always be grateful for my time in the Diocese of Lansing. I got to form deep connections with people from many different parishes and vocations. The relationships and learning opportunities I gained from the PPMA and my work in lay ministry were just wonderful. Many have lasted a lifetime.”

unteer lay ministers better understand their commitment to ministry. It fosters networking and peer relationships between members and promotes links with other pastoral minister associations world-wide. The PPMA offers enrichment through spiritual growth, faith journey and professional life and theology.

To learn more about the PPMA, visit www.ppma.parishesonline.com, find the group on Facebook or stop by their booth at the Lansing Common Conference September 29, 30, October 1, 2011, at the Lansing Center.

Get the free mobile app at

http://gettag.mobi

Scan the above tag with your mobile device to learn more about the PPMA

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

Who runs the parish

cover story

when there is no priest?

N A FEW PARISHES IN THE DIOCESE, the administration of that parish is handled by someone other than a priest.

The role of pastoral coordinators is providing for the overall day-to-day pastoral care and administration of a parish.

This could include, among other responsibilities, the faith formation of parishioners, liturgy preparation, planning, supervision of parish staff, and the monitoring of parish income and expenses.

According to a CARA survey in 2004, there were 616 pastoral coordinators serving in 115 dioceses throughout the country.

Meet the three pastoral coordinators of the Diocese of Lansing: According to the 1983 revised Code of Canon Law, “If, because of a shortage of priests, the diocesan Bishop has judged that a deacon, or some other person who is not a priest, or a community of persons, should be entrusted with a share in the exercise of the pastoral care of a parish, he is to appoint some priest who, with the powers and faculties of a parish priest, will direct the pastoral care.� (Canon 517.2)

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Sister Ann Marie Petri

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Sixteen years ago, Sister Ann Marie Petri became the pastoral coordinator at St. Joseph Church in Gaines. Since then the parish has grown from 180 to 280 families and the parish has constructed a new church building.

“When I arrived, there were in essence three people doing everything,” Sister Ann Marie says.

“That’s not good. I began saying to people, ‘Why don’t you try this or that for a year; I bet you will like it.’

I wanted to give them faith in their talents. Now there are so many involved. We are a parish where everyone knows and cares about each other. This is seen in little things like the children opening doors for elders and in bigger things like our food pantry.”

Education and experience prepared Sister Ann Marie for her work as pastoral coordinator. She has a master’s degree in special education from Wayne State University and a master’s in divinity from the University of Notre Dame. She taught grade school for 30 years, as well as special education, religious education, adult education and RCIA. Sister Ann Marie, who has been an Adrian Dominican Sister for more than 50 years, says she enjoys being in the middle of parish activity, whether it is at a dance, dinner or Mass. “Since I am able to know all of the parishioners personally, I can do things like spend three hours working on a funeral and grieving with a family who lost a member,” she says.

Sister Ann sees the richness, caring, and family atmosphere of St. Joseph clearly when she looks at the all-wood altar in the new church.

“A craftsman had some oak planks in his barn, waiting for years for a special occasion to use them. The altar was the occasion. Four men of the parish built from them not only a beautiful altar, but the lectern, tabernacle stand and candle sticks.”

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAitHmag.com

Sister Elaine Labell

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Sister Elaine LaBell says that it was her parents who enabled her to become a religious. “They had rich spiritual lives,” she says. “So when a priest spoke during a retreat in my senior year of high school, my heart was ready to say ‘yes.’ I continue to say yes to his call every year.”

After high school, she joined the Grand Rapids Dominicans, who sent her to

Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, then to Loyola University Chicago for her master’s in pastoral studies. After college, she taught and in Bay City she set up the youth ministry for an eight-parish vicariate. Her education and experience equipped her for her role as pastoral coordinator at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Otisville for the past eight years.

“One of the first things I did as pastoral coordinator at St. Francis was to become certified as an educational minister by the diocese so that I could train the catechists,”

Jean Schaub

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“I see my main contribution as empowering people to use their gifts for the Church and for the world,” Jean says. “I like to help them develop in their faith lives, assist people getting involved who haven’t been, and see them realize how much God loves them.”

she says. “We have greatly increased the number of advanced certified catechists and the quality of religious education for the parish.”

Sister Elaine lives in the rectory so she can provide onsite leadership and presence to the 326-family parish. She helps when retired priest, Father Francis Faraci, arrives and ministers the sacraments for the parish.

Though there is no daily Mass, Sister Elaine gathers with parishioners for morning prayer, followed by Communion.

Since becoming the pastoral coordina-

The Church has always been the center of social and spiritual life for Jean Schaub. Growing up, she loved volunteering at church just like her parents and seven siblings. She taught religious education in high school and was involved with social justice causes in college. She received a master’s degree in religious education from Loyola University, New Orleans.

Jean, who has been the pastoral coordinator at St. Mary on the Lake in Manitou Beach since 2001, considers her position not as a job but a vocation, a privileged opportunity. “I love what I’m doing and feel God has called me to it,” she says.

Jean is married and has two married daughters and six grandchildren. “When I received this appointment, I made it known to the parishioners that God and family were my top two priorities,” she says. “The parish is very important, so I would do my best to serve them. It was encouraging a number of years ago when Monsignor Michael Murphy, diocesan moderator of the curia, told the pastoral coordinators (seven at the time) that he never receives complaints from our parishes, so we must be doing a good job.

“I see my main contribution as empowering people to use their gifts for the Church and for the world,” Jean says. “I like to help them develop in their faith lives, assist people getting involved who haven’t been, and see them realize how much God loves them. Parishioners will come in and pour their hearts out to me. They are looking for spiritual direction, a deeper prayer life or desire to get to know the Lord better.”

Jean says she has learned humility and patience in her work.

“I have learned that I am not the savior of the parish,” she says.

“I am an organized person, so I have had to learn that we will survive just fine if things don’t always start exactly on time or go exactly as planned. God is in charge and the guiding force, not me. We have a rich Catholic tradition and I’m glad to be part of it.”

tor, Sister Elaine has learned a lot about herself. “I have learned that people can, and do, depend upon me as a leader,” she says. “I also have learned to pray more deeply and steadily. I need personal time with God in the morning to give the day over to him and to be able to handle all of my responsibilities.

“My schedule has a built-in support system to alleviate the tendency to always function alone. Besides consulting with some parishioners, I communicate with other religious sisters by e-mail or during

scheduled outings. I also see one of the other pastoral coordinators every couple months and every year all three pastoral coordinators spend a few days together at a cottage.”

Sister Elaine celebrated with the parish her 50th year as a religious in March.

“I have been privileged to serve in many ministries, and my life has been enriched by wise and Spirit-filled people. I have shared my life’s happy and difficult times with the Dominican Sisters, and been supported by them. God has been good!”

Photography by Jim Luning

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Y O U R

F A I T H

Cardinal gibbons of Baltimore

from the bishop

Honoring workers

C Carlson productions

ardinal Gibbons of Baltimore successfully urged the pope not to allow the condemnation of the Knights of Labor in 1887. He said that the union did not demand blind obedience of its members and did not bind its members to keep secrets from the Church. On the other hand, he added, the workers’ right to associate is a “natural and just” means to make just demands against the evils of the day. And, he noted, the Church must support the improvement of the conditions of “the poor multitudes.” Every September, we honor workers.

It is good for us to reflect a bit on this theme.

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Pope Leo XIII, in his famous letter, Rerum novarum (1891), took up the cause of workers and especially the evil “that a small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself.”

Now, one of the pope’s major purposes in this letter was to oppose socialism’s desires to eliminate private property and to have the state meddle into the affairs of the family, the basic society established by God for the begetting and raising of children. Leo also urged workers and owners to avoid conflict, especially class warfare, but resolve all in the light of the Gospel. Particularly, the pope noted that it is a matter of strict justice that employers provide what later will be called a living, family wage. For the support of workers, he encouraged the growth of unions; in fact, he cited Proverbs 18:19: “A brother that is helped by his brother is like a strong city.” Clearly his aim was that all work together for the common good, which includes the just demands of all concerned. He never promoted an adversarial approach to achieving the common good, though some tactics may, at times, be necessary. This document was produced at a time when workers really were very poor.

Blessed John Paul II updated the Church’s social teachings on labor in 1981 with his letter, Laborem exercens. Here he focused on the worker as a human person who needs to be in solidarity with others (of course, he had Poland especially in mind).

Every human being is a worker in this sense, including what we call labor and management, and thus everyone has a dignity which is to be respected. Thus the pope could write: “human work is a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question.” It is the worker (every human being) who gives worth to the work done and not the other way around; work helps us to be more human.

John Paul noted that the

Church’s historic support of unions was based on the horrible conditions of workers. Now many workers in poor countries need to feel the solidarity of those workers who no longer experience such poverty. In addition, society needs to do all it can to help people find work and, for those who can’t, to provide subsistence support. The pope then states that a just wage for work done is to be at least a family wage, which includes appropriate benefits and the right to rest.

Then John Paul notes that workers have a right of association in order to achieve a good for the group and to further the common good rather than to engage in a struggle against others. It is this search for the common good, especially in times of economic stress, which can place limits on the call for certain goods for a particular group. He then makes a point that unions’ engagement in politics is always to further the common good rather than to further a political party. He also speaks of the strike as a legitimate right but one which is to be a last resort. He adds: “when essential community services are in question, they must in every case be ensured, if necessary by means of appropriate legislation. Abuse of the strike weapon can lead to the paralysis of the whole of socioeconomic life, and this is contrary to the requirements of the common good of society…”

Finally, the pope speaks of the care we must have for immigrant workers, especially that they not be exploited. He concludes this letter with a wonderful discussion of the spirituality of work.

All of us engage in some way in the creation of our world since we are in the image of God. May the respect we rightfully seek for ourselves be poured out in abundance for others.

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

FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

CnS photo/eric thayer, Reuters

S

ept.

11,

the

United

States

2 0 1 1 ,

continues to feel the

marks the

loss of those who

10th anniversary of

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that day as the War

of that day cannot

on Terror which fol-

be understated as the images of the Twin Towers collapsing have been forever burned into the psyche of the American people. Even now,

lowed carries on across the globe.

Above: the annual tribute in light shines in the new York skyline Sept. 11, 2007, as a memorial to those who died in the fallen twin towers of the World trade Center.

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CnS photo/Sara K. Schwittek, Reuters

special report

Sorrow and strength Experience of Sept. 11 terrorist attacks forges friendships and faith

R

uslana Dekhtyar knows if she had not overslept on Sept. 11, 2001, she probably would be dead. She worked as a receptionist in the north tower of the World Trade Center, on the 77th floor.

Frank Rizzo watched the second plane, Flight 175, fly into the south tower of the World Trade Center from his office window.

He then fled Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge and thought he might be crushed to death by a stampeding crowd.

Both survived and have been united through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program at St. Charles Parish Ruslana Dekhtyar in Berkshire, Mass.

Remarkably, this small parish has connected so many people with direct experiences to the tragic event 10 years ago. “The Lord sends

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

people who are so totally strangers, who together grow in friendships as their faith journeys are shared,” says Sister of St. Joseph Barbara Faille, a pastoral associate at St. Charles.

She says that she doesn’t recall how the topic of Sept. 11 was introduced at an RCIA meeting, but that it was amazing to see the response. “I think they touched one another’s lives and could speak of that historic day with a sense that maybe someone understood.”

Ruslana was a recent high-school graduate working in a law office.

She grew up in Brooklyn. An only child, she and her parents had moved from Kiev, Soviet Union, in 1989. She said her hometown was about 100 miles from Chernobyl, the site of the nuclear power plant disaster.

On Sept., 11, 2001, she was a month away from her 19th birthday: “I was late for work, so I was getting ready very quickly. My mother came to me and said, ‘You’re not going anywhere.’”

“I asked her what she meant and she said she was listening to the Russian radio and they said ‘pieces of flesh were falling from the Above: the second tower of the World trade Center bursts into flames after being hit by a hijacked airplane in new York .

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sky,’” remembers Ruslana. She says she turned on the television set maximum impact. The plane was swallowed up and disappeared. I and saw images of the first tower. then turned to everyone and said, ‘My gut said we’re under attack.

“I kept thinking, I was supposed to be there. And I just sat for We need to get off Manhattan. I’m coming downstairs and you’re hours, not saying anything, just looking, watching and trying to call welcome to come with me,’” Frank said. all of my coworkers and friends who I knew worked there. I couldn’t He says he did fear that the buildings might topple, but he reach anybody,” she said. None of them made it out alive. thought they would fall sideways and hit him as he made his way to “I was shocked, I think I was in a bit of traumatic shock because I the Brooklyn Bridge. “In no way did I think that these towers were couldn’t move that day. My mom gave me tea and tried to make me going to come down the way they did,” he says. Just as he got to the feel better, but I just sat there. I will never forget that day,” she recalls. bridge, the south tower collapsed.

“I should have been there. I would have actually been about 15 Everybody near the bridge was staring up and then Frank said he minutes into my work day.” saw a herd of people running from the One of her best friends was at work.

World Trade Center in a cloud of dust.

He was 17 and an intern at the office. He “When I saw these people charging at us, I didn’t make it out. “I got him that job, so thought we were done. I can’t blame these a form of guilt was there. I felt like I was people. They were running for their lives. responsible for him.

We’re going to get trampled to death,” he “I wished that things were different. I recalls. remember for one month I wished it was However, as the people approached the me and not him because he was one of bridge, they slowed down. “It was almost my best friends. But, for some reason, I’m as if God had put his hand out,” he says. here,” she says.

He describes that day as “an unbelievable Frank’s memories of that day are just as experience. Everybody’s in tears. People are vivid. Born and bred in Queens, Frank jumping out of the WTC. I mean people’s had recently moved to upstate New York heartstrings were a mess.” He says that and was commuting into work from one even a few years later, every time he saw a of his children’s homes on Long Island. plane nearby, he would flinch.

He recalls it being a gorgeous day, folHe recalls that he coached many of the lowing some violent thunderstorms the firefighters who perished that day: previous night.

“In some parishes, they had 20 or 30 “I’m walking though the canyons of firefighters die. I can’t even imagine that Wall Street and thinking, ‘God is good, heroism.” what a great day!’” he says. He arHe said that he recalls how people rived at his office at 8:15 a.m. About got along and went to church followthis well-known icon is a remnant of the former World a half hour later, a young man told ing the events of Sept. 11. “However, I trade Center in nYC. Formerly located at the World him that a private plane had flown have not seen the effects continue too trade Center site, this cross now resides next to a church one block north of ground zero. into the north tower of the World long,” he added.

Trade Center.

Frank said he would like to see this “I’m thinking, what idiot on this beautiful day would run into one year’s anniversary of the terrorist attacks bring more people back to of those big towers,” he said. He and his coworkers gathered at their God. And Ruslana says that her journey to God, through the RCIA office window. They were on the 35th floor of a building about six program at St. Charles, has done just that. “When I walked in here, I blocks away from the towers. They could see smoke and flames in met Sister Barbara and Father Peter. I felt like I was home. I never felt the area. more at peace than when I am sitting in this room or in the church,” “We were looking out and a 767 suddenly appears in front of us. It’s she says. about at the 50th Father Peter, pastor floor level. It was of St. Charles, is an A prayer for innocent victims of war: the most surreal Air Force veteran and thing I have ever chaplain for the PittsLord God, your own Son was of the innocent victims of war; grant seen,” he says. “I field, Mass., firefightdelivered into the hands of the wicked, them peace of mind, healing of body mean, I’m New ers and the Pittsfield yet he prayed for his and a renewed faith in York City born American Legion. persecutors and overcame your protection and care. and bred, pretty He says that people hatred with the blood of the Grant this through Christ tough in a lot of must remember Sept. cross. Relive the sufferings our Lord. ways, I mean in a 11, no matter how positive sense, and painful the memories.

I just looked at “And we must be that plane and couldn’t believe it was heading toward the instruments of never giving up, never despairing. Let us World Trade Center (the south tower). be a people of hope while remembering those who lost “When it went in, the width of the plane was a pertheir lives as well as their families,” he says.

– Peggy Weber (courtesy of Catholic Mirror, Springfield, Mass.) fect fit. You knew it was not an accident. It went in for

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Catholic news Service

Catholic news Service

The Holy See and the War on Terror

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he Church’s general position on terrorism must be considered separately from the War on Terror, especially as it regards the war in Iraq. In general terms, the Vatican has differed with the United States, specifically over the means of fighting terrorism rather than over the ends. Gregory A. Smith, a research fellow with the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life states, “The Vatican is not opposed to the right of the United States to defend itself, but, as a general rule, [the Vatican] is less willing to endorse the use of force.”

Pope Benedict XVI reiterated the right of democratic societies to defend

themselves against terrorism in 2007, but cautioned that they must respect laws

Just War Theory The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines the Church’s doctrine of what constitutes a just war: 2308 All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war ... However ... governments cannot be denied the right of lawful selfdefense, once all peace efforts have failed.

2309 The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force ...

• The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave and certain; • All other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective; • There must be serious prospects of success • The use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.

The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

and human rights in their struggle, lest they endanger the very freedoms they hope to protect. He said on that occasion that “Terrorism is a serious problem whose perpetrators often claim to act in God’s name and harbor an inexcusable contempt for human life.”

At the same time, the Vatican strongly objected to the U.S.-led inter“Terrorism vention in Iraq. is a serious The Associated Press reported problem in 2003 Pope whose John Paul II’s perpetrators condemnation of the possible U.S. often claim to military strike act in God’s on Iraq as imname and moral. The same piece quoted the harbor an Vatican’s foreign inexcusable minister, Archcontempt for bishop JeanLouis Tauran, as human life.” saying a unilateral military strike would be a “crime against peace” with no justification on grounds of self-defense.

Soon after the war began, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger reiterated the Church’s opposition when he stated in an interview with Zenit on May 2, 2003, that “There were not sufficient reasons to unleash a war against Iraq. To say nothing of the fact that, given the new weapons that make possible destructions that go beyond the combatant groups, today we should be asking ourselves if it is still licit to admit the very existence of a ‘just war.’”

• Estimated American casualties (includes 9/11 and fighting throughout the world):

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The military operations The United States military has launched three operations since 9/11/2001: • Operation Enduring Freedom: primarily Afghanistan and small global War on Terror operations from the Philippines to Djibouti; began immediately after 9/11 and ongoing • Operation Noble Eagle: enhanced security for U.S. military bases and other homeland security launched in response to 9/11 attacks and ongoing at a modest level • Operation Iraqi Freedom: began in fall of 2002 with a buildup of forces for the March 2003 invasion of Iraq, continued with counter-insurgency and stability operations and is slated to be renamed Operation New Dawn as U.S. troops focus on an advisory and assistance role. - Congressional Research Service report for Congress March 29, 2011, by Amy Belasco

The War on Terror by the numbers

$823.2 billion

$5.5 billion

$557.1 billion

$1,414,800,000,000

Iraqi Freedom

Funding of the operations (Fiscal Year 2001 – 2011 & Fiscal Year 2012 requests)

Enduring Freedom

$8.7 billion Noble Eagle

Unallocated

Total

- Congressional Research Service report for Congress March 29, 2011, by Amy Belasco

U.S. bishops and the War on Terror In the days and months following the attacks of 9/11, the U.S. bishops condemned the attacks and all acts of terrorism, affirming that the United States “has a moral right and a grave obligation to defend the common good against mass terrorism,” but also the obligation to address the non-military issues of poverty, injustice and humanitarian crises that terrorists exploit. The bishops also insisted that the traditional moral norms governing the use of force were still applicable and cautioned the country about the corrosive effect of terrorism, i.e. bitterness and hatred.

The U.S. bishops, like the Vatican, raised questions as to the against Iraq if there had been clear and adequate evidence of Iraqi intervention in Iraq. In particular, they understood that any attempts involvement in the attacks of Sept. 11. In that case, the use of force at justifying preventive war would have represented a sharp deparwould have been an act of self-defense, just as force could be justified ture from just against the Taliban in war norms. As Afghanistan, given its A prayer for our troops: Cardinal Ratzinger intimate relationship noted separately, to al-Qaeda and the Lord God, Almighty Father, creator May they ever experience your firm the concept of considerable evidence of mankind and author of peace, as we support, gentle love and compassionate preventive war apat the time that al-Qaare ever mindful of the cost paid for the healing. Be their power and protector, pears nowhere in eda was responsible liberty we possess, we ask leading them from darkthe Catechism of the for the 9/11 attacks. you to bless the members of ness to light. To you be all Catholic Church.

That said, the key facour armed forces. Give them glory, honor and praise, However, one tual question for the courage, hope and strength. now and forever. of the justificabishops was whether tions for the use of this tie was ever sufforce against Iraq ficiently established. was based on Iraq’s alleged links to terrorism. Gerard F. Powers, director of the Office of International Justice and Above: A woman carries her baby as she walks past Peace for the USCCB, explained that, according to the a u.S. soldier standing guard on a road in the Shula bishops, there would have been just cause to use force district of northwestern Baghdad, iraq

: 8,800 Total Americans killed (military & civilian) | 46,000 Total American wounded/injured (military & civilian) | 54,800 Total American casualties

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The Church and Islam: State of dialogue

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ne of the primary concerns of the Vatican during the early days of the War on Terror was the effect a war both in Iraq and around the globe would have on relations between Christians and Muslims. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the White House and Vatican at least agreed on the need to frame the War on Terror not as one against Muslims, but as one against radical ideology. “There’s been lots of emphasis by the Holy See to make sure this is not seen as a religious conflict,” says J. Bryan Hehir, an expert on the Catholic Church at Harvard University. However, Pope Benedict XVI, like Washington, has been vocal in pressing for Muslim moderates to condemn terrorist actions.

Above: Christian and Muslim leaders gather for a press conference during a three-day interfaith summit at national Cathedral in Washington, D.C., March 3. pictured from left are the principal dialogue participants: Ayatollah Ahmad iravani, president of the Center for the Study of islam and the Middle east; Cardinal Jean-louis tauran, president of the pontifical Council for interreligious Dialogue; Ahmad Mohamed eltayeb, president of Al-Azhar university in Cairo, egypt; and episcopal Bishop John Bryson Chane of Washington.

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A timeline on Catholic-Muslim relations A 2009 Reuters report explored some of the major steps that have led to better relations between Catholics and Muslims despite the War on Terror: 1965: The Second Vatican Council said the Catholic Church regarded Muslims “with esteem” and urged both faiths “to forget the past and work sincerely for mutual understanding.”

1968: Vatican begins sending Ramadan greetings to Muslims.

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• May 9: Pope Benedict visits the King Hussein Mosque in 1989: Vatican begins occasional meetings with World Islamic Call Amman and urges further dialogue between Catholics and Society, a major Muslim mission organization based in Libya.

Muslims.

1994: Tehran’s department for interreligious dialogue meets with its • May 12: Pope Benedict visits Jerusalem’s Grand Mufti Vatican counterpart.

Muhammad Ahmad Hussein at the Dome of the Rock and 1995: Catholic-Muslim Liaison Committee begins discussions on the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca current issues between the Vatican and four large Muslim and Medina, and urges Muslim leaders to continue interfaith organizations. dialogue.

1998: Vatican and al-Azhar University in Cairo agree to hold annual meetings to discuss While the report stops at topical issues from both 2009, efforts at dialogue conperspectives. tinue. For instance, the Vatican, 2001: John Paul II becomes first through its Pontifical Council for pope to visit a mosque, Interreligious Dialogue, asked the Umayyad Mosque in the more than 1 billion believDamascus. ers in Islam to join the Catho2002: Vatican and World lic Church in a battle against Islamic Call Society in violence in a message to Muslims Libya agree on annual for Ramadan in September 2010. meetings.

And yet there are still chal2006: Pope Benedict’s Regenslenges to dialogue between the burg lecture on Sept. 12 two faith traditions, in particular is interpreted as suggestas it pertains to religious freedom ing Islam is violent and and violence against Chrisunreasonable. Protests, tians. For example, in January sometimes bloody as 2011, al-Azhar University in violence erupts against Egypt formally suspended its Christians, break out in longstanding dialogue with the the Muslim world. The News of the killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden Catholic Church in protest over pontiff apologizes for in northwest Pakistan by U.S. forces in early May was Pope Benedict XVI’s insistence any misunderstanding. A greeted with street demonstrations and expressions of jubilaon protection for Egypt’s Coptic group of 38 Muslim inteltion across the United States. The Vatican released its own Christians. The pope’s comments lectuals write him to enter statement on May 2, 2011, regarding bin Laden’s death: followed the bombing of a Coptic into dialogue.

Church in Alexandria on New • Nov. 30: Pope Benedict “Osama bin Laden, as we all know, bore the most serious Year’s Day that killed 21 people. visits the Blue Mosque responsibility for spreading divisions and hatred among Then there is the current situin Istanbul and prays populations, causing the deaths of innumerable people, ation in Sudan. After years of alongside the city’s grand and manipulating religions for this purpose. civil war, South Sudan, broadly mufti.

“In the face of a man’s death, a Christian never reChristian, joined the family of 2007: Still awaiting a response joices, but reflects on the serious responsibilities of each nations in July 2011 as it voted from the Vatican, the person before God and before men, and hopes and to become formally independent 38 scholars gather 138 works so that every event may be the occasion for the of North Sudan, a hard-line Muslim experts in the further growth of peace and not of hatred.”

Muslim country. At the time of “Common Word” appeal this report, although for all Chrisseveral countries tian churches A prayer for our enemies: have already ofto join a diaficially recognized logue with Jesus, Prince of Peace, you have of the Holy Spirit, may all people the new country, them about asked us to love our enemies and learn to work together for that justice tensions remain common pray for those who persewhich brings true and high as to whether values of cute us. We pray for our lasting peace.To you be North Sudan will both faiths to enemies and those who glory and honor for ever ultimately allow it to love God and oppose us. With the help and ever. go unchallenged. neighbor.

Nonetheless, 2008: “Comthe commitment to dialogue seems to be present on mon Word” experts meet Vatican officials at first both sides despite the many challenges presented by Catholic-Muslim Forum featuring wide-ranging violence and war. It is this commitment that gives one theological discussions. reason to hope for the future of relations between the 2009: Vatican and Arab League sign agreement to protwo mighty traditions. mote dialogue, justice and peace on April 27.

The Vatican’s reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden

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yourcommun things to do

September café events

things to do

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Training for level I led by Sister Nancy Ayotte will be held at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, 310 N. Cherry St., Flushing, the second Saturday of the month, Sept. 2011 through June 2012. Registration forms are available online at strobertparish.org.

Sept. 9, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and Sept.10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Marriage Matters of Jackson, All About Us weekend marriage workshop at Michindoh Conference Center, Hillsdale. Cost is $75 per couple, includes lodging, meals and workshop. For information or to register, call 517.796.5116 or marriagemattersjackson.com.

Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing’s Shawl Ministry resumes meeting in the parish family center. If you are interested in coming or in learning how to knit, contact JoAnn Angers, director of Social Ministry at 517.393.3033.

Sept. 1, the Genesee Vicariate will offer the following catechist formation topics at Holy Rosary School, 5199 Richfield Rd., Flint – Topic 5: Sept. 18–23, the 48th annual National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors’ annual convention will be held in Detroit.

This year’s convention theme is “Christ Our Light.” For information, including workshops and keynote

Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties Sept. 10, Smart Steps for Stepfamilies is a Lansing Diocese marriage prep program for remarriage couples. For information and to register, call 517.782.2551.

Livingston County Catholic Charities, 2020 E. Grand River, Ste. 104, Howell, 517.545.5944 or livingstoncatholiccharities.org Livingston County Catholic Charities is looking for energetic volunteers to help with enrich-

At our retreat centers St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, 866.669.8321 or stfrancis.ws Sept. 23-25, A Time to Heal – a retreat for victims of abuse within the Church.

There is no cost to participants.

Oct. 5-9, a Catholic Writers’ Retreat, sponsored by FAITH Catholic Publishing and Communications and The Catholic Writers Guild. Deadline for registration is Sept. 28.

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Managing Student Behavior and Topic 15: Overview of the Bible. For information or to register, contact Pam Sneller, CRE at 810.736.4040, ext. 312 or pamela.sneller@gmail.com.

St. John the Baptist, Howell will have a Bible study, Matthew: The King and His Kingdom, choices are Tuesday nights, starting Oct. 18 or Wednesday mornings, beginning Oct. 19. Also, Oct. 19, Wednesday nights, five sessions of – A Biblical walk Through the Mass. For more information, visit www.stjohnthebaptisthowell.catholicweb.com

addresses, visit www.ncdvd.org.

Sept. 23, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School’s second annual Tuition Assistance Golf Outing at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Clubs in Ann Arbor. To register,

ment programs and socialization at its Be Our Guest Adult Day Service working with seniors with dementia. Training will be provided. If interested, call Pam at 517.546.9910 or bogads@ sbcglobal.net.

Sept. 13-14, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., a We CARE Marriage Preparation seminar will be held at St. Patrick Parish-AFFC room A, Brighton. Registration fee is $75. For a registration form and information, visit LCCC’s website.

Sept. 16, 7 p.m. to Nov. 18, 7 p.m., Divorce and Beyond - Recovery and Healing – a Friday evening support group co-hosted by the parishes of the Livingston Region and Livingston County Catholic Charities.

Weber Center, Adrian, 517.266.4000 or weber.adriandominicans.org Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Weaving Faith and Experience: A Woman’s Perspective on the Middle Years; Oct. 6-9, A Serenity Retreat for Women; and Oct. 14-15, There is Only One Mountain but Many Paths Up. Directed Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius eight-day retreat for individuals and groups –

FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

call the Development Office at 734.821.2208 or online stfrancisa2.com/golf/.

Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. James, Mason Women’s Club will host their semi-annual rummage sale at the parish, 1010 S. Lansing St. Come and shop – something for everyone.

Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., St. Joseph, Owosso’s youth group will have a Fall Scrapbook Crop in the school gym, 811 E. Oliver St. Cost is $40. Meals, snacks and raffle items included. Seating is limited. For a registration form and information, call Sue Edwards at 989.723.5927.

Sept. 24, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Christ the King, Ann Arbor will have a Holy Spirit Seminar. It is a life changing experience to develop a deeper

Sept. 1-9 and Sept. 18-26 – at Bread of Life Retreat Residence, 4901 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor. For information, call 630.417.1984 or AnnArborRetreats@ aol.com.

St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft in Detroit, 313.535.9563 or stpaulretreat.org Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Praying with Body, Mind and Spirit: Engaging Aging, with presenter Janene Ternes, cost is $45, which includes lunch.

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relationship with God. Cost is $15, which includes brunch and lunch.

For information or to register, call 734.426.5514 or ortiz4519@ earthlink.

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, a Retrouvaille weekend will be at St. Francis Retreat Center, Bethany House, DeWitt. For information, call 517.290.5596 or www.retrouvailleoflansing.catholicweb.com Mission Rosary Makers will host their annual Fall Gathering in late Sept. or Oct. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lansing. This will be a potluck luncheon after the 11 a.m.

Mass. Contact the parish office for the final date at 517.393.3030.

Oct. 21, 50th Anniversary Celebration, Tony Melendez, a renowned Nicaraguan guitar player and composer, will perform at Cristo Rey Parish in Lansing. If your parish would like tickets, please call 517.394.4639.

Oct. 15-26, 2012, Pilgrimage to Spain, Portugal and France – Father Bill Ashbaugh and John Jeter invite you to accompany them for 12 days to – Portugal, Fatima; Spain – Madrid, Toledo and Santiago de Compostela; and France, Lourdes and more. Information meeting will be held at St. Joseph, 400 E. Washington St., Howell, on Sept. 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the Emmaus Room.

Parish Festivals Sept. 9-11, Church of the Resurrection, 1531 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing’s 77th Ox Roast will be Friday, 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, noon-11 p.m. and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Sept. 18, noon-5 p.m., St. Joseph, Ypsilanti’s Parish Festival – Chicken Broil and BBQ Ribs, menu includes choice of chicken or ribs, potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread or rolls and beverage.

There also will be a Silent Auction and raffle for $5,000 and five $500 prizes.

St. Louis Center holds ribbon-cutting ceremony

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t. Louis Center and the Servants of Charity Congregation held a ribbon cutting/open house for the local community. The purpose of the event was to dedicate the newly built Family Orientation and Welcome Center.

According to Father Enzo Addari, SdC, director of the center, “Many generous people have provided us with the funds to make our future vision a reality and the next phase will be to remodel Father Guanella Hall to start a trial program to care for elderly people with developmental disabilities.”

For more information, visit its website at www.stlouiscenter.org or call 734.475.8430.

Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt welcomed Archbishop Simon Archbishop Simon Ntamwana of the Archdiocese of Gitega, Burundi, first visited St. Jude as an annual mission appeal guest about six years ago. At his request, the parish partnered with his archdiocese to assist with fundraising and support for construction of an orphanage. The partnership was a success and the Mukenke Welcome Center now is home to almost 300 orphans.

At present, Archbishop Simon said, the most immediate need is a truck to fetch water daily for the orphanage. St. Jude is developing plans to raise funds to purchase it. To learn more or to donate, visit its website www.stjudedewitt.com.

ASL Interpreted Liturgies in the Diocese of Lansing – St. Thomas the Apostle, 517 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor, 9 a.m., third Sunday of each month; and Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge St., DeWitt, 8:30 a.m. every Sunday and by request at 5 p.m. Saturdays.

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Happy trails to Ellen Buysee Ellen Buysee retired after 25 years of dedicated service to St. Paul School in Owosso.

She served as the kindergarten teacher – teaching her students their academics and how to have a positive Christian attitude. During her time at St. Paul, she touched the lives and hearts of many students.

St. Joseph, Dexter presents ’Til Death Do Us Part St. Paul Catholic School – thinking of others The students of Saint Paul Catholic School in Owosso held several fundraisers to raise money for the Medical Arts/Cancer building in Owosso. The fundraisers included a 7th and 8th grade fun night and a coin drive. The students raised more than $876.

Foundation announces 2011 gifted educators The Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation presented the 2011 Mother Seton Gifted Educator Awards to Angela Johnston, principal and Mary Margaret Angela Johnston Utess, administrative assistant, of Immaculate Heart of Mary-St. Casimir School.

The award includes $1,000 for use by IHM-St. Casimir School for professional development or classroom aids and materials.

For information on Mother Seton Gifted Educator awards and other programs of the Mary Margaret utess Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation, contact Danielle Casavant, casavant@ glcef.org or visit www.glcef.org.

Farewell, Father Bosco Padamattummal Students, parent volunteers and staff gathered to say farewell to Father Bosco on June 7 in St. John the Evangelist, Fenton’s school cafetorium. He was presented with cards and gifts of remembrance, including a picture presented by staff – with their farewell wishes written on its matting.

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FAITH Magazine / September 2011 / www.FAITHmag.com

St. Joseph Parish in Dexter kicked off its summer festival on July 15 with a live showing of ’Til Death Do Us Part, the third installment of the critically acclaimed Late Nite Catechism series. The hilarious and highly interactive one-nun show starred Mary Zentmyer, a veteran of Late Nite Catechism, who plays the quintessential nun of Catholic schools. Zentmyer, a proud Irish Catholic who spent her high school days among the sisters at Alvernia High School in Chicago thinks her audience finds the show so funny because it’s true. Zentmyer says she loves playing “Sister” because “It’s in the genes – the love of God, the love of teaching.” She added, “A sister is strict, but never mean spirited. She had a huge job.”

Showings of Sister’s Christmas Catechism, a Late Nite Catechism holiday special will be at the Century Theatre in Detroit from Nov. 23 to Dec. 30. The show also will star Mary Zentmyer as “Sister.” – Joseph Hogan

Adrian Dominicans mark Vatican II anniversary with special issue As the Catholic Church prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, the Adrian Dominican Sisters have published a special edition of their magazine, Voices in Mission and Ministry, to reflect on the influence of Vatican II on their congregation and their own ministries.

St. Francis de Sales’ Maya Indian Missions Father Bill Auth, OSFS, celebrated liturgy with St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach’s parishioners on the Fourth of July weekend. He has been serving the Maya Indian people in Yucatan, Mexico since 1986.

“I love to come back to St. Mary on the Lake and other parishes in the Lansing Diocese. I feel at home here because this is where I learned I have to go out and tell my story,” admitted Father Auth, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales.

For more information on the Maya Indian Missions, visit www. mayamissions.com.

Lay ministers responding to God’s call

last word

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od calls. We respond. In the Old Testament, the Father called a chosen people. Among them he called kings, patriarchs, and prophets. Jesus called his apostles and disciples to be laborers in God’s vineyard and to reveal God’s kingdom here on earth. The Holy Spirit calls us now and empowers all with his many and various gifts to build up the body of Christ, his Church. All of us are called to live as temples of the Holy Spirit and apostles of his care.

Lay ministry is a generic term that covers a wide variety of ministries exercised by the laity – full- time, part time, in official Church offices, or in volunteer associations. Some are teachers, others are parish coordinators; some work in diocesan offices, and some are given administrative responsibilities in parishes.

Most, however, work in the secular world. All are called to holiness no less than those called to holy orders, or to the religious life All of us are called by God to work in whatever ways we can to transform the world be revealing God’s kingdom here

on earth as it is in heaven. The Holy Spirit is always at work in many, varied, and sometimes mysterious ways. We should not, therefore, be looking for uniformity in ministering; we should always be looking for and working toward unity, a unity that comes in working with our bishops and pastors.

Is the Holy Spirit calling you? Is he whispering into your soul’s ears, urging you

again and again to share your time and talents in accomplishing his work? Is there an area of ministry not yet established in your parish family that you have an interest in developing? Remember that Jesus told his followers not to hide their gifts, their talents, their lights under a bushel but rather to put them on a lampstand so all might see? False humility (a favorite tool of the devil) may be holding you back. Jesus, however, said: “Let your light shine so that all may give glory not to you but to your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:15) Remember that if you don’t love God and serve his purposes just as you, in your own uniqueness, then he will never be loved and served in that way by anyone else.

You are infinitely special in God’s eyes and in his grand scheme of things.

He is calling. How will you respond?

Father Charles Irvin is the founding editor of FAITH Magazine and is retired.

Sister Marilyn Barnett – 60 years of service Sister Marilyn Barnett, OP, director of Programs in Theological Studies at Siena Heights University in Adrian, retired in June. For more than 60 years, her ministries have taken her from teaching in grade and high schools in Boston, to parish and diocesan work in Michigan, Colorado and Illinois.

Sister Marilyn remarked, “As a Sister of St. Joseph I tried to embody the charism of “reconciliation.” When I transferred to the Order of Preachers I embraced the Dominican charism to speak “truth” to each person and situation I encounter. Now that I am retiring, I will try to continue living these charisms, especially, with the women who are discerning religious life in the formation house where I live.”

40 days for life makes a difference The University of Michigan in Flint has a Students for Life chapter whose President Brianna Gatica also works with the Respect Life Committee at St. Robert Bellarmine parish in Flushing. She is a parishioner at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Flint The Students for Life group has been praying outside a local abortion clinic and was able to convince two women to not have an abortion. There also are Students for Life groups at Michigan State University, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and the University of Michigan in Flint. The chapter also includes Kettering, Mott Community College and Baker College.

David Kemler – Seeker of Justice David Kemler, general manager of St. Vincent de Paul, Jackson and a member of St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Concord received the Seeker of Justice Award from Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties.

Kemler said, “I try to live out Christ’s commission to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless.” – Jan Hoffbauer

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notes:

JoIn US For GolF Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye 10 a.m. shotgun start on both courses Honorary hosts Knights of Columbus Councils of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Individual Golfer Golfer Foursome

$175 $700

Tee Sponsorship Golfer/Tee Sign Package

$300 $900

not a golfer? Come join us for dinner $50 per person - Please rSVP! For registration and sponsorship, contact Lisa Weber at 517.342.2535 or e-mail Development@Dioceseoflansing.org Golf brochure and registration form available online at www.Dioceseoflansing.org www.dioceseoflansing.org

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