September 2012

t h e o l o g y

1 0 1

Why don’t we have to follow all the laws of the Old Testament?

m y

s t o r y

Life after being the bishop of Lansing

f e a t u r e

s t o r y

2,200 passengers, a brave priest and a ship named Titanic

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contents 6 yourlife Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

September 2012 • Volume 13: 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

Jim Berlucchi | Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Kevin Duffy | Doug Culp | Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle | Bob Horning |Rev. Charles Irvin | Paul Jarzembowski | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Gelasia Marquez | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Nancy Schertzing | Sister Ann Shields CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Derek Melot

PROOFREADING

Carlson Productions | Tom Gennara | James Luning (cover) | Philip Shippert | Don Quillan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Patten | Chris Sushynski 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

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table of contents

6 work life I am sick of cleaning up my co-worker’s dirty dishes. I am not the office maid.

8 parenting journey She’s 15, he’s 18 – should they date?

8 conflict resolution My son “unfriended” me. I’m hurt.

9 marriage matters She says: “The kids are trying hard enough in school.” He says: “They need to bring home perfect report cards.”

What do they do?

10 culture A message of hope.

12 yourfaith 12 in the know with Father Joe What’s the point of asking God for what we want?

14 spiritual fitness A daily prayer of thanksgiving – the Angelus.

16 theology 101 Why don’t we have to follow all the laws of the Old Testament?

J. Luning

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

22 Mike shares more of his story.

Only at www.FAITHmag.com

19

How do I decide which way to vote?

20 my story Life after being the bishop of Lansing.

22 cover story How FAITH helped Mike become Catholic.

26 feature story 2,200 passengers, a brave priest and a ship named Titanic.

T. Gennara

20 yourstories

Liturgical Calendar: St. Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church Sept. 3 | Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sept. 8

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from the editors

Does the idea of evangelizing scare you?

I

In a recent conversation I was asked, “So, what is evangelization?” My smart-aleck side was showing when I answered, “It’s something that usually makes most Catholics run screaming in the opposite direction.”

While I intended my answer to be humorous, it does have a serious side. When many of us think of evangelization, I would guess that two different images come to mind. The first is of a somewhat scruffy-looking person standing on a street corner, Bible in hand, shouting at the top of his or her voice.

The shouted words often sound judgmental and tinged with hate. If that is evangelization, no wonder we feel uncomfortable.

T. Gennara

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

The other image of evangelization might be the well-dressed pair who show up at the front door, Bibles and tracts in hand, ringing the doorbell. When greeted, they say, “So have you been saved?” Not knowing exactly how to respond, we often look for a way to bring the conversation to an abrupt end. As Catholics, we may not relish the idea of going door-to-door.

So, what is evangelization?

First, evangelization means having an adequate personal understanding of the faith that we have been given. There’s nothing wrong with knowing enough about our faith to answer any basic question

saint of the month

Lessons from the path to holiness: take up your cross Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Feast: September 5

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that someone might ask us.

It means that we can’t simply rely on the understanding of our faith that we had when we were confirmed as adolescents. Diving into the Catechism, joining a Scripture study group or attending a faith-based workshop are all great ways to expand our personal understanding of our faith.

Evangelization also means sustained efforts to reach out to those who have fallen away from the active practice of their faith. Identifying those folks is a challenge, but reaching out to them can happen in some surprisingly simple ways. Perhaps the most

Blessed Teresa, or Mother Teresa, (Aug. 26, 1910 – Sept. 5, 1997) was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Albania. She joined the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sisters of Loreto, in Ireland at 18 and spent the first 20 years of her religious life as a teacher and principal of a convent school in Calcutta, India.

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

important is to make sure we are unabashedly living our faith each day. Living our faith consistently, openly, and without apology, offers a strong witness and often provides opportunities to gently invite inactive family members or friends back to a more regular practice of their faith.

Finally, evangelization also means sharing faith with those who have no faith in God or who have been raised in another faith tradition and find themselves being called to explore joining the Catholic Church. Because someone seeking faith may be anyone we know, this kind of evangelization relies on each of us taking seriously the other parts of my answer. Knowing well the basics of our faith and having the willingness to live our faith openly are key in assisting those who are searching for a relationship with God. Evangelization will be at the center of the year ahead, as we celebrate the Year of Faith and Prayer. Evangelization is at the very center of our work at FAITH. It the sincere hope of all at FAITH Catholic that this magazine helps everyone to know more about our faith and to pass that faith along.

And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

Her life changed forever in 1946 during a train ride, when she received her “inspiration, her call within a call.” She was seized by Jesus’ thirst for love and for souls and the desire to quench this thirst became the purpose of her life. She responded by establishing the Missionaries of Charity, who were dedicated to the service

Most Holy Name of Mary Sept. 12 | St. John Chrysostom, bishop and doctor of the Church Sept. 13 | Feast

75th CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

Anniversar y

of

the

Diocese

of

Lansing

The Diocese of Lansing celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Throughout the year, we’ll be presenting pieces of our history, thanks to our diocesan historian, Msgr. George Michalek.

T. Gennara

Michigan’s oldest working pastor – Father Anthony Majchrowski

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http://gettag.mobi

Father Anthony talked to FAITH in 2006. Scan the tag to read his interview.

T

here have been ups and downs for Father Anthony Majchrowski since he was featured in the October 2006 issue of FAITH magazine.

A high point was at the end of the ordination Mass on June 23 this year when Bishop Boyea announced that Father Majchrowski had been made a monsignor, a chaplain to His Holiness.

That immediately made him the oldest monsignor in the diocese, as he had already been the oldest working pastor in Michigan.

“I didn’t get overly excited about it,” he said, “but I definitely was surprised.” of the poorest of the poor.

She spent the rest of her life caring for the sick, poor and marginalized. Her order grew, and, by the time of her death in 1997, there were nearly 4,000 members in 610 foundations in 123 countries.

However, the success of her ministry was accomplished precisely through the cross, rather than apart from it. She had left the relative safety and comfort of the convent school to be what God asked her to be, “a free nun covered with the poverty of the cross.” This had consequences. For example, the first year was marked by begging for food

On the other end of the life spectrum, his sister, Sister Mary Berchmans, SSJ-TOFS, who was living in the rectory, died in 2008. Now Father Majchrowski lives alone again; and still does his own cooking.

In February of this year, he fell as he was going downstairs in the rectory to prepare for morning Mass. “I right away thanked God that I had my cell phone and could call my nephew for help,” he said. “I was in a convalescent home for two months because of my left leg, but was back by Easter.”

He says his leg muscles haven’t

and supplies as she had no income.

In addition to the physical hardships of her missionary work, she also suffered from a deep and abiding feeling of being separated, even rejected, by God, even as she longed more and more for God’s love. It is no coincidence that this spiritual state began at the time she began her work for the poor and continued to her death.

Blessed Teresa obediently took up her cross at the bidding of Jesus. By doing this, she emptied herself to take the “form of a slave” entering fully into the suffering of the world.

healed completely and may still need some therapy. He now uses a cane and a walker for stability.

Still, at age 93, Msgr. Majchrowski has no plans to retire. “I will have all of eternity to retire,” he said. At the same time, he does look forward to eternity.

“I am eager to see the Lord and his mother, the most beautiful woman in the world. And to see my family, relatives and friends. What a great reunion that will be.”

Father Majcrowski was ordained June 3, 1944, and has spent all but the first year of his priesthood at All Saints Catholic Church in Flint, first as assistant, then administrator, and as pastor since 1958. “Every day has been wonderful,” he said, “to be able to bring the sacraments to the people.

It’s unusual both to be assigned to the parish you grew up in and to remain here for so long.

“If I were to live all over again, I would choose to do the same thing, he said “Being a priest is the greatest vocation in the world. Holding your Creator in your hands while celebrating Mass is mind-boggling. I am thankful to almighty God for the blessings of these many years.”

of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sept. 14 | Our Lady of Sorrows Sept. 15 | St. Robert Bellarmine, bishop and doctor of the Church Sept. 17 | St. Januarius, bishop and martyr Sept. 19

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yourlife

inside: 8 parenting journey

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9

9m arriage matters

work life T. Gennara

Jim Berlucchi is the Executive Director of the Spitzer Center, whose mission is to build cultures of evangelization (www.spitzercenter.org). can be enforced. What he didn’t learn from his mother can be required by his employer.

I am sick of cleaning up my co-worker’s dirty dishes –

I am not the office maid

Q

One of my coworkers keeps leaving dirty dishes on the counter or in the sink of our lunchroom. We have a dishwasher, but he never seems to be able to get the dishes into it. I’m sick of picking up after him, but I can’t stand the sight of the dishes after a while. How do I handle this?

a

How about offering him the standard grocery checkout options: Paper or Plastic?

Here are four options, starting with the worst: 1. Resent it. Resentment is

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a common practice in the workplace. We’re too afraid to deal directly with felt injustices and too smallminded to overlook them.

So we simmer with a subtle anger that bubbles up in three ways: COMPLAINT (Has anyone seen Sloppy Sam today?); PAYBACK

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

(Sorry I didn’t get that report you needed, Sam. Maybe tomorrow…), and SELF-PITY (I’m sick of picking up… can’t stand the sight …).

Sounds like your current approach. Not fun.

2. Get over it. At the end of your career, will the dirty dish problem rank among your top 10 challenges?

You’re dealing with an annoyance, with which life is filled. Granted, it’s the worst type – recurring and certain – but still just a noontime irritation. Unless your office is the lunchroom, you’ve got bigger fish to fry. Take a deep breath and offer it up.

3. D epersonalize it. Recommend that a CLEAN UP YOUR OWN DISHES notice be posted at the sink. Courtesy can’t be legislated, but a policy

4. Grow through it. Your fear of small conflicts is limiting you as a human being. Unless Sam is prone to fits of rage and violence, why not simply ask him to clean up?

Step out of your comfort zone and be forthright. If you make this a habit, you’ll be a healthier and happier co-worker.

You also can grow spiritually. Every irritation in life is an opportunity to grow in virtue. And virtue is the key to happiness and becoming like God (St. Gregory of Nyssa).

How he does it, I don’t know.

But amazingly, the Lord, in his goodness, perfectly orchestrates life’s difficulties for our benefit – to make us holier. In everything God works for the good with those who love him.

(Romans 8:28-29)

So if he doesn’t change, you can. With God’s grace, you can either learn to be at peace with his mess, or clean it up with a smile. The Lord is with you, and he loves a cheerful giver.

In either case you can’t lose.

St. Andrew Kim Taegon, priest and martyr and St. Paul Chong Hasang, and their companions, martyrs Sept. 20

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The Real Meaning of Separation of Church and State Saturday, September 29 Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel

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Contact Bruce Everett to learn more about advertising in FAITH Phone: 517.853.7650 | E-mail: beverett@faithcatholic.com | www.FAITHmag.com

Y O U R

L I F E

parenting journey

She’s 15, he’s 18 – should they date?

Q

Our 15-year-old daughter is interested in an 18-year-old who also likes her.

I’m a bit concerned about the age difference – what is an OK difference in ages?

a

If your daughter met her friend 10 years from now, then the age difference would seem insignificant.

But during adolescence, three years make a difference.

Relationship choices. What are the expectations that your daughter and her friend have for their relationship? Listen to your daughter carefully as she explores her feelings. Are they part of a larger group of teens who share the same interests? Liking each other in these types of activities is different than a longing for couple-time alone with one another. Does he feel comfortable coming to your home and sharing a meal with family?

Or does he encourage her to break away from

the ties of parents and siblings? Consider how they met, as well. Have they been enjoying each other’s company at high school because they are both in band?

Are they member of the yearbook staff or the church youth group? Or did they meet at the mall when she was shopping and notice a physical attraction?

Take the depth of their relationship into account.

Pray for wisdom when guiding your children: “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

My 22-year-son, who is away at college, “unfriended” me on Facebook because he didn’t want me reading his posts. I am really hurt and feel as if perhaps I should stop helping financially.

What do I do? to speak up for themselves, develop social confidence in establishing and maintaining social relationships, and how to regulate their emotions. These three elements will contribute to his sense of autonomy in life.

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

I have no doubt that your son is beginning to exercise his rights of privacy, own respect and independence by creating a boundary between him, his friends and you. Acknowledge this fact as a positive step and let him know your appreciation for this sign of maturity and growth. Proverbs 22:6 offers some wisdom, “Train the young in the way they should go.” It’s not always easy but, “even when old, they will not swerve from it.”

conflict resolution

S. Kendrick

8

(Proverbs 31:26)

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

My son “unfriended” me. I’m hurt

Your son appears to be going through a “rite of passage” from being an adolescent who needs supervision to becoming a secure, independent young adult.

This period involves different tasks, among them they learn

T. Gennara

Monitoring activities. Your daughter and her friend are at different developmental levels. He is about to step into the adult world, whether at college, in the military or in a full-time job. Although his parents will continue to play a key role in terms of advice and support, he is going to be regulating his own behavior on a day-to-day basis. Your daughter, on the other hand, still needs to have her choices and activities monitored. Teens sometimes wonder why parents have to check up on them: “Don’t you trust me?”

Although we do trust our adolescents, it is still important to make sure the choices

they are making are positive ones. When it comes to your daughter’s activities, you need to know where she plans to be and what other people will be there. If a friend has a party, then it is important to know if a parent will be there, too.

Your family rules about various situations and the consequences for breaking the rules need to be clear. This type of parental monitoring might seem stifling to someone who is learning what it is like to be an independent young adult, but it is exactly what a 15-year-old needs.

Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a psychologist and family counselor.

Feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist Sept. 21 | Ss. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs Sept. 26

She

says:

He

“ The kids are trying hard enough in school.”

“They need to bring home perfect report cards.”

Sally says: Sam is putting unrealistic demands for grades on our kids – if they don’t get straight A’s, he “motivates” them by taking away privileges. I was a “B” student myself, so I don’t think this is fair. We are arguing constantly about it.

T

says:

Sam says: The only way our kids will get ahead is by working hard and getting top grades.

I would think Sally would be behind me 100 percent on this.

In the current economic climate, only the cream of the crop will survive.

What

do they do?

here are many facets to this issue that need to be taken into consideration, but two are immediate: the impact on the child and the impact on Sam and Sally’s relationship. The former is not about perfect or good grades – rather the impact on the child is the constant arguing between the parents over the issue.

she is being realistic and believes one does not need to have top grades in school to be successful. Sam’s perception is derived from being in the work force and he believes that only those with top grades rise to the top and land decent jobs. Sally and Sam should discuss their feelings about setting standards of achievement for their children, the best way to achieve those standards, and what compromise they can support in unity. St. Paul encourages us to, “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) These sensitive discussions are best held behind closed doors – not in front of the children or within their range of hearing – and in a calm, non-anxious, manner.

When discussing sensitive

or polarizing issues, a technique we have found useful is to start with a short prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for guidance and to be open to new ideas. Following a short prayer, share with each other your own upbringing and what your parents expected of you – for example, did you get paid (our least preferred method) for good grades or was there some other form of bribery (oops – we meant to say “enticement”) used. Did they instill in you the importance of striving to do your best by explaining the role your grades might play later on for you if you desire to go to college, or how good grades might help you achieve a scholarship? Discussing these components will help you get in touch with the feelings behind the issue and will lead to a solution both of you can be comfortable in supporting.

Only after Sam and Sally prepare themselves and are in touch with their feelings should they approach their children about the topic of good grades.

T. Gennara

Too often, we see parents who tend not to care about their children’s successes, so it is very commendable that both parents wish only the best for their children and are taking an active role in helping them achieve that. In setting the standards however, both Sam and Sally need to be realistic about their children’s abilities and capabilities, and not make an artificial presumption that only top grades produce the cream of the crop. Even though Sam is taking an active interest in his children’s potential and is serious about his fatherhood role, his actions may be doing more harm than good. The words of Colossians 3:21 are most appropriate: “Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.” Constant arguing between Sam and Sally is not conducive to healthy children or a healthy marriage relationship.

The greatest gift Sam and Sally can give to their children is to be in agreement with each other on the expectations they have for their children. It sounds like Sally and Sam came from different backgrounds. Sally feels

your marriage matters

Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle help prepare couples for marriage.

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Y O U R

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culture

A Message of

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HOPE

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

St. Vincent de Paul, priest Sept. 27 | St. Wenceslaus, martyr Sept. 28 | Feast of S

S

pread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” These words of hope articulate Blessed Teresa’s mission, when she was called by Jesus to “serve the poorest of the poor and live among them and like them” in the slums of Calcutta, India. For her, it was more than just giving them food to eat and clothing to wear. It was about making her fellow sisters and brothers feel loved no matter how appalling they may have appeared or in what squalor they lived. She spread a message of hope that they, too, are children of God. Committed to God by her vows of poverty, she lived like the poor she served; she dressed like them, slept like them and, yes, even ate what they ate.

I ponder sometimes what the world would be like if every one of us took her simple message to heart and worked to let everyone we encounter feel happier. In our world, we measure achievement in material ways. How much we make, how much we have and how much we know are what seems to matter most. How much we love does not often rank as highly. But even here, thousands of miles from the slums in which she worked, Mother Teresa’s simple life and example give us hope. If she can do it, so might we.

In reading about the Indian people and environment she adopted as her own, I became surprisingly intrigued by the customs and culture of the region. I happened upon a recipe for a humble, but very tasty, food commonly sold by vendors in the streets of Calcutta (now Kolkata). The kathi roll (or kati roll), which originated there,

2 pounds boneless chicken breast cut in small pieces 3 cloves minced garlic 1 large red onion, sliced thin 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon coriander ½ teaspoon turmeric ¼ teaspoon cinnamon pinch of ground cloves salt and pepper to taste 4 eggs, beaten 6 store-bought parathas or chapati bread (8-inch flour tortillas can be substituted if you’re not near an Indian market)

Green chutney

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

is made up of multiple fillings rolled up in various Indian flatbreads. I cannot be sure Mother Teresa ever sampled one, but I imagine she might have, given its popularity in that region. They are simple but wonderfully delicious, and something to keep in mind for celebrating her feast day, which is Sept. 5. After some experimenting in the kitchen, here is a version of a chicken kathi roll with green cilantro chutney. I can affirm that if you make a bunch of these to share with family or friends, they will leave happier.

Michelle DiFranco is a designer and the busy mom of two children.

Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, the archangels Sept. 29

Chicken kathi rolls

Large bunch of fresh cilantro (washed and stems removed) 3 green chilies, seeded 1-inch piece fresh ginger (roughly chopped) 1 teaspoon cumin seeds ½ teaspoon salt 1 ½ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons water Begin by making the green chutney. Blend all of the above ingredients in a food processor or blender into a thick saucelike consistency.

This can be done the night before and stored in an airtight container.

In a large zipper/ freezer bag, combine chicken, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and dry spices. Seal bag and give it a few shakes until the chicken is completely coated.

Set aside (this also can be done ahead of time and refrigerated).

In a large nonstick frying pan, heat butter, add onions and cook on medium to high heat for 5 minutes or until they start to look transparent. Add marinated chicken pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes or until juices run clear (occasionally stirring). Add salt and pepper to taste and turn heat down to a simmer.

In another

nonstick skillet, heat Indian flat bread on high for 1-2 minutes.

Before flipping, spread one tablespoonful of beaten egg over the bread. It’s OK if some of the egg runs off.

Carefully flip and cook for another minute. Place the heated flatbread egg side up and add the chicken filling and tomatoes. Drizzle with a tablespoon of green chutney.

Roll it up and enjoy!

Photography by Philip Shippert

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yourfaith

14 spiritual fitness

14

in the know with Father Joe

Q

Dear Fr. Joe: Why do we ask God for things?

Doesn’t he just do what he wants and what is best for us?

a

What a great question! The answer to this can help us understand God and his workings a bit better, as well as ourselves.

Let’s dive right in.

The first thing we’ve got to establish is that God wants to hear our petitions. That means asking God to do something.

Look at 1Timothy 2:1: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people …”

There are many other passages where we are commanded to offer our petitions: Mark 13:33, Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18 and Romans 12:12 – clearly, God wants us to offer him our needs and wants.

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Yet, at the same time, we understand we don’t always get what we ask for – we know sometimes, when we ask God, we don’t feel like we receive. So why ask for what we want?

I hope the first part of this gives you at least some of the answer: We should do so because God said to. If nothing else, we offer our needs and petitions to God because he said we should. There is however within that idea an even deeper truth for us to explore.

As with everything else, it starts with God’s love. Like any lover, God wants to hear our voice. He desires that we pour out our hearts to him, not because he doesn’t already know our hearts, but because each time we reveal them we are offering ourselves freely to God, which is a gift he craves.

This brings us to the everpresent wild card of God’s incredible and indulgent love for us. He is simply consumed with love and affection for us.

Jesus proved this by his life, death and resurrection. God can, it seems, be swayed by our hunger, our woundedness,

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

T. Gennara

What’s the point of asking God for what we want?

our frailty and our cries for help. Like the Father with the “no candy before dinner” rule, God seems more than willing and able to slip us a DoubleStuf Oreo when his heart is moved to do so.

At the same time, God’s love for us is, in the words of Scripture, “as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a might flame.” (Song of Songs 8:6) This love is so deep and rich that it is pointed toward one thing and one thing only: Our eternal union with him in heaven. Because of this, he will never allow anything that will lessen the possibility of our union with him. He even will, in his pure all-consuming love, allow us to experience temporary pain in anticipation of eternal joy.

Check this out: “The more we believe that God hurts only to heal, the less we can believe that there is any use in begging for tenderness.

A cruel man might be bribed...

But suppose that what you are up against is a surgeon whose intentions are wholly good? The kinder and more conscientious he is, the more inexorably he will go on cutting. If he yielded to your entreaties, if he stopped before the operation was complete, all the pain up to that point would have been useless.

(C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity)

That same love that fills us

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com with joy also presents to us the gift and possibility of faith: Do I believe that God is all good and all-powerful? If so, then whatever petition I am offering to God with tears in my eyes also is a statement of surrender: “God, you love me and you see my pain. Help me to believe you are in charge and saving me.”

This really is the root of it: Beyond the obedience is a call to surrender and trust.

We pray because God said to.

We pray because God can, at times, be swayed. But most of all, we pray because this puts us and our needs in the presence of Love in a remarkable and mystical way. In this, we allow him to use those circumstances to bring us closer to him and save us.

Because of the way God exists, he can be individually present to us at every moment.

Each prayer, each petition, each heart rendering cry to God is heard individually by a God who experiences us as the only thing in creation at every moment of our existence.

What better thing could we ever do than place our needs with him?

Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

PASS ALONG THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

Bishop Boyea’s pastoral letter, Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord, calls us all to evangelize – to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sometimes, that can seem a bit daunting – many of us just don’t know where to begin, or what we should say.

In this month’s issue, you’ll read Mike Gentry’s story – Mike was spurred to look a little more closely at the Church by reading FAITH Magazine. The stories of everyday Catholics can inspire others to a desire to learn more, and to have a relationship with Jesus.

So, we are asking you to follow the example of the person who left FAITH in the hospital waiting room where Mike found it. When you are finished with this issue of the magazine, please pass it along to a neighbor or friend. Or leave it at the dentist, the doctor, the laundromat or the hairdresser. It is an easy way for you to pass along the FAITH!

AUG. 3, 2012 – DEC. 9, 2013

August 3, 2012: beginning of the Diocesan Year of Prayer August, 4 2012: anniversary of the formal establishment of the Diocese of Lansing October 11, 2012: beginning of the Year of Faith called

by Pope Benedict XVI November 24, 2013: ending of the Year of Faith December 9, 2013: 100th anniversary of the Cathedral and ending of the Diocesan Year of Prayer October 2014: Diocesan Conference on Evangelization and Discipleship

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spiritual fitness

A daily prayer of thanksgiving

The Angelus YEAR OF FAITH – YEAR OF PRAYER

Diocese of Lansing Year of Prayer The Apostle Paul reminds us to “pray unceasingly.” (1 Thess 5:17) Certainly, we all have concerns we bring to God in prayer. But during our diocesan Year of Prayer, we invite everyone in the diocese to focus on a particular intention for an entire month.

Remember it in your private prayer. Ask the intercession of Mary and the saints when you participate in devotional prayer.

Offer your daily labor or a day of fasting. Add an intercession to those you offer in your liturgical celebrations. Use one of the prayers on the following pages to begin a parish meeting, class, or the school day. Or simply take the time each day to recite the prayer, perhaps adding an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

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FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

September 2012 – For all children Lord Jesus, You came into the world as a child and, under the loving protection of Mary and Joseph, you grew in wisdom, age, and grace.

You welcomed little children to come to you, believed in their dignity, and held them up as a model for all who were seeking the kingdom of God. Send your blessings upon all children.

May they be recognized as children of our one Father.

Give them health and happiness, protect them from those who would harm them, and help them to grow in faith that they may grow ever closer to you. Amen.

This month, I want to look at another according to your word…” Mary’s prayer can prayerful exercise that can help you recall that become ours. “May we (you and I) be made you are truly living in the presence of God. It worthy of the promises of Christ.” Make that will elicit thoughts of thanksgiving and hope as petition your own. you go throughout your day. For centuries, the Another suggestion for this month: List members of the Catholic Church recited the from Scripture the promises that God makes Angelus prayer daily. in the Gospels.

Often it was prayed God never lies. His at 6 a.m., noon and promises are true.

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: 6 p.m – in the fields, Remember that as And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. at your desk, in the you read and pray. kitchen, wherever Perhaps you Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; you were. The idea want to begin by blessed art thou among women and blessed was to frame the reciting the Angelus is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, day with a prayer once a day at one Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and of thanks for God’s of the three times at the hour of our death. Amen. greatest gift – the recommended: Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me morning, noon and Word, the Son of according to Thy word.

God. night. Then add a The more we second and a third Hail Mary ... incorporate this time in your daily And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us. routine as you are prayer into our daily schedule, the able in the months Hail Mary ... more conscious we to come. It’s like Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be become of God’s a little oasis in the made worthy of the promises of Christ. presence, of his middle of the desert great love for us, of of frantic activity.

Let us pray: our call to render It helps you to Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy him thanks for the recall the presence grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the unspeakable gift of of God and be incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made his mercy. In praying grateful. known by the message of an angel, may by this prayer, I remind It is good and His Passion and Cross be brought to the myself that I am not important to learn glory of His Resurrection, through the same alone – that the God from the wisdom of Christ Our Lord. Amen. who gave me his the Church. Don’t only Son, is with me. discard something This prayer will increase your faith. It is a just because it is old. Remember what the prayer of thanksgiving and praise. It is also a Scripture tells us about the wise steward who prayer in which we ask God to make us worthy learned how to take from his storehouse both of his promises! We pray, “Be it done unto me, the old and the new. (cf Matthew 13:52)

The Angelus

T. Gennara

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ast month, we spoke about the Morning Offering, which has long ago fallen into disuse. Have you begun to recite it daily? You will be amazed at the perspective it begins to give you on your daily activities. I encourage you to make that short but powerful prayer a part of your daily life.

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 complete teaching: A free booklet, “Captured

by Mercy” is available by calling 1.800.282.4789.

A CD, “Captured by Mercy” is available for $10. Order by writing Renewal Ministries, Att: Jan Sauter, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

(Check payable to Renewal Ministries) “Welcome the Spiritual Gifts” by Peter Herbeck is a free booklet. Order by calling 1.800.282.4789.

Prayer Intentions for the Year of Faith During each of these months, please pray especially for these intentions of our diocese.

September – for all children October – for migrants November – for the dead December – for consecrated men and women January 2013 –

for a greater respect for human life February – for the forgiveness of sins March – for our Elect, candidates and Inquirers April – for all married couples and families May – for those who are single, divorced and widowed June – for all clergy July – for those who are ill and for medical

professionals August – for teachers and catechists September – for all liturgical ministers, including musicians October – for all college students and young adults November – for those in prison December 9, 2013 – in Thanksgiving for all that God has done for this diocesan Church

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Y O U R

F A I T H Why don’t we follow all the laws of the Old Testament regarding circumcision, kosher diet, etc.?

Didn’t Jesus say that not a jot or tittle of the law would pass away?

theology 101

The Torah, or law in Hebrew, was put in place to keep the community holy and to distinguish it from all other people. It also pointed toward and prepared for the ushering in of the new creation promised by God through the prophets. For Christians, Jesus is this long anticipated new creation. In other words, the law, or Torah, was consummated in Christ. The law has not passed away, but has been fulfilled.

Jesus then reduced the law to the two great commandments to love God and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. In doing this, Jesus clearly emphasized the moral character of the law over and above the ritual character of the law. Because God has loved us, we need to love each other.

In light of this, the Church decided against requiring adherence to the ritual law while placing more emphasis on the moral law.

We can see this very early on in the life of the Church as Paul argues very strongly against requiring Gentile Christians to observe Jewish ritual law. Further, we can point to an even earlier tradition of emphasis on the moral rather than the ritual law that pre-dates Christ by a century or two. In Alexandria, Egypt, diaspora Judaism required Gentiles who were interested in the Jewish tradition to embrace the moral laws, but not necessarily the ritual laws of the Pentateuch.

– Father Sheoenstene

Why don’t we have to follow all the laws of the

Old Testament?

As we noted before, divine revelation is comprehended ever more deeply by God’s people over time. A study of Old Testament laws illustrates this

SEMINARY PROFESSORS TALK SCRIPTURE Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L., is an assistant professor, Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

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FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Elizabeth Nagel, S.S.D., is a professor in the Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

Vatican II

Q:

YEAR OF FAITH – YEAR OF PRAYER

What did Vatican II say about the relationship between Scripture and Tradition?

A:

The Second Vatican Council addressed the relationship between sacred Scripture and sacred Tradition in its Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum). In doing so, the council made it clear that Scripture and Tradition are so closely bound together that they “come together in some fashion to form one thing.” Scripture and Tradition, in fact, make up “a single sacred deposit of the Word of God.” Consequently, the Church draws her certainty about revealed truth from both Scripture and Tradition.

Both Scripture and Tradition share the same divine source. Scripture, of course, is the inspired Word of God. At the same time, Tradition and its teaching authority are rooted in the apostolic succession instituted by Jesus Christ, the summation of God’s revelation to humanity, and has been preserved from Peter, the “rock” upon which Jesus was to build his Church, to the present.

In the words of Dei Verbum, “Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit. And Tradition transmits, in its entirety, the Word of God, which has been entrusted to the Apostles by Christ the Lord and the Holy Spirit.” This transmission of the Word of God is accomplished through the apostolic succession so that it can be faithfully preserved, expounded and spread by their preaching.

Jesus then reduced the law to the two great commandments to love God and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. In doing this, Jesus clearly emphasized the moral character of the law over and above the ritual character of the law. Because God has loved us, we need to love each other. process. For example, Ex 21:1-2 states that a slave must be freed at the end of his service. A later law, Dt 15:12-15, expands this teaching, stating that when a slave is set free, his former owner must not send him away empty-handed, but must help him get a new start.

Likewise, in texts following Jesus’ saying about the jot and tittle of the law in Matthew, he teaches how his disciples must go beyond the literal detailed keeping of regulations. In Mt. 5:21-22, after quoting the commandment, “you shall not kill,” Jesus adds “but I say to you whoever is angry with a brother will be liable to judgment.” Thus, he reveals the law’s deeper meaning, i.e., what God is truly concerned about. In effect, Jesus adds to the tradition about how laws are to be interpreted.

Still later, Acts 15 describes an early

Church council in Jerusalem where one issue is what the Gentiles must do to be baptized: must they be circumcised, keep the food laws, etc. The council decides that since God has already granted the

Tradition and its teaching authority are rooted in the apostolic succession instituted by Jesus Christ, the summation of God’s revelation to humanity, and has been preserved from Peter, the “rock” upon which Jesus was to build his Church, to the present.

Holy Spirit to the Gentiles, the Church should not “put a yoke” on them that the Jewish Christians themselves have not been able to bear.

The Church continues this process of understanding divine revelation ever more deeply as it takes up new issues like stem-cell research that are not specifically mentioned in the Bible. In order to understand God’s view of such topics, the Church consults biblical passages about, for example, the sacredness of human life, and also studies how these texts have been interpreted in the Tradition.

– Professor Nagel

Catechism quiz

Q:

Though faith is above reason, it is still reasonable. The Catechism teaches that “there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth.” Despite this, we do not believe because revealed truths appear true and intelligible in the light of our natural reason. What is the basis for our belief?

A:

We believe “because of the authority of God himself who reveals them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.” (CCC 156)

Interview and sidebars by Doug Culp

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from the bishop

What is your relationship to Jesus?

A

new parish year begins! A task which has been given to all our parish councils is discussion of the pastoral letter, Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord. This is not just an ordinary discussion, however. Our parish leadership is to examine their own relationship with Jesus and thus the degree to which they feel impelled to witness to Jesus, as Lord and savior and teacher and friend.

Carlson Productions

One of the most powerful lines in St. John’s Gospel for me always has been, “You are my friends…” (John 15:14) When I was younger, I had a very close relationship with the Church. I love the Mass; I loved my parish and the priests who served there; and I really loved the lives of some saints – Damian of Molokai, Dominic Savio and others. But I have to admit that I did not have a deep personal attachment to Jesus. That had to grow through many years of seminary formation and spiritual direction. Mostly, it grew from hearing Jesus call me “friend” in spite of my sinfulness. His mercy has been overwhelming.

For many today, especially young people, the friendship with Jesus

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

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happens first and only later do they develop an attachment to the Body of Jesus, his Church.

Jesus as my teacher has been an easy one. I always have loved study and school and especially the Scriptures. It has never been difficult for me to hear the voice of God, the voice of Jesus speaking in the Bible. Perhaps it is because learning about the contexts of the biblical words and really seeing the beauty, and oftentimes cleverness, of those words has been fascinating. The will of God has been clear to me all these years from those powerful words.

When there has been some lack of clarity, understanding those words in the Church and in the light of the Church’s tradition always has helped. So for Jesus to tell me that he is the way, the truth and the life are givens.

“Jesus saves.” Certainly, you have seen that sign somewhere glowing in neon lights. From what or whom does he save? To me, the best picture for this is Peter trying to walk on the water toward Jesus and his sinking.

He cries out, “Lord, save me!”

(Matthew 14:29) That has been my experience of salvation, being lifted up from sinking into my selfishness, my sinfulness, my sense of being lost. Basically, Jesus saves me from myself. The

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

YEAR OF FAITH – YEAR OF PRAYER mystery of that salvation always has been the cross and the incredible love for me shown

by Jesus’ dying for me on that cross. The sacrificial love of Jesus, the Son of God, is the most saving thing of all.

To say, “Jesus is Lord,” is to say it with the gift of the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 12:3) This is the toughest one for me. It is easy for me to let Jesus be Lord of this or that part of my life. However, I am reminded of Francis Thompson’s beautiful poem, The Hound of Heaven: “I fled Him down the nights and down the days…/ For though I knew His love who followed,/ Yet was I sore adread, lest having Him,/ I should have nought beside.”

I have always been afraid that

Jesus would demand too much of me and so I hold back giving into his Lordship my whole life.

I have a feeling this could be a struggle for me until my death.

Yet, I know Jesus is Lord and I want him to be Lord, for in his lordship of me I will find freedom, I will find salvation, I will find truth and I will find the deepest friendship.

So, my sisters and brothers, especially those of you on our parish councils, what is your relationship with Jesus? How can that be deepened? Then, and most importantly, how shall we witness to that relationship so that the lost sheep and those who have not heard of Jesus may be drawn more into him who is Lord and savior and teacher and friend.

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morality everyday

How do I decide which way to vote?

W

ith some regularity, the U.S. bishops issue statements on timely issues and it would be wonderful if more Catholics read them. For instance, recent documents on marriage (Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan), on same-sex unions (Made for Life), immigration (Strangers No Longer Together on the Journey of Hope), and on religious liberty (Our First, Most Cherished Right) are terrific summaries of fundamental Catholic principles and applications of those principles to current problems of our culture.

These documents, and the pamphlets, study guides and bulletin inserts that often accompany them, are a handy way for Catholics to learn more about our faith and how to live it.

The document The Challenge of Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship provides marvelous guidance on formation of conscience in respect to voting, a moral act of tremendous importance. Our elected officials can vote to permit or forbid the killing of unborn children, the exercise of religious freedom, same-sex marriages, the welcoming of immigrants and the provision of health care to the poor, for example. The Catholic Church has an unparalleled wealth of thinking by brilliant and holy people on these issues, and, more importantly, is secure in the guidance of the Holy Spirit in formulating its doctrine.

There is much for Catholics to learn to be able to exercise the duty of voting responsibly. It is, for instance, essential to learn the distinction between intrinsically evil actions and matters involving prudential decisions. Briefly, abortion, sexual trafficking, payment of unjust wages and waging of unjust wars are all examples of intrinsically unjust actions and we should be trying to find candidates who oppose them.

Prudential judgments are directed to finding the best means to achieve various ends, even the means for preventing intrinsically evil actions. We may disagree, for instance, on the best ways to prevent abortions, as well as disagree on the best way of providing affordable health care for all.

If a politician supported abortion or wanted to limit religious liberty or wanted to refuse all assistance to illegal immigrants, for instance, it would be difficult to find a reason to justify voting for him or her. One of the reasons to vote for a candidate who supported intrinsically evil actions would be that his or her opponent also supported such evils and had worse positions on other matters. Indeed, many factors, in addition to a candidate’s stand on issues, need to be taken into account, such as competence and electability.

Those looking for guidance on how to determine which values and principles should guide their choice of candidates will find excellent guidance in the U.S. bishops’ statement The Challenge of Forming Consciences.

Janet E. Smith holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

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yourstories inside:

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Reading FAITH helped Mike become a Catholic. Read about his faith journey.

Life after being the

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The Titanic may be the most famous disaster in naval history. Read the story about one of its most courageous passengers – Father Thomas Byles

Bishop of Lansing 20

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Photography by Tom Gennara

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YEAR OF FAITH – YEAR OF PRAYER

s we begin the celebration of the anniversary of the Diocese of Lansing, we talked with Most Rev. Carl Mengeling, who was the fourth bishop of Lansing, from Jan. 25, 1996, until April 28, 2008. He talks about those 12 years and about what he is doing in retirement.

The Call

It began the last Monday of October 1995. After Bible class, my associate told me a man with a heavy accent

would phone at 9 p.m.

When the call came, I gave my usual hello and greeting. He said, “How do I know it’s you?” I responded as I would to a priest buddy playing tricks. He said, “Do you know (Cardinal) Justin Rigali?” “Sure, we were grad students together in Rome and are good friends,” I said. He said, “Now I know it’s you.” It was Archbishop Cacciavillan, papal nuncio to the U.S. After hearing the news that Pope John Paul II had appointed me bishop of Lansing, I said, “I am 65 years old.” He replied, “Ah, but our Holy Father is 75.” He trumped me. I said, Yes! Before ordination on Jan. 25, 1996, I made a retreat at Maria Laach Abbey in Germany. Since Jan. 25 is the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, he was on my mind. All the doors opened for me when I recalled that Paul had two titles. Jesus named him “vessel of election”; Paul named himself “vessel of clay.” Paul knew he was weak, but he never forgot that Jesus, who called him, would sustain him. I believed that.

Being boss or CEO of a company hardly compares Being bishop to being bishop for nearly a quarter of a million Catholics and having responsibility for all that happens. President Truman was right: “The buck stops here.”

But I was enthused and enjoyed those 12 years. I loved it. I was blessed to be in a good diocese. Bishop Povish and our chancellor, Msgr. James Murray, were great – welcoming and supportive.

And I soon found out that I was working with devoted and happy priests who were united in priestly life and mission. This was true also of permanent deacons and religious men and women. I was always busy, but had great collaborators. In our 10-county diocese, I was on the road a lot, one of my few opportunities for privacy. Those drives, sometimes 60 to 90 minutes one way, were great for saying the rosary and listening to CDs. Bethany House Retreat Center, dedicated in DeWitt Some high points in 2001, with the help of a generous gift of $1 million from the Knights of Columbus diocesan councils, is a proven blast furnace of holiness.

The much-needed Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor was finished, and is a blessing for students and families.

The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist began in 1997 with four Dominican Sisters, and now has more than 100 in

the provincial motherhouse in Ann Arbor. Mother Assumpta is busy establishing two more provinces in the U.S. The presence and service of consecrated virgins in our CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING midst are graced gifts that I cherish. I loved presiding at profession rites for the Sisters of Mary, Servants of God’s Love, and consecration of virgins.

I was happily amazed at the large number of lay men and women serving in the diocese and parishes and schools.

They are a believing and happy presence.

Some specials for me were ordinations, commissioning of lay ministers and jubilees. Close to my heart, with many happy memories, are our seminarians and the precious times with these fine men.

Also: the founding of St. Andrew Dung-Lac Vietnamese parish in 1998; the relocation and expansion of multiple ministries at Cristo Rey Parish in Lansing; the vital new additions at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Flint; the realization of a beautiful new church and parish center by the “on fire” people of Christ the King Parish in Flint.

Communicating to all registered parishioners in our diocese is FAITH magazine, launched in Jubilee 2000. It’s an Academy Award publication, second to none and going strong in informing, teaching and inspiring.

Monsignor Murray, who served most of his priestly life as chancellor, curial moderator and tribunal judge, and “in charge” during Bishop Povish’s illness, became bishop of Kalamazoo in 1998. He taught me how to be a diocesan bishop in my first two years.

The spiritual preparation for Jubilee 2000 in 1997-99 in all parishes and institutions is still bearing fruit.

A virulent, often lethal, bladder cancer nearly Health killed me four years ago. I believe that our Lord heard the prayers of the diocese and gave me more time to be a priest. I carry a souvenir of that close call. It’s called an urostomy bag, which is connected to the kidney and worn externally. It works great and I only change it every five days. Not a bad exchange for these extra years. My health is good. I’m a biker, but at 82, it’s tricky. I had a bad fall in September and needed arthroscopic knee surgery.

I am planning to reach 100 years old. I stay busy, Retirement which is why I enjoy retirement.

I give parish missions, conduct retreats, assist in parishes, teach Scripture courses and have lots of visitors. My sisters and brother come for three or four days at a time.

So... with God all is possible.

It’s great to be a believer.

It’s great to be alive.

It’s great to have the gift of more time for conversion.

It’s great to live in the Diocese of Lansing.

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FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by Jim Luning

Mike Gentry came to St. Joseph Parish, Gaines, later in life. Born into the Baptist faith, he rarely attended church. “I had lots of premonitions against the Catholic Church growing up. What you don’t understand you don’t like. Even after I married Laura in a Catholic church, I felt it was a canned religion. We had our three kids baptized Catholic and I went to their major events, but I didn’t see anything for me in a church,” he said.

do I have to sit next to you in God’s house?’ But this parish is very comfortable.

“I decided to become a full member, and Laura agreed to be my sponsor. Sister Ann Marie Petrie put on the RCIA. By attending RCIA together, Laura and I both learned a lot about the Catholic faith.

“How do you talk about Sister Ann? I don’t know if she knows this, but we call her the ‘Flying Nun.’ She puts herself in places I would never go to help people. She has ultimate faith that what will be, will be. I really admire that.

“Sister Ann just retired, but she worked with Father Bob, our parish priest. Father Bob served in World War II before he became a priest, so he can talk to you where you live. My dad is gone now, but I sometimes look at Father Bob and see my father.

“I wasn’t sure how my kids would take it when I told them I was going to become Catholic. I invited them to the Easter Vigil service when I was accepted into the faith, and they all came. All my children told me they thought it was great.

“I filled my life with work – seven days a week, 10- to 12-hour shifts, plus an hour commute each way. When I wasn’t working, I was active in the community, helping start the local volunteer fire department. And when I wasn’t doing those things, I hunted and fished constantly.

“I made it to my kids’ games. I didn’t neglect them. But looking back, I wish I had been more involved up front so my kids could have had a better religious base.

Michelle, Travis and Brea are all grown now and have blessed us St. Joseph Parish, Gaines, and the KKK with five grandchildren and one In the early 1900s, when St. Joseph Parish was new, the Ku Klux Klan dominated Gaines great grandchild. and nearby communities. Spurred by hatred and fear of a religion they didn’t understand, Klan “Throughout our marriage, members gathered every Saturday under cover of darkness to block the church entrance by my wife, Laura, attended Mass. dumping cow manure onto the steps. Every Sunday under the rising sun, parishioners gathShe tried to get me to go with ered to clear off the steps and enter through the front doors to celebrate Mass. her, but I wouldn’t do it. The This patient faithfulness became a hallmark of St. Joseph Church in Gaines. As its generalast few years, she was getting tions of parishioners grew up and old between its walls, they told the story and wove it into the FAITH Magazine delivered to lives they built and laid down around the church. our house, so I saw it around.

Eventually the Klan came to see they could never fill the entrance so full that love and faith I didn’t really pay attention, couldn’t get in. They lost interest and lost power. The building still stands and the parish still though, until I found it in the grows today despite those early futile efforts to keep love out. hospital waiting room.

“In 2003, Laura’s sister passed away from cancer. Then, the next “Going to church here at St. Joseph just fills me up. I’m an usher on year, my mom died of cancer, too. Shortly after Mom passed away, my Sundays and a member of the Knights of Columbus. I retired from sister was diagnosed with malignant tumors in her lungs and brain. my old job and have a new position closer to home that I really like.

Even though we hadn’t been very close as adults, I wanted to be there But I’m trying to cut back and not make myself so busy all the time. for her. She passed away in 2005.

“Laura and I like to vacation through geocaching. We’ve found “As I sat in the hospital flipping through the pages of FAITH, I saw many spiritual and inspirational places like the old mission church articles about real people with issues that pertained to what was goin Good Heart, Mich. Every week, my wife does what everyone calls ing on in my life. Father Joe’s articles made me start to think of what ‘Grandma Tuesdays’ when the grandkids come over and they do all I was missing. Before long, I started looking forward to getting FAITH kinds of things together. I envy her for having this kind of relationin the mail at home.” ship with them, but I don’t really interfere.

“One day in the fall of 2005, I asked Laura if she would come with “My wife’s a very good person. When I decided I wanted to join me to old St. Joseph Church. I remembered that even though my the Church, Laura said ‘I’ve been telling you all along.’ She was mom wasn’t very religious, Laura used to sit and pray for her there right. It has hugely affected my life. I don’t know what would have when she was so sick. When I walked through the front doors ...” happened to our marriage if I hadn’t become Catholic. I do know Mike pauses to clear the lump that has developed in his throat. “I there’s something wonderful for both Laura and me about being thought, ‘OK. I’m home.’ part of St. Joseph Parish in Gaines. I can’t describe the difference it “That church is full of spirits,” he continues softly. “We could feel has made between us. our sisters.

“I don’t believe in pushing religion on anybody. That’s between you “I knew something had been missing from my life for a long, long and God. But if I had a message I would want someone to take from time, but I didn’t know what it was. I had tried to fill it with work, my story, I would tell you to open your heart. and with activities, but that didn’t do it. When I walked into Old St. “I don’t know why it’s so hard. I’ve only been a Catholic for six Joseph Church with my wife that day, I knew I had found it. years, and I wouldn’t have any idea how to tell someone to open their “St. Joseph has a new church building now. Every Sunday, families heart and let God in. When I cleared away the stuff that was blocking fill it up. Everybody knows everybody and most are related somethe way and walked into Old St. Joseph Church that day, though, I how. If anything’s going on, we step in to help take care of it. At first realized he had been there all along.” when I started to attend Mass there with Laura, I felt like ‘What right Pass along FAITH Magazine to a friend. Visit www.FAITHmag.com to purchase a gift subscription

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feature story

2,200 passengers, a brave priest and a ship named Titanic

“M

ay the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death.” This is the prayer that Catholic priests recite at the end of each day during Night Prayer – part of the prayers every priest promises to pray throughout each day. It was this same brief prayer, albeit in Latin at the time, that was uttered by Father Thomas Byles as he strolled along the moonlit deck of a magnificent ocean liner en route to New York the evening of April 14, 1912. The name of that luxurious ship was RMS Titanic. That night, 100 years ago, would be anything but restful, and Father Byles’ death – along with those of 1,516 other souls, after that great ship struck a deadly iceberg in the North Atlantic – would be anything but peaceful.

The Titanic, her legend and mystique have been seared into the collective memory of the world, especially now that a full century has passed since her disastrous maiden voyage – a voyage that ended 2.5 miles under the surface of the icy sea. A number of motion pictures have

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attempted to capture the Titanic’s mythology, including the epic version created by James Cameron in 1997, which garnered a cache of Academy Awards.

In this most recent version, just as the ship strikes the iceberg and the characters of Jack and Rose grab each other, a

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Father Thomas Byles

distorted figure dressed in black can be seen behind the couple on the deck. The audience later sees his face, discovering as the Titanic plunges into the sea, that the

actor James Lancaster is portraying Father Father Byles’ sermon focused on how the Thomas Byles. passengers needed to have lifebelts in the As the deck creeps past a 45-degree shape of prayer and the sacraments to save angle to vertical horror, Father Byles bortheir souls from spiritual shipwreck. Little rows the words of the Book of Revelation did he know that prayer would be the only – the final pages in the Bible – speaking of hope many of the worshippers listening to humanity’s salvation won for us by Christ him would have that night. and he prays, “[God] shall wipe away all At 11:40 p.m., the “unsinkable” Titanic the tears from their eyes and there shall struck an iceberg. Father Byles ran to third be no more death.” (Rev. 21:4) Then the ship class, where he tried to calm the passengers. begins her descent into the abyss.

The priest’s calm demeanor and self-control Did Father Byles really quote Revelaimpressed many. He began to recite the tion? We don’t know; but we do know he rosary and continued to lead people to the witnessed the iceberg striking the hull of lifeboats, consoling them and encouraging the Titanic as he prayed from his breviary their personal prayers, not only for themand we do know what he did as the ship selves, but also for those still on the ship. was sinking, cognizant that countless According to survivor Helen Mocklare, persons would not live through the night. “one sailor warned the priest of his danger Born Roussel Davids Byles on Feb. 26, and begged him to board a boat. Father 1870, he took the Byles refused.” So, name Thomas too, did he refuse when he converted a life jacket – three from Congregatimes! Each time, he The Titanic, her tionalism (in which wrapped the jacket legend and mystique, his father Alfred around another and have been seared was a well-respectkept praying with into the collective ed minister) to growing crowds memory of the world, Roman Catholicism around him. especially now that a in the late 1890s.

He continuously After studying prayed the rosary full century has passed at Oxford and and absolved as since her disastrous in Rome, he was many from their maiden voyage – a ordained a priest in sins as he could. voyage that ended 2.5 Rome on June 15, Many witnesses miles under the surface 1902, at the age of remembered this of the icy sea.

32. Returning to as one of the last his native England sights they saw as for short stints their lifeboats were assisting in smaller lowered into the sea: parishes, Father Byles was later named the brave, selfless priest kneeling with the pastor of St. Helen Parish in Ongar in the faithful, praying the Act of Contrition and county of Essex. preparing them and himself to meet God Shortly after Thomas’ conversion to face-to-face. Father Byles went down with Catholicism, his brother William folthe ship and his body was never recovered. lowed. William, who had moved to New The great Catholic author G.K. ChesterYork, cabled his priest-brother to officiate ton, who, like Father Byles, was a convert, at his upcoming wedding. On April 10, once said: “The greatest sin is that we for1912, Father Byles boarded the newest get; the greatest grace is that we remember and assuredly most expensive addition to that we forgot.” May we never forget the the White Star fleet – the RMS Titanic – at sacrifices of those who helped their fellow Southampton. With ticket number 244310 passengers to safety and a second chance tucked within his clerical cassock, he at life from the decks of the Titanic. boarded the five-star floating hotel, never to set foot on land again. The cost of that The Titanic artifact exhibition will ticket was 14 pounds in English currency, remain at the Henry Ford Museum the equivalent of $1,500 today. in Detroit through Sept. 30, 2012.

Father Byles had made arrangements For more information, visit with the Titanic’s captain, Edward J. Smith, www.thehenryford.com. to celebrate Mass. According to survivors,

By Father Justin Pino

local news

Groundbreaking for “new” Powers Catholic High School On June 10, the groundbreaking ceremony took place with Bishop Earl Boyea blessing the campus.

Hundreds of people attended the blessing of the land, including Diocesan Superintendent Father Steven Mattson, who expressed his thanks for the generosity of all the people who are keeping the legacy of Catholic education important.

The “new” Powers Catholic High School in Flint will have 65,000 square feet of renovated space and 80,000 square feet of new building for 550 students from ninth through 12th grade. It will be located off I-69 in the center of Genesee County.

The $14.7 million project will be completed in August 2013. In a letter sent to benefactors, Bishop Boyea stated, “I wish to show the full support of the Diocese of Lansing for your efforts to pursue relocation of Powers Catholic High School to the campus of the Michigan School for the Deaf (MSD). The Diocese has watched this project develop and is excited by the prospect of this new campus. Our communities need the witness and services of faithful Catholic schools. ... Be assured of my prayers for you, for the school, and its benefactors, that this project will come to completion.”

To make a donation or pledge, contact the campaign office at 810.591.0100. – Jan Hoffbauer

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yourcommun community

things to do: Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Catechist retreat at Somerset Beach Campground, 9822 Brooklawn Ct., Somerset Center.

All catechists are welcome. For information, call Diane Dover at 517.467.2106.

Sept. 9, 12:30 p.m., St. Joseph Shrine in Brooklyn’s Family Center will have a presentation on Bullying – Signs, Symptoms and Response. For information, contact Diane Dover at ddover@frontiernet.net.

Sept. 15, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Holy Redeemer Council of Catholic Women, Burton, is holding a MOM 2 MOM sale in the Family Life Center. If you have questions or wish to reserve space to sell, contact Nancy Amrich, 810.742.3827 or amrich1010@gmail.com.

Sept. 16, Lansing Catholic Singles invite all singles, ages mid-30s-60s, to join them for 9 a.m. Mass at St. Casimir in Lansing, followed by brunch at a local restaurant. For information on upcoming fall events, call 517.321.7886 or lansingcatholicsingles@.live.com.

New members always welcome.

Sept. 22, Cristo Rey Community Center 2012 Golf Outing at Wheatfield Valley Golf Club in Williamston. Cost is $80 per person. If interested in sponsoring or supporting the outing, please call Bob Vogel or Allen Lopez at 517.372.4700.

Sept. 29, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Ann Arbor and Knights of Columbus Council #587 cohost Convivium, a fundraising dinner at Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel, with Fox News contributor Father Jonathan Morris speaking about Religious Freedom – the

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Real Meaning of Separation of Church and State. Proceeds benefit McGivney House, a house of discernment for young men. For reservations, call 734.761.8606.

Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Christ the King, Ann Arbor will have a Holy Spirit Seminar (registration begins at 8:15).

Cost of $15 includes brunch, lunch and printed materials. To pre-register, go to www.ctkcc.net or call 734.426.5514 or email ortiz4519@earthlink.com.

Oct. 6, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School’s 60th anniversary celebration will have a 5 p.m. Mass with Bishop Boyea at 2270 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, followed by a re-connection party with a cost of $25 per person. For more information, call the Development Office at 734.821.2208.

Oct. 6, after 8 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Lansing and Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m. in the parish basement, rosary maker training and social time.

Bishop Boyea’s fall 2012 confirmation schedule: Oct. 2, 7 p.m., St. Gerard, Lansing Oct 7, 2 p.m., St. Joseph, Dexter Oct. 11, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell Oct. 18, 7 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell Oct. 21, 2 p.m., Lumen Christi High School – Jackson-area parishes Oct. 22, 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Fenton Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Catholic Community of St. Jude, DeWitt Oct. 24, 7 p.m., SS. Charles and Helena, Clio (St. Mary, Mt. Morris) Nov. 5, 7 p.m., Most Holy Trinity, Fowler Nov. 7, 7 p.m., St. Andrew, Saline Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton Future meetings are first Saturdays of the month at 9 a.m. and first Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

No meetings July-Sept. All work is done at home and supplies are free. For information, contact the parish at 517.393.3030.

Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Praying with Body, Mind and Spirit: Nourishing Your Soul at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit. Cost is $45. To register, call 313.535.9563. For information, call 734.429.7754 or www.prayer-in-motion.com.

Oct. 7, 11:30 a.m. Mass

followed by potluck luncheon, rosary maker’s annual Fall Gathering at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Family Center, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Please bring a dish to pass. Guest speaker will be Rita Walters, who will share her experiences taking a group of MSU students to work with children at orphanages in Puebla, Mexico.

Oct. 26-28, Retrouvaille retreat weekend at St. Francis Retreat Center, Bethany House in DeWitt is a lifeline for troubled marriages. For information or to register, visit www.retrouvaille.org.

You are invited to join Father Bill Ashbaugh, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor, and Dr. John Jeter, parishioner of St. Joseph, Howell on a 12-day pilgrimage to Spain, Portugal and France, Oct. 15-26, 2012. Visit www.pilgrimageplace.com to find out more or contact Corporate Travel at 313.565.8888.

September café events St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have Great Adventure Bible Timeline DVD Series (24 sessions), Sundays, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 pm, beginning Sept. 9 in Baraga Room; and Quick Journey Through the Bible DVD Series 8 monthly sessions, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., beginning Sept.

11 in Father Mac Hall.

Sept. 11, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sept. 16, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m., a new group of inquirers will be starting the RCIA process at both St. John Church and Student Center. Contact Pete Ries for information, 517.351.5460, ext.

FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

1328 or pries@elcatholics.org.

Sept. 12, 7 p.m., the Café Team at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 404 N. Dayton St. in Davison will have Al Kresta from AVE MARIA 990 am presenting “Jesus and Politics.” All are invited to attend.

Sept. 29, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Christ the King, Ann Arbor will have a Holy Spirit Seminar.

Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.

Cost of $15 includes brunch, lunch and printed materials. More information or to register, call 734.426.5514 or email ortiz4519@earthlink.com.

nity

On June 24, Bishop Boyea dedicated the new church for Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Michigan Center. For a complete story, including a description of the process of dedicating a church, please go to www.dioceseoflansing.org.

local news

Catholic Charities Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, 517.782.2551 or www.catholiccharitiesjacksonhlenaweehillsdale.org Sept. 15, Smart Steps for Stepfamilies is a diocesan marriage prep program for remarriage couples.

Pre-registration with payment is required. For information, call 517.782.2551.

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw, 4925 Packard, Ann Arbor, csswashtenaw.org Oct. 7, support the programs of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County by attending CSStoberfest at Barton Hills Country Club, 730 Country Club Rd., Ann Arbor. Cost $150 per person.

For questions or to make reservations, call 734.971.9781, ext. 313 or www.csswashtenaw.org.

Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, 810.232.9950 or www.catholiccharitiessg.org Oct. 13, Catholic Charities will welcome the Red Wings Alumni Association to Flint. The Wings will be hosting a hockey game, in conjunction with the Michigan Warriors, to benefit Catholic Charities’ three soup kitchens. Call 810.232.9950 ext. 226/228 for tickets or sponsorship information.

St. Vincent Catholic Charities, 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing, 517.323.4734 or www.stvcc.org Under the deferred action policy, a Department of Homeland Security directive, students in the U.S. who already are in deportation proceedings or those who qualify for the DREAM Act and have yet to come forward to Department of Homeland Security officials, will not be deported and will be allowed to work in the United States. Immigration attorneys at St. Vincent Catholic Charities have an extensive knowledge of immigration policy and are prepared to help these students apply. To speak to our immigration lawyers, call 517.323.4734, ext.1800.

Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated the weekend of Sept. 16. This year’s theme is “Catechists and Teachers are Agents of the New Evangelization.” Materials are available online for free download by parishes at www.usccb.org/catecheticalsunday.

Retreat centers St. Francis Retreat Center, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt, 866.669.8321 or www.stfrancis.ws Sept. 21-23, A Time to Heal, a retreat for victims of abuse within the Church. No cost. For information or to register, contact Father Larry Delaney at the retreat center.

Weber Retreat Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, 517.266.4000 or www.weber.adriandominicans.org Retreats include: Sept. 21-23, Piece Work – Soul Work – a quilting retreat; Sept. 27-30, Serenity Retreat for Women; Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Joyful Living Through Not Doing; and Oct. 26-28, Connecting Art and Spirit – Awakening the Wisdom Within.

Dominican Center at Marywood, 616.454.1241 or www.dominicancenter.com/open-programs Sept. 6-Oct. 25, 7 p.m.-8:15 p.m., Basics Yoga Fall Series I and Beyond Basics, 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.; Beginning Sept. 11-May 14, 2013, second Tuesday monthly, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Facilitating Contemplative Groups; Sept. 12, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Spiritual direction information session for women and men; Sept. 19, Spiritual direction information session for men; Sept. 19, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Spiritual Invitation of Anxiety; and Sept. 26, 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m., Men’s spirituality breakfast series – Listening for God’s Voice.

Parish festivals Aug. 24-25, St. Michael Parish, 345 Edwards Street, Grand Ledge, will hold its annual FunFest. For information, call 517.627.8493 or www.stmichaelgl.org.

Sept. 1-2, St. Patrick in Ann Arbor will host a Labor Day Weekend Festival. For information, call 734.662.8141 or www.oldstpatrick-annarbor.com.

Sept. 7-9, St. Mary in Morrice will hold its annual Fall Festival. For information, call the parish office at 517.625.4260.

Sept. 7-9, SS. Charles and Helena in Clio will hold its annual September fest. For information, call the parish office 810.686.9861.

Sept. 8-10, Church of the Resurrection in Lansing will host its 78th Ox Roast Festival. For information, call 517.482.4749.

Sept. 21-23, Jackson Family Fall Festival, benefiting all Jackson-area Catholic schools, will be at St. John the Evangelist School, 405 E. North St., Jackson. For more information, call 517.841.9203 or www.jacksonfamilyfallfestival.org.

Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Mary, Chelsea will have a Fall Fest Craft Show and Bake Sale.

Admission: $2 adults; children 13 and under free. For questions, call 517.851.7210 or ladykruiser@yahoo.com.

Oct. 21, noon-4 p.m., St. Andrew, Saline’s parish hall will host its annual Harvest Dinner. Cost: $7 adults, $5 seniors, $5 children 6-12. Carryout service available. All are welcome.

Oct. 26-28, St. Mary School in Williamston is hosting its Fall Festival with lots of fun activities. For more information, contact the parish at 517.655.2620.

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local news Sister Ann Marie Petri, O.P. retires June 3, a retirement celebration took place at St. Joseph Church, Gaines for Sister Ann Marie Petri, O.P., beginning with Mass in celebration of her service, concelebrated by Bishop Carl Mengeling, Father Edward Prus and Father Robert McKeon. A luncheon followed attended by almost 400 people.

A program thanking Sister Ann for her 17 years of service to St. Joseph included a quilt made by members of the parish, a tree planted in her honor, many cards of well wishes and gifts of thanks for her dedication to the Church.

Congratulations to Alan Carroll Playwright Alan Carroll is a former member of St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, son of parishioner Monica Carroll and alumnus of St. Francis School.

Alan’s play Ecce* opened at the 2012 Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C., on July 19.

The title is from the Latin phrase Ecce homo (Behold the man).

The play tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the point of view of a modern-day Pontius Pilate. For more information, visit the website www.eccefringe.com/index.html.

Lalanne Program in Michigan

The Lalanne Program, created by the University of Dayton’s Center for Catholic Education, will place seven teachers this fall at six Catholic schools in Lansing, Charlotte and Flint. The program is designed to meet the needs of beginning Catholic school teachers and improve their retention in Catholic education. Teachers make a two-year commitment to a Catholic school while living together and pursuing professional and spiritual development.

The Lalanne Program’s expansion into Michigan is part of a strategic plan to transform Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lansing, said Sean Costello, the diocesan associate superintendent of Catholic schools.

St. Mary preschool teacher reaches 15 years When Lisa Abbott finished the school year in June, it occurred to her that her first class of preschoolers at St. Mary School, Charlotte, was graduating from high school. She has had almost 300 students attend her class in the past 15 years.

Abbott teaches preschool for children ages 3-5, including a “young fives” program. The school added latchkey and day-care three years ago. Last year, Abbott introduced flexible scheduling, which allows parents to decide what time to drop off their children and the number of days they attend preschool.

St. Mary School is currently registering students in preschool and grades K-8 for fall 2012. For information, call 517.543.3460.

Prayer garden is dedicated at St. Robert School In June, with the entire school looking on, Father Roy Horning blessed the garden space in the center of the school and dedicated it in memory of Sally Goggins, who passed away in 2010. She and her husband Jack were loyal members of the St. Robert community for more than 45 years. They, along with their families, have been strong supporters of St. Robert and of Catholic education.

The garden is a beautiful place where students help to plant flowers and produce. The produce is donated to the Flushing Christian Outreach Center in the summer and eaten in the cafeteria in the fall. Science classes use the space to learn about nature and religion classes use it as a peaceful place to reflect and pray

10th anniversary of the Holy Family Shrine at St Joseph Campus in Jackson Concelebrants Father James Shaver and Father Paul Cummings said Mass outdoors at the shrine for more than 100 people. Decreased priests honored at the Mass were Father Marian J. Lesniak, founder, and Father Randy Miller. The Holy Family Shrine stands as a perpetual memorial to our Catholic faith.

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FAITH Magazine / September 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

St. John the Evangelist rededicates its parish center

Three brothers, three priests

St. John the Evangelist Church in Jackson held a ceremony in May to bless and rededicate its center as the “Father Francis J. Murray Parish Center” in honor of its former pastor. The ceremony included a Scripture reading, prayers of petition and a blessing of the center by current pastor Father James Shaver.

Father Murray was the “principal mover and shaker for the construction of the parish center in 1986 as far as fundraising, design and construction,” says Father Shaver. In gratitude for his pastoral leadership and vision, the people of St. John elected to bless and rename the parish center after him.

Two weeks after his ordination to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Father Eben MacDonald concelebrated Masses with his brothers, Father Tim and Father Adam. Their parents, Rose Anne and Laurence MacDonald, are ministers of music at St Michael Parish, Flint and have six children. Look for a feature about the MacDonald brothers in next month’s FAITH.

Genesee County Catholic schools welcomes their first executive director The Diocese of Lansing is pleased to welcome William K. Haley, former superintendent of the Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools, as the first executive director of Genesee County Catholic schools. This includes Powers Catholic High School, Holy Family in Grand Blanc, Holy Rosary in Flint, St. John the Evangelist in Fenton, St. John Vianney in Flint, St. Mary in Mt. Morris, St. Pius X in Flint and St. Robert Bellarmine in Flushing.

The hiring of Mr. Haley to this newly created position is the culmination of almost two years of evaluation, assessment and prayerful deliberation by the pastors and other key individuals in Catholic education in Genesee County and the Diocese of Lansing

St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach’s parishioner receives Boy Scout Eagle Award St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach’s parishioner Steven McGrath has received the Boy Scout Eagle Award. Steven has 37 badges and is counting on more. He already has received two palms, which are extra awards after the Eagle Scout award is gained.

He completed several projects at the Antique Tractor and Engine Association building on Forester Road near Adrian. He built a handicap ramp, fixed steps, power washed the building and painted the concession stand. Also, for the past two years, Steven has trained new Mass servers and worked with students preparing for their first reconciliation.

Farewell, Mrs. Welte After 24 years of service and dedication to St. Paul School in Owosso, Kay Welte, secretary, has decided to retire. Mrs. Welte started working at St. Paul School in 1988.

– Jan Hoffbauer

Heritage 2 Campaign reaches first milestone

“We are happy and excited to announce that the Lansing Catholic High School’s Heritage 2 Campaign has reached its first million dollars in gifts and pledges,” said Mike and Van-anh Peters.

The focus now turns to finalizing the Major Gift Phase ($5,000-9,999) and Benefactor Gift Phase ($1,500-4,999).

“These latter phases are expected to boost campaign totals and create momentum for the launch of our General Gift Phase,” said the Peters. “This is an exciting time for Lansing Catholic and we hope we can count on all of our alumni, parents, friends and parishioners to help us raise the funds needed for this important initiative for Lansing Catholic High School.”

The Diocese of Lansing celebrates its 75th anniversary this year Do you recognize this parish?

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

If you recognize this parish, drop us a line on our Facebook page. Answer next month!

Last month’s answer: Servers at St. Stanislaus c. 1944-45

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digital exclusive

Father Charles Irvin series: The Lord’s Prayer – 2 of 12 “Father”

Father Charles E. Irvin, Diocese of Lansing, Michigan, reflects on words in the Lord’s Prayer. This second segment (out of 12) is about “FATHER”. Filmed at the Basilica of Holy Hill, Hubertus, Wisconsin.

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

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Produced & Photographed by Christian Peschken | Edited by Jonathan Lenoch, Christian Peschken

FAITH Magazine / digital exclusive / www.FAITHmag.com

Father Joe Krupp, award winning columnist and Diocese of Lansing priest, talks about coming to Church and inviting peopel to Church.

g y t h e o l o

1 0 1

have to Why don’t we laws follow all the ent? tam of the Old Tes

m y

s t o r y

Life after being the bishop of Lansing

e f e a t u r

s t o r y

gers, 2,200 passen and a a brave priestTitanic ship named

Above: Mike talks about his conversion story.

Right: Father Christopher Coyne speaks with Joe Galluzzo about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults in this episode of Sacred Time from CatholicTV.com

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notes:

Monday, October 1, 2012

St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing | Mass at 5:15 p.m. | Dinner at 6:15 p.m.

27th Annual

Red Mass

Presentation of the Award Recipient:

Hon. Lisa K. Gigliotti

Author and Administrative Law Judge

Honoring

Sister Attracta Kelly, OP Prioress

of the Adrian Dominican Congregation

As she receives the prestigious Saint Thomas More Award For more information or to RSVP visit: http://home.catholicweb.com/lansingcatholiclawyersguild/ Or contact Laura Skriba at: laura@skribalaw.com

Follow FAITH Magazine online: p l e a s e

r e c y c l e

Digital Editions on FAITHmag.com

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING