September 2015

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

Do I have to believe everything the pope says about the environment?

FAITH INTERVIEW

A conversation with Father David Rosenberg, new director of the St. Francis Retreat Center

FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea

I RECENTLY CAME ACROSS a column written on Oct. 23, 2008 by Cardinal Edward Egan, the late former Archbishop of New York. He began the column with a photograph of a 20-week-old baby in its mother’s womb. He asked his readers to look at the photo carefully and then he asked: “Have you any doubt that it is a human being? If you do not have any such doubt, have you any doubt that it is an

innocent human being? If you have no doubt about this either, have you any doubt that the authorities in a civilized society are duty-bound to protect this innocent human being if anyone were to wish to kill it? If your answer to this last query is negative, that is, if you have no doubt that the authorities in a civilized society would be duty-bound to protect this innocent human being if someone were to wish to kill it, I would suggest – even insist – that there is not a lot more to be said about the issue of abortion in our society. It is wrong, and it cannot – must not – be tolerated.”

Then the cardinal goes on to suggest that we not get waylaid by concerns about theology and philosophy but simply use our eyes, “In brief: I looked, and I know what I saw.” He then noted that this being, even if only 10 weeks or 15 weeks in the womb, is still that same innocent life.

He even urged his readers to view two National Geographic Society videos: In the Womb and In the Womb-Multiples. Then he continues: I would suggest – even insist – “The one innocent human being squirms about, waves its arms, sucks its thumb, smiles that there is not a lot more to be broadly and even yawns; and the two innocent human beings do all of that and more: They said about the issue of abortion fight each other. One gives his brother a kick, and the other responds with a sock to the jaw. in our society. It is wrong, If you can convince yourself that these beings are something other than innocent and living human beings (perhaps “mere clusters of tissues,” as one national newsmagazine suggests), you and it cannot – must not – be have a problem far more basic than merely not appreciating the wrongness of abortion. And tolerated.” that problem is – forgive me – self-deceit in a most extreme form.”

Then the cardinal warns his readers how easy it is for people to be deceived, citing the examples of Nazi Germany and Communist Russia under Stalin. He then brings it home: “It is high time to stop pretending that we do not know what this nation of ours is allowing – and approving – with the killing each year of more than 1,600,000 innocent human beings within their mothers. We know full well that to kill what is clearly seen to be an innocent human being or what cannot be proved to be other than an innocent human being is as wrong as wrong gets. Nor can we honorably cover our shame (1) by appealing to the thoughts of Aristotle or Aquinas on the subject, inasmuch as we are all well-aware that their understanding of PRAY matters embryological was hopelessly mistaken, (2) by suggesting that ‘killing’ and ‘choosing to kill’ are FOR GREATER somehow distinct ethically, morally or criminally, (3) by feigning ignorance of the meaning of ‘human RESPECT FOR being,’ ‘person,’ ‘living,’ and such, (4) by maintaining that among the acts covered by the right to privacy LIFE. READ is the act of killing an innocent human being, and (5) by claiming that the being within the mother is ABOUT A PLACE OF HEALING ‘part’ of the mother, so as to sustain the oft-repeated slogan that a mother may kill or authorize the killing FROM ABORTION of the being within her ‘because she is free to do as she wishes with her own body.’”

ON PAGE 18.

The cardinal concluded his column nine years ago with these words: “There is nothing at all complicated about the utter wrongness of abortion, and making it all seem complicated mitigates that wrongness not at all. On the contrary, it intensifies it. Do me a favor. Look at the photograph again. Look and decide with honesty and decency what the Lord expects of you and me as the horror of ‘legalized’ abortion continues to erode the honor of our nation. Look, and do not absolve yourself if you refuse to act.”

Why try to write something in my own words when another as esteemed as Cardinal Egan has written it so well?

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HAVE YOU ANY DOUBT THAT THIS IS AN INNOCENT HUMAN BEING?

INSIDE September

COVER STORY SISTER DUSTY SHEDS LIGHT ON THE PLIGHT OF FELLOW DOMINICANS IN IRAQ P. 16

T. Gennara

T. Gennara

P. 6

YOUR STORIES

P. 10

8 w ork life

14 women’s conference 10 in the know with Father Joe Do I have to believe everything the pope says about the environment?

12 spiritual fitness

My 14-year-old is telling lies.

Special Report:

Celebrate the power of the cross

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Women can get ‘depleted.’

The Women’s Conference fills you up

15 consecrated life

From a whisper to a shout.

Father Fred’s call to the Augustinians

20 my story

FIND US ON YOUR TABLET FOR TABLET EXCLUSIVES

From abortion clinic to a place of healing – Cecilia makes a difference for women

Reuters

9 parenting journey

YOUR FAITH

D. Quillan

My employee can’t make a decision

He says: ‘I’m afraid she’s becoming addicted.’ She says: ‘I’m in constant pain.’

What do they do?

SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

P. 20

YOUR LIFE

9 m arriage matters

FOLLOW FAITH PUB

PLUS P. 24

31 last word

What did Jesus mean when he told us not to judge?

P. 5

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FAITH HELPS

FROM THE EDITOR

IN GRATITUDE FOR FATHER LARRY DELANEY

T.Gennera

I FIRST MET FATHER LARRY DELANEY in 1988 while I was a parishioner at St. Francis parish in Ann Arbor. Father Charlie Irvin was the pastor of St. Francis at that time, and he and Father Larry were great friends. I remember being greatly amused by the banter that would break out whenever Father Larry and Father Charlie were in the same room. Usually, all that was required to get the ball rolling was some quip about the Spartans or the Wolverines – then stand back and watch the fun begin! Those conversations were opportunities to get to know two priests who have had a profound impact on my own priestly ministry.

FATHER DWIGHT EZOP

is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Fenton.

Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.

CHECK OUT PAGE 6 FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH THE NEW DIRECTOR OF THE ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, FR. DAVID ROSENBERG.

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When I was accepted into the seminary program for our diocese in 1992, I had the opportunity to attend the first of many seminarian retreats that were led

by Father Larry in his role as director of St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. I clearly recall my first seminarian retreat at St. Francis for two reasons. I found it difficult to sleep during the first night of the retreat because of the strange squawks I heard coming from the grounds near the retreat center. I spent most of that first night wondering how anyone could get more than a few minutes of sleep. The following morning, pretty bleary-eyed, I asked Father Larry about the cries I had heard during the night. I wondered if he knew what was making all the noise. He let me know that there was nothing to be afraid of – that was just the sound his peacocks made. Later that same day, I had a chance to visit the menagerie of wildlife that he kept in pens and barns on the retreat center grounds.

What a collection – and how much Father Larry loved the fact that he had the space and time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

I also recall one of his famous lines from his reflections during the course of that retreat: “Remember this for life!” I have actually remembered some of the nuggets of wisdom which followed that exhortation. The one that stuck with me the most, and which has had the greatest meaning to me through the years, is the reminder to work hard to form an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude, Father Larry would always remind, stems first from the overwhelming goodness of God and the inexhaustible mercy and kindness that God has shown each of us through the years. Then there is gratitude for the gift of life and the wonderful diversity of gifts and skills and talents that each of us possesses thanks to God’s own generosity. That is followed by gratitude for the gift of meaning – the kind of meaning that can be found in the joys and struggles that are part of our daily living.

Father Larry, with his unique gifts of wit and wisdom, was a tremendous gift to the people of our diocese. He was a good neighbor during my time as pastor of St. Jude in DeWitt. He was always willing to listen, especially if there was a challenge at hand. Thank you, Father Larry, for being a good friend and neighbor; thank you most of all for not being a “vocation fighter,” as you once put it. Thank you for responding to God’s call to priesthood. We are all the better for it.

The leadership of St. Francis Retreat Center now passes to Father David Rosenberg, a very talented priest of our diocese. Father David’s many gifts are underpinned by deep faith and trust in God as he has responded to his own unique vocational journey. I have no doubt the retreat center is in good hands. With Father David’s guidance and his own unique blend of humor and faith, aided by a talented staff, the goodness of God will continue to be experienced by so many in the years ahead.

And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Marriage Matters

1. What advice does Scripture give about addictions and freedom from sins? Read 1 Corinthians 10:13.

2. Have you ever had to help a loved one through an addiction? How?

Parenting Journey

1. What do the Scriptures say about honesty? Read Proverbs 12:22 and John 8:32.

2. How do you rebuild trust after someone has lied to you?

Spiritual Fitness

1. What are ways in which you can venerate the holy cross in your home and life?

Cover story

1. In what ways does the sisters’ story make you value religious freedom?

2. Do we remember to thank God for our own blessings and for simple things we might take for granted?

Laudato Si’

1. What advice does Scripture give on care for God’s creation? See Numbers 35:33-34.

2. What can you do to help protect the environment and combat what Pope Francis calls the “throwaway culture”?

FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO FAITHPUB.COM TO FIND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES

YOUR LIFE

PROFILE OF A DISCIPLE

‘INSTEAD OF SITTING ON OUR HANDS … WE CAN DO SOMETHING’

Al and Marian work with the aging FIND MORE ONLINE READ MORE OF AL AND MARIAN’S STORY ONLINE AT FAITHPUB.COM

BY NANCY Married 57 years, Albert and Marian Boucher ROSEBUSH chair the Lansing Area Catholic Council on Aging SCHERTZING (LACCA). Together, they meet with LACCA PHOTOGRAPHY representatives from area parishes to exchange

BY DON QUILLAN information on activities and ideas on aging, help the council organize events and offer information to enhance the spiritual and personal goals of Catholics age 50-plus in the tri-county area.

“Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you stop being involved,” Marian smiles.

“It takes every one of us to achieve the results we want for ourselves and our children,” says Al. “Instead of sitting on our hands and wondering why somebody doesn’t do something to make the world better, we can do something about it.”

LEARN MORE THE LANSING AREA CATHOLIC COUNCIL ON AGING IS THE LINK FOR SENIOR PARISHIONERS BETWEEN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING AND THE CATHOLIC PARISHES IN INGHAM, EATON AND CLINTON COUNTIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT MARGARET BEAHAN, COORDINATOR, AT 517.256.1303 OR MARGARETBEA@YAHOO.COM.

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FAITH INTERVIEW

Exteriors of the retreat center and Bethany House, and youth gathered at Bethany House for a retreat.

A CONVERSATION WITH FATHER DAVID ROSENBERG, T. Gennara

new director of the St. Francis Retreat Center

F

ATHER DAVID ROSENBERG, formerly pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte, and St. Ann Oratory, Bellevue, was appointed by Bishop Boyea as the new director of the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, after the passing of Father Larry Delaney in June. Father David took over in mid-August, and FAITH magazine asked him for his thoughts on this new assignment, and his plans for building on the strong foundation which Father Larry built.

What are you most excited about with this new appointment? I have a natural love for all

things transcendent – experiences that bring about opportunities For now we to encounter see only a Christ. By that, reflection as I mean all the in a mirror ways the Holy (1 Cor 13:12) Spirit gives us moments to break through our worldly routine and touch the eternal. For instance, in our Gospel for the 6

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, we learn she was searching around the garden tomb for the pierced body of Christ. She saw a stranger, a gardener, standing outside the tomb. At first her senses experienced merely a worldly encounter.

Suddenly, the Holy Spirit impelled her heart, as we read in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “The love of Christ impels us, once we have come to the conviction that one died for all ...”

Jesus called her by name; “Mary!”

(John 20:16) and in that instant, the stranger became the risen glori-

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fied Christ. She encountered the risen Christ in the most personal and life-changing way. The retreat experience should offer Catholics a similar encounter to be called by name by the glorified, risen Christ.

Being an architect of just such a retreat, augmented by this holy environment, excites me!

Why should every Christian go on retreat? There is a cycle

CHECK OUT PAGE 27 FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON SOME UPCOMING RETREATS. THE ‘YOUR COMMUNITY’ SECTION FEATURES RETREAT UPDATES EACH MONTH.

and cadence to every season of the Christian life.

For our actions Remember to to be lived out keep holy the through our Sabbath witnessing the (Ex 20:8) Good News, we need time for the deep replenishment of Sabbath rest. Three distinct characteristics of Sabbath rest create a “best practices” formula for this rest and

replenishment within the turning of the seasons: 1) daily Scripture and prayer; 2) frequent partaking of the Eucharist and sacraments; and, 3) accepting God’s gift of the weekend retreat. Thus refreshed, we go forth in haste to offer our gifts to family and community. The retreat completes this cycle, even as Christ taught us in Matthew 14:23: “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.”

What is the history of the retreat center? The Franciscan

friary and retreat house were built on the former property Then the of Sylvester LORD God and Florence planted a Surrat. The garden in friars purchased Eden the property in (Gen 2:8) May, 1954. The retreat house in DeWitt was originally named Portiuncula in the Pines. Portiuncula is Italian for “little portion” which aptly describes this little garden of Eden amid the high-pressure hustle and bustle of today’s world.

In September of 1960, Bishop Albers dedicated a separate friary. This allowed the entire community to live under one roof and freed up space in the retreat house for retreatants. In 1966, the friars, concerned that the vacant land west of the original acreage might be developed into housing, purchased the additional 65 acres that now is part of the 95 acres of inspirational beauty.

In 1988, the number of brothers residing at Portiuncula in the Pines had declined. The responsibility of caring for the land and buildings had become too much for the remaining friars. With the approval of Bishop Povish, the Diocese of Lansing purchased the entire complex. In 1989, Father Larry Delaney was appointed its first director.

To address the growing aware-

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER SCHEDULE Sept. 11-13 Retrouvaille, Parish retreat for men Sept. 18-20 Parish retreat for women Sept. 23 The Wisdom of St. Therese of Liseux Sept. 25-27 Parish retreat for women Oct. 2-4 AA Men Oct. 9-11 Parish retreat for women Oct. 16-18 Parish retreat for women Oct. 17 The Wisdom of St. Therese of Liseux

THE FIRST DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF THE ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER In 1989, Father Larry was appointed by Bishop Kenneth Povish to be the first director of the St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, and he continued in that role until the time of his death. He was a pioneer in facilitating healing retreats for those who had suffered from clerical sexual abuse, and he was one of the early columnists for FAITH Magazine in the Diocese of Lansing.

Living and working at the retreat center gave Father Larry the space to indulge in his love of animals – and guests at the retreat center were often treated to a speech about the value of chickens, or were recruited to help retrieve peacocks that had wandered off. He always had a beloved canine companion, and his current dog, Kerry, was constantly at his side.

He was famous for saying, often as part of a retreat talk, “Remember this for life!” This pronouncement was always followed by words of wisdom – and he would joke that nobody really remembered those words, not even he. But everyone who met Father Larry Delaney will remember one thing for life – that he showed them the face and the love of God.

Oct. 23-25 Parish retreat for women Oct. 25-29 Your Word is my DelightA Catholic Writer’s Retreat Oct. 30- Nov. 1 Parish retreat for women Nov. 6-8 AA/Alanon Women Nov. 13-15 Parish retreat for women Nov. 20-22 Contemplative Retreat for Women Dec. 4-6 Married Couples Retreat Dec. 4-6 AA Men

ness of the needs of the youth of the diocese, construction began on Bethany House in 2000. The project revamped the interior of the friary and added 52 overnight rooms, a conference room and a large common area. With the strong support of the Lansing-area Knights of Columbus, Bethany House was completed in the fall of 2001 and is serving the needs of our diocesan youth and various other groups.

The retreat center continues to provide the rich tradition of offering retreats for men and women, the work begun by the Franciscans and carried on since 1989 under the prayerful guidance of Father Larry.

What plans do you have to build on Father Larry’s foundation? I plan first to be God’s

steward and to continue Father Lar-

ry’s good work. To make sure this diocesan treasure is given my Whatever fullest attention you do, work to build upon heartily, as for the spiritual the Lord and component of not for men each and every (Col 3:23) hosted retreat – sacramentally, and with prayer and meditation interwoven within the teachings of Christ and his Church. Thanks to Father Larry and his dedicated staff, we already have here a hospitable, lovely facility. Through the intercession and inspiration of St Francis of Assisi, there exists an environment of divinely inspired wonder and awe of God’s creation.

One only need enter these garden grounds for this gem to begin to turn the heart from our day-to-day affairs.

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YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

©DollarPhotoClub/Rido

My employee can’t make a decision

Q

WE RECENTLY HIRED someone who came highly recommended, but he seems unable to make a decision without asking me about every little detail. He seems to doubt himself and his abilities. How do I encourage my new employee?

A T. Gennara

JIM BERLUCCHI

is the executive director of the Spitzer Center.

Take stock in four factors and act accordingly.

1

Competence. Does he have the skills needed to fulfill his job requirements? He may have come highly recommended, but that doesn’t mean he has what it takes. Does he need training or mentoring in this new job? Has he had sufficient orientation? Has he demonstrated the needed competencies in past employment? Without competence, he can’t succeed. “In every thing a prudent man acts with knowledge.” (Proverbs 13:16)

2

Clarity. Does he clearly know what’s expected of him and his scope of decision-making?

Fuzziness breeds uncertainty. He needs boundaries. What matters are in his circle of responsibility and what aren’t? What kind of initiatives and decisions come with his job description?

You want him to “own” his job and his tasks. “The

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wisdom of a prudent man is to discern his way.”

(Proverbs 14:8)

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Confidence. How can you encourage him?

That’s exactly the question you posed. Confidence naturally follows competence and clarity. But encouragement CHECK OUT from the boss is a big boost.

PAGE 4 FOR Build him up with expressions DISCIPLESHIP of your faith in him. Include QUESTIONS TO two phrases. First, “I trust you.”

BE USED FOR Look him in the eye and let him PERSONAL know you believe in him. Then REFLECTION OR SMALL GROUP set him free to be fallible: “I’d DISCUSSION rather you ask for forgiveness than permission.” He won’t get clobbered for reasonable risk-taking. “Anxiety weighs one down, but a good word makes one glad.” (Proverbs 12:25)

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Culture. Is your work culture promoting achievement and initiative? Culture is a powerful, invisible force that shapes everyone’s behaviors. Does your atmosphere lean more toward people pleasing and dependency than accomplishment and initiative? Does the tone tend to breed independent thinking and creativity, or conventionality and avoidance? Make sure your culture rewards achievement and initiative, and you’ll get more of the same.

YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY

YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS

©DollarPhotoClub/highwaystarz

HE SAYS

SHE SAYS

I’M AFRAID SHE’S BECOMING ADDICTED

I’M IN CONSTANT PAIN

I understand Michelle has chronic health problems, but she goes to multiple doctors to get different prescriptions for strong pain medications. I’m afraid she’s becoming addicted.

I am in constant pain and can’t get enough relief from a single prescription. I’m not addicted, I am just trying to get through each day. It hurts and Adam doesn’t understand

Michelle’s behavior raises two red flags. First, she’s seeking out multiple doctors. Second, she’s resorting to more than one pain medication. Adam is right to be worried, and he needs to take action to help Michelle.

Adam could begin by following a system of conflict resolution modeled on Jesus’ instructions in the Gospel of Matthew. (Mt 18:15-17) DR. MANUEL P. First, confront the person directly. Then, get the assisSANTOS AND tance of a few friends. Last, involve a broader community.

KAREE SANTOS First, Adam can tell Michelle how much her behavior are co-authors worries him. If Michelle continues to insist she doesn’t of a Catholic have a problem, Adam may wish to involve other close marriage advice friends and family in confidence. These friends and famibook to be ly may have independently noticed a troubling change in released by Ave Michelle’s behavior, and may be willing to speak to her.

Maria Press in Michelle’s physician could also prove to be an ally.

2016.

If these gentler interventions don’t help, Adam could look for a 12-step recovery program for substance abuse offered at many parishes. Even if Michelle is unwilling to attend, these programs frequently include a support component for non-addicted family members or spouses like Adam. Such programs might also lead Adam to other sources of help for Michelle, including psychiatrists and rehabilitation facilities.

Q

I have caught my 14-year-old daughter in several lies lately, sometimes about very minor things. It’s getting so that I can’t believe anything she tells me. It’s almost as if she is a chronic liar. How should I handle this?

A

Someone once said, “You’ll never get mixed up if you simply tell the truth.

Then you don’t have to remember what you have said, and you never forget what you have said.” As your daughter matures, the challenge is to guide her toward honesty.

COGNITIVE CHANGES. Teens’ thought processes become more sophisticated and they can predict possible consequences of disclosing rule violations. As they analyze the cost/benefit ratio of disclosure, the result may be a lie.

WALK THE WALK. Benjamin Franklin’s proverb, “Well done is better than well said,” captures the importance of parental modeling. Do you pay the higher-priced entrance fee at an amusement park even though your teen could pass for under 12? Embed DR. CATHLEEN honesty into the everyday MCGREAL fabric of your family life. is a psychology professor and FOCUS ON DIALOGUE, NOT certified spiritual “CATCHING.” Don’t ask a director. question when you already T. Gennara

ADDICTION OF ANY KIND can put a terrible strain on a marriage, but it’s not always easy to spot. Whether people are addicted depends on WHAT DO THEY DO many factors, including whether the substance use causes problems in their work or social lives, whether they continue using the substance despite adverse health consequences and whether their friends and family are concerned.

My 14-year-old is telling lies

know the answer. Rather than asking, “Did you take out the trash yet?”, say: “I’ve asked you to take out the trash and it hasn’t happened. You need to do it now.” Her response is likely to be a delay tactic. Follow through and make sure she completes the request.

Prosocial, or “little white,” lies are motivated by kindness. When children deliver breakfast in bed, a mom may exclaim with delight while eating burnt toast! The joy is real, although not based on the quality of the food as the children assume. Parents can guide their children to respond in ways that promote respect for others. Read Proverbs 10:9.

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YOUR FAITH This is really what the Pope Francis has been building up to.

We are called, as lovers of Jesus, to shift our thinking in order to understand our proper place in creation and act according to that place.

CHAPTER FIVE:

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE EVERYTHING THE POPE SAYS

about the environment?

T. Gennara

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

FATHER JOE KRUPP

is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest.

Q

DEAR FATHER JOE: The pope’s new encyclical on the environment contains assertions I don’t believe, specifically that we humans have anything to do with climate change. What’s this encyclical all about?

A

There’s a lot of discussion around the pope’s new encyclical, which is always a good thing.

There are numerous excellent (and some not so excellent) summaries of Laudato Sì’ out there and, in an article of this length, there really is no way for me to do any summary justice.

That’s my disclaimer.

I’ll do a hyper-brief description of the encyclical and then offer some comments to help us process it. The encyclical is broken down into six chapters:

CHAPTER ONE: What is happening

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to our common home In this chapter, Pope Francis invites us “to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it.” He cites specific examples of the problems we face:

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pollution, climate change, safe, drinkable water, disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species, the decline in the quality of human life and the breakdown of society.

CHAPTER TWO: The Gospel of Creation Here, the pope digs deep into our faith tradition, showing us the responsibility of mankind for creation, the connection all creation shares and how that connection involves each of us, recognizing our responsibility to all that God has made, including each other.

CHAPTER THREE: The human roots of the ecological crisis This chapter is a tough and challenging one. The Holy Father points to human behavior and the philosophies behind it that contribute to the problem. He goes after the tendency to assess all reality through an exclusively human perspective, and points to the dehumanizing approach to labor and money-making as examples of the ways we contribute to the problems.

CHAPTER FOUR: Integral ecology

Lines of approach and action In this chapter, the pope moves into a more practical approach: How we can dialogue as nations and peoples and change international policies in order to better reflect a commitment to play our part in creation well.

CHAPTER SIX: Ecological education and spirituality The Holy Father closes this out by pointing to the need for education and awareness to be the muscle behind changing cultural biases and the behavioral patterns needed for us to embrace ecological conversion. He invites us to add an element to our examination of conscience each day: looking at how we have lived our communion with all that God has made.

So, there’s the hyper-brief, skeleton summary. What do we do now? I poked around the Internet, looking at people’s responses to Laudato Sì’ and was surprised at many of these responses. It seems we have no small number of Catholics who don’t like a pope who says anything that challenges what they currently believe. I’ve only been alive for five popes (three that I was old enough to be aware of) and I’ve got to say: each one shook me hard one way or the other and challenged me to allow God to change my heart and mind. Each one of those “shakings” was a gift. It’s really strong in my heart as I type this that we may need some challenges/reminders here in response to this encyclical, and so I’d like to close out my article by offering them now:

FOOD FOR THOUGHT First, remember who Pope Francis is. He is our pope. He is the man God entrusted with the care of the Church.

We trust that God is leading this Church, and we pray for the grace to live that trust well. It is not the pope’s job to affirm everything we believe; it is one of his jobs to help God get us to heaven.

Second, be open. No one reading this article holds within themselves the entirety of the truth. We are all sinners, we are all broken, we are all in need of conversion. Reading this encyclical in order to “debunk” areas where we disagree is not the way to approach it. Pray and ask God to guide your reading and change your heart where it needs to be changed.

Third, remember that we Americans are a small part of the massive, worldwide Catholic family. Our concerns as Catholics may not be reflective of the needs of most Catholics in the world. To put it bluntly, we forget that, for many Catholics, having enough food and avoiding death at the hands of terrorists or government troops is the sign of a successful day.

Pope Francis did not write his encyclical to you personally, he wrote it to us all, and his place in the world gives him a view of issues that we are not aware of, but that are affecting many.

Fourth, don’t let your politics guide your thoughts on this; let your faith inform and change those politics where they do not match up to the faith.

Fifth, consider getting together with other Catholics and doing a small group study on Laudato Sì’. Let the Holy Spirit guide your discussions.

Make decisions together about how to live the challenges of this encyclical well. Within the group, see what changes you and your fellow Catholics can make to your lifestyle in order to show your commitment to obedience.

That’s about it for me. I hope you find this helpful and I pray that each and every one of us who bears the name Catholic live that faith well: with deep faith, hope and charity.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

Albert Einstein (18791955) was the most influential physicist of the 20th century and probably is best known for developing the theory of relativity. Here is what he had to say about life and humanity’s place in the world – thoughts that line up remarkably well with Pope Francis’ message in Laudato Si’:

WHAT CAN WE DO? In Laudato Si’ (211) Pope Francis provides us a list of a few of the “little daily actions” we can take to fulfill our duty to care for creation: • • • • • • •

Avoid the use of plastic and paper Reduce water consumption Separate refuse Cook only what we can reasonably consume Use public transportation or carpool Plant trees Turn off unnecessary lights For additional ideas and resources, visit tinyurl.com/FM0915-SR

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle …

A human being is part of a whole … He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circles of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Only a life lived for others is worth living.

BY THE NUMBERS

An encyclical letter is a high-level teaching document that expresses the pope’s thoughts on matters of faith and morals. Encyclicals may be to the entire Church, a particular church or people or to all people of goodwill. Encyclicals do not constitute ex cathedra (“from the chair”) pronouncements, i.e., they do not have infallible authority. However, they are important in that the pope is fulfilling his role as pastor and teacher. Here is a look at the number of encyclicals issued by recent popes:

Francis March 2013 – present

2

Benedict XVI

April 2005 – Feb. 2013

3

John Paul II

Oct. 1978 – April 2005

14

John Paul I

Aug. 1978 – Sept. 1978

0

Paul VI

June 1963 – Aug. 1978

8

John XXIII

Oct. 1958 – June 1963

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YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS

CELEBRATE

SISTER ANN SHIELDS

THE POWER OF THE CROSS T

he feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated on Sept.

14 on the Church calendar, is very special. Although not well-

known in many places, it is a day set aside to celebrate the triumph

HERE ARE FOUR WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS:

1

Begin again to make the sign of the cross: before meals, before prayer or when praying chains of sin and death for all of us who put our hope in him and folwith another, before going to bed or upon waking in the morning. Sign and seal your mind, your low his teaching until we, one day, see him face to face. body, your emotions with the sign by which Christ Let me give you a little history. Constantine, who was triumphed over death for you. Always make the the first Roman emperor to profess the Christian faith, had sign of the cross – slowly – as you dip your hand a very devout mother, St. Helena. When her son became in the holy water fount when entering a church. the emperor, Helena set out to see if she could find the Many make the sign of the cross haphazardly or sites significant to the early Christians. Those sites had been carelessly – or not at all. Take a moment and mean destroyed after the death of Christ, but she what you do as well as what you say. learned that pagan shrines had been built Say a short prayer: “In the name of over them. As a result, St. Helena was able the Father and of the Son and of the to find some of those shrines close together, Holy Spirit. Lord, may all I do here or all and discovered that these were believed to I do today be done in your name and He who, when be the sites surrounding the crucifixion and for your honor and glory.” This kind of tempted, burial of Christ in 33 AD. (Modern archaeprayer is a way of acknowledging that makes the SEND YOUR ologists believe she may well have been coryou know and believe that all your gifts QUESTIONS sign of the rect). Constantine ordered the construction or talents have come from his creative TO SISTER of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as it hand. You are not the source. You are cross with ANN SHIELDS: is known today, over these sites. The church the steward of the gifts given. You sign devotion, RENEWAL was dedicated on Sept.

14, 335. yourself with the sign of the cross to MINISTRIES, makes hell Therefore, this feast celebrates three hisindicate to whom you belong and that 230 tremble torical events: the finding of the true cross by COLLINGWOOD, you want your thoughts, words and SUITE 240, St. Helena; the dedication of churches built actions to give him glory. and heaven ANN ARBOR, MI

by Constantine on the site of the Holy SepulDecide how you will honor and rejoice.”

48103. chre and Mount Calvary; and the restoration thank Christ on this day for his suf– St. John Vianney of the true cross to Jerusalem by the Emperor fering and death, which set you free Heraclius in the seventh century. from eternal punishment and gave It has become a day to celebrate Christ’s you the hope of eternal life. victory over sin and death. Good Friday is the most importContemplate how you can grow in a quiet, ant and appropriate day for mourning the death of Christ unobtrusive prayerful habit of making the sign for our sins, but Sept. 14 is a day when we can rejoice and of the cross. of the cross over sin and death. Christ’s death on the cross broke the

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thank him for the power of the cross and Christ’s willingness to embrace that cross for each of us that we might have eternal life.

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May the power of the cross “invade” your life and bring you the joy no one can take from you.

T. Gennara

is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. @srannshieldssgl

READ MORE SR. ANN SHIELDS GUIDES US ON HOW TO PRAY THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT FAITHPUB.COM

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YOUR STORIES

Women can get ‘depleted’

THE WOMEN’S CONFERENCE FILLS YOU UP A

s Father Ben Luedtke stood in front of hundreds of women with a crucifix during the 2011 diocesan Women’s Conference, Kathy

Medich said it was hard not to be “on fire” when – while holding the crucifix high – he said, “(Do) you know what love is? … This is love.”

BY CARI ANN DELAMIELLEURESCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

BY TOM GENNARA

That “standout moment” led Kathy, who attends St. John the Evangelist in Fenton, to join the conference’s core team, which organizes and brings the diocesan Women’s Conference to more than 1,000 women year after year.

“It’s a great day to draw closer to the Lord, to enjoy fellowship with, perhaps, your mom, your sisters and your friends,” Kathy says. “Taking a deep breath – that’s what we need as women. We need to take that deep breath. There’s a lot of opportunity for that, too … Experiencing the emotions together, [the conference] was beautiful, just beautiful. You are just filled up.”

Kathy has been on the core team, which spends about 10 months planning each conference, for three years, and is the Friday Night Fun coordinator.

“The dedication of our diocese and the dedication

SOMETHING TO DO THE FOURTH ANNUAL DIOCESE OF LANSING WOMEN’S CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, OCT. 24 FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY HOTEL (FORMERLY THE BEST WESTERN PLUS) ON CEDAR STREET IN LANSING. FEATURED SPEAKERS ARE FATHER MATHIAS THELEN, SHERI WOLFERT AND SISTER SARAH BURDICK. BISHOP EARL BOYEA WILL CELEBRATE MASS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.LANSINGDIOCESECWC.ORG OR CALL MARGARET GRIMA AT 517.342.2555.

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of the people who work on this, and their love of God and for others … [attendees] don’t get to see firsthand all the work in the background. It is for others. It is not for us. Meeting after meeting, it is what we can do for them. What would they like? How do they want to see this? It’s very much being a gift,” Kathy says.

Kathy feels that women can get “depleted,” and need to be reunited with the Holy Spirit. And while each woman has her own experience at the conference, it is a way to have a “spirit-filled experience.”

“The part I love about the conference day is the prayer room, [where women] can be prayed over. Every time I walked by, there was a nice line going into there, and it just warmed my heart. That is the fundamental base we all need,” Kathy says.

The energy of the Women’s Conference is completely different from a silent retreat, especially since women have the opportunity to talk, shop, pray together and move around. Women can be as engaged as they like or go at their own pace. Although the conference itself is held on a Saturday, women can start off their weekend by getting pampered at the Friday Night Fun event.

The theme for this year’s conference – which is being held Oct. 24 – is Dance in His Vineyard. Friday Night Fun is filled with a variety of activities that incorporate the theme, including the spa room, crafts and the “Catholic Lounge,” which features live music, wine and cheese. Shopping and a photo booth to capture the memories will also be available.

“We really want them to sit back and relax, have fun and let us pamper them,” Kathy says. “We want them to encounter Christ, too. That’s top of the list.”

Kathy feels that Friday Night Fun is a great way for women to bond with each other, whether they attend the conference alone or with a group of friends.

Women can choose how they enjoy the evening. “That was really fun last year because the way we (pair) the wine and cheese with the musician, everyone got to sit around and lounge and laugh. We really want them to have an encounter experience … where we can reach them with their friends and bring them to Jesus. It’s our hope that we give them a powerful message,” she says.

The conference is planned by discernment – both individually and as a team – and the theme and activities are decided through prayer. Core team members even attend a retreat together, which solidifies the team, according to Kathy.

“We’re a mini-family. We’re in it together and there for each other, and I really do feel blessed to be a part of it. That’s an ongoing blessing.”

The spectrum is wide in terms of the theme for the conference, Kathy says. “What Scripture passages we use, the songs, everything and anything we can and we want to make it so there’s a thread throughout. Dance in His Vineyard – we’re dancing in the vineyard of God and his precious blood.”

FROM A WHISPER TO A SHOUT

CONSECRATED LIFE

losophy, with minors in math and science, from Villanova University.

He started out teaching freshman algebra to 36 students, worked in a parish on the weekend, ran the Mother’s Club and continued his own education. “I got ordained and I’m teaching, which I love,” says Father Fred. “I was happy.”

Guided EING AN AUGUSTINIAN PRIEST has given Father Fred Taggert a life of travel, teaching by his order, and preaching. His time with the Augustinians began in high school, more than 60 years ago.

Father Fred has

BY MARY KAY As a sophomore, Fred Taggert Lyne eventually came to talk to spent 50 years serving the AugusMCPARTLIN heard a whisper calling him to the Fred’s parents. “I don’t know what tinians. In addition to his work Augustinian Order and life as a was said, but I remember trying to in the classroom and in different PHOTOGRAPHY priest. After a classmate announced listen through the floor,” he says. parishes, Father Fred has worked

BY JIM LUNING his intention to begin studies After the visit, Fred’s father enin vocations for the order and as a toward the priesthood, the whisper couraged him. His mother thought prison chaplain. became a shout for Father Fred. “I her son was too young, but she He has lived in community with thought, if this guy can do it, so agreed to let him go to St. AugusAugustinians and also with diocesan can I,” he says. “I felt an inkling to tine Seminary in Saugatuck, certain priests. After his retirement, Father become a priest – also I wanted to he would want to come home.

Fred looks forward to living with become a teacher.”

At the beginning of his junior the other Augustinian priests at St. Fred met with Father James Lyne, year of high school, Fred left for Matthew Parish in Flint, where he the priest who supported his wish to seminary, which immediately felt has been pastor for 20 years. join the Augustinians. Father Fred’s like home. The former Felt ManSince his consecrated life began, mother did not. “I brought it up to sion, built in 1928, was right on Father Fred has lived alone at times, my mother, and she said, ‘no,’” says Lake Michigan. “It was a beautiful but prefers living in community.

Father Fred. “A very emphatic ‘no.’” piece of land,” says Father Fred. “I “If you try to keep your focus on He told Father Lyne his mother was perfectly content.” the Lord, when you are all together was against the idea of him joining For the next 11 years, Fred studit’s a lot easier,” he says. “We are like the Augustinians, and Father Lyne ied to become a teacher at the same a family. It’s kind of crazy to say that, wisely told Fred to just let the topic time he prepared for ordination. He but it really is true. The bottom line is rest. After a period of time, Father earned a bachelor’s degree in phiI really want to live in community.”

Father Fred’s call to the Augustinians

B

LEARN MORE SISTER RITA WENZLICK, OP, IS THE DELEGATE FOR CONSECRATED LIFE FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING. FOR NEWS ON CONSECRATED LIFE AND RESOURCES FOR THE 2015 YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/CONSECRATED_LIFE.

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BY ROSE ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JIM LUNING

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BY CARI ANN DELAMIELLEURESCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JIM LUNING

17

THIRTY MINUTES. What would you gather if given 30 minutes to leave your home and city of residence? The Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Mosul, Iraq were given three alternatives by the Islamist terrorist group ISIS: convert to Islam, leave immediately or be killed.

HELP TO HELP THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST. CATHERINE OF MOSUL, IRAQ, YOU MAY SEND A DONATION TO ADRIAN DOMINICAN SISTERS, ATTN: VOCATION OUTREACH, 1257 E. SIENA HEIGHTS DR., ADRIAN, MI 49221, OR CALL CONNIE LUNDY AT THE DOMINICAN MOTHERHOUSE IN ADRIAN AT 517.266.3537.

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Shortly after hearing this ultimatum last August, the sisters began the 10-hour journey by foot to Kurdistan because ISIS was coming. And because the extremist group has quarantined the area by placing landmines around the entire vicinity, the sisters do not think they will be able to safely return to their motherhouse for 20 to 30 years.

This was not the first time they have had to flee. Sister Durstyne (Dusty) Farnan, OP, the former vocations director for the Adrian Dominicans in the Diocese of Lansing, went to visit these sisters earlier this year on a trip of solidarity and explains that, in 2008, the sisters moved north from Mosul to Qaraqosh to begin the process of building a new motherhouse for their congregation of 130 women.

And then in June of 2014, Sister Dusty says, “They were asked to leave because Qaraqosh was no longer safe. For three days, they stayed away and things settled down, so they returned. But the ultimatum came down on Aug. 6, and these sisters and all Christians of Qaraqosh began their long journey. And it wasn’t just Christians being forced out, but anyone who wasn’t Islamic or Islamic enough. When the sisters left, they left everything, including home furnishings, teaching materials, liturgical materials, as well as historical treasures of the area and their order.”

Upon their arrival in Kurdistan, language was the first barrier the exiled Dominicans encountered. The sisters spoke Aramaic, and were now in a land where people spoke only Kurdish. Housing was the next great need. The

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

sisters had purchased an orphanage several years ago that was able to house a few of them, and 15 mobile housing units were purchased and placed around the grounds, enabling 37 sisters to live on this compound. The other sisters found housing in three convents in the city of Dehouk.

Sister Dusty was accompanied by two other Dominican delegates, one from Illinois and one from New York, on her trip to Kurdistan this past January. She explains, “Our purpose in going was to see the situation of the displaced Christians, be with our sisters in solidarity, witness how the sisters are responding to the needs of the displaced and to remind them they are not alone.

“When we first arrived, my immediate reaction was joy to see the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Mosul. I had known several of them because they studied and lived with us in Adrian, but finally got to meet so many others. My next reaction was terrible sadness as they took us around to see what was happening and how people had to live.”

The three American Dominicans visited the shelters their Mosul counterparts serve. Each week, the Iraqi sisters travel to the various camps in Erbil to dispense vouchers that provide for food, medicine and clothing for the displaced Christians. The Church has purchased mobile housing units, and provides rent for displaced people to live in unused retail space. The sisters contribute by providing direct assistance or by contacting others to provide help.

And sometimes help comes in the simplest form, such as a plastic chair. The Mosul sisters have purchased and distributed hundreds of plastic chairs so the displaced people have somewhere to sit in their temporary homes or at Mass.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Sister Dusty shares, “Every Friday, there is a Robbers Market where the pilfered items from the homes they all left are sold. The people watch as their possessions are marketed for very high prices.”

YOUR STORIES COVER STORY

Sister Dusty’s photos from her trip to Iraq show the difficult living situation as well as the triumph of faith and mercy.

GET MORE SEARCH FOR THE FAITH PUB APP ON YOUR TABLET FOR MORE PHOTOS OF THE DOMINICANS IN IRAQ, AND MORE FAITH COVERAGE OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

Sisters of St. Catherine of Mosul, Iraq were established in 1879.

On Aug. 6, 2015, the Adrian Dominican sisters marked the Sister Dusty shares, “In the 1970s, we one-year anniversary of the Iraqi sisters’ flight from ISIS with began to be awakened and study issues a solemn procession and prayer. The Dominican sisters of in the world. This is when the sisters Adrian have a special relationship with the Dominican sisters began moving from strictly teaching to of Iraq, as several young Iraqi sisters lived, ministered and different fields like medicine and the studied with the Michigan-based community from 2005 to law. When you belong to a global order, 2015, when the last Iraqi sister completed her training as a you find that your heart is about what physician’s assistant and returned to serve her people. is happening to the rest of the world.

“Since becoming an Adrian DominSome American congregations of Dominicans have sup- ican, I have taught school, been a missionary in Africa, beported their Iraqi sisters by providing them with room, board come a social worker and worked in mental health, served and tuition to be educated in the United States. The Mosul as the justice promoter for the congregation and, this year, sisters have earned degrees as physician assistants, nurses, will complete my seventh year as the vocation director. As teachers and Scripture scholars, although their current situa- a result of my various careers in this congregation, I have tion is redirecting where and how their skills are best utilized. seen a great deal of the world; I felt so privileged to repreBorn and raised in St. Joseph, Mich., Durstyne Farnan sent all the Dominicans when I traveled.”

Sister Dusty’s vocational call is truly her passion. She never dreamt of sisterhood or working on global issues, although she always felt she would have 12 children with shares, “I wish I had more years in my life than I will because culturally diverse names. It wasn’t until she had completed I know I will not have enough time to accomplish all I want. one year of college that entering the convent even entered We are each called by God and then called again and called her thoughts. “A classmate of mine decided to enter the again within that call. A priest friend of mine always says he Adrian Dominican Order and invited me to her reception was ordained to be a servant of the people. Those are words ceremony. It was very moving and I was deeply touched. that motivate me and keep me going every day. I promised to The more I thought about it, the more the thought stayed be a servant of the people and be there with them.” with me. I went to talk to the sisters and to my parish priest; at 19, I entered. In 2016, it will be 50 years since I joined the Adrian Dominicans.”

LEARN MORE Each Dominican congregation has its own mission statement. The Adrian Dominicans’ mission is to share faith and IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THE DOMINICAN DELEGATION IN life with one another, and to be co-creators of God’s justice IRAQ, PLEASE VISIT TINYURL.COM/FM0915-CS3; FOR MORE INFORMATION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM FROM THE U.S. BISHOPS, VISIT TINYURL. and peace. There are 151 Dominican congregations in 110 COM/FM0915-CS2; AND FOR NEWS FROM THE VATICAN ON THIS SUBJECT, VISIT countries, 22 of them in the United States. The Dominican TINYURL.COM/FM0915-CS

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YOUR STORIES MY STORY

FROM ABORTION CLINIC TO A PLACE OF HEALING

Cecilia makes a difference for women 20

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A

ction-oriented. This one phrase sums up Cecilia Tombelli’s persona. Her mission? From death to life. Cecilia’s mission was

nothing less than transformation of an abortion clinic into a place of healing and new life.

How did Cecilia, Father Steve Mattson, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, and the Diocese of Lansing bring this about? Through a combination of persistent PHOTOGRAPHY

BY TOM prayer and hard-nosed negotiations with the owner of GENNARA the building, who rented space to the abortion clinic.

Today, New Life Center, a resource for pregnancy options and post-abortion healing, shares space with the parish offices of the Church of the Resurrection on Grand River Avenue in Lansing. Cecilia is the director of New Life Center services: “Our ministry is not just to save babies’ lives, but to keep the mothers from further emotional damage,” she explains.

As Catholics, we have an In the spring of 2013, incredible message to share Cecilia became director of the with the world that the human third 40 Day for Life Campaign of fasting and prayer at the site person, independent of whether of the abortion clinic with the they are in the womb or out, has goal of closing it. Comprising great value, beauty and dignity” three components – personal prayer and fasting, group prayer and fasting at the site, and community outreach – the campaign was supported by ecumenical volunteers who took shifts to be visible on the sidewalk outside the clinic from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Not only did the group pray and fast, but being on site allowed them to do sidewalk pregnancy counseling. “Our prayer was that when we spoke to a woman, she could hear the voice of Christ and hear our love.

We wanted those entering the clinic to hear hope, and those exiting after a completed abortion to hear mercy.

BY ROSE ROBERTSON

LEARN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICES PROVIDED CAN BE FOUND AT THE NEW LIFE CENTER FACEBOOK PAGE AND AT WWW.NEWLIFECENTERLANSING.ORG. CALL 517.993.0291 FOR QUESTIONS ON POST-ABORTION RECOVERY CLASSES, OR TO RESERVE A SPACE FOR YOUR NONPROFIT PRO-LIFE MINISTRY.

Above left: We never want to be perceived as Volunteers judgmental,” Cecilia says. gather during “During one of the campaigns, a 40 Days for Bishop Boyea joined us. It was Life Campaign. snowing and he was sick, but he Above right: Bishop Boyea came and led us in the rosary. We prays the rosary asked for the intercession of Our outside the Lady from Czestochowa, Fatima clinic. and Guadalupe. On that particular day, three women changed their mind about abortion. We attribute those saved babies to Our Lady,” Cecilia says.

After five campaigns of prayer and Father Steve’s negotiations with the building owner, the clinic closed on Oct. 1, 2014. The New Life Center operates under the auspices of the Church of the Resurrection. The parish moved its offices there to accommodate housing four Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, who came to teach at Resurrection School and Lansing Catholic High School.

Shortly after the clinic closed in October of 2014, the transformation of the site began, and. Father Steve invited Cecilia to oversee it. Because the site had been used to perform abortions, a team from the diocese spent time in the building performing an exorcism.

A group that included Bishop Boyea, Father Steve Mattson, a licensed doctor and a prayer team moved through the building of the former abortion clinic and claimed the building for Christ.

We give pregnancy counseling and post-abortion recovery classes. Publicly coming to grips with an abortion includes a huge amount of shame and self-reproach, so it is not easy to convince a woman she will be forgiven. We offer an eight-week, Bible-based course, Forgiven and Set Free, to help women heal that emotional wound caused by abortion, and to accept God’s forgiveness and mercy. We are also a host site for pro-life, pro-marriage and pro-family groups.

“As Catholics, we have an incredible message to share with the world that the human person, independent of whether they are in the womb or out, has great value, beauty and dignity,” Cecilia says. “Though abortion has been legal for around 40 years, in a short time this clinic was closed and renovated and women have been healed. This shows me that all things are possible with God.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING, VISIT WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/FAMILY_LIFE_MINISTRY.

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FAITH IN FLINT

Courtesy Photo

Catholics rally to support Flint PHOTOGRAPHY

BY MIKE FRIESEMAN

T

Students participating in the Flint Mission, a week of service at several locations in Flint, help sort clothes and serve meals at Catholic Charities.

Angel’s Outreach is a youth and teen ministry program located at St. John Vianney school gym which offers positive role modeling and works to strengthen families.

HE FAITH IN FLINT INITIATIVE, which was

launched by the Diocese of Lansing to support the parishes, schools and ministries that serve the poor in Flint, is gaining momentum. Since its launch at the end of May, the initiative has generated thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer service hours. FAITH in Flint proves that people throughout the diocese wish to help their brothers and sisters in need.

• Nearly 200 individuals and service groups have called for information on how they can help.

• More than 1,400 donations have been received for the Center for Hope/Catholic Charities.

•P arishes across the diocese are reaching out to organize service projects and form long-term relationships with Catholic organizations in Flint.

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Students from Catholic Heart Workcamp participated in a week of service throughout the city of Flint and Genesee County. Thirty-seven teams of campers worked at more than 75 worksites throughout the week. The students also attended daily Mass and participated in programs of praise and worship, adoration and reconciliation.

Are you ready to make a difference in Flint?

Here’s how you can help:

VOLUNTEER

Become a tutor or mentor at the St. Luke N.EW. Life Center Collect clothing or food, work in the soup kitchen or find other ways to serve at Catholic Charities Multiple parishes throughout the diocese sent students on the Flint Mission for a week of service. Students worked to help renovate houses in the city, and participated in the St. Paul Street Evangelization. The street evangelization team gave out more than 1,000 rosaries in three days on the streets of Flint.

C. Palmiter

DONATE

Give to St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center (stlukenewlifecenter.com) or Catholic Charities (www.catholiccharitiesflint.org/volunteer).

Any donation is greatly appreciated.

C. Palmiter

C. Palmiter

Genesys PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) opened its facility next to the Farmer’s Market in downtown Flint on Aug. 1. The facility provides assistance for adults to remain independent in their own homes.

PACE represents a multiple-year investment in Flint of $3.9 million, and the facility will create 70 permanent jobs.

L EA R N , VOLU N T EE R , DO N ATE , P R AY

PRAY

For the people who work tirelessly to help the people of Flint For those in need FAITH IN FL INT.C OM

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SPECIAL REPORT

MORE INFORMATION FOR MORE RESOURCES AND/OR TO SEE WHAT OTHER BISHOPS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES HAVE SAID ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT DECISION LEGALIZING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, VISIT THE USCCB WEBSITE WWW.MARRIAGEUNIQUEFORAREASON.ORG.

Special Report:

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

ON JUNE 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court held, in a 5-4 decision, that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires all 50 states to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed in a different state.

THE CASE READ MORE FOR MORE, INCLUDING EXCERPTS FROM THE MAJORITY AND DISSENTING OPINIONS, GO TO FAITHPUB.COM

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This Supreme Court case actually involved suits from four different states: Michigan (DeBoer v. Snyder, Governor of Michigan), Kentucky (Bourke v. Beshear, Governor of Kentucky), Ohio (Obergefell v. Hodges, Director, Ohio Department of Health) and Tennessee (Tanco v. Haslam, Governor of Tennessee). However, Obergefell v. Hodges is the one that identifies the Supreme Court case.

In total, 14 same-sex couples and two men, whose samesex partners were deceased, filed suits in Federal District Courts in their respective home states claiming that state officials had violated their 14th Amendment rights by denying them the right to marry or by refusing to recognize marriages legally performed in other states. In each district

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court, the petitioners received a favorable ruling. However, upon appeal, the 6th Circuit Court of the United States consolidated the cases and reversed the ruling of the district courts, which precipitated the Supreme Court’s agreement to hear the case.

THE REASONING OF THE COURT In the majority opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, the court pointed in particular to four principles and traditions that demonstrate both the existence of a fundamental right to marriage under the Constitution and its application with equal force to same-sex couples.

First, the court argued the right to personal choice when it comes to marriage is inherent in the concept of individual autonomy, an autonomy that exists regardless of one’s sexual orientation.

Second, because the fundamental right to marry supports a two-person union unlike any other in terms of its importance to committed individuals. The court held that this right confers and protects an intimate association that equally extends to same-sex couples.

Third, the right to marry safeguards children and families and benefits from other rights such as childbearing, procreation and education. However, because married couples can choose not to procreate or can be prevented from doing so due to other physical difficulties, the right to marry cannot be conditioned on the capacity or commitment to procreate and, thereby, cannot be used as a reason to exclude same-sex couples from marriage.

Further, the court held that denying children of samesex couples the recognition, stability and predictability of marriage can stigmatize them and cause them to feel their family is less.

DID YOU KNOW? Finally, the decision statPrior to the Supreme Court’s ed that the Suruling, same-sex marriage was preme Court legal in 36 states and the District cases and the of Columbia. However, in 19 of traditions of the the 36 states, same-sex marriage United States esonly became legal after federal tablish the funcourts struck down laws or state damental role constitutional amendments banmarriage plays ning same-sex unions in 2014. in the country.

Marriage, in fact, is at the center of many aspects of the legal and social order. The Court held that when applied to married couples, there can be no distinction made between same-sex and opposite-sex couples in the enjoyment and exercise of this central national institution.

HOW THE JUSTICES VOTED THE MAJORITY OPINION:

HOW TO RESPOND?

THE REACTION OF THE U.S. BISHOPS President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., issued a statement on the same day the court’s decision was announced. The full statement can be found at the USCCB website (www.usccb.org). In his remarks, Archbishop Kurtz noted that the nature of the human person and marriage are unchanged, regardless of a decision by the Supreme Court or any court. He went on to say that it “is profoundly immoral and unjust for the government to declare that two people of the same sex can constitute a marriage.” He reaffirmed the commitment of Catholic bishops to “follow our Lord” and continue to teach and to act according to the truth that marriage has been from the beginning and continues to be “the lifelong union of one man and one woman.”

Later, in a follow-up interview, Archbishop Kurtz stressed the Church’s view of marriage as a sacrament, that is, “an efficacious sign of and participation in the very mystery of Christ and the Church ... and sexual difference is essential.” At the same time, he also acknowledged that the Church has “perhaps not done enough to teach the beauty of marriage and the purpose and inherent design of family life.”

THE IMPACT ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY The decision to legalize same-sex marriage might very well have significant consequences for religious liberty.

Justice Kennedy did attempt to assuage any concern in the majority opinion by citing the First Amendment’s protection of religious organizations and persons. However, in his dissent, Chief Justice John Roberts questioned what might happen when people of faith exercise religion in ways that may conflict with the right to same-sex marriage (for example, a religious adoption agency declining to place a child with same-sex couples). He concluded that “people of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority (opinion) today.”

Archbishop Kurtz suggested in his interview that the Church “will face greater pressure now to mute our voices… [as] the freedom to run our ministries and participate in the public square while holding to the teachings of Jesus will likely be challenged.” He went on to note that “new legal requirements could threaten the life and work of the Church as well as other religious institutions and individuals of faith.”

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz

Justice Anthony Kennedy (Roman Catholic)

Justice Sonia Sotomayor (Roman Catholic)

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jewish)

Justice Elena Kagan (Jewish)

Justice Stephen Breyer (Jewish)

THE DISSENTING JUSTICES:

Chief Justice John Roberts (Roman Catholic)

Justice Antonin Scalia (Roman Catholic)

Justice Clarence Thomas (Roman Catholic)

Justice Samuel Alito (Roman Catholic)

In his June 29, 2015 interview, USCCB President Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz offered this advice: 1. Be a good witness. Treat everyone with respect and dignity. Love everyone just as Christ has loved you. Be a joyful witness to the truths Christ has revealed and the Church has taught.

2. Speak the truth with love.

3. Live as you believe. Shape your life according to the truth and advocate for the recognition of marriage as the faithful union of one man and one woman.

AND THE CATECHISM SAYS… The Catechism of the Catholic Church addresses the topic of homosexuality in only four paragraphs. Here are the highlights: • Tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered” as they are contrary to the natural law, close the sexual act to the gift of life, and do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. “Under no circumstances can they be approved.” 2357 • Though the homosexual inclination is objectively disordered, homosexuals “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” 2358 • “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.” 2359 25

YOUR COMMUNITY Fields Golf Course. For information, call 734.821.2208.

THINGS TO DO St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton’s parish events: Sept. 4, 1 p.m., “For Pain Sake” monthly meeting; every Monday, 6 p.m., Magdalen’s Kitchen; Wednesdays, 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Sept.

16-Oct. 21, “Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters” teaches low-income participants/families to shop smarter, use nutrition information to make healthier choices and cook delicious affordable meals.

Sept. 12, 1 p.m., National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children Memorial Service at St. Joseph Cemetery, 2520 W. Willow St. in Lansing. Reception following the service. For information, contact the co-chairs, Cecilia Tombelli at ctombelli@resurrectionlansing. org or Chris Veneklase at memorialservicelansing@gmail.com.

Sept. 21, 11 a.m., shotgun start, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Ann Arbor will have a golf outing – Teeing It Up for Tuition – at the Polo

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University held at St. Robert Parish, Flushing: Classes start Tuesday. Sept.

22 and end Nov. 17; all nine classes on consecutive Tuesdays 7-8:30 p.m. in the Media Center. For information, contact Dale Jandernoa at dsjandernoa@comcast.net or 810. 610.8113.

Why not celebrate the Year of Marriage by making your good marriage even better? Attend a Worldwide Marriage Encounter to renew and enrich your marriage and your faith.

Upcoming weekends will be held on Sept. 25-27 at the Holiday Inn in Troy and Oct. 16-18 at the Saginaw Center for Ministry. For more information or to register, contact Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433 or www. wwme.org.

Oct. 3-4, Catholic Engaged Encounter is a marriage preparation program based on Catholic teachings and values and will be held in Dewitt.

Registration will close and payment must be received no later than Sept.

18. For information, visit lansing-

cee.org or contact Sue and Wayne Fransted at 810.588.4181 or info@ lansingcee.org.

LEARN TO SHOP SMARTER

MARRIAGE PREPARATION BASED ON CATHOLIC TEACHING

ATTEND A POTLUCK LUNCHEON

Masses Sept. 12 and 13. For more information, contact Betsy Koval at 517.783.2748 or bkoval@queenschurch.com.

SEPTEMBER CAFÉ EVENTS Sept. 11, 3 p.m.-11 p.m., St. John Catholic Church and Student Center will host a St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) Training Conference. SPSE will teach evangelization skills like “How to Share your Testimony,” “Basic Etiquette of the Evangelist,” “Sharing the Story of Salvation” and more.

Individuals or groups from any parish are welcome to attend. High school and college students attend free, cost to other adults is $15 and includes dinner. Register online at stjohnmsu.org or contact sjsecretary@elcatholics.org for more information.

Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson welcomes you to join us for the Arise Together in Christ faith-sharing small groups this fall. This is an opportunity to build new friendships, grow stronger in your faith and develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Sign-ups will be held following all

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RCIA: A new group of people seeking to learn about the Catholic Church will begin meeting at St. John Church and Student Center in East Lansing Sept. 15, 7 p.m. and Sept. 20, 2 p.m. Individuals choose the time which best suits their schedule. For further information, contact Pete Ries at 517.351.5460, ext. 1328 or pries@elcatholics.org.

Adult Faith: St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have several programs that are open to everyone this fall. For more information on any of these programs, please contact Deacon Al Weilbaecher at al@elcatholics.org: Oremus: A Guide to Catholic Prayer DVD study series (10 sessions) that will meet Sunday afternoons, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Baraga Rm. beginning Sept. 13; Mystery of God DVD series (6 sessions by Father Barron) will meet every other Monday evening 7-8:30 p.m. in Fr. Mac Hall beginning Sept. 21; and Pure History series (9 sessions) will provide an overview of Church history and meets every other Monday evening 7-8:30 p.m. in the Baraga Rm. beginning Sept. 28.

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

Oct. 11, following the 11:30 a.m. Mass, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing’s Mission Rosary Makers of the Lansing area will celebrate their 50th anniversary and the completion of more than 1 million rosaries distributed asking for prayers for World Peace. A potluck luncheon will be held in the Parish Family Center. All are welcome to come and hear more about this wonderful mission work.

For more information, call Laurene or Alice at the IHM Parish office 517.393.3030 or email at ihmrosarymakers@copper.net.

Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and St. Dominic Chapel are hosting the 61st annual Roast Beef Dinner at St. Elizabeth Parish Center, 512 N. Union St. in Tecumseh. Ticket prices are: adults $11, ages 6-12 $7 and 5 and under free.

Join us for Amish-style, melt-in-yourmouth roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. For information, call 517.423.2447.

Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Mary, 14200 E. Old US Hwy. 12, Chelsea’s annual Fall Fest Craft Show and Bake Sale, with an appearance by mystery author Richard L. Baldwin with his new mystery Made a Killing in Copper.

Admission: $2, children 13 and under free. For information, contact Lana at 517.851.7210 or June at 734.433.1790 Oct. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic High School is hosting its fall Community Information Night. This event is open to families with children of any age to learn more about what LCHS has to offer. Families will go on a school tour, attend breakout sessions (on curriculum, tuition, college planning, and extracurricular and athletic activities) and attend a question and answer session. Registration is not required, but is appreciated for this event. Please contact the admissions office at 517.267.2102 or admissions@lansingcatholic.org to register.

Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., “Single Women, Abundant Life,” whether single for life or a season, God has a unique love and purpose for single women. Accompanied by great single women of the Bible – Martha and Mary, Ruth and Naomi and Mary Mag-

Attention single women and men, mid-30s and up: Looking to meet new people? Lansing Catholic Singles, bringing together friends for fellowship and fun in a faith-filled environment. For more information and a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit lansingcatholicsingles. com or 517.321.7886.

PILGRIMAGE Join Bishop Steven J. Raica of Gaylord on a pilgrimage to Italy to celebrate the ordination to the diaconate of Christopher Jarvis, seminarian for the Diocese of Gaylord, at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter, which will be celebrated this year by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York. This pilgrimage includes a celebratory reception at the North American College, six nights’ lodging in Rome, a papal audience, tour of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Colosseum, a day trip to Assisi, and much more. The optional pre-trip will depart on Sept. 25 and the main trip will depart on Sept. 27; both will return on Oct. 4. For more information, visit www.dioceseofgaylord. org or contact Priscilla Oddo at 989.732.5147 or poddo@dioceseofgaylord.org.

African Mass, 3:30 p.m. is held the first Sunday of the month at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. Father Dieudonné Ntakarutimana from Burundi usually celebrates.

Mass is said in several dialects: Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, Swahili and French. i.d. 916 Lansing – forming young adults into intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. What is i.d. 916? It is a community for Lansing-area young adults in their 20s and 30s — with children or without, in any vocation — who are seeking to become intentional disciples of Jesus Christ. We seek this through monthly talks, small groups and more that are focused around four pillars: conversion, communion, orthodoxy and mission. For more information about our events or if you would like to join, find and join our Facebook group, i.d.916 Lansing, (www.facebook.com/groups/ id916Lansing); email id916lansing@ gmail.com; or go to www.id916.com.

Sept. 20th @ 7-8:30pm St. Patrick Parish, Brighton will have Fr. Larry Webber, director. of the Father Solanus Casey Center in Detroit, speaking on “A Cause for Sainthood Right Here in Michigan: Venerable Solanus Casey”. Donations accepted. For more info contact: 810.986.0315.

SENIOR EVENTS NOTE: This event is rescheduled – Sept. 11, Livingston Region Catholic Council on Aging will host an 11 a.m.

CCA Senior Appreciation Mass at St. Agnes Parish, 855 E. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville, followed by a noon luncheon and fellowship. No cost, but donations will be accepted.

Reservation required by Sept. 2. Call Livingston County Catholic Charities, Jaynee or Mark, at 517.545.5944.

T. Gennara

Wikipedia/Petar Milošević

dalen – we will reflect on our own lives and God’s purpose – at Christ Church Spirituality Center, 61 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms. To register, call 313.885.4841, ext. 113 or rspann@christchurchgp.org.

RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT: 866.669.8321 OR STFRANCIS.WS Sept. 23 or Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., a one-day retreat on “St. Thérèse of Lisieux: The Little Way for Everyone.” Cost is $65 or $55 for seniors 60 and older, includes morning coffee/snacks, lunch and materials.

Directed by Tony Sperendi.

Nov. 20-22, Contemplative Retreat for women; presenters: Sister Joanne Podlucky and Trudy McSorley.

ATTEND AN AFRICAN MASS

VOLUNTEER AT LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES

WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, ADRIAN: 517.266.4000 OR WEBERCENTER.ORG Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., “Today’s Mystics: Dorothy Day and Bede Griffiths,” cost: $35 includes lunch; Sept. 25, 3 p.m. to Sept. 26, 6 p.m., “The Journey Continues – The Adrian Connection”; and pre-retreat: Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. to Oct. 9, 6 p.m. and retreat, Oct.9, 7:30 p.m. to Oct. 11, 1 p.m., “Serenity Retreat for Women.” Please note change of date for “The Wisdom Years and Dominican Spirituality” to Sept. 25-26.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY: 734.971.9781 OR CSSWASHTENAW.ORG

JOIN A COMMUNITY FOR LANSINGAREA YOUNG ADULTS

CSSW Cooking for a Cause: Kickoff the autumn season at the first ever Cooking for a Cause presented by The Marnee and John DeVine Foundation and supporting the programs of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County. Local community and business members will take a break from their everyday positions and team up with professional chefs to share their cooking skills. Join us Sept. 27, 4-7 p.m., at The Valley at Misty Farms, 7650 Scio Church Rd. in Ann Arbor. Tickets $150. For tickets or sponsorship, contact 734.971.9781, ext. 313 or development@csswashtenaw.org.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES: 517.545.5944 OR LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG Are you looking for a lunch date? LCCC is looking for volunteers who like working with older adults. Opportunities include, but are not limited to: friendly home visits; transportation to appointments; errands and respite care for family members. An hour or two a week or month can make a difference to a homebound senior. If you know of someone who would benefit from these services or would like to volunteer, please contact Linda Bauby at 517.545.5944, ext. 121 or linda@ livingstoncatholiccharities.org.

CORRECTION: In our last issue Rev. Philip Schmitter was incorrectly identified as Rev. Paul Schmitter. FAITH regrets the error.

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YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

LANSING CATHOLIC WELCOMES NEW PRINCIPAL

D. Quillan

D. Quillan

D. Quillan

D. Quillan

NEW DIRECTOR OF FAMILY LIFE

RELIGIOUS WOMEN HELP WITH CAREER FAIR

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FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2015 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

D. Quillan

June 27, a foggy and rainy Saturday morning, found a number of religious women from the diocese joining with other volunteers for the second Literacy Career Fair at St. Luke N.E.W. Life Center in Flint. The center is a faith-based environment providing life skills and workplace training that empower people to become self-sufficient. This initiative was one of the events celebrated during the Year of Consecrated Life.

The sisters participated in registration, hospitality and playing games at the fair. In the midst of the fun and games, about 75 children heard a few things about Jesus, too. The day closed with a raffle of 14 new bicycles and helmets donated by the local Kiwanis Club.

As stated by one of the sister volunteers, “The children were so eager and happy to play games and have a choice of free clothes items, books and prizes. The joy and pleasure in the eyes of the sisters and other volunteers were witness to the Christ-filled day that was experienced by all who attended.”

The N.E.W. Life Center is part of the Faith in Flint Initiative launched by Bishop Boyea on May 28, 2015. The purpose of this initiative is to call attention to our Catholic parishes, schools and agencies in Flint and, most importantly, to bring Christ to those in the city who do not know him. One way to participate in this initiative is by volunteering.

Douglas Moore has been appointed the new principal of Lansing Catholic High School; he assumed his new role July 1. The high-school president, Thomas Maloney, appointed Douglas, whose hiring completes the administrative structure approved

by Bishop Boyea for diocesan high schools.

Douglas graduated from Lansing Catholic in 1980 and attained a degree in religious studies from Michigan State University and a master’s in pastoral studies from Loyola University in New Orleans.

He has acted as interim principal for the past few years and has more than 20 years of experience in Catholic education. He has served as assistant principal, director of campus ministry and student activities and theology teacher.

Douglas, his wife Diane and their four children are members of St. Gerard Parish.

READ MORE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS ON YOUR TABLET, SEARCH FOR THE FAITH PUB APP.

Richard Budd has accepted the position to serve as the diocesan director of the Marriage and Family Life Ministry. Richard, originally from Bay City, has a bachelor’s degree from Magdalen College in New Hampshire, an MTS in marriage and family theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington, D.C., and is completing a master’s degree in biblical and moral theology from Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.

Richard has experience as a Catholic high school teacher, a campus minister, a director of religious education, a residential instructor for the developmentally disabled, leading RCIA and as a public speaker on various family ministry topics.

He began work at the diocesan Department of Vocations on July 13.

BISHOP BOYEA ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS EFFECTIVE AUG. 17, 2015 • Rev. David Rosenberg, from pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Oratory, Bellevue to director of St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt.

• Rev. James Lothamer, SS (senior priest), to temporary administrator of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Oratory, Bellevue.

Inspired by the book Mercy in the City, by Kerry Weber, a group of college students from St. Thomas/ St. John Student Center and John Oliva, a member of the parish and mentor for the Alternative Spring Break program, performed the seven corporal acts of mercy this summer. In order to fulfill the corporal work “To Bury the Dead,” in late July, the group participated in “Serving the Dead” at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Lansing by raising and resetting the older flat grave markers that had become overgrown and partially buried after spending decades exposed to the elements.

D. Quillan D. Quillan D. Quillan

MERCY IN THE SUMMER SERVICE PROJECT

SIX SISTERS OF MARY, MOTHER OF THE EUCHARIST MAKE PERPETUAL PROFESSION OF VOWS On July 29, six sisters from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor made their Perpetual Profession of Vows, with Bishop Boyea presiding. The order, which was founded in 1997 by four Dominicans, now has approximately 110 professed members.

HOLY TRINITY CHAPEL SOLD TO EMU

D. Quillan

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LEGATUS GREAT LAKES MARRIAGE AND FAMILY ASSEMBLY Legatus, an international organization of Catholic business leaders and their spouses committed to studying, living and spreading the faith, held a Legatus Great Lakes Marriage and Family Assembly on June 3 at The Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth.

The event featured a bishops’ panel discussion on marriage and family, with panelists Archbishop Allen Vigneron of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Bishop David Walkowiak of the Diocese of Grand Rapids and Bishop Daniel Thomas of the Diocese of Toledo. Bishop Earl Boyea served as the master of ceremonies.

To see a video of the panel discussion, visit tinyurl.com/FM0915-Legatus

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Holy Trinity Chapel in Ypsilanti was purchased

by Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in June.

The site will be the new home of the EMU Honors College. The chapel, which was formerly the worship site and center for the Catholic student ministry at EMU, was consolidated with St. John the Baptist Parish in 2012. The proceeds from the sale will support Catholic student ministry at St. John the Baptist.

JACKSON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MERGE NAMES

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As of June 15, Jackson Catholic Middle School and Lumen Christi High school became known as Lumen Christi Catholic School. The schools have shared the same building since the 2014-2015 school year and incorporate grades 7-12. A new board has been appointed, as well as an interim president, Elaine Crosby. Christopher Smith will continue as the school’s principal. The new administrative model, approved by Bishop Boyea, is being implemented in high schools throughout the Diocese of Lansing.

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Pope Francis holds a cap given to him by students while visiting the Banado Norte neighborhood in Asuncion, Paraguay, on July 12

CREDITS

I N T H E K N OW W I T H FAT H E R J O E

Do I have to believe everything the pope says about the environment?

FA I T H I N T E RVI E W

A conversation with Father David Rosenberg, new director of the St. Francis Retreat Center

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 15: ISSUE 7

www.FAITHpub.com Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

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EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

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New auxiliary bishops for Los Angeles

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WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY

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FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2013 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

That which gives us true freedom and true happiness is the compassionate love of Christ.

“The Eucharist joins heaven and earth; it embraces and penetrates all creation.”

– Pope Francis, Laudato Si’

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Jim Berlucchi | Doug Culp | Cari Ann DelamielleureScott | Rev. Charles Irvin | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Mary Kay McPartlin | Rose Robertson | Dr. Manuel P. Santos and Karee Santos | Nancy Rosebush Schertzing | Sister Ann Shields

POPE WATCH

Pope Francis appointed three new auxiliary bishops in July for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Father Robert Barron, founder of From left to right, Msgr. David G. O’Connell, Msgr. Joseph V. Brennan Word on and Father Robert Barron.

Fire Catholic Ministries and, since 2012, the rector/president of Mundelein Seminary outside of Chicago, as well as Msgrs. Joseph Brennan and David O’Connell, will be ordained bishops in the fall. The archdiocese is the largest in the nation.

DID YOU KNOW? Pope Francis

is a fan of The Lord of the Rings. He once used the characters Frodo and Sam to illustrate the journey of man and the drama of human life.

LAST WORD

What did Jesus mean WHEN HE TOLD US NOT TO JUDGE? FEAST OF THE ARCHANGELS, STS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL Feast day: Sept. 29

If you have ever wondered which saint to pray to for speedy help, the three archangels cover all the bases. They each have their own specific role in Scripture: Michael guards, Gabriel lights and Raphael guides.

St. Michael, whose name means “Who is like God?”, is the heavenly leader who cast out the fallen angels in the war of heaven. His name is the foil to Lucifer’s sin of pride in making himself like God. Michael is mentioned as the “great prince” in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

St. Gabriel is most famously known in Scripture for announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would bear the Messiah. He also announces the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah.

St. Raphael is named in the Book of Tobit, where he acted as a disguised guide and protector to Tobias and his family. His name means “God heals.”

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE ARCHANGELS? TAKE THE QUIZ! 1. Which angel is the patron saint of travelers and happy encounters?

2. Which angel is regarded highest of the angels?

3. Which angel is often depicted with a trumpet?

“YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO JUDGE!” We hear that all of the time. Christians hear that admonishment hurled back at them frequently. But is that true? What did Jesus mean when he told us not to judge?

Actually, judging is something we do all of the time. When we order a dinner from a restaurant menu, we judge between various dinner offerings and then choose one because we judge it to be the best. When FATHER we buy car, we’re making a judgCHARLES IRVIN ment. When we discern what is is the founding It’s one thing good behavior and bad behavior, editor of FAITH we’re judging. Actually, if we’re not to discern and Magazine and is supposed to make any judgments judge bad retired. at all, then we should close down behavior on all of our courts and abolish all the part of trial judges, along with police authorities and prosecuting attorneys. No, judging is necessary if we’re people and going to live with each other in peace and justice. quite another We need to recognize that there is a difference to condemn between judging what others do and condemnthem. I think ing them. To condemn someone is to declare that he or she is a bad person. We need to recognize that is what that good people can do bad things. It’s one thing Jesus was to discern and judge bad behavior on the part of telling us. people and quite another to condemn them. I think Only God can that is what Jesus was telling us. Only God can condemn. That’s his job, not ours. condemn.

As people who must live with each other peaceThat’s his job, fully, we need to judge what is good behavior and not ours.” what is bad behavior. If we didn’t make those judgments, we would live in chaos, in a world in which anything goes. Furthermore, we have the responsibility to teach our children what is good behavior and what is bad behavior. We need to teach them how to make good judgments.

When it comes to admonishing others, let’s be tactful and respectful. Finger wagging and sanctimonious preaching at others will succeed only in turning them off. We need to be careful and sensitive when it comes to admonishing others lest they become so defensive they won’t hear what we have to say.

There is a difference, you see, between who a person is and what a person does. The default position we should take is that all people are basically good. God loves everyone, even those who sin.

T. Gennara

Answers: 1. St. Raphael – he helped Tobias enter into marriage with Sarah after her first seven husbands had died. 2. S t. Michael – he is the prince of the heavenly host. 3. St. Gabriel – he is the messenger of God.

SAINT OF THE MONTH

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