September 2016

INSIDE:

DO YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO HAS LEFT THE CHURCH? We have something for you!

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE:

DO I REALLY HAVE TO TALK ABOUT JESUS? PLUS:

FAITHFEST 16 One of the largest events in the history of our diocese

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BISHOP EARL BOYEA

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

Carlson Productions

WHY BOTHER WITH ONE LOST SHEEP?

FROM THE BISHOP

ESUS’ STORY ABOUT THE LOST SHEEP has always amazed me. Why wouldn’t the shepherd simply cut his losses and not worry about one sheep, which

probably was already eaten by the wolves anyway? And besides, that shepherd could have been putting the other 99 in jeopardy. It is most likely those who heard Jesus tell that story had a reaction similar to mine.

Yet, there are some assumptions here we need to address. First of all, if we ignore the first lost sheep and we keep losing one sheep at a time, pretty soon the sheepfold will be empty and we will be standing around wondering what happened. Does this sound familiar? Every single individual who has left the Church is our concern. Perhaps we feel limited in what we can actually do to invite that person back, but we must do something.

This is, in fact, the kind of zeal for the faith that Jesus wants us to have.

This leads to the next point. We are not seeking out that lost sheep simply to keep our numbers up. Rather, we are sincerely trying to protect that sheep from the dangers of the wild, from the sadness of being off alone and from the false allurements and temptations of the world.

We also desire to share the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ, to whom everyone is called and by whom God desires everyone to be saved.

In other words, we seek out the lost one because it is important to do so – life is at stake, salvation is at stake.

There is another point worth considering. We want that lost friend or family member back in the fold of the Church because we really love that person, as we know God does, and we need that person. The uniqueness of that person and his or her human dignity are true blessings to our community and we are gravely less without him or her. The Body of Christ is a summons to all to belong, and Jesus needs our hands and voices to help that assemblage to take place. We acknowledge the freedom of the individual, a gift from God, which means that another can truly say “no” to Christ. But we need to be God’s “yes” to each of them so that they know how deeply the Lord desires them for himself.

These are very tough challenges for us Catholics who have not been well-trained in being evangelizers, in sharing our faith with others. We also do not want to alienate our family members or friends or neighbors. Nonetheless, we need to find ways to witness to Christ, even if it is by prayer, by being a good example or by simply loving the other. We can also share this FAITH magazine with another person!

Jesus’ story always did seem crazy to me. It is clear, however, that he meant it, and that this missionary spirit has been given into our care. On Oct. 21-22 we will hold our second Diocesan Assembly, and it will focus on our being the kind of shepherds Jesus calls us to be. Are you, perhaps, being called to join us in this great missionary enterprise?

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN INVITE A LOVED ONE BACK TO THE FOLD: WWW.CALLEDBYNAME2016.ORG 3

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY

FAITH: Why is this conference different?

This conference will be one of a kind. It will happen once and not again. I believe it will be historic in setting a pattern for other dioceses to follow. There will be dynamic presentations, along with table discussions and immediate take-aways.

Participants will walk out with a better understanding of how to help people they care about return to church, and they’ll be equipped with a personalized evangelization plan unique to their own life circumstances. To my knowledge, this same type of conference is not happening anywhere else in the country.

DO YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO HAS LEFT THE CHURCH? We have something for you!

INTERVIEW BY ROSE ROBERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

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O YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO HAS LEFT THE CHURCH? A spouse, a child, a sibling, a friend? Perhaps they still consider themselves Catholic, but they just don’t go to Mass. As Catholics, we know we should evangelize. But, we often are not even sure what to say to encourage the faith of those closest to us. Would you like to invite them back to church, but you just don’t know how? The Diocese of Lansing is holding a conference to teach you how! Called by Name will be held Oct. 21-22, 2016 at the Summit in Dimondale.

FAITH talked with Craig Pohl, diocesan director of New Evangelization, about this exciting gathering.

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FAITH: What is the purpose of this conference, and who should go?

At our baptism, we were all called by name by the Father. The hope of this conference is to identify those we know personally who have also been called by name through their baptism, but are no longer active in their faith. Our goal for these two days is to motivate, inspire and equip active Catholics with the words and actions they need to reach out to those who have left. The conference is open to any Catholic who has a heart for inviting someone they love back to the Church.

I’ll give you one sneak preview: the number one thing you can and should do is pray! When someone is struggling with something in their lives, tell them you’ll pray for them. And do it! Then, and this is really important, check back in with them to see how things are going and tell them you’ve been praying for them.

FAITH: If I go to this conference, what can I expect?

You can expect to see 2,900 other people just like you! The conference is open to 3,000.

Both days will begin with Bishop Boyea presiding at Mass. Mass on Saturday will celebrate the feast of St. John Paul II, the father of the New Evangelization. The conference schedule will concentrate on four legs of evangelization identified by Bishop Boyea: prayer, witness, invitation and accompaniment. The days will be filled with energized presentations, table conversations, time to browse exhibitors, networking and music.

The first day will end with Adoration and a special healing service.

Why a healing service? The bishop understands that many Catholics have fallen away from the life of the Church because of hurts and consequently need healing. On Friday evening, participants will be able to immerse themselves in an experience of healing with a focus on forgiveness. We will take people through a prayer exercise that will

compel them to want to share this healing and forgiveness with others.

This assembly is aimed at helping those in the pew invite back those no longer coming and the next assembly, scheduled for 2018, will focus on evangelizing those who are unbaptized or who have never heard the Gospel. The overall goal of the bishop’s evangelization plan is to reignite the faithful in the mission of Christ, and to seek out and save the lost.

FAITH: Who will be the speakers?

Several notable speakers have been lined up to inspire and equip participants for the mission. First and foremost is Bishop Boyea, whose 2012 Pastoral Letter became the catalyst for the diocesan assemblies. The first assembly, held in 2014, was the springboard, and aimed to prepare parishes and their leaders to assist parishioners via discipleship groups, encounter opportunities and intercessory prayer.

Included on the speaker roster are Deacon Ralph Poyo, president of New Evangelization Ministries; Sister Sarah Burdick, a radio host on Ave Maria radio; and Curtis Martin, Founder of FOCUS. All three have traveled nationally or internationally to promote evangelization. In addition, ValLimar Jansen will provide inspiration through her music and song.

FAITH: What can we expect to take away from this conference?

By attending this conference, you will have a tremendous amount of resources at your fingertips. There will be opportunity to dialogue with the speakers. Each participant will have a workbook to complete throughout the two-day process. At the end of the two days, the workbook will become your individual master plan to use to evangelize.

People will walk away with more than just ideas.

They will have answers and a personal game plan.

I believe everyone will go away inspired with a greater sense of mission for their lives. We all share the mission of bringing the Gospel into the world. People will walk out of this conference having learned how to do that, how to bring Jesus into every situation of life. At the end of the two days, the bishop will commission all those present to engage the mission in a new and energetic way by actively seeking out those who have wandered from the Church. It will be an unforgettable, memorable experience.

As St. Peter says, “Always be prepared to give a reason for your hope.” Come to Called by Name and find out how you can give your friends and family your reason for hope.”

CALLED BY NAME: what it is and what it’s not You may be wondering whether this conference is for you – the very word ‘evangelization’ has all kinds of connotations for people. So here’s a quick list of some things you can expect at Called by Name.

What it’s not about: • Pressure to go door to door and evangelize • Training to speak on street corners • Handing out leaflets at the mall • A high-pressure hard sell of faith What it is about: • Learning how to speak with a loved one about faith without “turning them off.”

• Learning how to share your experience of God’s love in a way that is unique to your gifts.

• Giving you tools to talk about

God and your faith in a way that is natural for you.

If you have someone you love with whom you’d like to share the love of God, this conference is for you. We hope to see you there – and we are praying for you.

SIGN ME UP! HOW DO I REGISTER? ANYONE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING CAN REGISTER BY GOING TO WWW.CALLEDBYNAME2016.ORG. REGISTRATION CAN BE COMPLETED ONLINE, OR BY PRINTING OFF THE FORM AND MAILING IT IN.

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FAITH HELPS

FROM THE EDITOR

The importance of being

CALLED BY NAME

D

T.Gennera

URING THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY, I began my ministry as pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Mary and St. Ann in Charlotte and Bellevue. A few weeks prior to my arrival in Charlotte, I received my keys to the parish complex. I also began the process of moving my belongings into the rectory and getting settled into the parish community that will be my home for the years ahead.

I also started the very important process of learning the names of parishioners. I have asked folks to continue introducing themselves to me at each Mass because, as I have reminded them, there are many of them and only one of me.

FATHER DWIGHT EZOP

is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Church, Bellevue.

Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.

LEARN MORE SEE PAGES 4 AND 5 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UPCOMING DIOCESAN CONFERENCE ON INVITING LOVED ONES BACK TO THE CHURCH.

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The importance of learning the names of parishioners was made a priority for me and my classmates at Mundelein Seminary. The rector at the time, Fr. (now Bishop) Jerry Kicanas, is known for his legendary memory for names. He impressed upon all of us the importance of knowing the names of as many parishioners as possible. As he reminded us, knowing a person’s name connotes relationship as well as a sense of care and concern.

It should come as no surprise to any of us that, in both baptism and confirmation, the one to be baptized or confirmed is actually called by name. “Amy, I baptize What a you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of difference it the Holy Spirit.” “Adam, be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Calling a catechumen or confirmation can make as candidate by his or her name is a reminder that God we walk the wishes to have a loving relationship with the newlyjourney of baptized or -confirmed. It is also a reminder that the faith with one life of faith is lived out in the context of a community of faith – a family of faith-filled Christians who are part another to of a larger family of faith called a parish community, actually know which exists in the context of an even larger family of one another faith called the Church.

– to know That our newly-initiated are called by name is a reminder that each of us is called to have concern for something one another and the unfolding of the life of faith of about the joys each. We are called to relationship – with God and with and struggles one another. If there is one thing that we know about that are a relationships, it is that they require constant effort in order to nurture them so that they might grow. This is part of the where knowing one another by name is key. What a lives of those difference it can make as we walk the journey of faith around us. with one another to actually know one another – to know something about the joys and struggles that are a part of the lives of those around us. It can all begin by simply taking the time to learn someone’s name.

God knows each of us and calls us each by name. In calling us by name, God is calling us to a deeper, more loving relationship. Taking the time to learn the names of those who are seated near us at Mass opens the door to grow in relationship with one another.

And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Parenting Journey

1. What actions can you take to demonstrate to your children the importance of faith in your life?

In the Know with Fr. Joe

1. Fr. Joe lists several ways in which we can act as witnesses to Christ. What are some other ways you can be a Christian witness in your daily life?

2. How do you share (in words) about your relationship with Jesus Christ?

Saint of the Month

1. In this Year of Mercy, how does St. Padre Pio’s strong dedication to the Sacrament of Reconciliation encourage you to seek the merciful love of the Father in your own life?

2. St. Padre Pio offered up his suffering to Christ throughout many illnesses.

How can this help you view the suffering in your life?

Spiritual Fitness

1. How might a visit to the diocesan Holy Door help you participate more fully in this Year of Mercy?

2. What are some ways you can open the door of your heart to experience God’s mercy and share it with those you encounter?

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

INSIDE SEPTEMBER

COVER STORY ‘THE CHURCH LOOKED AT MY PAST AND SHOWED GRACE P. 16

P. 22

YOUR LIFE

8 p arenting journey

How can I invite my kids back to Mass?

9 marriage matters

He says: ‘I don’t want to feel guilty about not going to Mass.’ She says: ‘I’m sad he is not beside me in the pew at church.’ What do they do?

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PLUS

YOUR FAITH

22 FaithFest16

10 in the know with Father Joe Do I really have to

WITNESS TO HOPE

talk about Jesus?

12 theology 101

20 Father Roy Horning:

14 spiritual fitness

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Lessons in Mercy: The unforgiving servant

Walk through the Holy Door of God’s grace

‘Take ownership of our Church’

ather Tim McDonald: F ‘Partners in a greater mission’

recap of one of the A largest events in the history of our diocese

FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

24 Thousands gather for an encounter with Christ

25 special report

A life poured out for Christ

Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s canonization is Sept. 4 7

YOUR LIFE

HOW CAN I INVITE MY KIDS

throughout childhood and adolescence. But after graduating from college and

beginning careers, both have left the Church. How can I invite them back to Mass?

PARENTING JOURNEY

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One challenging aspect of being a parent is realizing that adult children forge their own paths. St. Jane de Chantal shared her desires for her children with her spiritual director, St. Francis de Sales. He responded by saying, “As much as possible, we must touch the hearts of others as do the angels, delicately and without coercion. … ‘Gentle inspirations’ sums all I have to say on the subject.’”

Inviting them back by example. Do you live a faithfilled life that draws others to you through the fruits of the spirit? Galatians (5:22-23) notes that “… the fruit of the Spirit is

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love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

These are attributes that are nurtured not only by individual prayer, but also by active participation in the eucharistic celebration. Instead of stressing that Mass is an obligation, let your children see how it satisfies your deep hunger for relationship with God. Offer a spoonful of honey.

St. Francis de Sales wrote, “… remember that more flies are caught with a spoonful of honey than with a hundred barrels of vinegar.” Approach your children in a welcoming manner,

rather than adopting a confrontational approach. Your warmth may be planting a seed that you cannot see – but one that God will nurture.

T. Gennara

Q

My son and daughter showed a strong commitment to our Catholic faith

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

St. Francis de Sales recommended that St. Jane de Chantal read Book VIII in Confessions, the autobiography of St. Augustine.

“There you will see St. Monica … and her care for her son Augustine; you will find other things too that will encourage you.” (Letters of Spiritual Direction, Oct. 14, 1604). Pour out your deep longings for your children in prayer, knowing that God has plans for their spiritual journeys. Pray Jeremiah 29:11-13.

GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

BACK TO MASS?

HE SAYS:

I don't want to feel guilty about not going to Mass I go to Mass on Christmas and Easter with Marybeth. But, I really don’t feel the need to go the rest of the year. I don’t appreciate Marybeth making me feel like a bad person or a bad Catholic because I don’t go to Mass.

SHE SAYS:

I'm sad he is not beside me in the pew at church I go to Mass every Sunday, and I wish Sam would go with me. I really love our parish, and it bothers me that Sam doesn’t really practice his faith. How can I invite him to come to Mass without making him upset?

EVERY PERSON’S FAITH JOURNEY proceeds at its own pace, and although Marybeth and WHAT DO Sam are united in marriage, they are clearly at THEY DO? different places with how they view their faith.

Marybeth has found in her parish a place that nourishes her spiritual life. Of course she wants to share!

YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS

Marybeth, your very first step is to pray for Sam; and let him know you are doing so in a way that is loving, never judgmental. Prayer and presence are the two most effective ways to evangelize the ones we love. Find something meaningful to him to pray about, and then check back in with him about the situation for which you are praying. For example, if he is having a difficult time at work, let him know you are on his side and will pray for a resolution. Remember to ask him how things are going, and remind him that you have been praying about it. You don’t have to have a solution to his problem; just a listening ear and a prayerful heart.

Share what brings you joy and meaning from Mass.

Perhaps you and Sam can have breakfast after Mass on Sunday. You don’t have to pile on. But, you can share a meaningful moment for you that you took away from

the homily. Maybe something moved you about the liturgy about which you could share your enthusiasm.

And Sam, since this is a core part of Marybeth’s life, it is important that you listen to her and have an open mind about what she is telling you. It’s possible that she has found something at church that might change your life!

Also, Sam, would you be willing to commit to attend Mass when Marybeth specifically requests it? For example, she particularly might be wanting you beside her on Mothers’ Day, her birthday or World Marriage Day, in addition to Christmas and Easter. Part of a good marriage is acknowledging what is important to our spouse, and trying to accommodate that.

If your parish has small faith-sharing groups or other activities that you could do together, perhaps both of you could look into doing more of that. For Sam, this can be an opportunity to talk about doubts and concerns that are keeping him from sitting next to Marybeth in the pews on Sundays.

Most of all, try to find a way to incorporate praying together into your daily routine. Start with something simple like grace before meals, and include moments of thanksgiving and petition. Praying together is a wonderful way to grow together in love of the Lord 9

YOUR FAITH ing. Pray while you are driving.

Pray when you pass a police officer, fire truck or ambulance.

Pray when you drive by a nursing home, hospital or hospice. Pray when you pass a cemetery. Pray when someone at work is getting clobbered. If someone tells you of sorrow or pain in their life, don’t just say, “I’ll pray for you” – do it right then. Simply say, “Jesus, be with this person; give them strength and healing.” A good Christian witness prays.

A good Christian witness is truthful. If you do something wrong, admit it and ask forgiveness.

A good Christian witness is humble. Don’t constantly list off your accomplishments or resume.

Give credit to others where credit is due. Remember that all your gifts and talents come from God.

Q

DEAR FATHER JOE: To be a good Christian witness, is it enough to be a good person – or do I have to talk about Jesus?

T. Gennara

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

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A It’s an important one. Often,

Thank you for your question:

when we imagine ourselves talking about Jesus to co-workers or friends, it comes across as an uncomfortable requirement, instead of an organic reality that comes about from living our faith well. What I’d encourage us to do is get us out of the either/or idea and into the both/and.

Think of it this way: Being good is a symptom of Christianity, not the goal. Obviously, we should talk about Jesus, but it is important that we live in such a way as to give weight to our words when it’s time to speak them.

So, I’ll start by giving you some ideas as to how to be a good Christian witness with your actions, and then offer you tips as to how to talk about Jesus. Sound good? Let’s get to it.

First, we address our actions –

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

being a “good person,” as you put it.

I’ll begin by inviting us to see that at least part of the problem is the phrase “a good person.” Our standard for that qualification can be tragically low. I’ve actually had numerous people tell me, “I’m a good person: I’ve never killed anyone!” Ugh. Being a Christian witness is tough work. It is a spiritual and mental commitment on our part to guard and police our thoughts, words and actions so that they match up with Jesus’ thoughts, words and actions.

Here are some practical ways our actions can give good witness (this list is not exhaustive!): A good Christian witness is prayerful. A Christian prays throughout the day. Pray before you leave the house in the morn-

A good Christian witness is merciful. Withhold judgment concerning peoples’ motives.

Recognize that you do not know what you do not know about a person’s circumstance or situation. Joyfully and easily offer mercy when someone apologizes or asks forgiveness. Be understanding.

A good Christian witness is sacrificial. Don’t make everything about you. Give more of your time, talent and treasure than is expected. Be willing to suffer joyfully for others.

A good Christian witness does not gossip. Refrain from participating in discussions about others; walk away when someone is getting trashed, or from the “conspiracy theories” at work, home, school and church.

A good Christian witness shares the best, not the worst.

I have personally spoken to no

WHOLE LIFE

TERM LIFE

small amount of people who have not or will not return to Church because of the angry Catholic posting on Facebook and the internet. Not everyone in the world needs to know our “family fights” in the Church. It is a scandal how we talk about our pope, our religious leaders and our local church. Share what is right and beautiful, refrain from constantly complaining.

As you read earlier, I’m not trying to make an exhaustive list. I’m trying to clear our hearts and minds of the idea that holiness is just about “being good” – it goes so far beyond that.

Think of it this way: Like many priests, most days I find the obligations overwhelming.

Most days, I have to battle my pride

LONG-TERM CARE

and simply acknowledge there is no way I can do all the things that need to be done. This process, I’ve learned, leads to me often looking and acting harried, and nothing about looking harried opens the door to people coming to me for help when they are in need.

I know another priest who always seems peaceful and tranquil. It blows me away when I see it, because he’s at least as busy as I am. So, when I see his manner and know his workload, the result is predictable: I asked him, “How do you do it?”

Evangelization works the same way.

When you and I live holy lives and hold ourselves to a ridiculous standard, it will set us apart, which is one way of defining the word “holy.” The result of a life of holiness? People come to us and ask,

DISABILITY

RETIREMENT PLANNING

“How do you do that?”

This is your time to use your words and share Jesus. Think about your experience of Jesus in this moment. Think of why you choose to live for and love him. Think of why and how a relationship with him has made your life better. Think of these things because these will be your words. Not telling the person why they are wrong and you are right, not sharing doctrine (yet!) or apologetics, but sharing your relationship.

Share your “why.”

This, my brothers and sisters, is how we present a good Christian witness to the world: first with your actions and then with your words.

May God bless our efforts to be holy.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

READ MORE VISIT FAITHPUB.COM TO READ FATHER JOE’S COLUMN FROM OCT. 2013, ‘AM I REALLY SUPPOSED TO BE AN EVANGELIST?’

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LESSONS IN MERCY:

The unforgiving servant

T

HE PARABLE OF THE UNFORGIVING SERVANT (Mt 18:21-35) challenges each of us to respond to the immense mercy we have received from the Father by showing that same mercy to our neighbor. At the same time, this parable reminds us that there are serious consequences for our failing to do so.

THE PARABLE

Parable of the Wicked Servant, by Domenico Fetti

The parable begins with Peter asking Jesus, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus replies by telling Peter that he must forgive not seven times, but 77 times.

To illustrate, Jesus then tells the story of a king who was owed a huge amount by one of his servants. The New American Bible (NAB) makes it clear that the servant’s debt was so great that it would have been impossible for the servant to have ever satisfied it. Because the servant had no way of repaying the debt, the king intended to sell the servant, along with his family

SPIRITUAL READING “... neither thou read it, nor write it, nor speak it, nor yet suffer it be read, written, or spoken, of any or to any but if it be of such one, or to such one, that hath by thy supposing in a true will and by an whole intent purposed him to be a perfect follower of Christ not only in active living, but in the sovereignest point of contemplative living.”

These words are from the spiritual classic The Cloud of Unknowing. They remind us that the spiritual life consists both of contemplation and action. We do not know who wrote this book, but it dates back to the second half of the 14th century.

Written in Middle English, it seems to be a guide directed to young monks seeking God. It argues that the way to know God is to surrender one’s mind and ego to the realm of “unknowing,” a state wherein God’s particular attributes and activities are transcended and God’s true nature can be glimpsed.

During this Year of Mercy, consider adding this book to your list of spiritual reading, and taking it up on its challenge to grow into an ever-more intimate relationship with God. 12

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The lesson of this parable is clear. As the NAB puts it, the Father’s forgiveness, which we have already been given, will be withdrawn at the final judgment if we do not imitate this forgiveness in our relationships with each other.

Here again, we confront one of the seemingly immutable rules of the kingdom of God: What we do to others will be done to us – eternally! The Gospels are clear on this: “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Mt 6:12); and “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you … For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out of you. (Lk 6:37-38) The Catechism of the Catholic Church can perhaps help us understand why this is the case. It explains the outpouring of God’s mercy, which far exceeds any mercy we could hope to extend. This mercy: … cannot penetrate our hearts as long as we have not forgiven those who have trespassed against us.

Love, like the Body of Christ, is indivisible; we cannot love the God we cannot see if we do not love the brother or sister we do see. In refusing to forgive our

Test your knowledge of what the Bible has to say about mercy …

“But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any ____________ we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of ______________ by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.”

A. oblation; fire and purification B. demanding; tongues and prophecy C. crying out; tears and mourning D. righteous deeds; rebirth and renewal

brothers and sisters, our hearts are closed and their hardness makes them impervious to the Father’s merciful love; but in confessing our sins, our hearts are opened to his grace.(2840)

YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

THE GRACE WE NEED

Since our heavenly Father knows it is beyond us to not feel hurts or to forget offenses, he gives us the grace to do so through the sacrament of reconciliation. In this sacrament, we receive both the forgiveness of our sins and the challenge to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who have sinned against us.

In short, we are liberated to be forgivers.

Confessing our sins opens our hearts to this gift of grace through which, as the catechism teaches, “the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession.”

(2843) In other words, through the sacrament of reconciliation, the Holy Spirit can make our mind one with the mind of Jesus Christ.

It is our confessing and dying to sin through the gift of God’s grace that allows the “mind of Christ” to well up within us through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Only then are we free to forgive as Christ forgives. Only then do we participate in the forgiveness of the Father, who does not wait to give forgiveness until it is asked for and who offers reconciliation to the offender. Only then do we participate in that eternal communion for which each one of us was created.

S. Olson

‘IT IS IN PARDONING THAT WE ARE PARDONED’

THEOLOGY 101 QUIZ

Answer: (D) – righteous deeds; rebirth and renewal (Titus 3:4-7)

and property, in order to recoup at least some of the amount due.

When the servant heard this, he begged for more time to repay the debt – an empty gesture given that the debt was beyond the servant’s ability to repay.

Nonetheless, the king was so moved with compassion that he not only did not sell the servant and his family, but forgave the entire loan outright.

Now this same servant then encountered another servant who happened to owe him some money, albeit an amount akin to a single day’s wages. Choking the debtor, the first servant demanded payment. When this other servant begged for more time to repay the debt, the first servant refused the request and had the second servant put into prison until the debt was repaid in full.

When the king found out, he summoned the first servant. Outraged, the king said, “I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?” The king then had the servant tortured until he paid back the original loan in full – again, this would have meant an endless punishment as the servant would not have been able to ever repay the debt.

Jesus concludes the parable on a very ominous note, saying that the same fate awaits each one of us if we fail to forgive others from the heart.

DOUG CULP

is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

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REUTERS/MAX ROSSI

Pope Francis opens the Holy Door to mark the opening of the Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, Dec. 8, 2015.

Walk through the

YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS

HOLY DOOR OF GOD’S GRACE A

S PART OF THIS JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY, Pope Francis designated a Holy Door at St. Peter’s in Rome,

and asked that all Bishops establish a particular door in each diocesan cathedral that would be available as a pilgrimage site for everyone. The door itself is a symbol in recognition of Christ – the sole door through which we enter salvation (Jn 10:9) and the one way that leads to the Father. (Jn 14:6) Making such a pilgrimage to your diocesan cathedral, or to another designated site established by your bishop, is more a spiritual journey than anything else. It is a time when we say to the Lord that we desire to draw closer to him in our journey through life; that we make this pilgrimage as a sign that we want to open our hearts to deeper conversion to God through daily prayer and the sacraments, and in our relationships with one another. It is a time to seriously ask for the grace to turn from a particular sinful pattern that Christ may inhabit our lives more fully; it is a time to confess our sins and then, with pardon granted, to begin again – to start afresh on this sometimes arduous journey through life.

There is a great grace attached to this kind of pilgrimage. If you can, read Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis’s proclamation for the Holy Year of Mercy. (www.vatican.va) In one section, Pope Francis writes: “May pilgrimage be an impetus to conversion: by crossing the threshold of the Holy Door, we will find the strength to embrace God’s mercy and dedicate ourselves to being merciful with others as the Father has been with us.” (14) You can receive a plenary indulgence every time you make a visit (one a day) to your diocesan Holy Door. How great is the mercy of God, and

“his mercy endures forever.”

WHAT IS A PLENARY INDULGENCE? (Ps 136) Don’t miss all that God has for you – not only An indulgence may call to for you, but for all those you mind images of the Middle love.

Ages, but it is really a teaching A sister in my religious of the Catholic Church community, Sister Sarah about the mercy of God. An Burdick, wrote a number indulgence is the remission of reflections about the before God of the temporal meaning of the Holy Door punishment of a sin that has for her. One of them asked: already been forgiven. For more “Is the door of my own heart information, read the Catechism still closed to the Lord? If of the Catholic Church, 1471-79. the door of my own heart is opened, will it lead to a greater receptivity of mercy and a greater desire to be a vessel of mercy?”

Is my own heart open to receive the lavish grace God has for me? This question is intended to bring us deeper into his presence and to be able to receive the gift more fully – the gift that is Jesus Christ. He is the door to eternal union with the Father. Let us ask for the grace to have open hearts as we walk through the Holy Door of God’s grace – Jesus – in this Year of Mercy.

SISTER ANN SHIELDS D. QUILLAN

T. Gennara

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

In the Diocese of Lansing, it is recommended that you call 517.484.5331 between Monday and Friday to be sure the cathedral will be open at the day and the time you are planning to come.

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YOUR STORIES

COVER STORY

‘The Church looked at my

and showed

past grace’ Marsha is ‘called by name’ to come back to the Church

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

AND [JESUS] SAID, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.” (Lk 15:11-13) “I come from a long line of devout French Canadian Catholics who settled in a small Kansas town in the 1800s. My father was one of 16 children who said the rosary as a family every night. When he married my mother, she converted – and my grandmother made them promise they would raise my sister and me in the Catholic Church.

“I began to wonder if rather than people expecting the church

to please them, shouldn’t they, instead, be trying to please Jesus?”

And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. (Lk 15:14-16) “Life unfolded a little differently than I had planned.

My husband’s job changed, so we moved away from all our family and friends. I became extremely homesick and depressed. Our church life came to a complete halt. We totally turned our backs on God at a time that we needed him most. Our marriage ended in divorce,” Marsha explains.

“I accepted a job in Toledo, Ohio, and my sons and I established a new life there. We moved two more times, and finally, in 1989, I remarried. One final move in 1999 brought us to DeWitt, Mich. Since the time Aunt Treva had written me, we had lived in six different cities. What a strain I had made for my children’s lives.

PRAY FOR ALL WHO ATTEND THE CALLED

BY NAME CONFERENCE, MAY THEY BE STRENGTHENED

BY THE HOLY SPIRIT TO INVITE LOVED ONES BACK TO THE CHURCH.

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“As a child, I received all my sacraments and was very involved in our home parish. In college, I fell in love with a young man raised in the First Christian Church. At school, I attended services with him and his family every Sunday.

“When we decided to get married, I asked him what his mother would think if we got married in the Catholic Church. Without hesitating, he said, ‘It would kill her.’

He was so definite in his answer I never dared mention it again. I told my parents we were marrying in the First Christian Church without ever considering their feelings.

“My Aunt Treva loved Jesus, and had made it her goal to save everyone in the family. After my children were born, I received a touching note from her saying she was praying for me and my little boys. She enclosed a book titled More than a Carpenter. I didn’t know why she had sent it to me, and claiming I was too busy to read it, I put it away and soon forgot about it.

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But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ (Lk 15: 17-19) “A few years later, I began to feel guilt and remorse, and a constant tug at my heart. I would lie awake thinking about all the terrible things I had done in my life. One night, something made me reach over to the drawer of the nightstand next to my bed. My hand landed on the copy of More than a Carpenter Aunt Treva had given me years earlier. It had stayed with me through all our moves and all the changes – even through Aunt Treva’s death.

“That night, I decided to let Jesus back in my life. My

son and his girlfriend were attending a large Protestant church in the Lansing area and invited me to join them.

I soon began attending every Sunday. I got involved in the music ministry, connected with lots of people and made some close friends. The music was great, and the minister’s sermons offered me what I had been missing for so long – and this church had encouraged me to begin reading the Bible.

“I had even answered an altar call, recited the Sinner’s Prayer and had been told all my sins were forgiven. Still, I couldn’t convince myself of it. I longed to confess my sins as I had when I was a child child,” Marsha says.

“Over the 13 years I attended, I saw many people leave that church over issues that seemed personal and sometimes petty. I began to wonder if rather than people expecting the church to please them, shouldn’t they, instead, be trying to please Jesus?

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ (Lk 15: 20-21) “One day my son showed me a shortcut to the mall that happened to pass by St. Gerard Church. Every time I drove by, I felt someone was trying to tell me something. Finally, I called to see if I might be accepted back into the faith. I met with a deacon who helped me complete all the paperwork [related to the validity of my marriages]. Then I waited for the answer.

“Knowing all the sins I had committed since I left the Church, I was afraid to call fearing the answer was no."

Marsha had a friend call for her, and was thrilled to find out her marriage paperwork was approved, and she could receive the sacraments in good standing.

"The deacon asked me to come back whenever I was ready. I can’t tell you how excited I was that day.

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Lk 15: 21-24) “I wasted no time. After 48 years away, I had quite a large list for my confession. Meeting face to face, Father Paul Erickson made me feel as comfortable as possible. When I was finished, he blessed me and gave me my penance. I left his office feeling truly cleansed! My marriage was blessed that afternoon, and I received the Holy Eucharist that weekend.

“Every time I take Communion, I feel warm inside knowing I am accepting Jesus’ body and blood into my

LEARN MORE SEE PAGES 4 AND 5 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UPCOMING DIOCESAN CONFERENCE ON INVITING LOVED ONES BACK TO THE CHURCH.

core. I wasn't sure I was worthy to be a [extraordinary minister of holy Communion], but the people at St. Gerard made me feel that Jesus would approve,” Marsha says.

“It’s like the Bible says. Even after all the sins I committed, the Church looked at my past and showed grace,” Marsha laughs through tears of joy. “Thank you, Jesus!”

HAS A LOVED ONE LEFT THE CHURCH? The Diocese of Lansing invites you to a twoday conference to better equip you to support your loved ones. The Called by Name conference will help you learn how to invite those you care about back to the Church. On Oct. 21-22, parishioners and clergy will gather at the Summit in Dimondale. For more information, visit CALLEDBYNAME2016.ORG 19

T. GENNARA

STRENGTHENING OUR PARISHES

Father Roy Horning:

‘ TAKE OWNERSHIP OF OUR CHURCH’

F

OR NEARLY 2,000 YEARS, members of the Catholic faith have continued the mission of Christ.

Witness to Hope is reminding us who our hope is in, and it’s in Jesus He’s given us the mission … He’s expecting it to be accomplished.”

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And now, in the year 2016, the idea of continuing Christ’s legacy has led the Catholic Diocese of Lansing to consider the Church’s future, and launch the first-ever comprehensive diocesan-wide campaign.

The goal of the Witness to Hope campaign is to not only raise $65 million, but to strengthen the diocesan parishes; to teach stewardship across the diocese; and to emphasize that the Church is universal, and each Catholic has a responsibility to support her.

For Father Roy Horning, pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Flint, the campaign is an opportunity for Catholics to “take ownership of our Church.”

Father Roy joined the Holy Rosary family a year ago, and he says that when the bishop assigned him, his mission was to help the parish address its substantial debt, build up the school and strengthen its sense of mission.

Since strengthening the parish is a key component of the Witness to Hope campaign, Father Roy says, “The mission, this campaign, gives us the opportunity

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to really put back in front of our eyes – this is why we’re here.”

The Church, he says, is getting smaller as people fall away from her, and for those in Genesee County, “it is particularly difficult.”

“The closer you are to Flint, the more you’re affected by the devastating consequences of the loss of manufacturing jobs. Lack of jobs led to a slow, relentless exodus of people. That’s affected families, marriages. It’s affected communities. And unless you grew up in the Flint area, you don’t realize it,” he says.

In addition, many people have left the practice of faith.

“For young adults, many find faith is irrelevant to the way they live their life and the way they view the world, or others may not have experienced Church as a spirit-filled community living out the “good news,” and some have been affected negatively by scandals or divisions within the Church.

“Witness to Hope is reminding us who our hope is in, and it’s in Jesus,” he says. “He’s given us the mission …

He’s expecting it to be accomplished.”

So, what are we doing in the Lord’s vineyard today, Father Roy asks? “Taking ownership.”

“We’re the Church, folks. There’s nobody else out there who’s the Church. This is ours; this is our mission,” he says. “It’s stewardship, but it’s also ownership.

If you pick up any newspaper or turn on any news channel, you’ll quickly see that the world needs Christ.

“The real need is spiritual hunger, and we’re the only ones who can do it. We have to take ownership, and that ownership plays right into stewardship,” Father Roy says.

Father Roy explains that having a campaign that focuses on new evangelization is “basically re-evangelizing the people who are still sitting in the pews.” And, to form disciples within the Church, the parishes need to help those “still sitting in the pews” to realize that attending Mass one day a week is not enough to sustain a life of faith, he says.

“This campaign is reminding Catholics that it’s not the bishops’ Church, it’s not the priests’ Church, it’s not the sisters’ Church; the Church belongs to all of us,” he adds.

And the laity, who make up the largest portion of the Church, have a responsibility to the mission.

“It’s amazing when you put before the people a real need and you make a case for the need,” he concludes.

“The Church really exemplifies a community that can focus and accomplish a noble goal, especially when it concerns the salvation of souls.”

– Cari Ann DeLamielleure-Scott

T. GENNARA

STRENGTHENING OUR PARISHES

Father Tim McDonald:

‘ PARTNERS IN A GREATER MISSION’

Q

UEEN OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL PARISH in Jackson has never had a social hall to allow for funeral dinners or to serve as a gathering space outside of Mass.

Witness to Hope will allow the parish to grow.”

But all that will hopefully change as the parish embarks on a diocesan-wide journey to not only raise funds for such a space, but raise funds for the entire diocese.

Father Tim MacDonald, pastor of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, says that the parish had originally planned on launching its own fundraiser for a hall, but when the Witness to Hope campaign was brought to his attention, it came at “a very opportune time to allow us to partner in a greater mission.”

Because Queens has multiple projects in store – a new roof and parking lot for its school and improving handicap accessibility, to name a few – the parish has committed to raise more than the suggested parish goal. For the

STRENGTHENING OUR PARISHES One of the most important aspects of Witness to Hope is strengthening the parishes of the Diocese of Lansing. It is in the parishes that our faith is evangelized, and where the faithful meet Christ in sacrament and worship. Bishop Earl Boyea has made this one of the cornerstone principles of the campaign, and

Queens' projects alone, they need to raise more than $1.5 million, according to Father Tim. “I’m staking a lot on its success, but that is why I wanted my parish to go first, so I could prove that I wasn’t asking anyone else for a sacrifice that I wasn’t willing to make.”

Besides serving as pastor of Queens and Our Lady of Fatima in Michigan Center, Father Tim is also the Vicar General of the Diocese and was appointed by the bishop to take charge of the diocesan-wide capital campaign.

The parish has already held a town hall meeting, and it has begun the initial process of the campaign. “We’re finally coming together under one nice umbrella called Witness to Hope.”

Father Tim explains that the parish has a history of being charitable during diocesan service appeals and annual appeals. In fact, with only 1,650 registered families, the parish has previously raised more than its goal for the diocesan service appeal, thanks to the generosity of Queens' families.

“We have one of the highest offertories in the diocese,” he says. “We bill ourselves as a stewardship parish. We’re seeking to make everybody aware of the blessings God has given them.”

By participating in the diocesan-wide campaign, Father Tim says, they are “killing two birds with one stone” by not only working to reach the parish goal, but working to help the broader church, which is what being a Catholic is all about.

“Think globally, act locally,” he says.

Many of the efforts of Witness to Hope are centered on evangelizing the faith, and Father Tim says that the campaign will allow the parish to grow.

Ultimately, Father Tim hopes that the Witness to Hope campaign will leave a lasting impression, because, after all, Queen of Miraculous Medal is a diocesan church.

“I believe this [campaign] can create a spirit of camaraderie, that we’re all part of the same thing,” Father Tim concludes. – Cari Ann DeLamielleure-Scott

has worked to introduce an innovative new fund-sharing process.

Traditionally, in diocesan-wide campaigns, funds are split using a formula that allows both the parishes and the diocese to achieve their goals. Witness to Hope, however, is introducing a new sharing formula that will provide parishes with a much larger share of the funds raised. This new formula will provide for

those parishes that conduct highly successful campaigns even more resources for local needs, and is an incentive for every parish to engage the support of as many parishioners as possible.

To read more about the details of the fund-sharing process for Witness to Hope, please visit www. witnesstohope.net/news.

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FAITHFEST16

FAITHFEST 16 A HUGE SUCCESS M

ORE THAN 6,000 ATTENDED FAITHFEST 16, a Family Festival of Faith put on by the Diocese of Lansing, on Sat., June 25, at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. FaithFest 16 featured a full day

of contemporary Christian music and an outdoor evening Mass with Bishop Earl Boyea. It was capped off with a fireworks display at dusk. Father David Rosenberg, director of the St. Francis Retreat Center, said FaithFest 16 was “a day of jubilee, a day of pilgrimage to a family festival of faith.”

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– Photography by Don Quillan

BY THE NUMBERS: ONE OF THE LARGEST EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF OUR DIOCESE

1,000 6,000 3,500 More than

through the gates

Aproximately

glow sticks for Jason Gray’s “Glow in the Dark” performance

attendees at Mass

“What I discovered this weekend is a

“My three inactive baptized adult children had

family is broken and it doesn’t have to be.”

The Holy Spirit opened many doors ...”

NEW REALITY OF CHRIST IN MY LIFE. I discovered my

HEARTS FULL OF JOY.

– A 14-year-old who shared her experience with Father David

– Email follow-up to survey

“My family and I are Christians, but not Catholic. I wanted to say how awesome it was to experience the Mass ... FaithFest was an amazing experience and my family and I have shared it with everyone.”

– Email follow-up to survey

SAVE THE DATE: FaithFest17 is Saturday, June 24, 2017 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt.

A one-day family festival of faith and music • Twilight vigil Mass with Bishop Boyea Fireworks at dusk • Family activities throughout the day • www.FAITHFEST.com

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FAITHFEST16

Thousands gather for an

‘ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST’ INTERVIEW BY CYNTHIA KAAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY DON QUILLAN

VOLUNTEER IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING YOUR TIME FOR FAITHFEST17, PLEASE GO TO FAITHFEST.COM.

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O

nce the number of attendees coming through the gates exceeded 6,000 … they

lost count. Pretty remarkable for an event that was the first of its kind!

Speaking with Father David Rosenberg almost two weeks after the festival, it was obvious he was still bursting with joy. He describes the unforgettable FaithFest16 as, “A day of grace far greater than the sum of its parts ... We created a new type of Catholic event for the Diocese of Lansing. It was so big that no one person experienced the entire event. It’s hard to encapsulate it into words. Thousands of people ended the day having encountered the living Christ. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. It just leaves you speechless.”

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While music may have been the draw for many, FaithFest included much more. Beyond the incredible talents of Matt Maher, Jason Gray and others, there was something for everyone. From horse-drawn wagon rides, bounce houses and yard games to adoration, confession, ministry booths and Mass – the day exceeded all expectations.

According to Father David, “The emails and the phone calls that continue to come in prove it was bigger than life. People are giving me little ‘love capsules’ or snapshots of their day to let me know what their experience was.” He also recalled the fireworks as a perfect ending for a perfect day: “True joy was evidenced when Jason Gray and Matt Maher’s band members played a spontaneous encore to accompany the fireworks.”

There is no doubt the Holy Spirit has been moving in FaithFest since Father David first envisioned this incredible gathering in the name of Christ. Father David says, “Chapels were filled all day with people coming in to experience Jesus in the Eucharist ... Monsignor Michael Murphy heard confessions for 3.5 hours and said it was the most exhilarating experience of his priesthood. This was a ground-breaking day – a signature event for the Diocese of Lansing.”

With so many moving parts, a festival of this magnitude cannot be executed without the willing hands and financial assistance of many. Father David expressed his gratitude for the continued support of Bishop Boyea, as well as the staff and volunteers at the St. Francis Retreat Center. The DeWitt Police and Fire Departments, as well as EMT staff, were a remarkable help planning for the large crowd, and were present throughout the day. In addition, Father David is grateful for the festival sponsors.

He says, “Sponsors came through so generously. They stepped out with their trust and their dollars because they believed in the vision. They were not disappointed.”

When asked about plans for next year, Fr. David says, “I want to take the experience from this year and expand it, to help people understand the spiritual benefits of this family festival of faith. We should look at it as a ‘pilgrimage toward the New Jerusalem.’ All Christians are on an earthly pilgrimage. That day, people all around heard angels sing. It crossed demographic lines and was sweet music to the ear and heart.”

Father David believes that Father Larry Delaney, head of the St. Francis Retreat Center for more than 25 years, would have loved this event.

In closing, Father David says, “Cars have rearview mirrors. They’re smaller than the windshield for a purpose – you have to have it, you have to look back, but you have to stay the course to move forward.”

Following this ideology, FaithFest17 is already being organized. Using the lessons learned, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Father David is sure God’s goodness will be glorified once more as the festival continues.

SPECIAL REPORT

among them. It was an order. To fail would have been to break the faith.”

In 1948, she received permission to begin the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa traded in her traditional habit and began wearing the simple cotton sari for which she became so well-known; she became an Indian citizen and received basic medical training. By 1949, a group of young women had joined her, and the Missionaries of Charity went on to become officially recognized as a diocesan religious congregation. They went into the slums of Calcutta to care for the sick and hungry.

HER WORK

REUTERS

A LIFE POURED OUT FOR CHRIST Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s canonization is Sept. 4

BY PEGGY DEKEYSER

Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary.

What we need is to love without getting tired.

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

HER LIFE

Born in Skopje, Albania, (now Macedonia) on Aug. 26, 1910, Anjezë (Agnes) Gonxhe Bojaxhiu considered her baptismal day, Aug. 27, her true birthday. When she was growing up, Agnes’ mother extended an open invitation to the city's poor to dine with her family, and told her daughter: "My child, never eat a single mouthful unless you are sharing it with others." When Agnes asked about the people eating with them, her mother would respond, "Some of them are our relations, but all of them are our people."

From an early age, young Agnes was fascinated by the lives of missionaries in Bengal. After deciding to pursue a consecrated religious life, Agnes arrived in Calcutta in 1929 to begin her novitiate. There, she learned Bengali and taught at St. Teresa’s School. When she took first vows in 1931, she wanted to be named after St. Thérèse of Lisieux, but chose the Spanish spelling of Teresa and became Sister Mary Teresa. She made her final profession of vows in 1937, and was first called Mother Teresa while teaching at St. Mary’s School in Calcutta.

In September 1946, Sister Teresa experienced what she later referred to as the call within the call: “I was to leave the convent and help the poor while living

In 1952, Mother Teresa opened Kalighat Home for the Dying in Calcutta, which was a free hospice for the poor housed in an abandoned Hindu temple. All those who came to the home received care consistent with their faith. Next came a home for those with Hansen’s disease, or leprosy. She established outreach clinics throughout Calcutta for those suffering from the dreaded disease.

Lost children found a home with the Missionaries of Charity at Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, a home for orphans and homeless youths. By 1960, the missionaries were operating orphanages and hospices all over India.

Throughout the next decade, more missions followed until they had a presence on every continent.

Throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity Brothers, the contemplative branch of the sisters, the contemplative branch of the brothers and the Missionaries of Charity Fathers.

For the laity, she founded the Co-Workers of Mother Teresa, the Sick and Suffering Co-Workers and, later, the Lay Missionaries of Charity. She also founded the Corpus Christi Movement for Priests in 1981, as a “little way of holiness” for those who wished to share in her charism.

HER DEATH

Mother Teresa died Sept. 5, 1997. The government of India gave her a state funeral, and she was buried at the motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta.

BEATIFICATION AND SAINTHOOD

In early 1999 – less than two years after Mother Teresa's death – St. John Paul II waived the usual five-year waiting period and allowed her canonization cause to be opened. She was beatified in 2003. In advancing the cause for canonization, a miracle must be documented from the intercession of the blessed. Two healings have been attributed to her intercession.

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YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO Sept. 3, St. Patrick, Ann Arbor will have a Chicken Run for a day of new traditions, old favorites and family fun. Events include a 1K Fun Run, 5K Walk/Run and a 12K Run. Also, enjoy a chicken dinner, DJ and dancing and a white elephant sale. Registration form and more information are available at www. stpatricka2.org.

Sept. 9-11, a Retrouvaille weekend retreat for couples experiencing problems in their marriage. Cost is $350 per couple. For information, call 517.290.5596 or email 3053@ retrouvaille.org. To register, visit retrouvailleoflansing.com.

Sept. 16, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels, Swartz Creek will host a euchre tournament fundraiser sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. For more information, call 810.635.3684.

Sept. 17, St. Michael Parish, Grand Ledge will have its Women's Breakfast, "Bountiful Harvest,” with speaker Chris Maniaci. Fellowship at 8 a.m., with speaker from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall in the church’s basement. Please come join us.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekends are scheduled for Sept.

18-20 at the Augustine Center, Petoskey and Oct. 21-23 at St. Patrick, Brighton. Learn to live the Year of Mercy in your marriage and make it even better. Renew and enrich your marriage and your faith, too! For information/registration, visit wwme. org or call Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433.

Sept. 24, 3-7 p.m. and Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen will host a special parish craft show with items created by parishioners – all profits go entirely to benefit Kids Against Hunger.

Diocesan Nun Run: Ladies, join us Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 for a visitation of five different religious orders in the Diocese of Lansing. Ask questions and learn about their lives. For more information, visit dioceseoflansing. org/vocation_events.

Oct. 1, registration at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. tee off, Shared Pregnancy 26

LEARN WHAT LANSING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL HAS TO OFFER

ATTEND A WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

VISIT FIVE DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS ORDERS IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING

Women's Center is hosting a fourperson scramble at the beautiful and challenging Forest Akers West at Michigan State University. There will be a continental breakfast, grilled lunch, gift bag and prizes for the top finishers. Player registration is $85 per individual, or $340 for a foursome. To register, please call 517.622.3267 or aimeekillingsworth@ sharedpregnancy.org.

Oct. 1-2, an Engaged Encounter weekend will be held in DeWitt.

Cost is $235 per couple and includes meals, supplies and overnight stay. A free will donation is asked at the end of the retreat. Registration will close and payment must be received no later than Sept. 17. For information, visit lansingcee.org or register@ lansingcee.org.

Oct. 8, 6 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish hosts its 15th annual Educational Trust Fund Benefit on behalf of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School with Ruby's Jazzy Speakeasy at the Michigan Union Rogel Ballroom. The event includes dinner, dancing and an auction.

For reservations or sponsorship information, call 734.821.2208.

Oct. 9, 11:30 a.m. Mass, the fall gathering of Immaculate Heart of Mary Rosary Makers, followed by a potluck luncheon for all rosary

makers and friends of the missions in the parish family center, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Guest speaker is Naomi Corera, who is the founder of Children Waiting Everywhere.

To learn more about Naomi Coerea and her foundation, visit www. dhildrenwaitingeverywhere.org.

Oct. 16, noon to 4 p.m., St. Stanislaus, Jackson will have its Swiss steak and golumbki dinner in its social center, 608 S. Elm St. For more information, please call 517.782.1627.

Oct. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic High School is hosting its fall Prospective Family Night. It is open to families with children of any age to learn more about what LCHS has to offer. Families will be taken on a school tour and attend breakout sessions and a question and answer session. Registration is not required, but is appreciated, for this event. To register, contact LCHS Admissions Coordinator Karen Gavin at karen.gavin@lansingcatholic.org or 517.267,2102.

Oct. 22, 6 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell’s Knights of Columbus will have its Octoberfest dinner. For information, contact the parish office at 517.546.7200.

Oct. 26, 6:30-8 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, Howell will have its Trunk or

SEPTEMBER CAFÉ EVENTS Thursdays, Sept 29-Nov. 10, 7-8:30 p.m., Christ the King, Ann Arbor’s Upper Room ministry will have a seven-week class that will introduce participants to the Holy Spirit, teach how to live empowered by his love and give an introduction to the charismatic gifts. To register, contact 734.929.0982 or CTKUpperRoom.com.

Wednesdays, Sept. 21-Oct. 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing invites all married couples and engaged couples to attend a six-week couple prayer series.

Learn to pray together and strengthen your marriage or your engaged relationship. Led

by Deacon Jim and Karen Kasprzak and Deacon Dave and Ann Zygmontowicz. To register, contact Dian Silvey, Formation Office, at 517.351.5460 or dsilvey@elcatholics.org.

Beginning Sept. 18, 4:15-6:15 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing invites you to join its new JustFaith group, which will meet weekly in the parish’s Fireplace Room, and challenge yourself to live a life focused on justice and mercy. For information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@elcatholics.org.

Sept. 13, 7 p.m. and Sept. 18, 2 p.m., people seeking to learn about the Catholic Church will begin meeting at St. John Church and Student Center, East Lansing. Please select the best time for you. For information, call Pete Ries at 517.351.5460, ext. 1328 or pries@elcatholics.org

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AT OUR RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, WWW.STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 • Sept. 9-11, Retrouvaille retreat for married couples experiencing problems in their marriage. Decide today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost interest in receiving it. Love is a decision. Call Retrouvaille at 517.290.5596 to register; and for information, visit retrouvaille.org.

WEBER RETREAT CENTER, ADRIAN, WEBER.ADRIANDOMINICANS.ORG or 517.266.4000 •S ept. 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Day of Contemplative Prayer – mediation and mindfulness practice •S ept. 17, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Single Women’s Retreat – Abundant Life: We will reflect on our own lives and God’s purpose for, and presence with, us.

•S ept. 23-24, Pondering Prayer Practices of Contemporary Mystics: We will ponder the prayer practices of 20th century mystics and reflect on our own life of prayer and action •S ept. 29-Oct. 2, A serenity retreat for women: sharing our experience, strength and hope through the 12 steps of AA. Treat. For more information, contact the parish at 517.546.7200.

Nov. 18, 8 a.m. to Nov. 20, 5 p.m., a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for anyone who has struggled with the pain of an abortion will be held in Ann Arbor.

For more information, contact Beth Bauer at 734.369.3470 or ipbbauer@ yahoo.com.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing offers a two-year sacramental preparation program specifically designed for students with special needs. The staffers

work with children of multiple ages to present the basics of the faith and to prepare them for reconciliation, as appropriate, and Eucharist.

Confirmation preparation also is available. Children from all parishes are welcome. For information, call Annie Kitching at 517.351.5460, ext.

325 or akitching@elcatholics.org.

The New Life Center, 1601 E. Grand River, Lansing, has an eight-week post-abortion confidential recovery program, “Forgiven and Set Free,” for anyone who has struggled with the pain of an abortion. All

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, CATHOLICCHARITIESFLINT.ORG/CONTACT-US or GENESEE 810.232.9950 or SHIAWASSEE 989.723.8239 • Celebrate 75 years of service to the people of Genesee County on Sept. 29 at Holy Redeemer Family Life Center in Burton. For more information, contact Sheila Shegos at 810.232.9950 ext. 222.

• Help us put Hope in a Box for those in need. Everyday items needed are toiletries and cleaning items, which aren’t covered by Bridge cards or other forms of assistance. Groups, businesses or organizations can help Catholic Charites provide those things to individuals and families in need. To donate, call Amy at 810.232.9950, ext.143 CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW, CSSWASHTENAW.ORG or 734.971.9781 • Interested in becoming a foster parent? Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County offers foster care for children who have been separated from their birth families for reasons of abuse and/or neglect. For more information, please join us for one of our upcoming orientation meetings: Sept. 8, 5:308:30 p.m. or Sept. 22, 9 a.m.-noon at 4925 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor. For information or to RSVP, please call 734.971.9781, ext.

448. There are no fees associated with becoming a licensed foster parent.

materials are provided at no cost and child care is available. For more information, call 888.456.HOPE or nic@resurrectionlansing.org.

Divorced and remarried facilitator training: The diocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life will have a 12-week training for divorced and remarried facilitators. The training will be held at: St. Andrew, Saline, Aug. 11 to Oct. 20, 7-9 p.m., 734.429.5210; St. John the Evangelist, Fenton, Sept. 1, 2016, to Jan. 26, 2017, 7-9 p.m., 734.429.5210; Diocesan Center, Lansing, Sept. 4 to Nov. 20, 6-8 p.m., 517.342.2471; and St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, Sept. 19 to Dec. 5, 7-9 p.m., 734.769.2550. For information, contact Richard Budd, director, Office of Marriage and Family Life, at 517.342.2471 or rbudd@ dioceseoflansing.org.

We Run for Flint virtual race: The We Run for Flint virtual race was created by Beth Kline-Markesino to help the Flint community during their water crisis and benefits the Catholic Charities of Flint. There are no race deadlines, time is flexible and you can run anytime and anywhere.

The race fee of $25 includes the finisher’s medal, downloadable race bib, coupons, snack and shipping.

For more information, visit www. racesforawareness.com/shop/ virtual-races/flint/.

SPECIAL NEEDS MASS Sept. 11, 2 p.m., at St. Casimir, 815 Sparrow Ave. Lansing, followed by light refreshments – all religions are Welcome!

Please RSVP by Sept. 6 to Cathy Blatnik at lcblatnik@ juno.com or 517.381.1410.

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•C ooking for a Cause 2016: Join CSSW Oct. 2, 4-7:30 p.m. at The Valley at Frutig Farms, 7650 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor, as professional chefs from 10 restaurants team up with community leaders to create delicious cuisine to win the title of “Top Chef Team.” Enjoy food, cocktails, a live auction and raffle; all proceeds benefit CSSW programs and services. Cost is $150 per person. For information or to RSVP, 734.926.0153 or csswashtenaw.org/2016cookingforacause.

• CSSW will sponsor two We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes for engaged couples on Sept. 9-10 and Oct. 7-8.

Please call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org for registration information.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, WWW.STVCC.ORG or 517.323.4734 • Sept. 28, 7:30-9 a.m., St. Vincent Catholic Charities Guardian Society fundraising breakfast at Eagle Eye Golf Club, 15500 Chandler Rd., Bath. This event will include inspirational true life stories of hope and courage from children and families it serves.

Attendance is free. Event sponsored by McLaren Greater Lansing.

• The first and third Tuesday of every month, St. Vincent Catholic Charities hosts foster parent information sessions. If you have ever considered helping a child in need through foster care or adoption, we encourage you to attend an upcoming information session. It is both cost-free and commitment-free and will address common myths and concerns of prospective foster parents. To RSVP, contact Stephanie Stanley at 517.323.4734, ext. 1601 or at stanles@stvcc.org.

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YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

REQUIESCAT IN PACE Rev. Andrew J. Dunne, O.S.F.S. passed away on July 23 at St. Luke's Hospital in Maumee, Ohio, at the age of 87. In 1972, he was appointed associate pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Michigan Center, before becoming pastor in 1974.

He served the good people of that parish for 34 years. During his tenure, he oversaw the parish's Catholic elementary school and the construction of a new church.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

WELCOME BASKETS FOR MIGRANTS AT BURMA FARM SHARE YOUR NEWS SEND YOUR LOCAL NEWS STORIES TO EDITORIAL@ FAITHPUB.COM

Deacons and parishioners from Catholic parishes in the Livingston Vicariate met the first week of July at St. Mary Parish, Pinckney to prepare 111 Welcome Baskets for migrant employees and their families who have been living and working at the Burma Farm in Gregory for several months during this farming season.

The parishes contributed basic household needs.

The effort was organized by Deacons Jerry Brennan, Randy Coffelt, Endre Doran and Dave Scharf, with the assistance of Livingston County parishioners and the staff of Livingston County Catholic Charities.

Dr. Edwin L. Novak, retired optometrist, Catholic deacon and civic leader, passed away peacefully June 11, 2016. Dr. Novak was an active member of St. John Vianney Parish, and all eight of his children attended school there. In 1995, he was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Lansing. He worked in parish ministry at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Burton and was the Catholic chaplain at the Genesee County Jail. A memorial service honoring his life will be held at a future date in Flint.

FLINT FEST

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M. FRIESEMAN

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M. FRIESEMAN

The Catholic Community of Flint, as part of the Faith in Flint initiative, hosted a summer festival on June 24, akin to a tent revival, at Powers Catholic High School. Parishioners from the various churches in the city were invited, and it was an opportunity to gather together across typical parish lines, pray and be exhorted in the faith and common mission in the city. Leading up to the event was a mission for the churches, which was preached by Richard Lane, a Catholic lay evangelist.

The local Knights of Columbus graciously pulled together hot dogs and beverages. In addition, there was a puppet show for children; beautiful worship and testimony from some friends at a local Nazarene congregation; a Liturgy of the Word and encouraging homily from Bishop Boyea; and a closing exhortation and call to service and discipleship from Richard Lane. Close to 200 people attended. The event was a blessed and helpful step in the right direction – down the ongoing path of growth in faith, hope and charity – in the city of Flint, which needs the Lord’s presence and the generous commitment and service of his holy people.

PARISHIONER CREATES ABBEY FOR GRANDCHILDREN Barb Mathias, who attends Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson, wished to help with faith formation for her grandchildren, so she created a miniature abbey set with 52 saint figures, a chapel, refectory and gardens, all hand-decorated.

Inspired by some sets created by homeschooling mothers, Barb made her own abbey in order to give children “a feel for the joy and beauty of living in God's presence.” After three months of research, work and – above all – prayer, her abbey was complete.

“A lot of things in your childhood really form you, and my hope is that playing with the saints and the abbey will inspire vocations of all sorts in my grandchildren,” says Barb. “When I was at Mass as a little kid, I had no clue what they were doing. I think when you roleplay the Mass, it makes you more attentive.

Now, Barb watches as her grandchildren are introduced to religious life and Catholics symbols through the abbey.

“They love it,” she says. “When they come over, they ask to play with it and they ask lots of questions.”

Barb says the project has enriched her own faith life. In researching the saints to create her smiling saint figures, she found inspiration in the stories of many holy men and women. – Sydney Schneider

KNIGHTS OF PETER CLAVER HOST BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION IN FLINT The Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, Unit 90, hosted a Black History Celebration at Christ the King Church recently. Father Philip Schmitter welcomed 125 attendees, who enjoyed a soul food dinner. The celebration culminated with prayer and the singing of the African-American national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

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CREDITS

INSIDE:

DO YOU HAVE A LOVED ONE WHO HAS LEFT THE CHURCH? We have something for you!

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE:

DO I REALLY HAVE TO TALK ABOUT JESUS?

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

PLUS:

FAITHFEST 16 One of the largest events in the history of our diocese

SEPTEMBER 2016 VOLUME 16: ISSUE 7 1

www.FAITHpub.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

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EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

Pope Francis is greeted by the faithful at Blonia Park during World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland

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FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish.

Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2015 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

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JULY 22 MARKED FIRST FEAST OF ST. MARY MAGDALENE On July 22, the Church celebrated the first feast day of St. Mary Magdalene after Pope Francis elevated her day of memorial to the level of feast day. The pope wanted to honor the woman “who so loved Christ and was so greatly loved by Christ.”

Pope Francis maintained a busy schedule during his fiveday visit to Poland for World Youth Day, July 27-31. The theme of the 2016 event was “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.” After meeting with Polish bishops, the pope traveled to Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp, and visited the cell of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan monk who gave up his life so another prisoner could live. The pontiff prayed in silence at the camp.

At the welcoming ceremony for World Youth Day Pope Francis said, “When Jesus touches a young person’s heart, he or she becomes capable of truly great things.” He also passed through the Holy Door at the Divine Mercy Shrine in Krakow, and celebrated Mass at the Sanctuary of St. John Paul II. At the closing Mass on July 31, the pope spoke about the Gospel story of Zacchaeus, and told more than one million young people that the obstacles that Zacchaeus overcame should “say something to us.” He continued, “Even today we can risk not getting close to Jesus because we don’t feel big enough, because we don’t think ourselves worthy.”

He reminded the crowd: “[God] demands of us real courage: the courage to be more powerful than evil by loving everyone, even our enemies.”

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SAINT OF THE MONTH

D

EVOTED TO CHRIST FROM HIS CHILDHOOD in Italy, where he was baptized Francesco Forgione, St. Padre Pio became a Capuchin friar at age 15. Five years after he entered the priesthood, shortly after the dawn of World War I, Padre Pio was called into military service. His service was shortlived, however, because of severe illness.

Feast day: September 23

DID YOU KNOW?

St. Padre Pio is said to have experienced the stigmata, painful marks in the same location as the wounds Christ received during his crucifixion.

The Church is our home for FORGIVENESS A

llow me to take this opportunity to tell you how important you are in the plan of God.

People who have left our Church, and people who are thinking of joining our Church, can be

Jesus loves you. It’s quite another thing to experience his Spirit-filled reality in holy Communion.

Your own experience of God’s love gives powerful witness to others who are searching for a close encounter with Christ. Jesus told us:

touched by your words and your life of faith.

Former Catholics speak of “coming home” when it comes to describing their journey back into the life of our Church. Protestant ministers who convert to Catholicism use the same phrase – “coming home” – when it comes to describing their studies of the early Church’s history, and their experience and newly acquired understanding of the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

For all who are entering, or re-entering, the life of our Church, two sacraments stand out among all other things. One is the sacrament of reconciliation and the other is the presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

Experiences can be shared, and this is where you are so important. Your testimony can have a profound effect on others – others who are seeking a renewed closeness to Jesus.

The powerful attractiveness of these two sacraments isn’t found in mere words. To be fully understood, they must be experienced, not just talked about. It’s one thing to be told that God forgives you. It’s quite another thing to personally experience God’s forgiveness in the sacrament of reconciliation. It’s one thing to be told that

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matt 5:14-16) In thinking about coming back home to the Catholic Church, one must first deal with this question: Is the Church here to please me or am I here to please Jesus? The Church’s mission is to bring us to Christ and to bring Christ to us. Hopefully, the Church will be attractive to us, but that is not its mission. Its mission is to bring Jesus Christ to us in his sacraments, and, in those sacramental encounters, to unite us in Christ, who takes us back home to our Father in heaven.

You and I need to remind ourselves that the Church is God’s gift to us. To be sure, it has been marred by our human failings, but it remains what it is: the home in which we can all find love and forgiveness. And it is the home in which our humanity can be joined into Christ’s humanity, and brought back home to our Father in heaven.

LAST WORD

T. Gennara

ST. PADRE PIO Leading others to God’s healing mercy

When he returned, St. Padre Pio became a spiritual director. His five rules for spiritual growth were meditation, examination of conscience, spiritual reading, weekly confession and daily Communion. He is best known for his role as a confessor. Thousands of people traveled to him from across the world for the sacrament of reconciliation. It is said that he spent up to 16 hours each day in the confessional. He helped people who came to him receive God’s mercy and resolve to make permanent changes in their lives.

St. Padre Pio was plagued by various illnesses throughout his life. Instead of despairing over his suffering, though, he offered the pain to Christ and continued to say Mass daily. He remained popular throughout his life, and after his death in 1968, more than 100,000 people attended his funeral. He was made a saint in 2002 by St. John Paul II.

FATHER CHARLES IRVIN

is the founding editor of FAITH Magazine and is retired.

In thinking about coming back home to the Catholic Church, one must first deal with this question: Is the Church here to please me or am I here to please Jesus?”

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A N N U A L E V A N G E L I Z A T I O N A P P E A L

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