September 2017

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N SEPTEMBER 13, Bishop Earl will celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of his episcopal ordination. He was first named an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and in 2008, was installed as the Bishop of Lansing.

Usually, Bishop Boyea writes a column in this space — and this year, that column was named Best Column by a Bishop in a Diocesan Magazine at the Catholic Media Conference in Quebec.

FAITH sat down with Bishop Boyea and asked him to reflect on his years as a bishop.

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Fifteen years in, what advice would you give your younger self about being a bishop?

I have to say that, originally, I didn’t want to be a bishop.

I felt this wasn’t my forte. So I would tell my younger self that God’s grace provides in our weaknesses.

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What do you love about being a priest? What do you love about being a bishop?

As a priest, I love most celebrating the Mass and preaching. I’ve always liked being a teacher, and so sometimes priests and seminarians have teased me about my homilies — they say they would like academic credit for sitting through them!

And I love being surrounded by so many faithfilled people — the clergy, religious and laity of our diocese, and the staff in the curia. This is an amazing group of people who are touched by the Holy Spirit.

It’s a blessing for me as a bishop.

1. Father Earl Boyea at his ordination to the priesthood

by Bishop Joseph Imesch.

2. Cardinal Adam Maida shares a congratulatory moment with his new auxiliary bishop.

3. Bishop Boyea administers the sacrament of confirmation.

4. Bishop Boyea addresses the first diocesan assembly in 2014.

DON QUILLAN

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TOM GENNARA

What has been your biggest joy as a bishop?

The biggest joy has been the Announce the Gospel initiative and our assemblies. I’ve been moved by the great blessing of many people who have taken charge of this, and who made it happen through God’s grace.

I believe it’s the most important thing we’ve done in the diocese.

What are your biggest challenges as a bishop?

The biggest challenge is having enough priests. We have very fine priests, but they are stretched pretty thin. But I believe God will provide.

How has your vision for the Diocese of Lansing evolved over the years since you have been here?

When I arrived, I knew the diocese was in very good shape. At that point, my motto was, “Do no harm.” I’ve been challenged by others, and by the Holy Spirit, to strive for more than just being content — to advance the mission. It’s taken a lot of energy, but I believe we are following the lead of the Holy Spirit, and we are seeing great fruit.

In your 2012 pastoral letter, Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord, you talked about building up the Household of Faith here in Lansing. How have the two diocesan assemblies strengthened the mission you set forth in your letter?

The first assembly in 2014 had a great impact on the priests, deacons and ministry class. People have attempted many things to energize parishes and bring in new folks. After the second assembly, I think it’s been harder to implement bringing back the lost sheep. People are praying about it, but all the ministry leaders are aware of it. We’re praying about it, more than we were 10 years ago.

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How can Catholics talk about Jesus Christ to others?

The best way to talk about Jesus to other people is first to love them. It has to be concrete — joy-filled and service-oriented. If we love the Lord, serve people and are joyous, it will come naturally to talk about him. It is because he is so important to us that we can talk about him to others.

What makes the Diocese of Lansing special?

The presbyterate. We have great priests, and we all 4

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2. Bishop Boyea speaks at the press conference announcing the Faith in Flint initiative of the Diocese of Lansing.

3. Bishop Boyea receives the final vows of the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist.

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DON QUILLAN

What moved you to introduce Faith in Flint? What have been its fruits?

It’s still too early to determine fruits. That began with a dream I had of having priests live and work together in a missionary sense. With retirements in Flint, I was able to implement that dream. This initiative has raised awareness of the situation in Flint with people all across the Diocese of Lansing, and they understand its importance.

1. Bishop Boyea celebrates a Catholic Schools Mass at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing.

DON QUILLAN

Tell us about the school scholarship plan.

One of my chief concerns is to promote Catholic education. It is wonderful that our parishes agreed to support all of our schools by contributing three percent of their Sunday collections. Our capital campaign will help with that, as well. The great thing is that all of our parishes are involved in promoting Catholic education.

DON QUILLAN

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get along well, which makes my life as a bishop more pleasant.

We’re also incredibly blessed with three women’s communities in the diocese: the Adrian Dominicans, who have served here for a very long time; the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, who bring me a special joy — very few bishops get to receive final vows every year, and I’ve done it for five to eight sisters each year since I’ve been here; and the Servants of God’s Love, who are a group of wonderful, Spirit-filled women.

Our beautiful retreat center provides such incredible services to enrich the lives of all our people.

And FAITH Catholic. Who else has such a group of creative, faith-filled people who want nothing more than to spread the Gospel? Through FAITH Catholic, we are blessed to be able to spread the Gospel in other dioceses.

Tell us about the increased financial scrutiny procedures you have introduced in the Diocese of Lansing.

We had two incidents recently of embezzlement, which were discovered because we had already implemented a more systematic, regular auditing.

This has led to a need for greater oversight of parish finances, and particularly a renewed involvement of the parish finance councils.

TOM GENNARA

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What is your role at the USCCB? My principal role is as a member of the Committee of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. My primary work is to liaise with seminaries. I am currently chairing a subcommittee for the revision of the program for priestly formation, which governs how seminaries are run in the U.S. Tell us about ordaining priests.

One of the great highlights of my life as a bishop is to ordain new priests for the service of our diocese. I do see myself as father and brother to them. And that carries over into the annual Chrism Mass, where I specifically address the priests. Those two events are closely connected for me — and ordinations of the deacons are also connected to that. For me, this handing on of the ministry and its meaning to others is vital.

One specific joy was to preach at Bishop Raica’s ordination as bishop of Gaylord. Bishop Raica was the chancellor for our diocese for many years, and being part of his ordination was very meaningful.

What is the significance of our diocesan campaign, Witness to Hope?

I have wanted to do a Capital Campaign since I came — primarily because we have never done one. I believe it is formative for stewardship, and will help strengthen our parishes. Strong parishes mean a strong diocese.

1. Bishops Boyea, Murray and Mengeling at the ordination of Bishop Steven Raica.

2. 2017 Ordination Mass at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing.

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TOM GENNARA

TOM GENNARA

TOM GENNARA

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It will help us achieve some of the goals we’ve set for the diocese during the assemblies.

Besides your episcopal anniversaries, you have another anniversary coming up, don’t you?

Yes, the 40th anniversary of priesthood ordination is on May 20, which is the 67th anniversary of my baptism.

3. Bishops Boyea and Mengeling after Bishop Boyea’s appointment as Bishop of Lansing.

4. Bishop Boyea celebrating his first Mass as the Bishop of Lansing.

5. Earl Boyea was baptized May 20, 1951, exactly 27 years prior to his priestly ordination.

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Visit DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG to write a message to Bishop Boyea and offer a spiritual bouquet

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FROM THE EDITOR

ENRICH YOUR PARISH BY SHARING YOUR GIFTS AND TALENTS

H

OW IS IT POSSIBLE that it’s already September? It seems to me that just a few days ago it was Easter, and Memorial Day was just around the corner. However, looking at the calendar it is indeed September. School has resumed for a new academic year and we are speeding quickly toward the lovely days of autumn.

T.Gennera

As we make our way into September, it is likely that many of our parish communities are entering into the annual ritual of the time and talent survey. In many cases, this involves circulating a form that permits parishioners to indicate a ministry or program that they feel called to, or in which they are interested. Some may even feel called FATHER to more than one potential ministry or parish program. Hopefully, if DWIGHT EZOP all goes well, the time and talent survey is a means to help connect is the editor of parishioners with the fabric of parish life that takes place each day FAITH Magazine of the week, helping them to become involved in their parish beyond and pastor of Sunday Mass. In some parishes, this process may take a slightly St. Mary Parish, different form, being called a ministry fair or a welcome weekend.

Charlotte and Whatever the name or process, the desire is usually the same – a St. Ann Church, process by which needs and willingness to serve are connected.

Bellevue Over the next few years, this process will be critically important as Email: editor@ we reach a time of generational transition. By this I mean that the many FAITHpub.com. dedicated older parishioners – who at one time were dedicated young parishioners – are reaching a point where they wish to slow down just a bit. In a sense, this is as it should be, and at the same time it poses a challenge for many of our parish communities. Who will step forward in order to assure that parish ministries and programs continue to grow and flourish?

One of the beautiful aspects of parish life that has flowed out of the vision of the Second Vatican Council is that our parish communities now offer a wide variety of opportunities for people to grow in faith, to offer service within the life of the parish, and to serve the larger community that exists beyond the boundaries of parish. Ministries that support small faith sharing groups, Scripture study, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a variety of catechetical and liturgical ministries, youth and young adult ministry, marriage preparation and enrichment programs, parish food pantries and St. Vincent de Paul chapters, and so much more depend on the active interest and involvement of many volunteers of all ages.

The growing challenge that faces many parish communities is the challenge of making sure that younger people respond consistently to God’s call to serve in these ministries that enrich and enliven our parish communities on Sundays and every other day of the week.

As we enter into this time of year that sees the resumption of a host of parish programs and ministries, I encourage you to think seriously about how God may be calling you to put your gifts and skills to work to support the life of your parish community. Make sure to respond to that call. At the same time, if you think someone has the right skills and gifts to put to use in a parish ministry, invite and encourage them to do so. Often, an invitation may be all that is required. Make sure to extend that invitation and encouragement.

This process of call and response is not something to take lightly. The rich life of our parish communities is a shared responsibility. The pastor and parish staff members have roles to play, as do parish councils and commissions. The truth is that each of us has a responsibility to do what we can to share our God-given gifts in their many forms, so that our parish communities continue to grow and flourish as places of worship, growth in faith, and service. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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FAITH HELPS

DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Parenting Journey • What are some non-emotional and non-judgmental ways you can be the “pencil in God’s hand” while you speak to your children about faith in their moments of doubt?

Marriage Matters • How can you and your spouse find ways to appear as a “united front” to your children, despite conflicting work and travel schedules?

Spiritual Fitness • Has there been a specific time in your life when you consciously had to restrain from complaining about something, and instead sought out God’s help?

Theology 101 • Do you ever struggle to “hear” God’s voice in prayer? How can you go about seeking the inner silence to which Mother Teresa refers?

Cover story • Have you ever been surprised by the power of a prayer or discipleship group? Have you felt your faith strengthened? Have you felt closer to God?

Feature: Ethan Ruhland • In what ways does your faith help to strengthen your professional life and guide your career?

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

INSIDE SEPTEMBER

COVER STORY IN CHRISTIAN FAMILY MOVEMENT BRIAN AND MARY ANN LEARNED TO ‘STEP OUT IN FAITH AND TRUST GOD’ P. 16

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P. 20

YOUR LIFE

8 parenting journey My daughter says she no longer believes in God

9 marriage matters

She says: ‘I’m tired of being the disciplinarian.’ He says: ‘I want to be the fun parent’ What do they do?

work life y boss is demanding and M unpredictable

10 goodlife I want to support my friends who are having marriage troubles

P. 22

YOUR FAITH

11 spiritual fitness

Lectio Divina – Praying through the year with Scripture

12 in the know with Father Joe I feel so distracted at Mass

14 theology 101 What do you say when …

A friend has tried praying and listening to God, but hears nothing?

YOUR STORIES

20 my story After participating in a Called and Gifted workshop, Meghan’s work brings her ‘personal peace and joy’

FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

22 my story From ‘Faith, family and football’ to medical student

PLUS

30 FaithFest17

Happy Anniversary, Bishop Boyea!

P. 2

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YOUR LIFE

MY DAUGHTER SAYS SHE

NO LONGER BELIEVES IN GOD GETTY IMAGES

Q

After graduation from college, my daughter told me she no longer believes in God. What can I say to her that will help

her think more deeply about this decision?

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BE AN OPEN LISTENER. Perhaps the biggest challenge is to avoid becoming emotionally charged as your daughter explains her beliefs. Responding in a defensive way or with angry retorts cuts off communication about faith. Faith cannot be forced on others. Instead, encourage open dialogue which adds depth to your conversations.

Try to understand the process 8

that led her to declare her disbelief in God. DRAWING NEAR TO GOD. Does your daughter make loving life choices? Pope Francis, in his encyclical Lumen Fidei, writes that “Anyone who sets off on the path of doing good to others is already drawing near to God, is already sustained by his help, for it is characteristic of the

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divine light to brighten our eyes whenever we walk towards the fullness of love.” Draw comfort from the good she does for others even though you don’t understand her spiritual journey.

PRAY THAT YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH YOUR DAUGHTER REFLECT GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR RELATIONSHIP. While in Rome in 1979, Mother Teresa gave a speech saying, “Very often I feel like a little pencil in God’s hands. He does the writing, he does the thinking, he does the movement, I have only to be the pencil.” Focus on the way that your daughter’s path is one of goodness toward others.

Ask the Spirit to shepherd your life so that you become a little pencil guiding your daughter toward the fullness of love.

PARENTING JOURNEY

T. GENNARA

Each of us has a unique relationship with God, the depths of which cannot be perceived by others. St. Teresa of Calcutta, for example, was known to the world for her smile of comfort and warmth as she served the poor with endless compassion. Yet her private letters reveal that she experienced the dark night of the soul: “In my heart there is no faith – no love - no trust - there is so much pain – the pain of longing, the pain of not being wanted. – I want God with all the powers of my soul – and yet there between us – there is terrible separation…” It must have been painful for her confessor, Father Lawrence Picachy, to read those words, just as it was painful for you as your daughter spoke. Keep in mind that our loving God is immersed in our spiritual journeys.

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

HE SAYS:

‘I’m tired of being the disciplinarian’

‘I want to be the fun parent’

Jason travels a lot for work, which means I am often acting as a “single parent.” When he comes home, all the rules go out the window and it’s like a vacation for the kids. My son told me he likes his dad better than me because “Dad is more fun!” I need some changes.

Sherry is making a mountain out of a molehill. My job is stressful and I’m away a lot. When I come home, I don’t want to spend my time disciplining the kids and enforcing bedtimes. I want to build happy memories with them – not having a version of my “wait ‘til your father gets home!” childhood.

IT’S TOUGH TO BE A PARENT who travels for work or is in the military. You can feel WHAT DO as if you’re missing a huge chunk of your THEY DO? children’s lives. It’s not surprising Jason wants to pack all the fun into his short time at home. But it’s also tough to be the parent who slogs through the daily grind of raising children, especially when you’re the sole disciplinarian.

YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS

Not surprisingly, the first step for Jason and Sherry is talking. They are a partnership – and it’s important that their kids see them as a unified front. Neither parent needs to be the “bad guy,” nor does only one get to be the “fun parent.” They should discuss rules they think are reasonable and beneficial for their children to follow, regardless of who is home.

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YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

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SHE SAYS:

Here is where technology is a blessing. Use Skype when Jason is on the road, so that he can talk with the children regularly. He can bring along a copy of a favorite book to read their bedtime stories, ask about their school days, and also engage in any necessary discipline. That way, Sherry is supported, and the kids know both parents are on the same team.

When Jason is home, plan some fun activities as a family – trips to the zoo, picnics, movies. Having everybody involved builds relationships and happy memories. Occasional relaxation of rules about bedtime or sweets can be a special treat, as long as both parents agree.

Remember, as parents, you are the first education of your children. (CCC 1653) One of the most important things you can teach them is the beauty of a happy marriage and strong family.

It’s natural to start obsessing over a bad boss. You must control your thought life or your thought life will control you. It’s a battle, and these disciplines can help:

My boss is demanding and unpredictable

•A t the outset of each day, use your forethought to imagine every positive engagement or task. Take a moment to savor the associated good emotion.

Q

• Consciously focus on your work itself throughout the day – how you are meeting and overcoming each challenge. “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men.” (Col 3:23)

I love my job and earn a great living, but my

•M ake a list of all the plusses of your job that you take for granted. Be very specific – the lighting, temperature, good technology, a co-worker, etc.

new boss is demanding and unpredictable. He’s starting to dominate my thoughts and emotions. What can I do?

•S tart your day with mental prayer and end your day with thanksgiving. Pray for the peace of Christ which surpasses all understanding.

•W hen you have a bad encounter with your boss, immediately pray for resilience – a fantastic human virtue that is perfected by desire, grace and practice.

T. GENNARA

JIM BERLUCCHI

is the executive director of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership.

• Keep it light. As much as possible, stir up a sense of humor. It’s OK to let off steam with a friend as long as that’s the intent, and not complaining or slandering your boss.

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YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE

I want to support my friends who are having

MARRIAGE TROUBLES

Y

OUR HEART IS HEAVY with the needs of your

friends. Their marriage is suffering and you want to help – but where do you begin?

1. Ask what they need. Ask what kind of support they’d like – if any. They may not be ready.

Don’t jump in before asking where they need you.

2. Be prayerfully present.

Sometimes the best support comes through prayer and prayer alone. If your friends are not asking for your suggestions, it may do more harm to give them your two cents. Be a listening ear without becoming an illadvised mouthpiece. Pray that the Holy Spirit gives you the words when your friends have hearts ready to hear.

3. Don’t rely on religious platitudes when giving advice. If they are Christians, they are more than familiar with 1 Corinthians 13 – Love is patient, love is kind … When hearts and souls are hurting and vulnerable, this type of “reminder” can sound the same as judgment. But you can and should encourage the couple to find comfort and guidance in scripture.

4. Encourage a conversation with their priest or pastor.

We like to believe we know the best way to handle things – when we are on the outside of the issue. However, each relationship is different and it’s hard not to project our own challenges onto someone else’s. This is why a priest or pastor is usually the best sounding board.

Pray. Be present. Pray.

Encourage conversation with their priest. Pray again. See a pattern?

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BY CYNTHIA KAAN

YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS

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N THE OLD TESTAMENT PASSAGE which is referenced in the Gospel, the people of Israel

give us a vivid example of human shortsightedness, selfishness and the frequent tendency to complain.

Granted, the circumstances they face are difficult, but God has been leading them out – away from Pharaoh, from the backbreaking labor, from the cruelty of their taskmasters. All the Israelites can see is what is wrong, however; serious problems confront them on every side, and instead of turning to God, they give in to complaining. They finally do one very wise thing – they beg Moses to pray for them to God. The Brazen Serpent,

by Sir Anthony van Dyck

LECTIO DIVINA

Praying through the year with Scripture GOSPEL FOR SEPT. 14 – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross New Testament – Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to

heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. (Jn 3:13-17)

SISTER ANN SHIELDS

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

T. Gennara

Old Testament – With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!”

In punishment the Lord sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the Lord and you. Pray the Lord to take the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live.” Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. (Nm 21:4B-9)

So, again, out of mercy, God hears Moses’ prayer.

Notice that Moses is being attacked by the people on every side, but, instead of accusing them of their weaknesses, Moses prays, and God answers.

God instructs Moses to make an image of a fiery serpent, and to set it on a pole so all the people can see it. God tells Moses that anyone who has been bitten who looks at the bronze serpent will live! This image is the forerunner of the power of the cross on which Jesus died.

Sept. 14 is the feast of the Triumph of the Cross.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave his own life for each of us, so that when we gaze upon the crucifix, and thank him for his willingness to die for us, and repent of our own selfishness and sin, we will know the power of the cross. We will know the grace of the power of the suffering and death of Christ that heals and sets us free for all eternity. Christ’s life and death, and our faith in his life and death on our behalf – given for each of us – represent our lifeline to eternal happiness.

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us grow in gratitude for what God has done for us. Ask for greater faith – that we may believe that God, in Christ, goes before us to prepare a place for us for all eternity. The power of the cross will triumph in each of our lives and begin to reveal to us what God is preparing for those who love him. It is not a fairy tale! It is the Good News!

Not just for today, but for forever.

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YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FR. JOE

I FEEL SO

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DISTRACTED AT MASS Q

DEAR FATHER JOE: Sometimes, there are so many distractions at Mass that I can’t concentrate. It’s really frustrating – what can I do?

T. Gennara

A FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

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I love this question because I assure you, that as I am the poster child for ADD, I may be able to offer some help here. Let’s get to it.

First, I want to look at the idea of distractions as normal. After that, I’m going to look at some of the common reasons we are distracted and offer some advice as to how to deal with them.

So … distractions. Sometimes, I think we make it harder on ourselves because we interpret inconvenience or struggles with the idea that something is wrong with the situation. For myself, I’ve learned to see inconvenience and struggle as a sign that something may be wrong with me, not the situation.

To be distracted is a normal experience for humans. We were created with a hunger to know and, because of that, our mind is always looking about to “know more.” This is a gift, but like most

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gifts, our task is to ask God to refine it and hone it so that we use it well. Our curiosity does not always need to be satisfied.

Don’t panic or fall into anger when you get distracted – simply acknowledge the distraction and push on with your communal prayer. If you allow anger in, or if you are surprised that you were distracted, you’ll stay in that place. Instead, recognize what’s happening and then turn your mind back to the Mass.

So, with that in mind, let’s look at some distractions that people talk to me about and see if I can’t offer some help.

LOUD KIDS This is the most common thing I hear about, and it’s something I talk about often. As a priest, I’m blessed to hear about it from both sides: parishioners who are angry at children being loud and parents who are mortified and embarrassed at their children’s behavior at Mass.

So, what do we do? I’ll start with the parent who feels shame at the noise their kids make at Mass.

Let it go. In the name of Jesus, let that shame go.

You are giving your parish community a gift: the gift of presence, the gift of right priority, the gift of life. Your children are, first and foremost, children of God – and we are so grateful they are here. Kids make noise. Kids wiggle. Kids cry, laugh and make all sorts of sounds, and that is what they are supposed to do. I invite you, I beg you, please do not feel like a burden or a distraction. If you sense something in your heart that says you are a problem or distraction and feel you shouldn’t be at church, you need to rebuke that: it’s not from Christ. If someone gives you a dirty look or, God forbid, chastises you, they are not an ambassador of Christ, they are from the other side of the equation. It may be that you feel called to step into the vestibule or out of the area because things are out of hand. Feel free to go ahead and do so but please come back and know that you are welcome back.

For those of you distracted by kids at Mass, I need to tell you – the hard stares and the dirty looks hurt. Please don’t do that. If the parent could ‘make their kid not do that,’ they would. When we glare at people, when we sigh dramatically and make sure parents know how pained we are, we drive new life away from our Church.

So, with that in mind, here is our challenge. Please, I invite us all to respond to the perception of being distracted by praying and/or offering to help. Pray that God bless these parents for making the holy and loving choice to raise their children with faith.

Pray that your heart and mind remember how hard it must be to feel like a burden to others. Pray that

God bless us with more kids in our parish family.

Pray that you will be patient. In terms of action, thank those parents. Welcome them. Let them know that we are blessed by their presence.

TROUBLES IN OUR LIVES This is a big distraction. The daily grind and wounds of life are baggage we carry into church. It’s not uncommon that we sit there and rehash “that conversation,” and think about how we are going to respond to our difficult circumstances, etc. This is normal. I have a very simple method of dealing with it: I take each instance of this kind of distraction as an invitation to prayer. If I’m thinking of family troubles, I say to God, “I give my family to you.” If I’m distracted by parish troubles, I say “I give my Parish Family to you,” etc. No matter what pain or worry pops up, I simply say, “Jesus, I give this to you.”

Wash, rinse, repeat as many times as necessary.

MUSIC People find themselves distracted by music that they perceive not to be “good” or music perceived not to be “done well.” In these instances, pray to hear the person or instrument as God hears them.

It will blow you away how much God loves our best effort, even when it seems a bumbling or bad effort.

PRIEST I know my tribe can unintentionally be a distraction. Some of us are not the best preachers.

Some of us are having bad days and making you pay for it. Some of us aren’t following the rules properly, or are praying in a voice that is grating to you.

Please respond to this invitation with prayer for us.

We are not all gifted in the 1,000 areas people would like us to be gifted in. If you are distracted by your priest, pray for him. And pray for the grace to let go of what you are not called to control, if, deep in your heart, you know that is the root of the problem.

I’m almost out of room, so allow me to summarize.

Some of our struggle can be slowly healed when we ask God to heal our narcissism. Keep in mind, the Mass is not about you. You may want a perfect liturgy, you may want perfect kids there, it may be that you want perfect music and a perfect priest, but what you want is not important, nor possible. What is of paramount importance is what Jesus wants. And Jesus does not seem as obsessed with perfect kids, perfect circumstances, perfect order, ideological comfort and neatness as we are. What he wants is people to come to him, especially his children, so that we can find the joy and sense of wholeness that comes from worshipping our God and being loved by him.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

Don’t panic or fall into anger when you get distracted – simply acknowledge the distraction and push on with your communal prayer.”

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In 2017, Theology 101 is focusing on the topic of evangelization. Specifically, the task is to offer some ways of approaching various questions Catholics may encounter from co-workers, family and friends regarding the practice of the faith.

Of course, we must remember that nothing can replace the power of witnessing to the Good News through our own actions and words, combined with our willingness to accompany others on their faith journey.

THE QUESTION: A friend of mine said he’s tried praying and listening to God the way people have told him to do, but he hears nothing. What can I say?

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EXPLORING EXPECTATIONS

A FRIEND HAS TRIED PRAYING AND LISTENING TO GOD, BUT HEARS NOTHING? 14

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S. OLSON

What do you say when …

A natural first step in responding to the friend’s statement would be to explore the friend’s expectations. In other words, what does he want from prayer and how does he expect God to respond? In addition, where does he expect to discover God’s response? The answers to these types of questions can help inform a fuller and more helpful response.

It is always important to honestly examine our expectations from prayer. In this case, is the friend turning to prayer because he expects God will make him rich, famous, influential or powerful? Is he hoping God will affirm his desire to escape from relationships and/or situations that are painful or difficult – that he deems no longer desirable and beneficial to his self-fulfillment? Does he want God to ratify his decision to pursue a relationship with someone other than his spouse? To escape the demands and responsibilities of family life because they stand in the way of his dreams? Or to leave a job over boredom and dissatisfaction though it might be irresponsible to do so?

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.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN The point is that when we enter into prayer with such expectations, we can make it more difficult to hear God’s voice because we wait to hear only what we want to hear. St. Teresa of Calcutta explains that we cannot really listen if our hearts are full of other things. If our minds are preoccupied, we will not have the silence needed to actually listen.

St. Teresa encourages us to practice the following

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION Consider prayerfully reading the following Old Testament passage: During the time young Samuel was minister to the Lord under Eli, the word of the Lord was scarce and vision infrequent. One day Eli was asleep in his usual place. His eyes had lately grown so weak that he could not see. The lamp of God was not yet extinguished, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was. The Lord called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.” “I did not call you,” Eli answered. “Go back to sleep.” So he went back to sleep.

Again the Lord called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli. “Here I am,” he said. “You called me.” But he answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.”

Samuel did not yet recognize the Lord, since the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.” Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the Lord came and stood there, calling out as before: Samuel, Samuel! Samuel answered,

“Silence of the eyes, by seeking always the beauty and goodness of God everywhere …

Silence of the ears, by listening always to the voice of God and to the cry of the poor and the needy …

Silence of the tongue, by praising God and speaking the life-giving Word of God that is the truth, that enlightens and inspires, brings peace, hope and joy …

Silence of the mind, by opening it to the truth and knowledge of God in prayer and contemplation, like Mary who pondered the marvels of the Lord in her heart …

Silence of the heart, by loving God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength; loving one another as God loves …”

“Hearing” the voice of God calls for an attentiveness and openness to the unpredictable, to the uncertain. To approach prayer with the sincere intention to discern God’s voice opens up creation to us in a way that is impossible to describe. Every relationship, every activity, every

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1.

What lessons are contained in this passage about hearing and recognizing the voice of God? 2.

How might this passage help you respond to the friend’s plight?

3.

What can this passage teach us about the importance of spiritual direction in discerning the voice of God?

thought, every spoken word is brought into an awareness centered on God and on what God is trying to communicate to us.

You might suggest to the friend that he place his prayer into conversation with the Word of God when seeking an answer. One way of doing this is through a process of theological reflection. For example, the friend could reflect on the heart of his prayer.

What is it that he is really seeking? Once identified, he could explore what Scripture and Tradition have to say regarding this heart in order to discern what God might have to say about it.

YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

EVANGELIZATION QUIZ Who said the following? To know the will of God three things are required – prayer, waiting, taking counsel.

A. St. John of the Cross B. St. John Bosco

C. St. Teresa of Avila D. Pope Gregory the Great Answer: (B) St. John Bosco

in order to attain that true inner silence which enables us to hear the voice of God:

“Speak, for your servant is listening.” The Lord said to Samuel: I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it ring. On that day I will carry out against Eli everything I have said about his house, beginning to end. I announce to him that I am condemning his house once and for all, because of this crime: though he knew his sons were blaspheming God, he did not reprove them. Therefore, I swear to Eli’s house: No sacrifice or offering will ever expiate its crime. Samuel then slept until morning, when he got up early and opened the doors of the temple of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision, but Eli called to him, “Samuel, my son!” He replied, “Here I am.” Then Eli asked, “What did he say to you? Hide nothing from me! May God do thus to you, and more, if you hide from me a single thing he told you.” So Samuel told him everything, and held nothing back. Eli answered, “It is the Lord. What is pleasing in the Lord’s sight, the Lord will do.” (1 Sm 3:1-18)

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IN 1989, AS PARENTS OF FOUR (SOON-TO-BE-FIVE) YOUNG CHILDREN, the busyness of their young family was taking its toll on the marriage of Brian and Mary Thelen.

When a bulletin announcement from St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor invited interested families to learn about the Christian Family Movement (CFM), Brian and Mary Ann decided to give it a try.

Mary Ann says, “Our marriage wasn’t perfect and I wasn’t excited to let anyone know that. CFM seemed like a safe alternative, since its focus wasn’t just on marriage, but on family. Its mission is to support Christ-centered marriage

and family and promote actions of love, service and education to improve society. Small groups of five to eight couples were opening their homes each month to talk about issues families deal with every day.

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

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YOUR STORIES

INTERESTED IN CFM? CONTACT MARY ANN (MATHELEN5@ GMAIL.COM) OR BRIAN (BJTHELEN@ GMAIL.COM) THELEN. TO CONTACT THE NATIONAL OFFICE OR TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CFM, VISIT WWW.CFM.ORG

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“Our discussions centered on themes presented in guidebooks carefully developed by CFM to include people at all life stages and circumstances. We explored the themes using the Jocist Method in which participants: •o bserve what is happening around the chosen topic or theme in our families, communities and in the world; • judge the circumstances in the light of the Gospel and Catholic social teaching; and • act in bold or simple ways as the Holy Spirit guides us to transform our own immediate situations, as well as those in larger society.

“We started going regularly to our small-group meetings, and actually considered it our date night. We were often surprised to hear each other’s thoughts as we talked about current issues affecting family, society and the world. These were important topics that affected all of us, but they weren’t the urgent things that regularly monopolized conversation at home.

“CFM discussions meet people where they are,” Brian continues. “Issues and topics are presented in the light of Christ’s teaching, but there is respect and compassion as people are free to explore their experiences honestly by sharing what’s on their minds. We have met people who are very different from ourselves, people from a variety of experiences

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

and ethnicities as well as income and education levels. We have made deep friendships and learned much from each other.”

Mary Ann adds, “In addition to the monthly discussions, groups usually meet other times to socialize. Entire families gather for fun and/or service projects like raking lawns for the elderly, baking pies at Thanksgiving for the needy or singing in nursing homes. Other times, CFM groups might do spiritual activities together such as prayer, Stations of the Cross or the living rosary.”

“I was a shy, small-town girl when we were first married,” Mary Ann admits. “My biggest role as a stay-at-home mom was to get my children, husband and myself to heaven. I was comfortable behind the scenes, but CFM made me stretch above and beyond what I would normally have done.

“For several years, members of our CFM group volunteered at a summer camp for at-risk families from New York City and Detroit. I found it a challenge to relate to people so different from me. One year, I was asked to make welcome signs.

As the bus pulled up to the camp entrance, I was comfortably standing behind my sign, wildly waving it back and forth for the arriving guests. I remember one of our CFM members running up to me. She said, ‘Drop that sign! Get over there and give them hugs and help them carry their things!’ Mary Ann laughs at the memory. “So I did, and I learned what it really means to welcome someone!

“We started going regularly to our small-group meetings, and actually considered it our date night.”

“Another year, this same woman had me driving her car behind a moving truck in Detroit to help a family who had lost their home. It was pushing me way beyond my comfort level,” Mary Ann pauses as her smile fades.

“But it made me different – more understanding.

I wanted to be different.”

Her voice cracks, “She changed me. I wonder if she knows how much.” She smiles softly at Brian through tears. “When our CFM families asked me to do these things and lead groups, they inspired me to think: ‘OK, they believe in me. They think I can do it, so maybe they’re right.’”

Brian smiles, “In a sadistic way, we’re getting to like going above and beyond our comfort zone!

When we step out in faith we’ve learned to trust God and say, ‘Come Holy Spirit.’ I’m always amazed at how God uses these things to touch others’ lives when we get out of ourselves. We’ve both come in contact with people who’ve made us better and have become our role models.”

“That’s true for all our family,” Mary Ann adds.

“Growing up, our children had a lot of experiences that were formational. Our oldest son is now a priest and our youngest daughter a religious sister. Our three middle children are married, and they joke that they are the meat of the religious sandwich. We believe a lot of the blessings on our children came through CFM. “And our life as a family is always evolving. Now that our children are grown, we share our experience by mentoring younger CFM families. And we learn from them and others about grand-parenting, parenting adult children and engaging in societal issues in general.”

Brian leans forward, “I think it’s really important for the Church to look for concrete ways to support families. They need to call something out of us

“Every time we stretch through CFM, we see the fruits in our own lives and in the lives of others.” for the growth to happen. Every time we stretch through CFM, we see the fruits in our own lives and in the lives of others … way more than we’ve put into it ourselves.

“CFM helps parishioners get to know each other, talk about things that matter and serve together.

Its members become lectors, ushers, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, small group leaders, catechists – and generally are inspired to serve where God might call.”

“It organically fosters leadership,” Mary Ann says.

“Growing in confidence, Brian and I felt God was asking us to share this blessing with others. Over the years, we have supported the formation of several groups in local parishes and throughout the diocese. At one point, someone from CFM invited us to help review a couple chapters of the topics for upcoming discussion guidebooks. This exposed us to the national level of the Christian Family Movement. We started meeting people dedicated to helping even more folks live as intentional Christian families. Now we serve as vice president couple of CFM-USA.” “We as Catholics think too small,” Brian exclaims.

“We need to think bigger! There is such a wealth of gifts that people have to share at every stage and circumstance in life. The Christian Family Movement has helped Mary Ann and me live our faith and strengthen our marriage since we answered that invitation in 1989. It could do the same for you.”

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YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY

After participating in a Called and Gifted workshop, Meghan’s work brings her

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‘PERSONAL PEACE AND JOY’ FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

1 PETER 4:10 READS, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” For Meghan Fiebelkorn, this verse is personal. It speaks directly to her. Because of her participation in a Called and Gifted workshop in early 2016, Meghan now has a new position at the parish where she works, and also leads Called and Gifted workshops for the diocese.

The discernment process, where I could ask the Lord what charisms I have, was fascinating and lifechanging. I learned to trust [that] I am to evangelize in a very particular way.”

UPCOMING CALLED AND GIFTED WORKSHOPS • Nov. 10-11, 2017: St. Patrick Parish, Brighton • March 16-17, 2018: St. Joseph Parish, Dexter • April 20-21, 2018: St. Mary Parish, Flint

Meghan says, “The work I do now is so energizing and brings me personal peace and joy. I feel more in tune to the movements of the Holy Spirit and transformed with understanding how I personally experience God’s love.”

Learning to identify personal spiritual gifts (also known as charisms), and how to use them in God’s service, is the goal of Called and Gifted, created by Sherry Weddell and Father Michael Sweeney of the Catherine of Siena Institute in Colorado Springs.

A few years ago, the Diocese of Lansing Office of Evangelization began to offer the program. This past year, the diocese has hosted several regional workshops in various locations. Now a presenter at the workshops, Meghan says, “The overwhelming majority of people find this a new experience in identifying how God has been empowering them throughout their life with specific tools and gifts.”

The Called and Gifted workshop, which runs about 10 hours over two days, is the beginning of a discernment process. During this workshop, a personal inventory is administered and 24 charisms are explored. The second step is a one-hour gifts interview that helps you look at patterns in your life that may indicate the presence of a charism, and offers the opportunity to recognize how God has been encouraging you all along. The final step in the discernment process is sharing your journey with others in small discipleship groups within the parish.

When Meghan and her coworkers participated in the workshop in 2016, she says: “I

was very excited to attend and found it provided a framework to certain things I had already been noticing and feeling. It gave me permission to confidently voice there are certain areas where I feel especially used by God. On the flip side, identifying areas I am not gifted in was also very freeing. The discernment process, where I could ask the Lord what charisms I have, was fascinating and life-changing.

I learned to trust [that] I am to evangelize in a very particular way.”

The discernment process for Meghan – her gifts interview, prayer, spiritual direction and feedback from others – resulted in a shift in her ministerial role. Before the workshop, Meghan was the office manager at her parish. After the workshop, Father Bill Ashbaugh encouraged her to pursue where her charisms directed her. Now Meghan’s responsibilities include Marriage Prep and leadership in the Called and Gifted Program, both at her parish and for the diocese.

She says: “We are all designed to complement each other, build each other up, affirm each other; it’s so empowering to understand God has uniquely created us to achieve that purpose. Though it is called a workshop, it really feels more like a retreat because it’s an encounter with a whole new paradigm of the Lord.

“I have a lot more gratitude for how God is working in my life.

Called and Gifted has shown me there is freedom in the awareness and understanding of why things fulfill or aggravate me. It’s given me permission to not feel guilty when something frustrates me; there is nothing wrong with not liking everything.”

And it isn’t just Meghan’s ministerial life that has benefited from the conscious recognition of specific charisms. Meghan’s husband also participated in a workshop. She is quick to relay how this process has been transformative to their marriage and other relationships as well: “It can’t help but permeate every aspect of life. I encourage people to realize it doesn’t necessarily translate into something immediately, but will reveal itself over a lifetime.”

The powerful second part of the workshop, the gifts interview, helps people do just that: identify God’s active participation in their past, present and future. Meghan says, “I feel so blessed and privileged to hear the marvelous ways God interacts in lives. I hear extraordinary stories where people assume similar things happen to everyone. I share with them this is how the Holy Spirit is distinctly interacting in their life, and it truly doesn’t happen to everybody.

To see that comprehension come alive in them is incredible. A number have commented, ‘Wow! The particulars of my life are all starting to make so much sense.’”

Meghan continues: “We need to be better at affirming each other’s giftedness and uniqueness, an area we are not normally comfortable with. One amazing part of the discernment process is doing just that.”

How would Meghan describe this to someone who has never participated in a workshop? She says, “Called and Gifted is not just information or theology.

It’s a discovery of how the Lord has blessed you with particular charisms, how the Lord loves you, and wants to draw you into a closer relationship. Participants walk away with a sense of direction. It is a key moment in their relationship with the Lord to know God has entrusted them with specific skills to build the kingdom. How beautiful is that!”

BY ROSE ROBERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

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YOUR STORIES MY STORY

FROM

‘FAITH, FAMILY AND FOOTBALL’ TO

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MEDICAL STUDENT

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2017 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

Ethan’s faith will now guide his medical practice

BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

E

than Ruhland lost all four grandparents in a nine-month period while he was in college.

While grieving, he began to doubt God’s love and presence. Yet from those days of questioning came a realization that God was, in fact, at work in his life. Ethan credits God’s grace through his grief, his then-girlfriend (now wife) Jacqueline’s prompting to go to Mass and his experience on the Michigan State football team for his renewed relationship with God. That relationship is now the driving force for him as a faithful Catholic, husband to Jacqueline, father to baby son Liam and physician – newly graduated from Michigan State’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

my interactions with my patients. As a believer, I am called to treat every person with respect and dignity.

God blesses us as scientists and physicians with tools to use to aid in healing, and there is trust that comes from knowing that.

“While God gives us these gifts, it is up to us to use them in ways they are meant to be used to respect the sanctity of life. It is a beautiful thing.

And those are just the physical things we can do, then you consider dealing with the person after they come out of surgery – who they are, their reaction to dealing with a traumatic event, their attitude, their spirituality – all which have a huge impact on their healing process. This is a reality that science cannot explain, but it is clear. We can measure chemicals in the brain and see that positivity is linked with better healing, but the basis of those feelings and that strength come from somewhere, and that’s where you see a beautiful undeniable blending of science and faith.

“Patients who find strength in their faith are able to keep a positive attitude especially during hard times, and even at the end of life. When they are rooted in faith, it makes a difference. I have had the opportunity to be with patients through the dying process, and the comfort that you witness in people who trust and know where they are going is a beautiful thing to experience.

“I may only meet a patient once, so I need to consider how I can positively affect their life in one meeting. It’s because of science that I have the opportunity, but it is because of faith that I understand it and want to take advantage of every encounter,” Ethan says.

Ethan says, “As difficult as it was, I’m thankful for that period of grief. I was angry and maybe even rebellious, but I was questioning, and eventually my questions led to real answers. At one point, Jacqueline said, ‘We’re going to church - we need to be at Mass.’ At church, I would listen to what the great priests at St. John Student Center in East Lansing said, and it started to make sense.

“At the same time (2008-12), I was playing football for the Spartans, and over and over again I heard coach Mark Dantonio say that the three most important things in their correct order had to be faith, family and football. At the end of every practice and every workout, we knelt together and prayed. It wasn’t something that was pressed upon us or forced, but it was what we did. We expressed gratitude and took time to thank God. Game days always included chapel, which allowed me to remember and focus on what was most important.

Quite often after games, we would take a knee with the opposing players and join together in prayer.

“Those simple routines and practices of faith were a catalyst for me in taking my faith seriously, and even now the lessons from those days impact me as I consider going into sports medicine.” Ethan’s years in medical school affirmed his interest in the relationship between faith and science, and helped him see his future in medicine as a new platform to live out his faith.

“Faith and science do not contradict each other. In fact, part of what drew me to surgery was looking at the human body – on the inside – and recognizing how amazing and beautiful it is, and LEARN MORE recognizing that this didn’t just FOR INFORMATION ON CAMPUS happen, this was created.”

MINISTRY NEAR YOU, CONTACT KATIE Looking forward, Ethan says DILLER, DIOCESAN COORDINATOR OF CAMPUS MINISTRY, AT KDILLER@ he will rely on his personal faith ELCATHOLICS.ORG to guide his medical practice. “I want my faith to play a role in

God blesses us as scientists and physicians with tools to use to aid in healing, and there is trust that comes from knowing that.”

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T. GENNARA

WITH 45 PERCENT PARTICIPATION RATE

Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton exceeds its goal

F

ATHER STEVE ANDERSON, of Holy Redeemer Church in Burton, is known for saying, “We’re all in.”

So, when it came time to conduct the diocesan-wide Witness to Hope campaign at the parish, it came as no surprise that the parish had a 45 percent participation rate, according to Bruce Simms, parishioner at Holy Redeemer and member of the campaign cabinet.

“I trust Father and his team that he has put together to do what’s best for the parish. I go with the flow. We’re doing our best to be all in and support him,” Bruce says.

Holy Redeemer’s race to reach just over $1,088,000 ran from January through June 30, and by the end of the wave, Holy Redeemer had exceeded its goal, raising approximately $1,092,000.

“To be honest, we pretty much listened to what our campaign director recommended. Donna Marino (of Greater Mission) did a wonderful job. She knows fund developing more than we do, and so she was a wonderful resource and was also well informed,” Father Steve says.

During the campaign, Father Steve held meetings with potential lead donors, such as Bruce, and asked them to assist with the campaign. A campaign cabinet was formed to provide support for Witness to Hope discussions with parishioners.

“Money is a tough thing to talk about, and so that’s what I felt 24

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was part of my job – to help talk about money and put people at ease,” Bruce says.

While the church held informational meetings, Father Steve says the town halls were not as successful, due to poor attendance, as presenting Witness to Hope at Mass.

“We wanted to support the bishop in his goals, and we knew a big portion of it came back here, and so we ran the bishop’s video, we made our own announcements, and we encouraged everybody to participate. We were really blessed,” Father Steve says. “About half of our families made a pledge. We thought that was a really good response. It seems to me a typical good response is about one third.”

Father Steve attributed the response rate to the “good will” and “faithfulness” of the people.

One of Bruce’s roles was presenting during Mass the importance of the campaign and why he and his wife were pledging.

“I felt Father Steve was the foundation, and so I wanted to support Father Steve. It’s like Father said once, he reports to a boss, and the boss asked him to do this. We report to Father, and Father asked us to do it, so we did it,” Bruce says.

Thirty-five percent of the total amount pledged will return to Holy Redeemer for both “fun” and necessary projects, Father Steve says, including refurbishing aging pews, completing a beautification project for the adoration chapel, enhancing the office space to incorporate a gathering area, repairing paint and wallpaper at the family life center, and replacing the family life center roof.

“The money we raised for the parish was so timely and really helped us out as a parish,” Father Steve says. “The important thing was all of us participate at any capacity – maybe a lot or a little. We really appreciated our lead gifts, but we really appreciated people who were able to give a little as well.”

Pledges ranged anywhere from $5 to $30,000.

“We did our best to try to make it a reasonable goal for them to where they realize they could participate,” Father Steve says.

One parishioner planned to contribute $3,000, but when they realized the contribution was over five years, they then pledged $5,000. What seemed like a large pledge became achievable over the years, according to Father Steve.

“We encouraged people to give no matter how much – just to be a part of the campaign and feel like they contributed their part,” Father Steve says.

For those parishes entering their campaign season, Bruce suggests the cabinet members recite the Witness to Hope prayer and trust in the pastor.

“It’s an easy thing to do. It’s all built on trust and once you start trusting someone, it’s easy to get on board,” Bruce says.

Holy Redeemer’s campaign was a process and a journey. At first, Father Steve says they did not believe they would achieve their goals, but as they watched other parishes succeed, Holy Redeemer “became believers along the way.” In the end, he says it came down to believing in the good work of the larger Church and the local church.

“It was a successful campaign through the efforts of many people,” Father Steve says. “I think [the campaign] is truly good both for our diocese and our parishes. It’s bringing resources into our diocese and parishes that are needed for the most basic and important things.” – CARI ANN DELAMIELLEURE-SCOTT

Winter Wave Success

Twenty-five parishes conducted their Witness to Hope Campaigns from January to June 2017. The success of the Wave has been truly remarkable; here are some of the key highlights.

To Strengthen Our Parish and Our Diocese KEY STATISTICS:

SOME PARISH HIGHLIGHTS:

The 25 Winter Parishes have raised

St. Mary Parish, Westphalia, raised 248% of its goal ($2,329,075) with gifts from 65% of the registered families at the parish.

$19,304,655 . of the Base Wave goal.

This figure is 109%

ST. ANDREW DUNG-LAC PARISH, LANSING,

MORE THAN 6,000 PARISHIONERS HAVE MADE A GIFT WITH AN AVERAGE GIFT OF OVER $3,000.

THIRTEEN (13) PARISHES HAVE EXCEEDED PARTICIPATION WITH 7 OF THESE OVER 40% PARTICIPATION.

30%

120%

Nine (9) parishes have raised more than of their base goal and several more will reach this mark in the coming weeks.

Parishioners have made prayerful “best sacrifices” from $5 TO $1,000,000!

RAISED OVER 144% OF ITS GOAL WITH

66%

OF FAMILIES PARTICIPATING.

ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE PARISH, FLUSHING, AND GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, MONTROSE, both surpassed

their goals with over 40% participation.

Witness to Hope received its largest individual gift so far of

$1,000,000.

Pilot parishes have received their second parish share distribution of over $500,000.

EIGHT PARISHES continue to raise funds;

many of these will reach their final goals shortly so the gift total and gift amount will continue to RISE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!

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YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO Sept. 10, 2 p.m., All Faith Ministry for Disabilities is hosting a special needs Mass at St. Francis Retreat Center’s chapel, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt, followed by refreshments.

All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by Sept. 6 to Cathy Blatnik, program director, at lcblatnik@ juno.com or 517.381.1410.

Sept. 16, Shared Pregnancy Women’s Center is hosting its annual four-person golf scramble at College Fields Golf Club in Okemos. Shotgun start 9 a.m., continental breakfast, lunch and prizes. Player registration: $75

individual and $300 foursome.

Money will continue to help women in unexpected pregnancies and families with young children.

To register, sponsor or for more information, contact Aimee at development@sharedpreganancy. org or 517.622.3267.

Sept.16, 8:30-10 a.m., you are welcome to attend the Women's Breakfast at St. Michael Parish, Grand Ledge. Speakers Kathleen Krancich and Laraine Soltysyak will share their experiences on Our Lady of Medjugorje. For more information, contact the parish office at 517.627.8493.

Sept. 18-21: Tim Francis will give the same presentation at each

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, CATHOLICCHARITIESFLINT.ORG, 810.232.9950 FLINT or 989.723.8239 SHIAWASSEE • WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes will be held at Holy Redeemer in Burton, Sept.

23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Oct. 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is $75. For information, call 810.232.9950.

• Sept. 8-11, 11 a.m-11 p.m., our annual fundraiser World Class BBQ. Pick up some delicious BBQ on the corner of North Saginaw and Pierson Road in Flint. All proceeds benefit Catholic Charities meal programs.

• The annual Harvest Hoedown for the Hungry event will be held at Wild Spurs in the Jewel of Grand Blanc. Enjoy live music, dancing, raffles and prizes. Proceeds will benefit Catholic Charities meal programs. For more information, visit ccsgc.org. Look out for a date in October.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, CSSWASHTENAW.ORG or 734.971.9781 • Oct. 8, mark your calendars for our third annual Cooking for a Cause fundraiser at The Valley of Frutig Farms in Ann Arbor. For information and latest updates, visit www. csswashtenaw.org/cooking-for-a-cause.

• Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program offers respite care for adult care-givers and is seeking volunteers who can provide two or four hours a week of companionship and service for disabled adults in their homes. To learn more, contact Alison at 734.712.5730 or aranusch@csswashtenaw.org.

• The Oaks Adult Day Program is seeking volunteers to serve as “activities assistants” during their regular program hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at our Ann Arbor facility. Contact Lisa at 734.662.4001 or theoaks@csswashtenaw.org to learn more.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, STVCC.ORG or 517.323.4734 • STVCC Guardian Society Fundraising Breakfast: Sept. 27, 7:30-9 a.m. at Eagle Eye Golf Club, 15500 Chandler Rd, Bath Twp.; registration is 7:30-8 a.m.; program and breakfast is 8-9 a.m. The event is free, but registration is required. For information and to RVSP, contact Rhonda Abood at 517.323.4734, ext. 1205 or aboodr@stvcc.org by Sept. 20.

• STVCC has foster parent information sessions the first and third Tuesday of every month.

If are considering helping a child in need through foster care or adoption, you are encouraged to attend an upcoming information session. These are cost-free, commitment-free orientations that address common myths and concerns of prospective foster parents. To attend, please RSVP Stephanie Stanley at 517.323.4734, ext. 1601 or at stanles@stvcc.org.

of these parishes entitled “Do You Believe in Miracles? Seeing is Believing,” telling the story of his own dramatic conversion and including a multimedia presentation about mystical phenomena: Sept. 18, 7-9:30 p.m., Resurrection Church, Lansing; Sept. 19, 6:30-9 p.m., St. Mary Church, Williamston; Sept. 20, 6:30-9 p.m., IHM Church, Lansing; and Sept. 21, 6:30-9 p.m., St. Patrick Church, Brighton. For information, contact Bea Treleaven at 517.281.3925 or b.treleaven@yahoo.com.

Sept. 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m., All Faith Ministry for Disabilities is partnering with the Mid-Michigan Autism Association to host free music events at the MSU Community Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing.

All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by Sept. 17 to Cathy Blatnik, program director, at lcblatnik@ juno.com or 517.381.1410. For information about all of the upcoming events, contact Cathy Blatnik.

Deadline is Sept. 22: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish/St. John Church and Student Center, East Lansing is registering children for religious education online at elcatholics.org/registration-form or by phone at 517.351.5460.

Families who attended last year will get a mailed form to complete and return. Classes begin Oct. 1-2.

Sept. 27-Nov. 5, 40 DFL A2 fall campaign prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Dr. in Ann Arbor. To join the effort, contact Sandie Weathers at 734.657.1936 or 40daysforlifeannarbor@gmail. com. Like us at facebook. com/40daysforlifeannarbor.

Sept. 30-Oct.1, Catholic Engaged Encounter Retreat will be held in DeWitt, specifically designed to give a couple an opportunity to talk honestly and intensively about their future together. Cost: $235 per couple. Register online at cee.org. Deadline and payment due Sept. 16. For information, contact Wayne and Sue Fransted at 810.588.4181 or info @lansingcee.org.

Oct. 8, 12-4 p.m., St. Luke NEW

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Life Center Octoberfest fundraiser at Luke M. Powers High School, 1505 W. Court St. in Flint. It will include a grilled dinner 12:301:30 p.m., silent and live auctions, as well as other games/prizes.

Tickets: $30 per person at the door or online at stlukenewlife. com. All proceeds benefit St. Luke's job training, literacy, social enterprise and community support programs for the people of Flint.

Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., “Finding Peace from the Inside Out” at the Capuchin Retreat Center, 62460, Mt. Washington, Mich. Through a series of talks, activities and prayer experiences, you will explore positive mental habits, enthusiasm for life and inner peace. For information and registration, contact Janene Ternes at 734.347.2422 or prayer-in-motion.com.

Oct. 14, make plans to experience a spirit-filled Our Lady of Fatima Conference hosted by KCRD 98.3 FM at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, IA. Speakers include Drew Mariani, David Carollo, Dr. Peter Howard and others. The event is free with RSVP. For information and to register, visit kcrd-fm.org.

Oct. 14, Marriage Matters Jackson presents the 15-Minute Marriage Makeover at the Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson. This is a great chance to “date-your-mate” and learn ways to refresh your relationship, add sizzle to your love life and be happier. Cost: $20/ person or $40/couple, includes coffee and dessert. For details, visit MarriageMattersJackson.com or 517.796.5116.

SEPTEMBER CAFÉ EVENTS Sept. 12, 7 p.m. or Sept. 17, 2 p.m.: 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. Please select either date. For information, contact Pete Ries at 517.351.5460, ext. 1328 or pries@elcatholics.org.

Every second Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, through March 13, 2018, 7-8 p.m., St. John Vianney will have a Bible study of “James, Peter, and Jude: The Catholic Letters” in the school, 2319 Bagley St., Flint. Cost: $10 for class book, purchase at class. All are welcome to attend. No preregistration necessary. For information, call 810.235.1812.

Sept. 26, 7:30-9 p.m., St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor will host Renewal Ministries’ Sister Ann Shields presenting “The Power of Intercession,” followed by a panel discussion with leaders of prayer chains and intercessory ministries. No registration or RSVP required.

Unbound-Michigan “The Heart of the Father”: Eight-week study groups are starting this fall in many locations throughout Southeast Michigan. The groups will learn how to pray for more freedom through five simple, scriptural keys. At the end of the course, they will have the opportunity to receive private and confidential prayer ministry with trained prayer leaders from Unbound-Michigan. For dates and details, visit unboundmichigan.net

Oct. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic High School (LCHS) is hosting its fall Prospective Family Night. This event is open to prospective families with children of any age to learn more about what LCHS has to offer. There is a pre-set program schedule. Families will be taken on a school tour, breakout sessions (on curriculum, tuition, athletic activities) and more, followed by a Q&A. Registration is not required, but is appreciated for this event.

Email amissions@lansingcatholic. org or 517.267.2102.

GIVE THE GIFT OF

Reintroduce a loved one to the beauty of our Catholic faith with a gift subscription to FAITH magazine.

Visit store.faithcatholic.com/magazine today to subscribe.

RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 • Dec. 1-3, Married Couples Retreat: Open yourself to receive God’s grace more fully in your marriage; deepen you knowledge of yourself, your spouse and God; and enjoy putting your spouse and your marriage first.

WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, ADRIAN, WEB.ADRIANDOMINICANS.ORG or 517.266.4000 • Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-2:30 .m., “Day of Mindfulness Meditation – Thirst”; cost is $35 and includes lunch. Sept. 30, 9a.m.-3:30 p.m., “Faith and Theology for an Unfinished Universe”; cost is $45 and includes lunch.

Connecting people with Jesus and his Church

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ALL SAINTS CHURCH IN FLINT CLOSES On June 25, Bishop Earl Boyea presided over the closing Mass at All Saints Church in Flint. In July 2016, All Saints merged with St. John Vianney Parish. Bishop Boyea said the merger was a way to “strengthen the preaching of the Gospel and to ensure the vitality of parish life in the area.”

All Saints was established as a parish by the bishop of Detroit in 1910, with the intention of serving the Polish and other Slavic Catholic faithful on the north side of Flint. A school was added, which operated from 1915 to 1957. After the Second World War, the expansion of the auto industry caused much of the land around the parish to be sparsely populated because of factory use, so the parish was relocated to West Pierson Road in 1958.

Msgr. Anthony Majchrowski was pastor of the parish from 1955 until his death in 2015.

YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

PRIESTHOOD ANNIVERSARIES

FOUR-DAY CONVOCATION IN ORLANDO

The following priests are celebrating their anniversaries this year:

Several members of the Diocese of Lansing attended the fourday Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of the Gospel in America July 1-4 in Orlando.

The convocation, which was sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, gathered more than 3,100 lay and religious leaders; 155 cardinals, archbishops and bishops; 380 priests; 175 women religious; 125 deacons; and 10 religious brothers from 160 dioceses and 185 national organizations across the country. Delegates talked with each other and met with their respective bishops to set goals and to discuss the current state of the Church and its evangelization efforts.

60 YEARS • Rev. Msgr. Vincent Howard 50 YEARS • Rev. Charles Irvin • Rev. Joseph Rinaldo, SdC • Rev. James Swiat

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25 YEARS • Rev. Robert Irish • Rev. Nicholas Sseggobe Kiruma • Rev. Bosco Padamattummal 10 YEARS • Rev. John Linden • Rev. Dieudonne' Ntakarutimana

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY PARTNERING WITH PACKARD HEALTH Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County has created a space for Packard Health at its main service building in Ann Arbor so that Packard Health can provide a variety of primary care services for CSSW clients, as well as for the general public. The clinic is especially helpful for CSSW clients, who now can conveniently receive health care at the same location they are receiving other services. Visit www. csswashtenaw.org for office hours.

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CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ AND ST. CASIMIR PEACE POLE On June 23, St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) unveiled a Peace Pole at St. Casimir Parish in Lansing as part of World Refugee Awareness Week. The Peace Pole represents a spirit of unity for Lansing’s immigrants, refugees and U.S.-born community members, featuring the message “May peace prevail on earth” in 12 different languages. St. Casimir was selected because of its support for refugees in Lansing. Earlier this year, St. Casimir donated a home to be used by a resettled refugee family from STVCC.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE Sister Mary Dolores Ann, born Dolores Nowaczewski in Hamtramck, Mich., entered eternal life on July 11. She was 89 years old, and had dedicated 70 years to religious life.

For 54 years, Sister Dolores Ann taught primary grades throughout Michigan, including in Flint and Jackson. For 23 of those years, she also served as principal.

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I.D.916 PICNIC ON JUNE 27

HANNAH FAITH PHOTOGRAPHY

i.d.9:16, the Catholic young adult outreach of Renewal Ministries, held its annual Summer Barn Party on June 27. The event, hosted at The Valley of Frutig Farms in Ann Arbor, gathered more than 350 Catholic young adults (20s, 30s, single, married, with and without kids) from Southeast Michigan and beyond for Mass, dinner, yard games, dancing and music in celebration of their Catholic faith and the desire for community. Mass was celebrated

by Father Chas Canoy, Father Jim Rolph, Father David Fons (all from the Diocese of Lansing) and Father Satheesh Caniton Alphonse, SdC.

Contact Tom Gaskin to learn more about advertising in FAITH Phone: 517.853.7648 | E-mail: tgaskin@faithcatholic.com | www.FAITHpub.com

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FAITHFEST 17

draws thousands for music, Mass and fun.

The second annual FaithFest, the family festival of faith and music, was held at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt in June. Thousands gathered for a full day of live music, food, faith, family and fun. Musical acts included Jason Gray, Brandon Heath, Chris August, Sanctus Real, Modern Day Cure, Kate Baumer, Luke Cyrus Band and Melanie Rea. In the evening, Bishop Earl Boyea celebrated Mass. A fireworks display capped off the spiritual, fellowship-filled day. PHOTOS BY DON QUILLAN

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FAITH FEST 18 SAVE THE DATE JUNE 23, 2018 ST. FRANCIS RETEAT CENTER, DEWITT FEATURING MATT MAHER

CREDITS

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 17: ISSUE 7

www.FAITHpub.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

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EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR

Cynthia Vandecar DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Marybeth Hicks MARKETING DIRECTOR

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jim Berlucci | Doug Culp | Cari Ann DeLamielleureScott | Mary Gates | Cynthia Kaan | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Rose Robertson | Nancy Rosebush Schertzing | Sr. Ann Shields CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlson Productions | Shane Folkertsma | Mike Frieseman | Tom Gennara | Sarah Moore Kuschell | James Luning | Gretchen Mathos | Don Quillan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Patten CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR For advertising information, contact Tom Gaskin Call 517.853.7648 or email tgaskin@faithcatholic.com For subscription information: Call 1.866.76.FAITH

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 FAITHpub.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. ©2017 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

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