October 2012

f r o m

t h e

b i s h o p

Reflections on 10 years as a bishop s p e c i a l

r e p o r t

A guide to faithful citizenship – your vote matters

SA-ve th-e ~A-te!

Saturday, October 27, 2012 The Catholic Diocese of Lansing Presents:

The First Annual Women's Catholic Conference 8:00am to 4:00pm Best Western Plus in Lansing, Ml www.LansingDioceseCWC.org

contents table of contents

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

October 2012 • Volume 13: Issue 8

Patrick M. O’Brien

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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

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The canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha

6 in the know with Father Joe How do I shake this funk I am in?

8 spiritual fitness Praying the rosary.

16 from the bishop Reflections on 10 years as a bishop.

12 yourstories 12 teen essay winner Walking and talking our Catholic faith.

14 cover story James’ and Adriana’s mission trip at home – Catholic Urban Project Missionaries.

18 our story Twins in life – twins in faith.

20 our story An Eagle on the playground – Dylan constructed a play structure as a Scout project.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Jim Berlucchi | Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Doug Culp | Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle | Eileen Gianiodis | Bob Horning |Rev. Charles Irvin | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Gelasia Marquez | Mary Kay McCormick | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Nancy Schertzing | Sister Ann Shields

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InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT

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Jillane Job

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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from the editors

Parish life after Vatican II

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y dad has fond memories of growing up in downtown Saginaw, not far from the parish his family attended. He often shares that one of his memories of church is seeing the priests who served his family’s parish out quietly walking in the gardens around the church and rectory, praying their daily prayers. The priests also could be found strolling through the neighborhoods, stopping to visit the homes of parishioners; and, of course, they were present in church, leading the celebration of Mass. It’s always fun to hear my dad reminisce about days that were simpler and a pace of life that was not as hectic as it is today.

Much has changed in the life of the Church since my dad’s childhood days. This month, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II has profoundly shaped the Church that we experience today. The council has impacted both the lives of those within the Church as well as how the Church enters into dialogue with those who are not Catholic, who may not be Christian, and who may have no life of faith.

When many of us reflect on the Second Vatican

This month, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. Vatican II has profoundly shaped the Church that we experience today. The council has impacted both the lives of those within the Church as well as how the Church enters into dialogue with those who are not Catholic, who may not be Christian, and who may have no life of faith.

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

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Council, the first thing that might come to mind is how the experience of praying the Mass is different today than it was prior to the council.

That’s true, but that’s only a part of the story of council’s impact on the life of the Church.

Today, when I meet with parish staff, I will meet with a large group (11 individuals) who all love and serve the Church. Our parish’s permanent deacon will be the only other member of the clergy in attendance.

His ministry, and that of all currently active permanent deacons, grew out of the gifts and vision of the Second Vatican Council, as

FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

it reawakened the ministry of the permanent diaconate.

The other members of our parish staff – all of them lay women and men– take an active part in the life of the parish as ministers who are recognized as bringing both the dignity of their baptism to their ministry as well as a variety of gifts and charisms unique to who they are as married or single Christians.

In turn, those gifts bring to life a variety of ministries and programs that energize and enrich the lives of parishioners of all ages. The very fact that the dignity and gifts of such dedicated and selfless men and women can be brought to bear within the lives of our

parish communities and within the life of the greater Church is one of the most profound impacts of Vatican II. Their dedication and service to the daily needs of parishes gives priests like me the freedom to focus more clearly on the celebration of the sacraments.

In many parishes, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the RCIA, ritualizes the process of assisting nonCatholics and non-Christians in responding to God’s call to faith and life within the Church. The RCIA, which was re-awakened following Vatican II, has already had a profound impact on the life of the Church. Religion classes taught in Catholic schools, grade school religious formation programs, adult faith formation programs, Bible study groups and prayer groups have all benefited from the larger process that helps to shape and form the life of faith of catechumens and candidates in our parishes.

There are many other ways that the Second Vatican Council has had a positive impact on the life of the Church in the past 50 years.

For most of us, those effects are felt most fully and beautifully in the life of our parish communities. It may not quite be like what my dad remembers from his childhood, but parish life today is vibrant and exciting – thanks be to God, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit that continues to flow from the work of the Second Vatican Council.

And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

75th CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

Anniversar y

of

the

Diocese

of

Lansing

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

Diocese of Lansing Youth Apostolate T.E.C. Lodge # 81, May 1968

Teens Encounter Christ

TEC begins in the Diocese of Lansing

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n 1963, men whose faith was invigorated by Cursillo wanted to share that experience with their sons.

They approached the assistant pastor at St. Philip Parish in Battle Creek (then part of the Diocese of Lansing) and worked with him to put on a program for senior class boys of St. Philip High School. The program was held at the Fatima Retreat Center at Notre Dame, Ind. In 1965, while attending summer school at Loyola University in Chicago, Father Matt had revised the program and named it Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). He tried to make the three-day experience reflect the annual liturgical experience of Lent, Easter and Pentecost.

The former nurses’ dormitory at Leila Post Hospital in Battle Creek became a teen retreat center and was named the TEC Lodge. The first retreat was offered there in October 1965. Each parish high school was asked to send

two or three male seniors for the first TEC. They returned to their parishes excited about their faith.

A large contingent of volunteers to help with the program came from the Cursillo movement, and continuing retreats alternated between weekends

Father Matthew J. Fedewa is presented a gift by David Neering.

for boys and weekends for girls.

When Father Fedewa returned to Loyola in the summer, he spread the news about TEC, and several priests and sisters from Chicago brought young people from their high schools to the weekend retreats.

TEC spread from Chicago and Cincinnati to the other dioceses in Illinois and Ohio – it eventually became a nationwide program.

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yourfaith in the know with Father Joe

Q

Dear Fr. Joe: I’m really in a funk and I can’t shake it. At college, I find that I really don’t have good friends and I’m struggling in my prayer life … everyone around me seems to be happy but me. What can I do?

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I’m so sorry that things are like this right now.

Life is a challenge most days; at times, these struggles can threaten to overwhelm us. I’m glad you asked for help and pray that God guides my words.

Recently, I went through an exceptionally difficult time in my life and was really struggling. A lot of things crashed in on me and I felt lost and scared.

One day, in my prayer, I encountered Psalm 77. I had read it a lot in the past, but, on this day, it hit me really hard. In it, I found a process to deal with my grief: a kind of roadmap that changed me fundamentally.

The psalm starts off with the author crying out to God: He pours out his heart and his troubles, and wonders if God has abandoned him. He is honest and straightforward in describing his feelings and thoughts.

I think this is the first step.

Sometimes, we forget that God

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knows what we are feeling and thinking. There is no value or sense in trying to hide it from God, or even feeling bad about how you feel. Simply pour it out to God: Tell him what’s in your heart. When you do this, you are not telling God something he doesn’t know – you are giving him permission to go in and begin the work of healing.

The next part of the psalm begins with the line “I will recall the deeds of the Lord: yes, recall your wonders of old. I will ponder your works; on your exploits I will meditate.”

Now that you’ve called out to the Lord and poured out your heart, the next step is to think through what God has done already, both for you and for the whole world.

Think of the times in the past when you really didn’t know how you were going to get through yet, here you are.

How did God do that? What has he saved you from already?

After looking at how God has worked in your life, look at how he has worked in the

FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

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How do I shake this funk I am in?

world. Creation alone can give us an amazing sense of God: how he ordered all of the world to work together in unity, the beauty of creation – it’s amazing to think of. I then tend to go to the crucifix or the Blessed Sacrament. I look at how deeply God loves me and used absolutely soulcrushing brutality to bring the world back to him. I ponder the kind of love that compelled our God to intervene on our behalf and I’m moved.

In this, we begin to find healing, as we realize that this awesome, powerful God also is a personal, individual God who not only sees and knows your pain, he has the power to bring you through it – even to find victory in it.

I tell you now, in this moment, that I thank God for those struggles. I can’t believe I’m typing this, but it’s true.

God took the most painful moments in my life and transformed them into something so beautiful I know I could never create it.

In the end, this causes me to praise him, to thank him for his goodness and love and power, which all work together to draw me closer to him. No matter what you feel, no matter what your circumstances, recalling what God has done and praising him for it brings your heart to a better place.

Beyond this, there are some practical things you can do that may help. I would suggest that, if you are in college,

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com you immerse yourself in the campus ministry available to you, if there is one. I worked at a university for a few years and found it amazing how often the students formed lifelong, lifegiving friendships. When you surround yourself with people who choose God first, you’ll find a lot of comfort and joy.

Remember, whatever your circumstances, whatever you feel, wherever you are and whatever you believe God loves you with an all powerful and soul-saving love. No one can take that from you.

You’ve probably heard the quote, “The only things certain in life are death and taxes,” but that is not true. Ask Mary, the Mother of God. In fact, there is only one thing in life that is certain. There is only one thing in life that is inevitable – and that is love. “Love bears all things, hopes all things, believes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.”

That love is yours.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

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CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

Phone: 517.853.7650 | E-mail: beverett@faithcatholic.com | www.FAITHmag.com

PASS ALONG THE

COME HOLY SPIRIT Presider: Let us pray that every person within the Catholic Diocese of Lansing will come to know and love our Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way, Grow in maturity as a disciple of Christ, Become actively engaged in the full life of the Church, and joyfully utilize his or her gifts for the building up of the kingdom of God and the salvation of souls.

When you are finished with this issue of the magazine, please pass it along to a neighbor or friend. Or leave it at the dentist, the doctor, the laundromat or the hairdresser. It is an easy way for you to pass along the FAITH!

C

ome Holy Spirit, fill the hearts

of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit, we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolations.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Aug. 2012 - Dec. 2013

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spiritual fitness

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FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

YEAR OF FAITH – YEAR OF PRAYER

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ince Oct. 7 is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, I want to devote my column this month to offering a way of praying the rosary that can be very fruitful.

The rosary prayer, inspired by Mary, has 20 decades. Usually when we say we pray the rosary, we pray five of those decades each day – not all 20. However, you can, if you wish. There are five decades devoted to the joyful mysteries: the annunciation, the visitation, the birth of our Lord, the presentation of the Lord in the temple, the finding of the child Jesus in the temple. The five sorrowful mysteries are the agony in the

garden, the scourging at the pillar, the crowing with thorns, the carrying of the cross and the crucifixion and death of the Lord. The glorious mysteries are: the resurrection of the Lord, the ascension of the Lord into heaven, the descent of the Holy Spirit, the assumption of Mary into heaven and the crowning of Mary as queen of heaven. Finally there are the luminous mysteries given to us by John Paul II in October 2002: the baptism of Jesus by John, the wedding feast at Cana, the proclamation of the Gospel, the transfiguration, the mystery of the Eucharist.

These five are called luminous because they shed particular light on the divinity of Christ and the gifts he has bestowed on us.

In this article I want to devote some time to the joyful mysteries and, by developing them a little, give you a model for prayer of the rosary.

The joyful mysteries:

The annunciation (Luke 1:26-36): Read this before you pray the first decade. This is the mystery describing the angel’s appearance to Mary, asking her to become the mother of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of the Father. Startled, she asks the appropriate question, but having heard the answer, she consents without hesitation. Before you pray this decade, reflect on Mary’s willingness and obedience. I ask for God’s grace, as I pray this decade, that I would be more and more willing to do God’s will and I pray the same grace for those I love.

The visitation (Luke 1:39-56): Mary has just learned something that turns her life upside down and inside out. Everything is changed – her present and her future. She needed to trust God. Then, on top of all the startling personal news, she is asked to go and visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who would be in need of womanly support and encouragement. Mary not only went; she went “with haste.” I want to be like Mary, desiring to do the Father’s will even when something doesn’t make sense or seems less important than my own personal need. Pray this decade for that intention and for those you love.

The birth of the Lord (Luke 2:1-20): How hard that must have been for Mary – to give birth away from family and friends, away from the help of other women; to give birth in such conditions of poverty and having experienced many refusals. How do I deal with trials and unexpected circumstances? Mary trusted God first and then what Joseph could provide.

Do I trust God when circumstances are unexpected or difficult? Ask God to increase your faith and trust in him and in those for whom you pray.

T. Gennara

Praying the rosary

Sister Ann Shields is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. Questions can be addressed to Sister Ann Shields, Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

For more complete teaching: A free booklet, “Captured

by Mercy” is available by calling 1.800.282.4789.

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

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

The fourth and fifth joyful mysteries are the presentation of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22-40) and the finding of the child Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:41-52). For reflections on these two mysteries and additional spiritual fitness exercises, visit www.FAITHmag.com I believe if you pray the rosary, or at least a part of a rosary, each day, you will find the peace, the wisdom and the strength that God wants you to have as his disciples. If you are not accustomed to praying the rosary, then begin by saying one a week. Remember it is not the multiplicity of words, of prayers – God looks for the intention of the heart.

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F A I T H

from the bishop

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Reflections on 10 years as a bishop

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eptember marked my 10th anniversary of ordination to the episcopacy. There were four remarkable aspects to the ordination ceremony, beyond the power of the prayer and the sacrament itself.

First of all, it did not take place in the cathedral in Detroit (which would have been the norm) because the cathedral was being renovated. (However, my ordinations to the diaconate and the priesthood also did not take place at the cathedral, but those are other stories.) So there must be some kind of aversion to cathedrals on my part!

Second, Cardinal Maida seemed to have it in his mind

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that it was necessary to pour an entire jar of sacred chrism

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on my head for the anointing. It ran over everything.

My friends maintain that this is due to the hardness of my head and how much work it takes for the Holy Spirit to break through. Perhaps!

Third, my little twin sisters were both really pregnant at the ceremony (each giving birth to a new nephew in the next month). These sisters are the youngest of us 10 kids and are great joys in my life. Just thinking back to them on that day brings a smile to my heart.

Fourth, nearly all the seminarians from the Josephinum Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, where I had just been rector, showed up and asked for a group blessing at the recep-

tion. They, however, were a blessing for me.

Now, looking back upon 10 years of ministry as a bishop (six years in Detroit as an auxiliary bishop and four years as the bishop of Lansing), I note five remarkable aspects of ministry here in our diocese.

First, it is such a pleasure to be with and work and pray with the priests of this diocese. They are a remarkable group of men who give themselves tirelessly to the ministry and get along so well. My aim all along has been to do no harm!

Second, the women and men of the diocesan staff have been great to work with.

They are so talented. They

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also clearly have the mind of the Church. It is not often that they need my secondguessing. They also have contributed well to the diocesan planning, which has been an ongoing project and have embraced it quite well. They are great colleagues.

Third, we are so blessed with so many wonderful people working in our parishes and in other settings: our deacons, who also contribute to hospital, migrant and prison ministries; our consecrated men and women, who, in addition to the ministries they perform, are wonderful signs of Christ among us, especially in their embrace of chastity and virginity; our many parish

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Photo Captions: 1. Mass of Thanksgiving, April, 2008. 2. Bishop Boyea being blessed with the Book of the Gospels during his episcopal ordination, July, 2002. 3. Concelebrating Mass with Cardinal Maida during episcopal ordination. 4. Bishop Boyea meets Pope John Paul II during his ad limina visit in 2004. 5. Bishop Boyea and the bishops of Michigan and Ohio meet with Pope Benedict XVI, Feb., 2012. 6. Bishop Boyea lying prostrate at his episcopal ordination. 7. Bishop Boyea ordains Mark Rutherford to the priesthood, July, 2009. 8. Bishop Boyea celebrates the Rite of Election at Our Lady of Guadelupe, Flint, March, 2012.

9. Common Conference, Sept., 2011. 10. Chrism Mass, Holy Thursday, April, 2011 11. Bishop Boyea with Michigan bishops, priests and deacons at the Diocese of Lansing 75th anniversary Mass.

staff members, who are mostly women; and parish committee members, who give their hearts for love of their parishes. The tears that fell at the closing of some of our parishes in these past years spoke eloquently of that love.

Fourth, it has been a wonderful joy to celebrate confirmation with so many of our young people. Their letters to me requesting the sacrament and their enthusiasm before, during, and after the ceremony, and the clear presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, are all aspects of our faith life that are priceless.

Finally, the seminarians are an incredible blessing. Not only is it a sign of God’s con-

stant favor to us that he calls them to the priesthood, but it is also a sign of the health of our parishes that they produce vocations. Their youth, their enthusiasm and their joy are contagious and that serves as a great renewal, urging me on to many more years of service here in my home of the Diocese of Lansing.

Certainly, there have been trials and troubles. I ask your forgiveness for the ways in which I have failed you. I know for a fact that I am not everything you want or need in a bishop, but your patience and love seem to make up for those lacks. So, as we face the future together, let us promise each other our prayers.

Carlson Productions

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

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The 2011 Father Charles Irvin Essay Contest Winner Every year, FAITH awards a $1,000 scholarship to a high-school senior in our diocese, based on an essay on a topic related to life in the Church. Our goal is to promote insightful thought and excellent writing, and to encourage careers in Catholic journalism. There are many ways to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, and good writing is one of them. We hope you enjoy this year’s essay by Krysten Perkins of Powers Catholic High School.

Walking and talking 12

our Catholic faith FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Photography by Tom Gennara

yourstories

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ave you ever heard really good news and had to keep it a secret? You practically burst with wanting to tell someone. Well, the good news of Jesus Christ our savior is the BEST news of all, and it is like a secret to many people. These people do not know about Jesus or how to live life as he would want us to live. This saddens me. I can’t imagine living my life not knowing about this greatest gift of all. The wonderful thing is, we can share this secret. We can tell everyone this good news. There are so many ways to live out our faith. We can express our love of God to everyone we meet in many ways such as trying to live each day expressing love and support of others, getting involved in our community and local charities, and praying daily.

Love is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It gives us hope example to many of how the smallest acts of kindness can make and something to believe in as we move forward in our lives. Part a big difference. But what you do has to come from your heart of what it means to love is supporting others. Giving someone your and you must put all the effort you have into whatever you do. support lets them know that someone is there for them uncondiPutting others first most often provides a greater gift to the giver tionally, which is something they may not be used to. If love and than to the recipient, but it also can relay the message that peosupport are given consistently and sincerely, it may change how they ple of faith are acting through a higher power, the power of Jesus look at the world. They may be willing to open up and accept God Christ, our lord. in their lives. Not only does expressing love take commitment and Praying daily helps us to become closer to God and allows us support, but also faith. You have to live your faith and be a witness to express our desire to become stronger in our faith. The prayers to everyone. You must make others believe that everyone deserves should be from our heart and we should pray for others as well to be loved and accepted for who they are. God made us in his own as being thankful for all that God has blessed us with. Praying image and we all have different gifts and abilities. Accepting oththat others find God and get to know him is very important. ers as well as yourself helps you There are so many people who to grow as a person and in your have lost their way, have befaith. The best way to show supcome separated from God, or Expressing your love and support each port, love and acceptance is to be have never known him. God ala mentor to others and express ways is ready to listen to us. We day, getting involved in your community the great values you have learned should set aside time each day and local charities, and praying daily are through your faith. Being a mento talk to God in prayer. This just three ways Catholics can evangelize. tor is a responsibility we should quiet time with him helps us Our faith is a gift we have received all seek. Through love, Catholics to put our lives in perspective and this gift can and should be can show their passion and their and realize what is most imporpassed on to others. desire to help others grow in tant. It is with consistent and faith, or find faith. devoted prayer that we can find Another way Catholics can the courage and perseverance to evangelize is getting involved help others find faith in God. in their community and local charities. Getting to meet many Expressing your love and support each day, getting involved different people and talking to them about your faith can be in your community and local charities, and praying daily are rewarding, not only to them but to you. Also, it is a great way of just three ways Catholics can evangelize. Our faith is a gift we helping your community become a better place. Volunteering at have received and this gift can and should be passed on to oththe local soup kitchen, St. Luke’s New Life Center and Habitat ers. We can change the lives of many in a positive way, as well for Humanity were life-changing experiences for me. I learned as deepen our faith by reaching out and expressing our beliefs. that there are so many people who need a helping hand and it The best way to know God is to live each day trying to express feels so good to be able to provide it. Also there are many charito others the gifts he has given us. The good news of Jesus Christ ties that could use donations of clothing and personal items. is not meant to be a secret, it is meant for everyone to know and Just reaching out and helping in some way shows people you live by. We always must walk with faith and be the person God care and want to make a difference. By doing this, you give an meant for us to be.

The diocesan Catholic high schools are: Ann Arbor – Father Gabriel Richard 734.662.0496 | Flint – Father Luke Powers 810.591.4741 | Jackson – Lumen Christi 517.787.0630 | Lansing – Lansing Catholic 517.267.2100

By Krysten Perkins | Photography by Tom Gennara

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cover story

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uring the summer of 2011, James Pope became a

Catholic missionary, entering a land where poverty has changed a once-thriving landscape to a scene of desolation. This summer, Adriana Perry walked the same heat-blistered terrain, carrying on the work James started last year. At the end of the eight-week missionary program, each returned home tired, wiser and in awe of the power of God.

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FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

This life-changing experience didn’t happen across the ocean, but in Southeast Michigan. James and Adriana worked with the Catholic Urban Project (CUP), started by Father Robert Roggenbuck as a way for the Catholic Church to serve the poor living in the urban areas of Ypsilanti and Flint.

Missionaries’ days are filled with service, prayer, faith exploration and community living. They serve the youth of the community by offering a kids’ camp Tuesday through Friday. On alternating days, the missionaries volunteer with nonprofit organizations, help neighborhood residents with home repairs and renovations, or evangelize by going doorto-door and asking for prayer intentions.

Adriana appreciates the boost the program gave to her prayer life. CUP built on her college experience of community prayer, as well as helped develop her personal prayer life. “It made me realize intercessory prayer is really essential,” Adriana says. “These people really need prayer and people really should be praying for them.”

Finding a CUP prayer card on a porch during a door-to-door visit was powerful for James. “If there’s one thing that told me, it’s the permanence of God’s work,” James says, “Even if you’re not there to see it, it happens.”

Sharing their faith with the residents of the communities they served, James in the parish of St. Michael’s in Flint and Adriana at St. John the Baptist in Ypsilanti, was done through service rather than talking about Catholicism or even Christ. Missionaries show compassion for people often ignored by society, using Christ’s example.

“He might have used me as a tool for his mercy and love,” James says with a smile. “I can’t say it’s anything that I merit, but it gives me hope that you can make a difference.”

Modeling Christ with acts of love is the most powerful tool for CUP missionaries. James remembers discussions with the children in the kids’ camp about why the missionaries went to Mass after camp ended each day. The children were told spending time with him in church during Mass was a way to show God the missionaries loved him.

“They wouldn’t always understand the commitment of going to church,” James says “but they understood it was important what we were doing.”

Adriana’s work for a pregnancy counseling center as a CUP missionary gave her the chance to help women overwhelmed with the challenges of their lives as mothers. Without passing judgment on the women, Adriana was able to listen or pray with them, and help the women feel valued and appreciated.

“I think that was a great way to just be there for someone,”

Adriana says.

The door-to-door CUP ministry was a great challenge, but also rewarding. Besides an introduction and a request for prayers, missionaries followed no script. The “formula” was just simple conversation. They were warmly received and the response was often humbling for them.

“Even people who didn’t hold our same beliefs were appreciative,” James says. “Sometimes we would sit on the porch and talk for 45 minutes.”

Adriana had an especially memorable afternoon going door-todoor in one Flint neighborhood this summer.

“I got to pray with pretty much everyone,” she says. “It was just like, ‘Wow, you guys are so open. I don’t think I would have been that open to sharing things that were going on in my life, but I’m glad that they were.’”

During his summer in Flint, James says CUP started “Prayers for Flint” on Monday nights in the chapel at St. Michael’s. Beginning with 12 people praying the intentions collected from the door-to-door ministry, the group by the end of the summer grew to 45 people sharing music and prayer as they prayed for the people of Flint.

“It was great,” James says about sharing the missionary work with the Catholic community of St. Michael’s. “It was a way to make it a universal experience for the Church at large. That was a great little gift there.”

Adriana felt the power of faith moving through a paralyzed woman named Deanna she spoke with via a special computer program during a fix-up day.

“I was amazed at how patient she was about things because she couldn’t do anything really,” says Adriana. “She had such a joyful

The Catholic Urban Project In 2006, Father Robert Roggenbuck noticed devastation growing in urban areas of the Diocese of Lansing. Urban blight was increasing at the same time the presence of the Catholic Church was declining. Father Bob believed young adults could provide missionary work to care for the poor living

spirit. I was encountering a lady who was very close to God, you could just tell.”

It was eye-opening to see the importance of family and home, even for those who live in places most would consider unlivable.

After helping one family who lived in an old crack house, James says, “It just struck me that there are people in situations, that unless they get outside help, they just can’t change it. They need miracles, and so often these miracles don’t happen.”

Both James and Adriana are taking their faith experiences from CUP into daily life. They know God wants them to live lives of prayer while caring for all those they meet. Before CUP, this seemed like an impossible challenge, but now that they know how to make a difference, the challenge is not as intimidating.

“Being a saint is hard,” James says “but it might not be as hard as I make it out to be.”

in these areas, and began Catholic Urban Project in 2009. The first group of missionaries came to Ypsilanti in 2010 to work out of St. John the Baptist Parish.

CUP has been blessed with collegeage volunteers from all over the United States in its three years of service. As with many missionary organizations, CUP participants must raise $1,000 to defray the cost of their expenses during the eight-week program. Missionaries are supported through the whole experience

by year-round staff, including new CUP Director Suzanne Abdallah and Karmen Saran, director of special projects for St John’s. The program operates with generous donations from those wanting to help with urban ministry.

Donations to support CUP can be made to Catholic Urban Project, 411 Florence St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. For more information on CUP’s mission, visit catholicurbanproject.org or call 734.483.3360 extension 108.

By Mary Kay McCormick | Photography by Tom Gennara

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our story

Twins in life – twins in

faith

W

hen Kate and Nicole Baumer sit next to each other, you might not guess that they are sisters.

That is, until they start talking.

They finish each other’s sentences, help each other find just the right word and gently tease each other.

In fact, the Baumer girls are more than sisters. They’re twins. But they couldn’t be more different.

“The only things we have in common are our parents, our faith and our voice,” says Kate.

On the surface, the girls are as different as night and day. One has dark hair, one light, and their styles differ greatly. As different as they are, they agree that their faith is central to their lives.

St. Gerard parishioners, Kate and Nicole, 17, participated in youth group there and were encouraged to attend the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC) by their leader. Kate attended during the summer of 2009; Nicole, the next year.

Nicole’s interest in playing in a summer lacrosse league kept her from attending with her sister, but she says that maybe that was for the best.

“We went at different times, but we were fine with that,” Nicole says. “We may butt heads a lot, but it’s different when it comes to faith.”

Quick to agree, Kate adds: “It’s the one place (youth group) that we both love going to.”

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In 2012, both girls attended DYLC as leaders. And they loved it.

“The other kids said that I inspired them, not because I was perfect but because I was genuine,” Kate says. Her sister agrees.

“Faith isn’t about being perfect. It’s about the journey. I’m not perfect, I’m under construction. I feel like that’s what is great about the Catholic Church,” Nicole says.

Throughout their high-school years, both girls were active in the youth group at St. Gerard.

“Youth group has prepared me for what’s to come,” Kate says. “I know that I’ll be involved in my student parish, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and God will help me get there.”

Gathering momentum during youth group pushed her to step up and volunteer in the parish, Nicole says.

“After DYLC, I realized that I had to stay involved in youth group and in my parish. I became a Eucharistic minister,” Nicole says.

“That was a small way that I could contribute and I carry that with me to any parish. It’s a humbling thing to do.”

For Kate, the message was loud and clear.

“Over time, I realized that I could do this – youth ministering, song-writing, music – for a living. And, thanks to my gifts. I feel called to it. I am a God-person,” Kate says.

If their youth group experiences kept them involved, it was the Youth Jamboree that lit their hearts on fire.

“Jamboree is a huge event – there are so many kids – I remember thinking these kids are normal, just like me. The music, keynotes, workshops … the combination, all of it just felt so right,” Kate says.

Nicole says she appreciated the opportunity for their mother, Laurie, to chaperone the event.

On the surface, the girls are as different as night and day. One has dark hair, one light, and their styles differ greatly. As different as they are, they agree that their faith is central to their lives.

“I was so glad that she got to see all these kids fired up about their faith, just like me. I wish that other adults could see it. We know what it’s like to be on fire for our faith,” Nicole says.

“It was awesome, and that’s an understatement,” Kate says.

It’s one thing to be involved in youth group and fired up during events, but what about every day?

Kate’s answer: “Kids sometimes feel like they can’t be normal with a faith life. Sometimes I think kids feel like they have to put their faith away.”

She says she tries to live a quiet evangelization – “live your life the way God would want you to live it. Be an example of faith.”

Nicole says that, throughout high school, both girls have found friends who share their interests – not just in faith.

“We’re not just those Catholic girls. We are the skier, the lacrosse player, the flutist, the songwriter …” she says.

Kate put those thoughts into action during Jamboree, when she presented a workshop called SWAAG: Speak with Actions About God. “It was tough, because there wasn’t a teen-led workshop before,” Kate says. “I am working with youth ministers to do a similar presentation at various youth groups in the area.”

Both girls are very clear about one thing: The only reason they went to youth group to begin with was because they were invited by friends.

“A friend asked me to go,” Nicole says. “I never would have gone … we wouldn’t have gone without the personal invitation.”

Kate agrees and says it was the community that drew her for her second and third visits to youth group.

So, what’s next? The girls have fond memories of their youth

group, and between them nearly a dozen mission trips.

“It will be hard to leave our group. We have friends and security there,” Nicole says.

Nicole and Kate graduated from Grand Ledge High School in June and are both attending Michigan State University. And, before you can even ask: “No, we’re not living together!” they say.

Nicole plans to study pre-medical and become an obstetrician or pediatrician. Kate says she’d like to become a youth minister, so she’s chosen general arts and letters for now.

“It’s hard to make plans. We had a friend group that we shared and felt secure with, but I know that we’ll figure it out,” Nicole says.

Kate acknowledges that it “will be hard to start again, initially. It’s always hard to begin again.”

It’s not just the Baumer girls who are adjusting to new surroundings this fall. Their parents, John and Laurie, acknowledge that their house will be much quieter.

“I’m not even thinking about it yet,” Laurie said this summer. Her pride in her girls’ accomplishments and faithfulness is evident.

“It’s the kind of thing that every parent wishes for their kids,” she says. “We just wanted to show the girls that faith is about family, and now, we’re inspired by them, watching them live their faith.”

During the interview, Laurie shared with the girls that they significantly impacted their father, John’s, decision to convert to Catholicism.

“When you see your kids grow in their faith and live it, and live it in front of other people … it’s just inspiring,” Laurie says.

For more information about youth ministry in the Diocese of Lansing, visit www.dioceseoflansing.org.

By Eileen Gianiodis | Photography by Tom Gennara

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An Eagle on the playground Dylan constructed a play structure as a Scout project feature story

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FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

C

onstructing his Eagle Scout project was the easy part for Dylan Clark. It took one day. The paperwork leading up to it was the challenge.

That took over two years.

Dylan, 19, is a 2011 graduate of Manchester High School, a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Clinton and a former member of Scout Troop 426. He discussed several ideas for his Eagle project with his mother, Mary, before deciding to build a new play structure for the children of migrant workers at DuRussel Farms. “I worked there during the summers,” he says. “The old set that the kids had was OK, but I noticed that they really could use a new one.”

Dylan was eager to start building as soon as his proposal was accepted. Two problems surfaced quickly, however. One was a learning disability that sometimes causes him confusion when reading or writing. He needed to do a lot of both in order to submit his proposal to the local troop. They needed a binder full of plans, diagrams of the structure and its location, safety procedures, fundraising ideas, estimated cost of materials, and

in those areas. When I asked my parents and those helping to do something, they did it.

That felt nice. I saw that I could take charge when I needed to.”

When they finished the structure, Dylan was happy and relieved. He said, “All I needed then was for the final paperwork to much more. be signed and I would be an Eagle Scout.

Secondly, the person overseeing the “The kids at the camp were happy, too. project from the Boy Scout Council wanted They absolutely love the new set. Within to make sure Dylan had all the paperwork two days, the grass underneath it was worn complete and correct, causing several reaway from all the use.” Most years, there are writes. The process dragged on and on and 10 to 15 children at the farm, and the new Dylan didn’t know how to speed it up. Both structure is large enough for at least seven at he and his mother considered quitting. “I a time.” thought he would give up,” Mary says. The Arcelia Ortiz, a migrant worker, said her paperwork ordeal was so frustrating that I grandchildren play on it all the time. “If you was crying at times.” don’t know where the kids are, just go to the Dylan said that what kept him going was structure,” she said. “The older children push his goal of helping the kids, his mother’s the younger ones on the swings. They all encouragement and thinking of all the hard learn to play together by taking turns on the work he had done to get swings and slide. There is to that point. even an airplane swing for Finally, everything the babies.” was in order, and on a Dylan figures he put in Saturday in spring of 173 hours on the project, 2011, Dylan and his primarily preparation. He father, Greg, went to the says, “My faith helped me farm early to cut the wood to not quit when I was Get the free mobile app at and have it ready when struggling on the paperhttp://gettag.mobi everyone arrived later work, and to get back to For information about that day. “Through being doing. Kind of like what I migrant ministry in the a Boy Scout, I had been learned through scoutDiocese of Lansing, visit gradually learning about ing – that you can’t get www.dioceseoflansing. communication and leadanywhere in life without org/diocesan_migrant_ ership,” Dylan said. “That trying, plus a little elbow ministry Saturday helped me grow grease.”

By Bob Horning | Photography by Tom Gennara

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Facebook and Twitter • Follow FAITH magazine on Facebook and Twitter: search for faithmag •F ollow the Diocese of Lansing on Facebook and Twitter •S ign up for parishioner e-news at www.dioceseoflansing.org • Go to www.FAITHmag.com for monthly digital editions of FAITH magazine • Free iPhone/iPad app for FAITH magazine: search for faithmag

Catholic News Service

special report

pronunciation of the name.

After Catherine was baptized, she only remained in the village for another six months because she was continually harassed and accused of sorcery and promiscuity. She eventually went to the Jesuit mission, where she lived for the last two years of her life.

The miracle Before someone can be beatified, it must be proven that a miracle has taken place through his or her intercession.

The belief is that such a miracle is evidence that the person is enjoying the Beatific Vision because God has performed the miracle in response to his or her prayers. ateri Tekakwitha (1656 – 1680), also known as Lily of the However, in order for the Mohawks, was a Native American convert to Roman Catholiblessed to be canonized and cism. As a religious lay woman, she was shunned and basiacquire the title of saint, ancally exiled by her tribe, dying at the age of 24. Known for other miracle is required. This her chastity, she became the first Native American woman miracle must be attributable to to be venerated in the Church. Kateri was beatified by Blessed John Paul II the intercession of the Blessed and must have occurred after in 1980 and Pope Benedict XVI officially announced, on Feb. 18, 2012, that his or her beatification. she will be canonized on Oct. 21, 2012. Her feast day is July 14.

For Kateri, this second miracle involved a 5-year-old boy from the state of Washington who, Conversion in 2006, was suffering from a flesh-eating bacterial infection that had already caused the disfigurement of his face and was threatJesuit missionaries set up missions near Montreal in 1666 as ening his life. Kateri herself had been badly scarred on the face one of the conditions of a peace treaty between the French and and left with damaged eyesight during a smallpox epidemic when Mohawk people. Kateri first encountered these missionaries in she was only 4 or 5 years old – an epidemic that had claimed the 1667 at age 11. Though her uncle discouraged any contact with lives of her father, mother, and younger brother.

Christianity, she was drawn to the teachings of the Church and After it was determined that the boy would not survive surgery, began attending catechism. the parents prayed for his healing to Jesus Christ through the In 1676, she was judged ready for baptism in a departure from intercession of Kateri, whose own scars vanished at her death, Jesuit policy, which typically withheld baptism for new converts until leading Pope Pius XII to declare it a miracle in 1943. The boy they were on their deathbed or until the missionaries could be cerwas miraculously healed and, on Dec. 19, 2011, Pope Benedict tain that they would not backslide. She was baptized on Easter Day XVI approved the miracle, clearing the way for her canonization in in 1676. She took the name Catherine, in honor of Catherine of Siena, the 14th-century saint. The word Kateri is actually an Iroquois October 2012.

The canonization Canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha

Lily of the Mohawks

K

By the Numbers: Native American Catholics 2000

2,475,965

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493,614

234

Year the U.S. Census Bureau permitted multiple responses to race

Americans selfidentifying as Native American or Alaska Native in 2000 Census

Percent of total Native American population estimated to be Catholic

Estimated number of Native American Baptized Catholics in U.S.

Total number of Native Americans in ministry (priest, deacon, religious, etc.)

– Native American Catholics at the Millennium: A Report on a Survey by the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee on Native American Catholics (2002)

By Douglas Culp

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Every two years, Michigan voters head to the ballot box to elect women and men who will lead communities throughout the state. It is no different in 2012 as several important offices are up for election, including some seats on the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan congressional delegation, the Michigan House of Representatives and a seat in the U.S. Senate. Michigan also will play an important role in deciding who will lead the United States of America as president for the next four years. As the election draws nearer, political matters will become more prevalent on the television, Internet and in the newspapers as candidates present their position on the issues to the public.

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FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

F

rom the Catholic perspective, the election season presents an opportunity to discuss and promote the Church’s teachings on a wide range of critical topics that help advance the common good, elevate the moral fiber of society and influence the culture. Issues such as religious freedom, the sanctity of human life, poverty, marriage, education, immigration and other matters that impact civil society long have been at the forefront of concern for the Church.

Yet many Catholics find it challenging to identify candidates who share the Church’s broad range of teaching. At the same time, while some of the Church’s positions may be shared by one political party or another, it is impossible to neatly fit the breadth of Catholic social teaching into a partisan view of political matters. In their 2003 biennial document, Faithful Citizenship, the U.S. bishops addressed such sentiments:

… some Catholics may feel politically homeless, sensing that no political party and too few candidates share consistent concern for human life and dignity. However, this is not a time for retreat or discouragement. We need more, not less engagement in political life. We urge Catholics to become more involved.

A first step for Catholics to become more involved is by forming one’s conscience based on the teachings of the Church. “With this foundation, Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates’ promises and actions in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world.”

The purpose of this article is to expand upon those primary issues of concern to the Church, especially religious freedom, and to present additional information with which Catholics can absorb and research this election season in light of the Church’s call to faithful citizenship.

Religious freedom At the heart of a democratic society lies religious freedom – the nation’s first constitutional freedom – granted by God and guaranteed as an inalienable right by the Founding “Real freedom isn’t Fathers. It is the foundation something Caesar can for all other freedoms. This give or take away. He right must be upheld always can interfere with it; and everywhere. However, but when he does, he 2012 may influence how steals from his own religious freedom and the legitimacy.” – Most Rev. freedom to serve are defined Charles Chaput, archbishop of and practiced in the years to Philadelphia come. When Catholics operate a soup kitchen to feed the hungry; when Catholic agencies facilitate foster care and adoption to provide a home and shelter for abandoned or neglected children; when Catholics provide health care to anyone and everyone, they do it because they are Catholic, not because those receiving the service are Catholic. Regrettably, the federal government may no longer recognize such outreach as “religious” as Catholic agencies do not meet a current federal test that mandates a religion to serve

only its own members. In light of this violation of the authentic meaning of separating the state from the Church, and an unprecedented effort by the federal government itself to define who is and who is not religious, Catholics must ask themselves: Where does the candidate stand on protecting the constitutional right to religious freedom?

Sanctity of human life In May 2012, the national polling firm Gallup printed a headline that read “‘Pro-Choice’ Americans at Record Low 41%,” along with a subhead that read “Americans now tilt “Never tire of firmly ‘pro-life’ by nine point speaking out in defense margin 50% to 41%.” of life from its concepWhile the increased numtion and do not be ber of pro-life Americans deterred from the commay be cause for acclaim, mitment to defend the Catholics and all people of dignity of every human good will must continue to person with courageous promote a culture of life by determination. Christ changing hearts and minds, is with you: Be not one at a time, each and Afraid!” – John Paul II every day. Abortion remains a revered and protected “right” in various and influential sectors of society. Those who hold this position continue to support abortion on-demand by opposing prohibitions on partialbirth abortion, by opposing common sense parental consent measures, and, most recently, by supporting taxpayer-funded abortion – a telling strategy by abortion-rights groups during the 2010 federal health care debate.

In addition to abortion advocates, those who promote assisted suicide have shifted strategy by renaming the old Hemlock Society into a more friendly-sounding Compassion and Choices, yet the group’s goal of death on demand has not changed. And still today, despite the significant and numerous advances of acceptable adult stem cell research, supporters of embryonic research continue to destroy human embryos in the hopes of individual accomplishments, patented technologies and financial windfalls. Lastly, while its use has been in steady decline over the years, primarily due to continued opposition from the Catholic Church, the death penalty, state-sanctioned killing, can no longer be justified in a society where non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect society’s safety from the aggressor. Abortion on-demand, assisted suicide, human embryo destructive research and the death penalty must compel Catholics to continue working for a culture of life by asking: Where does the candidate stand on protecting human life from abortion? © Michigan Catholic Conference

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Where does the candidate stand on protecting human life from assisted suicide?

Where does the candidate stand on protecting human life from human embryo destruction?

Where does the candidate stand on protecting human life from capital punishment?

Education Parents are the primary educators of their children, and education policy must be crafted in a manner that places the needs of the children and the parent first.

By expanding school choice Religion, morality, options, parents gain additional and knowledge, being tools in their effort to select necessary to good how best they believe their government and the children will be educated. In happiness of mankind, 2012, Michigan witnessed an schools and the means expansion of school choice by of education shall allowing for a greater numforever be encouraged. ber of charter schools and by – Michigan Constitution expanding policies such as shared time and dual enrollment that benefit both public and nonpublic students. Yet much work needs to be done, such as amending Article VIII, Section 2 of the state Constitution. While every other Great Lakes state allows for a voucher program, tuition tax credit or scholarship program, the Michigan Constitution expressly prohibits such policies. Michigan has fallen far behind, which has an impact on students in both public and nonpublic schools, as innovative and proven policies are currently unconstitutional in this state. Greater school choice will lead to better schools and, more importantly, more options for parents. Catholics can work for more educational options by asking: Where does the candidate stand on the expansion of school choice opportunities?

Marriage No institution or organization has worked more tirelessly than the Catholic Church, locally, nationally or internationally, to articulate and protect the most fundamental and natural building block of society – marriage between one man and one woman.

The Church did not create this sacred institution, but, in the face of well-financed and well-organized opposition, she has continued to

teach the truth and the timeless significance of marriage for children, for justice and for all of society. Since 2004, Michigan has protected marriage through a constitutional amendment; 30 other states have done likewise. While traditional marriage has been upheld in every state where it has appeared on a statewide ballot, efforts to change the definition of marriage continue, both at the state and federal levels. Catholics with a wellformed conscience based on the Bible and the teachings of the Church can ask:

“Sexual differences cannot be dismissed as irrelevant to the definition of marriage. Defending the institution of marriage as a social reality is ultimately a question of justice, since it entails safeguarding the good of the entire human community and the rights of parents and children alike.” – Pope Benedict XVI

Where does the candidate stand on marriage between one man and one woman?

Immigration “While … national immigration problems must be resolved, it is unfair and mistaken to blame the undocumented for problems more accurately attributed to a failed policy.

“The new immigrants The federal government has call most of us back to the responsibility to enact our ancestral heritage and enforce laws that treat as descendants of migrant peoples with the immigrants and to our same dignity as its nativebaptismal heritage as born citizens. As such, there members of the body of must be a concerted effort Christ.” – USCCB to find a pathway toward citizenship for undocumented persons who live here, who work here, have raised a family here and have contributed to the common good.

“As the national immigration debate lingers, we encourage all Catholics to turn to the rich and long-standing teachings of the Church on immigration and the proper dignity that must be afforded to all human persons. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. (Matthew 25:35) We encourage members of the Michigan Legislature to reject measures that impugn immigrants – especially the undocumented; and we encourage the Michigan congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to contribute to

For further reading: • Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States – www.usccb.org/faithfulcitizenship • Catholics in Political Life – www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/church-teaching/catholics-in-political-life.cfm • Our First, Most Cherished Liberty: A Statement on Religious Liberty from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty – www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/religious-liberty/our-first-most-cherished-liberty.cfm • Love and Life in the Divine Plan: U.S. Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Marriage – www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/marriageand-family/marriage/love-and-life/index.cfm

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FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

federal efforts that seek to fix the nation’s immigration system.”

(Michigan Catholic Bishops) Catholics may ask themselves: here does the candidate stand on imW migration policies that uphold the human dignity of all persons?

Reflection “A Catholic moral framework does not easily fit the ideologies of ‘right’ or ‘left’ nor the platforms of any party. Our values are often not ‘politically correct.’ Believers are called to be a community of conscience within the larger society and to test public life by the values of Scripture and the principles of Catholic social teaching. Our responsibility is to measure all candidates, policies, parties and platforms by how they protect or undermine the life, dignity and rights of the human person – whether they protect the poor and vulnerable and advance the common good.” (USCCB)

parenting journey

Helping your first-time voter make wise choices

Q

My son is about to vote for the first time. How can I help him make wise choices in the voting booth?

a

Election Day was exciting when I was a child because our home was chosen to serve as a polling site.

The booths were delivered ahead of time, giving me the chance to pretend that I was voting. Casting my own ballot when I turned 18 was a long-anticipated experience. Your son has been observing your attitude toward voting throughout his childhood. Now you can guide him a step further as he votes for the first time.

Understanding the election process.

Research by the League of Women Voters indicates that a quarter of those who will be eligible to vote this November are between the ages of 18 and 30 years. But despite their government classes, many young adults remain uncertain about the process.

In fact, the League of Women Voters found that many 18-year-olds who didn’t vote in 2008 were interested in the election, but lacked information. Parents can play a key role in helping their children understand the registration process and deadlines. It may be even more confusing for your son because he may be off at college when the election rolls around.

You can guide him toward information on absentee ballots by looking up the requirements for your state at http://www. vote411.org.

One vote does matter. Voting provides the opportunity to acknowledge those issues that involve core values. Of course, the presidential race is central, but the state and local issues have an important impact on your lives as well. Don’t let the media shape your decisions through catchy emotional advertisements. Model ways to take an in-depth look into the candidates and issues. Pray that your decisions will be ones that follow God’s path for our country’s future.

Despite his youth your son can make wise choices: “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1Sam16:7) T. Gennara

Autonomy and responsibility.

Throughout adolescence, parents provide the structure to help teens gradually make the transition toward autonomy.

For example, the process of getting a driver’s license is an overt sign of growing independence but parents establish

guidelines to promote safe driving. The process involved in making wise choices at election time involves developments in cognition and in moral reasoning. The ability to reason abstractly and to apply moral principles to decision making allows young adults to be part of an informed electorate.

But even among adults, our capabilities aren’t always displayed in our actual acts.

You can highlight the importance of voting through your own behaviors and through family discussions about the issues. That will benefit everyone.

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

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yourcommun community

things to do: Beginning Oct. 1, St. Louis Center, 16195 W. Old U.S. Hwy. 12, Chelsea, will have a Fitness for Life Program for persons with developmental disabilities available for its residents and open to the public. For information, call 734.475.8430.

On the second Wednesday of the month, Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church has a new outreach program. Come learn about the issues that affect you and your community.

The topic changes monthly; admission is free. For more information, call the parish office 810.733.1259.

Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. light refreshments, 7 p.m., Health Care, Bioethics and Justice: Where are the ‘Catholic’ Political Priorities?, presented

by Lisa Sowle Cahill at Michigan State University Union Bldg., Gold Rooms A and B. Free and open to the public.

Oct. 14, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth’s roast beef dinner, 506 N. Union St., Tecumseh. The menu is: roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coleslaw, rolls and dessert. Carry-out available.

Attention singles mid-30s60s: Oct. 19, 6:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic Singles, bringing together friends for fellowship and fun in a faith-filled environment. Join us for happy hour and karaoke at El Azteco on West Saginaw at MLK in Lansing. For more information and a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit www. lansingcatholicsingles.com, e-mail lansingcatholicsingles@ live.com or call 517.321.7886.

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Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., dinner followed by Live/Silent Auction Fundraiser at St. Michael Catholic Church, 609 E. Fifth Ave., Flint. Cost: Adults $15 and children $7. For information, call 810.238.2679 “Help Build It.” Habitat for Humanity Lansing is looking for individuals who can volunteer to build on a regular basis. To learn more about volunteering, please contact Ginny at 517.374.1313 ext. 20 or volunteer@habitatlansing.org.

Oct. 21, noon-4 p.m., St. Andrew, Saline will have its annual harvest dinner in the parish hall. Cost $7 adult, $5 senior, and $5 for children 6-12. Carry-out service available. All are welcome.

Oct. 26-28, a Retrouvaille program in Spanish will be held in Lansing for troubled marriages or for couples who wish to establish better

communication. For more information, contact Melvin and Silvia 517.402.1624 or www. retrouvaille.org.

Kolenski Hall. Cost is $40, and includes meals and snacks.

Seating is limited. To register, call Char, 989.413.8838.

Oct. 26-28, St. Mary School in Williamston will hold its fall festival, which includes a spaghetti dinner, 5K run/walk, kids’ fun run, a super tailgate with football, food and fun for all.

For more information, call the school at 517.655.4038.

Nov. 9, 7 p.m., at the Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson will be the Scream Free Marriage event. Tickets are $50 per couple and includes the show and dessert. For more details, call 517.796.5116 or www.

MarriageMattersJackson.com.

Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Elizabeth Council of Catholic Women will have its 32nd bazaar and quilt raffle.

It will be held in the parish center, 510 N. Union St., Tecumseh. Vendors call Tina at 517.815.1556 for rental of an eight-foot table for $15.

Admission is $1. Refreshments are available.

Nov. 10, Running with the Waves. St. Paul Parish, Owosso, is sponsoring a 5K walk/run to benefit its school. Details for the event and registration are available on Facebook and runningwiththewaves@gmail. com.

Nov. 3, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., a 12hour scrapbook and more will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, Owosso, in Father

Catholic Charities Livingston County Catholic Charities, 2020 E. Grand River, Ste. 104, Howell, 517.545.5944 or www.livingstoncatholiccharities.org Care-giver Support Group meets from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month, beginning in September, at Be Our Guest Adult Day Services’ office. This is for those providing in-home care for a dependent family member with a special need. No fee.

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw, 4925 Packard, Ann Arbor, csswashtenaw.org Oct. 12-13, We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation

FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Gerard annual craft show in Father Weber Hall, 4437 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing. Crafters interested in reserving a booth for this event, contact the church office at 517.323.2379.

class will be offered at St. Francis of Assisi, 2150 Frieze, Ann Arbor. To register, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit www.csswashtenaw.org. The class fills quickly, so please register early.

St. Vincent Catholic Charities, 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing, 517.323.4734 or www.stvcc.org Beginning Nov. 23, St. Vincent Catholic Charities is asking the community to help families they serve have a Merry Christmas by donating to its annual holiday giving program. Please pick up an Angel Gift Tag while shopping at local malls and businesses. Each tag contains the wish list of a child and/or family. Please deliver the gifts to STVCC by Dec. 17. For more information, call Thuy Pham at 517.323.4734 ext. 1203.

October café events Sept. 25, 6:45 p.m. or Sept. 26, 9 a.m., the Gospel of Matthew, Bible study video, will be hosted by St. Therese Parish, 102 W. Randolph in Lansing. Registration is required. Contact Tony Sperendi, 517.487.0478 or tony.

sperendi@sbcglobal.net.

Mondays in October, 7 p.m., Conversion: Following the Call of Christ, Father Robert Barron’s DVD series in Father Mac Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing. For information, contact Deacon Al Weilbaecher, 517.3515460.

nity

local news

At our retreat centers Oct. 26-28, Beyond Survival is a weekend of healing for women who have experienced sexual abuse. Facilitated by Rosie Spagnuolo Bickert, LMSW and Father Larry Delaney.

Weber Retreat Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, 517.266.4000 or www.weber. adriandominicans.org Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Engaging Aging; and Nov. 25-29, The Leap: King to Manger.

Dominican Center at Marywood, 616.454.1241; links to all fall programs and online registrations are at www. dominicancenter.com/ open-programs Oct. 9, 2012May 14, 2013, Tues. afternoons, or Oct. 17, 2012-May 15, 2013, Wed. evenings, Group Spiritual Directions; Fri. and/or Sat., Oct. 19-20, Centering Prayer and its Origins in the Cloud of Unknowing’; Oct. 23, 30 and Nov. 6, Moses, Friend of God; Oct. 27, Self-Compassion – A day retreat for women; and Oct. 27, Women of God – Catholic Sisters in the United States.

D. Quillan

St. Francis Retreat Center, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt, 866.669.8321 or www.stfrancis.ws.

Papal honors for Lansing Bishop Boyea celebrated Solemn Vespers on Sept. 6 at St. Mary Cathedral in recognition of the honors bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI upon: Chaplain to His Holiness with the title monsignor: Rev. Anthony Majchrowski, pastor of All Saints Parish, Flint, and Rev. Gerald Vincke, spiritual director of the North American College, Rome.

Prelate of Honor to His Holiness with the title monsignor: Rev. Bernard Reilly, rector of St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing.

Advanced in rank and named a prothonotary apostolic supernumerary: Rev. Msgr. Michael D. Murphy, a senior priest of the diocese.

Awarded the Benemerenti medal: Deacon Ray and Grace Pizaña, St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh/St. Dominic, Clinton, and Sister Ann Shields, SGL, of the Servants of God’s Love, Ann Arbor, as a mark of recognition to persons in service to the Church.

Pro-life annual prayer chain for life Oct. 7, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Lansing’s 21st annual Life Chain is a peaceful prayer chain witnessing to the sanctity of life. People are to gather along Grand River Avenue from Abbot Road to Williamston (meeting at Brookfield Plaza, Summit Bank near Okemos Road, St. Martha Church or Main Street in Williamston near St. Mary) to thank God for babies saved and ask his blessings on pro-life counseling centers and all people working for life. Please join us or a Life Chain in your local community.

Oct 7, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m., 2012 Life Chain will be held at the intersection of Washtenaw and Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor. For information, contact Marilyn at 734.973.2422 or email Sandie at prolifeactionnetwork@gmail.com. To learn more and to locate other Life Chains near you, visit www.lifechain.net.

Respect Life Program The USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities announced the release of the 2012-2013 Respect Life Program. This year’s theme is “Faith opens our eyes to human life in all its grandeur and beauty.” This year’s program begins on Oct. 7, Respect Life Sunday. For more information or to request materials, visit www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/respect-life-program.

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State council supports St. Francis on the Lake

75th anniversary Mass

D. Quillan

On Friday, August 3, the diocese celebrated its 75th Anniversary with a Mass at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. The Diocese of Lansing was founded

by Pope Pius XI in August 1937. The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing, was the main celebrant of the Mass, and Archbishop Allen Vigneron of Detroit delivered the homily. Hundreds of priests, deacons, religious and laity of the diocese attended.

At the Mass, Bishop Boyea inaugurated a Year of Prayer for the entire diocese.

St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish in Swartz Creek celebrates 100 years Bishop Earl Boyea presided at a Mass on Aug. 2 to celebrate the parish’s 100th anniversary. In his homily, he challenged the congregation to look to the future and evangelize. A century has been marked but “God is not done with you yet.” Parish Administrator Father Nate Sokol thanked all who helped with the celebration, which concluded with a dinner reception.

St. Francis on the Lake is a wooded summer campground located in southern Jackson County dedicated to providing children with developmental disabilities with “the experience of a lifetime.” In June, a new Knights of Columbus Hall was dedicated with nearly 100 people in attendance. On hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss, State Deputy Thomas Marcetti and State Secretary Michael Malinowski.

New chief financial officer and human resources director for the Diocese of Lansing Bishop Boyea is pleased to announce the selection of a new chief financial officer. Following consultation with the College of Consultors and the Finance Council, George S. Landolt was welcomed to the diocesan staff. George is a parishioner at St. Mary, Williamston. He holds an MBA from Georgetown, and his background is in banking and investment planning. George and his wife Monica recently welcomed the arrival of their sixth child, Dominic Joseph. George will be starting in late September and will be introducing himself at vicariate meetings and other diocesan functions.

Lisa Kutas is the human resources director for the Diocese of Lansing. Lisa has a bachelor’s degree in human resources and a master’s degree in adult learning, both from Indiana University. She gained her work experience in the banking industry and later as the HR director with the Michigan Supreme Court. Lisa is a parishioner at St. Mary, Charlotte. She and her husband Mike have two daughters.

New director of evangelization for the Diocese of Lansing

Breath of Life Sharon Egan, director of religious education at St. Gerard in Lansing, and Deb Cholewicki created a painted and woven piece to hang at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt.

They were commissioned by Sustaining Pastoral Excellence.

The Creative Task Force received grant money to have them design the piece about Jesus calming the storm. From the design until its completion, the ecumenical project took a year.

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FAITH Magazine / October 2012 / www.FAITHmag.com

T. Gennara

local news

Bishop Boyea has named Craig Pohl as the new director of evangelization for the Diocese of Lansing. Craig entered St. John Vianney Seminary in Minnesota to discern a priestly vocation. After graduating with a degree in philosophy and Catholic studies, he decided take a position as youth director in his home parish. There, he developed an evangelization program for teens called the ARK. He then taught theology and philosophy at Lansing Catholic High School for three years and afterward took a full-time position with Renewal Ministries, a Catholic mission organization dedicated to evangelization and renewal in the Church. He has extensive parish experience in youth ministry and evangelization.

He holds a master’s degree in theology from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.

Correction: In the July/August issue of FAITH, the reason for Dr. James O’Connor’s Seeker of Justice award was misidentified.

Dr. O’Connor received the award for his singular devotion to St. Luke’s Clinic in Jackson.

How do you talk to people about Jesus?

I

last word

f you’re a teen reading this, allow me to share a few thoughts with you on evangelizing, a big word that simply means bringing Jesus’ love and thoughts to those around you. It’s all about our personal relationships with Jesus (which is what FAITH magazine is all about).

Right away, I want you to know there are some folks who “turn me off” by trying to stuff Jesus down my throat with what they aggressively say and do. They present themselves as the real, true Christians and sometimes tell me that Catholics can’t get into heaven. That’s not a good way to get my attention and open my mind to what they have to say. Is that the way Jesus presented himself to those around him? It sure wasn’t!

There are other ways to bring Jesus to people. From time to time, people, especially teens, want to talk about what life is all about. When those opportunities arise, we can talk about why we have life in the

first place, what the purpose of life really is, what kind of a God God is, and how God has made himself present to us, particularly in Jesus – and still does.

Sometimes just “being there” with another teen who has been hurt, or who is in great pain, or who is terribly lonely, or feels useless, will give you the chance to talk about God, about Jesus, and about life, with its trials and troubles,as well as its

moments of love, joy and happiness.

Religious T-shirts, or lapel buttons, or medals can start conversations. The trick is to get people to talk to you first, to get them to ask you questions. When they – not you – have started the conversation, you have a wide-open door. When people ask you questions, you aren’t beating them over the head with Jesus; you’re offering him, not hawking him. Well, you get the idea of what I’m talking about. Your example, your care, your warmth and friendship are keys – keys that can unlock conversations. When that happens, you can evangelize, you can give people the gift of God our Father’s love made present to us in his Son, Jesus, the one he loves and the one you love.

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

Victim assistance coordinator If you have been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church, please believe in the possibility for hope, help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out. Every diocese in the United States now has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to obtain support for your needs, to help make a formal complaint of abuse to the diocese and to arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative if you desire.

The victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Lansing is Adrienne Rowland, LMSW, ACSW. Her telephone number is 1.888.3086252; and her email is arowlandvac@dioceseoflansing.org.

The Diocese of Lansing celebrates its 75th anniversary this year Could this be your great-grandparent?

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

Coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas Si has sido víctima de abuso por alguien que representa la Iglesia Católica, por favor, cree en la posibilidad de esperanza, de ayuda y sanación. Te exhortamos a presentarte y declarar. Cada (arqui) diócesis/eparquía en Estados Unidos tiene ahora un coordinador o coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas a quien puedes acudir para que te apoye en tus necesidades, te ayude a hacer una denuncia formal de abuso ante la (arqui)diócesis/eparquía, y a solicitar una reunión personal con el obispo o su representante, si así lo deseas.

La coordinadora de asistencia a las víctimas en tu (arqui) diócesis/ eparquía es Adrienne Rowland, LMSW, ACSW, 1.888.308.6252 or arowlandvac@dioceseoflansing.org

If you recognize anyone in this 1910 photo from St. Joseph Parish, Adrian, drop us a line on our Facebook page.

Last month’s answer: St. John Student Parish c. 1960

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notes:

Is God Calling You? Are you a young adult woman with a desire to discern God’s will for your life?

The Emmaus House has openings for adult women who are interested in seriously discerning a vocation to religious life in a community. Located at 320 M.A.C. Avenue in East Lansing, directly across from St. John Chapel and Student Center, the house offers college-age women studying at Michigan State University or Lansing Community College an opportunity to grow in discerning a vocation, community prayer and parish involvement.

EMMAUS discernment house for women

For more information or to apply, contact: Dawn Hausmann Director of Consecrated Vocations Phone: 517-342-2506 Email: dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org www.dioceseoflansing.org/vocations

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CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING