October 2014

Special Report: Theology of the Body Father Charles Irvin Essay Winner: How Pope Francis inspires me

Rightside up or upside down, IT’S ALL ABOUT FAITH of God-given talent and energy to bring the Good News to places in need. I first met then-Monsignor Steven Raica when I was a seminarian. More than 20 years ago, while on retreat with the other seminarians of our diocese, we gathered in the chapel at St. Francis Retreat Center for prayer. That evening, a quiet, unassuming priest of our diocese climbed the steps up to the chapel’s small choir loft and seated himself at the chapel’s organ. That evening, now No, we have not lost our minds. Bishop Steven Raica offered the gift No, there was not an error at the of beautiful music that enhanced our printing plant. evening prayer and taught us all a lesson This issue of FAITH looks a little that required no words – just actions different on purpose. The truth is that we that revealed the willingness to share have so much news to share this month God-given gifts in simple ways that are that we had to devise a way to craft an clearly memorable to me to this day. I edition of the magazine that actually has join with all the faithful of our diocese in two covers. One prayerfully wishing cover represents Bishop Raica well our annual Teen in his new ministry Issue, while to the people of the other cover the Diocese of features Bishop Gaylord. I know Steven Raica, the that by his quiet, from the editor former Chancellor faith-filled ways, of the Diocese of Bishop Raica will Father Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. John the Evangelist Lansing, who was continue to find in Fenton. Email: editor@FAITHpub.com. recently ordained ways to share Bishop of the God’s gifts in Diocese of Gaylord. The result is this order to gently follow Jesus and join in uniquely formatted issue. shepherding the People of God. I continue to be amazed by the faith This issue of FAITH contains an and dedication of the teens and young inspiring variety of stories of God’s people who are part of our parish goodness. The innovative format of this communities. They are clearly hungering month’s issue allows these stories to be for a variety of ways to grow in their faith. shared with you in a way that we hope They are also clearly ingenious when it helps you to enjoy them all the more. comes to the many ways they are able to And so, in unique fashion, our journey in express that faith on a daily basis. While FAITH continues. many students make use of their college spring break as a time for relaxation and FAITH: the Director’s Cut partying, we thought it might be good to feature a group of young people who are You know how DVDs sometimes come part of the growing “alternative spring with a bunch of extra features? Like break” trend, which offers students the alternate endings? Students at Lansing opportunity to put their faith into action in Catholic High School designed covers for FAITH as a class project – check out a variety of locations and within a variety of life situations. Unique opportunities for FAITHpub.com for some cool student service permit young people with a blend designs.

efore anyone calls, writes or sends e-mail, let me answer the following very important questions about the issue of FAITH that you are holding in your hands:

T. Gennara

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

Meditate on the Passion of Christ St. Paul of the Cross Feast Day: October 20

Our culture abounds with “spiritual seekers” hungry for an encounter with the true God. They seem convinced they will somehow know God when they see him. They are, more often than not, perpetual seekers because they can never quite find the God in their mind. St. Paul of the Cross (1694– 1775) has some advice for these seekers, and for all of us who claim to be Christian: meditate on the Passion of Christ. St. Paul believed God is most easily discovered by us in the Passion, for the Passion was/is the most overwhelming sign of God’s love for us and, at the same time, the very door to union with the Trinity. St. Paul was born in Genoa, Italy. At age 26, he had a series of experiences in prayer that forever changed the trajectory of his life. In one vision, he saw himself in a long, black habit which bore a heart surmounted with a white cross. The words “the Passion of Jesus Christ” appeared within the heart. These experiences led him to form a community dedicated to promoting the love of God revealed in the Passion. The new community was called the Congregation of the Passion of Jesus Christ, or the Passionists, and they adopted the habit from St. Paul’s vision. The first Passionists practiced a strenuous austerity, which discouraged membership. This did not bother St. Paul, though, because the main goal of the community was to form “a man totally God-centered, totally apostolic, a man of prayer, detached from the world, from things.”

Liturgical Calendar: St. Thérése of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church Oct. 1 Holy Guardian Angels O

contents

October 2014

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J. Luning

COVER STORY From ‘Miracle baby’ to college freshman – Jonah’s story is being considered for Father Casey’s canonization

special report Theology of the Body

yourfaith

T. Gennara

M. Frieseman

Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER Rev. Dwight Ezop EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

www.FAITHcatholic.com Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Cynthia Vandecar DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

s piritual fitness How to be truthful in your personal prayer

yourstories

T. Gennara

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing Volume 15: Issue 8 www.FAITHpub.com

7 8 10 16

my story Chelsea Gheesling is bringing Good Girls back my story Matilyn Sarosi didn’t expect the friendship of prisoners our story When Alternative Spring Break is the first choice teen essay winner How Pope Francis inspires me

Bob Patten CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR For advertising information: Call 517.853.7600 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 FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2013 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

is a person, whose personhood is expressed through the body. • Created in the image and likeness of God, the human being is called to act like God. • Since God is love, the body, especially in its masculinity and femininity, should manifest God; should express divine love through the self-gift of one person to another. • And, as each human being is an unrepeatable and unique being, each reflects God somewhat differently. • Further, because the body physically expresses the person, it can be considered a sacrament, or a visible sign of an invisible reality. The body is a physical sign of who a person is. When a person acts as an image of God, the body becomes a sacrament of how God acts. • This means the body cannot be separated from the person. What we do to someone’s body, we do to that person.

Foundation and topics

CNS

SPECIAL REPORT: Theology of the Body

he recent canonization of Pope St. John Paul II offers the opportunity to reflect on the first major teaching of his pontificate (and perhaps the one that will turn out to be his greatest legacy). The setting for this teaching was his Wednesday General Audiences over a period of five years, during which he put forth what he called the Theology of the Body. Through the Theology of the Body, the saint hoped to call everyone to an authentic understanding and living out of what it means to be created male and female; of what it means to be created in the image and likeness of God. In other words, the Theology of the Body presents Pope St. John Paul II’s vision of what makes an integrated human person who is able to live a happy and fulfilled life. The Theology of the Body is a vast, rich topic. That said, here is a sampling of some of the basic principles: • The human being, body and soul, 4

is created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, has an unparalleled dignity and value. The body shares in this dignity and value precisely because each human being

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

The Theology of the Body is grounded primarily in Scripture. In particular, Pope St. John Paul II reflected extensively on the Book of Genesis, the Song of Songs, the Sermon on the Mount and the Letters of Paul. In addition, the newly canonized pope looked to Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical, Humanae Vitae, for further insight. From these sources, he developed topics ranging from the meaning of humanity’s original solitude, unity and nakedness to the meaning of purity of heart and the challenge of concupiscence. The use of the body in art and media and an exploration of the significance of the resurrection of the body, the sacramentality of marriage and conjugal spirituality also are covered in the Theology of the Body. For those interested in learning more about the Theology of the Body, please visit www.usccb.org or www.johnpaulii.edu, the website for the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. All 129 of Pope John Paul II’s General Audiences on the Theology of the Body can be found at www.ewtn.com.

St. Teresa of Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church Oct. 15 | St. Hedwig, religious Oct. 16 | St. Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr

CNS

“One of the boldest reconfigurations of Catholic theology in centuries … a theological time-bomb set to go off with dramatic consequences … it will compel a dramatic development of thinking about virtually every major theme in the Creed.” CNS

– George Weigel, Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II

“We can understand that our bodies are not inert, heavy material but, if we know how to listen, they speak the language of true love.” – Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, address to the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family

CNS

“... We can then deduce that man became the ‘image and likeness’ of God not only through his own humanity, but also through the communion of persons which man and woman form right from the beginning.” – “Man Becomes the Image of God by Communion of Persons” (Nov. 14,1979)

“When God-Yahweh said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone,’ (Gn 2:18) he affirmed that ‘alone’ man does not completely realize this essence. He realizes it only by existing ‘with someone’ – and even more deeply and completely – by existing ‘for someone.’” – “Revelation and Discovery of the Nuptial Meaning of the Body” (Jan. 9, 1980)

Theology of the Body Retreat FAITH spoke to Andrew Gallavan, a young adult who attended a Theology of the Body retreat sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing’s Department of Formation. Andrew said he was “somewhat familiar” with the teaching before the retreat, but that the day was a good introduction for those who are curious about what it all means. He said the material was presented in a “fun, upbeat” manner. Bishop Earl Boyea presided at the opening Mass, and encouraged those present to be “active Catholics.” Speakers Dan Spitzley from Lansing Catholic, Director of Consecrated Vocations Dawn Hausmann and Father Dan Kogut, chaplain of Powers Catholic High School, encouraged people to live out their vocation and live it to the fullest, whether that vocation is to religious, consecrated or married life. Andrew said Theology of the Body helps people understand

how “our body is an important aspect of developing our faith,” and the retreat “lifted my spirit” and “helped me grow in my faith.”

Theology of the Body Training Teens are facing unique challenges in the culture today, especially those concerning sexuality and human and divine love. Today’s challenges need to be addressed with a “new language” that explains how authentic Christianity makes sense because it corresponds perfectly with the deepest desires of the human heart. Bill Donaghy will present a training for leaders and adults on how to teach pre-teens and teens this teaching based on John Paul II’s Theology of the Body on October 16 and 17, 2014. An Intro to TOB course will be offered on October 18. Find more information at dioceseoflansing.org/ vocations or contact Dawn Hausmann for further questions: 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org

How to be truthful in your PERSONAL PRAYER

esus told us clearly in John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the truth. There is no guile, no deceit in him; he is the wholeness of truth, the fullness of truth. “Once you were ‘no people’ but now you are God’s people.” (1Peter 2:10) The more we live in truth in our personal lives, the more we can begin to experience God’s desire to walk with us in all things that constitute life for us on this earth. So let’s apply this reality to our daily prayer. If you don’t have a daily prayer time, start. In a human sense, how can you expect to draw near to anyone, to build human friendships, without spending time together? So it is with God. Begin each day with a prayer of thanksgiving and worship. Psalms can help you express your worship of God and thanksgiving to him for giving you life. I recommend Psalms 8, 84 and 92–100. Be honest when you worship and thank him.

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Repent for where you have failed, in the last week, or in the last day. Ask God for grace to have the courage to change (grace is God sharing his life with us). He will help you become more like him by sharing himself with you. The more you walk in the truth, the more you begin to really know the One who is all truth. Reading Psalm 51 is a good way to express repentance for choosing the darkness over the light. Thank God for showing you the truth and ask him to walk with you, that you may overcome this pattern or habit of sin.

Read Matthew 13: 1-9 and determine how it applies to you. Ask God to help you understand this passage and see where you are in your life with regard to it. You see clearly the obstacles the farmer has with the seed he sows. Now comes the time for honesty. Ask yourself: “What are the birds and the thorns, the heat, the rocks in my life that keep the Lord’s word from being planted deeply in my mind and heart and enabling

me to bear fruit? Am I bearing fruit in love, kindness, generosity, compassion, perseverance?” In other words, take an honest inventory. We can all say, “O lord, I want to love you and serve you. I want to know you better. I want to be a better person.” But once we acknowledge such desires, then we need to ask the Lord to help us make a wise decision to change. Start with only one area. Is it anger, jealousy, greed or lust, for example, or (fill in the blank). What is it that causes me not to bear the fruits of justice, joy, peace, patience, kindness, mercy, etc.? (Only work with one fruit at a time so you don’t become discouraged.) Take a little time to pray for your own needs and those of others. Be honest in making your requests to avoid sin and follow him more closely. You will be amazed at how near he draws when you confess sin and seek his help. We cannot save ourselves, try as we might. Close with worship and thanksgiving, and don’t be afraid of the truth. Again, use the psalms. I recommended some at the beginning of this article that may be helpful for this purpose, but I also want to urge you to read a psalm or two every day. After doing this for a period of time, you will find some particular psalms that express your own thanksgiving in ways that are particularly meaningful to you. Use them. The more conformed you are to the truth in thought and word and action, the closer Christ will come to you, bringing with him the fullness of truth in his very person. We are all sinners, and the more we are willing to live in the truth, the more we will know the peace and joy that only Christ can give. 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. You can order her new book,

More of the Holy Spirit, for $12 at www.renewalministries.net.

Follow Sister Ann Shields on Twitter @srannshieldssgl FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

yourstories

Chelsea Gheesling is bringing GOOD GIRLS BACK

“E

ven in high school, people called me a goody-goody,” Chelsea Gheesling recalls. “But I didn’t mind it. I was proud to be known as a ‘good girl.’ I had a great high school experience – I was involved in activities, on the dance team and cheerleading, and I had friends and was social; though I wasn’t perfect, I didn’t stray from my values.”

These days, Chelsea knows that tween and teen girls often face the challenge of being good versus being “cool.” As the founder of the Good Girl Comeback, a motivational speaking ministry, Chelsea spends her time talking with and inspiring young women to resist the pressure to be the “cool girl” the “mean girl” or the “party girl,” and instead embrace their identities as good girls who maintain their innocence and purity – even while relishing the fun of their teenage years. “I’ve watched girls absorb the cultural messages about what’s cool, sexy and fashion-forward, but I’ve witnessed an amazing thing as well – when they hear the counter-cultural message about being good girls, they are so attracted to it. They love the message of respecting themselves and challenging others to respect them, too. And they are excited about preserving their modesty and purity,” Chelsea says. The Good Girl Comeback offers full-day conferences for girls across Michigan, alternating each month between gatherings for middle-school girls and high-schoolers. While Chelsea leads the young women, their mothers listen to a talk by a fellow mom, Cindi Carter, on cultural issues and trends that parents should know. The conferences, which also are offered on-site for schools and parishes, focus on six topics that concern adolescent girls in today’s challenging culture: faith, modesty, dating, purity, friendship and confidence. “I adopt a theme for the year,” Chelsea explains. “This year, it’s ‘How to make Good Girl decisions.’ Last year’s was ‘Define your Good Girl self.’ But no matter what the theme, we discuss those six areas where girls must navigate the culture and their own lives.” In the nearly three years since launching Good Girl Comeback as a full-time ministry, Chelsea has met and spoken to thousands of girls. She is gratified by their enthusiasm and commitment to adopting the good girl lifestyle. “Sometimes I feel silly talking about the fact that I was the homecoming queen ten years ago, but I know it’s important to the girls. I talk about those kinds of things because I know they will be attractive to them and then I can bring them along to things that are so much deeper,” she says. “I talk about my whole lifestyle: the promise ring I put on at 13, the fact that I didn’t have sex until my wedding night, the choices I make about how to dress and how to be attractive. A lot of people are very vocal about their life decisions, but those choices aren’t always the moral ones. I’m OK with being vocal about my choices, too.” “People often say it just can’t be. You can’t be a good girl in this day and age. But I’m here to say you can, and it’s the better way. It makes you so much happier.”

Good Girl Comeback is a program empowering teens to see the goodness in themselves. For more information, please visit www.goodgirlcomeback.com By Marybeth Hicks | Photography by Tom Gennara

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

Matilyn Sarosi didn’t expect THE FRIENDSHIP OF PRISONERS “We’re a group of teenagers, similar to those who were sentenced at the time they committed their crimes,” Matilyn explains. “Also, atilyn Sarosi didn’t know what we’re a faith group and our faith compels us to social justice. So to expect when she decided to those two things gave us legal standing.” Before she undertook the task of writing the brief, Matilyn had to speak out on behalf of “juveget her schoolmates to buy into the idea. She worked with Father nile lifers” – convicts who were Richard Lobert, chaplain and theology teacher at FGR, preparing sentenced while minors to life in prison without any a presentation for every theology class in the school explaining the possibility of parole. issue, the social justice perspective and the premises of the amicus curiae brief. In all, about 450 students, or roughly 85 percent of the She didn’t expect to make the national news. school, agreed to support the document. She didn’t know if she would hear from Pope Francis, to whom The next step was to write the 18-page brief, something Matilyn she had written for support. did with minimal guidance from volunteer attorneys at Ann Arbor’s She couldn’t predict whether the voices of teens could influence a Miller Johnson law firm. She based her arguments on two principanel of judges. pal points: teens are hard-wired to make mistakes, and our faith But one thing she never imagined when she became an advocate teaches that redemption is always possible. were the letters. Stacks of them, written by convicted “juvenile “We students at FGR may have different circumstances due to lifers” from all across America, and delivered to Matilyn in care of socioeconomic status and family support, but all teens face difficult Father Gabriel Richard (FGR) High School in Ann Arbor, where the choices as they grow, so we have that in common,” Matilyn says. young activist is a 17-year-old senior. “One of our arguments is that teens are susceptible to The notes and poems, as well as handmade cards negative influences, and, to a certain extent, peer and drawings, praise Matilyn for her courage, pressure and the lack of confidence and the turthank her for her commitment and remind bulence of adolescence are similar for us all.” There’s no her that even if her efforts on their behalf Matilyn also pointed to scientific redoubt that the crimes are not successful, she has given them search on the maturation process of the something precious they have not felt adolescent brain, which now clearly these offenders committed in years – hope for the future. indicates that teens and young adults were serious, and not everyone “This started for me as an academic are still developing the parts of the would be appropriate for parole. pursuit,” says Matilyn, the daughter of brain that control impulsive behavior But at the same time ... we still Kimm and Mike Sarosi of Ann Arbor, and risk-taking. have to consider the dignity of the members of St. Francis of Assisi “But we also focused on what our person. Our faith teaches Parish. “But I’ve grown so attached to faith teaches about prisoners and rethis issue. I feel really passionate about demption,” Matilyn says. “Restorative we must have justice it because of the people I have seen justice is a big focus of the Church. and mercy in equal through these letters.” There’s no doubt that the crimes these measure.” “I learned about ‘juvenile lifers’ over a offenders committed were serious, and family dinner one night in October 2013 with not everyone would be appropriate for my aunt, Mary Ann Sarosi. She’s a public interest parole. But at the same time, punishment must attorney and was working on a brief for a Michigan serve a purpose and we still have to consider the Supreme Court case that challenged the sentences of ‘juvenile lifdignity of the person. Our faith teaches we must have justice ers’ because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that said those kinds and mercy in equal measure.” of sentences are unconstitutional.” “It’s an emotional subject. You’re dealing with people’s lives – In talking with her aunt, Matilyn learned that the law would now people who will die in prison and people whose loved ones aren’t prohibit juvenile offenders from being sentenced to life without here because they were killed,” Matilyn says. “There are victims parole, but that those who are currently serving life sentences for involved and there’s a lot of hurt and pain there.” crimes they committed as minors – in some cases already decades In July, the Michigan Supreme Court decided not to revisit the long – would not be reconsidered. “It didn’t make sense to me that sentences of “juvenile lifers,” but a federal court case might still althis practice would be unconstitutional going forward, but that low those prisoners to be eligible for parole. hundreds of people who were given unfair life sentences will never No matter how it turns out, Matilyn has seen the impact of hope have the chance to be paroled,” she says. on the lives of prisoners. “When you see the faithfulness expressed Matilyn’s aunt explained that teenagers within her school comin the letters,” Matilyn says, “people saying, ‘even if it doesn’t help munity would have “standing” to submit an amicus curiae, (“friend me, it is so good to know someone cares about us. God bless you’ of the court”) brief to urge the Michigan Supreme Court to apply … ‘God has great plans for your life’… That’s been a really humthe ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court retroactively. bling lesson from all this that I didn’t expect.”

By Marybeth Hicks | Photography by Tom Gennara

SERVICE OVER SUNSHINE: left to right, Meg Riegel, Danielle Bean, Julia Walsh, Julia Kehoe and Lucie Fornasiero participated in Alternative Spring Break.

When ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK is the first choice

niversity of Michigan students Lucie Fornasiero, Meg Riegel, Julia Kehoe, Danielle Bean and Julia Walsh can identify a singular episode that truly sparked their friendship. It all started with a speeding ticket, which then led to a fish fry. Lucie explains: “Sister Dorothy Ederer, [formerly of St. Mary’s Student Parish in Ann Arbor and currently at St. John’s Student Parish in East Lansing] was on her way to the St. Mary’s spring retreat our freshman year of college when she was pulled over for speeding. When she explained to the Catholic police officer 10

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

that she was a nun headed to a college retreat, the officer agreed to let her off with a warning if she would bring some students to the officer’s Knights of Columbus Lenten fish fry.” Though Lucie, Meg, Danielle and Julia Kehoe weren’t in the car at the time of the incident, they expressed interest in attending the fish fry later that evening at the retreat. One week later, they piled into Julia’s tiny Saturn sedan and headed to the fish fry. They’ve been close ever since. They adopted Julia Walsh into their group their sophomore year and became roommates in the house the group has affectionately termed “The Shack.” When the time came last semester to decide how to spend their spring break, the decision was simple – the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trips organized and run through St. Mary’s. In March, the group dispersed to five separate locations across

Meg Riegel Meg, a senior in the School of Information, stayed close to Ann Arbor and found a unique experience working against urban poverty in Flint. Meg’s group worked on a different service project each day, and ate dinner each night with a leader in the revitalization effort. The combination of service and education provided a unique picture of the real city of Flint and its needs. Meg says: “My trip combined service and education in a really interesting way, because we didn’t build houses. Instead, we got to speak with leaders in Flint who are trying to redevelop the city. It was really cool to see leaders with so much passion for the city explain the ways they’re working to bring it back.”

Julia Kehoe Julia Kehoe, a senior studying organizational studies and environmental studies, led her third ASB trip to Logan, W.V., where the students helped to rebuild and renovate homes together with Catholic Charities. “The trips try to focus on the Catholic social justice teachings, so we recognize that the physical work we’re doing isn’t always the most important part of the trip. It’s about talking with and listening to the people,” she says. “We try to gain an understanding of the bigger issues going on and learn what our role can be going forward,” Julia adds.

Danielle Bean Danielle, a senior nursing student, led students to the heart of mining country in Wheeling, W.V., to pack school lunches, organize donations and work with a school reading program. Danielle’s experience enlightened her to many of rural West Virginia’s economic struggles, a topic she likely would not have pursued independently. “We learned all about the coal mining industry and how integral it is to the community and how its decline has affected those people,” she says. the United States to experience the transformative power of service to others.

Lucie Fornasiero Lucie, a senior studying sociology and Spanish, led a group of students to Nashville, Tenn., where she worked with a Catholic Charities refugee center. Though much of the trip focused on refurbishing the Catholic Charities offices, Lucie says the time spent learning about the organization’s day-to-day operations opened her eyes to the way Catholic Charities helps the under-served around the world acclimate to life in a new place. “The painting didn’t necessarily seem like meaningful work to us at the time, but it was a really rewarding process because we learned so much about the refugee process and what Catholic Charities really does,” says Lucie. For Lucie, extending the friendships she forged on her trip to Nashville back to St. Mary’s Parish made her ASB experience invaluable.

Julia Walsh Julia Walsh, a senior studying English and Spanish, went to Meridian, Miss., where she worked on a home renovation project with Habitat for Humanity. Julia was particularly affected by the owner of the house she was working on – Mr. Henderson. She saw firsthand how the simple act of sitting quietly together can positively affect another person. “Some days we really didn’t have much work to do on the house, but we would just sit and talk with Mr. Henderson and spend time with him,” says Julia. “He was a quiet guy, so sometimes it was just about being together.” Though each of these young women went to a different area of the country, they all experienced relationships formed in faith – with their fellow students, and with those whom they served on their trips. For the young women of “The Shack,” Alternative Spring Break was not an alternative – it was their first choice. By Betsy Hicks | Photography by Mike Frieseman

Jonah Kemp

is a normal

18-year-old. He played football for

four years at Detroit Catholic Central, earning academic AllState honors in his senior season. He went to prom. He hangs out with his buddies, playing video games and watching movies. Enrolled at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business this fall, he is reluctantly preparing to switch allegiances from the green and white of Michigan State he grew up with to the maize and blue. Jonah is normal. But he’s not normal, as his parents Julie and Craig – not to mention scores of medical personnel – can attest. By Michael Spath | Photography by Jim Luning

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

“I know what happened, I know my life could be really different than it is. I’m just glad I got to be a normal kid.”

J 14

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Watch more of Jonah’s story on

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JONAH WAS BORN WITH HYDROCEPHALUS, son my whole life. I’ve never had learning disabilities. a condition in which a buildup of fluid in the craI never struggled in school. I’ve always felt just like nium creates swelling on the brain. everyone else. I’ve never felt special. Not many of my “There was no good news – about the best news was friends or classmates know what happened so no one that maybe he wouldn’t die,” says his father, Craig. “It treats me like, ‘You made it.’ wasn’t like they were going to do an operation to put “It’s important for me that I’m normal.” a shunt in and then he was going to live a quality life. The family knows. Some close friends know, but They told us the mortality rate was high – speech probno one treats Jonah differently than any other 18-yearlems, learning disabilities, physical handicaps, possible old who is preparing for the next step of his journey. paralysis. There were all these catastrophic potential His older brother, Nick, does tease him sometimes, consequences.” lamenting he is not a “miracle baby” like his younger Jonah underwent an initial surgery to place monitors brother, but, day to day, Jonah is just one of the guys. inside his head to measure the pressure on the brain. It He likes it that way. was exceedingly high. “I’m aware, and it pushes you to work a little hardThe Kemps, members of St. Patrick Church in er in school, but at the same time, I’m not calling atBrighton, prayed. Julie’s mother brought a Father Sotention to myself or thinking that I walk on water or lanus Casey relic to the hospital and told her daughter should be treated better than anyone else,” he says. to keep her faith strong, and to ask God to intervene. “I feel like if my story was more well-known, people Father Solanus Casey was a Capuchin friar and priest might act differently around me, but I want to be who spent many years at the St. Bonaventure Monaslike everyone else.” tery in Detroit. He spent a great deal of time around Thanks to a miracle – and that is what the Kemps the sick, and many felt they received believe it to be – Jonah has lived a special blessings through his compasnormal life. “I think there sion and intercession. “What an amazing life he has had The night before the more exhaustive versus what could have been,” Craig was a reason surgery was scheduled – to insert the says. “When he received his kudos at this happened shunts that would drain the fluid and commencement, it just hit me that here to Jonah. We relieve the pressure – Julie poured her is this 200-pound football player, taller heart out, hopeful God was listening. than I am, smarter than I have ever may not “I started praying to Father Solanus been, laughing with his friends, getunderstand and to Jesus, saying, ‘If you would just ting ready to go to college, and reflectthat yet, but help him, I would make sure we did ing back on how it all started, and how everything we should do,’” Julie says. “I sure we were that he was destined for a I think there promised we would do whatever God life of struggles physically and mentally is a purpose called us to do … to be great parents, and emotionally, and then that’s not the behind all of whatever was required.” life he had. When she woke in the morning, “We’re so grateful, and so appreciathis.” there was something wrong. The monitive, and feel just blessed.” tors measuring the pressure on the brain The incredible, and unexplainable, were inexplicably low. Certainly Jonah must have cure of Jonah Kemp is being considered a miracle for dislodged the devices, Julie thought. She called for a the canonization of Venerable Father Solanus Casey. If nurse, who called for a resident, who called for the atCasey becomes a saint, the Kemps will strongly considtending pediatrician/neurosurgeon. No one could offer er visiting Vatican City to participate in the ceremony. a medical explanation for the reduced swelling. But they do not need an official word from the CathoAfter a few more tests, Jonah was discharged from lic Church to know God blessed their family. They see the hospital. He continued to see his doctor every few it everyday. months, but when Jonah reached 5, the Kemps were “I don’t need someone to tell me he’s a saint – I know told Jonah no longer needed to make visits. He was a what happened and what Father Solanus did for our healthy child. The hydrocephalus was gone. family,” Julie says. “I think there was a reason this hapOver the next few years, Jonah would play sports – pened to Jonah. baseball, hockey, football. He would excel in school, “We may not understand that yet, but I think there graduating from Detroit Catholic Central as the class is a purpose behind all of this.” valedictorian. To him, he was just like everyone else Perhaps someday the Kemps will know why their – and the stories his parents told seemed like fantasy. child was healed, but for now, Jonah is beginning “The whole story, it just sounds like a story, and not his freshman year at Michigan just like thousands of my real life,” Jonah says. “I almost feel like my parents classmates. are talking about someone else. “I know what happened, I know my life could be re“There have been moments where I have reflected ally different than it is. I’m just glad I got to be a normal on it more heavily, but I have felt like a normal perkid,” he says. 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Steps to SAINTHOOD In official Church procedures, there are three steps to sainthood: a candidate becomes “Venerable,” then “Blessed” and then “Saint.” Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized formally by the pope as having lived heroic virtues. To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or martyrdom. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification, though a pope may waive these requirements. The definition of a “miracle” is an event that can be witnessed by the senses but is in apparent contradiction to the laws of nature. The Church recognizes authentic miracles as a divine intervention in the sensible world. – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ backgrounder on “Making Saints.”

How Pope Francis INSPIRES ME

ope Francis is an admitted thief and former bouncer, and the driver of an old used car. That is why he inspires me. He is really not that different from most of us, yet we just have a hard time realizing it because we naturally put the pope on an extremely high moral and social pedestal. Subconsciously, many of us probably imagine that the pope can do no wrong, or that the pope does not sin. Many also think that a man of such high standing and acclaim must be rich. The fact of the matter is that this famous and holy man is extremely humble and down to earth. He makes mistakes, but he is always striving to do as Jesus would. This inspires me to attempt to strive for the same because he is so much like us. Pope Francis did not enter the seminary at a young age, but held many interesting and questionable jobs before he found his vocation. Prior to becoming the leader of the entire Catholic Church, Pope Francis was a janitor, a lab geek and a bouncer at a nightclub. Now usually when I imagine one of the most holy men in the world, I do not think of the type to kick troublemakers out of bars physically. While kicking out irritable and drunk people is a good deed, it can’t be occurring in the best setting. It inspires me how interesting and worldly Pope Francis is, and it inspires me that he does not fit the textbook profile of a regular priest, let alone the pope, with regard to his previous jobs. Pope Francis has to be one of the most humble men alive. As the pope, he is entitled to his choice of luxury vehicles. Not only does he get a sweet ride, he is also entitled to have a chauffeur drive him around wherever he pleases. Pope Francis owns

a 1984 Renault 4, and drives it around himself. Personally, if I were allowed to own a luxury car and have a personal driver, I would probably jump at the opportunity. Pope Francis, however, understands the importance of humility, especially in his line of work. It inspires me to see a man offered so much accept so little, and instills in me the desire to do the same. I often find myself daydreaming at Mass, or falling asleep during my prayers. I try not to beat myself up over this fact, but it still bugs me a little bit that during the times I am supposed to be giving God my full attention, I can be so careless and doze off. I would imagine that a man like the pope would not have such a problem, but alas, Pope Francis has again shocked me with his inspiring human weaknesses. Pope Francis has admitted to dozing off during his nighttime prayer occasionally. It amazes me that the pope can suffer from this problem because I sometimes forget that he is only human, too. I do not doubt that Pope Francis loves God above all else, and if he can suffer from the same attention-span issues that I do, it gives me hope not to get discouraged. Dozing off during prayer is one thing, but committing a sin and breaking one of the Ten Commandments is completely different. Nothing bothers me more than when I break one of God’s rules, because they are so specific and they are given to us to follow. I never imagined the pope could be capable of breaking these rules, but Pope Francis again showed just how human he really is when he admitted to stealing. He once stole a rosary from another priest’s corpse, and kept it for years in his pocket to remind himself not to think badly of others, because he himself is imperfect. I find that amazing. I always struggle not to judge others, and I am sure the pope is not condoning stealing something to remind us of our imperfections, just showing us that even he is imperfect. Yet again Pope Francis has managed to inspire me with his imperfections. Pope Francis is one of the most humble men alive. He admits his mistakes in life to large crowds, and I am sure these are things he is not necessarily proud of. Yet, he understands the struggles we all have as humans, because he too suffers from the same struggles. Rather than hide from the things he may be ashamed of, Pope Francis chooses to admit his faults to us to keep us from getting discouraged in our faith. His willingness to step down from the high pedestal we put him on is amazing, and inspires me incredibly.

The 2014 Father Charles Irvin Essay Contest Winner

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FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

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 Ryan Johnson of Gabriel Richard High School. By Ryan Johnson | Photography by Tom Gennara

Lessons from the ‘SNOWSHOE PRIEST’

Bishop Baraga, first bishop of Marquette Excerpts from the homily Bishop Boyea preached at the episcopal ordination of Most Reverend Steven Raica, former chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing, now the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord. In it, Bishop Boyea spoke about Bishop Baraga, whose cause for sainthood is proceeding and whose chalice Bishop Raica used at his ordination Mass.

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In 1861, after a two-day canoe journey of 11 hours each day, Bishop Baraga arrived at Eagletown from Little Traverse and wrote: “After an unpleasant journey, rowing continuously, I arrived … sick.” Practically every summer this Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie, this Venerable Servant of God, made a long pastoral visit to the northern Lower Peninsula at the request of Bishop Peter Paul Lefevre in Detroit. When not in a canoe, he was on a horse or on his feet, feet that 31 years earlier he had described as “very sore and bad,” and as possible disqualifiers for his going to America as a missionary.

from the bishop

On his way to his first missionary posting in Arbre Croche, Father Baraga stopped at Detroit where he preached what he wrote his sister would be his final German homily, “because I firmly believe that I will remain uninterruptedly among the Indians until the last breath of my life.”

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

Some 30 years earlier, Baraga had his first missionary posting in the Arbre Croche area, which also included care of Beaver Island, Manistique and Cheboygan. During his first winter there in early 1833, he noted how cold it was, requiring his constant breath in order to melt the wine in the chalice so as to consecrate it and again in order to consume the precious blood of our Savior. And he was happy.

[Addressing Bishop Raica directly, Bishop Boyea’s message has meaning for all of us:] You know well that this task being given you is not easy, but if you remember daily this gift of God placed in your heart and soul, you too will share gladly in the sufferings which the Gospel entails. And as the Spirit fans into a flame that gift in you, you too will stir up that same spirit in so many in this diocese. And you too will be happy. To read Bishop Boyea’s entire homily, visit www.DioceseofLansing.org

contents

October 2014

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s pecial report October 2014 – Extraordinary Synod in the know with Fr. Joe Why are Christians being persecuted in the Middle East? special report Christians in the Crosshairs special report Lansing’s chancellor becomes Gaylord’s bishop

10 Follow Bishop Boyea on Twitter @BishopBoyea

How Cathryn evangelizes Fall is upon Southeast Michigan, with students walking the halls of colleges and universities. For some theology students in the Diocese of Lansing, their class on the Bible is located right in their own parish, or in one nearby, thanks to the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan (CBSM). The CBSM sends accredited college instructors to different parishes throughout the diocese to teach compreCathryn Torgerson, hensive four-year courses on the Bible. curriculum director and instructor “We are based on a school in Denver for the CBSM. that has been in existence for a couple of decades,” says Cathryn Torgerson, curriculum director and instructor for the CBSM. “Dr. Peter Williamson, professor of Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, felt inspired to transplant the program to Southeast Michigan. We took their curriculum and adjusted it a little. We teach about God’s plan for salvation, the beauty of the wisdom literature, the visions of the prophets, the life and words of Jesus and the early Christian Church.” These are college-level classes on the Bible and Scripture designed for Catholics. Some students even choose to take the course and receive college credit through Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. “We are a bridge between parish Bible studies and academic programs,” Cathryn says. “Our classes offer the chance to receive God’s word in a different way than in a Bible study.” Although the CBSM is guided by the bishops in Lansing and the Archdiocese of Detroit, it does not receive funding from the dioceses but earns revenue through tuition and donations. “We’re an independent Catholic organization led by our director, Deacon Jack Gardner,” says Cathryn. “Each member of the faculty has a post-graduate degree in Catholic theology.” Costs are reasonable because the school does not need to own or lease any real estate. Instead, teachers travel to area parishes. Cathryn says, “It works great when a parish can donate space for four years and then other parishes can support the program. We generally have about a dozen locations and 350 students.”

This is the third year in Ann Arbor, the second year in Brighton and the first year in Jackson. Future locations in the diocese are in the planning stages for Lansing in 2015 and Flint at a later date. The first year is spent studying the Old Testament. “It’s the foundation of our faith and people often don’t realize that,” says Cathryn. “It’s exciting to teach the Old Testament because people begin to realize the depth of our faith.” The classes also show the relationship of the Bible with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. “We draw in how the Scriptures are used in the Lectionary,” Cathryn says. “We teach about the Catholic faith through God’s word. Our goal is to help people learn about the Scriptures, learn about faith and grow with God.” “During the third and fourth years, we address books with more complex theology and spirituality,” says Cathryn. Many students are surprised at how much of their Catholic faith is founded on Scripture. Often, in the course of the second year, many students find that “God is drawing them into a deeper relationship,” Cathryn says. Students discover that many people in the Bible perceived as holy or saints were actually sinners. King David, for example, was an adulterer and murderer. Yet, God loved David and forgave him. “Usually it’s kind of a shock and then people realize ‘I don’t have to be perfect either,’” Cathryn says. “We have a lot of perfection expectations in our culture. The truth is we don’t have to be perfect for God to love us. We are called to be priest, prophet and king in our lives right where we are today.” The diocese of Lansing is hosting an assembly for parish leaders to help them become more effective evangelizers. FAITH will continue to feature profiles of those who are successfully engaging in the new evangelization.” – Mary Kay McPartlin For more information on Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, visit the website www.cbsmich.org, call the school at 313.274.4500 in its office in St. Linus parish, or email Cathryn at cathryn.cbsm@gmail.com.

PRAY FOR THE

DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY Please pray for your parish leaders as they attend the first diocesan assembly on Nov. 19-20 in response to Bishop Boyea’s pastoral letter, “Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord.” We ask that God bless them as they engage in the New Evangelization.

Find Catholic events in your area: FAITHpub.com | CatholicEventFinder.com | MassTimes.org

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October 2014 EXTRAORDINARY SYNOD

n Oct. 8, 2013, it was announced that Pope Francis had convened the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in the Vatican Oct. 5-19, 2014. The theme for the assembly will be “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.” The preparatory document for the Extraordinary General Assembly identifies the assembly itself as part of a two-stage itinerary. First, the Extraordinary General Assembly in October 2014 is tasked with defining the “state of the question” and with collecting the bishops’ experiences and proposals “in proclaiming and living the Gospel of the Family in a credible manner.” Then, an Ordinary General Assembly in 2015 will “seek working guidelines” in the pastoral care of the person and the family. 4

Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, explained the convocation of the extraordinary session clearly indicates the Holy Father’s conviction “that the Church should move as a community in reflection and prayer, and that she takes common pastoral directions in relation to the most important points…under the guidance of the pope and the bishops.” He added, “the proposal of particular pastoral solutions by local persons or offices carries the risk of engendering confusion. It is opportune to

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

emphasize the importance of following a path in full communion with the ecclesial community.”

THE NEED The preparatory document states that the social and spiritual crisis of the world today is increasingly impacting the Church’s evangelizing mission as it concerns the family, which is the “vital building-block of society and the ecclesial community.” Consequently, the document stresses the even greater urgency and need for the Church’s proclamation of the Gospel on the Family, which is precisely the driving force behind the calling for the Extraordinary General Assembly. Among the many situations enumerated in the preparatory document as demanding the Church’s attention and pastoral care are: • the widespread practice of cohabitation; • same-sex unions (which are then permitted to adopt children);

WHAT IS THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS? According to canon law (Canons 342344), the Synod of Bishops consists of bishops chosen from different parts of the world who meet at fixed times in order to foster unity, to offer counsel to the pope in matters of faith and morals and to consider questions related to the activity of the Church in the world. The Synod of Bishops is directly subject to the authority of the pope and is not charged with resolving questions or issuing decrees about them unless the pope specifically endows the synod with deliberative power – and then ratifies the decisions of the synod.

THE POPE’S PRAYER REQUEST

TYPES OF SESSIONS The Code of Canon Law (Canons maintains that the Synod of Bishops can be assembled in a general session or in a special session.

345-346)

• A general session treats matters that “directly pertain to the good of the universal Church.” It can be an ordinary session or an extraordinary session. The ordinary session is typically held every three years. • A special session treats matters that “directly pertain to a determinate region or regions.”

In February 2014, Pope Francis issued a letter to families worldwide requesting them “to pray intensely to the Holy Spirit, so that the Spirit may illumine the Synodal Fathers and guide them in their important task.” Earlier, in December 2013, Pope Francis had offered his own prayer for the success of the Synod to the Holy Family:

“Holy Family of Nazareth, may the approaching Synod of Bishops make us once more mindful of the sacredness and inviolability of the family, and its beauty in God’s plan.”

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Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, speaks during a press conference at the Vatican June 26. The press conference was held to unveil the working document for the October extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family.

•m ixed or inter-religious marriages; • t he single-parent family; • a culture of non-commitment and a presumption of the marriage bond as temporary;

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE

By Doug Culp

DID YOU KNOW? Pope Paul VI permanently established the Synod of Bishops on September 15, 1965, in the apostolic letter, Apostolica Sollicitudo, as a way to provide for frequent, regular opportunities of the kind of episcopal collegiality emphasized during the Second Vatican Council. For some great resources on marriage and family life, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website: tinyurl.com/FM1014-SRSynod

iStockPhoto.com/ wwing

On Nov. 5, 2013, the Holy See announced that a 39-item questionnaire would be part of the preparations for the 2014 Extraordinary General Assembly. The survey, which is no longer open, sought to assess the attitudes of Catholics toward relevant church teachings on marriage

and the family as well as cultural and social challenges to those teachings. Topics included divorce and remarriage, cohabitation, same-sex unions and contraception. The inclusion of such a survey in the preparations, and the subsequent placement of the questionnaire online specifically by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, caused some speculation that the Synod of Bishops would be placing great emphasis on the current public opinion, or the “polling” results, in their deliberations. However, officials have been clear from the beginning that the synod’s work will be based on Catholic doctrine and not on public opinion.

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A woman walks inside a damaged church in Maaloula, a Christian town in Syria.

Why are Christians being persecuted IN THE MIDDLE EAST?

The situation for Christians in the Middle East is dire. Catholics suffer and die for their faith all over the world in real, tangible ways. For this article, I’m going to focus on the Middle East, as that is where the suffering of our brothers and sisters is most intense and somewhat public. The suffering of Christians in the Middle East is not theoretical: it’s very real. Reports from that region inform us that Christians are being hunted, trapped and killed like wild animals. Christians are being forced to watch their children starved, taken from them and treated in unspeakable ways. This is happening because they will not abandon the faith we share with them. I imagine that many of us read or hear about this and feel shock: How could this happen? Why would people deliberately seek to destroy others for their belief in Christ? First, I invite us to remember that evil is real. Evil exists and is a

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

T. Gennara

Dear Fr. Joe: I’m reading and hearing about all the horrible things happening to Christians in the Middle East and I don’t know what to do – how do we respond to this as Christians?

very strong force in the world. Too often, we forget the reality and power of evil and we attempt to find reasons for things like this when they happen. Evil destroys – that’s what it does. It in the know is incapable of doing anything else. Our best response to evil is with Father Joe not to attempt to intellectualize it If you’d like to submit a question or jump into political “answers,” for Father Joe Krupp to consider in a future column, but to pray. Into this situation in please send it to: joeinblack@ particular, I invite us to ask the priest.com. Father Joe is unable to personally answer questions. Blessed Mother to pray. St. Bonaventure once wrote, “Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.” Whenever we encounter evil, the prayers of the Blessed Mother are particularly important. Beyond this, Mary is the right choice for intercession because of another reason – she watched Christ suffer on the cross. She didn’t look away or run away – she stood at the foot of the cross. Now, you and I are invited to stand there with her. We are watching our brothers and sisters suffer and die, and the powerlessness that we feel in our desire to help can be a strong connection for us to share with her.

So, we don’t intellectualize the experience, and we commit ourhope and their faith. selves to pray. Beyond this, we can choose to offer a gift of penance But not all the names of these martyrs will be lost. Some names will for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. We can choose to come to us through testimonies, stories in the news and other means. deprive ourselves of some element of our life that we like, but don’t As Catholics, we take a particular joy in gathering those names and need and then, every time we think of what we are offering as penplacing them deep into our Catholic consciousness. We will then ance, we’ll pray that God bless, strengthen and save those who suffer hold those names in our hearts forever, praying with and for them at for our faith. We also can use our penance as a way to our Masses until the day when Christ returns. They will show our sorrow for those days in the past when serve as examples we can offer our children and will people experienced suffering and death for their inspire people for the rest of time. Their courage, their faithfulness and their devotion will be our faith at the hands of Christians. fuel to grow in holiness and fall deeper in If you’re like me, you’ve probably got some Evil destroys – love with Christ. rage going on as well. The desire to inflict that’s what it does. Though we will not meet them until violence on those who would so brutally It is incapable of doing heaven, we will encounter them each time inflict suffering and death on others is a anything else. Our best natural thing. However, we need to pray we offer the Mass. We will see their hearts response to evil is not to atinto the violence in our hearts. Jesus did in his heart; we will taste their blood as we tempt to intellectualize it or drink his. We will behold the bread broken not respond with violence while he was and remember the bodies broken and we being tortured and killed for our sake and jump into political “anwill pledge to never, ever take the Eucharist neither must we. We must pray and allow swers,” but to pray. for granted again. We will pledge with all we the Holy Spirit to strengthen our understandhave and are to offer God whatever he asks of ing of the way we are connected with all of us and to do so with hearts filled with joy that he God’s family throughout the world. would give us such a privilege as to suffer for him. Finally, I invite us to remember those who suffered We will do so without complaint and without regard to our and are dying for our faith. bodies, our reputations or our worldly goods because we’ll hold that The names of most of those who died will be unknown to us. The which we lose as “rubbish when compared with the infinite value of destruction that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is inflicting knowing Christ.” (Phil 3:8) is complete and, because of that, some names will be lost to us until heaven. If that blessed moment comes for us, too, when we see God May the faith our brothers and sisters in the Middle East hold be face to face, we will know them and thank them for their love, their ever strong in our hearts.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2014

Announcing the 29th Annual

Red Mass of the

St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing Red Mass, Bishop Earl Boyea Presiding, 5:15 p.m.

Catholic Lawyers Guild, Diocese of Lansing

Dinner, featuring presentation St. Thomas More Award, 6:15 p.m.

Invoking God’s blessing on the courts of our state and honoring

HON. LISA K. GIGLIOTTI

Division Director, Michigan Administrative Hearing System, Administrative Law Judge, Published author of Coraggio! book series Recipient of 2014 St. Thomas More Award

Introduction of Award Recipient by

HON. MAURA D. CORRIGAN,

Director, Michigan Department of Human Services, former Chief Justice of Michigan Supreme Court

For more information or to RSVP visit: home.catholicweb.com/lansingcatholiclawyersguild/ Or contact Joyce Marx at: joyceamarxleadershipkeys@comcast.net or 517.882.7026

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Christians are being persecuted in record numbers around the world. Here is the rubble of a home destroyed by bombs in Gaza. Reuters

Special Report: CHRISTIANS IN THE CROSSHAIRS

oday, Christians are the most persecuted religious group on the planet. Two years ago, the National Catholic Reporter pointed to a Pew Forum estimate that Christians face persecution in a staggering total of 133 countries, representing two-thirds of all nations on earth. In the same period, the Reporter stated that the German-based International Society for Human Rights, a secular organization, estimated that 80 percent of all acts of religious discrimination in the world are directed against Christians. In all, some 150,000 Christians are killed for their faith each year, according to both the Catholic relief agency Aid to the Church in Need and the evangelical group Open Doors. It should come as no surprise, then, that the current conflicts in the Middle East have once again put Christians in the crossfire. GLOSSARY

Gaza

• Hamas – acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (“Islamic Resistance Movement”); the Palestinian militant spinoff of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood that controls Gaza. It is considered by the United States and the European Union to be a terrorist organization.

On Aug. 11, the Associated Press reported that a new 72-hour cease-fire agreement had been brokered as negotiators from Israel and Hamas resumed talks to reach a longterm truce in the Gaza Strip and put an end to a monthlong war. A similar truce had fallen apart the previous Friday when militants resumed rocket fire directed toward Israel. The fighting had intensified in the wake of the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens by Hamas operatives, according to Israel. On July 2, one day after the funeral of the teens, a Palestinian teen was killed,

• Israel – nation established in 1948 as a Jewish and democratic state; Israel is the world’s only Jewish-majority state, as roughly 75.3 percent of the population is Jewish. The country’s second-largest group is Arab. • ISIS – the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, a.k.a. the Islamic State (IS), a.k.a. the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL); ISIS is a jihadist group that claims religious authority over all Muslims in the world. It is known for its harsh interpretations of Islam and sharia law and for its brutality, which is directed at Shia Muslims and Christians specifically. • Kurds – an ethnic group mostly inhabiting a region known as Kurdistan, which spans adjacent parts of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey; they have had partial autonomy in Iraqi Kurdistan since 1991. • Yazidis – a secretive religious group incorporating elements of many faiths, including Zoroastriansim; estimates suggest there to be around 500,000 worldwide, with most living in Iraq. Approximately 40,000 have fled into the mountains around Sinjar to avoid ISIS.

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

allegedly by Israelis seeking vengeance. Rockets were then launched into Israel, which then retaliated in kind. Recent estimates indicate that more than 1,900 Palestinians and 67 Israelis have been killed thus far. The Christian communities in both Gaza and Israel find themselves caught in the middle of this conflict. An estimated 1,000 Israeli airstrikes have been launched into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, where around 1,000 Christians live alongside almost 2 million Muslims. Meanwhile, Michele Chabin of the National Catholic Register chronicles that more than 350 Palestinian rockets have hit areas where Christians live in Israel. By Doug Culp

Iraq

The Church’s response Pope Francis has repeatedly expressed his concerns over what is taking place in the Middle East. While 97 percent of Iraq’s 36 million inhabitants are Muslims, the majority of Iraqi Christians are Chaldeans, who are in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

QUOTABLE QUOTES: All this gravely offends God and humanity. You cannot bring hatred in the name of God. You cannot make war in the name of God!” “ May the God of peace arouse in all an authentic desire for dialogue and reconciliation. VIOLENCE CANNOT BE OVERCOME WITH VIOLENCE. Violence is overcome with peace!” – Pope Francis, Sunday Blessing, Aug. 10, on the crisis in Iraq

Iraq has suffered from political instability since the withdrawal of U.S. troops in 2011. As the “Arab Spring” continued to blossom throughout the Middle East, Iraqi Sunnis, the overwhelming majority of the population, became more vocal against the Shiite-dominated government. Levels of violence within Iraq continued to increase through 2013. In 2014, the brutal Sunni terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), or the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), seized control of several major Iraqi cities, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. On Aug. 8, CNN reported that ISIL had overrun Iraq’s largest Christian town, Qaraqosh, while Reuters indicated that the group had gained control of eastern Syria, crucifying two people and executing 23 more along the way. Many Christians and other minority groups had fled to Qaraqosh from Mosul when that city fell into the hands of ISIS. In Mosul, ISIS issued an ultimatum to Christians living there to convert to Islam, pay a fine or face death. While Kurdish forces continue to resist the advance of ISIS in northern Iraq, the U.S. has recently launched airstrikes and initiated air drops to the thousands of stranded religious minorities, mainly Yazidis, who are hiding from ISIS in the mountains outside the fallen city of Sinjar.

The pope has appealed for “all necessary help” to be given to those who have been forced to leave their homes and “whose fate depends entirely on the solidarity of others.” On Aug. 10, Pope Francis told pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square, “The news coming from Iraq leaves us in dismay and disbelief.” The pope also commented on the renewed violence in Gaza, stating that it “cuts down innocent victims and only worsens the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.” Pope Francis sent his personal emissary and the former Vatican ambassador to Baghdad during the Iraq War, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, to Iraq on Aug. 11 to reassure “those dear suffering populations.” At home, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a letter to Congress on July 23, 2014, urging the United States to work for a cease-fire in the Gaza-Israeli conflict as the fighting had forced Catholic Relief Services to suspend its operations in Gaza. This followed an earlier letter to President Obama from Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, president of the USCCB, in which the position of the Conference was laid out as follows: “For decades our conference has urged U.S. leadership for peace. Our conference continues to support a two-state solution to the conflict, a secure and recognized Israel living in peace with a viable and independent Palestinian state. We recognize the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples and three faiths who share this land that is holy to us.” The USCCB also has been vocal with regard to the situation in Iraq. Last month, the conference urged Ambassador Susan Rice, President Obama’s national security advisor, to act to secure U.S. humanitarian intervention in Iraq.

BY THE NUMBERS – Christians in Iraq

1,500,000 Christians in Iraq prior to U.S.-led invasion in 2003 (BBC)

350,000-450,000 Christians in Iraq prior to latest crisis in Iraq (BBC)

100,000 ZERO

Christians thought to have fled ISIS toward Iraqi Kurdistan (BBC)

Openly practicing Christians left in the city of Mosul (Huffington Post)

DID YOU KNOW… The Gaza Strip is a Palestinian region located on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Gaza borders Egypt to the southwest and Israel to the north and east. The region is about twice the geographical size and population of Washington, D.C

For the full report on Christians in the Crossfire, please visit www.FAITHpub.com.

Lansing’s chancellor is now Gaylord’s bishop

MOST REVEREND

STEVEN RAICA

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

Most Reverend Steven Raica, formerly Chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing, was ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Gaylord on Aug. 29, 2014 at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. FAITH’s Elizabeth Solsburg interviewed Bishop Raica. What was your reaction when you received the call from the nuncio appointing you as bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord? It was surprise and disbelief. I kept pinching myself because it seemed like a dream. The call came from Sister Mary at the Nunciature to my secretary, Julie Fech, asking for me to return the call urgently. I thought it was about another matter, but when I called back, Sister Mary transferred me immediately to the nuncio who informed me about Pope Francis’ decision to name me Bishop of Gaylord. There are so many unknowns for one to be appointed “bishop”. It will be different for me to be the one calling the balls and strikes, so to speak, rather than having a more supportive role in the Bishop’s Office. I’ve spent a lot of time reading and re-reading Apostolorum Successores, which is almost like an instruction manual for new bishops. The most common phrase in it is, “The bishop should …” But bishops fortunately have people in the diocesan offices who cooperate with their ministry of teaching, governing and sanctifying. These people become the extensions of the bishop and his ministry – so that all the “shoulds” can be accomplished with some concerted coordination. What are you most mindful of as you start your new ministry as bishop? I am particularly mindful of trying not to leave anyone behind or to overlook legitimate requests and needs as they emerge. I know I will be stretched and pulled, and that can be a bit of a challenge, particularly in the wintertime!. In Gaylord, I will put more miles on a car than I did in Lansing. With Northern Michigan winters, it will be more challenging to travel. Nonetheless, I am mindful of trying to be present to as many people as possible notwithstanding the distances involved. How were you called to the priesthood? I was inspired by the Adrian Dominican sisters who taught at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Munising and the local priests. While at the parish, I was involved as an altar boy and, during my high school years, as the organist of the parish. We had a reasonably active youth group. The parish had perpetual adoration. Overall, there was a pride in the parish in the local community. In addition, my own prayer life led me to consider the prospect of becoming a priest. The Adrian Dominican sisters in my school invited us to consider a religious vocation. They put us in touch with people who could talk with us about that possibility. All along, I also wanted to obtain a degree in mathematics and secondary education at the university. My local parish priests, school counselors and friends told me that if a priestly vocation was there, the Lord would hound you. And that is exactly what happened. At Michigan State University, I participated at St. John Student Parish and other activities in Lansing. They encouraged me to pursue priesthood. Interestingly, the person who sat next to me in my very first class in German 101 at MSU was named George Michalek. We became friends and eventually entered the seminary at the same time. We were ordained together in October 1978. He is now Msgr. Michalek, the judicial vicar for the Diocese of Lansing. How has being a pastor as well as chancellor prepared

your for this role? A pastor is often on the front lines, i.e., he is engaged in parochial life, he knows his parishioners, or as Pope Francis would say, “has the ‘smell of the sheep’”. Those experiences of “doing” priesthood helped me to understand the a number of the issues facing those we serve. As a chancellor, I acted as the person in the “back room” providing support to enable pastors to do what they need to do in order to shepherd, teach and sanctify in their parishes. The parish is a microcosm and the diocese the macrocosm of Church life. In it all, the joys and hopes, anguish and despair of life is addressed through our meeting and encounter with Christ. Why did you choose your motto, Sursum Corda? I had a list of potential mottos under consideration. I narrowed it down to this one because of its simplicity and its tie to liturgical action. My whole life has been taken up with the liturgy – from altar boy, to choir, to organist, to priesthood. In its literal translation it means, “hearts up” – very simple. Also, the Sacred Heart has been such an integral part of my life that I wanted to say something about “hearts.” It was the name of my parish and my seminary and the North American College, whose motto is “Steadfast is my heart.” So “corda” stitched together those experiences of my past. “Up” is such a positive direction. As we now say, “Lift up your hearts!” For me it represents a positive and optimistic response to the invitation of Christ – “Lift up your hearts!” And our response is challenging enough, “We have lifted them up to the Lord!” Can you tell us about your family? A couple of days before the public announcement, I called my mother and told her I was leaving the Diocese of Lansing! Then I told her the reason why. Her response was, “I am so happy for you … but I have to get a new dress!” I used to tease her that she could stop lighting candles at church because I knew she was praying for my return Up North after I retired. Now she really can stop! My mother Mary is 87 and lives in Marquette with my brother Joe. Both have lived in the U.P. their entire lives. I left when I was 17 to attend Michigan State and haven’t lived in the U.P. since. Mom taught fourth-grade in the public elementary school in Munising. My younger brother, Joseph, works at Duke Lifepoint Hospital in Marquette. My father, Steve, was a laborer at Kimberly Clark paper products. He enjoyed fishing, especially ice fishing on Lake Superior. He passed away unexpectedly in 1987. Is there anything else you would like to share? I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude to the lay people, priests and religious of the Diocese of Lansing who have been part of my life. They have walked with me, formed me. They have been with me in the ups and downs of life. I have an enormous debt of gratitude and thanks for them that I don’t know if I will ever be able to repay adequately except to express my deep gratitude to them and to keep their intentions in my prayers. And to the people of Gaylord, I am praying for all of you that this will be the beginning of a wonderful experience of Christian faith and life. Let us journey with the Lord together. … Lift up your hearts! Photography by Tom Gennara

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com 9

1: Vesper service for Bishop-Elect Raica 8/27/14. | 2: Bishop-elect Raica incenses the altar. | 3: Diocese of Gaylord Administrator, Msgr. Francis J. Murphy delivers the homily during the Vesper Service. | 4: Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, Papal Nuncio, reads the apostolic letter from Pope Francis appointing Steven Raica Fifth Bishop of Gaylord. | 5: The apostolic letter from Pope Francis appointing Most Rev. Steven Raica bishop of Gaylord. | 6: During the Litany of Saints, Bishop-elect Steven Raica lies prostrate. | 7: Detroit Archbishop Vigneron, principal consecrator, lays hands on the head of Most Rev. Steven Raica. | 8: Bishop Raica with his mother, Mary , and his brother, Joseph. | 9: Archbishop Vigneron anoints the head of Most Rev. Steven Raica. | 10: Two deacons hold the Book of Gospels over the head of the newly consecrated bishop. | 11: Bishops with ties to the Diocese of Lansing. Left to right, Bishops Boyea, Raica, Murray and Mengeling. | 12: Archbishop Vigneron places the episcopal ring on the finger of Bishop Steven Raica. | 13: Archbishop Vigneron places the miter on the head of Bishop Steven Raica. | 14: Archbishop Vigneron presents the crosier, or pastoral staff, to Bishop Steven Raica. | 15: Bishop Steven Raica assumes the bishop’s chair, or cathedra. “Cathedra” means seat of the bishop, which is where we get the word for Cathedral. | 16: Bishop Steven Raica elevates the Precious Blood in the Chalice of Venerable Bishop Baraga. Bishop Baraga was the first bishop of northern Michigan from 1853-1868 and received the chalice from Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. 11

yourcommunity things to do:

pray for all people working for life. Please join us or a Life Chain in your local community.

and children. Proceeds benefit the St. Andrew Needy Fund. All are welcome.

Sept. 8-Oct. 27, Mondays, 7 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen in Brighton has a Grief Support Group meeting. For information or to register to attend, please contact the parish office at 810.229.8624.

Oct. 10-12, in Brighton, “Entering Canaan, Hope and Healing” weekend retreat for those suffering from an abortion. Come begin your healing journey and experience God’s hope and mercy. For information and confidential registration, contact Eileen Craig at eileenmcraig@comcast.net or 517.861.6862.

Oct. 24-26, Marriage Encounter weekend is an enrichment program to bring a husband and wife closer together. It will be held in Adrian. For more information, contact Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433 or hrporterhouse@hotmail.com.

Oct. 2, 9, 16 and 23, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Marriage Matters of Jackson will have Four Great Dates for Engaged Couples at different locations throughout Jackson and guide you through ways to explore communication, conflict resolution, expectations and more. Cost is $75 per couple and includes four workshop sessions, beverages and appetizer each week for two. For information and to register, call 517.796.5116 or www.marriagemattersjackson.com. Oct. 5, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Lansing’s 23rd annual Life Chain, a peaceful prayer chain witnessing to the sanctity of life, will gather along Grand River Ave. from Abbot Rd. to Williamston – meeting at Abbot Rd., Brookfield Plaza, Summit Bank near Okemos Rd., St. Martha Church or Main St. in Williamston near St. Mary Church – to thank God for the closing of WomanCare of Lansing, ask God’s blessings on pro-life counseling centers and

Oct. 17, 5:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic Singles invite all mid-life singles 30s–60s to help celebrate their fifth anniversary by joining them for happy hour at Fireside Grill in Dimondale. For more information, contact 517.321.7886 or lansingcatholicsingles@live.com. New members are always welcome. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Mary Parish, 14200 E. Old US Hwy, Chelsea’s annual Craft Fall Fest includes craft show, raffle, bake sale and appearance of author Richard L. Baldwin with his new mystery Murder at the Stadium. Admission: $2; children 13 and under free. For information, contact Lana, craft coordinator, at 517.851.7210. Oct. 19, noon-4 p.m., 59th annual St. Andrew, Saline’s Harvest Dinner with roast beef, mashed potatoes, butternut squash and homemade pies. Cost: $7 adults; $5 seniors

OCTOBER CAFÉ EVENTS St. Thomas Aquinas’ Parish Mission – “Journey for a Restless Heart.” East Lansing Catholics are hosting dynamic presenter and creative storyteller Father Nathan Castle, OP, author of And Toto Too: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure. All are welcome Sept. 29-Oct. 1, in the gym at 955 Alton Rd. For more information, go to elcatholics.org. Oct. 5-8, 7 p.m., St. Paul in Owosso’s Parish Mission –“The Lord is Risen, Do You Believe?” Join us to hear Dcn. Ralph Poyo of New Evangelization Ministries share teachings that will help lead you to the transforming power of a viable relationship with Christ. Oct. 9, 7 p.m., in the Union Ballroom at Michigan State University, the ninth annual Endowed Lecture in American Catholic Thought and Culture will be Latinos and the Transformation of American Catholicism presented by Timothy Matovina, professor of theology and executive director of the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact St. John Church at 517.337.9778. Oct. 26, noon, St. Joseph Shrine in Brooklyn will have a catechist class on the Trinity. For more information, contact Diane Dover at ddover@frontiernet.net or 517.467.2106.

FAITH Magazine • October 2014 • www.FAITHpub.com

Oct. 25-26, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing, Rosary Makers’ Halloween religious gifts and bake sale. All profits from this sale help to send rosaries to missions throughout the world. All are welcome. Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Retrouvaille of Lansing weekend for couples experiencing marriage problems at St. Francis Retreat Center, Bethany House in DeWitt. If you have questions, email 3053@retrouvaille.org. To register, visit retrouvailleoflansing.catholicweb.com. Nov. 14, 6 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School’s annual Faith and Fundamentals Celebration to support our school. Live and silent auctions, golf ball drop and fellowship at University Club of Michigan State University. Contact Chair@FaithFundamentals.info or visit www. FaithFundamentals.info for more information. Oct. 12, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing, will host the Rosary Makers’ fall gathering following the 11:30 a.m. Sunday Mass with a potluck luncheon. Guest speaker Adam Janke with the St. Paul Street Evangelization will share how their programs use rosaries to explain and share the Catholic faith with those on college campuses and many other places around the world. Everyone is welcome. Anyone interested in learning to make rosaries at home for the missions may call IHM Parish, 517.393.3030. Instruction classes are held each first Saturday at 9 a.m. and the Monday following first Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the IHM Parish office. Oct. 21, 9:30 a.m., all seventh-grade youths are welcome to attend Mass celebrated by Bishop Boyea followed by panel presentations of consecrated/religious men, women and priests. Come with your questions about vocations for the presenters. The morning will end by 11:45 a.m. Contact Dawn Hausmann for more details at dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org or 517.342.2506. Come join us the second Saturday of each month at St. Mary Cathedral Hall, 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing, for lunch and a

monthly activity. Learn more about the Association of Catholic Women, which raises funds for each of the eight area Catholic schools. The group also participates in enjoyable activities from speakers to bingo to the annual Christmas party. For information about membership or attending a monthly meeting, please contact Mary Blair at mitz2me@ yahoo.com or 517.371.2637. Oct. 19, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., LCHS will be hosting its fall Community Information Day. This event is open to families with children of all ages to learn more about what LCHS has to offer. Families will be taken on a school tour, attend breakout sessions (on topics such as curriculum, financing a Catholic education, planning for college, and extracurricular and athletic activities) and attend a Q&A session. Registration is not required, but is appreciated for this event. Please contact admissions coordinator Karen Gavin at karen.gavin@lansingcatholic.org or 517.267.2102 to register. Nov. 15, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., the Diocese of Lansing Nun Run is an opportunity to travel around the diocese to visit convents and ask sisters questions about their lives. Come get a glimpse of what it is like to be a nun. Contact Dawn Hausmann to register by email dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org or 517.342.2503, or dioceseoflansing.org/ vocations (under Vocation Events). Nov. 21-23, the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw will have a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for the emotional and spiritual healing of individuals who are experiencing the painful effects of an abortion. For information or to register, contact Sandy Buza, 800.453.2081 ext. 652 or sbuza@dioceseofsaginaw.org. Feb. 28, 6 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School’s 14th annual Educational Trust Fund Benefit – “Goin’ To Graceland” – at the Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel in Ann Arbor. Call 734.821.2208 or email cpierce@ stfrancisa2.org for more information.

AT OUR RETREAT CENTERS St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt, 866.669.8321 or stfrancis.ws •O ct. 17-19, “A Time to Heal,” retreat for women or men who have suffered sexual abuse by a priest or Church employee. No cost. •N ov. 21-23, Contemplative retreat for women, “A Contemplation to Attain Love.” Come gather with other women and join in prayer and contemplative practices. Registration deadline is Nov. 8. Presenters: Sister Joanne Podlucky and Trudy McSorley. Weber Retreat and Conference Center, Adrian, 517.266.4000 or webercenter.org •O ct. 2-5, “A Serenity Retreat for Women,” pre-retreat is Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. to Oct. 3, 6 p.m.; retreat is Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. to Oct. 5, 1 p.m. •O ct. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., “Ecological Awareness: the Christian Challenge. Cost is $40 for the series or $10 per session. •O ct. 18, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., “Christian Life in Evolution,” cost of $45 includes lunch. Dominican Center at Marywood, Grand Rapids, register online at dominicancenter.com/open-programs Study and Conversations in Faith, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.: •O ct. 14, “The People Wish to See Jesus: Pope Francis the Teacher,” cost $15; • Nov. 5, “The Parable of a Good Samaritan,” cost $20; • Nov. 11, “The Joy of the Gospel: Pope Francis the Writer,” Cost $15; and • Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., “Cultivating Compassionate Presence Workshop,” cost $40.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES Catholic Charities Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, 517.782.2551 or catholiccharitiesjlhc.org • Nov. 14, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-noon, WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation program at Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Seton Hall, 606 S. Wisner St., Jackson. Pre-registration with payment of $75 is required. Livingston County Catholic Charities, 517.545.5944 or livingstoncatholiccharities.org • Medicare Part D open enrollment is Oct. 15-Dec. 7. For assistance in choosing the right plan, contact Linda or Penny, Medicaid/Medicare specialists at Livingston County Catholic Charities. 800.489.6107. Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County, 734.971.9781 or csswashtenaw.org • Oct. 10, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., CSSW is hosting “Painting a Brighter Future for Those In Need” at Stone Arch Arts and Events in Saline. The feature entertainment is speed painter Tim Decker. The event includes hors

d’oeuvres reception, raffle and auction. Tickets are $150 per person. For information, call 734.926.0153 or visit our website. • WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation program, Fri., 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., and Sat., 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Oct. 10-11, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2150 Frieze, Ann Arbor and Nov. 14-15, St. Thomas the Apostle, 530 Elizabeth, Ann Arbor. Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, 810.232.9950 or ccsgc.org • Oct. 25, 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. • Nov. 7, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and Nov 8, 9 a.m.-noon, WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation program at St. Robert Bellarmine, 310 N. Cherry St., (Media Center), Flushing; and Dec. 5, 6 p.m.9 p.m. and Dec.6, 9 a.m.-noon, WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation program at Holy Family, 110 Bush St., (Small Hall), Grand Blanc. Cost $75. Contact Catholic Charities to register.

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