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FROM THE BISHOP
BISHOP EARL BOYEA
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea
WE CATHOLICS IN THE STATE OF MICHIGAN have been praying this year for married couples and for families. This work of prayer has been taken on in light of the two synods on the family being held in Rome last year and this year. Well, this month, representative bishops from all the bishops’ conferences in the world will gather in Rome to hold this second synod with Pope Francis.
In our diocese, our ad hoc committee on Marriage and Family consulted with the parish councils of our diocese. They helped me to form my response to the questionnaire that was submitted to Rome in preparation for this synod. The media have promoted the idea that the Church will change her teaching and her practice in regard to Communion for those living marriages that are not recognized by the Church, and in regard to the recognition of samesex marriages. The synod does not seem to have on its agenda any change to the Church’s teaching (and thus her practice) regarding same-sex marriages. It appears that there is a recognition that the Bible and our Church tradition simply do not allow for a change in that teaching. On the other hand, while maintaining that teaching, we all need to make sure we are practicing the very love of Jesus as we care for all people and respect their human dignity. Nonetheless, we would continue to recognize that same-sex marriages are contrary to the very human nature which God has created and thus are objectively sinful. Like Jesus, we are always called to love the sinner and help bring him or her to holiness. That, after all, is how Jesus is addressing each one of us every day. We all need to As to the matter of marriages not recognized by the Church, the Church has always maintained make sure we that Catholics who are living in marriages the Church does not hold valid also are living objectively in are practicing a state of sin. The remedy for this is to invite those couples even more generously to seek the Church’s the very love blessing on their marriages. For cases involving divorce and civil remarriage, couples are encouraged to seek a decree of nullity (commonly called an annulment) of their first marriages, if it becomes clear of Jesus as those first marriages were not valid in the first place. we care for It is this process of annulment that I believe the synod will seek to reform and all people make more widely available in our world today. It is possible that a broader underand respect standing of what invalidates a first marriage may be recommended. Our culture PRAY today understands neither permanent and faithful commitment, nor the necessary their human OUR MARRIAGES connection between sexual activity and conception. These notions have affected AND FAMILIES dignity.” the attitudes of many people, especially the young, who engage in marriage. So the WILL BE PLACES OF DEEP LOVE question being asked is whether they really were capable of making the commitAND PRAYER. ments expected by God and his Church in holy matrimony. In addition, there are many young Catholics getting married today outside of the Church. We can all help them to become renewed in their faith and become free to receive the sacraments by encouraging them to ask a priest or deacon to accompany them through the process of blessing their marriage. Of course, we all need to be better informed about God’s plan for marriage and what the Church teaches about that plan. We are promoting this quite strongly in our Catholic schools, especially through the teaching of the Theology of the Body of Pope St. John Paul. Let us pray that this will bear fruit and that our marriages and families will be places of deep love and prayer. FOR MARRIAGE RESOURCES, VISIT WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/CONTENT/MARRIAGE-AND-FAMILY-RESOURCES. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO VIEW THE USCCB RESOURCE PAGE: WWW.FORYOURMARRIAGE.ORG.
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YOUR LIFE
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Dear Future Husband
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8 in the know with Father Joe
A vocabulary lesson for Mass?
10 spiritual fitness
Do you have 15 minutes every day? Give it to God. P. 8
12 my story
‘Looking out at the sky and thanking God’ Bayley keeps her faith life fresh.
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Jeff grew in his faith – and met his wife – at DYLC.
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‘There’s so much more to
being Catholic.’ Brendan brings his mission trip home.
22 my story
Zach’s week-long mission
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FROM THE EDITOR
FAITH HELPS
Growing as disciples
DISCIPLESHIP
A
T.Gennera
S JESUS BEGINS HIS MINISTRY in St. Luke’s Gospel, he starts by teaching and preaching as he makes his way along the shore of the Lake of Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee). There, he encounters Simon Peter, James and John, who, as fishermen, have been working hard all night and day. They have not met with much success. Jesus climbs into Simon Peter’s boat and encourages him to set out a bit from shore so that Jesus might better address and teach the crowd who has followed him. Up to that moment, Simon Peter and his co-workers, James and John, have been going about their business as fishermen. It’s what they know how to do and it is, until their encounter with Jesus, their way of life and the means by which they support themselves.
FATHER DWIGHT EZOP
is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Fenton. Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.
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After teaching the crowd, Jesus encourages Simon Peter to set out into the deep water and cast his nets for a catch. Although skeptical, Peter does as Jesus encourages. The miraculous catch of fish that ensues is enough to demonstrate to Simon Peter that Jesus is Lord. Peter, James and John leave their boats and nets behind and follow after Jesus. How long had the three worked as fishermen? Was fishing a family business or was it something they had picked up along the way? The Scriptures are silent about details such as these, but one thing is clear. On the day of their encounter with Jesus, the fishermen Peter, James and John are just being themselves – doing something they likely have done for some time. That day, though, along comes Jesus, who calls out to Peter. In fact, Jesus not only calls out to Simon Peter, but he calls Simon Peter out of himself. In calling out to Simon Peter, Jesus calls Peter from the life and the work he had once known, to the way of life that would forever change the lives of Peter, James, John and all those who respond to the Lord’s call. Their lives – and our own – would never be the same. Each of the young people you will meet this month has heard and answered the Lord’s call to them. Jesus has called them from their former way of life to new awareness and new ways of serving the Body of Christ. The life of each one has been changed as each has responded to Jesus. Like those first disciples on a faraway lakeshore, each has had a life-changing encounter with the Lord. Each has made a positive choice to follow the Lord. Each one is different because of their response to God’s call. Just as these young people have heard and answered the Lord’s call, they offer us grown-ups an example, as well as a challenge. Can we do as they have done? Can we do as Simon Peter, James and John did and set aside our fear and uncertainty, permitting the Lord to call us out of ourselves, out of our sometimes narrow view of who we think we are called to be, to that deep water where a great catch of fish is waiting to be hauled ashore? Young people like Brendan, Molly, Bayley, Jeff, Beth, Zach and so many others in our parish communities are examples of what can happen when we hear and respond to the Lord’s call. They show us the joy and deep satisfaction that come from leaving our nets behind. Jesus is calling out to each of us, just as surely as he did to Simon Peter, James and John. He is calling each of us to new life. How will we respond? And so, our journey in FAITH continues.
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For personal reflection or small group discussion teen essay winner
1. What virtues can we foster in young people to help prepare them for a future vocation to marriage? 2. How can we guide young people in the process of discernment, whether to married or religious life?
spiritual fitness
1. Do you have a prayer routine, or do you make it a habit to set aside time daily to reflect on God’s Word? 2. What tip did you find most applicable to your own life, and most helpful for your own meditation?
cover story
1. How did the mission trips help Brendan learn more about his faith? 2. Have you ever been on or considered going on a mission trip? Read Matt 28:19-20.
special report
1. Have you been following the World Meeting of Families? Have you learned anything new? 2. What do you do to foster holiness in your family life? 3. How is the Holy Family an example for today’s world?
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YOUR LIFE
5 things to look for
in 1.a future spouse GOODLIFE BY EMILY LENHARD
Character and quirks
Always consider the basics over any perceived perks. Sure, they’re cute, funny and smart. But do your personalities mesh? Do you have shared habits and hobbies? Overlooking these simple things in the beginning can turn into a hassle.
2.
Lifestyle alignment
3.
Family and Friends
Beyond personality, do you lead similar day-to-day lives? If they’re a fitness buff and you prefer your potato chips guilt-free, it may not work out the way you want it to. While that may seem like a petty example, remember it’s the little things that add up.
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4.
Spiritual Support
Address spiritual life sooner than later. Confirm that your potential spouse is pursuing their own relationship with God, and, through that, they will be able to help support you and yours – and vice versa. Make sure you’re ready to support them. Talk about how you will motivate each other to walk forward through life together with God as the No. 1 priority. Ensuring your readiness to do that will increase your marital strength.
5.
Destination Compatibility
Where do you see yourself and your spouse in 30 years? Are you sitting together on a porch of your country home, sipping lemonade and watching the sunset? Or doing mission work in one of the far reaches of the globe? Whatever it is, make sure it matches your partner’s ideal and helps you both reach the ultimate destination – God’s kingdom.
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FOR MARRIAGE PREPARATION CLASSES, VISIT THE FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY PAGE AT DIOCESEOF LANSING.ORG.
You need a strong sense of self to tell if someone is your future spouse, but, every once in a while, your friends and family can offer on-point perception. Take note of things like multiple loved ones not taking a liking to him or her. Or just the opposite – does he or she take issue with multiple people who are close to you? If yes, consider how
each relationship could or should change. Maybehe isn’t the one. Maybe you need better friends.
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YOUR LIFE TEEN ESSAY WINNER
BY MOLLY LENHOFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
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APPLAUD YOU for choosing to marry me, because that takes a lot of courage. The thing you have to realize about me is that, sometimes, I’m a little crazy. Just be very patient and I’ll come around. I always have to make amends with
whomever I’m in a fight with, so just be open to forgiveness. I will say I’m sorry about a million times a day and I ask that you just kindly accept my apology, because even though you may say, “stop apologizing, it’s OK,” I will still continue to apologize.
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The life we have ahead of us will hopefully be filled with adventure. Not only do I hope that you will want to explore the world with me, but I hope to goodness that you are willing and open to having a huge family. This means that you must be open to having kids in the first place, but I wouldn’t be marrying you if you weren’t open to that. My family is large and because of it there is a lot of drama and chaos … and love. I don’t think that there will be any shortage of love in the house. When I love, I love intensely and fully – and I expect the same from you. I would not be marrying you if you didn’t care about me, because I could never live in a house where I love too much and everyone around me doesn’t bother to show at least a little care towards me. The way to my heart is always sentimentality. I love meaningful trips, even if it’s just to the supermarket. I love warm hugs, even if it’s just for no reason or special occasion. I love little kind gestures, like the chivalrous act of opening a door. All of these things are little, but mean the world to me. As Mother Teresa said, “Small acts with great love.” Chivalry is another thing I wish to touch on, because I believe it is extremely important. Most women in this day and age believe that opening a door for a woman or giving her your coat is sexist. I want you to know that there are still women out there, like me, who don’t believe in this. While I don’t expect you to make all the decisions at home, or tell me I can’t work because I have to stay at home with the kids, I wouldn’t mind it if you took the heavy load of laundry up the stairs for me. All I am asking for is the respect that I deserve. Now hopefully your mother taught you all of this and I should hope you would obey your mother, but I also understand if you don’t get this concept at first. I am
ashamed to say that my gender has suddenly decided to kill chivalry and I apologize profusely on their behalf. It is not about taking away our rights to vote or saying that men can’t stay home and take care of the children, but it is about respecting and showing women and men alike the kindness they deserve. If you are really cold and want a coat, then I can give you my coat, because I am showing you kindness. Please do not take offense at anything I’ve just said, but likewise, I will show you the respect that you deserve as well. If this marriage is to work, then we have to be faithful to each other. Cheating is just not acceptable and I would not be marrying you if I had any inkling that you thought it was OK. I promise to love you as much as humanly possible. I promise to put God first and you second. I promise to be respectful, faithful and kind. I promise to be truthful all the time. I promise to be humble and selfless and attend all your events and do all the things that you love to do. I promise to love you and only you and never another man. I promise to bear your burdens along with you and help you through the hard times in life. I don’t promise to not fight with you, because I promise that will definitely happen. But I promise to always apologize or be forgiving and always find a way to reconcile with you. But the only way I can promise you these things is if you swear to abide to each and every one of those promises as well. If you’re having any doubts that you can’t possibly promise all of these: don’t worry. Because I believe between the strength and grace from God and our love that we can make it through. Our marriage must be an example to others that things can last. Even though we might fight and argue, we will still love each other, because that’s what a strong marriage can do.
THE 2015 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 enjoyed this year’s essay by Molly Lenhoff of Gabriel Richard High School. 7
YOUR FAITH
A vocabulary lesson for Mass? ©DollarPhotoClub/Creativa Images
IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
GREETINGS IN CHRIST!
This article is going to be a little different. The last few years, I’ve received a lot of questions about some of the words or phrases we use in the newest translations at Mass. This article is going to serve as a bit of a “vocabulary lesson” to help us understand better what we pray. So, let’s dive in!
T. Gennara
Q A
FATHER JOE KRUPP
is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack
Dear Father Joe: Why do we talk so much about charity at Mass?
This is the most common question about the newest translations. It seems that most of us have the understanding of the word “charity” that comes from the language we speak: charity refers to giving money to the poor. This is not what the Church means when she uses it at Mass. When you hear that word in Mass, know that they are translating from the Latin word caritas, which basically means “love in action.” In the old translation, we simply translated it as “love.” Now, we translate it as “charity.” So, from now one, when you hear the word “charity” in our Mass prayers, think of “love in action” and you’ll understand the prayer better.
Q
We say the phrase “consubstantial with the Father” at Mass and I don’t understand it. What did we used to say and what does this mean?
A
This is probably the second most common question about our newest translation of the Mass prayers. In the past, we said “One in being.” Why do 8
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we now say consubstantial and what does it mean? The simple answer is that we say “consubstantial” because we’ve decided its more accurate than “one in being”. The first writing of the Nicene Creed was in Greek and the word they used was homoouision and when it was put into Latin, the word used was consubstantialem, which we translate best as “the same substance of the Father.” The easiest way to understand this word is to think “of the same stuff.” We are declaring part of the utter unity of God the Son and God the Father. They are “of the same stuff” as each other.
Q A
We use the word “merit” a lot. I thought we couldn’t earn heaven? Do we believe we can merit heaven?
Part of the beauty of the newest translation is the rich and deep theology that is presented to us within it. As with any such effort, explaining it can be difficult and I’ll do my best. First things first: we cannot earn heaven in any way. The Church does not and will not teach that. We’re going to go step by step. We are creatures of free will. We can choose to love
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Q
I don’t understand why we don’t say “And also with you” anymore. Why did we change the words to “And with your spirit”?
A
This change, like the others, helps us stay more faithful to our Latin roots and that alone is a
good thing. However, there is a power and beauty to this newest translation that can help us see some of the depth present in our liturgies. We’ll start with the practical. The “and also with you” response always carried with it the danger of misunderstanding the point: it tended to sound like we were simply being polite. Father said, “Hi;" I should say, “Hi” back. What we’re doing there is recognizing that it’s not just about “Father;” it’s about the unique way the Holy Spirit was given to him at his ordination. Part of the reason we respond “And with your spirit” is to take the focus off the specific priest who is saying it and place that focus on the Holy Spirit, who makes that moment possible right at the spiritual center of that priest. It’s a remarkable thing to think about and to thank God for. B. Patten
and obey God or we can choose to hate God and disobey God. At some point, we chose our way instead of God and damaged our nature. Because of this, we can never “earn” heaven. Jesus became fully human and took on our nature. Because he was also fully God, he was able to redeem our nature. By joining our human nature with his divine nature, Jesus offers us the gift of heaven. We still have free will and, because of that, we have to cooperate with this gift that Jesus is offering us. We show our cooperation with that gift by living as men and women of virtue, obedient to God in all things. So, think of it this way: It’s not that we do good works and earn heaven, it’s that people on their way to heaven do good works. They do them because of Jesus’ strength and the fact that they cooperate with his redeeming of human nature.
Q: WHAT STARTS WITH A ‘P’, ENDS WITH AN ‘E’, AND HAS A MILLION LETTERS IN IT? A: POST OFFICE!
So, that’s it in a nutshell. I hope this helps each of us understand the rich tapestry of theology that is woven all through and in the liturgy. I pray each day that we grow in deep love for the gift of our sacred and joyful celebration! Enjoy another day in God’s presence. 9
PRAY
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THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE IS THE TRANSLATION USED FOR MASS READINGS. SISTER ANN’S PERSONAL PREFERENCE IS THE REVISED STANDARD VERSION, CATHOLIC EDITION, AVAILABLE FROM IGNATIUS PRESS (WWW.IGNATIUSPRESS.COM).
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HAT IS MEDITATION, REALLY? Can we meditate in a way that is faithful to our Catholic tradition? The answer is “yes.” To meditate is to think over, to reflect, to consider what God has taught us in the Scripture. The Scriptures themselves call us to meditate regularly. Read Psalm 63: “My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness … when I remember you on my bed … I meditate on you in the night watches.” (5-6) See Psalms 77:12, 119:15, 143:5. When we meditate on the Lord’s words to us, we grow in faith, hope and love. We gain wisdom of heart, and we find peace and trust in times of trial. But our daily experience is so often the exact opposite. Regularly, in our fastpaced society, a thought lodges in our head or a question buzzes around in our mind, but there never seems to be “enough time” to personally reflect, make an important resolution to move in a different SEND YOUR QUESTIONS direction or take a certain action in a TO SISTER relationship. As a result, things fester ANN SHIELDS: or dreams are not pursued; time gets RENEWAL away from us and we feel regret. And MINISTRIES, we can find ourselves more alone – 230 with fear, frustration, unhappiness or COLLINGWOOD, anger plaguing us. SUITE 240, ANN ARBOR, MI From a more spiritual angle, we 48103. can desire to grow in holiness – to be closer to God – but we don’t take the steps to make this a reality either. Have you experienced either of these patterns in your life? I want to make a recommendation about daily prayer that is essential, whether or not you deal with the above questions or concerns. Each day God wants to speak to us through his word: • by clearing rocks and weeds that are stuck in our minds and spirits; • by tilling the soil of our hearts; and • by planting good seed that can bear fruit thirty-, sixty- and a hundredfold.
His word has the power to do this if we are willing to make a daily commitment.
T. Gennara
SISTER ANN SHIELDS
is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. @srannshieldssgl
YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS
GIVE GOD 15 MINUTES – BE FAITHFUL TO IT HOW DO WE BEGIN? TIPS FOR DAILY MEDITATION 1. Read a section of the Bible every day. Sometimes it is best to read through the Mass readings – Old and New Testament readings and a psalm are available each day online or at a Catholic bookstore. After each reading, ask yourself: What is God teaching or revealing to me? What’s the lesson I can take from Jesus’ teaching, the disciples’ questions or the psalmists’ cries for help or their gratitude for God’s goodness? Is his teaching something I should put into practice beginning today, or do I need to make more time to reflect on how the reading applies to my daily life and what I should do about it? 2. Specific actions. Is God asking me to face a specific thought pattern or activity in my life that I can see from the readings is probably sinful? Do I need to make a decision to go to confession? Do I need some help to understand why it is a sin? Who can I talk to? 3. Ask God how you can “walk through daily life” closer to him. You may read a passage that helps you see that God loves you deeply – that he is seeking to draw you closer to himself. Don’t be content with thanking him. Read slowly through, for example, the whole Gospel of Matthew and then the Gospel of John (a chapter a day or even a chapter a week). See how Jesus brought his disciples into closer and closer relationship with him. Look what he taught them and apply it to yourself, because God is always looking for those who will be his disciples, in every age – even today. 4. Make simple little decisions to change – step by step, week by week – until your life actually begins to look like you are a son or daughter of God. As you gradually conform your personal life to God’s word, you will begin to know a deep and abiding peace. 5. Persevere until you achieve one new way of thinking/praying/ doing in your life before you tackle another. Make your practical decision at the end of your prayer time before you do anything else. The next day, when you come to read the Scriptures, you will most likely need to repeat the same decision until it becomes a habit. Then, and only then, make another resolution to deepen your relationship with Jesus. As you become more faithful to daily meditation on the word, God himself will draw you, by his Spirit, into the reality of Christ’s presence with you – right where you live. This will allow your decision-making on important matters – family/work relationships, friends, goals in life – to gain a broader scope and maturity, and the fruit of this exercise will last forever. Will you have to change? Perhaps. Maybe you will have to get up earlier! It will require some daily self-discipline until the habit is formed in you. But the reward is ever deepening union with God, not only in time, but for eternity. 11
YOUR STORIES
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‘ Looking out at the sky and thanking God’
BAYLEY KEEPS HER FAITH LIFE FRESH BY EMILY LENHARD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
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HEN IT COMES TO GROWING IN FAITH LIFE, Powers Catholic High School senior and Holy
Redeemer, Flint parishioner Bayley Bauchan knows the importance of looking to the unknown. As a Steubenville veteran, new leadership camp attendee and one who is pursuing a Catholic career, Bayley is constantly on the lookout for the next opportunity to grow in her faith life. The Steubenville conference has been instrumental in her growth, and while she has attended more than once, she says that each year holds unique value. “Everybody just becomes closer with Jesus, but then you
also are inspired because there are 2,000 other teenagers who are figuring out the same thing you are,” says Bayley. This year, Bayley’s strong background enabled her to attend the Steubenville leadership camp, a week-long gathering focused on spiritual growth and preparing these new leaders for sharing their stories with the entire Steubenville audience. Bayley says that with these clear-cut, God-driven goals in mind, she was surprised to witness something else. “I really expected everyone to be super on fire for God when I got there,” says Bayley. “In small groups, I remember people talking about, ‘Yeah, I’m not even totally sure if I believe everything anymore,’ so it was really interesting because people weren’t totally as involved as I thought they would be.” But Steubenville leadership isn’t just for the committed. It’s a place that welcomes questioning, explores doubt and ultimately transforms these questions into the strongest of building blocks. “Every night, we would have adoration or we’d have praise and worship, but our praise and worship wasn’t praise and worship that I am normally used to. It was just very intense,” Bayley says. “I think, by the end, people were just so overwhelmed, but in a good way, so they just came to accept it. I think it was also part of hearing everyone else’s story, really helping them come along the way. Some of the [Steubenville] witnesses were about the [leadership
camp] week and how the week has changed them.” She added that new and deeper faith-based experiences are important for keeping your faith life in perspective: “Throughout the week, I was realizing I wasn’t where I wanted to be with my faith life … It made me really eager to know more.” Bayley also wanted to bring her experience home with her. She says, “Since we’ve made all these new friends, we’ve just really wanted to be connected with them, and so the idea of being connected in the Eucharist really started to be implemented in us, so my friend and I started going to daily Mass – I would definitely say that affected me a lot.” Bayley says continuing to try new things will be key for her continued growth in her own personal faith life, and in achieving her goal of becoming a youth minister. “Yeah, knowledge is nice, but if I couldn’t relate it or just have this experience of certain things under my belt, then I would just kind of spew facts at people, and it wouldn’t do anything for them,” Bayley reasons. “But if I have had experiences or have gone on retreats and things like that, I would say that that’s a lot more beneficial. “My youth minister is really open about doing goofy things so everyone’s involved, so I think that’s something that would be really important … I kind of want to be what my youth minister has been for me.” Bayley has found that focusing on finding God in unexpected places has helped keep her fresh, focused and motivated. “Especially in my prayer life, I like not [to have] routines because I give up on them and then I forget about them. So I like just looking out at the sky and thanking God … just things like that and start the conversation that way.” Going deeper and being adventurous in developing your faith life can be intimidating, challenging and overwhelming at times. Bayley believes that, along with trying new things, a support system is key for teens looking to level up. “I think something teenagers struggle with a lot is just feeling like they’re alone in that,” Bayley says. “I think people just need to learn that they aren’t alone and everything is not as complex as it seems. It’s just love. People need to realize that that’s the core of it. It’s just a love relationship.”
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at DYLC
JEFF GREW IN HIS FAITH – AND MET HIS WIFE BY MICHAEL SPATH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
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YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY
JEFF CORDER IS THE YOUTH MINISTRY COORDINATOR at St. Gerard in Lansing, but he would not be where he is if he had not attended the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC). On a more personal level, Jeff was married July 18, but would not have walked down the aisle with his wife, Beth, if not for his experience at DYLC.
There is an opportunity to grow in your own faith at the camp, but this is really about learning to go out into the world to be Christ to others.”
Both Jeff and Beth attended the DYLC as 15-year-olds in 2006. They would return, first as Teen Team members and then as Adult Team members, the latter experience kindling a love that led to marriage. It is typical for DYLC to create lifelong relationships, though rarely romantically. The Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp focuses its attention on and succeeds in creating deep relationships for participants with Christ, with one another and with the community the camp inspires each individual to serve. “It’s one of those experiences that is indescribable,” Jeff says. “When you can’t put into words an experience … that’s when you know it’s powerful. “One of the things that a group of us who have a shared DYLC experience has said is it’s the closest thing we can experience to heaven on earth. Everyone there is in perfect harmony, and we all have the same goals. We all want to get to know Christ more through others and we all want to use our relationship with Christ to inspire others.” Recommended by parish leaders – a priest, a youth ministry coordinator, a teacher or a committee – teenage congregants are chosen because they have already sought Christ and now wish to share their love for Christ with others. Through small group activities, prayer and conversation, the week-long camp serves as an incubator for new disciples. “There is an opportunity to grow in your own faith at the camp, but this is really about learning to go out into the world to be Christ to others,” Jeff says. “That can be intimidating, but DYLC gives you all the tools to be courageous and to heed Christ’s call to spread the Gospel. “And for every person, that might mean something else. It could be a formal position within the Church, but it could be through volunteer work in your community or being a good role model. “There are many different ways to be one of Christ’s disciples and at DYLC you begin that journey of self-discovery to understand what he’s calling you to do.” For Jeff, the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp put him on a path to impact the lives of the children and teenagers of the St. Gerard community. For Beth, the camp shaped her desire to pursue occupational therapy, believing she can help rehabilitate those in need physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. “I’m more of an introvert and I don’t do well in a big group, but, at the camp, I was filled with the Holy Spirit, and that expression of love makes you want to reach out and be a part of something greater than just your own life,” Beth shares. “It taught me that I have a role to play in helping people, impacting their lives and teaching them about God.” Introvert or extrovert, shy or gregarious, the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp serves every individual because, as a child of God, every individual is valued. “One of the things you learn is that every single person matters,” Jeff says. “God created each of us with a purpose, a usefulness, and it is the responsibility of a leader to realize the gifts and talents of everyone in the group so they can realize their strengths. “It’s a great lesson about life – we all have a role to play in God’s plan.”
We asked Jeff: Why send teens to the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp? Following is his response: At St. Gerard, we rely on DYLC to teach the youths that we send to camp the skills that they will use to bring others into our youth ministry. DYLC teaches communication skills, small group dynamics, how to facilitate groups, how to plan group events, the importance of trust and the power of reconciliation. We also teach them the “why” of Christian service and why we must have a servant heart. DYLC truly makes me think of the old saying, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ DYLC is forming the youths who will go out and bring others to Christ. The purpose is the encounter that the campers have, and the inevitable encounter that they will give to someone else. DYLC is a camp that keeps on giving. It creates Fishers of Men.
LEARN MORE YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE DYLC CAN TALK TO THEIR YOUTH MINISTER OR OTHER PARISH LEADER ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY.
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BY EMILY LENHARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING
“BEFORE I WENT ON THE MISSION TRIP, I was just one of those Catholics who goes through the motions, that kind of thing. Going on that trip and coming back the first time was like, ‘There’s so much more to being Catholic.’” Brendan Hagan should know. This summer, he took his fifth mission trip to Kentucky. “We go down there every year, and we build handicap ramps for the most part,” Brendan explains. His love of mission trips grew out of a family tradition. “The first time I got into mission trips was through my church obviously, and my dad and my older brothers. My dad took my older brothers on a mission trip … and the next year I was just like, ‘Hey, I want in on this.’” Brendan, a senior at Onsted High School and member of St. Elizabeth Church, reminisces on one of his treasured mission trip memories: “If you’re going on a mission trip and you have a caravan of cars, make sure you have walkie-talkies. Because we have walkie-talkies every year and we have the most fun time,” Brendan says.
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YOUR STORIES COVER STORY
All that work you do is for his glory, not your own.
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BRENDAN HAS GROWN AS A DISCIPLE since that first trip with his dad and brothers. And this year, he tackled a new role as a member of the mission trip’s Core Team. “It was a lot different than last year … I had a lot more responsibilities,” says Brendan. But Brendan says FIND US ON YOUR TABLET
no one benefited from the trip more than him and his Core Team members, citing an especially powerful prayer time that propelled
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the entire mission group.
“We prayed over each and every person who was on the trip, even the adults. And we just kind of prayed together … for the Holy Spirit to come and help us out and tell us what to say. We just called everyone up one by one and we all said something and prayed for them – it was great.” Brendan says the impact of that prayer time was instrumental to the success of the trip as a whole. The prayer session was especially intense for Brendan and his fellow leaders. “When everyone else was done and it was just the Core Team … it was like one in the morning by then, so we were all like laying on the altar, just trying to grab a toe or something, just praying over each other and just having a great time.” Mission trips have helped Brendan to see the true value of his faith. And when it comes to bringing that faith home with him, Brendan has two strategies: the buddy system and reading his Bible. “You gotta reach out, surround yourself with one, two or three people who are on the same page as you,” Brendan advises. “If you don’t, you’re going to be eaten up and surrounded by the world, build up anxiety and all those things and you’ll forget about it.” On reading his Bible, “That’s what he uses to speak to me,” Brendan says. Experience with new leadership and spiritual growth have pushed Brendan forward to seek more in his journey as a disciple. His goals are to keep getting involved in small things at his church and to compel others to work with him and branch out. Brendan’s next step
in discipleship is as a member of the Jamboree Planning Committee. To prepare for this role, he attended the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC). “[The DYLC is] a week-long camp of Jesus and awesomeness, and you just build a family there,” Brendan says. “Get some more people to follow the Lord.” Brendan says the training was focused on developing personal discipleship and using that quality to lead others on their journey to Jesus. “Never forget,” Brendan says, “he always forgives and he’s always there. It’s just an awesome experience.” In addition to growing as a disciple of God, Brendan says one of the most important things he has gained from his experience in mission trips and youth leadership are the relationships he’s developed with his fellow disciples. “Those are the people I call at four in the morning … It’s one of those relationships where you know they’re always going to be there, even though you may not have that dayto-day contact. It’s just one of those things ... whatever I’m doing, I’m dropping it and I have your back.” These relationships have helped Brendan live the values of the mission trips and understand what it is he needs to pass on to new participants as a leader. “I want them to take away that God is the important one. He is the reason for the trip and all of the happiness and the glory that comes from it. I want them to take away that he's always there and he’s the reason that you’re doing what you’re doing. All that work you do is for his glory, not your own.”
TIPS FOR GOING ON A MISSION TRIP: •G o with a good attitude • Get through the ice-breakers and the awkwardness • Remember you’re here to serve God and make a difference • Bring your growth and discipleship journey home with you
TIPS IF YOU CAN’T GO ON A MISSION TRIP: •G et involved in school programs • Focus on small things to give back to your community • Talk to the right people
LEARN MORE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUTH MINISTRY AND OPTIONS FOR SUMMER YOUTH EXPERIENCES IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING, CONTACT PAT RINKER AT 517.342.2485 OR VISIT: WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/ YOUTH_MINISTRY
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through service retreat experiences, sustainable living and home repair. For more information, visit jerusalemfarm.org
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Looking to make a difference next summer? re you interested in making a difference next summer? Would you like to live
your faith and grow in your relationship with Jesus? Following are some options
to check out if you are interested in answering the call to discipleship through service or mission opportunities, leadership camps or encounter experiences. Contact your youth minister or Pat Rinker, director of youth, young adult and campus ministries in the diocese, at 517.342.2485.
FIND MORE ON FACEBOOK, SEARCH FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING YOUTH MINISTRY PAGE.
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One Bread, One Cup is a highly experiential youth liturgical leadership conference that takes place at St. Meinrad School of Theology in southern Indiana and is recommended by the Lansing coordinator of youth ministry. Their hope is to form the young Church of today in the theology, ministry and spirituality of the Church’s
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gathered prayer. For more information, call 1-800-MEINRAD or visit www.saintmeinrad.edu/ youth/summer-conferences Jerusalem Farms is a Catholic intentional community located in Kansas City, Mo. Built on the four cornerstones of prayer, community, service and simplicity, the group strives to transform lives
Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp (DYLC) is held at Bethany House each year in June. Any young person active in youth ministry is encouraged to apply with a recommendation from their youth minister. It provides the tools of leadership training and skill development, in a Christian community, necessary for effective leadership in a youth ministry program. Young Neighbors in Action is a service camp experience sponsored by the Center for Ministry Development. Young Neighbors takes place throughout the summer in locations around the country. For more information, call 203.723.1622 or visit www.youngneighbors.org
YOUR STORIES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
National Relief Network is an ecumenical organization out of West Michigan with which several of our parishes have worked. It organizes relief service trips to areas in the United States impacted by natural disasters. Several trips have gone south to offer assistance with hurricane relief efforts. For more information, call 616.225.2525 or email info@ nrn.org
DYMO (Diocesan Youth Ministry Organization) Camp is a high school formation camp in the Diocese of Grand Rapids with more than 20 years of experience in inspiring and developing young Catholic disciples. If the DYLC is full, this is a good alternative. For more information, visit www. dymo.org
Notre Dame Vision is a leadership camp hosted by the University of Notre Dame. For information, call 574.631.7425 or visit www3.nd.edu/~ndvi/Welcome_to_Notre_Dame_ Vision/Home.html
Alive in You is a Catholic conference and service camp that enables participants to open their hearts and allow Christ to become the center of their lives. Through education and experiencing the sacraments, participants will have a renewed sense of their Catholic identity and a firm foundation to continue their walk with Christ. For more information, call 407.574.7396 or visit www.aliveinyou.com/
Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences. The conferences run Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Last summer, 25,000 teens attended a conference. Conferences are held on campus in Steubenville, Ohio, and in other locations around the country. The conference includes an exciting lineup of speakers, musicians and presenters that will challenge today’s Catholic youth to stand firm in their faith. For more information, visit www.steubenvilleconferences.com.
Youth Sing Praise is a weeklong Catholic camp experience for students who exhibit musical and theatrical talent. It is held at Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill. For more information, call 618.394.6272 or visit www.snowsyouthministry.org
Catholic Heart Workcamp is a Catholic service experience that is offered in several locations around the country. There are several weeks and locations, including the Davison and Detroit areas. For more information, call 407.678.0073 or visit www. heartworkcamp.com
Habitat for Humanity has been helping people build homes through ecumenical efforts for many years. This is an opportunity for your group to help others help themselves. For more information in the Lansing area, call 517.374.1313; for Ann Arbor and surrounding areas, 734.459.7744; for Livingston County, 810.220.9986; for the Jackson area, 517.784.6620; and for the Genesee/Owosso region, 810.603.1366.
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YOUR STORIES MY STORY
the way and I was confused how to do this. I asked the Holy Spirit to direct my heart for the message God was preparing me for.
Zach’s week-long mission in Flint
LABORING TO HELP HIS COMMUNITY, DISCERNING HOW TO PUT GOD FIRST D
irty. Labor-intensive. Hot. Exhausting. Those are words you might anticipate hearing after a week-long mission trip to Flint
where the job entailed cleaning up littered vacant lots and abandoned overgrown home fronts in the heat of the summer. Not so for Zachary Pinder. In genuine surprise and awe, Zach reveals his week was life-changing. Peaceful. Affirming. Deeply spiritual. BY ROSE ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA
“During adoration, I noticed a shadow cast from the monstrance and knew I was to focus on the shadow along with Jesus. In that shadow, I saw a clock and at the center I could see Jesus shining through. The hands of a clock surround the center and I began to understand that God was the center of my life and I was to spend my time closer to that center. I knew I could not live on the outer edges of the clock because my days would simply fly by and not be grounded in God. It was very profound. I was totally immersed in the encounter and had no sense of time.” Zach came away from this encounter knowing he was worthy of the call to priesthood. Although the call became clear on this trip, the idea of his life being dedicated to the priesthood is not new to Zach. “I think I have always been open to a priestly vocation, but not at the level where I was ready to give my whole life to him … After my encounter with God during adoration at Mission Flint, I know I am ready to take this step and move on.” How did Zach end up going on this life-changing mission? He recalls, "Initially I went because our youth group was trying to get great participation. I really hadn't had an opportunity to serve and it was an easy way to help the community. I felt very much at ease knowing a sense of fulfillment that I had done something for the greater glory of God … My group went to Salem Housing, a nonprofit that works to clean up home fronts."
About to enter his senior year of high school, Zach, and 20 other members of his youth group from Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton, gave a week of their lives this summer to Mission Flint. Joined by about 70 other youths from the Diocese of Lansing, they started each day with Mass, followed by work detail from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. At the end of the workday, they returned to their I felt very housing unit at St. Mary Queen of the much at ease Angels in Swartz Creek for fellowship, knowing praise, worship and adoration. Mission Flint was not Zach’s first work camp, so he was familiar with the daily routine, but he could not have anticipated how the week would change him.
a sense of fulfillment that I had done
Zach humbly sums up his week cleaning up overgrown lots: “Giving up a week of time for God can never be regretted. It was worth it because I would have spent that time in other ways that would not have proven so fruitful.”
something for Mission Flint proved very fruitful for “I had gone on a retreat earlier this Zach. He overcame his doubts. He the greater summer and had an amazing experidiscerned his vocational call. He comglory of God” ence. I felt God was propelling me to prehended the intended message of a whole new step in my faith and to youth mission work to continue to be open to whatever God was calling serve. He learned to trust God’s time. me to, but I wasn’t clear what that was. On this He understands God loves us as we are. “I feel like mission trip I found I was more open … Prior to I made my faith my own. I discovered that Jesus adoration one night during this trip, I felt God was is present every step of your life, even in the muncalling me to prepare my heart. This was somedane. It was only in understanding it and living thing I had never felt before. He told me to prepare it that I realized God guides me in everything.” 22
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L E A R N , VO LU N TE E R , DO N ATE , P R AY
FAITH IN FL INT.COM
M. Frieseman
M. Frieseman M. Frieseman
Like Zach, these students spent a week this past summer with Mission Flint. Many parishes from the Diocese of Lansing sent students on mission to Flint to fix houses, clean up abandoned properties and participate in the St. Paul Street Evangelization ministry.
MAKE AN IMPACT ASK YOUR PARISH YOUTH MINISTER IF YOUR YOUTH GROUP CAN MAKE A MISSION TRIP TO FLINT. IF YOU WISH TO VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TO FAITH IN FLINT, THE DIOCESE OF LANSING’S INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT THE PARISHES, MINISTRIES AND SCHOOLS SERVING THE POOR IN THE CITY OF FLINT, VISIT WWW.FAITHINFLINT.COM.
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THE HISTORY OF WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES
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SPECIAL REPORT: World Meeting of Families Congress SPECIAL REPORT
O
N SEPT. 22-25, 2015, the city of Philadelphia will host the eighth World Meeting of
Families. It will be the first time the event has ever been held in the United States, and millions of visitors from more than 150 nations are expected to attend. The 2015 World Meeting of Families theme is “Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.” During the three-day event, families from all over the world will gather to share experienc-
BY DOUG CULP
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es, dialogue and pray over topics such as the Christian family’s role in the Church and society.
1994 Rome, Italy 1997 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2000 Rome, Italy 2003 Manila, Philippines 2006 Valencia, Spain 2009 Mexico City, Mexico 2012 Milan, Italy
According to the official website (www.worldmeeting2015.org/), the World Meeting of Families was initiated by Pope St. John Paul II in 1992 to “look at strengthening the sacred bonds of the family unit across the globe.” The initiative took form for the first time in 1994 in Rome during the International Year of the Family. Since then, the meeting has been held every three years. The conference will feature numerous exhibits as well. For example, “Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art” will showcase Vatican art, history, culture and religion through the works of such great artists as Michelangelo and Bernini. In addition, the venerated relics of Sts. Peter and Paul will be displayed. Other events include a World Meeting of Families Film Festival, the Adult Congress that will feature internationally known speakers such as Bishop Robert Barron, the newly-ordained auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, and the Youth Congress designed for those ages 6 to 17.
DID YOU KNOW …
THE ICON
The Vatican organization responsible for promoting and advising the World Meeting of Families is the Pontifical Council for the Family, established by Pope St. John Paul II in 1981. The council’s purpose is to assist the pope in supporting marriage and family. The current president of the council is Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, and his presidential committee is made up of 18 cardinals, seven archbishops and 20 married couples.
Artist Neilson Carlin of Kennett Square, Pa., created the icon of the Holy Family for the 2015 World Meeting of Families. The icon seeks to express the perfect order that is found when Christ is established at the center of the family. For a more detailed explanation of the icon, visit www.worldmeeting2015.org/.
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THE FESTIVAL OF FAMILIES
The celebration will continue on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, with the Festival of Families. Open to everyone, the festival hopes to engage attendees in a “joyful, global celebration of support and love.” The event will host several musical performers including Andrea Bocelli, the famous tenor, Juanes, the Grammy-award-winning Spanish-language rock artist, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. However, the highlight of the evening will be the Holy Father, Pope Francis. Making his first trip to the United States as pope, Pope Francis will address an anticipated festival crowd of more than one million.
POPE FRANCIS' SCHEDULE IN THE U.S. FUN FACTS
THE POPE’S VISIT
Pope Francis’ six-day apostolic journey to the United States will conclude with his attendance at the Festival of Families on Saturday, Sept. 26, and his celebration of the concluding Mass for the World Meeting of Families on Sunday, Sept. 27 at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul. While in Philadelphia, Pope Francis also will meet with bishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, deliver a speech at Independence Hall about religious freedom and immigration and meet with select prisoners and their families at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. According to an article by Michael Bayer in the Washington Post on June 30, Pope Francis is not expected to push any one particular agenda during his visit to the U.S. “The schedule released … is quintessentially Francis, combining global diplomacy with local immersions.” Bayer goes on to say that Pope Francis will most likely highlight the pervasive inequalities that have homeless veterans standing in line to receive food at Catholic Charities, pray at the 9/11 Memorial, address racial hatred, praise immigrant-rights activists and prison chaplains, and, perhaps, challenge the “dominant assumption that an unfettered market is the answer to all the world’s woes.”
Prior to his visit to the United States, Pope Francis had embarked on nine international trips to 15 countries since his election to the papacy in March 2013. However, he still has a ways to go to catch Pope St. John Paul II, who made 104 international trips to 129 countries (of course, it helped that he was pope for 26 years).
DID YOU KNOW … Pope Francis will become only the fourth pope to visit the United States. During his journey, he will visit Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. This will be the 10th time a pope has made an apostolic journey to the United States: Pope Benedict XVI visited the U.S. in 2008. Pope John Paul II made seven trips (1979, 1981, 1984, 1987, 1993, 1995, and 1999). Pope Paul VI, the first pope to visit the U.S., came in 1965.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 4 p.m. Arrival in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, Sept. 23 9:15 a.m. Welcome ceremony and meeting with President Obama at the White House 4:15 p.m. Mass of Canonization of Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Thursday, Sept. 24 9:20 a.m. Address to a Joint Session of the U.S. Congress 11:15 a.m. Visit to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington 5 p.m. Arrival in New York City 6:45 p.m. Evening Prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Friday, Sept. 25 8:30 a.m. Visit to the United Nations and address to U.N. General Assemby 6 p.m. Mass at Madison Square Garden Saturday, Sept. 26 9:30 a.m. Arrival in Philadelphia 10:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul 4:45 p.m. Visit to Independence Hall 7:30 p.m. Visit to the Festival of Families Sunday, Sept. 27 9:15 a.m. Meeting with bishops at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary 4 p.m. Mass for the conclusion of the World Meeting of Families 8 p.m. Depart Philadelphia for Rome
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YOUR COMMUNITY ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS OR 866.669.8321
RETREAT CENTERS THINGS TO DO Sept. 20, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., St. Patrick Parish, Brighton will have Father Larry Webber, director of the Father Solanus Casey Center in Detroit, speaking on “A Cause For Sainthood Right Here in Michigan: Venerable Solanus Casey.” Donations accepted. For more information, call 810.986.0315. The Michigan Catholic Choir will begin rehearsals in September. It is a statewide choir made up of Catholics from all over Michigan. The choir will be preparing two different music festivals – a Christmas festival of music and a patriotic hymn festival. These concerts will be performed at several Catholic churches in Michigan and accompanied by The Pebble Creek Orchestra. For more information, visit TheMichiganCatholicChoir.org or call 810.820.6191, ext. 101. Oct. 10, the Fowlerville Knights of Columbus Council 8605 will hold its third annual Oktoberfest at St. Agnes Parish, 855 Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville. The evening will include: a Polish dinner catered by Halana; dancing with music by the Misty Blues band; and a cash bar. Tickets are limited to 250 people and are $20 per person. To reserve tickets, call Gene Gierlach at 517.223.5990 or the parish office at 517.223.8684. Oct. 11, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and St. Dominic Chapel are hosting the 61st annual Roast Beef Dinner at St. Elizabeth Parish Center, 512 N. Union St. in Tecumseh. Ticket are: adults $11, ages 6-12 $7; and 5 and under free. For information, call 517.423.2447. Oct. 11, Mission Rosary Makers of the Lansing area will celebrate their 50th anniversary and the completion of more than 1 million rosaries distributed asking for prayers for world peace after the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church with a potluck luncheon in the parish family center. Michael Ford, president and general manager of Our Lady’s Rosary Makers International (OLRM.org), will be guest speaker. All are welcome to attend. For more information, call 26
WEBER RETREAT CENTER, ADRIAN, WEBERCENTER.ORG OR 517.266.4000
Nov. 20-22, contemplative retreat for women. Dec. 4-6, married couples retreat.
Oct. 17 and Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., a day of contemplative prayer – meditation and mindfulness practice. Individuals gather monthly as a mindfulness community for contemplative meditation. Each meeting costs $35 and includes lunch. Nov. 29-Dec. 3, Sunday, 6:30 p.m.-Thurs., 1 p.m., Advent Retreat – meeting Jesus through the eyes of a global community. Cost: $375, single occupancy; $225, double occupancy; and $225, commuter. Deposit: $25, nonrefundable.
DOMINICAN CENTER AT MARYWOOD, DOMINICANCENTER.COM OR 616.514.3325 Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-noon, “Finding Hope” a retreat for those living with chronic lifethreatening illnesses, cost $25. Sept. 9, 2015, to May 11, 2016, Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Ignatian retreat – afternoon session – cost $250 Sept. 9, 2015, to May 11, 2016, Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Ignatian retreat – evening session – cost $250. rummage and bake sale at St. Michael Church, 345 Edwards St., Grand Ledge. Please drop off donations of baked goods, clothing and household items to the Fellowship Hall on Oct. 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For information, call 517.626.2303.
Laurene or Alice at the parish office, 517.393.3030, or email ihmrosarymakers@copper.net. Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Mary, 14200 E. Old U.S. Hwy.12, Chelsea, will have its annual fall fest craft show and bake sale, with an appearance by mystery author, Richard L. Baldwin (with his new mystery “Made a Killing in Copper.” Admission $2, children 13 and under free. For information, contact Lana at 517.851.7210 or June at 734.433.1790. Oct. 18, 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m., All Faith Ministry for Disabilities and our Our Lady of Grace Special Families Ministry are hosting Bowling at City Limits, 2120 E. Saginaw in East Lansing. This ecumenical ministry is open to all. RSVP required by Oct. 14; contact Cathy Blatnik at lcblatnik@juno.com. For more information, visit disabilitiesministries.org. Oct. 18, noon to 4 p.m., St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel in Jackson will have a Golumbki and Swiss Steak Dinner sponsored by the parish Rosary Society at its social center, 608 S. Elm Ave., Jackson. Takeout is available. Call the social center at 517.782.1627. Attention single men and women mid-30s and older: Looking to meet new people? Lansing Catholic Singles is bringing together friends for fellowship and fun in a faithfilled environment. For more information and a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit lansingcatholicsingles.com or call 517.321.7886. Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., fall
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JOIN THE MICHIGAN CATHOLIC CHOIR
Nov. 7, 2015, to Jan. 23, 2016, 5 p.m.7 p.m., St. Casimir Parish, Lansing will present a Catholic divorce survival group on Saturdays for 12 weeks. It will include both a DVD series and discussion. Child care possible. Cost is $35 and includes workbook and hospitality. To register, call Kim at 517.482.1346, ext. 209.
ATTEND A RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE
Nov. 21, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., St. Martha Catholic Church, 1100 W. Grand River, Okemos, will host in the parish hall a Holiday Heaven arts and crafts collection, featuring a large variety of vendors with artisan items perfect for your holiday shopping season. Please join us for a fun and relaxing time, with lunch and snacks available.
BOWL FOR A CAUSE
CELEBRATE CONSECRATED LIFE
Oct. 4, 2 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2201 Old US 23, Brighton, will host a diocesan-wide celebration of consecrated life. Bishop Boyea will celebrate Mass with all persons in consecrated life (religious order priests, sisters, brothers and consecrated virgins). A light reception will follow Mass. The public is invited to attend. SENIOR EVENTS Oct. 8, 6 p.m., there will be an Elder Law of Michigan presentation at St. Joseph Family Center in Brooklyn. The presentation will include:
services that Elder Law of Michigan provides; the difference between a will and trust; different types of wills and estate planning; health power of attorney; and more. There will be time for questions and answers. Please RSVP to Mary Smetana by Oct.1, by calling 517.592.5759. MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT Oct. 16-18, renew your marriage and enrich your faith by attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter. The get-away weekend is at the Saginaw Center for Ministry. For more information or to apply, visit wwme.org or contact Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433. MARRIAGE MATTERS JACKSON, MARRIAGEMATTERSJACKSON. COM OR 517.796.5116 Oct. 24, 7 p.m., Barnes and Miner comedy night and strolling dessert event – the perfect date-your-mate event to help you enjoy yourselves. Cost is $50 per couple and includes comedy show and dessert. Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m., at Commonwealth Commerce Center in Jackson – presenter Dr. Laura Marshak, psychologist and author of Married with Special-Needs Children: A Couples Guide to Keeping Connected, will provide a wealth of realistic suggestions for strengthening your relationship. Cost is $15 per person/$25 per couple, includes beverage and dessert.
DIOCESE OF LANSING’S PRO-LIFE EVENTS Sept. 23-Nov. 1, 40 Days for Life – help save lives: Vigil location is outside Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Dr., Ann Arbor, daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information or to get involved, contact Sandie, 734.657.1936, 40dayforlifeannarbor@gtmail.com or 40dayforlife.com/Ann Arbor. Oct. 4, 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Life Chain is a peaceful prayer chain witnessing to the sanctity of life. If you would like to participate, please gather along Grand River Avenue from Abbot Road to Williamston – meeting at Abbot Road, Brookfield Plaza, Summit Bank near Okemos Road, St. Martha Church or Main Street in Williamston near St. Mary – to thank God for babies saved, to ask his blessings on pro-life counseling centers, to pray for the success of life-affirming initiatives and to pray for all people working for life. This year, it would be wonderful to ask the Lord to bless our efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY (CSSW), 734.971.9781 OR CSSWASHTENAW.ORG CSSW offers foster care for children who have been separated from their birth families for reasons of abuse and/or neglect. Through the family-to-family approach, CSSW licenses foster families to provide a safe, loving temporary home until the child is able to be reunified with their birth family. Foster care orientations are held the second and fourth Thursday of each month. This month’s meetings: Oct. 8, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. and Oct. 22, 9 a.m.-noon at 4925 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor. For information or to RSVP, please call 734.971.9781, ext. 448. There are no fees associated with becoming a licensed foster parent. We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes are Oct. 9-10 and Nov. 13-14. For information or to register, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE 989.723.8239 AND GENESEE COUNTIES 810.232.9950 OR WWW.CATHOLICCHARITIESFLINT.ORG Everyone is welcome to join us in prayer the third Thursday of each month as we celebrate Mass at 8:45 a.m. in the chapel of St. Michael Church, 609 E. Fifth Ave. in Flint, as we offer the prayer intentions of Catholic Charities’ clients and staff. Unplanned pregnancy? You don’t need to face this difficult time alone. Catholic Charities provides counseling, as well as adoption services. For more information, call 810.232.3418 or givehope@ccsgc.org. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, 517.323.4734 OR STVCC.ORG We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes are Oct. 11 and 18, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., at St. Gerard, Adult Education Rm., 4437 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing; and Nov. 7 and 14, 9 a.m.-noon, at Church of the Resurrection, Rectory, 1601 E. Grand River, Lansing. Cost $75, Registration form is on the website. For information, call 517.323.4734, ext. 1700.
OCTOBER CAFÉ EVENTS Oct. 8, 7 p.m., MSU Student Union Building, second floor Ballroom, the 10th Endowed Lecture in American Catholic Thought and Culture: “Monk, Mystic and Prophet: The Expanding Vision of Merton”, presented by Monica Weis, SSJ, PhD, is free and open to the public. Free parking at the Grand River Ave. ramp after 6 p.m.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG OR 517.782.2551 School-based substance abuse prevention education: Catholic Charities Lenawee utilizes a certified on-staff counselor to provide substance abuse prevention education. Effective approaches to school-based drug and alcohol prevention include teaching students how to resist peer influences, improving generic life skills, involving families and providing opportunities to become involved in positive experiences with others in the school and community. Livingston County Catholic Charities, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County and University of Michigan’s Turner Senior Wellness Program presents: free, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Get Connected Session: Older Adults and Substance Use – at Green Oaks Township Hall, 965 Fieldcrest Dr. in Brighton. Registration is required. Contact Allison Ranusch at 734.712.7775 or aranusch@csswashtenaw.org.
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YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
NEWS FROM THE MICHIGAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE MCC SPEAKS OUT ON BEHALF OF STATE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) staff participated recently in a roundtable with the press to explain and draw attention to the benefits of the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working families and individuals.
THEOLOGY OF THE
BODY
4 THEOLOGY OF THE BODY TRAININGS (REGIONALLY):
Oct 17 St. John the Evangelist in Davison | Nov 7 St John the Evangelist in Jackson | Feb 20 Diocesan Offices | Feb 27 Christ the King in Ann Arbor. These trainings are for anyone who wants to learn how to teach the TOB to youth through adults. Starting with 8am Mass, followed by various presentations & presenters, and panel Q & A. The day will end at 2:30pm The cost is $12. Registration on-line under www.dioceseoflansing.org/vocation_events
6TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS RULES AGAINST MCC IN HHS MANDATE CASE The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the federal U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) contraceptive mandate will remain in place for the Michigan Catholic Conference and several other religious nonprofits. In the ruling, the court decided that Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the case which allowed closely-held corporations to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage in employee health plans, did not apply in the MCC’s case.
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COURAGE CONFERENCE HELD IN PLYMOUTH THE WORD FROM LANSING COLUMN OUTLINES IMPORTANCE OF CHOICE IN EDUCATION This month, The Word from Lansing column highlights the value of greater educational choice, especially through innovative programs such as Nevada’s education savings accounts that provide parents with the tools to help their children succeed. Although constitutional language in Michigan prevents this type of aid from being awarded to students, it is critical to ensure that all children have quality educational options that will help them develop as individuals.
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ST. JAMES, MASON KNIGHTS ANGELS The Knights Angels from St. James Parish in Mason is the women’s counterpart of the Knights of Columbus Council 9182. It is a charitable organization founded on unity, charity and friendship. Its members profess belief in the four degrees of the Knights: charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. Some Knights Angels activities include volunteering at Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing; assisting with the Holy Cross Children’s Services sweatshirt and gift basket giving tree project; and helping with fundraising for the “In a Heartbeat” ultrasound campaign. 28
FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2015 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM
On Aug. 10-12, an international Courage conference was held in Plymouth, Mich. About 400 attendees met for the conference, “Love One Another as I Have Loved You: Welcoming and Accompanying Our Brothers and Sisters with Same-Sex Attraction.” Janet Smith, who holds the Father Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, said that despite the controversy of discussing homosexuality, the conference was designed to guide clergy, bishops and lay ministers in welcoming and accompanying those with same-sex attraction. The conference was also designed to answer the questions posed in the Lineamenta for the 2015 Synod on the Family. Father Paul Check, executive director of Courage, stressed that the Church can help those with same-sex attraction to see that they don’t need to hide in shame or fear. Instead, the Church can offer “an invitation to an authentic discipleship with Jesus and a chaste friendship with those on a similar walk to and with the Lord,” he said. For the full story on the conference, visit www. dioceseoflansing.org. – Cari Ann Delamielleure-Scott
Some 500 people of Italian descent from across the United States and Canada gathered to celebrate the 77th festival of St. Ippolito at Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian Parish in Leslie. The festival began with noon Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea, followed by a procession carrying the statue of St. Ippolito. The first festival, in 1938, was held at Church of the Resurrection Parish in Lansing. Ever since then, the St. Ippolito Festival has been celebrated on the grounds of Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian in Leslie. SUMMER SCRIPTURE DAYS 2015 More than 50 people gathered at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt for the Summer Scripture Days. This year the presenter was Jean Schaub, and the topic was “Women of the New Testament.” Jean has worked in parish ministry in the Diocese of Lansing for 30 years, and is a frequent speaker for regional and diocesan events. Mass was celebrated each morning with the group in the Bethany House Chapel, and the group shared fellowship during presentations, meals and other activities.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ FREE SUMMER CAMP KEEPS KIDS OFF STREET AND EMPLOYS TEENS For 19 years, Catholic Charities has been offering a free summer camp to inner-city children under the direction of John Manse, director of community services for Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties (CCSGC). The camp provides kids with a safe, loving, learning and fun environment, and keeps them off the streets. Since the first summer camp in 1996, approximately 1,500 children have attended and more than 350 teens have been employed. The six-week camp has two main goals: to give area children a free place to go during the week that offers both academic and recreational activities; and to hire teens, give them meaningful summer jobs and train them on what it
takes to keep a job and work with adults in the real world. This year, the camp was held at Holy Redeemer Catholic School. Although the school is no longer used, the facilities were perfect for the 65 children and six teen workers. Every child receives breakfast and lunch daily and, as an incentive to encourage parents to enroll their children in the camp, parents are given a bag full of supplies, such as laundry and dish soap, toilet paper, shampoo and many food items. At camp graduation, all the children perform a song and dance for their parents and other guests, and they receive a certificate of completion. As a special added bonus, Genesys Physician Health Organization donates a backpack full of school supplies to every child. Due to demand, CCSGC is considering adding another camp next summer.
FAITH IN FLINT PRESENCE AT CRIM FESTIVAL OF RACES Students and supporters from Powers Catholic and Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties represented the Diocese of Lansing’s FAITH in Flint initiative by volunteering at the HealthPlus Crim Festival of Races in downtown Flint in August. Runners and walkers of all ages once again packed the streets of downtown Flint for events ranging from a 10-mile race to a Teddy Bear Trot. Powers students and friends of Catholic Charities handed out water to runners and walkers and cheered on the participants as they passed by. To learn more about how the Catholic presence in Flint is working to counter poverty, and how you can join in this effort, please visit faithinflint.com. M. Frieseman
ST. IPPOLITO SOCIETY’S 77TH FESTIVAL
L E A R N , VO LU N TE E R , D O N ATE , P R AY
FAITH IN FL INT.COM
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CREDITS The U.S. flag flies as painters work on a mural of Pope Francis on the side of a building in midtown Manhattan.
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing OCTOBER 2015 VOLUME 15: ISSUE 8
www.FAITHpub.com Most Reverend Earl Boyea PUBLISHER
Rev. Dwight Ezop
FIND US ON YOUR TABLET
EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN
FAITH PUB
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CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM
Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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Marybeth Hicks MARKETING DIRECTOR
WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY
ART DIRECTOR
Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Jim Berlucchi | Doug Culp | Cari Ann DelamielleureScott | Rev. Charles Irvin | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Emily Lenhard | Molly Lenhoff | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Rose Robertson | Sister Ann Shields | Michael Spath
Above: Pope Francis accepts the final volume of a limited, fine-art edition of the St. John’s Bible at the end of an annual audience with the Papal Foundation at the Vatican.
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FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2013 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
Catholic News Service
POPE WATCH
Patrick Dally
DID YOU KNOW? Pope Francis is a huge soccer fan. He played street soccer growing up in Buenos Aires, and he stills follows his favorite team, San Lorenzo.
DID YOU KNOW?
Pope presenting gift to Library of Congress During his visit to Capitol Hill in September for the World Meeting of Families, Pope Francis presents the Apostles Edition of the St. John’s Bible to Speaker John Boehner and the Library of Congress. This special fine art edition of the Bible, which runs in seven volumes, cost $8 million to produce and is one of only 12 such sets.
During Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families in September, he is speaking at Independence Hall from the same lectern that Abraham Lincoln used for his Gettysburg Address.
Answers: 1. St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus. 2. St. Teresa of Avila. 3. St. Thérèse of Lisieux. 4. Both! St. Teresa of Avila was named Doctor of the Church in 1970, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux in 1997.
SAINT OF THE MONTH
LAST WORD
WALK THE JOURNEY OF CONVERSION
F ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX Feast day: Oct. 1
ST. TERESA OF ÁVILA Feast day: Oct. 15
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, entered a Carmelite convent in France at the age of 15. Through her “little way” of love, prayer and sacrifice, St. Thérèse became known for her great holiness. Her book, The Story of a Soul, is the autobiography of her life. She died of tuberculosis when she was 24. St. Teresa of Avila, who lived in 16th century Spain, was also a Carmelite nun. She was a great reformer of her age. She was so displeased with the lax lifestyle of her convent that she founded a new reformed convent, called the Discalced Carmelites. St. Teresa was a contemplative and mystic, and received great raptures and visions. The artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini portrayed one of her mystical experiences in a famous sculpture titled “The Ecstasy of St. Teresa” in Rome’s Santa Maria della Vittoria.
CAN YOU TELL THEM APART? TAKE THE QUIZ! 1 Which saint is known as the Little Flower? 2 Which saint was a friend of St. John of the Cross? 3 Which saint was a spoiled child before she entered the convent? 4 Which saint is a doctor of the Church?
IRST, LET ME SAY what a blessing it has been for me to minister with teens for my entire adult life – 40-plus years. You are truly amazing. That really is where my message to you begins. You are made in God’s image. You are God’s handiwork, a reflection of his love for the world to see. Your value is so great that when we all were in need of forgiveness, God placed a value on us. He gave up his only begotten Son as the ransom for your life and mine. By God’s word and actions, he has made a clear statement of how wonderful and valuable to him you are. You’re priceless. Throughout my years of ministry, I found this to be the primary truth that many find difficult to believe. If we truly encounter Jesus with an open heart, we begin to discover that truth, as well as how we have not lived up to what God made us to be. But God built the bridge for you and me. It is up to us to decide: will we follow him? In this issue, there are interviews with teens who have experienced these elements of conversion and discipleship: •A n encounter with Jesus which sends them in a new direction • An experience of deep formation, helping them to be Christ’s disciples and to take up positions in ministry in their parish and diocese • Answering God’s call to mission and service to those in need both at home and on mission trips
All of us – adults and teens – are called to journey with each other on this road of conversion. We are not called to stay in one place, repeat the same experience. We are called to a life-changing encounter with Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, and
then to undergo new experiences that form us as his disciples and send us on missions to change the world. PATRICK RINKER In the stories you is the director read, you will see these of youth, young elements of conversion adult and and discipleship. campus ministries There are many ways in the Diocese of to take this journey: Lansing. from encounter to repentance, then to following Jesus, then to being formed as disciples, then to being in community with others. This occurs in parishes, in ministry programs, in small faith sharing groups, on retreats, at national conferences and more. Along the way, please pray constantly. Keep your personal relationship with God growing. Share your faith with others who support you in your faith. Share your faith with those who need to hear the Good News you have heard. Continue to walk this journey of conversion, not only now, but throughout your life. Live a life that constantly reflects God’s love as you sincerely love others. Thank you for being a constant inspiration to me and so many others. God be with you on your way.
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Monday, October 5, 2015
Announcing the 30th Annual
Red Mass of the
Catholic Lawyers Guild, Diocese of Lansing
St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing Red Mass, Bishop Earl Boyea Presiding, 5:15 p.m. of
Dinner, featuring presentation St. Thomas More Award, 6:15 p.m.
Invoking God’s blessing on the courts of our state and honoring
HON. ANTHONY P. PATTI United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan Graduate of Notre Dame Law School Father of eight beautiful children
Introduction of Award Recipient by
FATHER CHARLES IRVIN,
Founding editor of FAITH Magazine Senior priest of the Diocese of Lansing
For more information or to RSVP email: lclguild@gmail.com or contact Andrew J. Moore at: 336.406.0930 FAITHPUB.COM | FOLLOW FAITH PUB