October 2019

SPECIAL REPORT

CLERGY SEX ABUSE SCANDAL UPDATE

PARENTING

More tips for raising kids who are great humans

GROW+GO

As a volunteer driver, Gary shares his faith

SPECIAL REPORT

Canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman

INSIDE October

SPECIAL REPORT:

CLERGY SEX ABUSE SCANDAL F R O M T H E B I S H O P.

We pledge to help those affected find healing and peace PREVENTION.

How does the Diocese of Lansing help protect children from abuse? HEALING.

What happens when a survivor of clergy sexual abuse contacts the victim assistance coordinator of the Diocese of Lansing?

COVER STORY

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL MICRO-LOAN CHANGED LYNDA’S LIFE P. 14

YOUR LIFE

4 parenting More tips for raising kids who are great humans

5 marriage matters

He says: ‘I had an emotional relationship via Facebook.’ She says: ‘Now I can’t trust him.’ What do they do?

work life Am I a team player at work?

6 culture ‘St. Luke’s little summer’ salad

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YOUR FAITH

SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

8 grow+go •C an you commit to being a disciple of the Master? • As a volunteer driver, Gary shares his faith

10 in the know with Father Joe Will our pets be with us in Heaven?

12 theology 101 Encountering Jesus in the sacrament of holy orders

P. 26

PLUS

24 special report Canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman

25 FAITH interview Meet David Kerr, new director of communications for the Diocese of Lansing 3

YOUR LIFE

More tips for raising kids who are

GREAT HUMANS

PARENTING

AS WE DISCUSSED IN OUR LAST COLUMN, parenting can be tricky work, but we all have the same goal: to raise kids who are great humans and faithful disciples of Jesus. The culture we’re parenting in often works against that goal, so here are some more tips for raising kids who are both great and great to others.

SHERI WOHLFERT

is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries. Sheri blogs at www. joyfulwords.org

Not everything is fabulous. The world of “superduper” everything is diluting our children’s perception of greatness. We have to be honest with our kids and be specific with our praise. Not everything they do, say or create is awesome. They need to know our love for them isn’t connected to which place they finish or the award they receive. They need to know coming in last or getting a “C” won’t end in disaster.

Speak the power words. The three most important words we can say to help our kids become great are “I love you!” They need to feel it, hear it and see it every day. Truly loving our children means all the things on this list. Every fall kids come back to my classroom to tell me about their summer, and the best stories are not about the shiny, fancy things they did, but the simple things that required only the time, love and attention of their parents.

Service builds compassion. Jesus told the Apostles he came to serve, not be served, and we should not only teach our kids that, but make sure we provide lots of opportunities for them to grow their servants’ hearts. True service is done out of love and compassion, and doesn’t require a certificate or a shout-out on social media. We serve because Jesus asked us to.

Do the most important thing daily. Pray for your children every day. Pray to see them as God sees them, and pray for the guidance to help them become who he created them to be, not who you think or want them to be. Bless your kids on the forehead each day to remind them that in their baptism they were claimed for Christ and we can trust him to help us be great.

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

HE SAYS:

I had an emotional relationship via Facebook

MARRIAGE MATTERS

WORK LIFE

A few years ago, I had this Facebook relationship. I apologized, she said she forgives me and I've been faithful ever since. But she won't let it go.

AM I A TEAM PLAYER AT WORK?

SHE SAYS:

Now I can’t trust him I just don't know how I can ever trust him again. It was very hurtful.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

ONLINE “VIRTUAL AFFAIRS” have wounded and destroyed countless marriages. But in two respects, this couple is way ahead of most on the road to healing.

First, each recognizes that emotional adultery can be just as destructive, and just as difficult to heal from, as actedout sexual adultery. In fact, even if this had been a case of him “just” viewing pornography, that, too, would have damaged their marriage. As Jesus said, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

his victim forgive him, but still, to fully restore their relationship, it is fitting for the thief to undo his wrong by returning what he has stolen. Here are some concrete acts this man can do to fully restore trust in their marriage. Invite her to attend a Retrouvaille weekend retreat together. It will take time and effort (Mt 5:27) for both of them, but the Second, it is also critical experience has helped that he has already thousands of couples apologized, and she has wounded in various ways, STEVE AND already forgiven him. including emotional infidelity, BRIDGET PATTON But, with our human hearts find healing and hope. hold master’s being as they are, simply Get off Facebook entirely, degrees in apologizing and forgiving are and install an internet theology and often not enough. While such accountability software counseling and acts might resolve the “moral program, such as Covenant serve as family debt” of an offense, they don’t Eyes. While it is commendable life ministers for always resolve the emotional that he has been faithful for the Diocese of debt as well. several years, by installing Sacramento. It’s similar to what happens such a system he will not when we go to confession. only give himself – and their Though our sins are forgiven, the relationship – an added layer of safety, priest will also give us penance, usually it will also show her that he understands prayers, as part of the process of his vulnerability and the need to protect reconciliation. Why? Though a sin is himself and their relationship. forgiven, its concrete effects often Regularly pray and ask her to pray have to be made up for. For instance, with him, asking God into their marriage a thief can apologize to his victim and to guide and deepen their healing.

M I A TEAM PLAYER? Of course – as

long as the only ones on the team are me, myself, and I ... It’s hard to put our singular thoughts and aspirations aside to be open to what’s best for the group. Here are some suggestions. 1. Kindness first. Regardless of the team or

task, approach with kind thoughts, feelings and actions. 2. Communicate. Be open about expecta-

tions you have of others, as well as open to the expectations of others on your team. Be confident in your voice while encouraging others to be the same. 3. Reliability is key. Show up 100% every

day. Be someone known for consistently working well with others and working toward the greater good. Give your colleagues reason to trust you, your work ethic and your word. 4. Utilize individual strengths. A team is

made up of different personalities who have varied skills and talents. Be the person who identifies the strengths in each member of your team and encourages them to use those strengths. 5. Give credit. Acknowledge those who

achieve success and give gratitude to those who help you achieve the same. Ultimately, a team player will follow the example of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.” BY CYNTHIA KAAN

YOUR LIFE CULTURE

This St Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Little Summer salad is healthy and delicious any time of year, but to enjoy it when its ingredients are in season makes it better." 6

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

‘St. Luke’s little summer’

Salad I LOVE SUMMER, but in Michigan, by mid-August, I’m over the humidity and ready to embrace autumn. That’s right, goodbye air conditioning and hello colorful foliage, pumpkin spice lattes and apple-picking. There is absolutely no reason not to love the fall season!

T. Gennara

Well, except for one thing … the nights gradually get colder to the point I have to turn the furnace on. I dread the long months of winter that lie ahead. Fall is fantastic. Winter can be brutal. But even in late fall when the evening frosts have MICHELLE arrived, there is a ray of hope and …. sunshine that DIFRANCO returns. We are all familiar with that brief, warm and is a designer and dry period of gorgeous weather that arrives after the the busy mom of first cold nights have set in. You know, the one most three children. of us refer to as Indian summer? Well, I recently learned something about that late warm spell that I found interesting. The short period of pleasant summer-like days that arrive before the coming of winter around St. Luke’s feast day (October 18) is known as “St. Luke’s Little Summer.” Many of us think of that period as an Indian summer, but according to the Old Farmers’ Almanac, an Indian summer occurs between November 11 and 20. How nice to think that one of our holy saints in heaven can be associated with gorgeous days to enjoy before winter sets in! And it’s only fitting. Luke, one of the four evangelists and author of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, often wrote about God’s mercy. His Gospel is referred to as “The Gospel of Mercy,” and the warm spell that bears his name feels like mercy after the first taste of frosty weather reminds us of the cold that is to come with winter. To me the fall, and St Luke’s Little Summer, is the finest of seasons. It’s about harvesting and provisioning the bounty of the earth that has been growing and accumulating throughout the summer. I love salads, especially ones that include apples, pecans, and other ingredients that we associate with the fall. This St Luke’s Little Summer salad is healthy and delicious any time of year, but to enjoy it when its ingredients are in season makes it better. So as the cooler autumn temps arrive reminding us of the winter that is to come, keep an eye out for a warmer October day to commemorate St. Luke’s Little Summer with a reading from his Gospel, some gratitude for our Lord’s mercy and a salad that includes the best produce of the season! PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA

St. Luke’s Little Summer Salad INGREDIENTS 8-10 cups mixed greens Red onion (thinly sliced) 2 medium crisp apples (1 sweet and 1 tart) ½ cup gorgonzola cheese ¼ cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecan halves 1 tablespoon butter ¼ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon cinnamon DRESSING ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 3-4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup Salt and pepper to taste For the candied pecans, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir to combine and coat until sugar begins to caramelize (3-4 minutes). Spread candied pecans on a wax paper or parchment lined baking sheet to cool. Combine the ingredients for the dressing and place in fridge until ready to use. In a large bowl toss greens, red onions, apples, gorgonzola cheese, cranberries and candied pecans. Toss with dressing when ready to serve.

YOUR FAITH

T.Gennera

same noncommittal attitude. “Yeah, OK, I might come,” or “Maybe I can make it,” are two common phrases that accompany virtually every invitation. We love to keep our options open since something better or more exciting could appear at any moment. We struggle to commit to seeing a movie on a Friday night, let alone some of the bigger commitments such as marriage, children and especially a radical faith life. I’ve come to realize that this fear of commitment is a huge obstacle to knowing, loving and serving God because you can’t grow or go as a disciple unless you commit to the Master. God doesn’t want wishy-washy followers; he desires decisiveness and intentionality. A key to understanding true discipleship and therefore overcoming this noncommittal nature is illustrated by the words of Christ, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself …” PETE BURAK Our commitment to Christ requires is the director of a willingness to ignore, or even i.d.9:16. He has a reject, our own desires. To be his master’s degree follower involves an acceptance in theology, and that we follow him. He comes first. is a frequent I have often heard my generation speaker at events described as selfish or self-centered, for youth and and it’s clear that the spirit of this young adults. age wants every individual person to think for themselves. Many of us don’t like rules, but “think for yourself” or “do what feels right” is one rule we eagerly embrace. Because of this, I think we can aptly be called “Generation Maybe.” We might do this or we could do that, as long as it fits into the plan we have for ourselves. While this may particularly describe Millennials, I’ve seen those same characteristics across all generations because it’s a fundamental temptation of humankind. This is not what God intended, and this cannot characterize a disciple of Jesus Christ. We all have dreams, and we all have some idea of what we think will make us happy and fulfilled. The options for pleasure and fun in this world are many, and the freedom to choose is intoxicating and yet ironically chains us to something less than true happiness. The “do whatever I want” freedom leads to captivity, whereas surrendering to Jesus leads to true freedom. Only through commitment to Christ can we experience those things that we most deeply long for in our hearts. The Lord offers us a life-giving alternative: “Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me.” What’s your answer? Please don’t say, “Maybe.”

Can you commit to being a

disciple of the Master? THEN JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)

GROW

These are challenging words from Jesus. They cut to the heart and demand a response. Jesus invites us to count the cost, and decide whether he is worth following. We can’t grow and go unless we are willing to answer these self-reflective questions: are we willing to endure hardship, suffering and pain for the hope of eternal glory? Are we willing to deny our own desires in order to be purified by the will of God? Are we willing to follow wherever Jesus leads; in summary, are we willing to be a disciple? Unfortunately, as a Millennial, I believe the response of most of my generation, both those in and out of the Church, would be: “maybe.” All too often I fall into this

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

As a volunteer driver,

GARY SHARES HIS FAITH

WITNESS: I try to be as uplifting as possible when transporting clients, and I use my own life stories to share how God has blessed me. We have had difficult times, but my wife Linda and I have always believed that God has, and will, help us through these times. When I share my faith with my clients, I pray they come away believing that God can make a difference in one’s life.

Gary Kinneer, a parishioner at St. Mary Magdalen in Brighton, is a retired business executive who volunteers for Livingston County Catholic Charities. PRAYER: As a volunteer driver for Catholic Charities, I have expanded my prayers to include the elderly and physically impaired people I have taken to doctor appointments, grocery shopping and other places. Prayer has helped me develop loving relationships with the people I transport. During the drive to pick someone up, I pray they will enjoy my visit; and afterward I thank God for allowing me to bring more light into their day – and mine! INVITATION: Volunteering has given me the opportunity to share my belief in God with others. I often hear stories of depression and loneliness. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN

I try to be a good listener and gently offer advice when I can. I hope the people I transport gain a better understanding of God’s purpose through the services we provide, which is to care for one another. Hopefully it brings them closer to God.

Volunteering has given me the opportunity to share my belief in God with others.”

ACCOMPANIMENT: The service I provide is only a small part of the total support structure that clients depend on, but the seemingly smallest things can have tremendous value. One time, I was asked if I was available immediately to drive a woman to see a friend who was near death. I was, and we arrived at the assisted care facility where the client was able to talk to her friend and sit with her until she died 30 minutes later. We both believed that special goodbye was a gift from God. Afterward, I thought, “that’s why I am a volunteer, that’s what it’s all about!” 9

YOUR FAITH

Will our pets be with us in

FATHER JOE: Q DEAR My dog died and my priest told me that pets don’t go to heaven. This really breaks my heart – how can it be heaven without the creatures God gives us? Is he right?

T. Gennara

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

Possibly not, but I’m sure he means well. I’d like to start off by offering you an image and see if it doesn’t help you with your question. As a priest, I celebrate funerals often. In many churches, there is a luncheon afterward right on site. In my last parish, the hall where we had funeral lunches was right below the place where we prayed the funeral Mass. As a result of this, at almost every funeral, the wonderful smells of the upcoming lunch would seep into the church. As we finished the funeral Mass, the church was filled with the smell of fresh rolls, cheesy potatoes and all sorts of other wonderful delights, The smells we enjoyed were a hint of what was to come. In the same way, our beautiful, generous and allpowerful God has filled the earth with things that can serve to remind us of the joy to come in the kingdom of heaven. (The Mass is a perfect example of this.) Beyond the Mass, there are all sorts of other wonders God has given us to provide us with a sense of the joy to come, and for some of us, that includes our pets. Some people like pets, some people don’t. That’s wonderful. What isn’t wonderful is when one group assumes that their preference is somehow superior or more holy than the other. Me? I like ‘em. My crazy, wonderful, knucklehead

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

GETTY IMAGES/SKYNESHER

HEAVEN? dog is literally right here next to me as I type this on the back porch. Currently, he is trying very hard to eat the bumblebees that keep flying by. I love it. When I think of heaven, I hope and pray I make it and, if I do, I hope that my dog is there and it hurts nothing at all for me to hope that. As my life is right now, I can’t imagine it being heaven without him. At the same time, I recognize that I am not God (that one’s easy!) and I don’t claim to know his mind, so I recognize that heaven may not include pets. My assumption is that if this is the case, I won’t be sorrowed by that fact because if I were in sorrow, I would not be in heaven. Get it? So – let it go. Be at peace. If it brings us comfort to picture our pets in heaven, then there is no harm in doing so. If you and I are right and our pets are there, that’s going to be awesome and I assume my dog will be successful there in catching bees. If we are wrong and our pets aren’t there, I assume that we won’t notice because part of what will make heaven heavenly is the fact that, as Scripture promises, there will be no more pain, no more sorrow. In the meantime, if someone tells you that I am wrong and that they are absolutely sure there are no pets in heaven, just smile, nod, pray for them and thank God for the gift of your pet. Enjoy another day in God’s presence. On Oct. 4, in honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, many churches hold a blessing of pets and other animals. Check with your local parish.

Y E AR OF

PR AY E R Forming Missionary Disciples Father, You invite each of us to share in the life and ministry of your Son, Jesus. Send your Holy Spirit to form our parish as a community of missionary disciples. Teach us how to hear Jesus, to love Jesus, and to share your gift of salvation with everyone we meet. Through the witness and intercession of Mary, guide me to deepen my commitment as a disciple of Jesus. Lead our parish to grow as an intentional community, committed to go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. We ask these blessings in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

www.dioceseoflansing.org

by Douglas Culp

Encountering Jesus in the sacrament of

HOLY ORDERS Pope Benedict XVI once said, “... the faith is not a theory, a philosophy, or idea; it is an encounter. An encounter with Jesus.” It is this

It is through this sacrament that the mission

encounter with Jesus in the sacraments that is

entrusted

the focus of this year’s Theology 101.

by Christ to

Holy orders, or the sacrament of apostolic ministry, is the sacramental act that incorporates a man into one of three recognized “orders”: bishop (ordo episcoporum), presbyter or priest (ordo presbyterorum) or deacon (ordo diaconorum). It is through this sacrament that the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church.

continues to

his apostles be exercised

WHAT HAPPENS AT ORDINATION? The ordination of a bishop, priest or deacon takes place within the Eucharistic liturgy. Its essential rite consists of the laying on of hands by the bishop and of the consecratory prayer which together constitute the visible sign of ordination. 12

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

in the Church.”

Like baptism and confirmation, ordination imprints an “indelible sacramental character” upon the ordained that cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily. Through his ordination, the recipient is configured to Christ so that he may serve as Christ’s instrument for his Church. There are also additional rites that make up an ordination. Initial rites consist of the following: presentation and election of the ordinand (those to be ordained), instruction by the bishop, examination of the candidate and the litany of the saints. The rites all attest that that choice of candidate is made in keeping with the practice of the Church and prepares him for the consecration. After the consecration, rites symbolically express and complete the mystery accomplished. For a

DID YOU KNOW …

While priests in religious orders take vows, diocesan priests make promises. In particular, they promise to live celibate and to be obedient and respectful to the bishop. The promise of celibacy is actually made by the ordinand at his diaconate ordination. The promise of obedience immediately follows the examination rite mentioned in the previous segment when the ordinand places his hands within the hands of the bishop.

bishop, there is an anointing of holy chrism (a sign of the Holy Spirit who alone will make his ministry fruitful); the giving of the book of the Gospels (as the sign of his apostolic mission to proclaim the word of God), the ring (a sign of his fidelity to the Church) and the miter and the crosier (signs of his office as shepherd of the Lord’s flock). For a priest, there is also an anointing with holy chrism plus the presentation to the priest of the paten and chalice, symbolizing “the offering of the holy people” which he is called to present to God. Finally, there is the giving of the book of the Gospels to the deacon who has just received the mission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.

TIMELINE: History of the sacrament of HOLY ORDERS

WHO CAN RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT?

NEW TESTAMENT • Jesus establishes the Church and remains its great High Priest (Letter to Hebrews). • He calls disciples to follow him including Peter, the “rock” on whom he would build his Church. • After Christ’s death, there is collective leadership and no institutional priesthood. • James and elders (presbyteroi) preach in Jerusalem. • Timothy and Titus establish local leaders, presbyters, and overseers (episkopoi).

S. OLSON

The catechism (1577) teaches that, "Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination." The reason for this lies in the fact that Jesus chose men as the twelve apostles, and these apostles did the same when they chose their successors. Today, the college of bishops continues to make the twelve apostles an “ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ’s return.” As the Church believes herself bound to the choice made by Jesus, the ordination of women is not possible. That said, “no one has a right to receive the sacrament.” One is called to it by God and it “can be received only as an DOUG CULP unmerited gift.” (1578)

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

THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS

Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the sacrament configures the person to Christ “as Priest, Teacher, and Pastor.” (1585) The bishop receives the grace of strength, or “governing spirit.” This is the grace to guide and defend the Church with strength and prudence. The catechism (1586) explains this grace “impels him to proclaim the Gospel to all, to be the model for this flock, to go before it on the way of sanctification by identifying himself in the Eucharist with Christ the priest and victim, not fearing to give his life for his sheep.” For the priest, ordination confers the spiritual gift to proclaim the Gospel, to offer spiritual gifts and sacrifices, and to renew the people through Baptism. The deacon receives the grace to be in service to the liturgy, the Gospel and works of charity.

OLD TESTAMENT • Old Covenant priests had duties within the community pertaining to cult and culture. Of note are Melchizedek, (“priest of God most High”) king of Salem who brought out bread and wine for Abram (Gen 14).

EARLY CHURCH 215 Apostolic Tradition Notes the role of the community in selecting leaders and contains an ordination rite with the laying on of hands and prayers for gifts of the Spirit. Some of these prayers are still used. 250 Didascalia Apostolorum recorded that woman deacons (ministrae) were necessary when a woman was to be baptized (#17). 325 Council of Nicea declared women are not to be counted among the clergy.

YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

404 Pope Innocent I said priests and deacons should be celibate. 3RD TO 7TH CENTURY • Increased importance of presbyters – less advisory to bishop, assume role of priest as leader of sacrifice and prayer, assume liturgical duties of the bishop in the local community. 8TH TO 15TH CENTURY • Emphasis on power of priest to consecrate Body and Blood of Christ and administer other sacraments. • Holy Orders recognized as one of seven sacraments. 16TH TO 20TH CENTURY Council of Trent (1548-1563) 1 Defended the existence of priesthood with the power to consecrate the Body and Blood of Christ and forgive sins in Christ’s name. 2 Confirmed Holy Orders as one of the seven sacraments. 3 Required celibacy. 4 Confined bishops to their own territories. 5 Mandated that priests be educated in seminaries. 6 Defended hierarchical orders; bishops are superior to priests. 7 Upheld the distinction between ordained and other baptized. 8 Gave directives on preaching and pastoral care. VATICAN II (1961-1965) The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (1964), the Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (1965), and the Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church (1965) define more clearly the role of bishop, priest, and deacon. 13

YOUR STORIES

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Across the nation, St. Vincent de Paul Societies are working to create systemic change for individuals like Lynda.

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

COULD YOU DO SOME GOOD WITH $10,000? The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of the Lansing District Council can! When the council received $10,000 from an anonymous donor inviting it

Within a year after high school, I had earned a certificate as a medical assistant but didn’t have a job. What I did have was over $15,000 in student loans.

to do something good, the organization set about establishing a micro-loan program to help individuals get through a financial crisis. Program chair and retired sales manager, Dan Shimkos, explains. “Even if you’re working, one hard knock can push you into financial hardship. Sometimes once you get in, you can’t get out.” Next to Dan, Lynda Bueno nods in agreement. “People don’t understand if they’ve never faced it. Think of a boat. Waves and bumps hit differently on a boat than they do on a yacht – a lot differently. It just takes one hard wave to knock their boats and budgets off balance. When we have a heat wave, most people turn on their air conditioning and pay the extra $100 in electricity. For me, that $100 is my groceries. “Regular mistakes any young adult makes can throw you on your head when you don’t have the cushion of family support. Even though I have worked up to three jobs at a time since I was 14, I got thrown into life head-on.

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

“I worked, earned straight A’s and played softball in high school. Then I found I was expecting a baby no one wanted me to have. I prayed long and hard, and just knew that giving my child life was a blessing from God, no matter what the rest of the world thought. I would have to work twice as hard to support me and my child, but it was worth it. “I graduated high school on time, worked a full-time job and went to a for-profit training academy with a brand-new baby. Being young, alone and from a low-income family, I didn’t understand the repercussions of student loans or credit in general. Within a year after high school I had earned a certificate as a medical assistant but didn’t have a job. What I did have was over $15,000 in student loans. “They say, ‘God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.’ Well, he must think I’m a body builder because he sure does give me a lot!” Dan nods, “Lynda contacted me because she was facing a huge bill at the same time her car was falling apart. She is a hard-working, single mom doing everything she can to make a good life for herself and her daughter, Sophia. “Our program is part of a larger initiative by the national St. Vincent de Paul Society. Across the nation, St. Vincent de Paul Societies are working to create systemic change in our society and in individuals’ lives. “We work closely with Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) to operate our program locally. They have been phenomenal! When we were looking for financial institutions, most couldn’t see a way to participate with us. But MSUFCU was excited. They welcomed us and took care of the legal aspects and paperwork to get our micro-loan program off the ground.

“In addition to the low-interest-rate loans, we help some of our clients work through a program called Your Money, Your Goals. It’s published by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, so it’s available for free, online or in print. Lynda is one of those clients.” Smiling, Lynda continues her story. “After a few years living in an unhealthy relationship, I just knew God wanted more for me. It wasn’t easy to break free, but eventually I found a place where Sophia and I could live on our own. We were ready to move in when the manager told me Consumers Energy wouldn’t turn on my power until I paid an outstanding bill. The problem was, I never knew I had it. “It turns out that when Sophia was a baby, I moved out of a place I was sharing with another person. Even though I settled all my bills, I didn’t know I needed to remove my name from the Consumers Energy account. Because I didn’t, I was partially responsible for the energy my roommates continued to use but didn’t pay for. With the interest penalty they been assessing for almost 10 years, I owed $1,500. That was impossible for me, even though I have a job working at a call center where we help people understand Medicaid. “Professionally, I know all the ins and outs of getting assistance, and as smart as I am, I still struggle. We help poor people on behalf of the State of Michigan but aren’t state employees. I understand what a lot of them are facing. “I can’t tell you how many adults don’t know what credit is. For example, when you’re poor you can’t lease a car or get a credit card, so you go to the corner dealer when you need a car. When the car breaks down, you stop paying on it because you can’t use it. Most of them don’t realize that follows you. It follows you forever – just like my Consumers Energy bill. “Being a single mother, I was so scared of becoming a statistic. I work twice as hard to make sure that, if I couldn’t be rich, I would at least be smart.” That is when someone recommended the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Martha’s Parish in Okemos. “Pretty soon, I met Dan Shimkos,” she continues.

“When Dan gets a hold of you, you walk out a whole new person! With his help, the Department of Human Services and St. Vincent de Paul covered the full $1,500, and I was able to move Sophia into our own home. At the same time, my car was falling apart, so Dan told me about the micro-loan program they were starting. I was able to borrow $750 to fix my car. I have been repaying it at $41 a month and working with him to build my credit score and become more financially stable. “I didn’t even know I could borrow because my credit score was so low. Now my credit score has gone up 60 points! And with this micro-loan, MSUFCU serves me just like they do every other member.” Dan’s excitement for Lynda shines on his face. “Lynda has helped us, too. She’s improved our program with more effective outreach and given us a better understanding of people’s life situations. She’s as big a supporter for me as I am for her.” Lynda adds, “Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my faith. I just think if God brings you to it, he’ll bring you through it. And he has, with the help of Dan and St. Vincent’s!

They say, ‘God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.’ Well, he must think I’m a body builder because he sure does give me a lot!

St. Vincent de Paul micro-loan program The St. Vincent de Paul program provides loans for up to 18 months with a $750 maximum to prequalified borrowers. Unlike pay-day lenders whose fees end up costing multiple times the original loan amount,

LEARN MORE CONTACT DAN.SHIMKOS@ SBCGLOBAL.NET OR CATHY KERWIN, PRESIDENT ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY, LANSING DISTRICT COUNCIL, AT 517.484. 5394 X 102.

St. Vincent charges just 3%. And the program pairs loans with financial education and personal support as needed. The goal is to help, not hinder, so the program takes extra steps to help its clients build credit and establish solid financial footing. MSUFCU plays an important role in helping partners improve (or build) their credit. 17

SPECIAL REPORT:

CLERGY SEX ABUSE SCANDAL UPDATE IN SEPTEMBER 2019, the Diocese of Lansing published a list of priests who have been subject to a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The list dates from the foundation of the diocese in 1937 until the present day, and includes diocesan clergy, religious order priests accused of abuse within the diocese, and those priests who were ordained for another diocese but who resided in the Diocese of Lansing for a period of time, known as “extern” priests.

Following the adoption of the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms, the Bishop of Lansing established a Review Board. The Review Board advises the bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors, his determination of a cleric’s suitability for ministry, and in the diocese’s pastoral response to the victim. For purposes of the Diocese of Lansing’s published list regarding credible allegations of clerical sexual abuse of a minor, “a credible allegation” means that one or more of the following exists: 1. The Bishop of Lansing determined that the allegation was credible, i.e., that the allegation appeared to be true. For allegations made after the Diocesan Review Board was established, the bishop’s determination was made with advice from the Review Board; 2. The accused admitted the allegation; 3. The allegation resulted in a criminal conviction; 4. The allegation resulted in the accused’s removal from ministry or laicization; or 5. The allegation resulted in a civil settlement with either the accused or the diocese. 18

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Since 1937, there have been approximately 1,654 priests who served within the Diocese of Lansing, consisting of 471 diocesan priests, 518 religious priests, and 665 extern priests. In total, 17 clerics have a credible allegation of sexually abusing a minor: 13 diocesan priests; 3 religious priests; and 1 extern priest. All of those priests are now dead or no longer in active ministry. The Diocese of Lansing has received 73 total allegations against these 17 men. The victims include 66 boys, 4 girls, and 3 where the allegation of abuse did not report the gender of the victim. The diocese hopes the publication of this list will assist these victims in finding healing, and will encourage presently unknown victims to come forward. It is also hoped that this information will assist in ensuring that such abuse never happens again. The majority of credible allegations of abuse stem from the years between the 1960s and mid-1990s. The Diocese of Lansing is not aware of any credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor occurring since 2000. In 2002, the Catholic Bishops of the United States adopted the aforementioned Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter led to a fundamental and comprehensive change in the way the Church addresses sexual abuse of minors. The Charter requires: • t hat all allegations of child sexual abuse be reported to law enforcement; • that every diocese has an independent review board to evaluate the legitimacy of these allegations; • that any priest who is found to have abused a child must be permanently removed from ministry; • that every diocese must retain a victim assistance coordinator and establish a safe environment program to implement preventive measures; • that dioceses offer pastoral assistance to all victims of abuse; • and that dioceses not demand that settlements of lawsuits be kept confidential.

The Diocese of Lansing has implemented the requirements of the Charter. Moreover, the diocese expects all employees and volunteers to exemplify the teachings of Jesus Christ, and holds accountable those who fail to live up to that expectation. In particular, the diocese expects clergy to adhere to their vow of celibacy. Sexual abuse of any sort – whether of a minor or an adult – is a betrayal of Jesus Christ. The Diocese of Lansing intends to update this list in the event that additional information is discovered or brought to its attention, or if additional allegations of sexual abuse of a minor are determined to be credible within the parameters set forth above. In the event that any changes are made to the list, the updated list will be posted on the diocesan website. As Bishop Boyea reminds us in his column, this present crisis will not be over until healing and peace is brought to all those who are affected. One case of abuse is one too many. When it comes to safeguarding against sexual abuse, the Diocese of Lansing can never, and will never, rest.

FROM THE BISHOP

Carlson Productions

WE PLEDGE TO HELP THOSE AFFECTED FIND HEALING AND PEACE THE GREAT 19TH CENTURY MODEL of priestly life, St. John Mary Vianney, described the priesthood as “the

BISHOP

love of the heart of Jesus.” Through the grace of ordination, the priest becomes an alter Christus, another

EARL BOYEA

Christ. He is in Christ, for Christ and with Christ, at the service of all. This is why the holy priesthood has traditionally been held in high regard and deep affection among our Catholic community and, indeed, across the wider society.

In recent decades, however, the standing of the priesthood for many has been diminished or even, for some, demolished. The scandal of clerical sex abuse has distressed and demoralized faithful Catholics while making the Church less credible to those who are not Catholic. More gravely, the immoral and illegal actions of some clerics have shattered the lives and faith of their victims. There can be few civil or moral crimes of greater gravity than harming or scandalizing the young. I know I am not alone in feeling deep shame and sorrow upon learning of the plight of victims in recent years. I have met with many of them; all deserve our compassion, solace and support. As a Church, we are deeply sorry for what happened to you. As your bishop, I offer you a profound apology for the sins of my brothers. As a diocese, we are pledged to help you find healing and peace. This month, the Diocese of Lansing is publishing the list of those clerics, diocesan and religious, who have served in our diocese and who have had credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor against them since the diocese’s founding in 1937. The list and accompanying statistics are based upon the best evidence and documentation we presently have on file but are, of course, open to revision as we gather more information. Indeed, it remains my intention to have an external audit of all our priest files. This audit, however, has been delayed due to the Michigan Attorney General’s seizure of our files in October 2018. As regards this month’s published list, the primary intended audience is victims of abuse: to encourage presently unknown victims to come forward; to help victims expose their abusers; and to assist victims in finding healing. It is also hoped that this information will assist all to ensure that such abuse never happens again. The figures as published also seem to suggest certain trends. First, the majority of credible allegations of abuse stem from the years between the 1960s and mid1990s. Why could this be? Well, the best evidence would suggest that, not surprisingly, the internal life

Amid the publication of statistics and policies, it should be remembered that, ultimately, this present crisis will not be over until healing and peace is brought to all those who are affected. When it comes to safeguarding against sexual abuse we can never, and will never, rest.”

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

of the Catholic Church has not been immune to the profound moral confusion unleashed upon our society by the sexual revolution of the mid-20th century. This proposition is offered by way of explanation. It can never be an excuse. If true, however, it would suggest that the roots of the present crisis are to be found in a lack of faithfulness to the moral teachings of the Church and to the promise of celibacy. Our response as both clergy and lay faithful must then, surely, involve a radical return to the highest standards of personal holiness, including holy purity. Second, there is a notable drop-off in credible allegations of abuse pertaining to the years since the turn of the century. In fact, the Diocese of Lansing is not aware of any credible allegations of sexual abuse of a minor occurring since the turn of the century. While also very aware that sexual abuse can sometimes go unreported for decades, there nevertheless seems to be ground for cautious optimism. We hope that the better use of Safe Environment structures, better screening and formation of seminarians, and the constant grace of God assisting us to be chaste are bringing about this improvement. While this issue of FAITH magazine is focused on sexual abuse of minors, I must also speak briefly to the issue of clerical sexual abuse of adults. The Diocese of Lansing is presently reviewing its policies for addressing sexual abuse of adults, and is considering establishing an independent lay review board to help me address such allegations. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is also presently establishing a reporting system for reports of abuse by bishops. Amid the publication of statistics and policies, it should be remembered that, ultimately, this present crisis will not be over until healing and peace is brought to all those who are affected. When it comes to safeguarding against sexual abuse we can never, and will never, rest. One case of abuse is one too many. Our work and ministry continue. Our Lady, Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for them and us. 19

Extern priests:

Diocesan priests:

665

Priests active in Diocese of Lansing

471

Priests active in the Diocese of Lansing

(1937 to 2019):

Diocesan priests: 471 Religious priests: 518 Extern priests: 665

(1937 to 2019)

Religious priests:

TOTAL:

1,654

2.8%

Priests subject to a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor

Percentage of diocesan priests subject to a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor

(1937 to 2019):

Total: 1,654

518

DIOCESAN PRIESTS

Diocesan priests: 13 Religious priests: 3 Extern priests: 1

(1937 to 2019)

RELIGIOUS PRIESTS

Total: 17 EXTERN PRIESTS

Boys:

Girls:

TOTAL:

73 minors 20

Number of victims of priests subject to a credible allegation of abuse of a minor

Number of victims of priests subject to a credible allegation of abuse of a minor (1937 to 2019)

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

(1937 to 2019):

Unknown:

Boys: 66 Girls: 4 Unknown: 3

Total: 73 minors

Allegations against priests credibly accused of abuse of a minor: 45 40

Date of alleged abuse by decade

NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS

30 25

16 15 10 5 0

0 1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

DECADE

45 40

Date when alleged abuse reported to the diocese by decade

NUMBER OF REPORTS

35 30 25

20 15 10

5 0

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

DECADE

For a list of priests in the Diocese of Lansing who have had credible allegations of sex abuse against a minor, visit WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG.

NOTE: As of Sept. 27, 2019, the Diocese of Lansing has reported that 17 clerics serving within the Diocese of Lansing were the subject of a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. (Visit dioceseoflansing.org for more information.) These 17 clerics were the subject of allegations alleging abuse against 73 victims: 66 boys, 4 girls, 3 unknown. This chart shows the dates these allegations were reported to the diocese and the dates of the alleged abuse; the chart is based on the best information available to the diocese as of the present date. Three allegations have been omitted from the chart because the allegation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or the report of the allegation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; included no date or year of alleged abuse; other allegations included a range of years when the abuse was alleged to have occurred and have been placed in the most appropriate decade. 21

PREVENTION.

How does the Diocese of Lansing help protect children from abuse? THE OFFICE OF CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION is pleased to share the progress of the kNOw Program, the latest addition to the programs and policies designed by the Diocese of Lansing to help protect children from abuse.

The kNOw Program was designed specifically for the Diocese of Lansing over the last year and a half with input from catechists, teachers, principals and diocesan staff. Developed by Monica Pope, a member of St. Joseph parish in Howell, the program offers guidance and empowerment for parents and their children in Kindergarten through grade 8 when they gather in schools, churches and youth groups. According to Safe Environment Coordinator Reba Sommer, more than 120 adults have been trained to present the kNOw Program to children and their parents. The program has four goals: •T o help children and their parents know how to identify and talk about safe, respectful behaviors and situations. • To help children know how to identify and talk about behaviors and situations that are not safe. • To help adults appropriately respond to children’s concerns about being unsafe and/or disrespected. • To inspire Christian communities to greater integrity and authenticity in creating unfailingly safe environments for children.

Reba says that the need to update the program to include guidance in using social media initiated a search for new materials almost two years ago. But some other significant aspects of the kNOw Program appealed to those involved in its selection. First, it requires a trained, certified facilitator to lead, encourage and respond to questions that participants may have. Probably most significantly, with the kNOw Program, parents attend the presentation with their children. In this setting, parents not only learn what their children are learning, but also what they need to know about keeping children safe and how to respond to children’s concerns about being safe. Reba is grateful for the time devoted by many people from parishes and schools for reviewing and helping refine the program, and especially the original author, Monica Pope. Reba is proud of the work being done by her partners in the Safe Environment Office and loves her job. She tells the principals, priests and DREs she serves: “I want every parish and school in the diocese to be the safest place you can leave your kids.” 22

Safe Environment Coordinator Reba Sommer

BY THE NUMBERS:

8,842 12,878

7,413 Criminal background checks have been processed on priests,

Adults have been

Children have been

deacons, candidates

trained in Protecting

for ordination, and

God’s Children

parish and school

Awareness Sessions

employees and

as of June 30, 2019

volunteers.

Review The kNOw Program online at: WWW.DIOCESEOFLANSING. ORG/HUMAN-RESOURCES/KNOW-PROGRAM.

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

HEALING.

What happens when a survivor of clergy sexual abuse contacts the victim assistance coordinator of the Diocese of Lansing? WHEN A CALL OR EMAIL from a survivor is received, Victim Assistance Coordinator Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, LMSW, ACSW, responds as soon as possible. Cheryl says, “When someone makes a decision to report, it takes so much courage to come forward – and they are so anxious about it. I make every effort to get back with them within a day.”

Once Cheryl connects with the survivor, she reviews the process so the survivor knows what to expect. She assures each person that the information they share will be reported to law enforcement officials to investigate, and that the diocese will keep the information in the strictest confidentially to protect them. She encourages each person to report the abuse directly to law enforcement themselves, and provides information for doing so. Cheryl explains that the investigation of the abuse may move more quickly when reported directly by a survivor, but assures the survivor that the diocese will report the abuse regardless of their decision to report it themselves. Before gathering information, Cheryl also shares the goal of the diocesan process for responding to survivors of clergy sexual abuse: to provide the pastoral care needed to help the survivor heal from the experience of being abused. Cheryl then asks each person to tell her what happened to them and records the information. She prepares a report summarizing what the victim has shared with her, and from this, the diocesan attorney prepares a letter reporting to law enforcement. Cheryl also attends the Diocesan Review Board, which advises the bishop regarding suitability for ministry, and updates the Review Board regarding allegations of abuse and ongoing care of survivors. Cheryl remains attentive to her primary task: providing pastoral care for the survivor. Cheryl works to develop a relationship with each person to determine his or her greatest needs and ways the diocese can support healing. While some survivors want only to report abuse and decline any support, many survivors need and accept the support the diocese provides. Cheryl explains that the support for each person is individualized and can include: •C ounseling services. Cheryl recommends providers who specialize in counseling survivors of sexual abuse, and the diocese covers the cost of uninsured charges. • Spiritual support. Cheryl provides the names of priests or other clergy when survivors seek spiritual support. The diocese offers Time to Heal Retreats, designed especially for survivors of sexual abuse (at right). Cheryl provides information about other resources available locally and in neighboring dioceses. • Practical support. The trauma caused by abuse affects all areas of an individual’s life and, as needed, Cheryl offers guidance and help related to somes of the daily challenges that survivors face.

Victim Assistance Coordinator Cheryl Williams-Hecksel

• I nformation. Sometimes survivors ask only for information about reporting to the diocese or to law enforcement.

Cheryl explains one of the most important steps toward healing may be when a survivor accepts an invitation to meet with Bishop Boyea. The goal of the meeting is to give the survivor an opportunity to express their pain and feelings and to have the bishop listen, acknowledge and apologize for the pain caused by the abuse and to express his commitment to helping them heal. Cheryl is encouraged by the outcomes she sees in the ministry to survivors of abuse. At the request of attendees of the last retreat, a day has been added to the next retreat, and opportunities for follow-up gatherings are being planned. Cheryl reports, “Every individual that was there, expressed some kind of growth in some area.” She is hopeful as she anticipates the continued growth of this ministry to survivors of abuse in our diocese.

A TIME TO HEAL RETREAT MAY 15-17, 2020 “A Time to Heal” is a weekend designed specifically for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy and to assist with the complexity of the healing process. Register online at WWW.STFRANCIS.WS/A-TIME-TO-HEAL. HTML or call St. Francis at 517.669.8321. 23

SPECIAL REPORT

lessed John Henry Newman, one of the leading Anglican, and then Roman Catholic, theologians of the 19th century, was also celebrated as a muchloved priest and later, cardinal. In his 40 books and more than 20,000 letters, Cardinal Newman expresses a strong belief in the importance of a personal relationship with God. He, along with four others, will be canonized by Pope Francis on Oct. 13.

SPECIAL REPORT

Canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman

Ordained an Anglican priest in 1825, John Henry Newman became a popular pastor, poet and preacher at Oxford. As a leader in the Oxford Movement, Newman studied the writings of the first Church Fathers in an effort to reconnect the Church of England with its origins. He left Oxford in 1842 after being suspended from publishing his work. Newman was formally received into the Catholic Church in 1845, and ordained a priest in Rome in 1846. Returning to England, he presented lectures against anti-Catholic rhetoric and was charged with libel. When found guilty, his supporters raised funds that exceeded the cost of his fine and legal expenses. In 1854, Newman became rector of the new Catholic university in Dublin where he continued to write, and he was named a cardinal in 1879. When Cardinal Newman died at the age of 89, more than 15,000 people lined the streets for his funeral. Inspired by his writings, Catholic ministry centers at nonCatholic universities throughout the world are named for him. The first Newman Center was established in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania, and Catholic students are still being served today at more than 2,000 Newman Centers on college campuses.

ALSO BEING CANONIZED ON OCT. 13 Sister Mariam Thresia of India founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family. The members of her order devoted their lives to prayer and penance while caring for orphans and the sick and poor, and educating girls.

Sister Dulce Lopes Pontes of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God is remembered as the Good Angel of Brazil. She founded the Charitable Works Foundation of Sister Dulce, one of the most eminent healthcare organizations in Brazil. Sister Dulce was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

Sister Giuseppina Vannini of Italy is the founder of the Daughters of Saint Camillus. After becoming the Superior General of the Daughters of Saint Camillus in 1895, the community dedicated to caring for the sick spread from Italy to France, Belgium and Argentina by 1909.

Marguerite Bays of Switzerland was of the Third Order of Saint Francis of Assisi. She dedicated her life to God and helping the poor. She was miraculously cured of bowel cancer in 1854 after asking the blessed Mother’s intercession and received the stigmata a short time later.

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

DID YOU KNOW? •T housands of the faithful lined the streets of Birmingham, England for the funeral procession of their muchloved priest. • Education was a passion of Cardinal Newman. He considered universities and the Church dedicated to the same goal: the pursuit of truth. •S everal of Cardinal Newman’s works were published for collegiate study and his sermons were used as models for homiletics. •H e wrote the hymns “Lead, Kindly Light” and “Praise to the Holiest in the Height.”

FAITH INTERVIEW

MEET DAVID KERR, new director of communications for the Diocese of Lansing

David is a native of Glasgow in Scotland. He studied at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland’s oldest university. In 1996, he joined BBC News as a graduate trainee and went on to spend 12 happy years working as a senior broadcast journalist with BBC News in both London and Glasgow. In 2010, David was recruited by the bishops of Scotland to

Q: What are you looking forward to as the new director of communications for the Diocese of Lansing? A: All across the Diocese of Lansing, there seems to be so many good people doing so many great things for the love of Jesus Christ and his holy Church. To be able to tell their story and, in doing so, help draw souls closer to God, is a lovely privilege and a task I very much look forward to undertaking in the months to come. Q: What challenges do you envision? A: The biggest challenge is that of new evangelization: To re-present the person of Jesus Christ to all those who live within the bounds of the Diocese of Lansing – not merely Catholics – and to do so in a way that is intellectually coherent, culturally credible and socially compassionate. It’s a very nice challenge to have.

develop and implement a media strategy for Pope Benedict XVI’s state visit to Scotland. For the past five years, he was director of communications with the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh. He is married to Jackie, whose mother hails from Okemos, and has three young children: David, John and Margaret.

Q: Do you have a specific message you would like to impart to the faithful in the Diocese of Lansing? A: Thank you for the typically generous Michigander welcome which I have received, so far, from people in parishes across the diocese. If we continue to pray for each other, stay close to Jesus Christ, and remain faithful to his holy Church, we can be justifiably confident that the greatest days of the Diocese of Lansing are yet to come. 25

YOUR COMMUNITY FOWLER KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HOLD VOCATIONS FUNDRAISER

TWO ADRIAN DOMINICAN SISTERS VOLUNTEER WITH MIGRANTS AT BORDER

On Saturday July 13th the Knights of Columbus MSGR Esper Council #3027 held their 14th annual ‘Returns’ for Vocations fundraiser. The council represents Most Holy Trinity Parish of Fowler, MI. The group raised $8,080 to aid those pursuing vocations by collecting returnable bottles and cans (69,000+) and monetary donations from the community. The event was a way for the community to ‘Return’ support those pursuing vocations. It was truly a community effort with more than 120 volunteers participating in the collecting and sorting. The fundraiser was such a success that the planning has already started for next year.

Two Dominican sisters from Adrian spent several weeks this summer at the Sister Sharon Spanbauer, OP, border, in Laredo, Texas, standing in the center, with volunteering to serve other volunteers at a migrant migrant families. Sisters shelter in Laredo, Texas. Patricia Erickson, OP, and Sharon Spanbauer, OP, took turns serving at La Frontera Migrant Shelter from the end of May through the end of July. Dropped off by border patrol buses, up to 250 migrants come to the shelter each day from detention centers. Those released to La Frontera all have host families in the United States, and are grateful for the clean clothes, shower, food and assistance they receive in finding their families. “The resilience of the people coming to the shelter is amazing,” says Sister Pat.

DOMINICAN SISTERS OF MARY, MOTHER OF THE EUCHARIST FINAL VOWS

MELISSA MOON

On July 24, Sisters Mary Martha Becnel OP, Marie Bernadette Kennedy OP, Athanasius Munroe OP, Mercedes Torres OP, Pio Maria OP, Marie Jeannette, OP and John Michael Wynne, OP made final vows with the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor. Following final profession, each sister will continue in her apostolate of teaching in elementary and high schools in Ann Arbor and throughout the country, along with continuing studies in education at Eastern Michigan University.

BISHOP’S GOLF CLASSIC On Aug. 19, golfers joined Bishop Boyea and Diocese of Lansing seminarians for the annual bishop’s golf outing at Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow golf courses. Twenty-two of the diocese’s 24 seminarians took to the courses. The event was hosted and supported by the Knights of Columbus Councils of the Diocese of Lansing. Matt Hufnagel, vice president of development with the Diocese of Lansing Catholic Foundation and the event organizer, expressed his gratitude to “the event’s very generous sponsors and donors who helped make the day such a happy, enjoyable, successful occasion – and all in support of the very worthy cause of seminary education.” 26

FAITH Magazine | OCTOBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

REALIGNING RESOURCES FOR MISSION COMMITTEE MEETS On Aug. 26, the Realigning Resources for Mission committee held its initial meeting. Its membership includes priests, deacons, and lay men and women from across the diocese who were nominated by the presbyterate and diocesan staff. Father Mathias Thelen of Saint Patrick’s in Brighton is the chair of the committee. Referring to the committee’s purpose, Bishop Boyea said, “It’s going to be a lot of study. We have to find out from a lot of people what’s going on in the diocese. A lot of data will be collected. And then make some recommendations about how we realign our various resources according to the needs of the Church, and to advance the needs of the Church and the mission of Christ.” ABOVE, BACK ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Father Steve Mattson, Church of the Resurrection, Lansing; Stephen Nowaczewski, St. Joseph, Ypsilanti; Tom Maloney, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Lansing; Father Mathias Thelen, St. Patrick, Brighton; Father Bob Bacik, St. Isidore, Laingsburg; George Landolt, Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of Lansing. FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Father Chas Canoy, St. John the Evangelist, Jackson; Father Jim Rolph, Powers High School, Flint, Abigail Walls, St. Mary, Pinckney; Teresa Witt, St. Robert Genesee, Flushing; Deborah Amato, Chief of Staff, Diocese of Lansing. NOT PICTURED ARE: Pete Burak, Christ the King, Ann Arbor; Deacon Devon Wolfe, St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton; and David Kerr, Director of Communications, Diocese of Lansing.

BISHOP BARAGA PILGRIMAGE Bishop Boyea, Father John Whitlock, director of vocations for the diocese and Father John Machiorlatti, parochial vicar for the Catholic Community of St. John the Evangelist and Blessed Sacrament in Davison, accompanied diocesan seminarians in early August on the annual pilgrimage to visit the Shrine of Bishop Baraga in L’Anse, Mich.. Venerable Bishop Baraga, known as the “snowshoe priest,” was the first bishop of the Upper Peninsula in the mid-1800s. The group enjoyed beautiful weather, camaraderie and much time for prayer.

THINGS TO DO

DISCERNMENT GROUPS

Oct. 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Lansing's 28th annual Life Chain is a peaceful prayer event witnessing to the sanctity of human life. It will be along Grand River Ave. from East Lansing to Williamston – beginning at Abbot Rd. in downtown East Lansing; Brookfield Plaza in East Lansing; St. Martha Church in Okemos or Main St. in Williamston near St. Mary Church. Please join us or start a life chain in your local community. For information, Contact Ann Zygmontowicz at annzyg@gmail.com.

St. Patrick, Brighton will host a monthly Jeremiah 1:7 men’s high school discernment group on Fridays. Father Joseph Campbell, parochial vicar, is the facilitator. For information, visit stpatrickcatholicparish.org/jeremiah-17.

Oct. 8, Father Tad Pacholczyk, director of education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing for two presentations: 1-3 p.m., “End of Life Decision Making: physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia, pain management and hospice” and 7-9 p.m., “Beginning of Life Issues: in vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive technologies and human embryos.” If you have a question, contact Maureen Dillon at momdillon@ hotmail.com. Oct. 8, 10:30 a.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville is hosting Breakfast and Bingo: includes a homemade breakfast and bingo with prizes for winners – Free. Come and enjoy fellowship and fun. All are welcome. For information, contact Liz Heslip at 517.223.8684. Oct. 13, 12-4 p.m., St. Luke NEW Life

OCTOBER CAFÉ EVENTS Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m., Alpha continues at St. Michael, Grand Ledge with free dinner, video and discussion. All are welcome to attend at the parish’s Fellowship Hall, 345 Edwards St. 28

St. Anthony of Padua, Hillsdale will host a monthly Foundation College discernment group for men on Saturdays. For information, contact Father Todd Koenigsknecht, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Hudson at frtodd@sacredhearthudson.org. St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will host a monthly Jeremiah 1:7 men’s discernment group on Mondays. For information, contact Father John Whitlock, director of vocations, at jwhitlock@ dioceseoflansing.org or Father Gary Koenigsknecht, parochial vicar, at frgaryelcatholics.org.

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Center hosts its Octoberfest with a grilled dinner and fundraiser at Luke M. Powers High School, 1505 W. Court St. in Flint: dinner 12:301:30 p.m., silent and live auctions as well as other games/prizes. Tickets are $35/person at the door or online at www.stlukenewlife.com. All proceeds benefit St. Luke’s job training, literacy, social enterprise and community support programs for the under-served men, women and children of Flint. Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the annual salad luncheon will be held in St. Joseph School’s gym, 915 E. Oliver St. in Owosso and includes pulled pork sandwiches, a large variety of homemade salads, desserts and beverage for only $8. Takeout is available. For information, call St. Paul Parish Office at 989.723.4277 Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m., the Knights of Columbus Council 8605 in Fowlerville will host a Polish Octoberfest in the parish LPC. Admission is $25. Dinner is catered by Halina and includes sauerkraut/ kielbasa, city chicken, mashed potatoes and more. Cash bar and live entertainment. For tickets, contact Eugene Gierlach at 517.294.2605 or the parish office at 517.223.8684.

Oct. 25, 4–7 p.m., St. John the Baptist in Howell will have an Oktoberfest dinner in Thompson Hall. Carryout will be available. For information, contact the parish office at 517.546.7200. Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-noon, St. Pius X, 3139 Hogarth Ave. in Flint will host Craig Pohl, director of New Evangelization for the

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Diocese of Lansing. Craig will share his testimony of how he encountered the Lord and explain how to strengthen your faith. For information, contact the parish office at 810.235.8574. Oct. 27, noon to 4 p.m., a Swiss steak and golumbki dinner with all the trimmings will be held at the St. Stanislaus Social Center, 608 S. Elm St. in Jackson. Cost: adults $12, children $6 and under five free. For information, call 517.768.0126. Nov. 2, 6 p.m., St. Martha in Okemos hosts its Fall Auction Fundraiser at the MSU Spartan Stadium-Huntington Club. Enjoy a fun night in support of the education and faith formation of our parish youth. Bid on new and unique items in both the live and silent auctions. Appetizers are included in ticket price. Cash bar. Tickets are available in advance for $40 by calling 517.349.3322 or at the door for $50. Nov. 3, the Hands of Mary Rosary Makers will host their annual fall gathering with a potluck luncheon following the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 3815 S. Cedar St. in Lansing. The rosary is a wonderful way to share Christ's love with others; made at home with supplies furnished at no charge; and makes a good family project. Anyone interested in helping make rosaries for missions, hospitals, schools, prisons and other needs is invited. For more information contact Laurene Moore at Laurene@copper.net. Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the St. Gerard Autumn Craft Show will be held in Father Weber Hall, 4433 W.

Willow Hwy. in Lansing behind the school. Fun and interesting crafts and food are available all day. For information, contact Pat Albright at 517.230.3245 after 3 p.m. or palbright4735@att.net. Nov. 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Our Lady of Guadalupe, 2316 W. Coldwater Rd. in Flint will have a Wellness Health Fair in the San Juan Diego Activity Center. For information, call the parish office at 810.787.5701. Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Spiritus Sanctus Academy's UM-vs-MSU Euchre Night. Please join us at the Ann Arbor campus, 4101 E. Joy Rd., for Michigan's favorite card game. New to the game? Come at 6:30 p.m. for "Euchre 101." Admission is $20 per person or $35 per couple, includes euchre rotations, hors d'oeuvres, 50/50 raffle, wine pull and more. All proceeds support our 8th grade class pilgrimage for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. To RSVP online, visit at tinyurl.com/ ssaeuchre2019 or Caroline Biskner, carolinebiskner@yahoo.com. Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Martha in Okemos will host its annual Holiday Heaven – an arts and crafts collection with a large variety of vendors and artisan items perfect for the holiday shopping season. Come and enjoy a relaxing time with lunch and snacks available. For more information: please email holidayheaven@st-martha.org. Nov. 22-24, Ann Arbor Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: The pain of abortion runs deep and long, but the unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing of our Lord are available to all who seek him. Anyone who has been impacted by abortion is invited to attend the weekend retreat. For information or to register, contact Beth at 734.879.0427 or toheal4give@outlook.com. Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing’s Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual Christmas Craft Bazaar in the Activity Center at 310 N. Cherry St. More than 100 crafters from Michigan will participate, along with parish groups. Admittance is free. For information, contact Sandy at 810.659.6610 or the parish office at 810.659.2501.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG A WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation class will be Nov. 8, 6-9 p.m. and Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-noon at Queen of the Miraculous Medal in the Vincentian Hall, 1111 Carlton Blvd. in Jackson. Both classes have to be attended. Cost is $75 per couple. The registration form is available on its website. To attend, preregistration with payment must be made. For information, call 517.782.2551. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 AND OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 or CCSGC.ORG Save the date: The Chair-ity Fundraiser: Nov. 9, 6 p.m., cocktails, 6:30 p.m., dinner and program, and 7 p.m., live auction at Genesys Banquet Center, 805 Health Park Blvd., Grand Blanc, will showcase uniquely designed chairs by local artists – come and enjoy a fabulous meal, live auction with dueling auctioneers and listen to inspiring stories of hope, joy and healing. Cost is $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10. Every ticket purchased will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win up to $5,000. To become a sponsor, contact Kellie Pardi at 810.232.9950 ext. 709 or kpardi@ccsgc.org. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Two WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes available: Nov. 8, 6:30-9 p.m. and Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph in Ypsilanti; and Dec. 13 6:30-9 p.m. and Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle in Ann Arbor. The cost is $95 per couple. Pre-registration and payment must be made to attend. To register, call 734.9781 ext. 313 or visit www.csswashtenaw.org. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES (LCCC), 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG Open enrollment: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. It is important to review different plans even if you already are enrolled – plans change and medication needs change; or see about qualifying for extra help with premiums and lower drug co-pay. For information, help with comparing plans and enrolling, contact Beth or Melodie at LCCC at 517.545.5944 or 800.489.6107. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG Fundraiser: Oct. 13, 1-4 p.m., “A Taste of Greater Lansing – Taste & Tour” at Wind Trace, 11336 Traverse Dr. in Grand Ledge. Enjoy curated beer samples and local eats while watching football. Each location will focus on a local nonprofit partner with St. Vincent Catholic Charities at Wind Trace. The event is free to attend – a donation will gladly be accepted – Eastbrook Homes will match up to $10,000 in donations. To RSVP, visit eastbrookhomes.com/event/wind-traceparty-taste-and-tour. RETREATS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS Nov. 15-17, three day silent Ignatian retreat for women and men is built around the elements of lectio divina and the Examen prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Daily liturgical prayer is a key element of the retreat and retreatants are invited to serve in various liturgical lay roles. Cost is $185 per person and includes meals, materials, lodging and spiritual direction. Register by Nov. 8 by calling the retreat center or online.

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The Catholic Hakha Chin refugees in Indianapolis came to the United States after fleeing violence, bloodshed and destruction in their homeland of Myanmar due to civil war. When Bishop Lucius Hre Kung of Hakha, Myanmar, visited St. Barnabas in 2017, there were six families in the parish. But there was no priest to say Mass or perform sacraments in their language. So, through the efforts of both dioceses, a priest from Myanmar arrived in 2018. When Bishop Lucius returned to the parish this past August, he greeted about 200 members of the Hakha Chin community, who

are thriving at the parish. The bishop said, “There is now a lot of joy and confidence and integrity in the community. There is a big difference, you can read it in their faces.” In addition to being active in parish life, about 50 children from the refugee community are now enrolled in the parish school.

POPE FRANCIS CONVENES PAN-AMAZON SYNOD IN OCTOBER Bishops from around the world will gather in Rome this month to participate in the Pan-Amazon Synod. As Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, announced in June when the preparatory documents were released: “Although the theme refers to a specific territory, such as the Pan-Amazon region … the reflections that concern it go beyond the regional context, because they regard the whole Church and also the future of the planet … This great ecclesial, civic and ecological project allows us … to redefine pastoral lines, making them suitable for today’s times.”

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