November 2008

Why am I proud to be Catholic?

Meet Michael Sullivan, winner of this year’s Father Charles Irvin Teen Essay Contest.

Faith on the courts

Andy Herman and Michael Repovz played against each other for the state championship.

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What Psalm6teen did on summer vacation – Played for the pope at World Youth Day.

What’s it like to be a priest?

A day in the life of Father Mark Inglot 10/21/08 3:02:06 PM

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ear Fathers Pat, Ed and Charlie, I wish to thank each of you for how you have helped me to respond to my vocation. Certainly, I have shared my gratitude and thankfulness with you individually. However, as far as I know, the three of you have never been together in the same place at the same time, so I’ve never had the opportunity to share my words of thankfulness and appreciation for your priestly witness and encouragement in a way that helps each of you to see and understand the important and unique role that each of you has played in my discernment.

Fathers Ed and Pat – You were the priests I came to know when I was growing up as a child in Saginaw. Of the two of you, I have known Father Pat the longest. I remember when then – Deacon Pat was assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas. You were pretty young at the time, you still had all your hair, and you were blessed by God with so many talents. Of all these, I recall your beautiful singing voice the most. What joy you brought to the Mass when you used your wondrous voice to lead us in sung prayer. Your voice brought joy and excitement to our religious education classes as you helped us to learn many of the songs we would later sing with you in church at Mass. It was always a thrill when your bearded face and funny-sounding Wisconsin-accented voice popped into our classroom for just a few minutes. The whole parish was thrilled when you were assigned to us after your priestly ordination. Thank you for reminding us that those who sing pray twice.

Father Ed – I thank you for the genuine joy you share as you serve God. I know this has not always been easy for you. I remember how, as a young priest, you asked for the prayers of the entire parish community. You were in the midst of discerning how to best serve God as a priest, and you asked for our help and support as you prayerfully sought to make the best decision you could. I have always appreciated your forthrightness and honesty in this search. Although your path ultimately led you from parish ministry to priestly ministry at a retreat center in your home state of Wisconsin, I know that God’s peace and joy continue to shine through you daily in your quiet and patient ministry, especially as you now care for aging Franciscan brothers and priests.

Finally, Father Charlie – I thank you for giving me the courage and inspiration to get off the vocational sidelines and actually respond to God’s call. I will always remember sitting in your office at St. Francis of Assisi one beautiful autumn afternoon in 1989, sharing a series of seemingly disconnected stories about how I felt God calling me. I had no idea what God was calling me to do, but I felt I had to share those stories with you. In turn, you, in your own not-so-subtle way, said, “Dwight, I think God is calling you to serve him as a priest.” Thanks for that. I needed someone to smack me upside the head, so to speak, and it seems clear that God chose you to do just that on that autumn day. For that day and for your guidance in the days since, I am truly grateful.

There are lots more folks who deserve my thanks as well, including my parents, a number of teachers, co-workers and fellow travelers on this path. For now, though, know how grateful I am to the three of you for your priestly witness, your joy, honesty, patience, guidance and faithful service. I pray that I can use what you have given me to help others find and follow this path. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

Dear Fathers ...

– Father Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude FAITH Magazine

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November 2008 | www.FAITHmag.com

T. Gennara

a letter to the men who led me to the priesthood

Liturgical Calendar: Solemnity of All Saints Nov. 1 | All Souls Nov. 2 | St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop Nov. 3 | Feast of th

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inside

what you’ll get out of this issue

in the know with Fr. Joe

6C an I be a politician and a Catholic?

– Father Joseph Krupp

parenting journey

9H ey baby, come a little closer – Is dancing at the prom immoral?

– Dr. Cathleen McGreal

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from Bishop Boyea

12 The road to priesthood – my vocation story

God told Noah to build an ark. God told Craig Pohl – and the parish of St. Mary in Westphalia – to build a coffee shop where young people could find fun and find God. They built that coffee shop and called it The Ark. Find out why teens at the Ark think God is cool.

– Bishop Earl A. Boyea

last word

31 St. Paul – a reformed bully This is his year!

– Father Charles Irvin

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Faith, friends and foosball –

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Why teens get on board the Ark

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Why am I proud to be Catholic?

Meet Michael Sullivan, winner of this year’s Father Charles Irvin Teen Essay Contest. Michael’s moving essay was a standout –find out why Michael is proud to be Catholic.

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What’s it like to be a priest?

A day in the life of Father Mark Inglot What does a priest do all day? A lot! We spent a day following Father Mark Inglot, pastor of St. John Student Parish. We think you’ll agree – it was exhausting.

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What Psalm6teen did on summer vacation – Played for the pope at World Youth Day Meet Dominick and Ethan – and their dad. Together, they are Psalm6teen, a musical group who played for the pope during World Youth Day in Sydney Australia.

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Make a magazine – Father Gabriel Richard High School students become Catholic publishers Theology students at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor create a Catholic magazine as their final project.

FAITH’s art director, Pat Dally, gives them some guidance. Then we pick our favorite designs, interviews and more. Find out who won this year’s contest.

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Special Report: The Diocese of Lansing takes part in a canonization process Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt Father Denis Spitzley and Bishop Boyea have both had a part in the canonization process of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt. Read more about it – and find out what it takes to become a saint.

Faith on the courts –

Andy Herman and Michael Repovz played against each other for the state championship In a historic basketball state championship game, two Diocese of Lansing Catholic schools faced off against each other at center court. Meet Andy Herman of Flint Powers Catholic High School and Michael Repovz of Lansing Catholic Central High School.

o, Bishop Nov. 3 | Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome Nov. 9 | Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church Nov. 10 | Martin of Tours, Bishop Nov. 11 | Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr Nov. 12

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PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

November 2008 • Volume 9: Issue 8

FA I T H P u b l i s h i n g S e r v i c e Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Joanne Eason DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICE

Vicki Wells-Bedard

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Lynne Ridenour

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEBMASTER

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Catholic Schools in Livingston County Dear Fr. Dwight and FAITH Magazine.

I applaud you for your fine publication, which has served the Catholics of the Diocese of Lansing for many years now. The articles are wonderful and reflect a great amount of effort on the part of many talented people. However, I feel that I must respond to a little blurb in the September issue on Final Decisions regarding the status of parishes throughout our diocese. We all want transparency with regard to the statistics about our churches and schools, but please consider the ramifications of a “sound-byte” style of reporting on any particular situation.

In the status report of the Livingston County Catholic Schools, our fledgling elementary school here at Holy Spirit in Hamburg was singled out as being the only regional school to be evaluated for viability. Our problem is not with that fact, but with the effect the short article had in the Catholic community.

After several years of internal crisis at our church, school enrollment began to decline. Now, with that situation under control and stability restored, enrollment is once again on the rise.

But, the effect on the street with those Catholics who may be considering sending their children to our school has, I fear, been very damaging. When people approach our parents and express their condolences on the news that our school will be closing next April ... well, that’s an indication of the effect of inadequate reporting.

I do hope that you will be able to convey to your readers that the Spirit is still alive and well here at Holy Spirit Church and School, and that it remains a viable choice for parents who want an excellent Catholic education for their children.

8/29/08 11:27:20 AM

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Abby Wieber

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Patricia Oliver SECRETARY

InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT FAITHPublishingService.com

Andrew Peltcs

EDITORIAL INTERN

Kevin Duffy Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle Katie Hicks Bob Horning Rev. Joseph Krupp Cathleen McGreal Tim Ryan Michelle Sessions DiFranco CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Derek Melot

PROOFREADING

Tom Gennara James Luning (cover) Philip Shippert

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wayne Case Michael Eichhorn Mary Jo Gillilland Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone Joseph Reid Rev. Bernard Reilly James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez Dcn. David Rosenberg Rev. James Swiat Rev. Jerry Vincke Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Publishing Service, Catholic Diocese of Lansing, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933. 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 onto FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid at Lansing, MI or additional offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 209 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 ©FAITH Publishing Service. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Publishing Service.

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin

FOUNDING EDITOR

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Do religion and politics mix?

9/22/08 5:06:18 PM

To the Editor: Being Catholic I feel and have always been taught that religion and politics do not mix. I was annoyed by the Proposal 2 article and by the sermon given at church this past weekend – to the point I almost walked out. I know what is right and wrong. I don’t need to hear it from my religion.

– Thank you, C.J.T. Sutton

The national statistics for safe environment that appeared in FAITH’s July/Aug. issue were from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University. (CARA)

history quiz

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Most Reverend Earl A. Boyea

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– Yours in Christ, Fr. John Rocus Pastor, Holy Spirit Church, Hamburg.

FAITH Magazine

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November 2008 | www.FAITHmag.com

| St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin Nov. 13 | St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious Nov. 17 | Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Ma

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Andrew the Apostle asked Jesus how they would feed so many

Feast Day: November 30 Patron of Scotland, Russia, fishermen and unmarried women Claim to fame: Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother, and one of the Twelve Apostles. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist, but following Jesus’ baptism, he recognized Jesus as the Messiah and followed him. Interestingly, Andrew introduced his famous brother Peter to Jesus. He is always listed as one of the first four apostles in the Bible. As an apostle, Andrew spent a great deal of time with Jesus and was present at such major events as the Last Supper. He also is an early witness to the risen Christ.

Early evangelist: Since Andrew was close to Jesus, he had heard Jesus speak about what would happen to those who preached the Gospel. Despite this, he went out and spread the word of God, going to such places as Cappadocia and Byzantium. Although there isn’t accurate historical information about Andrew’s travels, it does appear he played an important role in early evangelization.

Best quote: Not much is known of Andrew, but he did play a role in one major Gospel story. When Jesus fed the 5,000 people, it was Andrew who pointed out that they only had five loaves of bread and two fish, and asked how they would feed so many people with so little.

The borders between East and West Germany were opened and the Berlin Wall began to be dismantled on Nov. 9, what year?

The Decree on Ecumenism, one of the three documents approved

Por qué es un santo: Puesto que Andrés estaba cerca de Jesús, había oído a Jesús hablar acerca de lo que les ocurriría a aquellos que predicaran el Evangelio. A pesar de ello, se lanzó al mundo y predicó la palabra de Dios en sitios como Capadocia y Bizancio. Aunque no hay información histórica exacta acerca de lo que Andrés hizo, parece que jugó un papel importante en los comienzos de la evangelización.

Mejor cita: No se sabe mucho de Andrés, pero jugó un papel en una importante historia del Evangelio. Cuando Jesús alimentó a 5,000 personas, fue Andrés quién señaló que sólo tenían cinco hogazas de pan y dos peces y quién preguntó cómo alimentarían tanta gente con tan poco.

Cómo murió: Bajo el reino del Emperador Nerón, Andrés fue crucificado en una cruz en forma de X por el gobernador romano Aegeas. Sin embargo, para hacerlo sufrir más, Aegeas hizo que a Andrés lo amarraran con cuerdas a la cruz, en lugar de clavarlo. Conforme a la leyenda, colgó de la cruz por dos días, predicándole a una multitud de cerca de 20,000 personas. El tercer día, hubo un relámpago cegador del cielo, y Andrés murió. by the close of the third session of Vatican II, declared both Catholics and Protestants to blame for past divisions and called for dialogue, not derision, in the future. The third session of Vatican II closed on Nov. 21, what year?

The fall of the wall happened in Nov. of what year?

Reuters

history quiz

How he died: According to tradition, under the reign of Emperor Nero, Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross by the Roman governor Aegeas. In order to make him suffer more, however, Aegeas had Andrew bound by ropes to the cross, rather than having him nailed. According to legend, he hung on the cross for two days, preaching to a crowd of about 20,000 people. On the third day, there was a blinding flash from heaven, and Andrew died.

Hechos que le hicieron famoso: Andrés fue el hermano de Simón Pedro, y uno de los doce apóstoles. Primero fue discípulo de Juan el Bautista, pero después del bautismo de Jesús, reconoció a éste como el Mesías y lo siguió. Curiosamente, Andrés presentó a su famoso hermano Pedro a Jesús. Siempre se le lista como uno de los primeros cuatro apóstoles en la Biblia.

Cómo un apóstol, Andrés tendría que haber pasado mucho tiempo con Jesús y estaría presente en eventos tan importantes como la Última Cena y la Resurrección.

John Lennon tells reporters that his band, the Beatles, is “more popular than Jesus.” In doing so, Lennon started a fire storm of controversy on Nov. 3, what year?

Answers: 1989, 1964, 1966

9/22/08 5:06:18 PM

Día festivo: 30 de noviembre Santo patrón de Escocia, Rusia, de los pescadores y de las mujeres solteras.

ion of the Blessed Virgin Mary Nov. 21| St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr Nov. 22 | Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ the King Nov. 23 | St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest and Martyr and his companions, martyrs Nov. 24

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T. Gennara

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FAITH Magazine

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I’m thinking of going into politics someday. Am I obligated to assure that my political opinions all reflect the church’s teaching exactly? What if I disagree about something such as abortion or the use of our military?

I think it’s wonderful that you are thinking of going into politics.

As much as we joke about politicians and are often saddened by the public sins of some politicians, there always is the possibility and call of public service done in the spirit of Jesus.

You should make sure to be preparing yourself for this great and noble calling. Begin now by reading all you can on the Catholic Church’s teachings on social justice. Our catechism has a great many teachings on who we are called to be. This can be your guide.

It’s a sad reflection of our country that the Catholic Church is often criticized for “using its influence” to tell politicians how they should vote. I believe that the official way to respond to that kind of statement is, “That’s garbage.”

No one tells people that their family or their upbringing shouldn’t affect them as politicians until it conflicts with what they want their politicians to do. The fact is, if our faith is not an integral part of our lives, then it’s not faith, it’s something else.

The church has a right and a duty to share its wisdom with its chil-

Dear Fr. Joe

Can I be a politician and a Catholic? dren. Add that wisdom to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and you’ll find that the church can be a great guide in our decisionmaking.

When we get to abortion, we’re hitting on one of those subjects where there simply is no wiggle room. The church says that the right of every human to exist never can be reduced to the choice of another person.

On this issue, there can be no compromise and no equivocation; abortion is immoral and a crime and we can never support it in any way, shape or form.

When we get to the issue of war, if the church tells us it is an unjust war, then the same principle applies for the same reason: The taking of a human life is always a huge issue for us, as every person in the world has a right to his or her God-given dignity.

A Web site, http://www.ewtn. com/library/BISHOPS/ capolvot.htm, has a great article from Bishop Michael Sheridan on the duties of Catholic politicians. He starts off strong and it only gets better; I highly recommend reading it.

Due to space limitations, I’m just going to quickly summarize the beginning of his article, share a couple of his great quotes and then ask you to read the rest on your own time.

One of the key points Bishop Sheridan makes is the idea that our well-formed conscience is to be our highest guide and that the phrase “well-formed” is an

important one. A well-formed conscience is tied to objective truth and must always be in union with the good that God wills and has given through natural law and divine revelation. Our own judgment cannot be placed higher than that.

Sheridan next points us to number 2302 in the catechism, which states: …to the church belongs the right always and everywhere to announce moral principles, including those pertaining to the social order, and to make judgments on any human affairs to the extent that they are required by the fundamental rights of the human person or the salvation of souls.

He then states: When Catholics are elected to public office or when Catholics go to the polls to vote, they take their consciences with them. … Anyone who professes the Catholic faith with his lips while at the same time publicly supporting legislation or candidates that defy God’s law makes a mockery of that faith and belies his identity as a Catholic.

That’s all I have room for, but it’s a dynamite letter. Let’s pray that our Catholic faith always is reflected in our actions so our “light will shine before the world that others may see our conduct and glorify God”. (Mt 5:16) Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

– Father Joseph Krupp

Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 209 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com

November 2008 | www.FAITHmag.com 10/21/08 3:04:13 PM

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life or death?

Do you support the death penalty?

What do our readers say?

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% Absolutely. Doesn’t the Bible say, “An eye for an eye?”

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% No way. That is completely inconsistent with being pro-life.

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% I’d be in favor of it, if we were absolutely certain we didn’t ever have the wrong person.

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of Americans support the death penalty for a person convicted of murder. – Gallup, Oct. 2007

What does the church teach?

You had this to say

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Assuming that the guilty party’s identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor.

If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people’s safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and more in conformity with the dignity of the human person.

Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm — without definitively taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself — the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity “are very rare, if not practically non-existent.”

We asked parishioners at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, “Is the death penalty ever acceptable?”

“No, we use it as a deterrent to save costs. I don’t think that’s a good enough reason.” – James, 51

“In limited circumstances, yes. If they are a harm to society, then yes – like a gangster [in prison] who is connected to the outside and can still do violence.” – John, 39

you said...

We asked you, “What do you think about the death penalty? For crimes like murder, do you think the death penalty is a morally acceptable choice?”

69 “No, life is a gift from God and we don’t have a right to decide when life begins or ends.” – Amanda, 33 Tell us what YOU would do – log on to FAITHmag.com to vote

It seems as if more and more people are getting divorced – we all know several couples who have split up. Is divorce acceptable? Tell us what you think at www.FAITHmag.com.

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what in the world? the top-10 Catholic News events this month

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U.S. Congress protests Vietnam’s violence against Catholics U.S. House members have written a letter to Vietnam’s president expressing their concern over recent human rights violations of more than 3,000 Catholics at a prayer vigil at the Redemptorists’ Thai Ha Church.

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British government drafts proposal to allow royal succession to Catholics The British government has drafted a proposal to end the 300-yearold legal exclusion of Catholics from the British throne.

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Cardinal Rigali warns against Freedom of Choice Act Cardinal Justin Rigali, the chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on ProLife Activities, has written a letter to the U.S. Congress to alert members that the Freedom of Choice Act would undermine bipartisan efforts to reduce abortions and make abortion on demand a “national entitlement.”

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Christians in Pakistan live in fear and constant threat The secretary of the Catholic Biblical Commission of Pakistan said that Christians there live in fear and constant threat. They are persecuted, exploited in the work place and discriminated against in a nation that is 95 percent Muslim.

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Pope to visit tomb of Padre Pio Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone announced during Mass on the Feast of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina that Pope Benedict XVI will visit the saint’s tomb in 2009.

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WYD showing positive effects on Hong Kong pilgrims The Diocese of Hong Kong reported it continues to benefit from its World Youth Day 2008 pilgrims, observing increased participation, strengthened faith and more vocations among the youth.

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Archdiocese of Caracas demands military return chapel The Archdiocese of Caracas demanded that the government and the Venezuelan military return the Chapel of Jesus of the Divine Mercy, which was taken over by the military to train children for the Army’s Children and Young People’s Reserve Brigades.

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Colombia seeks to legalize euthanasia Colombia’s drafted law on euthanasia and assisted suicide would introduce legal murder warns Father Ramón Lucas, internationally renowned Catholic expert in bioethics.

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European Catholic doctors encourage defense of life The European Federation of Catholic Medical Associations issued a statement at the conclusion of its 11th annual congress expressing its commitment to the defense of life, in response to the threats of abortion, euthanasia and others.

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Pro-life group launches campaign to pray for abortionists’ conversion The pro-life group Human Life International (HLI) has launched an international campaign to promote praying the St. Michael prayer for the conversion of abortionists.

FAITH Magazine

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Youth have mail, from the pontiff

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ope Benedict XVI is the first pope to send a message to an Internet social networking site. He e-mailed a note to 35,000 people who are members of Xt3.com, a site created to link up participants in this summer’s World Youth Day in Sydney, as well as past Youth Day pilgrims. Xt3 stands for Christ (Xt) in the third (3) millennium.

The papal message, signed “BXVI,” notes that, 50 days ago, he was with youth at the closing Mass at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney.

“Today I greet you on the birthday of Mary, Mother of the church … Empowered by the Spirit and courageous like Mary, your pilgrimage of faith fills the church with life!”

Robert Toone, director of Xt3, affirmed, “We are delighted and deeply honored to receive the pope’s message.

His Holiness is displaying his usual readiness to use the latest technology in his desire to communicate with young people.”

Like regular Internet networking sites – such as Facebook and MySpace – Xt3 includes profile pages, friend lists, photo sharing, discussion groups and events. It also features projects, prayer intentions and a section where you can ask a priest questions on any subject.

– Zenit

November 2008 | www.FAITHmag.com 10/21/08 3:04:46 PM

p a r e n t i n g

The For Your Marriage messages, first distributed in July 2007, were in the top 20 percent in terms of airtime received for the year.

The messages are part of a campaign to promote and strengthen marriages. They are an outreach component of the bishops’ multi-year National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage.

The messages were created from person-on-the-street interviews gathered in New York City, Washington, Los Angeles, Providence, R.I. and Austin, Tex.. In the messages, couples speak about the everyday things they do for each other to show love and commitment as they answer the question: ‘What have you done for your marriage today?’

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, chair of the USCCB Subcommittee on Marriage and Family said, “We believe that our messages are timely reminders that both husband and wife need to pay attention to even the little things to ensure a thriving, successful marriage.”

As of Sept. 7, Nielsen reported 27,726 total broadcasts of the four For Your Marriage messages. The value of the donated airtime is estimated at $3.7 million using the Television Bureau of Advertising formula. A third set of messages for the campaign will be distributed to U.S. broadcast stations in November.

Emigration seen as salvation Even when it is not feasible for them, most Iraqi Christians are longing to leave their country, says Archbishop Jean Sleiman of Bagdad. Iraqi Christians are still gripped with “paralyzing fear.” The prelate was speaking to an annual event organized by Aid to the Church in Need.

The archbishop of Iraq’s more than 5,000 Latinrite community said that the decline in violence has not been enough to make Iraqi Christians feel secure.

“Emigration remains the dream of most people,” he said.

“The hope of emigration – even when it is not realistic – represents a kind of salvation for the people.”

The Christian community has already dwindled to less than half its number from five years ago. Some one million Christians lived in Iraq in 2003; today that number is barely 400,000.

“Very real persecution” remains a huge threat for Christians in some areas, the archbishop affirmed. He explained that in some regions “co-existence under pressure” means that Christians are forced to adopt Islamic practices, including dress – and are encouraged to leave.

Archbishop Sleiman said, even so, he sees signs of hope, as support comes from charity organizations such as Aid to the Church in Need. But he affirmed that the “best way to protect, not only Christians but all the citizens, is to bring back the state of law in Iraq.” – Zenit

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Hey baby, come a little closer

Is dancing at the prom immoral?

iStockphoto.com

Nielsen ratings find bishops’ media campaigns on marriage among most popular

j o u r n e y

Do rules against freak dancing diminish a homecoming dance or a prom experience?

No! What can we do as parents?

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ach generation questions the taste of those that follow, whether it be in hairstyles, clothing or even slang. If you got “jacketed” in the 1950s, that meant you were going steady. Close friends were “tight” in the 60s; and if you were very excited in the 1970s, you were “juiced!” No teen wanted to be “toast” in the ’80s because it meant some kind of trouble, but, “Hey, dawg” was OK in the ’90s – you were just being greeted as a friend! Now, if the subject of an e-mail is NSFP, that means “Not Safe for Parents” and they want to keep plans clear of your monitoring eyes!

If fads are always changing, can we just relax, knowing that our parents were just as dismayed by our behaviors? After all, when Elvis Presley appeared on Milton Berle’s Texaco Star Theater, audiences were stunned and called him, “Elvis the Pelvis”! Or has a line been crossed?

What goes around, comes around – 1920s smudgers A smudger liked to dance closely! But recently, I observed high-school dancers who put smudgers to shame. Students formed a circle, hoping to hide couples in the middle from the eyes of the chaperones. The inner couples began to dance provocatively. School officials stopped the dancing and enforced the rule: Face to face with a little space. Schools across the nation confront this issue; many consider it a matter of changing styles. When the principal at John Glenn High School in Bay City, refused to allow this type of dancing, many parents were upset. As one mother said, “I understand that some forms of dancing are just what people do today.”

Purity of intention School dances are intended to bring together adolescents for fun, wholesome purposes; to enhance their social relationships; and to build a sense of community within the school. As our catechism says, “Modesty inspires a way of life which makes it possible to resist the allurement of fashion and the pressure of prevailing ideologies.” (CCC 2523) Do rules against freak dancing diminish a homecoming dance or a prom experience? No! What can we do as parents?

•E ncourage schools to establish and enforce rules about appropriate behavior at dances.

•V olunteer as a chaperone and put your parenting skills into practice.

•T alk to your son or daughter about modesty.

In his address at St. Joseph Seminary, Pope Benedict XVI said, “Sometimes we are looked upon as people who speak only of prohibitions. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Authentic Christian discipleship is marked by a sense of wonder. We stand before the God we know and love as a friend, the vastness of his creation, and the beauty of our Christian faith.” (Yonkers, April 19, 2008). – Dr. Cathleen McGreal

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Why am I proud to be Catholic?

The 2008 Father Charles Irvin Essay Contest Winner Every year, FAITH awards a $1,000 scholarship to a highschool 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 FAITH Magazine

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to encourage careers in Catholic journalism. There are many ways to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, and good writing is one of them. We hope you enjoy this year’s essay, by Michael Sullivan of St. Mary Parish, Chelsea.

Father Charlie

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hy am I proud to be Catholic? That’s quite a question, isn’t it? On the one hand, it is rather difficult to pin down exactly why I ended up Catholic in the first place. I suppose it’s because that’s the way I was raised; because it is the faith of my fathers and of my fathers’ fathers – and I am the next logical step. On the other hand, there is some part of me that believes my religion has not resulted from any familial or historic ties. Some part of me has to believe that someone up there wanted me to be a part of this body. To consider why I’m proud to be Catholic is a different matter. That question opens the floodgates to a history of faith, hope and love that, with or without a traditional background, I could not resist taking part in.

My mother died when I was 7 years old. Still, I have some truly fond memories of her. Whether it be her singing You Are My Sunshine, wading with my sisters and me through the streets when the drains backed up, or grounding me for a whole day starting at noon (this last one I’m maybe not so fond of; it’s possible I’m still in the Bitter Barn), the image I carry of my mother will always be that of a radiant saint. But since her passing, the maternal figure in my life has been fragmented. My aunts took my sisters and me in, and even moved from as far away as Las Vegas to help in our rearing.

My youth group leader stepped in and helped out when we were going through some family problems. She has been an amazing spiritual shepherd ever since the day I decided to kill my ridiculous pride and listen to what she had to say. I’ve developed a strong devotion to the Virgin because of this fragmented motherhood.

I adore the adoration that the Church of Rome maintains for her worldwide. My mother has always stayed with me in spirit, but the guardian angels that she has left for me and my siblings on earth and in heaven also deserve my Mother’s Day attentions.

Going on two service trips to New Orleans over the last two summers probably have been the most edifying times of my Catholic experience. The devastation that the people of that region have faced is undeniable. Houses crumbling, family struc-

tures crumbling – it shakes one’s faith and made me personally want to remind God of a little, rainbow-tied promise he made a long time ago. But to see the wonderful men and women working for reconstruction is nothing short of inspiring. I met nuns from Toledo who were sorting through abandoned schools to salvage books and school supplies for children. I met a Korean exchange student who left

People like Mother Teresa and all the saints and martyrs are the

best role models any teenager can have.

the University of Pennsylvania a semester early to ride his bicycle down to Louisiana and lend a helping hand. This is unconditional love for those living in the greatest poverty; to be a part of it every summer and every Sunday is a gift and a joy.

Speaking of poverty, for a long time, I admit that I did not understand the principle that the Eucharist is rooted in the poor. To me, it had always seemed like a nice-sounding doctrine one could put in a Hallmark card; it was not real substance.

But one day, as I was watching a video of the Blessed Mother Teresa, she was able to flesh out this idea for me. “Jesus said, ‘If you receive a child in my name, you receive me. If you give a glass of water

to someone, you give it to me. Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me.’” Difficult to explain, but once you realize that presence, then you know whom you are touching, whom you are loving, whom you are serving. It is Jesus.”

This isn’t just theology, this isn’t the study of God – this is the presence of God. People like Mother Teresa and all the saints and martyrs are the best role models any teenager can have. Their legacy is a solid foundation on which to build my life.

Attending the National Catholic Youth Conference was an eye-opening experience. There were about 20,000 people there to learn about their faith and share it with other youth from across the country.

I remember cheering as the amazing speakers finished up, feeling like they had spoken directly to me. I remember singing One Bread, One Body with all of those people during the Mass. It is one thing when you are kneeling in your church of a few hundred and singing that song.

When you are belting it out with other Catholics from California, New York, Florida, Nebraska, Texas and more, you really start to get a feel for what it truly means.

Transubstantiation is why I’m proud to be Catholic – God turning the women of my life into the mothers of my life. God realizing E Pluribus Unum among his American children. God bringing out the best in people from the worst of times, and bringing out the best in me simply because he loves me.

The host I receive every Sunday isn’t just a reminder of my pride in him, it is the fulfillment of our hope in him. It is the Missionaries of Charity visiting the dying in Calcutta. It is the saints whom I’ve known, and the one whom I haven’t, praying for us on earth. It is the conviction that made Cardinal Mahony vow that every Catholic in the country would take up Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience if Congress were to approve a ban on humanitarian aid to migrant workers. It is the legacy of love that the members of the church are known for. Why wouldn’t I be proud to be a Catholic?

If you are a high-school senior, visit www.faithmag.com for next year’s contest rules.

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I knew I wanted to be a priest in second grade

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y father came home one day from Plant 8 at Pontiac Motors with a big smile. He had just been awarded $6,000 for suggesting a cost-saving measure to General Motors. With that, he told me I could go to the high-school seminary at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit that fall. I was 14 and, at the time, the eldest of eight children (the twins arrived five years later).

Thoughts about the priesthood had been on my mind since second grade. It is fascinating that it was admiration for my pastor, love for the Mass and the church, examples of saints and the urging of the Dominican Sisters of Oxford (our teachers) that motivated me finally to apply to the seminary in the fall of 1965.

My first weekend home from boarding at the seminary in ninth grade was quite traumatic – the noise of all my siblings was quite jarring after the disciplined silence of that first week. Soon, however, adjustment set in and those weekends were a joyful part of my formation as a priest.

The high-school seminary was a great place to be – academically, formationally, spiritually and emotionally. In my senior year, I fell in love with a girl, whom I had met on a retreat, of all things. But, in the end, she loved someone else even more.

College at Sacred Heart Seminary was a greater challenge, which is as it should be. While I was there, I came to understand that being a leader doesn’t mean satisfying everyone, not even my friends, but rather seeking to please God. That is a rough lesson. The other challenge for me was always to be I came to understand that intellectually honest, to seek the truth and try to pare away being a leader doesn’t mean prejudices and biases. It was the truth as present in Jesus Christ that really grabbed my whole heart.

Three of us from our graduating class were sent on to study theology in Rome at the Gregorian University and to live at the North American College. The greatest lesson of all sunk into me during those years: It was the realization that I am incredibly unworthy to follow Christ, let alone to stand in his place. Augustine’s Confessions really helped crystallize for me my own sense of sin. In addition, being in Rome taught me much about culture, art, music and literature – but most of all about faith and our beloved church. To be so near to our Holy Father was a great privilege. Although I had many doubts along the way, they all had paled in comparison to the strength of God’s call to me to be a priest. However, during my retreat, just prior to being ordained a deacon, I had the greatest temptation of all: I began to doubt the reality of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This was like pulling the rug out from under my feet. I was devastated. I remember speaking during the retreat to my spiritual director, Father Douglas Osborn, who was one of our senior priests. He was with me for the retreat. He Pictured at left: Bishop told me to rest in the faith that had always been part of my life and this temptation would Boyea began seriously flee. In fact, that is just what happened. It is a constant reminder to me of the fragility of considering the priesthood faith, of how it must be nurtured and guarded else it will die. when he was 7 years old It is strange that after all those years of preparation, my memory of what actually took – and in the second grade. place at my ordination is pretty vague. Now, 30 years later, I can say that there is no other life I would rather have. Few years go by before God surprises me with something new to tackle as a priest. It has been my privilege to give my all and allow God’s grace to do in me what I know I cannot do of myself.

Every vocation story is different, unique – as it should be. God calls each of us to holiness in the way that God knows will most assuredly get us to heaven. Listen to that call and heed it. Our salvation does depend on God’s grace leading us on the path best suited for ourselves.

satisfying everyone, not even my friends, but rather seeking to please God. That is a rough lesson.

– Bishop Earl A. Boyea is the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Lansing

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God told Noah to build an ark.

God told the people of Israel he would make a covenant with them – and they put that covenant in an ark. God told Craig Pohl – and the parish of St. Mary in Westphalia – to build an ark for its young people. Teens find God – find faith – at the Ark!

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Adam Pohl Adam Pohl is a senior at Pewamo-Westphalia High School and a member of St. Mary Church.

When I started high school, I wanted to get closer to God. I knew going to the Ark would help since I attended Bible study there in junior high. It’s a great place to learn to live your faith; I was surrounded by people who put their faith into action.

The Ark was influential in making God the center of my life. I like going to church now because I better understand how important the Eucharist is, and realize the Mass is heaven on earth. I’ve also learned to defend church teaching on the Eucharist, especially using John 6.

Being at the Ark has influenced me to pray. I realize prayer is not only asking, but talking to God about anything.

Instead of worrying about little things, I pray about them and know God will help me.

Besides Bible study and prayer, I like coming just to hang out, watch movies, play video games or cards. We had 50 people at a Super Bowl party, watching the game on the big screen with surround sound.

I am thankful for the generosity of all who have given their time and money to renovate the building. They have helped God do his will in this community. To continue learning about faith, I will seek out Catholic youth groups in college.

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Rebecca Irrer Rebecca Irrer, 18, is studying cosmetology and esthiology at Douglas J Aveda Institute in East Lansing. She attends St. Mary Church and lives in Fowler.

I was never excited about the Ark because I didn’t know many of the people.

When I began going three years ago, though, I liked it. I felt comfortable and not judged. People here pull you up, not

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drag you down. I have matured in the way I interact with others as a result, especially in treating others with more respect.

The Ark has perks, like ice cream and a Wii, but it’s good for your faith, too, even if you aren’t Catholic. For instance, I would bring Catholicism questions to the Ark from my Protestant boyfriend.

After he started coming to gatherings, his impression of Catholics quickly changed.

He saw so many of us here who want to live a good life. He felt included. Instead of seeing the crazy things he was expect-

ing, he learned that church teaching and the Mass make sense. Now he wants to become a Catholic.

Others I have brought are impressed with how seriously the youth take their faith. We don’t get drunk on Saturday nights; in fact, many of us are praying in the chapel upstairs instead. I know this place has kept me out of potentially bad situations. Being here reminds me that I’m not the only one trying to live a good Catholic life – not the only one in the battle.

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Paul Fahey Paul Fahey,19, lives in Hubbardston, 12 miles north of Westphalia, and attends St. John the Baptist Church. He is a freshman at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.

I plan to get a degree in theology, with the goal of doing youth ministry.

The history and culture of Catholicism, in particular, fascinate me.

If I didn’t spend time at the Ark, I would waste my time on something trivial. But here I get something positive – along with good food. I have learned a lot during the open discussions at Bible study, especially about apologetics. Brian Flynn is an amazing leader and teacher; he always is encouraging us.

For the last five summers, I have attended the High School Youth Conference at Franciscan University in Steubenville with others from the Ark. The weekend centers around the Eucharist, confession and adoration. It stresses a personal experience of Christ, as well as putting Catholicism into action. I hope to be able to chaperone on the trips during my college years as a way of giving back to the Ark and staying involved.

The Ark seems to breed a change in people’s character. I have become more caring and understanding just from being around those who are striving for the same thing I am. The support and encouragement have kept me close to the church. The taste of religion that I have received during my high-school years has given me enough understanding to know I want to embrace all that is God – and all that is Catholic.

Get on Board!

The Ark of Westphalia That you can be a good Catholic and still be normal and have fun was a key concept of the vision Craig Pohl had when he started the Ark in 2000.

“I saw the coffee house as a hub for local youth ministries, a safe place where kids could hang

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out, especially on weekends, yet the heartbeat would be the Sunday evening Bible study and praise and worship,” he said. “It would be for the youth, run by youth, since they have the pulse of what their peers need.” At the time, Craig was youth director at St. Mary Church in Westphalia, two blocks from the building that would become the Ark.

Adults do oversee the Ark via an advisory committee, and have contributed their time and money to purchasing, renovating and sustaining the building. Adults and college students – Ark alumni – help out with the many activities.

“Some of the kids could be out getting in trouble. Dirt roads and drinking often mix. Instead, they

have the option to be here with their friends. We also have programs for grade-school kids after school, which plants the seed for them to come when they are older. And the juniors and seniors use the Ark for religious education,” said Fr. Cecilio Reyna, pastor of St. Mary.

What draws them? The Ark has good food, booths for chat-

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Krysta Thelen Krysta Thelen is a senior at Pewamo-Westphalia High School and attends St. Mary Church. She plans to receive training for working with the deaf.

I was very shy before coming to the Ark four years ago. I never knew how I would respond to questions or challenges to my faith. Now I’m more comfortable, both with myself and my faith.

Because I work at the Ark, I get to interact with the public; I tell them all the good things that happen here, socially and spiritually. I love coming to meet new people and chat with friends. It’s a wonderful place. One neat thing is seeing couples who have met here and eventually get married.

Since about seventh grade, I have tried to strengthen my faith.

Along with my family and religious education, the Ark has opened my eyes to the beauty of Catholicism.

I hope others will come closer to God as I have. When I come here, I relax, think, talk with friends and get answers. For those who are struggling, it’s a great place to receive help.

My relationship with God is personal and deeply rooted, and will continue to grow. When I’m stressed or confused, I can just sit and talk with him in my room or in the chapel here. I’m not afraid to pray about anything. Sometimes, I feel the presence of God or a guardian angel. Because of what I have learned here, I’m no longer afraid. ting at the café (run by the teens, who have the only ice cream parlor in town), a pool table, video games, a big screen TV, Wii, an upstairs chapel, a popular Bible study and euchre. Or it can be talking with Fr. Reyna or Brian Flynn, the St. Mary youth director who leads the Bible study.

The Ark also hosts events such as Ladies Night, Fanning

the Flame (aimed at deepening the knowledge and love of Jesus for those college age to 30), and Summerfest (featuring live music, a kickball tourney, and hog roast).

The teens, in conjunction with the church, have gone on mission trips, attended March for Life in Washington D.C., attended the high-school conferences in Steu-

benville, prayed at the abortion clinic on cold Saturday mornings in Lansing and sung Christmas carols at nursing homes.

Brian Flynn mentions some of the results of the ministry: “The teens get involved at church and some teach religious education; they learn apologetics to be able to defend their faith; graduates of the Ark continue their

involvement in the church; a half dozen youth have converted to Catholicism over the years; another half dozen from Westphalia and nearby Fowler have entered seminary; those who work at the Ark gain business experience in a Catholic environment; and the zeal of the youth has had an incredible impact on the faith life of their families.”

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a day in the life of Father Mark Inglot

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e rises at 5:30 a.m and prepares for the hour of exercise that will energize and sustain him for the day ahead.

Never fully knowing what the day will bring, Father Mark Inglot, pastor of St. John Catholic Student Parish in East Lansing, values his hour at the gym. From 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. he plays racquet ball or bikes. By 7, he returns home to shower, dress and pray the Morning Prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours. This begins his hectic day.

8 a.m. Father Mark is at a local restaurant meeting one of his parishioners for breakfast and spiritual direction. “I have about five people – mostly MSU professors or graduate students – I give spiritual direction to,” he explains.

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9 a.m. Father Mark arrives in his office at St. John Student Parish. His first task of opening e-mails and text messages can take his breath away as they keep coming up on his computer screen.

“Students regularly e-mail or

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text me for help with papers or needing to talk about problems going on at home.

Some days I get 300. Some days only about half that many. I even have some messages saying ‘I’m thinking of killing myself.’ I spend a lot of my day answering e-mails or forwarding them to members of the parish team who can help.”

Regardless of how many e-mails have come in, time rushes on.

10 a.m. His meeting schedule begins. Staff, community members or parishioners seek Father Mark’s input on topics from parish operations or planning, to community issues or events, to marriage

preparation or spiritual support.

Reflecting back on his years as a psychology major at Michigan State University, Father Mark says, “I didn’t want to be a priest. I never wanted to.

“I had a psychology professor, Dr. Marian Kinget – a tiny woman with a Belgian accent like Dr. Ruth – who really made me think. She and Dr. Joseph Druse, my humanities professor, challenged me to explore how psychology and spirituality played out in my life. After reading Father John Powell’s books, Why Am I Afraid to Love? and Why Am I Afraid to Tell you Who I Am?, my thinking became more focused. The priests and pastoral team here at St. John’s really helped in my discernment.”

Noon If it’s Wednesday or Friday, then it’s time to prepare for 12:15 Mass.

Other days, he simply prays the mid-day prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours in church before heading on to a lunch meeting.

“Here at St. John’s, we have everything from A to Z of ages, skin tones, income, backgrounds – you name it.

Probably my greatest challenge is harnessing the tremendous talent and resources of our parishioners to serve a community that includes

By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by Tom Gennara 10/21/08 3:12:07 PM

undergrad and graduate students, faculty/staff and community members and their families. It’s a challenge, but a real joy – a real joy.

“Our five o’clock Mass on Sunday night is wall-towall young faces, all there to celebrate Mass. They come from all over the world – not because someone is making them come, but because they want to be there. (Well, some might come for the spaghetti dinner we serve after, but they’re still coming on their own!) It gives me great hope for the future.”

2 p.m. Lunch ends and Father Mark’s pastoral duties resume. Each day brings a dazzling variety of activities – such as hospital or house visits, memorial services, guest lectures for an MSU class, meeting students on campus, or more e-mails and meetings. Given that he officiates at 60 weddings and prepares about 40 additional couples for marriage each year, some part of the afternoon is often dedicated to marriage preparation.

“I’m almost always work-

ing on a wedding homily, trying to incorporate aspects of a bride’s and groom’s degrees into my message for their wedding. One time, I had two physicists who worked at the MSU cyclotron, so I talked about the physics of marriage. Another time, the bride was an education major, so I developed the ABCs of marriage for their homily. It makes my message more meaningful for the couple, and I get to learn about a variety of subjects!

“I think if I worked in a more homogenous parish, I might not be thrilled with all those weddings. But here, at St. John’s, it’s fascinating! I’ve done Jewish/Catholic weddings, Hindu/Catholic weddings, a Rwandan wedding, where the bride and groom jumped over sticks at the end, and Filipino weddings where they exchange coins and have the lasso and veil. The cultural signs and symbols are so creative and meaningful!”

6 p.m. It’s meal time again. Father Mark usually meets someone for

How do young men who wish to study for the priesthood pay their expenses?

The Bishop Albers Trust can help

Undergraduate seminary students face costs of approximately $25,000 per year.

To help them defray those expenses and enable them to pursue studies that may lead to ordination, the Diocese of Lansing calls on

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dinner, either to discuss an issue or project. Sometimes, he uses this time to provide spiritual guidance or support. The food and short rest power him through the latter part of his day.

7 p.m. Meetings at church: Parish council, RCIA, baptism preparation and other functions are typically scheduled for the evening when others’ work days have ended.

Sometimes, however, Father Mark Inglot takes this time for fun.

9 p.m. Father Mark prepares for Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays or prepares for evening prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours other nights of the week.

the Bishop Albers Trust.

In 1962, Lansing’s first bishop, Joseph Albers, saw the need for supporting prospective priests and allocated a substantial amount of his estate toward that purpose. In 1972, Bishop Alexander Zaleski and Auxiliary Bishop James Sullivan established the Joseph H. Albers Trust Fund as an ongoing source of financial help. Bishop Zaleski was one of the first to make a significant contribution to it. The fund has helped support

10 p.m. He’s back home alone and ready to bring another full day to a close.

Just as the hour of exercise in the morning sustains him through the day, this time of solitude is essential to maintaining his grueling schedule day after day. “If I get the two hours in the morning and my two hours at night, I’m good,” he says.

“Learning from and being present with all types of people at all stages of their lives give me great satisfaction. For example, I’m so honored I got to minister to Joe Druse, my humanities professor, when he died all those years after he helped shape my life.

I don’t know why more people aren’t priests. It’s a wonderful life! A lot of nights I go to bed very tired, but very grateful.”

Midnight Having said the night prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours, Father Mark turns out the lights on another day.

Visit www.dioceseoflansing.org for information about vocations.

most of the seminarians since.

The trust fund is a self-supported endowment and only the earned income in the form of interest and dividends is available as grants to seminarians. In order to continue helping seminarians, the fund needs legacy gifts to continue. If you are interested in helping, contact Jane Sessions at jsessions@dioceseoflansing.org or Father Jerry Vincke at jvincke@dioceseoflansing.org.

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hen Dominick and Ethan Guerra headed back to school in September, they could have written one heck of a What I did on summer vacation paper.

The brothers, 15 and 13, and their father, Eduardo, are Psalm6teen, a Christian rock band that played several venues in Sydney, Australia, during this summer’s World Youth Day. “It was pretty awesome,” says Ethan, who is headed to seventh grade at Flushing Middle School in the fall.

“The whole experience strengthened my faith. You just get the feeling that you’re doing something really good … playing takes you to a different place.”

The group opened the music performances at Tumbalong Park in Sydney.

“I think we played to one of the biggest crowds that day,” Dominick says.

“It was very cool.”

Eduardo added that there was a mosh pit while they played their uptempo, hard rock style, which sets them apart from more acoustic artists.

He estimated that the crowd numbered around 5,000 for their first event.

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“It’s actually better playing in front of more people,” he says.

The boys agree.

“You really feed off of the crowd’s energy,” Dominick says.

The trio also played at Darling Harbor and the Sydney Convention Center. They backed up Catholic singer Amanda Vernon, as well. They were one of 200 performers to participate in World Youth Day activities.

In addition to performing, members of Psalm6teen joined the festivities of World Youth Day – and were changed by those experiences.

“The coolest experience was to be 10 feet away from the pope,” says Dominick. “After sleeping outside and standing in the rain, it just felt different to be that close to him.”

They cited the Vigil Mass on Saturday and the closing Mass on Sunday – and the hours spent outside over-

night – as highlights of the trip.

“We were lucky to be there,” Eduardo says. “It was challenging to raise the funds and to coordinate, but it was definitely worth it.”

In fact, Eduardo says they do have plans to apply for the next World Youth Day to be held in Spain, with hopes that soon the event will again land on American soil.

Psalm6teen found out it would perform at World Youth Day on Christmas Eve 2007.

“I submitted a 20-page application three years ago – and didn’t expect to hear anything back,” Eduardo says. “It was a very cool Christmas gift.”

That news gave the group only 175 days to raise nearly $10,000 to secure tickets and travel arrangements. They managed to do most of their fundraising, by appearing in Grand Rapids and performing at a youth retreat at St. Joseph in Dexter.

“We were just so honored that we were able to play it,” Eduardo says.

For Ethan and Dominick, their practice and hard work was worth it.

“I just remember thinking when we were on stage, ‘I could do this every day,’ Ethan says.

For more information about youth ministry in the Diocese of Lansing, contact Pat Rinker at prinker@ dioceseoflansing.org

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he students in Carolyn Kitz’s theology classes at Father Gabriel Richard High School, Ann Arbor, learned a lot about their faith this year – and a little about Catholic publishing – with some help from FAITH.

If we created a Catholic magazine ...

Their assignment was to write and design magazines that taught readers about Catholicism. The editors and art director of FAITH talked to them about what makes a good magazine.

One Way:

By Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Kathryn Walacavage, Sarah Donnellon Best overall magazine, best interview

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Inspiration:

by Michelle Gurta, Angela Little, Nick Forbes, Jenny Dootz-Bocan, Katie Battle Best article, best ad

Best design

When they were finished, we awarded prizes to those we thought were the best. Here’s a quick look at some great magazines from the future writers and designers of the Catholic press.

The Chosen People: by Dean Clancy, Jacob Hretz, Joseph Jeffrey, William Hanley, Andrew Doenitz

The Vision:

by Danielle Lyttle, Sarah Betzig, Amy Martens

Best cover

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Faith on the

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24 November 2008 | www.FAITHmag.com

Andy Herman and Michael Repovs played against each other for the state championship

By Eileen Gianiodis | Photography by Tom Gennara 10/21/08 3:17:34 PM

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ndy Herman and Michael Repovz have a lot in common. On March 15, 2008, both played in the Division 2 State Championship at the Breslin Center; they represented opposing Catholic high schools, an unheard of match-up in recent memory. Before a crowd of 8,852 fans, Michael helped Lansing Catholic to its first championship over Andy’s Flint Powers Catholic.

This year, Andy and Michael are both playing football in college at Kalamazoo College and Central Michigan University respectively. With the support of their families and their Catholic education, Andy and Michael begin college this year with unshakeable faith.

Andy Herman For Andy Herman, the phrase “keeping it in the family” means handing down not only sports traditions, but also theological truths.

His father, Tim, coached Andy in basketball for his junior and senior years. His brother is his teammate this year on Kalamazoo College’s football team.

“My dad took over coaching in my junior year,” he explains. “That was very different for me.”

Different but not uncomfortable, he explained.

“On the court, we’re not father and son,” he said. “It’s more like player and coach. The thing is, when practice is over, we get in the same car and drive home.”

Andy had trouble keeping his father’s new coaching position a secret before its official announcement to the team.

“I knew who the coach was before any other player on the team and when they announced it, everyone’s head shot over to me, like they couldn’t

believe I didn’t tell them,” he said.

The state championship game was one that Andy said he’ll remember forever. There was something special in the atmosphere when the players prayed, but after the tip-off, it was like any other basketball game.

“We didn’t end up the winner, but it was still very cool to be there,” he said.

With college and football in the fall, prayer is difficult to schedule, Andy said, but al-

ways worth the effort.

“I’m really looking forward to playing (football),” he said. “[My brother and I] never played on the same team before because of our age difference – when I was on the freshman team, he was on varsity.”

The brothers work out together four times a week, and Mike is teaching Andy some of the “position stuff” he’ll need to play linebacker.

As frequently as Andy strengthens his muscles, however, he spends more time strengthening his faith.

His family passed their Catholic faith and an opportunity to learn more about it by sending Andy to Flint Powers High School and St. Michael’s Church.

“Faith plays a big part in my life,” he said. “I pray daily. It’s important.”

Andy insists there’s nothing extraordinary about what he does.

He has logged hundreds of volunteer hours coaching younger kids in basketball. He has also led a school retreat.

“I was lucky enough to go on Kairos as a junior and be chosen as a leader during my senior year,” he said.

Andy said the retreats have played a huge role in his faith development.

“You talk with other people and hear how they faced difficulties and gotten through them,” he explained.

“Those people are a great example of how faith can get you through it.”

Michael Repovz Michael Repovz had a chance to reinvent himself recently and decided who he was would work just fine.

Michael, 18, is a recent graduate of Lansing Catholic High School. He captained the Cougars football team to its first appearance in the playoffs in 12 years and led the school’s basketball team to a state championship.

He was recruited to play football at Central Michigan University, joining several other players in Mt. Pleasant this summer to train and take classes.

“The first time I sat down at lunch (at Central Michigan), I thought, ‘What guy do I want to be?’” he recalled. “I don’t want to be that guy who doesn’t pray. So I prayed.”

At first, Michael’s teammates gave him odd looks when he prayed before meals, “but now I’m just the guy who prays.”

Relying on God to accomplish athletic and school feats is nothing new for Michael.

At the state championship game at the Breslin Center this March, Michael and his teammates joined rivals Flint Powers Catholic players in a before-game Our Father.

“That moment definitely brought us together,” he said. “But after that, it was a normal game.”

The Cougars went on to beat Flint Powers 54-53. Michael scored 18 of the team’s points that night. With 13 seconds remaining, the Cougars won the game on a fade-away jumper

by Michael’s teammate and friend, Max Gover. They took home the school’s first state championship title in basketball.

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ather Denis Spitzley of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte, and Bishop Earl Boyea have been involved in the cause for canonization of Pauline von Mallinckrodt, a German-born nun who visited Westphalia for five days in 1880.

Michael Repovz

Andy Herman

“You see those commercials with In college, though, he’s faced with the starving kids on them and you starting over – new school, new feel bad for 30 seconds, while the friends, new goals and new coaches.

“Now, I’m relying on God a lot more commercial is on,” he said. “This was all that in real life. I’ve never seen during workouts and classes, which poverty like that before.” are more intense than anything I’ve The mission team worked on builddone before,” he said. ing a concrete wall, but members also Michael, the third of six children, had the chance to interact with the attributes his confidence in his faith to children of the village. his parents, Bill and Lucy.

“The kids were the best part,” he “My parents are great examples of said. “They would good Catholic walk up and parents,” he said.

My parents are great just hold your hand “They didn’t tell examples of good for a while and us, they showed us.”

Catholic parents,” Michael smile at you.”

Michael Moreover, atsaid. and his mission tending Lansing team took the Catholic High children to a pool School helped about two hours away during the visit. him grow in faith, he said. The ability “I didn’t speak Spanish, but I knew to practice faith and learn about it at a by their smiles that the pool was one Catholic school helped him grow. of their greatest experiences. They Through a local Work of Christ had fun doing some of the simplest group, Michael put his faith in to acthings,” he said. tion. During his elementary and high At Central Michigan, he’s studying school years, he attended several business, but is keeping his options retreats and summer camps. He said open, even the possibility of education he enjoyed the faith experiences and and coaching. Faith is still his key to the opportunities to meet new people success. from all over the country.

Michael participated in a mission trip “I know that with God I can get through everything,” he said. “He’s to Honduras through Work of Christ, always in my mind.” an experience that changed his life.

“They didn’t tell us, they showed us.”

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As a boy at St. Mary School in Westphalia, Father Denis read about the life of Blessed Pauline, and was impressed.

But he hardly gave it another thought, until he had finished seminary and been ordained for several years.

That changed when Sister Pauline was beatified in 1985. The following year, Father Denis inherited a day-care program at his new parish, St. Joseph in Owosso. He remembered that Blessed Pauline was known for feeding and caring for the poor, and for operating schools for children of working mothers and for the blind. So St. Joseph’s Child Care Services was publicly dedicated to her intercession. In just two years, enrollment jumped from 86 to 268.

Since then, Father Denis has been determined to see Blessed Pauline canonized.

He says of her, “I feel like I know her, and I love her, though we have never met. Her sisters taught me in grade school about divine providence – that if a door closes, a window will open. She has helped me through hard times, and I love her charism of helping the poor.”

In May 2002, the director of the childcare program in Owosso, Judy Barrett, had an operation for neck cancer. Many Blessed Pauline guild members (Judy was one) and associates of the Sisters of Christian Charity, the order which Pauline founded, were praying for her. During the procedure, Judy began bleeding uncontrollably. When the doctors had almost given up hope of saving her, the bleeding suddenly stopped. In two separate letters about the operation, the chief surgeon, Dr. Harry Herkowitz, (who is not Catholic, nor even Christian), wrote that it was “beyond coincidence,” and “that a miracle

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may have happened.”

Father Denis notified Dr. Andrea Ambrosi in Rome, the postulator for Blessed Pauline’s canonization cause, and Mother Adalberta Mette, the superior general of the Sisters of Christian Charity, about the possible miracle. In 2006, Dr. Ambrosi came to the U.S. to speak with some of the physicians involved, and to ascertain from Judy Barrett, Father Denis and other witnesses whether a devotion to Blessed Pauline existed. Satisfied, he then petitioned Cardinal Adam Maida, archbishop of Detroit, to begin an investigation, since the alleged miracle had taken place in Maida’s diocese, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. In April, Cardinal Maida established a tribunal to investigate the alleged miracle.

The process closed on May 30, 2006, with the sealing of the 586-page document that was then sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. On Cardinal Maida’s behalf, Bishop Boyea, then an auxiliary bishop for Detroit, presided at both the opening and closing of the tribunal.

Judy Barrett, who died in December 2006, told people constantly that she “had been touched by the hand of God” during her operation. Now, experts in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, including physicians, will be deciding if a miracle did occur. If so, the congregation will recommend the cause of Blessed Pauline to the Holy Father for his decision as to whether she should be named a saint.

Because of Father Denis’ devotion to Blessed Pauline, and his work in behalf of her cause for canonization, he became the first priest worldwide named by the Sisters of Christian Charity as an associate member.

More information about Blessed Pauline is at www.sccwilmette.org.

So, how does someone become a saint?

The canonization process normally can’t begin until five years after the individual’s death, although this requirement was waived by the pope for Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II. A diocesan bishop, a religious order, or even an individual can present, and financially support, a cause for canonization. A postulator, who acts as a legal advocate, is then chosen to coordi-

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Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt nate and promote the cause. The writings of the person under consideration must be scrutinized, witnesses interviewed concerning the sanctity of the person and reported miracles investigated.

Upon completion, a report is sent to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints for further study. Theologians and other experts review the materials. If it is found that the person’s life is characterized by virtue, martyrdom, alleged miracles or age-long public devotion by the faithful, the congregation will recommend to the pope

that the church declare the servant of God worthy of veneration. The cause is then officially opened.

A miracle attributed to the person’s intercession after death is needed for beatification, then another one for canonization. The diocesan bishop where the alleged miracle occurred carries out that investigation (see main story).

The pope decrees the various stages toward canonization and decides on what day the feast of the saint is to be celebrated. His act of canonization is regarded as infallible.

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Sister Donna J. Markham, OP, elected chair of Catholic Charities USA’s Board of Trustees Catholic Charities USA’s Board of Trustees elected Sister Donna J. Markham, OP, Ph.D./ABPP and the prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, to serve as its new chair.

“Sister Donna will lead Catholic Charities USA into our second century of service and advocacy on behalf of the poor,” remarked Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. “We are extremely blessed to have Sister Donna and the entire board to guide us in carrying out our Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America.”

Located in Alexandria, Va., Catholic Charities USA is the national office for the agencies and staff of Catholic Charities across the country. Each year, Catholic Charities USA’s members — nearly 1,700 local agencies and institutions nationwide — provide help and create hope for nearly 8 million people of all faiths. For more than 280 years, local Catholic Charities agencies have been providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing.

“The CCUSA network is an exceptional community of collective goodness, with compassion and talent directed toward serving the most vulnerable persons in our society,” said Sister Donna. “I am honored to part of this endeavor.”

A professed member of the Adrian Dominicans Congregation since 1968, Sister Donna began her career as a graduate instructor at St. John’s Provincial Seminary and then worked as a clinical psychologist at Sinai Hospital in Detroit. She was the founder and director of the Dominican Consultation Center in Detroit and was an elected member of the general council. She was named a fellow in the Academy of Clinical Psychologists and was awarded a diploma in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Sister Donna spent 10 years as president and CEO of the Southdown Institute in Aurora, Ontario, an accredited mental health facility founded in 1966 to serve church professionals from the English-speaking world.

Bishop’s Golf Classic

On Sept. 9, the Knights of Columbus hosted the first Bishop’s Golf Classic for seminarian education.

Golfers on the links at Eagle Eye Golf Course in East Lansing

St. Mary Cathedral celebrates the rites of candidacy and institution of acolytes On Aug. 27 at St. Mary Cathedral 10 men celebrated the rite of admission to candidacy for holy orders in the diaconate. Bishop Boyea was the principal celebrant and the candidates for holy orders were: John Amthor, Richard Badics, Leonard Brown, John Fitch II, Joseph Jong, Michael McCormick, Chuong Nguyen, Omar Odette, Manuel Orona and Dean Welte.

At the same time, 14 men celebrated the rite of institution of acolytes. They were: James Cahaney, Wayne Corrion, Raymond Ellingson, John Epley, John Flanagan, James Kasprzak, Donald Michael, Gregory Middleton, Dennis Pennell, Aaron Petersen, Gary Prise, Lawrence Randolph, Thomas Rea and Gregory Vande Voorde.

Oliver wins 100th game at Siena Heights The Siena Heights women’s soccer team defeated Davenport on alumni weekend by a score of 4-1. With the win, head coach Scott Oliver earned his 100th career win at Siena Heights. The Saints outshot the Panthers by a total of 22-6 and controlled the majority of the game. With the win, the Saints moved to 7-3-1 on the season and 4-1-1 in the WHAC. Oliver is in his eighth season at the helm of the women’s soccer FAITH Magazine

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Bishop Boyea tours the fairways in a golf cart.

program. Since taking over the program in 2001, Oliver has led the women to two WHAC conference titles and two WHAC conference tournament titles. In his seven seasons, he has twice led the Saints to the NAIA national tournament, in 2002 and 2006. The success of his teams has garnered Oliver accolades of his own. He was named WHAC Coach of the Year 2002 and Region VIII Coach of the Year 2006. Oliver currently serves as the vice president of the NAIA Women’s Soccer Coach Association. He serves as a national rater, as well as the sports information director, at Siena Heights.

28 November 2008 | www.FAITHmag.com 10/21/08 3:19:16 PM

Conferral of papal honors for Msgr. George Michalek

Father Louis has been at the same parish for 50 years Happy Anniversary, Father Louis Komorowski.

Several years ago, Father Louis Komorowski began making out a list – a list of all the things for which he’s thankful.

And when Father Louis looks back on all the joys of the last 80 years, including his ordination as an Oblate priest in 1956, he has plenty to be thankful for.

“The list is very long,” he says. He started it around Thanksgiving as a way to remind himself to take time and give thanks.

Sometimes his list is generic: health, people who smile, babies and children.

Other times it’s specific, including being thankful for his parents, his family, the Dominican Sisters and the people of Saint Mary of Good Counsel.

“Lipitor is on there,” he said with a laugh. His sense of humor and kind smile are just a few of the attributes that have endeared Father Louis to the parishioners at St. Mary over the last 50 years.

It began on May 17, 1958 when he came to St. Mary to begin helping out on weekends with confessions, where, sometimes, there would be 75 people in line on a Saturday.

On July 1, 1977, he became the pastor and led the parish through a number of changes and improvements, while providing counsel, guidance and genuine friendship.

Shortly after becoming pastor, St. Mary decided to build the activity center adjacent to the church that now bears his name.

On Sept. 28, at Solemn Vespers, Msgr. George Michalek received papal honors from Pope Benedict XVI. The service was held at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. Bishop Earl Boyea, Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling and seven Lansing monsignors, concelebrated.

In his homily, Bishop Boyea expressed his “deepest thanks … to Bishop Mengeling for requesting this honor from His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI for our brother, George Michalek.”

Msgr. Michalek serves the Diocese of Lansing on the tribunal, and is the diocesan archivist and historian.

Bishop Boyea’s first parish visit Bishop Boyea received a warm welcome last spring when he made his first parish visit in the Diocese of Lansing at St. Mary in Chelsea.

Fran Koepele, a parishioner, made the signs for the special occasion.

For a longer version of this article, visit FAITHmag.com

Celebrating 50 years as a priest

Father Matthew Fedewa St. Paul, MN

Father Canon Darius Jackson, MI

Father Richard Kropf Johannesburg, MI

Sister Christina Frey takes her final vows On Sept. 13, Sister Christina Frey made her final profession as a sister in the Servants of God’s Love at Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor. A native of St. Croix, VI, Sister Christina is a graduate of Franciscan University in Steubenville. Currently, Sister Christina serves at the Servants of God’s Love Emmanuel House in Ann Arbor

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things to do: St. Mary, Manitou Beach is hosting a Senior Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Please reply to the parish office at 517.547.7496.

Spanish Mass and potluck supper are held on the fourth Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart in Hudson. For more information, call the parish office at 448.3811.

St. Francis in Otisville’s Craft Bazaar is Sat., Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For information, contact Mary Ann Sperry at 810.631.6922 or Colleen at 989. 871.4078.

St. Jude’s, DeWitt youth retreat is Nov. 14-16. Anyone in high school is wel-

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come. Register by contacting the Youth Ministry Office at 517.669.8341.

Matt Maher is one of the newest and most sought after Catholic artists in the country. He will perform at Holy Redeemer, Burton, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.; all youth and young adults are welcome to attend.

Black Catholics throughout the diocese are invited to celebrate Black Catholic Sunday, Feast of Christ the King with Bishop Boyea on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 9:45 a.m. at Christ the King Church in Flint.

Brunch and the Father Norman Dukette Awards will follow. The event is free. For more information, call 517.342.2496.

Transfiguration Parish, Ypsilanti will host pre-screening of The Human Experience on Tues., Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., at

the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Tickets are available at the door or through www.ticketweb.com.

Contagious Joy, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for women ages 18-99, at Our Lady of Fatima’s all-purpose hall, 913 Napoleon Rd., Michigan Center. For more information and to register, call Alicia McEllis, 517.522.6291, Stacie Marentette, 313.247.1851 or e-mail info@gussyupyourspirit.com.

The Introduction to the Bible will be Thursdays, Oct. 30-Dec 11, excluding Thanksgiving, from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Joseph Shrine in Brooklyn.

Mass for the Deaf Community interpreted at St. Gerard, 4437 W. Willow St., Lansing on Nov. 8 at 4:30 p.m. and Nov. 30 at 3:30 p.m. For

more information, contact Rose Smith at 517.342.2532 or rsmith@dioceseoflansing.org.

Praying with Body, Mind and Spirit: Listening to God is Sat., Nov. 8, 9:30 a.m.3:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit. To register, call 313.535.9563.

At the Weber Center For information or to register, call 517.266.4000 or go to www.webercenter.org: Celebrating the Images of Advent and Christmas is Sat., Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Special Series: Let’s Talk: The Gospel of Luke, Nov. 20, choose either the afternoon or evening session, 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Advent Waiting: Praying with Body, Mind and Spirit, Sat., Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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St. Paul a reformed bully

November café events • Theology Brewing is offered the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at Bullinger’s Pub and Restaurant. For monthly topics and other questions contact Mark Smith at 517.788.6153 or stmaryjacksondre@tds.net.

• Transfiguration Parish, Ypsilanti, to host pre-screening of The Human Experience on Tues., Dec. 2, 7:00 p.m., at the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor. Tickets are available at the door or through www.ticketweb.com.

• Defending Your Faith From Bigotry will be offered by Fr. John Fain at St. Paul, Owosso on Mon. Nov. 17, 79:00 p.m. To register, call 989.723.1400.

• Advent by Candlelight: An Evening for Women will be offered at St. Paul, Owosso on Wed., Dec. 7, 7-9:00 p.m. To register, call 989.723.1400.

• Father John Corapi’s videos on The Catechism of the Catholic Church at St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing, on Sundays, 5-6:15 p.m. For information or to register contact Joe Jong, at 517.332.7858 or thinbuda@ gmail.com.

• Faith Journey: Study of the New United States Catholic Catechism for Adults meets the first and third Monday of the month at St. Mary, Adrian. For information, call 517.263.4681.

• The Great Catholic Book Study Group meets in the home of Dave & Rory Hoipkemier the second and fourth Friday evenings of each month. Call 517.333.6704 or dhoipkemier@juno.com to registration or for information.

• Pauline Bible study – First Corinthians at St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh, on Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 6, 13, 20; Jan. 15, 22, 29; and Feb. 5, 12. To register call Marvic Welch at 517.423.0633 or marvicwelch@ gmail.com.

• Quest is a bible study group that meets 1-2:30 p.m., Mondays at Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson.

For information, call Joan Grant at 517.783.2748.

• Sunday By Sunday explores the Sunday Gospels led by Father John Flynn at St. Matthew, Flint on Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. For information, call 810.232.0880.

• Women’s Scripture Study will be at St. Mary, Adrian on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. Call 517.263.4681 for information.

This is his year!

You will encounter religious bullies and know -it-alls throughout your whole life. Turn them over to God and ask God to deal with them in ways that are best – maybe even in ways you least expect.

At the St. Francis Retreat Center

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T. Gennara

Visit www.stfrancis.ws or call 866.669.8321 for more information about any of these offerings.

• Nov. 21-23, A Contemplative Retreat, a quiet retreat for women.

• Dec. 5-7, Alcoholics Anonymous for Men, call Karl, 989.723.1706.

• Dec. 9, Advent Day of Prayer – Finding our Way to the Manger, is 9 a.m.-3 p.m., please call the retreat center to register.

• Dec. 9, Advent by Firelight for women, 7-9 p.m.

Registration is limited. Please register early by calling the retreat center.

w o r d

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ave you ever known someone who has authority over others (along with the power that goes with it) and used it to beat people down? And have you ever known someone who is a know-it-all; who can’t hear anything without coming up with something better; who can’t be told what to do; who won’t listen to anyone else other than himself or herself? Sure you do. I’ve known plenty of them – and I’ve suffered because of them, too.

The know-it-alls and the bullies of life never make life better for those around them; they only make things worse. They even keep God at a nice, safe distance. When it comes to religion, they have all the answers, know everything there is to know and even become religious bullies.

St. Paul was one of those. The religious authorities surrounding him commissioned him to seek out, find and smack down any Christians he could find anywhere. He was a perfect fit for the job, being himself a know-it-all. He shared in putting to death the first Christian martyr, St. Stephen. St. Stephen was stoned to death and Paul (his name was Saul at that time) participated in it. You can read about it in the Book of Acts, Chapter 7, verses 51-60 and Chapter 8, verses 1-3.

Religious know-it-alls and bullies even put Jesus to death.

Jesus knows about them; so does his Father in heaven – his Father and ours, too. Many times in my life I’ve asked God to punish (really punish with a lot of pain) those kinds of people, especially those who have hurt me. But, you know what? He hasn’t.

God’s ways are infinitely more wise and powerful than those of any bully or know-it-all. One of the greatest examples is what God did to Saul; he transformed Saul into St. Paul! It’s a great story. You can read about it again in the Book of Acts in Chapter 9, verses 1-19.

What I’m saying is that you will encounter religious bullies and know-it-alls throughout your whole life. Turn them over to God and ask God to deal with them in ways that are best, maybe even in ways you least expect.

And give yourself a check-up. Have you ever acted like a religious know-it-all and thought you didn’t need to go to religious education classes because you knew better than those teachers? And have you ever bullied anyone using religion as a stone to smack them? Well, don’t.

Being a teen isn’t easy. Being a Christian isn’t easy, either. But God didn’t promise to make life easy for us; he promised only to make it better. And I promise you, if you do beautiful things for God, he will do beautiful things for you.

Just like he did for St. Paul.

– Father Charles Irvin

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