1
parenting journey We had a baby, but lost our friends! What do we do?
work life My company is illegally dumping toxic waste. Do I report them?
Theology 101 What can we learn from the universal church?
2
Finding faith
in unexpected places @
W
Father Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude. E-mail: editor@FAITHmag.com.
from the editor
hen you think of finding faith, where do you think to look? We automatically think of church – where the symbols of faith and the richness of our liturgy naturally draw the mind and heart to God. Since it is also the place we experience the reality of Christ in the Eucharist and the sacraments – we know we’ll find faith there. Some people also think of the glories of nature – finding faith in the vastness of the oceans, or the seemingly infinite number of stars in the night skies. In the magnificence of God’s creation, we envision faith. In the sanctuary of our homes, we can find faith in the simple trust of a child or the gentle touch of our spouse’s hand in times of trouble. Faith is in the faces gathered around our tables at Thanksgiving, filled with gratitude for the blessings of family. There, with those closest to us, we hope to find faith.
A decade of FAITH – save the date and come join the party! FAITH Magazine turns 10 in De-
As a priest, I often visit patients in hospitals – and their families. The hallways of a hospital are filled with prayer. Families ask God for a cure, for a cessation of pain, for a miracle, for peace. Over and over, we hear the words of desperate people praying for the gift of faith. All of these are the places we expect to find faith – but this month’s issue of FAITH explores some unexpected places. In our cover story, Coach John Beilein shares how he lives his faith on the basketball courts, and tries to make sure his playcember. We are celebrating with a party at the Kellogg Center at Michigan State University on December 9. Proceeds from this fundraising event will benefit
ers see and understand the importance of God in his life. That practice is a living example of how we follow St. Francis’ admonition to preach the Gospel always – using words when necessary. And where could be a more unexpected place to find God than in a garbage dump? In this issue, you’ll meet Eric and Deanna Lindstrom – and their five children – who spent their vacation helping people who live in the garbage dump of San Pedro Sula, in the Honduras. As they worked with those who must compete with vultures and other scavengers for their daily food, the Lindstroms found deep gratitude – and faith. Let us all look for the unexpected places God may turn up in our lives this month – and with him, our journey in FAITH continues. the Father Charles Irvin Scholarship and FAITH. Look for more information on page 32 and at FAITHmag.com.
local news
Bishop Boyea installed as papal knight Lansing Diocese Priest Knights of the Holy Sepulchre join Bishop Earl Boyea after his installation as a papal knight, Sept. 27 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit. Also named knights that day were Father Charles Canoy, parochial vicar of St Andrew, Saline; Rev. Tim MacDonald, pastor of Holy Redeemer, Burton; and Rev. Enzo Addari, SdC, administrator of St. Louis Center, Chelsea. They are flanked by priest Knight Commanders Rev. Ed Fride, pastor of Christ the King, Ann Arbor and Rev. William Turner, pastor of St. Mary, Chelsea. The honors of knight and lady of the Holy Sepulchre are granted by the Holy See upon recommendation of the local bishop when laity and clergy are deemed worthy of such an honor by virtue and service. Knights are specifically called to live the characteristics of the knighthood and support the Christian community of the Holy Land by works of prayer and charity. Other papal knighthoods at the gift of the Holy See are Knights of Malta, Knights of St. Gregory and Knights of St. Sylvester.
Liturgical Calendar: Solemnity All Saints November 1 | All Souls Day November 2 | St. Martin de Porres, religious November 3 | St. Charles Borromeo, bishop November 4 |
3 God in the garbage dump
22
One Diocese of Lansing family spends vacations in Central American garbage dumps – helping the people who live there.
24
Values are caught, not taught
FAITH brings you Catholic teaching on this hot topic.
The Bishop’s Golf Classic
18
Meet John Beilein, head basketball coach at the University of Michigan. During his years of coaching, he has won 582 games and taken five different teams to the NCAA tournament. Find out how he brings his faith onto the basketball courts.
30
The Bishop’s Golf Classic is quickly becoming a major event. Its organizers tell us how it helps support our seminarians.
4 spiritual popcorn Give thanks for the boring stuff – Paul Jarzembowski 5 work life My company is illegally dumping toxic waste. Do I report them? – Joanne Eason
6 parenting journey We had a baby, but lost our friends! What do we do? – Dr. Cathleen McGreal
7 marriage matters He says: I think she’s having an affair with a co-worker. She says: I have never been unfaithful – he’s just being paranoid. What do they do? – Tom and JoAnne Fogle
14
To report allegations of sexual misconduct call the Victim Asistance Coordinators (Moderator of the Curia or the Chancellor) at the
diocese, 517.342.2450, between 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or at St. Mary Cathedral, 517.484.5331 or 517.484.5332, after 4:30 p.m. or during weekends. For a more detailed directory, visit www.dioceseoflansing.org
Formation (vocations) 517.342.2507 Bishop’s office 517.342.2452 Legal advisor 517.342.2456 Tribunal 517.484.9080 Finance 517.342.2519
Catholic Charities 517.342.2446 Communications 517.342.2475 Education and catechesis 517.342.2481 Pastoral Planning 517.342.2502
| Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome November 9 | St. Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the church November 10 | St. Martin of Tours, bishop November 11
contact info
Where to call at the Diocese of Lansing
16
10 in the know with Fr. Joe How can I convince my kids that going to Mass is not about being entertained? – Father Joseph Krupp 12 Theology 101 What can we learn from the universal church?. – Cardinal Justin Rigali
columnists
what you’ll get out of this issue 8
inside this issue
Health-care reform
4
Give thanks
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing
for the boring stuff Read more of Paul Jarzembowski’s thoughts on www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com
Most Reverend Earl A. Boyea PUBLISHER
Rev. Dwight Ezop
EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN
November 2009 • Volume 10: Issue 9
FA I T H Catholic Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg DIRECTOR OF CUSTOM PUBLISHING/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Joanne Eason DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY MARKETING
Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR
Lynne Ridenour
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEBMASTER
Janna Stellwag Abby Wieber
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Nicole Ballinger GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN
InnerWorkings
PRINT MANAGEMENT
Doug Culp Dcn. Tom and JoAnne Fogle Rev. Joseph Krupp Dr. Gelasia Marquez Dr. Cathleen McGreal Nancy Schertzing Sister Ann Shields Susie Skowronek Michelle Sessions DiFranco
spiritual popcorn
A
s the holidays approach and the end of the year comes into view, do you ever look back on the year and wonder what you’ve actually accomplished? Do you, like me, get frustrated that much of the year was spent just jumping from one task to the next? Do you and I ever get a chance to take time out and do something really exciting? I did get one or two moments like that this past summer with my wife, Sarah, but most of the time I was caught up in the “boring stuff.” On one of those occasions, we went out to the movies to see a Pixar movie, Up. The movie is an adventure story of an elderly gentleman, Carl (Ed Asner), and a young Wilderness Scout, Russell (Jordon Nagai), who wind up lost in the jungles of South America (where Carl was trying to escape his troubles by tying thousands of helium balloons to his house). Carl and his late wife Ellie had a nice life together, but
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Derek Melot
they never realized their dreams. Life just got the best of them. But young Russell puts it all into perspective. Alone in South America, he tells Carl that he just misses all the “boring stuff” that he and his dad did (like sitting by the side of the road counting cars or heading out for ice cream). Carl starts to wonder what things he might have missed right in front of him because he spent his life staring at the sky and daydreaming. In the Scriptures, after Jesus ascends to the heavens, the apostles do much the same thing. They stare endlessly into the sky, but the angels (like Russell) ask them: “Why are you standing there looking up at the sky?” (Acts 1:11). Instead, they tell them, go into the real world and find Jesus there (and they did just that, finding God in the common meal and in the poor and sick). It was in the “boring stuff” that they found the face of Christ. How often do we miss the “boring stuff” while getting frustrated that we can’t fly off to South America, or wherever you or I dream of escaping to? This Thanksgiving, look around the table or around your life and pray with gratitude for all that average, ordinary “boring stuff” with which God has so blessed and graced your life.
PROOFREADING
Carlson Productions Tom Gennara (cover inset) James Luning (cover)
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 Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 489065550. ©2009 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER
Rev. Charles Irvin
FOUNDING EDITOR
faithcatholic.com
St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr November 12 | St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin November 13 | St. Gertrude, virgin November 16 | St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religio
5
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
My company is illegally dumping toxic waste. Do I report them?
Joanne Eason is a public relations and organizational expert.
Q
I drive a forklift for a chemical company. They’ve had me dump some barrels of stuff out back. I know this stuff is leaching into the ground, and it’s poison. If I tell someone, I’ll get fired. But I don’t want to be responsible for anyone getting sick or dying. What do I do?
• Consultant #1 - The priest: Morally and ethically, you know you have an issue. Take time to meet with your priest and discuss the issue. Not only are priests men of God, they have spent years studying ethics, sociology and psychology. Additionally, they run businesses – your local church. So, they understand the business world. • Consultant #2 – A lawyer: You can’t handle this one on your own. You have been asked to do something illegal. To minimize the legal impact for you personally, contact a legal advisor immediately. The next few months may be tough – and doing the right thing sometimes is not the easiest path. Yet, you can take comfort in Matthew 16: 26-28: “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay everyone according to his conduct.” May you find joy!
I am a single parent. What’s the best way to manage my money?
stable as possible?
Today’s financial picture is pretty dim. And if you are a single parent, it can look even darker. You are the only breadwinner, the only
•W hen you head for the supermarket, bring a list and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases that run up the bill.
care-giver for your children, the only housekeeper and maintenance person. What can you do to keep the financial situation as
• Watch your expenses. can you go to the library instead of the book store? Can you join a grocery club for cheaper food costs?
ous November 17 | St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, virgin November 18 | Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary November 21
• Find out if you qualify for tax breaks. Single heads of household can get more deductions!
money tip
L
ayoffs. High unemployment rates. Everywhere you turn, money – or lack of it – is in the news. What are some steps you can take to maximize what you have and plan for the future?
• See if your children’s school has a latchkey program to cut childcare costs. Find out if other parents can share babysitting resources and costs.
work life
A
You are in a difficult position with a serious subject that entails moral, ethical and legal issues. Before answering this question, let’s step back and define the principles at work. Here’s the difference between morals and ethics: • Morals are defined in a person’s character and principles upon which they were raised. More often than not, a person’s moral code is unchanging throughout his or her lifetime. • Ethics are standards of behavior that define a social system where an individual’s moral codes are put into place. Ethical systems are changing dependent on the moral code of the group, or at least the leadership in charge.
Now it’s time to call in the consultants:
6
We had a baby, but lost our friends! What do we do?
Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual advisor.
Q parenting journey
We recently became the parents of a wonderful baby girl. We are the first of our group of friends to have a child, and it’s changing the way our friends treat us. Nobody ever seems to call us anymore to go out. Is there some way we can be parents and stay close to our childless friends?
Blue Heaven was released in 1927, but great artists like Frank Sinatra and Fats Domino kept George Whiting’s lyrics alive generation after generation: “A smiling face, a fireplace, a cosy room, A little nest that nestles where roses bloom. Just Molly and me, and baby makes three. We’re happy in my blue heaven.” Your newborn will graduate from high school a century after those words captured the contentment parents feel when they look at a life that exists because of their love for one another. But the world goes on outside the nest! It’s possible that you may have changed the way that you
treat your friends, too.
What can you do to strengthen your friendships? • Hold back on the latest baby milestones as conversation starters. • Concentrate on the topics that helped strengthen your friendships in the “pre-baby” days. • Have friends come over; hire a young adolescent as a “mother’s helper” to watch over your daughter so that you are relaxed. • Arrange child care and then invite your friends to events that you enjoyed together before the birth. Open up to your friends about your feelings and then listen to their
Q
My next-door neighbor just installed a new light over his garage. We are talking megawatts here; it doesn’t just light up his yard, it is like a spotlight in my bedroom window. I asked him nicely if he could turn it off later in the evenings, but he said it makes his wife feel more secure. How do I talk to him about it? Try a series of trivial conversations just to warm up. Ask leading questions about the need for security. You could ask questions such as “Have you noticed changes in the neighborhood? Have there
A
been some burglaries?” If there doesn’t appear to be any real need for the extra security, you may want to try a different approach. Invite
Could this be a time to expand your friendship network? By the time children go to school, their parents are used to being introduced as “Shannon’s mom” or “Ryan’s dad.” Just as the children journey as a cohort (Class of 2027!), parents do, too! • If your church has a nursery, ask other parents that you meet there to go for coffee or bagels after Mass. • Ask if the parish will sponsor a faithsharing potluck for new parents. • See if the local community education center, parks and recreation or expectant parent organization has a parent-infant program. Search online for local programs. Many of your childless friends will be glad that they can tap into your expertise once they become new parents! Just think – you’ll be able to give them the heads-up on the teen years, too!
How can I get my neighbor
to turn off the light? Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a psychologist and family counselor.
both of them over to your house at night. With any luck, they will accept and you can show them how brightly the light shines into your room and disrupts your sleep. After that, open yourself to discuss possible
S. Kendrick
what gets my goat
A
Does your “new heaven” make them blue?
responses. It may be that they assume that you can’t find a baby-sitter or that you’ve lost interest in other activities now that you have the baby. Perhaps, they’ve been trying to have a baby for a while and need to work through some of their own feelings before they can be around your daughter on a frequent basis.
options to solve the situation. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you to a peaceful compromise. I hope that this civilized approach will help. But if it doesn’t, you may need to document the situation and approach your neighborhood association or City Hall for mediation.
Solemnity or Our Lord Jesus Christ the King November 22 | Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priest and martyr November 23 | St. Andrew Dung-Lac, priest and m
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
Jeff says: I’m beginning to think Ellen is having an affair. She talks about a colleague, Steve, all the time. Lately, she’s been on the phone with him after work and on the weekends. She talks to him more than she talks to me and I’m getting tired of hearing “Steve this” and “Steve that.” Nobody has this much work to talk about – I think there’s something else going on.
I have never been unfaithful – he’s just being paranoid Ellen says: Jeff is just being paranoid. I wish he’d get over this irrational jealousy. Steve is a good friend, nothing Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle help prepare couples for marriage. more. We’ve never so much as kissed. But he listens to me in a way Jeff doesn’t and gives me good advice, even about personal don’t take some immediate action to regain trust in each other, things. I feel as if Steve is more interested in me than Jeff is. their relationship will continue to spiral downward and will I’m not having an affair, but if Jeff keeps accusing me, maybe I become more difficult to maintain and rebuild. should consider it! Our best advice to anyone experiencing the same situation as Ellen (a co-worker or friend is more interesting than their Our first thought goes to the biblical saying, spouse) is to wake up and take your marriage vows a little more “If you look at your neighbor with lust in seriously. Ellen’s actions are not innocent; they are destructive your heart, you have already committed in nature and far from acceptable behavior – even if she doesn’t adultery.” Adultery is much more than a feel that they’re wrong. We would hope that Ellen would begin sexual relationship with someone who is not your spouse. Adul- to focus as much attention and interest in Jeff as she does with tery happens when we place something or someone else in our Steve. Were she to do that, she might find that Jeff will respond spouse’s rightful place – whether it is intentional, innocent sharmore favorably to meeting her needs. ing with a co-worker, or a simple desire to be closer to your best Then again, it is possible that Jeff has fallen into the “takingfriend than to your spouse. On their wedding day, both Jeff and Ellen-for-granted” rut and has not shown any interest in what Ellen promised to be true to each other in good times and in bad makes her happy. So, Jeff’s assignment is to spend some quality – well, these are the bad times! These are the times when both time asking Ellen how they can build a better relationship. He of them need to be intentional about their marriage relationship; might find that Ellen is more than willing to be an active partner both Jeff and Ellen need to work extra hard at deleting the desire in their life together as a couple. We recommend that Jeff and to be closer to someone other than each other, and both of them Ellen ask themselves: need to spend extra time in “educating” the other in what their needs are and how they are not being met. When both spouses • “What brought us together in the first place?” are totally committed to each other, they take the “bad” times as • “Where was God working in our lives as we built our an opportunity for growth – growth of their marriage relationrelationship and where is he now?” ship, not growth of a more desirable relationship, be it family or • “Why isn’t our love as strong today as it was back then special friend or a co-worker with whom you feel comfortable and; more important, what can we do together to make sharing personal information. it strong again?” Ellen and Jeff appear to have drifted apart and are beginning to lose trust in each other. Jeff is not trusting that Ellen will remain God is a part of your marriage relationship. When he is with faithful to her marriage pledge. Ellen is not trusting that Jeff can you as the third person, you will have no room for the Steves of fulfill his pledge to be totally supportive of her needs. If they the world, or for a place where mistrust will build.
He said | She said what do they do?
martyr, and his companions, martyrs November 24 | St. Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and martyr November 25 | Feast of St. Andrew, apostle November 30
your marriage matters
I think she’s having an affair with a co-worker
7
8
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
Make leftovers gourmet rice and potato soup
I
By Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Photography by Philip Shippert
culture
recently had the displeasure of deep-cleaning my fridge and finding a couple of forgotten items shoved way in the back or ‘hiding’ at the bottom of the fruit and veggie drawers. The neglected “food-turned-science projects” consisted of a zip-top plastic bag of liquefied parsley and a plastic container of chicken stock that had seen its day. Or should I say, 100 of them? Beyond the unsettling image of the discovery, what bothered me more was the thought of once-valuable food going to waste. To relieve myself of any guilt, I talked myself down. After all, I reasoned, it was only chicken broth and parsley – a couple of inexpensive and basic items that can easily be replaced. My self-imposed psych job backfired. I suddenly recalled that those very same items were the staple ingredients used in a simple and flavorful soup that my husband had introduced to me to a few years ago. It is a soup that his nonni (grandmother), who was from an impoverished part of northern Italy, made a lot here in her new home in the United States during the Great Depression. It is a frugal way to make a ‘meal’ out of a few simple ingredients. My guilt suddenly returned. The Book of Genesis states that we have a responsibility as humans to take care of and conserve what is here on earth for the glory of God. And these tough economic
Rice and Potato Soup Ingredients: •2 quarts chicken stock (canned is fine) • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1 small onion, chopped • 1 large potato diced (¼”) • ½ cup uncooked white rice • ½ cup chopped parsley
Directions: In a large saucepan, with extra times are all the more reason to avoid wastefulness. I’m sure that
The Book of Genesis states that we have a responsibility as humans to take care of and conserve what is here on earth for the glory of God. And these tough economic times are all the more reason to avoid wastefulness.
virgin olive oil, cook onions on high heat until transparent (stirring often). Add the potatoes and uncooked rice and continue to stir for 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken stock. Cook until potatoes and rice are tender. Add chopped parsley and simmer (with lid on) for another 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and enjoy! our grandparents and great-grandparents had similar thoughts when they could only afford the basics that had to be sparsely rationed amongst the whole family. But there is another more positive angle as well. Consider what beauty and bounty can come from a few, simple ingredients when we care enough to conserve and make more of the gifts we already have! Forced to squeeze as much use out of every morsel of food, my husband’s nonni produced incredible meals not with expensive, fancy ingredients, but with that which she considered blessed to already have – however meager it might be. That flavorful soup mentioned above is just one of the many she was happy to prepare for her family.
9
10
T. Gennara
Dear Fr. Joe: How can I convince my kids that going to Mass is not about being entertained? @
Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine, 1500 E. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48906 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com
Q in the know with Fr. Joe
My children think Mass is totally boring. Unfortunately, the music and preaching in our parish are a little on the dull side. How can I convince my kids that going to Mass is not about being entertained?
explain this to a child? In order to answer that, we have to go back to our youth. When I was younger and went to, say, my grandpa’s birthday party, it never occurred to me to wonder what I was going to get out of the experience. I don’t recall refusing to go to Grandpa’s birthday party because it was boring. In writing this, I kept asking myself “How did my folks pull this off?” In the end, it strikes me that they did it by reinforcing to me the importance of the person of my grandfather. I don’t know how, I just know they did. Parents, your overt respect and affection for your parents is a significant message to your children; one that they often just “get.” So, why not apply that to Jesus? Beginning as early as you can, introduce them to the person of Jesus. Talk about him way too much.
You know, I get this question a lot and have spent a good deal of time on this answer. I want to break down some of the underlying issues, so that we can approach this one with a clean heart and mind. First of all, I know there are folks out there who place no value on Mass being an enjoyable experience. More than a few times in the recent past, I
A
Cowboy Joe was telling his fellow cowboys back on the ranch about his first visit to a big-city church. “When I got there, they had me park my old truck in the corral,” Joe began. “You mean the parking lot,” interrupted Charlie, a worldly fellow. “I walked up the trail to the door,” have been mailed this quote from George Weigel’s book, Letters to a Young Catholic: “When priests and people forget what’s really going on here – when the Mass is another form of entertainment, or therapy, or even therapeutic entertainment – the Mass is not what it’s meant to be – and we’re not what we were
Joe continued. “The sidewalk to the door,” Charlie corrected him. “Inside the door, I was met by this dude,” Joe went on. “That would be the usher,” Charlie explained. “Well, the usher led me down the
meant to be, in our baptism. So here’s the basic point, which is a countercultural point: We don’t worship God because if makes us feel good, or relieved, or entertained. We worship God because God is to be worshipped – and in giving God the worship that is his due, we satisfy one of the deepest longings of the human spirit.” I dig this, I really do. I love
chute,” Joe said. “You mean the aisle,” Charlie said. “Then, he led me to a stall and told me to sit there,” Joe continued. “Pew,” Charlie retorted. “Yeah,” recalled Joe. “That’s what that pretty lady said when I sat down beside her.”
the power of it and what it means. I don’t like the sense of moral superiority that is sometimes conveyed with this quote, but that’s a side issue. Primarily, we worship God because that is what we are supposed to do and, perhaps more importantly, because God is owed that. However, how does one
Read the Scriptures with your kids and learn together what the amazing stories are. It will help you tremendously, as well as, obviously, helping your kids. Think of it this way: If you want your children to be great students and/or athletes, then you need to work with them and practice. If we want to raise Illustration by Bob Patten
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication by the very commission of the act.
fact or fiction?
fact or fiction?
ered for worship and, frankly, for me, the hardest part of being a priest is celebrating such a joyful and amazing sacrament in a congregation that simply sits and stares. It’s not just about perfect theology or practice – it’s about our souls, our hearts and our lives. Enter into the Mass with joy and reverence. Make sure that anyone who comes to church wants to come back. I guess in the end, it comes down to balance. We need to understand and respect the Mass for what it is, but also push ourselves and our parish to be alive and joyful about what we are celebrating. Enjoy another day in God’s presence!
However, the church has recognized repeatedly the right of a state to control its borders and to regulate immigration under the rubric of the promoting the common good – the very reason for the state to exist in the first place. What the church has advocated is humane and effective enforcement. In Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, the U.S. and Mexican Conferences of Bishops outlined five principles that guide the church’s view on migration issues: I. Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland. II. Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families. III. Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders. IV. Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection. V. The human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants should be respected. (Chapter II; Paragraphs 34 - 38) To the church, there is no conflict between the common good and a person’s God-given rights. A state can regulate all immigration and keep out those who do not truly need to enter. But those who are trying to support their families, fleeing persecution, and otherwise exercising their Godgiven rights should be admitted and welcomed.
A Decade of FAITH FAITH Magazine will be 10 in 2009! As we gear up for this important anniversary, we are going to be looking back at some of the great stories from the last decade, and finding out, “And then what happened?” In March 2006, we introduced you to Deacon Oliver Washington and told about his experiences of racism and his conversion to Catholicism. And then what happened? Deacon Washington is actively involved with the Knights of Peter Claver, an organization celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. He is hoping to establish a court and council of the knights in Lansing. The knights are open to men and women of all races, and have junior and senior divisions. For more information, call Deacon Washington at 517.651.6501.
10 10 years years of of FAITH FAITH
saints (and I hope we want that more than anything), then we should work with them at a greater level of passion or even greater. Help them see that Jesus is someone they want to know and spend time with. All of this isn’t to say that Mass should be boring. We priests need to work hard at crafting a homily that is lifegiving and full of life. Those who help create the celebration of the sacred Mass need to be conscious of the ability of the Mass to reach everyone. The church has provided us with rules and boundaries for our celebrations and we need to follow them, but it goes even deeper than that. A congregation has a role to play in this, too. The priest draws energy from those gath-
Here are the facts: The church’s stance on undocumented immigration is often portrayed as anti-American and driven only by self-interest (the church is looking to make money and to increase membership.)
fact or fiction?
The Catholic Church supports the uninhibited flow of “undocumented” immigrants into the United States.
11
12
What can we learn
from the universal church? Cardinal Justin Rigali is the archbishop of Philadelphia. He serves on many committees at the Vatican, and attended the Second Vatican Council. FAITH is honored to ask this eminent Catholic churchman and scholar some questions about the Catholic Church in the new millennium.
Q
The American church is sometimes said to see its own issues as universal. What can we learn from looking at the way the church functions in other countries? First of all, we should not use the term “American church.” Pope John Paul II mentioned that there is no such thing as a white church or a black church or an American church or a European church. It is all the Catholic Church. It is better to speak of the church in the United States or the church in Europe. But, having said that, another beautiful thing Pope John Paul said when he came to the United States was that the church in the United States is, by its very nature and composition, Catholic. Because catholic means universal. More than in any nation on earth, the components of those who make up the church in the United States come from all these backgrounds, ethnic groups and nationalities. It’s like the Book of Revelation says, “From every tribe and nation and tongue on earth …” So this is a beautiful advantage to begin with. We are a people who are
A
Church of the month The power and vitality of the Christian faith have long inspired tremendous works of art on the part of believers. One has only to consider the beauty of many of our principal churches to realize the transcendent beauty of our faith. For example, consider:
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is located in Washington, D.C., and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the United States. It is the largest Catholic church in America and one of the largest religious structures in the world. Millions of pilgrims visit the basilica each year. It is designated as a national
historic landmark. The basilica does not have its own parish community, but it serves the adjacent university, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (located down the street) and hosts numerous Masses for organizations of the church from across the United States. It houses dozens of chapels honoring Mary and reflecting the origins of the Catholic immigrants and religious orders whose generos-
A theology professor once remarked that there were no new heresies, just old ones repackaged. To test the truth of this statement, consider this recent reallife scenario and see if you can name the error involved:
I decide what’s best for me! A woman is defending her decision to begin co-habitating with her boyfriend. Her friend advises against the decision on religious and moral grounds. Sensing the first woman is unmoved by her appeal to
ity erected them. The exterior of the basilica is 459 feet long, 240 feet wide, and 237 feet tall to the top of the cross on the dome. The diameter of the main (Trinity) dome of the basilica is only seven feet shorter than that of the dome of the United States Capitol.
Origin: In 1792, John Carroll, the bishop of Baltimore, consecrat-
religion and morality, the second woman introduces hard, scientific data that further raises red flags over the decision. Finally, the first woman shakes off the objections of the second woman declaring, “I don’t care what you or anyone else says about it, I feel very strongly that this is the best thing for me so I believe it is.”
What is the truth? This position is common in today’s culture and has its roots in the 1960s and the authenticity move-
ment. According to this doctrine, the intensity of feeling alone determines the truth, regardless of facts and evidence to the contrary. The problem is that feelings change and intensity fades. This view, in essence, leads to the irrelevance of the God of Christianity. With no ultimate criteria to frame our decisionmaking, fragmentation, division and even tyranny by so-called reformers become possible. Such a subjective and relative approach to decision-making eliminates from consideration the rationality and objectivity of not only common sense and experience, but of the common good.
of solemn gratitude for him to thank the people of this country for all they had done, so generously, from the beginning until now. So that is part of the reality. And sometimes we need to be challenged more. Sometimes, in our generosity, we forget the full dimension of the needs of the world. The whole world, for many years now, has been forgetting the needs of the people of the Sudan and Darfur. Those are just a couple of examples.
Just as the church in the United States has certain characteristics, when you go to other countries, you will see how they actuate their Christianity in some particular way. There is something special about each people. When you go to Bolivia, Croatia, Japan or China, there is something special and unique about each of those peoples. The church in the United States has a great deal to offer and a great deal to learn.
What is at stake? The reasonableness of Christianity is declared irrelevant in decision-making; subjectivism and relativism gain prominence over objective truth.
Words of wisdom – can you complete the proverb?
were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen _________
The Sacred Scriptures teach us “to get wisdom, to get understanding!” (Proverbs 4:5) Now it is time to put yourself to the test to see how far along you are in this quest by completing this proverb. Remember, no peeking into your Bible! For all were by nature foolish who
a. were not unaware that their race was wicked and their malice ingrained. b. no longer safeguarded either lives or pure wedlock. c. did not succeed in knowing him who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan.
ed the newly created United States under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception. In 1847, Pope Pius IX proclaimed The Immaculate Conception as the patronness of the U.S. Then Bishop Thomas Joseph Shahan proposed the construction of the national shrine, taking his appeal to Pope Pius X in 1913. After receiving a land donation from the Catholic University
of America, Shahan published the Salve Regina, a newsletter meant to stir enthusiasm for his project. He wrote that the shrine would be a “monument of love and gratitude, a great hymn in stone as perfect as the art of man can make it and as holy as the intentions of its builders could wish it to be.” His newsletter was circulated to dioceses throughout the country and financial donations began to pour in.
Church construction began in 1920 and the building opened in 1959. Even now, the basilica is considered to be incomplete.
Notable features: • The Founder’s Chapel – the chapel within the shrine containing the tomb of Bishop Thomas Joseph Shahan. • The Papal Tiara of Pope Paul VI – the crypt has displayed this tiara since 1968.
theology 101
naturally catholic, naturally universal. But this is also a challenge to us, a challenge when we think of immigration and of generosity in admitting people to our shores. We have come from every nation on earth and other people would like to come in and be part of this. By our nature here, we are challenged to generosity and understanding of other people’s plights. In the past, the church in the United States has shown extraordinary sense of generosity. The immigrants came to these shores and built beautiful churches and schools. They did so much and they also helped the countries they had left. So the Catholics of the United States, after the world wars, contributed to rebuilding Europe. And right now, we have collections for Eastern and Central Europe and for missions. When Pope John Paul II came to the United States for his first visit in 1979, one of the things he said was that this was an hour
13
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
(Answer: c – Wis 13:1)
Are you a heretic?
14 New Year in November? T. Gennara
Making Christ the King of your life
O
Sister Ann Shields is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. Questions can be addressed to Sister Ann Shields, Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
spiritual fitness
n Nov. 22, we bring the church year to a close with the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King. The following Sunday is the first Sunday of the new year – the first Sunday of Advent. So, as we begin this month of November, it is important to prepare our hearts for this great feast. How do we do this? Let us take a look first at the readings for Nov. 22 and see what God’s word is telling us and asking of us. The first reading is taken from Daniel 7:13-14. Here we see a description of the action going on constantly before the throne of God. It would be good to take some time to read Revelation 4 and 5 also. This is not some fairy-tale description. Our human words cannot even begin to describe what heaven will be like – but the inspired writers of Scripture give us a true foundation on which to stand and pray. After you have read these two Scripture passages, take some time this week and “enter into the throne room of God” before you pray. One of the sisters in my community said to us one day, “Every time we enter into prayer, wherever we are, take a few moments to consider that worship is going on before God by myriads upon myriads of angels and saints, night and day, without ceasing.” Use the responsorial psalm, verses from Psalm 93, to help you to worship Christ as king. The second reading continues the same theme: praising our God who is, who was and who is to come! After we have spent some time worshiping the Lord, it would be very good to reflect on whether this God whom you worship as king is, in reality, the king, the lord of your life. Turn in your Scripture to Paul’s letter to the Philippians 3:7-12: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, based on law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith; that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that, if possible, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect; but I press on to make it my own because Jesus Christ has made me his own.” Paul had reached a point in his life when his reputation, studies and outstanding intellectual gifts had clearly taken second
place to the all-surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. Paul had become convinced, by grace, that no human award or achievement could come anywhere near the glory, the joy, of being in an intimate relationship with his savior. That same grace is available to you! Think about your earthly success or possessions, or plans and dreams. None of them even begin to promise – let alone deliver! – the joy and peace and confidence that a personal relationship with God will give you. Paul knows this as he penned his letter to the Philippians. He who was an enemy of the cross of Christ is now, by grace, in a place where nothing is of value to him except to love and serve his Lord. What about you? Ask yourself: • What place does Christ hold in my daily life? • Where do his word and teachings fit into my daily priorities? • What place does his will play in my relationships and recreation and career? • Is he king or not? Is he Lord of my life in truth or in name only? These are serious questions and they deserve serious consider-
15
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
From bread to roses
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Feast Day: November 17
Elizabeth sold everything she had in order to support her children.
After Prince Ludwig’s death, Elizabeth sold everything she had in order to support her children. Despite her family’s oppositions, Elizabeth helped the poor. She was known for her gifts of bread and grain to Germany, making her the patron saint of bakers.
She was known for her gifts of bread and grain to Germany.
Elizabeth is the patron saint of nursing homes.
ation. You don’t want to come to Mass on Nov. 22, sit in church and sing hymns to Christ the King while your heart is far away. You don’t want to mumble prayers to Christ as king if you are only “babbling as the pagans do...” (cf Luke 11:42f and Luke 18:9ff). God would, in that case, rightly say that your prayers do not have value and that you are guilty of hypocrisy. I believe in your heart that you don’t want that kind of verdict leveled on your life and your prayer. But, we do need to stop and seriously ask ourselves: • Do I really call Christ my king? • Do I seek to obey him? • Do I sincerely try to live by the standards of his kingdom and when I fail, do I sincerely repent? God is not looking for perfection. We will fail, sometimes again and again. • Is my heart in the right place? Do I really make his priorities, mine? One very important point: Don’t try to conform your life to his under your own strength. That is a recipe for failure. You are a baptized son or daughter of God. Come to the Lord with
Because of her tenderness to the sick, she is also the patron saint of nursing homes. – Illustrations by Chris Sushynski
confidence and tell him honestly the condition of your soul. Tell him that by his grace you want to make the words of Paul your own. Just say to him: “Lord, I am weak and sinful. But I do love you and I want to learn to love you more. Help me by your Holy Spirit to activate the graces you gave me in baptism and confirmation. Give me grace to God will put your will first in my daily life; give me grace to put my draw near energy into loving you above as he sees the all and before all.” sincerity of your When you daily begin to pray this way, God will draw heart. He will lead near as he sees the sincerity you into all truth of your heart. He will lead – which is himself! you into all truth – which is himself! “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Listen to his voice. He cries out to you through the Scriptures. There is only one voice that will speak truth, enable you to begin to enter your inheritance even now and lead you to eternal life. May he become your king, in spirit and in truth!
saint of the month
Miraculously, the food she was hiding turned into roses.
Elizabeth was born in 1207, and was the daughter of King Andrew of Hungary. At 13, she married Prince Ludwig of Thuringa. Her family opposed her works of charity, but she was determined to follow Christ. Once, while she was taking food to the poor, Prince Ludwig stopped her to see what she was hiding. Miraculously, the food she was hiding turned into roses.
16
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
17
Rich and poor
J. Carlson
a vision for the future of the economy Bishop Earl A. Boyea is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing.
P
ope Paul VI, in his 1967 encyclical letter, Populorum progressio, noted that real progress must be human and that Christ shows us what it means to be human. Recently, Pope Benedict issued an encyclical letter, Caritas in veritate (Charity in truth), that praises Pope Paul’s teaching about the role of the church in promoting integral human development and that such development must involve the whole person. sense of social responsibility. Individuals, however, run businesses and need to be attentive to all the stakeholders affected by the business. All economic decisions have a moral significance. In this light, we should not just throw up our hands in the face of globalization, but rather commit ourselves “to promote a person-based and community-oriented cultural process of world-wide integration that is open to transcendence ... to steer the globalization of humanity in relational terms, in terms of communion and the sharing of goods” (#42). One of the main reasons for why this will be difficult, states Pope Benedict, is our overemphasis on rights and our under-emphasis on duties. He calls for society to support the centrality of the family and the treasure that openness to life is. Business must be guided by ethics in addition to the need for profit, and the human person (every human person) must always be at the center of all real development. This applies to international cooperation, care for the environment and responsible energy policies. The Holy Father reminds us that “the development of peoples depends, above all, on a recognition that the human race is a single family” (#53). God is the only foundation for such a truth. Thus there needs to be a place in the public arena for God, where faith
(#67).
Finally, Pope Benedict sees a proper role for technology, not merely learning HOW to do things, but asking WHY we do things. Just because we can do something, does not mean we should; both the goal we seek (ends) and the means to get there must be moral. “Development is impossible without upright men and women, without financiers and politicians whose consciences are finely attuned to the requirements of the common good” (#71). “Without God man neither knows which way to go, nor even understands who he is” (#78). “Development needs Christians with their arms raised towards God in prayer, Christians moved by the knowledge that truth-filled love, caritas in veritate, from which authentic development proceeds, is not produced by us, but given to us” (#79).
from the bishop
Pope Benedict, however, sees that the current financial crisis presents “an opportunity for discernment, in which to shape a new vision for the future” (#21). Today sees a growth in the inequalities between the rich and the poor; in the globalization and integration of the world economy; in the world competitiveness that leads to a lessening of many social safety nets, especially for laborers and those seeking work; in the mixing of cultures – often with a loss of smaller cultures (what some call cultural imperialism); and in threats to the human person (food, water, respect for life and openness to life, religious freedom). These challenges demand solutions. Human reason, within the context of a “civilization of love” – that is, truth and charity in a close relationship – will help us respond to our times. First, we must recognize that we do not create ourselves. Rather, all is a gift from God. This awareness counters selfishness and leads us to value fraternity in all that we do. John Paul II often spoke of solidarity – “a sense of responsibility on the part of everyone with regard to everyone” (#38) as the basis for any really human economic system. Hence all our decisions should be for the common good, not just my good. One trouble today is that the international capital market is so anonymous that businesses rarely have a
and reason can relate to one another. This God-given familial relationship (not something we create or just talk about) means that individuals and groups really can accomplish things on their own (principle of subsidiarity) as an expression of human freedom and responsibility and solidarity. Subsidiarity always acts to limit tendencies toward a totalitarian state. Then, the pope calls for programs and financial systems that create wealth for all and not just for some; that enable greater access to education; that respect the rights of immigrants; that promote the dignity of human work. He also does not let shoppers off the hook: “the consumer has a specific social responsibility” because all our acts are moral acts (#66). He urges reform of the United Nations and of international financial institutions, giving them greater authority so as to advance “authentic human development inspired by the values of charity in truth”
18
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
John Beilein is beginning his third year as head basketball coach at the University of Michigan. In 31 years of college coaching, he has won 582 games, and has taken five different teams to the NCAA men’s tournament. He and his wife, Kathleen, and their family are members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. By Bob Horning | Photography provided by University of Michigan Athletic Department
19
20
cover story
Were you raised Catholic? Yes, I am from a family of nine children and was an altar boy for many years. I have two brothers and six sisters. My parents gave us a great foundation. Missing Mass or church school was never an option. Why did you go into coaching? I had three uncles who coached football or basketball in Catholic schools in upstate New York. I always wanted the keys to the gym. I played ball in college at Wheeling (W.V.) Jesuit University. When I discovered I wasn’t good enough to play professionally, I decided to coach. I began right after graduation. Do you still enjoy it? Yes, and it’s all I know. I hope to coach another 10 years or so. Hopefully, lots of exercise and eating right will keep me healthy enough to coach well into my 60s. You coached at Catholic colleges early in your career. Was that much different? No, not really – except that the priests had a vow of poverty – and they try to make the
coaches take one, too. I am just kidding! I loved coaching at the two Jesuit colleges (LeMoyne and Canisius). The priests and administration were very good to me and my family. I would not trade those years for anything. What has been the best part of coaching? Seeing the personal development of the players, both on and off the court. Coming to U of M is a dose of reality for many of them, since there is a good chance they were the best players in the history of their high schools, yet now they are with 10 to 15 players who are just as good. Only five can play at a time, so we try to guide them through that reality. At the same time, we have the obvious adjustments to college life. Assisting a young man through that period of his life can be very rewarding.
myself until the next game. I have learned to switch that around. Now when we lose, I can’t wait to watch the video to see how I can become a better coach and how my team can improve. My Catholicism helps me through low times. It teaches me to keep trying to do my best, to follow God’s will, to control what I can and leave the rest in God’s hands. I believe St. Ignatius Loyola once said, “Pray as if everything depends upon God; work as if everything depends upon you.” I try to do that.
The worst part? I don’t like losing!
What core values do you try to teach the players? How does your faith fit into that? To trust each other and to be good teammates. I try to show my faith through my actions and example. I like the saying that my mom taught my family – “Values are caught, not taught.”
How do you handle losing? As a young coach, when we won, I was overjoyed and really thought I knew what I was doing. When we lost, I would be upset with my players and
You were recently named to lead the NCAA basketball ethics coalition, so your peers must see the example you set. I was honored that the NCAA asked me to head it. It is a
Where I pray: St. Thomas the Apostle • 530 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 • 734.761.8606 • www.sta2.org
21
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
mentoring, educational endeavor to clear up any misunderstanding of what coaches should expect of each other. We need to be vigilant that we are conducting ourselves properly, and the recommendations that we will make can bring about positive change.
and still win games. My family has never known anything else. This is my eighth coaching job, so we are like a military family with all of our moving around. The kids all have different birthplaces and different schools they attended, but they like basketball. Kathleen really understands the game and gets to most home games. Any of the successes we have had has a lot to do with Kathleen, Seana, Patrick, Mark and Andrew. They have been with me every step of the way.
How has your coaching changed over the years? I have definitely mellowed. I am still demanding, but have changed quite a bit since Kathleen and I started a family (they have been married almost 31 years and have three Do coaches in the Big Ten Confergrown sons and a married daughter). I ence like each other? We are like a began to really see the grace and beauty fraternity. It’s a great group of guys who of God once my family began to grow. I get along well, even though we compete saw how they are all different, and that really hard with each other, too. helped me see that my players respond differently to Michigan My Catholicism helps me through low times. State Univercoaching and instruction. It teaches me to keep trying to do my best, to sity coach Tom Two great Izzo? He is a terfollow God’s will, to control what I can and leave the rific person and I quotes help me: rest in God’s hands. Someone once said, ‘Pray really admire the “They don’t care how much you as if everything depends upon God; work as if way Michigan know until they State runs its baseverything depends upon you.’ I try to do that.” know how much ketball program. you care,” and He is one of the “Rules without very best coaches relationship equals rebellion.” There is a in college basketball today! Describe your relationship with sweet spot between showing your team God. I feel like I don’t do enough to you love them while you also teach them grow in my relationship with God, Does God care who wins a U of discipline and mental toughness. Just M-MSU game? I think he has more even though I am always looking for like when you are a parent! important things to do. I never pray ways to grow closer. I have faith in We sit down with the guys oneto win, just that we do our best and to God’s will and that he has a plan for on-one and get to know them, their be grateful for the opportunity. I have me, but I need to trust that more! families and their goals as much as faith that God is behind me one way possible. We try to help them underor the other. I do tell people that if we How do you balance work and famstand and develop their strengths, and ily? It’s difficult due to the time demands ever get to the national championship to shore up their weaknesses on and game on Monday night, I will be at at this level. The work can consume you off the court. Seeing them grow is what because most coaches are intense compet- Mass at 9 a.m., 10:30 and noon the makes coaching great. day before – and I won’t be leaving itors. I want to be the best. I try to spend early, either. as much time as possible with my family How do you handle the pressure smaller schools have of a job that demands winning? I • Michigan State Unia campus minister. In couldn’t get through the season withversity – St. John the Catholic Diocese out faith. I try to find and keep peace Student Chapel, 327 of Lansing, there are of mind, through prayer, Scripture MAC Ave., East Lanstudent parishes at: and Mass. Faith grows the more we sing, 517.337.9778, surround ourselves with the church. www.stjohnmsu.org • The University The more faith I have, the more peace. of Michigan – St. I have different prayer books all over • Eastern Michigan Most major Mary Student Parthe place with inspirational thoughts University – Holy universities have a ish, 331 Thompunderlined. During Lent, which usuTrinity Student Parish, Catholic presence on son St., Ann Arbor, ally comes at the end of the basketball 511 W. Forest, Ypsicampus in the form 734.663.0557, season when the pressure is greatest, I lanti, 734.482.1400, of a Newman Center www.stmary try to get to Mass every day as a form www.catholics and/or a student studentparish.org of gratitude. oncampus.org parish. Often, even
Where to find spiritual support in college
Campus ministry is another ministry supported by DSA. For more information, visit www.dioceseoflansing.org.
DIOCESAN
SERVICES
APPEAL
22 parties leading up to the departure and they requested donations for the dump dwellers rather than gifts for themselves. The results filled the Lindstrom dining room. The trip is one of 10 that the sponsoring organization, International Samaritan, is leading this year. Based in Ann Arbor and started by Father Don Vettese, S.J. in 1995, it works exclusively with garbage-dump dwellers in Central America and parts of Africa and Southeast Asia (see sidebar). When they first saw the dump, Deanna was struck by the sight of animals. “There were cows, pigs, dogs, vultures – all competing with the people for the food,” she said. “It was dreadful to see children walking barefoot among the nails, broken glass, garbage and feces.” Some of the dumps’ other inhabitants were rats and snakes. Almost 7,000 people live in the 30-acre dump, where 800 tons of waste are dumped each day from San Pedro Sula and six surrounding cities. The discarded food items are the meals for the inhabitants; selling any recyclables they find provides their income. There is no running water, no electricity, no sewers. Bathrooms are wherever you can find a place, behind a tree or a bush. When someone dies, they are put in a hole in the ground in the “cemetery area.” The decomposing bodies are a health hazard. Dead animals, even horses, are left there by owners, to the pleasure of the vultures. “We saw people eke out a living every day,” Eric says. “It helped us all to appreciate
our story
Vacationing in the garbage
H
the Lindstroms’ mission trip to a Honduran dump
ow about spending winter break vacation at a garbage dump – with your five children, age 8 to 14? After hearing a presentation at a religious education class about the garbage dumps in Honduras, Eric and Deanna Lindstrom decided to go to San Pedro Sula, a city of 800,000 and the second largest in Honduras. “We learned all about the horrendous conditions at the city dump during the presentation,” Deanna says. “And that there would be a mission trip at the end of February, which just happened to be the week off for our kids. I wanted to do something more, something better than our previous vacations. I wanted to go as a family, to use our privileged lifestyle to help others and to
show the kids that we can make a difference in people’s lives.” The children were excited about the trip and about collecting items to donate. Their parish, St. Francis of Assisi in Ann Arbor, held a collection for clothes, shoes, vitamins, baby formula, toothpaste, toothbrushes and school supplies. In addition, four of the children had birthday
what we have in America, and the need to give back.” Deanna learned that pregnant mothers gave birth in their dirty homes, without the help of someone trained in delivery. The nearest medical facility is 101 miles from the dump. So a highlight for her was the $22,000 check the group brought from International Samaritan – the downpayment to begin construction of a medical center. It will have a doctor and nurse during the day, facilities for childbirth and a phone contact for emergencies at night. Groundbreaking took place that week, then a meeting with the mayor. “Lots of media were at his office covering the story and interviewing International Samaritan
By Bob Horning | Photography by Tom Gennara
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
representatives,” Deanna says. “We all felt like celebrities.” During the week, the family worked at the nursery and school built by International Samaritan. “The first thing we noticed was the sparseness of the rooms,” Deanna says. “No books, no pictures or posters on the walls. Each child had only a pencil and notebook. We had brought along a few books in Spanish, then bought more while there.” Ryan, 14, thinks the best part of the trip was seeing the teachers’ eyes light up when they were given all the supplies. They painted murals on two walls and put fresh paint on the other walls, and worked and played with the schoolchildren. “We had fun showing them how to do the arts and crafts we brought along,” Deanna says, “like blowing bubbles, working with Play-Doh®, blowing up balloons and drawing monsters after the teacher read them Where the Wild Things Are. “It was a God moment for me watching my own kids helping the children in a way I didn’t know they were capable of. And seeing the joy on the faces of the Honduran children. They are like children everywhere – children of God.” School grades are limited to K-6 due to lack of funds, but that is well above the average education for Hondurans and enough to land a good job. Through working with the schoolchil-
dren, Deanna said they were able to meet some parents and were invited to their homes – homes that International Samaritan has built for some of the residents. Instead of a dwelling made of cardboard and scraps, with no furniture and a dirt floor, they have a wood-frame home with drywall, a cement-slab floor and an aluminum roof. “They were so proud to show us their home,” she said. Oscar Dussan, executive director of International Samaritan, says that their first goal is to provide food, education and other necessities. “We make sure they know that we aren’t there to get anything from them. Only after we have given them what we can, do we talk about Catholicism. If they ask why we do what we do, we say that our faith tells us to do it; that service to others is the most beautiful gift.” Friday was touring day to see the Mayan ruins at Copan. “We ran into two tourists, the only two we saw while in Honduras,” Deanna said. “Would you believe where they were from? Ann Arbor! It showed us how God is in control
23
of everything. “Serving at the dump definitely planted a seed in our hearts to do it more,” Deanna says. “I would love making every vacation like that. We got to see how a big part of the world lives, and it was great to serve God’s people. Even if we don’t go back until the kids are older, we decided to hold a garage sale to raise money for International Samaritan, and to take one day on future vacations to do community service.” “We did raise awareness of the situation in many countries among our friends, and through this article,” Eric says. “When we go back, I want to redouble our efforts to help the people.”
International Samaritan improving life at garbage dumps around the world
To help or to donate to the ministry, call us at 734.222.0701or go to www.intsamaritan.org.
The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) helps people to lift themselves out of poverty. We invest in the dignity of people living below the poverty line. Our programs support self-sufficiency and self-determination for people who are working to bring permanent change to their communities. Our philosophy emphasizes empowerment and participation for those in poverty. By helping the poor to participate in
the decisions and actions that affect their lives and communities, CCHD empowers them to move beyond poverty. Since 1970, CCHD has provided nearly 8,000 grants to self-help projects developed by grassroots groups of poor persons nationwide. Each year, CCHD distributes national grants to more than 300 projects based in local communities. In addition, hundreds of smaller local programs are funded through the 25 percent share of the CCHD collection retained by dioceses. The programs’ successes and the relationships developed have significantly changed the lives of the poor in our country. For more information, visit www.ussccb.org/cchd.
how you can help
International Samaritan was begun by Father Don Vettese in 1995 to improve living conditions at garbage dumps around the world. The organization provides vocational training education, meals to students, medical care, housing and small loans to help dwellers start their own businesses.
24
Health-care reform
What does the Catholic Church in the United States teach? Letter to Congress from the USCCB The U.S. Bishops have voiced their opinion on this issue to members of Congress. Their most recent letter, on Oct. 8, stated: ... If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice but to oppose the bill. We remain committed to working with the Administration, Congressional leadership, and our allies to produce final health reform legislation that will reflect our principles.
health care special report
H
We continue to urge you to: Exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights. No one should be required to pay for or participate in abortion. It is essential that the legislation clearly apply to this new program longstanding and widely supported federal restrictions on abortion funding and mandates, and protections for rights of conscience. No current bill meets this test. Adopt measures that protect and improve people’s health care. Reform should make quality health care affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable and those who live at or near the poverty level. Include effective measures to safeguard the health of immigrants, their children and all of society. Ensure that legal immigrants and their family members have comprehensive, affordable, and timely access to health care coverage. Maintain an adequate safety net for those who remain uncovered.
1 ealth-care reform has been a hot topic. It played a major role in the last presidential election – it’s been in the news for months. And it’s been food for conversation across dinner tables, around water coolers and in Congress.
Everyone has a different idea about what health-care reform should include. Arguments can be vociferous. The Catholic Church has been a major participant in this debate – not only because of the
moral questions involved that affect us all, but also because the Catholic hospital system is one of the nation’s largest. So where does the church stand on health-care reform?
Position of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on health care reform In our Catholic tradition, health care is a basic human right. Access to health care should not depend on where a person works, how much a family earns, or where a person lives. Instead, every person, created in the image and likeness of God, has a right to life and to those things necessary to sustain life, including affordable, quality health care. This teaching is rooted in the biblical call to heal the sick and to serve “the least of these,” our concern for human life and dignity, and the principle of the common good. Unfortunately, tens of millions of Americans do not have health insurance. According to the Catholic bishops of the United States, the current health care system is in need of fundamental reform. To learn about Catholic teaching on health care in more detail, read the full statement by the United States Catholic Bishops, A Framework for Comprehensive Health Care Reform, at usccb.org/sdwp/national/comphealth.shtml.
2 3
We sincerely hope that the legisla-
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
tion will not fall short of our criteria. However, we remain apprehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes. If acceptable language in these areas cannot be found, we will have to oppose the health care bill vigorously. Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protecting human life and dignity. Much-needed reform of our health care system must be pursued in ways that serve the life and dignity of all, never in ways that undermine or violate these fundamental values. We will work tirelessly to remedy these central problems and help pass real reform that clearly protects the life, dignity and health of all.
What about the right to health care? The church recognizes medical care as a fundamental human right. In Pope John XXIII’s encyclical, Pacem in Terris, promulgated in 1963, the pope wrote: Man has the right to live. He has the right to bodily integrity and to the means necessary for the proper development of life, particularly food, clothing, shelter, medical care, rest,
What is the need here in Michigan? According to some statistics from the U.S. Web site on health reform, www.healthreform.gov: • The number of uninsured in Michigan has increased from 960,000 in 2001 to 1.2 million in 2008. • The percent of non-elderly adults without insurance increased from 12.4 percent to 16.7 percent. • The percentage of people with employer-based coverage decreased from 79 percent of the population in 2001 to 72.6 percent in 2008. • 698,000 workers in
Abortion and health-care The bishops and the church adamantly teach respect for human life and dignity, from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death. Catholic teaching is very clear that abortion is not health care. Additionally, health-care providers should continue to have the freedom of conscience to refuse to provide abortion services to which they are morally opposed. Surveys conducted by International Communications Research in September 2009 indicate that the general public concurs with the church on this matter: Sixty percent favor – and only 30 percent oppose – “efforts to pass health care reform to provide affordable health insurance for all.” Focusing on that 60 percent, the survey found that: •6 0 percent of those favoring reform oppose – and only 25 percent support – “measures that would require people to pay for abortion coverage with their federal taxes.” •B y a 49-39 percent plurality, those who favor reform oppose “measures that would require people to pay for abortion coverage with their health insurance premiums” • Among those favoring reform, those who favor maintaining “current federal laws that protect doctors and and, finally, the necessary social services. In consequence, he has the right to be looked after in the event of ill health; disability stemming from his
Michigan did not have health insurance in 2008. • The proportion of workers from Michigan without insurance has increased, from 11.1 percent in 2001 to 14.8 percent in 2008. • 11 percent of people in Michigan are uninsured, and 61 percent of them are in families with at least one full-time worker. • The percentage of Michiganders with employer health coverage has decreased from 74 to 66 percent between 2000 and 2007. • In Michigan, coverage can exclude pre-existing conditions in some cases.
nurses from being forced to perform or refer for abortions against their will” outnumber those who oppose keeping such laws in place by a margin of two to one (60-30). Of all U.S. adults, • 67 percent opposed requiring people to pay for abortion coverage through their taxes • When asked if they would support their own insurance companies providing abortion services, 68 percent of U.S. adults said ‘No’ and only 24 percent said ‘Yes.’ work; widowhood; old age; enforced unemployment; or whenever through no fault of his own he is deprived of the means of livelihood (8).
The USCCB has now raised some serious concerns about the health care bills moving through the United States Congress. I urge you to read this material and to contact your United States Senators and Congressmen and women. The President has promised us that abortion would not be a part of the universal health care program and that the government would not be paying for abortions; we need to make sure that those in Congress heard that message. To those who say that the Hyde amendment and other current laws are sufficient, Richard Doerflinger, associate director of the USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities, notes, “Contrary to recent misleading comments from some sources, this and other health care reform bills appropriate their own funds outside the scope of the annual Labor/HHS appropriations bills, and so are not covered by the Hyde amendment that prevents those bills from funding abortion coverage. This legislation needs its own provision against such funding.” – Bishop Boyea
What can you do? To voice your concern, call your senator or representative at 202.224.3121.
25
26
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
community
things to do:
November Café events
Lansing Catholic High School will be putting on The Wiz, Nov. 13-15, 20-21. To purchase tickets, call the LCHS Ticket Office at 517.267.2187.
St. Andrew, Saline at 7 p.m. on Mondays will have a Bible study of the Letters to the Hebrews in the Day Chapel; and the parish men’s group will be studying the same Letters on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the parish library.
A great time to begin your Christmas shopping – St. Francis Xavier Parish, Otisville will have its Women’s Club Annual Craft Bazaar Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Church of the Resurrection, Lansing invites everyone to join the Work of Christ Prayer Meetings held on Sundays from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. For more information, visit www.workofchrist.com.
Blackthorn in Concert – Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and the show is at 7:15 p.m. at St. Agnes Parish Life Center. Seating is limited and early reservation is recommended. For tickets, call 517.223.8684 or 517.375.0250.
Christ the King, Ann Arbor has Bible study between the Masses on Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in the Parish Center. Dr. Peter Williamson, a New Testament scholar, will be offering a Bible study on the Book of Revelation. A schedule of sessions will be posted on the parish Web site, www.ctkcc.net. Drop-ins are welcome.
Christ the King, Flint has a fish fry every third Friday of the month from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m., sponsored by the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver.
Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jackson has a Bible Sharing Group. It meets on
St. Robert’s annual Super Salad Buffet and Bingo is Nov. 8, 12:30 p.m., at St. Robert Activity Center, 310 N. Cherry St., Flushing. Tickets are $10 (advance ticket sales only, no tickets sold at the door.) Tables may be reserved; smoke-free and handicap accessible. Call 810.659.2501 for tickets. Marriage Matters of Jackson will have a Marriage Restorative Group that will meet Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at the United Way Center, 536 N. Jackson St. For more information, call
Christ the King, Ann Arbor has Women Prayer Meetings the first Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m., in the parish center room 4. Women of all ages are welcome. Praying with Body, Mind and Spirit: A Call to Hope is Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $45 includes lunch, at Weber Center, 1257 E. Siena Heights Dr., Adrian, phone 517.266.4000. The facilitator is Janene Ternes, spiritual director and founder of Prayer in Motion, LLC. For further information, contact Janene at 734.429.7754 or visit her Web site at www.prayer-in-motion.com St. Gerard, Lansing fall Bible study, the Gospel of John, will be offered at 9:15 a.m.10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.-8:15 p.m. For more information, call Jan Haselschwerdt at 517.323.2379 or jhaselschwerdt@stgerard.org.
517.796.5116 or e-mail infor@ marriagemattersjackson.com.
stjohndavison.org or call Sandy Verstegg at 810.240.7451.
Holy Trinity Student Parish at Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti invites everyone to attend Did God Survive the Holocaust?, a conversation with a Jewish and Catholic scholar, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. at the EMU Student Center Ballroom.
Most Holy Trinity School, Fowler will host its annual Veterans Luncheon on Nov. 11. All veterans are welcome. For more information, contact the school office at 989.593.2616.
St. John the Evangelist, Davison will have a Holiday Happenings craft show at its Family Center, 505 N. Dayton St., on Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, visit the parish Web site at www.
Job networking FAITH job network
Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., in the parish library Religious Education Center. Come join us for sharing, study, coffee and snacks.
St. John the Evangelist, Davison has trained volunteers who will assist you in creating a resume and looking for employment on the Internet - free - at the Family Center, Building 505, Room 202, on Mondays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays, 1p.m.-4 p.m. For more information, contact Rosie and Bernie Tholl at 810.245.8559 or rlt1146@aol.com; or Marji Theodoroff at 810.654.0028 or marjithe@aol.com. Need help finding a new job? Know of someone who has a job they need to fill? Catholic Career Services is now here to help. Started by a group of local Catholic business people, Catholic Career Services is open to everyone and available 24 hours a day at www.catholiccareerservices.com . It is funded and led by a board of directors that includes prominent business leaders in the Ann Arbor Catholic business community. Contact Joe McKeown at 734. 418.8701 or visit their Web site.
Learn the latest steps in ballroom dance taught by professionals every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. at Christ the King, Flint. This venue is loads of fun. Come and enjoy. St. Louis Center Fall Auction and Dinner is Nov. 7, 6 p.m., at the Chelsea Community Hospital. Questions or interested in helping? Call 734.475.8430 or e-mail mail@stlouiscenter.org. The community of St. Agnes, Fowlerville invites you to a free dinner to be served on Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. at the Parish Life Center, 855 E. Grand River. These meals are intended for those in the local community who may be in need of a hot meal. For more information, call the parish at 517.223.8684. Feast day of Christ the King, Flint is Nov. 22. The parish is celebrating 80 years of service to the city of Flint, beginning with Mass at 9:45 a.m. and dinner afterwards.
St. Robert Bellarmine will have its annual Catholic Council of Women’s Christmas Craft Bazaar Dec. 5, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Parish Activity Center, 310 N. Cherry St., Flushing. Quality crafters wanted. For information, call 810.659.1722 or 810.639.3625. Holy Redeemer, Burton fall Scrapbooking Crop is Nov. 13, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., (cost $10) and Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., (cost $40). Space is limited. For information or to RSVP, call Lorraine at 810.733.2889 in the evening or lorrainenemeck @comcast.net. Lansing Area Catholic Singles – Friends, Fellowship and Fun, for singles in their mid 30s-50s, has several events planned. For information or details, call 517.321.7886 or e-mail LansingCatholicSingles@ live.com. Diocese of Lansing Youth Jamboree will be Nov. 1 at the Lansing Center. Keynote speaker is Bob Rice. Music performed by Thicker Than Water and Youth Fusion. For information, contact your parish youth minister or visit www.dioceseoflansing.org/ youthministry. St. John the Evangelist, Davison will host the 15th annual
27 Polish Night on Nov. 7 with a Polka Mass at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Polish dinner, music and dancing. For more information, call the parish at 810.653.2377. In November, Christ the King, Flint’s Catholic Council of Women will have its annual pecan sale, fresh from the fields of Georgia. Proceeds from this venture will help fund immediate needs of youth. To order, call 810.233.0402 Cursillo Weekend for men is Nov. 5-8; for women, it is Nov. 19-22; at Camp Dainava, Manchester. For more information, please contact Diane Rutter at 810. 875.0577 or visit www.lansingcursillo.com.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter is a Catholic weekend experience that strengthens and renews marriages. It is open to all married couples and religious. The next encounter is Nov. 6-8 at Maryville Retreat Center in Holly. To register, contact Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433 or online at www.wwme.org.
10-Day Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Jan. 13-22, 2010 – join this spiritually enriching biblical adventure, led by Father David Hudgins, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Adrian and Steve Ray, a certified Holy Land guide, international author and speaker. For information, contact Corporate Travel Service, Inc. at 313.565.888 X121 or visit www.ctscentral.net. Knights of Peter Claver looking for members. Although you are probably familiar with the Knights of Columbus, you may not be aware of another group of Knights in the Diocese of Lansing – the Knights of Peter Claver. The KPC are looking for new members to start a court and council in Lansing. The organization is open to men and women of all races, and includes a junior and senior division. The Knights of Peter Claver are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year – their patron is St. Peter Claver, who carried on an apostolate to black slaves in Colombia in the 17th century. The magazine for the Knights of Peter Claver, The Claverite, is published by FAITH Catholic. If you are interested, please call Deacon Washington at 517.651.6501.
St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt – 866.669.8321 Nov. 20-22, Contemplative Retreat: The Gift of Noticing and Noting – a quiet retreat for women. Weber Center, Adrian – 517.266.4000. Nov. 11, Grief: Nature’s Way of Healing a Broken Heart, 10 a.m.2 p.m. (lunch included), cost $25. Nov. 30-Dec. 6, Advent Directed Retreat sponsored by the Dominican Center for Religious Development; to register, call 313.562.0905. Dominican Center at Marywood, Grand Rapids – 616.454.1241 or www.dominicancenter.com. Prayer and personality – Who we are is how we pray. In the spiritual journey, we approach God through prayer. Explore prayer practices and personality types through study, experience and sharing circles. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m., Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 2009; Jan. 12 and 26; Feb. 9; March 9; April 13; and May 11, 2010. Letting Go of Stress, Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., $20. Centering Prayer, each Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. It is a method of entering wordless, silent prayer. You are welcome to come, to learn and to practice.
David Garvin named 2009 “Michigan Social Worker of the Year” Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw Senior Director David Garvin was named the 2009 National Association of Social Workers (NASW) — Michigan Social Worker of the Year. With 150, 000 members nationally, NASW is the world’s largest organization of professional social workers. Gavin earned the prestigious honor for his work in the areas of domestic violence, mental health and adoption. “Notably, David helped to create and promulgate standards for intervention services to batterers that have made a difference throughout Michigan and beyond,” said CSSW President Lawrence Voight. “We are proud of this deserved recognition of David’s work and leadership.” Garvin is the program director of the Alternatives to Domestic Aggression (ADA), Behavioral Health Services, Substance Abuse Treatment, Pregnancy, Adoption and the Supervised Parenting and Exchange programs. A national leader in the field of batterer intervention, he has been employed at CSSW since 1987.
Lumen Christi graduate gets Peace Corps assignment More than five years ago, Lumen Christi alumnus Dan Vainner trekked to the African nation of Mali, as a Building with Books Club member to help build a school in an effort to reverse the crippling cycle of illiteracy and poverty. “Seeing how those people lived and what they value have really formed me into the person I am now,” said Vainner. Dan maintains that his experience in Mali is the main contributing factor for becoming involved in the Peace Corps. He promised himself he would be back. Dan left for Ghana, and his assignment in the Peace Corps in September 2008. The Peace Corps assigned Dan to the village of Kpetoe working as a community tourism advisor for the ecotourism board of the Nature Conservation Research Center. Vainner is currently involved in developing a new project to introduce the village of Kpetoe to its first basketball court. He says that team sports and fitness are huge in the city and the Peace Corps volunteers have started using sporting events to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. Many lessons can be taught through sports such as teamwork, leadership and fair play. “If I can give these kids access to a new sport … and get the word out a little more on HIV/AIDS, then I think I have to do it,” said Vainner. To donate to Vainner’s basketball court project, you can visit www.peacecorps.gov and click on donate. It will take you to the volunteer project page.
local news
ASL Masses in Nov.: Nov. 1 and 29, 4 p.m., St. Mary Cathedral; Nov. 14, 4:30 p.m., St. Gerard; Nov. 1 and 29, 10 a.m. St. John Chapel, Fenton; Nov. 15, 10 a.m., St. John Chapel, Fenton, ICDA Thanksgiving Dinner; and Nov. 22, 10 a.m., St. John the Evangelist Church, Fenton.
Genesee Health Plan in Flint is sponsoring a free Child and Infant CPR class Nov. 5 from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. in Genesys West Auditorium. To sign up for the class, call 810.232.7740, ext. 211.
28 Announcing the launch of new faith-based career services organization
local news
Catholic Career Services Group Holdings, Inc. is a leader in the communications services industries and has launched a new unit designed to support the job hunting needs of the Catholic community. This division, called Catholic Career Services, will help provide the dignity of work for people in the community by connecting job seekers with job opportunities and providing them with resources to assist in their job search. Open to everyone, Catholic Career Services will work with employees, employers and job candidates regardless of religious beliefs, but is marketed at Catholic parishes around the country. “We’d like to believe the economy must serve people, not the other way around,” said Joe McKeown, CEO of the company. “Work is more than just a way to make a living, but also a way to form a closer relationship with the community. Job seekers, as well as employers, can use our Web site at www.catholiccareerservices.com to find opportunities in their local community, as well as nationwide.” Catholic Career Services, www.catholiccareerservices.com, is a full service, career services agency – providing Web 2.0 tools to job search – for those in need. For more information, call the office at 734.418.8701 or visit their Web site.
$25,000 anniversary grants to 25 nonprofit organizations in region The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan marked its 25th year working to improve the quality of life in southeast Michigan by announcing 25 special anniversary grant awards. The $625,000 in grants came as a welcome surprise to the 25 nonprofit agencies throughout the foundation’s seven-county service area. The Community Foundation highlighted organizations from throughout its seven-county region that demonstrate the foundation’s key areas of impact from its first 25 years. Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County was one of the 25 nonprofits awarded a surprise $25,000 grant for its support of seniors. For more information, visit the foundation’s Web site at www.cfsem.org.
Lansing Catholic Central student named semifinalist Senior Cassandra Flores was named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. She is one of 16,000 academically talented high school seniors earning this designation. The National Achievement Program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Program, is a privately financed academic competition initiated in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Program. It annually recognizes students throughout the nation and provides scholarships to a number of the most outstanding participants. Cassandra is the daughter of Catherine Sanford of Lansing.
New Youth Ministry program in the Genesee region The Genesee region has begun an exciting new ministry called Project 2o3. It comes from the biblical verse, “Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Mt. 18:20). Coordinators of Youth Ministry – Joe Philip, St. Mary, Swartz Creek; Dan Schmit, St. Pius X, Flint; and Amber Zelley, Holy Family, Grand Blanc – have planned a monthly gathering meant to provide a space for local teens to experience church outside of their own youth groups. Each gathering is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on a Sunday evening, with new locations monthly so every parish participating can host and teens can experience different parishes.
The upcoming gathering dates are: Nov. 15, Dec. 20, Jan. 24, Feb. 21, Mar. 21, Apr. 25, and May 16. Parishes are free to come every month or select months that best fit their calendars. Each participating parish must provide chaperones for their youth. To start, each participating parish is being asked to donate $25 per evening to the hosting parish to help with costs. They also are looking for volunteers to host the gatherings on upcoming dates that are not already taken. @
This is a great opportunity to minister to the youth of Genesee County. If you are interested in participating with your teens, please contact Amber Zelley at 810.694.9072 ext. 153 or alzelley@gmail.com.
Teens dance for those who can’t
Nearly $19,000 is what the teens from St. Johns, who have participated in the Teens Dance For Those Who Can’t Dance-A-Thon, have raised for charity over the last three years. In their inaugural year of 2007, the teens raised more than $5,000 for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. In 2008, they raised more than $8,500 for the Clinton County Council to prevent abuse and neglect. Using the Scripture verse “You have turned my mourning into dancing” as their Dance-A-Thon motto, these teens continued their mission this year. On Aug. 7, at the St. Joseph School gym, almost 120 St. Johns teenagers danced and danced – from 10 p.m. until 7 a.m. With their pledges, they raised more than $5,000 for Candlelighters Children’s Cancer Foundation of Michigan.
Donations requested for Alayna’s Fight for Sight Christ the King parishioner Alayna LeVegue, a 9-yearold girl, has been blind since birth. Treatments in China may help her to see for the first time. It will cost $31,000 for the trip, hospital stay and treatments. Please help by contributing to Alayna’s Fight for Sight. Mail to Christ the King Church, 811 Seymour Ave., Flint, 48503. For more information, call 810.233.0402.
29
FAITH Magazine / November 2009 / www.FAITHmag.com
School changes and enrollment rocks
St. Mary on the Lake Golf Fundraiser
St. Pius X in Flint jammed in August rockin’ on Crocodile Dock. This high-energy program was coordinated by Ken Preiss, St. Pius X’s Vacation Bible School enthusiast. St. Pius X’s VBS is an evangelization tool for young families. The parish believes that “Together We Can Make A Difference” all year round.
Kaplan said. The school has made many changes over the summer, including a combined preschool teacher and child-care director, a National School Lunch Program and a buddy system. Each new student and family is assigned a buddy who they can rely on to answer questions regarding the upcoming year and all the events planned.
each year to the social event, which requires the services of more than 50 volunteers. Besides golf, a silent auction, picnic lunch, quilt and other raffles are offered.
Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors calls on state officials to protect the poor in budget debate While legislative leaders seek to further diminish Michigan’s social safety net in an effort to close the state’s $2.8 billion deficit, the Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors approved a statement calling for solidarity with the state’s poorest citizens and urging legislators to enact
a budget that protects essential needs. “The MCC Board of Directors recognizes that Michigan is facing extraordinary challenges and difficult economic times,” says Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M., president and CEO of Michigan Catholic Confer-
After golf, the younger members of the parish washed golf clubs. A rainy start to the event did not dampen the spirit of the community. – Jan Hoffbauer
ence, “but the board is also saying that the state has a moral obligation to craft a budget that recognizes and protects the programs and services on which thousands of poor and vulnerable citizens rely for health and safety.” The Michigan Catholic Conference has consistently spoken out against a prevailing “shared pain” approach to balancing the state budget and has called on legislators to craft a state budget that ensures Michigan’s poorest citizens are protected.
local news
Retired Lumen Christi teacher Reverend Paul Grehl, OSFS has been an avid golfer for almost 50 years. He joined the 80 plus golfers for the 10th annual St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach golf outing at Devil’s Lake Golf Course. The parishioners honored Grehl on the 50th anniversary of his ordination as an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales at St. Anthony, Wilmington, Del.
According to Jean Schaub, pastoral coordinator, “This was the brainchild of Barb and Leo Wesley, who have chaired the event for nine years. It is our major source of fundraising for our outreach projects. The money raised is used for our food pantry, transportation and prescriptions for those in need in our community.” Barb said the idea came after years of listening to Father’s golf jokes. She said something new is added
snapshot
On July 1, 2008, R.J. Kaplan took over as principal of St. Pius X Catholic School in Flint. At the time, enrollment was at an all-time low of 132 students. Today enrollment is at its highest in the last decade, with 200 enrolled students, 12 verbal commitments and more than 20 prospects. “People have asked me how we are growing in one of our worst economic times ever. I have a team of teachers and staff who have worked very hard to turn our school around. People forget that we are in the business of education. Our focus on customer service, teaching the whole child and enrollment management initiatives have had the greatest impact on our school in the last year,” he said. New enrollment initiatives for the 2009-2010 school year include more “positive blessings,” phone calls to parents, Web pages for all staff members and other community building ideas. “By far, the greatest impact I believe on our enrollment increase is because of the many hours in prayer our community has had with the Lord – praying for all Catholic Schools to begin to grow. Prayer changes everything,”
30
The Bishop’s Golf Classic
how Pat Gillespie and John Pence spearheaded an effort for seminarian education
From left to right: Pat Gillespie, Jennifer Gillespie, Bishop Boyea, Carrie Pence and John Pence.
I
local news
n today’s struggling economy, staging a successful charity golf event is as challenging as a weekend hacker taking on Tiger Woods. Thus, the co-chairs of the 2009 Bishop’s Golf Classic for Seminarian Education were a bit nervous when they learned the fundraising goal for their event was $100,000. “We almost fell out of our chairs,” co-chair John Pence says with a chuckle. But that didn’t stop Bishop Earl Boyea from issuing a battle cry made famous by Woods’ sponsor Nike: Just do it. “When the bishop set that goal, it seemed very optimistic,” co-chair Pat Gillespie says. “Due to the tough economy, a lot of golf outings are down 40 percent to 50 percent in participation and donations. But he basically gave us a mandate. It was pretty powerful.” Not to
worry. With leadership from Gillespie and Pence – and the help of many others, including Bishop Boyea — the second annual golf tournament was a smashing success. The Sept. 1 event raised more than $100,000 to support seminarians in the diocese. A total of 360 golfers played in the tournament at Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye golf courses in Bath, northeast of Lansing.
Participants came from all corners of the diocese, including Flint, Ann Arbor, Jackson and the Lansing area. The turnout was a significant increase from the 2008 event. “We were maxed out,” says Pence, a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. The tournament used a familiar “scramble” format, meaning foursomes competed as teams, using their best collective shots. More than 400 people attended a dinner reception after the golfing was completed. “Everything clicked,” says Gillespie, who owns the Gillespie Group, an East Lansing real estate development firm. “With an event like this, so many things can go wrong. But none of it did. It was just phenomenal.” Both co-chairs attribute the golf tournament’s success to the cause it supports: Grooming the next generation of priests for the Diocese of Lansing. In all, 36 men are currently
studying at seminary to become priests, including 10 who are scheduled for ordination over the next four years. This year, there are 81 active priests in the diocese – roughly one for every 3,000 parishioners. But there are seven parishes without resident priests and the diocese is relying on help from outside sources, including priests from India as well as several affiliated with the Oblates of St. Francis deSales religious order. The Diocese of Lansing has men enrolled at four seminaries: Saint John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.; Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit; Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Boston; and Pontifical North American College Seminary in Rome. “This is a cause that people can wrap their arms around because they understand how important priests are,” Pence says. “These men are our future. They’re the ones who will marry and baptize our kids. It’s so important to end up in 15 or 20 years with the same quality of priests we have leading the parishes now.” Father Jerry Vincke is the director of seminarians for the diocese. “He’s an incredible man,” Gillespie says. “When you see the work he does, you want to do anything you can to help him and his cause. Father Jerry has made a big difference in my life. We need more priests like him to make a difference in others’ lives.” Father Vincke says the diocese is well-positioned to replace priests as they begin to retire in the coming years, “We’re blessed in that these guys really love the Lord and want to serve. A lot of it has to do with the great priests we have. When guys see a happy priest, they say, ‘hey, maybe I could do this?’ We have so many good mentor priests in the diocese.”
Tape here
Faith Catholic 1500 E. Saginaw St. Lansing, MI 48906
Tape here
FAITH’s 10th Anniversary Place stamp here
Each four-person team made a $600 donation to compete. Individuals and companies also contributed sponsorship dollars to the event. In fact, roughly half of the money was raised well before a golf ball was struck. Steve Roznowski, president and CEO of the Christman Co., held a cocktail reception several weeks prior to the outing to outline their cause
and convince the diocesan community to support seminarian education. While Gillespie and Pence were the official co-chairs, they received plenty of help from Kellie Dean, the president and CEO of Dean Trailways, as well as the members of the Golf Classic Committee. “He really stepped up with great ideas and great leadership,” Pence said of Dean.
Ditto for Director of Development Patricia O’Hearn, her development staff, countless diocese staffers and community volunteers who lent crucial support, Gillespie says. “They did the heavy lifting,” he says. “We didn’t do anything compared to Pat and her staff. We were there for support and ideas.” The Bishop’s Golf Classic figures to have a bright future.
Both co-chairs are already excited for the 2010 event. “This is only going to get bigger and better,” Pence says. “We want to expand the support and excitement and turn the reception afterward into a great celebration for the seminarians.” Says Gillespie: “It’s gaining momentum. It’s not like we’ve reached the limit. The question is, how do we top it?”
For more information about development and fundraising, contact Pat O’Hearn, pohearn@dioceseoflansing.org.
An evening banquet hosted by ABC-12’s Bill Harris December 9, 2009 – Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Yes, I plan to attend. Number of tickets
Amount enclosed
Names:
No, I cannot attend. Please accept my donation of Tickets are $65 per person, $120 per couple. All proceeds benefit the Father Charles Irvin Scholarship Fund and FAITH Magazine.
For more information or to order tickets, call 517.853.7600 or e-mail pstump@faithcatholic.com
E-mail:
Fold here
Fold here or tear off
Tear here
p l e a s e
r e c y c l e