November 2016

in the know with Father Joe:

How can I invite my family and friends back to church? spiritual fitness:

Keeping God in your life during a hectic day special report:

Catholics and voting

FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

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

Carlson Productions

WE ARE ALL ‘CALLED BY NAME’ TO SHARE JESUS WITH OTHERS

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS LETTER, we will have held our second Diocesan Assembly, “Called by Name.” We had some big names leading us – Deacon Ralph Poyo, Sherry Weddell and Curtis Martin. But the stars of the two days, Oct. 21 and 22, were a couple of thousand dedicated followers of the Lord. They came to be challenged to reach out to all those out there who have some connection to the Catholic Church but still find themselves outside her doors.

There were four major components of the two days we spent with one another. First of all, we have been working to build up prayer groups in our parishes for the past two years to pray for their parishes. Now we gave them and each individual an additional task – to pray specifically for someone we love whom we want the Lord to call back to the Church, or for a group of folks whom we feel need God’s particular grace to see in the Bride of Christ the means of salvation.

Second, where, for the past two years, we have been encouraging all our parishes to provide opportunities for encounters with Christ so as to build up our household of faith, now we have urged those same people and our parishes as a whole to be witnesses to Christ. This mission is not an easy one for Catholics to accept. We have had no or little training in this process. Nonetheless, in Jesus we have received a great gift. It is only natural that we want to share him with others.

Third, our parishes have been working at being more welcoming. I presume this is more noticeable in some places than in others. Still, it is from that stance that we now wish to invite. We invite back those who have walked away, and we invite back those who are unchurched but who seek an encounter with the living God. Obviously, it is necessary L IVE TO INS P I R E to have a place to which to invite them and thus we must continue to work at being welcoming.

Finally, we ended our two days together speaking about accompanying those we invite back. We have been working in many of our parishes to build up discipleship groups, to share our faith and to hold L EAR N TO INV I T E ourselves accountable to each other. There is no better way to accompany others than to invite them to join us in small faith groups.

Much of these elements are skills and tasks that we can learn. But at the heart of all this activity is the ongoing conversion of every follower of Jesus, accepting “the saving sovereignty of Christ and becoming his disciple.” (St. John Paul, Redemptoris missio, #46) Ask one of your fellow parishioners who participated to share the experience with you. And, as always, St. Monica, pray for us.

3

FAITH HELPS

FROM THE EDITOR

Transform your life with

‘THANKSLIVING’

S AN EDITOR, I see (and hopefully correct) the occasional spelling error before an issue of FAITH goes to press. Every now and again, one of those spelling errors catches my eye and makes me stop and think. One such example is “conformation” as a mistaken spelling for “confirmation.” This spelling error triggers my sacramental imagination, inasmuch as one of the hopes we have for anyone who is being confirmed is that they might be more closely conformed to the person of Jesus Christ by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. True, it is a spelling error, but it also encourages one to think a little bit.

T.Gennera

A

FATHER DWIGHT EZOP

is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Church, Bellevue Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.

4

As we move into the month of November, we have the opportunity to prepare ourselves for thanksliving. That’s right – we need to be ready for thanksliving. While we prepare to celebrate our national holiday of Thanksgiving at the end of the month, our preparations for a day that brings together faith, food and family should also spill over into how we live our lives during the other times of the year.

When we gather at table on Thanksgiving Day, we are encouraged to pause and prayerfully give thanks for the many blessings we have known during the past year. Giving thanks for our blessings in whatever form they may take requires that we be aware of our blessings in the first place. That kind of awareness can, at times, be elusive, given the many ways in which our attention can be diverted from moment to moment. Being aware of our blessings also means that we must be aware of their true source – our good and gracious God. In addition to celebrating In addition to celebrating bounty and blessings on a particular Thursbounty and blessings on a day in the month of November, it particular Thursday in the month would be good for each of us to of November, it would be good make time each day during our for each of us to make time each daily prayer to name one or two blessings we have experienced. day during our daily prayer to In naming our blessings daily, we name one or two blessings we must also thankfully acknowledge have experienced.”

God as the source from whom all blessings flow. My sense is that the more we are deliberate in pausing to reflect on our daily blessings and the One who is their source, the more our lives will be infused with an overall sense of thankfulness – to such an extent that our daily living will become thanksliving. Imagine that attitude of thankfulness spilling over into other aspects of our lives, most especially in how we act and interact with one another. What if a sense of entitlement is transformed by daily thanksliving? How might a competitive nature or a thirst for power or influence be positively transformed by a pervasive sense of thankfulness? How might a tendency toward greed or acquisitiveness be dramatically lessened? Would we view the gift of life and the skills we use to make our living differently?

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of this month, perhaps we can be more deliberate in allowing its effects and its deeper awareness to spill more fully into our daily lives, so that Thanksgiving leads us to daily thanksliving. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Parenting Journey

1. What are some ways you can guide young people to use their strengths in their education and career choices while at the same time allowing them to discern their own path?

Theology 101

1.

Can you describe a time when you experienced God’s merciful action in your life? Have you approached Jesus with hope for healing and asked for his mercy, like the leper and the centurion?

Spiritual Fitness

1.

How do you keep God in your daily life? Do you carve out time for him despite the busyness of your schedule?

2.

What are some short prayers you can say during the day to turn your heart to God, even for a moment?

Feature story (Kovelles)

1.

Rachel and Charlie learned how to listen – really listen – to one another through their marriage prep class. Do you have any relationships in your life that might benefit from trying to talk less and listen more?

2.

Meditate on James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO FAITHPUB.COM TO FIND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES

INSIDE NOVEMBER

COVER STORY CATHOLIC CHARITIES COUNSELING HELPED SAVE CRYSTAL AND JOE’S MARRIAGE – THEY ‘GAVE US HOPE TO GROW OUR FAMILY AS ONE’ P. 16

YOUR LIFE

6 marriage matters

He says: ‘It’s time for our

daughter to host Christmas dinner.’ She says: ‘This is my tradition and I want everyone home.’ What do they do?

7 parenting journey

O ur son says ‘no’ to college – He wants to be a construction worker

YOUR FAITH

10 in the know with Father Joe How can I invite my family and friends back to church?

12 theology 101

Lessons in experiencing mercy

14 spiritual fitness

Keeping God in your life during a hectic day

YOUR STORIES

20 our story

From stuborn arguments to respectful talks – What Rachel and Charlie learned in We C.A.R.E.

P. 14

22 feature story

How Ryan turns his business trips into pilgrimages – Holy Doors of Mercy across the world

P. 22

FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

work life

M y coworker won’t share crucial information

8 culture

Giving thanks for the present

9 goodlife

Home for the holidays? 3 tips for juggling time with family and friends

SPECIAL REPORT CATHOLICS AND VOTING P. 24

5

YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS

IT’S TIME FOR OUR DAUGHTER TO HOST CHRISTMAS DINNER HE SAYS: We’ve been hosting family holidays for 30 years, and it becomes more exhausting every year. It’s also hard for our children to travel with their own young children. This year, our daughter wants to host, which I think is a great idea – now if I could just get Sally to agree.

THIS IS MY TRADITION AND I WANT EVERYONE HOME

Holiday dinners commonly provoke a round or

WHAT DO THEY DO?

two of family feuding. Whether it’s about the menu, the venue, the guest list or the topics of conversation, someone often seems to get his

or her nose out of joint. What should be cause for celebration becomes cause for irritation. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

DR. MANUEL P. SANTOS AND KAREE SANTOS

are co-authors of The Four Keys to Everlasting Love: How Your Catholic Marriage Can Bring You Joy for a Lifetime (Ave Maria Press, 2016).

6

St. John Paul enthused, “Did not Jesus institute

the Eucharist in a family-like setting during the Last Supper? When you meet for meals and are together in harmony, Christ is close to you.” (Letter to Families 1994, 18) Especially when holidays are also holy days, like Christmas, the main goal is spending time together in worship and fellowship. Everything else is secondary.

Holiday traditions that worked when the kids were little don’t always work after the kids grow up, get married and have kids of their own, as in Sally and Mark’s family. When the shape of the family changes, all the family members need to stretch themselves to fit the new circumstances. This year might be a good year to

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

GETTY IMAGES

SHE SAYS: The holidays have always been my favorite time of year— the dinner, the decorations, the family. This is my tradition and I want everybody home for Christmas! Mark needs to take my side and tell our daughter this is not going to happen.

celebrate at their daughter’s house. Next year, circumstances might change again.

With at least four major holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter – there are many different ways to divide up the hosting duties. Sally could host Christmas, and her daughter could host Thanksgiving, for example. When it’s her daughter’s turn, Sally could offer to cook some of her tastiest dishes at home and bring them to dinner at her daughter’s house. Even better, Sally could arrive early and the two of them could cook up time-honored family favorites together. Sally’s daughter might really appreciate the help and the togetherness.

Sally’s daughter seems to resemble her mother quite a bit. They both cherish family traditions and value the opportunity to entertain family members in their own home.

Sally’s willingness to pass the baton on to her daughter would be the best holiday gift of all.

Note: Nothing in this column is meant to provide psychological or medical diagnosis, treatment or opinion.

OUR SON SAYS Q ‘NO’ TO COLLEGE A

OUR SON DOESN’T WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE, and instead wants to be a construction worker. We are afraid he won’t

ever get a good job and be able to support a family someday.

He wants to be a construction worker

GETTY IMAGES

Q

My coworker “protects” information, because she’s afraid I can do her job better than she can. It makes it difficult to cover her in her absences, which I’m expected to do. How can I deal with this without being a “tattletale” to our boss?

JIM BERLUCCHI is the executive director of the Spitzer Center.

A

Apply the four cardinal virtues. You might remember them from the catechism (1805-09). They’re essential for human excellence and, from top to bottom, also give us a roadmap for problem solving.

• Prudence. This is the perfected ability of right decision making. It’s the charioteer of the other three virtues, and it’s all about being rational – getting the best result through the best means. Get clear on your goal. Your bottom line result is good coverage during your coworker’s absences. To get there you’ll need: • Justice. You need to be fair to both your employer and your coworker.

Since your primary obligation is to your boss, you must insist on having the necessary knowledge from your colleague. To achieve that, muster your: • Courage. Take the bull by the horns, but

YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY

T. Gennara

Dignity of work. It is important to remember that all work has dignity. As St. John Paul wrote in his apostolic letter, Laborem Exercens, or “Through Work,” humans not only “transform nature” through work, adapting it to their own needs, but they also “achieve fulfillment as a human being.”

Getting a good job. Individuals define a “good job” in different ways. Having a just wage is essential. But providing a family with luxury items isn’t. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the occupations with the highest chance of employment. It predicts that employment opportunities for construction laborers will increase faster than many other occupations.

Finding a good fit for one’s skills. What aspects of construction appeal to your son? Is he good at math? Is he eager to learn how to read blueprints? Then finding a technical school and studying basic masonry might be a good approach before an apprenticeship. Check out the U.S. Department of Labor ApprenticeshipUSA to explore the possibilities.

Keep an open dialogue with your son as he explores options for his future. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11)

My coworker won’t share crucial information

T. Gennara

When one of my college friends quit to work fulltime, I earnestly explained that she needed to stay in college to be successful. But she ended up crafting a career that was personally rewarding and financially sound. I learned that we can’t choose the paths for others.

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

LEARN MORE VISIT FAITHPUB.COM TO ACCESS THE RESOURCES MENTIONED IN PARENTING JOURNEY.

YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

don’t take any bull. Make it clear to her that you must be fully informed to fill in for her. Ask her if she’s going to disclose information. If she agrees and performs – problem solved. If she won’t, tell her you’ll be informing your boss of the problem. Then, if necessary, do it. And throughout the whole process, put on: • Self-control (temperance). You’re cool as a cucumber. You don’t let anger or pride provoke vengeance or agitation.

Direct your emotions to the right end in the right way.

If you keep these four virtues in mind and practice, you can apply them for any life event or problem. Play the right “cards” and you’ll never lose a hand.

7

YOUR LIFE CULTURE

Giving thanks for the present Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself (Mt 6:34)

H

MMM…I WILL CONFESS I STRUGGLE WITH THIS ONE. I want to believe that this quote from Scripture is God’s way of saying “don’t worry, I got this!” The problem is, things don’t always seem to end well.

So what is the message? If I examine the entire passage in the Bible, I think it really has to do with priorities. The Lord seems to be commenting on the mistake of worrying about worldly needs to the extent that they eclipse our spiritual needs. If we spend all our time worrying about what we need or want, we don’t leave ourselves enough time for the Lord.

The best analogy for this, in my life, is when I prepare for guests at our house. Not only did I used to take on worry and stress leading up to the event, I scurried about during the party and denied myself the gift of living in the present. At the end of the night, I would realize I spent almost no time conversing with the guests, which was the whole point of having them over!

So it can be with life; we worry all day about the needs and concerns of life. And then, one day, when the end comes, we risk being in the position of realizing we spent almost no time with the Lord.

I have since worked on letting go of my worries and placing my trust in God. One way I have helped myself is to select recipes that can be prepared the night before. Recently, I’ve had a lot of fun and success serving up individual desserts in mason jars.

T. Gennara

Pumpkin spice cake in mason jars MICHELLE DIFRANCO

is a designer and the busy mom of three children.

FOLLOW FAITH PUB FOR MORE RECIPES AND CRAFTS

8

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 stick unsalted butter (room temp) 2 large eggs 1½ cups sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin puree ½ cup lukewarm milk 1 2/3 cups flour 1¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt Pecan halves Mini chocolate chips 6 half-pint (or 8-10 smaller) mason jars

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

With Thanksgiving around the corner, you might consider a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie. Throw it together, put it in the oven, and Do not worry about dessert. Dessert will take care of itself.

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray insides of mason jars with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and butter together for about two minutes. Add eggs and beat until combined. Add pumpkin puree and milk and continue to beat. Slowly add dry flour mixture. Mix on lower speed until combined.

Pour batter into jars until almost 2/3 full and bake for 20-40 minutes (depending on jar size) or until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Using tongs or oven mitt, transfer jars to a wire rack to cool (for about 20-30 minutes).

Cover with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Using a knife or piping bag, cover with cheese cream frosting. Top off with mini chocolate chips or pecan halves.

YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS? 3 tips for juggling time with family and friends

Heading home for the holidays is something most people look forward to. However, it can be stressful if there are more people to visit than time allows. Here are a few suggestions to consider when deciding how to spend your time:

for Christmas, and some when you come home for another holiday or visit. Maybe visit with extended relatives every other holiday. Those who care about you will understand time constraints and love you just the same.

1

3

Communication is key. Find out what the expectations are for family events. If you won’t be able to attend every event, find out which ones are most important to your parents or family and discuss how to make it work ahead of time. Be sure to be honest with your friends about family obligations so you don’t find yourself making up excuses at the last minute.

2

Don’t try to see everyone and do everything each time you’re home. People are more understanding than you think. Visit some of your friends when you’re home

Allow yourself some down time. Holidays are a time to count your blessings and enjoy being in the presence of those you love. Focus on quality time. Realize you are not your best self when you are run-down and stressed. Give yourself permission to relax and recharge.

Holidays are a perfect opportunity to take a deep breath and appreciate where God has brought you, and the relationships God has blessed your life with at this moment in time. Don’t forget to say a prayer of thanksgiving for having so many people who love you!

BY CYNTHIA KAAN

9

YOUR FAITH

How can I invite my family and friends Q

DEAR FATHER JOE: I’d like to invite my “lost sheep” family members back into the crèche? How can I invite them back to the Church at the holidays and moving forward?

T. Gennara

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

READ MORE VISIT FAITHPUB. COM TO READ FATHER JOE’S COLUMN FROM JULY 2014, ‘WHAT’S THE POINT OF GOING TO CHURCH?’

10

ened and guided by him as well.

With this solid foundation of faith and prayer, you are ready to begin. To be clear, I’m going to offer you a few different ways to go about this: it doesn’t mean you have to follow it in this way – let God lead you. You may find that you mix and match these ideas or go in a What a great question – it can be such a difficult totally different direction. Trust that you can follow his thing to invite someone into practicing the faith prompts well. without coming across as self-righteous or as somehow One good way to go about it is to be a bit more a bit “off.” A big part of the process of bringing somecovert, frankly. If Mass is at 4:30, invite your one back is to start with the recognition of a friends to “Come to mass and dinner with couple of points. us.” It’s a bit less threatening to people if you First, remember that what you are desiring Don’t worry make your invitation a social one. “Mass and is holy; it’s good. Sometimes, what we desire about dinner” can be a nice way to ease into the isn’t so good, isn’t so holy. You have in your topic. This will serve as an invitation for them heart a hunger to bring someone back into a defending and a great blessing for you as well. When communal practice of the faith and that is a the Catholic they come to your house, make sure and pray blessing. You desire something good. faith. Don’t before the meal. Make sure that your conver With that idea, I ask you to read this pastell them sation is joyful and life-giving and that they sage from Philippians 1:6: “He who started walk away having had a lovely time. a good work in you will see it to completion how they Also, you can consider if they have hobbies on the day of Christ Jesus.” This good thing are wrong or or things that are a consistent part of their you desire? It came from God. He placed it their church is life that you can be a part of. Scripture tell in your heart and you can be confident that, wrong – share us that, when Jesus first met St. Peter, he got however he uses you in this effort to bring into Peter’s boat. It was only after he had been someone back, he will be the one to see it to how Christ is in Peter’s boat for a bit that he initiated a concompletion. present at the versation/relationship with him. In the same So, the last preparatory step in bringing Mass! way, you can “get into your friends boat.” someone back is to ask God to bless your Enter into their lives and bring the light and efforts. Remember the words of the Book life of Christ with you. Go to their kids’ games, head off of Psalms, Chapter 127:1 “Unless the Lord builds the to bowl with them or whatever it is they enjoy doing. house, the builders labor in vain.” Your effort is in A lot of people in our culture are “doers.” As a generspired by God; now you are making sure it is strength-

A

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

GETTY IMAGES

BACK TO CHURCH?

say. You are going to share your heart in this conversation and, if you are like me, it’s easy to get emotional or overly passionate. I know it sounds funny, but practice what you are going to say. Keep it simple, clear and personal.

These are just some ideas. The key is to get them there and let Christ do the work. Show them through your words and example how faith in Jesus has made your life better, has made you a better person.

A final point: do not worry about results.

Do not focus on whether your efforts are successful – focus on being faithful. I often remind myself of the fact that Jesus gave us a parable where he spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven as a sower sowing seeds. In the end, the sower was “successful” only about one in four times. Your goal is to let Christ use you to plant a seed in their hearts. Maybe you will see it grow, maybe someone else will.

May God bless our efforts to lead people to his glorious Kingdom!

Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

B. PATTEN

al rule, people like to help. Is there a project at the church where people are asking for help? Maybe some table set ups or some church cleaning? Volunteer for it and ask your friend to help. Bring them in to see you and others volunteering. Prepare any of the volunteers who are there for the fact that there will be a new person coming and that you want to make sure they are welcomed and loved in that volunteering.

Hopefully, at some point, they will begin a conversation about why you go to church or why you are connecting with them. This is your moment!

Before you speak, pray and ask God to lead you in your words. I like to tell people in this moment “Share your why.” This is the time to share why you go to church, why it is important to you and how it has made your life better. Don’t worry about defending the Catholic faith. Don’t tell them how they are wrong or their church is wrong – share how Christ is present at the Mass!

I find it helpful if you practice what you are going to

Q: How do pirates communicate with each other?

A: With an Aye phone.

11

Jesus and the Centurion by Paolo Veronese (1528-1588)

Lessons in experiencing MERCY

J

ESUS TEACHES US that power should be used so that there might be life, and life to the full. In other words, power should be exercised mercifully. However, is there something required of us in order to experience the merciful exercise of power? Are there “preconditions” that dispose us more readily to experience, for example, God’s mercy? Is there something that “enables” God’s merciful action to take effect in our lives?

THE WITNESS OF THE GOSPELS

Consider each of the following accounts: A leper approaches Jesus amidst a great crowd and says, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus replies, “I will do it. Be made clean.” The leprosy immediately leaves the man.

At another time, a centurion approaches Jesus and makes his appeal, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” When Jesus offers to go to the centurion’s house to cure the servant, the centurion says, 12

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus replies, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” At that moment, the servant is healed.

An official comes forward and kneels before Jesus saying, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rises and follows the official to his home. However, along the way, a woman who has been suffering from hemorrhages for 12 years comes up behind Jesus and touches the tassel on his cloak. She says to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus turns to her and says, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” The woman is instantly cured. When Jesus finally arrives to the official’s house, he takes the girl by the hand and she arises.

Finally, Jesus encounters two blind men following him and crying out for pity. They approach Jesus and Jesus asks, “Do you believe that I can do this?” They both reply, “Yes, Lord.” Jesus touches their eyes and says, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”

Their eyes are opened.

YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

THEOLOGY 101 QUIZ Test your knowledge of what the Bible has to say about mercy …

“So let us _______ _______ the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

A. consciously avoid B. bow before C. confidently approach D. humbly exalt

SPIRITUAL READING

Thomas à Kempis provides us with sound advice and the proper mind-set as we approach our spiritual reading to end this Year of Mercy. Spiritual reading is not simply reading spiritual classics, but reading in a spiritual way that desires the closeness of God. To this end, The Imitation of Christ would make a fine addition to our reading list. It is a devotional book and handbook for spiritual life composed by the Dutch canon regular Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471). It is perhaps the most translated book, apart from the Bible.

Answer: (C) – confidently approach (Heb 4:16)

the realization of what is hoped for.” In each of our stories, the hope for healing that drives each of the protagonists to approach Jesus is ultimately realized. The In each of these accounts, the person who is seeking mechanism by which this is accomplished is faith. mercy has to first approach Jesus and ask him for it.

Jesus repeatedly responds to the petitioner’s faith in Of course, one would only bother to approach Jesus in his ability to heal them or their loved one. Faith is that the first place because he or she hopes that he has the interior instinct with which God invites us to believe in power to do what they ask of him. his word. Faith makes it possible for the human mind The catechism teaches us that hope is the virtue by to believe in the truth which reason cannot comprewhich “we desire the kingdom of heaven and hend, based on the authority of the God who eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust reveals it. In other words, faith allows us to in Christ’s promises and relying not on our overcome lack of evidence through confiown strength, but on the help of the grace of dence in the one who speaks.

Faith makes the Holy Spirit.” (1817) In short, hope is the What’s more, faith is essential because, as it possible for grace of both the desire itself and the expecHebrews 11:3 explains, “What is seen was the human tation of obtaining what is desired. made from things that are not visible.” What mind to What could be more important than the this means is that faith enables us to see virtue that makes it possible for us to desire beyond the visible to the invisible, so that the believe in the our greatest good, and grants us the assurinvisible can be made visible. truth which ance we can attain it? Hope provides the moreason cannot tivation for us to begin, and then to continue comprehend, on the path to fullness of life in Christ. It is IN CLOSING … hope that assures us we are definitely loved based on the and – whatever happens to us – we are awaitHope and faith both make it possible for authority of ed by this Love. And so our lives – all of our us to experience Christ’s mercy in our lives. the God who lives – are good.

Perhaps this is the reason the Church links reveals it.”

So the existence of hope in our hearts hope, faith and love so closely. These virtues seems to be a necessary precondition to expeadapt our faculties for participation in the rience the life-giving mercy of Jesus. Now, is divine life of communion for which we are there anything else that is required? destined, and where fullness of life alone resides. As St. John Paul II writes in Dives in Misericordia, “Believing in the crucified Son means ‘seeing the Father,’ means LESSON #2: THE FAITH TO MOVE MOUNTAINS believing that love is present in the world and that this love is more powerful than any kind of evil in which individuals, humanity, or the world are involved.”

The Letter to the Hebrews (11:1) asserts that faith “is

S. Olson

LESSON #1: THE HOPE TO APPROACH

DOUG CULP

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

13

14

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

Q

HOW CAN I KEEP GOD PRESENT

A

YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS

These are two very good questions that require a clear answer, especially in the

times in which we live. Noise surrounds us these

IN MY LIFE DURING A

days – more than ever before. Between keeping

HECTIC WORK/SCHOOL

up with our jobs, schoolwork, social media and

SCHEDULE? HOW CAN I

the daily news – not to mention spending quality

BE ATTENTIVE TO HIM?

time with family and friends each day – we are squeezed for time. We struggle to keep up.

But if we are going to make a real effort to keep God in our daily lives, we have to shut out the noise, at least for a few minutes here and there.

Once we have made that commitment, we need to pray for greater faith: •T o believe that our unseen God is very present; •T o believe that our God has created us, each of us, in his image and likeness; and •T o believe that our God loves us and wants to build a personal relationship with each one of us.

Remember: No one is excluded. We can choose not to believe that truth; we can choose to live our lives with only earthly goals. But if we do follow that earthly path, we can end up very far from the heart, the mind and the Spirit of the living God.

Let’s review some steps you can take if you feel you are headed in the wrong direction and have the courage to admit it.

1. P ray each day that God will resurrect that gift of faith given to you in baptism and confirmation. Just say, “Lord, restore or strengthen the faith I have.”

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my 2. I f you don’t have a regular prayer time, prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day in union with the ask God to give you the discipline to holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I offer them for carve out 15 minutes a day – preferably all the intentions of your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, the at the beginning of the day.

3. Pray the Morning Offering reparation for sin and the reunion of all Christians. I offer them for 4. Read the Mass readings for the day. the intentions of our bishops and of all apostles of prayer, and in 5. Make a decision about how to live out particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month. the teaching for this day in your life: an attitude that needs to change, forgiveness to be offered or a request for forgiveness from another; a new way to serve others in your family; a new attitude toward your fellow workers or parishioners – you get the idea. Each small thing put into practice begins to lighten the darkness of sin in our own lives. As we follow this process, we can actually begin to experience a new joy, even in the routineness of daily living – joy that is a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

6. Keep a Bible near you or use a Bible app – read it for a few moments when you have time during the day. Thank God for saving you; thank him for giving you the real hope of eternal life.

7. Close with praying the Lord’s Prayer slowly, focusing on every word. By giving God your attentiveness and willingness to conform your life to his truth, you will begin to receive a joy and peace the world cannot give.

8. Choose three times during the day when you decide, even for a moment, to SISTER ANN SHIELDS turn your heart to God; to remember what you decided in Morning Prayer; is a renowned author and a member and to tell God you love him and want to love him more. Remember, it takes of the Servants of God’s Love. time and patience to build a new habit. Don’t be discouraged. @srannshieldssgl

M OR NI NG OF F E R I NG

T. Gennara

15

16

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

17

“Crystal was my best friend’s kid sister, so I’ve known her since I was 10.

I didn’t pay any mind to her until a few years ago when I came back to visit her brother, Danny. That’s when something just clicked.

“Joe had been friends with my brother as far back as I can remember, so I never took a second look at him.

Then, in October of 2008, Joe came over to visit Danny, not knowing he was living with me. Dan had moved into my house to help care for our father, who was recovering from a near-fatal drunkendriving accident.

“When Joe walked in, I was sitting in a chair with a coffee cup of Jack Daniels. I had become an alcoholic, trying to numb myself to all the hurt in my life. As Joe and Danny were talking, Joe also struck up a conversation with me – nothing about being together, just ‘how have you been?’

“About once a week, he’d call or visit. Every time we talked, we grew closer. By spring of 2009, my father had recovered enough to be on his own, so we found him a place to live. The night before Easter of 2009, Joe came over and that was the beginning of our story. We were inseparable.”

LEARN MORE SEE PAGE 20 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WE C.A.R.E. MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAM OFFERED IN OUR DIOCESE

18

better than being apart. “Before Joe, I didn’t want to marry. I didn’t want children. I thought I was better off by myself, so no one could ever hurt me.

The first year of our marriage was rocky. I was still drinking, we didn’t have the faith we have now and we were just learning what it meant about saying and sticking to forever.

“After we hit our first anniversary, things started to smooth out. I eventually quit drinking, and he started making more money in stocks, which gave him more confidence.

“I just knew. We laughed a lot together, had a lot of the same beliefs. I loved that she was a go-getter, buying her own house and caring for her self-destructive father.”

“I was raised Catholic, and my family has been active for years at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish (Queens) in Jackson. When we felt ready to have a child, Crystal wanted a strong faith life for our family, so she called Queens to ask about RCIA. My father was so excited, he offered to sponsor Crystal and me so I could finally be confirmed in the Catholic faith.”

“In June of 2009, he asked me to become his wife. Everyone was convinced we were moving too fast, but we knew that being together was

“Shortly after we made the commitment to start RCIA, we found out we were pregnant. When I started the class, I was over-

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

whelmed at the feeling of love and acceptance. Raised Baptist, I was always taught to fear God, because he would punish you if you sinned. In RCIA, I learned that God is all-loving and forgives our trespasses.

“On Easter of 2013, we were confirmed into the Catholic faith; on May 5, Ayrianna was born. It was important to us to have our marriage recognized by the Church before Ayri was baptized, so, moments before he baptized her, Father Tim MacDonald married us in the Church.

“Things were going extremely well. Joe worked from home as a stock market day-trader and cared for our beautiful baby. My management job was flexible enough that I enrolled in online human resources management classes.

“Our son, Joseph II, was born April 1, 2015, just before my employer closed its doors. I found work immediately, but in a job with less flexibility and much more stress.

“This put a lot more pressure on Joe than either of us had expected.

He was caring for two kids in diapers, making appointments, taking them to the doctor. Basically he

was taking care of everything in the home, plus building his day-trading practice. Still, money was tight. The stress was becoming too much.”

“We were living kind of a hamster-wheel lifestyle. We were very good parents. but not good partners. I was still madly in love with my wife, but we were separated by our careers.

When our 2-year-old started biting her nails and rushing up to us saying ‘It’s alright,’ we knew it was affecting our children. We saw that if we didn’t get help, we could lose it all.”

“We were falling apart. We started separating from each other by ignoring, walking away and not talking about anything. Living like robots, not showing emotion, we had literally disconnected. On Easter of 2016, we had an argument.

I took the kids and stayed at my mother’s overnight. “The next day, I gave Joe a choice: We would either get help or give up, because we couldn’t keep going this way. I had mentally prepared myself for any decision, but was relieved when he agreed. I emailed Father Tim that day to ask if we could meet with him.

“After listening, Father Tim said we needed more help than he was able to provide. When we told him we didn't have medical insurance and really didn’t have the money to pay for counseling, he recommended we call Catholic Charities. He

assured us that even if we couldn’t afford the sliding-scale fee, we were going to get the help we needed to save our marriage. We set up an appointment the same week with a counselor from Catholic Charities.”

“At the end of our first session, the counselor could see that we had the tools to improve our marriage. We just needed to sharpen them.”

“[The counselor] said even though our house seemed like rubble on the ground, we had the foundation and the structure to rebuild. We went from the end of March through the middle of June seeing her once a week. She gave us tools we use every day to keep communication strong and healthy. She also helped me work through some anger that I had been holding. Once I was able to let that go and stop blaming Joe, I was able to truly love him again. “Because of the help that was graciously given to us, I have never been happier. I have never loved him so truly and deeply as I do now, and the future has never been this clear. We were given hope; hope for the future; hope for our love to grow stronger; and, best of all, hope to grow our family as one.

“I know that when you’re struggling, it can be hard to admit you have a problem, but you have to reach out and ask. Through the grace of God and the help of people like Father Tim and Catholic Charities, we rebuilt our home with the

CATHOLIC CHARITIES COUNSELING Catholic Charities’ agencies provide marriage counseling, as well as counseling for addiction and individuals, for privately insured clients.

The counselors are highly qualified, trained and licensed professionals, and the agencies accept many forms of insurance.

Lord and faith interwoven into the fabric of our relationship.”

“I agree. Faith is the only thing that can truly heal you and help you find that support.

The Lord has been guiding us all along. It will all be worth it if we can help even one couple say, ‘You know, maybe it’s not over for us,’ and reach out for help.

“It is worth every minute, every penny, every tear and every ounce of facing your fears of the unknown. God is so good. With faith, love and trust, now we know we can make it through anything.”

Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County 734.971.9781 | CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties 517.782.2551 | CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG Livingston County Catholic Charities 517.545.5944 | LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties 810.232.9950; 989.723.8239 | CATHOLICCHARITIESFLINT.ORG St. Vincent Catholic Charities 517.323.4734 | STVCC.ORG

19

stubborn arguments respectful talks

FROM

TO

What Rachel and Charlie learned in We C.A.R.E.

BY ROSE ROBERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

20

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

W

ITH THEIR FINGERS WOVEN TOGETHER, Rachel and Charlie Kovelle radiate mutual

love and respect. When they speak, their eyes lock as they listen — really listen — to what the other shares. As natural as this deportment has become, this was not always the case.

“I would say we had a lot of trouble communicating the first couple years we were dating, mostly due to our jobs and homes being quite a distance from each other,” explains Rachel. “We relied on texting to communicate, and in texting you can’t pick up someone’s connotations. We argued so much. We were both stubborn and unwilling to back down.”Eventually, the distance gap closed, things improved and Rachel and Charlie became engaged. Talks about their future life together included practicing a mutual faith. For Rachel, having been raised in multiple traditions (Christian and Jewish), faith had not been a priority, but she was willing to make some changes for their relationship. Charlie, raised Catholic, relayed to Rachel how important it was to him that they raise their kids Catholic.

“I felt,” says Charlie, “if we were actually going to practice a faith together, starting before our marriage would help form a firm foundation of belief we could share with our future children.”

They visited St. Patrick Parish in Brighton and were captivated by its warm, welcoming ambiance and the pastor, Father Karl Pung. Charlie explains: “Father Karl is the most down-to-earth priest, and was a huge pull for both of us. We had a great initial meeting with him, and so Rachel began the RCIA process. Shortly after, we began our marriage prep. I knew one program, We C.A.R.E. (Communication And Relationship Enhancement), focused on communication.” But Charlie was hesitant because, as he says, “I was older and felt I had seen or observed enough in life to have an understanding of successful interaction. But sitting down and intentionally talking about the subject showed me there were other methodologies I had not been aware of.”

Rachel chimes in, “I was apprehensive, too, because I pre-judged the program and its facilitators. I was so wrong; we love them! Getting to know a good Catholic couple and hearing their personal stories about difficult communication skills at the onset of their marriage had us laughing … and relating! It was great to hear their examples because we didn’t feel alone.” Charlie, an engineer whose natural inclination is to fix things, really resonated with the husband half of the facilitator team, also an engineer, who relayed that not everything needs to be fixed. “Understanding just that little tidbit was so helpful,” he says.

We C.A.R.E classes follow a formula of thought-provoking questions, teaching videos and then a chance to privately implement the communication tools in an actual scenario of their lives. The Kovelles enthusiastically filled

YOUR STORIES OUR STORY

their interpersonal toolbox. One skill the couple regularly practices is the speaker-listener technique, where only one person talks at a time and then relays what they have heard. “Initially, learning the process was weird. We interrupted each other a lot. Within our marriage,” says Charlie, “we have assimilated this into our daily lives.”

“Timeout is another tool they taught us,” adds Rachel.

“Whoever needs one can call one, but then that person also has to set a point for time in. I used to divorce myself from our arguments and walk away. Now I can take a step back for a few minutes and return to the discussion without completely shutting down.”

Charlie says, “Stick with what We C.A.R.E. teaches, and apply what you have been given. It is one thing to hear it, but implementation is so important. Keep an open mind, because otherwise we become calcified within the walls we erect in order to build our own ego. Because of what I learned, our relationship is simply better. Between the RCIA process and Praying together We C.A.R.E., I have been changed.” involves total With a chuckle, Rachel adds, “We vulnerability and are two separate people and always will be, so arguing is natural. I think disclosure, and has it is amazing that we are as happy brought us so much as a married couple can be and we closer. We pray before still quarrel. Because of the great We every meal and often C.A.R.E. program, we know how to maneuver. They teach you all the at night.” skills, but if you are not going to use them, they mean nothing. You simply have to want a marriage where you are open, vulnerable, intimate and honest with your partner. ” Both agree those attributes are most evident with what they consider the greatest communication skill they obtained: learning to pray together. In a quick back-andforth together, they say, “This was such an 'a-ha' moment!”

Charlie explains, “Neither of us had ever prayed with a partner before. It was out of our comfort zone and awkward at first, but the more we did it, the easier it got.

Praying together involves total vulnerability and disclosure, and has brought us so much closer. We pray before every meal and often at night.” Rachel continues: “We will stop an activity to pray for a need that has come to our attention. We close our eyes, join hands, begin with thanks and then add whatever intention is required. When you really pray, you pray from your heart; it is very intimate.”

In addition to marriage counseling, Catholic Charities works to get marriages off to a strong start through the We C.A.R.E. Program.

See the list of Catholic Charities agencies on page 19.

WE C.A.R.E.

21

Sorrowful Mother Shrine, Bellevue, Ohio

Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, Canton, Ohio

Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Cleveland, Ohio

Cathedral Santuario de Guadalupe, Dallas, Texas

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, New Jersey

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, New Jersey

Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit, Michigan

High Cathedral of Saint Peter, Trier, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

HOW RYAN TURNS HIS BUSINESS TRIPS INTO PILGRIMAGES

22

TOM GENNARA

THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY COMMENCED WHEN POPE FRANCIS OPENED THE HOLY DOOR OF ST. PETER’S BASILICA ON DEC. 8, 2015.

THE FOLLOWING WEEK, ALL THE HOLY DOORS IN CATHEDRALS AND DESIGNATED CHURCHES AROUND THE WORLD OPENED TO PILGRIMS.

Holy Doors of Mercy across the world

BY EMILY LENHARD

R

yan Schweitzer, a recent convert and parishioner of St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Flushing, walked through a Holy Door in Switzerland last spring on a pilgrimage with Father Gordon Rei-

gle, pastor of St. Robert and Good Shepherd Parish in Montrose. That gave him an idea.

Ryan travels often for his job as a quality analyst for General Motors. He decided this presented an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. He set a goal of visiting 79 Holy Doors, equal to the age of Pope Francis, before the Year of Mercy comes to a close on Nov. 20. As of print time, Ryan had visited 56 Holy Doors, and is still on schedule to be able to visit at least 79 by Nov. 20.

Ryan has kept a journal of his travels and shared his experiences on social media. He shared some of his photos of the Holy Doors he has visited with FAITH.

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

HOLY DOOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN SCHWEITZER

Our Mother of Mercy, Fort Worth, Texas

Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Emmitsburg, Maryland

Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, Frederick, Maryland

Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, Carey, Ohio

Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption, Marietta, Ohio

Historic Saint Mary’s Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

WHAT ARE HOLY DOORS?

These doors are not just for you. There’s been so many instances – almost all these churches that I’ve gone to – where something has happened, where I’ve been reminded that this is more than just a checklist. This is a spiritual development.” – Ryan Schweitzer

DON QUILLAN

Holy Doors throughout the world were opened during this Jubilee Year of Mercy. When they opened at the beginning of the year, "The Holy Door (became) a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons and instills hope.” Since each diocese opened a Door of Mercy, all members of the faithful have the opportunity to make a pilgrimage to their local Holy Door during the Jubilee. This pilgrimage is to be a journey of walking closer with God and discovering "moment[s] of grace and spiritual renewal." These doors are symbols of God's mercy, open to welcome everyone into the compassion of God's love that Christ proclaimed. (USCCB)

In December of 2015, Bishop Boyea opened the Year of Mercy Holy Door, the Porta Sancta, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing.

Bishop said, “Let us pray this will be an opportunity for many graces and blessings on our diocese.”

It’s not like a checklist of just marking off these visitation sites, and I don’t want to confuse the reason of why I go to the churches. When I visit, I try to attend Mass. If I can’t attend Mass, I try to at least walk the Stations of the Cross, or take an opportunity to meditate and pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I want to make it more than treating it as a tourist site.” – Ryan Schweitzer 23

SPECIAL REPORT: Catholics and voting

A

S THE BATTLE FOR the White House intensifies, each of the major political parties will certainly be aiming to win the Catholic vote. With approximately 81.6 million self-identified Catholics (more than 25 percent of the U.S. population), the Catholic demographic is a major prize.

GETTY IMAGES

However, the Catholic vote is anything but monolithic. In fact, one of the characteristics of modern U.S. Catholic culture seems to be the tendency to interpret and judge Catholicism through the lens of social, economic, political or environmental ideologies, rather than to interpret and judge these various ideologies through the lens of Catholicism. The unfortunate result is that the language describing U.S. Catholicism is replete with ideological identifiers such as conservative, liberal, traditionalist and progressive – identifiers that all serve to condition and distinguish the various brands of Catholicism from other strains in the religion.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in its document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” affirms that, as citizens, “we should be guided more by our moral convictions than by our attachment to a political party or interest group.

When necessary, our participation should help transform the party to which we belong; we should not let the party transform us in such a way that we neglect or deny fundamental moral truths or approve intrinsically evil acts. We are called to bring together our principles and our political choices, our values and our votes, to help build a civilization of truth and love.” (14)

We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: GOOD CATHOLICS IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN POLITICS BY OFFERING THE BEST OF THEMSELVES SO THAT THE LEADER CAN GOVERN.

24

FAITH Magazine | NOVMEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

WIKEPEDIA

- Pope Francis, 9/16/13

REFLECT before you elect CATHOLIC ADVOCACY NETWORK ACH LEGISLATIVE SESSION, the Michigan Catholic Conference evaluates bills introduced into the Michigan House and Senate based on their impact on human dignity, social justice and the common good. The Catholic Advocacy Network (CAN) provides an opportunity for Michigan Catholics to stay updated on current policy issues.

To sign up, visit micatholic.org/advocacy.

GETTY IMAGES

E

THE CATHOLIC AND PUBLIC LIFE The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states that the Catholic faithful have an obligation to participate in promoting the common good.

While this participation begins first and foremost in taking charge of a person’s own areas of personal responsibility, Catholic citizens “should take an active part in public life.” (1915) The USCCB echoes the catechism in labeling responsible citizenship a virtue and explicitly calling participation in political life a moral obligation. This obligation finds its root in the “baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do.”

LEARN MORE VISIT MICATHOLIC.ORG TO READ: “THE ISSUES, THE CANDIDATES AND YOUR VOTE: CALLING FOR DIGNITY IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE”

SPECIAL REPORT

When deciding on how to vote, the U.S. bishops ask that Catholics consider and reflect on the moral dimension of their public choices. To assist, the bishops provide these 10 policy goals that can help voters act on ethical principles, “rather than particular interests and partisan allegiances.” (usccb.org) 1. Address the pre-eminent requirement to protect the weakest in our midst — innocent unborn children — and provide women in crisis pregnancies the supports they need to make a decision for life.

2.

Keep our nation from turning to violence to address fundamental problems, such as:

• abortion to deal with unwanted pregnancies

• euthanasia and assisted suicide to deal with illness and disability

• the destruction of human embryos in the name of research

• the death penalty to combat crime

• war to address international disputes 3.

Protect the fundamental understanding of marriage as the lifelong and faithful union of one man and one woman, and as the central institution of society.

4.

Achieve comprehensive immigration reform that offers a path to citizenship, treats immigrant workers fairly, prevents the separation of families, maintains the integrity of our borders, respects the rule of law and addresses the factors that compel people to leave their own countries.

5.

Help families and children overcome poverty: ensuring access to and choice in education, as well as decent work at fair, living wages and adequate assistance for the vulnerable in our nation, while also helping to overcome widespread hunger and poverty around the world, especially in the areas of development assistance, debt relief and international trade.

6. Provide health care while respecting human life, human dignity and religious freedom in our health care system.

7.

Continue to oppose policies that reflect prejudice, hostility toward immigrants, religious bigotry and other forms of unjust discrimination.

8.

Encourage families, community groups, economic structures and government to work together to overcome poverty, pursue the common good and care for creation.

9.

Establish and comply with moral limits on the use of military force — examining for what purposes it may be used, under what authority, and at what human cost — with a special view to seeking a responsible and effective response for ending the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East and other parts of the world.

10. Join with others around the world to pursue peace, protect human rights and religious liberty and advance economic justice and care for creation.

BY DOUG CULP

25

YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO Nov. 4, 6:30-9 p.m., a Mother Daughter Conference for moms and their 9- to 12-year-old daughters at St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing in Father Mac Hall. Cost is $15; $20 if you have more than one daughter. To register, contact Annie Kitching at akitching@elcatholics.org.

All Faith Ministry for Disabilities November events: Nov. 6, 12:302 p.m., bowling at City Limits East, 2120 E. Saginaw St., Lansing.

Cost: $2.50/game, no charge for shoes, pizza and pop. RSVP by Nov. 3; contact Amy Schneider at amyschneider9698@gmail.com.

Nov. 12, 10:30 a.m., movie "Trolls" – Sensory Showtime at Celebration Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd., Lansing.

Nov. 13, 2 p.m., Special Needs Mass at St. Casimir, 815 Sparrow Ave., Lansing, followed by refreshments.

All are welcome. To RSVP, contact Candy Blatnik at 517.381.1410 or Icblatnik@juno.com.

Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., St. Paul, Owosso will have a Scrapbook and Craft Day. The cost is $40 and includes meals/snacks/beverages, door prizes, raffle and 50/50.

Vendors will be available.Nov. 5, 6

p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell will have an International Beer and Wine Fest; and Nov. 10, 7 p.m., a grief workshop will be held. These events will be held in Thompson Hall. For more information, contact the parish office at 517.546.7200.

Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the Knights of Columbus will have a roasted chicken dinner at 1259 E. Main St., Owosso. The meal includes dressing, mashed potatoes/gravy, vegetables, salad and more. Adults $10; ages 5-12 $5.

Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell will have a Polish dinner. For ticket information, call the parish office at 517.546.0090; and Nov. 19-20, the parish will have a Holiday Craft Bazaar and Quilters Show. All are welcome to attend.

Nov. 12, 6:15 p.m., Resurrection School, 123 Rumsey Ave., Lansing, will have an auction after 5 p.m. Mass in the parish hall. There will be silent and live auctions, appetizers and drinks. Please join our parish and school families to help us raise funds to support future projects within the school. For information, call 517.487.0439.

Nov. 15, 6-9 p.m., Call to Holiness Conference at Sterling Inn Banquet Center, Sterling Heights. The keynote speaker is Dale Ahlquist, president of

the American Chesterton Society and EWTN host. Cost is $45 per person.

To register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Nov. 18-20, Ann Arbor Rachel's Vineyard starts at 2 p.m. on Friday and ends at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For information or to register, contact Beth Bauer at 734.879.0427 or Lpbbauer@yahoo.com.

ALL FAITH MINISTRY FOR DISABILITIES NOVEMBER EVENTS

Nov. 19, 8 a.m., St. Michael Parish in Grand Ledge will have its Women's Breakfast in the fellowship hall (basement of the church); at 8:30 a.m., the speaker will be Peggy Westcott.

JOIN OUR PARISH AND SCHOOL FAMILIES TO HELP RAISE FUNDS TO SUPPORT FUTURE PROJECTS WITHIN RESURRECTION SCHOOL

RETREAT CENTERS WEBER RETREAT CENTER, ADRIAN, WEBERCENTER.ORG or CALL 517.266.4000 • Women Reading the Scriptures — Do women read the Scriptures any differently than men do? How much do you know about the women who appear in the Bible? Come to Weber Center, bring your Bible and spend some time learning: 1:30-3 p.m. on Nov. 10, Dec. 1, Jan. 19, Feb. 16 and March 16.

• Advent Retreat: Missionary Discipleship, Nov. 27-Dec. 2. In this retreat, we will identify Jesus’ call to discipleship and what it entails by exploring examples of discipleship in women and men of the New Testament. Retreat leader is Father Anthony Gittins, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit.

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 • Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., "Becoming a Saint: Our Deepest Calling." With great mercy and love, the Lord invites each one of us to be his blessed ones. "I have called you by name: you are mine."

Presenter is Tony Sperendi.

• Dec. 2-4, Married Couples retreat to deepen your knowledge of yourself, your spouse and God — and celebrate your strengths as a couple.

26

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

Nov. 19-20, Advent Book Sale after all Masses at both St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Church and Student Center in East Lansing.

This is an opportunity to make your journey through Advent spiritually rich this year.

ST. MARY MAGDALEN, BRIGHTON WILL HOST A VOCATION DAY FOR GRADES 7 AND 8 FOR ALL PARISHES

Nov. 19-20, the Council of Catholic Women at St. Mark the Evangelist will host the annual fall bake sale after all Masses. Please call Lori Amos at 810.516.0895 or Mary McFarlane at 810.344.9859. And be sure to stop and shop the goodies for sale that weekend.

Nov 20, 2:30-4:30 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton will host a Vocation Day for grades 7 and 8 for all parishes, which includes Mass at 2:30 p.m. with Bishop Boyea and concelebrants, followed by a vocation panel at 3:30 p.m.

Please register your youth group by contacting Dawn at 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org.

Nov. 21, 7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have a Thanksgiving Interfaith Service; on Nov. 24, 9 a.m. the parish will have a Thanksgiving Day Mass. For information, contact the parish office at 517.351.7215.

Nov. 27, 4:30 p.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson will host its 27th annual Advent Choir Fest, with Jackson area adult choirs performing Advent music, including Handel’s Messiah. Freewill offering. All are welcome to attend.

Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Mary Cathedral Hall will host a Hundredfold Workshop, a diocesanwide event for all Catholics interested in helping to promote vocations,

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

NOVEMBER CAFÉ EVENTS Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Christ Church Spirituality Center, 612 Grosse Pointe Blvd., Grosse Pointe Farms, will host “Journey to the Heart of Mercy.” Presenter Janene Ternes of Prayer in Motion will be using different forms of prayer to help you reflect on times in your life when you have been the recipient of mercy, as well as the giver of this gift. For information, contact Janene at 734.429.7754 or visit prayer-in-motion.com.

On Nov. 3, everyone is invited to the Hesburgh Lecture being held at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 M.A.C. Ave, East Lansing: "Race, Perseverance and Catholicism: Post-Racial Society?," with evidence from the National Black Catholic Survey. Darren W. Davis, Ph.D. and associate vice president for research and professor of political science, will be the speaker. Presented by the Notre Dame Club of Lansing. For information, contact the parish at 517.337.9778. including lay leaders. It is free, lunch is provided and registration is available at www.dioceseoflansing. org/hundredfold.

Mother Teresa House Tour of Peace: Tours of the house are conducted to spread the mission of love for the terminally ill. These informational, one-hour tours include stories of our service and do not include requests for donations. Tours are normally scheduled for the first and the third Wednesday of each month. For a listing of tours and to sign up, visit www.motherteresahouse.org or call 517.484.5494.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, CCSGC.ORG or 810.232.9950 – FLINT; and 989.723.8239 – SHIAWASSEE. • Help us put Hope in a Box for those in need! Items that are used every day, such as toiletries and cleaning items, aren’t included under Bridge Cards and other forms of assistance. Your group, business or organization can help your Catholic Charities provide those things to the Community Closet, which aids individuals and families who are in need. To donate or volunteer, call 810.265.7025.

• Stuff the Truck for Catholic Charities in November: Bring a blanket, coat or three non-perishable food items to the Dort Event Center during November and receive one free ticket to see the Flint Firebirds hit the ice against the Saginaw Spirit on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. The event, with a 50/50 raffle, concessions and more, helps Catholic Charities bring relief to individuals and families during winter. For information, call 810.785.6911.

• Be an Angel for a Child this Christmas: Last year, nearly 2,000 children received Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree program. If you would like to help provide Christmas for a child in need, call John at the North Soup Kitchen, 810.785.6911.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG • Interested in becoming a foster parent? Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County offers foster care for children who have been separated from their birth families for reasons of abuse and/ or neglect. CSSW licenses foster families to provide a safe, loving, temporary home until the child is able to be reunified with their birth family. For more information, please join us for one of our upcoming orientation meetings: Dec. 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m., or Dec. 22, 9 a.m.-noon, at 4925 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor. For information or to RSVP, call 734.971.9781, ext. 448. There are no fees associated with becoming a licensed foster parent.

• Two We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation classes for engaged couples: Nov. 11-12 and Dec. 9-10. To register or for information, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG • Oct. 15-Dec. 7, our resource advocates are available to assist seniors with the open enrollment period for Medicare Part D. It is important for seniors to review their plans each year to see if their coverage has changed, or if they qualify for help with monthly premiums or lower co-pays. To apply online, call Social Security at 800.772.1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

• Please help us remember our seniors by considering a donation to Christmas Blessing Boxes for homebound/low income seniors.

Suggested items: toilet paper, Kleenex, peanut butter, individual fruit cups, breakfast bars, boxed cereal and oatmeal, canned soup, tuna, stamps or small bottles of detergent. Items can be dropped off at the office, 2020 E. Grand River, Ste. 104, Howell, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LANSING 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG • Have you considered adoption or becoming a foster parent? To begin the process, attend an upcoming Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent Orientation offered on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The next orientations are Nov. 1 and Nov. 15. To RSVP, contact Stephanie Stanley at stanles@stvcc.org.

• Dec. 2, 6:30-10 a.m., please join St. Vincent for breakfast at its annual Community Thank You Open House held in the children’s home gymnasium at 2828 W. Willow St. It’s free and includes 99.1 WFMK’s Danny Stewart and Monica Harris broadcasting live at the event.

SHARE YOUR FAITH FOLLOW FAITH PUB ONLINE

27

YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

NEW DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY

NEW DIRECTOR OF DIACONAL FORMATION

Brian Flynn, the new director of high school and middle school ministry for the diocese, has already set goals for his first year: “Meet the people who are working with our high school and middle school aged youth and ask what the diocese can do to help support them in their ministry at the parish level.”

Brian graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a degree in theology, and has been involved in ministry to youths for more than 20 years. He and his wife, Kristin, have eight children. Brian’s most recent position was CYM, DRE and music director at St. Mary Parish in Westphalia.

Brian added: “It is clear to me that the Holy Spirit is moving powerfully in the Diocese of Lansing, so when this door opened, I was thrilled to walk through and offer whatever gifts, experience and talents I have to be part of his plan. St. Aloysius Gonzaga, ora pro nobis!”

SEMINARIAN PILGRIMAGE SHARE YOUR NEWS SEND YOUR LOCAL NEWS STORIES TO EDITORIAL@ FAITHPUB.COM

Last August, the seminarians of the Diocese of Lansing, along with Bishop Boyea and several priests, took a bus trip to the shrine of the North American Martyrs in Midland, Ontario. Jesuit missionaries came from France to that part of Canada to evangelize the Huron people who were living there. Among the priests who came were St. Jean de Brebeuf and St. Gabriel Lalemant, who lived, worked and spread the Gospel among the Hurons before being martyred at the hands of the Iroquois in 1649. The seminarians spent several days in prayer and reflection at the places where the saints served and gave their lives for God. They were able to pray at the tomb of the saints and at the place of their martyrdom. It was good to reconnect and spend time with each other while reflecting on the cost of discipleship before starting a new seminary year. The faith and example of the martyrs were inspiring; all left with a stronger commitment to follow Christ.

– John Vinton, first theology student at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.

28

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

D. QUILLAN

Deacon Randy Desrochers is the new director of diaconal formation for the Diocese of Lansing. In this role, he is responsible for the recruitment and formation of deacons. In his position at St. Joseph Parish in Dexter, Deacon Randy will continue to be responsible for charitable activities and social justice ministries.

Deacon Randy was a general surgeon for 33 years, and was ordained in May 2013. He and his wife, Carol, have four children and one grandchild. According to Deacon Randy, his biggest challenge will be “recognizing that this is not my ministry; it is God’s. I am simply a steward.”

His goal for this new position is “to avoid getting in the way of the Holy Spirit and God’s plan for the diaconate in the Diocese of Lansing. If I can assist and help further it, so much the better.”

2016 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MASS Bishop Earl Boyea, more than a dozen priests and nearly 1,000 students, staff, faculty and parents attended the annual Diocese of Lansing Mass for Catholic Schools at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing. Bishop Boyea reminded the students, and all of us, of the need to listen to Jesus when he says, "Come and follow me!" For more information, visit dolcatholicschools.com

POSTHUMOUS AWARD PRESENTED TO LARRY VOIGHT On Sept. 9, at its 60th anniversary gala, the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency posthumously recognized Larry Voight, late president of Catholic Charities of Washtenaw County, for his significant contribution in working with the Michigan Department of Corrections to establish the Prisoner Re-entry Program in Washtenaw County. David Garvin, the interim president, accepted the award honoring Larry.

High School Juniors and Seniors, College Seniors, Post-Grads and Parents You are invited to

Ave Fall Fest 2016

Hosted by Tom Monaghan Founder of Ave Maria University and Ave Maria School of Law

Sat., November 19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Domino’s Farms in Ann Arbor

maximize your business potential with one of mid-Michigan’s largest magazines

Meet admissions counselors and alumni and learn about these incredible scholarships: AMU Michigan Scholarship $28,000 over 4 years with additional AMU Aid available

Ave Maria School of Law Michigan and Toledo Area Full-Tuition Scholarship

Come enjoy giveaways, games, great food and an ice cream sundae bar FREE! Registration required by Fri., Nov. 11 Register today at www.avemariafoundation.org QUESTIONS? VISIT avemariafoundation.org or CALL 734-930-3587

Contact Tom Gaskin to learn more about advertising in FAITH Phone: 517-853-7648 | E-mail: tgaskin@faithcatholic.com | www.FAITHpub.com

CREDITS

in the know with Father Joe:

How can I invite my family and friends back to church? spiritual fitness:

Keeping God in your life during a hectic day special report:

Catholics and voting

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing NOVEMBER 2016 VOLUME 16: ISSUE 9

www.FAITHpub.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

FIND US ONLINE AT FAITHPUB.COM

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Patrick M. O’Brien

REUTERS

Pope Francis blesses a nun of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity during the audience for workers and volunteers of mercy at the Vatican

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

CANONIZATION OF BLESSED MOTHER TERESA

VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR

Cynthia Vandecar DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Marybeth Hicks MARKETING DIRECTOR

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Tom Gaskin ADVERTISING SALES

POPE WATCH WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jim Berlucci | Doug Culp | Michelle DiFranco | Cynthia Kaan | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Emily Lenhard | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Rose Robertson | Nancy Schertzing | Sister Ann Shields CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlson Productions | Shane Folkertsma | Mike Frieseman | Tom Gennara | Sarah Moore Kuschell | James Luning | Gretchen Mathos | Don Quillan

STRESSING THE DIGNITY OF LIFE ON MERCY FRIDAY VISITS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Patten CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR

For subscription information: Call 1.866.76.FAITH

30

“Only those who humble themselves before the Lord can experience the greatness of his mercy.”

– Pope Francis @Pontifex Sept. 16

The Holy Father visited a neonatal unit at San Giovanni Hospital and a hospice for the terminally ill in Rome in September as part of his Mercy Friday activities. Pope Francis stressed the dignity of human life from conception through natural death as he visited the newborns and the dying.

During his Mercy Friday visits, he has spent time with refugees, addicts, human trafficking victims and the elderly.

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

CNS

For advertising information: Call 517.853.7648

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2015 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

Pope Francis declared Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta a saint on Sept. 4 before a crowd of 120,000 pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

At the sacred Mass, the Holy Father said: “Mother Teresa, in all aspects of her life, was a generous dispenser of divine mercy, making herself available for everyone through her welcome and defense of human life, those unborn and those abandoned and discarded.”

After the Mass 1,500 poor people, who attended the Mass from shelters and soup kitchens, were served pizza by sisters and brothers from St. Teresa’s order, the Missionaries of Charity.

FAITHPUB.COM | FOLLOW FAITH PUB