November 2017

INSIDE: FROM THE BISHOP:

Welcome our lost sheep home SPECIAL REPORT:

Hurricanes wreak havoc on Caribbean islands, southern U.S. INTRODUCING:

GOODLIFE:I

WHEN RELIGIOUS PEOPLE MAKE UNCHARITABLE COMMENTS

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FATHER SOLANUS CASEY TO BE BEATIFIED IN DETROIT

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FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

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

Carlson Productions

WELCOME OUR LOST SHEEP HOME

OK, FOR MOST OF A YEAR NOW we have all been praying for someone we know and love to come back to the Church. Perhaps it is someone who will pick up this magazine off of the coffee table at home where we have conveniently laid it. Now it is time to act! Remember this text: If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. Mt 18:12-13 Many of us have acquaintances, friends and even family members who have drifted away from or actively left the Catholic Church. The numbers sadden us – in our diocese, only about 34 percent of registered parishioners attend Mass weekly. And there are countless other baptized Catholics who are not affiliated with a church in any way. We long to bring them home. We who minister in the Church are not immune – several members of my own family are no longer practicing the faith. It certainly pains each of us when we reflect on their separation, for we wish for them the same joy that we have found in loving our Lord Jesus and his Church.

It was in response to this crisis within the Church that I wrote a pastoral letter, Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord, in 2012. Using that as a blueprint, we in the Diocese of Lansing have been working tirelessly to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We have had two diocesan assemblies to focus on evangelization, to reach out to our brothers and sisters who have wandered from the fold. Last year we signed a brochure in church to pray for someone we wanted to call home; we will renew this action at the end of this month in our parishes. Perhaps our only action can be to pray; perhaps someone else will do the calling as a result of our prayer; Many of us have perhaps we are meant to call someone else’s loved one home. acquaintances, friends and We are now going to have some help issuing that call. The Diocese of Lansing is going even family members who to collaborate with the Catholics Come Home organization to launch a media campaign have drifted away from or from mid-December to mid-January. You will see television commercials that are specially developed to encourage people to come back to the Church or to learn about actively left the Catholic the Church for the first time. During their run, these commercials will air on broadcast Church. The numbers sadden and cable stations across our diocese; in fact, most people will see them multiple times. us – in our diocese, only about This is an extraordinary undertaking, and I am very excited about it touching people’s 34 percent of registered lives and bringing them closer to Christ. To date, Catholics Come Home has partnered with more than 33 dioceses, and many are reporting a strengthening in Catholic identity, a parishioners attend Mass return to the sacraments, and much positive press for the Catholic Church. weekly.”

Our parishes are already very gracious in welcoming back those who return to the Faith. It is of particular importance that we continue that tradition, but also prepare intentionally to receive more Catholics who are coming home. This may mean that each of us has to take a long-term approach to this matter as we want them home not just for Christmas but for the long run. We must learn to accompany our sisters and brothers.

There are two reasons for this activity. The first is because we all owe God our worship and praise. God gives us love and life and meaning and purpose, so we should give him thanks and that really can only be done with other believers in the Body of Christ, the Church, which Jesus set up for that very purpose. The second is because they are brothers and sisters and we need them and want them with us; their faith supports us sinners in our weakness and we want to support them when they need it. After all, we are all sinners and Jesus likes to collect sinners together!

I am excited that the Diocese of Lansing is engaging in this initiative that promises to help many people back to the sacraments and into a deeper relationship with our Lord.

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FAITH HELPS

FROM THE EDITOR

LIVES TRANSFORMED BY FAITH

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NE OF THE GREAT GIFTS that flowed out of the Second Vatican Council is the restoration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – the RCIA. The RCIA is the process by which those who are not baptized, those who have been baptized and formed in another Christian tradition, as well as those who have been baptized as Catholics but who have never been catechized become fully initiated members of the Church. It is a glorious process that culminates with the celebration of the Easter Vigil. It is also one of the great blessings that I as a priest and pastor have the privilege to experience. Through the RCIA, the Lord touches the hearts and minds of so many people, and it is always inspiring and encouraging to hear the faith stories of those who have made the journey through the RCIA process.

T.Gennera

I think of someone like Bernadine, who joined the Church at the Easter Vigil in 1991. She shares that she and the others who received the sacraments of initiation that night were literally jumping with joy as they experienced the love of God poured into their hearts. Her future husband, David, would experience the RCIA in 1995 as he underwent FATHER a powerful conversion. Having been raised in a family with little faith DWIGHT EZOP experience, David was deeply moved that the RCIA process offered him is the editor of the opportunity to form a very personal relationship with God. To this FAITH Magazine day, David says, “I never knew what I had been missing.” and pastor of In my own priestly ministry, I have been privileged to baptize a St. Mary Parish, number of adults through the years. One who will always stand out in Charlotte and my mind is Bud, who prior to baptism had led a checkered life. After his St. Ann Church, baptism during the Easter Vigil, Bud shared with me that a lot of stuff Bellevue got washed away in the baptismal font that night and that he felt the Email: editor@ weight of his sins being lifted off his shoulders. I will always recall the FAITHpub.com. look of joy on his face as I had the privilege of baptizing him.

The RCIA played a pivotal part in my own personal spiritual journey prior to entering seminary. When I returned to the active practice of my faith in 1987 after taking a break from it during my college years, I was approached by a member of the RCIA team at St. Francis parish in Ann Arbor. She asked if I would be willing to serve as a sponsor for someone who would become Catholic in the spring of the following year. I said “yes” – not really knowing what would be entailed in my responsibility as a sponsor.

As it turns out, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Serving as an RCIA sponsor both encouraged and challenged me to take my faith more seriously, and to learn as much about my faith as I could as I walked with the person I was sponsoring. My experience as an RCIA sponsor taught me about the great gift of faith I had been given as a cradle Catholic – one who was baptized as an infant. In turn, it also helped me to make that faith my own, so to speak, by taking personal responsibility for it and affording me the opportunity to share my faith with others.

Take some time in this issue to get to know Stephanie and Harry. Each has had their life transformed by their experience of the RCIA. Because of their RCIA experience, each has found a welcome home within the Church. At the same time, we continue the process within our diocese of reaching out to those who are searching for a deeper relationship with Jesus and with his Church. Serving as an RCIA sponsor or catechist might be a perfect opportunity to grow in faith and to be better prepared to share that faith with someone who is looking for a spiritual home. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Marriage Matters

• Have you experienced a time in your marriage when you and your spouse prayed about your challenges and worked through them, and as a result you felt your bond was stronger?

Parenting Journey

• Discuss ways to work on having more patience with your children. Try to recall the words of Psalm 127 when you’re frustrated: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb a reward.”

Goodlife

• Do you ever struggle not to respond in kind to an unkind remark? Discuss how all of us can be more aware of having our words reflect the language and teachings of Jesus.

Theology 101

• Has someone in your life rejected religion? In what ways can you be a witness to this person and model the Gospel message?

Cover story

• Stephanie spent a great deal of time praying about her decision to become Catholic. Is there someone in your life who you may be able to invite and accompany back to church?

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

INSIDE November

COVER STORY

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CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM IS THE BEST CHAPTER IN STEPHANIE’S BOOK OF LIFE P. 14

YOUR LIFE

YOUR STORIES

6 marriage matters

18 my story

He says: ‘I’m retired and

On the air for Jesus – Harry’s mission on the radio

I want to travel.’ She says: ‘My job fulfills me.’ What do they do?

PLUS

7 parenting journey I hear my Mother’s language when I talk to my kids

work life I don’t have the tools and materials I need to get my work done

8 goodlife

When religious people make uncharitable comments

YOUR FAITH

10 making sense of bioethics

At the heart of the tragedy of addiction

12 theology 101 What do you say when …

Your son says he is now an atheist?

20 grow + go As we introduce the Grow + Go evangelization plan to our diocese, FAITH spoke with Craig Pohl, director of New Evangelization.

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FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

25 special report

Hurricanes wreak havoc on Caribbean islands, southern U.S. 5

YOUR LIFE

MARRIAGE MATTERS

HE SAYS:

I’M RETIRED AND I WANT TO TRAVEL I’m glad that Terri loves her work, but we have waited for this period in our lives for a long time. I think it’s time for us to be together.

SHE SAYS:

MY JOB FULFILLS ME Al changed our agreed-upon plans by taking early retirement, and now he wants me also to stop working so we can travel. It’s not about the money – my job fulfills me.

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PEOPLE SOMETIMES QUIT fulfilling jobs to meet critical family needs, like caring for WHAT DO a parent or child. But quitting because your THEY DO? early retired spouse wants you to travel with him? That’s a lot to ask, and even if Terri reluctantly agreed, it could go awfully badly.

STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON

hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.

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What to do? For starters, neither should unduly pressure the other to stick to whatever their retirement plan had been. Realities can change and plans sometimes have to change with them. Al may have found good reasons to retire earlier than they had planned, and, who knows, Terri may in time find good reasons of her own to work even longer than planned. Bottom line: focus upon your respective present realities and plan only forward.

Next, each should assess their respective needs to be with one another. There’s no indication that Terri doesn’t want to be together with Al, only that she doesn’t necessarily need to be with him 24/7. Even if Al now needs or wants that, is he OK with her not feeling the same way?

To help, Al should keep in mind a paradox. The very

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fulfillment Terri receives from her work – while she is away from him – helps her not only to be the kind of person with whom he wants to spend his time, it indeed likely helps her want to be with him. As the catechism states, “In work, the person exercises and fulfills in part the potential inscribed in his nature.” (CCC 2428) In a sense, Terri’s fulfillment at work is integral to their fulfillment as a couple, something Al should encourage.

Out of respect for Al’s new, early retired reality, Terri should make whatever efforts she reasonably can to be more available for vacation and travel. For his part, Al should not only own up to the fact that Terri wasn’t expecting to step out of the work force as early as he is now asking her, but that he has to be as flexible as he reasonably can to respect her own present reality. For instance, if travel is indeed now a deep, driving desire for him, might there be another family member who could join him?

The fact is that as a couple get older, their respective desires about work and retirement can sometimes evolve in somewhat different directions. If that happens, each has to be ready to adjust as best they can to shape together a new shared reality and a plan for the future.

A

“Don't make that face or it'll freeze that way!” At the age of 4 I had a solution: I framed my face into a smile as I spoke angry words. My grandma looked at me in horror, “What are you doing?”

My response? “If my face freezes, it is going to be a happy face. But I’m still mad at Timmy.” Often, old sayings don’t have the intended impact on a child!

YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY

T. GENNARA

"Stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about!" Threats are not motivating; they don’t provide insights into the child’s thoughts.

Was there a mistake in judgment? Or, an intent to harm? Base your response on the specific situation.

“If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all!” Provide context for your child: “Ava felt sad when you told her that her new haircut looked dumb. We need to keep some thoughts to ourselves. It isn’t OK to use put-downs.”

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

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is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

I HEAR MY MOTHER’S LANGUAGE WHEN I TALK TO MY KIDS

Q

I hear my mother’s voice sometimes when I talk. Is there a better way to talk to my kids?

"Do I have to turn this car around?" Yelling into the backseat at arguing children adds more fuel to the fire and distracts the driver. St. Teresa of Ávila carried a patience bookmark that began: “Let nothing disturb you ...” Pull over the car, center yourself with a short prayer and then resolve the issues.

Try modifying those old sayings. In my youth I hated, “When you have your own house, then you can make the rules!” It was better as, “I can tell that when you grow up you’re going to have really different rules with your kids!” This acknowledged their perspective, but let them know the house rules weren’t changing. Change what pops out of your mouth as needed. And by the way, “Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident!”

materials deadline. Can you give me two weeks?

You: I love you boss-man. You must read FAITH magazine.

Boss: Religiously.

Q

BOSS FROM PURGATORY Boss: Sorry. We can’t afford a PC upgrade and I have no control over the materials schedule.

You: Sorry to hear that. I’ll continue to do my best and hope you’re OK with subpar and late results.

Boss: I appreciate your efforts and attitude. Neither go unnoticed. You’ll be rewarded down the road.

I don’t have the tools I need to get my work done. Nor can I meet my deadlines. My computer is extremely slow, and I don’t get the materials I need in a timely fashion to produce results.

A old sitcom Home Improvement.

Tools and time. Reminds me of tool-time and the

These are two simple problems. I presume you’ve posed them to the main problem-solver – your boss?

Here are three possible responses to you telling your boss exactly what you’ve written above: BOSS FROM HEAVEN Boss: These are real problems. How much will a new PC cost and when is your materials deadline?

You: A PC upgrade costs $ ____, and I need materials ____days in advance.

Boss: OK. I’ll authorize the upgrade and meet your

YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

T. GENNARA

I DON’T HAVE THE TOOLS AND MATERIALS I NEED TO GET MY WORK DONE

JIM BERLUCCHI

is the executive director of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership.

BOSS FROM – YOU KNOW – THAT OTHER PLACE Boss: I don’t have the resources I need either. Quit griping or just quit.

You: Amen to both!

Boss: Good riddance.

You must already have a pretty good clue about what kind of boss you have. So proceed with intelligence, realism and preparedness. And I admit it: The three boss designations are theologically shaky.

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YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE

WHEN RELIGIOUS PEOPLE MAKE

UNCHARITABLE COMMENTS

Q:

MY BROTHER ASKED ME WHY, IF RELIGION IS SO GREAT, HE HEARS AND SEES SO MANY UNCHARITABLE COMMENTS FROM RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. WHAT DO I SAY?

A:

This is a tough issue – your brother recognizes the hypocrisy in the sinful actions of Christians who claim to act righteously.

•R emind him that Christians are human, and nobody is perfect. We all sin, despite our best efforts not to. We make uncharitable comments and do unkind things to those around us, just like everybody else. That doesn’t excuse our behavior, but we have to acknowledge that we are all sinners.

Christians are human, and nobody is perfect.

We all sin, despite our best efforts

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not to.”

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• In this internet age, we can hide our unkind behavior behind the anonymity of social media user names. We can become obsessed with making our point – and people’s feelings take a back seat to being right. That’s just wrong, and certainly doesn’t reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ.

• Explain to your brother that Christians believe Jesus died for our sins, and gave us the gift of forgiveness. There’s a popular meme: “Christians aren’t perfect, they’re just forgiven.”

The important thing is that we realize we’ve sinned; we’ve asked for forgiveness; and we’re trying harder to do better in the future.

BY MARIA SERVOLD

YOUR FAITH

‘I have two loves:

THE SICK AND THE POOR’ Father Solanus Casey to be beatified in Detroit OPENING DOORS TO THE HUNGRY One day in 1929, during the Great Depression, the poverty-stricken residents of Detroit began lining up outside St. Bonaventure Monastery – hungry and desperate. Father Solanus Casey, a Capuchin priest at the monastery, answered their call for help, telling the other friars, “They are hungry; get them some soup and sandwiches.” That day, the hungry and poor of Detroit felt comfort for the first time in months thanks to Father Solanus Casey, a beloved figure in the city whose compassion knew no bounds.

Father Solanus Casey, who spent 22 years at St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit feeding the poor, praying for healing for the sick, and bringing a sense of peace and compassion to countless others, has met the requirements for beatification and will be named “blessed” in a Mass at Ford Field in Detroit on Nov. 18. The announcement comes 60 years after Father Solanus’ death. He is the second U.S.-born man to receive this title – the first from Michigan.

The next step is sainthood.

A LEGACY OF HEALING When Father Solanus arrived in Detroit in 1924, he was already known as a beloved doorkeeper from his 20-year ministry at monasteries in the New York City area. Throughout his many years of ministry in New York and Detroit, Father Solanus was greatly sought after as a counselor, and for his blessings of the sick. Many felt his blessing brought about a cure for their illness. All who came to him were consoled by his counsel and his serenity.

Father Solanus died in Detroit in 1957. During his life and after his death, Father Solanus was known for his healing touch, and for the power of his intercessory prayers. Because of this, Father Gerald Walker, provincial minister of the Detroit Capuchins, initiated the first step to sainthood for Solanus after his death: he sent a report detailing Father Solanus’ life to the General Superiors in Rome. In 1995, he was declared “Venerable” by Pope John Paul II. In May of this year, 22 years later, Pope Francis issued a decree confirming a miracle as a result of Venerable Solanus’ intercession, announcing the plan for his beatification in November.

The miracle involved the healing of a woman with an incurable genetic skin disease who, after visiting Father Casey’s tomb to pray for herself and others, saw an instant, visible improvement of her skin.

BEATIFICATION CEREMONY On Nov. 18, 2017, at Ford Field, a ceremony celebrating the beatification of Blessed Solanus will take place in the city where his healing and comfort touched the lives of many. Here, the people of Detroit will get a chance to celebrate the man who lived a humble yet remarkable life, full of concern for those in need.

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DID YOU KNOW? ???

SPECIAL REPORT

READ MORE IN 2014, FAITH MAGAZINE FEATURED A STUDENT FROM DETROIT NAMED JONAH KEMP, WHOSE CURE WAS BEING CONSIDERED A MIRACLE FOR THE CANONIZATION OF FATHER SOLANUS – FAITHDIGITAL. ORG/FAITHMAG/ FM1014-TEEN/.

STEPS TO SAINTHOOD In official Church procedures, there are three steps to sainthood: a candidate becomes “Venerable,” then “Blessed” and then “Saint.” Venerable is the title

So far, there are only three Americanborn saints: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Katharine Drexel.

given to a deceased person recognized formally by the

Father Solanus Casey is only the second American-born male to receive the title of “Blessed.”

The definition of a “miracle” is an event that

pope as having lived heroic virtues. To be beatified and recognized as a Blessed, one miracle acquired through the candidate’s intercession is required in addition to recognition of heroic virtue or martyrdom. Canonization requires a second miracle after beatification, though a pope may waive these requirements. can be witnessed by the senses but is in apparent contradiction to the laws of nature. The Church recognizes authentic miracles as a divine intervention in the sensible world. (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Backgrounder on “Making Saints.”)

Visit the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit to learn about the life and example of this humble and compassionate man WWW.SOLANUSCENTER.ORG.

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AT THE HEART OF THE TRAGEDY OF

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DDICTION CAN BE EXTREMELY HARMFUL, and in some cases, fatal for those individuals ensnared by it. It can be seriously

disruptive and damaging to those around them. Who is to blame when it comes to addiction? Family and friends may think to themselves, “Why can’t Jane just stop drinking?” Or, “Doesn’t Joe understand that his gambling addiction is bankrupting the family?” Or, “Can’t Bob see how his pornography habit is destroying his marriage and his relationships?” For those facing addiction, it seems they ought to be able to recognize their behavior as harmful, and turn away from it by a resolute decision. Family and friends, however, can face years of frustration when they see their loved ones fall into a slow motion “crash and burn,” spiraling downwards as they remain unwilling or

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unable to step away from their addiction.

YOUR FAITH MAKING SENSE OF BIOETHICS

THE INDIVIDUAL CAUGHT in the web of addiction snowball into vice, addiction and a loss of freedom. As objectively falls prey to a loss of personal freedom. His one recovered addict graphically described it: will becomes weakened, and he becomes enslaved “My beef is with those who claim that they never in a way that limits his ability to recognize the right chose to become an addict or never chose to hurt order of goods in his life. By repetitively choosing their families.... While we likely didn’t intend to end up the addictive behavior, it becomes ingrained, and helpless, dysfunctional people who [hurt] our loved the ability to choose better, alternative behaviors ones, the choices we made put us at risk of ending up becomes enfeebled, if not seemingly impossible. in a sorry state where we were capable of doing things For these reasons, there is almost always diminished we would have never dreamed of. Unless you were personal responsibility in situations of addiction. To raised on Mars, we all deep down knew the risk of our be accountable for our acts, we must freely choose choices, especially if you’re talking about coke, crack, those acts, but the internal pressure and downward meth, or heroin but we chose to roll the dice anyways. spiral of the addiction may have already co-opted At a certain point, when I was starting to do coke the individual’s ability freely to choose otherwise. almost every weekend, I knew Eventually this bondage can that it would be wise to stop, appear to be permanent, but I chose not to because I and addicted individuals can was having fun and I told myself imagine themselves pathetic it will never happen to me. By and hopeless to such a degree They may feel they are defined the end, I was going on solo that they almost give up. In the entirely by their addiction, three day benders with alcohol words of a formerly-addicted unlovable and wretched, rather and cocaine, and I landed in individual: treatment.... my point is that than seeing that they are, in “I believe that I did not have I made the choice to try the fact, human beings who are a choice to stop.... It never substance, the choice to begin precious to God and those became clear to me that I could to use the substance more around them, and even now live another way until a medical regularly, and the choice not to intervention from my physician quit when I could have.” endowed with some tiny space and friends took place. of remaining freedom.”

Willpower plays a small role While there may have been here, but it too cannot work if significant moral culpability at one has a malfunctioning brain. the beginning of an individual’s I speak for myself here... I could not stop. Period. Now, I descent into addiction, it is still critical for us to never have stopped. Not just because of the intervention, but stigmatize, patronize or abandon those who are in the because I have turned my life and my will over to the throes of addiction. They may feel they are defined God of my understanding. That is something 12 step entirely by their addiction, unlovable and wretched, programs have taught me.” rather than seeing that they are, in fact, human beings who are precious to God and those around them, This radical loss of freedom lies at the heart of the and even now endowed with some tiny space of tragedy of addiction. Because we are creatures of remaining freedom. That tiny space will become key habit, the choices we make, either for good or for evil, to determining whether they ultimately choose the form us in one direction or the other, so we become behavioral changes needed to improve their situation individuals who are either capable or incapable of and recover the human freedom that is rightfully theirs. choosing the good freely. Virtue is a habit of good, We should support, encourage and love them in ways while vice is a habit of evil. Early choices leading down that will help lead them toward those good choices and the road towards addiction, freely made, can quickly successful outcomes. – REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

REV. TADEUSZ PACHOLCZYK, PH.D. earned his doctorate in neuroscience from Yale and did post-doctoral work at Harvard. He is a priest of the diocese of Fall River, MA, and serves as the Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. See www.ncbcenter.org

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YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

What do you say when …

YOUR SON SAYS HE IS NOW AN ATHEIST? In 2017, Theology 101 is focusing on the topic of evangelization.

Specifically, the task is to offer some ways of approaching various questions Catholics may encounter from co-workers, family and friends regarding the practice of the faith. Of course, we must remember that nothing can replace the power of witnessing to the Good News through our own actions and words, combined with our willingness to accompany others on their faith journey.

ROBABLY THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING you can do initially is to remain calm. The experience of having a child not only turn away from the faith, but reject the very existence of God, can be incredibly painful and emotional. However, losing your composure will likely do little good. It could result in his deepening his opposition to belief in God. Instead, try to understand what has brought your son to this point.

What was it about his college experience that contributed to his disbelief? Were there particular authors, courses or subjects that caused him to conclude that God does not exist? How does he feel now? In other words, how has his life changed now that he no longer believes in God? There simply is no shortcut here. Your son has a story. Dialogue that is personal, patient, respectful, loving and sustained by your prayer is the most appropriate to address your son’s unbelief. His answers to your inquiries might give you the insight you need in order to propose the truth of God’s existence in appropriate ways, at the right time. They might provide you an opportunity to “cause a pause” in his thinking, which can create a space for the Spirit to work in his life.

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CAUSE AND EFFECT A Catholic worldview recognizes that like produces and demands like. Love awakens DOUG CULP love, hate produces hate, anger is the CAO and elicits anger and joy produces secretary for joy. Perhaps the most famous pastoral life for Old Testament expression of this the Diocese of principle is “an eye for an eye; a Lexington, Ky. tooth for a tooth.”

He holds an We need to keep this principle MA in theology in mind in a situation like the one from Catholic with your son because it teaches Theological us that arguing with him can only Union in Chicago. produce further argument. For there to be a transformation of your son’s mind, the “chain” of disbelief must be interrupted.

S. OLSON

P

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THE QUESTION: My son, who is a freshman in college, told me he no longer believes in God. What can I say to him that will help him think more deeply about this decision?

This is what Jesus is teaching us repeatedly in the Gospels. Jesus asks us to “cause a pause” when we encounter violence, persecution and other disorders so that something new can break in. Here are just a few examples to illustrate the point: when someone strikes you on the cheek, give them the other; when someone takes your coat, give them your shirt; when pressed into service for one mile, go two. In other words, do not respond in kind. Do not contribute to the disorder, but break the chain so that order might be restored. Cause a pause by loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you.

Of course, the Incarnation itself was an ultimate interruption. From the “fall” of our first parents until the Incarnation, disorder was heaped upon disorder. The Son of God becoming man caused a pause in this chain that allowed something new – the kingdom of heaven – to break in and begin to grow.

ANCHOR POINTS In 2004, the Pontifical Council for Culture advised the faithful to look for anchor points when seeking to promote belief in a culture marked by unbelief and religious indifference. Anchor points are moments of great joy and hope, as well as moments of great grief and anxiety. The birth of a child or the death of a loved one are two such moments. Each, in their own way, arrest our attention from our normal day-to-day existence in such a way that something new can break into our consciousness. They are moments when we are more open to explore the bigger questions of existence such as the meaning of life itself. It is at these times that the truth of the Gospel can be proposed.

THE POWER OF WITNESS Ultimately, nothing can testify more powerfully to the existence of God than your own personal witness. Your own confidence in the existence of God will be manifested by your words and deeds, especially as you approach your son’s declaration.

You need to always keep before you the “like for like” of the eternal. Only the Word can awaken the Word. Only Love can draw forth love. You can simply sow the seeds of the truth to your son, but with the confidence that the Spirit will work in his life to bring him from disbelief to belief in God’s time.

No less important will be your commitment to the daily practice of intercessory prayer as you accompany your son. We need look no further than St. Monica, who faithfully prayed for nearly two decades for her son’s conversion. Her son, Augustine, would not only eventually come to the faith, but he would become one of the Church’s great saints.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION

Consider prayerfully reading the following Scripture passages: Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son possessed by a mute spirit.

Wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth.

Then he questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’

Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up.

When he entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we not drive it out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.” (Mk 9:17-29) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. (Mt 7:7-11) REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. What do these passages have to teach us about the role and power of intercessory prayer when it comes to accompanying those who do not believe in God? 2. How might these passages help you approach your son’s declaration about God’s existence?

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YOUR STORIES

The Catholic faith is timeless, built on the rock of Peter, and it felt right then. And it still feels right today, When I’m feeling lost or tired or uncertain, that rock is there, immovable. I love it.”

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A bond with Catholicism

for Stephanie Van Koevering of DeWitt happened in a series of chapters, like a terrific book. At the start of the book, Stephanie had no idea she would end up in love with the Catholic faith.

“We all have journeys in all of our stories,” Stephanie says. “My kids have been taught from a young age that you look for those stories in people.”

As a child growing up in Bangor, Mich., every week Stephanie attended the First Congregational Church where she had been baptized.

“I grew up with the idea that church was a place where you were loved and cared for as an individual and spiritual growth was a big part of that,” says Stephanie. “It was very “Little House on the Prairie.” A very almost traditional service, very formal service.

We didn’t talk about a lot of things I do as a Catholic, but my first church prepared me well for my life in Christ. It kind of had an old-fashioned, simple feel to it – there was a liturgy there, but it was very linear.”

Her introduction to Catholicism happened while she was attending Hope College. Although the history of the college was based on a similar Protestant religion, Stephanie made friends with Polly and Jen, who were both Catholic.

“Jen converted to Catholicism during our time together, and so I was there to witness her journey,” Stephanie says. “And to me, looking at their rosaries, and the holy water font in our room, and all that stuff it seemed – crazy. It seemed like veils and Bollywood compared to my rather plain upbringing, and I could not reconcile the two. But at the same time, it was very intriguing to me, and I took steps when I was in college to explore conversion to Catholicism. My parents thought I was out of my mind. I heard about RCIA [Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults], and the barriers to entering were too steep for me at that point in my life. But I did like the liturgy. I was very intrigued by that piece of Catholicism.”

Her next chapter started after marriage when Stephanie was pregnant. She craved a religious base, and found it in downtown Lansing at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. She says: “It’s beautiful in there, the stained glass is gorgeous, and the music – you feel like you’ve just gone to heaven. I fell in love with that church immediately.” They attended St. Paul’s for several years, and then eventually, Stephanie felt pulled in a different direction.

Stephanie continues: “I decided that I needed to take a step back from St. Paul’s and from my beliefs as a whole. So then I actually went on a big spiritual voyage. I decided that rather than walking into a church and allowing myself to be swept away by beauty or welcoming faces that I needed to find the church that agreed with me theologically, and then pursue that faith wholeheartedly and bring my children up in that faith. So I started reading. And I read all kinds of comparative literature books – I read about Buddhism and Islam. I read about Judaism, everything – Christian or no.

COVER STORY

Just because I wanted to have that sure and certain grounding that I was doing the right thing. And so I kept reading, and I kept reading. And I kept coming back to the principles of Catholicism.

“I was also encouraged by my husband, who felt that Catholicism had a lot to offer. In praying about it, I thought, this is a Church that isn’t moving. Their principles and the things they hold sacred aren’t shifting with the times. I wanted to stick my tent pole in the ground and pour concrete in and around it and have it stay there for all eternity. I felt the Church was going to be that way for me.

And it has remained so.”

At St. Gerard parish in Lansing, Stephanie found an environment where she felt a traditional connection between her childhood and adulthood. “It is what I need to be nourished on,” Stephanie says. “No matter what community I’m in, or where I am, I know I have a home.

I have a sanctuary I can go to. It is a safe place.”

The next chapter for Stephanie was a heart-breaking diagnosis of Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2009. Faith steadied Stephanie.

“One morning I was making the bed, and there was all this uncertainty, and the whole world felt like it was falling apart around me, and I just remember making the bed and thinking ‘this is God’s plan for me,’” says Stephanie. “And whatever comes out of this, it’s going to be okay. Even if the worst thing happens, it’s going to be okay. I needed a rock, one that would never move and that itself was capable of holding me and my family steady. The Catholic faith is timeless, built on the rock of Peter, and it felt right then. And it still feels right today, When I’m feeling lost or tired or uncertain, that rock is there, immovable. I love it.”

Another chapter in Catholic faith began when she and her husband, Dyck, moved their sons, Alex and Don, to school at St. Gerard. The decision led to a joyous learning environment.

“The world is getting harder and harder and harder each and every day, and the best gift we can give our kids is a grounding, a solid foundation that they can build on. In this day and age, there are few immovable social norms. It’s up to us as parents to decide what our kids are going to discern as right and wrong. The difference in sending our kids to a Catholic school is that we know we have adults that are on the same team we are. Our kids get a feeling of home and stability and love.”

Stephanie maintains a very close relationship with her parents, and that too has been a blessing. She says, “You know, I think my parents have come to understand the beauty of the Mass, and as they’ve talked to me about my faith – because I talk a lot about it – they understand it, and they have a strong feeling their upbringing prepared me well for my life. They came to a Grandparents Mass at Lansing Catholic last year, and they were so thrilled to be included in it. They enjoy that the Church is reaching out to them and that their grandson wants them to be part of his experience, as do I.” Whatever happens next in the book of Stephanie’s life, she knows her Catholic faith is in every chapter.

BY DAWN DOERR AND MARY KAY MCPARTLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

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YOUR STORIES MY STORY

... OR, IF YOU’RE HARRY HILL, president and general manager of Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, you might find your creative force at work running a radio station!

ON THE AIR

FOR JESUS HARRY'S MISSION ON THE RADIO

People create or build their own life every day as they go forward. You have to be open to using your creative force to build anything, like a painting, a house or a community.” – Harry Hill

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“I never expected to be GM of a radio station,” Harry confesses.

“I grew up in Detroit during the 1960s and early 1970s, graduated from Redford High School, then served a four-year stint as an electronics technician in the U.S. Navy. Afterward, I moved into systems analyst and information technology positions with a number of multinational corporations such as 3M Company and EDS/General Motors. I supported their emerging computer and communications departments around the world until my career ultimately took me to Consumers Energy in Jackson in the early 1990s.

“Jackson is my wife Peggy’s hometown, so it was a good place to settle down. Peggy, our daughters, Emily and Laura, and I have lived here ever since. We built a great life in Jackson. We are members of Peggy’s home parish, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church. Our girls both attended Queens Elementary School, Jackson Catholic Middle School and Lumen Christi High School. I’ve been active in the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the Knights of Columbus Council 609 at Queens.

“I came to the Catholic Church as a convert. My mother was an Italian Catholic. My father was an English Baptist. I was raised in the Protestant tradition, but for most of my life I wasn’t involved in organized religion. When I went to college to study philosophy, I learned about coming to know God through the exercise of reason and natural law.

I enjoyed discussions with my professors and fellow students who were Catholic. I didn’t know much about the faith, but my friends gave me an appreciation for Catholicism.

I eventually received a degree in philosophy from Oakland University.

“When Peggy and I decided to get married, I converted so we could be married and raise our family in the Catholic Church. It wasn’t until I went through the RCIA program that I realized how much those school discussions were shaped

by Catholic thought and beliefs.

I really appreciated the universal Catholic truths, going back to the foundation of the early Church. This traditionalism carries those universal Catholic truths through the years and into today. We’ve raised our girls by them and have tried to honor them in everything.

“Peggy worked as an occupational therapist, then she opened a fused glass and pottery painting studio in town. Before I knew it, 20 years had gone by with my job at Consumers Energy, and I decided to retire. I planned to take up fishing, hiking and golfing. I thought I was going to take it easy and enjoy life.

“Then I met Barb Shumard, and I told her about my background.

Right off the bat, she told me about Good Shepherd Catholic Radio (GSCR) that her husband, Doug Shumard, had founded. She said that the Board of Directors was searching for a new general manager. She thought I might be able to help.

“As I learned more, it was clear that I had the technical and business background they needed.

I discovered it was a manageable size, so I wouldn’t have to work long hours, which sounded attractive, since I was retired. Most importantly, I knew I could actually make a difference.

“Fundamentally, people are looking for truth at every level. It seems like it’s getting harder and harder for Christ’s truth to surface. GSCR strives to provide that truth through talk radio programs produced by the Eternal Word Television Network in Birmingham, Ala., and Ave Maria Radio in Ann Arbor. These programs focus on daily news and events and how they impact us from a Catholic perspective. GSCR programs help

explain the Church’s position on the issues. You can find GSCR broadcasts on WJKN AM 1510 and W227BY FM 93.3 in the Jackson area today, and we’re exploring plans to expand coverage into the Lansing area.

“I've got the radio on every day and even in the car. Now that I listen to Catholic radio, I'd rather tune in to something with a Catholic position. The lion's share of our programming is talk radio. Most local programing is informational about events locally, so listeners can know what's going on in our broadcast area. “Blue Collar Theology,” for example, is produced here by a counselor who interprets current events from a Catholic perspective as they affect families.

“I had never worked in broadcast radio before, so I was able to learn something new. That appealed to my creative side that I hadn’t expressed since we moved to Jackson. For years, I shared an art studio in Detroit’s Corktown with professors from Wayne State University and the Center for Creative Studies. I made charcoal drawings and oil paintings, but when we moved to Jackson, that all went by the wayside. I’m enjoying engaging my creative side again here at GSCR. "Most of the people here are volunteers. God puts things in your path you don't always expect. The way I look at it, so much of life is unplanned. In the course of living, things present themselves and you encounter people and situations completely unexpectedly. My life reflects that. If it seems like good things will happen, then you go with it.

“I’ve always been open to doing new things; enjoying the discovery, the wonder, the miracle of them.

When you’re presented with an opportunity, you go with it. Like I said, people create or build their own life every day as they go forward. You have to be open to using your creative force to build anything, like a painting, a house, or a community ... or a radio station!”

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC RADIO Good Shepherd Catholic Radio (GSCR) communicates Christian truth as expressed in sacred Scripture, sacred tradition and by the magisterium of the Catholic Church. It offers Catholic religious and educational programs aimed at: • upholding and strengthening the Catholic faith; • originating local programming focused on local Catholic events; • broadcasting Catholic news of local, national and international significance; and • assisting the Diocese of Lansing, parish schools and Catholic organizations with public service announcements, both on the air and on our website.

GSCR does this through generous financial and volunteer support of listeners who donate online at GSCR.ORG, or send checks to: Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, 704 N. East Avenue, Jackson, MI 49202-3423.

Find GSCR at 93.3 FM or AM 1510, and visit us on the web at GSCR.ORG. 19

TOM GENNARA

As we introduce the Grow + Go evangelization plan to our diocese, FAITH spoke with Craig Pohl, director of New Evangelization.

Statistics show that only about 34 percent of registered Catholics in our diocese actually attend weekly Mass.”

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Q: Every Catholic is invited to a pretty special event next year. Tell us about the third assembly – Made for Happiness.

A: The third Diocesan Assembly is the signature event of Bishop Earl Boyea’s six-year initiative to introduce the diocese to the mission of the New Evangelization.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Bishop Boyea invites every churchgoing Catholic to gather with him and 10,000 others from around our diocese for the largest Catholic gathering in the history of the Diocese of Lansing.

It will begin with a four-mile-long eucharistic procession from the cathedral to the Breslin Center.

The hope is that thousands of Catholics will walk behind the Blessed Sacrament in a public witness of our faith. We’re hoping to have all the different groups from our parishes represented, such as the Knights of Columbus, Cursillo, 40 Days for Life, etc.

Those who don’t participate in the procession will

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be invited to “tailgate” before the event, where there will be activities for kids and families.

There will be a couple of engaging talks and the culmination of the event will be Mass with Bishop Boyea, along with all his priests, deacons and 10,000 lay faithful. I really do believe this will be one of the most historic events of our diocese.

Q: What has gotten us to this point?

A: Sadly, it’s no secret that Mass attendance has been going down for decades. Statistics show that only about 34 percent of registered Catholics in our diocese actually attend weekly Mass. But I don’t want to bog us down with the seemingly countless negative statistics out there. I like to focus on the positive, like the fact that surveys also indicate that around 8 million fallen-away Catholics in the U.S. are open to returning! That’s one of the reasons why Bishop Boyea is so confident our efforts will bear fruit.

It all began with his pastoral letter in 2012, Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord, which set the vision for what we’re doing and where we’re going. Then our diocese engaged in a year of prayer together, asking God to show us the way. Bishop Boyea and I firmly believe this year of prayer was quite possibly the main contributor to our relative success thus far.

We believe it was the grace from all the prayers of faithful Catholics around the diocese that opened up a new grace for us.

In 2014, Bishop Boyea called the first of the three diocesan assemblies, Go and Announce the Gospel, and about 850 of our clergy, religious, parish/ diocesan staff and active parishioners attended.

At this conference, they received their marching orders to use the next two years to prepare their parishes for welcoming people who are currently separated from the Church, and to create cultures of conversion and discipleship in their parishes.

Last year, nearly 2,000 people gathered for the second assembly, Called by Name. This event was focused entirely on how we Catholics can reach out to and invite back those who were baptized in the

Church, but have since fallen away. We still have many years of practice ahead of us, but this was a great start for our diocese.

Q: What is being planned to reach out to those who no longer go to church and those unaffiliated with any religion?

A: First of all, it’s important to note that the foundation of all this is prayer – prayer from the hearts of all believers that anyone separated from Christ and his Church would be fully incorporated into the family of God. The second thing is that this work is not a program, but is an effort originating from the living Holy Spirit of God and flowing through his vessels of grace, particularly you, me and all those disposed to God’s will. Therefore, it’s not so much about “planning” as it is about openness – openness to how God wants to use us in any given situation.

That being said, we are planning some big things in hopes that we can cooperate in what God is doing.

•F rom Dec. 6, 2017, to Jan. 7, 2018, we will be running a Catholics Come Home broadcast campaign. This campaign uses beautiful television commercials to invite fallenaway Catholics back to church. You can go to their website to watch these inspiring commercials.

• Many parishes in our diocese will be participating in the New Evangelization Plan.

This is a thorough and broad-scope plan that will use Facebook, Google ads, posters, pew cards, door hangers, direct mailings and more to invite non-practicing Catholics to give their local parish a second look.

• And, of course, we will continue to hold trainings and seminars focused on evangelization in an effort to help everyday Catholics engage in conversations with others about Christ and his promises.

Q: What is it that the average Catholic is being asked to do?

A: The average Catholic is simply being asked to GROW and GO. That’s the catchy new terminology we’re using, though it makes it sound a little easier than it really is. Growing begins by yielding all of our life to Jesus Christ – by making him the center of all of our decisions and handing over lordship of everything to him. This can only happen through grace. Therefore, we should all pause on a regular basis to ask God to help us give him everything.

Once we have sincerely converted and opened ourselves to the activity of the Holy Spirit, then we

are really ready to begin maturing and growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Throughout all the centuries of Christianity, there have been four basic nonnegotiable tenets of the Christian life (GROW): •P rayer. Personal and corporate. Every Christian is called to the sacraments and to daily personal prayer.

• Study of the faith. From the very inception of the Christian community, we see that they devoted themselves to the “teachings of the apostles.” (Acts 2:42) We, too, need to continually grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s word.

• Engage in parish life. There’s no such thing as a lone Christian. We need each other.

Christian companionship and accountability is a requirement of discipleship.

• Serve others' needs. In order to grow as a disciple of Jesus, we must always be aware of the physical and spiritual needs of those around us and be disposed to filling those needs.

The “GO” part comes from Jesus’ great commission to all of us … yep, all of us! “Go therefore and make disciple of all nations.” – a.k.a. evangelize.

I should be clear that the “GO” part is inextricably connected to the “GROW” part because one cannot give what one does not have. Therefore, we must all be “intentional disciples” if we hope to be successful “missionary disciples.”

To help people understand how they can go evangelize, we’ve broken it down into four parts: pray, witness, invite and accompany. As stated before, prayer precedes and covers all of our work. When it comes to evangelizing, we must first lovingly pray for those who we want to bring into the family of God. Then we might find that God has opened a door for us to witness to Jesus in our lives and to his saving Gospel. Then, it only follows that at some point we will want to invite them to our Christian community and hopefully into full communion with us. The fourth principle is accompany. This one happens in countless ways, but the importance of it can’t be overstated.

Accompanying is how we meet people where they are and patiently insist on their greatest good, Jesus.

On Nov. 26, at all the Masses, Bishop Boyea is asking pastors to walk their parishioners through a personal evangelization plan. This plan is an exercise to help average Catholics dip their toes into the waters of discipleship and evangelization.

Hopefully, though, this little exercise will result in the eternal destinies of countless souls being forever changed!

it’s important to note that the foundation of all this is prayer – prayer from the hearts of all believers that anyone separated from Christ and his Church would be fully incorporated into the family of God.”

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YOUR PERSONAL EVANGELIZATION PLAN

GROW The purpose of your life is to continually GROW in intimate relationship with God. The ONLY way to do that is by striving to closely follow and imitate Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus Christ means we must accept his invitation to give him total lordship over everything in our lives and rely on the Holy Spirit to work in and through us at all times.

GROW as a disciple of Jesus!

PRAY every day STUDY the faith ENGAGE in parish life SERVE others’ needs

Jesus’ final command to his disciples was, “GO and make disciples of all nations.” (Mt 28:19) The true mark of a disciple is that they EVANGELIZE! Therefore, we must always strive to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.

GO evangelize!

• PRAY for those who are separated from God • WITNESS about Jesus • INVITE them to church • ACCOMPANY them as they grow

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind someone in your life who is no longer coming to church.

Write his/her name: 1. PRAY: When will you commit to pray in your day?

2. How will you pray for him/her?

2. STUDY: What can you study, read, attend to learn about your faith this week?

3. H ow can you share your faith with him/her?

3. ENGAGE: How can you become more involved in your parish?

4. W hat could you invite him/her to?

5. H ow could you accompany him/her?

4. SERVE: What can you volunteer to do this month to help those in need?

Place this card somewhere so you can review it.

Begin your plan with step one and try to work your way through all five steps.

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CUT ON DOTTED LINE

• • • •

GO

GROW

GO

as a disciple of Jesus!

• PRAY every day • STUDY the faith • ENGAGE in parish life • SERVE others’ needs

evangelize!

+

• PRAY for those who are separated from God • WITNESS about Jesus • INVITE them to church • ACCOMPANY them as they grow

Msgr. Jerry Vincke leads

F

OR MORE THAN A YEAR, parishioners across the Diocese of Lansing have been called to be witnesses to Christ. And, through the first-ever diocesan-wide Witness to Hope campaign, people have come together to tackle combined campaign projects that address the needs of the individual parishes, while also addressing the needs of the wider Church.

In the city of Grand Blanc sits a church with more than 65 years of faith. With more than 5,700 parishioners and nearly 1,800 families, Church of the Holy Family has a history of sharing this faith through charitable contributions.

Holy Family began its Witness to Hope campaign journey in September 2016 with a goal of $4 million. Through the generosity of the people, Holy Family exceeded its target, raising $4.3 million for renovations.

“Our church hasn’t been touched in a long time. It’s been 40 years,” says Msgr. Jerry Vincke, pastor of Holy Family, “The bathrooms are the same ones that were put in when the church was built in 1956.”

In addition to updating the bathrooms, Msgr. Vincke says Holy Family plans to expand the church by building a gathering space, which will be key for funerals and weddings.

Currently, the church does not have such a space.

“We want to have a more welcoming atmosphere,” he says.

This welcoming atmosphere also includes new or refurbished pews, renovations to the parking lot and adding landscaping

STRENGTHENING OUR PARISHES “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.”

(Heb 10:24)

Parishes are where we meet the Lord in sacrament and community. It is at our parishes that we can best live our faith, call

J. VANDECAR

HOLY FAMILY’S COMBINED CAMPAIGN PROJECT

to the existing property. “It’s a big parking lot. It needs some greenery and color. The landscaping is a very important part of our process, our plans,” he continues.

The key to Holy Family’s successful campaign was educating the parishioners about the mission and how their contributions would help the needs of the diocese. With the guidance of campaign representative Donna Mariano from Greater Mission, Holy Family held town halls and made announcements at all Masses during the campaign wave.

A leadership team was created to assist with the education process, and Msgr.

Vincke kept people informed through his bulletin column.

“It’s a very giving parish, especially when it comes to charity,” he says.

“I’m very grateful for their support and kindness and for their generosity.”

In the end, it came down to trusting the program and trusting the process, he explains.

“It was all very new to me,” Msgr.

Vincke says about the campaign. “When I got here in 2015, they had talked for years and years and years about renovating the church, and they had all these elaborate drawings. It just never happened.

“I think people felt deflated about it, and when Witness to Hope came, it was an opportunity. People thought, now is the time, and we can do this. We are really excited about what is going to happen for our church. For a lot of people, it’s a long time coming.”

Msgr. Vincke says the fact that the campaign permits churches to keep the amount raised after 120 percent of the goal is “huge and unheard of.”

“Without [the diocese] even initiating this, I don’t think the renovations would have happened for a while,” he says. “I think, when we tackle an endeavor like this, it’s almost a leap of faith.

“Witness to Hope was the bridge that allowed us to take this on. It was a great opportunity for our parish to help both parties – the diocese, who is our family, as well as our immediate family. We took it to prayer, and this was the opportunity to do something in faith.” – CARI ANN DELAMIELLEURE-SCOTT

others to Christ and help to build up the kingdom of God. For this reason, 35 percent of all funds raised up to the parish goal, 65 percent up to 120 percent the parish goal, and 100 percent of every dollar over 120 percent the parish goal raised by the parish will fund the parish’s own mission and capital priorities. These funds will help

parishes build new facilities for ministry, maintain current facilities, pay off debt, build parish endowments or support other local needs. Parishes with significant projects can opt for a larger goal to meet those needs. The results of Witness to Hope will be stronger parishes that are better able to advance the sacred mission of the Church.

Rockport, Texas

Miami, Fla.

Guayama, P.R.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: Catholic Charities USA. 100 percent of all donations are used to support Catholic Charities agencies’ efforts in the areas impacted by the recent hurricanes, including Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist families and individuals with shelter, food, and other emergency supplies. To donate, call 1.800.919.9338 or visit catholiccharitiesusa.org.

SPECIAL REPORT: Hurricanes wreak havoc on Caribbean islands, southern U.S. HE SCENES ARE UNBELIEVABLE and heart-breaking

Three major hurricanes have ravaged the United States in less than a month, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and millions without power and basic necessities.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that almost 150, 000 households in Florida have filed for assistance. Data was not yet available for areas in Georgia.

• With barely time to assess damage from Irma, the Virgin Islands braced for Hurricane Maria. This time, the 150 milean-hour winds pummeled St. Croix before unleashing the worst of her wrath on Puerto Rico. According to Associated Press reports, 80 percent of Puerto Rico’s transmission lines are knocked out, and almost all of the island’s customers are still without power. FEMA officials report that, as of this writing, 42 percent of residents are without clean water.

According to Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello, 3.4 million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico are affected by this disaster.

• I n Texas and Louisiana, Hurricane Harvey dumped a record 51.88 inches of rain and forced an estimated 30,000 people in Houston, and thousands more in other coastal communities, from their homes.

• In the Caribbean and Florida, Hurricane Irma tore through the Virgin Islands of St. John and St. Thomas, then spanned Florida, ripping through the Keys and crossing the state to cause flooding in the northeast of the peninsula and Georgia.

Estimates from government officials report that 40,000 of St. Thomas’ 52,000 residents are now homeless. The

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops called on Catholics across the country to respond in prayer and generosity to aid those mourning the loss of loved ones, their homes and, in some cases, their entire communities. The need is tremendous as recovery continues in some areas and is just beginning in other storm-battered regions. Many residents are desperate, as food, water and fuel supplies dwindle because of the damage to roads, bridges, airports and water treatment plants. The recovery of power in Puerto Rico is expected to take months because of the extreme destruction.

T

– exhausted, crying and disheveled survivors shocked

into silence as they stand waiting for hours for food, water or fuel; lines of hospital patients in wheelchairs waiting for a flight to safety; homes torn apart and immersed in water up to the eaves; cars up-ended along streets and boats sinking in marinas; the landscape littered with twisted trees stripped of all foliage and crops flooded and destroyed.

BY SUE PARKER | PHOTOS BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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YOUR COMMUNITY Barcelona

THINGS TO DO Nov. 3-4, WE C.A.R.E. marriage preparation workshop will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield in Gaines.

Registration fee is $75. For information or to register, call Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties at 810.232.9950.

Nov. 4, Catholic Women’s Conference will be held at the Lansing Center beginning at 9 a.m.

Presenters include Father Matthias Thelen, Father Mark Rutherford, Colleen Mitchell and Bishop Earl Boyea. Visit www.dioceseoflansing. org to register.

Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Diocese of Lansing Catholic Youth Conference “Unashamed” will be at the Lansing Center featuring Paul J. Kim, Chelsea Gheesling and Joey McCoy. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea.

For more information, contact Diane Arzberger at 517.342.2465 or darzberger@dioceseoflansing. org or visit lansingyouth.com Nov. 19, 2 p.m., All Faith Ministry for Disabilities’ monthly Special Needs Mass at St. Francis Retreat Center, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt, followed by light refreshments in the dining hall. All are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to Cathy Blatnik at 517.381.1410 or lcblatnik@juno.com.

Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Joseph Church in Gaines’ Mother Teresa group is sponsoring its first annual Christmas Bazaar in the parish hall at 12145 Ray Rd. Includes arts, crafts, vendors, bake sale and lunch. For more information, contact Jill at 810.836.1557.

Nov. 11, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., a Single Women, Abundant Life Retreat at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft in Detroit. Whether single for life or a season, God has a unique love and purpose for single women.

Using music, movement, journaling and guided mediation, you will explore your own personal story.

Cost: $45. To register, call the retreat center at 313.535.9563.

For information, call Janene 26

PILGRIMAGE St. Mark the Evangelist’s 40th anniversary pilgrimage will be April 8-18, 2018, to Lisbon, Fatima, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid and Barcelona. If you are interested, please contact Father Michael Kuchar at stmarkpastor@hotmail.com or the parish office, 810.636.2216.

Ternes of Prayer in Motion, LLC at 734.347.2422 or visit prayer-inmotion.com.

SUPPORT ALL FAITH MINISTRY FOR DISABILITIES

ATTEND THE DIOCESE OF LANSING CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE

EXPLORE YOUR OWN PERSONAL STORY AT A SINGLE WOMEN, ABUNDANT LIFE RETREAT

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Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m., All Faith Ministry for Disabilities is hosting an art event, “True Colors of an Unlimited Palette,” taught by artist Catherine TonningPopowich in the Maker Studio at the East Lansing Public Library.

The event is free, but limited to 12 participants. All ages and abilities are welcome. To register, RSVP

by Nov. 8 to Cathy Blatnik at 517.381.1410 or lcblatnik@juno.com.

Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m., IHM Rosary Makers’ fall gathering will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 3815 S. Cedar St., in the family center.

A potluck luncheon will follow the 11:30 a.m. Mass. New rosary makers are always needed, so please consider attending and

come help us change the world “one rosary at a time.”

Nov. 17, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish in Swartz Creek will host a Euchre Tournament fundraiser sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. For more information, call 810.635.3684.

Nov. 17-19, Ann Arbor Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: The grief and pain of abortion runs deep and long, yet the unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing of our Lord is available to all who seek him. Anyone who has been touched by an abortion experience is invited to attend the weekend retreat. To register or for information, contact Beth at toheal4give@outlook.com or 734.879.0427.

Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Martha,

RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 517.669.8321 OR STFRANCIS.WS • Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the “Contemplative Spirituality of Father Solanus Casey,” learn about his life and miracles, presented by Father David Rosenberg. Cost is $65.

• Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., a one day Marriage Retreat: "Building Trust, Communication and Intimacy with Each Other and the Lord,” directed by Tony Sperendi, includes continental breakfast, lunch, Mass and materials. Cost is $120 per couple.

• Dec. 1-3, a Married Couples Retreat to deepen your knowledge of yourself, your spouse and God.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950, OWOSSO: 989.723.7239, or CCSC.ORG • You can give the gift of Hope this Christmas by donating new toys, towels, socks, toiletries, gloves, hats and nonperishable food for Christmas Day at Catholic Charities Soup Kitchens. Monetary gifts also are welcome. For information about giving, contact Mary Stevenson or Emma Stebbins at 810.232.9960, ext. 325 or visit ccsgc.org.

• Join Catholic Charities for its sixth annual NBC 25 Days of Giving food drive in partnership with NBC25 Flint, benefitting its three soup kitchens. For drop-off locations, visit Facebook Catholic Charities Flint and Owosso or ccsgc.org.

• Nov. 21, Catholic Charities Center for Hope’s Blessed to be a Blessing Thanksgiving event will have food, giveaways and more. For more information, contact 810.232.9960 or visit ccsgc.org.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, 517.879.0599 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG • Nov. 17, 6-9 p.m. and Nov. 18, 9 a.m.-noon, a WE C.A.R.E. two-day marriage preparation class will take place at the Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church’s Seton Hall, 606 S. Wisner St., Jackson.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.327.9717 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG • The Offender Success program significantly reduces recidivism by helping individuals reintegrate into society and the workforce. This often-overlooked population is 1100 W. Grand River, Okemos, hosts Holiday Heaven – An Arts & Craft Collection featuring a large variety of vendors with artisan items perfect for your holiday shopping season. Please join us for a fun and relaxing time with lunch and snacks available. For information, contact the parish office at 517.349.1763.

Nov. 18, 8:30-10 a.m., join us for the next Women's Breakfast at St. Michael Parish in Grand Ledge.

Speaker Bert Schomberger will speak on "Rediscovering Advent Joy." For more information, please contact the parish office at 517.627.8493.

Nov. 18-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Joseph, 425 E. Washington St. in Howell, will host its Holiday Bazaar that includes both quilters and crafts. For more information, contact the parish office at 517.546.0090.

Nov. 19, St. Paul, Owosso’s Altar Society will host turkey bingo.

in great need of: professional clothing – blazers, slacks, shoes, socks, button-up shirts, ties; winter gear – hats, gloves, scarves and coats; and home goods, bedding, adult backpacks, personal hygiene items and more. For information or to donate, contact Ashley at 734.327.9717, ext. 378 or at awhite@csswashtenaw.org, or view our wish list at csswashtenaw.org/wish-list.

•V olunteer opportunities abound for older adults through our “RSVP” Senior Volunteer Program: jobs in a variety of settings, including hospitals, senior centers, food pantries, veterans programs, thrift shops, tax and Medicare assistance and more. For information, call 734.712.4325 or visit csswashenaw. org/seniors/rsvp-senior-volunteer-program.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITES, LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG •C hristmas holiday giving campaign: If your parish, business or organization would like to give back to the community, consider participating in our holiday campaign by collecting donations of gifts for the children served by St. Vincent Catholic Charities.

Groups also can sign up to “Adopt a Child” or “Adopt a Family” and purchase specific items identified by a child’s or family’s wish list. For information or to donate, contact Rhonda Abood at 517.323.4734 ext.

1205 or visit stvcc.org/holiday-giving/.

•N ovember is National Adoption Awareness Month: More than 13,000 children are in foster care in Michigan waiting for a permanent and loving home.

Please consider opening your home to a child in desperate need of love. To begin the process, attend an upcoming foster parent and adoptive parent orientation offered each month on the first and third Tuesdays 6-8:30 p.m. To attend, please RSVP Stephanie Stanley at stanles@stvcc.org.

This could be your year to win a turkey. All adults 18 and older are invited to attend – sandwiches and snacks will be available to purchase. For more information, visit stpaulowosso.org.

Sat., Dec. 2, noon-6:30 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Paul, Owosso’s Altar Society annual cookie sale in Father Kolenski Hall includes homemade cookies, bars and candy. All proceeds benefit St. Paul Parish.

Dec. 8-10, Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend to renew and enrich your marriage and your faith will be held at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. For information or to register, contact Andrew or Alaina at 734.531.9191 or visit wwme.org.

Save the date: April 21, “These Beautiful Bones: An Everyday Theology of the Body” presented

by Emily Stimpson Chapman, a freelance Catholic writer, at St.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS

BY DONATING CATHOLIC CHARITIES SOUP KITCHENS

ATTEND WE C.A.R.E., A TWO-DAY MARRIAGE PREPARATION CLASS

NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH

Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton.

For more information, contact Dawn Hausmann at 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org.

Unbound Ministry: Does Your Faith = freedom? Learn how to access more of the liberation promised by Jesus Christ to his followers. Discover Unbound, a simple, gentle, yet powerful model of prayer for freedom. To view upcoming events and schedule a prayer ministry, visit unboundmichigan.net.

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Catholic Engaged Encounter is a Christian marriage preparation ministry based on Catholic teachings and values that emphasize the relationship of the couples in terms of their sacramental commitment. Dates for 2018 are: Feb. 24-25; May 5-6; June 9-10; and Sept. 8-9.

For information, visit lansingcee. org, or contact Sue and Wayne Fransted at 517.740.4132 or info@ lansingcee.org.

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ST. GERARD FIRST-GRADERS’ SPECIAL TRADITION The first-graders at St. Gerard School wear special crosses each time they go to Mass. The wooden crosses, which are decorated with beads in the liturgical colors, help the first-graders have a better understanding of the liturgical seasons, and help them realize the special privilege of going to Mass.

Father John Klein comes to the classrooms during the first week of school each year and blesses the Mass crosses.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS VOCATIONS NIGHT

2017 BISHOP’S GOLF CLASSIC

Catholics from around the Diocese of Lansing joined with the Knights of Columbus for the annual Vocations Night at Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the Lansing Lugnuts, on Aug. 11. A great time was had by all!

The 2017 Bishop's Golf Classic for Seminarian Education was a great success! A good time was had by golfers young and old, priests, deacons, seminarians and friends. Thank you to all who filled Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye golf courses.

YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

YOUNG APOSTLES MINISTRY A CANDIDATE FOR LOYOLA PRESS OPENING DOORS AWARD MATTHEW BERKEMEIER

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CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOR ALL “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Mt 19:14) In the heart of downtown Jackson, something special is taking place.

Father Timothy Nelson has been successful in inviting and welcoming all families seeking a Catholic education for their children to St. Mary Star of the Sea School. Father Tim says, “While there is an empty seat in St. Mary School, no family seeking a Catholic education for their children shall be turned away.” Through the leadership of Father Tim and the removal of the financial barrier, the opportunity for a private, Catholic education is now affordable for all Jackson families.

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The Young Apostles Ministry at St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Saline gives young adults with disabilities an “identity” within their parish. The ministry is now a candidate for the Loyola Press Opening Doors Award, which honors a parish community that demonstrates a spirit of belonging and engagement practices for people with disabilities in all aspects of the parish community.

The winning parish will be awarded a plaque, be featured in the National Catholic Partnership on Disability E-News and website and receive $1,000 from Loyola Press.

GRETCHEN MATHOS

ANNIVERSARY MASS A Mass to celebrate Catholic married couples observing special anniversaries was held on Sept. 30 at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing, with Father Gary Koenigsknecht presiding. The couples received a special blessing and recommitted to their marital vows. The Mass was followed by a reception.

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REQUIESCAT IN PACE DEACON JOHN DAUNT

Reintroduce a loved one to the beauty of our Catholic faith with a gift subscription to FAITH Magazine.

Deacon John “Jack” Daunt of Grand Blanc, age 83, died Sept. 9 at his residence.

Bishop Emeritus Carl Mengeling celebrated the funeral Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Blanc. Deacon Jack was deacon at Holy Family Catholic Church and the founder and director of the Holy Family Outreach Program. John also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #6742.

Visit store.faithcatholic.com/magazine today to subscribe.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE SISTER KATHLENE O’DONNELL, CSJ Sister Kathlene O’Donnell entered eternal life on Sept. 22, 2017. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth in 1949, and pronounced final vows in 1955. Sister Kathlene spent the first years of her ministry in several parochial schools in Michigan.

Later, she spent 10 years in hospital ministry in Flint at St. Joseph, where she became the director of pastoral care at Genesys Regional Medical Center.

Connecting people with Jesus and his Church 29

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Praise for Blessed Stanley Francis Rother Pope Francis blesses a man during a visit at the Santa Lucia Foundation rehabilitation center in Rome Sept. 22.

Mercy Friday visit to neuro-rehab center in Rome Pope Francis continued his custom of “mercy Friday” encounters by visiting the Santa Lucia Foundation rehabilitation center in Rome on Sept. 22. During the surprise outing, he visited with children who are suffering from neurological illnesses, as well as with young adult and older patients with spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Begun during the Year of Mercy in 2016, the visits continue on the pope’s schedule to allow him to keep practicing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

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FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHpub.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. ©2017 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

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@PONTIFEX 9/24/ 17

Joy multiplies

when you share it!

PRAYERS FOR MEXICO AND HURRICANE VICTIMS

On Sept.

24, after his Angelus address to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis praised the example and virtue of Blessed Stanley Francis Rother, who was beatified as a martyr in Oklahoma City on Sept. 23.

Blessed Stanley was killed in 1981 after returning to tend his flock in Guatemala in spite of death threats.

The Holy Father said: “[Saturday], in Oklahoma City, the missionary priest, Stanley Francis Rother, killed in hatred of the faith for his work of evangelization and work to promote the human dignity of the poorest people in Guatemala, was proclaimed Blessed. May his heroic example help us to be courageous witnesses to the Gospel, committed to working in behalf of the dignity of man.”

Pope Francis prayed for the people of Mexico after the September earthquake. Speaking in Spanish, the Pope referenced his love for the people of Mexico and offered words of healing. “In this moment of sorrow, I want to express my closeness and prayer to all the beloved Mexican population,” Pope Francis said. “Let us all raise our prayers together to God so that he may welcome into his bosom those who have lost their lives, comfort the wounded, their families and all those affected.” He also offered prayers for hurricane victims throughout the Caribbean and southern United States, saying, “I carry them in my heart and I pray for them.”

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FR. DAVID MONAHAN/COURTESY OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY ARCHIVES

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

Hurricanes wreak havoc on Caribbean islands, southern U.S.

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

NATIONAL NEWS

POPE FRANCIS, U.S. BISHOPS REACT TO ‘UNSPEAKABLE TERROR’ OF LAS VEGAS TRAGEDY

Police and medical workers stage operations after an Oct. 1 mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip.

Pope Francis In a telegram to Bishop Pepe, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said Pope Francis was “deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas” and “sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.

“He commends the efforts of the police and emergency service personnel, and offers the promise of his prayers for the injured and for all who have died, entrusting them to the merciful love of Almighty God,” the cardinal said.

USCCB president Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo “My heart and my prayers, and those of my brother bishops and all the members of the church, go out to the victims of this tragedy and to the city of Las Vegas. At this time, we need to pray and to take care of those who are suffering. In the end, the only response is to do good – for no matter what the darkness, it will never overcome the light. May the Lord of all gentleness surround all those who are suffering from this evil, and for those who have been killed we pray, eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.”

Bishop Joseph A. Pepe of Las Vegas “Our hearts go out to everyone. We are praying for those who have been injured, those who have lost their lives, for the medical personnel and first responders who, with bravery and selfsacrifice, have helped so many.

We are also very heartened by the stories of all who helped each other in this time of crisis. As the Gospel reminds us, we are called to be modern-day good Samaritans. We continue to pray for all in Las Vegas and around the world whose lives are shattered by the events of daily violence.”

Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory “Violence has once again horrified us as a nation and drawn us together in sorrow. All of us – people of faith as well as those with no particular religious affiliation – are stunned by the tragic, senseless, and incomprehensible loss of life in Las Vegas.”

Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville “I pray for the end of the violence and hatred in our nation, and I continue to pray that we follow the truth given to us in Psalms, that we should always trust in Jesus.”

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Membership Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing Want to receive FAITH Magazine? Visit FAITHPUB.COM Follow FAITH Pub The Way to Happiness Is Jesus Find out more at DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG Find a Catholic Church at MASSTIMES.ORG Serving Ann Arbor, Flint, Jackson, Lansing And Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw Counties