November 2019

INSIDE:

How I encounter Christ in the sacraments FEATURE STORY:

I SEE GOD IN OTHERS, and they make me want to be closer to

For Regina, encounter experiences nourish her relationship with Jesus AND:

If faith is important, why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you cultivate it?

him Jaymn values opportunities to serve

PLUS:

How should I be grateful? 1

FROM THE BISHOP

WE ARE STRENGTHENED AND BLESSED BY RELIGIOUS FREEDOM WE HAVE BEEN RECENTLY INVOLVED in a federal lawsuit. It involves our Catholic Charities and their foster care and adoption services. The State of Michigan wishes to shut down this ministry unless we are willing to violate our Catholic teachings regarding marriage by certifying same-sex couples as foster or adoptive parents. Now, in fact, our charities assist with only a small percentage of the adoptions in the state, and do not prevent those we cannot serve from working with other agencies. Moreover, the State of Michigan has a great need for more adoption and foster providers, so that if the state were to succeed in canceling our contracts, it would ultimately hurt those children seeking placement in loving homes. In other words, the state’s contracts with our Catholic Charities benefit the common good and hurt no one. Thankfully, the federal judge overseeing the case recently ruled in our favor, finding that the attempt to eliminate our Catholic Charities’ adoption contracts was a targeted attack on our Catholic religious beliefs. So, while this case continues in the courts,

Carlson Productions

our Catholic Charities may continue in their important work.

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

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

The bigger issue, it seems to me, however, is not about this particular attempt by the state to restrict or eliminate our adoption contracts. Rather, the issue is religious liberty. There are many countries in our world today that do not allow for religious freedom. But America’s founding documents establish religious freedom as a foundational right. The First Amendment to our Constitution reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” So, notice that freedom of religion is listed before and with freedom of speech and the press and assembly. This really is basic to who we are as Americans. In studying history, I remember noting that the Soviet Union allowed for freedom of religious practice (read: freedom to attend Church) which, as we know, was very closely monitored. Religious folk were often denied advancement in society and otherwise persecuted. That country’s words were betrayed by their actions against religion. Our participation in this lawsuit, then, really is a struggle to maintain and enhance the freedoms that we all enjoy as Americans. We don’t have to be all alike. When we share our gifts with one another freely, our society is strengthened and blessed. Please pray for God’s guidance as we continue in this process.

When we share our gifts with one another freely, our society is strengthened and blessed.”

THE MERTON PRAYER From Thoughts in Solitude by Thomas Merton, OCSO (19151968). Thomas Merton was born in France, entered the Catholic Church in 1938 in the United States and joined the Trappist Community of Gethesemani, in Kentucky, in 1941. A prolific writer, he is often most known for his autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), which became, and remains, a best seller.

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me.

YEAR OF

I cannot know for certain where it will end.

PR AY E R

nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will

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

does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are

www.dioceseoflansing.org

ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

INSIDE November

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COVER STORY I SEE GOD IN OTHERS, AND THEY MAKE ME WANT TO BE CLOSER TO HIM – JAYMN VALUES OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE P. 14

YOUR LIFE

6 culture

A cake fit for a king

YOUR FAITH

8 grow+go

• How has Jesus changed your life? • Donna’s financial expertise helps keep diocese and parishes strong

10 in the know with Father Joe How should I be grateful?

YOUR STORIES

12 essay winner How I encounter Christ in the sacraments

18 feature story For Regina, encounter experiences nourish her relationship with Jesus

19 feature story When praying the rosary José says, ‘I like to pray thank you for little things’

20 my story ‘If faith is important, why wouldn’t you cultivate it?’

22 feature story With her American Heritage Girls troop, Amy is ‘Empowering girls to find out who they are as daughters of God’

FOLLOW FAITHMAG SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

PLUS

2 4 goodlife Attracting the person God wants for you

25 youth ministry news 26 local news 28 things to do 30 church in the world

P. 6

YOUR LIFE YOUR LIFE CULTURE

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

A cake fit for a

KING

THE CROWN REMAINS the most classic symbol of a king. And many kings of old be-

lieved in the adage, “The greater the king, the fancier the crown.” But of course, history

has proven that correlation doesn’t hold up. The greatest king of all wore a crown made of simple woven thorns.

asserting that Christ and his Church had “no place in private affairs or politics.” In response to this growing secularism and opposition, he authored an encyclical in 1925, Quas Primas, where he instituted the feast of Christ the King. Originally set for the Sunday before the feast of All Saints, it was put in place to encourage nations to both privately and publicly recognize Christ as their King. In his encyclical, Pope Pius XI states,

Cinnamon Pecan Crown Cake Serves 12

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 2 teaspoons baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter (softened) 4 large eggs 2 cups white sugar 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups sour cream ½ cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ cup chopped pecans Brown butter icing 4 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Maraschino cherries (halved) PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA

T. Gennara

Elvis Presley, famously referred to as “the king of rock and roll,” once said, “I am not the King. Jesus Christ is the King. I’m just an entertainer.” That’s a pretty reverential statement coming from one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century! Wouldn’t it be nice if every prominent and famous musician, actor and politician espoused this same view? In the early 1920s following World War I, Pope Pius XI was alarmed to see rising dictatorships and nations

MICHELLE DIFRANCO

is a designer and the busy mom of three children.

“When once men recognize, both in private and in public life, that Christ is King, society will at last receive the great blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace and harmony.” The feast was later revised by Pope St. Paul VI, and the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe is now the last Sunday before Advent, and marks the culmination of the liturgical year. In fitting with his reverence for Christ as the true King of the Universe, Pope St. Paul VI also relinquished his jewel-covered ceremonial crown (papal tiara) in a symbolic gesture that has been followed by each successive pope. Christ’s relationship with humanity can seem complex at times. He is simultaneously defined as our “brother,” our “Savior” and our “friend.” But above all, we must remember he is our Lord and our King, and indeed the King of all creation and glory. I think it is best to let the symbol of the crown remind us of him, above all else.

Preheat oven to 350°. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, teaspoon of cinnamon and salt. Set aside. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and white sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 30-40 seconds after each one. Add vanilla and sour cream. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour half of the batter into a greased bundt or 10-inch tube pan. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, brown sugar and tablespoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle pecan mixture over batter in pan. Add remaining cake batter and bake for 50-65 minutes or until a toothpick (inserted in the center) comes out clean. Note: If using a bundt pan, it may take longer. Cool for 10 minutes and then gently remove from pan onto a serving plate. For the icing: In a saucepan, melt butter and then add the cinnamon. Whisk until butter starts to slightly brown. Add vanilla and then powdered sugar. Whisk in milk and pour over cooled cake. Top off with maraschino cherries (to resemble jewels on a crown). 7

YOUR FAITH

GROW

GETTY IMAGES/FILADENDRON

as a disciple of Jesus

How has Jesus

changed your life? IT’S HARD TO DISPUTE someone’s personal experience. Whether trivial, like how you felt T.Gennera

watching the Lions find a new way to lose, or more significant, like the birth of a child, each moment of our lives is our own unique experience. Therefore, when we go out to share the Gospel, we need an authentic account of how Jesus has changed our lives. We should be anticipating when we can share what Christ has done for us, and how our relationship with him makes all the difference. People may hate the Church and/or think Christians

PETE BURAK

is the director of i.d.9:16. He has a master’s degree in theology, and is a frequent speaker at events for youth and young adults.

are crazy, but aside from calling you a liar, they can’t really dispute your personal experience. 1 John agrees: “We declare to you … what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – this life was revealed, 8

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.” (1:1-2) Your testimony is unique and powerful, even if it may seem dull compared to the more radical conversion stories you may have heard. The anointing resides not in the drama, but in the authentic movement of God. How did I come to know Jesus? In my family, not only did we go to Mass, but we prayed together and both my parents lived as disciples of Christ. Additionally, I can think of at least 20 older men who took an active interest in my spiritual life. Yet, even in that environment, baseball was king. My dad was my hero, and he had been the MVP of the 1974 University of Michigan baseball team. One day, at 9 years old, after pitching a Little League game, my shoulder was unbearably sore. A doctor’s visit revealed a rare growth plate condition. The doctor told me I would not be able to throw with my right arm until I fully matured. Poof! Gone were my dreams of being a baseball player. Hurting physically and emotionally, my parents encouraged me to give my life to Jesus, and, because I trusted them, I did. Nothing dramatic happened. But, day by day, I grew to know that God is real and he loves me, and that belief changed everything. If you get a chance to share your faith story with someone in the next few weeks, email me and tell me how it went at pete@id916.com

DONNA'S FINANCIAL EXPERTISE helps keep diocese and parishes strong

Diocesan Finance Council member Donna England knows the value of robust

evangelize

bookkeeping and healthy cash flow when it comes to taking care of business on a grand scale. Having recently retired from her position as DTE Energy’s chief accounting officer, Donna has the understanding and expertise to back it up. She breaks down the basics for us in lay terms.

Supporting our parishes is very important so that they can be here for us and that we have access to easily available sacraments, and the Eucharist, and the Mass.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN

“As members of individual families and households, we are responsible for financial, as well as non-financial, activities to make sure things run smoothly. Each parish that we belong to is a parish family, so we have the same responsibilities to support the operations of the parish. Things like making sure that we have heat and lights, and that our buildings are maintained. We also have parish staff who serve the parish as their job, so all of that requires money. Part of our responsibility as members of the parish is to support the parish financially. “It’s not just about the bills and payroll, but about what makes church, Church. “Supporting our parishes is very important so that they can be here for us and that we have access to easily available sacraments, and the Eucharist, and the Mass. Also that our parishes can continue to be a face to our communities, to those in need of our services. All of the things our parishes do that are beyond just the dollars and cents. “When the diocese is fiscally healthy, the bishop can focus on the broader outreach and responsibilities of the Church while offering support to parishes at the same time. “Our role is to assist the bishop in keeping the diocese financially strong. Then, if we have a strong and vibrant diocese, we can provide services for religious education, supporting our seminarians, making sure that our active and retired priests are taken care of, evangelization … all of the various things the diocese does.” 9

YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

HOW SHOULD I BE

GETTY IMAGES/HAKASE_

GRATEFUL? Q

DEAR FATHER JOE: I know we’re supposed to thank God, but some days I don’t feel a lot of gratitude. How do I feel thankful when I’m not?

T. Gennara

FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

Gratitude is a powerful tool in our fight for holiness, and it’s a tool that we rarely pick up. Gratitude is an awareness of, and a sense of contentment with, what we have, where we are. It’s an attitude that confronts the discontentment within me that is a fruit of the Fall in Genesis. Gratitude is a wonder that I simply have to embrace to keep from becoming bitter, angry and controlling. I believe I see the fruits of ingratitude in our society and Church right now, and it distresses me. Conservatives want us to be more conservative. Liberals want us to be more liberal. But in the midst of it all is the quiet voice of God letting us know that what we need is not a human creation or construct, but a divine one: gratitude. I think some of the problem is simple: We mistake gratitude for a feeling. Gratitude is not a feeling; it’s a commitment, a mind-set, a spiritual attitude that focuses our eyes on all that God has given us, all that he has done for us and all that he is.

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In those moments when we recognize a lack of gratitude in our talk or in our inner life, it’s important to pause and pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten us as to how very blessed we are. So, how we do become more grateful people? Obviously, whatever we do needs to be rooted in prayer. Human effort can take us only so far. So, what I’d like to do now is offer some traits that we can focus on to grow in gratitude, and I want to invite you to prayerfully embrace at least one of these traits if you are serious about becoming more grateful. If we want to be more grateful people, then the first thing we need is to grow in awareness. Awareness is a trait that helps us see not just what is obvious and loud, but what is necessary and often subtle, simply because it is so constant. To be aware is an effort, and it seems to me that part of the reason it is such an effort is the way we are wired. Our brains are geared toward the memory of pain. It’s part of the way God set it up, I think, that helps us avoid people or situations that harm us. This easy remembrance of pain is an important part of our lives, but it comes with a shadow that we need to be aware of: We don’t seem to have any mechanism to remember joy without help. Because of that, it’s important that we make the effort to “remember the kindness of the Lord.” (Ps 77:11) We need to make a conscious effort to hold in our hearts those golden and lovely moments that are ours because our God is so generous. How do we do that? At least part of it is practice. There are not many things we will ever be good at without practice. So practice gratitude by acknowledging the myriad good things that happen every day and by thanking God for them. A number of simple “Thank you, Jesus” or “Thank you, Lord” prayers during the day are an exceptionally good discipline for ourselves, and a great gift to God. Be aware of, and grateful for, the little things and the big things – make the effort to say “thank you” to people who help you or serve you in some manner. Another way to grow in gratitude is to record. Again, when it comes to pain, we don’t need a lot of help remembering when someone or something hurt us, but we do need help to remember when someone or something helped us. To that end, writing down those simple moments when someone blessed us or made our day better is a good way to lock it in. I keep a journal, and I’ve recorded a lot of times when God touched my heart or gave me an unexpected gift. I’d like to share one of my favorites with you. In 2011, I was going through an exceptionally hard time in my life. A lot went wrong for me in every area of my life, it seemed. I was working insane hours, my family was going through some struggles

and I was facing a lot of darkness around me. I cried out to God almost daily, asking for his help and, honestly, it always felt like it was coming, but never seemed to be arriving in the time I wanted. In the end, things got worse, not better. And at some point in February of 2012, I wrote this down: “Suddenly, in the darkness, I felt your closeness and it moved me. It came and it went like a cool breeze on a brutal hot day. I wanted a hug, but I got a touch and I’m pleasantly surprised to write that it was more than enough. In the end, I’m struck by the fact that you hear me – that blows me away. You hold all of creation together within yourself, you attend the prayers of the living and the dead. You are present to all in time and history and, just now, you stopped it all and sat with me. You heard me. Today, that is enough; may it always be so.” When I went through that journal years later, I was blown away by the fact that I had forgotten it happened, but as I read it, the power of that moment moved right through me, as did the shame that I forgot it. I’m a human, so I am always going to be limited in mind and body. It is up to me to work hard to record those moments and share them so that I can be a

Gratitude is not a feeling; it’s a commitment, a mind-set, a spiritual attitude that focuses our eyes on all that God has given us, all that he has done for us and all that he is.”

more grateful person. In order to grow in gratitude, we also need to share good news with each other. So much of our dialogue is negative, and negative is the wild animal in the yard: If we feed it, it gets bigger. Combat the human tendency to complain and find fault by sharing good news and good stories from your day. Share the little moments that made the day a touch simpler, share the little sacrifices people made for you that day on the road, at work, at home, etc. Finally, make a commitment to reject complaining. My buddy Father Geoff Rose gave me an image one time that complaining is like scratching a bug bite. The instant relief is wonderful, but in just a couple of seconds, we’ll need to scratch again. That’s how complaining works: we’re never done with it. Reject the complaining spirit! So, these are some ideas and I hope they help. I believe gratitude to be an indispensable part of the Christian life, but I also believe that this idea is often overlooked because it’s a change we have to make. Let’s be grateful for who God is, what he has done and all the ways he shows his love to us through others. Let’s be grateful for our Church, our country, our families, our jobs. Let’s be grateful for the innumerable people in our society who make it all work, and make it work better. Let’s be grateful, people! Enjoy another day in God’s presence! 11

YOUR STORIES ESSAY WINNER

HOW I

ENCOUNTER CHRIST IN THE SACRAMENTS

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

HAT IF THIS WORLD that we live in was only full of the joy and happiness that we experience when we take part in the sacraments? There would be

no hatred, only love. There would be no darkness, only light. Unfortunately, this is not reality. But, by taking part in the sacraments and growing closer to God, we can make this world a better place. This idea starts with our own relationship with God. Here are a few ways that I have experienced joy and love in the sacraments that can ultimately be building blocks to change the world. As I prepare to go to confession, my whole body trembles because I know that I have sinned against God and his Church. I fear that when I tell the priest my sins, his eyes will get real wide and just look at me and say “Wow.” These ideas ran through my head as I sat in a pew at a church in Flint this past Thanksgiving break. As I sat there, impatiently waiting my turn, I thought about all my sins that I had committed over the past several months. I thought about how disappointed the priest would be when I told him how long it has been since my last confession. After what seemed to be hours, it was finally my turn to go to confession. I slowly walked in to the room where the priest was sitting and he welcomed me with a warm smile. Then, he asked me when I had last been to confession. I was truly dreading this question. I said it quietly hoping that no one else would hear who was sitting nearby. His response to my answer really surprised me, he said “I am so glad that you are here today.” My heart skipped a beat because I normally do not hear that response from anyone. I continued on by telling the priest my sins and I asked him for some advice. He just looked at me and told me that it was so great that I came to confession today. He gave me a lot of advice and then closed by telling me that I am so loved by God. I have constantly heard people say that no matter what I do, God will love me. But, that day, God really spoke to my heart through the priest and it has totally changed the way that I think God sees me. Ever since that night, I have experienced the never-ending love of God every time that I go to reconciliation and church. During Thanksgiving week in my junior year of school, I encountered God through the sacrament of the Eucharist. This was the first time that I truly understood what I was consuming when I put the small, circular piece of bread into my mouth. I was in second grade when I received my first

Communion, and it was not until I was in 11th grade that I realized that Jesus died for me and entered my body when I received the Eucharist. After an emotional adoration, where I finally realized the immense love that God has for me to the point where he died for me, I went into Mass with an open and loving heart. When the priest broke the bread and shared it with me and the rest of my classmates, I could not do anything but cry. The thought that someone who did not even know me went through such a horrific death to save me, made me cry even harder. I knew that Christ died for me before this day, but I finally realized the amount of God’s love that day. Since that night, the sacrament of the Eucharist has helped me understand and appreciate the unending love that God has for me. Every time I am at Mass and start to get distracted, I remember the overwhelming love of Christ that I felt that night, and that helps me to stay focused and absorbed. Overall, the sacraments have given me the opportunity to grow closer to God. It was not until the sacraments were fully explained to me that I realized how great of a gift they are. Receiving these sacraments when I was younger helped my small little mind understand God and his grace, but as I got older and knew more about world views, I had a hard time experiencing God’s presence in the sacraments. The retreats put on by my school have really helped me see Christ in these sacraments because they have taken away all my blindness. I truly believe that you can experience Christ in the sacraments if you open up your heart and listen. I have found that this process is easier when you have other people to help you. Just like in life, we struggle to find Christ, who is the way, but with the help of our fellow Catholics and an open heart, the struggle is much more bearable. You can experience Christ in any sacrament as long as you are willing to open up your heart to him.

THE SACRAMENTS HAVE GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW CLOSER TO GOD. IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE SACRAMENTS WERE FULLY EXPLAINED TO ME THAT I REALIZED HOW GREAT OF A GIFT THEY ARE.”

THE 2019 FATHER CHARLES IRVIN ESSAY CONTEST WINNER Every year, FAITH awards a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior in our diocese, based on an essay on a topic related to life in the Church. Our goal is to promote insightful thought and excellent writing, and to encourage careers in Catholic journalism. There are many ways to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, and good writing is one of them. We hope you enjoy this year’s essay by Abigail Kazmierski, who graduated last spring from Lansing Catholic High School. 13

I SEE GOD IN OTHERS, and they make me want to be closer to

him Jaymn values opportunities to serve

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

A JUNIOR AT St. John’s High School, Jaymn Medlock is a teenager with a kind, contagious smile and a gentle, humble demeanor. Gifted with strong faith from a young age, Jamyn vividly recalls the anticipation of receiving his first holy Communion. “I remember being so excited to receive my first Communion. I think I was smiling the whole time. I think I still smile every time I go up – I get all excited. I always believed that God was with me. I grew up believing that he guides me with decisions I make in my life. There was always a relationship.”

I plan on doing more of God’s work in little ways and big ways. Whether it’s going on mission trips or helping a sad friend in the hallway at school, or talking to the guy on the street, I want to do God’s work.

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YOUR STORIES COVER STORY

RECENT OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW in that relationship haven’t passed Jaymn by. Involved in the St. Joseph Parish youth group, Jaymn attended a retreat his freshman year to prepare for the sacrament of confirmation. “I don’t really know what I was expecting. Before that, I had started going to youth group every Wednesday and helping with food drives for our local food kitchen. We also had something called Journey Group to prepare us for confirmation. I really liked being there with others talking about our faith and about where we see God, so I thought I’d like the retreat. I knew I was going to be with my friends and with people I go to school and church with. I knew it was something that would bring us closer to God and each other, and that it would strengthen our faith. “It was a weekend retreat, so it helped that we had a good amount of time together – we had small groups where we were really able to get to know each other and hear what our different relationships with God were like. I thought it was a great experience, and I got closer to God through it. One thing that was very helpful was that we were able to be quiet and really listen to God. I’d say it was a pivotal time for my faith – being in youth group was the start of it, but the retreat changed my perspective and helped me grow.” After encountering the Lord on retreat, Jaymn took more steps to grow in his own relationship with God and to help others to do the same. Jaymn plays “My first mission trip was football for St. Johns High to Kentucky with Habitat for School. Humanity. We were helping a family build a house, and because I was 15 at the time, I couldn’t work with the tools (students are required to be 16 to work with tools), so I was a little bummed. But I gardened and did a lot of other things, and I really believe that every little thing helps. Some people really wanted to do big things, but I knew that even if I was doing something small, I was doing God’s work. “The family was ecstatic to have us help them build their house. They had a baby on the way, so this was a relief to them to have this burden taken off of their back. Our group stayed at a convent and slept in the gym area, and we were able to hang out at night and talk and pray about our day. We all got a lot closer to each other as we were getting closer to God.” BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

Changed by his experience on the mission trip, Jaymn knew he wanted more opportunities to serve others. “This past year, I went to Dayton, Ohio, after there had been a devastating tornado there. With the local Parks & Rec Department, we got debris out of playgrounds, cut down dead trees and cleared areas. The work we were doing might not seem like service because we weren’t working with people, but it was so needed. Those playgrounds are areas that kids go to get their minds off of what happened with the tornado. We helped in big ways even though we were performing small acts. I remember that one of the men who lived in the neighborhood was so happy just to be able to mow his lawn for the first time in a long time. He was so happy that we came down to help out.” Youth group, retreats and mission trips have formed Jaymn and increased his desire for an even stronger relationship with God and his people. “I see God in others, and they make me want to be closer to God. I feel like I have gotten closer to God and I want more of that. “Personally, going forward, I want to pray more and to go to confession more. When I pray, I feel like any burdens or bad things from the day are lifted off my shoulders. I plan on doing more of God’s work in little ways and big ways. Whether it’s going on mission trips or helping a sad friend in the hallway at school, or talking to the guy on the street, I want to do God’s work.” While Jaymn credits his peers and the people he’s served for his increase in faith, it is evident that his ability to see God in others, paired with the joy he gets from being around his peers, make him a trustworthy friend and peer mentor. “I want to tell others to jump into these things, too. I would totally recommend that young people get involved in youth group, retreats and service. It helps people be more open with what they’re going through – it can be hard to talk to parents sometimes. It’s great to be with people who are your age and also be able to strengthen your faith. Any chance to encounter God is an opportunity that I would recommend. “I really think people should go for it and not be afraid. If God is someone that you love, if the parish and the Church are things you love – go where your heart takes you. God has a plan for you, so do what you are meant to do.” 17

US ces S n e E i J r e H p IT ex r W e t P I n u H o nc NS e O , I a T n i A g L For Re ISH HER RE Regina especially enjoys the encounter opportuniNOUR ties offered at Powers. Activities such as retreats, daily

S STORIE YOUR RE FEATU Y R O T S

NTHUSIASM OOZES FROM REGINA BONIFAZI as she explains her growing relationship with Jesus and the Catholic faith feed-

ing her zeal. A senior at Powers Catholic High School in Flint, Regina has attended Catholic schools since kindergarten. “I love that I have religious education every day. I honestly don’t know if I’d be the same if I went to public school because there you can’t talk about your faith. I talk about faith with my friends often; it would be weird not to.” 18

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prayer, Mass, adoration and diocesan-sponsored events such as the High School Youth Conference are meant to supply moments for students to personally meet Christ in a significant way. Regina talks about her first encounter experience: “I went to reconciliation during adoration when the priest shared that God wanted him to tell me I was deeply loved and God’s beautiful little girl. I went back out and was praying in adoration when I felt this overwhelming sense of love. It was the most amazing thing I have felt in my entire life and I just wanted more.” The joy of her encounter propelled Regina into an active embrace of volunteer ecclesial service, which continues to nourish her relationship with Jesus. “Jesus is like a best friend, but so much better. He’s someone you can rely on, who will always be there for you, ready to help you through anything if you just ask.” At Powers, Regina is a sacristan, a lector, an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, an altar server, a Kairos leader and a member of Students for Life. And this isn’t just at school. Many of these roles are duplicated in her home parish of Holy Family, where she also serves on the Youth Group Core Team, as a confirmation sponsor for her sister and in the bell choir. “I just love doing service work. As I get older, I understand more what the roles stand for. Not only am I serving, but it helps my faith grow and helps me be closer to God. This is why my favorite saint is Francis of Assisi. My religious education has taught me he is a symbol of service to others, and I love that about him.” Annual mission trips and retreats give her the opportunity to help make Christ real for other teens. “I try to do this through my leadership and just being there for others. I find retreats and mission trips are so influential. When we gather as a whole, not only are we more powerful, but God’s power can be felt. I’ve seen kids go on retreat and come back completely changed from their experience.” And Regina knows you have to sustain it when you get home. “The most important thing is to keep up with your daily prayer and do those things you were inspired to do while on a retreat or a mission. If you slip up, that’s OK, but get up and try again.” Regina has some simple advice for teens to help them experience the power of an encounter with Christ: “Don’t be afraid of it. Most teens think they don’t need God because it’s not cool. Be open to an opportunity to encounter Christ coming into your life. Even if it might be a small change for you, it’s pretty big to God.” BY ROSE ROBERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY

ys, a s é s o J , S’ y r G a s N I o R H T e h E t L g T n i T I When pray AY THANK YOU FOR L ‘I LIKE TO PR

José joins us as we talk about a typical week in this young man’s life. Looking sideways at his father, Alé begins: “Well, my parents take my phone away at 9:00 every night before I go to sleep.” José nods. “I don’t really like it, but I guess it helps me sleep better. “I have classes at the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Academy until 2:40, when Mom either picks us up, or Eddie and I walk home. I’m excited about taking AP European History this year, even though I don’t really like to write. I used to love to read books when I was younger, so maybe that’s why I do OK with writing. “When we get home, Eddie and I start on the chores Mom leaves for us. My mom grew up in Mexico in a strict and religious family. Her mother used to tell her when she watched TV she was wasting God’s time. “We don’t have an X-Box or gaming console. I sometimes wish we did. But then I say to myself that if I did have that, I don’t know how much time I’d be on it. My parents already have to remind me not to be looking at my phone all the time. “When Dad comes home from work, we eat dinner. I tease Mom a bunch, but she’s the best cook. Tamales, enchiladas, any

kind of Mexican food she makes is great. I’m grateful for the relationship I have with my parents. At dinner or any time, I can go to them for anything. “Once a week, we say the Rosary together as a family. I usually like to pray thank you for little things – me being here, having all my limbs, you know, and for my parents. I don’t know how to put this into words, but just ... the pure love from them. “Sunday is for church. We attend the Spanish Mass at 9 a.m. [at Cristo Rey Parish], but we’re at church by 8:00 unloading pop and setting things up so we can sell food and beverages after Mass. At our parish, different ministries sell tacos, tostadas, gorditas and drinks as fundraisers, so everyone gathers for breakfast after church. My parents do a lot of things, which means we’re usually working two or three Sundays a month. We go back to Cristo Rey for youth ministry from 6:30 to 8 p.m. “Our youth group went to the National Catholic Youth Conference, which was neat. And I got to do the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp. About 100 attendees and organizers spent most of a week at the St. Francis Retreat Center. It was part of the diocese’s effort to create new leaders in the Church. They helped us see that anybody given the opportunity can do something special with it. “The future is something I’ve been thinking about for a while. Dad says that once kids leave the house it’s hard to keep going to church. Mom prays that the Holy Spirit will make something stick out of all the things she tells us. “Honestly, I appreciate my parents for the opportunities they give me to go to church and have time with God, and with them. Sometimes I feel like the hate is more obvious and prevalent in our society because fewer people are going to church and not getting the message of the love that’s there.”

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

N THE LAST FRIDAY OF SUMMER VACATION, José Alejandro Flores welcomes me to his family’s home.

This rising junior at Lansing Everett High School, known as Alé at home, introduces me to his father, José, and mother, Nellie. Eventually, brother Eddie wanders out to the dining room where we are doing the interview.

‘If faith is important, WHY WOULDN’T YOU CULTIVATE IT?’ Rebecca recognizes God’s hand in her life

YOUR STORIES MY STORY

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BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN

REBECCA BERKEMEIER is moved as she recounts the ways God has blessed her life. A senior at Jackson Lumen Christi High School, Rebecca credits her parents for laying the foundation she needed to know God and to recognize his hand in her life.

“Growing up, I was very fortunate. I’ve thought about this a lot – how blessed I am to be in a family that is strong in the faith. It was just second nature, we go to Mass. As I grew up, I realized it’s not a part of everyone’s life. I began to appreciate it. My family has been morally sound, and that has impacted my life the most. Being the youngest of five and seeing my siblings make great life decisions has been a blessing. I have about 60 first cousins – all of them have a faith life, so not even just my immediate family – and at all of our gatherings we thank the Lord. In our family, we don’t only praise Jesus for one hour on Sunday; faith got embedded everywhere.” Rebecca says it was her family’s influence that allowed her to be open to God’s work of conversion in her as she entered her teen years. “With that foundation, I personally encountered the Lord first on a confirmation retreat when I was in middle school. So in high school, I was expecting to feel the same on my Kairos retreat. I thought it would be an exact replica of that confirmation retreat. I realized that God doesn’t work exactly the same. It was a gift from Jesus to have a different experience. I also helped lead a Ten Away (sophomore retreat) – I definitely had the Holy Spirit in me. As I prayed over people, I had knowledge of what was going on in their lives. So I had an encounter at that retreat that was not just for me, but also for others – it was so I could help other people. That was incredibly powerful. I could feel the Holy Spirit. I could tell that people were as close to God as they’d ever been, and it wasn’t from the things we plug into our lives for ‘joy,’ it was God. I was so grateful.” Encountering the love of God in real and profound ways motivated Rebecca to allow him into every area of her life. Despite the challenges of navigating relationships, she knew she could trust God with everything. “You have to claim your faith. Across the board, I’ve had to claim my faith in every area of my life

Jesus made you as an individual, and I’ve realized it’s important to work on yourself. Don’t neglect the friendship that you have with yourself.

and in all relationships. I think that there comes a time we have to choose a path of life, and it’s not necessarily the same as everyone else’s, and it helps you grow as a person. True faith makes you stop and think: Is this someone I want to be with? Is this something I want to do? “I can definitely tell a difference in tone when a relationship is based in Christ. It’s really freeing not to have to hide your faith.” Looking ahead to the remainder of her senior year and anticipating her plans to attend Grand Valley State University next fall, Rebecca hopes to share what she’s learned through her high school years. “I want to tell others to figure out their morals, but also to know why they have them. I’d say don’t find your identity or define your worth by people you’re hanging around with. You need to leave high school knowing your own value. Sometimes people find value in outside approval, but Jesus made you as an individual, and I’ve realized it’s important to work on yourself. Don’t neglect the friendship that you have with yourself. “Also, find out how you connect to God the most. Just because we’re all Christian doesn’t mean we will strengthen our relationship with God the same way. For me, I love eucharistic adoration, but some people need praise or something else. And it’s important to push yourself with what you like because your faith journey is not always about being comfortable. I’ve grown by not always doing what I want. It doesn’t need to be just what your friends do or what you want it to do: Try new things, get involved and make sure that you really find something that works. If faith is important, why wouldn’t you cultivate it? I’m not doing it because I should. I genuinely believe. And that is what I hope for others.” 21

YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY

With her American Heritage Girls troop, Amy is

‘Empowering girls to find out who they are as daughters of God’

AMY PARISH, troop coordinator for the American Heritage Girls (AHG) troop based at Old St. Patrick’s Parish in Ann Arbor, knows firsthand the impact that faith and fellowship can have on girls and young women – precisely because her own life changed dramatically as a teen due to the witness of friends who showed her the beauty of the Catholic Church.

Raised in a large family, Amy was a Girl Scout who loved going to her family’s Protestant church. “My grandmother was a Bible-based woman and a huge influence in my life. In eighth grade, I started going to Mass with friends, and I had a close and personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. I went home and asked to be Catholic, but my mom said no. I waited until I was 18, and came into the Church then. It was easy for me to accept the Church because it started by believing in Jesus in the Eucharist. Because I knew it was God’s Church, I was comfortable with all of it. It just seemed right, like coming

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home – and it still feels like home.” Amy and her husband met in eighth grade, grade. They both attended Penn State University. After they married, they moved to Michigan and have been blessed with nine children. Because she had always been involved in Scouting herself, the couple’s older kids were Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. While Amy appreciated the values and adventure of Scouts, the faith that was at the core of their family was missing from the Scouting experience. “A friend of mine had started AHG in Grass Lake and was encouraging me and my daughter, who was 8 at the time, to come along. I was working full time, so I couldn’t always be a part of it, but Mary would go, and I’d go when I could. My next daughter was going to join and they needed leaders, BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITNEY WEBER

so I committed to doing it and helped out another mom with the troop that year.” It didn’t take long for Amy to realize she had found something that could have a huge impact on both her and her daughters. “AHG is Christ-centered, and the mission is bringing girls up as women of integrity to follow Christ and all of the things that could mean to them. In addition to faith, there is a strong emphasis on country, community and service. The first troop we were a part of got too big for the space, so a friend and I started another troop with 10 girls. Soon, the number of girls in the troop tripled. While we are not exclusively Catholic, we pray with and hand out religious medals, we AHG is a focus on the saints, and wonderful we do quite a bit of proexperience life work with various for moms agencies. “AHG is a wonderful supporting experience for moms each other in supporting each other in the way we the way we are raising are raising our children, all while trying to give girls a our children, place where they can all while share their Catholic trying to give faith in a lot of different girls a place ways. We have so much fun baking, sewing, where they horseback riding and can share camping, but we also their Catholic do a lot of service faith in a lot and we participate in the community. of different It’s fun to teach the ways.” girls new things. We run the gamut from engineering badges to skiing badges. We’ve made rosaries, served with St. Paul Street Evangelization, listened to St. Gianna Molla’s daughter speak, gone to summer camp, stuffed bulletins at the parish, attended Mass at the nursing home, helped with the flag ceremony for Veterans Day and so much more. It is a great adventure.” In the midst of all of the adventure, Amy says the best part about AHG is growing in faith right alongside the girls. “What is most fun is to experience the faith through the girls. One of them had never been to eucharistic adoration before. Every year, we have a lock-in and the last night during

adoration one of the girls expressed that she didn’t know what to do. I told her to simply kneel down, be quiet and let Jesus talk to you. She looked at me and smiled and said, ‘I think I can do that,’ and it ended up being a great experience.” With her own daughters, Amy says the impact of AHG is immeasurable. “My daughter Mary, 16, is the oldest girl in the troop. She is working on ideas for her Stars & Stripes (equivalent to Eagle Scout status). The older girls have a unique role in teaching and leading the younger kids. Their badges require them to teach skills to the younger girls and to really step up as leaders. For me to stand back and watch them do that well, or even fail in some things along the way, those are ‘proud Mom’ moments. “To realize that you’re empowering girls to find out who they are as daughters of God with strengths and weaknesses is such a gift. They may say they don’t like to camp, or to speak or to sing, but they try it. Ultimately, they realize that all of the things we do are for the Church or for Christ – we try to represent Christ to other people. Nothing is more spiritually rewarding.”

The mission of the American Heritage Girls is “building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.” To find out more, visit WWW.AMERICANHERITAGEGIRLS.ORG.

GOODLIFE

Attracting the person

God wants for you You’ve taken the plunge into the online dating world and have carefully chosen a dating app or two … now what? How do you create a profile that is true to who you are and attracts the person God wants for you?

Be honest

Be specific

Be authentic

Be open

Whether you’re using a Catholic app or a generic one, present your real self. Include things that are most important to you without worrying what people might think. You’re looking for your one true match, so of course your profile won’t be attractive to everyone.

Do you like going to daily Mass when your schedule allows? Great! Include that. Do you like reading books by Scott Hahn or Matthew Kelly? Attending Theology on Tap? Serving on a parish committee? Include it. This will garner the appropriate attention.

Everyone loves a glamour shot of themselves, and it’s fine to include one or two – but make sure you include pictures that exemplify who you are in real life. Use pictures depicting you as naturally as possible in places you love.

As you list the things you want in a match, don’t limit yourself by letting physical characteristics be the guide. Include the lifestyle deal breakers (must love dogs!), but be as open as possible when it comes to the packaging. That’s God’s domain!

Put yourself out there and cover the process in prayer. Be safe. 24

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BY CYNTHIA KAAN

Youth Ministry

NEWS YOUTH MINISTER GATHERINGS

This past year, we decided to begin hosting quarterly meetings for youth ministers, or any adults involved in the field of youth ministry in the Diocese of Lansing, to pray together, support each other and share in fellowship and best practices. We meet for a half-day at various parishes throughout the diocese. Generally, the structure includes either Mass or eucharistic adoration, a light breakfast, a time of sharing what is going on in the ministry, and discussion of current trends in youth ministry. We close with a time of prayer for those present. We meet from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Remaining dates are as follows: Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019 – St. Andrew, Saline Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 – St. Robert’s, Flushing Tuesday, April 14, 2020 – St. Francis, Ann Arbor

DYLC

Our annual Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp will take place June 21-26, 2020. If you know any high schoolaged teens who are ready to take their discipleship to the next level by being equipped as a missionary disciple, watch for registration in early spring.

OUTPOURING CONFIRMATION RETREAT

This year the Diocese of Lansing Offices of High School Ministry and Religious Education prioritized the development of a diocesan-sponsored confirmation retreat, in order to provide those parishes who include a retreat as part of their confirmation preparation, as well as those individuals who are unable to attend their own parish’s retreat, a dynamic, Holy Spirit-centered opportunity. We held our first Outpouring Confirmation Retreat in September. One of the adult leaders who brought teens to the retreat had this to say: “This weekend I experienced the Holy Spirit in ways I never thought possible. I saw some of my teens experience Jesus Christ for the first time. I saw walls broken down, spirits lifted up, and lifelong bonds develop. I experienced a renewal and excitement in my faith. I experienced Jesus' love in profound ways I never thought possible. Mass, confession, adoration, glorifying and praising God ... it changed each and every one of us. God spoke to all of us through the Holy Spirit. My friends, he has risen, and his love for each of you is overflowing. He is a good, good Father, and you are loved by him.”

Our next Outpouring Confirmation Retreat is being held Jan. 24-26, 2020, at Bethany House in Dewitt. Registration can be found on the retreat center and diocesan websites.

BE LOVE REVOLUTION

I am excited to share a wonderful ministry for young ladies in the Diocese of Lansing called “Be Love Revolution.” Be Love Revolution (BLR) began in 2013 in Ann Arbor, with the intention of helping young women know the personal and transformative love of Jesus and grow into mature disciples. BLR desires to personally accompany young women on their journey of faith, forming them to live freely and confidently as daughters of God, and empowering them to be God’s love in the world today. There are currently two chapters of BLR meeting in the Diocese of Lansing. Any young women in grades 9-12 are welcome to attend, either on their own or as a group. BLR Lansing meets every other Wednesday in the St. John Paul II room at the Church of the Resurrection. All young women 9th grade and older are invited to attend for praise/worship, a talk, small groups, food and fellowship as we seek to encounter Jesus and his love, and to share that love with others. Upcoming dates are Nov. 13 and 27, and Dec. 11. Questions? Contact Mary Gates at mary.gates@lansingcatholic.org for information or to be added to our email list. BLR Ann Arbor has a few different opportunities. •B eLoved meetings: Wednesdays, Nov. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, Renewal Ministries’ Office-Dominos Headquarters, Lobby L •W eekly Bible Studies: Tuesdays, 6:30 a.m., at Plum Market, Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, or 900 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor •A bide Small Groups: Contact us at info@ beloverevolution for more details. For more information on Be Love Revolution or to be added to our email list, contact us at info@ beloverevolution.com; www.beloverevolution.com.

BY BRIAN FLYNN, DIRECTOR OF HIGH SCHOOL AND MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING

YOUR COMMUNITY FOUR LEVELS OF HAPPINESS WORKSHOP On Sept. 18, more than 450 people from around the diocese gathered at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing for a presentation to learn how best to propose to contemporary society that humanity’s perennial search for happiness is most deeply fulfilled in relationship with Jesus Christ. The Four Levels of Happiness program has been developed by the popular American philosopher Father Robert Spitzer, SJ, who is president of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership, which was founded in Ann Arbor in 2005. Father Spitzer bases his work upon the Greek philosopher Aristotle (394322 B.C.), who observed that no person deliberately chooses to be unhappy. Jim Berlucchi, of the Spitzer Center, was the presenter.

Jim Berlucchi, of the Spitzer Center, speaks at the Four Levels of Happiness workshop.

Bishop Carl Mengeling addresses the FDLC National Meeting on Oct. 9.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH HOSTS EXPOSITION OF SACRED RELICS

OF FEDERATION 50TH ANNIVERSARY ICAL COMMISSIONS OF DIOCESAN LITURG

A special Anniversary Mass was held at St. Thomas Aquinas in East Lansing on Oct. 5 for married couples celebrating their first anniversary in 2019, as well as for all couples celebrating a significant anniversary. A cake and punch reception followed the Mass in Father Mac Hall. 26

MIKE FRIESEMAN

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY MASS

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In September, St. Joseph Parish in St. Johns hosted a day of teaching and exposition entitled “Sacred Relics of the Saint – Treasures of the Church.” Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross visited with a special Vatican collection of relics. Most of the relics were first class – a part of the saint’s physical self, such as bone or hair, and some second class – things the saint owned or was in contact with. The treasures were relics of St. Joseph, St. Thèrése of Lisieux, St. Maria Goretti, St. Francis of Assisi and others.

LOCAL NEWS

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS MASS On Monday, Sept. 23, students from across the diocese gathered at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing to attend the annual Diocese of Lansing Mass for Catholic Schools. Bishop Boyea presided at the liturgy.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS OPENS NEW PRESCHOOL FOR 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR Thanks to the generosity of many people in the community, St. Thomas held a ribbon cutting to open its new preschool for the 2019-20 school year. It has three classrooms, a kitchen and gym. There is a half-day program for 3-year-olds, and both half-day and full-day programs for 4-yearolds. The preschool has the capacity to accommodate 72 children. For more information, visit stthomasaquinasparishschool.org.

DIOCESE OF LANSINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FALL NUN RUN TO CHICAGO Eighteen women took a weekend trip to Chicago to visit five different religious orders on the Nun Run: the Franciscans of the Eucharist, the Daughters of St. Paul, the Discalced Cloistered Carmelites, the Little Sisters of the Poor and the Daughters of Mary of Providence. On the way home, the women realized exploring religious life was truly a gift. 27

THINGS TO DO Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m. through noon, St Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus Council 8605 will host an autumn breakfast feast in the Lothamer Parish Center. For information, contact the parish office at 517.223.8684. Nov. 12, 9 a.m., St. Agnes, 855 E. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville, will host a free breakfast in Lothamer Parish Center prior to the bus trip to Firekeepers Casino. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $40 and includes roundtrip transportation, $20 in free slot play and $5 for dining, gift shop or slot play. For information and pre-registration, contact the parish office at 517.223.8684 or Liz Heslip at Lheslip@sbcglobal.net. Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Spiritus Sanctus Academy's UM-vs-MSU Euchre Night. Please join us at the Ann Arbor campus, 4101 E. Joy Rd, for Michigan's favorite card game. Admission is $20 per person or $35 per couple and includes euchre rotations, hors d'oeuvres, 50/50 raffle, wine pull and more. Proceeds support our grade 8 class trip to March for Life in Washington, D.C. To RSVP online, visit tinyurl.com/ ssaeuchre2019 or contact Caroline Biskner, carolinebiskner@yahoo.com. Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the St. Gerard Autumn Craft Show will be held in Father Weber Hall, 4433 W. Willow Hwy. in Lansing, behind the school. Fun and interesting crafts and food are available all day. For information, contact Pat Albright at 517.230.3245 after 3 p.m. or palbright4735@att.net. SHARE YOUR NEWS SEND YOUR LOCAL NEWS STORIES TO EDITORIAL@ FAITHMAG.COM

Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Martha in Okemos will host its annual Holiday Heaven – an arts and crafts collection with a large variety of vendors and artisan items prefect for the holiday shopping season.

Come and enjoy a relaxing time with lunch and snacks available. For more information: please email holidayheaven@st-martha.org. On Nov. 17, the Diocese of Lansing’s Special Needs Ministry and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are hosting a Special Needs Mass at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt. Mass begins at 2 p.m. and is followed by light refreshments. To attend, please RSVP to Cathy Blatnik by Nov. 12 517.381.1410 or at lcblatnik@juno. com. Everyone is welcome. Nov. 17, 1 p.m., doors open at 12:15 p.m., St. Paul Altar Society in Owosso will have Turkey Bingo, an adult event in Father Kolenski Hall. It includes playing to win turkeys and 50/50 raffles – sandwiches, snacks, homemade pies and beverages are available to purchase. All proceeds benefit the altar society. For information, call the parish office at 989.723.4277, ext. 1101. Nov. 22-24, Ann Arbor Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat. The pain of abortion runs deep and long, but the unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing of our Lord are available to all who seek him. Anyone who has been impacted by abortion is invited to attend the weekend retreat. For information or to register, contact Beth at 734.879.0427 or toheal4give@outlook.com. Nov. 23, 5-8 p.m., Christ the King, Flint will celebrate its 90th anniversary at the Flint Golf Club, 3100 Lakewood Dr. The evening will include dinner, a program and entertainment. Everyone is invited. For ticket information, call 810.233.0402. Nov. 23, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School is celebrating 70 years of educating future Catholic leaders in the East Lansing area by hosting an adult-only gathering

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of the current parents, members of its parish, STA alumni and other parishes in the Diocese of Lansing for an evening of faith, community and fundraising. For information, follow St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School on Facebook or Instagram to receive the current Faith and Fundamentals event information. Nov. 23-24, take time to enrich your Advent with resources that will be available for sale or free following all Masses at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Church and Student Center in East Lansing. For information, contact the parish office at 517.351.7215. Nov. 24, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell’s Knights of Columbus will host breakfast in Thompson Hall. For information, contact the parish office at 517.546.7200. Nov. 26, 7 p.m., St. Michael, Grand Ledge will host an ecumenical Thanksgiving service and on Nov. 28, 9 a.m., a Thanksgiving Mass. For information, contact the parish office at 517.627.8493. Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing’s Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual Christmas Craft Bazaar in the Activity Center at 310 N. Cherry St. More than 100 crafters from Michigan will participate, along with parish groups. Admittance is free. For information, contact Sandy at 810.659.6610 or the parish office at 810.659.2501. Dec. 7, noon-7 p.m., and Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the St. Paul Altar Society’s annual Christmas Cookie Sale will be in the Father Kolenski Hall in Owosso with homemade cookies, bars, candies and plates of homemade goodies decorated for instant gift giving. This event benefits the altar society. For information, contact the parish office at 989.723.4277, ext. 1101.

CAFÉ CATHOLIC CHARITIES Tuesdays, from 7-8:30 p.m., Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 an "Introduction to Lectio Divina" with Father John Whitlock at St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton, East Lansing. For questions, contact the parish office at 517.351.7215, ext. 312.

RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS • Nov. 22-24, Recovering Origins, A healing retreat for adult children of divorce, begins Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon; cost is $175 until Oct. 20 and $225 after that date. For information, contact Cheryl Olsen at colsen@dioceseoflansing.org. •D ec. 6-8, Married Couples Retreat: Registration is at 6 p.m., followed by snacks and a weekend introduction. On Saturday, there will be opportunity for reconciliation, blessing of wedding rings, renewal of vows and time for reflection. The evening includes vigil Mass followed by social time. On Sunday, there is a presentation followed by couples’ toolkits. All meals are included. For information and registration, visit stfrancis.ws. WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER IN ADRIAN, WEBERCENTER.ORG • Nov. 15-17, Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: Instead of flowers and candy, give the gift of yourselves to each other. Refresh your faith and invest in your family. To register, apply online at wwme.org or contact Chris and Darla Vinton at 269.953.8387.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES (CCJLH), JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG Fundraiser for Jackson County Child Advocacy Center (JCCAC): The JCCAC, in coordination with local law enforcement, provides essential care to children who are victims of sexual and severe physical abuse. In 2018, the center cared for almost 350 children in the community. Catholic Charities is asking for donations to help them to provide the best care possible through their expansion and renovation project. For more information about the JCCAC project or to donate, contact Mikhail Fedewa at mfedewa@catholiccharitiesjlhc. org or visit its website. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 AND OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 or CCSGC.ORG The Community Closet offers personal needs items such as toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, formula and toilet paper, as well as clothing and household goods that are distributed to those in need. It is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m.-noon for personal care items and 1-4 p.m. for clothing and household goods. For information, please call 810.265.7025. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) helps adults age 55+ contribute their talents and experience to serve local nonprofits. It considers the skills and interests of each volunteer and matches them with the needs of partner organizations. A successful match means that a community agency is more able to deliver critical services while the volunteer enjoys the reward of giving back. For more information, contact Andrea Traskos, volunteer coordinator, at 734.712.4325 or rsvp@csswashtenaw.org. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES (LCCC), 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG Altarum and LCCC are developing a volunteer care-giver toolkit to share nationwide to help enhance services offered to the senior population and is looking for volunteers who like working with older adults. If you want to become a volunteer or participate in the study, please contact Katie Holmes at 517.545.5944 or katie@ livingstoncatholiccharities.org. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG Counseling Services: Our staff members are mental health professionals with advanced degrees. One of the many services offered is Seasons – supporting families through serious illness. It helps children, teens and adults cope with the changes that occur with serious illness from the point of diagnosis through support group therapy. For more information, contact the St. Vincent Catholic Charities intake coordinator at 517.323.4734, ext. 1700.

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CHURCH IN THE WORLD

INSIDE:

How I encounter Christ in the sacraments FEATURE STORY:

NOVEMBER 2019 VOLUME 19: ISSUE 9

For Regina, encounter experiences nourish her relationship with Jesus AND:

If faith is important, why wouldn’t you cultivate it?

him Jaymn values opportunities to serve

PLUS:

How should I be grateful? 1

PUBLISHER

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David Kerr

FAITHMAG.COM

Most Rev. Earl Boyea

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Rev. Dwight Ezop EDITOR

CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE/DIVISIONE PRODUZIONE FOTOGRAFICA

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

I SEE GOD IN OTHERS, and they make me want to be closer to

“The elderly and the young, together. This is the sign that a people cherishes life, that there is a culture of hope: the care of the young and the elderly.” @Pontifex Sept. 30

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Eric Fuentes GRAPHIC DESIGN

Cynthia Vandecar ADVERTISING SALES

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Sharon Byers DIGITAL MANAGER

‘Angels Unawares’ sculpture unveiled

Prayer Intentions of Pope Francis for November 2019

In observance of the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29, Pope France unveiled the sculpture “Angels Unawares,” after celebrating Mass and leading the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square for 40,000 faithful. The work, by artist Timothy Schmalz of Canada, is inspired by St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (13:2)

That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East

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Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR FAITHTM (USPS 019993) 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. ©2019 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

SAINT OF THE MONTH

St. Martin of Tours Feast Day: Nov. 11

St. Martin of Tours was a leader of Western monasticism, and played an instrumental role in spreading Christianity to people in the rural areas of Western Europe. He was also one of the first saints not to be a martyr. Since he was adopted as a patron by several royal houses of France, he was widely venerated in the Middle Ages. Born of pagan parents in what is now Hungary, Martin told his parents he wished to become Christian at age 10. Although he was forced to serve in the Roman army at the age of 18, Martin asked to be released from military service when he was 23. His request was denied, but he told his commander: “I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight.” Eventually discharged from the army, Martin joined Hilary, the first bishop of Poitiers and now a Doctor of the Church, in preaching against Arianism, which denied that Jesus was divine. Martin founded the first monastery of the Western Church in Gaul; he was ordained bishop of Tours in 371. Martin next founded a monastery at Marmoutier, attracting ascetics from all over Europe who then carried Christianity across the Western Roman Empire. Martin joined his disciples in the rural areas where few had heard the Gospel, visiting each of the outlying settlements yearly to evangelize and encourage the faithful. Martin also defended the Church’s rights, protesting against the killing of heretics and interference by the state in Church matters. He died in 397, and many miracles were attributed to him.

FAITH Magazine | NOVEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

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