December 2016

CULTURE:

Anticipating the birth of Jesus with a Jesse tree SPIRITUAL FITNESS:

How do I pray for someone to return to God this Advent?

CALLED BY NAME:

How can you bring someone back to church?

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Connecting people with Jesus and his Church

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FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

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

Carlson Productions

JESUS IS LORD!

IN OCTOBER, WE IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING were blessed to be part of an assembly for the New Evangelization. We were energized by our speakers, and filled with the Holy Spirit in our prayer. If you were unable to attend this wonderful event, I encourage you to visit the website (dioceseoflansing.org/2016-assembly-highlights) and participate in it digitally with your brothers and sisters in Christ. I hope you will find the content there inspiring as you undertake the joyful task of evangelization — this is our call, and was given to us at the moment of our baptism.

I am certain that all of you reading this magazine believe that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit, and that God raised Jesus from the dead. That is the heart of our faith, and that is what fills our hearts. What are we going to do with that full heart? It calls for confession with our mouths and so I call on you to confess that Jesus is Lord!

There is no distinction among us. We are all under the same grace which enriches all who call upon the Lord. How will others hear in order to believe, in order to be invited back unless we proclaim that Jesus is Lord?

As we know, some have wandered away and some have not heeded the good news. Many I am certain that all of you of those people may be our friends and family reading this magazine believe members, whom we will be seeing during the Christmas season. When we gather with them, that Jesus was born of the we need to be gentle in our words, and kind Virgin Mary through the power in our actions — proclaiming through both that of the Holy Spirit, and that God Jesus is Lord. raised Jesus from the dead.

In the Gospel of John, we hear Jesus thank his Heavenly Father that he was sent to us. Then That is the heart of our faith Jesus sends out his apostles; he consecrates and that is what fills our hearts. them in truth. He prays not only for them, but What are we going to do with all those who will hear them preach the Good that full heart?”

News. The world will believe because Jesus is in us, and the world will see it, and the world will thus believe that our lives underline our words as we say, Jesus is Lord!

My sisters and brothers, as you watch the video of our assembly and as you read the Scripture, imbibe the presence of the Holy Spirit and be emboldened to reach out to our sisters and brothers. We need them in order to be fully the Church we are called to be.

St. Paul tells us that our voice will go forth to all the earth, and our words to the end of the world. But we can do this only if what fills our hearts bursts forth in praise as we announce: Jesus is Lord!

God bless you all.

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FAITH HELPS

FROM THE EDITOR

I LOVE ADVENT

A

T.Gennera

DVENT IS MY FAVORITE of all the Church’s seasons. Its four weeks are a breath of fresh air in the midst of the busy commotion of this time of year. Advent reminds me that even with reconciliation services, Christmas parties, pageants, and the hectic preparations for Christmas, we still need to be quiet and reflective. In the midst of the everyday happenings of my life as pastor and my work as editor of a thriving magazine, there is indisputable need to take time to be quiet.

FATHER DWIGHT EZOP

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

These weeks of Advent are an invitation to pause and understand how deeply we need God and how much we require a deeper relationship with God.”

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What’s the purpose of all this quiet? To put it simply, I think Advent is a wonderful gift of time – four weeks – to draw near to the Lord. In setting aside some of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reflecting on the cool stillness that we find in the world this time of year, I believe the Church’s seasonal wisdom affords us four weeks of daily opportunities to become more aware of Christ’s daily coming into our lives.

Advent is also a season for invitations. As Christmas approaches, there will be invitations to family gatherings, friends will be encouraged to gather, and there will be office parties to attend.

The weeks ahead will see a variety of invitations extended and accepted, with so many chances to spend a little extra time with family and friends, deepening our relationships with one another.

As one of the Church's seasons, Advent invites us to deeper relationship with God through his son, Jesus Christ. This year, we are blessed with four full weeks of Advent. These days and nights provide an opportunity to respond to God's invitation to make use of this opportunity, finding time for additional prayer, seeking opportunities to practice greater generosity and charity.

These weeks of Advent are an invitation to pause and understand how deeply we need God and how much we require a deeper relationship with God. The miracle of Christ's Incarnation that we celebrate at Christmas is a realization that God has come in the flesh to invite us into friendship. In the person of the tiny Christ child, God has invited us to get to know him, his great love for us, and his plan for our lives both in this world and in the world to come. Think about that fact for just a moment. God wants to know us. In so doing, God is inviting us to share in his life and love.

This invitation is one that we cannot keep to ourselves – it must be shared, and this is one more Advent opportunity. We all know someone who has left the active practice of their faith. Can we invite that person (or persons) to come with us to Mass during this Advent season? Can we invite them to come to Mass for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Are we willing to walk with them, to accompany them on a journey of return? Will our invitation reveal just how much a relationship with Jesus means to us? These days of Advent provide us with ample opportunity to reflect and act upon God's invitation to us and to lovingly and prayerfully echo and extend that invitation to those we love. And so, our journey in FAITH continues

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DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Marriage Matters

• Discuss ways in which estranged family members might approach one another in a spirit of reconciliation and peace, especially during the Christmas season.

Work Life

• What features of a job create satisfaction for you? Is it the people? The work? The culture? Read the catechism (2427) which says, in part: “Work honors the Creator’s gifts and the talents received from him.”

Parenting Journey

• What are some ways we can help young adults, or even aging parents, with transitions in life, such as getting that first job, moving to a new location or moving out of the house they have always known?

Reflect on Joshua 1:9.

Cover story •P rayer and action on the part of a few saved Sandra’s baby. What are some ways that you can help show respect for life in your own corner of the world?

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

INSIDE DECEMBER

COVER STORY PRAYERS AND SUPPORT SAVE WEZI’S BABY P. 18

YOUR LIFE

6 marriage matters

He says: ‘I’m not going

to my brother’s house for Christmas.’ She says: ‘They are family and we should be together.’ What do they do?

7 work life

I’m stuck in a dead-end job

parenting journey

O ur college graduate needs to leave the nest

8 culture Anticipating the birth of Jesus with a Jesse tree

10 goodlife

Swap gift-giving for giving together

YOUR FAITH

12 in the know with Father Joe Did we do the wrong thing by cremating my dad?

14 theology 101

Lessons in mercy The parable of the sower

16 spiritual fitness

How do I pray for someone to return to God this Advent?

P. 22

P. 28

SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

YOUR STORIES

22 my story Stephen’s faith is at the

core of his medical practice – Catholic health care for women

24 called by name

How can you bring someone back to church?

FOLLOW FAITH PUB

LIVE

TO

LEAR N

INSPIR E

TO

INVIT E

WHAT’S NEXT? P. 24

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YOUR LIFE

MARRIAGE MATTERS

THERE’S BEEN A RIVER OF BAD BLOOD running WHAT DO between brothers ever since THEY DO? Cain first hated Abel, and sometimes the smartest thing brothers can do about it is to stay on their separate shores.

GETTY IMAGES

HE SAYS:

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SHE SAYS:

I’m not going to my brother’s house for Christmas

They are family and we should be together

Gretchen and the kids are welcome to go to my brother’s on Christmas, but I am not. I’m tired of argumentative get-togethers, and it’s not how I want to spend a holiday. It’s too stressful.

Jim and his brother have never gotten along; now they’re not speaking. Jim is refusing to go over to his brother’s house for the family Christmas dinner, but this is family! And the kids want to see their cousins.

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On the other hand, keeping the rift alive by maintaining separation on holidays is not moving forward with the hard work of family reconciliation. Jim, perhaps you can write a note to your brother before the holiday. Don’t dig up any hatchets, and keep it simple – just something like this: “I’m sorry for our differences over the years, and I’m sorry for how I have contributed to them. I truly wish things weren’t the way they are.”

You can never underestimate the healing effect of words spoken in kindness, regardless of the issues that have separated you throughout the years.

But Gretchen, if visiting Jim’s brother’s home would be too difficult for him, then respectfully take him at his word and let him stay home, especially since he’s welcomed you to go with the kids. Sure it’s less than ideal, but it still counts as a family get-together. Make sure the two of you talk openly about this, and that STEVE AND Jim sincerely doesn’t mind being BRIDGET PATTON home alone on Christmas. Your first hold master’s priority as a married couple is to degrees in each other. theology and Jim, please do a couple of things. counseling and Pray for a newfound peace with serve as family your brother and do whatever you life ministers for can to establish it. St. Paul wrote: the Diocese of “If it is possible, as far as it depends Sacramento. on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom 12:18) The peace St. Paul speaks of is not a mere absence of conflict, but rather a harmony that flows out of mutual understanding, compassion and respect.

It may not be possible in this life to reach that kind of peace with your brother, especially if he doesn’t want it. And even if he does, be prepared for missteps. While you shouldn’t allow yourself to be bullied, you should be prepared to bite your tongue, to return words of kindness for words of anger, and to ask for forgiveness even when you don’t fully see that it is fitting.

At the birth of Jesus, the angels proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Let God’s peace rest anew within you, Jim. Then do what you can to share it with your brother.

YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

I’M STUCK IN A DEAD-END JOB

Q

I am not expecting to get a promotion, but I feel as if I’m stuck in a dead-end job. How do I get a greater sense of job

satisfaction?

There are four levels of satisfaction you can mindfully appreciate, in ascending order of fulfillment:

T. Gennara

A

• Stuff. Appreciate that your work generates JIM BERLUCCHI money. Money has its rewards — like food, is the executive clothing and shelter. director of the • Self. If you do your work well, take pleasure in Spitzer Center. your accomplishments, no matter how modest they seem.

• Others. To the degree that you interact with colleagues or customers, make every effort to love and serve them.

• God. Do you have strong faith and a real sense of connection with Christ? If so, consecrate your work to him. Your labor has eternal merit when done for his honor. It sounds lofty and it is. But doable.

READ MORE

GETTY IMAGES

VISIT FAITHPUB.COM TO READ THE WORK LIFE COLUMN: “SHOULD I LOOK FOR A NEW JOB?” FROM DEC. 2014.

If you still feel stuck, unstick yourself. Envision, pursue and attain a more satisfying position. Don’t focus on your circumstance. Focus on developing yourself and thereby securing a better future.

P.S. Though I understand the sentiment, I’ve never liked the term “underemployed.” It’s a privilege (and free choice) to be employed.

And no task is too lowly for a noble heart. Check out the saints.

Our college graduate needs to leave the nest YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY

Q

OUR SON GRADUATED FROM COLLEGE LAST YEAR, and moved back home. It was supposed to be temporary, until

he found a job and moved out. But every job that’s available seems to have some reason he doesn’t take it. How do we motivate him to get a job – any job?

T. Gennara

A

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

An Irish lullaby, Cáislean Droma Mhor, includes the phrase, “Take heed young eaglet, till thy wings are feathered fit to soar.” As parents, we know that eventually our children will be leaving the nest and soaring into their own futures. An adult child returning to the nest can be challenging for both generations.

Reasons behind the lack of motivation. There may be an

underlying condition affecting his behavior. A checkup with your family physician may reveal a physical disorder. Or, the physician may notice depression or another condition. In that case, a referral to a psychologist may lead to positive changes.

Create a timeline for change.

Given that your son is healthy, you can create a timeline for moving out. He might need to

take a job that isn’t ideal. It is reasonable to expect him to accept the next job offer.

Establish expectations for household chores. Is your son pulling his weight in the household? Divide household chores to keep the household running smoothly; he can shop, cook, shovel snow, etc. Make sure to follow through with the division of responsibilities rather than enabling a life of leisure!

Read our catechism #2217.

Pray that the respect for one another that underlies your relationship guides you through this time of transition.

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T. Gennara

MICHELLE DIFRANCO

is a designer and the busy mom of three children.

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YOUR LIFE CULTURE

ANTICIPATING THE BIRTH OF JESUS WITH A JESSE TREE A

FEW YEARS AGO, I remember going through my 7-year-old son’s backpack and

finding an egg carton with little objects in each cavity. One by one, I began to take them out and study them — a tree twig, a plastic star, a ladder made from toothpicks and so on. When I asked him for an explanation, he told me all about the “Jesse tree” that he created in class.

While I’m familiar with the verse from Isaiah 11:1 and its meaning (“A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom”), I admit, it wasn’t until then that I learned about the symbolism of creating an actual Jesse tree.

The Jesse tree gets its name from Jesse, the father of King David. Symbols that represent the people and events leading up to the birth of Jesus are created to tell the stories of the Old Testament. These symbols can then be displayed on a banner or hung on branches of a tree during Advent.

As I discovered with my son, the Jesse tree, in the tangible symbolic context, is not just a great teaching tool for kids, but also a way for us all, young and old, to catalogue and ponder the amazing historical and spiritual events that led up to Christ’s birth. It is a “family tree” of sorts that inventories Jesus’ ancestors and provides the lineage that is necessary for his messianic fulfillment. And most relevant during this time of the year, it is another great custom in our Catholic Church to help us anticipate our Lord’s coming during the Advent season to bring light to the world.

It is powerful to contemplate the profound and amazing historical events that led to the birth of Christ.

Today, we have the advantage of looking backward and seeing how it all made sense. We can see how the biblical narrative, through the trials and wanderings of the Jewish people, makes way for Christ’s arrival. But taken individually as unique and separate stories, each symbolized upon the Jesse tree, we are reminded of how God has worked in the world in mysterious and beautiful ways to guide and protect his Church, as he still does today.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA

JESSE TREE ORNAMENTS There are many different ways to create a Jesse tree, and the imagery and corresponding stories (from Scripture) can vary.

The main objective is to show the important people in Jesus’ lineage, and reflect on how their role was important in God’s plan for salvation. The following project is for 24 ornaments to be hung on a miniature tree beginning Dec. 1, and ending on Christmas Eve. I’ve created a set of 24 printable ones with the suggested Scripture verses at www.FAITHpub.com/JT_ornaments/. I would recommend printing two copies, one to adhere to the ornaments and the other to use as a guide.

You will need: •2 4 1.5-inch wooden craft disks, preferably with holes •2 4 7-inch pieces of string • 1 piece of light tone scrapbook paper trimmed to 8 1/2 x 11 •S pray adhesive or glue stick •M edium grit sand paper •C raft spray varnish (satin) •C omputer with internet access and printer •M iniature Christmas tree (a tree branch in a pot of soil will work too) •B ible (for readings) Print the designs on a sheet of 8 ½ x 11 scrapbook paper. Using scissors or a craft knife, cut out the circles and adhere to the wooden disks (I applied a dark stain to mine ahead of time, so the designs would stand out a bit more). Sand the edges. If you have wooden disks without a hole, use a drill with a small bit to create one at the top of each disk (drilling through the paper). Spray with a clear satin varnish. Attach the string to the ornaments.

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YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE

SWAP GIFT-GIVING FOR GIVING TOGETHER A

RE YOU AND YOUR GROUP OF FRIENDS just starting out and wondering if you can afford to do a gift exchange? Why not try this — do away with friend gifts

altogether! Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas without material gifting.

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Adopt a family together. Why not grab an angel or two from the tree at church and spend an evening shopping for the child or family? This allows you to spend time together while helping others feel loved in the process.

2

Volunteer at a shelter as a group. Some people are not entirely comfortable volunteering on their own. Invite your friends to volunteer to serve a meal and offer your companionship to others while enjoying your time together.

3

Take turns hosting a “family dinner.” Have one person open their home and cook the main dish while everyone else brings delicious holiday side items. Spend an evening enjoying each other’s company while breaking bread. This is a lovely tradition that has the opportunity to nurture true friendships.

Christmas is not about material gifts — it’s about giving of ourselves in order to shine a light on the true gift we have received in Christ Jesus. Embrace that truth and let his light shine!

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BY CYNTHIA KAAN

FATHER CHARLES IRVIN WRITING SCHOLARSHIP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

How would I explain

WHAT JESUS MEANS TO ME

to someone who doesn’t know him

?

my story:

‘Everyone has Christ in them’ – Brady’s mission trip to Flint was a humbeling experience work life:

How can I make the most of my internship?

See your English or theology teacher or your parish director of religious education for more information.

ENTRIES DUE: APRIL 3

in the know with Father Joe:

Why is there so much violence in the world?

Write and win

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YOUR FAITH

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

GETTY IMAGES

Did we do the wrong thing by CREMATING MY DAD?

Q

DEAR FATHER JOE: I have heard that recently the Church changed some rules on funerals and cremation and that a lot of people did cremation wrong. I am really upset as my dad was cremated three years ago: what do I do?

A

The Church instructs us to be sure that, if we choose cremation, we do so for the right reasons. The human body is sacred, it’s not a shell, it’s not a prison.”

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Thanks for asking this – I have had a lot of people ask about this so I am going to do my best to walk us through what was written and explain some of the “whys” of it all.

Before I begin (and it’s really important that you read this paragraph), please note that anyone who, in innocence and with good intentions, has approached the burial of a loved one differently than what our Church is teaching need not fear: God is merciful. With very few and very rare exceptions, we are not held responsible for what we don’t know. Our job as Catholics is to grow in knowledge and love of our faith and, by the time you are finished with this article, I’m hopeful you’ll know what you are supposed to do and how to do it.

Anything in the past that you have done differently, you need to let go of and not fear.

With that in mind, what do we have here in this latest letter from the Vatican?

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What we have is a clarification from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith called Ad resurgendum cum Christo, meaning “To rise with Christ.” It’s a sort of teaching tool to show us what we are to do regarding those who have died and are cremated.

It’s a very short document and quite easy to read. Please do not read summaries of it from secular websites or Catholic websites with agendas beyond Jesus: you can pop right over to the Vatican website or the USCCB’s and read the whole thing. I’m not going to summarize; I’ll just hit the points that seem to need the most clarification/explanation.

First, the Church instructs us to be sure that, if we choose cremation, we do so for the right reasons. The human body is sacred, it’s not a shell, it’s not a prison. As we state in the Apostle’s Creed: we believe in the resurrection of the body.

If we are choosing cremation because of reasons of cost or for sanitary purposes, that is

acceptable. If we are choosing cremation because we do not value the human body, then that is not acceptable.

Second, regarding what to do with the cremains of the deceased person, the Church reminds us that we bury the dead. She expresses her reasoning for insisting on burying the cremains in a very simple, straightforward manner “The Church who, as Mother, has accompanied the Christian during his earthly pilgrimage, offers to the Father in Christ, the child of her grace. She commits to the earth, in hope, the seed of the body that will rise in glory.”

The document goes on to point out that burying the dead shows our great regard for the dignity of the human body: we treat dignified objects with great dignity.

So, we have established so far the wishes of Holy Mother Church that we cremate for the right reasons and that we bury the cremains. The next point,

“[Burying the dead] in Sacred Places prevents the faithful departed from being forgotten, or the

remains from being shown a lack of respect, which eventuality is possible, most especially once the immediately subsequent generation has too passed away� (emphasis mine).

As a priest, I have witnessed firsthand some of the problems that come when construction workers or farmers find the cremains of a person in a spot that was probably marked many years ago, but no longer is. In most of those situations, the remains have been unintentionally mistreated. The Church wants to keep us from that and therefore requires us to bury the remains of our beloved in sacred spaces.

Finally, as Catholics, we are not permitted to scatter the

ashes of the faithful in the land, air or sea and we are not to divide the cremains among family members or friends. This practice has too many connections to non-Christians practices and is not a respectful way to deal with the deceased.

So, there it is. A brief reminder from our Holy Father that, as Catholics, we want our beliefs to shine forth in the way we treat the deceased. We want to be sure that all we say and do is reflective of our conviction that the human body is sacred and destined for eternal glory.

May God bless our efforts to be faithful in ensuring the care of our deceased family and friends, both now and in future generations.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence!

T. Gennara

logically, is where do we bury the dead? The answer to that question is simple: we bury cremains in sacred places.

There are many goods that are accomplished when we bury the dead in sacred places. This document offers us a few of them.

Chief among these reasons is that the dead belong in sacred places so that they will be remembered by the community and prayed for. It is a key part of our faith that, through Jesus, we are connected to the dead and we foster that connection through our prayer and remembrance of them. Check out this amazing line:

FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

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The Sower, by Vincent Willem van Gogh

LESSONS IN MERCY:

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER “I GIVE YOU A NEW COMMANDMENT: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, SO YOU ALSO SHOULD LOVE ONE ANOTHER. THIS IS HOW ALL WILL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER.”

ural love of God from working through us. Some obstacles can inhibit our being merciful and thereby derail our life of discipleship – in short, some can cause us to bear rotten fruit.

(JN 13:34-35)

T

HROUGHOUT THE YEAR OF MERCY, we have been encouraged to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

(Lk 6:36) We also have been given clear instructions of what this requires of us — both individually and collectively. We are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, bury the dead, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bear wrongs patiently, forgive offenses willingly, comfort the afflicted and pray for the living and the dead.

These corporal and spiritual works of mercy constitute the practical way we live out our call to be merciful. They are, in fact, the fruit by which we will be known. They are the expression of our love for each other and the defining characteristic of discipleship. They are how we put power to use in the service of life.

Of course, we cannot perform the works of mercy on our own, though we must will to do so.

By their very nature, the works of mercy require divine grace. This grace is the supernatural love of God working through us. So as we bring to a close our year-long reflection on mercy, let us explore a few of the obstacles that can prevent the supernat-

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PATHS, ROCKS AND THORNS In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes how a sower went out to sow seed. Some of the seed fell on a path where birds quickly came to consume it.

Some fell on ground that was rocky. Because the soil was not deep there, the seed grew quickly but it just as quickly withered in the sun, as it lacked adequate roots. Still other seed fell among thorns and was choked. In all three cases, the seed produced no fruit.

Jesus later explains the meaning of this parable to his disciples. In doing so, he identifies for us three different ways we prevent God’s merciful love from operating through us.

First, the seed that fell on the path represents the person who hears the “word of the kingdom,” but does not truly understand it. This makes it easy for the devil to steal away what was sown. For example, we might read the passage about knowing the tree by its fruit and not realize that it means we are the tree that will be known by our fruits. This makes us vulnerable to a spiritual inflation or pride whereby we believe we now have the criteria by which to judge any tree by its fruit. In such instances, we can easily fall into the trap of judging others, rather than being merciful to others.

YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

‘A GOOD TREE DOES NOT BEAR ROTTEN FRUIT, NOR DOES A ROTTEN TREE BEAR GOOD FRUIT. FOR EVERY TREE IS KNOWN BY ITS OWN FRUIT.’

DOUG CULP

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

The official Year of Mercy ended for the universal Church in November. However, the Church’s mission of mercy has no end. Let us pray that the call to “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful,” resounds throughout our lives and the life of the Church in all the years to come. Then, we can truly say we lived “Years of Mercy” and, through our fruits, we may be known as the “good trees.”

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

“Who is there like you, the God who removes guilt and pardons sin for the remnant of his inheritance; Who does not persist in _____ forever, but delights rather in _____…”

A. anger; clemency B. forbearance; vengeance C. strength; weakness D. remembering; forgetting

SPIRITUAL READING These corporal and spiritual works of mercy constitute the practical way we live out our call to be merciful. They are, in fact, the fruit by

FINAL THOUGHTS

THEOLOGY 101 QUIZ

Answer: (A) – anger; clemency (Mi 7:18)

The seed that fell on the rocky ground represents the person who hears the word and receives it with great enthusiasm and zeal. However, because the person has no roots, as soon as some tribulation or persecution comes the person’s way due to the word, she or he immediately abandons it.

Here we are confronted with the type of Christianity that seeks comfort, power and pleasure free of any demands. When we succumb to this temptation, we are transformed into consumers of religion who judge the value of the faith and our affiliation with it on what the religion can do for us. In other words, it becomes evident that the supernatural love of God that requires us to act (for agape, divine love, is pure action) has not taken root in our life because the “soil” of our heart is too shallow. Consequently, our life demonstrates that, in reality, we know nothing of the love that requires us to die to the self; love that is other-centered by its very nature — that is self-giving, self-sacrificing and merciful.

Finally, the seed that fell among the thorns represents the person who hears the word, but has it choked by worldly anxiety and the lure of riches.

Anxiety causes worry. Worry can cause us to focus completely on our own need and lack. When this happens, the needs of the neighbor recede into the background. Worry can also undermine our trust in and dependence on God. This prevents God’s love, in the person of the Holy Spirit, from blowing where it will for the Spirit does not impose itself against our will.

In a similar way, the lure of riches directs our desire from the Creator to the created. When we put our faith in the power and life that wealth offers us, we fall victim to an illusion. This is another form of that disordered self-centeredness that cuts us off from the love of God and neighbor where true selflove, and our very life, alone reside.

S. Olson

(LK 6:43-44)

which we will be known.”

“The essence of perfection is to embrace the will of God in all things, prosperous or adverse. In prosperity, even sinners find it easy to unite themselves to the divine will; but it takes saints to unite themselves to God's will when things go wrong and are painful to self-love.”

This particularly relevant quote given this month’s reflection comes to us from the 1755 work Uniformity with God’s Will by St. Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori, CSsR (d. 1787).

This relatively short treatise on the love of God will no doubt prove fruitful spiritual reading for those who seek to continue the spirit of the Year of Mercy forward into the future. The author, St. Alphonsus, was a bishop who founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). In 1871, he was proclaimed a doctor of the Church and is the patron saint of confessors. He is one of the most widely read Catholic authors of all time.

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YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS

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SISTER ANN SHIELDS

T. Gennara

is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. @srannshieldssgl

FIRST OF ALL, DON’T WORRY about what words to use when you begin to pray for someone who has been away from the Lord – from the Church – for a long time. Just talk to God about the situation as you would to a good friend. In your own words, tell God your fear, your concern, perhaps your sense of hopelessness/discouragement.

God loves and cares for the person even more than you do.

He wants that person back in his family, back in relationship with him. To have a son or daughter of God back in the fold must bring untold joy to the Lord. Think about the prodigal son (see Luke 15:1132); think about the father waiting and watching for his son – looking for him on the road, running out to meet him. This parable is a wonderful example of how God looks for his sons and daughters who have strayed.

Know that God loves them even more than you, and when you ask for his help, do it prayerfully, simply and daily, He will show you the part you are to play. Remember you are not the Savior – God is.

Your part is to be a true servant of the Master through prayer and sometimes conversation. We cannot see the whole picture – only God can. And he will show us how he wants us to help. After daily prayer, God might inspire you to say something, or a book may come into your hands that is needed by the one for whom you are praying.

Remember, our job is to pray and be attentive to God’s inspirations.

Consider areas of blockage to God’s grace. Pray against anger, fear, depression, pride, hopelessness.

Say to the Lord something like this: “Lord, I think what is really holding them back from coming back to you and to the Church is their fear of rejection or their pride

or anger” (or whatever you think it might be). Ask God to help you identify what might be a blockage to their return. Then ask God that all the graces of their baptism may be activated again; pray that fear or anger, or whatever the obstacle might be, might be overcome by God’s generous grace. Grace is God sharing his life with us, and God longs to give it to us, and to those who have been far away from him.

• Pray the rosary each day or the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. If the situation is particularly difficult, pray a 54-day novena to Our Lady: 27 days in petition; 27 days in thanksgiving.

• Fast from one thing each day and offer it to the Lord as a sacrifice for the need of the one for whom you have a concern.

• Some weeks, pray the Our Lady, Undoer of Knots Novena. This is a great prayer in situations like this.

Remember, although God is always working in the soul offering and extending invitations, whatever turned that person from God/from the Church can create spiritual blindness or deafness. So just keep on praying. Don’t give up!

I close with a story about a grandmother who prayed for her

grandson, whom we’ll call Joe Smith. This grandmother saw her grandson straying, so she began to pray for him to return to the Lord.

She died some years later without seeing any result of her prayer. Many years later, Joe says, “I was walking down a city street on a Sunday morning and just had the strangest desire to go to my grandmother’s church. I was high on drugs, and could barely remember where the church was, but amazingly, I found it very quickly.”

Know that God loves them When Joe even more than you, and when went into you ask for his help, do it the church, prayerfully, simply and daily, the whole congregation He will show you the part you was quietly are to play.” praying. Joe sat down, and then the pastor asked if there were any visitors that morning. Joe tentatively raised his hand and the pastor asked him his name: When he said, “Joe Smith,” the entire congregation erupted in loud applause. Thoroughly confused, Joe asked the pastor why they were cheering for him since they didn’t know him. The pastor replied, “My son, we have been praying for you every Sunday since your grandmother asked us to 18 years ago! Welcome home!”

Pray this Advent season and never lose heart!

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YOUR STORIES

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MARCH FOR LIFE THE 2017 MARCH FOR LIFE WILL BE HELD IN WASHINGTON, D.C., ON FRIDAY, JAN. 27. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PRO-LIFE ACTIVITIES, VISIT THE MICHIGAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE WEBSITE AT WWW.MICATHOLIC.ORG.

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ON MAY 2, 2016, Sandra Wezi Pemba parked a block away from the clinic where she had scheduled an abortion.

Wearing a prayer T-shirt, she dragged her feet as she walked.

She recalls her heavy heart and feeling of hopelessness: “It was the last of seven days of prayer I had begun when the baby’s father told me he was married with a family. He said I should get an abortion. I didn’t want one, but I was so confused.

“I prayed ‘You be God and I’ll be Wezi. Please tell me what to do.’

“During that prayer, God gave me a vision of a calendar glittering right up to May 2, where it ended and went black. But then God showed me another calendar that glittered into the future. I understood that if I chose no abortion, God said this baby would bring blessings I’d never had before.

“That was when I began to pray: ‘I know I shouldn’t have an abortion, but I don’t have support. Please send help from the Anti-Abortion Department in heaven.’

Wezi’s difficult life had led her to this place.

“My ex-husband abused me over many years, starting in college when I became pregnant with his child.

After earning my degree, I followed him from Africa when he came here for grad school. His abuse of me and our daughter got much worse. He had fallen in love with a fellow student and tried to get rid of us. When our second daughter was born, he refused to come to the hospital and later told my family she was not his child. Though I escaped his abuse in shelters, it only really ended when he returned to Africa without us.

“Alone with my young daughters, I found a home with an older couple who asked me to provide live-in home health care. The wife paid me 20

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COVER STORY

for my work and let us live there for who would be joining him soon. The workers there are helping me free. I thought of returning to Afri- That really woke me up. I felt ter- find new housing with more room, ca, but my mother told me to stay rible to learn he has a wife. I know they’re providing connections with where I was safe. what it’s like to be left behind. I my children’s schools and even “A man from Haiti came around made the abortion appointment looking out for a better job for me. the house and talked with me. He and began my prayers.

“Plus the New Life Center is a wanted a relationship, but I was “When I got to the clinic May 2, great place just to pray. I met a womnot ready for one. One day when I could see people praying on the an in the chapel who asked what I I said we shouldn’t see each other sidewalk outside. A man stopped was praying for so she could add anymore, he pulled a knife out of his prayers and approached me, her prayers to mine. From there, she his pocket and held it to my throat. then a woman quickly followed. We took interest in my situation and I didn’t want to go back to the shel- talked, and I confessed I wouldn’t organized a baby shower for me! ter, so I agreed out of fear. I became be there if I had support. [The man She invited the prayer group from pregnant, and he was so happy. and woman who talked to Wezi on her home church and they gave me “He was a good father to my girls, the sidewalk that day are parishio- brand new, top-quality things that but any time I showed disinterest ners at St. Peter in Eaton Rapids and will really last. in our relationship, “I am so lucky that he got violent with I have received all this knives. I left that help! Both Shared house and moved in Pregnancy and the with a friend until our New Life Center give son was born, then me the spiritual and my three children and corporal support I I moved to [a place] prayed for and more. where I knew he It’s like going back to couldn’t get us. Evenmy home in Africa the tually he had an accuway they support and mulation of offenses encourage me. They and was deported. are like the extended The Diocese of Lansing and Resurrection Parish “The abuse was family I left behind 16 worked to close down the only remaining abortion done, but I had to years ago. clinic in Lansing and in its place, opened New find a way to provide “Thinking of famiLife Center. The center assists women in crisis for my three children. ly made me nervous. pregnancies and offers classes for women who are I became a certified I was ashamed to tell in need of healing after abortion. Upcoming Rachel's nurse aide (CNA), my children. I felt I Vineyard retreats are Feb. 17-19, 2017, and Aug. 11-13, and found a job in a had betrayed them 2017. For more information on a retreat, or the New nursing home where I by my poor example.

Life Center, visit: www.newlifecenterlansing.org. could get lots of hours.

I waited until MothI earned enough to er’s Day. Then when rent a nice townhouse we were all together, and provide for my I said, ‘I am so sorry children. But it was hard working St. Martha, Okemos, respectively.] for my actions. But this baby is inup to 90-hour weeks and raising “They convinced me not to go in nocent, so we are going to welcome and offered to take me to Shared him. I hope you will learn from my kids on my own.

“At 40 years old, I was lonely Pregnancy Women’s Center in Lan- mistakes.’ Now they cannot wait to and so tired of caring for my family sing for an ultrasound. When I saw meet him. alone. So when a trusted friend in- my baby on the screen, I knew they “I have learned to trust God and troduced me to a man, I fell for him were the help I had asked God to know that his timing is always best. quickly. I didn’t care how fast things send. The workers at Shared Preg- I was so tired, but when I prayed for went because he gave me a sense of nancy told me I could earn baby help the gifts just kept coming! These security and confidence I felt I need- things like clothing, diapers, even new friends have kept their promise furniture by attending their classes and are supporting me. I am sure God ed at the time.

“Three or four months later, I and programs. They also invited me sent them from the Anti-Abortion Dediscovered I was pregnant. When I to join their wonderful prayer group. partment in heaven,” she laughs. told him, he revealed that he had “After Shared Pregnancy, we went “At the end of the day just to know his wife and children back home to the New Life Center in Lansing. somebody cares is a relief.”

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING PHOTOGRAPHY

BY JIM LUNING

I am so lucky that I have received all this help!

Both Shared Pregnancy and the New Life Center give me the spiritual and corporal support I prayed for and more.”

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Stephen's faith is at the core of his medical practice

CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN

BY MICHAEL SPATH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

LEARN MORE VISIT WWW.EMMAUSHEALTH.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CATHOLIC HEALTH CARE IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN.

D

R. STEPHEN HICKNER AND HIS WIFE, Carol, were very happy with their life in Wyoming. Following his 20-year obstetrics/gynecology career largely spent in Grand Rapids, the Hickners could wrap a week of work at 5 p.m. Friday and by sunset have a tent pitched in Yellowstone National Park, ready to enjoy the splendor God had created. But Stephen — sometimes enthusiastically, sometimes reluctantly — always kept his ears open to hear God’s call. So when Dr. Thomas W. Hilgers and the Pope Paul VI Institute for the Study of Human Reproduction reached out to Stephen in May 2013, creating an opportunity for him to study the natural procreative technology (NaPro technology) developed by Hilgers, with additional training in robotic surgery at Creighton University Medical Center, Stephen listened.

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YOUR STORIES MY STORY

“I’ve always had an inclination to be open to God and his Church,” Stephen says. “I would attribute a lot of my commitment to my faith to upbringing rooted by my parents, siblings and extended family in a strong Catholicism. My relatives were transfer to a Catholic residency program in suburban St. Louis at highly educated people committed to social justice, and those St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, while tending to women’s health sorts of values were ingrained in me.” as best he could in connection with Catholic protocol.

Currently serving as a board-certified OB/GYN physician on The opportunity to study at Creighton University in Omaha staff at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Caritas Center for Women’s for one year, learning natural reproductive technology, was the Health and Emmaus Health, Stephen represents the epitome of a culmination of the 25-plus years he had already devoted to his life lived open to God’s direction. patients and his relationship with the Church.

“I admit I didn’t have a plan that I was going to go to medical “We provide state-of-the-art medical and surgical therapies school, become an OB/GYN and practice medicine a certain way for women with a range of gynecologic problems,” Stephen says.

– I was flying by the seat of my pants as a baby boomer Catholic “This includes minimally invasive and robotic surgery. trying to come to terms with my faith and trying to figure out “We are providing effective treatments for women with infertilihow I would integrate that in my practice,” Stephen says. ty. Often, our women have gone through and failed with IVF and “When I was a senior at Michigan State in 1982, I was seriousthey then successfully become pregnant with our approaches. ly thinking of becoming a Jesuit priest or a diocesan priest. I was “Finally, our philosophy is to tap into the feminine genius and a philosophy major and bio-chem major, but I took the MCAT empower women in the process.” and scored really well. I applied to medical school and I got With the sponsorship of Trinity Health, Stephen joined accepted and I figured that was God’s answer.

Emmaus Health in May 2016, and has found the experience “Certainly, he was leading me to be near him, to grow in my faith, incredibly rewarding, seeing not only patients from Ann Arbor and it was going to be through medicine and not the priesthood.” and Southeast Michigan, but also women from Grand Rapids, Doors opened, one after the other, for Stephen and his wife, a Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and beyond. registered nurse, and their brood of four children, leading him to a Stephen and his wife are happy to be close to family located residency program in St. Louis, Mo., then to Grand Rapids, working in the Bay City area, and close to a son, daughter-in-law and a in the St. Mary’s Health System, then to Wyoming, then to Omaha grandson. They are excited to set up roots in Southeast Michigan. (to study the NaPro technology) and, most recently, to Ann Arbor.

“God has continually found ways to intervene in my life when Along the way, God was also shaping Stephen’s philosophy on he knew I needed direction, and if he calls on us again, we’ll do medicine, making him more and more aware of authentic Cathwhat we’ve always done, do our best to discern his intention,” olic teaching on human fertility, particularly regarding women’s Stephen says. reproduction.

“I was pretty naive at first,” he says. “I originally wanted to go into sports medicine.

My wife suggested gynecolIn 2014, the Diocese of Lansing supported an initiative to redesign Catholic health ogy, but even then I didn’t care, providing an opportunity for God to be a greater presence in the medical decigo into it with any agenda or sions of patients. The finished product is Emmaus Health, based in Ann Arbor. knowledge that I would find “We want to be intentional in recognizing that every patient we see is made in solutions to women’s health the image and likeness of God, and we will treat them accordingly,” says Dr. William issues that would allow them (Rusty) Chavey , the clinic’s director. “We follow the ethical directives of the Church, not to take birth control or, not because we view them as burdensome obligations, but because we believe these eventually, have options to directives are supportive of the dignity of our patients. in vitro fertilization (IVF); “For instance, if I see an unmarried adolescent woman who has multiple sexual it wasn’t until my fourth partners, I do not want her to get pregnant. I could achieve that with birth control, year of residency that I was while she continues in her same lifestyle. Rather, I could try to get her to see her handed a document on the partners are defining her by her sexuality and she deserves better. If I can get her to Church’s teaching in regards change her lifestyle, that is more dignity-affirming.” to human sexuality and Regardless of religious, cultural or ethnic background, Emmaus Health is upfront fertility.” with its patients, telling Muslims, atheists, Buddhists and anyone else that they will Stephen practiced medibe treated in the likeness of God and under the direction of Catholic teaching. cine with a commitment to “We’re going to treat you with the same respect and commitment to that of any his faith, taking umbrage other patient, but we’re very candid about what we do and how we do it,” Rusty says. when asked as an intern at “Our goal is to help patients understand they have value and are worth investing Washington University in St. in. It’s far too commonplace to throw medication at patients to solve problems, withLouis to perform abortions. out investing in their emotional, mental and spiritual health also. We want to them to Providentially, he was able to see that God values them and wants to be part of their medical health.”

Emmaus Health offers health care consistent with our Catholic faith

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P. DALLY

CALLED

BY NAME

HOW CAN YOU BRING SOMEONE BACK TO CHURCH? Pray, witness, invite, accompany Approximately 1,800 people gathered at the Summit on Oct. 21-22 for the Called by Name Assembly, hosted by the Diocese of Lansing.

The focus of the assembly was on creating a plan for bringing someone you love back to church. Many participants said the presence of the Holy Spirit was perceptible to them. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DON QUILLAN

I am ready ... we left with fire in our hearts, and determination to follow through in what we are called to do. Every speaker gave us tools for reaching out to others.” – Laura The diocesan assembly ‘rocked’! The Holy Spirit was moving among us in power! How awesome! Now it’s up to the pastors, parishes and individuals to follow the Spirit and act with courage. Can’t wait to get started! Let’s get out there and save some souls!” – Deacon Jim 25

YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO Nov. 27, 4:30 p.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson will host its 27th annual Advent choir fest with Jackson-area adult choirs performing Advent music, including Handel’s "Messiah." Freewill offering. All are welcome to attend.

Each Sunday in Advent, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 18 at 5 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell invites you to its special Candlelight Masses for Advent, celebrated with the church illuminated by candles and beautiful music provided by Bill Richart and area musicians. All are welcome to join us as we prepare for the coming of the light of the world, Jesus Christ. For information, visit stjosephhowell.com.

Dec. 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Michael, 345 Edwards St., Grand Ledge, will hold an annual craft bazaar, including a cookie factory, bake sale, many crafters and a homemade lunch in the Fellowship Hall and school.

Dec. 3, 12-7 p.m. and Dec. 4, 9 a.m.12:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Altar Society, 111 N. Howell St. in Owosso, hosts

RETREAT CENTERS WEBER RETREAT CENTER, ADRIAN, WEBCENTER.ORG or 517.266.4000 •D ec. 1, 1:30-3 p.m., Women Reading the Scriptures series, freewill offering. Registration is required.

•D ec. 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Contemplative Prayer — Meditation and Mindfulness Practice; cost $35, and $25 for Adrian Dominican Sisters. Lunch is included.

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8231 •D ec. 2-4, a Married Couples Retreat is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of yourself, your spouse and God. Cost is $250 per couple. To register, visit St. Francis’ website.

•D ec. 10, Advent Joy, God Is Visiting His People: Join us this Advent as we reflect on the joyful message of the Gospel and the saints on the coming of Jesus. Cost of $30 includes lunch. Directed by Tony Sperendi. its annual cookies and candy sale, which includes lots of delicious homemade cookies, bars and candies. All are welcome.

Dec. 3-4, after all Masses, the rosary makers at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Lansing will hold a special Christmas cookie, candy and gift sale, including some beautiful faithbuilding gifts from the Holy Land, hand-crafted rosaries, lots of books and children's items. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop early for Christmas. All donations support

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY, 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG Please help us remember our seniors by considering a donation to Christmas Blessing Boxes for homebound/low-income seniors.

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

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, 810.232.9950 FLINT or 989.723.8239 SHIAWASSEE Help us put Hope in a Box for those in need this Christmas: The Community Closet needs new towels, socks for adults, unwrapped toys, toiletries and cleaning items to aid individuals and families.

If your group, business or organization can help by donating or volunteering, please call 810.265.7025.

Be an Angel for a Child this Christmas: Last year, nearly 2,000 children received Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree program.

If you would like to help provide Christmas for a child in need, call John at the North End Soup Kitchen, 810.785.6911.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Interested in becoming a foster parent? CSSW offers foster 26

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sending more than 40,000 rosaries to the missions each year.

Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., Lessons and Carols presentation at St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing.

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Dec. 11, 5 p.m., feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass, readings in Spanish, at St. Francis of Assisi, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor.

Dec. 13, 6:45-8 p.m., St. Robert Bellarmine, Flushing will host an

care for children who have been separated from their birth families for reasons of abuse and/or neglect. It licenses foster families to provide a safe, loving temporary home until the child is able to be reunified with their birth family. For more information, please attend one of its free upcoming orientation meetings: Dec. 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m. or Dec. 22, 9 a.m.-noon at 4925 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor. For information/RSVP, call 734.971.9781 ext. 448. There are no fees associated with becoming a licensed foster parent.

Dec. 9-10, 2016 and Jan. 13-14, 2017, there will be two We C.A.R.E. marriage preparation programs for engaged couples sponsored by CSSW and its family ministry program. To register or for information, please call 734.971.9781 ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG Dec. 2, 6:30-10 a.m., St. Vincent invites you to come to its free annual Community Thank You Open House in the children’s home gymnasium at 2828 W. Willow St., Lansing. It includes breakfast and 99.1 WFMK’s Danny Stewart and Monica Harris broadcasting live from the event.

St. Vincent’s annual “Be An Angel” holiday giving drive, sponsored by Two Men and a Truck, helps children and families in need. You can make a difference by picking up “Be An Angel” tags at holiday giving trees at the Lansing or Meridian Mall and Eastwood Towne Center stores. In addition to the gift tags, individuals, groups or organizations have the option to “Adopt a Child” or “Adopt a Family. For more details, visit stvcc.org/ Holiday-Giving/.

Advent Night of Reflection in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium. A tour of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atria will be available after the reflection for those interested. For information, contact Hannah Turchi, director of religious education, at hturchi@ strobertschool.com or 810.659.8556.

Dec. 16, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels, Swartz Creek’s Knights of Columbus will host a euchre tournament fundraiser. For more information, call 810.635.3684.

Dec. 19, 7-9 p.m., Parish carol sing at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 M.A.C. Ave., East Lansing.

Jan. 6-8 at St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt, a Spanish Retrouvaille weekend retreat for married couples with problems, including those who are considering separation and those already separated or divorced who want marriage help. To register or for information, visit retrouvaille.org.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

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

Father Edmond Ertzbischoff, age 67, passed away on Oct. 3. After graduating from St. John Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, he was ordained for the Diocese of Lansing in 1976. During his priesthood, he served at St. Joseph, Owosso; St. Gerard, Lansing; St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor; St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn; St. Joseph, Ypsilanti; and St. John the Baptist, Ypsilanti. He became pastor at St. John the Baptist in 1988.

REGIONAL VICARIATE ADVENT COMMUNAL PENANCE SERVICES:

Jan. 7, 5 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor will have a Polish Shepherd’s Mass “Pasterka” celebrated in Polish with Choir Filareci from Hamtramck singing kolędy, (traditional Christmas carols); followed by a light reception in the parish activities center. All are invited to bring a dish of baked goods to share.

Since changes can occur, please contact the parish and confirm the time and date of service.

Jan. 31, St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus will have a New Year’s Eve New York Nightclub Experience that includes: live music by the Sea Cruisers; dinner prepared by an executive chef; and appetizers, snacks, dessert, cash bar and a champagne toast at midnight. Cost: $30 per person. Tickets limited to 225 people. Make your reservation early by call Jerry Corbat at 517.474.2002 or the parish office at 517.223.8684.

GENESEE/SHIAWASSEE VICARIATE •D ec. 11, 3 p.m., St. Mark the Evangelist, Grand Blanc, 810.694.4891.

•D ec. 11, 3 p.m., Ss. Charles and Helena, Clio, 810.686.9861.

•D ec. 13, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Morrice, 517.625.4260.

•D ec. 14, 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Fenton, 810.629.2251.

Feb. 4, St. Patrick in Brighton will host the 7th annual Marriage Enrichment Conference: Theme of "E verybody's Got Something”; speakers include Catholic talk show host and best-selling author Teresa Tomeo and her husband Deacon Dominick Pastore; cost is $65/ couple, which includes breakfast and lunch. To register and for more information, visit idoforlife.org.

LOCAL NEWS

EATON/INGHAM/CLINTON VICARIATE •D ec. 4, 3 p.m., St. Ann, Bellevue, 517.543.4319.

•D ec. 11, 2 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing, 517.351.7215.

•D ec. 11, 3 p.m., St. Gerard, Lansing, 517.323.2379.

JACKSON VICARIATE •D ec. 10, 10 a.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson, 517.784.7184.

•D ec. 13, 7 p.m., Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson, 517.783.2748.

•D ec. 15, 6 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center, 517.764.2088.

•D ec. 15, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Shrine/Family Center, Brooklyn, 517.467.2183.

•D ec. 19, 7 p.m., St. Rita, Clarklake, 517.592.5470.

•D ec. 21, 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Jackson, 517.784.0553.

•D ec. 22, 7 p.m., St. Catherine Labouré, Concord, 517.524.7578.

REQUIESCAT IN PACE Deacon David Pigott, of Sts. Charles and Helena Parish in Clio, passed away on Oct. 10.

He was 84.

David was ordained in 1981 as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Lansing after four years of studies. He ministered at St. Pius Catholic Church in Flint for five years, before returning to his home parish in Clio, where he continued to serve.

LENAWEE/HILLSDALE VICARIATE •D ec. 6, 7 p.m., Light of Christ, Deerfield, 517.447.3500.

•D ec. 11, 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh, 517.423.2447.

•D ec. 13, 6:30 p.m., Sacred Heart, Hudson and St. Mary on the Lake, Mass at Manitou Beach, 517.547.7496.

•D ec. 14, 7 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Hillsdale, 517.437.3305.

•D ec. 19, 7 p.m., St. Mary of Good Counsel, Adrian, 517.263.4681.

•D ec. 20, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Adrian, 517.265.8938.

LIVINGSTON VICARIATE •N ov. 30, 7 p.m., St. Augustine, Howell, 517.546.9807.

•D ec. 12, 7 p.m., Holy Spirit, Brighton, 810.231.9199.

•D ec. 14, 7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell, 517.546.7200.

•D ec. 15, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell, 517.546.0090.

•D ec. 17, 9 a.m., St. Patrick, Brighton, 810.229.9863.

•D ec. 19, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton, 810.229.8624.

•N o Advent service at St. Agnes or St. Mary.

WASHTENAW VICARIATE •D ec. 14, 7 p.m., St. Patrick, Ann Arbor, 734.662.8141.

•D ec. 17, 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, 734.821.2100.

•D ec. 20, 10 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, 734.821.2100.

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SAINT OF THE MONTH

D. QUILLAN

D. QUILLAN

YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

ST. VIRGINIA CENTURIONE BRACELLI Feast Day: December 15

Virginia Centurione, born into a noble family in Genoa, Italy, in 1587, was forced into marriage at a young age, despite her wish to live a religious life. She had two daughters, Leila and Isabella. But her husband died when D. QUILLAN

she was just 20 years old, which allowed her to devote her life to abandoned children and the needs of the elderly, the sick and the poor.

Because of war in the region in 1624-25, many

BISHOP BOYEA CELEBRATES MASS FOR MIGRANT WORKERS On Oct. 23, Bishop Boyea and Father Jeff Poll, pastor of Light of Christ Parish in Blissfield, concelebrated the final migrant Mass for the year at Witt Camp in Deerfield. Deacon Ray Pizaña and his wife, Grace, have organized these Masses and cared for the migrants for many years. The workers came to Mass from the fields after working all day on Sunday. They have 90-day work visas, and returned to Mexico a few days later. Others who have helped care for the migrants and their families at Witt Camp are Father Dan Wheeler, pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish in Tecumseh, and Sue Lewis, director of Catholic Charities for Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties.

LEARN MORE VISIT FAITHPUB.COM TO READ FOOD FOR THE TABLE, FOOD FOR THE SOUL (OCT. 2014) ABOUT DEACON RANDY AND DEBBIE COFFELT’S MINISTRY TO THE MIGRANT COMMUNITY.

LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA? As a follow-up to the multipart documentary Catholicism, Bishop Robert Barron takes us on a new journey to meet the Catholic Church’s most influential people in the DVD series, Catholicism: The Pivotal Players, Vol. 1. Including St. Thomas Aquinas, Bl. John Henry Newman, St. Catherine of Siena and others, visit pivotalplayers. wordonfire.org for more information.

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in her city were orphaned, hungry and unable to find work. St. Virginia was canonized in 2003 by St. John Paul II for her life’s work of pouring herself out in service to God and the needy who surrounded her.

To address the needs of the poor in Genoa, St. Virginia founded the Cento Signore della Misericordia Protettrici dei Poveri di Gesù, which translates as Hundred Ladies of Mercy, Protectors of the Poor of Jesus Christ. The title of the house refers to the young women who worked with St. Virginia and helped her care for the marginalized. She taught them life skills, and shared the Good News of the Gospel with them.

When St. Virginia’s house was overcrowded with the needy during a plague and famine in 1630, she rented a vacant convent nearby and placed some of her patients there; she proceeded to build new housing, as well. By 1635, she was caring for 300 patients, and her “hospital” was officially recognized by the government. She spent her later years trying to keep the peace among noble households, and continuing her devotion to the poor.

St. Virginia is known for her quote: “When God is the only goal, all disagreements are smoothed out, all difficulties overcome.”

Former Michigan District Court Judge Thomas Brennan, Jr. presented his perspective on how to balance his Catholic faith with being faithful to the oath of office.

FAITH AND LAW – The new Catholic Bar Association

F

OR MANY CATHOLIC ATTORNEYS, they find it difficult to balance their work in law with their Catholic faith. Particularly in light of issues such as abortion and same-sex “marriage,” Catholic lawyers need support to be able to live out their faith in their professional lives. Formed in July 2015, the Catholic Bar Association (CBA) plans to offer that support in the form of an umbrella organization. The goal of the CBA is to provide the more than 60 Catholic lawyers’ guilds across the U.S. and the world with a connection to each other, as well as to their faith in the context of their practices.

The idea to pull Catholic lawyers together under one umbrella was shared by several individuals who have worked hard over the last few years to make the CBA a reality. Joshua McCaig, one of the founding members, would like the CBA to be a network where Catholic lawyers are supported as they grow in their relationship with Christ. Founded on the 480th anniversary of the martyrdom of St. Thomas More, the CBA won’t replace the local guilds, but will sponsor nationwide events and continuing legal education from a Catholic perspective, and encourage more local chapters.

WHY NOW? In an address by Pope Francis to the delegates of the International Association of Penal Law in October 2015, the pope said: “It is a difficult task, in times when many judges and employees in the criminal justice system must perform their work under the pressure of the mass media, of certain unscrupulous politicians and of the vengeful trend that permeates society.”

Attorney Ellen Dorn, a member of the interim board of the CBA, believes that, now more than ever, Catholic lawyers need to band together in a place that allows them to practice the principles of their faith, while serving the public: “The Constitution protects our religious

liberties, but history teaches us that it’s necessary to maintain that freedom.

When we become complacent, that’s where conflicts come in.” Ellen says the current trend toward turning away from religion has hurt the profession, adding, “Currently it’s not trendy to have a religious faith, so it’s easy to trample on it.”

The American Bar Association has recently sided with the abortion movement and LGBTQ advocates, leaving Catholic lawyers in a lurch. “The fact is that the natural law has lost its footing,” says Ellen.

She says the Catholic Bar Association will help promote the Catholic perspective on the law, and will also give Catholic lawyers a unified voice against the culture, offsetting some of the policy statements made by the American Bar Association.

THE FIRST CONFERENCE On Oct. 27-30, the first Catholic Bar Association General Assembly was held in Kansas City, Mo. The roster of speakers included Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City; Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, who gave the keynote; and representatives from EWTN, the USCCB and the Catholic Medical Association. A Red Mass was held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Kansas City.

Former Michigan District Court Judge Thomas Brennan, a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing and member of the interim Board of Directors for the CBA, says: “My hope is that [the CBA] is going to flourish over time, and that it will manage to garner the identification and membership of Catholic lawyers throughout the country. Our ambitious outlook is that, as it grows, it will have a synergistic effect on the growth of local guilds.”

Joshua McCaig adds: “I look forward to seeing the fruits of this effort well into the future.”

BY DENYSE SHANNON

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POPE WATCH WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY

“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO see God in every person and strive to make others also discover him.”

On a visit to Sweden commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation from Oct. 31-Nov. 1, Pope Francis rejoiced at the improved relations between the Lutheran and Catholic churches. The Holy Father presided over an ecumenical prayer service on Oct. 31, the day in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door. At the All Saints’ Day Mass in the Malmo sports stadium on Nov. 1, Pope Francis urged unity in the Catholic community, and proposed a new set of beatitudes “to confront the troubles and anxieties of our age.”

“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO renounce their own comfort in order to help others.”

“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO pray and work for full communion between Christians.”

POPE FRANCIS ANNOUNCES 17 NEW CARDINALS – 3 FROM U.S. Nov. 19 saw the elevation of 17 new cardinals to the College of Cardinals. Among the 17 were three Americans: Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago; Bishop Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the new Vatican office for laity, family and life; and Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin of Newark. The vast majority of the new cardinals are under the age of 80, and therefore eligible to vote to elect a new pope. The following day, the cardinals closed the Year of Mercy by celebrating the feast of Christ the King with the Holy Father.

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