To-Kneel-Before-God-faith-gr

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Saint John of the Cross Feast day: December 14 Patron saint: of contemplative life; mystical theology; Spanish poets; Ta’ Xbiex, Malta Canonized: Dec. 27, 1726 Meaning of name: God is gracious; gift of God

saint of the month

Claim to fame: Saint John of the Cross was born in Spain in 1542. His father was raised in a noble family, but, when he decided to marry the weaver’s daughter, he gave up his wealth and status. When his father died, John’s family continued to be homeless wanderers. By the age of 14, John had taken a job at a hospital in Medina. There he began sacrificing himself by caring for patients with incurable diseases and mental illnesses.

He entered the Carmelite order and was ordained in 1567.

During his priesthood he joined with Saint Teresa of Ávila in reforming the order and focused on returning to a life of prayer.

Many of the friars were displeased with their plans, and members kidnapped John of the Cross. They imprisoned him for nine months. He eventually escaped from Toledo, Spain, taking only the poetry he had written in the cell. In his lifetime he wrote several books on spiritual growth and prayer.

but never complained. Toward the end of his life, John of the Cross prayed “to suffer and be despised.”

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids

December 2009 | Volume 3: Issue 10

Best quotation: “What more do you want, o soul! And what else do you search for outside, when within yourself you possess your riches, delights, satisfaction and kingdom – your beloved whom you desire and seek? Desire him there, adore him there. Do not go in pursuit of him outside yourself.

You will only become distracted and you won’t find him, or enjoy him more than by seeking him within you.”

Bishop Walter A. Hurley PUBLISHER

Mary Haarman EDITOR IN CHIEF

Michael Zalewski MANAGING EDITOR

Bishop Walter A. Hurley Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona Father Ron Hutchinson Molly Klimas CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

JoAnn Fox Jonathan Tramontana

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

FAITH Catholic Rev. Dwight Ezop CHAIRMAN

How he died: At the age of 49, Saint John of the Cross died at Ubeda in Andalusia, Spain. Little is known about his death, and his relics are in Segovia.

Patrick M. O’Brien

PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg

Director of Custom Publishing/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Joanne Eason

DIRECTOR OF Creative Service

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Lynne Ridenour

Why he is a saint: Saint John of the Cross was commonly known to sacrifice himself and “take up his cross.” From living a life of poverty to curing the incurable to enduring abuse from the members of the Carmelite order, he carried many crosses

GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEB MASTER

Janna Stellwag Abby Wieber

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Nicole Ballinger GRAPHIC INTERN

Jillane Job

San Juan de la Cruz Fiestividad: 14 de diciembre Patrón: de la vida contemplativa, la teología mística, los poetas españoles, y la ciudad de Ta’ Xbiex, Malta Canonizado: 27 de diciembre de 1726 Significado del nombre: Dios es misericordioso; don de Dios Es conocido por: San Juan de la Cruz nació en España en el 1542. Su padre fue criado por una familia noble, pero cuando decidió casarse con la hija de un tejedor, dejó su riqueza y posición.

Cuando su padre murió, su familia no tenía hogar, por eso, deambulaban. A la edad de 14 años, Juan aceptó un trabajo en un hospital en Medina. Fue entonces cuando empezó a sacrificarse en el cuidado de los pacientes, cuyas enfermedades eran mentales e incurables. Ingresó a la orden Carmelita donde fue ordenado sacerdote en el año 1567.

Durante su sacerdocio se unió a Santa Teresa de Ávila, y trabajaron juntos para reformar la orden Carmelita, cuyo propósito era regresar a una vida de oración. Muchos de los friales no estaban contentos con sus planes, y, por eso, lo raptaron y lo encerraron durante nueve meses. Juan de la Cruz pudo escapar de la ciudad de Toledo, llevándose la poesía que había escrito en la celda. Durante su vida San Juan de la Cruz escribió varios libros sobre el crecimiento espiritual y la oración.

Por qué es un santo: A San Juan de la Cruz se le conocía comúnmente por sacrificarse y “cargar su cruz.” Desde llevar una

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

vida de pobreza hasta sanar a los enfermos in curables pasando por los maltratos de algunos miembros de la orden Carmelita. Él cargó muchas cruces, pero nunca se quejó. Casi al final de su vida, Juan de la Cruz pedía “sufrir y ser detestado.”

Frase más conocida: “¡Qué más quieres, oh alma! ¿Y qué más buscas afuera, cuando dentro de ti misman a posees tus riquezas, deleites, satisfacción y reino ... tu amado a quién deseas y buscas?

Deséale ahí, adórale ahí. No lo busques fuera de ti. Sólo te distraerás y no lo encontrarás, ni lo disfrutarás más que si lo buscas dentro de ti.”

Cómo murió: A la edad de 49 años, San Juan de la Cruz murió en Úbeda en Andalucía, España.

Se conoce muy poco sobre su muerte, y sus reliquias se guarden Segovia.

Joanne Eason Tom and Jo Anne Fogle Paul Jarzenbowski Father Joseph Krupp Douglas Kulp Patricia Majher Dr. Gelasia Marquez Dr. Cathleen McGreal Cardinal Justin Rigali Michelle Sessions DiFranco Sister Ann Shields CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Philip Shippert

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Derek Melot

PROOFREADING

InnerWorkings

PRINT MANAGEMENT FAITHPublishingService.com FAITHTM Grand Rapids (USPS 023-851), the Magazine for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, is a publication of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids, 360 Division Avenue S., Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4539. Published monthly except for January and March. For address and subscription changes, please contact subscriptions@faithgrandrapids.org. Periodicals postage paid at Grand Rapids, MI and additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM Grand Rapids, 360 Division Avenue S., Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4539. ©FAITH Publishing Service and Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

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Liturgical Calendar: St. Francis Xavier, priest December 3 | St. John of Damascus, priest and doctor of the church December 4 | St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the chur

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

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Cover photo courtesy of Jim McCormick

To kneel before God and for country

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Keeping the faith

Amid the rise of the Internet and a deteriorating economy, newspapers throughout the country have folded, declared bankruptcy or reduced the number of publication days. But for Paul M. Keep, editor of The Grand Rapids Press, his faith in God provides a measure of calm in the storm.

– Molly Klimas

– Molly Klimas

what you’ll get out of this issue

-5 bishop – Most Rev. Walter Hurley 4 6 parenting journey My grandchildren have terrible manners! – Dr. Cathleen McGreal 6 what gets my goat? My neighbor smokes and it’s making me sick – Dr. Gelasia Marquez 7 marriage matters She says: I can’t stand our daughter-in-law. He says: “Our daughter-inlaw is fine, my wife is the problem.” What do they do? – Tom and JoAnne Fogle 8 culture Starry night Christmas punch – Michelle Sessions DiFranco

10 in the know with Fr. Joe Dear Fr. Joe: What’s proper etiquette at Mass?

– Father Joseph Krupp

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11 spiritual popcorn Christmas movies and Christmas memories – Paul Jarzembowski 12 theology 101 What does the church mean when it says that the Sacred scriptures are inspired? – Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L. and Elizabeth Nagel, S.S.D.

14 spiritual fitness A time to wait … the season of Advent – Sister Ann Shields

30 vocations Alter Christus (Another Christ)

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– Father Ron Hutchinson

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31 last word That star again.

– Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona

rch December 7 | Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 8 | St. Juan Diego, hermit December 9 | St. Damasus I, pope December 11

inside this issue

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For Jim McCormick, and the thousands of military men and women like him serving in Iraq, the act of kneeling is poignant. In a building with no windows surrounded by concrete blast barriers Catholic soldiers knelt and prayed on a rough cement floor. That is until the Knights of Columbus of St. Edward Parish in Lake Odessa, gathered in a woodshop and built a simple gift to those soldiers in harm’s way.

Q

de parte del obispo

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ueridos amigos, Durante la reunión de los Obispos de Estados Unidos de noviembre en Baltimore se aprobaron las traducciones finales del misal romano en inglés.

Durante la reunión de los Obispos de Estados Unidos de noviembre en Baltimore se aprobaron las traducciones finales del misal romano en inglés.

Desde hace algunos años los Obispos y otros han estado trabajando en una nueva traducción para el misal romano que usamos en todas nuestras celebraciones de la Eucaristía en inglés. Ha sido un proceso largo y tedioso. Los textos presentes fueron escritos bastante rápido tras el Concilio Vaticano II. El objetivo de la reformulación ha sido garantizar una mayor precisión en la traducción y tener textos bien escritos que permitan una proclamación adecuada. Había un deseo de usar también la misma traducción en todos los países de habla inglesa.

Los nuevos textos son una mejora, pero no son perfectos. Tras un largo proceso, han sido aprobados por los Obispos y enviados a Roma para el reconocimiento final. Se espera que la aprobación llegue rápidamente.

Después de la notificación de Roma, el texto irá a la editorial y se espera que esté en uso para el 2011.

Antes de que estos sean introducidos habrá varios materiales y programas explicando por qué se hicieron los cambios. Será nuestra Oficina diocesana de culto la encargada de coordinar este esfuerzo localmente.

Cabe señalar que las traducciones son importantes porque expresan lo que creemos en la fe.

Durante la reunión de los Obispos se aprobó una carta pastoral sobre el matrimonio. También se aprobó el documento titulado “Life Giving Love in an Age of Technology” (El Amor Dador de Vida en una Era Tecnológica) referente a cuestiones relacionadas con la fertilización in vitro y la clonación.

Es posible que el sitio web de la Conferencia de Obispos sea de su interés (www.usccb.org). Todo lo temas anteriores y otros han sido abordados allí y se proporciona más información sobre los mismos.

Nuestra Fe, Nuestro Futuro: Necesitamos de las oraciones de todos durante nuestro proceso diocesano de planificación, “Nuestra Fe, Nuestro Futuro” en el que observamos a nuestras parroquias y escuelas. Las primeras etapas han comenzado en los decanatos de Big Rapids, Northwest Lakeshore y Grand Haven.

Esta primavera y otoño el proceso continuará en los decanatos de Grand Rapids, Ionia y Muskegon.

Cuestiones fundamentales que estamos enfrentando son: Un número insuficiente de sacerdotes para nuestras parroquias; finanzas parroquiales limitadas; e instalaciones antiguas. Tenemos aún un mayor desafío con el mantenimiento de nuestro modelo actual de atención pastoral y ministerios. Los cambios en valores y las prioridades de nuestra población católica (las características de la población) también es algo que hay que abordar.

El plan no será acerca de reducción, aunque esto no se excluye, más bien está enfocado en mirar hacia el futuro con esperanza, confianza y creatividad; comprometiendo a toda la Iglesia y haciendo que la Iglesia crezca. Estamos buscando una nueva visión, energías y el desarrollo de un medio que nos permita ser buenos guardianes de nuestras finanzas, instalaciones, personal y recursos. Estamos buscando proporcionar una oportunidad para que el clero y los laicos trabajen hacia una visión común, reconociendo que la Iglesia es de Dios y que él camina con nosotros. No podemos permitir que este esfuerzo sea abandonado en una estantería. Este plan no pretende resolver el problema de algunas parroquias sino los problemas de la diócesis toda.

Saludos de Navidad: En estos momentos que celebramos los tiempos de Adviento y Navidad, puede que haya muchas razones para estar desalentados pero hay mayores razones para estar llenos de esperanza. Una esperanza que no está arraigada en nosotros mismos, sino en Dios, que ha venido a hacer su

morada entre nosotros.

Con la guerra, el desempleo, una pobre economía y grandes dificultades personales y familiares podemos desalentarnos y tener miedo. La Navidad, el nacimiento de nuestro Señor, es un rayo de esperanza para nosotros.

Estas nos recuerdan que “no tengamos miedo” y que “Dios ha enviado a su único hijo entre nosotros” – a caminar con nosotros en nuestro jornada de vida tanto en la alegría como en la tristeza hasta que él nos llame hacia sí mismo en la gloria. Esta temporada debe llenarnos de maravilla y asombro en la palabra de Dios que bajó del cielo.

Que nos debe llenar con gratitud por la cercanía de nuestro Dios.

Le deseo a usted y a sus familias una bendición Navideña y un Año Nuevo lleno de las bendiciones de Dios.

Que vuestros corazones estén abiertos para recibir el desbordante amor de Dios y que sus días estén llenos con su gloria y paz.

Obispo Walter A. Hurley

Bishop Hurley presides at a celebration of Mass in

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12 | St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the church December 14 | St. Peter Canisius, priest and doctor of the church December 21 | St. John of K

y dear friends,

During the November United States bishops’ meeting in Baltimore the final translations of the Roman Missal were approved.

photo courtesy of JoAnn Fox

from the bishop

For some years now the bishops and others have been working on a new translation for the Roman Missal which we use in all our celebrations of the Eucharist. It has been a long and tedious process. The present texts were written rather quickly after the Second Vatican Council. The goal of reworking the texts has been to assure greater accuracy in the translation and to have texts that are well-written and proclaimable. There was a desire to also use the same translation in all English speaking countries.

The new texts are an improvement but are not perfect.

They have, after a long process, been approved by the bishops and sent to Rome for final recognition. It is expected that approval will come quickly. Upon notification from Rome, the text will go to the publisher and is expected to be in use in 2011.

Prior to the introduction there will be various materials and programs explaining why the changes were made. Our diocesan worship office will be coordinating this effort locally. It is worth noting that the translations are important because they express what we believe in faith.

During the bishops’ meeting a pastoral letter on marriage was approved. A document titled “Life Giving Love In An Age of Technology” was also approved. It deals with issues of in vitro fertilization and cloning.

You may find the Bishops’ Conference Web site (www.usccb.org ) of interest. All of the above matters and others were addressed and information is provided.

Our Faith, Our Future: We need the prayers of all as we continue with our diocesan planning process, “Our Faith Our Future” to look at our parishes and schools. The initial stages have begun in the Big Rapids, Northwest Lakeshore and Grand Haven deaneries. This spring and fall the process will continue in the Grand Rapids, Ionia and Muskegon deaneries.

Key issues we are facing are: Not enough priests to staff our parishes; parish finances which are stretched; and aging facilities. We are further challenged with sustaining our present model of pastoral care and ministries. The shifts in values and priorities of our Catholic population (makeup of the population) must also be addressed.

The Plan will not be about downsizing, although that is not excluded, but rather looking to the future with hope, confidence and creativity; engaging the whole church and making the church grow. We are looking for a new vision and energy and the development of a means that will enable us to be good stewards of our finances, facilities, personnel and resources. We are looking to provide an opportunity for clergy and lay people to work toward a common vision, recognizing that it is God’s Church and that he walks with us. We cannot let this effort sit on a shelf. This Plan is not meant to resolve the problems of a few parishes but those of the entire diocese.

Christmas Greetings: As we gather to celebrate the Advent and Christmas seasons, there could be many reasons to be discouraged but greater reasons to be filled with hope. A hope that is not rooted in ourselves, but in God, who has come to make his dwelling among us.

With war, unemployment, a poor economy and great personal and family struggles in the lives of many we can become discouraged and afraid.

Christmas and the birth of the Lord is a beacon of hope for us.

They remind us “Do not be afraid” and that “God has sent his only son” among us – to walk with us on our life journey both in joy and sorrow until he calls us to himself in glory. This season should fill us with awe and wonder at the Word of God who came down from heaven. It should fill us with gratitude at the nearness of our God. I wish you and your families a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with God’s gracious blessings.

May your hearts be open to receive the love of God poured out and may your days be filled with his glory and peace.

from the bishop

M

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FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Bishop Walter A. Hurley

n recognition of the Year for Priests Nov. 24 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.

Kanty, priest December 23 | Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord December 25 | Feast of St. Stephen, first martyr December 26 | Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph December 27

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FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

My grandchildren have terrible manners!

Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a psychology professor and certified spiritual advisor.

parenting journey

Q

what gets my goat

A

My grandchildren don’t seem to have the foggiest idea of good table manners, or any other good manners for that matter. How can I help them improve their manners without coming across as an interfering grandparent?

Grandparents often serve as an example of good manners simply by their actions. My Grandma Esta’s graciousness made a lasting impression on me during one meal in particular. One of my older cousins brought his fiancée to Grandma’s home for brunch. It was the fiancée’s introduction not only to family members but to the United States. My grandma turned to the young woman and said, “Would you like some strawberries?” To my amazement, after saying, “yes, please,” the young woman moved the serving dish to her placemat! My grandma smiled, asked who else wanted strawberries and went to the kitchen.

She returned with three serving bowls of strawberries and placed them on the three empty placemats.

The essence of etiquette is to make other people comfortable. Even as adults, we

encounter challenges when we visit other countries and discover new foods or ways of interacting.

Set the stage for mealtime success at your home. The stubby fingers of a toddler have a difficult time with regular utensils; wider utensils, just like extra-thick crayons, are easier for little hands to manipulate. Without them, everything may turn into finger food.

Pre-schoolers enjoy the independence of pouring – which can be a disaster unless a child-sized pitcher is on the table.

Learning social conventions can be joint activities. Getting the table ready for a meal when grandchildren come over can be a fun activity once the children are old enough. Why not select one of your tablecloths together? Placemats? Napkins?

You might want to set aside two or three choices ahead of time or risk ending up

Q

The neighbor in the apartment next to mine is a heavy smoker. The ventilation system just can’t keep up, and the smoke seeps into my apartment. This aggravates my asthma. I asked my neighbor if he could stop, but he says he can do what he wants in his own apartment. What can I do?

A

It can be difficult to understand how a person can continue smoking after all the information that is in the media about its danger. We need to call it what it is: an addiction. And sometimes the smoker needs professional help.

Perhaps, instead of focusing on the inconveniences and the risks to your health as a secondhand smoker, you could approach the problem from a different perspective: your neighbor’s and his family’s health.

First of all, read. Find out as much as you can about addiction,

with a fall harvest theme in the middle of February! What about a centerpiece? Where do the utensils go? Preparation time builds an investment into the experience of the meal. Then, model good table manners during the meal; hope that your adult children will also!

Take advantage of teachable moments. Grandchildren often fail to acknowledge gifts. Let them observe how you do so. If you will be writing thankyou cards after a birthday, then see if you can bring your grandchildren along to select cards. Go to the post office and buy interesting stamps. If they show an interest, buy them their own cards, stamps and address books. Go home, have everyone write one or two cards, play some games and then mail the cards!

Grace at family meals is more than manners – it provides spiritual nourishment when generations come together: “The tradition of the church proposes to the faithful certain rhythms of praying intended to nourish continual prayer.” Make saying grace the centerpiece of every meal CCC #2698.

My neighbor smokes and it’s making me sick Dr. Gelasia Marquez is a psychologist and family counselor.

treatment and smoking. And jot down the contact information for health-service providers in the area who deal with smoking and addiction.

Then, approach your neighbor in a friendly and caring mood.

Informally begin to discuss your real concern about his health and the current influence of his habit in the members of his family, as well as on his neighbors’ health. Remember this is not a one-meeting solution, but a healing process. It will take time, but, by spending that time, you will open the door to solving your problem and will show the love of Christ to your neighbor. Sadly, if this fails, you may need to seek legal advice – your health is important and you must protect it.

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs December 28 | St. Thomas Becket, bishop and martyr December 29 | St. Sylvester I, pope December 31

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“I can’t stand our daughter-in-law.”

Marilyn says: You’ve heard the saying, “A son is a son until he takes him a wife …”? Well, that’s certainly true in our family. When our son, Keith, got married last year, I was looking forward to having a daughter-in-law – someone to shop with, have over for lunch, do ‘girl’ things. But it hasn’t been like that at all –we never see either one of them. She doesn’t seem to appreciate any of the advice I give her. And I get no support from John – he just shrugs it off. He’s my spouse; he should be on my side!

“Our daughter-in-law is fine, my wife is the He said | She said problem.” what do they do?

your marriage matters

John Deacon Tom Fogle and JoAnne Fogle help prepare couples for marriage. says: Marilyn is for them when they call or ask and we can be ready to respond being a stereotypical mother-in-law. She thinks the kids should when they make the first move. Certainly inviting them over for spend all their time with us – but they’re newlyweds. Doesn’t a special occasion, or to go on an infrequent special outing, or to Marilyn remember what that is like? Our daughter-in-law, Kaihave a standing invitation to them is not only right, but is part of tlyn, is a perfectly lovely girl. But she has a mother of her own. how we demonstrate to them what love and relationships are all She’s also trying to build a new life with our son. I know Mariabout. Laying on guilt, giving advice when it is not requested or lyn is unhappy, and I feel bad – but she needs to get over this. making comments to Keith and Kaitlyn about how disappointed you may feel at not having them around is not only wrong, but We agree with John in some respects and can relate to what Marilyn is express- could drive them away.

Keith and Kaitlyn’s first priority is to each other. Their second ing; now there is a sure sign that both are right and both are wrong! For a moment, priority is to their children when God blesses them with some; after that comes extended family. What they may need the most however, let us focus on Keith and Kaitlyn as a newly married couple in the process of creating their own family, their right now is some space.

It would do Marilyn and John well to revisit their own early days own traditions and rituals and their own life. of marriage and reflect on what were their priorities. What were the If their parents raised them with love and support, they challenges they faced from their family of origin and extended family are doing exactly what they should be doing and that is members? When did they themselves reach out and begin to develop focusing on each other and getting to know each other. a relationship with “both sides” of the extended family?

We can remember our early months of marriage and can There is a fine line between meddling (bordering on interfersay without doubt that we needed that time together to really start to develop into a husband and a wife. Keith and ence) and supporting. One of the best ways to identify that fine line is to discover how you related to your parents in your early Kaitlyn are bringing their own identities into their maryears of marriage and how your parents related to their parents. riage, and are discovering how to be a couple. Learning to Unfortunately, and sometimes fortunately, the apple doesn’t fall be a married couple takes time, energy, commitment and too far from the tree! If either John or Marilyn are exhibiting communication. As they grow into this new lifestyle, Keith and Kaitlyn will no doubt feel the acceptance of each other some of the same traits that their parents displayed toward them when they were first married – then perhaps it’s time to stop the and be more open to reciprocal respect as a daughter-infamily trend. John and Marilyn should recall that they are called law and son-in-law. The best action for parents of newlyweds is to let them find out what God wants them to be by by God to love and support each other through good times and in bad. This is not the time to ‘feel bad’ or to ‘just shrug it off’; it themselves. is a time for caring and compassion.

As parents, we can pray for our children, we can be there

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FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Starry night

Christmas punch

By Michelle Sessions DiFranco | Photography by Philip Shippert

I

t’s the official drink of the “Please join us for refreshments after Mass” Catholic fellowship hour. Its translucent color has earned a reputation for satisfying the eye in contrast to its environment – the pale yellow cinder-block walls and brown tiles of the church basement. It’s the one “refreshment” that sits in the large glass bowl, positioned next to the stale chocolate chip cookies. Yes, I’m talking about the ubiquitous party punch we’ve all stood in line for at one time or another, at a first Communion or confirmation celebration.

culture

There are thousands of variations of the sugary sweet beverage, ranging from the red fruity kind with the floating marshmallows to the sparkling citrus with foamy sherbet (which tends to look a bit unappetizing after it’s sat out too long). Whatever the flavor, it has been quenching the thirst of parched party-goers for decades.

As we approach the Christmas season, consider this recipe for your holiday celebration. It is yet another

variation of the universal party punch but with a visual twist; a little added garnish to remind us to also quench our spiritual thirst, as we anticipate in joyful hope for the coming of Christ. The star-shaped oranges and apples are not just decorative, but intended as a symbol of the star that led the faithful to the place of Christ’s birth. And I promise you, the flavor of this punch is a lot less … peculiar … than the typical ‘after-Mass gathering’ variety.

It is yet another variation of the universal party punch, but with a visual twist; a little added garnish to remind us to also quench our spiritual thirst, as we anticipate in joyful hope for the coming of Christ.”

Starry Night Christmas Punch Ingredients: • 1 3-ounce package of strawberry gelatin • 3 cups boiling water • 3 cups cold water • ¼ cup sugar • 1 can frozen lemonade • 1 can frozen orange juice • 1 2-liter of citrus soda • 1 2-liter of orange soda • 2 oranges sliced (1/4” thick) • 2 green apples sliced (1/4” thick) with seeds removed • Smaller-sized star cookie cutter (2.5 inches or less) In a large freezer/microwave safe

container, dissolve gelatin and sugar in boiling water. Add frozen lemonade, frozen orange juice and cold water and continue to stir until completely dissolved. Cover container and freeze overnight.

Remove from freezer 1 hour before serving.

Press cookie cutter into the apple and orange slices holding it firmly

More ideas:

down until outer pieces of fruit are gently removed. This will assure less breakage of the fruit shapes. Set aside.

Right before serving, place semifrozen mixture in large punch bowl and break up into slushy chunks with wooden spoon. Pour sodas right over the slush mixture and place starshaped fruit slices in the punch. Enjoy!

Want it green? Make the following substitutions:

juice (2 total) • 2-liter of citrus soda instead of orange (2 total) • Use star-shaped apples only

• Lime gelatin instead of strawberry • Frozen lemonade instead of orange

For added color, throw in ½ cup of drained maraschino cherries

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10 Dear Fr. Joe: T. Gennara

What’s proper etiquette at Mass? @

Send your questions to: JoeInBlack@priest.com

Q

When I drank from the cup at Communion last week, I saw a soggy piece of something in the bottom of the chalice?

What was that?

in the know with Fr. Joe

A

That was a particle of a consecrated host. During the Mass, the priest broke off a small piece of the host and placed it in the chalice. Now, why would he do that?

As I researched, I discovered an amazing history to this practice. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

As it happens, in early Christianity, there was only one Mass in each city or area. All Christians came together and celebrated with their bishop in one place. As Christianity grew and spread out geographically, the bishop needed to meet people’s needs, so he sent priests to go to other areas. When that priest went to the place where he was to celebrate Mass, he brought a small piece of a host that had been consecrated at the bishop’s Mass. This particle, the fermentum, was dropped into the chalice at the “commingling rite” just before the distribution of Communion.

The priest did this to help people see their connection to the apostles and the unity of all people celebrating Mass.

What a powerful image!

Of course, this is not necessary anymore. You and I are used to the practice of a priest, not the bishop, celebrating Mass. But the rite of commingling has stayed in the Mass.

Watch the priest while we’re singing Lamb of God. When he breaks off that small piece of the host, he says “May this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.”

Q

I really dislike holding hands with strangers during the Our Father, but that’s what the priest suggests in our parish. Do I have to do this?

I understand … let’s see if I can help. I looked around a bit on this and, interestingly enough, the only quote I could find from our bishops is that “there is no prescribed position for the hands during the Our Father.”

A

iStock photo

What does that mean? Quite literally, you can allow personal preference guide you, within reason. With that in mind, what are your choices? As far as I can tell, you are afforded three options: 1. You can join hands with those around you.

2. You can hold your hands in the orans position (hands extended out and/or up).

3. You can fold your hands together.

It’s interesting to look at various pieces of information about this subject and find various levels of “hardness.”

Some priests and/or theologians delight in portraying their opinion as the only correct choice, but, the fact is, until the church makes a definitive statement, there is no option that is better than the other.

If the priest celebrating Mass with you offers a preference, it’s good to give that some extra weight, in the same way that the priest should give a community’s tradition some weight. Let me give an example. I served as a high-school chaplain for years. When I first got to the school, I found that it was impossible for some of our younger brothers and sisters to hold hands during the Our Father without demonstrating their incredible “Kung Fu” grip. After my many reminders of the sanctity of that particular prayer bearing no behavioral fruit, I directed the students to stop holding hands during the Our Father.

At the same time, the parish where I celebrated Mass during the weekends had a long-standing tradition of holding hands during the Our Father (usually without any instances of the “Kung Fu” grip), so I encouraged that.

Don’t let anyone mess with your head on this: There is no position that the church prefers; go with what works for you. If you prefer not to hold hands, simply fold your hands together and pray.

Thanks for your questions and enjoy another day in God’s presence!

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

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Christmas movies and

Christmas memories Read more of Paul Jarzembowski’s thoughts on www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com

spiritual popcorn

W

hat’s your favorite Christmas movie? Is it Holiday Inn, A Christmas Carol or The Bells of St. Mary’s? Or how about Elf or The Nativity Story? Maybe it’s watching Ralphie shoot his eye out in A Christmas Story, or perhaps it’s Clark Griswold putting up the lights in Christmas Vacation?

Whatever movie is your favorite, there is bound to be some happy memories around it. When I was a kid, my family used to watch (and sometimes sing along with) Bing Crosby in White Christmas every year on Christmas Eve. So every time I see it again, it conjures up a bit of nostalgia as I remember my grandparents. Do the holiday movies you love to watch each December evoke images of Christmases past for you, too?

Sometimes the memories are bittersweet, either because of loss or because life is no longer that simple or wonderful. Often those memories come from a time in our lives when we were younger and more open to those meaningful experiences. But, as we get older, we can get so caught up in life’s pressures (or even holiday stress) that we might numb ourselves or forget how to appreciate new memories that come our way.

In the Scriptures, Jesus tells us: “Whoever does not accept

the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mk. 10:15).

This does not mean we have to behave like a little kid, but we need to be more open and aware of the people and places around us like a child takes in and treasures all the experiences of their world.

Taking a moment to pause in our holiday routine can remind us how to look at the world through the wonder of a child’s eyes. In the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) was so focused on the details of the moment that he lived with a constant sense of regret for all the things he missed out on in life. He never paused to take a look at the people he met along the way or how much of an impact he had on his little community of Bedford Falls. It took little Zuzu to remind him, with a sense of awe and wonder, that “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.”

So, this Christmas, resolve to live in the present, with a new awakening to the new memories right in front of you.

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What does the church mean when it says that the sacred Scriptures are inspired?

Father Robert Schoenstene, S.S.L., is assistant professor, Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

theology 101

lizabeth Nagel, S.S.D., is a professor in the Department of Biblical Exegesis and Proclamation, University of Saint Mary of the Lake/ E Mundelein Seminary.

Every year, Catholics from around the globe travel to religiously significant locations in order to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the Catholic faith, to venerate Mary and the saints, to ask for intercessory prayers and to express gratitude. Here is just one of the many places you might want to make a pilgrimage.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the legendary medieval way of pilgrimage Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James).

According to tradition, the Apostle James (Santiago) went to this most northwestern part of Spain to preach and convert people to Christianity after the death of Jesus. After returning to Palestine, he was taken prisoner by the Jewish king, Herodes Agrippa I, and

tortured to death. His disciples stole the body, landed in Spain and buried him at a secret place in the woods.

In the early 9th century, the hermit Pelayo heard angelic music in the woods and saw “altar lights.” The parishioners of San Félix de Solobio, at the foot of the forest, announced the event and Bishop Teodomiro went in the forest, found the mausoleum and identified it as the Apostle

J. Zatko

Pilgrimage destination of the month

James’ tomb. The field was called, in Latin, Campus Stellae, field of the star, a name that later on became Compostela.

Saint James did several

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Name that church Doctor…

Q: The honorary title, “doctor of the

church,” is bestowed by the Pope in recognition of a person’s contribution to the understanding and interpretation of sacred Scripture and the development of Christian doctrine. See if you know which “doctor” said this…

“More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.”

A:

St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) St. Teresa was named the doctor of prayer in 1970. Her spiritual writings are remarkable. The account of her own spiritual life, contained in Relations and, most famously, in Interior Castle, rivals St. Augustine’s Confessions in terms of being a spiritual treasure.

She founded the convent of Discalced

Q

What does the church mean when it says that the sacred Scriptures are inspired?

A

Professor Schoenstene: In plain terms, the notion of the sacred Scriptures as inspired means that what is in the Scriptures is what God wants to be there, i.e. the Holy Spirit is behind the human words through which God communicates to us. Because of this inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the human words that comprise the Scriptures are trustworthy in regard to both faith and the moral life and contain the revelation of who God is to us, and of who we are in relation to God and to each other.

Professor Nagel: When the church speaks of the inspiration of sacred Scripture, it affirms that these writings have God as their source, and that they miracles and many people began to make pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela in order to obtain his grace. The influence it began to make on literature and art established Compostela as a place of cult for Christian society, along with Rome or Jerusalem.

When Pope Calixto II established the Jubilee in 1122, the number of pilgrims that made the “way” in the 12th century rose

Carmelite Nuns of the Primitive Rule of St. Joseph at Avila in 1562. She was mainly responsible for the renewal, reform and expansion of the Carmelites throughout Spain.

She is the patron saint of Spain and those who suffer headaches.

Her feast day is October 15.

What does that symbol mean?

The Chalice with a Cross

We are called to reconcile all things in Christ. All created order bears the signature of the Creator, so everything can act as a bridge, a reminder of the God who is our source and our destiny.

“The chalice with a cross rising from it is a symbol of our Lord’s obedient suffering and the agony of his passion. The cross is a passion cross, the pointed ends of which remind us of suffering.” (Matt. 26:39)

reveal knowledge of God that, left to ourselves, we humans could never attain. One biblical text, 2 Tim 3:15-17, provides a foundation for the concept of inspiration when it states that the sacred writings “are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” It also employs a rarely used Greek word, theopneustos, which literally means “God breathed” or “God inspired,” when it states that “All Scripture is inspired by God…” The “fact” of the inspiration of sacred Scriptures has been affirmed from the beginning of the church by both the Eastern and

surprisingly to 200,000. The Jubilee meant that all penitent travelers who set out on pilgrimage in a Holy Year, a year celebrated each time the apostle’s feast day (July 25) falls on a Sunday, would get jubilee indulgences.

Notables • The Cathedral and its chapel, “Capilla del Salvador.”

Other features include the “Obradoiro (work of gold)

Author of Image, Chalice with Cross: Walter E. Gast Source: http://wegast.home.att.net/symbols/

Western church fathers. At the same time, it is not clear from their writings how these early Christian writers understood inspiration, i.e., how it actually takes place. The church has made clear that any ultimate definition of inspiration must consider the very real contributions of both its divine and human authors. Further, the church has eliminated three inadequate definitions of inspiration because they fail to recognize this balance of divine – human cooperation, namely mechanical dictation, mere assistance and subsequent approbation.

Façade” and the towers “Torre de las Campanas” and “Torre de la Carraca.” The sculptures of the “Portico de la Gloria,” another entrance door, are considered some of the most important works of medieval art.

• Also, the Festival of the Apostle is celebrated at the end of July. On the eve of his feast day, there is a great fireworks display in front of the cathedral, “El Fuego

del Apostol.” On July 25, during Mass, a huge incense font attached to the ceiling of the cathedral is swung throughout the nave.

• The Monastery of San Pelayo de Antealtares, with its facade of granite, is one of the oldest buildings in Santiago. It was founded in the 11th century by Alphonse II in order to entomb the mortal remains of the Apostle James there.

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spiritual fitness

14

T. Gennara

A time to wait … the season of Advent

S

Sister Ann Shields is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. Questions can be addressed to Sister Ann Shields, Renewal Ministries, 230 Collingwood, Suite 240, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

ometime between 1942 and 1945, my uncles made several visits home from the war front in France and Germany. Those times are indelibly imprinted on my young memory; five long years of watching and waiting and hoping and praying – that our brothers and uncles, sons and friends would return safely.

I was a child during those years, but I have never forgotten what it was like when one of my uncles was able to come home on furlough. We’d get the news via a Western Union telegram and then a new kind of waiting and preparation began – the cleaning, meal preparation, the bedroom, the favorite things available (if they could be bought). Days before, an air of excitement permeated not only the house, but also the neighborhood. It seemed like “everyone” eagerly awaited his arrival. When the actual day arrived, everyone spent it – no matter where they worked or what they were doing – checking their watches or the clock almost moment by moment, re-examining train schedules and calling the station for any updates. An hour before the train was to arrive, we would gather at my grandmother’s house, hardly containing our excitement. I watched them all and saw how everyone was united in one great wave of happiness and eager expectation. Then someone, usually my father, would say, “It’s time.” Into cars we scrambled for the 10-minute ride to the station.

My strongest memory is standing on the station platform listening for the train whistle. Everyone was quiet, watching and listening; every head was turned in the direction from which the train would come.

As the train came into view, my dad would pick me up so I could see. With great noise and billows of smoke and steam, the train slowed, then stopped. My grandmother stood in the center of all of us; then the conductor opened the door, put down the stool and there he was – my Uncle Jim or my Uncle Max! Dad would lift me up high and eventually my uncle would spot me and grab me in a bear hug. I would think: He really is here! He really came home!

What I’ve just described is what Advent should be for us spiritually.

Don’t let this brief, but spiritually packed, season of grace get away from you. It is too precious, too full of God’s gifts to miss.

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

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Spiritual exercises

saint of the month

Here are some spiritual exercises to help your Advent be spiritually fruitful.

1st Sunday of Advent: See Psalm 25: “To you O Lord, I lift up my soul. Your ways, O Lord make known to me; teach me your paths.” Then, look at 1Thessalonians 3:12: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you, so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ …”

Take this first week of Advent and ask yourself some questions in light of these Sunday readings.

• Do I seek to know and do the Lord’s will in my daily life?

How can I grow in this area during Advent? Just choose one area to change or grow.

• Is there a relationship where love is weak or broken? What can I do to improve the situation? Ask the Lord to show you one thing you could do or change or refrain from doing To seek the Lord’s will through his word, to grow in love in one relationship, is a very concrete way of watching and waiting for the Lord so that your heart is more ready for him this Christmas.

2nd Sunday of Advent: See Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11.

• Do you pray for those you love – regularly?

• Do you ask God through his Holy Spirit to help you love him more?

Address these two areas in your life in this second week of Advent. As you do, God will generously respond to your desire to grow in love. You will find new strength, new desire, to follow Him. 3rd Sunday of Advent: Read Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:10-18. I would call this third Sunday of Advent the “What should we do Sunday” The crowds ask John the Baptist what they should do to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, and he tells them “Be just in all your dealings, be merciful and generous to the poor.”

• Ask yourself – Am I? Is there any way I am failing in these areas? What can I do or change? Try to make your decision concrete in this week.

Paul tells the Philippians that joy and thanksgiving should characterize your dealings with others. The Lord is near.

Be thankful!

• Does your “house” reflect those desires?

• What can you do or change to be more ready to receive him? Ask the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom.

4th Sunday of Advent: Luke 1:39-45: Mary had just received a momentous, life-changing announcement. She could have used a little time for herself – almost any woman would feel that way — yet she traveled to the hill country to care for her older cousin, Elizabeth.

We have almost a week – Christmas is not until Friday.

Where do you need to forget yourself and meet the needs of another? I guarantee you, if you reach out, you will know Christ’s pleasure in you and, even better, he will find, as a

I guarantee you, if you reach out, you will know Christ’s pleasure in you and, even better, he will find, as a result, more of a home in your heart. result, more of a home in your heart. There is no joy in life greater than that.

“Behold, O Lord I come to do your will.”

• Am I able to pray that prayer from the reading to the Hebrews 10:5-10? Am I able to make that prayer my own?

It is the Holy Spirit who prepares the house of our hearts and minds. If we ask, he will do the work.

• Are you willing to make that surrender? God’s grace can work miracles if we assent. As someone once said to me, “The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He only comes where he has been invited.” My prayer is that you will invite him more fully into your life this Advent; if you do, Christmas will find you rejoicing in the home of your heart, in the presence of a Savior who loves to save.

A very merry and blessed Christmas!

c o v e r

by Molly Klimas |

s t o r y

photos courtesy Jim McCormick, Bob and Marsha Stadel

Members of the Knights of Columbus No. 14404 in Lake Odessa who helped build kneelers for McCormick and fellow Catholics serving in Iraq; (from left) Mary James, Jim’s stepdad Bob Stadel, Chuck Helsper, Pat James, Dick Peacock, Terry Kelly and Roger Manschum.

The 45 kneelers that Knights of Columbus in Lake Odessa built for soldiers in Iraq.

Member of the Knights of Columbus in Lake Odessa in the shop of Bob Stadel, McCormick’s stepfather, work together to build kneelers for soldiers in Iraq.

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McCormick (kneeling in center) shown with fellow Catholics, holding kneelers made by the Knights of Columbus in Lake Odessa, serving at Joint Base Balad, one of the largest American military bases in Iraq.

A

h, the little-noticed knee, taken for granted until injury or arthritis or age calls attention to the joint that joins the thigh and lower leg.

Kneeling is nothing for some; for others, it is a literal physical struggle for others.

In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans rejected kneeling, considering it an act of submission and weakness. Some philosophers said kneeling expressed superstition. Aristotle called it barbaric.

According to the writings of Pope Benedict XVI, the Hebrews “regarded the knees as a symbol of strength, to bend the knee is, therefore, to bend our

McCormick stands in front of one of his unit’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

strength before the living God, an acknowledgment of the fact that all that we are we receive from Him. … Saint Augustine said that the humility of Christ and His love … freed us … We now kneel before that humility. … ” For many of us, although kneeling is meaningful, it’s in the background: a matter of up-down-up-down at Mass; a ritual for morning or bedtime prayer. We barely give it a thought.

For Jim McCormick, and thousands of military men and women like him serving overseas, the act of kneeling is poignant; the freedom to adore God as a Catholic, or of any faith, is priceless.

McCormick’s unit attends Mass at a chapel surrounded by concrete blast barriers called T-Walls, which help to protect occupants from incoming mortars.

cover story

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McCormick shown a few years ago while serving in the Army Ski Patrol in the Italian Alps.

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I

n July, McCormick, 45, began a tour of duty in Iraq at Joint Base Balad, headquarters of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.

A 25-year serviceman and pilot for the U.S. Army, Jim transports passengers into, out of and around Iraq.

Joint Base Balad is one of the largest American military bases in Iraq and the busiest military air base in the world. About 40 miles north of Baghdad in the Sunni Triangle region – Saddam Hussein’s former “power base” – it’s sometimes still called by its former name, Camp Anaconda.

The base is huge and divided into sections – almost like villages within a city. The region is desert: flat and hot. Most summer days, the temperature reaches 125 degrees. Dust storms – called shamals – are frequent, reducing visibility to less than a mile. The choking dust gets into everything. It’s about as different from Michigan as you Father can get.

Paul The Grand Rapids-born McCormick (Amaliri, attends Sunday Mass along with about 40 other Catholics in his area at Balad. a U.S. Air Force Church is a metal building with no Chaplain) was windows. Windows are not a good idea consecrating the host Catholic stores sold kneelers. here,” McCormick said in an e-mail when the explosion As McCormick and his mom continued to interview with FAITH Grand Rapids. talk on the phone, a thought began to form The building is surrounded by occurred. He paused in Bob Stadel’s mind. A skilled craftsman, concrete blast barriers called T-Walls, briefly to steady the he started sketching some ideas to build which help to protect occupants from chalice, just for a kneelers from scratch. incoming mortar rounds. Recently “I couldn’t sleep that night – I had to figure during Mass, an explosion occurred close second, and then out the design,” Stadel said. enough that it shook the building. continued. What else The next morning, a Friday, the design “Father Paul (Amaliri, a U.S. Air Force was there to do? was finished. That day, the Stadels bought chaplain) was consecrating the host materials – thick foam padding, heavy-duty when the explosion occurred. He paused fabric and wood – to make 45 kneelers. Bob Stadel, along briefly to steady the chalice, just for a second, and then with the Knights of Columbus of St. Edward Parish in Lake continued. What else was there to do?” McCormick said.

Odessa, gathered in his workshop, sawing and sanding and The building’s floor is concrete – not exactly comfortable assembling all day Saturday. for kneeling.

The finished kneelers are five inches high and 16 inches A couple of months ago, McCormick called his mother long – they look kind of like shoeboxes and stack really well, and stepfather, Marsha and Bob Stadel, of Lake Odessa, Bob Stadel said. The foam padding adds a measure of comfort. asking them if they would find out if the Angelus or similar Each worker put a little sticky note – a word of thanks, prayer or encouragement – on the bottom of each kneeler. By Sunday afternoon, the project was done and, that Monday,

Kneeling is biblical The word proskynein appears 59 times in the New Testament (proskynesis, formed from the ancient Greek words pros and kunyo literally means “kissing towards”) and refers to the traditional Persian act of prostrating oneself before a person of a higher social rank.

Source: Wikipedia.org

20 Why we kneel According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: The posture of kneeling signified penance in the early church: the awareness of sin casts us to the ground! So thoroughly was kneeling identified with penance that the early Christians were forbidden to kneel on Sundays and during the Easter season when the prevailing spirit of the liturgy was that of joy and thanksgiving. In the Middle Ages, kneeling came to signify the homage of a vassal to his lord, and more recently this posture has come to signify adoration. It is for this reason that the bishops of this country have chosen the posture of kneeling for the entire Eucharistic Prayer. www.usccb.org/liturgy/girm/bul3.shtml

they shipped the kneelers.

They arrived at Balad the following Sunday morning – just as McCormick and fellow Catholics were preparing for Mass.

“We unpacked them five minutes before Mass began. We all sat there reading handwritten notes pasted to the bottom of the kneelers by folks from St. Edward Parish.

We were stunned – really shocked – and deeply grateful,” McCormick said. “It may seem like a small thing, but not so when you’re here in Iraq, kneeling on hard concrete. We were truly touched by the generosity; how folks gave their time, talent and resources to help service members they don’t even know who are half-way ’round the world. We could not have asked for a better gift!”

Gift of faith Living in Iraq has helped McCormick to appreciate each day as a gift.

“There are a lot of people here who would like to do us harm. They shoot at our aircraft and launch mortars at us. There are things we do to protect ourselves, but the rest is in God’s hands,” he said.

Marsha Stadel said her son’s strength springs from a deep well of faith formed years ago.

“The growing-up years were hard for Jim,” she said. “His father and I divorced when he was 13. Jim doesn’t talk much about it, but I know it was difficult. He leaned heavily on his faith.”

The middle child of three siblings, Jim joined the Army in order to get money for college. He did not plan on making it a career.

“I was worried at first – no one in my family had been in the military,” Marsha Stadel said. “But, I felt God was guiding him.”

McCormick began his military career as a paratrooper – jumping out of airplanes. He took college classes at night and on weekends, eventually attaining a bachelor’s degree. He then applied for and was accepted into the Army’s flight training school. One year later, he graduated and was flying attack helicopters for the Army. Loving flying, he became a fixed-wing pilot and has flown a variety of airplanes. Today, he flies both the Citation Jet and Beech King Air. “He jokingly calls himself a taxi driver,” his mom said.

But McCormick takes service to his

Jim in his early teens.

There is an old saying: There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. … War brings many things into sharp focus, and it has caused me to reevaluate what’s important: God, my family and the soldiers I work with and depend on.” country very seriously and considers it not only his duty, but also his honor. Twelve of his 25 years in the military have been spent overseas. He has patrolled the 38th parallel – the demilitarized zone that separates North Korea and South Korea. He has been stationed in Italy. Now, he is based in Germany and will return after his tour in Iraq is over.

His wife, Kari, has been alongside him these 25 years, except for when he is deployed. “I married my high school sweetheart,” McCormick said. “Being the wife of a soldier carries a special burden. We’ve moved 12 times in 25 years, so often that Kari must feel like she’s in the circus! She just rolls up her sleeves and packs the boxes (again).”

Together, they have three children: son Chris, 22, in college in New Mexico; daughter Katy, 20, in college in New York; and son Nick, 18, a senior in high school in Germany.

“Our kids have benefited from living overseas. It’s been a tremendous

A family visit to John Ball Park Zoo in Grand Rapids; (from left) McCormick’s younger brother John, his mother Marsha, Jim and his sister Maureen.

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

McCormick’s family, (from left, front row) Jim, his wife Kari, daughter Katy, (from left, back row) Nick and Chris.

education. Our two oldest were able to attend World Youth Day with Pope Benedict in Germany.

We were able to make a family visit to Rome and the Vatican. That was awesome!” McCormick said.

But the family also misses being close to extended family and friends in the United States.

“Because our kids have moved so often, Lake Odessa is the place that they identify as ‘home.’ They always look forward to working in Grandpa Bob’s wood workshop and summer camp at Camp Manitou-lin (a YMCA camp near Wayland).”

Spiritual connection Through Mass, McCormick said he feels spiritually connected to his wife, children and parents even though he is thousands of miles from them. “Mass is something we’ve always done together as a family, so even when I’m not with them, I’m thinking of them,” he said.

The spirituality and faith of McCormick and his fellow Catholics

at the base sometimes garner snickers among non-believers. One time, the chaplain, Father Paul, was asked by an Air Force security policeman to bless a new MRAP – Mine-Resistant Armored Vehicle.

“The security policeman’s (MP) buddies made light humor of the blessing, acting like the Holy Water was burning their skin like the (witch in the) Wizard of Oz,” McCormick recalled.

A few days later, these same personnel were hit by a roadside bomb while on patrol in the very same vehicle. The vehicle was badly damaged, but remarkably – some might say miraculously – all made it out, unscathed.

“They were all shaken, to say the least,” McCormick said. “There is an old saying: There is no such thing as an atheist in a foxhole. … War brings many things into sharp focus, and it has caused me to reevaluate what’s important: God, my family and the soldiers I work with and depend on.”

To kneel Every now and then, there’s talk of doing away with kneeling in the Catholic Mass. Some feel we should “stand up for our faith” – which, of course, we should.

But kneeling brings its special blessings.

FAITH GR asked Jim about this. He said, “I believe the ritual is important. It demonstrates our willingness to submit to God’s will. In a military environment, it also demonstrates that we are all equal before God – regardless of our military rank. … And, having the ability to kneel at Mass (comfortably) makes things here seem somewhat normal, if only for an hour at Mass or a few moments in the small converted closet that serves as the Blessed Sacrament chapel. Everyone here goes to Mass in a military uniform and with a weapon – an M-16 – so we long for things that are normal. It is amazing how many people take the kneelers rather than just standing or sitting.”

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photo by Jonathan Tramontana

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Keeping the faith Catholicism provides “calm in the storm” for major newspaper editor

O

n an early summer day in 1966, at the urging of his grandfather, eightyear-old Paul M. Keep became reporter, editor and publisher of his own newspaper. He also was the typesetter and delivery boy.

The Daily Press offered a weather forecast, reported neighborhood happenings and included the occasional poem or essay. The paper was one page, printed in the Courier font. It cost two cents. Keep published seven editions, the last one featuring a tribute to the Fourth of July, garden tips and the news that neighbor “Gene Boling is getting along fine. He will enter the hospital for a second operation on July 4.” This final Daily Press published on July 1, 1966. It was time for young Paul to enjoy the rest of his summer.

Exactly 43 years later, on July 1, 2009, 51-year-old Keep became editor of The Grand Rapids Press, the thirdlargest newspaper in Michigan and the 79th largest in the United States.

A lot has happened to Keep – and to the newspaper industry – in the 43 years between those milestone days.

One of the most notable happenings, for Keep, was becoming a Catholic.

Keepsake His path to Catholicism started in Kalamazoo, where Keep grew up.

He had returned home to start his career at the Kalamazoo Gazette after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in political science from Miami University in Ohio (1979) and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri (1983). In Kalamazoo, he covered the city beat, interviewing notables and reporting the daily scoop around City Hall. The tables turned and Keep found himself in the “hot seat” when a young lady pursuing a master’s degree needed to interview a reporter for a thesis paper. Keep obliged and, by the end of the interview, he knew he wanted to ask the inquisitive young lady out. She accepted his invitation.

Suzanne Counsman and Paul Keep married just one year later.

By Molly Klimas

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FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Paul and Suzanne Keep’s wedding day

“I’m so thankful we found each other,” Keep said.

Their union was not without differences. Suzanne was born and raised a Catholic and wanted the same upbringing for their future children.

Paul was raised a Presbyterian, but agreed to raise their three children – Sarah, now 20; Caroline, now 18; and John, now 14 – as Catholics.

“I always went to church with Suzanne and the kids – but I was usually the one in the ‘crying room’ with the baby,” he joked.

The children got older and Mass on Sunday became a part of the rhythm of life. “I found I liked the routine and order of the Mass,” Keep said.

He’d round up the family, and they’d usually be at Mass early. It provided a balance to the frenzy of newspaper life: breaking news and press breakdowns, dwindling deadlines and career promotions that kept the Keep family crisscrossing Michigan every few years.

Then, about 10 years ago, the newspaper industry began to change in ways no one could have predicted. The rise of the Internet and a deteriorating economy led to a significant decline in advertising revenue, which had provided 70 to 75 percent of the typical newspaper’s operating funds.

Newsrooms, like all other newspaper departments, had to find ways to reduce

Keep and hi s wife

Suzanne.

costs while still trying to bring readers the news they needed. Nationally, some newspapers folded under this pressure.

Others declared bankruptcy. Some reduced the number of publishing days.

And the challenges continue.

Flint, had long been the posterchild for hemorrhaging jobs, and the city’s newspaper, the Flint Journal, felt the related pains long before other newspapers across the country. Keep, who had been named editor of the paper in 1999, felt the tension firsthand.

A family shot (his wife is the photographer) on a beach in Sarasota, Fla. (from l-r) daughter Caroline, Paul, his mother Joan, his son John, his father Pliny and his oldest daughter Sarah.

Photos are courtesy of Paul and Suzanne Keep.

24 photo by Jonathan Tramontana

(l-r) Keep and his wife Suzanne talk with Russ Daniel, of Independent Bank, during a fundraising reception for God’s Kitchen in Grand Rapids. Keep, who is very active in charity work, serves on the board of Catholic Charities West Michigan.

“I had reached a crossroads, and Mass was the calm in the storm,” Keep said.

“It helped me to deal with the stress at work, knowing God has a plan, and that things will work out as they are meant to work out. This peace made me realize that I wanted to participate fully in the Mass, as a Catholic,” he said.

Keep talked it over with his wife.

“She encouraged me, never pressured me,” he said. She ultimately became his sponsor in the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) process.

For eight months, he studied, read Scriptures and met with other RCIA candidates and catechumens for weekly classes. As a result, he better understood the Mass and what it meant to be truly Catholic. At the Easter Vigil Mass in 2001, he received the sacraments of initiation – confirmation and holy Eucharist (he had already been baptized as a baby) – coming into full communion with the holy Catholic Church.

“It was so significant to me,” Keep said of the experience.

His mother-in-law gave him a cross necklace, which he has worn ever since.

The family celebrated with a big dinner, just like they had done when their children had received sacraments for the first time.

“Becoming a Catholic has made us closer as a family and has brought Suzanne and me even closer,” Keep said.

Keeping calm, cool, collected The newspaper industry’s problems haven’t gone away, but Keep feels equipped to tackle them, now as editor of The Grand Rapids Press.

He is only the eighth editor in The Press’ 119-year history, and he couldn’t be more different than his immediate predecessor, Mike Lloyd, the beloved bull-in-a-china-shop Lou Grant of Grand Rapids.

“Paul is the opposite,” said his administrative assistant, Linda Miller.

“He has his own style and very calming influence.”

Keep’s special skill is listening – indeed, these first 90 days as editor have been a “listening tour” of sorts in which Keep has asked subscribers

Paul Keep’s career path:

• K alamazoo Gazette (1983 – 1989): reporter, business editor and assistant metro editor • Muskegon Chronicle (1989 – 1993): news editor • Bay City Times (1993 – 1999): editor • F lint Journal (1999 – 2006): editor (In 2006, the Journal was recognized as the Michigan Press Association’s Newspaper of the Year in its circulation category.)

• Muskegon Chronicle (2006 2009): editor and then publisher (In 2009, the Chronicle won the Associated Press’ top two awards in its circulation category – for news writing and photojournalism.)

• T he Grand Rapids Press (2009 – present): editor

FAITH Grand Rapids / November 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

and advertisers and the community at-large how The Press can serve them. Keep graciously accepts invitations to lunch meetings where people want to pick his brain – but he usually ends up picking theirs. At a recent luncheon with a group of public relations practitioners, Keep was the first to ask: “Tell me about yourselves, your clients, your story ideas – and how we can better work together for our readers.”

He welcomes phone calls and emails and even droppers-by who have an idea or suggestion. He recently was asked by the third-grade class at Lakeside Elementary School in East Grand Rapids to visit and talk about his job. Despite his busy schedule, he made the time.

His calm exterior unintentionally conceals a multifaceted Keep, hints of which are reflected in the way he keeps his office: Keep, the sentimentalist – a collection of coffee mugs from each place he’s ever worked … Keep, the candyman – jars of goodies that invite people to chat for a bit … Keep, the connoisseur – a collection of some of The Press’ best photography on an office wall … Keep, the Catholic –My Daily Prayer Book on his desk near his phone … and finally, Keep, the little boy who always knew he wanted to be a newspaperman – a framed copy of that final edition of the Daily Press is next to the window that looks out on The Press’ newsroom.

Paul M. Keep is calmly, and faithfully living his dream.

A framed copy of Keep’s “first” newspaper, The Daily Press, which he published when he was just eight years old, hangs in his office at The Grand Rapids Press

Keep with Jeff Cranson, The Grand Rapids Press’ deputy metro editor, during a recent editorial meeting.

photo by Jonathan Tramontana

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What is the specific role of the priest in the liturgy?

By Doug Culp

photo courtesy of JoAnn Fox

Q:

How is priesthood understood within the context of the celebration of liturgy?

A:

Well, first of all, what is liturgy? According to the catechism, liturgy is an “action” of the “whole Christ.” This means that the celebration of the liturgy goes beyond the visible celebration here on earth and includes all those who now participate in the heavenly liturgy – Mary, the apostles, the saints, and all those who have already entered the kingdom. In other words, it is the “whole community” of believers – on earth and in heaven – the entire body of Christ.

In terms of the priesthood, Christ alone is priest. At the same time, the entire celebrating assembly of the baptized participates in Christ’s priesthood through the power of the Holy Spirit, in order that they may actively offer the spiritual sacrifices of the liturgy. This is the referred to as the “common priesthood” of believers.

Within this shared priesthood of the one Christ, members have different functions. The ordained priest then is understood as one who has been “called by God, in and through the church, to a special service of the community.”

Put simply, the ordained minister is charged with assisting the work of the common priesthood of the faithful, of Christ, in a very specific way – he is the means by which Christ continuously builds up and leads his church.

is the specific role of the priest in Q: What the liturgy?

A:

The priest presides over the liturgy. Essentially, this means the priest fulfills two vital and interrelated functions during the liturgy: He represents Christ to the church and he presents the church’s prayer to God. By the sacrament of holy orders, the priest is anointed by the Holy Spirit, who enables the priest to “act in the person of Christ the head,” or in persona Christi capitis. This means

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FAITH Grand Rapids / November FAITH 2009 Grand / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org| www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

B. Patten

clerical suit: Ordained clergy members often wear black suits with a white collar known as the roman collar. The collar originated in the 15th century, when it was a popular secular practice to turn one’s linen collar up and over the outer garment. By the 19th century, it became customary to insert a starched linen collaro onto the rabat, the high-collared, backless vest worn under a cassock.

Three degrees of Holy Orders

1

Bishop In unbroken succession from the apostles, a bishop exercises a ministry of preaching and teaching, sanctifying, governing (CCC 1558). As Christ’s vicar, each bishop has the pastoral care of a particular church entrusted to him, but he also serves with all bishops in the Episcopal College of which the pope is head. The “fullness of the sacrament” of Holy Orders resides in the episcopacy.

2 3

Deacon is a minister of the liturgy, of the word and of charity (diakonia). He serves in conjunction with the bishop and priests.

There are two types of deacons: • 1 transitional deacon will serve until he is ordained a priest • 2 permanent deacon is a married or unmarried man who will remain a deacon. They may baptize, witness a marriage, preach and assist at liturgies, and preside at funerals.

How has Hollywood depicted Catholic priests?

We often hear complaints about how priests and the church are portrayed in the movies. Have things really changed?

Take a look back at some priestly depictions from the 1930s and ’40s – an era some call the ‘golden age’ of filmed priest-heroes.

I Confess

In 1953’s I Confess, Alfred Hitchcock presented a compelling story of crime and punishment – and the heroic virtue of a Catholic priest. Set in Quebec City, the movie focuses on Father Michael Logan, who hears the confession of a murderer – a man who works in his parish rectory. Circumstantial evidence suggests Father Logan may have been the killer – and, due to the seal of confession, he cannot say anything to exonerate himself.

The movie includes a dramatic trial, an angry mob and a chase scene through one of Quebec’s oldest buildings, the Chateau Frontenac Hotel. And most of all, it includes an amazing act of forgiveness.

Montgomery Clift stars as Father Logan, Karl Malden as the police detective. Anne Baxter also has a starring role as a woman from Father Logan’s past who comes to recognize the great love he has for his faith and his church.

father on film

Priest A minister of God’s word, a minister of the sacraments and a pastoral guide of the community. He exercises his role in communion with the bishop and in union with the presbyterate of the diocese.

what is he wearing?

that, within the context of the priest’s service to the church, it is Christ himself who is present as the church’s head through the action of the priest. In this way, the priest becomes an “icon” of Christ.

The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults explains that an icon is “a religious painting that is considered to make present the mystery of salvation or the saint it depicts.” Therefore, when the priest is called an “icon” of Christ, it means that the priest is not simply a reminder or image of Christ, but also a real means by which Christ can touch a person.

At the same time, because the ordained minister represents Christ, he also acts in the name of the whole church when presenting to God the prayer of the church. This is because the church is inseparable from Christ, who worships in and through his church. The whole church, the body of Christ and the common priesthood, prays and offers herself through Christ, with Christ, and in Christ – the one priest. The ordained priest’s role here is especially evident in the offering of the eucharistic sacrifice. It is the priest, standing in the person of Christ, who alone can consecrate the bread and wine that will become the very body and blood of Christ, offered as the spiritual sacrifice of Christ on behalf of his body, the church.

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The Catholic Foundation of West Michigan

local news

What will your legacy be?

Do you have a desire to make a difference? To leave a lasting impact on the people most dear to you and on your faith community? Do you wonder what your legacy might be?

A bequest is perhaps the easiest and most tangible way to have a lasting impact on the people and ministries that mean the most to you. It is an effective way to make a gift and may lessen the burden of taxes on your family and estate.

The benefits of a charitable bequest A charitable bequest is a bequest written in a will or trust that directs a gift to be made to a qualified exempt charity when you die. One benefit of a charitable bequest is that it enables you to further the good work of the church, your parish or charitable organizations. A charitable bequest can help save estate taxes by providing your estate with a charitable deduction for the value of the gift. With careful planning, your family can also avoid paying income taxes on the assets they receive from your estate.

A charitable bequest is an easy gift to make A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift to be made to your family, friends or charity as part of your estate plan.

The Catholic Foundation of West Michigan represents many of our parishes, schools and ministries in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. For more information, contact Jane Campeau in the diocesan office of stewardship and development by phone, 616.459.4508, or send email to jcampeau@dioceseofgrandrapids.org.

Editor’s note: November edition incorrectly identified a photo on page 3; the following is a correction: Don Dauksts talks with Lucija Salzemnieks, fellow parishioner at Our Lady of Aglona, a Catholic church on Grand Rapids’ West Side.

CIC programs for spiritual growth The Catholic Information Center is offering a variety of programs for Catholics and others seeking to learn more about Catholic belief, practice and other faith issues. In January, Father Thomas Ryan, CSP, director of the Paulist North American Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in Washington, D.C. will present two programs. Father Ryan has authored 12 books, preaches ecumenical parish missions and leads interchurch and interfaith retreats.

• The Role of the Body in Prayer Thurs., Jan. 21, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Paulist Father, Tom Ryan, author of the DVD Yoga Prayer, will briefly set forth some key biblical reference points for Christianity’s radical theology of the body and teach some takehome embodied prayers. Dress comfortably for movement. (Copies of the DVD, Yoga Prayer, and books by Father Tom will be available for purchase).

• The Present Moment in the Ecumenical Movement Tues., Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The promotion of Christian unity was one of the two reasons that the Second Vatican Council was called. Is it still a priority in the life of the post-conciliar church? What does the harvest of the last 45 years reveal?

What are the remaining sticking points? Is the ecumenical movement still moving among Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox churches? We’ll take its temperature and look at the thermometer together.

All CIC programs are open to anyone wishing to attend. Free parking is available. There is no registration fee, but donations are welcomed. To register or for more information, call 616.459.7267, ext. 1801 or go to catholicinformationcenter.org.

Save the date Annual Soup’s On events benefit CCWM programs Upcoming dates for Soup’s On, the annual fundraising events that benefit the food and pantry programs of Catholic Charities West Michigan (CCWM), include: Soup’s On For All! Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids Soup’s On Along the Lakeshore!

Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010 Above and Beyond at Oakridge Golf Course in Norton Shores These programs help benefit the Christian Community Center in Muskegon Heights, God’s Kitchen in Grand Rapids and Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry of Muskegon.

Soup’s On guests sample a selection of soups, breads, and amazing desserts, and enjoy a variety of entertainment by local performers and bands. Virtually all items for the events are donated by local restaurants, bakeries and businesses. In 2009, these events raised close to $140,000, helping to nourish families and individuals throughout West Michigan. If you would like more information, email events@ccwestmi.org or go to soupsonforall.org.

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Reporting sexual abuse of minors The Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids is committed to protecting children, youth and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. Any person having reasonable cause to suspect sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy (bishop, priest or deacon) or by any person acting under the authority or apparent authority of the church, is urged to contact the: Victim Assistance Coordinator Diocese of Grand Rapids 360 Division Ave. S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501 616.243.0491

Reportando casos de abuso sexual a menores La Diócesis Católica Romana de Grand Rapids está comprometida en proteger la niñez, la juventud y cualquier persona vulnerable en nuestras escuelas, parroquias y ministerios. A cualquier persona que tenga una causa razonable para sospechar que un(a) menor esta siendo abusado(a) por un miembro del clero (obispo, sacerdote o diácono) o cualquier persona que esté actuando bajo la autoridad o aparente autoridad de la iglesia, se le solicita contactar al: Coordinador para Asistencia de Víctimas Diocese of Grand Rapids 360 Division Ave. S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501 616.243.0491 A la persona que llame se le solicitará su nombre y número de teléfono. Todas las llamadas con respecto a alegaciones de abuso sexual serán devueltas de manera oportuna. Como una alternativa, un informe se puede hacer al Departamento de los Servicios Humanos del condado correspondiente.

Prayer for the New Year On New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, the household gathers at the table or at the Christmas tree or manger scene. Many people make New Year’s Day a day of prayer for peace.

The leader begins: Let us praise the Lord of days and seasons and years, saying: Glory to God in the highest!

(Response) And peace to his people on earth!

Our lives are made of days and nights, of seasons and years, for we are part of a universe of suns and moons and planets. We mark ends and we make beginnings and, in all, we praise God for the grace and mercy that fill our days.

Scripture is read, Book of Genesis 1:14-19: Listen to the words of the Book of Genesis: God said: “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark the fixed times, the days and the years, and serve as luminaries in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth.” And so it happened: God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night; and he made the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw how good it was. Evening came, and morning followed – the fourth day.

Reader: The Word of the Lord.

(Response) Thanks be to God. After a time of silence, members of the household offer prayers of thanksgiving for the past year, and of intercession for the year to come. In conclusion, all join hands for the Lord’s Prayer.

Then the leader continues: Let us now pray for God’s blessing in the New Year.

After a short silence, parents may place their hands on their children in blessing as the leader says: Remember us, O God; from age to age be our comforter. You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and years. Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the coming of Christ. You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever.

(Response) Amen.

Another prayer for peace may be said: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

(Response) Amen.

The leader says: Let us bless the Lord.

All respond, making the sign of the cross: Thanks be to God. The prayer may conclude with the singing of a Christmas carol.

— From Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers

local news

A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. All calls regarding allegations of sexual abuse will be returned in a timely manner. As an alternative, a report may be made to the Department of Human Services for the applicable county.

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30

Alter Christus (Another Christ)

vocations – open to God’s call

Father Ron Hutchinson is director of priestly vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

T

here is no doubt that Christmas is a marvelous feast for eyes, ears and heart.

However, to genuinely connect to the true spirit of Christmas in the midst of all the commercialization can be like navigating a mine field. My journey to an authentic celebration of Christmas has been aided by my admiration for St. Nicholas, the fourth century bishop of Myra.

The generous personage so much a part of our modern celebration, namely Santa Claus, is the evolution and Americanization of the traditional Dutch Sinter Klaas or Saint Nicholas, whose feast is celebrated on Dec. 6.

Sometime during my childhood, I had the opportunity in a religious education class to research the life of St. Nicholas. Though not much is known about him, the legends seem to point to a deep concern for the people in his care as bishop, which led him to secretly provide for their needs in the face of hardship.

Over time what I learned through this assignment led to a personal devotion to the true spirit of St. Nicholas’ life and later to collecting St. Nicholas figurines/decorations for my Christmas tree.

Throughout his life and ministry, St. Nicholas, like all priests, put on Christ. He was called by God to guide, protect and father the flock entrusted to his care. Through his preaching, shepherding and prayer, he tried to mirror for his people the greatest mysteries of God. This can all be summed up by simply saying that he, like all priests, stands among us as an “Alter Christus!”

Yes, St. Nicholas and all priests are traditionally referred to as “Another Christ.” Though each priest is only an imperfect copy of the original and infinitely perfect Jesus, they are called to serve as a clear image of the Lord and Savior sent to us as the only Way, Truth and Life.

Saints like Nicholas of Myra help each of us see a priestly life lived in such a way that Christ shines through human words and actions.

The focus of each priest is not on himself, but rather on the Christ they are ordained and consecrated to image and proclaim.

Although I may not walk around each day, or even during the Christmas season, with a large bag filled with “loot” to share with my brothers and sisters, I am called to share what I do posses … my time, my talent and myself. These may, at times, be only meager offerings, but sharing from these gifts becomes my means of being a gift to and for others – being Christ to and for others.

With legends and saints like Nicholas, with evergreen and timeless carols, with fantasy and imagination, with ancient and scripturally rooted customs, Christmas becomes a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the gift Christ is to each of us. This festive season also becomes an opportunity for us to remember, with incredible joy, that Christ has not left us orphans. He has given us shepherds after His own heart and in His image in the priests He has called to serve His church and at His altar.

Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids online vocational resources: Priestly vocations dioceseofgrandrapids.org/vocation/welcome.htm Religious orders dioceseofgrandrapids.org/clergy/religiousorders.htm

FAITH Grand Rapids / December 2009 / www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org | www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

Cathedral of Saint Andrew

31

That star again

Come and experience the beauty love and peace of the Christmas season

SEASON OF CHRISTMAS Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Mass, 4 p.m.

Very Rev. Mark-David Janus, CSP, PhD., Presiding Christmas Eve Midnight Mass Prelude of Carols with Brass, Strings and Choirs, 11:15 p.m.

Mass, Midnight (televised) Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley, Presiding Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Mass, 10a.m.

Rev. Thomas Tavella, CSP, Presiding Christmas Day Mass, Noon (Español) Rev. Joachim Lally, CSP, Presiding

Friday, January 1 Feast of Mary, Mother of God Mass, 10 a.m.

DAILY MASS Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. (Chapel) Friday 7 p.m. (Español)

WEEKEND LITURGIES Saturday 12:05 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. (Televised), Noon (Español), 6 p.m.

Contemplative Mass 7:30 p.m. cathedralofsaintandrew.org 265 Sheldon Blvd. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616.456.1454

M

any people don’t bother with maps anymore when driving to their destination.

They like to travel under the guidance of their onboard global positioning systems (GPS). Such blind faith in the disembodied voice coming from their dashboard, “recalculating” after their every wrong turn along the way! The ancient Magi never had it so good.

Well, maybe they had it better. They knew the starry sky and did their own calculating. According to Saint Matthew’s unforgettable account, the Magi arrived in Jerusalem coming from the mysterious east and inquiring as to the whereabouts of “the newborn king of the Jews.” In as much as the reigning King Herod and all his cohorts hadn’t heard about a newborn heir, there was a great deal of commotion. The Gospel telling has been the subject of much art, poetry and music. The charming little opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, often performed at this time of year, beautifully captures the mystery surrounding Christ’s birth.

Part of the mystery is how Jesus, already as an infant, is portrayed as drawing to himself the most diverse kinds of people. Rich and poor, shepherds of the fields and wise men from afar, those faithful to the great covenant and those who had never even heard of it ... all find their way to the newborn to do him homage and offer him gifts.

Already, Jesus demonstrates, just by being born, how everybody is welcome at his side. His power to draw the best from people is given eloquent testimony by their presence and their lavish gifts. But then, too, there is paranoia and vengefulness hovering over the Gospel account. That title of “King of the Jews” would never sit well with nervous reigning powers and potentates (or for that matter, with Jesus himself), no matter how dramatically different his way of royalty demonstrated itself to be. Even at the end of his life, the title would be nailed on the cross as a charge over his head, deserving of the ultimate punishment: death by crucifixion.

What will make people ready for this gift from God, which draws all segments of humanity to itself? The same kind of universal welcoming spirit that the Magi sensed in the newborn Jesus.

last word

Thursday, December 31 Feast of Mary, Mother of God Vigil Mass, 7 p.m.

Msgr. Gaspar F. Ancona is a senior priest of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.

32 360 Division Avenue S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4539

online: www.dioceseofgrandrapids.org www.FAITHgrandrapids.org

“The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people ...

... For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”

Luke 2: 10-14

p l e a s e

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