T H E
M A G A Z I N E
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T H E
C A T H O L I C
D I O C E S E
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G A Y L O R D
March/April 2019 www.dioceseofgaylord.org
F EATURE STORY
New life in Jesus — Jennifer and Jayla Lyons
page 12
I N THE KNOW WITH FAT H E R J O E
Why should I stay Catholic?
page 6
Following the Light of
CHRIST
FOR DANNIE BRZEZINSKI, THE CATHOLIC CHURCH LIGHTS HER PATH TO HIM
FROM THE BISHOP
CALLED, BY NAME: A second element
MARCH 2019
CALLED, BY NAME MY SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST, EVERY FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, I have the honor and privilege of presiding over what is called the “Rite of Election” in our cathedral. It is a moment of great joy and hope for the journey of a catechumen, i.e., a person who is not yet baptized, and who seeks to become part of our Catholic faith community at the Easter Vigil. Among the many things that happen, there are three elements that highlight for me the Rite of Election. I AM CALLED: Many stories in the Bible underscore the “call” by God for some purpose. The Old Testament and New Testament are filled with such stories of those who express surprise, unworthiness, amazement. Oftentimes in listening to the stories of a person’s faith journey, I am struck that the same method used in the stories of sacred Scripture are still being used today. There is sometimes the feeling of unworthiness — a “who me?” experience. Still, there is some event that happens whereby a new awareness occurs that something more is taking place. I am hearing or made aware of a call from someone or something outside of myself. Our initial curiosity is one that opens up the pathway to a decidedly new direction in our life.
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MOST REVEREND STEVEN J. RAICA
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord.
• M ARC H /APR I L 201 9
is that we are called — not merely in a generic way, but specifically by name. I am called by name! Amazingly, my heart recognizes the call as something it has been waiting for. It is much like hearing our parents calling us in a large department store when we’re lost. We know the voice when we hear it. It is a voice that knows us. We, in turn, know the voice as one who loves us and is summoning us. It is a voice recognized such that we know “we are found.” By name, I have called you! “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you!” (Jer 1:5), we read. So, as part of the rite of election, names are written in the Book of the Elect formalizing the journey for admission to the Easter sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy Eucharist.
CALLED, BY NAME, TO BECOME PART OF A BELIEVING COMMUNITY: A third element is that our call is not to remain alone or isolated. “Come and you will see” and “Follow me” are frequent invitations of our Lord to become part of a greater family and mission. Together, we are the community that is formed as an answer to the Lord’s invitation. Gathering together, we hear God’s word proclaimed, receive him in the Most Holy Eucharist and renew our commitment to conform our lives more and more to the heart and mind of Christ, in order to go out re-charged for mission: to proclaim and witness to all God has done for us. Pope Francis has reminded us that we are not merely “disciples” or “followers” of Jesus. We are really “missionary disciples” — we go out on mission by the way we live our lives. While each parish may have small numbers of those entering the Church at Easter, the gathering together of all the 75 parishes of our diocese for the Rite of Election helps catechumens see the broader community praying for them and waiting for them to join us on the adventure of faith. Through them, my own faith is renewed. I, too, reflect on the fact that I have been called — by name — to become part of a believing community! I can see again the joy and serenity of those who are ready to be part of the Catholic faith community their hearts have been longing for. May we welcome our catechumens — and indeed all those who are candidates seeking to enter fully into the life of our Catholic faith — as new brothers and sisters in Christ.
The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Gaylord Copyright 2019 WWW.DIOCESEOFGAYLORD.ORG ALSO FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
MARCH/APRIL 2019 VOLUME 4: ISSUE 2 PUBLISHER
Most Rev. Steven J. Raica EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Candace Neff
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Candace Neff
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Most Rev. Steven J. Raica Doug Culp Michelle DiFranco Cynthia Kaan Father Joe Krupp Dr. Cathleen McGreal Mary Kay McPartlin Candace Neff Steve and Bridget Patton Sister Ann Shields
4 6 12 16 24 26 MARCH / APRIL
2019 2. FROM THE BISHOP
Called, by name
PRESIDENT/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Patrick M. O’Brien
4. MARRIAGE MATTERS
Five keys to a happier marriage
VICE PRESIDENT/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg
8. THEOLOGY 101
Encountering Jesus in the sacraments
10. SPIRITUAL FITNESS
22. PARENTING
How to help your child forgive
24. SPECIAL REPORT
Road to hope
Human trafficking
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Matthew Watters
5. GOOD LIFE
Keeping up friendships when you’re at different life stages
PRINT MANAGEMENT
InnerWorkings
To advertise in FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel, contact Candace Neff at 989.732.5147 or cneff@dioceseofgaylord.org
6. IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
Why should I stay Catholic?
FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel (USPS 16810) is a membership publication of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord, 611 W. North St., Gaylord, MI 49735. Published bimonthly. Send address changes to: FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel, 611 W. North St., Gaylord, MI 49735 or email cneff@ dioceseofgaylord.org. Periodical postage PAID in Gaylord, MI or additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel, 611 W. North St., Gaylord, MI 49735. © 2018 FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel, Diocese of Gaylord.
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LIVES OF THE SAINTS
St. Vincent Ferrer
12. FEATURE STORY
26. CULTURE
New life in Jesus — Jennifer and Jayla Lyons
16. COVER STORY
We can’t live on bread alone ... but try this bruschetta
Following the light of Christ — Dannie Brzezinski uses the Catholic Church to light her way to him
28. CHURCH IN THE WORLD 29. THINGS TO DO 30. LOCAL NEWS 31. LAST WORD
“Essential” Oils
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Make your marriage your no. 1 priority. Your marriage should be more important to you than advancing your career, increasing your wealth, beautifying your home, enjoying your pastimes, having fun with your friends or even volunteering at your church. The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships, and your most important relationship is the one with your spouse.
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Suffer well and regularly. Die to yourself, every day and unconditionally — that is, even if your spouse is not. Here’s one example: Never pass up a good opportunity to keep your mouth shut. However delicious the hurtful words on the tip of your tongue might taste, hold them back for the love of God and your spouse. Your marriage will be blessed. This doesn’t mean being a doormat. You might also need to …
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Learn how to communicate better. For some people, communicating effectively is easy. For the rest of us, help is available. Sometimes a therapist is needed, but in many cases it’s just a matter of relearning. Try reading a book such as The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. Successful professionals never stop learning. Be a professional about your marriage.
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Ditch the porn. Jesus warned, “You have heard it said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:27-28) Pornography has become normalized, but it remains a gravely sinful form of adultery. Moreover, it corrodes intimacy and destroys marriages. Getting rid of it will improve your marriage.
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YOU R LIFE
MARRIAGE MATTERS
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Be grateful. Research in positive psychology shows that people are not so much grateful because they are happy as they are happy because they are grateful. Likewise, the happiest marriages are those in which the spouses, regardless of their fleeting feelings, habitually express gratitude to God and to one another. They live the wisdom of a prayer offered by every priest at every Mass: “We do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.”
STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON
hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.
GOODLIFE
Keeping up friendships when you’re at different
LIFE STAGES Some friends are getting married/having kids, and I’m not. How can we stay friends when we’re at such different stages?
— BY CYNTHIA KAAN
Here’s the catch — no guilt. Don’t give your friend grief if she says no. Let her know you thought it would be a good chance to catch up, but you understand if it doesn’t work. Leave the door open for next time, and ask God to show you how to be available for your friend in the interim.
AVOID TAKING IT PERSONALLY. If your friend turns you down, then accepts an invitation from someone else, don’t allow yourself to believe it’s because he or she didn’t want to hang out with you. Sometimes, things fall into place last minute. It doesn’t mean your friend chose someone else over you.
LIFE CHANGES. People change. Friendships change. If yours is a friendship with a solid foundation, you will both make the time to connect
GETTY IMAGES/ Steve Debenport
ALLOW THE NO.
a concert but you’re sure it will be too late, too far, the baby might be sick … Wait! Do NOT answer for your friend. Give him the opportunity to answer by continuing to keep him in the loop. Keeping that door open can go a long way in friendship preservation.
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YOUR FAITH
WHY SHOULD I
Dear Father Joe: It seems to me that every day there is a new scandal in the Church. I struggle with understanding — how can I stay Catholic?
STAY CATHOLIC?
Thank you for your question — things can be very difficult for us right now and your sincere and honest expression of what you are feeling is a gift. I’ll do my best to share well why I not only chose to stay Catholic, but to serve in the Church as a priest. I hope that what I share helps you.
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T. Gennara
As a boy, I was Catholic because I didn’t know there were other options — I only knew the reality I was given. After that, I grew into loving the Church because I loved my priest and my local parish experience. We had a holy, strong and loving priest who guided us FATHER through our faith in our daily lives. As JOE KRUPP I got older, I encountered other priests is a former at our church — some were kind, some comedy writer weren’t. My family and my parish went who is now a through some exceedingly difficult times Catholic priest. @Joeinblack and I found myself quite lost as to what to feel or think about being Catholic. I remember in my junior year of high school, someone asked me why I was Catholic. In that moment, I thought of all I had experienced and all my little faith community had experienced and answered as honestly as I could. I knew there was something there, something I couldn’t articulate that kept me in the Catholic Church. I ended up saying the truth as I knew it: “I’m Catholic despite the Church.” College was a big change for me. There, for the first time, I encountered people who really didn’t like the Catholic Church at all. They seemed quite willing to openly mock or question the Church and any who were Catholic. The funny thing is, this ended up being a gift, as it compelled me to read. I learned as much of the faith as I could in order to defend it well. In doing so, I fell more deeply in love with the Church. I saw some of why we do what we do, why we teach what we teach and, in that, knew I was where I belonged in a way that I couldn’t have known before. My sticking point always came with those times in our
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LIVES OF THE SAINTS IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
history when we acted sinfully. I really didn’t know what to make of it. How could such good theology produce leaders who sometimes acted evilly? How could a Church that has done so many beautiful and amazing things also be the Church that did these bad things? How could the Church I knew in my heart was called by Christ also be the Church that made such horrible mistakes? My experience in seminary sharpened this idea, which began in college, that the Church was called to an extraordinary mission. Surrounded by men and women who loved God in such profound and thoughtful ways intensified my belief that our Catholic faith is a gift from God. The history classes put perspective on some of our sins from the past, and the active sacramental life of the seminary provided me with the strength I needed to heal from some wounds and grow in my love for the faith. At the same time, I wrestled with my own sin. The more I went to confession, the more I saw how very broken I was (and am) — and that led to a personal conflict in me: How could I be a priest? Broken, sinful me who says things he shouldn’t say and does things he shouldn’t do. Did God really want to “cut me loose” on his people? A beautiful priest to whom I will be eternally indebted provided me with the answer: Yes. God calls those wounded by their own sin and the sin of the world to compassionately preach the truth of his abiding love. God wasn’t calling me to be a priest because I was perfect, but, at least in part, because I was willing to look at sin in my life and give it to his mercy. God doesn’t need priests who revel in their perfection, lack of sin or perfect theology, but priests who recognize that God’s mastery over sin is so complete that he is even able to use their sin to draw us all closer to his heart. Wow. I have come to see that my internal struggle about whether or not God really wanted me to be a priest was and is a microcosm of my wrestling with the Church. I am sinful, I am loved, I am called. This is true of me. This is true of the Church’s leaders. The Church is made up of human beings who are susceptible to weakness and sin, but the Church is loved and the Church is called. In the end, I am Catholic because of God’s gift in allowing such a thing. I am honored and humbled to be a member of this body of Christ, in all its glory and all its faults. I embrace the reality of my sin, the sins of those in the Church and the mercy of God that covers it all. I rejoice in God’s call to his Church, which is based on his promise and not our performance. I find hope in the power of the Holy Spirit to empower the Church to heal us of the wounds we’ve inflicted and the wounds we’ve endured, while safely leading us home to heaven. Like any person who struggles with sin, the Church needs our love and prayers, not our condemnations and judgments. Enjoy another day in God’s presence.
St. Vincent Ferrer THE ANGEL OF JUDGMENT
CANONIZED 1455 • FEAST DAY: APRIL 5
PATRON SAINT: brick makers, builders, construction workers, plumbers and tile makers MEANING OF NAME: from the Latin vincere, “to conquer” CLAIM TO FAME: Born in Valencia, Spain, in 1350, Ferrer’s parents were distinguished by their virtue and alms-deeds. They made it their rule to distribute alms whenever they could. At age 18, Vincent entered the Dominican Order during the time of the Great Schism — the Church’s division under multiple popes. He received his doctorate at Catalonia, followed by five years of preaching at the cathedral at Valencia. In 1394, Cardinal Pedro de Luna set up a papal court in Avignon and named himself Benedict XIII. He offered Vincent many Church positions — even that of cardinal, which he refused. He only took the role of de Luna’s confessor. Vincent campaigned fruitlessly to end the schism and relinquished his duties to de Luna four years later to become a missionary. He spent the next 20 years preaching throughout Europe about sin, death, God’s judgments and eternity. Vincent’s sermons were so powerful that many people returned to their Catholic faith. WHY HE IS A SAINT: Vincent was dying when he saw a vision of Christ, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic. As a result of this vision, he was miraculously cured. He began preaching about the last judgment and the need for penance. Because of this, Vincent came to be known as the “angel of judgment.” Though Vincent spoke only his native Spanish, people of all languages were able to understand what he said. His biographers believe he had the ability to speak in tongues to communicate the word of God. BEST QUOTE: Vincent’s favorite saying was, “Whatever you do, think not of yourselves, but of God.” HOW HE DIED: Vincent Ferrer died at the age of 69 from a fever. He asked for the Passion of Christ to be read from all four Gospels at his funeral, because it was the Wednesday before Palm Sunday, April 5, 1419.
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YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101
WHAT IS A SACRAMENT?
ENCOUNTERING JESUS IN THE
Specifically, a sacrament is an efficacious sign of grace. This is to say that a sacrament is capable of producing and conferring the grace that is promised. Pope Francis says it this way: “The sacraments are Jesus Christ’s presence in us.” This is accomplished through the rite by which the Church celebrates a sacrament. The visible rite both signifies and makes present the graces proper to that sacrament. The catechism teaches the efficacy of each sacrament finds its source in Christ himself because it is actually Christ who baptizes, “who acts in his sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies.” This is also why the Church teaches that the sacraments act “ex opere operato” (literally: “by the very fact of the action’s being performed”). For this reason, the sacrament is efficacious regardless of the personal holiness of either the celebrant or the recipient. However, the fruits of the sacraments do depend on the disposition of the one who receives them. The Church, by the “power of the Holy Spirit who guides her ‘into all truth,’” has discerned over time that there are seven sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ. The seven sacraments “touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase healing and mission to the Christian’s faith.” They are baptism, confirmation (or Chrismation), Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders and matrimony.
SACRAMENTS
DOUG CULP
is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an M.A. in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
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Writing for OSV Newsweekly, Msgr. M. Francis Mannion argues the sacraments “are the continuation of Christ’s ministry in history.” He makes the point that Christ is present sacramentally to the extent he is present in the world, going so far as to assert the sacraments constitute Christ’s visibility in the world.
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MATT WATTERS
Our culture abounds with spiritual seekers hungry for an encounter with the true God. Many of these seem convinced that they will somehow know God when they see God. Of course, this implies that they already, in fact, have an image of God in mind and are looking for the corresponding reality. They are more often than not perpetual seekers because they can never quite find the God that exists in their mind out there in the world. This desire is not a bad thing. It is simply misdirected. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Christ is already present to the Church: in his word; in his Church’s prayer; in the poor, the sick and the imprisoned; in the sacrifice of the Mass; and in the person of the minister. The catechism lists one additional way: the sacraments. Consequently, as Pope Francis teaches, Christ is to be encountered “in the web of human relationships” that is the Church. He locates the fullness of his own identity not in himself as an isolated individual, but in the body of Christ. It is in relationship with our neighbors today, in this present moment, that we can learn how to love and, thereby, enter into communion with the Christ.
S. OLSON
IN SEARCH OF …
Catholics believe what was revealed, not because we
DID YOU KNOW? Consider prayerfully reading the following Scripture passage:
can perceive the truth of revelation by the natural light of reason alone or because we get a warm,
For all who are being led by the Spirit of
fuzzy feeling, but because of the authority of God, who makes the revelation. He points out that Jesus continues to call disciples to follow him and to incorporate them into himself through the gift of the Spirit through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. Jesus continues to share meals with his followers in the sacrament of the Eucharist; to forgive and reconcile sinners in the sacrament of penance; to heal the sick in the anointing of the sick; to send forth chosen disciples to preach and to baptize through holy orders; and to bless marriages in the sacrament of matrimony.
MORE THAN A FEELING
There are those who would challenge the claim we encounter Jesus in the sacraments because they do not feel anything, they are not touched at the core of their being. However, when we speak about the sacraments as an encounter with Jesus, we are not necessarily referring to an emotional event.
God, these are sons of God. For you have not
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received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are
Belief based solely on emotion or feeling is on shaky ground, as it is always vulnerable to dulling over time. In a similar way, belief based exclusively on reason or intellect is vulnerable to doubt. Faith, then, must involve the hardening of the will, primarily through an obedience that allows us to stand firm through the power of the Spirit in the face of doubt and dulling. Catholics believe what was revealed, not because we can perceive the truth of revelation by the natural light of reason alone or because we get a warm, fuzzy feeling, but because of the authority of God, who makes the revelation. Any lack of material evidence is overcome by confidence in the one who speaks. This matters because the sacraments presuppose faith even as they also nourish it. This faith is grounded in the authority of Christ who instituted them. So faith that is an encounter with Christ presupposes faith in Christ first.
children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Rom 8:14-21
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: 1. H ow might this passage help you discuss the existence of God with a non-believer? 2. What can this passage teach us about the existence of God even though there is suffering?
TIMELINE: Top 6 events of the 7 sacraments Jesus Christ
Early Church
St. Augustine
2nd Council of Lyons
Council of Florence
Council of Trent
30-33 A.D.
90-350
354-430
1274
1439
1545-1563
1. Christ instituted the Church with its sacramental nature firmly founded on Scripture and tradition.
2. The early Christians loosely applied the term “sacrament” to a variety of experiences, ritual actions and objects — the washing of feet, the sign of the cross, etc.
3. Augustine spoke broadly of the sacraments — their effects, their administration and their fruitfulness.
4. In the 13th century, the Second Council of Lyons (1274), based on the writings of Peter Lombard in his Book of Sentences, defined the seven sacraments we have today.
5. The Council of Florence (1439) said the sacraments “contained and conferred grace.”
6. The Council of Trent (1545-1563) stated that there were “no more nor less than seven” and defined them more clearly.
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YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS
ON THE WEDNESDAY AFTER EASTER, THE CHURCH FREQUENTLY USES THE GOSPEL OF LUKE, CHAPTER 24: 1335. THIS IS THE STORY OF DEJECTED DISCIPLES LEAVING JERUSALEM. THEY, SEEMINGLY, HAVE WITNESSED THE DESTRUCTION OF THEIR HOPE AS THEY SAW JESUS DYING ON THE CROSS. SHOCKED AND IN GRIEF, THEY SEEK TO LEAVE JERUSALEM AND ALL THEIR FRIENDS. When we are disheartened and discouraged, in our anger and/or confusion, what do we do? The first thing we often do is to turn away from God. We say, “I prayed and prayed and nothing happened.” Therefore, we reason, “God isn’t there;” or “God God doesn’t care.” We are severely disillusioned! Often, we turn away from the source of life and from friends because our expectations weren’t met the way we expected, anticipated or believed. One of the reasons the Holy Spirit inspired this event to be recorded in Scripture is to address our pain of dashed hopes and torn dreams. The disciples said, “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Lk 24:21) They had followed Jesus for some time, had become fairly convinced that he was the Messiah, but when Jesus died, their hopes for earthly release from their enemies were dashed. “We had hoped,” they said! But now, Jesus is dead! “Our hope is useless,” they reasoned. How did they express that sense of despair? They left the community that Jesus had formed, the people who had heard Jesus preach and had believed in what he
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taught. People often do that — in times of difficulty, they go back to the familiar. “We’re out of here,” as we would say today. How many of us do that? We were attracted by the Gospel at one point, maybe drawn to follow the Lord more closely. We had dreams of what we could do, accomplish for God, for his people. To be a good husband, a good wife, a mother, a father, a true friend, an educator, a missionary, a priest, a sister, an athlete, a scientist, a … there are so many dreams. What has happened to them? Why didn’t we follow through? This Scripture shows us that even when our dreams and hopes meet a seemingly insurmountable barrier, it is never too big for God. He comes looking for us just as he did with the disciples. “What is this conversation that you are holding with one another as you walk?” These disciples were not seeking Jesus. They were angry and in pain because their hopes had been dashed. They had turned away from God, but God did not turn away from them! He pursued them — and so he does with you. He meets us where we are. He comes to us even when we are running away from him. But the disciples were not easily convinced. “Our hope, the one in whom we trusted is dead now for three days. Women said they had seen him …” You can hear the turmoil, the confusion. Their response is disbelief. He is dead. Hope is useless. (How many times do we turn away when we need to persevere; how many times does God pursue us and we don’t listen or recognize him?) But Jesus does come to the disciples and he who is the Word speaks the word that gives life: “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken …”
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES
Right now, as you sit in your chair reading this article, Jesus wants to come to you through his word. Wherever you are hopeless, have given up, can see no way through or out, God desires to impart hope that you are not alone, that he is with you and cares about your circumstances and will give you a way through or out of them if you put your trust in him. He shows us two ways to regain our hope:
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The second great grace that he gives to these downcast disciples is himself in the Eucharist. The day is far spent and Jesus appears to be leaving them. See Luke 24:28-29. What is happening here is that God is waiting for an invitation, to be invited to eat with them. That is true today as well. The Lord wants to be invited into our midst, our gathering of family or friends, and most especially at the banquet of his body and his blood. It is at the Eucharist, at the breaking of the bread, that they recognize him for who he is — their Messiah! “He is not dead.” “He is right here with us, now!” “He is risen.” What a shock
that must have been. “Their eyes were opened.” Suddenly, they knew the truth. Suddenly, it all made sense. They also remembered: “Were not our hearts burning within us as he explained the Scriptures to us?” That is what God wants to do for you in the Eucharist — to have your eyes opened and to have your heart burning within you because of the truth and power of the Word and the Eucharist. God wants to give you the grace to see with the eyes of faith, to see the truth, the full truth, and to be able to joyfully bow down and worship. Bishop Fulton Sheen told the marvelous story of a young girl whose parish in China back in the 1950s was raided by enemy soldiers during Mass. The Eucharist was dashed to the floor. Everyone scattered. Each night, this little girl would sneak into the church and take one host. (She had been taught in school that you could only receive once a day.) There were 32 hosts scattered from the ciborium and for 31 nights little Li was able to safely consume a host — a total of 31 hosts. On the 32nd night, a noise alerted one of the sleeping guards and he shot and killed little Li. How strong is your faith? How strong is mine? What would I have done if I had been in similar circumstances? Bishop Sheen said that of all the people he had known in life — and many of them very famous — no one had inspired his life and faith as 12-year-old Li. Let us ask the Lord to increase our faith in the greatest gift God could ever give us — himself in the Eucharist. Don’t be afraid to put your hope in him today, no matter what you experienced in the past; to trust him today; to draw near to him that he might show you what is most important and how to embrace his will, with joy and hope.
T. Gennara
Jesus explains the Scriptures to these disheartened disciples. (You say to yourself, “Why yes — if I had Jesus teaching me, it would be different!) God told us he would not leave us orphan, that he would give us the Holy Spirit to enlighten — just as he did those confused and bewildered followers of the first century. Read the Gospel passage slowly (Lk 24: 13-35) and, as you read, say to the Lord, “Enlighten my mind; help me understand the power of your word to comfort, to console, to challenge and convict me; give me the grace to apply your word to my current circumstances.” Yes, it is very good to read a good commentary, attend a Bible study, grow in your understanding of God’s word. Also, though, know that God, who knows the number of hairs
on your head, is here to guide you. Sometimes, he speaks through insight, or through a conversation with a good friend through a pastor’s words or trusted counselors. Use all that God provides, especially when making major decisions. But first of all, God wants to increase your faith that he loves you, cares about you and wants to strengthen you in hope — sometimes, right in the middle of the storm. He will enlighten you through his word. The disciples’ hope was based on earthly expectations — what the Messiah would do to free them from their earthly oppressors. But God’s plan was to lead them to put their faith in him, in who he was, in who he was for them. God’s goal was eternal life for them, union with the source of all hope. In your own life, look at your hopes and expectations. Are they based on God’s will, God’s plan for you? He wants more for you than you could ever hope for.
SISTER ANN SHIELDS
is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. @srannshieldssgl
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YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY
A FAITH-FILLED EMPLOYER GUIDED JENNIFER AND JAYLA LYONS TO ST. MARY’S IN GAYLORD AND A
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J
ENNIFER LYONS WAS BORN AND RAISED IN GAYLORD AND NEVER THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT HER FAITH. HER MOTHER CONVERTED TO CATHOLICISM WHEN JENNIFER WAS A CHILD, BUT AFTER A
DIVORCE, SHE’D LAPSED OUT OF THE FAITH. LIKE SO MANY PEOPLE, JENNIFER NEEDED AN INVITATION.
STORY BY MARY KAY MCPARTLIN PHOTOS BY CANDACE NEFF
Her initial invitation came from a friend and co-worker she’d met while working at the local funeral home. They’d shared numerous conversations about life, church and faith. “He encouraged me to go to church, any church,” says Jennifer. After attending a local Methodist church, Jennifer decided to try the Catholic church she’d visited on occasion as a child. Her mom began joining Jennifer and her daughter Jayla for Mass. Her second invitation came once she started working for a new company whose faith was evident in its daily operations. Jennifer had been looking for a job and had already secured new employment when a co-worker asked her to meet with the company. Jennifer agreed, but going into the interview had no intention of considering the position. Then, when her future boss Brandie called her later that same afternoon
Jennifer and Jayla Lyons say they are “intrigued, anxious and excited” as the Easter Vigil approaches when they will received the Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church.
to offer her the position, Jennifer accepted without hesitation. “It had to be meant to be,” she says. “It wasn’t even on my radar, but it just felt right.” Once she started to work, the kindness of the employees and owners modeled a life infused with a positive light to Jennifer. “This is very impressive to me,” Jennifer says of the practices of the company and its leaders. “I started attending Mass more regularly.” As a divorced single mom, Jennifer had plenty of struggles in her life, which she didn’t focus on, but that were a weight for her. Working for a company rooted in positivity and faith was a catalyst for Jennifer’s desire to explore her faith. When her daughter Jayla was given a generous opportunity to attend St. Mary Cathedral School, it was another moment that “just felt right’ to Jennifer. Jayla made the decision to switch schools and began as a fourth-grader at St. Mary Cathedral School. The connection with the Catholic faith at work and in Jayla’s education was another spark for Jennifer. “Now we go to Mass every week,” says Jennifer. “Still, I felt like something was missing.” All the good and warmth that come from being faithfilled was just what Jennifer was ready for in her life. RCIA seemed like the next step. She checked on the process and discovered classes started in the fall. “I don’t know if I’m ready or if it’s the right time,” Jennifer says of her thoughts at the time. She felt ready to take a leap of faith, and Jennifer made that leap by coming into RCIA. She spoke to the director of the RCIA process at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, Beth Hicks, about Jayla having to come with her to classes. “Beth said, ‘She’s more than welcome to join our class,’” says Jennifer. “Jayla and I talked about it. She wasn’t initially interested in joining.” Jayla came and sat in class with the rest of the group. After several weeks of enjoying Jayla’s presence and participation, the group encouraged Jayla to become an official
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Jen and Jayla attended the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion with their sponsors and others from their group on March 10.
Jen and Jayla have been attending the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) process at St. Mary Cathedral. They say they “like being part of the small group atmosphere” and that “everything is at ‘our level’ because we are new to the Church.”
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FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
member of RCIA. After giving it some thought, “Jayla said, ‘Mom, I’m going to do it,’” Jennifer says. When she asked her daughter if she was sure, Jayla reassured her that she wanted to be an official RCIA catechumen. “We both go to RCIA every week,” Jennifer says. “We are learning together, or Jayla teaches me from what she’s learned at school. Jayla is a very avid reader and often participates in the class when we have reading to do. We are a small group, and we have the familiarity of a small group, so we are all comfortable with each other.” Jayla has been paying close attention to her Catholic studies in school. Last year, as the new student who was not Catholic, Jayla won the catechism bee for grades 4-5 classes during Catholic Schools Week — a proud moment for both Jayla and Jennifer. The public process of coming into the Church has been a challenging time for Jennifer. “I am a pretty private person. I don’t like the spotlight,” she says. “I don’t want to be the center of attention, but I’m adjusting to it for this chapter in our lives.” Adjusting to the spotlight is a little easier for Jenni-
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Jayla, who will become one of the newest members of the Church in just a few weeks, is joy-filled, an avid reader and loves to dance.
“I’M JUST ENAMORED THAT EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY THAT SAME MASS IS BEING SAID SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD. THAT JUST BLOWS ME AWAY”
fer knowing the newest members of the Church breathe new life into the faith of those who have been Catholic all their lives. Each step in the process is a new experience for Jennifer and Jayla. “We recently had our rite of election and I recall thinking, “We’re getting there.’ It will be a whole new level of excitement when we can fully participate,” says Jennifer. The nuances of the Catholic faith are still a mystery for Jennifer and Jayla, but they are looking forward to exploring all the ways their faith can be expressed and strengthened. At Mass each week, Jennifer enjoys using the Magnificat while Jayla uses the Magnifikid. The universal Church is expressed best to Jennifer through Mass. “I’m just enamored that every hour of every day that same Mass is being said somewhere in the world. That just blows me away,” she says. Jennifer and Jayla are working on their prayer lives,
Jen and Jayla, both Gaylord natives, will be baptized, confirmed and receive holy Eucharist during the Easter Vigil.
which has been an easy step for Jennifer. “I find myself — every night before I go to bed, or in the morning before my feet hit the floor — expressing gratitude,” says Jennifer. Jayla’s favorite prayer is the Glory Be. “I’m comforted by the fact I can turn to prayer for strength,” Jayla says. Jayla’s favorite saint is St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who shares Jayla’s birthday. Jennifer doesn’t have a favorite saint, yet she finds herself drawn to St. Catherine of Siena after reading, “Be who God meant you to be and you can set the world on fire.” “That resonates with me,” says Jennifer. Jennifer and Jayla are not sure how they will share their faith with others after they are welcomed into the Catholic Church and receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and first Eucharist on April 20 at the Easter Vigil Mass at the cathedral, but they trust in God to guide them further into the Church and their faith.
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COVER STORY
Following the light of
CHRIST
GETTY IMAGES/ wacomka
BY MARY KAY MCPARTLIN PHOTOS BY CANDACE NEFF
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As a long-time leader in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process, Dannie Brzezinski has walked with many who joined the Church through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.
For Dannie Brzezinski, the Catholic Church lights her path to him
As a convert to Catholicism, Dannie Brzezinski of Traverse City did not come into the Catholic Church without faith. Growing up, she learned a lot about the Bible through the Protestant church her family attended, which was located across the street from their home. “I had no connection to Catholicism until I met and married my husband, Bob,” says Dannie. “Like so many couples, we drifted, not attending either the denomination in which I was raised or the Catholic Church. Until our daughters were born, we hadn’t considered a church connection or our faith a priority.” When Bob enrolled the girls in the Faith Formation Program at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, he mentioned his wife was not Catholic. The director suggested the parish RCIA program.
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“The associate pastor, Father John McCracken, called me at home and extended an invitation to join the group,” Dannie says. “Hearing that the process had already begun, I declined the invitation, saying, ‘Maybe next year.’ His response, ‘No, please just come.” I was caught off-guard by his personal invitation and agreed I’d come — once. I entered the RCIA meeting room the next Tuesday evening. I took the chair closest to the exit and held onto
“Lord, may I in some small way reflect your light so as to illuminate a path for others to find their way to you.”
the seat of my chair trying hard to balance the chip that was resting heavily on my shoulder. If I heard something I didn’t like or didn’t agree with or that was critical of what I believed, I was out of there. And so the journey began.” Dannie stayed and found the family she didn’t know she was missing. “The gentle whisper of the Spirit, Father John and the others sharing their stories drew me in. I was home,” says Dannie. “There were over 20 of us in that group. Father McCracken listened and built on what I brought. I give him so much credit for starting me on that part of the journey. He saw the chip on my shoulder and let it melt away, instead of wanting to knock it off. I was baptized, confirmed and led to the table during the great Vigil of Easter, 1982.” RCIA, the study and the people resonated for Dannie during her year of preparation. “Reflections on light permeated my personal reflections and prayer,” Dannie says. “One evening after RCIA, my family was sitting on the front lawn looking at the stars. My oldest daughter, age 7, was mapping constellations for a school project. The night sky was beautiful, and the light of the moon was especially bright. I said something like, ‘The moon’s light is so bright tonight.’ My daughter said, ‘Mother, the moon
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FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
has no light of its own, it merely reflects the light of the sun.’ Her comment triggered a prayer within me that I pray yet today: ‘Lord, may I in some small way reflect your light so as to illuminate a path for
others to find their way to you.’ I couldn’t have dreamed then where that prayer and the Lord would lead me.” Dannie’s ministry at Immaculate Conception began as a catechist for elementary students. Three years later, after filling in as director for the Secretariat for Faith Development, Dannie was offered the position by Father Dennis Stilwell. Supported by the parish, she earned her master’s degree from Loyola University. For 20 years, Dannie guided faith formation in the parish. “The Lord does work in marvelous and unimaginable ways,” says Dannie. “The responsibility of the RCIA process also fell to me during those years. It is a process very close to my heart. Because of my journey, I feel it is a graced opportunity to journey with those who seek to reflect the light of the Son. Even after leaving my parish position to work at the Diocese of Gaylord as director of faith development, I continued to minister within the parish RCIA process. It is the ministry that feeds my faith. I receive so much walking the journey with those who come. I am now retired but not really. I feel truly graced to continue on with the RCIA for my parish family.” Dannie credits the Holy Spirit for guiding her to the Catholic Church, which has strengthened her love of God and desire to share his love with others. One of Dannie’s regular prayers has always been a humble request for God to speak to her clearly so she can understand what he wants her to do. “The Spirit whispers to me and I try to listen,” Dannie says. “All of the steps on the journey, it wasn’t always clear where I was going.” She has shared with her RCIA seekers that we don’t
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“ The Spirit whispers to me and I try to listen,” Dannie says. “All of the steps on the journey, it wasn’t always clear where I was going.” always see God in our lives until we look to our past and see where his hand has been in our lives. “You’ve got to let go of the mistakes you make,” says Dannie. “I have to get out of the way.” At a time in history when many Catholics are discouraged about the troubles of the Church, Dannie is understanding of why people are struggling. “The Church is both divine and human,” she says. “When we place them in an inverted order, when we put ourselves before Christ, we are going to have trouble. Absolute power corrupts absolutely — except in Christ.” The Catholic community of believers gives Dannie strength, as does participating in the gift of the sacraments and the Scriptures. She knows the key is to put Christ first in all we do as his Church. “God is in charge and ultimately the Church has lasted all these thousands of years,” says Dannie. “The Spirit will guide us.”
Possessing an artistic flair, Dannie has also coordinated decorations for the liturgical seasons at her parish. WWW.DIOCESEOFG AY LO RD .ORG
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Icons written by Dannie Brzezinski
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Mary, Virgin of Tenderness
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Saint Mother Teresa
The Trinity
FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
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GETTY IMAGES/ Olivier Le Moal
Icon Writing is a form of prayer for Dannie DANNIE BRZEZINSKI is no artist, but she is a fervent believer in the power and joy that come from icon writing. She signed up for a week-long retreat to explore the prayerful artistry of icon writing and connected fully. Icon of St. Simeon. “Icons were always of interest to me,” says Dannie. “I really connect my own soul of icon writing with the journey of RCIA. For me, icon writing is contemplation and prayer. It’s a process for the seekers who come to our door. It’s a process where we grow in a strong relationship with our Lord and our Church.” The artistry can build a fire for the sacraments and the traditions of our Church, Dannie believes. The process and the icon make a connection through tradition and the history of the saints. Dannie has written numerous “It’s about growing in relationship with the holy man or woman. The core is icons over the years. Jesus. The light that emanates is from the relationship with Jesus,” Dannie says. “There’s so much symbolism in an icon and that symbolism helps us to know who we are. We’re all called to be icons of Christ and reflect that light, and the saints can help us to do that.” For those unfamiliar with icon writing, the process involves painting following a specific formula. Dannie emphasizes that one does not have to have the gift of being able to draw. “I can’t draw at all,” she says. “You start with a pattern. All of the steps have significance. It’s a process and a journey. “They are used in a liturgical celebra-
tion and used in a catechetical tradition,” says Dannie. Although Dannie enjoys all her icon writing, she has a special place in her heart for one saint. “One of my favorite icons is that of St. Simeon,” Dannie says. “After looking at a picture of an ancient icon of Simeon, I was impressed by a glow that seemed to come from his garment. The glow, of course, was symbolic of the light of Christ shining through faithful Simeon. I wanted my effort of writing St. Simeon to reflect that glow for those who would gaze at the icon. After layers of egg tempera paint and encouragement by our instructor Jane Cardinal, I was able to achieve in a small way what I had hoped — Christ’s light visible for those who pray with the icon.” Often when Dannie finishes writing an icon, she brings it to RCIA and sets it on a table with a candle. “I wait for people to ask me about the icon,” says Dannie. “We explore it together. It’s one more way I can walk the journey. I really feel a connection with the seekers.” Last year for Lent, Dannie set up her icons in the parish hallway with a sign that read, “Walk the way of the saints this Lent.” After seeing the display, two women expressed an interest in the process. “They wanted to learn how to write an icon,” Dannie says. “Before I knew it, we had six people in my parish meeting on Wednesday mornings. I told them I can share with you what I know.” Together, each member of the group wrote Mary, Our Lady of Tenderness. The process took several months because the group only met once a week. “They found the process one that aided them in their own spirituality and contemplation,” says Dannie. Recently, Dannie had a request for another icon writing session within the parish. She anticipates the process will begin again soon.
TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ICON WRITING EXPERIENCE IN TRAVERSE CITY, CALL IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH AT 231.946.4211 OR TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL ICON WRITING RETREAT AT THE AUGUSTINE CENTER IN CONWAY, CALL SR. CHRIS HERALD AT 231.436.5561. WWW.DIOCESEOFG AY LO RD .ORG
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How to help your child forgive Sometimes, amidst all the bad headlines, we read a story of luminous forgiveness. One example is Jennifer Thompson-Cannino’s story of rape and forgiveness, told in the book Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption. It’s well worth the read. But for most of us, and our children, forgiveness won’t be as dramatic. For the everyday hurts and wounds our children experience, how can we help them learn to forgive?
YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY
Check out books from your local library. There are age-appropriate books that can stimulate discussions of forgiveness. Address how the characters respond, guiding your children toward healthy reactions.
T. GENNARA
Explore attributions about others’ behavior. Psy-
DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL
is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.
chologists talk about the “fundamental attribution error”: When “I” behave in a negative way that hurts others, it is because of the situation, but when “You” behave in a negative way, it is because of a bad disposition! Help your child explore various ways to interpret the behavior of others.
Don’t minimize your child’s pain. Emotional pain is powerful, and forgiveness when one has been seriously wronged is a process. It is like peeling through the many layers of an onion. Friendships may never be restored, but forgiveness can diminish the anger that your child feels. Nurture a strong prayer life in your children. Help your
Pope Francis, in his Sunday Angelus on Sept. 15, 2013, suggested the following: “Everyone in silence think of someone with whom things aren’t going well: someone we are angry at, someone we don’t wish well. Think of this person, and in silence in this moment let’s pray for this person and become merciful towards this person.”
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FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
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GETTY IMAGES/ STUDIOGRANDOUEST
children bring their concerns to our loving Creator. Empathy and compassion toward others help children learn to forgive.
JOIN
US
FOR
A
PILGRIMAGE
TO
I TA LY
FOR
THE DIACONATE ORDINATION OF GAYLORD SEMINARIAN
ALEX KOWALKOWSKI
Alex Kowalkowski
Rev. John E. McCracken
SEPTEMBER 28 - OCTOBER 6, 2019 Journey on Pilgrimage to Italy to celebrate the Diaconate Ordination of Alex Kowalkowski of Manistee! Enjoy 2 nights in Assisi, 5 nights in Rome, and a day trip to Siena. Visit the tomb of St. Francis and Basilica of St. Clare, be in the presence of the Holy Father during the Wednesday Papal Audience, visit the Vatican Museums, and marvel at the Sistine Chapel during your expertly guided tour. The next day, attend the Diaconate Ordination, and take part in a Scavi tour of the ancient Roman excavations beneath St. Peter's - culminating at the tomb of St. Peter. Enjoy guided visits to the Major Basilicas of Rome, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona. You will have time to indulge in some gelato along the way and reflect on the work that God has done during your time in Italy. Breakfast is provided daily along with four group dinners.
PRICING BEGINS AT $3,899 For more information or to download a detailed brochure, visit www.dioceseofgaylord.org or contact: 41780 W Six Mile Road, Suite 1oo, Northville, MI 48168 P: 866.468.1420 | F: 313.565.3621 | ctscentral.net
SPECIAL REPORT:
A
ccording to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, “Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery that occurs in every state, including Michigan.” The term encompasses both sex trafficking and labor trafficking, and the victims are men, women and children, citizens and foreign nationals. In an interview
with FAITH magazine in January of 2017, Bridgette Carr, founding director of the Human Trafficking Clinic at the University of Michigan Law School, explained that trafficking can occur in everyday settings. “People want to make trafficking into this very exotic thing, but all of us have that feeling that something’s not right,” she said. Trafficking is often hidden in our communities, and can occur in hair salons, restaurants or landscaping, agricultural and seasonal work, for example.
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FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
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HEALING AND RECOVERY DATA FROM THE TRAFFICKING HOTLINE SHOW THE FOLLOWING FOR MICHIGAN:
• Since 2007, the hotline has received 4,609 calls, which has led to 1,359 cases. • In 2016, there were 249 cases reported; in 2017, there were 305 cases.
GETTY IMAGES/ Favor_of_God
•A llow victims of trafficking to defer and dismiss charges for prostitution-related crimes they were forced to commit while being trafficked. • Allow expert witnesses to testify on the behavioral pattern of trafficking victims as evidence during a criminal trial. • Expand the definition of coercion in human trafficking law to include controlling or facilitating a person’s access to controlled substances. • Eliminate immunity from prosecution that had previously been in state law for on-duty police officers, if they committed certain prostitutionrelated offenses (sex with a prostitute) during an investigation.
Q: WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING WHEN THEY ARRIVE AT VISTA MARIA?
A: Victims may suffer from malnutrition, abdominal complaints and fatigue, to more serious injuries such as fractures, dental injuries or sexually transmitted diseases. They may lack access to health care, therefore, conditions become chronic and treatment intervention is needed. Emotionally, victims need help with anxiety. They are afraid of the unknown, and don’t know what to expect or who to turn to. They also suffer from the stigma of being trafficked and being labeled as prostitutes. They don’t feel worthy. Victims often left homes where they were neglected or abused, and blame themselves for making the choice that led to their being trafficked.
ANNISTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY
According to Annie Bennett of the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC), “It is sad to see more cases reported, but because of statewide awareness efforts, it is also likely that the increased stats mean that more people know about the hotline and are calling in, which is good.” The MCC, which serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan on matters of public policy, works with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, as well as agencies throughout Michigan, to help with awareness efforts and to formulate advocacy initiatives. Since January 2018, Michigan has passed the following laws related to this for which the MCC advocated:
RECENTLY, FAITH SPOKE WITH MEREDITH REESE, chief integrated behavioral health officer at the Vista Maria Agency in Dearborn Heights, about her work with the Wings Program, which is the only contracted treatment program for child human trafficking in the state.
Q: HOW DOES THE INTEGRATION OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES PROMOTE HEALING AND RECOVERY?
A: Physical safety is the number one issue when victims first arrive into our programs. They want to be assured that the premises are secured and that no one, such as their traffickers, can enter. They need to feel physically safe before they feel safe enough to share their stories with others. They need to know someone is there to support them. Those who are responsible for providing care need to prove they are worthy of trust. Confidentiality is so key! A well-integrated and trauma-informed approach to providing physical and mental health services is essential to meeting the needs of victims. Those providing care are to work collaboratively to prevent re-traumatization of the youth. Addressing both the mental and physical needs of a victim is important advocacy for each person. It may be the first time someone asks what she wants or needs. It is difficult to help victims find their own voice. Providing safety and helping them find their own voice, and participating in decisions, helps them learn to advocate on their own.
Q: YOU HAVE WORKED WITH LOCAL TASK FORCES ON TRAFFICKING. HOW DO THEY HELP RAISE AWARENESS AND HELP PREVENT TRAFFICKING?
A: The Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force provides training throughout the state on identifying victims of trafficking and education about the needs of victims. The task force offered a conference this past year on multiple topics, including Trauma Awareness and the Correlation with Human Trafficking. Visit mhttf.org for more information.
Q: ARE THERE ANY SIGNS OF HOPE? A: Of course, there are signs of hope as youth feel empowered, safe around others and supported to live a life without fear, distrust and abuse. Youth are only victim to their circumstances. Our kids are resilient, and survivors. They have a greater sense of belonging, self-esteem and worthiness. For more on the hope that Vista Maria’s Wings program provides to victims of human trafficking, visit www.Vistamaria.org.
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CULTURE
We can’t live on bread alone ...
But try this bruschetta 26
FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
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I wonder if that is where bruschetta came from. Italians make amazing bread. And sure, one can’t live on bread alone, but slice it, toast it, adorn it with flavorful olive oil and various toppings and … perhaps now we have something we can live on? If you love bruschetta as I do, once again, you’d be tempted to try! Of course, that’s not the point, as it is written in the Old Testament where Jesus refers us: It is not by bread alone that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord. (Dt 8:3) The true meaning of the passage is clear. And it so perfectly ties in with the salvation we receive through the Eucharist, as Christ himself comes to us in the form of bread. He proclaims, “I am the bread of life … I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” (Jn 6:48-51) If one cannot live on bread alone, but we can live on the bread of life, then clearly the bread of life is no ordinary bread! Indeed, there lived an amazing Italian saint who understood this, literally. St. Catherine of Siena, a mystic and doctor of the Church, was said to have fasted for seven years on the Eucharist alone! Her confessor and biographer, Blessed Raymond of Capua, wrote: For the seven-year period prior to her death, St. Catherine of Siena took no food into her body other than the Eucharist. Her fasting did not affect her energy, however. She maintained a very active life during those seven years. As a matter of fact, most of her great accomplishments occurred during that period. Her death had nothing to do with malnutrition, or anything connected with lack of food. In fact, she received extraordinary strength upon receiving our Lord in the Eucharist! Born in Siena, Italy, Catherine Benincasa was devoutly religious and knew she would devote the rest of her life to Christ at a very young age. She eventually joined the Third Order of St. Dominic. Catherine became known early on for her contemplative life of holiness, and was greatly sought out as a spiritual director. From there, her public influence reached new heights. She was involved in brokering peace between city-states, and was influential in bringing the papacy back to Rome.
PHOTOS BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA
(BRUSCHETTA WITH TOMATOES) • • • • • • • •
1 loaf rustic Italian (or artisan) bread sliced to ½-inch thickness 3 whole cloves garlic peeled and halved 5-6 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for bread) 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 8-10 fresh basil leaves (rolled and thinly sliced) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Shaved parmesan cheese for topping
Mix the tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, basil, salt and pepper. Cover and place in refrigerator. Drizzle slices of bread with olive oil and throw on a heated grill pan until desired doneness (toasting bread in the oven will work too). Rub garlic on each slice of toasted bread. Spoon tomato mixture on slices and top off with shaved parmesan.
There are no limits to how you can prepare bruschetta! This Italian toast can be topped off with anything from cannellini beans to prosciuttowrapped melon!
Catherine was one of the most influential mystics of the 14th century. But it was her complete trust and love for Jesus in the Eucharist from which she ultimately drew her strength and divine inspiration. St. Catherine was later recognized as a doctor of the Church for the spiritual and theological depth of her writings. Her feast day is celebrated April 29, which happens to be the same month dedicated to devotion to the holy Eucharist. And of course, I can’t think of a better way to mark her day than with a Tuscan recipe that starts with … bread.
T. Gennara
I love bread. All bread. I think I could live on it. Which is why in the Book of Matthew (4:4), Christ reminds me – no, Michelle, one cannot live on bread alone. Which is good, because there are times when I think I might otherwise try it.
Bruschetta al pomodoro
MICHELLE DIFRANCO
is a designer and the busy mom of three children.
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NEWS & TRENDS
CHURCH IN THE WORLD
CHURCH IN THE WORLD Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Va., blesses the new ultrasound machine for the Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Manassas.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS DONATES 1,000TH ULTRASOUND MACHINE The Knights of Columbus recently donated its 1,000th ultrasound machine to a pro-life clinic in Manassas, Va. Beginning in 2009, the Supreme Council of the Knights vowed to pay for half the cost of ultrasound machines in clinics nationwide when local councils paid for the other half. The Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Virginia, which opened in 2017, offers prenatal care and adoption services and ministers to pregnant mothers in need, as well as post-abortive women. During the ceremony donating the 1,000th machine, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said, “There’s an old proverb that whoever saves a child saves a world. No phrase could better describe this ultrasound program. We are saving worlds.”
CNS PHOTO
ACTRESS SAYS ‘UNPLANNED’ FILM WILL “CHANGE HISTORY’ SAN DIEGO (CNS) -- To say that actress Ashley Bratcher is enthusiastic about her latest film project is an understatement. “I think it’s going to change history,” she said of the real-life story upon which the film is based. “I really do. I think it’s just that impactful.” Bratcher portrays Abby Johnson, the former Planned Parenthood clinic director who became an outspoken pro-life activist, in “Unplanned.” The film opened in theatres on March 29 and is based on Johnson’s book of the same title. It recounts how Johnson, once honored by Planned Parenthood as its “Employee of the Year,” came face-to-face with the reality of abortion and converted to the pro-life cause.
POPE FRANCIS VISITS MOROCCO Pope Francis kisses the hand of Trappist Brother JeanPierre Schumacher, 95, the last survivor of the 1996 massacre in Tibhirine, Algeria, during a meeting with Catholic priests and religious and leaders of other Christian churches at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rabat, Morocco, March 31, 2019.
‘SPIRITUAL COMBAT’ MUST BE PART OF FIGHT AGAINST SEX ABUSE, POPE SAYS
If we practice seeing with the eyes of Jesus, we will always be able to recognize those who need our help.” @Pontifex, Feb. 10
Pope Francis’ monthly prayer intention for April “For doctors and their humanitarian collaborators in war zones, who risk their lives to save the lives of others.”
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(CNS) -- To fight clerical sexual abuse, the Catholic Church must have clear laws and procedures, but it also must engage in “spiritual combat,” because it is obvious the devil is at work, Pope Francis said. After the Vatican summit on abuse in February, the pope said, he read a newspaper article that said he had “washed his hands and blamed the devil” for the abuse crisis. Speaking to reporters March 31 on his way back to Rome from Morocco, the pope said stopping abuse requires a multi-pronged approach, including prayer and penance. Pope Francis said that is why he asked the U.S. bishops not to vote in November on a new code of conduct for bishops and new procedures for handling allegations raised against bishops. Instead, he asked the bishops to have a retreat and wait until after the February summit to decide how to move forward. Some things, like the abuse crisis and child pornography, he said, “cannot be understood without the mystery of evil.” “We in the church will do everything to end this scourge,” the pope said.
CNS PHOTO
YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
TAWAS YOUTH MISSION TRIP
High school youth from Holy Family Parish in East Tawas spent their Spring Break on a mission trip to the San Lucas Mission in Guatemala. The parish has had a special connection to Guatemala for many years. Those making the pilgrimage spent time preparing by reflecting on themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Students then wrote articles for their parish bulletin sharing what they had learned as they prepared for the trip. On March 24, the group celebrated Mass at the place where Blessed Stan Rother was martyred and sent this picture. Participants said to be at that place made the witness of the martrys even more powerful.
YOUR COMMUNITY
ONFERENCES ENRICH FAITH C OF HUNDREDS Two special conferences brought world renowned speakers to Traverse City in January and March. Both saw full houses as people traveled from across the diocese to join in the events. In total, more than 600 were in attendance. The Women’s Conference was themed “Stir into Flame the Gift of God” was held January 26 at Christ the King in Acme. Keynote speaker Sonja Corbitt encouraged the women to evangelize and to “love and lift all you’ve been given.” The Men’s Conference was held on March 2nd at St. Francis High School in Traverse City with keynote speaker Dr. Scott Hahn. Dr. Hahn’s talks were focused on the theme of the conference “Rise up O Men of God, Finding Hope in Hard Times.” Fr. Gary Caster from the Diocese of Peoria, and local speaker Russell Nance also offered presentations during the day. Bishop Steven Raica joined both groups and celebrated Mass at each of the Conferences.
ST. MARY SCHOOL, LAKE LEELANAU “ROCKS THEIR SOCKS!” Students and faculty at St. Mary School in Lake Leelanau joined in the effort to promote awareness and understanding of Down Syndrome by wearing colorful socks on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day to be observed every year beginning in 2012 and invited “all Member States, relevant organizations of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and the private sector, to observe World Down Syndrome Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness of Down syndrome.” The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.
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THINGS TO DO
RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES PROGRAM The Diocese of Gaylord offers all youth and adults the opportunity to earn colorful patches while doing activities to enhance their faith. These religious activities, promoted by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, are available to everyone -- Scouts or nonscouts, Catholic or non-Catholic. Individuals, families, groups, classrooms or clubs can all participate and grow in their faith through the program. Requirements to earn the patches are based on grade level, with many of the adult requirements simply to assist youth in completing the activity and being a mentor for the program. The patches are beautifully detailed and can be sewn on a vest, patch blanket, handbag or jacket. In total there are 31 patches available to earn in five series. • The Rosary Series has five activities including how to pray the Rosary and an activity for each mystery Joyful; Luminous; Sorrowful; and Glorious. • The Marian Series focuses on how and why the Church has honored our blessed mother Mary for more than 2,000 years. These patches include Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal, and Our Lady of Sorrows. • The American Saints Series encourages learning about Catholic role models. These honored individuals are Saints, or are being considered for Sainthood because of the heroic lives of faith that they have led. • The Modern Saint Series includes more recent saints, including Faustina Kowalska, Pope John Paul II, and Mother Teresa. • The Faith Series includes activities for the Corporal Works of Mercy, Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Adoration, and Spiritual Works of Mercy. This series puts faith into action and to show mercy to others. Visit the diocesan webpage www.dioceseofgaylord.org/religious-activities-1109/ or contact the Secretariat for Faith Formation for more information, materials, or patches.
PARISH MISSION AT ALL SAINTS Fr. Larry Richards, a popular conference speaker and pastor from Erie, PA, will conduct a four-day mission at St. Anne Church of All Saints Catholic Parish in Alpena (201 South Ninth Street).. Everyone is welcome to attend. The mission will take place each night April 29-May 2 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but a free will offering will be taken on the last night. The purpose of the mission is to help people grow in their love for God and give them hope and direction in their daily lives. Fr. Richards has conducted hundreds of parish missions, conferences and retreats. He is known to make the love of God real in his presentations. Fr. Larry is the founder of “The Reason for Our Hope Foundation” and has many media presentations on “The Truth;” “The Mass Explained;” and “Confession” with hundreds of thousands distributed worldwide. At all his parish missions, Fr. Larry promises two things: One, you will never be bored and two, your life will be changed forever. For detailed information, contact All Saints Catholic Parish at 989.354.3019 or via email to info@alpenacatholics.org. Childcare will be available.
HIDDEN TREASURES SERIES Back for another season: The popular series “Hidden Treasures of the Catholic Church.” This year’s theme will cover the lives of some of Catholicism’s most recognized saints. Multiple presenters and topics will keep you engrossed as we delve into some of the most fascinating details about our favorite saints. There is no cost to attend any of these sessions, but please contact the hosting parish so that they may make appropriate arrangements. TUESDAY, APRIL 23
9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Traverse City – St. Anthony of Padua TUESDAY, APRIL 23
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. at Cross in the Woods, Indian River – St. Anthony of Padua TUESDAY, APRIL 30
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at St. Ann, Frankfort – Our Lady of Guadalupe For more information, visit www.dioceseofgaylord.org or call Tammy Boylan at 989.732.5147.
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FAITH along Michigan’s 45th Parallel
• M ARC H /APR I L 201 9
CENTER OFFERS CLASS ON MARIOLOGY Mariology is the theological study of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our faith is built upon that first “Yes” by Mary. Through the eyes of the Church, this course will present the teachings on Mary, teachings about Jesus, as well as redemption and grace. Mary will be connected to scripture, traditions and the Doctrine of the Faith. The presenter will be Fr. Nicholas Cooper, Parochial Vicar for the Northern Lights Catholic Community. Hosted by the diocesan Center for Catholic Studies, this class will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m – 2:30 p.m. at the Cooney Conference Center in Gaylord. Cost is $25 if taking the class for credit or $15 for personal enrichment. Required reading for the class is Mary and the Saints: Companions on the Journey (Loyola Press) which is available from the Rose Resource Center at the Diocese or online. Pre-registration for the class is required by April 26, 2019. For more information, contact Tammy Boylan at 989.732.5147 or via email to tboylan@dioceseofgaylord.org.
NATIONAL CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE Held semi-annually, the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is a powerful, biennial, three-day experience of prayer, community, catechesis, and empowerment for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to the NCYC that will be taking place Thursday, November 21 to Saturday, November 23, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN. Our group will leave Wednesday, November 20 and return Sunday, November 24, 2019. The conference cost is $500. Scholarships are available. For more information, contact your Parish Youth Minister or Wayne Winter at 989.732.5147.
“ESSENTIAL” OILS
LAST WORD
IT’S ALWAYS INTERESTING TO ME when and how the subject of these articles comes to me. This week, I mixed some lavender oil with vinegar and water to spray in my car. The term “essential oils” began circling in my head. The use of pure oils has been revived in recent years as we try to find more natural ways to care for ourselves and our surroundings. I use tea tree oil for cleaning and have found peppermint oil to be really effective in combatting the tiny little sand ants that come out to play for a week or so at my house each year. Diffusing different scents is enjoyable and even if they don’t actually have any medical benefits, the fact that they can lift my spirits is enough. I’ve been thinking about the words “essential” and “oils.” What makes these popular oils “essential” is not that they are required, but that they contain the CANDACE NEFF “essence” and purity of the plant from which they is the director of are derived. communications At this point in Lent, here at the diocese we become for the Diocese focused on the Holy Week liturgies. One of the most of Gaylord and beautiful and meaningful liturgies of the year for me is executive editor held during Holy Week – the Chrism Mass. During this of FAITH along special liturgy, some truly “essential” oils are blessed and Michigan’s consecrated by the bishop of the diocese. Represen45th Parallel. tatives from all the parishes in the Diocese of Gaylord come to St. Mary Cathedral, the mother church of the diocese, to receive stocks of the newly-blessed Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens and Sacred Chrism, which will be used in their parish throughout the year. In this way, the Bishop is present with the faithful during these moments, even if he cannot physically be there. These oils are “essential” in purity, but more importantly, they are an essential part of the sacraments in which they are used. They symbolize a need for help and strength. Sacred Chrism is special in that it imparts a sacramental character – a setting apart of a person or item. It is used only for Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and when anointing an altar and Church. Sacred Chrism has a wonderful scent as the oil is mixed with pure balsam. If you’ve ever held a baby who has just been baptized in the Catholic Church, you understand. So wonderful is the scent that diocesan staff over the years have clamored for the empty balsam bottles. I remember Sr. Cecelia Faber once giving me a towel that had been used to wipe the rim of a bottle of Chrism oil so that my corner of the office could enjoy the wafting aroma. And it seems when one smells Chrism Oil, the stories begin to flow of events remembered with great fondness. In all these moments, I feel the presence of Christ – who is, after all, the ultimate “essential.” I hope you will join us at this year’s Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. If you can’t travel, be sure to tune your radio or computer to Baraga Broadcasting which will be broadcasting the Chrism Mass live from the Cathedral.
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Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord 611 W. North St. Gaylord, MI 49735