FROM THE BISHOP
While Catholic Charities West Michigan operates in accordance with the Catholic faith, its Catholic beliefs have never prevented a
In defense of Catholic Charities and RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
child from being placed in a loving home.�
NEXT MONTH MARKS THE ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY, this year on November 23. Across the United States, more than 123,000 children are waiting to be adopted from foster care by loving families. While special emphasis is placed on the importance of adoption on this particular day, it is the mission of many faith-based agencies throughout the year, including our own Catholic Charities West Michigan. During this past year alone, Catholic Charities West Michigan helped 56 children find permanent, loving homes! Catholic Charities daily provides 300 children with a stable home through foster care services.
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for other providers who were willing to assist in their adoption when the faith-based agency could not in conscience do so. While Catholic Charities West Michigan operates in accordance with the Catholic faith, its Catholic beliefs have never prevented a child from being placed in a loving home. Every child deserves a loving home with a mother and father. Agencies like Catholic Charities West Michigan go above and beyond minimum state requirements. It pays for children to participate in activities; it provides toys for them and arranges visits with their birth parents. Our Catholic Charities does these things because we believe in the inherent dignity of every person, no matter how young they may be. Agencies like this should be protected, not shut
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
T. Gennara
For more than 70 years, Catholic Charities has served West Michigan by offering a wide array of child welfare, family preservation and behavioral health services. The work of faith-based foster care and adoption agencies, however, is under attack in our state. Last March, a ruling was made that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services could no longer contract with faith-based adoption and foster care providers if the providers would not agree to abandon their beliefs about marriage and family. This ruling directly contradicts a 2015 state law that allows faith-based providers to provide adoption and foster care services in accordance with their religious beliefs. The 2015 law guaranteed that faith-based agencies would provide applicants with contact information
GETTY IMAGES/MOTORTION
MOST REVEREND DAVID WALKOWIAK
is the 12th bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
down, because of their desire to offer desperately needed services to children in accordance with their religious beliefs. Religious liberty is part of the foundation of this nation. The freedom to act in accordance with one’s faith is enshrined both in the United States and Michigan Constitutions. To protect its right to serve in accordance with our faith, Catholic Charities West Michigan is the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Alliance Defending Freedom is representing the agency. In addition, St. Vincent Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Lansing has filed a separate lawsuit to protect its rights and the rights of faith-based agencies. Please pray with me for the children seeking a loving home and for parents who are willing to open their hearts and homes to these children. If you would like to volunteer or support Catholic Charities West Michigan’s foster care or adoption work, please visit ccwestmi.org.
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CONTENTS THE MAGAZINE
October 2019
Grand Rapids
OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS
GRdiocese.org
feature
FINDING FAITH IN FOREVER FRIENDSHIPS pg. 18
annual report
A PORTRAIT OF OUR DIOCESE pg. 22
GOD MOMENT' 'A'A GOD MOMENT' How becoming a Catholic school principal helped Scott rediscover his faith
FIND US ONLINE AT GRDIOCESE.ORG
ANNUAL REPORT The Annual Report contains information about our diocese and its finances to demonstrate how your generous contributions to the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) are allocated. The CSA funds important ministries and services in the 80 parishes of our diocese and positively impacts the lives of thousands in West Michigan and beyond.
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The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids October 2019 | Volume 13: Issue 8 Bishop David J. Walkowiak PUBLISHER Annalise Laumeyer EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Patricia Mish MANAGING EDITOR Msgr. Gaspar Ancona, Father Stephen Durkee, Maryalene LaPonsie, Cami Mann, Tom Rademacher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Holly Dolci, Jaymie Perry, Eric Tank, Dave Taylor CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Eric Fuentes GRAPHIC DESIGNER Philip Shippert CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
COVER STORY ‘A God Moment’
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Scott Czarnopys, principal of St. Patrick School in Parnell, is pictured with his wife, Arley, and children, Daxton and Haven.
Pete Burak, Doug Culp, Cynthia Kaan, Father Joseph Krupp, Steve and Bridget Patton, Sheri Wohlfert CONTRIBUTING WRITERS InnerWorkings PRINT MANAGEMENT FAITHcatholic.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 Ave. S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501. Published monthly except for February and August. 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 Ave. S, Grand Rapids, MI 495034501. ©FAITH Catholic and Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
FACEBOOK.COM/ DIOCESEOFGRANDRAPIDS @GRDIOCESE ON TWITTER
YOUR LIFE
YOUR FAITH
YOUR STORIES
4 on the road to Sunday Finding our way thorugh the fog, together
8 in the know with Father Joe Will our pets be with us in heaven?
18 f eature Finding faith in forever friendships
5 marriage matters He says: “I had an emotional relationship via Facebook.” She says: “Now I can't trust him.” 6 parenting More tips on raising kids who are great humans 7 good life I don't like my first job out of college – at all
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aint of the month s Blessed John Henry Newman
10 in the spirit Why I am passionate about helping young moms choose life 11
42 vocations God wants our very best 43 last word Windows to God's work in Jesus
spiritual fitness Can you commit to being a disciple of the Master?
12 theology 101 Encountering Jesus in holy orders
@GRDIOCESE ON INSTAGRAM
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YOUR LIFE
GETTY IMAGES/PHILIP LEE HARVEY
Finding our way through the fog, together
like Peter, we will know in our heart of hearts coming back is the YOUR LIFE preparation retreat, you know exactly what I mean by these three only place that will feel like home ON THE ROAD words. Every marriage, at some point, will experience these stages to for us. We can stand steadfast like TO SUNDAY some degree. Engaged couples are encouraged that when the romance Mary Magdalen, but, like her, we fades into disillusionment, they will find joy when they can navigate the must trust that God is at work disillusionment together. in our pain. We can reach out to others, like John, and embrace our Disillusionment usually sets in as not unique to this time in Church pain in a communal way. history. I need only to look to Holy our heart gets bruised or even broRegardless of how each of them CAMI MANN ken when we find out that what we Week to know that is true. Palm initially navigated their disillusionis a spiritual Sunday is spent traveling the road, thought marriage was going to be, ment, they found their way back director, or who we thought our spouse was, hands waving, voices raised in to each other in the Upper Room. writer and glory and praise. Hosanna! Then is in fact not the way it is. Perhaps it was not only their faith public speaker. As I travel down my road to Sun- the road turns to Calvary, and the in Christ’s promise that drew them She and her day, I have come to notice marriage Messiah the disciples loved and foltogether, but the respect and love husband, Mark, lowed did not come down off that is not the only setting for romance, they developed for each other as a are Secular cross. They watched as he died. disillusionment and joy. As we community of believers traveling Franciscans. Their hearts broke. continue to face the impact of the their roads along the Way. Contact her at Now, in this moment of disilluclergy sexual abuse scandal, some This month, many of our parishcmann1897@ sionment, we find ourselves wonroads to Sunday seem to be mired es are participating in a six-week gmail.com. dering, like them: What now? It in a lingering, deep sense of disilprocess called Healing Our Church. was not supposed to be like lusionment. The disillusionment This process most likely seems as thick as fog, which makes this. Each of them, like us, will not be the final solution navigating the road confusing, unattended to their pain and to the problem, but it will settling and filled with trepidation. confusion in their own way: provide an “Upper Room” As we continue to face Just as married couples come Peter, along with others, fled; of sorts in which we will be the impact of the clergy to understand, disillusionment Mary Magdalen stood steadbrought together to share requires seeking out trusted guides fast; and John reached out our experiences of romance, sexual abuse scandal, – those who have walked this road and embraced the Blessed disillusionment and joy. Navsome roads to Sunday before, those who offer wisdom, Mother as his own. igating our disillusionment seem to be mired in a courage and hope. We know this current together, steadfast in trusting lingering, deep sense of I have come to take great comfort scandal is not the way it is that God is at work, we have in my guides, St. Mary Magdalen, supposed to be. How will the assured promise that, “At disillusionment.” St. Peter and St. John. As I wrestle we attend to our own disdusk weeping comes for the with my own bruised heart, I have illusionment? We can walk night; but at dawn there is come to realize disillusionment is away; however, I believe that, rejoicing.” (Ps 30:6)
ROMANCE. DISILLUSIONMENT. JOY. If you’ve attended a diocesan marriage
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FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
HE SAYS:
I had an emotional relationship via Facebook. A few years ago, I had this Facebook relationship. I apologized, she said she forgives me and I've been faithful ever since. But she won't let it go.
SHE SAYS:
Now I can’t trust him. I just don't know how I can ever trust him again. It was very hurtful.
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YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS
STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON
hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
ONLINE “VIRTUAL AFFAIRS” have wounded and destroyed countless marriages. But in two respects, this couple is way ahead of most on the road to healing.
First, each recognizes that emotional adultery can be just as destructive, and just as difficult to heal from, as acted-out sexual adultery. In fact, even if this had been a case of him “just” viewing pornography, that, too, would have damaged their marriage. As Jesus said, “everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:28) Second, it is also critical that he has already apologized, and she has already forgiven him. But, with our human hearts being as they are, simply apologizing and forgiving are often not enough. While such acts might resolve the “moral debt” of an offense, they don’t always resolve the emotional debt. It’s similar to what happens when we go to confession. Though our sins are forgiven, the priest will also give us penance, usually prayers, as part of the process of reconciliation. Why? Though a sin is forgiven, its concrete effects often have to be made up for. For instance, a thief can apologize to his
victim and his victim forgive him, but still, to fully restore their relationship, it is fitting for the thief to undo his wrong by returning what he has stolen. Here are some concrete acts this man can do to fully restore trust in their marriage: INVITE HER to attend a Retrouvaille weekend retreat together. It will take time and effort for both of them, but this experience has helped thousands of couples wounded in various ways find healing and hope. GET OFF FACEBOOK entirely, then install an internet accountability software program, such as Covenant Eyes. While it is commendable that he has been faithful for several years, by installing such a system he will not only give himself – and their relationship – an added layer of safety, but also show her that he understands his vulnerability and the need to protect himself and their relationship. REGULARLY PRAY and ask her to pray with him, inviting God into their marriage to guide and deepen their healing. 5
YOUR LIFE PARENTING
More tips for raising kids who are
GREAT HUMANS GETTY IMAGES/IMGORTHAND
AS I DISCUSSED IN MY LAST COLUMN, PARENTING CAN BE TRICKY WORK, but we all have the same goal: to raise kids who are great humans and faithful disciples of Jesus. The culture we’re parenting in often works against that goal, so here are more tips for raising kids who are both great and great to others.
SHERI WOHLFERT
is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries. Sheri blogs at www. joyfulwords.org
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NOT EVERYTHING IS FABULOUS. The world of “super-duper” everything is diluting our children’s perception of greatness. We have to be honest with our kids and specific with our praise. Not everything they do, say or create is awesome. They need to know our love for them isn’t connected to which place they finish or the award they receive. They need to know coming in last or getting a “C” won’t end in disaster. SERVICE BUILDS COMPASSION. Jesus told the apostles he came to serve, not be served. We should not only teach our kids that but make sure we provide lots of opportunities for them to grow their servants’ hearts. True service is done out of love and compassion and doesn’t require a certificate or a shout-out on social media. We serve because Jesus asked us to.
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
SPEAK THE POWER WORDS. The three most important words we can say to help our kids become great are “I love you!” They need to feel it, hear it and see it every day. Truly loving our children means all the things on this list. Every fall, kids come back to my classroom to tell me about their summer; the best stories are not about the shiny, fancy things they did, but the simple things that required only the time, love and attention of their parents. DO THE MOST IMPORTANT THING DAILY. Pray for your children every day. Pray to see them as God sees them, and pray for the guidance to help them become who he created them to be, not who you think or want them to be. Bless your kids on the forehead each day to remind them that in their baptism they were claimed for Christ and we can trust him to help us be great.
YOUR LIFE GOOD LIFE
I don’t like my first job out of college – AT ALL BY CYNTHIA KAAN
MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE WALL – what is the job that will fulfill my all? If only we had such a mirror! It seems we are expected to know what to do with our lives before we have any real knowledge of what is possible. What if we end up in a career that doesn’t fit? tay calm. Pray for guidance with 1 Snext steps. ake a list of things you feel are im2 Mportant in a career. Do you want your workday to end at 5 p.m., or are you OK working in the evenings sometimes? Do you want to travel for work? Do you want to work with people or technology? What kind of environment do you prefer? Do you like routine or varied days? valuate the pros and cons in the ca3 Ereer you currently have. What drew you to that field? Are there things you still like about it? What makes you feel it isn’t a good fit? Find patterns of skills and passions. dentify careers that fit the patterns. 4 IFind someone (or a few people) you can shadow. Ask questions about a normal day as well as cyclical responsibilities. What does this professional find challenging and what do they like? Once you have determined a better fit, find out what you need to do to become qualified and get going! Whether it’s more schooling or some retooling, pray for purpose and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you on your new path.
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Q
YOUR FAITH SAINT OF THE MONTH
DEAR FATHER JOE:
My dog died and my priest told me that pets don’t go to heaven. This really breaks my heart – how can it be heaven without the creatures God gives us? Is he right?
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Probably not, but I’m sure he means well. I’d like to start off by offering you an image and see if it doesn’t help you with your question. As a priest, I celebrate funerals often. In many churches, there is a luncheon afterward on-site. In my last parish, the hall where we had funeral lunches was right below the place where we prayed the funeral Mass. As a result of this, at almost every funeral, the wonderful smells of the upcoming lunch would seep into the church. As we finished the funeral Mass, the church was filled with the smell of fresh rolls, cheesy potatoes and all sorts of other wonderful delights. The smells we enjoyed were a hint of what was to come. In the same way, our beautiful, generous and all-powerful God has filled the earth with things that can serve to remind us of the joy to come in the kingdom of heaven. (The Mass is a perfect example of this.) Beyond the Mass, there are all sorts of other wonders God has given us to provide us with a sense of the joy to come, and for some of us, that includes our pets.Some people like pets; some people don’t. That’s wonderful. What isn’t wonderful is when one group assumes that their preference is somehow superior or more holy than the other. Me? I like ’em. My crazy, wonderful, knucklehead dog is literally right here next to me as I type this on the back porch. Currently, he is trying very hard to eat the bumblebees that keep flying by. I love it. When I think of heaven, I hope and pray I make it and, if I do, I hope that my dog is there and it hurts nothing at all for me to hope that. As my life is right now, I can’t imagine it being heaven without him. At the same time, I recognize that I am not God (that one’s easy!) and I don’t claim to know his mind, so I recognize that heaven may not include pets. My assumption is that if this is the case, I won’t be sorrowed by that fact because if I were in sorrow, I would not be in heaven. Get it? So – let it go. Be at peace. If it brings us comfort to picture our pets in heaven, then there is no harm in doing so. If you and I are right and our pets are there, that’s going to be awesome, and I assume my dog will be successful there in catching bees. If we are wrong and our pets aren’t there, I assume that we won’t notice because part of what will make heaven heavenly is the fact that, as Scripture promises, there will be no more pain, no more sorrow. In the meantime, if someone tells you that I am wrong and that they are absolutely sure there are no pets in heaven, just smile, nod, pray for them and thank God for the gift of your pet. Enjoy another day in God’s presence.
Blessed John Henry Newman Canonization: Oct. 13, 2019
B
lessed John Henry Newman, one of the leading Anglican, and then Roman Catholic, theologians of the 19th century, was also celebrated as a much-loved priest and, later, cardinal. He, along with four others, will be canonized by Pope Francis on Oct. 13. Ordained an Anglican priest in 1825, John Henry Newman became a popular pastor, poet and preacher at Oxford. As a leader in the Oxford Movement, Newman studied the writings of the first Church Fathers in an effort to reconnect the Church of England with its origins. He left Oxford in 1842 after being suspended from publishing his work. Newman was formally received into the Catholic Church in 1845, then ordained a priest in Rome in 1846. Returning to England, he presented lectures against anti-Catholic rhetoric and was charged with libel. When found guilty, his supporters raised funds that exceeded the cost of his fine and legal expenses. In 1854, Newman became rector of the newly established Catholic University of Ireland in Dublin. He was named a cardinal in 1879. When Cardinal Newman died at the age of 89, more than 15,000 people lined the streets for his funeral. Inspired by his writings, Catholic ministry centers at non-Catholic universities throughout the world are named for him. The first Newman Center was established in 1893 at the University of Pennsylvania, and Catholic students are still being served today at more than 2,000 Newman Centers on college campuses. 9
Why I am passionate about helping young moms
CHOOSE LIFE GETTY IMAGES/KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ
YOUR FAITH IN THE SPIRIT
PAULA VENEKLASE
is executive director of HELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid and a member of St. John Vianney Parish, Wyoming. She and her husband, John, have two adult children and are expecting their first grandchild in March 2020.
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I
t was August 1960. A bouncing baby girl was born to young parents who were married and committed to each other despite the odds of parenting so young. That baby girl was me. My mom was 16 years old and my dad was 18, having just graduated high school. They chose life at a time when the alternative of an abortion was rare. Why? I believe it was rare because it was illegal. And in the hearts and minds of people of the time, if something was illegal, then it probably was wrong and not good for society. Fast forward to 1977. Again a young woman finds herself pregnant at age 16, still in high school and facing the prospect of single motherhood. The young man would not consider marriage, and her support system was willing to consider abortion as an option. That young woman was me, not knowing where to turn, not knowing about pregnancy resources. Ultrasound technology was not available to me. Since 1973, abortion had been legal – and if it is legal it must be OK, right? So, with the support of my mom, I aborted my baby. Oh, the irony: A law that protected me from death and harm in 1960 did
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
community with joy. Our ministry is nonjudgmental, meeting clients where they are and with the eyes of faith to face the unexpected with courage and hope so they know they are not alone. There is a saying that things come “full circle.” For me, that day came at HELP when I met Kim and Tonasia, a mother and daughter facing the same situation that my mom and I faced. I met with them, hoping for a different outcome than the one I had in 1977. Listening to their situation, acknowledging their Expectant mothers can struggles, accepting and sharing my find hope and support at own story with joy and hope, proHELP Pregnancy Crisis Aid, housed in a modest viding the ultrasound – the “window building at 705 Bridge St into the womb” – and hearing the NW, Grand Rapids. heartbeat brought tears to all of us. They were able with eyes of faith to see down the road – that Tonasia not protect me or my unborn baby could do it with the support of her in 1977. mom and the HELP community. I’m often asked, “Where does They chose life; now their baby girl your passion for providing alteris approaching her second birthday. natives to abortion We all have a story. I to women with unhope my story has inplanned pregnancies spired you to step out come from?” I’ve been Oh, the irony: and engage the culture there. I know the hardA law that protected for life. Maybe your ship and the struggle. me from death and story can affect others I can relate to the feelings of helplessness harm in 1960 did not in ways you’d never expect. I encourage you and despair that come protect me or my to connect with me or through the doors of others you know who unborn baby HELP every day. are active in pro-life Though I regret my in 1977.” causes and share your abortion, I don’t live in story and how your regret. I have faced my gifts of time, talent and treasure can abortion decision head-on. I found contribute to the work of building a Project Rachel, a ministry that offers culture of life in our community. healing after abortion, and what I discovered was life-changing: My abortion is not a “right” I have to justify but a wrong that I am forgiven for by a God who loves me. I thank the Lord every day for the love of my husband, who shared his Catholic faith with me, and the sacramental life the Church offers. Confession and the Eucharist have sustained me through a healing journey and my work has me right in the middle of life issues. Coming to HELP was an answer to prayer and it came in the form of a church bulletin ad. It’s been an amazing journey. I’m thankful for those who put their trust in me. Working as executive director of HELP – whether with clients, volunteers or staff – I encourage an atmosphere that serves the
BUILD A CULTURE OF LIFE: HELP PREGNANCY CRISIS AID HELPPREGNANCY.ORG 616.459.9139 PROJECT RACHEL CCWESTMI.ORG 616.340.1824 END DISMEMBERMENT ABORTION PETITION MICHIGANVALUESLIFE.ORG GRAND RAPIDS RIGHT TO LIFE WWW.GRRTL.ORG SIDEWALK ADVOCATES FOR LIFE SIDEWALKADVOCATES.ORG BABY PANTRY OF LOWELL BABYPANTRYOFLOWELL.COM 616.322.5957
YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS
T.Gennera
same noncommittal attitude. “Yeah, OK, I might come” or “Maybe I can make it” are two common phrases that accompany virtually every invitation. We love to keep our options open since something better or more exciting could appear at any moment. We struggle to commit to seeing a movie on a Friday night, let alone some of the bigger commitments, such as marriage, children and especially a radical faith life. I’ve come to realize that this fear of commitment is a huge obstacle to knowing, loving and serving God, because you can’t grow or go as a disciple unless you commit to the Master. God doesn’t want wishy-washy followers; he desires decisiveness and intentionality. A key to understanding true discipleship and therefore overcoming this noncommittal nature is illustrated by the words of Christ, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself …” PETE BURAK Our commitment to Christ requires is the director of a willingness to ignore, or even i.d.9:16. He has a reject, our own desires. To be his master’s degree follower involves an acceptance in theology and that we follow him. He comes first. is a frequent I have often heard my generation speaker at events described as selfish or self-centered, for youth and and it’s clear that the spirit of this young adults. age wants every individual person to think for themselves. Many of us don’t like rules, but “think for yourself or do what feels right” is one rule we eagerly embrace. Because of this, I think we can aptly be called “Generation Maybe.” We might do this or we could do that, as long as it fits into the plan we have for ourselves. While this may particularly describe millennials, I’ve seen those same characteristics across all generations because it’s a fundamental temptation of humankind. This is not what God intended, and this cannot characterize a disciple of Jesus Christ. We all have dreams, and we all have some idea of what we think will make us happy and fulfilled. The options for pleasure and fun in this world are many, and the freedom to choose is intoxicating and yet ironically chains us to something less than true happiness. The “do whatever I want” freedom leads to captivity, whereas surrendering to Jesus leads to true freedom. Only through commitment to Christ can we experience those things that we most deeply long for in our hearts. The Lord offers us a life-giving alternative: “Deny yourself, pick up your cross and follow me.” What’s your answer? Please don’t say, “Maybe.”
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Can you commit to being a
disciple of the Master? THEN JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mt 16:24)
These are challenging words from Jesus. They cut to the heart and demand a response. Jesus invites us to count the cost and decide whether he is worth following. We can’t grow and go unless we are willing to answer these self-reflective questions: Are we willing to endure hardship, suffering and pain for the hope of eternal glory? Are we willing to deny our own desires in order to be purified by the will of God? Are we willing to follow wherever Jesus leads? In summary, are we willing to be a disciple? Unfortunately, as a millennial, I believe the response of most of my generation, both those in and out of the Church, would be: “maybe.” All too often, I fall into this
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by Douglas Culp
Encountering Jesus in
HOLY ORDERS
PHOTO BY ERIC TANK
Pope Benedict XVI once said, “... the faith is not a theory, a philosophy, or idea; it is an encounter. An encounter with Jesus.” It is this encounter with Jesus in the sacraments that is the focus of this year’s Theology 101.
It is through this sacrament that the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles
Holy orders, or the sacrament of apostolic ministry, is the sacramental act that incorporates a man into one of three recognized “orders”: bishop (ordo episcoporum), priest (ordo presbyterorum) or deacon (ordo diaconorum). It is through this sacrament that the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church.
WHAT HAPPENS AT ORDINATION? The ordination of a bishop, priest or deacon takes place within the eucharistic liturgy. Its essential rite consists of the laying on of hands by the bishop and of the consecratory prayer which together constitute the visible sign of ordination. 12
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
continues to be exercised in the
Like baptism and confirmation, ordination imprints an “indelible sacramental character” upon the ordained that cannot be repeated or conferred temporarily. Through his ordination, the recipient is configured to Christ so that he may serve as Christ’s instrument for his Church. There are also additional rites that make up an ordination. Initial rites consist of the following: presentation and election of the ordinand (candidate for ordination), instruction by the bishop, examination of the candidate and the litany of the saints. The rites attest that the choice of candidate is made in keeping with the practice of the Church and prepare him for the consecration.
Church.”
DID YOU KNOW …
While priests in religious orders take vows, diocesan priests make promises. In particular, they promise to live a celibate life and to be obedient and respectful to the bishop. The promise of celibacy is actually made by the ordinand at his diaconate ordination. The promise of obedience immediately follows the examination rite when the ordinand places his hands within the hands of the bishop.
After the consecration, rites symbolically express and complete the mystery accomplished. For a bishop, there is an anointing of holy chrism (a sign of the Holy Spirit who alone will make his ministry fruitful); and the giving of the Book of the Gospels (as the sign of his apostolic mission to proclaim the word of God), the ring (a sign of his fidelity to the Church) and the miter and the crosier (signs of his office as shepherd of the Lord’s flock). For a priest, there is also an anointing with holy chrism, plus the presentation to the priest of the paten and chalice, symbolizing “the offering of the holy people” that he is called to present to God. Finally, there is the giving of the Book of the Gospels to the deacon who has just received the mission to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
WHO CAN RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT?
S. OLSON
The catechism teaches, "Only a baptized man validly receives sacred ordination." (1577) The reason for this lies in the fact that Jesus chose men as the Twelve Apostles, and these apostles did the same when they chose their successors. Today, the college of bishops continues to make the Twelve Apostles an “ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ’s return.” The Church believes herself bound to the choice made by Jesus, which precludes the ordination of women. That said, “no one has a right to receive the sacrament.” One is called to it by God and it “can be received only as DOUG CULP an unmerited gift.” (1578)
is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
THE EFFECTS OF THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY ORDERS
Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the sacrament configures the person to Christ “as Priest, Teacher and Pastor.” (1585) The bishop receives the grace of strength, or “governing spirit.” This is the grace to guide and defend the Church with strength and prudence. The catechism explains this grace “impels him to proclaim the Gospel to all, to be the model for this flock, to go before it on the way of sanctification by identifying himself in the Eucharist with Christ the priest and victim, not fearing to give his life for his sheep.” (1586) For the priest, ordination confers the spiritual gift to proclaim the Gospel, offer spiritual gifts and sacrifices, and renew the people through baptism. The deacon receives the grace to be in service to the liturgy, the Gospel and works of charity.
YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101
TIMELINE: History of the sacrament of HOLY ORDERS OLD TESTAMENT •O ld Covenant priests had duties within the community pertaining to cult and culture. Of note is Melchizedek (“priest of God Most High”), king of Salem, who brought out bread and wine for Abram. (Gn 14:18).
NEW TESTAMENT • Jesus establishes the Church and remains its great high priest. (Heb 4:14) • He calls disciples to follow him, including Peter, the “rock,” on whom he would build his Church. • After Christ’s death, there is collective leadership and no institutional priesthood. • James and elders (presbyteroi) preach in Jerusalem. • Timothy and Titus establish local leaders, presbyters and overseers (episkopoi).
EARLY CHURCH 215 Apostolic tradition notes the role of the community in selecting leaders and contains an ordination rite with the laying on of hands and prayers for gifts of the Spirit. Some of these prayers are still used.
250 Didascalia Apostolorum records that female deacons (ministrae) were necessary when a woman was to be baptized. (17)
325 Council of Nicea declares women are not to be counted among the clergy.
404 Pope Innocent I says priests and deacons should be celibate.
3RD TO 7TH CENTURY • Increased importance of presbyters – less advisory to bishop, assume role of priest as leader of sacrifice and prayer, assume liturgical duties of the bishop in the local community.
8TH TO 15TH CENTURY •E mphasis on power of priests to consecrate the body and blood of Christ and administer other sacraments. • Holy orders recognized as one of seven sacraments.
16TH TO 20TH CENTURY Council of Trent (1548-1563) 1 Defends the existence of priesthood with the power to consecrate the body and blood of Christ and forgive sins in Christ’s name. 2 Confirms holy orders as one of the seven sacraments. 3 Requires celibacy. 4 Confines bishops to their own territories. 5 Mandates that priests be educated in seminaries. 6 Defends hierarchical orders; bishops are superior to priests. 7 Upholds the distinction between ordained and other baptized. 8 Gives directives on preaching and pastoral care.
VATICAN II (1961-1965) The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, the Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests and the Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops in the Church define more clearly the role of bishop, priest and deacon.
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YOUR STORIES COVER STORY
I THINK ME COMING TO ST. PAT’S IS THE BIGGEST GOD MOMENT OF MY LIFE.”
However, looking back at his youth, the 38-year-old principal and father of two says it’s only by the grace of God that he made his way to rural Kent County.
‘A moral foundation’ Scott is the youngest of three children. Raised on the west side of Grand Rapids, he attended Holy Spirit School. After some tumultuous years, his parents divorced when he was in fifth grade. “I wanted to nothing to do with school,” he remem-
bers. It wasn’t until adulthood that he came to appreciate the lessons he couldn’t help but learn from his time at the Catholic elementary school. “It provided a moral foundation,” he says. “I knew right from wrong.” That didn’t mean he was inclined to stay out of trouble, though. On the contrary, his four years at Union High School were notable for his efforts to skip class and scrape by with barely passing grades. It’s not the idealized youth we’re accustomed to envisioning for school and faith leaders. However, the Lord takes imperfect people and uses them for his work. Once he graduated high school, Scott headed to Grand Rapids Community College, where he decided that rather than avoiding school, he was ready to embrace it. After two years at community college, Scott transferred to Grand Valley State University and entered an education program. He wasn’t the first member of his family to decide to teach. His mother is a middle school science teacher and his older sister serves as a public school principal. “My whole goal was to get through college and work at a low socioeconomic school,” Scott says. He envisioned himself at an urban school where he could help children who may be dealing with the same struggles and attitudes he had encountered. While he wishes he could say that it was a faith decision to pursue a career in Catholic education, Scott says it was a more practical consideration that led to a job with a diocesan school. “As a young man, you’re just trying to make it,” he says. “You get out of school with all these student loans, and you need to pay the bills.” His graduation coincided with the start of last decade’s economic downturn. Jobs were hard to come by. He flitted between some short-term assignments at public schools before landing a full-time position at Sacred Heart School in Grand Rapids. A year later, he moved to Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School in Grand Rapids. Three years later, he got the call from God to go to St. Patrick in Parnell. 15
‘The biggest God Moment of my life’ Scott says he had no intention of applying for the position of principal at St. Patrick School. The P-8 school, which has an Ada address and falls within the Lowell public school district, is located at a crossroads surrounded by fields and cows. With dwindling enrollment at the time, many believed it was only a year or two away from being shuttered. Despite his reluctance, a fellow teacher at IHM saw the potential there for Scott. She encouraged him again and again to apply for the open position. “I ignored it. I ignored it. I ignored it,” Scott recalls. However, when his colleague recommended him to Father Mark Peacock, then pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Scott felt obligated to arrange a visit. “At that time, I simply did it out of professional courtesy,” he says. But once he got to Parnell, everything changed. “I never felt so accepted as I did here,” Scott recalls. “I think me coming to St. Pat’s is the biggest God moment of my life.” It seemed to be the hand of God that led his fellow teacher to see that Scott was meant to go to Parnell, and neither the school nor the principal has been the same since. After his parents’ divorce, church seemed to fall by the wayside for Scott and his family. It wasn’t a particular focus of his early adulthood either, but his work at St. Patrick School has changed that. “Catholic education brought me back,” Scott says. In the years since becoming principal, Scott has married. He and his wife, Arley, have two children, Haven and Daxton, both of whom are enrolled at St. Patrick School. He has rediscovered the early faith he was introduced to at Holy Spirit School and continues to grow in his love and understanding of God. One perk of greeting students each morning is a half hour spent with the parish priest. When Scott first mentioned his plan to stand outside each morning, Father Mark Peacock was quick to join him. Last year, Father Tom Cavera took over as spiritual head of St. Patrick Parish, and he has gamely stepped into the role of morning greeter as well. 16
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
While waiting for children to arrive, Scott has the opportunity for meaningful discussions with a man who has dedicated his entire life to the Church. “That’s a sacred time,” says Scott. “I get every question answered.” The two men share a camaraderie that few can claim. Scott is quick to point out that faith is always a work in progress. “You do have to trust in God to do this,” he says of both work and life. “You are going to make mistakes.”
A school revitalized It isn’t just Scott’s faith that has come full circle. The same can be said for St. Patrick School. The now 125-year-old school, which was teetering on the brink of closure, had only 70 students enrolled
(Clockwise, from left) Principal Scott Czarnopys greets Sophie, a sixth-grader. Each day begins with prayer with staff and students.
IT’S ABOUT BEING PART OF A FAMILY. IT’S ABOUT VALUES THAT GO BEYOND ACADEMICS.”
FIND A CATHOLIC SCHOOL NEAR YOU: VISIT CATHOLICSCHOOLS4U.ORG
when Scott arrived in 2011. Today, it is bursting at the seams with a student body of 226 and plans to construct an addition for more classrooms later this year. The revitalization of the school is a testament to the faith and resiliency of the members of the St. Patrick community, Scott says. He notes that multiple generations have passed through the school doors. Along with newer members who recognize the specialness of this place, they weren’t going to let the school slip away in the midst of the recession. “It’s about being part of a family,” Scott says. “It’s about values that go beyond academics.” He adds that he is simply the caretaker of a school that has been sustained by the prayers and generosity of a faith-filled community of believers. While humble about his role, the people of Parnell would tell you St. Patrick School is in very good hands indeed.
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YOUR STORIES
Members of Club 48 gather at Phyllis Purwin's home last summer: (seated) Theresa Gravelyn, Rosemary Raap and Agnes Burch; (standing) Ruth Burkholder, Phyllis, Nancy Cyr and Donna Krenselewski.
F I N D I N G FA I T H in forever friendships
AS
they were turning 10 and midway through grade school, World War II was just beginning in Europe. France was executing its last person by guillotine. Lou Gehrig was retiring from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. The first car boasting air conditioning was rolling off the line. People flocked to the theaters to see a new movie entitled “Gone with the Wind.” Gas cost a dime a gallon. The average annual wage was $1,730. And you could buy four cans of Campbell’s soup for two bits.
BY TOM RADEMACHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLY DOLCI
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But at times, it all seems like yesterday for the women who are still living and meet as members of “Club 48,” whose origins date back to the 1930s and stand as a testament to friendships forged in a cauldron of faith. The group originally numbered about a dozen, all of them 1944 graduates of St. Alphonsus Catholic Elementary School in Grand Rapids. From there, most went to Catholic Central (a few to Mount Mercy and Marywood), earning their high school diplomas in 1948. Today, eight survive. Of that number, a handful still meet regularly for lunch.
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
They reminisce about everything from favorite nuns and naughty boys, to marrying sweethearts and raising kids, to burying friends and loved ones – all that, and more, over the course of getting together for more than 70 years running. “My daughter calls us ‘The Dollies,’” says Agnes Burch, 89, who until she married Bob, who died in 1992, was Agnes Millard. She worked 30 years as a nurse after graduating from Mercy School of Nursing in 1951. She’s one of the few in Club 48 who held a full-time job outside the home.
YOUR STORIES FEATURE
A 1944 St. Alphonsus Catholic School graduation photo captures the young women whose friendship remains strong going on 85 years after they first met.
Through love and loss, Club 48 continues to endure.”
Phyllis Purwin is another. In fact, at 90 years old, she still works, driving almost daily to do the books at the body shop in Comstock Park founded by her late husband and still operated by sons Jim and Nick and Jim's son John. Jim is amazed at the stamina and verve his mother and her friends still have. “I’ve always admired how they’ve managed to continue getting together all these years,” he says. “They take such pride in meeting, and it’s exciting to know they still do it.” No one seems to remember how Club 48 came to first meet, or the exact time and place, but they do credit the late Barb (Deschaine) Lee for the glue that initially kept them together. Early on, they realized they had something good going. More than one of the women has kept a scrapbook, filling it with mementos from their days together in grade school and high school. As they flip through photos (including one snapped in 1967 showcasing all the club’s members, spouses and kids – 88 people in all) and bulletins and gaze at everything from announcements to holy cards, the memories surface in rapid-fire fashion. One minute, they’re remembering how the stone steps at St. Al’s had dips in them from decades of use. And in the next, they’re recounting how you always stood when a priest entered the classroom … that Sister Augustine taught them how to square dance … (“I remember it ‘cause I hated it, that’s why!” says Agnes) … and how naughty Mickey Boylen would clap two erasers together above the heat grate so that the room would be filled with airborne chalk dust. Not every memory conjures up joy or whimsy. Members of Club 48 also have dealt with grief and tragedy:
Phyllis Purwin still works part time at 90 and organizes monthly gettogethers for Club 48.
The loss of husbands, of course, and a member who lost a son in a motorcycle accident. One classmate’s brother drowned in the Grand River. Another who married young, became pregnant, and died along with her unborn baby. A son who succumbed to AIDS. There have been surgeries and cancer and heart disease – the stuff of life and death that, in their eyes, can only be understood and reconciled through their abiding faith. Phyllis goes into her “rosary room” each morning to whisper while her fingers move along the beads. Donna (Steiner) Krenselewski, 89, still prays the rosary every morning with husband Tony. Agnes Burch attends a novena every Tuesday evening. All three still have keepsakes from their first holy Communion – threadbare prayer books among them. Over the years, as everything from cars to hairstyles to fashions to lifestyles changed, Club 48 has stayed true to its unofficial mission: Continue meeting to honor uncommon bonds created against the backdrop of a Catholic education. Phyllis and Donna and Agnes aren’t shy about making comparisons between then and now when it comes to the Church. “I think we had a much stronger faith than some today,” says Donna. “We had nuns and priests teaching us, and I think that made a big difference.” Agnes nods in agreement: “They were more a part of our lives then. And another thing – we never questioned the pope. Adds Donna, “In some ways, you don’t see the same sense of respect for the Church today.” While some may wince to recall school days at the hands of nuns and priests (think: paddles and rulers), members of Club 48 tend to focus on the 19
Memories surface in rapid-fire fashion as members of Club 48 look through scrapbooks and photos chronicling decades a shared faith and friendship.
positive aspects. That would include putting a spin on the proper way to do things. For instance, all three women fondly recalled how a nun would use a handheld clicker at Mass and click it once to signal when it was time to genuflect, and then two clicks to enter the pew. In the classroom, penmanship was nearly as important as spelling and arithmetic; Donna remembers needing extra help with the Palmer method. Social justice meant pitching in with pennies for the pagan babies. Agnes remembers knitting blankets for soldiers with help from Sister Juliana. And all three agreed that it was an era when if you didn’t have something you wanted, you just went without or “made do.” For her graduation from St. Al’s, for example, Donna wanted a corsage to wear like some of the other girls would have, “but my mother and father couldn’t afford one, so my mother went into the garden and made me one from a rose she’d grown.”
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FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
Life then was simpler, they all agree. And while today’s children may enjoy far-flung excursions to amusement parks, tropical paradises and foreign lands, Phyllis and Donna and Agnes were perfectly happy with touchstones close to home. That included going to a home on Plainfield Avenue to buy religious artifacts from a couple of endearing spinsters – parishioners Marguerite and Asia Dalton, whose two brothers, Richard and Frank, served as Redemptorist priests at the parish. When it came to hijinks, they recall pretty tame stuff, such as declaring your puppy love for another classmate by writing down both person’s initials. Agnes, for instance, had a crush at one time on Patrick Mitchell and can still see herself writing “AM + PM.” Through love and loss, Club 48 continues to endure. And through it all – the weddings and, showers and birthdays and anniversaries – they cling to the hope that they can enjoy many more years together as they move through their 90s.
Sally (Gavinski) Baldini Agnes (Millard) Burch Ruth (Osdyke) Burkholder Nancy (Feutz) Cyr Donna (Steiner) Krenselewski Theresa (Cochran) Gravelyn Marianne (Grypma) Nash † Barbara (Deschaine) Lee † “We’ve always had a reason to continue getting together,” says Phyllis, who took over organziing their monthly meetings after Barb died. Adds Agnes: “It’s funny how one memory triggers another and another.” Donna agrees, then smiles wryly. “After all this remembering,” she says, looking at the other two, “I think I need to go home and take a nap!”
Barbara (Malone) Magin † Phyllis (Wood) Purwin Rosemary (Kersjes) Raap Barbara (Miller) Spielmaker †
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T. Gennara
DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST,
MOST REVEREND DAVID WALKOWIAK
is the 12th bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
It has been a difficult year for our Church. Revelations about mishandling of the clergy sexual abuse scandal have seriously damaged the confidence in and credibility of the bishops among the clergy and laity. We bishops must take further action to win back the trust of our Catholic faithful. But even as we continue this needed work, I am keenly aware of the good that the Catholic Church does and continues to do in West Michigan. Through our diocesan ministries we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, ensure children have a loving home, visit the prisoner, care for our immigrant brothers and sisters, and continue to spread the word of Christ through youth and family ministry. Through FAITH magazine, we highlight some of these important aspects of our mission. Thank you to all of you who donated this past year to our annual Catholic Services Appeal. Our apostolic,
educational and evangelizing works remain at the heart of who we are as a community of faith. I am grateful for those of you who have steadfastly supported the Church during this past year. This annual report gives an account of how your financial contributions have sustained these works. Some Catholics have called for the withholding of funds to register their displeasure and disgust with the leadership of the Catholic Church. Over the past year, I have received about 15 letters of this type. Sadly, such decisions weaken our identity as a community of believers and negatively impact our Christian service. Diminished support for the charitable works of the Church runs counter to the words of Christ in Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
By the Numbers National Special Collections $250k $200k $150k $100k $50k $0 22
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
WORLD MISSION SUNDAY:
$184,589
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT:
$152,878
RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS:
$240,932
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES (CRS):
$225,932 CRS RICE BOWL:
$76,322
NO OTHER SPECIAL COLLECTIONS TAKEN IN THE PAST YEAR
The diocese seeks to be a good steward of the funds donated to advance the mission of the Church. This is why we publish this annual report. The report highlights the spiritual, pastoral, educational and charitable endeavors of our diocese during the past fiscal year. In particular, I call to mind the Healing Our Church process that is being implemented this fall throughout the diocese. Here is an opportunity to see a concrete response to the needs of the people in our parishes and to respond to an invitation to heal the discouragement that some may be experiencing. Each year the independent accounting firm of Beene Garter LLP in Grand Rapids audits our diocesan finances. Audited statements for the fiscal year ending in 2018 are available on our website: grdiocese. org/diocese/finance. The financial data in this annual report reflects the unaudited statements for fiscal year 2018-19. While this data is currently in the process of being audited, we want to provide you with the latest information available. The full audited report will be presented on the web address above in November. If you would like a hard copy of the report, please contact Kevin Simon, comptroller for the Diocese of Grand Rapids, at 616.475.1253. I encourage you to read this annual report carefully. With generous hearts may we continue to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us in service to God’s people.
Income: 61% - CSA ISHOP’S 13% - BCATHOLIC SCHOOLS INITIATIVE
8% - D ONOR-DESIGNATED FUNDS ATHOLIC FOUNDATION OF 6% - CWEST MICHIGAN 5% - FEES FOR SERVICES 5% - G AIN ON INVESTMENTS 2% - OTHER REVENUES
Expenses:
31% - SALARIES AND BENEFITS ROFESSIONAL FEES, INSURANCE AND 13% - PPROPERTY COSTS* RIESTLY VOCATIONS AND 12% - PSEMINARIAN EDUCATION
8% - CATHOLIC CHARITIES WEST MICHIGAN 8% - CATHOLIC SCHOOLS 6% - COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE TATEWIDE ATTORNEY GENERAL 5% - SINVESTIGATION 5% - PASTORAL SERVICES 5% - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 3% - NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIONS 2% - OTHER PARISH/DIOCESAN SERVICES 2% - CSA CAMPAIGN COSTS *INCLUDES ONE-TIME PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT PURCHASES
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DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
By the numbers THE DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS was established May 19, 1882, and originally consisted of much of the northern and western parts of the Lower Peninsula. Since 1971, the diocese has comprised 11 counties of West Michigan: Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Ottawa.
80 3 3 Parishes
Missions
Seasonal chapels
5
Diocesan cemeteries
191,000 Catholics
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FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
Holy Cross Cemetery Mt. Calvary Cemetery Resurrection Cemetery St. Andrew Cemetery SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery
Protecting God's Children THE DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS IS COMMITTED to protecting children and adults. Our Safe Environment program aims to prevent sexual abuse within our community and to help heal the wounds of survivors. All of our programs are in compliance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People. To report an instance of abuse, please call the Michigan Attorney General's hotline at 844.324.3374.
In accordance with the Charter, the diocese provides age-appropriate training on how to spot inappropriate behavior and how to report these signs. This training is provided to youth in faith-formation classes in our parishes and in Catholic school curriculum.
members. The lay members of the board have professional expertise in law enforcement, the legal system, psychology and education. The board evaluates any report of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults made to the diocese and advises Bishop Walkowiak on the status of allegations and appropriate actions to be taken in regard to allegations.
Training employees and volunteers
What happens when a report is made?
Educating our youth
All members of the clergy, parish/school staff and volunteers are required to attend a certified Safe Environment program and undergo a criminal history background check before they may work with children.
Review Board Since 2002, the diocese has had an independent Review Board. The board is made up of seven members of the laity, not employed by the diocese, and two clergy
25,365 TRAINED IN PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN SESSIONS (SINCE 2002)
When a report is made to the diocese, the information is forwarded to the Attorney General Office’s investigative team. Previously, reports were forwarded to the appropriate civil authority. If a report is made against a clergy member in active ministry, that clergy member is immediately suspended until the investigation is complete. The diocese offers survivors who come forward the opportunity for counseling. Bishop Walkowiak is committed to meeting with and listening to survivors.
115,674 91 CHILDREN TRAINED IN TEACHING TOUCHING SAFETY CLASSES (SINCE 2002)
NUMBER OF PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN SESSIONS THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR (2018-19)
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DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
2019 sacraments
2,224 BAPTISMS
1,955
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS
1,820 CONFIRMATIONS
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FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
593
MARRIAGES
The good shepherds of the diocese THE DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS IS BLESSED with a strong influx of men who seek to answer God’s call. We currently have 23 seminarians, a number expected to increase to 25 in 2019-20. The formation that our seminarians undergo is holistic. It is comprised of human formation, spiritual formation, academic training in philosophy and theology, and pastoral formation. This education prepares them well for the rigorous and rewarding vocation of the priesthood. Our current deacons and priests minister to the faithful in West Michigan in a myriad of ways. They help us to grow in our faith through the sacraments, lead catechesis, and accompany us in times of both celebration and need. They bring us closer to Christ through their living examples of being the good shepherd in today’s world.
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SEMINARIANS AT MUNDELEIN
AT SJV
Ordained this year: TRANSITIONAL DIACONATE: Deacon Dominic Couturier Deacon Daniel Orris Jr.
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DEACONS PRIESTHOOD: Father Robert Mulderink Father Andrew Ayers
102
DIOCESAN PRIESTS
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EDUCATING THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS are an alliance of 31 vibrant learning communities – 26 elementary and five high schools – serving students in seven counties. Our schools inspire young people to grow in Catholic faith and grace, achieve more in school and life, develop creativity and character and feel welcomed and cherished for their unique gifts.
7000 6610 6525 6440 6350 6260 6175 6080 6000 28
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
Enrollment: PK-12: 6,351 IN 2014-15 6,454 IN 2015-16 6,550 IN 2016-17 6,605 IN 2017-18 6,555 IN 2018-19
DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
Religious education and faith formation
Scholarships:
1,068 $550,435 + 512 $225,637
STUDENTS AWARDED BISHOP’S SCHOLARSHIP
STUDENTS AWARDED WELCOME SCHOLARSHIP
(BISHOP’S)
(WELCOME SCHOLARSHIPS)
THROUGHOUT THE DIOCESE, parish staff members and volunteer catechists pray, study and serve others through parish faith-formation programs for people of all ages. Through evangelization and catechesis, they lead others toward: a closer relationship with Jesus becoming joyful missionary disciples acting as powerful witnesses to the Gospel becoming well-formed in Catholic teaching going out into the world as sharers in the missionary mandate of the Church The Office of Faith Formation helps directors of religious education and catechists in developing a curriculum that engages and embraces our Catholic faith, supporting parents in their role as the primary educators of their children. In addition, the Office of Faith Formation leads the annual Parish Ministry and Catechetical Conference each September, an event open to the entire diocese.
84
PARISH CATECHETICAL LEADERS (FULL-TIME/PART-TIME)
66
PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERS (FULL-TIME/PART-TIME)
9,382
CHILDREN ENROLLED IN PARISH PROGRAMS OF FAITH FORMATION (K-12)
30+
MARRIAGE PREPARATION RETREATS
(AT THE DIOCESAN AND PARISH LEVEL, PLUS SMALL GROUP FORMATION AND COUPLE TO COUPLE, OR THROUGH CATHOLIC CHARITIES WEST MICHIGAN) 29
DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
Diocesan ministries Prison and Jail Ministry The Prison and Jail Ministry establishes and maintains Catholic religious services within 21 correctional facilities located in our 11-county diocese. This ministry has more than 150 active volunteers, including Bishop David Walkowiak, priests, deacons and lay men and women. Through these volunteers, 46 weekly services, including Masses, Communion services, RCIA classes and prayer services are offered. These services are held in seven prisons,
four county jails and three juvenile detention centers. In addition to services offered inside correctional facilities, spiritual support and programming for those returning to society are provided through a new re-entry outreach ministry called GROW (Guiding Returning Citizens to Our World). During this past year, GROW welcomed and guided four returned citizens to our diocese and presented re-entry panel discussions in three of our parishes.
Respect Life The right to life is the first and most fundamental principle of human rights that leads Catholics to actively work for a world of greater respect for human life and greater commitment to justice and peace. For the Church, there is no distinction between defending human life and
promoting the dignity of the human person. We are called to support this teaching from conception until natural death. Diocesan staff and volunteers work to build this culture of life through prayer, action and education.
Hispanic Ministry How the Diocese of Grand Rapids is responding to the Hispanic community It is estimated that approximately 67,100 of Hispanic/Latinos in West Michigan will self-identify as Catholics, of whom approximately 60% are under 30 years old. (2016 Demographic Study of West Michigan) Two priests from outside the diocese have been invited to work in West Michigan throughout the summer. Father Edwin CarreĂąo is helping at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Muskegon and Father Oscar LondoĂąo, mxy, is at SS. Peter and Paul in Ionia. In addition, three missionary priests come every summer to help with our pastoral outreach to the migrant community, and close to 100 lay volunteer missionaries from parishes support this important initiative in our diocese. Bishop Walkowiak has approved a pastoral plan for Hispanic Ministry in the diocese. Over the next five years, the implementation process will focus on youth and young adult ministries, family, social justice, leadership formation, stewardship, and evangelization and discipleship. These priorities emerged as a result the V Encuentro and consultation with parishioners across the diocese. Bishop Walkowiak makes it a priority every year to make a pastoral visit to the migrant camps.
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Cultural ministries CATHOLICS OF DIFFERENT RACIAL, ECONOMIC and linguistic backgrounds are served through these ministries. We work together as one Church to welcome all of our brothers and sisters in Christ through the celebration of the Mass, cultural events and educational opportunities.
Cultural ministries: BLACK CATHOLIC NATIVE AMERICAN HISPANIC
Outreach ministries: ECUMENICAL MINISTRY
Strong Catholic Families The research on teens and faith cannot be clearer: families matter … parents, grandparents, godparents and relatives! To help support families in living and passing on the Catholic faith, parishes in the Diocese of Grand Rapids are implementing Strong Catholic Families – a national initiative with a grassroots implementation. Strong Catholic Families is not just for parents; anyone who wants to show the importance of living our Catholic faith as a comprehensive way of life
is invited to participate. Strong Catholic Families is a strategic process where parish leaders, school leaders and families work together as partners in leading children toward a faith that matters. The process can be incorporated into all aspects of parish life and Catholic schools, including sacramental preparation, faith formation and other parish ministries. So far, 15 parishes and Catholic Central High School have participated.
Fortaleciendo Familias en la Fe Los resultados de un estudio sobre los jóvenes y la fe indican que no puede ser más contundente el resultado: ¡las familias son la clave... padres, abuelos, padrinos y parientes! Para ayudar a las familias a vivir y transmitir la fe católica, las parroquias de la Diócesis de Grand Rapids están implementando un proceso llamado Fortaleciendo Familias en la Fe, este proceso es una iniciativa nacional con la idea de partir de la base, de lo básico. Fortaleciendo Familias en la Fe no es sólo para los padres; es una invitación para cualquier persona que tenga y desee transmitir la fe que es lo fundamental.
IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES Immigration Legal Services (ILS) provides low-cost, legal representation in immigration matters to those in our community whose household income falls below 200% of the poverty line. Through legal representation, the staff of ILS helps its clients reunite with family living abroad; obtain U.S. citizenship; obtain legal permanent resident status; and assist immigrants who have been victims of crimes.
Fortaleciendo Familias en la Fe es un proceso estratégico para que los líderes parroquiales, los líderes de las escuelas y las familias trabajen juntos como socios y compañeros de vida y puedan guiar a nuestros hijos hacia una fe que realmente haga la diferencia. El proceso puede incorporarse a todos los aspectos de la vida parroquial y de las escuelas católicas, incluyendo la preparación sacramental, la formación, y todos los demás ministerios parroquiales. Actualmente, 15 parroquias y una preparatoria, Catholic Central High School, están o han participado de este proceso.
1,160
TOTAL CASES MANAGED
Top case types:
113
RENEWAL OR REPLACEMENT OF GREEN CARDS
110
CITIZENSHIP
96 DACA
85
ASYLEE, REFUGEE AND CUBAN ADJUSTMENT GREEN CARDS
51
PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES, INCLUDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
153
FAMILY PETITIONS
(FIRST STEP IN GETTING THE FAMILY A GREEN CARD)
65
FAMILY-BASED RESIDENCY (SECOND STEP IN GETTING THE FAMILY A GREEN CARD)
56
STAND-ALONE WORK PERMIT APPLICATIONS
CLIENTS REPRESENT 72 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD!
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DIOCESAN ANNUAL REPORT
Catholic Charities West Michigan CATHOLIC CHARITIES WEST MICHIGAN (CCWM) works to feed the hungry, counsel those who struggle and build strong families throughout West Michigan. For more than 70 years, CCWM has helped the Catholic Church provide essential support services to our neighbors in need and show our community that no one is excluded from God's love or our care. Nearly 300 employees and 3,000 volunteers provide 35 social service programs in 22 counties, touching the lives of more than 29,000 individuals each year. Through Foster Care and Adoption, Family Preservation and Support Services, Behavioral Health and Counseling and Community Outreach, Catholic Charities West Michigan addresses the many needs that exist in our community.
2018 numbers 56 CHILDREN ADOPTED ORE THAN 300 CHILDREN M FOSTERED EACH DAY INDIVIDUALS NOURISHED 5 SITES (GOD’S KITCHEN, MUSKEGON
FOOD PANTRY, THREE FOOD TRUCK SITES)
14,000 HOME-DELIVERED MEALS
1 3,321 INDIVIDUALS SERVED THROUGH THE MUSKEGON FOOD PANTRY 3 FOOD TRUCK SITES WITH 3,600 MEALS SERVED BABY PANTRIES (MUSKEGON AND GR) 5,775 CHILDREN, 2,784 FAMILIES
3 ,000 VOLUNTEERS, 386,400 VOLUNTEER HOURS 32
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
t he Catholic Foundation of West Michigan Amount held in CFWM: $62,271,936 Number of funds in CWFM: 187, which includes nearly all of our parishes and schools along with Catholic organizations in the diocese. In addition, families have created endowed named family funds to support the various school, parish and ministry needs as legacy gifts to the Church.
What is the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan? Established in 1995, The Foundation’s original purpose was to support Catholic school education. Today, The Foundation holds funds that support diocesan parishes, seminarian education and vocations, social outreach services, faith formation, evangelization and greatest needs funds for areas that become evident throughout the year. A significant source of financial support, The Foundation made available more than $2.2 million in distributions to fund holders during the 2018-19 fiscal year.
Events held In fiscal year 2018-19, we held 11 events to help create awareness of CFWM or to help parishioners manage their money. B ishop’s Angels Program and appreciation luncheon C atholic Business Leaders’ Forum Breakfasts D onor legacy giving consultation E state Planning luncheon and workshops S ocial Security/Medicare information luncheon F oundation information and update conference call with executive director F und promotion workshop for parish personnel and fund holders C haritable giving after the tax law changes workshop
S preading the Gospel message THE OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS WAS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS PUBLIC relations work at the 2019 PRoof Awards for practitioners who successfully used skill, creativity and resourcefulness to address a communications challenge in 2018. The diocese was awarded:
A silver award for our redesign of the diocesan website
(CATEGORY OF WEBSITES)
A gold award for FAITH Grand Rapids magazine
(CATEGORY OF MAGAZINES)
A gold award for our annual report that was published in the October issue of FAITH (CATEGORY OF SPECIAL-
PURPOSE PUBLICATION)
How we reach out:
The Office of Communications works to educate, evangelize and inform the Catholic and non-Catholic community in West Michigan. Through the diocesan website, social media channels, FAITH Grand Rapids magazine and televised Mass we share news and stories that encourage a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Office of Communications serves as the official media liaison to the Office of the Bishop, our parishes and schools.
Circulation of
FAITH Grand Rapids
43,710 2,550
COPIES ARE SENT OUT 10 TIMES PER YEAR
COPIES OF THE SPANISH-LANGUAGE VERSION ARE SENT OUT FOUR TIMES PER YEAR ON AVERAGE, 135 PEOPLE WATCH THE TV MASS ON THE DIOCESAN WEBSITE EACH WEEK
Follow the diocese on: FACEBOOK
(DIOCESE OF GRAND RAPIDS)
(@GRDIOCESE)
ON AVERAGE, 1,166 PEOPLE WATCH THE TV MASS ON THE DIOCESAN FACEBOOK PAGE EACH WEEK
(@GRDIOCESE)
ON AVERAGE, 12,400 HOUSEHOLDS TUNE IN TO SUNDAY MASS ON FOX 17 EACH WEEK
GRDIOCESE.ORG
AND
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YOUR STORIES
‘A Scout is reverent’ THE HOLY SPIRIT PAVES THE WAY FOR BEN’S EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT AT AQUINAS BY PATRICIA MISH
THE NONDESCRIPT CARDBOARD BOX
in the corner at the old Bukowski Chapel at Aquinas College caught Ben Bridge’s eye. He and his dad happened to stop in shortly after the new Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel had opened. Inside was a set of secondhand Stations of the Cross – thirdhand really – that had hung on the walls of Bukowski and, before that, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Grand Rapids. They showed signs of wear but spoke to Ben, who had been contemplating building Stations of the Cross on the Aquinas campus as his Eagle Scout project. “I think that was a premonition from the Holy Spirit,” recalls Ben. The message was clear: “You should do this project.” Ben, 17, a junior at Catholic Central High School, is the son of Eric and Mary Ann Bridge of Grand Rapids. Eric works as a campus minister at Aquinas and Mary Ann teaches at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School. Both places are close to Ben’s heart, since he attended the school, belongs to the parish and spent much of his boyhood exploring the woods around campus.
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FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
YOUR COMMUNITY
Parish ambassadors play a key role in the campaign
T
his fall, 35 parishes will begin their active participation in the Our Shepherds – Our Future Capital Campaign. As of Sept. 10, $9.7 million has been raised toward its $33 million goal. This progress is, in large part, due to the parish ambassador-to-parishioner conversations that take place as part of the process. With the leadership of parish ambassadors, these conversations are opportunities for parishioners to learn more about the care provided to our seminarians and priests and to ask questions regarding the campaign.
It is also an opportunity for encounter with those in our parish community. Pope Francis continuously speaks of building a “culture of encounter.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 220) As he conveys in this exhortation, “Whenever we encounter another person in love, we learn something new about God.” (272) Jesus sent forth his disciples to do the same. Encounter involves openness to the mystery of a new relationship; to the sacredness of the other and the divine message that might 36
come with it. To build a culture of encounter, we must step out of our comfort zones. Parish ambassadors are sent by their parishes to encounter parishioners and offer help as parishioners discern their support for this capital campaign. Our Shepherds – Our Future invites everyone in the diocese to make a financial commitment to prepare our future priests and secure the retirement of priests who have faithfully given their lives in service. In the appeal letter sent to each registered parish household is a suggested request amount, which is determined by demonstrated giving to one’s parish and diocese, as well as what may have been shared through participation in the feasibility study that preceded this campaign. While all are asked to consider a sacrificial gift to support our seminarians and priests through this campaign, the decision of “the right amount” to give can only be arrived at through prayer and discernment. It is this gracious discernment that is most appreciated. As this campaign celebrates the many encounters that have led more men to discern the priesthood, may it likewise be an opportunity for Christ-like encounters through which the good news of this campaign may be shared.
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
Diocese partners with inmates to host restorative justice conference
Restorative justice is a way of responding to harm
E
ric Boldiszar helped organize the third annual Restorative Justice Conference to be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Cathedral Square Center. But he cannot attend in person, because he is an inmate at R.A. Handlon Correctional Facility in Ionia. The conference originated when Eric and other students of the Calvin Prison Initiative (CPI) program at R.A. Handlon sought to create a forum to educate the public about restorative justice practices. The conference was hosted by the St. Benedict Institute at Hope College in 2017 and at Calvin College in 2018. This year, the students are partnering with the Grand Rapids Diocese’s Prison and Jail Ministry. The conference theme is “Radical Forgiveness.” The keynote speaker will be Kate Grosmaire, author of “Forgiving my Daughter's Killer, A True Story of Loss, Faith and Unexpected Grace.” Through a prerecorded presentation, Eric will address conference attendees. Additional speakers and panelists include Nate Johnson of Fresh Coast Alliance; Officer Dan Myers of the Grand Rapids Police Department; and Angie Sprank of the Michigan Department of Corrections’ Offender Success program.
that focuses on repairing Restorative justice “does not focus on retribution and punishment but healing and restoring victims, offenders, and communities,” says Eric, who became Catholic after experiencing eucharistic adoration at a service at Washtenaw County Jail in 2003. “Restorative justice seeks to balance justice and mercy.” Organizers hope the conference will increase awareness and lead to implementation of restorative justice practices such as victim-offender dialogues in the state of Michigan. Currently, 21 states have victim-offender dialogues and 12 others have victim-impact panels and classes, according to Eric. Restorative justice dialogues “encourage meaningful engagement and accountability and provide an opportunity for healing, reparation and reintegration,” says Tricia Worrell, director of Prison and Jail Ministry for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Established more than 40 years ago, Prison and Jail Ministry provides a Catholic presence to incarcerated men and women and those returning from incarceration within the diocese. The ministry includes more than 150 active priests, deacons and volunteers who bring messages of hope into 21 jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers around West Michigan.
relationships and healing all those who are impacted by crime. It is a way of responding to harm with mercy and connection, rather than isolation and punishment.” Source: “Harm, Healing and Human Dignity – A Catholic Encounter with Restorative Justice” (Liturgical Press) adapted by Caitlin Morneau
IF YOU GO:
WHEN: 9 A.M. TO 3 P.M. SATURDAY, OCT. 19 WHERE: CATHEDRAL SQUARE CENTER 360 DIVISION AVE. S GRAND RAPIDS (FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE EAST OF THE BUILDING).
ADMISSION IS FREE BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. VISIT GRDIOCESE.ORG.
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OBITUARY MSGR. FRANCIS J. MURPHY
Msgr. Francis J. Murphy, who was ordained in Grand Rapids and served in the Diocese of Gaylord, died Sept. 7 at his home in Cadillac, Michigan. He was 78. Msgr. Murphy was born in Grand Rapids on Sept. 15, 1940, to Miles and Katherine Murphy. He attended St. Andrew’s School and St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mount St. Mary Seminary in Norwood, Ohio, and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. Msgr. Murphy was ordained a priest by Bishop Allen J. Babcock at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew on June 4, 1966. He served at parishes in the Diocese of Gaylord, which was part of the Grand Rapids Diocese until it was established in 1970. In addition to parish ministry, Msgr. Murphy served as vicar general of the Diocese of Gaylord for 15 years. “His wit and wisdom were hallmarks of the joy he had as a priest," said Gaylord Bishop Steven J. Raica. "His deep love for Christ and his Church was evident all throughout his priestly ministry.” A Mass of Christian Burial was held Sept. 16 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac. Interment was at Woodland Cemetery in Grand Rapids.
BACKYARD BARBECUE: Father Chris Rouech, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Grandville, and Msgr. Terrence Stewart, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Sparta, join Bishop Walkowiak for his annual barbecue for clergy and seminarians. 38
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
PHOTO BY DAWN MERRIMAN
BLESSING OF THE BELLS: Bishop Walkowiak visited Holy Trinity Parish in Comstock Park on Aug. 18 to celebrate Mass and bless the church’s new bell tower and bells. The original, refurbished bell is dedicated to Christ and Mary, while the two new bells are dedicated to St. Joseph and St. Anne.
SEMINARIANS GATHER: Bishop Walkowiak spent time with seminarians in August during their annual convocation and retreat at Franciscan Life Process Center in Lowell. Seminarians took part in daily Mass, reflection and service projects around the farm.
Photos by Eric Bouwens
PHOTOS BY DAVE TAYLOR
PHOTO BY ZACH KOESTER
BACK TO SCHOOL: More than 500 Catholic school clergy, faculty and staff members gathered for Mass celebrated by Bishop Walkowiak on Aug. 13 to usher in the new academic year. Before Mass, attendees heard a keynote from Gloria Purvis, a host of EWTN Catholic Radio's “Morning Glory” show.
INSTALLATION MASS: Father Steven Geerling was installed as pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish, Newaygo, and St. Joseph Parish, White Cloud, on Aug. 25.
MASS WITH MIGRANTS: Migrant workers and their families participate in a Mass celebrated by Bishop Walkowiak on a farm near Ionia. Father Oscar Londoño Builes, a missionary priest serving in the diocese through the Office of Hispanic Ministry, concelebrated the Aug. 2 Mass.
PHOTO BY ANNALISE LAUMEYER
VISITING THE SICK: Deacons Dominic Couturier and Daniel Orris Jr. of the Grand Rapids Diocese and seminarian Michael Lingaur of the Gaylord Diocese visit with a patient during their internship at Mercy Health St. Mary’s last summer. The three seminarians, who attend Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois, participated in the 10-week program as part of their formation for priesthood.
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THINGS TO DO
CATHOLIC INFORMATION CENTER 360 DIVISION AVE. S GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 Register for CIC programs at 616.459.7267 or register@ catholicinformationcenter.org. Unless specified, a $10 donation is requested for all sessions. For a full listing of classes, visit catholicinformationcenter.org.
FRANCISCAN LIFE PROCESS CENTER LOWELL CAMPUS: 11650 DOWNES ST. LOWELL, MI 49331 ENCORE TRIVIA CHALLENGE
For more information, call 616.897.7842 or visit lifeprocesscenter.org
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10-11:30 a.m., Encore Institute ... Spirituality for Those 55+: 2019 Encore Trivia Challenge, with Father Michael Hennessy, CSP. $15 (includes lunch). Preregistration required by Oct. 9.
Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m., Franciscan Rhythms Trail Run & Walk, Lowell campus. The annual race includes a 5K run/walk, 10K run and kids run that benefit the Franciscan Life Process Center's Music Therapy Scholarship Fund. Participants will enjoy live music along the scenic course, a lunch of hot stew and freshly baked bread, and a commemorative T-shirt. Register at trailrun2019.eventbrite.com.
Monday, Oct. 21, 6:30-8:45 p.m. Annual Gallagher Talk: Art Exhibit, Reception and Presentation. “Seeing What Has Been in Front of You: Art as Sight and Insight,” with guest artist Father Frank Sabatté, CSP. Donations benefit the Gallagher Fund. RSVP by Oct. 14. Tapestry portraits will continue to be exhibited Oct. 22-31. Saturday, Oct. 26, 7-9 p.m., The True Cost: Who Pays the Price for Our Clothing?, a documentary viewing and discussion presented by the Cathedral Social Action Team. $5 donation requested. Clothing donations for the Cathedral Clothing Outreach Center will be collected.
CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST
Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Biblical Training Institute: Old Testament, with Dr. Pauline Viviano, professor of theology at Loyola University. Cost: $75. Register by Oct. 28. ONGOING Wednesdays, Oct. 2 through Dec. 4, 7:30-8:45 p.m., Divorce Support Group, facilitated by Jim Kline. Cost $15 (includes the book Divorce and Beyond).
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GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS: 654 DAVIS ST. NW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
Mondays, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, 7-9 p.m., In the Midst of Infertility, Grand Rapids campus. Have you been experiencing infertility? Join us for a three-session support series for couples struggling with the effects of both primary and secondary infertility. Cost: $65 per couple. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Celebrate Oktoberfest, with Sister Mary Paul Moller, FSE, Lowell campus. Sister Mary Paul will use an easy ground beef recipe to make a German meat dish, fleischklösse, along with sauerbraten (marinated beef) and ketuphel (potato dumplings). Served with a good black bread and a stout German beer, how can you go wrong? Cost: $35. Saturday, Oct. 12, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Community Work Day, Lowell campus. An opportunity to work with the sisters, Franciscan apprentices and other volunteers on service projects, including land maintenance, harvesting, canning produce, farm chores and
seasonal tasks. The day concludes with lunch. Questions? Call 616.897.7842 or email registrar@ lifeprocesscenter.org. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Harvest Pies, with Sister Darlene Wessling, FSE. Celebrate the hard work of spring and summer and the joy of the harvest by making fresh apple pie using apples grown at the center. Participants will learn how to make delicious pie crusts and leave with a fresh pie to bake at home. Cost: $35. ONGOING First and third Tuesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., Strong Wives, Strong Marriages, Grand Rapids campus. Looking for ways to invest in your marriage? Join our women’s group focused on the joys and challenges of marriage at all stages of life. Lap/nursing children welcome. If additional child care is needed, call 616.897.7842. $5 donation suggested. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 9-10:30 a.m., Embracing Motherhood, Grand Rapids campus. A group for mothers of infants up to age 1 will discuss aspects of parenting and child development. Lap/Nursing children welcome. If additional child care is needed, call 616.897.7842. $5 donation suggested.
DOMINICAN CENTER AT MARYWOOD 2025 FULTON ST. E GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503
CHILDREN BETWEEEN BORDERS
A ministry of the Dominican Sisters. For more information, call 616.514.3325 or visit dominicancenter.com/events. Friday, Oct 4, 7-9 p.m., Reflective Film Series: Llévate mis amores (All of Me), a documentary about the Patronas, a group of Mexican women who, every day since 1995, make food and toss it to immigrants traveling across the border between Mexico and the United States. Not rated. Freewill offering. Popcorn and soda provided. Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Children Between Borders, presented by Lindsey Rosa and Laura Oteto. Torn from their parents, detained for extended periods and even facing death, innocent children are caught in the chaos of toxic politics and the debate on immigration. As we grapple with horrifying images of “kids in cages,” confusion abounds over what can be done. This program takes an in-depth look at the issue with a focus on how U.S. immigration and asylum policy impacts the youngest and most vulnerable. Cost: $25, $15 for those who work with and on behalf of the immigrant community.
Tuesday, Oct 29, 6-8:30 p.m., Write Your Heart Out: When You Love Someone Who Struggles with Addiction, with Sandra Mitchell, certified life coach and writer. Loving someone with an addiction is often exhausting and isolating, and perhaps you’re so caught up in your loved one’s well-being, you put your own in jeopardy. Join others with similar experiences for a transformational writing experience Cost: $35. ONGOING Every other Tuesday, Oct. 8 through Dec. 31, noon to 1 p.m., Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us. Wednesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Lectio Divina, a blend of silence and slow, prayerful reading of Scripture.
AROUND THE DIOCESE
Tuesdays, Oct. 15, 22, Nov. 5, 19, Dec. 3, 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Spirituality Through a Camera Lens, presented by Leara Glinzak and Barry Brown. Participants of all levels will be guided through artistic and technical skills of camera use; sharpen their contemplative focus on life and living; and share sacred stories of photographs with one another. Please bring your camera or smartphone to each session. Cost: $90.
•F riday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m., Mass of Hope, Health and Healing with the Sacrament of the Sick, offered the first Friday of the month at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 15164 Jupiter Drive, Marne, for those experiencing physical, emotional or spiritual pain of any kind. All are invited to come and receive the healing power of God.
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Saint Series: Hadewijch of Brabant, presented by Dawn Ewald, Dominican Associate. The Saint Series is a presentation and conversation with Dominican Associates that shines light on the many holy women and men in service of God. Free and open to all.
•M onday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., Prayer of Peace in the Spirit of Taizé, St. Mary Church, 423 First St. NW, Grand Rapids. Gathered in the presence of Christ, we sing uncomplicated, repetitive songs.
Monday, Oct. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Spiritual Director Conversations: Honoring the Holy in our Personal Partnerships, presented by Mark and Cami Mann, spiritual directors. Spiritual direction is not a practice done in isolation. This conversation will encourage sharing of experiences that have nurtured the way we live into our faith journey and spiritual direction practice as a “partnered couple.” Cost: $15. Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 24-27, Journey Into Silence Retreat: Harvest Blessings, presented by Sister Diane Zerfas, OP, coordinator of the Center for Spirituality. Silence the world around you. Silence the world within you. In the stillness, hear God’s voice. Cost: $335, includes spiritual direction, meals and room. Saturday, Oct 26, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., We Come Forth From Love Retreat, presented by the Dominican Center contemplative retreat team with webinars by Richard Rohr, OFM, and the Rev. Jacqueline J. Lewis. Listen to the wisdom of Rohr and Lewis awakening us to God’s love and to the original goodness within each of us. Cost: $35.
•T uesday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., Irish Music Concert with flutist Jill Brown and Maureen Carmody on piano at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 15164 Juniper Drive, Marne. Refreshments will follow. •S aturday, Nov. 2, Living Authentic Love Through Theology of the Body, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road NE, Grand Rapids. This one-day workshop is for adults looking to understand the basics of St. John Paul II’s vision. The keynote speaker is Father Jegar Fickel, parochial vicar of St. Mary-St. Paul parishes in Big Rapids and campus minister at Ferris State University. Cost: $20 (includes lunch). Register at http://helppregnancy.org/tob-west-mi.
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Giving our GETTY IMAGES/SOUTH_AGENCY
God wants our very best, our 100% effort.”
VERY BEST to the Lord ne of the most powerful moments of a priest’s ordination is when he lies prostrate in front of the altar. I remember that moment like it was yesterday. I made this deal with the Lord: “Lord, you called me to this life. I lie down before you today and I promise to give you my best. The rest is up to you. Help me to be a holy and loving priest.”
VOCATIONS
FATHER STEPHEN DURKEE
is director of priestly vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
42
In the September issue, I introduced the topic of my vocations column for the next few months – how a man who wants to be a priest must first become fire. This month, we are talking about sacrificial fire. Sacrifice is a common theme in the Old Testament. In Leviticus, a book often overlooked because of all the rituals and sacrificial language, we read about one of the main requirements of sacrifice. “If the communion sacrifice one offers to the Lord is from the flock, be it a male or a female animal, it must be presented without blemish.” (Lv 3:6) Much more can be written about the theology of sacrifice, but, for our purposes, I am focusing on what it means to be without blemish. That is to say, the animal sacrificed for the Lord is to be among the best of the flock. These sacrifices, also referred to as burnt offerings, were placed on the altar of the Lord. Here’s the point: God wants our very best, our 100% effort. Therefore, that line from the Old Testament often quoted by Jesus still rings true today: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.” (Dt 6:5) God wants our whole hearts; undivided. Our diocese is in the midst of the Our Shepherds – Our Future Capital Campaign. A majority of the funds raised will support seminarian education. Brothers and
FAITH Grand Rapids | October 2019 | GRdiocese.org
sisters, first, let me take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for your generous financial support that will not only help our men today in formation – I too am a beneficiary. I am very grateful to the faithful of the diocese who have given generously so that we can continue to subsidize the costs for seminarian studies. But I also bring this up because the seminarians know that they are to be good stewards of the generosity they have received. They know that the faithful support them both financially and, more important, spiritually. This very fact inspires them to continue to give their best, because the people of West Michigan hope and pray they will come back as good and holy priests. God continues to call men from our community to be priests. He also expects the best out of these men, these future priests. They are called to give the very best of themselves to the Lord and to God’s people. But this is true as well for all of us in the context of our own vocation. We are all called to give our very best to the Lord. I encourage you to think about your sacrificial offering to God, and I am not talking solely about money. St. Paul sums it up best, “Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Rom 12:10-11)
SAVE THE DATE
Windows to God's work in Jesus
NOV. 14-16
WHERE: St. John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota DETAILS: Transportation, accommodations and meals will be provided at no cost. Register by Nov. 1. Exploring the priesthood? The Diocese of Grand Rapids is offering young men ages 16-24 an opportunity to experience a few days in the life of a seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary. Contact Pattie Reynolds at preynolds@grdiocese.org to register or call Father Stephen Durkee at 616.475.1254 with any questions.
GETTY IMAGES/WILLOWPIX
VIANNEY VISIT
NOV. 15-16, JAN. 24-25, FEB. 28-29 LAST WORD
WHEN: 6 p.m. on Friday through 9:15 p.m. on Saturday WHERE: Franciscan Life Process Center, Lowell campus COST: $125; register by Oct. 31. This series explores God's plan for the living of our sexuality as articulated by Pope John Paul II. These sequenced retreats (students commit to attending all three) include fun experiences grounded in Catholic teaching. Open to students in grades 9-12. Learn more: TOB4teens.eventbrite.com.
DEC. 12
T. Gennara
SOMETHING TO SAY “YES” TO: THEOLOGY OF THE BODY
MSGR. GASPAR F. ANCONA
is a senior priest in the Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids.
RAISING HOPE DINNER WHEN: 6:30-9 p.m. WHERE: Frederik Meijer Gardens, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids TICKETS: $150 (VIP $250) The Raising Hope Dinner will celebrate the impact that Catholic Charities makes in our community and highlight powerful stories from individuals in their programs. Guests will enjoy delicious food and drinks, music and free access to the "Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World" exhibit at Meijer Gardens. Register at ccwestmi.org/raising-hope.
FEB. 1
CHERISH 2020 WHEN: 6-11 p.m. WHERE: Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids TICKETS: $99 per couple; registration opens Nov. 1 Come enjoy a joy-filled evening for Catholic couples celebrating the sacrament of marriage. All engaged and married couples are welcome. There will be dinner, an inspirational speaker and dancing. For details, visit cherishmarriage.net.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Lk 1:46-47)
SOMETIMES PEOPLE SAY, when experiencing a dramatic portrayal in word or music or art of a particularly gripping event in the life and ministry of Jesus, "I wish I could have been there!" Well, the special gift of the Gospels makes the fulfillment of that wish possible. By the power of their Spirit-inspired words, the Gospel writers provide us with a front-row seat where we can hear and see for ourselves what Jesus has said and what he has done for this world. And because Jesus is risen and is with us always, we can interact with him now, even as we engage with the Gospel accounts of his past saving actions.
Thanks to St. Luke, whose feast day we observe Oct. 18, the world has had the immense inspiration of the song of Mary in the Magnificat. (Lk 1:46-55) What music and art, what boldness of human heart and soul, have come into being because of the careful and methodical work of the disciple Luke. He put himself at the service of God's word by listening to the followers of Jesus as they told him what they had seen and heard of the ministry of Jesus. What a good listener Luke must have been! We can call what he composed the result of careful research, but it boiled down first to listening. What privileged things he was blessed to hear from witnesses or from the earliest communities of the risen Christ. It’s possible, and some say probable, that one of the first persons Luke interviewed was Mary herself, the mother of the Savior. What Luke formalized in words so long ago still powerfully reveals the inner workings of God's Spirit in the humble and the lowly among us, even in the world of today. Christian communities and individuals around the world, prompted by the Holy Spirit with the curiosity to do so, are able to hear in their own languages about God's saving and merciful actions through his son, Jesus. Thanks, endless thanks, to St. Luke for seeking out the witnesses to the redeeming Savior in his earthly ministry and, through humble language, bringing all of us along with him. 43
360 Division Ave. S Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4501 online: GRdiocese.org
fter hearing [transitional deacon] Dominic’s sermon today, I knew that our pledge to the capital campaign was well worth it.” -DIANE IACOPELLI, IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY PARISHIONER
Learn more at GRdiocese.org
B E A GOOD STEWA R D PL EASE RECYCLE