January 2002

t was Thanksgiving, 1965. A young couple, having worked with the adoption professionals at Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County, had the joy of driving to Ann Arbor to meet their new son. He had been born two months earlier at Aoo Arbor's old St. Joseph Hospital, about six weeks premature. By the end of November he was wen enough to bring home. They excitedly bundled him up and brought

him home to family and friends. Grandparents were there to greet the new aniva1 and he was welcomed with great joy into the family. In February of 1966, he was baptized, and welcomed into an even larger ~ - God's famiy, the Ch\rch. That was how I met and became a part of my two famiies - my parents, Gene and Jan and their families, and a little later, our parish family at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Saginaw. Almost 32 years later, as a newly-ordained priest, I was assigned to St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Aoo Arbor as its associate pastor. My life had made something of a complete circle. St Thomas is just a few blocks A life was saved and from the old St. Joseph Hospital in which I was born. The original offices of Catholic Social new life was offered Services of Washtenaw County are just around the comer. I can't help but wonder if my birth 32 years later, my life had mother (or birth parents) had been influenced by the people of St. Thomas Parish to keep the made a COIIliJiete circle baby she canied within her womb. Some of those folks may even stil be parishioners at St Thomas today. A life was saved and new life was offered. I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved in saving my life, most especially my parents, who made sura my new life is richly blessed by family and faith. Julianna Xisi Lavey's journey was much longer than mine. Born in China, Juianna's adoptive mother, Kathleen, made the long journey there to bring her horne to the l...ansing area Jubnna'slife could have ended in China. Or worse, it might never have begun, if it weren't for folks kke Kathleen whose hearts are open to children who need loving homes. Today Julianne enjoys the gift of new life, both with Kathleen's family and her extended family of faith. Julianne's life was saved and now grows as a precious gift. Jean Hausmann, a member of the pastoral care staff at St Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, also deals with new life, in its joys and sadness. Jean is regularly called upon to baptize babies who are in danger of death. She also ministers to parents whose newborns have died, by sharing with them the strength and reassurance of faith. Jean's ministry doesn't always have a happy ending, but it is invaluable to fami· ; lies and hospital staff dealing with crisis. Saving lives and the life.5aving sacrament of baptism is the focus of this issue of FAITH. Rita 1hiron of the diocesan Office of Wonsnp helps us to understand some of the rich history of baptism. Bishop Mengeling shares our inherent sense of the impor1anca of baptism, and Bishop Povish gives some suggestions about how we can answer that age-old question, "Are you saved?" AI this and more as our journey in FAITH continues in the year of our Lord, 2002. May you have a blessed new year! -Fr. Dwight Erop is

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Editor In Chief of FAITH Mag;ulnc and Pastor of the Catholic Community of St. jude, DeWitt.

contents

Baptism is the door to participation in God's etemallife for us. We become children of God, called to become men and women of God

Features It's usually bad news when Jean is called. But, she wouldn't have it any other way - baptizing and blessing the littlest patients at Ann Arbor's St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

Human Cloning FAITH Magazine interviews moral theologian Fr. Patrick Boyle, S.J. about this new advancement. Is it a breakthrough for new cures or an ethics nightmare?

Culture NEW Section: Books and Movie Reviews 26

Bishop C.ri F. Mengellng

Patrtda Majher

Patrick M. O'Brien

Patricia Majher

From the Bishop

Columns In the Know with Fr. Joe Fr. Joseph Krupp

Spiritual Fitness Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

Work Ufe Michael Sullivan

The Joumey Dr. Cathleen McGreal

Last Word Bishop Kenneth Povlsh 31

Cover Rnd out how Kathleen's trip to China put little Julianna on the road to salvation Nancy Schertzlng

Christening Customs celebrate your little one's birth with these creative ideas

faith Most Reverend Carl F Mengelmg

letters

PUIUSHER

Rev Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR

Volume 3 : luue 1 .lallu.y2002

Send your leiters to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 3 00 W. Ottawa lansing, Ml48933 or via e-mail lettersOfallhmag.com

Rev Dw111.ht Ezop EDn'OR INCHIEF

Patrick M. O'Brien

Your Tum - Tell Us What You Think

MANAGING EDn'OR/CREAnVE DIRECTOR

Kathy Funk ASSISTANT EDITOR

Alton Pelowski CREATIVE A EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WEBMAS11!R

j1llanejob I UBICRIPTIONS/SECRETARY

Evelyn Weitzel SUIISCRIPn~S

Rev W1lham Ashbaugh Elizabeth Johnson Rev Jo~eph Krupp Patricia Majher Dr Cathleen McGreal jennifer Niester Erin Oakley Most Rev. Kenneth]. Povish Nancy Schenzing CONT1111unNG WRrrERS

Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING

Christine jones james Luning (cover) Philip Ship ~ n

I am compelled to write this letter, not out of malice or selfrighteousness, but out ofgenuine empathy and profound sadness. Since our country began bombing Afghanistan, I wondered why tlte Church did not immediately and publicly state its opposition, especiai!Y in light of Pope joltn Paul liS comments following the events of Sept. 11. ... Imagine my sl10ch and utter disappointment to read your November issue quoting (per F1: joe) the U.S. Conference of Bishops' sup· port of the atrocities our country is imposing on that sad country and its citizens. TI1e comments of our own Bishop Mengcling arc equally appalling. Are these the

CONTRIIunNG PHdrt)QRAPHERS

Wayne Case David Fenech Rev Mauhew Fedewa Patricia Garcia Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev. james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple RevWEB Cecili~,~ra MIN Rogers Printing

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You ash for comments on FAITH Magazine. It is beautiful, colorful and tlte articles seem quite interesting. Unfortunately, for many of us seniors, the print is too small to be easily read. I am not an expert in this field ... But on the whole, I do not attempt to read any print which is difficult. It helps if tltc print is darh, as it is in some articles. ... Your magazine is modem and a big impmvement over the publications favored in past years. ... So keep on with the effort to bring LIS up into current times. We can't afford to hang onto tile past Its a wicked world out there!

MllryBflll Lawrence

Name Withheld by Request

lpllusa: (517) 342·25115

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~-bf..'= Thank You to all those who conb1buted to the American

_w hat is the reason for ·having godparents? If it's no longer common for parents to die while their children are quite young, why does the Church still require the selec·

ADVISORY IICWID

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people who are representing my faith to the non-Catholic citizenry? Are these the men who have dedicated their lives to ourfaitlt? If this is Catholicism, I want no part of it. ... We are called to be peacemakers in a world of violence, lovers in a world of hate, givers in a world of materialism, builders in a world of destroyers, and forgivers in a world of vengeance. ... We can as a universal Church and as individual temples of tlte living Christ, challenge the status quo and bring our humanity to a higher level of evolution, one closer to tltat of our creator, in whose image we were all made.

and their willingness to take an active part in witnessing their faith to the child. In some instances, godpar· ems will be deeply involved in the lives of

have taken some part in sharing faith with the child. Being asked to serve as a godparent is an honor that comes with responsibility. Infants can pry open our hearts to faith in ways that ~~~~~~~ the children tion and presence few others can. In time, all r they sponsor; of godparents for a children need solid role baby's baptism? in other cases While it's no longer a ~~~~~5'1 the relationship models as they begin to may be more distant. When hope or expectation that make their way through life. godparents will raise a child the time comes, it is certainly Together, child and godparent can offer in the case of the untimely a hope that death of parents, the role of the godparent The role of godparent one another inspiration godparent can be rich and will serve as can be rich and and insight as rewarding, both for the child the child's rewarding, both for both grow in and for the godparent. At the sponsor for the child and for wisdom, age celebration of baptism, the confirmation, the godparent and grace. godparents represent the and that he - Fr. Dwight E:op larger community of faith or she will

Evangelization Appeal -

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saint of the ITionth St. Thomas Aquinas

Born Again on the Internet

With Catholic Schools Week coming Oan. 27·Feb. 2), we thought a QUIZ on the patron saint of Catholic Schools was In order.

Find this and more only on FAITHmag.com

The sacrament of baptism is the first act of bringing a child into the Catholic religion, something parents and godparents should understand. lf your family is expecting a baby or is in the process of adopting a child, there are a few places on the Web you can go to expand your knowledge of the sacrament. Baptism in the Catholic Clturdt www.sllk.neVReiEdlbaptlsm.htm

This page is pan of a Web site devoted to Catholic educators. The Sacrament of Baptism www.c:athollcdoors.com/courses/bapllsm.htm

www.adoptlon.com

If you are considering adopting a child, this is a great place to start.

Web Exclusive .-...- The Month for Chinese Babies? Did you ever notice that when things come to your attention, you see them everywhere? That happened to us at FAITH Magazine. This months cover story features Kathleen Uivey, who adopted a Chinese baby. Coincidentally, as this issue was corning together, the daughter of FAITHs Evelyn Weitzel was in China adopting a baby! It seemed like everyone on staff knew someone who went to a foreign country to adopt a child in need. So, we just had to tell you about Evelyn!; daughter, Cathy, and the new member of the Weitzel family- Sophie. Read her story and then tell us your story on FAmtrnag.com

Book of the Month

nicknamed the 'Dumb Ox' because: a He was stupid and clumsy. b He had a large build and was silent.

one day fil the worid with his Indeed, .AqUnas was as gifted a pr98Cher as he was a writer.

c He was a linebacker for

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the University of Naples football team. d His family raised oxen.

2 B. Thomas' parents want· ed him to be a Benedictine, ~ke his uncle who was abbot of the monastery at Monte Cassino. When Thomas decided to join the Dominicans, which were considered a "radical" order, his parents kidnaped him and tried for 15 months to change his mind.

2 St. Thomas entered

This page is designed to be an online mini-course to help you fully understand the sacrament of baptism. Adoption Networlt

11111111~1

Answers: 1 B. StThomas Aquinas was caled the 'Dumb Ox' by his fellow novices because he was heavyset and didn't say much. But his teacher said that "this ox wil

1 St. Thomas Aquinas was

the Benedictine monastery at Monte Cassino when he was 5 years old. When he was 18, he left to join the Dominican order instead. To get him away from these friars, he was kidnaped by: a The Benedictines. b His parenta. c The pope. d St. Louis, King ci France. 3 The wntmgs of St. Thomas

Aqumas were influenced by. a The Greek phiosopher Aristotle. b The Muslim philosophers Averroes and Avicenna. c The Jewish philosopher Maimonidea. d Alii of the above.

4 The Summa Theologtca is. a The wrestling team at a Japanese seminary. b A torture device for philosophy studenta at Catholic universities. c St. Thomas' greatest work, in which he provides proof for the existence of God. d The highest level at which you can graduate from a seminary.

Today I Was Baptized by Dianne Alaem Today 1Was BaptiZed tells a heartwarming story of an infant baptism and includes short essays about -the sacrament of baptism, its origin and traditions. The story is an actual baptism set in a parish here in the Lansing Diocese, St. Thomas 5 According to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Ann Arbor, with Aquinas, we can deterour own Fr. Roger mine the existence of Prokop officiating. There is also 1-~_,_ God through: room for you to record the story IC:UII ~ a The experiences of our of your babys baptism. The book -------------------------aenses. beautifully illustrated and one b The action of our intellect. hm the SL ~ Relreat that you are sure to want as a c Divine revelation. Center Book Stare, log on to keepsake of your babys special d The combined use of senday. (June l, 2000); ISBN 0967943701 tJQfy data, intelect and faith. www.FAITHmag.com ?·~

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3 D. While many theologians steered away from the worb of phbophera from outside the Christian tradition, Aquinas took the worb of Aristotle (and commentaries on his worb by others) to thai' deepest level in order to prove Christian truths by means of reason and failh.

4 c.The Summa Theologica is Aqires' Q1"8B1mt wori<. In Part I, he provides his proof ci fle exislence ci God and deduces the atlnbtAes ci God (Lriy, infiriy, U'1dlangeablene goodness). Part II is a ciscussion on his system ci ethics. Part Ill deals \\1lh Christ 5 D. Acconling to Aquinas, all knowledge begins Mh eenaay experience (what we see, touch, smel, taste), lxA we make sense of this data by using our inteDect. To reach an understanding of the highest truths, revelation throug, fMh is requred. How did you do? 0-1 Correct Time to go back to school. Don't forget to pick up a copy of the Summa 2-3 Correct You arc a student of Cathohc philosophy. 4-5 Correct· Constder yourself a buddmg Thomtst. The Doctor would be pleased . - Elizabechjohnson

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in the know with Fr. Joe A couple came Into my office for some marriage prep meetings. I began talk· lng about unconditional love and decided to give them a concrete example. I turned to the bride-to-be and said, "Now, suppose you two get married. One day your hus· band comes home and tells you that through gambling and bad Investments, he's lost everything - no money, no c:redlt cards, no savings, no checking account, nothing. Would you still love him? What would you say to him?" She thought for a moment and said, "Yes, I would still love him, but I sure would miss him:' There really Is no response to that.

Dear Fr. Jot!t I can't seem to get my grandson to go to Church. His parents aren't taking him and I would really Uke him to go. What should I do?

I was at the grocery Store the other day wearing my clerics and this guy came up and said, "You know. I don't

FMTH Maga:lnr

jm1uury 2002

go to Church anymore because its filled with hypocrites." I said to him, ~Don't worry, there is always room for one more!" I hope he saw the truth in that statement. We all need Church. I don't mean to be tnte - the pain of a loved one not going to Church is real, I know. When we talk about spiritual matters, we arc often talking about peoples souls and we want to take that seriously. Okay, so what do you do ... First of all, pray This is not the "token" response: ~or course you say 'pray,' you're a priest!" No, this is the first and best course of action because it is the root of all we do. jesus spent ume in prayer and we need to follow His example. This accomplishes numerous things. The two major aspects arc that it helps us hand over the situation to Jesus and it takes the answer out of our hands so we are not prideful when God answers our prayers. Got it? OK. so the first step is to

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pray. Second, I would have a chat with your grandsons parents. Show 'em this anicle if you want! (Hey, if you are the one reading this now, take your son to Church! We need him!) Avoid condemnation or comments about their parenting skills. just let them appropriately. Stay for the know how painful this situa- entire celebration. Explain tion is for you. Share in a per- how things work and why we sonal way how faithful atten- do what we do. Here is something you may dance at Church has changed your life. Offer to drive them not have thought about: not only does your child need the to Church -do whatever it Church, the Church needs takes. This does not need to your child! We arc incom· be about conOict; it can be a plcte when all the baptized simple expression of your members of the Church are pain about this situation. not there. We need your Now, let me take a moment to address all of you daughters or sons gifts and talents. They - and you - are out there who have kids. First, PLEASE take your sons imponant! Finally, thank your own and daughters to Church. As parents who took you to life gets more complicated Church. This is the best place and/or painful, their faith for us to meet will be somejesus. This is thing they can what saves us always rely on. We are incomplete and brings us Don't let the when all the baptized closer to heaven. spiritual legacy are not at Church. More often than your parents We need your not, our parents built die with daughter or son's probably had to them. We don't gifts and talents. take some seri· let kids · make ous garbage their own choicfrom us to get es" about alcous there. So thanks for taking hol, drugs or sex, so lets it, Mom and Dad! make sure we don't wimp In my shon time as a out on this one either. priest, 1 have seen over and Second, if you arc taking over how imponant a fallh your kids to Church, make foundation is in life. Lets sure they know how impormake sure we pass thts on to tant this is to you. Get to the next generation. Mass on time and dress

Remember, you belong to aometl\lng - your local pertah

people? The use of water in baptism signifies many things about the saving power of the Holy Spirit The Catechism states, "Since the beginning of the world, water, so humble and wonderful a creature, has been the source of life and fruitfulness" (CCC 1218). We asked Second Graders at Holy Rosary School, Flint, "Why is water used to baptize people?"

"For the baby to get a new life~

"To waah away their aina~

Alida Flood

Annie Dyer

"To clean the baby ofr.' Dennis E. Hadden

'Dike our • Do the sacraments mean more now than 20 years ago? • Do the sacraments represent a real presence of God to you? • What is the single thing you can do to get to heaven? • Should the: Church do more to conven people?

Fr. Joe, There are a lot of different religions out there and everybody thinks their's Is right. One of my friends says that we are all right. Is It lnle that all religions are right? Nope. One of the things about our culture that is beautiful is our intense desire to be accepting people. When we do this , we can be acting In a way that is very Christlike. However, sometimes in our efforts to be open people, we sometimes accept too much. Or, as one of my classmates at seminary put it, ''You can be so open-minded that your brain falls out." jesus came as a divine person who was many things: the .1 on of God, our Hope, our Savior, all these and more. But

plain wrong. There is only Jesus also came as the truth. Check out Catechism No. one truth and we can panicipate in it fully or panially. 2466: "In Jesus Christ, the whole of Gods truth has been There always is and always made manifest. 'Full of grace will be things that arc more truthful than and truth,' He came as the others and As we worship Jesus, this includes 'light of the world,' He IS the we believe we are our relation1hllh. ~ Wow! worshiping the truth. ship with How is that for God. There is one truth. powerful! Now, lets We can participate in As we worlook at how it fully or partially. the statement, ship jesus, we "You have believe we are your truth and 1 have worshiping the tnrtl1. mine," doesn't hold water Some people will tell in Christianity, or even you that truth is subjective. They say, "You the practical world. What if l were to say have your truth and 1 have mine.~ that your car That, my is red while brothers and sisters, is just

blue. Now, as beautiful as those two colors are when put together on say, a football helmet, its not like your car would appear maize and blue to me and red to you, right? Since we now know that there is truth out there and it is not subjective, or a matter of opinion, then we have an obligation as humans to find out what the truth is. Enjoy another day in God's presence! ~ Submit your Questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Ml 48833

Or: JoelnBiack@prlest.com E·TALK: Priests answer your questions one-on-one only on FAITHmag.com

theology101 sacraments: an overview

In order to share the tenets of our faitlt, eaclr issue of tltis years FAITH Magazine will focus on one of tlte seven sacra-

ments. Rita Thiron, Associate Director of the Office for Worship will briefly trace ltistory, tlreology, and tlte rites surrounding tire sacraments.

What does "sacrament" really mean? The old Baltimore Catechism defined a sacrament as "an outward sign instituted by Christ to give grace.· But that only tells pan of the story. Early Christians used the Greek word mysterion~that to which signs referred; a reality laced with the unseen presence of God." Translated into Latin, this word became sacramcn· tum (Sacra - to set apart and mentum - the means or instrument). In the Roman era, a sacramentum was a pledge of money or property deposited by parties as a guarantee of a contract. Soldiers, too, swore a sacramentum or an oath of allegiance to their commander.

A ''sign" of something greater? In Catholic liturgy we use "signs perceptible to the senses" 1 - oil, water, bread, wine, laying on of hands, words, etc. But these signs have an effect; they cause what they signify. In them Christ Himself is at work: it is He who baptizes, He who acts in His sacraments in order to communicate the grace that each sacrament signifies.

the power of God" <ccc 1128>. The sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us. The visible rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each sacrament. They bear fruit in those who receive them with the required dispositions <CCC mn. Some sacraments can be received only once, since How do sacraments work? they impart a special ~char acter~ - baptism, confirmaThe sacraments act ex opere operata (literally "by the tion, and holy orders. very fact of the action being performed"), i.e., by virtue of Find out more at your parish or FAITHmag.com the saving work of Christ, accomplished once for aiL It We encourage you to read follows that "the sacraments more about the sacraments are not wrought by the right- and/or to attend religious eousness of either the celeeducation classes at your brant or the recipient, but by parish.

80 •

1 Christ instituted 2 The early

the Church with its sacramental nature firmly founded on Scripture and tradition.

Christians loosely applied the term ..sacrament" to a variety of experi· ences, ritual actions and objects - the washing of feet, the sign of the cross, etc..

3 Augustine spoke broadly of the sacraments their effects, their administration, and their fruitfulness.

4 In the 13th century. the Second Council of Lyons (1274), based on the writings of Peter Lombard in his

Book of Sentences, defined the seven sacraments we have today. 5 The Council of

Florence (1439) said the sacraments "contained and conferred grace .~

e The Council of Trent (1545-1563) stated that there were "no more nor less than seven· and defined them more dearly.

Baptism Part 1

Baptism Part 2

J¥1u.y

Reconciliation I•

Euc:harlst

wha t

Confinnalion

Holy Orders

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Marriage ' tl

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w 11 " t w r b c I i r v r

baptism: part 1 What does BapUsm mean? The word baptism comes from the Greek, bapitzein, which means ''to dip or to immerse." What does Baptism "do?'' flBaptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into Gods people. This first sacrament pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness, and brings us to the dignity of adopted children, a new erearion through water and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hence we are called and indeed are children of God"2 Moreover, "holy baptism is the basis or the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments. Through baptism, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God: we become members of Christ, are incorporated in the Church and made sharers in her mission; 'baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water and the Word.'"3

oee Page 16 for a look at the liturgy for tile Baptism of a Child nd look for Part 2: Adult Baptism in next month's FAITH.

Before Chris\ Jewish Purfftcatlon

1 The jews practiced various ablutions for the sake or purification and the initiation or proselytes.

During Christ

jesus' baptism, the heavens opened John the BepUst up, the Holy Spirit 2 john the Baptist descended upon preached repenHim in the form of tance and practiced a dove, and a voice ritual "washings" in said "You are my the River jordan. beloved Son; on Jesus Wes Baptized You my favor rests" 3 All four Gospels (Mk 1: 9- 11). record that jesus Disciples Baptize ubjected Himself 4 jesus baptized to john~ baptism in Oohn 3: 22) and He the River jordan. At authorized His dis-

Early Church

3rd • 7th Century

ciples to baptize, "Go, therefore, and make disciples or all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Mt 28 19)

wrote that an inquirer be "taught in prayer and fasting" before being baptized in water and led to the table.

c100 The Dldeche

5 The Didache records that one should be instructed, fast, and then be baptized in "cold running water," if possible. 150 Justin Martyr

8 justin Manyr

Remember, you belong to aomethlng - your IOCIII pt~rlsh

100.800 lnltletlon Predlces

7 Clear initiatory practices began to emerge - they included baptism, anointing and Eucharist.

Middle Ages

eoo Secrementel Prectlces Seperete

8 The sacraments

Modem Tlmes

community was less emphasized than salvation from Original Sin and the damnation that went with it.

of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist began to be separated due to the unavailabili- 2nd V.Ucen Council 10 The Church ty of the bishop, rightly refocused the high infant mortality rate, and our attention on the redemptive acts or a new emphasis j esus and developed on Original Sin_ rites for children Emphesls on Sin 9 During the and adult baptism. Middle Ages, the understanding or baptism as entrance into a

www.FAITHm•g.c:om

january 2002

FAITH M~g;~zlnc

Sick/Healing

froin the bishop By Bishol' Carl F. Mengcling

riests are asked about almost anything. Queries are often personal, sometimes surprising- even embarrassing- but, mostly, friendly. Elementary and middle school students fired all sorts of questions at me during my recent visits to all our Catholic schools. Upon learning that I have been a priest for 45 years, the hottest topic in most schools was: How many babies have you baptized in 45 years? Do you like doing baptisms? Our students arc right on 11 rget with one of the principal convictions and concerns of Catholics. Baptism is deep in the Catholic psyche and it emerges with great intensity when babies are born. The baptism of a baby is a sacred obligation for parents and an event of great joy for family and friends. As the indispensable prerequisite for becoming and being a Catholic, baptism is urgently requested and even ardently- sometimes fiercely- demanded. Thcrcs no doubt for this priest of 45 years that baptism is one of the high priorities of Catholics - active and mactive. This deep Catholic sense about the need for baptism endures through thick and thin. I have experienced countless and varied encouners with our faithful and 1'' thers about baptism.

I Pl101o lllustration by janet Wooley

In theology this is called the sensus fidclium ; this sense Catholics have about our faith is similar to intuition and interior wisdom. The Holy Spirit is the source of this interior knowledge and d iscernment of the faithful. It produces a unanimity of Catholic feeling- a kind of subjective awareness of the Catholic tradition. In the current idiom, its like a sixth sense or great feeling. This sense we, as Catholics , have about baptism is an active gift of the Spirit for us and the Church.

sovereign power of God opens us to divine life in baptism. Yes, in baptism the finite is taken up into the infinite. When God gives us new life in union with the New Adam - Jesus - we truly become His sons and daughters. The same Spirit that dwells in Jesus and unites Him to the Father in eternal love and life becomes our new Spirit. The Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. Our lord makes the profound significance of baptism clear to us by using a basic

of the divine-human drama in baptism is why Catholics have this sensus fidelium the sixth sense of the faithful about our faith. The limits of this article exclude an in-depth look at the following, but a listing of the 'natural' aspects of water opens the door to the sacramental aspects of water. Water is necessary for life. It refreshes and restores. It replenishes the earth. It is a sign of hospitality. Water purif1es and cleanses. The

All that water does in nature it now does sacramentally by divine power in baptism. We know that a person cannot become a Christian by birth; only by a second birth. Baptism is the door to participation in Gods eternal life for us. We become children of God, called to become men and women of God in union with all in His family. It is an initiation Into the Christian life in an ever closer identification with Christ and His Church - and an encounter with the lord through the sacraments. Only God can quench our thirst, satisfy our hunger and our vast needs. We know, too, that by nature we have an immense need that can be satisfied only in God. With no merit of ours, but by sheer love and mercy, the

element of our everyday experience - a basic need for life itself - water. Plain, ordinary water that we take for granted, but cannot live without, takes on a profound and new meaning in Gods relations with us. All our everyday experience with water now becomes a symbol of another higher level of existence - our life with God. All that water does in nature it now does sacramen· tally by divine power in baptism. The need for water, the power of water in nature, and the uses of water by humans reveal Gods intent for us in baptism and the Christian life. The awareness of our varied experiences of water now raised to the level

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power of water changes the earth. Water has destructive power. What a powerful change occurs when the old Adam dies in the water and the New Adam rises out of the waters of baptism! St. Paul calls the baptized ua new creation~ now belonging to Christ, identified and living in a fellowship with Him and His family. It's not surprising then that all those gathered at the baptism of a baby are filled with joy. Its because they have that sense of the faithful. They know its important and the right thing to do. They sense it is about meaning, purpose and destiny now and forever.

~~~w~

M~~~~

ith each person she told, however, the resulting reaction became less imponant. Four years after the idea surfaced - and still driving her Saturn station wagon - Kathleen Lavey began working with Great Wall China Adoption Agency. The agency accepted her application and Kathleen was overjoyed.

On the other side of the world in Quzhou, China, a pared her home for the precious julianna she had never young woman was completing her first month of pregseen. nancy. Knowing that her government allows only one child 1 Finally in late August, news came that a baby girl in the Quzhou Social Welfare Institute was available for adoption. per family, she must have hoped that the child growing Kathleen read her personal history and medical record in an inside her was a son. He would look after her when she was old, carry on her family name, provide grandchildren to give 1 e-mail from the adoption agency. "Born jan. 1, 2000, and her joy. A daughter would marry into another family and left at the institute gates," it read. "Child's name is Xi Si, would care for her husband's family, not her own. A son which means western thought." would provide the security she needed. She could not afford ul thought I would cry when I got the news," wrote Kathleen in her article, To China and Bach, A New Mom~ to waste her only child on a girl. When she discovered her unborn child was not the son journey. "Instead, I couldn't stop smiling." . , she felt she must have, she faced a terrible choice. She could When the photo of a perfect baby girl appeared on he~.V keep the baby and relinquish any hope of prosperity in her computer screen moments later, Kathleen was smitten. "I loved her immediately." old age. She could carry the baby to full term, then give up her daughter in hopes that her next pregnancy might yield a Two and a half months later, on her 40th birthday, son. Or, she could have an abortion. 1 Kathleen Lavey stepped off a plane in Beijing. Within days As part of their population control efforts, the Chinese she was in Quzhou , holding her perfect little girl. "After government promotes abortion at all stages of pregnancy. years of dreaming and saving, months of working and waitSocially. the young woman would carry no stigma for abort- j mg. julianna Xisi was in my arms." ing her baby because it was a girl and not a boy. The proce"I wanted to hug her and hold her forever. l would be her dure is common and widely accepted in China. But, surpris- provider and protector, her moral compass and her confiingly, it was not the option she chose. dante. I would show her the United States and Europe and For some reason she decided to see her pregnancy bring her back to China some day. 1 would make sure she through. On jan. l, 2000, as the western world cclebratwas well-educated and as happy as a child could be." cd the beginning of a new millennium, the young woman ''1 will be forever sorry that the joy in my life was created by that birth mothers pain." Yet that same gave birth to a perfect baby girl. She named her Xi Si, meaning uwestern A son would provide the security pain inspires Kathleen. "The way I like thought." The next morning, she she needed. She could not afford to to look at it,juliannas birth parents wrapped her baby warmly and left her loved her so much they decided to give outside the gate of the Quzhou Social waste her only child on a girt. The her life. Then, at 12 hours, they gave her up to a place where they knew she Welfare Institute. Workers there took the young Chinese mother would cany would be cared for, and maybe adopted baby in with the other abandoned and no stigma for aborting her baby. someday. I want to honor their love, orphaned children of the city. and my own, by being the best parent l can be." In East Lansing, Kathleen Lavey ushered in the new millennium crafting quilts and readying a nursery for the baby Kathleen and julianna spent the next two weeks in she expected would share her life. Knowing the Chinese China getting to know each other. Adjustmg to mother- â&#x20AC;˘ "" governments One Child Policy led many parents to abandon hood was sometimes rocky for Kathleen, whose only previ- ~ their daughters, Kathleen chose a girls name - julianna in ous parenting roles had been godmother and pet owner. Though healthy, 11-month-old Julianna was unaccustomed honor of her own beloved grandmother. She lovingly preÂˇ

I I

to eating solid foods, and she made it clear she didn't care They stayed at Kathleens parents their first weeks in the for the flaH1pped nipples Kathleen put on her bottles. U.S. Kathleens mother and siblings took turns helping care julianna had also spent so much time in her crib and walker for julianna, the first grandchild in the Lavey family In addiat the orphanage that her legs and head were weak comtion to keeping her grandma and aunt and uncles busy, julianna brought a special joy to Kathleen's father who sufpared to most children her age. Yet her 15- pound frame was the lightest of burdens for her joy-filled new mom. fered from Alzheimer's d isease. The laughter they shared For their return trip to Lansing, danced across the rooms, lighting up Kathleen and julianna had to visit the the house and all within. U.S. Consulate in Guanzhou to have As the family gathered for their juliannas immigration papers Thanksgiving celebration, pproved. To Kathleens surprise, they Kathleen's cousin, a priest, offered a special family blessing on sailed through the process and had Kathleen and Julianna. To her surtime to do a little sightseeing. At a visit to a temple ncar the consulate, prise, this blessing struck Kathleen Kathleen and the other adoptive parwith the same power that the Buddhist monks' prayer had. But this ents in their group were approached by a Buddhist monk. With the new was different. Instead of foreign peoparents' permission, the monk and his ple from another religion and lanfellow holy men blessed the bab1es guage blessing her childs departure, this was a beloved relative welcoming and the new families for a safe journey to their homes. her :md her daughter into the family Kathleen held their blessing in her she so loved. Juliannas transition hcan, and remembers it as an important moment in from orphan to cherished daughter was complete. juliannas young life. It moved her to think that complete Christmas and juliannas first birthday quickly followed, strangers from another faith would take the time to bless her and the time had come for her baptism. Kathleen had scheduled julianna's baptism before she and her baby. Their simple gesture gave her a sense of peace and great comfort as "The way I like to look at it, Julianna's went to China because, as she put it, she faced the arduous journey home. ..baptism is just something that you brrth parents loved her so much they After 27 hours of travel across l3 do. There was never any question decided to give her life. I want to time zones, Kathleen and julianna about it." honor their love, and my own, by finally arrived home. Kathleen had Kathleen was prepared. She being the best parent I can be~' endured sleep deprivation, the flu and a attended the parents' baptism classes at fussy baby in flight, so home looked church. She had asked her sister and especially welcoming when they fmally arrived. Once again, brother to be julianna's godparents. She bought the requisite Julianna and Kathleen began the task of getting to know candle and baptismal gown. She had invited friends and /1bach other in a new environment. And, once again, Kathleen family to attend Saturday evening Mass to witness julianna's ~vas amazed to discover how much joy her daughter brought baptism. She had even planned what menu items she would to her life- even at 3 a.m when she popped her smiling face order from her favorite Chinese restaurant for the post-bapÂˇ over the edge of her crib, ready to play. tism celebration. Kathleen Lavey, dutiful new Catholic mom, .,. Remember, you belong to something - your lo~:~~l parish

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followed the rules and now she would be able to cross dear cousin, welcomed them into Kathleen's family and recUBaptism" off her To Do List. ognized the sanctity of their own smaller famil y unit. Finally, Holdingjulianna in church that evening, she looked julianna's baptismal blessing marked her entry into the around at the familiar faces singing and smiling, greeting Church and gave Kathleen comfort knowing that the whole each other as friends. She had attended Mass with them reg- Church community would support julianna in her faith ularly for years, yet somehow tonight journey through life. Kathleen is still taken by surprise their smiles seemed especially bright and Th1s time as she listened to the warm, welcoming her and julianna in a at the power these blessings have had priest s1ng the familiar chant: "I bapin her own life. special way. tize you in the name of the Father, She's surprised at the blessing Similarly, she had watched many bapand of the Son, and of the Holy julianna has been; surprised at the tisms before, sang the Alleluias and Spint," her heart sang with him. repeated her baptismal vows dozens of gratitude she feels to a young Chinese mother she has never met; surprised at times as she welcomed new babies into the love God has lavished on her little family; and, surprised the Church. Yet this time was different. This time as she lisat how insignificant a sports car can seem when compared tened to the priest sing the familiar chant: "I baptize you in to a perfect baby girl. '3 the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," her heart sang with him. The congregation's response: "Alleluia, Alleluia. Alleluia, Alleluia," rang through Ministry focua.h Baptism Preparation the church and soared with Kathleen's spirits. Once again, her perfect baby girl had been blessed and welcomed into a Kathleen, like most parents, did everything she could for Julianna's well being. Baptism was a chief priority. Yet, new family - the family of God. And once again, Kathleen was surprised by the depth of Julianna probably won't remember the most important emotion julianna's baptism had evoked in her. She rememday in her life as a Christian. One of the ministries at your bered her priest's words at the baptism class. He had warned parish prepares parents for the baptism of a child. Baptism the new parents that no matter where they were in their preparation educates parents so they can welcome their dlildren faith life, having a child would make their own faith more into the faith and guide them on the path to salvation. important to them. After becoming a mother and experiencIf you were baptized as a baby, you probably don't remember either. Here Is what happened: ingjulianna's baptism, his words struck an unexpected ---chord with Kathleen. Rtta of Baptism for One Child She has embraced motherhood and the responsibility of Reception of the ChHd Celebration of the laying the foundation for another person's faith journey. • What name do you Sacrament Where once she had performed a spiritual act without give your child? • Blessing and mvocation of thinking, now she is acutely aware of how her actions affect • What do you ask God over baptismal water not just her, but also her daughter and their entire family. of Gods Church? • Renunciation of sin • Do you clearly and profession of faith "It's not about me anymore," she explains. "It's about someunderstand • Baptism body else and what I can do to help that person become what you are Explanatory RHes more comfortable with God .~ undertaking? • Anointing after bapusm With her baptism, julianna officially entered the fami• Godparents, are you • Clothing with the white ly of God. She has become a precious part of the Church ready to help? garment • The Christian comrnuruty ~~~ • Lighted candle body, along with other Church family members who wilt welcomes you with joy • Ephpheta or prayer support her, welcome her, and celebrate God's extraordiUturgy of the Word over the ears and nary love with her. And with her baptism, julianna inher• Readmg mouth (optional) ited the saving grace that God's Son, jesus, offers all those • Homily Conclusion who will accept it. • Intercessions of the RHe • Lord's prayer Looking back on her daughter's • Prayer of Exorcism and anomting before baptism • Blessing and dtSmtssal faith journey, Kathleen meditates on three extraordinary events Roftact on Dds that took her by surprise and Arc you aware that we, wl10 were baptized into Christ formed the basis for what she jesus, were baptized into His death? Through baptism into hopes will be a rich faith hfe for His death we were buried with Him, so that, just as Christ julianna. First, the blessing of the was raised from Lite dead by the glory of the Father; we too monks - holy men from migl1t live a new life. If we have been united with Him julianna's native country helped through lilzeness to His death, so shall we be through a smooth their travels to a new lilze resurrection (Romans 6:3-5). land and a new life. Second, the I solemnly assure you, no one can enter into Gods lzingdom without being begotten of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). family blessing bestowed by her

()

And she hurries to the scene to be of service. Sometimes, there is a success story. "One day recently, I was called to the neonatal intensive care unit to baptize a baby whose chances of surviving were slim. This little girl was four days old, experiencing kidney failure, liver problems, and low electrolytes. At her fathers request, I baptized her and prayed for her recovery. "Four days later, she was still alive and out of the woods. I felt, and her father and grandmother agreed, that it was because they'd asked for the sacrament of baptism." More often than not, the ending is not so happy. When a babys death is imminent, the staff marks the door of the mother with a yellow rose. If Jean is called upon to baptize a baby inside such a room (baptism is not a requirement of the hospital, even for the children of Catholic parents), she warms the water and pours it over the baby's head from a seashell. "Somehow, this makes the process seem more tied to nature, not medicine." At least one witness must be present for the sacrament; if time is of the essence, a nurse can step in as proxy for a godparent. Only water is involved in a hospital baptism. "If the baby sur-~ vives, I advise the parents to take him or her to~ their home parish to continue the rite with holy oil." This is often the case with premature babies, whose families request baptism at the hospital his special person came to her hospital ministry m a roundabout way, serving for 17 years as director of religious edubecause of their faith stance. cation at St. joseph Shrine in the Irish Hills. "I loved my jean performs an infant baptism about once a month. work," jean explains, "but, after such a long time in the Twice as often, she is called upon to perform the sad task of same position, I felt a bit burned out: The ------blessing a baby who doesn't survive birth or search for her next challenge drew her to a wl also felt I could relate who dies before jean or another chaplain can Toledo center for Clinical Pastoral Education, to parents who've suf- arnve. fered the loss of a child through which she earned four units focusing ~we do not baptize a dead baby.~ says jean, on hospital work. because I, myself, lost "but we reassure the family that their desire to do so ensures thctr child will enter the kingShe began her new career in chaplaincy at two babies in the dom of God .~ Jacksons Foote Hospital. Then, about a year second trimester:' When a baby dies - at birth or after a strugago, she came to St. joseph Mercy where she asked to be assigned to L&D. Why seek out this particular gle for life that is played out over several days - a family assignment? "The nurses think its because I love babies," grieves. But they arc not alone in their grief. "Twice a year, says jean, "which I do! But I also felt I could relate to parwe hold a memorial service for those who have lost a child.~ ents who've suffered the loss of a child because I, myself, Jean says. This moving ceremony of song and renection gives parents and other family members a chance to share lost two babies in the second trimester." jean makes it a point to visit L&D every day. W I want the their feelings and support them in their loss. nurses to know me and know they can depend on me." At When St. Joseph Mercy staff members grieve the loss of an infant patient, jean is there for them, too, offering whatthese times, she may pray with a mother experiencing a long ever comfort she can. A simple prayer will often suffice. Her labor or talk to a new father who is overcome with emotion after participating in his child's binh. favorite? ~God grant me the serenity to accept the things I .a \ But, when she's summoned away from her rounds in other cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and ~ the w1sdom to know the difference.~ ' parts of the hospital, Jean knows the news can't be good.

6.}

spirituaHitness But what happens when jean herself becomes emotionally

((f involved? Who ministers to the minister in her time of

need? The answer is that, after five years of experiencing the joys and sorrows of hospital work, jean has learned how to comfort herself. "l go to the chapel to pray, or I talk to another chaplain. Sometimes l just give in to the tears, which can be so cleansing." Despite the challenges of her job, jean greets each day with a happy heart, filled with joy and love for the Lord. jean explains her attitude this way: "1 believe each baptism and blessing brings inner peace to the parents and ushers each child into the communit}' of believers. lam only too happy to be the instrument" )

Mlnlstty Focus

HospllaL.Ministey.

Treating the Whole Person: Mind, Body and Don't Forget - the Spirit Ministering to patients Is not for every· body. Fr. lim Dombrowski, director of ethics at Ann Arbor's St Joseph Mercy Hospital, believes that, "God gives gifts to some people ' for parish work and others for hospital work. You've got to go where your gifts are~ makes a good hospital minister? In Fr. lim's opinion, there's a combination of traits: "I think the most important is the ability to be quiet, to really listen~ Interestingly, Fr. lim also sees value in being able to speak up - especially when communicating with fellow staff mem• bers. •Those of us in pastoral care must assert our role on the medical team. If you believe in the concept of treating the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - then we (the hospital ministers) are responsible for 'treating' the spirit~ Hospital ministers must also be able to respond to staff needs in times of crisis. On Sept. 11, for example, the team held three prayer services in addition to the regularly sched· uled daily Mass. "Periodically, we also conduct brown bag lunches for the staff, Bible study sessions, retreats, and reflections," he adds. St. Joe's ministry team includes priests, sisters, and lay people. And the team is not limited to Catholics, either; among the chaplains is a Baptist minister. Though Christian in their beliefs, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital ministers pride themselves on serving patients of any religious persuasion. Says Chaplain Jean Hausmann: "We minister to anyone who needs our help~ Interested In Hospital Ministry? Priests and chaplains are not the only ones making hospital calls. Many parishes have vol· unteers who visit their fellow parishioners in area hospitals and ~•bring them Communion..tf you are inte~ed in th~ important "Yministry, contact your pansh or area hospital chaplam.

Remember, you belong to something - your local pertsh

Passages That Can Wipe Away Spiritual Amnesia

~ar. ~hristians,

i_nt~

e have just started a new As our new birth the family of God begins with baptism. What an awesome gift it isl Through the sacrament of baptism, we are dipped into the saving grace of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Original sin and any other sins are washed away and we become children of God. This identity is so importanllt forever shapes and characterizes the rest of our lives. Spiritual fitness requires we know our identity. There have been cases where people have had an accident and have lost the memory of their iden· tity. As tragic as that is, an even greater tragedy occurs when we forget who we are in God. We develop spiritual amnesia. Spiritual amnesia can take away our Christian joy. We forget we are God's children and feel and act more like orphans or strangers before God. Spiritual amnesia also affects our relations with

others. We experience being alone, separated and alienated from those around us. We need to remember each clay who we are in God, because the wor1d is constantly hitting us on the head hoping we Yti11 forget our real idenlity. Dunk yourself In the Sacrad Safptures that focus on the Identity we received at our baptism. There is nothing like a good hot bath to cleanse us of dirt and grime, and give warmth to our muscles and bones. We need to take a bath in God's Word. If we allow God'a Word in Sacred Scripture to penetrate us, ils healing warmth and truth wiH revive us and wash away the false words and lies that have soiled our souls. We wiN be refreshed and strengthened by God. God created us and wants nothing more than for us to come to intimately know Him and to have fellowship and communion with the Most Holy Trinity. Scrtpture Meditation: Read, meditate then consider how the following passages apply In your life.

1 "For those who are led by the Spi1it of God an: children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall bach into fear; but you received a spirit of adoption, thmugh which we cry. 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit itself bears witness with us tlwt we an: children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with Hrm so tlwt we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:14-17) Read Pauls letter to the

Romans, Owpter 8. :Z "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a

woman, born under the law, to ransom those under tl1e lal~l so that we might n~ceive adoptiOit As proof that you all! children, God sent tlu: spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Fatlter!' So you all! no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir; thmugh God." (Galatians 4:4-7) 3 "For thmuglt faith you all! all children of God in Christ jesus. For all of you who wen: baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with 01rist. Thm is neither jew nor Gn:eh, then: is neither slave norjll!e person, the11! is not male and female;for you all! all one in Ch1istjcsus. And if you belong to Christ, then you all! Abrahams descendant, heirs according to the pmmise." (Galatians 3.·26-29) 4 Your choice for this.final reflection: Marh 1:9-11; Matthew 28:16·20;]ohn 3:1-22; Acts O~apters 10-11; l Corintluans 12:12 10 13.13; Ephesians Chaptcr4; 1john 2.28103.3; Revelation 5:9-13; Revelation Chapter 7; Revelation 21 ·5·7. - Fr. BUI Ashbaugh is pastor of St. joseph Parish, Howell

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Some scientists maintain that the cloned embryo was not a human life. Religious leaders disagree.

cure for diseases like Parkinsons or diabetes is tempting. Scientists arc promising such cures now that the cloning of a human embryo seems to have occurred. Is this step a great advancement in the search for a cure to some of our most notorious diseases? Or, are we sacrificing human life for a cure? In late November, Advance Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT) said it had cloned a human embryo in order to mine it for stem cells, which, in tum, would be used to treat diseases. Officials from ACT maintain that the embryo, which consisted of a few cells, was not a human life. The researchers used a procedure typical of cloning: using a human egg and skin cell. They scraped the DNA out of the

egg and replaced it with the DNA from the adult skin cell. The result was a human embryo that, like stem cells, can take on any cell form which could lead to countless cures. Religious leaders dtsagrcc with the researchers, arguing that all embryos are human life. FAITH Magazine~ Patrick O'Bnen asked Fr. Patrick Boyle, S.j., about human cloning. Fr. Boyle has taught many Lansing semmarians moral theology at Mundelein Seminary near Chicago.

FAITH: Are cloned embryos human lives? The ACT scientists say no and that many are hungry for the cures promised from these embryos. Could

worklife you review the ethical and moral problem with this major

Make a Fresh Start at Work Without Changing Jobs. How? A Metanola

1!1\. development?

Fr. Boyle: The ACT scientists' statement on the non-living status of a cloned human embryo is self-servmg. They have to say this or admit to killing a human being in order to further their therapeutic goals. There is no difference between a human embryo that is brought into being through the love act of a husband and wife and a human embryo that is brought into being through a clonmg procedure. Both are fertilized ova wlth 46 human chromosomes. After nine months in the womb, both complete their gestation period in the birth of a baby. Since scientists have no problem in stating that a human embryo that is conceived as a result of the love act of a husband and wlfe is a living being, one then has to concede that a cloned human embryo enjoys the same status. Each and every human life is sacred and may never be destroyed for even the best of reasons. One may never take a life. God is the giver of life and only God may take a life. FAITH: The ACT scientists are making a distinction between "reproductive" and "therapeutic" cloning. They are saying that they are not producing clones for reproductive purposes but for therapeutic purposes that will cure diseases. Is the only difference here intent?

Fr. Boyle: The intent is morally acceptable, but intention is only pan of the picture. One has also to look at the way these therapeutic purposes are achieved. If the way the therapeutic ibenefits are achieved arc morally acceptable, then one may proceed in achieving them. On the other hand, if the way is morally unacceptable, then one may not proceed. Taking a human life to achieve therapeutic benefits is a morally unacceptable way of achieving them and, therefore, a morally evil way of proceeding. The end never justifies the means. FAITH: Is cloning scientifically necessary for the cures to come? If it ever becomes possible for a cloned cell to be made from a skin cell without involving an egg or embryo, is that ethical or moral?

Fr. Boyle: Before answering this question, I would have to know how the desired effect comes about - it could be morally good or morally evil! Regarding the cloning procedure, it is my understanding that it has to involve an ovum or it is not cloning as commonly understood FAITH: The House of Representatives passed a bill outlawing cloning. Critics of Right to Life argue that if cloning is banned after going to the U.S. Senate, it will establish the basis for granting all other human embryos legal status. What is your take on this?

Fr. Boyle : I do not know. The pro-choice people are so biased that they make an issue of everything that even t'B\smacks of pro-life. If, mdeed, the passage of a law that bans ~cloning of human embryos does give legal status to human embryos, in vitro fertilization advocates had better take notice. It should be next. All human embryos have a right to •

n the quietness of this time of year, we are encouraged to reflect on our life and to make resolutions regarding areas we wish to change. These usually include losing weigtt. getting in shape, or making some other adjustment in our rrfe we believe to be for our long-term benefit. Our efforts however, seldom continue more than a few weeks at besl Perhaps this year we might consider a different set of issues for reflection and conversion. Yes, conversion, or metanoia, is more than an outward change, but rather a deep change of heart or attitude in our life. If we want to be closer to God in and through our work, we need to look no further than the circumstances, people and events God has placed before us.

And what, exactly, Is our work, you ask? Well, as baptized Catholic: Christians It Is simply to Imitate Christ and to live the Good News as He showed us. How are we to do that? For

startera, we need only look at the beatitudes and reflect on, "Blessed are the poor, blessed are the meek and humble, blessed are the peacemakers~ The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi speaks to the same points: • ... where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy ... • Does this describe how you are living your life today at work? How are the poor in your workplace treated? Who are they? How willing are you to be humble and help othera to succeed? Do you help resolve conflicts, or are you the cause of many? There obviously is no shortage of information or guidance on how to live our faith in our daily work. The challenge is to be willing to open our hearts each and everyday to live in the footsteps of Christ and to imitate Him in all our dealings - with each and every person we meet. No abstractions, no concepts, no ideals, just our willingness to be simple, humble and vulnerable with our friends, our enemies, our famUy, our coHeagues and our world. Our job Is not to be more productive, effldent, global or systemic. H Is to be mare loving, compassionate, forgMng and fuly present to the people and situations of our life. So how do we rearrange or reorder our life to be more present? We can start by living a rrfe that is more fully human, more the life that God intended for us. The following questions might help you assess areas of your life that have been set aside and perhaps need to be given a voice: 1 Physical: Do I get enough sleep, food, and exercise? Do I take

care of my health or do I work myself ragged? 2 Social: Do I have others in my life I consider good friends in whom I can confide? Do I spend non-work time together with them on regular basis? Do I isolate myself and never have time to be a friend for othera? 3 Emotional: Do I have healthy coping skills for dealing with life or do I get angry, depressed and short tempered more and more? 4 Mental: Do I keep exploring new things? Do I still have a sense of wonder and awe? Am I intellectually challenged enough? Do I have conversations and contact with people of all ages, or does everyone see the world the same as I? 5 Spiritual: Do I pray on a regular basis? Do I talk about my prayer rife with anyone else? Has my relationship with God continued to deepen and mature? Do I feel accepted and part of a community of faith? - Michael Sullivan, SFO, is president or Sullivan & Sullivan, Inc., s pecializing in helping ramily businesses resolve conflicls and develop [ailh·fillc:d organizations. He can be reached at (734) 769-8000

be conceived in Gods intended way, i.e .. as the result of the love act between a husband and wife. In vitro ferulization is not a love act, it is a laboratory procedure. FAITH: President George Bush decided earlier this year that federal funds could be used for research on existing embryonic stem cells. Why was this compromise objection· able to Catholics? Fr. Boyle: Fear! Even though one It is the first time that the can JUStify President Bushs decision to federnlly fund experimentntton on federal government those human embryonic stem cell funded experimentation lines in existence prior to Aug. 9, on human embryos 2001, at 9 p.m. EDT.. tt is the ftrst time that the federal government funded experimentntion on humnn embryos. Since the precedent has been established, ll will be easter to seek such funding when scientists discover new ways of violating the dignity of human life. In other words. because of Prestdent Bushs decision. ~the camel's nose is under the tent.~ ,J

Mini s Fot;u'

Respect Life

For more information on what you can do to aid or assist in the Respect Life cause of protecting life from concep· tion to natural death, contact your parish or the Respect Life Ministry Office: Sandra Millar (51 7) 342· 2471 Ha.anan Cloning Is a Grave Threat to Life According to Pope John Paul II "True humnnism can never allow methods and experiments thnt are scientifically and systemntically programmed threats against humnn life," the Holy Father stated.

Poll:

Americans are against the Idea of human cloning but many support cloning for research •

•i Num.bers

54°tb

support cloning that is not designed to result in a human birth but is designed to aid in medical research to treat diseases

33°tb support a ban on all cloning are against human cloning that Is designed speclflcally to result In the birth of a human being Goa;p Pol Doc. 6. 2001/IPSOSIRood Pel! Nov. 30 · Doc. 2

21 °tb

are opposed to any restrictions on cloning

thejourney ;r.;;..,delivered from her moth!~r's womb two months early 1 \\_f;because doc~ors fe;ned for her Ue. Her mother. Janet. a survivor of ovanan cancer, risked everything to have a b<1by. But no one expected her body to treat Rachel l.kt! a tumor and fi~ht against her. To protect Rilchel fmrn these natural defenses, the doctors intervened. Rachel not only surv1ved the surgery, but thr;ved. Last fall , after three years of careful medical monitonng. Rac:hPI was g:ven a clean b.i) of health. Though slender 1n build. "sh(!'s nqht where she should be. hc!ght·wist!," says i~e r !athPr, Blli. And she's excec:ded everyom~·s expectations 1n terms of deve!opmenl<ll stages. "She was w,1lk1ng ;!lon9 thl! back of tiH! couch," Jam!t says, ''before she could crawl'' Jar:P! and 8111 have even bec:n told :r:a: Rachel may be a \Jilted chrld. "Ht'r vocabulary and mPrnory an! arn;uinq.'' notes her mo:hl!r. 81li telis ;1 story about how Rat:hel played the "I've got your nose·· Inc~ on thl! family ca~. and remembered 10 hour~; later that she was stdl ''weannfj" the k1tty's nosl'. Br!l gt!t~; to ~;pend a lot of l!fne with Rachel. His JOb w1lh Schm~1der Lo\JIStlcs has l11m on a ~;econd-shft sdwdull'. so he can h;1vc breakfast and lunch with his dau~Jh!er. Ami now Jant!t IS home dunn\J the day. too: two months ago. shP quit her JOb at U of M-FI1nt to bE~ a fulltzrne mom. Reedys have had to give up :heir h oUSl~ and Tl10V(' to a mom affordable apartnwnt to enable ,Janet to stay at hom! ~ v;;th Rach~ l. Hu: they feel th e sacrifice IS worth 1L 'SIw ' s wI ~at ' s rnost 1rnpor.ant I • now."J ilnd .sta~es s1mp.y ' • Supportin~J Jant~t and Hill 1n their pawntinsJ of th1s sp!~cral little q1rl ;ne brn;ly and frrends <md Rache l's two ~odpar ents: Lynda Walters and Jeffrey Dobbs "Godparents can be so important 1n il child's life." says Janet. "Rachel's provided us with everything from moral and religzous support to bilbysittrng:· And they're one of the reasons why she and E.3rll dec!ined to have Racr.el bap~iled 1n the days Immediately following her birth. "I was born prematurely and was baptized at the hosp:tal." Janel explains ''A nurse was my ~Jodmother. and I don't even know who she wils. I d1dn't want tr.at for Rachel; I'm glad we decided to Wilit~' Going throuqh an ordeal bke Rachel's early birth and subsequent hospltill stay can test il parent's faith. In Janet's case, it rno:ivated her to en!er the RCIA process at her home parish. Holy Farnrly of Grand Blanc. ''I'd been baptized a Catholic, but my paren:s la~er left the Church so my Involvement with religion ended there." she explains. "After Rachel came along. I decided to go back ilnd receive Communion and c:onfinrniltion:' Now. Hz!l. Janet. and Rachel are regulilrs at Holy Family's 8 a.m. Mass, where Rachel zs th e favorite of fellow parrshIOners. "At that time of day. we're surrounded by grilndmas and wandpas. and she waves at all of them." s<Jys Janet. "SornetlnH!S, I worry that they're not paying rnuch attention to Father." sh£~ adds with a smile. ,ii~ One look ill thi s dl~hghtful l1ttle one and who can ~ ;)arne th£!m? - l'oru 1< 1<1 \la111o

l} ·

•'Where do babies come from?'' Explore the Mystery with Your Children

very St Patrick's Day, Jane would ask, "Am l Irish?" Over and over, her mother would respond that they didn't know her ethnic background. While she was in her early teens, Jane's family teamed the details of her ancestry and medical history. Jane's response? "Well, now we know for sure that I'm Irish, too, so this year I can wear green like everyone else." (Editor's Note: To team more about Jane's story, read How it Feels to be Adopted by Jill Krementz.) I wonder "' Before they can even talk, babies' eyes fill with wonder as they are captivated by life around them. When language explodes, so does their curiosity about everything I "Why is her tummy getting so big?" "Where did the neighbor's new baby come from?" "Did I grow inside you?" Their questions require a simple response at first, and will be expanded in years to come. Let the story of adoption flow from everyday interactions. Make sure your child understands that adopted children grow inside women; for some children this is a source of confusion. Scan photos of the day your child entered your Jives, first interactions with relatives, and other early experiences. These can be laminated and spiral bound, becoming well-worn scrapbooks. Expect to answer questions over and over again, just as you have Wlten you wonder about the reviewing spelling lists repeatedly before the child finally learns the correct spelling of a word I mystery of yourself, loolt to Destined In Love. Baptized in Christ, we have been adopted into the Christ who gives you tlu: mean• divine family: "In Jove He destined us for adoption to Himself through Jesus ing of life.- Pope]olm Paulll Christ: (Ephesians 1!4-5) In Spiritual Fitness, Fr. Bill Ashbaugh reflects on r----oo,;; what this means. Issues that penetrate to the heart of our existence do need to be pondered; adopted children need opportunities to reflect on how they became part of your family. Children explore different aspects of personal identity at different ages. Remember that this child has entered your hearts "in love~ Questions about the circumstances of birth are not a threat to the love shared in your family. Mystery Is a part of all our lives, especially when we are young and are searching to find our place In the world. In his October 1979 visit to New York City, Pope John Paul II offered wisdom for all of us! "When you wonder about the mystery of yourself, look to Christ who gives you the meaning of life. When you wonder what it means to be a mature person, look to Christ who is the fulfillment of humanity. And when you wonder about your role in the future of the world ... look to Christ~ - Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a Professor of Psychology at Hope College and a certified spiritual dlrcclor.

www.FAITHmag.com

)an~Utry 2002

FAITH Maga:ln~

Celebratf your littlf one3 new

liff in thf Church with

new clothes, cahfs, and a fteepsahf fuU

of memories

By Patrida Majher

Photography by Philip Shippert

Making plana to celebrate the b11pliam of your child? One of the finst things you'ft need to think about is the chriataning gown: should you go with an heirloom, perhaps the gown that you, your spouae or one of your parents wore? A review of the customa of different countries reveela that many believe 11 baby's outfit should be all new. For instance, in the Mexican tradition, the vpadrino" {godfather) and "madrina" (godmother) promise to purchase 11 new ch~ outfit 81 well 81 a cancle lhat should be lit each year to renew the sacrament. Half a world away, Poles believe in new clothes, too: interestingly, the color blue is popullr

forgirteandpinkforbaJa. What a batiy wears is important to the Irish 18 well. In fact, natives of the Emerald Isle tie the c:tviltaning of a baby back to the parents' wedding. with a quaint little item called the "magic hanky~ The magic hanky is camed by a bride on her wedding day. After the ceremony, a few etitches and a length of ribbon tum the hanky into a chriatening bonnet for her first baby.

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The Irish alao set aside the top layer of their wedding cake - typically a fruitcake - to celebrate their first baby. And a bottle of champagne is saved fl"om the reception to "wet the baby's head" at the chriatening. The ltaJiana celebrate a christening with a veritable sweets feast. Mouthwatering pastries such 18 •pane degli angeli" (angel food cake) and vcaneenlli• (waffle-like biecuitB) abound, 18 do "confatti~ Though Americana think of confetti 81 festive bits of colored paper, it's actually the plural form of "confatto," the Italian word for candy. The moat common confatti you see at Italian celebrations are Jordan almonds: whole almoncle dipped in a auger coating that ranges in color from silver, gold, and white to aubda pastels.

-raw IDAI.-tH

of the ribbon and thtaad them through the cards. Add a decorative charm if you like: e.g., a small CI"088, which can be bought at a craft or religious goods store. · Using a compaaa, dnlw an eight-inch cirde on heavy paper and use it 18 a pattern from which to cut circles from the tulle fabric. Lay each cirde flat and place five almonda in the center. Then gather the fabric IIIOIJfld the almon&. . Uae a ribbon aegment, with place card altached, to aectn the aknonda. T11 in a bow like a shoelace. Make sure each end of the ribbon matches in length, the place card is positioned the way you want it, and the top of the bonboniere is fluffad out.

As a keepsake of a christening. the holts of a party make up small packages of almonds called ~nbonie1118~ If this word loob French, it should. It originated in France, wfMtre it once referred to a amd, ornate container for candy. Bonboniereeareeaayand inelcpeneive to make. Here are aorne·baaic inatructiona:

Theee simple keepsakes make great wedaing favors, too.

Suppies needed: T1dle (a nettulfabrk often used fn brfddl veils) Ribbon (3116• width is best) Jonltrn almonds Place cards Charms - opdonal

The number of almonds in a bonboniere - eatabliehad cfur.. ing the Renaiaaance - rapreaenta fertility, happineaa, health, wealth, and longevity.

Select a color echeme for the bonbonieres and purchase coordinating materiala. Inscribe the place carde 81 deairad. A typical meeaage includee the baby's name and data of baptism. Then, Uling a single-hole puncher, place a !;ole in the upper left corner of each card. Cut 18-inch-long aegmenl8

www.PAITitalag.am

L_~~==~~--------------~---------'

)11111U1ry 2002

FAITH Magmnc

)

Salt and Light

is a visually splendid action tale

that exhibits considerably creative special-effects muscle. Shot m director Peter jacksons nanve New Zealand, it also boasts magnificent location shots of the JeWel-green JSland, its snow-peaked mountams and turquoiSe waters More tmponantly, jackson.S rendenng remains nue to the rome's epic struggle of good versus evil. However, in streamlining Tolkiens nch story of the myth1cal realm of Middle earth, jackson has condensed Its many layers, which means omitting certam hvely inct· dents. Brlbos nephew Fl'odo (Ehjah Wood) is fated to be the Ring Bearer and must carry the heavy burden of assunng its destrucnon. He is guided by the benevolent WIZard Gandalf {lnn McKellen) and assiSted by companions represenung the free races of elves, dwarves. men and Hobbits Together, thiS fellowship of nine embarks on the perilous quest to destroy the nng before SauronS Vlctous mtmons can recapture tt Along the way. each must resist the temprauon of the ling's lure, which seduces all

who come near tt Wlth power and greed and an overwhelming desrre to possess 1t. Tolkien, a lifelong Cathohc, believed that mythology was a means of conveying certam truths. In hiS trilogy, values emerge that can be compared to those in the Gospels. The Hobbits are characterized as reluctant, unlikely heroes, and through them the hum· ble are exalted. The ring is a symbol of the sin of pride, with the possessor of the nng ultimately consumed by his possess1on and dispossessed of his soul. Frodo's heroic struggle to resist the temptation to succumb to Its evil powers is akin to the carrymg of the Cross. the supreme act of selflessness. The fellowship has divtne providence on its side. and ulumately, it will prevail against the odds. Due to many scenes of battle VIolence with several frightening 1mages, the U 5. Conference of Catholic Bishops classliication lS A-Ill - adults. 1ihe Motion Picture Assoctauon of Amenca mung is PG-13- parents are strongly cauuoned. -Anne Navarro Catholic News xrvfce

Salt end Light Prepdlg far World Youth Day 2002: A newly released manual armed at helpmg young people prepare spmtually for \\brld Youth Day 2002 m Toronoo has been hailed as an "extroOrdl· nary book.. by a v.mcan offiaal. U.S. Cardinal]. Francis Stafford, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, told a group of 100 people who attended the manualS launching recently in Toronto that he wished a similar book had been produced for \\brld Youth Day in 1993 while he served as archbishop of the host city, .Denver. "We didn't have the foresrght in Denver to produce such a thing. Cardinal Stafford said. Titled Salt and Ught: Prepanngfor World Youth Day 2002 in Toronro, the 140-page catechetical handbook contains e.tght chapters designed to help young people have a more profound fa1th experience at the july 23-28 \\brkl Youth Day in Canada. Edrtor's Note: "Salt and light" may be ordered by caRing 1-800· 387-7164 (English), 1-800-6682547 (Fn:nch) or by visiting the ~b site at www.novalis.ca.

ABEL Children's Top 10: Calhoic Bnuh • Uat b' ~ ll1d ~ P8CIIM Decarriler 2001 1 ICCOrCi lg to

the Calhoic Book Ailllhara 1 c.ln AAbel~ ( ~ EilenbargiSaaaoJewish ~; 2 llllllilng ........ Right JeMnina Tmko l..aichner Our Sunday 'VNtor 3 CIIId iDHis ...... Jeamine Tlrico l.sichnar Our Sunday 'VNtor 4 flllhwMcllld01Mn CldiiChllm Alhd McBride Our Sunday VISitor 5 Jay; Jov the ...... J.mine Tmko l.sichnar Our Sunday Visitor 6 'nle'lue SIDry of Salibi

Claus Paul PrdcDp Pauline Boolrs 7 UGat2 8rlrw.I Sia'l ForU1a Our Sunday VISitor 8 Adwnt·.. far a6lrwl Julie Keleman Uguori 9 1'he ~Kids Book of~

....... h"f\'\Wbom ~ 10 Gochtlcue Elan Javamid< Pauline

.commu ~ANUARY

EVENTS Masses for the deaf com· munity will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS, at St John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton, on the following Sundays at 10 am.: Jan. 1, 6, 13 and 27. Masses will be celebrated by Fr. Depcik at St M:k, Cathedral, Lansing, on the lowing Sundays at 3 p.m.: Jan. 6, 13 and 2'7. The deaf commun~ of Ann Arbor are invited to ass at St Francis of Assisi Parish in the Day Chapel at 6:30 p.m. on the following Sundays: Jan. 12 and 26. Fr. Depcik, who is the sixth deaf man to be ordained in the United States, serves as chaplain for the Diocese of lansing's deaf community.

On the evening of Jan. 4, 2002, beginning at 7:30

(]f!:."'

an audience at St mas the ~tie Parish, n Arbor, wi be transported

January 8 Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord laaiah 60: 1-6 Psalm 72:2, 7•8, 10.13 Epheeiana 3:2·3a. !5·6 Matthew 2: H 2 January 13 The Baptism of the Lord laaiah 42:1-4, 6·7 Psalm 29: 1a, 2, 3ac-4, 3b, 9b-10 Acta 10 :34·38 Matthew 3: 13· t 7 Juuiry20

Second Sund4y In Ordinary nme laaiah 49:3, 5-6 Paalm 40:2, 4ab, 7-10 1 Corinlhianl 1; 1-3 John 1:29·34

Janu.ry 27 Third Sll!lday In onliMry nrne ' laMh 8 :23 • 9:3 Psalm 27:1,4, 13-14 1 Corinthiana t : 10.13, 1 7

Matthew 4 : 12•23 or 4: t 2-17

back to England during the 15th century for Christmastide. The evening will feature legends, carols, poems and chants and promrses something for all ages. For information, call the parish at (734} 761-8606. A special Mass In honor of those serving In the U.S. military will be held Sunday, Jan. 6, at St. Pius X Parish, Flint, beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend. Refreshments will follow in the community room. Families are asked to submit names of those currently serving in the military as well as a picture or other small memorabilia that can be displayed. Names need to be submitted to the parish no later than Jan. 3 at (81 0} 235-8574 or (81 0} 235-8573. The choir of St. John Student Parish, East Lansing, will host a Caroling Sing-A·Long Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. A Diocesan Congress on Vocations to the Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Ufe will be held Saturday, Jan. 12, at Lansing Catholic Central High SchoOl. Registration will begin at 9 am. The purpose of the con· gress is to exchange thoughts and feelings about ordained ministry and consecrated life; and to praY. and work together to identify issues and con· cems. For information, contact the Diocese of Lansing's Dehrtment of Formation at (5 7} 342-2504. Youth to Youth Catholic Ev~ization will be sponsor~a outh Liturgy for high ool-age teens and ~oung adults Saturday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m. The Uturgy will be held at Mt Zion Pastoral Center, 8228 McKinley Rd., Flushi~. For information, call (810} 39-7175. The lansing Diocesan implementation of Our

FAITH Is available on audiotape by request. can (517) 342·2500.

Hearts Were Burning Within Us: The United States Bishops' National Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation continues Jan. 22-24. The daylong inservices are offered to pas· tors/pastoral coordinators and parish pastoral staffs. The presenter/facilitator will be Daniel Mulhall, assistant secretary for Catechesis and lnculturation for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Department of Education. The inservice will consider an overview of the National Pastoral Plan, building adult faith formation in parishes, obstacles and opportunities, and how adult faith formation impacts each pastoral staff ~eraon. For registration in ormation, con· tact Peter Ries, director of the Office of Catechesis for the Diocese of Lansing at (51 7} 342-2486. Would you fike to dance your January cares away? Then St. Thomas the Apostle Parish is the clace you want to be for Sw ng & Sway, Saturday, Jan. 26, from 7 p.m.·midnight A jazz band and disc jockey wiD be featured along

The National Black Catholic Congress, the American National Red Cross and the Black Catholic Ministry Office for the Diocese of ~ are sponsoring the

annual Blood of the Martyrs BlOod Drive, Jan. 19-21 . A total of 12 donations sites will be ~lecting blood from donors rn honor of all Christian martyrs and Rev. Dr. Martin luther King Jr. The sites include: Saturday, Jan. 19: • St. Patrick Parish, Brighton, 10 a.m.-3 .p.m. • S£ i.lohn Student Parish, East Lansing, 9 am.-3 p.m. • Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • Flint Red Cross Donor Room, 1401 Grand Traverse, Flint, 9 am.-3 p.m.

with appetizers, door prizes and morel Tickets must be ~rchased in advance. For rnformationl contact JoAnn Catalfio at 734} 761·8606, extension 312. The Diocese of Lansil will ~a Vocations air at Jo Student Parish, East Lansing, during the afternoon of Sunday, Jan. 27. Representatives from many ministry organizations will be on hand to promote vocations. All are welcome to attend. Worldwide Marria~e Encounter of Lansr~ will be celebrating World arrlage Day Saturday, Feb. 2, 2002. The event will beain with 4:30p.m. Mass an renewal of wedding vows at St. Thomas A~inas Parish, East Lansing. ishop Carl Mengelin~;~ will preside at the liturgy whrch is open to coupies of all faiths. A dinner dance will follow at Michigan State University's Kellogg Center. Reservations are required for the dinner and will be accected until Jan. 30, 2002, y calling Blaine and Dawn Simon at (51 7} 485·4724.

Sunday, Jan. 20: • Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton, 9 am.-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21: • Holy Trinity Student Chapel, Y,:ilanti, 1-7 p.m. • lmmacu te Heart of Mary Parish, lansing, 2 p.m.8£m. • ~nea Parish, Flint, 9 a.m.- p.m. • St. John the Evangelist, Fenton, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • St. John the Evangelist, Jackson, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. • St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, noon-6 p.m. • Flint Red Cross Donor Room, 1401 Grand Traverse, F1int, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

An Historic Common Conference Gathered 1,900 Catholics from Around the Djocese Workshops and exhibits were assembled for priests, parish ministers, school personnel and volunteers of the Diocese of Lansing during the three· day evem at the Lansing Convention Center Nov. 15-17. This conference was historic because Bishop Carl F. Mengeling announced the goals of the diocese gathered from the l!)·month long VOICES project. You can read the goals on FAlTHmag.com Bishop Mengellng also Installed members of lhe Diocesan Pastoral Council: Br. Francis Boylan of Boysvilre. Betty Cummings, St. Mary, Manchester; Deacon jach Daunt, Holy Family, Grand Blanc; Dr. Satumino Rodriguez. Cristo Rey Parish, Lansing. james Schaeffer, Holy Redeemer. Burton, Sr. Ann Shields. SGL. Superior of the Sen•ants of Gods low. Ann Arbor; Michael Slile5of St. Joseph Parish, St. Johns;Shirley Tittle, St. john the Emngdi.st, jackson, Hao Tnnh, St. Andrew Dung-Lac Parish, Lansing; Anne Williams, St. Mary Magckllen Parish, Brighton. l'ht"Cl"- r O'bnm ilniJ T1Y Clltvhc llmn

newsbriefs Bishop Murray Publishes Book of Homilies Have you ever walked out of Mass so inspired by a priests homily that you wanted a copy of it to share with others or for funher renection? While serving the Diocese of umsing as modemtor of the curia, then Msgr. james Murray was often asked for copies of his homilies. Now known as Bishop Murray of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, he has compiled 48 of his homi· lies into a book entitled Rejoice in the l.ord Always. The book has become a best seller throughout both dioce· '•.s. Bishop Murray attributes pan of that to the timing of the books release following the tragic events of Sept. 11. "People are looking for hope and assurance," he says. Rejoice in the Lord Always is available at Rosary Book and Gtft Shoppe in Lansing. You can also find information about purchasing a copy by visiting: www.dioceseofkalamazoo.org

Bethany House Blessing and Dedjcatjon On Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and anniversary of the Diocese of Lansing, Bishop Carl Mengeling blessed Bethany House Spiritual Youth Center in DeWitt. The blessing was part of a day-long celebration, beginning with a dedication Mass in the chapel. After the blessing, youth from around the diocese gathered for a Youth Bash, which included games and movies. Fr. jerry Vincke is the director of Bethany House. He explains that the name "Bethany House" is the perfect name for a retreat center. lt is where jesus visited his good friends, Martha and Mary. lt is where He raised Lazarus from the dead. It is where jesus ascended into heaven. And it will be a place where thousands of youth from the Diocese of Lansing will encounter jesus.

Pro-Life Adjyjtjes On Sept. 11 , we caught a glimpse of something deep within us calling us to respect the dignity and sacredness of human life. 3,300 innocent lives were taken that day. 4,000 more die everyday in the U.S. because of abortion. Here are what some groups are doing about it: Pinckney Pro-life: Pinckney teens have begun to spread the message to respect life through Project llFEfALKC, giving extensive presentations about life issues, teaching people "how to change the culture of death into a culture of life." While the youth may not have a vote, they clearly do have a voice. Call (734) 954-0966 for more infonnation. Rosary for life: Lansing area Catholics have been meeting every Saturday at 9 a.m. in front of a Lansing

abortion clinic to pray a Rosary for life. Meditating on the 15 sacred mysteries through the intercession of Our Lady plays an important role in changing hearts to have greater respect for life. Call Gerri Am1s1rong at (517) 351-7629 for more information. Students for life: Groups on both the University of Michigan and Michigan State University campuses work to spread infonnation about organizations that provide abortion alternatives and counseling. The groups reach out to women who feel they have no other choice than abortion. March for Life: Many parishes in the diocese are planning trips to Washington, D.C. for the 29th Annual March for Ufe jan. 22. -Alcon l'clowsld

1\No Men Ordained to 'Jtansilional Djaconate On Saturday, Dec. 1, at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, james Conlon and Dr. Peter Clark were ordained as transitional deacons by Bishop Carl Mengeling. Their home parishes are St. john the Evangelist, Fenton, and St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, respectively. Both men are completing their studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein, lll., and will be ordained to the priesthood june 8.

fr. Mk:hHI Klrwen, M.M. Is • Maryknoll priest c:uiTenlly HI'Vfng In Nairobi, Kenya. Fr. KJrwen Is from Queen of the Mlnc:ulous MecW Parish, Jackson. In 19891 he founded the Mllryknolllnstltute of Afrtcen Studies In Nal~ Kenya. to promote understanding of African culture. If you would like to have memorial Mueea offered by

miasionariea for your deceaaed

loved ones, send stipends to: Dioc:eee . ._lllliiiii-llllll!!illl of l.Bnsing, 300 W. Ottawa Sl, ~,MI48933. ~

make the check payable to •Miaaionary of the Month~ If you know a son or daughter of the Lansing Dioceaa currently eerving in a mission, pleue ~ ward their names to the Missionary of the Month Program, 300 West Ottawa Street, l.Mslng, Ml 48933.

lheworld Military chaplains help soldiers cope in the face of a new confljd and a priest shortage KANSAS CITY, Kan. (CNS) -

U.S. Marines recently deployed in Afghanistan no doubt went into battle much the same way soldiers have through the ages. They checked their plans. They checked their weapons and equipment. They wrote one fmalletter to loved ones. And they prayed. Fr. Peter Jaramillo knows firsthand how Important prayer is to men going into combat. The 47year-old priest is a military chaplain in the Kansas Army National Guard, As a captain in the Second Battalion of the 137th Infantry, based in Kansas Oty, he!; always had to be ready to ~go where my soldiers go" at a moment!; notice. "We don't learn combat skills, but we have to learn

how to survive war and minister to soldiers on the front lines or at medical units in the rear," he told n.e Leaven, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Kansas City. "We learn how to survive biochemical attacks and how to handle mass casualties, critical incidents and stress." According to the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, more than 1,000 Catholic military chaplains serve more than 1.2 million Catholics in 29 countries. These Catholics include those in the military and their fam11ies, those in overseas government service, and patients in veterans' hospitals. In january 2000, Maj. Gen. Gaylord Gunhus, U.S. Army chief of chaplains, said a shortage of priests in the mili-

tary makes it difficult for Catholics to practice their faith. Although 20 percent of Army personnel are Catholic, less than 8 percent of the Army!; chaplains are Catholic priests. Last year, the Army was 200 priests short of its basic needs. The difference between serving in a parish and in a military organization can be found in the institutional set-

tings, said Fr. Ron Uvojevich, 59, pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish in Overland Park, Kan. He served as a U.S. Navy chaplain from 1974 to 1996, retir· ing at the rank of captain. "In the military chaplaincy, the chaplain works for a layperson - a commanding officer- and is part of the command structure. The commanding officer sets the

Frequency of Mass attendance Is linked wHh support of WASHINGTON (015)-

Stem-cell raaearch involving the deslruclion of human embryos is morally wrong. Abortion is morally wrong under virtually all circumstances.

In vitro fertilimtion procedures

are morally wrong. Artificial birth control is morally wrong.

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The first of a planned ongoing series of polls on M Contemporary Catholic Trends" shows that Catholics who attend Mass at least weekly are more likely to support the Church's teachings on moral issues. The poll by Zogby International in conjunction with LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., asked 1,508 adult Catholics nationwide a series of questions about

Church teachings

their religious beliefs and practices, thetr thoughts on various moral issues and their opinions about people of other faiths. A majority of those polled agree with Catholic teachings against abortion, euthanasia and the destruction of human embryos in stem-cell research, but those who go to Mass at least once a wee were even more likely to agree with the Church. - Parrldll Zslpor

xrord U.S. Military chaplain

Are You Saved?

and soldiers in

Bishop Povish's answer to this often-posed question to Catholics

Afgltanistan Dec. 2.

priorities for his religious progrn.ms,~ he said. "In a parish, the pastor sets the tone and 'orities, and works directly der the bishop." A chaplain is called upon to give good ethical advice and to be the eyes and ears of the commander in terms of morale issues, said Fr. Jaramillo. Fr. Livojevich agreed. "The job of the Navy

chaplain is to advise the commanding officer regard~ ing the moral climate of his command, the state of morale," he said. "He is to minister to all members of the command, and to fulfill the religious needs of those in his own denomination." Another important aspect of the military chaplaincy is helping soldiers, sailors or airmen reconcile their faith and their military duties, which could include combat. "Its never been an easy thing for me to pass over, that fundamental issue of my role as a priest in a combat unit," said Fr. Jaramillo. "I resolve it through my faith, believing that God is everywhere, even in war. ... I believe my presence is not a symbol of blessing war, but of being present where evil is for the sake of good.~ -Joe Bollig

In naming kids, Catholic parents pick Jennifer oyer Mary WASHINGTON (CNS) -

The Blessed Virgins name, which easily ranked first among all U .$. girls' names from at least the 1880s through the 1950s, ranks a lowly 47th . In 2000 it was given to only one new baby girl in about 330. "Catholic parents ... who ere born during the 1940s nd early 1950s report giving religious names to about 50-60 percent of their chit-

dren .~ says the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. "Those born in the early 1970s report giving religious names to about 30 percent of their children .~ Among Catholic girls, it said, "Mary is out and jennifer is in .... Since 1965, Catholic parents have been almost four times more likely to name their daughters jennifer than Mary.Âˇ

-Jerry fllrcau

f my mformal surveys are any indication, more than one-third of the readers of FAITH have been asked by a fellow-worker, or by a sincere Protestant acquamtance, or by a door-to-door evangelist this questionÂˇ ''Are you saved7" If the Catholic hesitated, or satd he hoped so, the next question was, "Have you accepted Chnst as your personal savior?'' No matter what a Catholic person satd, she would be pressed with a third quesuon, "When were you saved?" The answer the questioner expects would go something like this: "I was saved <ll the revival held at the jackson County Fatrgrounds on Sunday, August 13, 1972." Born Catholics are not the only Christians asked these questions. Episcopahans, Lutherans, Methodtsts, the Orthodox, and Presbyterians are also quizzed this way by Baptist types and other evangehcals who do not baptize infants and who mstst that bapusm must be by immersion and for adult believers only Baptists got thts way in the 16th century by their selective reading of the New Testament. It ts true that in the ftrst generation of Christianity all the famous converts were adults, and the Book of Acts tells of their being baptized in rivers by the disciples. But the New Testament also tells of whole "households" receiving baptism. Lydia of Thyatira and her household, for example, in Acts 16:15; the jailer of Paul and Silas, and his family, in Acts 16:3 3; Crispus, the synagogue official, \vith his entire household , in Acts 18:8 ; and the household of Stephanas mentioned by St. Paul in I Have you accepted Christ as Cor. 1:16. We must assume your personal savior? Yes, every that in these "households~ time I receive Holy Communion there were little children and even infants included. In any case, Luther, Calvin and Zwingli, the principal 16thcentury reformers , retained the practice of infant baptism as an immemorial tradition in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. So then, how does a born Catholic, baptized as an infant, answer the three questions of the friendly Baptist inquirers? 1 Are you saved? Yes, without question I am saved. " Have you accepted Christ as your personal savior? Most certainly and numerous times. At every reception of Holy Communion I accept Him in a very personal way. At my Confirmation I made a public profession of my faith in Christ before a bishop, my sponsor, my family and my fellow parishioners. Fvery Easter I renew the baptismal vows made in my name when I received infant baptism. I think I have "accepted Ch rist" more often than any born-again Baptist ever has. When ware you saved? I can't be as specific about the time as someone who got saved at the jackson County Fairgrounds, but I know I was saved on a Friday afternoon in th e Spring at about 3 o'clock jerusalem time almost 2000 years ago. - Most Reverend Kenneth Povish was the Diocese or l ansing's third bishop and is now retired.

Thank you for contributing to the

American Evangelization Appeal

t faith The

Januar-y

1 3 . 1 8

~""' ~r Ihe ~Lholic' Otn.:!'~ of Unsin•

300W Ottawa

Lansing, Ml 48933

Online:

www.DioceseofLanslng.org www.FAITMmeg.com The Outnlllch Mess, SUndBy, 10 a.m.

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Contad Sr. C&rla Moeggenbor.g, O.P. Director of Vocation Services (517J 342·2506