a spirit of poverty means rem~ our dependence on God
from the editor
F
or several years our parish community has collected nonperishable food each Sunday. The food was brought forward during the presentation of the gifts and placed in large baskets near the altar. The food would later be transported to another parish some distance away to be distributed. That changed this past summer. As the economy's sluggish recovery has continued, we have noticed a dramatic increase in the number of families needing food aii:l. Even in a relatively affiuem community such as our own, we regularly assist five to 10 families who need help each week. As this need has made itself apparent, we decided to form our own food pantry. using the food we gather each week to help folks in our own community. Our parish's response has been overwhelming, and we now gather two or three overflowing shopping carts of food, toiletries, diapers and other basic necessities each week. That's good, because the need has not diminished. With God's providence, what we gather each week on Sunday is distributed by the following Saturday, with little to spare. Each of our parish staff take turns assisting families with their "shopping" when they come to our food pantry. It happened the Tuesday before Thanksgiving that I was assisting a young mother and her two children. While mom was being practical, making sure the basics were covered, the two children were delighting in the simple This year, we treats that were available for them. Their eyes finally settled on some tum our thoughts packages of cheese and crackers, whkh for them were as precious and to the beatitudes. delightful as little pots of gold. As their faces lit up, their mother was In the first,jesus overwhelmed by the variety of items from which she could choose. says, "Blessed are Our food pantry is in a high-traffic area, so parishioners are passing the poor in spiriL" by all the time. It so happened that a parishioner was walking by that The poor is in morning. Together we helped carry everything out to the young famieach one of us, ly's vehicle. As they pulled away, I had tears in my eyes. As we prefor none of us pared to give thanks to God that Thursday for the many blessings can offer the ultiin our land, I couldn't help but reflect that we can do better for mate satisfaction, people who need a hand up. comfort, or nourThe parishioner who assisted me, herself a young mother of two, ishment that we later shared what an eye-opening experience her brief encounter with find only in God. our parish food pantry was for her. She also told me that she had tearfully shared that with her husband and their two young daughters later that same day. In a struggling young mother and her two sons, she said, she was able to see more similarities than differences. This year, we tum our thoughts to the beatitudes. In the first beatitude, Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The poor is in each one of us, for none of us can offer the ultimate satisfaction, comfort, or nourishment that we find only in God. Yet each of us is ~blessed" - a word that can also mean 'filled with dignity', 'worthy of respect', 'worthy of love'- and therein lies the dawning of Gods kingdom. No matter our personal circumstances, each of us is significant in God's eyes. The beatitudes are the theme that will guide our stories and reflections for 2003. In the months ahead, I suspect we will see more similarities than differences, as we travel with the poor, the meek, the peacemakers, and the rest of our blessed companions. And so our journey in FAITH continues. - Fr. Dwight E:op ls Editor In Chlcr or FAint Jl,laga:lne and pastor or the Catholic Community or St. jude, De Will
contents
From the Bishop: It was the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus - a sermon. What did He talk about? He spoke about those who are blessed we know this now as "the beatitudes~ Why are they so important to us today? 10
Retired Yet Active: Sr. Dorothy is back to the Adrian Dominican Mother House after a life of dependence on God. 17 Walter and Lucille Wrozek of Jackson have found that retirement can be a new opportunity to really make a difference. 20
Mel Gibson: His new project is
In the know with Fr. Joe
a risky one. Gibson plans to direct a movie about the Passion of Jesus. Find out what his thoughts are on this, his first directing project since the movie Bravelteart. 30
Fr. Joe: A newly found artifad has an inscription that says, "James, the brother of Jesus~ Did Jesus really have a brother?
Fr. Joe Krupp
6
Work Ufe
Should both parents work? Here's help in discerning the diffi· cuh question of whether to work or to stay at home with the kids. nm Ryan 19
The Journey Six steps that will help your family stop fighting about money.
Dr. Cathleen McGreal
21
Spiritual Fitness How to be poor •mspirit~ Who is conaidered rich and who is consid· ered poor? What does poor "in spirit" mean? Fr. BIH Ashbaugh 22
Cover
Sr. judy Blake, SSJ, knew she had to do something more for the poor in Flint than wait for them to come to her. So, what did she do? She hit the streets. EdHor's note: You may have noticed that this is a combined January/February issue. We have altenld our pubrJCation ac:hedule to make the month of December more manageable for our staff. We Wll still provide you wilh 10 issues of FAITH eac:h year. In place of a February issue, you will now receive separate May and June issues.
1bc ~bp:lnc ol1hc C..hollc Doom< of UNio&
Most Reverend Carl F Mengeling PUIILISHER
Rev Charles Irvin POUNDING IIDfTOR
,we 1
tell us what you
think
Yo"- 4 : ..
'*-rl~ 2002
Dwi~ht Ezop I!DIIOR Ill CHill'
Rev
letters to the editor
E·mall us at leHers@falthmag.com Or, send your letters to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Ml 48933
Patrick M O'Brien MANAGING IEOITOR/CRUTIVE DIRI:CTOR
Kathy Funk ASSISTAHf EDITOR
Alton Pelowski
CREATIVE a I!DnORIAL ASSISTANT Wlt•MASTI!R
Jillane Job IUIUICRIPTIOHSIHCRPMY
Evelyn Weitzel SUUCRIP110NS
Tara Shtvely
GRAPHICDDIGN I~
Rev William Ashbaugh Elizabeth Johnson Rev joseph Krupp Patricia Majher Cathleen McGreal Enn Oakley Most Rev Kenneth J Povish Tim Ryan Duane Ramsey Sr janet Schaeffier, OP Carolyn Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING
Christine jones james Luning (cover) Phihp Shippen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHE:RS
I11e article ~·--· Was Here" was amazing (FAITH Magazine, November 2002). I enjoyed reading it. I am going to share it with several people. In this day and age what the writer brings to my attention is true. We are all so btiSY sometimes we question the importance of our own existence and sometimes just being there to listen to someone else can prove their existence to them. I11anh you for providing us with such deep articles!
contradicts Catholic teaching by going on to say ~in my opinion, a preemptive st rihe is justified ... n and you go on to give at lengtl1 and in bold print his "7 Conditions," which are nowhere to be found in olfidal Catholic Churr:h teaching. Iltis is irresponsible Catholic journalism. By way of shocking comparison, would you give similar press to someone who dedded to come up with "7 conditions for a moral abortion"? Furthermore in the feature you l.afll Goodwin GaryGibton ignore the perspective of the tradition of nonviolence which is Your November (2002) issue of I was very disturbed by your supported in 01urr:h documents FAITH tackles one of the biggest presentation in the November (see for eg. Gaudium et Spes No. concerns for those who believe in (2002) issue of Fr. Boyles opinion 78 and CCC No. 2306). One a good God: the problem of evil on justifying a U.S. attach on might add the teachings ofjesus. and innocent suffering. As Iraq. It gives the impression that I do heartily commend you for Catholic philosopher and author his ~7 Conditions for a moral war including the leaching of the U.S. Peter Kreeft rightly points out in Iraq" supersede the traditional Bishops and the pope that look at this is the biggest issue we grap- principles of Catholic just war· deeper moral questions from the ple with in our faith walk. IF doctrine. He comet~ states that perspective of Catholic Social God is good and IF He is all ~one cannot use the prindples to Teaching. Fr. fftdeftdt L 1'llelen powerful and all knowing, then justify starting a war.· I11en he
Wayne Case David Fenech Rev Matthew Fedewa Patncia Garcia DtaneNowak Margaret Perrone James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez DaVId Rosenberg Rev James Swiat Peter Wagner 5haron Wiml'le
why do wo do thot?
ADVISORY BOARD
Rev. Cecilio Reyna WEB MINISTRY'
Pauleue Burgess
why do we suffer? I11e articles and pages ... of FAITH are full of tlte clues and wisdom the Church offers to us in trying to understand suffering. The interview with Bishop Povish is especially potent. I have always been afan of his and this makes me even more so. His witness in the face of cancer is an inspiration. He is practicing what he preaches, as he says. Kudos to all of you at FAITH. You have outdone yourself!
''
et's see, will it be
helps to identify our state in life. Uke the identifiable and unique clothing wom by police officers, firefighters, or health care professionals, wearing a kind of "unifonn" makes us easy to identify.
black, black or black, today?" That's what a friend Rog~~~ting of mine jokingly says when Habits, or disFAm11USHo111H3l l t o - . . . . . . . , _ , referring to my priestly =..~=-~~.:..,.oa;:._, wardrobe. Yet the clerical tinctive religious dress, do _ _ ..._ .. suo._ .. _..,.,..,.. dress we priests wear, like much the same. At one time, ----1111300W.-.,.,.,., ~~~-:l511l:Mz·z~~es;lol <51n34:a-25371r.. the habits wom by many habits could be quite elabo- IJ I I? 2 ·---...rate and helped to create an • - - - I I I I:FAITK. 300 w.-.~RII ~mem bers 0 f f'8 I'lgiOUS COm· .eal33.~.. ~ ... -~ ~ .. f d .... _... .. ,.....,....,., ......... cam = + munit1es o women an men, air of mystery surrounding ........... (511)342-2585 ~~ J ....,{(I I'Amlllelpe
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those who wore them. In more recent times, habits in their modified and simplified fonn help to reveal another truth. While we may &ke to say that clothes make the person, in fact the simplicity of habits or clerical dress reminds us that ....,....-...~ quitethe
opposite is true. Uke gifts given at Christmas or on our birthdays, what matters most is what is inside, not what's on the outside. - Fr. Dw1gh1 eop
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ne night a person approached an accom· pUshed concert pianist after a recital and said, "l would give any~ thing to be able to play the piano like that." The pianist replied, "Really, would you give eight hours a day for practice, give up sports and a social life? Would you struggle in anonymity and poverty before getting a break?" When I thought about the beatitude "blessed are the poor In spirit," I thought to myself, "How will I ever get my arms around this?" After all, what does it mean to be "poor in spirit?~ Well, I wrestled with this question - then it occurred to me that maybe the key is found in the second pan of the beatitude, i.e . •the reign of God is theirs." I decided it might be best to see what Scripture had to say about the reign of God first in the hopes approaching a more full understanding of what being "poor in ..,WJ'irit" might mean and its significance for us today. Read the rest of Doug Culp's story only on FAITHmag.com
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TEEN Quiz: January
you see someone with WO!'TI, outdated clothes, you:
faHhteen.com
!Ill!,_• ••
A Walk on by, its really none of my business how anyone dresses. B Think to myself that this person doesn't care what he/she looks like and ignore them. C Feel sorry for them lmowing I'm blessed to have what I have. D just walk up and say, "hey, I don't think we've met." and try to get to lmow the person. There is nothing wrong with dressing up and looking nice or with wanting to be liked. Having influence and power is okay, oo. The real deal is in seeking to like others rather than seek~ ng to be liked yourself. The real deal is in being more concerned about the person you are than the person you look like. Help others have power - power with - not power over. Take this personality quiz only on FAITHteen.com
no one believed the poor peasant &rl: St Bernadette
saint« the month
fs easy to forget that God and Mary often choose the poor, the Ignorant, and the downtrodden to spread the message of the Kingdom. So many times, saint stories get glamorized in Hollywood soft-focus and backlighting and gilt-edged holy card pictures. But there's nothing glamorous or gl~ about Bernadette Soubirous, the 14-year-old French peasant whose visions of the Blessed Mother in 1858 led to one of the most-visited Catholic shrines in the worid - the healing springs at the grotto of Lourdes. 8emadetle was bom Jan. 7, 1844, the oldest of two sistens and ailt brolhera. Her father was unable to pay his bills, and the family had to move irm a oneBernadette is room rrving space in an abandoned jail 8emadelle the patron of nearly died of cholera when she was 10, and euffared sick people, from asthma and poor health her entire ife. One day, Bernadette was sent out to gather fire- poor people, wood with her sister and a friend. Left behind while shepherds, and the other girts crossed a stream, Bernadette heard people ridiculed for their piety. the sound of ruahing wind and went to investigate the noise. In a cave used as a dumping ground and shelter for pigs, she saw an appertUon of a lady clrHsed In while with a blue sash and a yellow rose on each foot. The lady made the sign of the cross, then vanished. This was Feb. 11, 1858. Bernadette's sister and friend thought she had been dreaming, and her mother beat her for teling lies when she tried to tell her tale. But Bernadette insisted she was t~ the truth, and returned to the grotto again and again. The local priests and community officials did not believe that Bernadette was seeing visions and she was harassed and laughed at until she reported that the lady had identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception~ Since that title had been applied to Mary only four yeara earlier, it was unlikely that an initerate peasant child would have known it, so the priesl8 finally believed her. The church was built, and people began to come to the spring, where uncountable miraculous healing& began to occur. Bernadette retreated from the world by joining a convent of sisters of Nevers at Lourdes, where she was treated harshly by the sisters in charge "to keep her from being too proud~ She worked with the sick and the poor, even though she was chronicaly iU herself, and died at the age of 35. Her enshrined body, which has never decayed, can stil be seen at the convent near the grotto of Lourdes. a.m.dette, whose feast day Is April18, Is the patron of sick people, poor people, shepherds, and people ridiculed for their platy. She was canonized In 1933, on Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the lmmac:ulate Conception. - Elizabeth Johnson
~,
did jesus
have any brothers or sisters?
Dear Fr. joe: I am troubled by a recent discovery. I saw in the news that a burial box (called an ossuary) was found that says jesus had a brother. What is this? And what should Catholics think?
W
ell, readers, we have gouen a lot of questions about this topic. Let's go through what we know and what we don't know. Oh, and here is my disclaimer: I am not an expert on this topic! What do we know? We know that in Silwan, on the West Bank right outside of jerusalem, a limestone ossuary was found that contained an inscription in Aramaic. An anonymous Israeli collector purchased it in 1987 from an anonymous Palestinian in Israel. Dated to the first century, the ossuary has one line on it stating: "Ya'akov bar Yosef ahwi Yeshua," which means: "james, son of joseph, brother of jesus .~ So, what is the big deal? For Catholics, the big deal
in the know with Fr. Joe
So, after Mass a few weeks ago, I was shaking hands and greeting people in the back of church when a little boy came up, hugged me and gave me a quarter. "Well," I exclaimed, "what is this?" He said, "It's alll've got, Father, but it's for you." "Thank you," I replied, "but I'm OK 1 don't need any money." He looked at me and said, "I thought you'd need it. Dad says you arc the poorest preacher he's ever heard of." There really is no response to that ... seems to be the line "brother we believe, then we know of jesus." Some are using that any discoveries made this to challenge the will only back us up, right? Let's learn everything we perpetual virglnny of Mary claiming she did not remain can about this. My limited time only allows me so a virgin after the birth of much research on the topic jesus and death of joseph. What should Catholics and I haven't found a solid think? First of all, we should Catholic response yet. Any never be afraid of knowledge help here from tenacious or science. As nl:'!~rn""l~llilll'""l'!;;t'f""........,_'"'!ftâ&#x20AC;˘ readers Catholics, we would be must always much appreembrace ciated. In the learning meantime, what I have more. If we truly believe found sugwhat we say ' gests that the
word "brother" may not have meant in jesus' time and culture what it does now for us. "Brother.~ in this context, implies "cousin." Some have also said that joseph could have been married before he married the Blessed Mother. Either way, let's keep our eyes and ears open so we can learn all we can. In the future, I hope to talk about our belief in Mary's perpetu virginity and why that is important.
Dear Fr. joe: Some Protestant friends say that it's the devil's fault I am living in poverty. They also believe that God will bless you with money if you live right. Is that true?
T
his question will really help us to see some key ideas in our faith, and l thank you for asking it. Now, there are times when living m poverty is the fault of the devil. For example, if we are wasteful with our money and spend it on things we don't need, then it is because of our sin that we
what can be done to help the poor? In the poor and suffering, the Church recognizes the image of Christ, who became poor and suffered for our sake. The Catechism tells us, "God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor and rebukes those who tum away from them." (CCC 2443) Many of us know that we should give more of our time and energy to those who are less fortunate than us, but where do we begin? Lets see if second-graders from St. Ge111rd's School, Lansing, can give us any ideas.
"You could get food for them, and maybe invite them to your house." Sammy, B
"Maybe people who have money could be their friends~
Calli, 7
"If a toy was too young for you, but still good, you might be able to give it to the poor.' M arie, 7
live in poverty. Or, if we destroyed the lives of innospend our money on things cent men and women through like drugs, alcohol and MSU their greed. Make no mistake, apparel, then yes, our pover- these men and women who ty is our own fault and we lied on financial reports to need to get help. add zeroes to an already Sometimes, evil is the root healthy income are doing the cause of poverty. but not for devils work. And poverty the perresulting from their actions is The idea that son living the work of the devil. poverty is always in poverIf you have been a victim a sign of sin in the ty. Greed, of any of these or similar sitpoor person is abuse and uations or circumstances, faulty to its core. then your poverty is a result mismanIf that was true, agement of man's cooperation with then jesus was in in our the devil, but not YOUR trouble. healthcooperation. However, the care systems have put many idea that poverty is always a good and innocent people in sign of sin in the poor pera position where medical son is faulty to its core. If that were true, then jesus uroblerns can lead to total nancial ruin. We also know was in trouble. jesus not -.;: that many of the superonly lived as a traveling itinwealthy running our nations crate preacher, He spoke of big corporations have how God identifies with the
poor. He told a wealthy would-be follower that "foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." jesus lived right, no doubt, so I think we can dispel the issue of poverty bemg related to right behavior as a matter of We must give our principle. time, resources, But all love and prayers that I to the poor. have stated so far is about the causes of poverty and provides liule or no help. If you are not living in poverty, then the rest of this article is for you. This part of my column is a challenge and a wake-up call to all readers who can help the poor. We must give our time, resources, love and prayers.
We can sacrifice and not buy things we do not need and, instead, give that money to those who don't have the basics. We can support candidates for political office who will fight evil in society, instead of promoting it. We can be involved politically In support of those who have no voice. This year, please pray and challenge yourself to make a difference in the lives of peopic who suffer. It is nothing less than the call of the Gospel. Enjoy another day in Gods presence! ')
•••••••••••••••••••• Send your Questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. ottawa, Lan1lng, Ml 48933
Or: JoelnBJack@prlesLcom
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what do we believe? itS~ not that hard to answer:
A depiction of an early dispute over the Trinity
the Creed
ave you ever been asked "what do C&thollcs believe?" and struggled to know where to begin? In reality, we shouldn't find it an elTon, because the Creed(s) tells it all. Well, perhaps not all, because we do have such a rich expression of our tradition through Scripture, Tradition, liturgy, prayer, dogma, doctrine, theology, sacraments, symbols, values, ethics and laws, spiritualities, models of holy people, songs, music, dance, drama, an, an::hitecturc, festivals and feasts, and holy places. But the
Creed does summarize for us the essence, the core, of our belief. 1be sJmple declarative sentence, "Jesus Is Lord," Is a miniature aeed, that is, a statement or profession of belief. The Chun::h has issued some official creeds, most notably the Apostles' Creed and the Nlcene Creed. both of which expressed the faith of the early Christian communities. Their faith remains our faith today. The word creed comes from the Latin credo, which means "I believe!' What Christians really pro·
claim is, · we believe." We do not invent our own faith; we receive it from God through the Chun::h. just as doctors may take a Hippocratic Oath binding them into a commu-
nity of healers, so our praying of the creed unites us to our sisters and brothers as a community of believers. It IS important to keep in mind that the translation into · vwe believe~ is active wh1ch denotes not just a body of beliefs but a profession of faith. This fafth Is trust; not "I believe that" (afthough that certainly Is Included) but "I believe In!'
express Christ's
4fimctions
essential deity. These modifica· tiona gave the creeds a new function 88 key to the proper understand· ing of Saipture and as tests of orthodoxy for the clergy.
of creeds 0 Baptismal The finJt creeds were probably in the conlelct of bapliam. A a9ed offered the candidates the opportunity to make the profession called for in Romans 19: 9·1 0. N. first the form of wortls would vary, but famifl&r pallems aoon began to dewlop, using a Trinitarian q~ m and answer fonnat
@ lnstruc:tlonal Because of the baptismal profassion of faith, creeds aoon came to serveasthesyllabusfor calecMtical instruction in Christian doctrine. All candidates were expect· ed to acquire and display some understanding of the profession of faith they would make. A sincere commitment was coupled with
intellectual apprehension.
@ Doctrinal
Q liturglcal
The rise of heresies helped to expand the first creeds into the more developed fonnulas. A phrase fike "maker of heaven and earth" was probably inserted to counteract the Gnostic separation of the true God from the creator, while the reference to the virgin birth and the stress on Christ's death safeguarded the reality of Jesus' human life and ministry. The Arian heresy produced additions (notably "of one substance with the Father") designed to
Being used in baptism, creeds had from the very beginning, a liturgical function. It was seen, however, that profession of faith was a constituent of all true worship. This led to the incorpora· tion of the Nicene Creed into the Eucharist, first in the East. then in Spain, and finally in Rome. Placing the creed after the reading of Scripture made · possible for believers to respond to the Gospel with an affinnation of faith.
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n1r the creed:
ftlll
theology 1 01 Sr. janet SchaclDer, OP, an Adrian Dominican sister,
is Associate Director of the Apostles' Creed: summary questions, divided according Nlcene Creed: came about Nicene Creed. OOire for to the Persons of the Ttinity. of the apostles' beliefs to settle a disagreement The second Catechetics' An ancient tradition held The clearly Trinitarian struc· For centuries, Catholics have ecumenical coundl, Religious that on the day of Pentecost, ture was likely intended to been professing their faith dur· Constnntinople (381), Education of the the Aposdes composed this ing Mass by proclaiming the counter some early teachings expmdedand Archdiocese Creed under the guidance of (by Marcion) that denied that Nicene Creed. This Creed confinned it as did of Detroit, begins the Holy Spirit, each apostle the God of the Old Testament clearly formulates essential the Coundls of her 9-part series writing one of the twelve arti· was the same God revealed in Christian doctrines about God Ephesus (431) and on the Creed des of the Creed. Even jesus. This Trinitarian formula- the Father, Son, and Holy Chalcedon (451). exclusively though scholars now believe tion would remain the basic Spirit, the church, salvation, The Nicene Creed for FAITH. that was not the case, it has structure of all the early creeds. and human destiny. It resulted is used by Catholics, always been considered a true The Apostles' Creed is used after decades of controversy Anglicans, many Protestants, summary of the beliefs of the by Catholics, Anglicans, and begun by a learned Egyptian and the Eastern Orthodox apostles themselves. many Protestant Churches. priest, Artus, who denied that (although they reject the "and Its origin (around 215) was Orthodox Christians do not the Son~ clause which affirms jesus, the Son, always existed the profession of faith used in disagree with any statement in with the Father. In effect, Arius that the Spirit proceeds from the Creed, but they do not use it denied jesus' divinity and, Father and the Son). the instruction of catechu· since it does not have the therefore, the Church!; develThe Catechism of the Catholic ~ens and the liturgy of ~lBaptism. The person to be authority of an ecumenical oping understanding of the OJUn::h follows the Apostles' baptized responded to three council. doctrine of the Trinity. Creed in its presentation of the faith (with constanl reference to The conttuveisy caused extreme dissension in the Chun:h. the Nicene Creed, which is often As a result, the Emperor more explicit and more detailed). ln our subsequent articles here Constantine convoked the first ecumenicll council at Nic:aea in we will follow the same format 325. A major achievement of this of using the main articles con· tained in the Apostles' Creed as coundl was to clearly declare the divinity ofjesus by issuing the our study and refleclion. ~
Who decides all this? What Is a council?
The history of the Nicene Creed comes from the Church's early ecumenical councils. We have just celebrat·
ed (Oct. 11 , 2002} the 40th anniVersary of the beginning of the Second Vatican Council (left). Just what is an ecumenical·council? hi ecumenical council is the gathering of all the bishops of the world aa opposed to regional or local gatherings. According to current Chun:h law, only the pope calls this type of council, and he alone eels its agenda. Ada of the council are binding when approved by the pope and the body of bishops and officially proclaimed by papal authority.
Roman Catholics consider there to have been 21 such councils. HOwever, the only councils accepted aa truly ecu· menical by both the church of the East and the Weat are the first seven. The first four coun· ella (Nicaea, Constantinople l, Epheeua, and ChalceOOn} are recognized aa normative for all churches that Confess the Nicene and Apostles' c;raeda, and the decrees of those four councils form the basis for ecu· menical dialogues. Councils have usually been
called to confront heresies or to foster needed reform in the church. Vatican II was the only council in the Church's histoty that did not iseue any condem~ nations of heresies or errora. It was the only council that addreaaed some of its documenta to thoee outaide the church (Mpet'8008 of good will•), and it was the only council that diractly SP-Oke to the iseue of ecumenism, reconciliation, and dialogue not only ~ Ghrieliena but among all the world's religious traditions.
from the bishop
Bdore looking at each, its good to see how they fit together as a beautiful composite that describes the new creation we are as members of the kingdom. They tell who these new people are and what they are like. The first three qualities of jesus and His disciples are a sharp contrast to the worlds standards. jesus' people are poor in spirit, mourning over evil and humble. The next four characterize the Christian in a ruositive way: holy, merciful, ure of heart and peacemaker. The eighth relates to the worlds reaction to the citizens of the kingdom: slander, insult and persecution. The Christian reacts to the worlds hatred with ways that are totally different from the worlds tactics. In the midst of the world, Christians are like salt that quietly and patiently flavors and like a light that brightens. With "poor in spirit," jesus differs radically from the world. Such a disposition is as different from "rich in spirit" of the world as chalk differs from cheese. Today we name it "countercultural." "Poor in spirit~ is first because, without it, the others are not possible. It liberates us from a narrow self-centered view of life and opens us to the fullness of life 'th God and others, as well "' as our true selves. It builds on the basic First Commandment that sets us free for life in its
fullness. "I am the Lord, your God and you're not.'' It frees us from the "strange god~ which can be ourselves. To be poor in spirit means to admit that we are wholly dependent. C.S. Lewis in The Four Loves describes us as "one vast need, a hunger that is never satisfied and a thirst that is never quenched." Realizing that we did not create ourselves - that we don't have all the answers, that we cannot devise our ultimate reason for living, nor a destiny - we admit our poverty and tum to the One who can make us rich. Such a surrender is not a loss, but the greatest gain. For "poor," St. Matthew uses the Greek word that means "a beggar.n The believer who is poor in spirit is open to the action of God who takes charge. Whm does "theirs is the kingdom of God" mean? It helps to recall jesus' words: "The kingdom of God is within you." This happens when I let God be King and rule in my mind, heart and life. As the New Adam, in contrast to Adam and sinful humanity, Jesus reveals to us how to let the Father rule. jesus' entire existence is nothing but the first beatitude. He is wholly "poor in spirit" and continually hands Himself over to the will of His Father. jesus belongs to His Father. The first beatitude is the supreme act of faith . In this surrender, we let grace gain the
upper hand over our inborn self-seeking. We are liberated from the private world of our narrow minds and become responsive to God and our brothers and sisters in union with the self-giving of jesus. As the life of jesus unfolds, the beatitudes play out in a loving and salvific care of so much of humanity that is poor, sorrowful and lowly in material and spiritual poverty, rejected as burdens, losers and sinners relegated to the margins of society. The Christian who is poor in spirit and mourns over evil, pain and hopelessness - but is truly humble- is one with all humanity and becomes, with jesus, the servant of the poor. All the beatitudes are lived in this solidarity. Both the poor and the rich are called to be "poor in spirit" because it is the essential quality of a disciple of Jesus. Don't grieve when the world calls you a "loser." The worlds values will fail. At the 2002 World Youth Day in Toronto, our Holy Father told youth about the beatitudes: jesus did not limit Himself to proclaiming tlae beatitudes; He lived tl1etnl Looldng at His life anew, rereading dae Gospel, we marvel: Tf1e poorest of the poor, tfte most gende among tlte meelt, tfte person wid1 dte purest and most merciful lteart is none other titan jesus. Tl1e beatitudes are
Find Web video Uc:efJils of Bishop Mengellng'a homilies and pntaa conferences only on FAITHmag.com
nodting more titan du~ description of a face, His facet At tlte same time, dte beatitudes describe what a Cltristian should be: They are dte portrait ofjesus' disdple, the picture of tltose wlto have accepted tlte kingdom of God and want tlteir life to be in tune with tlte demands of tlte Gospel. To tlteseJesus speaks, calling dtem "blessed." Tlte joy promised by dte beatitudes is dte very joy of Jesus Himself: a joy sougltt and found in obedience to tlte Fatlter and in the gift of self to others. Young people! By looldng at Jesus you will learn wltat it means to be poor in spirit, meelt and merciful; wltat it means to seek justice, to be pure in lu~art, to be peacemalters. Widt your gaze set finnly on Him, you will discover dtc patlt of forgiveness and reconciliation in a world often laid waste by violence and terror. Last year we saw widâ&#x20AC;˘ dramatic clarity dte tragic face of human malice. We saw wf1at ltappens when l1atred, sin, and deatlt talre command. But today jesus' voice resounds in dte midst of our gatltering. His is a voice of life, of lwpe, offorgiveness; a voice ofjustice and of peace. Let us listen to tltis voice/ We all need to listen to this voice. - Most Rev. Carl F. Mtngdlng Is the fourth bishop or l:lnslng.
)anuary!Ftbn.ary 2003
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FAITH M~g~zlnc
Sr. judy Blake's ministry provides more th@D just food and clothing fort someof ~t's"
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The streets of the north end of Flint are known for abject poverty, gang violence, murders and drug trafficking. Now, thanks to the efforts of Sr. judy Blake, SSJ, and a team of dedicated parishioners from St. Luke Catholic Church, the streets are becoming known for a hot cup of soup, a warm coat, words of encouragement and homemade cookies.
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Help the Poor In your own backyard: SL Luke Street Mlnlatry accepts allldnda of donations: food, clolhea, peraonal products aa well u financial and voluniiHit aupport: SL Luke
Answering their baptismal call to serve and care for the poor, Sr. judy and her parish· ioners are taking care of their "extended family" who live in the neighborhoods surrounding the parish through a street ministry. In fact. it was something they had to do. Three years ago during some bitterly cold winter weather, members of the social ministry commission, along with Sr. judy and Sr. Carol Weber. OP, wanted to take blankets and hot soup or chili to the home· less, but had no idea where to begin. A connection was made with Geneva Spears, a local General Motors retiree, who was running the Soul Winning Street Ministry. Sr. judy and several volunteers combined efforts with Spears to find locations for helping the homeless and poor of the community. "Our first adventure into street ministry was outside the North End Soup Kitchen," ( recalls Sr. judy. "We prepared baggies of \~ homemade cookies. a snack bag with candy and gum for later, as well as clothes, new socks, and Oeece scarves.
"One older gentleman came to Sr. Carol and told her. with tears in hts eyes. 'Do you know these are homemade cookies? I haven't had a homemade cookie in 40 years.'" The street ministry operates on the third Saturday of each month serving about 100 to 150 needy persons at different locations in the Flint area with a team of 25 or so volunteers. Each tnp requires several vehicles to haul tables, clothes and food that ts distnbuted. According to Sr. judy, it resembles something akin to a giant garage sale. During the summer they take a grill and provide hot dogs, chips, beverages and homemade cookies. The winter menu includes soup, hot chocolate and, of course, those homemade cookies. "Since the poor seldom come to our door, we do as jesus did and go to them." Sr. Judy says. •The major response we get
for our elTon is deep gramude and often prayers for our ministry. We have dedicated ourselves to serving the poor with dignity. Nothing goes on the street unless we would be willing to wear or use it ourselves. Our volunteers are asked to be as helpful and involved with our clients as possible. For those who have a need for prayer, we pray with them." While conducting the street mmistry, Sr. Judy says they have learned that people need more than just food. They need clothing, personal care items, and school supplies for the children. "Our experiences with street ministry led us to homes where people have no furniture, no food, and no appliances. Some are paying for the roof over their head and can alford nothing else. Some live in abandoned homes or fight for space in the few shelters available. The rest live on the streets ..,_
3202 Fwul Hll~ Flint Ml48504 • Phone: (810) 239-5851. Chtlcka may be made peyebleto "SL Luke C.thollc Church" Thank you fOf helping to make a difference.
"People are so grateful for the help and offer prayers of appreciation with us." As news about the street ministry has spread throughout the community, so too has the number of volunteers. "The more people talk about it, the more folks want to get involved," Sr. judy explains. Help has arrived from numerous sources to support the street ministry which has grown into a multi-parish, multi-school effort. Parishes supporting the ministry now include SS. Charles and Helena, Clio; St. Francis, Otisville; St. john the Evangelist, Fenton; St. Pius, Flint; and, Christ the King, Flint. The parishes have been
instrumental in contributing clothes, furniture and/or volunteers. Sr. judy adds that St. Mark Parish of Goodrich has provided personal hygiene products. And the good works of the street ministry are not limited to adults. In fact, children play a very important role in the ministry. says Sr. judy. "Flushing5 Seymour Elementary School sixth-graders provided gifts for our Prison Fellowship Ministry families by purchasing a gift of clothing and a toy for each child in the name of an incarcerated parent. They also did a winter coat drive for kids on the streets and personal products. St. Pius X School's student council donated clothes and cash. St. john, Davison's youth and St. Robert's kids provided school supplies for the children of Aint. Thanks to these kids and St. Luke parishioners, 300 children received school supplies this year. St.John School in Fenton did a coat drive for the kids on the street. Flushing High Schools soccer team, youth from Powers Catholic High School, and students from U of M-Fiint have volunteered on the street." Sr. judy has recently hired a pan-time employee to help keep up with the organization of donations so the task of going out on t)le street can be more easily accomplished.
The most amazing fact is that this is only one piece of Sr. judys ministry. Yes, one. As pastoral coordinator of St. Luke Pansh, she does what any priest pastor would do in a day, except preside at Mass and administer certain sacraments. Her ministry encompasses administration of the parish, sacramental preparations for baptism and marriage, counseling, and hospital visits when possible. Although she currently needs knee replacements, it hasn't slowed her down. A parishioner donated an Amigo powered wheelchair for her use. She uses the chair to ride through the neighborhood inviting people to the street ministry locations. In her "spare time," Sr. judy is working on a doctorate in ministry at the Ecumenical Theolog~cal Seminary in Detroit. She also teaches catechist formation classes for the diocese and is presently teaching the Overview of the New Testament for the Diocesan Lay Ministries Program through Siena Heights University. Sr. judy and her dedicated parishioners arc looking forward to starting yet another ministry - an after school program for children in the neighborhood. Many of the children attend Lawndale Elementary School which is housed in what once was home to St. Lukes grade school. "Our dream is a program that would provide art, music and drama opportunities, tutoring, a safe place to go after school. and a meal," she explains. "Some of the children eat paper at night to feel full enough to sleep. Three children at Lawndale have trees planted in memory of them. They were murdered - two at home for witnessing their mothers murder and the other was the result of abducuon . ~ There is one stumbling block keeping them from undertaking yet another effort to fill the streets of Flint with hope instead of despair. ~space is a problem. We are trying to find grant sources to help us build a space adequate for our outreach and parish needs. I'm not sure we can find such sources," says Sr. judy. Born in Phoenix, Ariz., and raised in Detroit, Sr. judy chose religious life in large pan because of the kindness shown to her by a nun while she was in the first grade. "l got mto trouble one day in first grade. My teacher sent a note home with
Encourwge •omeone to co!Uider rellglou• life during Vocation Aw~~T~mess Week Jan. 12 • 18
my older brother telling my mother I had disrupted the class. My mom told me that I had to apologize to her the next day. So I waited for her to come back to school after she had lunch. My stomach was in knots when I spotted her coming down the street from the convem. I approached her, made my apology, and on that chilly afternoon she wrapped her shawl around me and gave me a hug. I felt so loved and forgiven that I decided that I wanted to be like her.'' And so she has. Yet, has all her work changed an unchangeable situation like poverty? Maybe we could ask the family at the beginning of this story - the woman whose husband was an amputee and they had no stove and no crib. Sr. judy went back to their shell of a house a few months later to check on them and bting them more donations. Their teenage son answered the door and after looking at the bundle overOowing in Sr. judys arms he said, ~lltank you, but we're doing OK now -give it to someone who really needs it.M !.1)
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Help St. Luke Street Ministry Donations may be sent to: St. Luke Catholic Church 3202 Forest Hill, Aint Ml48504 Interested in joining the ministry? Call Sr. Judy (81 0) 239·5851 How You Can Help the Poor: You may not think there are homeless in your area. Well, think again. There are many people in yOtK own backyard who need help - financial, material and spiritual. Here are some ideas: • Volunteer or donate to a parish soup kitchen In your area • Volunteer at a homeless shelter • Participate In Meats on Wheels • Suppgrt Operation Rlc:e Bowl beginning March 5. Help Catholic: Social Services provide assistance to those in need: Lenawee County: (517) 263-2191 Washtenaw County: (734) 971·9781 Genesee County: (81 0) 232-995 Shiawassee County: (517) 723·8239 livingston County: {517) 545-5944 jackson County: (517) 782-1551 Lansing Area: (517) 272-1524
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Sr. Dorothy Folliard is a retired Adrian Dominican sister: From a life of dependence on God to the joy of her present assignment- an active retirement- you'll see that she's still teaching, still learning.
In a sense, Sr. Dorothy Folliard, OP, and the Sisters of St. Dominic who reside at the Adrian Dominican Life Center have come home. Years ago they arrived at the Mother House as freshfaced young women in eager anticipation of devoting their lives to God - living Gods will instead of their own. It was here, at Siena Heights College (now university), they began their educations which would be utilized in service to God namely as teachers and nurses.
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They set out in the world to make a difference - to touch lives, to inspire, to educate, to minister Lo those in need. They accomplished that, and more. Now, many have become cnppled with age. Some are suffering from disease. (t;.nd so it is that they have come back to live out their last \.~ays or years. All this might seem depressing at first glance, but, the Adrian Dominican life Center is not a depressing place at all. R
By Kathy Funlt
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It is as the name clearly impliesfull of "life." It is also a place you can still learn a thing or two, especially from spending a typical day with Sr. Dorothy As you'll see, her life has been one of dependence on God and service to the Church. She has come back here to retire but that doesn't mean shes stopped learning and teaching. Sr. Dorothy first came to Adrian in 1943 to study at the college she came "home" to the retirement Dominican life Center Sr. Dorothy in 1999 after teaching teaches a Scripeight years at ture class to her Mundelein Seminary fellow Adrian near Chicago. She had turned 75 and it was time for her to quit. So, she decided to return to the place where her ministry began. "1 had been here (at the life Center) during recovery from knee surgery and a bad fall in which 1 broke both wrists," explains Sr. Dorothy. "I love Adrian anyway so I decided to come here." Sr. Dorothys cuniculum vitae rivals that of any academic -and that is exactly what she is. In fact, she has taught many of our diocesan priests during their days at Mundelein including FAITHs editor, Fr. Dwight Ezop. But it isn't so much Sr. Dorothys resume that is impressive - it is her outlook on life, especially when reflecting on her decision to live a life of poverty. both in wealth and spirit, in order to serve God in a way that was, and still is, right for her. Adrian Dominican sisters had served as role models during Sr. Dorothys secondary education in Chicago and she decided she wanted to be able to accomplish God's work in the same way "The nuns who were working as teachers weren't that much older than we were," she points out. A latin major, Sr. Dorothy would teach school and then study at the college during the summers. In 1950, she received her bachelors degree. This was followed by a masters degree from Loyola University in 1955. Her doctoral work was started at the University of Michigan while she taught in Ypsilanti. In 1974, the sisters encouraged her to study Scripture and theology. The result: two additional degrees. "Dominicans stress intellectual preparation for ministry," says Sr. Dorothy. While she had spent many years bOlh as a teacher and a student, it was during her 15 years of work at the MexicanAmerican Culture Center in San Antonio, Texas, that taught Sr. Dorothy the most about poverty of spirit. "1 had the priv-
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ilege of working with poor people when I was in San Antonio," Sr. Dorothy explains. "It was startling for me because their dependence on God was so total. That taught me the beatitude of 'blessed are the poor in spirit' - one must be totally dependent on God . ... As we go through life, we tend to rely on material things. (Their example) makes me ask if my dependence is totally on God." But a dependence on God is how she has lived her life as an Adrian Dominican sister. "By pooling our resources as a community, we can work for the poor. We are not only working directly with the poor, but also with those not nee· essarily economically poor who can help those in poverty. "If (we) only work with the poor, no social change can take place. As a community, we work to ftx the structures that keep people poor no matter where they are." While Sr. Dorothy and her fellow Dominican sisters have spent their lives ministering to those in need or working to affect social change, poverty has come to mean something different to the community- as well as other religious orders. There has been a steady decline in the number of women choosing to live their lives as sisters, just as there has been a steady decline in the number of men entering the priesthood. This has led to a "poverty," so to speak, in vocations. However, Sr. Dorothy has a strong belief that there are women who want to live their lives doing Gods work as ardently as she has. "There was a big difference in the days when we chose to be a religious," she says. ''When I was in high school and you really wanted to do something more for the Lord, you became a nun. "Now there are more options (for women). But I still believe there are women who want a total consecration to God and to do this in a supportive community. No one can make me be discouraged about the numbers. In real life, there will always be a group of women who want this form of life. "The Dominican Order has been founded to praise, to bless and to preach. And I think everyone should know that this is not only my vocation, but also theirs. We must all be deeply rooted in gratitude to God."
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r. Dorothy's wisdom is clear. And, just because she's back at the Dominican Life Center doesn't mean that she can't teach you a thing or two about life. This includes her fellow sisters. It's 9:30 a.m. and Sr. Dorothy is off to attend the first ses· sion of a Scripture study class she is offering to the sisters. More than 20 sisters- as well as visitors to the Dominican Life Center - fill a meeting room to hear the lecture. Sr. Dorothy is not only wise but very witty. She begins the lecture by reminding the sisters that, as novices, they were told the OP designation stood for "Order of Penance. Our obliga· tion was to prayer. Well, we've come a long, way, Baby!" (The OP. by the way, actually stands for "Nuns of the Order of Preachers.") She goes on to relate how Vatican II opened up opportunities for women in the Church. "Imagine women reading Scripture!" she says to the group. As any good teacher- and that she definitely is - she informs the group as to the structure of the class. "This class •A
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will not be intense. There is no homeLife-long learnwork but you don't get any credit, ing is a priority either. You might remember when high for Sr. Dorothy school boys would come up to you durand her fellow ing study hall and say, 'Sister, I have a sisters- as is nosebleed.' And all you wanted to do fellowship at was to get them out of there as quickly lunch and cdcas possible. Well, you don't have to do brating daily that here. I just ask that you don't snore out loud . ... The class \viii be serious Mass together . ., in the chapel but not overwhelmmg. Sr. Dorothy will repeat her Scripture class again at 6 p.m. for sisters unable to attend. At that time. it will also be shown on the Life Center's dosed-circuit television and transmitted into each of the resident's rooms at Maria Hall. By 10:15 a.m., class is dtsmissed and Sr. Dorothy makes her way to the chapel to attend daily Mass. The mission of a "continuum of care" at the Dominican Life Center is clearly evident during Mass. The SISters who are unable to attend because of their health are able to watch on dosed· circuit TY. Communion ministers then take pyxes to the rooms so that the sisters can receive the Body of Christ. After Mass its time for lunch. Sr. Dorothy is joined by several of her friends at Table 24 - their regular dining area. It's easy to spot- it's the one with a gold tin sitting prominently in the center of the table. They explained the boxs significance. Inside it contains thetr necessities: a set of steak knives purchased from the local Big Lots; packets of Arby's sauce (just in case the meat selection needs a little flavoring); and Shout• stain remover towelettes. How else does Sr. Dorothy spend her days? ~we break[ together," she explains. "Then I have time after that to do serious reading until about 10:15 a.m . We need to know what is going on in the world. In the afternoons, I visit sick people and rest a bit. At 4:30 p.m., I join a group of sisters and we
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pray together.... The evenings are rather unpredictable. Someumes we pray a Taize prayer for peace." And sometimes the community gathers together to mourn one or their own. "It's not unusual for us to have a wake three times a week." In fact, the Adrian Dominicans lose, on average, 30 sisters a year. ln light of that, a series on grief, entitled "Good Grief,• was recently begun at the Ufe Center. The first week included a discussion on the theology of death. The next included a talk with the undertaker. Most importantly, Sr. Dorothy says, the days are spent together. "I am surrounded by friends." Friends who just happen to be sisters in the truest sense of the word. J}
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imes have changed and so has the way in which vocations are being promoted. The Adrian Dominicans have taken their message to the masses by launching a media campaign. The focus: women ages 20 to 25. The attention-getting messages: Is God Tapping on Your Shoulder? and Life is short. Eternity Isn't. Billboards, postcards and TV ads are being utilized to promote the general public awareness of the Adrian Dominican congregation and, most importantly, increase the numbers of women who may be interested in religious life. And just why would - or should - a woman want to consider religious life? Simple, according to Sr. Dorothy. "I would ask her to think in terms of what God wants her to do," she says, "and to think what she wants to do.... (We) can do a lot more for the world and the Church together than alone." For more information on the Adrian Dominicans, contact the Office of Formation at (517) 266-3530, or via e-mail: eaform@admc-op.org ( . Or, if you are interested in learning more about other religious orders, contact Sr. Carla Moeggenborg, Diocese of Lansing Office of Vocation Services (517) 342·2506, or via e-mail: cmoegg@dioceseoflansing.org Celebrate Vocations Awareness Week: Jan. 12 · 18
..................................... . M y wife and I had been married less than a yeer when she became pregnant and we had long discuaaions 88 to whether one of us should *J home with the baby full-time or not Conlinuing to work would obviously provide more income and make things easier from a financial 81andpoint - eapecially since we had just purchasecf a house. Dawn did, however, feel in her heart that she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, txt stil struggled with the question c:l whether to keep woti<ing or not If she worked, would we be depriving our children of emotional support? If she didn't work, would we be depriving ourselves and our chUdren of some material needs?
The Gospel of Mallhew 6:25-34 can be extremely helprU in examinilg the motivations in your worl< life. Discuss the following with your spouse before making a decision about whether or not to work: 1 HOW much time do we spend secunng our material future, such as wori<· 1ng for a "living," planning for retirement and managing Insurance pack· ages, compared to the time we spend with our family and following God? 2 Would we be willing to sacrifice some income in order to do something that one feels called to do? Are we honestly able to afford it? 3 Do we truly trust that God will take care of our needs if we followed His call?
One of the key questions that should come into play when we are making deci· sions that revolve around our jobs and our material weN-being is: how much do we trust God to take care of us? This ver&e in Matthew's Gospel is familiar to all of us, yet I wonder if we really appreciate what it means. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousnesa, and all these things will be given you besides~ (Matthew 6:33) When I put this statement
in the context of the preceding verses of the Gospel, it tells me that if I focus pri· marily on the mission that God has placed before me (my vocation), I need not be conCaught between cemed about my material well-being. I will receive work and family? whatever I need. This concept should challenge How do you us all because it appem to be contrary to what decide what is our popular culture teaches us. We are trained to best for you and believe that we need to focus first on our own h'l , . su ch 88 saVIng . for reti' ramen.,• your c 1 dren. rnaterial aecurity saving for college, planning life and health insurance, etc.; then we can focus on helping others. Isn't this the opposite of what the Gospel teaches? Ultimately, through much discussion and prayer, given our circumstances, my wife, Dawn, and Ifelt at peace with the decision to adjust our spending so that she could *J home with our three children. You and your spouse may decide to differently. Regardless, let God into the discussion. - Tim Ry.m \s an information technology professional in Fowlerville and has earned
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master's degree In pastoral studies from Loyola University New
Orl(llns. He \s 11 member o£ St. j oseph Parish, Gaines
Encourage aomeone to consider rallglous life or priesthood today. Cllcll Formallon on DloceseorLanslng.org
Janua rylfdnllary 2003
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FAITH Maga:inc
Walter was a vice president of a local bank. Lucille was as an inspector for a local manufacturer. "The lord has been good to us, and we want to give to somebody else," says Walter. J
Retirement hasn't meant inaction for Walter and Lucille Wrozek whose motto is: "Call one and you get two. If you don't want two, we don't go." The Michigan Center couple thrives on volunteer work- from helping the poor to other seniors. But, let it be known to all who call, that the couple, each 71 years young, do eve1ything together. Michigan Center, they explain, is a liule town seven miles east of jackson. Its where they auend daily Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, when they don't have volunteer commit¡ ments. They are also members of St. joseph Parish, jackson, where they were married nearly 50 years ago on july 4. Doing good for others is their favorite hobby. They each do it 100 hours a month. And just hstening to the litany of projects they have supported the past 15 to 20 years (they don't remember how long or how many) can be both exhausting and refreshing. R
By Carolyn Smidt
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They are 11-year members of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (beuer known as RSVP), part of Catholic Charities of jackson, where they also are on the advisory board. They donate time and energy to the Salvation Army, the city of jacksons Parks and Recreation department, the Senior Olympics at Spring Arbor University (25 miles from home), and the Rose Run at jackson Community College. When they are not doing those things, they serve on the "Healthy to 100" committee, sponsored by Foote Hospital and the Department on Aging in jackson and Adrian. Or you may find them at the McDonalds Easter Egg hunt, in jackson, or the Learning Fair, at Spring Arbor. Or maybe they are visiting people in nursing homes. Or perhaps they are offering time somewhere else they don't yet know about or have forgotten that they do on a regular basis. You see, Walter and Lucille are too busy to keep track of time. Lucille says the feeling one gets from volunteering is hard to describe. She tells the story of a 100-year-old woman whom she first met a year ago at the Senior Olympics. ~she was at the Penny Pitch this year. l dtdn't recognize her. She said, 'Don't you remember my telling you last year that l was 100 years old? Well, today I'm 101 !' 1just gave her a big hug. ~ A former vtce president of a local bank, Walter retired in his mid-40s because of his health. At the same time, Lucille retired as an inspector for a local manufacturer. Walter has cancer that is in remission. The couple has two children, Michael and Deborah Ann, and six grandchildren. ~The Lord has been good to us, and we want to give to somebody else," says Walter. Sometimes, though. a time of crisis can insptre prayer and good works. Six years ago, such a challenge tested the couples faith and courage in the form of adverstty in the family. They grew closer to God and prayed each day to St. jude that the family would heaL Their prayers were answered in a positive way. Though the Wrozeks have done Immense good for so many people, their rewards Will come later, they say But they can't â&#x20AC;˘
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Any words of advice to prospedive volunteers?
Borrowing from the Nike slogan, Lucille says, ·~ust do it!"
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stop the earthly ones from arriving as humbling gifts of gratitude. In 1993, Walter received the Margaret Whitehead uCitizen of the Year~ award from the state of Michigan. In 1999, the couple was presented with a national award from the RSVP as "Volunteers of the Year." In 2000, they received the "Family of the Year" award from the Knights of Columbus in Michigan Center. In 200 l , they were given the "Claude S. Pepper Award" for Michigan. In that same year, they were named "Seniors of the Year" by the jackson Citizen Patriot, their daily newspaper. And in 2002, they were cited for volunteerism by RSVP, the jackson County Department on Aging, and the jackson County Commissioners. Of that final honor Walter says, "Its the greatest thing that has ever happened to me." Lucille says, "I'm really overwhelmed," and she starts to cry. Walter assures FAITH that they are "happy tears." When asked what their Catholic faith means to them, Walter and Lucille answer RSVP director. in unison: "Everything!" According to Walter, Pam McCrum' "We have the Lord on our shoulders all the Oeft) and CathoUc time. Somebody else is a lot worse olf than we Charities director. are. I honestly believe that the Lord will not give Vicky Schultz ' you any more than you can handle." £j ght) both ' Any words of advice to prospective volun\.' ppredate \\Wtcr. teers? Borrowing from the Nike slogan, Lucille lucille and all ' says, "just do it! It makes you feel so good. their volunteers Sometimes we dread going to some places. We really do. But when we come home, we are just lifted! ... There are so many things you can do, even from home, she adds. You can call sick people, for example." Walters advice has him recalling a sermon he heard a few years back: "When you die and get to the pearly gates, the lord will say 'What did you do?' And you will say something like 'I was an attorney' or 'I was a doctor.' But the Lord will again ask, 'What did YOU do?' Well, I have the answer. We are doing Gods work. The gates will open for us in heaven because we are doing Gods work.~ '3
Retired? A few places where your help Is really needed.
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Jackson (517) 782·1551 Respite Ministry: an interfaith volunteer homebound caregiver relief service. lansing (517) 393-8520 Ann Arbor (734) 712-3625 ckson (517) 782-3878 - owell (517) 545-5944 Owosso (989) 725-1127
0
FAITHhelps 11 •
Befrienders & Stephen
Ministries: be an understanding ear to a person who just needs someone to listen Contact Barbara VVhite (517) 394-4435. For lnfonnatlon on these and more, contact Ellen McKay, Diocese of Lansing's Aging Ministry (517) 342·2467 or e-mail emckay@aKX:eSeOflansingorg
6 ste:Rs to help your family stop fighting the joumey over money • ose Canseco earned $75,000 as a baseball player with the Oakland ~sin 1986. That year, Rickey Henderson's salary with the Yankees was $1 .57 millionlln the 1990s, Henderson joined Oakland, content with his salary. But when Canseco signed a contract that was more lucrative than his own, Rickey Henderson showed up late for training. His pride was hurt. It wasn't the fact that earning $3 minion a year was going to be a financial hardship. It was the comparison with another; and the conesponding feeling of deprivation. As my grandma said, "It's all relative!" When time and • Bent down and poor: aanyi. The Aramaic word used in the first beatitude can refer to finan- money are dividcial affliction, butaanya also captures a sense of ed up, it isn't spiritual poverty. It leads us beyond the habit of always fair. We Family resources making comparisons. are called to reevaluate aren't distributed what we perceive as deprivation. equally lilu: • ''The Lord's way Is not falrr' (Ezekiel 18:25) . f . When time and money are divided up, it isn't pleces 0 a ple. always fair. Family resources aren't distributed equally like the pieces of a pie. We fight against getting the "short end of the stick": "His cookie has more chocolate chipsl" "I'm chauffeuring kids all over town while you kick back and relaxl" "Retirement should mean travel, but if you had your way we'd never leave this housel" The beatitudes call us to evaluate our choices through God's perspective, not through our own sense of fairness. • Lead me In the path of your commands, for that Is my delight. (Paalm 119:35) Bending down before God doesn't feel comfortable in a "pull yourself up by the bootstrap" culture. Yet the Spirit prompts us to live in the kingdom of heaven, even as we struggle here on earth. Just as those living in economic poverty must depend on others for sustenance, those who are poor in spirit depend on God. 6 Steps to stop the battle of money In your family • The Adaptation Level Prlndple: We adapt to the changes of life, and soon these changes become "the nonn." Even babies do thisl Kicking to make a crib mobile dance is fun I Attach a more complex mobile and infants are enthralled. But bring back the simple mobile and babies fuss, they've adapted! HOIN do we avoid this? 1 Have family members assess individual desires. 2 Plan a time to review priorities. 3 Take notes in a Family Desires notebook. Work as a team so that your decisions reflect your true values; try to discern God's will for your family. 4 Gather and review past entries. The long-tenn perspective aids recognition that needs have been met in the past. 5 Write "Thank you" beside older entries when they're granted. 6 Make a footnote when the desire wasn't granted but something better happened. Become poor in spirit and delight in the kingdom of God. - Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a professor of psychology at Michigan Stntc: University nnd a ccnificd spiritual director.
rr.. online Ieeming compenlon to FAITH. Onl~ on FAITHm.,.com
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FAITH Mag;ulne
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poor me? yes, if you want to be 'blest' his article Is not about self-pity, although that would not be a bad topic for spiritual fitness. H Is about being poor. Sometimes a person's state of poverty can lead them to atart feeling sony fer them-
selves, but I have seen poor peopie who spiritually were filled with the ridlee of God. I remember a litlle homeless woman named Mary that I used to visit in Washington, D.C. She would sit f!Ne1Y clay near the shopping center with all her sluff close by. She had a small Styrofoam cup out fer those who wanted to help her. We would bring her sandwiches. Mary had a beautiful smie and would not -t a Yttlole lot, ~would look you right in f1e eyes when you were speaking. One day a group of us who were studying for the priesthood gave her a sandwich and sat down to talk with her. Before we could leave, ehe took out of her 1~tie cup the only dollar bill that was
in there and gave it to U8. We protested, but ehe insisted. A big smile came on her face as ....., took it. Mary was shoMng us aD about poverty and the joy of giving. Being poor is essential for good spiribJal fitness. Jesus said, "Blest are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs~ (Matthew 5:3) So, when we are poor we wil be truly ricfll We will have nothing less than heaven!
who is considered rich and whois£oor? A man ran Jesus and
rich up said, "'Good teacher, ...mat must I do to ilherit BYerfasling ife? ... I have obeerJed (ile Commandments) from my youth: Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, 'You are lacmg in one thing. Go, sel what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treaaure in heaven: then, come follow me: At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. Jesus looked around and said to His disciples,
'How hard it is for thoee who have wealth to enter the kingdom of Godl'" (Ll.lke 18:18·24) When we hear this teachlng, I think many of us can Identify with the rich man. After all, In spite of the soft economy and economic troubias some have, most of us ere very well off compared with the maforly of the
wortcL Most people do not live in material poverty. So, our reaction can be like the disciples who were totally astonished. They asked, "Who can be saved?" They asked a very important question. They heard Jesus right. Jesus was revealing to them that material wealth can be an OBSTACLE to their salvation. We have to be poor in spirit
•
what does ~r'in
spirit' mean?
To be poor in spirit means to be free to give away even the good things that we think we need and to recognize our utter dependence on God for all things. To be poor in spirit means
to be wealthy in terms of the things of God and poor in terms of the material things of this world. We become good stewards! We realize that everything we have is from God and we have an tunity to give back to God what God has given to us. This is fundamental to being poor in spirit People who are poor In spirit
do not rely on this world's material goods for their securlty or happiness, but on God. They do not seek out material stuff for pleasure. They seek out God! They have become like Jesus. Jesus was poor. Jesus trusted in His Father's providence each day and was thankful for what He had. When the large, hungry crowd only had five loaves and two fish, Jesus took them and lifted His eyes to heaven and thanked His Father for them! He did not grumble or complain "poor me, this is all we have!" Jesus was truly grateful. The communal experience of poverty, not even having enough to ea~ became an experience of the blessedness of the king · of heaven. Wrth spiritual poverty comes the blessings of heaven. - Fr. Bill Ashbaugh Is pastor or St. j oseph Parish, Howell
litHe things big impact
spiritual fitness
A lttlle known ministry that has 8 big impact on the poor
how to become
poor .. mspmt •••••••••••••••••••• If you struggle with your material wealth, your creature comfons, praise God! It is a good spiritual sign. Our spiritual fitness focus this month is to be poor in spirit How do we do it? 1 Pray end ...nect on poverty end your own metertel wealth. Ask God to help you be empty bowl. Read Psalm 49 \.._V"d the Goepel of Matthew Chapters 5-7. I recently moved a number of times within the same year. I never resized I had accumulated 80 many things over the
"£ /'('
yen. but I had. I realized how rich I was! I began to try to give away whall had. It is a continual effort. We do not give ~just the stuff that is more or less junk. We ttvow that away. There would be very ittle apirituaJ value in that oCher than gaining some aense of peace that the clutter is finally gone. We give away the things that are valuable. Give away the things you are attached to. And thai leads to number two ... 2 Give away your wealth end folow Jesus. Give to the poor. Give to yooc church. Give to a charitable organization. Go out and fnd someone poor in
·r
commtnty, and fnd out
(,"~ you can help them. Some are caled to rad'IC8I poverty and charity li<e St. Francis of Aasisi and the Ffandacan Order, or Mother Teresa and the
Missionaries of Charity. All of us are called by Jesus to take care of the poor. Our poverty in spirit is visibly measured by how generous we are with whal God has blessed us with. We remember the poor widow who gave just a small coin in the collection. Jesus said she gave more than al the others because she gave from her want while they gave from their uplus wealth. Many times Jesus said that to those who were given more - mora would be required of them. That definw,. includes matarial wealthI 3 Be with the poor, and leem more about poverty. We have 80 much to learn from the poor. Some people, like Mary my homeless friend, are 80 poor that each day they must beg and pray to God for food, clothes, or medical care. Many people - mostly children - stiH starve to death in
our wortd. It is not because the wortd does not have enough resources to prcMde for them, but because there is an unequal distribution of resources. Human greed acts like a clam thai stops the flaw of goods and resources to those who need it
If we do these exen:ises well. jesus assures us that while we may be poorer materially, we will have treasure in heaven'
M~~; ;.-:.,~~~.:.~;; b~;.;~ i~:~· ~~~ ~; ~:n~·.;.;.~: .. This am be stressful, but ima@ne how much worse it would be if you didn't have the money to pay for a burial - not even the basics. The Diocese of Lansing Office of Cemeteries knows the added pain that poveny brings during this ume of need. For the past four years, the office has been helping to ease this pain for families in our diocese. "Even the poor have the right to a
1
decem burial," says Diocesan ~1!4~~;;~~~-:~.Ji~~~r91a U Director of Cemeteries Paul Ganiepy. 'E While the diocesan cemeteries may work with only a dozen or so burials of this First in a series kind each year, you can't put a price tag on the or articles lookcomfort those families receive through this minisuy ing at little ~Tins is an obligation that we have to the poor," says lmown ministries Garriepy. "This is part of our mission as Chun:h. lt.S or the Diocese just what we do: or Lansing that What the diocesan cemeteries do Is simple. make a big Anyone who genuinely can't afford 8 burtalls impact. Above: given one. Each of the cemetery managers can burial services provide a lot, a vault, all burial services, and a ror the poor. ground-level marker either free or at reduced cost. "These burials are treated no differently than any others," says St. joseph Cemetery Manager Vickie Yankee. "These graves are not segregated ... We don't want to bring any attention to the fact that someone couldn't afford to bury a loved one." Since families may be reluctant to mention money troubles to the cemetery manager, the infonnation usually comes from a funeral director, or perhaps the Family Independence Agency or some other state office. "Seldom would we expect the families to mention their economic hardships to us," says Garriepy. "They're in a time of mourning. lt.S our job to help assure them that their financial situation won't get in the way, so that they can concentrate on more imponam matters." No matter how the families' needs are brought up, the cemetery managers work with them to provide comfort and closure without the stigma associated with most indigent burials. "Once the detennination is made that someone qualifies for this program, we simply mark the account 'paid in full,msays New Calvary Cemetery Manager Kathy Taylor. "Its not a sin to be poor, and we don't treat people that way." Interestingly, this ministry is not limited to Catholics. "We'll never refuse a burial," says Garriepy. "As an example, we have almost 20 unclaimed cremated remains in our U!nsing mausoleum. These remains were sitting in storage at a local funeral home. We don't know who these folks were, but they deserved better than to be warehoused on a closet shelf." Caring for the poor is a task that the Catholic Church takes seriously, from conception through natural death and even beyond. Your diocesan cemeteries are doing their pan. Are you doing yours? -Jay Johnson ts development dtrcclor for the: Diocese of lansing.
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lhe Lord of the Rings: The 1\No Towers (New Une Productions)
D
irector Peter Jackson seamlessly blends breathtaking locations with cutting-edge effects to tell the timeless tale of Frodo (Elijah Wood), the humble hobbit and unlikely hero, and his companions as they continue their perilous quest w destroy the One Ring, an amulet of unspeakable, seductive power. The Two Towers is a veritable passion play, with Frodo serving as a Christ figure, bearing the Ring, an emblem of sin, like a cross on his own Via Dolorosa- selflessly exercising free \viii, willing to sacrifice even his life so others might live. The Ring symbolizes the Catholic understanding of the parasitic nature of evil. The story's overall message of hope in strife, and the ultimate victory of light and goodness over darkness are as reassuring to our troubled times as they were when Tolkien wrote it during the horrors of the World War 11. The film has many gory scenes of battle violence with several frightening images. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classified the movie for aduils only. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13. -David DICcno (CNS}
Three Approaches to Abortion A Thoughtful and Compassionate Guide to Todays Most Controversial Issue
W
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hy do pro-choice people always describe abortion as a "difficult" and "complex" issue, whereas pro-life advocates see it as clearly wrong? January 22, 2003, marks the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion, which remains "the single most divisive public issue of our time." Catholic author and philosophy professor Peter Kreeft approaches this topic with simple logic and sensitivity, in an elTon to bring a greater understanding of the pro-life position to people on all sides. The first of the "three approaches" involves objective, logical arguments. Kreeft has a talent of making philosophy accessible to the general reader, and \vith words filled with wit and conviction, he gives us a large dose of common sense. The second approach is more personal, demonstrating 15 subjective reasons to work for the protection of the unborn. The book concludes \vith an interpersonal perspective, in the format of a pro-life/pro-choice dialogue, addressing 15 common pro-choice arguments. Whatever your position on abortion, this book will certainly shed more light on the scientific, moral and legal implications of the pro-choice mentality as well as the reason why Mother Teresa said, "If abortion isn't wrong, then nothing is wrong." -Ahon Pelowskl (Ignatius Press; ISBN: 0898709156; March 2002)
Among ........ CliOCft tilitil, Gernwly ~ ...
Chmstimas isa'tover:
«elebmte Epiphany
HoW some•l!uiqpean cultui'es celebnlte: Spelh
Children in Spain celebrate the day the 'Fhree WISe Mm W.Sited the newbom Christ Orild by filling lheir shoes with hay and other grasses and leaving them on windowsills to feed the Wise Mlm~ camels. In tl1e mom. g. the grasses are gone and placed by candy and nuts. fn Italy. the Epiphany !Ddition includes a witch named ta &}'ana who visils each home to leave candy m the ~of good girls and
boys and aharcoal forlhose who've misbehaved Legend l1as it that tbt Three Wise Men stopped at Befimas hut to aSk for food and shelter on their way ro Bethlehem. She·Mfused them and Sl!lll them away. l.atel\ she regretted her dcci~ sioo and atones for her acoons
by leaving little gifts for an GodS children. A woman
named Babousd*a serves the same -purpose in Russia. France The people of Fmnce honor the Wise Men by arafting "santons~ (linle samts) in their memory. These terra-cotta figrepresent aD the cl:wac15 of the nativity and their animals as well as pronunent men and women of the villaW! in which they are crated. By Pattfda Majliftr
the IIICiil . . . . . ~
~·or •
January 6 is the day that· many famiea taka down ttleir Chrislmas traae anCI join in a • community bonh For tt1e chiiCJren. this·is an eepe-
cially joyous time tiecauae it rna.w tt1e "f'idlm. (~ irig) of the tree's ornaments begir1a. Hard ~ chocolatas wrappecl<in•fOil. and coOkies are their I"8'MII'd. li1 the ~~pray818 are said blaaeed herbs are tun.dt with thai: llt1fTIIl iling eaCh houae. Elocrwaya
ana
people- C8lled ....... ~gn" are 8Pcl iiilded·v.tl holy waBi and a ~ uaes dlak 1D wrlle -~-cheaupin 0 * M+ Sandthe~OYBr "¥II rQbea II1CI go tom tbJae mhouse haiing a lilrge star the doors v.tila ~ "'O!Pi Melchior; E9allhasar, and ~ a eong i:rtf1a 11ne ~ For this, f1ey behOIBt una aJCh & c:1aa Jal:r, YOr Feuer 1.110 YOr raceiYe Cblaliolll, v.np, .. .given mchiriies rJ 1fle dUth. gt!lilbr' (Oaapw, Met:Nor; BallhEw, prOiact ~ aYBfyon& us·again this~ fi'om the atlJnia in a won08ffill r8F,I88t dlrijn of~ lind walar). that inli.dile Ghliati o M e 11aa ftdilionaly euchaa·~ CThrae Kinga cake) and balit coaliidali:f an ~ lion of the Magi names. Qher8 GUYMiin (9!;ow wine). feel 1ltanda a "€biaaus ~ fOr bolh iBhaMinionem IBenadictat" induCing a Cfilldran'a Y8J1Iion (€hilt biiii!S tis home). cif h wine drnc --;-are reproFrom Day duced below. Qjan AppaiRI ~Jan. 6, three )'0009
'MI••
·-bids
* '*
N8w....,.
1 ~ pes Dreiktinlgskuchen 2 cups plus 3 Tblsp flour 1.4 o~ fresh yeast 1/J cup sugar 'I• cup plus 1 Tblsp lukewarm milk 7 Tblsp butter or maJiarine 112 Tsp salt 1 container of dtron 112 Tsp cardamom 2 eggs, 1 separated Generous 112 cup raisins, soaked in rum 1 cup chopped, mixed dried fruit P\t S/4 r1 the tour in a bowl, make a hole in the middle, crumble yeast into it. and mix the yeast wilh a pinch of sugar and some rl htluket.wm mi<. Dust . . mixtLn wilh flour, COWl' and let riee in a warm place for 15 minulae. Add the melted butter, salt, citron, cardamom, egg, egg white, remaining milk, and flour to the flour and yeast mixture. Knead dough until smooth. When the dough begins to fonn a ball, stir in raisins and dried fruit. Fonn dough into a
I Photography by Philip Shippert
log. Cut off 1/4 of the log, divide it into 4 equal parta. and form balls of each. Divide the remaining log into 4 parts and fonn balls from each. Grease a apring-fonn pan with a central tube. Place dough in the pan, alternating large and small dough balls. Cover the pan and let rise in a wann place. Brush the dough with beaten egg yolk and place in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. Cool cake thoroughly before removing from pan and icing.
Klndergluhweln (non-alcoholic) 1 quart of purple grape juice
6 o~. honey 1 dnnamon stick 3 doves
Peels of half a lemon and half an orange Pour ingredients into a pan. Heat, but do not cook. Strain and pour into glaaaea.
Icing Powdered sugar Lemon juice
Red and green candied cherries, cut in half Mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice to an icing coneis· tency (not too ruM)'). Ice the cake and decorate with the candied cherries. To be really authentic, mold a small gold crown from foil and place it in the center of the cake. january/Ftbnuuy 2003
25
FAITH Magazine
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week Jan 26-Feb t; (Eiemantary Schools) Charlotte: St. Mary School; Hambwg: Holy Spilil School; Hudson: Sm:rrd Htart School; Jackson: Qut£11 of rhc MirtJCull
I
sunday readings
• things to do
January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God l'lklmenl6:22-27 Paalm 67:2-3,5-6, 8 Galalians 4:4-7 Luke 2:16-21 JanuaryS
The Epiphany of the Lonl Isaiah 60:1-6 Paalm 72:2,7-6, 1()-13 Ephesians 3:2-38, 5-6 Mallhew 2:1-12
January12 The Baptism of the l.ord Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 PWn 29: 1a. 2, 3ac-4,3b, 9b-10 h!ta 10:34-38 Mark 1:7-11
January 19 Second Sunday In Ordinary Time 1 Samuel3:3b-10, 19 Paalm40:2,4,7-10 1 Corinthians 6: 13c-15a, 17-20 John 1:35-42 January 26 Third Sunday In Ordinary Time Jonah 3:1 ~5, 10 Psam25;4-9 1 Corinlhians 7:29·31 Mark 1 :14-20
Febnary2 The FetJSI of the Prrsenratlon of the l.ord Malachi 3: 1-4
Paalm 24~7~ 10 Hebrews 2: 14-18 Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22·32
February9 Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time Job 7 :1-4, 6-7 Psam 147: 1-6 1 Comlhians 9:16-19, 22-23 Mark 1:29-39
Febnary16 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time I...!Micus 13:1-2,44-46 Paalm 32 : 1 ~2, 5, 11 1 Cori1lhians 10:31-11:1 Mark 1:40-45 Febnlary23
Seventh Sunday in Ordi1111ry Time Isaiah 43:1 8-19, 21-22, 24b-25 Psalm 41 :2·5, 13-14 2 Corinlhians 1:1 8-22 Mark 2:1 -12
Masses for the deaf com· munHy will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Depcik, OSFS, at the following parishes during January and February: • SL John the Evangelist, Fenton, at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, Saturday, Jan. 11, and Sunday, Jan. 12, 19, and 16; and, Sunday, Feb. 2, 16 and 23. Masses will be celebrated in the Chapel. • St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 and 25, Feb. 15 and 22. Mass will be celebrated in the Day Chapel on the lower level. • St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 and Feb. 2. All are welcome to attend. Fr. Depcik is chaplain for the Catholic Deaf Community of the Diocese of Lansing. Tum to the Bible Study Hour will be held on Mondays throughout the year at Holy Spirit Parish, Hamburg. The instructor for the series is Bob Christian. Participants are asked to bring a Bible, notepad and
Tltc Catecftism of tlte Catholic Clmrch. The teachings will be held from 78:30p.m. in the parish's Annex 4. For information, call Holy Spirit Parish at (810) 231-9199. Well-known throughout the Genesee County area fur their fish fries, the Knights of Columbus of Holy Redeemer Parish will host dine-in or take-out fish dinners Friday, Jan. 3 and Feb. 7, from 4-7 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
A Mass of Military Appreciation will be held Sunday, Jan. 5, at St. Pius X Parish, Flint, beginning at 6 p.m. Following the homily, names of those serving in the military will be read. For information or to send in a name of a loved one currently serving in the armed forces, call the parish at (810) 235-8574. ~ngfuranimrod~nto
Catholic theology? Holy Spirit Parish, Hamburg, is hosting Theology for Beginners. Utilizing a book aptly titled Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed, topics during the months of January and Feb11J81'}' are: • "The VISible Church and the Mystical Body of Ctvist" presented by Fr. Bill Thomas Thursday, Jan. 9 and 16; • "The Mother of God" presented by Bernadette Porter Thursday, Jan. 23 and 30; • "Grace, Virtues, Gifts" presented by Chuck Dumiller Thursday, Feb. 6 and 13; • "The Sacraments and Eucharist and the Mass~ presented by Brooke Belisle Thursday, Feb. 20 and 27. The series continues through March. Participants are invited to aH the sessions or to topics of their interest The teachings will be held from 7-8 p.m. in the parish's Annex 3. For infurmation, contact the Holy Spirit Parish at (81 0) 231 ~9199. Understanding the Catholic Faith, presented by St. Mary Student Parish and Fr. Gabriel Richard Newman Center, will be held Thursday, Jan. 9, and Tuesday, Feb. 4.
And you're invited! This annual education lecture series is to help students, community members and alumni enrich their understanding of the Catholic faith. Join in as various distinguished speakers share their insights on prayer, moral life, and contemporary theological issues. Slated speakers are: Jan. 9, Fr. J. Bryan Hehir, president of Catholic Charities U.SA, who will speak on "The Ethics of War and Peace: Catholic and American Questions"; and, Feb. 4, Fr. John Staudenmaier, SJ, acting dean for the College of Uberal Arts and professor of History at the University of Detroit-Mercy, and editor,
Technology and Culture, speaking on "Electronic Media and Prayer.' All leelures begin at 7 p.m. at St. Mary Student Parish, with a brief reception fullowing. For further information, please contact Gretchen Baumgardt at (734) 663-Q557, ext 234, or gbaumbar@umich.edu The St. Patrick Family Concert Series will feature pianist Dr. Siok-Lian Tan Sunday, Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. at St. Patrick Church, Brighton. Siok-Lian is on the faculty of Miami University of Ohio and is a concert pianist. She will perform French music for piano including compositions by Rameau, Ravel, Debussy and Messiaen. For information, call the parish at (81 0) 229-9863. National Vocations Awareness Week will be celebrated Jan. 12~ 18. For
Owosso: St. Joseph School; Sl Johns: Sr. josqJh School; Westphalia: St. Mary School; Williamston: 51. Mary School; (Elementary and Middle Schools) Ann Arbor: St. Francis of Asslsi Sch
d School, St. Mary Star of the Sea/St. StanlslaiiS Kostlta School, St. john the Evangelist Schoo~ St. )ostph School; Mlc:hlgan Center. Our Lady of FatinUJ School; Okemos: St. Mar1ha School;
community
infonnation on vocations, contact Sr. Carla Moeggenborg, OP, at (517) 342-2506, or via e-mail: cmoegg@dioceseoflansing.org Two regional in-services for pastors/pastoral coordinators and their parish staff wil be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 am.-2:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Morrice; and Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 9:30 am.-2:30 p.m. at St Mary, Chelsea. The sessions will examine the U.S. Bishops' National Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation, Our Hearts Were Bumlng within Us, and explores ways of implementing it in parishes.
Q:
~fonnalion, corolacl e Ries, director of echetical Ministry for the Diocese of lansing, at (517) 342-2486.
The Annual March for Ufe in Washington, D.C., will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22. A bus will depart from St Mary Parish, Pinckney, Tuesday, Jan. 21 , for the march held on the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. The pilgrimage will feahn Mass for Ufe at the Immaculate Conception Basilica, participation in the march and a visit to the Pope John Paul II Cultunll Center prior to departure on Thursday. Two priests, including Fr. Bill Ashbaugh, will accompany pilgrims on the trip. l..oclging will be at the Arlington Quality Inn. Cost of the trip is $85. Minors need a ~ssion slip signed by a t or legal guardian. For further information or to register, call (734) 878-221 7.
'l4lS
Building Bridges, a two-day remaniage seminar, will be
held Jan. 25-26, at the St. Joseph Retreat Center, Jad<son. The semilar is for couples preparing for ITI8/" riage where one or bolh of the spouses have been previously manied. The weekend is facilitated by a team of remarried couples - from a variety of backgrounds - specially trained in the ministry. The retreat wiM get underway at 8:30 am. Saturday and conelude on Sunday at 1 p.m. For information, call the Diocese of lansing's Family Ministry Office at (517) 342-2471. The All Ministers Retreat, for priests, deacons and lay ministers, will be held Feb. 36 at the St Francis Retreat Center, DeWrtt. Fr. Bill Frtzgerald and Fr. Mike Hazard will facilitate. For registration information, contact the Diocese of Lansing's Office of Ecclesial Lay Ministry at (517) 342-2512. St Mary Church, Pinckney, is proud to announce the beginning of a Knights Daughters Circle. This is a progrsm of the Knights of Columbus for girfs, ages 1o17, who are interested in accomplishing community service work, as well as God's work An Investiture Ceremony was held Nov. 23 which officially established the circle. The Knights Daughters Circle is a pilot progrsm only in Michigan and the St. Mary circle is the ninth to be established in the state and the first in the Diocese of Lansing. Wrth 30 giris participating, it
is currently the largest in the state. The Knights Daughters have already adopted a nursing home, corresponded with the Kans for Kids program and have helped out at some parish functions.
The Black Catholic Ministry Office for the Diocese of L.ansing and the American Red Cross are sponsoring the third annual Blood of the Martyrs Blood Drive, Jan. 15-21. A total of 18 drives will collect blood in honor of all Christian martyrs and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Designated sites include: Wednesday, Jan. 15 • Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., lansing, 7 am.-7 p.m. • Flint Red Cross Donor Room, 1401 Grand Traverse, Flint, 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 • Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, noon-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 • Peter Pestillo Family Center, 850 S. Hewitt Road, Ypsilanti, noon-6 p.m. • Rint Red Cross Donor Room, 1401 Grand Traverse, Fli~ 9 am.-3 p.m. • Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing, 9 am.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 • St Gerard Parish, Lansing, 10 am.-4 p.m. • St Patrick Parish, Brighton, 10 am.-4 p.m. o Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., lansing, 8 am.-1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 • Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton, 9 am.-3 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 20 • Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing, 2-8 p.m. • Great Lakes Regional Blood Center, 1800 E. Grand River Ave., lansing, noon-6 p.m. o Heart of the Lake Church, 7031 Jefferson Road, Brooldyn, 1-7 p.m. • First Presbyterian Church, 743 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, 11 am.-5 p.m. • Flint Red Cross Donor Room, 1401 Grand Traverse, Flin~ 1-7 p.m. • St. Mary Parish, Adrian, 11 :30 am.-5:30 p.m. • Holy Trinity Student Chapel, Ypsilanti, 1-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 • University of Michigan (ROTC), 105 N. Universily, Ann Arbor, 10 am.-4 p.m.
Passed into Eternal Ufe • ••••••••••••••••••• We have lost a trusted and valuable contributor to FAITH Magazine. Carolyn Smith passed into eternal life Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002. Carolyn approached each article that she penned with much enthusiasm and was inspired by the people she interviewed. She considered it an honor to write stories of faith; we considered it an honor to publish her works. Please remember Carolyn in your prayers. You will continue to see her name within the magazine as many of her articles will be published in the future. Our deepest condolences arc extended to Carolyn's family. We not only lost a valued contributor, we also lost a friend.
the Aposdc School; Brightan: St. Patriclt School; Burton: Holy Redeemer School; East Lansing: St. Thomas Aquinas School; Fenlon: SI.Jolm the Evangelist School;
Flint DuKtllc Catholic Scl1uol, Holy Rosary Sdmol, St. john Vianncy Scl1nol, St. Pius X Scl1ool; Flushing: Sr. Robert Bdlanninc Schnol; Fowler: Most Holy Trinity School; Grand Blanc: Holy Fam
celebrating our Catholic sChools
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elolxating Cathol~• • • schools is what Catholic Schools Week is all about. From Jan. 26-Feb. 1, parochial schools throughout the Diocese of Lansing will plan special events to revolve around the theme of Making a World of Difference. Catholic Schools Week Mass will be held at 10 am. on Monday, Jan. 27. at St. Mary Cathedral, lansing. FAITH Magazine invited schools throughout the diocese to "brag" as to how they are making a worid of cftfference. The following is a sampling of the submissions we received.
.................... St. Robert Students follow Simple Path Mother Teresa is the inspiration for the 2002-2003 academic year at St. Robert Bellarrnine School, Flushing. The schools theme for the year, TI~e Simple Path, is taken from a book by Mother Teresa. Each month the students have explored one of the "fruits" of vinue that lead to peace. This is done through morning prayer, prayer services, community service activities and discussions. The way to exhibit faith is to live it!
goods for area shelters, visit· ing Washington, D.C s Holocaust Museum, or taking part in the schools annual Native American Prayer Service, Holy Rosary students have the tools and understanding to become model Catholic citizens.
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SL Thomas, Ann Arbor, Growing by Leaps and Bounds St. Thomas Parish is in the midst of creating a vision for the future of the grade school and the parish. Fr. Gabriel Richard High School, which has been leasing the space on the St. Thomas' campus, is movingjune 2003. The move is creating an opponumty for expansion of the grade school. The vision for the new school space mcludes a fully-equipped science lab, an improved media center, preschool and addnional classrooms that will provide space for additional students while reducing class size.
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Holy Rosary Marks 50th Year of Service, Education This year, Flints Holy Rosary Catholic School begins celebrating 50 years of service to grades kindergarten through eighth. As well as providing excellent spiritual formation and academic development, Holy Rosary also instills a message of diversity and outreach in its students. Whether collecting
Holy Spirit, Hamburg, Home to Newest Diocesan Grade School Bishop Carl Mengeling eelebrated the Liturgy, then blessed and dedicated the new Holy Spirit Roman Catholic School in Hamburg recently. The establishment of the school is the latest expansion dunng the 23-year-old
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish. Pastor Fr. William Thomas, Deaconjoe Lennon, Sr. Dorita Wotiska, the faculty, student body and many of the parish faithful participat· ed in the ceremony. The school currently features preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. At least one grade will be added each year until the school is complete wnh preschool through eighth grade.
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J.C.M.S. Embraces Technology Jackson Catholic Middle School has established a strong commitment to computer technology unmatched by any middle school in the Jackson area. The new Technology Education Uib is a modular system that provides a competency-based, interactive multimedia curriculum. Regardless of ability, each student gains experience and/or reinforcement in science, mathematics, language arts, research, problem solving, creative thinking, cooperative learning. and logical reasoning. Each of the 11 modules is a hands-on, selfdirected learning station, including: Aerodynamics, Animation, Applied Physics, E>."Ploratory Electronics, Weather Satellite, Engineering Stress Analysis, Automation and Robotics, Biotechnology, Video Production, Flight
Simulation and Computer Aided Design. The students enjoy the challenge of this new approach to learning how technology affects their lives today and in the future.
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Going to the New Chapel at Spiritus Sanctus Academy Spiritus Sanctus Academyjoy Road recenlly dedicated a new chapel which, with the generosity of the school chaplain, allows the students to participate in Mass not just occasionally, but every moming. Beginning each day with Mass helps the students and staff to focus on the proper end of education. We are reminded each day that "educere" means "to draw out," and that there is nothing worthier, or truer, to be drawn to than God Himself.
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St. Joseph Students Spread Faith, Love throughout the Community and World Caring is the key word for students and staff at St. Jospeh School, Howell. During the school year, students make rosaries and send them to parishes around the world. They also brought enough food to Mass on World Food Day that our Food Bank is overflowing. The sixth through eighth grade students recently
Rcsum:crion School, St. Geranl School, St. Tlicn:sc School; Ml Monts:St. Mary School; Owosso: St Paul School; Pinckney: Sf. M11ry School; s-tz Creek: St. Mary Queen of Angels School
ool; Grand Ledge: St. Mlchad School; Hawel: SL)11scph Schr111l; Jackson:jacltson Catl~rtllc MiJJic Scl..,.,l; Lansing: Holy Cmn School, lmmaculaiC Heart rif Mary/St . Casimir Sclmol,
catholic schools week
'.. ... .. ... ... .. .. raised more than $2,000 for the American Heart Association. A card created by a sixth-grader is mailed to each newly baptized baby in the parish. Our Student Council is sponsoring Pennies for Patients and the first-graders filled shoe boxes for a boy or girl overseas as pan of Christmas Around the World.
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Fine Arts Alive and Well at Powers tholic Vocal and instrumental music, drama and visual arts are thriving at Powers Catholic High School, Flint. On March 9, the Powers Catholic Choir wi\1 participate in the Flint Festival of Choirs Concert held at St. john Vianney Church, under the direction of guest conductor Andre Thomas. The Powers Catholic Drama Department rested only one week after its fa\1 performance of CharlotteS Web before try-outs, planning and practice was underway for Nunscnse which is slated to hit the stage jan. 9-12. Seventytwo marching band members capped their season ofT by performing in the Marshall Fields Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago. And students of the an department reached out to the community by creating an ork for the Shelter of Flint at was displayed during Homeless Awareness Week last November along with
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works by homeless children. Powers Catholic students love the fine arts!
.................... Most Holy Trinity School Serves Vets Most Holy Trinity School, Fowler, students and staiT know how to serve others. This year, as well as last, the school provided a luncheon for more than 190 veterans and spouses Nov. 21, 2002. Students not only served a buiTet-style lunch they also cooked it themselves! And, of course, they provided entertainment for those in attendance. The very special afternoon included veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Panama, Berlin, the Cold War and Bosnia.
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Holy Family First· Graders have Special Pen Pals The first-graders at Holy Family School, Grand Blanc, have been writing to some special soldiers who are members of the parish. ln fact, many of the soldiers are alumni of the school themselves. The students have been writing monthly with quotes from the Bible, jokes, prayers and general letters. Military bases where the soldiers are stationed have been marked on a map. It has been a wonderful lesson for geography, writing and canng for others.
St. Mary, Charlotte's Special Project St. Mary School, Charlotte, undertook a special project recently by erecting 4,000 crosses in front of the school. The somber crosses stood as a reminder of the number of abortions that are pcrfonned daily in the United States.
•• •• •• St. Mary, Pinckney, Spreading Message of Peace St. Mary, Pinckney, is working hard to spread jesus' message of peace. A student can nominate another student if they see the other spreading peace. The names are then written on paper doves and hung from the ceiling so we can "see" our peaceful actions. We have discussed ways to spread peace using the fruits of the Holy Spirit. St. Mary School hopes to expand Christ's peace and love beyond our school.
For more on our Catholic Schools, log on to FAITHrn:ag.com
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ongratulatione are extended to the following who were commissioned 88 eccleeial lay ministers Nov. 16, 2002, by Bishop Cart MengeVng at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing: Renee Mary Bracy, St. Alphonsus Parish, Deerfield; Marlnell Wgh, St. joseph Parish, Dexter; Jacal}'n Mary Lenhart, St. Anthony Parish, H.Uisdale; Mary Katherine Quick, St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish, Adrian; Rosemarie Anne Robertson, St. james Parish, Mason; and, Barbara Rose White, St. james Parish, Mason. for'lnfonnatlon on
the eccleslallay mlnlstiY program, Contact Mary 'Dtrdlf, diocesan director, at (517) 342·251-2, or via e-maH: mtardl@dl~anslng.org
1fansltlonal Dlaconate Ordination
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eminariane John Fam and jdl' Njus are one step to the priesthood following their ordination 88 transitional deacons by Bishop Cart Mengeling Nov. 23 at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing. Please keep both in your prayers 88 they prepare for priestly ordination in June, 2003.
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h Schools) Am Arbor. Fr. Gabriel Rfchanl High School; Flint tulle M. Powers Catlrllllc High School; Jackson: Lumen Christi Hfglr Scl~t~ol; Lansing: Lansing Catlrollc Central High Sclrool
the world Actor, director and producer Mel Gibson answers
journalists' questions during a news conrcrcncc in Rome's Cinecittil' studios
on his film project The Passion narrating the last 12 hours orjesus Christ's Urc.
Mel Gibson knows hes taking a chance in his forthcoming film on jesus- including the dubbing in ancient latin and Aramaic. Gibson also wants Passion to be a son of mute film where the images say it all
African . . food cnsiS so
severe that famine looms,â&#x20AC;˘ aid agencres say
~~would like w be able to transcend the barriers of language with scenes that recount the story by themselves," Gibson said during a press conference in Rome. UMany think 1 am mad, and perhaps l am. Or maybe I am a genius,~ he added jokingly: This is the Hrst film Gibson has directed since 19955 Braveheart The filming of Passion, centered on jesus¡ last hours on earth, is already under
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way. The cast is made up primarily of Italian actors. Initially, actress Monica Bellucci refused to take part in the film, but at Gibsons insistence she eventually agreed to play the part of Mary Magdalen. Jim Caviezel plays the part of jesus of Nazareth. Romanian Maia Morgensen, 42, is cast in the role of jesus' Mother. Scenes of the last hours of Christ's life are being filmed in the Italian cities of Sassi
ecmtly, a coalition of 15 aid o~tions, meeting at Catholic Relief Services headquaners in Baltimore, slid some 38 million Africans risk starvation unless the international community mobilizes quickly. The food crisis in Africa is so severe that an immediate international response is needed to prevent a famine greater than mid-1980s levels. UWe needed to respond yesterday,¡ said Kenneth Hackett, CRS executive director. "If we wait two more months, there will be widespread
de Matera and Craco. Some of the scenes, including the trial under Pontius Pilate and King Herod, will be filmed in Roman studios. Sassi is a favorite city of directors who have filmed the life of jesus. It has been transformed by decorations, including towers, fortified walls, the three crosses of Golgotha, vendors' stalls as they were 2,000 years ago, and hundreds of extras dressed in tunics and sandais. - Zenit.org
famine. We will not be able to stop it. We can stop it now, but it depends if we get the resources." james T. Morris, executive director of the World Food Program, said the U.N. agency had half of the $1.4 bilUon needed to adequately respond to the African food crisis and called on donor nations to make up the shonfall."With al of our wealth and technology, the fact that we haven't made more progress is depressing," Morris said. - Stephen Steele (CNS)
who are the ~r'who
• A new pastoral reflection on poverty by the U.S. bishops "takes on particular urgency as our nation responds to terrorism and other threats, n said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington in advocating passage of the document The bishops approved the document, "A Place at the Table: A Catholic Recommitment to Overcome Poverty and Respect the Dignity of All God's Children," during their recent general meeting in
Washington. Pope Paul VI's statement ulf you want peace, work for justice" is "still essential," said Cardinal McCarrick, chairman of the bishops' Committee on Domestic Policy, which worked jointly with the bish· ops' Committee on International Policy in devel· oping the document. "A Place at the Table" is "a call to action to how we serve the least of our brothers and sisters," Cardinal McCarrick said. -Mark Paulson (CNS)
.................... John Paul II received New
.brk Mets baseball catcher
Piazza was traveling in Europe to promote baseball. -Zcnlt.org
those.----
Women religious among promolng fuel e111c1ent cars
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Sr. Sylvester, a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary who is a member of a national coalition of religious leaders, recently met with representatives of General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers. "I told them we realize these are difficult times for the car industry and that we concerned about peo· '-pie's jobs. But we must bal· ance our concerns with the health of our climate, n she
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Will inherit the Kingdom?
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~orld, ~lh
~ew ~tament
n the• ande;,; In Old and times, there was no·mlddle class of the ldnd found In modem Industrial nations Rke ours. Wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few, and the mass of the population was poor to a degree that is rare in mod· ern western countiies, though it is found in countries outside of Europe and North America. One does not find in the ancient world much discontent with the prevailing poverty. It was just the way things were. This was the reality In lsrMI In the time of Jesus. Most people were poor arid aefarrad to themselves In Hebniw as "anawwm" (those The saying does not mean that who were without material poseesaions and whose confidence was in God). Jesus was refer- only the poor ring to them in the synagogue at Nazareth when enter the kinghe quoted Isaiah 61 :1 to announce the messian- dom of heaven, but even the ic character of his mission: wThe Spirit of the poor enter it. It Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to is an implicit bring glad tidings to the poor~ The word •poor• response to the translates anawim in Isaiah. haughtiness of The First Beatitude In St. Luke's account the Pharisees <Luke 8:20) states simply, ..Bieued are you towards the 'anawlm,' for the kingdom of God Is yours." anawim (poor). St. Matthew's account adds win spirit" to the First Beatitude: •Sieesecl are the anawim in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven~ This is saying that the beatitude extends even to the upper crust as long,as they recognize their dependence on God. The revolutionary character of Jesus' statement should not be missed. The curse of poverty is removed by it, and happi· ness consists in the kingdom of heaven which surpasses all earthly wealth. The saying does not mean that only the poor enter the kingdom of heaven, but even the poor enter it. It is an implicit response to the haughtiness of the Pharisees towards the anawim. These latter were the ordinary people, wthe little people" in Israel as compared to the big shots. In fact, ulittle people" is sometimes used as a translation for anawim. Jesus clearly liad • preferential option for the ..anawlm," but he does not condemn the wealthy, the powerful, or the comfortable. He does warn them, however, again and again in the gospel, of the perils and pitfalls they face in their state of life if they do not put their trust in the goodness and faithfulness of God.
liiillili••
Pope Finds a Fan In Mels Catcher Mb Piazza
Mike Piazza who, overwhelmed, feU to his knees. The American balplayer, whose family is of Sicilian origin, drew a broad smile from the pope when he gave him a baseball shirt at the end of the general audience.
last
told The Michigan Catholic, newspaper of the Detroit Archdiocese. Sr. Sylvester drove to the meeting in a car powered by a hybrid gasoline-electric engine. On the car was a banner saying, "What Would Jesus
Drive?" -Audrey Sommers {CNS)
- Most Revm:nd Kmneth Povlsh was the third bishop ofUnslng and Is now retired.
• Do you and your spouse disagree over finances? • Do you treat others with more respec than you treat your spouse? • Do you make each other a priority?
Retreats • Resources • Counseling
Eor
an~
Marriage at any stage
YourMarriaget'atters.com Diocese of Lansing Family Ministry Office
517-342-2471
. faith
The llbp:mc .,r 1M Co1ltw1~ o~e,..nc ctf Umm,
300 W Onawa 1...1nsing, Ml 48933
Online: On TV:
www.Dioceseoi Lanslng.org www.FAITHmag.com lhe Outl'llach Mass, Sunday, 10 a.m. Fllnl - FOX 88 Lansing - FOX 47
On Radio: Mau,11 a.m. on WJIM 1240 AM
Vocation Awareness Week: Jan. 12 • 18
World Marriage Day: Feb. 9
Catholic Schools Week Jan. 26 - Feb. 1