February 2001

s catholics, we generally share certain beliefs with most Protestants and Jews. We worship the same

God - the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is our Father and Creator of heaven and earth. He created humans to be in His image and likeness. Yet we recognize that, due to human rebellion, we live alienated from God. Persecution, poverty, mutual hatred, abuse and discrimination are the symptoms of our spiritual malaise. We all need to repent, atone for our sins, and return to union with God, a task that confronts us all, but with God's grace is made possible. For Jews, this alienation of our world results from freely willed choices made by individuals. Christians see it as a collective disobedience summed up in the doctrine of Original Sin. The Christian vision is that the world is unredeemed and separated from an intimate shared life with our Abba - Father. We need to reveal Gods kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We seek authority from the same book. Gods creative and redeeming activity, along with our human response to Him, is recorded in the Bibles Testaments, both Old and New. Wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, righteousness and inspiration all flow to us from that commonly shared font. For jews, Gods word has expressed itself through the law, the prophets and their own history. For Christians, the same is true, with the added dimension that we underÂˇ stand God's revelation in His Word made flesh, in His Christ, whom we believe to be the Messiah. We look for the Coming of the Messiah. Together, we await the establishment of the Kingdom of God, a reality that will be brought about by the Messiah. Christians live in the time that is ~already, but not yet," the time in which Gods kingdom has been established in Christ and will be brought into its fullness by our co-working with God, culminating with the Second Coming of jesus Christ whom we believe to be the longed-for Messiah. We share a well-spring of moral principles. The moral principles of the Torah, the unalienable rights and dignity of every human being, and our shared life as brothers and sisters under God, our Father, are the foundations or all of our effortS for peace and justice. All human laws, rules of conduct and norms of human behavior flow from that commonly shared well. Respecting each other's beliefs will not weaken our own. The Book and the Covenant bind us together,

however tenuously. Jews will be saved in their adherence to God's Covenant as expressed in the law and the Prophets. Christians, likewise , will be saved in their adherence to the New Covenant given them in jesus Christ'S life, death and resurrection.

Note: The primwy source from which I have drawn these observations is Dabru Emet, A jewish Statement on Christians and Christianity signed by more that 170 jewish scholars in September 2000. A copy is available at FAITHmag.com. B)

contents Features: Other Faiths, Part 1

Our Heritage

Cover: She~ jewish, He~ Catholic

Blacll History Month

• How Does Their Marriage Work?

• Mu t Daniel Rudd

Robin Lynch

Ronald Landfair

Departments

•Our Roots in judaism Elizabeth Johnson

•Ajewish Rabbi, Muslim Imam and Buddhist Monk Talk to FAITH Patrick M. O'Brien

•A Place at the Table for All Fr. Robert Kerr 17 18

Spiritual Fitness Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

The journey Dr. Cathleen McGreal

Fat Tuesday

•Tomorrow We Fast, Today We Eat 20

Kathy Funk

From Tite Bishop •My Lutheran Father Bishop Carl Mengallng

The Last Word ... Bishop Kenneth Povlsh

WorhLife Michael Sullivan

Fr. Joseph Krupp

22 24 28

Culture

Contributors

In The Know With F1: joe

Hey, I Believe That Too!

community local news the world

On the Cover: Chuck and Regan Johnson have their differences. He's Catholic and a Republican. She's Jewish and a DemocraL Find out how their long marriage has lasted. Page 12.

Volume 2 : Issue 2 FebnNirY 2001

etter

Most Reverend Carl E Mengeling PUBUSHER

Rev. Fr Charles Irvin

Send your lelia!'$ to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa Lansing, Ml48933 or via e·mall frclrvln@rc.net

EDITOR IN CHIEf'

Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop ASSOCIATE EDITOR IN CHIEP

Patrick M. O'Brien M&N&GING EDITOR C:RE&TM! DIRECTOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Mollie Lauffer CRE&T1VE & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Jillanejob SUIISCRIPTIONSISEC:RET&RY

Evelyn Weitzel SUBSCRIPTIONS

Rev Fr. William Ashbaugh Evelyn Barella janet Cassidy Elizabeth johnson Rev Fr joseph Krupp Ronald Landfair Robin Lynch Dr. Cathleen McGreal jennifer Niester Most Rev. Kenneth j. Povish Michael Sullivan Rna Thiron

DeiHna Buening

... I was appalled to learn that 50 percent of"so called" Catholics voted for Vice President AI Gore for the presi· dency of the United States (December 2000) . ... AI Gore and the majority of the

Top10

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Margaret Perrone

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

james Luning, Photography ON THE COVER

Wayne Case Mary Delano David Fenech Pauicm Garcia Rev. Fr j. Thomas Munley Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Michael Rizik Ricardo Rodriguez Rev. Fr. james Swiat Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD

WEB MINISTRY

Tim Strandberg, Parish Systems WEB SITE DESIGN, M&N&GEMEHT

CPI Graphics, Lansing PRINTING f&ml.._..lolho-...-ollhooi ......... CColldcllloceoeol ...... -

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This book will awaken a family's awareness of God in all kinds of places and in common family experiences, such as birthday parties, the laundry room, a gravesite, Saturday nights with grandma and grandpa, and many, many more. The real-life stories that are presented, along with the helpful reflections and meaningful rituals, evoke the feelings, thoughts, memories, and associations that pnme the depth perception needed for seeing "more

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my father hope. He was his guardian angel as well as his doctor. ("Not All Care Can Cure but All Care Can Heal," january 2001). Christina ClrpenUer

Special Announcement for Teachers and Parents:

Introducing FAITHhelps A teaching companion for FAITH Megazlne. It's fnHt to ntllglous educators and youth ministers. By the way, this also lndudes parents. How do you get FAITHhelps? Download It from our Web sita: FAITHmag.com or, we can a-mall It to yoU each month. Contad Patrick

O'Brien Ill pobrte@~

Getting Married

•. MThan eets E

Rev. Fr. Karl Pung

=~=(=:~:'!~

When I was 3 years old, my dad was diagnosed with nonHodgllins lymphoma. He went through radiation and chemotherapy for a year. D1: Stella was the man who gave

than meets the eye~ a recognition of God in family life. An outline version of the reflection process used in this book is included in an appendix to assist More~ individuals, families or groups who want to look the more deeply into their particular ~~ .~~t· stories and find I:; ' . s.,:--'· ~fo• - r ... their loving and merciful God present in them.

Christine jones james Luning

Jlubll

Glenn J. Simon

More Than Meets the Eye: Finding God in the Creases and Folds of Family Life By Mary Jo Pedersen, Thomas Grelsen, and Ronald Waslkowskl

PROOFREADING

FAITH

Democratic Party consistently fight against what we hold so dear- LIFE. The Holy Roman Catholic Church takes an unmistakable stance on this issue and for so many "so called" Catholics to usc their privilege of voting in direct violation of that teaching is a tragedy.

Fr. joe (Knipp) gives a very practical application of the Catholic faith C'In the Know with Fr: joe"). His sense of humor and down-to-earth applications about doctrines and teachings are very refreshing.

Kathy Funk

Wilh This Ring: A Practical Guide for Newlyweds By Renee Bartkowski

ust Rea

Prayers, Activities, Celebrations (and more) for Catholic Families By Bridget Mary Meehan The Art of Tradition: A Christian Guide to Building a Family By Mary caswell Walsh Experiencing God with your Children By Kathy Coffey

Catholic and Ecumenical By Frederick M. Bliss, S.M. Together For Life: A Preparation for Marriage and for the Ceremony By Joseph M. Champlin

Creating Your Christian Engagement By John Barry Ryan and Francis J. Lodato

~~ .....

,,;.!. 55. Cynl and Method1us,

· .

, · .. · .

' · ! . I: \ •

Seven Founders of the Order of Serv1tes I , h \

Interfaith couples are fast becoming the norm In today's society. According to Sandra Millar, Director of Family Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing, more than 40 percent of married couples are of differing faiths. What Is the Catholic Church doing to embrace lnterfaHh couples and help them lead spiritually fulftlled lives? Millar offers the following suggestions which can be found at many of our parishes: • Marriage preparation classes offer a way for cou· pies to understand and respect each other's religion, Including teachings and Ira· dltlons. • Interfaith couples may not know that they are welcome. Couples can aHend events well as become Involved the parish Itself. • Parishes can be sensHive

to the "non·Cathollc" In liturgical preparations for the sacrament of marriage. Couples can have a ceremo· ny which doesn't Include Liturgy of the Eucharist. • Team up wHh an lnterfaHh FOCCUS - facilitating open couple communication, understanding and study couple. The FOCCUS couple serves as mentors for the newlyweds-to-be, both before and after the wedding. • Join or form support groups for Interfaith couples wHh the parish providing a forum for such groups. • Materials are readily avail· able about Catholic teach· ings and practices which the non·Cathollc spouse can read at his or her leisure. For more Information on Family Ministry, contact your local parish or Sandra Millar at (517) 342· 3471 or a-mall: smllla@dloceseoftenslng.org

•

m•

Wl My brother loves ducks and geese. And his knowl· edge of them always astounds me. One day, as we sat on his back deck, we heard the familiar honking of geese. As we looked up, there they were, flying In a magnificent 'v'·shaped pat· tern. ''I always wondered why they do that," I mum· bled. He explained to me how flying like that saves energy for the geese In back. Then he pointed and said, "See how one leg of the 'v' Is always longer than the other? Do you know why that Is?" I shook my head. "Because there are

more geese In that line:• We laughed for a long time over that one. Misunderstandings abound, don't they? Sometimes, when we're faced with things we don't understand entirely, we end up looking for a compllcat· ed solution when, In fact, the answer Is quite obvious.

Dear Fr. Joe: A lot of people are angry about a document recently published by the Church. One of my friends said that the Catholic Chun:h

said that only Catholics can get Into heaven. Is that true? Nope. This document could easily be put under the category of umost misunderstood: I thank you for your question, because it is essen·V tial when we study our beliefs that we not get our information solely from the media. So, what does this newest document (Dominus Icsus) say? Clearly, it is an attempt by the Church to reiterate and clarify the Second Vatican Councils work with regard to the question of sal vation for non-Catholics and non-Christians. The central idea? That jesus Christ is the way to heaven. Only jesus. We state that firmly in all we do and this is one thing about which we will not compromise or change. Being nice is not enough. Being good is not enough. We can never get to the point where we earn salvation. Salvation is a gift that comes from God through the words and actions of jesus. look a; e your Bible. In the Gospel of john 16:6, jesus says, "l am

the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes unto the Father except through me.n So, does that mean nonCatholics go to hell? Or people who do not believe in jesus? Nope again! Take a look at your Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 836-848. There, the Church clearly breaks down its attitude toward "non-Christians.n Be sure to check that out. What is the idea, then? How do we say that no one is saved outside of jesus and yet say that non-Christians can be holy people who we will see in heaven? Well, we n o back to two things: First, ~ere is the fact that all of us are God's children and form what the Church calls "that

one community that is the human family.n Our common Creator connects us to one another. Second, we look at the act of jesus on the cross. That perfect act is so powerful and lasting that it extends to all of creation. Put these two things together and you have the core of Dominus Jesus. Let's go step by step: 1. We believe that our worship of jesus on the cross, living for him and imitating him is the way to salvation. 2. Christians do this and are connected through our loving God to the rest of his children who love God, but don't know jesus. 3. These two realities com-

bine to offer salvation to the whole world. Whew! It wasn't easy to put all that together! There it is, though. Please, do not forget to pull out your Catechism of the Catholic Church and see what the Church says specifically about non-Christians. If you do not have a catechism, try your local parish. They should have a copy for you. Enjoy another day in Gods presence! Send your Questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. Otlawa, Lanalng, Ml 48933

or E-Mail JoelnBiack@priest.com

~~~~~~~~

mazing Grace is a familiar and treasured hymn for

most Christians. Yet, it is infinitely more than a pious hymn. Grace is the very love of God who searches us out, rinds us. captures our hearts and draws us to Himsetr and to our sisters and brothers. Indeed, our entire lives are an unending Uamazing grace. As we progress in life, we become more aware of the working of grace and how amazing it truly is. As we look back, we can know that a greater power has been at work in so many people and events that shaped and transformed us. So often, we and others were instruments of grace, without knowing it. How amazing to discover later in life how the many pieces of the puzzle fell into place. At the time, everything seemed so unlikely or impossible, yet grace was at work. We know from blessed experience that God does write straight with crooked lines. Every family and each individual has a glorious history of amazing grace. Many people recall high points of grace at various times of their lives as individuals, families and communities. For me, there are those significant times and ~vents, but it really has come together much more as l have Vgrown older and can look back to see the pattern of amazing grace at work in my family. Since this issue of FAITH presents a variety of interreligious issues, I share with you amazing grace at work in a mixed religion marriage. This story of my Lutheran father and Catholic mother will be familiar to many readers who share the same experience. There's a great blessing in looking back from my vantage point of 70 years. It's fascinating to discover how grace is always at work in our lives. My parents were baptized and grew up in their respective falth communities. There was the difference between Catholi,~ ahd Lutheran, but the Catholic faith had a much stronger and personal hold on my mom than the Lutheran had on my dad. 1 learned why this was true when 1 finally visited their relatives and homeland of Germany in 1962. They came from very different parts of the country, speaking different dialects and having differing cultures. Faith traditions and celebrations were much more in the fabric of life where Mom came from than for Dad. Moms family was solidly Catholic. Her father, Edmund, was a coal miner. He and Auguste Orschel had lO children. Faith and devotion were a way of life and very deep in Moms family. Dad came from Liekwegen in the western part of Germany. The Mengelings were landowners and mernhants. My Uncle Wilhelm operated a gasthaus, a hotel and ~ub. Everyone in Liekwegen was Evangelical Lutheran. Dad's H

Remember, you belong to something - your laal parlâ&#x20AC;˘ h

siblings included a brother and four sisters. My parents left Germany after World War I. The country was in a state of economic, financial and social paralysis marked by political instability and strife. The future was bleak for young people. My 18-year-old mother came with her sister and two brothers in 1923. Dad came the same year with his sister, Caroline. After Ellis Island and some time spent on the east coast, they and many immigrants were drawn to the Chicago area, looking for work. Like the other nationalities in Chicago, the Germans stuck together mainly because they couldn't speak English. My parents met at a German dance. Influenced by the climate and the Roaring 20s, they did not marry in church. Amazing grace was at work in my mother. Because of her strong faith and the support of her sister and brothers, she and dad were married by a Catholic priest in the rectory of St. joseph Parish in Hammond, Ind., in 1925. My parents agreed to baptize their first child in 1926. The traditional authority of the German father prevailed, and my sister was baptized Lutheran. 1, too, was baptized Lutheran in 1931. From 1925 untill938, rehgious practice in our family was minimal. Amazing grace now worked through a zealous German-speaking priest - Fr. Leo Hildebrandt, pastor of St. Mary Parish, whose family came to America in the 1880s. Like the Good Shepherd, Fr. Hildebrandt searched for inactive German Catholic immigrants. He found Mom and Dad Amulng g.-. CMie lui c:lrdeand others at German picnics in our ....,. fMnlly Njolcecl In our parishes in Illinois and Indiana, ...... -this ...... ..,..... south of Chicago. My dad liked him because he drank beer with him. Soon Mom, her sister and brothers and their families were all back in the Church with the same strong faith and devotion. My sister and I knew things were different when, one day, we left the public school and the next day found us attending the Catholic school. As was custom then, Fr. Hildebrandt baptized us conditionally. In all of this, my dad kept his distance and was not

www.FAITHmeg.com

February 2001

FAITH Mag;tzint

involved. He did not attend Midnight Mass or other special Catholic celebrations. He was never hostile, but simply let Mom be in charge of our religious life. After graduating from St. Mary School, I hoped to attend the Catholic high school. Dad firmly nixed that. Amazing grace was drawing me toward the priesthood, especially through the example of Fr. Hildebrandt and Sr. Fridian, OSF, who was my teacher in seventh and eighth grade. During my senior year of high school - 1948 - the call to the priesthood resurfaced and became intense. How could l tell my dad? By amazing grace, I got the nerve to speak to him. Like many homes, we had a front porch with a swing. After work Dad usually relaxed on the swing. After I hesitatingly told him about Gods call, there was his expected, "Are you crazy?" and much more. He had planned for me to go to Purdue to study engineering, which made this even worse. By amazing grace, I dared to speak up to him for the first time in my life. 1 told him I was going to the seminary and he couldn't stop me. After he calmed down, he said, "OK, I'll let you go, but you'll be back home in a month.w Unfortunately, the seminary was full. However, shortly before opening day, a student changed his mind, which left an opening. The associate pastor at St. Mary, Fr. Charles Buescher, took me down to St. Meinard Seminary. The next spring, my family drove 300 miles south for a visit. With each subsequent visit, I could see a change in my Dad. While on my summer vacations, I worked at American Steel where my father worked for 35 years as a tool and die machinist. Amazing grace was at work once again - he not only had resigned himself to my future as a priest but was pleased and supportive. In 1953, Mom was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. On the advice of medical specialists, she went for lengthy treatment to a renowned clinic in Kansas City. The months she was away, Dad took instructions in the Catholic faith from Fr. Charles Froelich, the associate pastor of a parish named Our Lady of Grace. Fr. Froelich was a Precious Blood Congregation priest. By amazing grace, he was the priest for Dad's conversion. Away at the seminary, I knew nothing about this. After Mom's return, she was surprised that Dad wanted to take her to Mass. She assumed it was out of sympathy because of her illness; that was until the full truth of his new faith became apparent as he received Holy Communion

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Fcb111Qry 200!

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with her! Four years later, in 1957, I was ordained. Amazing grace came full circle as our entire family rejoiced in our faith and this sacred event. Dad embraced the Catholic faith with great devotion and fidelity. He changed in every way and so did our family. I was sent to Rome in 1961 for graduate studies, not knowing I would never see my dad again. On February 15, 1962, word reached me that he had suffered a massive hemorrhage while driving home from work. By the time I arrived at O'Hare Airport, Dad was already dead at the age of 59. After my father's death, I returned to Rome and, during the summer holidays, traveled to Germany for the first time to see Dad's family and home. My grandparents, whom I had never known, were already deceased but I had uncles, aunts and cousins who were still living. Fr. Bob Boisvert, from Manchester, N.H., and I drove to Liekwegen where all of my relatives still lived. Of course, I had written Uncle Wilhelm telling him about my impending visit. My first sight of Liekwegen was the imposing Gasthaus Mengeling sign. Next to that was Uncle Wilhelm's home. Across the street was the 300-year-old Mengeling homestead where Aunt Else and Uncle Otto lived. I discovered later that all my relatives were as scared about this meeting as I was! They knew I was a priest and didn't know what to expect - and, truthfully, neither did I. Uncle Wilhelm was tending a small flock of sheep when I arrived. Fr. Boisvert wailed in the car. I walked toward my uncle - both of us were tense. He stared at me for what seemed like an eternity and said nothing. I was babbling in crude German when his wife, Aunt Caroline, came on the scene. The icebreaker- the real test- came when Uncle Wilhelm invited me to have a drink of Schnapps with him. I passed the test. After a few drinks, I was part of my dad's family. Quickly after that, my aunts and their husbands and many other relatives arrived. Fr. Boisvert also drank Schnapps and joined in the party. l stayed in Uncle Wilhelm's home and Aunt Else's old homestead. At the time, I did not realize how imponant this and subsequent visits to Dads home and his- and my - people were for me. Getting to know his brother and sisters and the rest of the family along with the German countryside, I began to know and understand my father more than ever before. I also knew better the meaning of amazing grace. ~

Remâ&#x20AC;˘mber, you belong to 10methlng - your loc.l p1rl1h

rÂˇtage February is Black History month

By Ronald Landfair, Director of Black CathoDe: Ministry

TIJc/1 I heard the voice of tl1c Lord saying, "Wiwm shall 1 send? Wlw will go for us?" "Here 1 e1m, " 1said, "send mel" Isaiah 6:8 Official Scripture PaSMga for the NaUonal BJack Catholic Congress

One of the most important, yet little known, Black Catholics is Daniel Rudd, founder of the National Black Catholic Congress (NBCC). Rudd is largely responsible for providing the vision for Black Catholic Ministry throughout the United States. Rudd was hom Aug. 7, 1854, near Bardstown, Ky., and was one of 12 children. Both of his parents were slaves. Both of his parents were Catholic. During 1886, while in Springfield, Ohio, Rudd began a Black newspaper called the Ohio State Tribune. That same year, Rudd changed the focus of his weekly newspaper and gave it a new name - the American Catholic Tribune. What Rudd had tff'\~e vision to begin continues to be published today by the fL:JJBCC as the African-American Catholic Tribune Newsletter. Blacks had been meeting in various convention gatherings in Philadelphia as early as 1830. It was not until january 1889 that Rudd called together the very first NBCC. The

congress gathered at the historic St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. More than 100 Black men from various regions of the country, along with Black Protestant ministers and members of the Catholic hierarchy, attended the event. President Grover Cleveland invited the men to the White House for a special meeting while Pope leo Xlll sent a papal blessing for the gathering. Fr. Augustus Talton, the first recognized Black priest ordained for service in the United States, was in attendance and celebrated High Mass for the opening. The congress was a working event as the delegates addressed several needs of the Black community in general, and the Black Catholic community specifically. These included an increased number of Catholic schools, industrial education, better housing and Black admission to labor unions. Subsequent Black congresses were held in Cincinnati (1890), Philadelphia (1892), Chicago (1893), and Baltimore (1894). It would not be until May 1987 that the next congress would be held. The gathering took place at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. With 108 dioceses represented, more than 1,500 Blacks attended under the sponsorship of the Black bishops of the United States, the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, the Black Sisters Conference, the National Association of Black Catholic Administrators, and the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Claver. The Ninth National Black Catholic Congress will be held in Chicago, Ill., July 25 - 28, 2002. J

For information concerning Black Catholic Ministry, contact Ronald Landfair, Director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing, at (517) 342-2496 or via e-mail: rlandj@dioceseojlansing.org. You can also contact the NBCC at ww1v. nbccongress.or;g.

and asked them at the dinner in Hebrew - a surprise that Regan says won him a lot of points! Chuck convened to Catholicism when he was 2 1. His parents did not attend church when he was a child, but he often went to a Methodist church with neighbors. He says the VIetnam War caused him, as It did many young men, to think very seriously about his life. He took classes and was baptized a Catholic just before stepping on the plane to go overseas. ~My faith and the Catholic Church got me through my year in 'Nam," he says. Chuck's devotion is still as strong today. "One of the things that attracted me to my husband," Regan points out, "is that he is so comfortable in what he believes. He gets a lot . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .llliiliiili of satisfaction and support from his religion." Regan, who grew up in a very small jewish community in than it is for them, as a Catholic," says Chuck, "because Christianity is rooted in judaism. I can feel a pan of my own Muskegon, had lots of exposure to the Catholic faith. Her faith by celebrating their faith." Chuck is also learning mother taught classes in judaism at Muskegan Catholic Central and her father helped local churches get through Hebrew "for the adventure of it" and to help with his singing in the temple choir. their model Seder dinners at Passover by Americanizing Regan believes that at the root of all religions are the Hebrew songs. "The words might be to Love Me Tender, but they helped tell the story of Passover to others. These songs basics. ~A 'mitzvah' is a good deed. In my religion, Chuck's are still used in a community service we hold here today, religion, most religions, you are taught to do good deeds, to because whether a person can sing in Hebrew or The children adjusted treat each other kindly and with respect. I so well that once Jeff think if you look at those kinds of things, the not, they can join along." Diversity Is the watchword for the Johnson corrected a nun's exact way in which you worship God in youfJ family. They celebrate Hanukkah as well as Hebrew pronunciation house of worship is less material than how of the dish "charoset" you behave in the world." Christmas, Passover as well as Easter. Each member attends St. Martha during Advent and during a Seder, says Chuck is so serious about the way he lent, spending Christmas with Chucks family Regan. The sister took behaves in the world that he is not only a member of the Knights of Columbus, but also and Passover with Regans. "I'm not at all uncom- it in good grace and it's still one of the jewish organization B'Nai B'rith which fonable at Mass," says Regan. "I know all the Regan's favorite performs good works in the community. In responses and the words to all the songs." She adds proudly, "Chuck sings in the choir at examples of how well fact, he says he is very likely the only nonthe family's two jewish president of the B'nai B'rith the temple - in Hebrew." cultures blended. bowling league! Their daughter Laura enjoys attending St. Martha with many of her school friends and she "Interfaith marriage is largely a matter of whom you meet and fall in love with," says Regan, "and wouldn't miss taking part in Easter and Christmas festivities. Regan believes that the children enjoy taking pan in both whether or not you can make that work. And Chuck has been so conciliatory, it makes it easier for our family to take holidays because they all bring the family closer together. Chucks boys, jeff and David - now in their early 20s pan in our jewish holidays. He's been terrific." Other than a few uncomfortable moments during cerewere often driven back and forth to catechism classes by monies that did not lend themselves to participation by Regan. In tum, Chuck says he often ~schlepped" Laura and members of a different faith, Chuck says there have been Heather, now 16 and 20 respectively, to Hebrew School. The children adjusted so well that once jeff corrected a nun's absolutely no negatives. "Once I had children," says Regan, "It became lmporHebrew pronunciation of the dish "charoset" during a Seder, says Regan. The sister took it in good grace and it's still one tent to me to give them a basis of humanitarian principles with which to live. You can live the right way as Jew, a of Regan's favorite examples of how well the familys two cultures blended. catholic, or a Protestant, but you have to live the right way and value the right things!' The boys were confirmed and both the girls had bat mitzvahs- a jewish ceremony marking a young girls reaching the The four children were already members of their respectiv7(-~ age of religious responsibility and maturity- and the whole religions when the couple met and Chuck and Regan admit Âˇ\! family attended both celebrations. "I think its easier for me that should they have had more children, the decisions -

would have been tougher. Regan says they probably would have cooperated as they have throughout their marriage. Further, the stance that some couples take by not exposing the children to either religion troubles her. "Children need a foundation," she explains. In order to make an interfaith marriage work, Chuck believes that each member has to be firmly rooted in his or her faith. "Then the maniage has to stand on itS own," he says. So Chuck and Regan and their four children will continue to celebrate their differences and support one another in

their faith. They will continue to take their jewish friends to the St. Martha New Year's dinner dance and the parish fiSh frys. And Chuck will continue to keep his B'nai B'rith membership card in his wallet next to his KnightS of Columbus card. In the end, it's commitment to the family and respect for one another that matters. "When Chuck comes home every Sunday, 1 always ask him, 'How was church?' and he always says, 'Wonderful,"' concludes Regan, smiling. ·And that makes me feel good.~ )

How's yow Hebrew? You say you don, know any? Sure you do, and you get a c:hanc:e to ~ It HCh SUnday Ill Meu wHh every "Amen." -.~~e~u~a,• Mel "hosanna• you proclaim. In fact, many parts ol the Catholic liturgy . . , . their roots In the religious ceremonies observed by Jesus, His disciples, the ....ty Chrlsllln comm1811ty. As Alta Thlron, Auoclate Director of the Office af Worship far the Diocese of a....lng, points oul, It Is Important far .. to ...... lze and know ow Jewish roots. "'Jesus and his folowers were Jews. this, of course, had an Impact on the lturglc:al pncllcas ol the Church, .,... after the Good News ....... among the Gentile nallons,• she says. "AU of this Is part of salvation history and the benevolent unfolding of God's divine plan."

The Breaking of the BNIICI Most Catholics would c:onnec:t the ICIIDns of the Liturgy of .... IE.ucMrtlt with Jesua' celebration of .... Jewish .... ol PuMver. llut .... . the ........... ol the Liturgy of the Word, which hne their orlgiM In a fonMI SYMSIOiue wonhlp MI'VJc:e, 1M11Y ol the pt........ found In the Eucharistic prayers were most fNquently he.-cl around a Jewish fllmlly's dinner t.ble,

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Known • "berakoth,• or bleulnp, theM prayers..,. radted by the hMd of the houHhold over the brud and wine Ill the t.mlly ......_ 1'heM bleulngs pniHcl God for H.. bleuII'IJI and Invoked H.. c:ontlnued protedlon. They wer. u fllmlllar to Jews u • ...._ us, 0 Lord. and theM thy gifts" Is to . . . Catholics. 1 : • · In particular, the bleulng ovw the The Liturgy of the Word wine, which pralsu God for cruUon. thanlcs 1 ·•, ! Yes, It's from the Old 'ftllstament. but God for the history ol ulvatlan, and aka b link to Jud81sm Is stronger than thiiL The God's renewal ol His c:rMIIve and Ndempo reading of the Law and the Prophets .. an 12;:;:~:=~::1 tiVe ac:lloM In the world. Is very slmUar to Important part of the Jewish synagogue sarv1c:e. the tint part of ow l!uc:harlstlc: prayers. In fact, the Gospels show Juus reading from The bleulng over the wtne also lnc:luclu -:~:= the Scrlpllll"eS In the synagogue. prayers uldng God's mercy on the people The congregation ol ....... and VMious other groups of .,.. ruponds to God's word with the dlvlnely·lnspiiWd pie. TheH pnyers are very similar to the psalms taken from the Jawlsh synagogue sarvlc:e. lnt..-c:IISOI'Y prayen faund In our 3 . • catholics sing this before the reading of luc:harlstlc: prar-s. the GospeL This joyful word that wu sung at the 2 : · • : · , The sharing of the beginning and end ol certain psalms ol praise Is luc:lwlst through the brMkJng ol the bread H.tnw for "pn... Yahweh• or "praase God" recalls the action of a Jewllll r.ther who 4 • Just u Juus pr'MChed to the people broka the .,...... Ill the beginning of the about the Scriptures he .-cl to them. It wu C:US· t.mlly ....... The upreulon, "breeldng of the tomary for one of the ....,. In the synagogue to brMcl,• wu a familiar Jewish phrase commentary on the I"UCCIngs from the Law adopted by ChrlstiiM to ducrtbe the act a;:~~ the Prophets. of communion dwtng the llbqy. 5 • ' , 1bue lntMatulons . . baMCI on a 3 • • , , ' The priest's sartu of 18 blessings ("teffllah") and prayers for Individual, hand washing. the burning of Incense and comm ...lty, and universal neecls that ..,. Included In the the altar Itself Clln be tncad to Jewish 1

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Jewish public synagogue liturgy.

religious pnctlces.

Hey! I Believe That, Too ------------------------------------------------------~---------------FAITH lntervl- by Petrick M. O'Brfen J Photoar-phy by ChrlsUINI Jones

our son manics someone of another faitlt- a great person but site doesn't celebrate Christmas or Easter. Your dnuglller goes to college where she meets a new friend only to come home to tell you shd changed her religion. Or, your brother wl10 prayed for his chi lei to be spared of an illness finds he not only loses the daild, he loses his faith. Such an event could cause conflict In you and your relationships. Simply lmowing a little something about other religions can help. In fact, lmowledge of other religions can even strengthen your own faitlt . You might just find what you've been loohingfor lws n:ally been there all along. With this in mind, FAITH Maga::inc presents a two-part series on Catholicism and other religions. This issue features ]utlaism, Islam and Buddhism. Next month, we wÂˇill focus on Orthodox ami Protestant religions. Obviously, there some major differences. Howt'Vcr, there are many areas that we have in common - arras that upon a closer looh ccm help us be better, more faithful Catholics. Every person has times of that teach Catholics faithful, you would have about faithfulness? tragedy. We wonder if God given Hitler a posthumous victory. Had God wanted to is really there. How do we Rabbi Hoffman: Well, you stay faithful during those are not asking an easy ques- give him a victory over us, tion. This is times? FAITH interviewed He wouldn't If you think the have caused Rabbi Monon Hoffman, a extremely diffithe Allies to retired rabbi from Shaarey cult. They call relationship between Zedek Congregation of the Holocaust the religions doesn't win. And He affect you, think again. wouldn't have lansing, about faithfulness. the enduring shadow that looms over allowed survivors - their FAITH: How can jews stay jews as long as time will message is powerful. The faithful to God who seemed last. There is no single message of the survivors is for answer. The primary way of all the rest of us who didn't to abandon Âˇ His chosen peoplen during the staying faithful is through go through it and to redouble Holocaust and what docs prayer. Had we not stayed our effons to survive.

FAITH Magnlnt

Ftbruary 2001

www.FAITHmeg.com

FAITH: What would you say _ to an individual who feels that God has left them and there is no usc in praying? Rabbi Hoffman: Pray, nonetheless. Even if they feel that there is no listening ear, prayer will help them. FAITH: How will prayer help them? Rabbi Hoffman: Prayer will help psychologically. By putting their thoughts, anger and frustration into words they will achieve a psychological catharsis. FAITH: Some say that all there is to prayer is the psychological. You don't discoum the psychological aspect of prayer? Rabbi Hoffman: No, it is those who have experienced the holocaust that have redoubled their religious observance. What is to be gained by giving up faith? ~) There is nothing to be \!.. gained by that - only loss.

Remember, you belong to something - your loal perish

The loss leaves an emptiness &at can't possibly result in a '-~ositive outcome for the one who is questioning whether or not to pray. FAITH: Has the holocaust made jews more faithful? Rabbi Hoffman: That is an individual thing. There may not be an increase in theological faithfulness. But there is an absolute determination to survive even though there are unanswerable questions. Still, in many cases, there is an increased faithfulness to God and increased participation in the services and, at a minimum, to survive culturally. FAITH: What are things you would tell mixed faith families? Rabbi Hoffman: If I do counsel such people, I encourage them to talk it over and to make a decision to raise their child in one ~;tith or the other. Raising a ~ild in both is exceedingly confusing for the child. In

the end, the child will make a decision for himself. Making a decision for the child helps that child in his own personal identity. If they tell me that they are going to raise the child in judaism, I would acquaint the non-jewish partner in judaism. If not, I recommend going to the other religion's minister. FAITH: What else would you tell fam1ly member with mixed religions? Rabbi Hoffman: Respect the person of the other faith. If they are to have any decent relationship, they should build it on respect.

Muslims and Catholics have a common belief in the God of Abraham. There are common practices as well. Fasting is an example. FAITH Magazine interviewed Imam Mwafah of the Islamic Center of Ann Arbor on the topic offasting . .,.

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l'or good or of ........ op1ng at a...t .anc:e the lime of Juetln'a LOIN theory In the lllld •• ccgl c:enluly. Thla w.. clue to to 8IHI't ltHif,.....,.. .... other .......... ....... .,.,. celved ........ role In ..av.don. the ..... .-rt of .......... CMbMy .... given ..... to ......uc .......... the RoiMn Cllholc: Church .... Ita ....,..,.m to theology of the wartcrs Nlgl-. Villlcaft ara ....... Male Mel other Chlwc:h ................... ......... wlclel.ce of the ~ to be pined In ............... RoiMn c:athollm. ~the Abnlhamlc: ........ Mel the rellgiOM of the Fer Eut. In a c:unory ....cling of NHtl'll Ael.te, It Ia ...-dlly SMI'I thM • ..al-cle¥efoped theololr of the NllgloM Ia not evMIII1del...,.n.tl but II does rellect the shift from exc:lullvlly to a more Inclusive position that wu oc:c:urrtng In Roman c:.thollc: theo..... of the religions .. that 111M. What Ia evident and CMnol be denied Ia that • .,_. clltlogue ....... the world Nllgiona hu ......... thelnlllllnce of the Ronwl Clllhollc: Chun:h. Allhough ..................... of • '-ful b'ek Into the unknown, untried •nd unW the logic of Christ-centered faith .. lrNalatlbly dnwn toward Clllholldty In the unlvei'MI ...... The only fukn suited to • conununlty whoM guiding atllr lilacla lleah, .. -the true llghl that enllghlens everyG~..:' u.e. 1:1e) ............ fubn of the ....... the world Nllglona ...... movwMnl toward • ......, global chun:h which w11 perUctp.ta In God's c:omkll rwtgn. n.... Ia • place .. the t.ble for.....,. ... In the words of Hans KOng, -n..... wll be no,_ ..nong the MUons until lhen 18 peec:e 1111101111 the Nllglona. .And lhen wll be no pMCII •mont religions wfthout ...._...,. Let the great dialogue continue - for It hu • ......., begun!

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FAITH: What does fasting do for a person? Imam Mwafak: As you know, when we abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations during Ramadan, we can elevate our spiritual side .... We are fasting as worship, not just as a custom. It gives you purification for your behavior. We not only abstain from things. We must abstain from words and actions that hun. FAITH: In other words, fasting allows us to be consumed by things of the spirit and not things of the world . Imam Mwafak: Exactly. We have to watch our behavior by not hurting people. We have teachings to tell us how to act during our fasting- abstaining from wrong- doing. FAITH: Wha1 are the teachings wrillcn in:> Imam Mwafak: They are

from the teachings of are servants of God. Any Mohammed and other worship that makes us a prophets. Our Koran gives good worshiper and obedius general wisdom and rules ent to God means being a but the details we take from good Muslim. Fasting makes the tradition of our prophets us obedient to God. and Mohammed. The teach- FAITH: Who was jesus for ings enable us to focus on the Musltm? Imam Mwafak: We believe the Grace of God. We come He had a miraculous binh to the Mosque and read from the holy writings. We and is a prophet of God. imitate the angels. All of these issues help elevate our Buddhism and Catholicism spiritual side. Muslims share a strong monastic tradibelieve that lion. Even We are fasting as though meditaangels do not worship, not just as eat and drink. Lion is a major custom. It gives you Do Catholics component to purification for your believe that? both traditions, behavior FAITH: Yes, I il is often overthink we both agree on that. looked by Catholics. That is What difference does it why FAITH interviewed Ajahn make to God whether we Bhihhu Khemasanto, a fast or not? Buddhist monk from Dhamma Imam Mwafak: From a Sala Temple in Perry, about Muslim perspective this meditation. relationship between man FAITH: Meditation is an area that C<ttholics have in comand God may not be clear. mon with Buddhists. What We believe that all mankind

work

he secular notion of spirituality of work often looks at how an individ~ ual can find peace and serenity amidst a stressful, frantic work-a-day modem life. Catholic spirituality, on the other hand, is more about how we live our faith through our daily work. It is more important to be aware of how we can bring peace into the work-a-day lives of others on a daily basis. Here are a few simple steps that you can follow in the way of jesus on your spiritual journey of work: 1 Pray always! Talk with God daily and make prayer the first and the last thing you do each day. Talk to God with your heart and listen carefully. Pay attention to what you might edit out of your prayers. Are there things you do not listen to? 2 Say "Yesl" By doing so, you become willing to live your daily life exactly the way you hear God leading you. You won't be able to ignore, minimize, discount, reject or laugh FAITH Magulnc

February 2001

www.FAITtfnMis.cam

is your experience with ~ meditation? Ajahn Bhlkku: Catholics do have a long tradition of meditation. There are techniques like prayer that Buddhists use called a mantra. This mantra is to clear the mind for wisdom to arise. The purpose is to see things as they are without being biased by past experiences. Otherwise, greed, hatred and delusion are the motivators for our actions. FAITH: Buddhists reach this state through meditauon? AJahn Bhlkku: You can reach this through mantra or paying close attention to your breathing. Catholics would call a mantra a short prayer. A common mantra is "let gon repeated over and over. The words don't matter as long as they are soothO ing to clear the mind. Wisdom arises when you

at anything God asks of you. The more simple and humble the task, the better for your spiritual growth. 3 Organize your llfel You will then begin to align your life and lifestyle to fit with what God is asking of you. You will find yourself becoming less fearful while taking the necessary steps to follow priorities. Ask yourself the following questions: Do I need to work less hours to be with my family more? What trade off or changes do 1 need to make? Ask God for the grace to free you from fears and apprehension and, more importantly, from excessive attachments to possessions, power, status, and recognition which may divert you from loving God, your neighbor and yourself. Rest assured that God always provides what you need in order to do what is asked of you. 4 Make a lasting commitment! What God gives to you is your calling, your vocation, your sacred work. You must treat it with respect, reverence and awe. With regular prayer, you make a commitment to fully live out your work given to you by God. That commitment needs to be during good times and bad - not just until you feel good or decide to change your mind. A commitment is a commitment. Thats all God wants from your work - you have each day to say "yes" and live it!

an see something without referred to as a divine abid. ing involved with it. ing. Two, tolerance to 1\ITH: Is mednation the endure with patience evil same as prayer? things done to you. Three, Ajahn Bhlkku: For empathy. Compassion in Buddhists, meditation is difresponse to a specific action. ferent from prayer because it Last, a common mantra: is not directed to a God. "May all beings be happy." FAITH: How about holidays~ Meditation is something entirely within the person. Do you partidpatc? The average person wants to Ajahn Bhlkku: Buddhists be rid of anxiety and worry. celebrate every holiday that there is. The is nothing Many people don't understand that you have to be a wrong with enjoying the virtuous person. This mantra Is to clear birthday of a Before I teach the mind for wisdom holy man and anyone meditajesus was a to arise. The purpose tion, they have Is 10 see things as holy man. to be virtuous. Buddhists can they are... d FAITH: Peop Ie marry an marry others from different there is no restriction on relig10nS a lot more today their part to participate in How can fam11ies of mixed other religious ceremonies. rclig•ons get along? Buddhism is all inside. Ajahn Bhlkku: This will Find Part 2 Next Month: keep families from fighting. ~ hese three will take care of The FAITH Interview ~ I of that. One, compassion. continues with Protestant General compassion is and Orthodox religions \\

A Common P.rayer: Peace in the Holyland

was in Israel last year and had the chance to go to the Western Wall in Old jerusalem to pray. Many jewish and non-Jewish people are in constant prayer there. To the Religious jews, the Western Wall has great significance because it is the last remnants of the Temple Mount on top of which stood the temple that was destroyed in A.D. 70. Crammed in between the giant stones that make up the wan are wedged hundreds of pieces of paper with prayers and petitions on them. You may have seen pictures of our Holy Father during his historic VlSit to the Western Wall during jubilee 2000 tj · ·t td placing his own prayer petition between the stones. ~ Christians and jews share much in common with our faiths in the One True God. Together we unite our voices and pray for the peace of jerusalem that is critical at this time.

Psalm 46 God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress: so we shall not fear though the earth should rock, though the mountains fall into the depths of the

sea, even though its waters rage and foam, even though the mountains be shaken by its waves. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God oflacob our stronghold. The waters of a river give joy to Gods city, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within, it cannot be shaken; God will help it at the dawning of the day. Nations are in tumult, kingdoms are shaken: He lifts His voice, the earth shrinks away. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God ofjacob our stronghold. Come, consider the works of the Lord, the redoubtable deeds He has done on the earth. He puts an end to wars over all the earth; the bow He breaks, the spear He snaps. He bums the shields with fire. "Be still and know that 1 am God, supreme among the nations, supreme on the earth!" The Lord of hosts is with us, the God oflacob our stronghold.

elebrate Catholic Schools Week, Jnn 26·feb 3. f ollowing i s a lost of Catholic Schools within the Lnnslng Diocese: (Eic mcntnry Schools) Chnrlottc ,, 11 , , -,, 1. '. GrJnd Ledge "

commun·ty morality or "how we live" and a delicious dessert bar, will be held Thunsday, Feb. 8, from 7·9 p.m. at the Family Life Center of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Burton. Reservations are request· ed through the pariah office at (81 0) 743·3050.

ADINGS February4

Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time llliah 6: 1·2a, 3·8 Paalm 138:1·5, 7·8 1 Corinthians 15:3·8, 11 or 1 Corinthians 15: H 1 Luke 5:1-11

World Marriage Day will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 10, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Aint. Maas and a renewal of marriage vows wiUbegin at 4:30 p.m. with Fr. Paul Schwermer officiating. Couples of all faiths are invited to attend the service. The evening will also feature a romantic dinner dance at the pariah haN of St. John the Evangelist, Davison. Tickets for the dinner dance are $55 and can be purchased through mail to: World Marriage Day, 187 Coke Drive, Montrose, Ml 48457. Checks should be made payable to Worldwide Marriage fncounlcr. For more information, call (888) 297-9455 or e-mail: llamb@gfn.org

Febnulry 11

Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time Jeremiah 17:5·8 Paalm 1:1-4, 6 1 Corinthiana 15: 12, 16·20 Luke 6:17, 2Q-26 Febnulry 18 S~:Vmth

Sunday In Ordinary Time 1 Samuel 26:2, 7·9, 12-t 3, 22·23 Psalm 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12· 13 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 Luke 6:27·38 February 215

Eighth Sunday In Ordinary Time Sirach 27:4·7 Psalm 92:2·3, 13·16 1 Corinthians 15:54·58 Luke 6:39·45

FEBRUARY EVENTS The Knights of Columbus Council of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Burton, will host a fish fry Friday, Feb. 2, at the pariah school. Dinners win be served from 4·7 p.m. St. John Student Pariah, East Lansing, is a hub of activity during the month of February. The following events have been alated: • Anointing of the sick will take place at all Messes the weekend of Feb. 3·4. • A labyrinth prayer experience is open to all those interested Monday, Feb. 5, from 6 :30.9:30 p.m. • A Lenten book sale will be held after all Messes the weekend of Feb. 24·25 es well es Ash Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Theology a Ia Mode, featuring a guest speaker on the topic of

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The Powera Catholic High School Educational Trust Fund will present The Smothers Brolltcrs featuring Yo-Yo Man in concert Sunday, Feb. 1 1, at Flint's Whiting Auditorium. The concert will get underway at 6 p.m. For tickets, contact the Powers Catholic High School Development Office at (81 0) 591-Q100. A retreat for separated and divorced persons will be offered at the Franciscan Renewal Center of Carey, Ohio, Feb. 16·1 8. Those interested are invited to join others for spirituality, Ieeming and relax· ation. For information, contact Unda Kolanowaki at (517) 342·2465. The Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Lansing will sponsor a Vocallon Fair Sunday, Feb. 18, at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing. Representatives from many religious congregations es well es diocesan vocation offices wiNbe available to diacuaa options for those interested in exploring a vocation. A concert featuring the Christian rock group Who Do You Say that I Am? will also be held

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at the fair. For information on voca· tiona or the fair, call Sr. Carla Moeggenborg at (51 7) 342·2506. St. Francia of Assiei Pariah, Ann Arbor, will host a concert featurlng Janelle O'Malley performing Handel's Organ Concerto Sunday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. BLAST 20011, a middle school youth raUy in Livingston County, will be held at St. Patrick Church, Brighton, Feb. 24. The event will "blest off" at 6 p.m. with an open· ing session featuring Jon Schoonmaker, youth minister and musician. Workshops with youth ministers from throughout the United States and Canada will be part of the evening's activities along with dancing, games and door prizes. To register, contact St. Patrick Parish at (81 0) 229·9863. FOCCUS/Sponsor Couple Regional training dates have been scheduled for the following: Genesee - St John the Evangelist Pariah, Fenton, date to be announced; • Jackson - St. Mary Star of the Sea Pariah, Star Hall, Feb. 27, March 6 and 13, from 7·9 p.m.; Lensing - St Gerard Parish, Adult Education Room, March 14, 21 and 28, from 7·9 p.m.; • Washtenaw - St. John the Baptist Pariah, Ypsilanti, March 13, 20 and 27, from 7·9 p.m. For more information, contact lhe Diocese of Lansing's Family Ministry Program at (517) 342-2471.

Parenting wllh Love and Logic, A Parenting Classfor Alf Parenls will be held at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing, on three conaecu· live Mondays - March 5, 12 and 19. Deacon Jim Nicholson will facilitate the clesaes. A $1 0 fee per family will be coUected for books. To register, call St. Robert School at (810) 659·2503. lhavelfng? Need to know where you can ftnd a local parish? Simply call t ·800-MASS TIMES, a nationwide ministry which provides free information on the location of the nearest church

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and weekend Maas times es well for travel· ing Catholics.

88 Holy Day schedules

Fifth· and sixth-grade students from Resurrection School, Lansing, had their thinking capa on recently es they captured the Thinking cap Quiz Bowl championship. The students came in first place among Lansing area achoola.

St. Francis named one of AMERICA'S TOP PARISHES The Dloc:eH of Lansing Is home to one of Amerlca'• most outstanding catholic perishes - St. Francis of A...•l Cburch, Ann Arbor, that ••· The pariah 1'11Ceived the cleeignation following a two-year study conducted by reaearc:fMn from the University of North Carolina at Wilmi~ who were looking for church ~ in both Catholic and Proteetant churches. "We looked for churches that nurtured the 1pirit, welcomed and yet challenged - and mon1 importantly - lived the Good News of Christ. (St. FrMCia) pariah commu· nity is that kind of church," stated Paul Wilkes, director of the study. The study, underwritten by a grant from the Ully Endowment, aearched the c:ounlry for chun:hee and pariahee which met their crit.. ria. Size, location, denominational affiliation - or lack of one - were not important. The criteria used to judge the c:hurchea and pariahea included: diversity, emphesia on true apirituelity, c:ollabonllive laedmhip, accellibility, innovation, and continual evaluation and progreee. What was eaaential was that the pariehee and churches were won· derful placee to be. They not only took care of their membera and the

newcomers, but also I1MIChed out generously into the community and

the worid. "We are very pleased to be pert of !he study," stated Fr. Jim McDougall, pastor of St. Francis. "To be named es one of the top ~ 300 pariahea in the United States is a great honor."

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Fr. Rahrig Retires The community of St. Joseph

Catholic Church 1111d School, Howell, has bid a fond farewell to the man who has served as their shepherd for more than 40 of his 51 years as a priest - Fr. Gilbert Rahrig. An open house was held in Fr. Rahrig's honor Dec. 17 as he retired as pastor. Known for his •round the clock" minisby to the sick and dying, Fr. Rahrig also left a lege· cy that will enrich the lives of chil· dren for many generations to come - an addition to the parish school. "We are coming together to eel· ebrate the life of a man who has shown himself to be a leader, benefactor and spiritual guide not only to his own pariah, but to the community he loves, • said Deacon Endre Doran of the open house. Fr. Rahrig was ordained to the priesthood April 23, 1949. He firat served St. Joseph Parish in July 1949 aa 888istant pastor. After serving parishes in Kalamazoo and Decatur, Ill., Fr. Rahrig returned to Sl Joseph in 1967 as pastor.

Remember a beloved parish priest Have you ever wondered what happened to the priest who might have officiated at your wedding or baptized your children? If you've lost track of a retired priest, FAITH Magazine will be pubfiahing the names and addresses of the retired priests of the Diocese of Lansing in this issue and upcoming issues es well. Maybe it's lime to gel back in touch and let the priest know how much he meant to your life I Fr. MHchell Bednarski Marywood Nursing Care Facility 36975 W. Five Mile Road Uvonia, Ml 48 154 Fr. Alex BoHazzo Senior Clergy Village 14455 D Levan Street Uvonia. Ml 48154 Fr. Anthony Brakora T2640 Holly Road, Apt. 303 ~rand Blanc, Ml48439

~r. Thomas Brannan 468 Lancaster Court Saline, Ml 48176

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Submit Your

Favorite Place to Pray What makes your parish ape· cial? Is it a feeling of community? Ia your pastor known for his inspirational homilies? Or, perhaps, does your pariah hold fond memo· ries of family weddings and bap· tisms? We would like for you to share with fellow readers of FAITH Magazine what makes your parish special to you and why someone might want to attend M888 or . spend time in prayerful reflection there. Send your response of 250

1.,

to 300 words to: PLACE TO PRAY, FAITH Magazine, 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Ml 48933, or e·mail: kfunk@dioceseoflans· ing.org If your response is chosen for future pub· lication, you will receive a one·year FAITH Magazine gift subscription for the recipient of your choice.

Latin Quiz Winners: The following readers proved they know their Latin by translating popular Christmas carol titles and thus becoming winners of our December Latin Quiz: Mike Hurley, Mary Amundsen, Jean Schaub, Sue and Bob Plgg, and Bedcy Schwarz. Our con· gratulations are extended to the winneral Dust off of your Latin dictionary and look for future Latin Quizzes in upcoming issues - you, too, could be a winnerl

Passed Into Eternal Life

Dreams Come True at St. Jo n the van elist

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Fr. Gallagher returns to Powers Catholic High School Bv Janet C:.seldv

Faith In school expansion will benefit many

The Rev. Philip P. Gallagher said he Is paying Powers Catholic High School back for what he gained from his years on Its staff.

By Evelyn Barella

The Catholic Times

"We've done it! Dreams do come true," exclaimed Fr. David Harvey at the Rite of Blessing of the St. john the Evangelist Education Center. "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed ... nothing will be impossible for you," (Matthew 14:20) has been the theme behind the building project, "Growing In Faith Together" (Gift).

Rev. C. Robert Stockwell

building endeavor and pro"l feel Powers very much 12/15/27-12/22/00 vided financial support for rekindled my commitment to Ordained in 1953 the project. God, my faith, my Church," Senior Priest status in 1990 A new service center for Gallagher said. Because of volunteer parishioners who what he received at Powers fonn the St. Vincent dePaul he entered seminary and ' outreach will also be housed became a priest. within the educational cenNow, 25 years after he ter, and it will also allow for served as religion teacher, the expansion of the youth substance abuse counselor center. and retreat teacher at Powers A large statue of the Holy he is back as chaplain and ' Rev. William J. Carolln The collaboration and Family has been placed in teaches two religion classes. 7/30/20-111/01 generosity of many SL John the foyer of the center and Gallagher, 53 , was on the Ordained in 1945 parishioners was realized M.j . Koblinski, from stalf of Powers Catholic from Senior Priest status in 1991 when the expanded educaBeaucoup Mirage in Fenton, 1972-75. "l have a lot of tional center was blessed will be painting a mural of alfection for Powers," he said. by Bishop Carl F. 1 "We have great kids; they are jesus and the children on Mengellng on the Feast of wall of the main hall. the wonderful. They are very Christ the King, Nov. 25. Each classroom has a spegenerous with their time.~ To date, parishioners have cial cross with jesus on the Since he left Powers pledged more than $3.2 milcross, extending one hand Catholic, Fr. Gallagher has lion to fund the $3.8 million with the dove of peace. taught seminarians in Fiji, school expansion. Parish council and combeen pastor of St. Leo the An additional classroom Rev. Robert T. Kerr mittee members, school and Great Catholic Parish in Flint, for the St. john School 2/16/37-1/9/01 religious education leaders been associate director of the kindergarten through eighth Fr. Kerr was the Ecumenical staff and parents of public ' St. Francis Retreat Center in grade and space for the reliOfficer for the Diocese of first and parochial students DeWitt and served as director gious fonnation programs for Lansing. He graduated from came together in April 1997 of the Pontifical Mission Aids public school children from Sacred Heart Seminary, to discuss the construction Societies for the Diocese of age 3 through high school Detroit and St. john Proof the educational center. U1nsing. will be housed in the center. vincial Seminary, Plymouth. In the jubilee Year of At Powers Catholic, he The facility will also proHe was ordained in 1964 1950, St. john Parish first said, "l don't see myself just vide a new parish hall, and served as: Parochial opened its school doors duras chaplain to the students which wil\ serve as a home Vicar of: St. Genevieve, ing the pastorate of Fr. to parents also. ' but for the Knights of Columbus livonia; St. Mary, Adrian, Dennis Tighe. The original This story originally appeared Council #7418 and Holy Trinity, Ypsilanti. structure was built through in The Flint journal and is Assembly #2031 . The Pastor of: St. john, Fenton; "penny suppers" and the reprinted with permission. ~ Knights committed to the St. Mary Student Chapel, generosity of the parish. Ann Arbor; St. joseph. Ypsilanti (since 1987).

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oc Titans set record wHh championship win ------------------~-----

jackson's Lumen Christi High School is the home of yet another piece of championship hardware. The Titan football team cap· lured the Class 8 title after an undefeated 14·0 sea· son, setting a new school record. This i s the school's fourth state championship. Lumen Christi i s the eighth school in Michigan to win at least four football titles since the playoff system began in 1975. The Tuans arc winners off the gridiron as well. ~rough an innovative out"\\lJach program developed by Coach Herb Brogan, the boys travel to area elementary and middle schools to read to students.

about Catholic Schools In the Diocese of Lansing

ews

Catholic Scl1ools

--M-----------M------------~-------

Largest Grade School: Holy Family School, G111nd Bl1nc (733 students)

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Smallest Grade School: Holy Ciiiii•School, Lansing (80 students)

Jan. 28·Feb. 3, 2001

Largest High School: Luke M. Powers Cetholic High School, Flint (881 students)

Smallest High School: Fr. Gabriel Rlc:hlird High School, Ann Arbor. (310 students)

Oldest High School: Fr. Gatii'lel !Richard (St. Thomas the ApostJe) High School, J.ftn Arbor, Opened 1887

Newest High School: Oldest Grade School: St. Mary School, westPhalia, Optned 1840

il:uke M. POwers CathollciHigh School, Flint. Openiil 1970 ·

Newest Grade School: St. M1i1ha School,~~ il993

Lady Chargers win state championship ---~ ---- ---- ------------ - --- --- -- --------------The Powers Catholic girls leadership of Coach Kathy basketball team clinched McGee and talented the Class B state champl· players throughout the onship - for the third time years. The overall record - with a 47-42 hard fought for this year brought the victory over Detroit winning tally to 13 consec· Country Day. utlve district champl· The Lady Chargers• tro· onshlps, eight consecutive phy case at Powers regional championships Catholic might be geHing a and five consecutive final bit crowded thanks to the four appea111nces.

Total Student Enrollment 2000-2001, Grades K-8: 10,148 Total Student Enrollment 2000~2001, High Schools: 2A83

We Remember

from the Office of Cemeteries --------------M~----------~---

Fr. Adam MacDonald Is a Divine Word Missionary In the Central Philippines from St. Michael Parish, Flint. He Is Parochial Vicar of San Antonio de Padua Parish Clty of Antlpolo In the east suburbs of Manila. Ten Masses will be offered by a missionary from the Diocese of Lansing for those persons who were burled In our diocesan cemeteries during December. If you would like to have memorial Masses offered by missionaries for your deceased loved ones, send stipends to: Diocese of Lansing, 300 West OHawa Street, tansing, Ml48933. Please make the check payable to "Missionary of the Month!' If you know a son or daughter of the Lansing Diocese currently serving In a mission, please forward their names to the Missionary of the Month Program, 300 West OHawa Street, Lansing, Ml 48933. The mhlng CommiHee of St. Joseph's Parish, Dexter will be gifting a portion of their envelope proceeds each month to the "Missionary of the Month!'

world Nonbelievers have role In God's plan, pope says Urges Collaboration to Build the Kingdom of God VATICAN CITY (ZENIT.org)-

Every person Is called to "collaborate" with the coming of the Kingdom of God, John Paul II said, in an urgent appeal for cooperation between believers and nonbelievers.

During a recent general audience address, the Pope said: "All the righteous on earth, even those who do not know Christ and His Church and who, under the influence of grace, seek God with a sincere heart, are ... called to build the Kingdom of God, cooperating with the Lord who is the first and decisive architect." And how can one collaborate with the coming of the Kingdom of God? The Pope suggested the beatitudes as the answer. The collaborators of the Kingdom are those who live "as 'poor in spirit,'" he said, "detached from material goods, in order to raise the last of the earth from the dust of their humiliation."

Jewish teachers find themselves at home in Catholic schools PHIL\Of.l-PHIA (CNS)-

Steven and Paula levin are two teachers whose educational value ranges far beyond the classroom lessons they present for their students. The Levins, who are Jewish, teach at three Catholic schools between them.

Steven teaches culinary arts at Mercy Vocational High School in Philadelphia, and Paula splits her time between two elementary schools - St. Ann in Bristol and Our Lady of Grace in Penndel. Steven Levin took his job at Mercy the day after he retired following a 35-year career in the Philadelphia public school system. He said that he "works twice as hard, twice as long, for half the money," addmg that hes "never been happier." Levins had the chance to attend several retreats with some of his Catholic col· leagues, and begins every day of classes with the Lords Prayer. "It's been brought to my attention by my colleagues that we all look at the same thing from a different per· spective," Levin said. "There's definitely a God, and my feeling is he has touched me, through his good graces, and placed me where I am."

Mideast couple strives to overcome family, political obstacles BElT jAL\. \\l:st Bank (CNS)-

To some, their story may be reminiscent of the Romeo and Juliet saga. But Arwaeh ei·Hodaly, 24, says she and her hus• band, Ibrahim Wahbeh, are simply two serious, practl· cal people who are deter· mined to marry despite the obstacles - both familial and political - facing them.

After overcoming family opposition, the couple has now had to struggle with the

effects of the recent Mideast violence on their relationship and their future plans. Wahbeh, a 38-year-old Catholic with Israeli citizenship who lives in jerusalem, and el-Hodaly, who is Greek Orthodox and lives in Beit ]ala, met more than two years ago at a student conference in Bethlehem. The moment she met Wahbeh, el-Hodaly told her girlfriend that this was the man she

By Eric Hxy iCNS)

For more catholic news, subscribe to Tile Catholic Times, an authorized news weekly of the Diocese of Lansing (517) 793·7661 or subscribe by e-mell ctedltone@eol.com

The Last Word ... Ecumenical Experiences Our faith-filled Protestant friends Most Rev. Kenneth J. Povlsh

would marry. "I told her I would have a relationship with him and I would marry him," she said. "He was serious. He's not like other men I met who were not responsible d not practical. I need meone who Is like me:â&#x20AC;˘

And so their counship began, with Wahbeh coming to her home after two weeks of phone conversations. Her parents had reservations: he was too old for her, they said; he didn't own his own home and though he was scholarly and had studied at Haifa University; his job in the ticket office at the St. Peter in Gallicantu Church would hardly provide enough money to support their daughter. "I thought seriously about this relationship. To be totally committed and obligated to one person is not easy. 1 am a very independent person and 1 needed space and time to think," he ~mined. "Maybe one of the ~asons 1 was afraid to get married was financial." But more than one year

ago, on Dec. 5, Wahbeh returned from Haifa and asked el-Hodaly to marry him. It took six months to convince her parents to consent to the match and finally on Aug. 20,2000, Wahbeh went to officially ask for elHodalys hand in marriage. Their small engagement party was held one week later and a Dec. 23 wedding date was agreed upon. Then the violence broke out and everything changed. El-Hodaly was no longer able to cross the checkpoint to jerusalem and Wahbeh has only been able to come to Beit jala thanks to a temporary press card he was issued while he worked with a japanese TV station. In light of the situation they decided to postpone their wedding to jan. 21. Instead of a fancy white wedding gown, a burst or flowers and lavish wedding party, el-Hodaly wore a traditional Palestinian wedding dress and there was a small reception after the ceremony. ''The future Is gloomy," Wahbeh said. "I don't know what wlll happen. I just want to go to work and have a family life with Jove and warmth!' By )udilh Sudilovsky (CNS)

In April of 1982, the Michigan Council of Churches was folding; and the Catholic bishops of the state were invited to a consultation in Grand Rapids for input towards the fonnation of a new coalition that would Include Catholics as well as mainline Protestants. From this meeting two new organizations were hom: the Michigan Ecumenical Forum (MEF) and the Michigan Church Leaders (MCL). My association with the latter these 18 years has provided the most enriching ecumenical experiences of my lifetime. Michigan has 29 church "judicatories." The term is ecumenical jargon for denominational sub-groups. We have dioceses; the orthodox have epart:hies; mainline Protestants have districts, synods, presbyteries, conferences and classes, etc. The MCL comprises bishops, presidents, district superintendents, executive presbyters, and whatever other tides, who exercise oversight over groups of local churches. The MGL has been meeting twice a year, in April-May and OctoberNovember, since 1982. The largest attendance I can recall at any one time was 19 of the 29 judicatory heads; and, until cancer hit me, I attended all of them. At first the meetings rotated among conference facilities in southeastern Michigan, but for a dozen years now MCL has met at our St. Francis Retreat Center In DeWitt by unanimous consent. The meetings last overnight, which gives ample time for informal conversation, as well as for discussion of fonnal papers that are presented and for a variety of prayer experiences. Over the years I have learned much about Protestant Christianity and formed firm friendships with some of these leaders. Methodist Bishop Edsel Ammons of Detroit made me think the 93 parishes for which I was responsible was a piece of cake; with the help of his district superintendents he had 920 churches to look after. The Rev. Brad Rohwers of Kalamazoo shared with all of us the Presbyterian charism of decency and strict order in the administmtion of church goods. From Episcopal Bishop Edward Lee of their Diocese of Western Michigan 1 tried to learn how Episcopalians tmlned their people to walk with such dignity in the TV processions 1 had watched. Bishop Reginald Holle, Lutheran bishop of most of the Lower Peninsula, had Alpena, Bay, Presque lsle and Saginaw Counties in his jurisdiction. We hit it off well because 1 was very familiar with those places. The Rev. james Kinsey of Lake Odessa headed the Church of the Brethren, one of the historic "peace churches;" he never missed a meeting or let us forget that jesus is the Prince of Peace. The Rev. Clarence Boomsma of Grand Rapids represented the Christian Reformed Church and became a good friend of mine from theological positions both of our churches hold. These Christian leaders shared a lot of concerns with us Catholic bishops: We had priests who wanted to marry, they had ministers who wanted to divorce; we envied their youth programs, they wished they had fired-up laymen like our Knights of Columbus; they showed a new interest in liturgical worship, we wondered how we could get our people to sing as fervently as theirs did. We learned to understand one another, to respect one another, and to pray for one another. And I can assure you from these experiences that your Protestant friends and neighbors have faith-filled church leaders. -

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300 W. Ottawa Lansing, Ml 48933 Cdebr.ning 2 ,000 realli of Christianity