Trailblazers in the Diocese of Lansing 1
FROM THE EDITOR
FAITH HELPS
Experience God’s mercy in
DISCIPLESHIP
THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION I
S IT REALLY LENT again so soon? Indeed it is, which means that reconciliation chapels and confessionals everywhere will be seeing longer lines as we seek
opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation. The season of Lent is a grace-filled time for spiritual growth, and one of the paths for growth is this sacrament of God's
T.Gennera
mercy and forgiveness.
FATHER DWIGHT EZOP
is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Church, Bellevue Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.
Reconciliation (or confession) is never solely about how awful we can be. It is really about God’s goodness and God’s desire to seek out and save the lost sheep.”
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For personal reflection or small group discussion
In the past I have shared with you my uneasy relationship with reconciliation in my early life. That has changed profoundly in my life and ministry as a priest. Although it is mentally and emotionally demanding to spend many extra Lenten hours celebrating reconciliation, it is, paradoxically, something that I look forward to during Lent. Helping folks to experience God's forgiving mercy through this beautiful sacrament is some of the most sacred work we priests undertake. I am also very much aware that the celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation can be less than exciting for many. I sometimes think that if we were to rank the seven sacraments from most-to-least-favorite, reconciliation for many might come in a distant tenth. With that in mind, I want to offer some perspective and some encouragement, especially if you have a less-than-warm relationship with this sacrament. The place to begin is with a reminder that reconciliation (or confession) is never solely about how awful we can be. It is really about God's goodness and God's desire to seek out and save the lost sheep. The scriptures remind us that Jesus often spent time with those who were considered sinners by the religious leaders of his time. Jesus did this because he wanted to, because he knew that we need God's mercy, even if we can't recognize that in the moment. If it's been a while since a priest has heard your confession, just be honest. "Father, it's been a lot of years since my last confession" are words that help the confessor to better assist the penitent. Don't worry about what to say or when to say it, especially if it has been a while. Let the priest guide you through the celebration of the sacrament. If you're worried that you don't recall the act of contrition, just be honest. Usually a card or worship aid with this beautiful prayer is available to assist. If you are hesitant to seek out the sacrament because your last experience was not a positive one, give it another try. Perhaps the priest confessor had had a bad day or was out of sorts. It's important to remember that we priests are human, too. All of us hope that the sacrament will be a positive experience. Finally, it's important to remember that what is shared in the sacrament of reconciliation remains within that setting. I know from my own experience as a confessor that as the penitent receives the grace of God's forgiveness, I receive the grace of forgetting. Whatever was shared in reconciliation is simply wiped away from my memory. I think this, too, is an expression of God's mercy. No one would consciously want to carry such burdens, and so we commend them to the Lord. It is Lent once again. I encourage all of us to seek out the beautiful sacrament of reconciliation, asking that our sinful selves might die, so that we can rise to renewed life at Easter. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.
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Marriage
1. “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 14:11) How can we bring this truth into our homes and into our marriages?
Discipleship 101
1. Discuss the five thresholds of conversion. Have you ever walked with someone as they explored the faith? Perhaps you can be that person who allows another to experience the first step of conversion – the “initial trust” of knowing a true believer.
Grow+Go
1. GROW: Can you talk about a time when you felt God’s presence with you in a difficult time? 2. GO: Katie Diller emphasizes that simple acts of witness or invitation can yield fruit. Discuss one thing you might be able to do this week to witness to someone in your life.
Cover: Deb Amato
1. What can you learn from Deb’s faith journey as you discern your call to serve God? Have you ever been on a retreat? If so, how did the experience change you?
FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO FAITHPUB.COM TO FIND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES
INSIDE MARCH 2018 YOUR LIFE
6 marriage matters
She says: ‘Joe is always telling our friends what to do.’ He says: ‘Why shouldn’t I share the fruits of my research?’ What do they do?
7 parenting journey How do we make a foster child feel at home?
Women
Firsts
work life Do I have a loyalty problem if I’m always job-hopping?
Deb uses her gifts to lead and ‘be the person God called me to be’
YOUR FAITH
8 grow
P. 14
Why does God allow suffering?
9 go
18 Dr. Mary Healy – FIRST FEMALE MEMBER OF PONTIFICAL BIBLICAL COMMISSION FROM DIOCESE OF LANSING
10 in the know with Father Joe
Lisa Kutas – FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES, DIOCESE OF LANSING
Katie invites others to encounter the faith
Will we become angels when we go to heaven?
12 discipleship 101 The five thresholds of conversion
PLUS
30 popewatch What Pope Francis has been saying and doing recently
19 P at O’Hearn – FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING Sister Donna Markham, OP, Ph.D – FIRST PRESIDENT OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA FROM DIOCESE OF LANSING 20 Mother Mary Assumpta Long, OP – CO-FOUNDER AND MOTHER SUPERIOR OF A NEW ORDER IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING Judith Stegman – FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. ASSOCIATION OF CONSECRATED VIRGINS (USACV) FROM THE DIOCESE OF LANSING
31 FAITH interview A Wrinkle in Time
Sister Dorita Wotiska, OP – FIRST FEMALE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING
21 Th eresa Marshall – FIRST CONSECRATED VIRGIN IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING AND FORMER PRINCIPAL, ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC SCHOOL, ANN ARBOR 22 Vicki Kaufmann – FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES AGENCY IN THE DIOCESE OF LANSING Lisa Whiting Dobson – FIRST PRODUCER OF THE TELEVISED OUTREACH MASS FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING 23 Sister Marilyn Barnett, OP – FIRST FEMALE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF WORSHIP FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING Sister Monica Kostielney, RSM – FIRST FEMALE CEO OF MICHIGAN CATHOLIC CONFERENCE (MCC) AND FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE CATHOLIC CONFERENCE DIRECTORS 24 Elizabeth Solsburg – FIRST FEMALE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF FAITH MAGAZINE AND VICE PRESIDENT OF FAITH CATHOLIC PUBLISHING AND COMMUNICATIONS Mary Jo Gillilland – FIRST FEMALE CEO OF LITURGICAL COMMISSION PUBLISHINGS 3
FROM THE BISHOP
“RACISM IS A SIN that constitutes a serious offense against God,” to quote Pope St. John Paul II. (Aug. 26, 2001) Abraham Lincoln on March 4, 1865, shortly before his assassination, made this comment about the effects of slavery on our country: If God wills that [the civil war] continue, until all the wealth piled by the bondman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn by the sword, as it was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”
We do need to see the human dignity of each and every person, something that we Catholics proclaim all the time and something that is always a challenge to live out.”
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The effects of sin and evil are not easily erased. While baptism has freed us from the original sin of Adam and Eve – that original disobedience to God, that original making of ourselves little gods – nonetheless, baptism “has not abolished the frailty and weakness of human nature, nor the inclination to sin.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1425) Indeed, St. Paul affirms that “the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit.” (Gal 5:17) In other words, some of the effects of original sin remain in each of us. This fact calls us to a daily openness to and cooperation with God’s grace so that the Spirit might triumph in our lives. By analogy, our country has an original sin or sins, which still affect us. The enslavement of so many African Americans and the near genocide (whether intentional or not) of the Native Americans have left a mark on our national soul, which then manifested itself in other acts against racial minorities such as the internment of Japanese during World War II. True, the events have passed, but the effects of such treatment of people of color remain. These affect not only their descendants but all members of this nation. These are the effects of racism, again, both intentional and not intentional. The catechism (#1935) makes clear: “The equality of men rests essentially on their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it …” That is why one of the key principles of Catholic social teaching is solidarity with all people.
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is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea Yet, as Professor Eddie Glaude of Princeton has noted, “We have a long history of prematurely proclaiming that our race problems are long over.” (Democracy in Black, p. 40) And we don’t often recall these words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in August of 1967: “The vast majority of white Americans are racists, either consciously or unconsciously.” Do we hear the pain behind these statements? What, then, are we to do? First of all, we do need to see the human dignity of each and every person, something that we Catholics proclaim all the time and something that is always a challenge to live out. Second, we must not forget our past. I love history, but our history is not entirely beautiful. And we forget our past, the whole past, to our peril. That is why it is important to know the stories not just of the winners but also of the vanquished or those who have been oppressed along the way. Third, we need to be intentional about examining our habits, both individual and societal. We do and say many things which we really don’t think about, which are habitual. Sometimes they can hurt and we must be aware of that. Certainly, there are times when the truth may cause some people pain; so then we must speak the truth in love, but at least be aware that it does cause pain. Fourth, we need to listen to one another and share our stories with each other. I know that people of color are more than willing to share with the rest of us their experiences; are we willing to be intentional about hearing those accounts? I have often heard the phrase that we should develop color-blindness. But to deny our senses is impossible and is not the correct path for us to follow. Rather, we need to develop what Pope St. John Paul II often spoke of as the “exchange of gifts.” We need to be enriched by one another, seeing each person as a treasured gift from God to us. We are all sinners. We know that. That is why we love the sinner and not the sin. That is how God loves each of us. My sisters and brothers, racism is a sin. Let us examine our consciences to see whether we are committing this sin, which is a fight against the Spirit of God.
Carlson Productions
RACISM IS A SIN
BISHOP EARL BOYEA
DIOCESE OF LANSING TO FORM TASK FORCE ON RACE AND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY, Bishop Earl Boyea met with concerned parents and a student about the diocese’s policy that all Catholic school students are to stand for the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance.
My ultimate goal is this – that our schools and diocese will accompany people of all races and ethnicities toward God, who desires each one of us to be one with him in heaven.”
After the meeting, Bishop Boyea stated, “I thank these families for coming forward and meeting with me. I was moved when listening to the pain of the effects of injustice in our community. The Church’s teaching is clear that we must fight injustice. The issues of racial injustice have deep historical roots in our country. Feelings run strong and are complex. It is not racist to ask all students to stand and honor the flag. The men and women of our military have sacrificed so much. They deserve respect. That stated, after speaking with these families, I do now see that some people see our flag differently. The effects of racism can’t fully be appreciated unless you have experienced it. It is important for us to listen to the concerns, hopes and dreams of African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos and other racial minorities. With that, I announce the formation of a Diocese of Lansing Task Force on Race and Catholic Schools” The primary purpose of the task force will be to make recommendations to the bishop about how Diocese of Lansing Catholic schools can better listen
to and meet the needs of racial and ethnic minorities. Bishop Boyea further stated, “My ultimate goal is this – that our schools and diocese will accompany people of all races and ethnicities toward God, who desires each one of us to be one with him in heaven.” Bishop Boyea appointed Joan Jackson Johnson, a committed Catholic and community leader, to lead this group. The task force members will be named in the weeks ahead, and will come from various constituencies from around the 10-county Diocese of Lansing, which comprises the communities around Lansing, Jackson, Flint and Ann Arbor. Within the diocese, there are 29 Catholic elementary schools and four Catholic high schools. The task force will be charged with holding listening sessions to
hear from a variety of voices from all parts of the diocese, and to make recommendations in conformity with Catholic social teaching. The task force is being asked to submit its recommendations to Bishop Boyea by Fall 2018. While the task force does its work, the diocese is asking that Catholic school administrators be lenient with the consequences for students who kneel during the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. During this time, the diocese also invites all students to honor the sacrifice of our veterans by standing for the flag. Bishop Boyea concluded, “I pray that this task force is a positive step toward bringing many people of good will together on an issue that is dividing some of our Catholic school communities. May God bless you all.” 5
YOUR LIFE
MARRIAGE MATTERS
STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON
GETTY IMAGES
SHE SAYS:
Joe is always telling our friends what to do Joe is always telling our friends what to do, and he doesn’t realize they’re rolling their eyes as soon as he starts imparting his “words of wisdom.” I just want one party where he listens and doesn’t talk – is that too much to ask?
HE SAYS:
Why shouldn’t I share the fruits of my research? What can I say – I read a lot. Why shouldn’t I share the fruits of my research? I’m sure Marybeth is exaggerating – our friends love me!
Just make sure, regardless of how irritated you might be with his behavior, that you speak with him about it only in loving and patient tones and never with snarkiness or disgust.”
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WHAT DO THEY DO?
hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.
THE ONLY THING WORSE than being an underappreciated genius is being married to one. Our sympathies to both of you. Let’s start with you, Marybeth.
It’s a good sign that you’re feeling Joe’s pain, even if he can’t or won’t feel it himself. Indeed, because you’re in a “one flesh” union with him, it would be problematic if you were not affected by how others perceive him. Just make sure, regardless of how irritated you might be with his behavior, that you speak with him about it only in loving and patient tones and never with snarkiness or disgust. Also, there’s no need for any of this to disturb your own tranquility. Yes, express concern for his reputation, but, at the same time, just let it go. This is his burden to bear, not yours. Now, Joe, come on, you’ve got to be smart enough to know that everyone, including you, has at least a few social blind spots. And if a person doesn’t think he has any, it’s a virtual guarantee that he has huge ones. The fact is, we all, even the most socially adroit, occasionally need our loved ones to give us a knee under the table, and we should thank them when they do. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Prv 27:6) This doesn’t mean these faithful wounds feel good. We understand how devastating it could be to see the truth in Marybeth’s observations. But if that’s the reality, accept it, thank her, and then allow God, through the humiliation, to chisel you into the man he made you to be. Trust that he will reward you for it in the end. Humility is indeed the beginning of wisdom, and that’s what you really want anyway, right? It’s one of those great ironies of the Gospel: “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Lk 14:11) So if you want the authentic love and respect of others, then be the guy who can see and laugh at his own absurdity. If you can’t, trust us (and your wife), others will do it for you.
YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY
YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE
DO I HAVE A LOYALTY PROBLEM IF I’M ALWAYS JOB-HOPPING?
How do we make a foster child
Q:
We have signed up to be foster parents, and our first child will be arriving soon. How do we make a
A
GETTY IMAGES
FEEL AT HOME?
Q
How can I balance wanting to continually change jobs to advance my career with appearing to be disloyal and permanently dissatisfied?
You might be posing a false dilemma. The desire to advance career and achieve your potential is good. That normally requires moving up, taking on new challenges, and new jobs. I would worry less about the appearance of disloyalty and dissatisfaction than the reality. Your loyalty to a job is not defined by a sentiment, but by faithfully fulfilling your employment contract. Are you loyal or not? Your second concern about dissatisfaction can rub two ways. It can be healthy if it’s warranted and motivates you to grow and improve. It’s unhealthy if it’s your basic attitude. That will surely cause you to underperform in your job, under-live your life and underachieve your potential. So, is your dissatisfaction of the healthy or unhealthy type? Consider how you can advance your career with some measure of stability. Frequent jobhopping doesn’t look good on a resume and gives a prospective employer pause. Is this candidate stable? What might be the reasons for short job stints? Will I get any long-term benefit if I hire? You also might not be enhancing your career growth by bouncing around, as opposed to advancing within a given organization. Finally, for a reality check, you might ask some of your former employers how they perceive you. Your dilemma might be a straw man, but it could be how others really view you. You deserve to know.
A:
My sister-in-law and her husband began their at home? experience as foster parents by opening their home to a family of two boys and two girls. Eventually Gloria and Mike cared for six more children, all of whom were reunited with family members. Mutual attachments were formed during foster care leading to long-term connections. foster child feel
T. GENNARA
Set realistic expectations. Children in foster care have experienced life circumstances that threaten their well-being. By providing stability, you help them feel at home. Plan effective responses to emotional/ behavioral challenges that you are likely to encounter. Review your training resources periodically and connect with experienced foster parents for support. Encourage interactive activities. Get to know your child through age-appropriate activities. For example, making homemade playdough together requires measuring ingredients, choosing food colors and kneading the dough. Or grow a sweet potato in a glass jar with the help of a few toothpicks! These projects are non-threatening interactions that promote a context for natural conversations.
DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL
is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.
Nurture the goal of the placement. Respect the cultural traditions and faith practices of the child’s family, remembering that the goal is usually reunification. Attend ongoing training workshops to obtain insight into challenges. Do foster parents at your parish connect? If not, ask if a potluck could be held after Mass for those interested in foster care.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT, CONTACT ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES AT 517.323.4734, EXT. 1612.
*Stephen Stills approves this message. Our Lord, on the other hand ...
JIM BERLUCCHI T. GENNARA
By becoming foster parents you are responding to a family’s needs as described in our catechism (CCC #2208). Pray Isaiah 41:13 as you begin this journey.
If you can’t be with the job you love ... love the job you’re with.*
is the executive director of the Spitzer Center for Visionary Leadership. 7
YOUR FAITH
The trouble with trying to understand suffering is that it’s a mystery. Not a problem to be solved, but an inexplicable reality of the human condition. When we are in the midst of it, we can feel abandoned. Christ expressed his solidarity with us in suffering when he cried from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In these moments, it is hard for us to understand the pattern of the tapestry of life when all we can perceive are the knots. This is where faith is – in believing that the God who broke into time to become human is standing with us in our pain. If we open our hearts to Christ, we can allow him to show his mighty and powerful love for us.
GROW
as a disciple of Jesus
Why does God allow suffering? As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
(Jn 9: 1-3)
I
N THE STORY of the man born blind, the disciples wanted specific answers – and they wanted to lay blame or find fault to explain
Pray every day: Read John 9:1-41 and pray to see and understand that God is with you in all the places in your life, even when you may not feel his presence. Study the faith: Spend time each week re-reading the Lenten Sunday Gospels. Before you read each one, take a moment to ask God to reveal a specific word or idea that will help you grow closer to him. Engage in parish life: Pick one or two events during Lent to participate in. Attend the Stations of the Cross, soup suppers or a Lenten prayer group. Take a friend and use this Lenten season to grow in holiness. Serve others’ needs: As an act of Lenten sacrifice, clean your closets and donate your surplus to those with great need.
human suffering. But Jesus explained that they were not seeing as God sees – the man’s affliction was not meant to punish or penalize, but so that the works of God might be made visible through him. At first glance, we might think of the man living on the streets in darkness with pity and sadness, and that would be justifiable. The man himself no doubt felt sorry for himself at times, and sad. But then God chose this man, blind and poor, to show the glory of God. Why? To remind us that, even in our darkest hours, when we feel most alone, God is with us.
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SHERI WOHLFERT
is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries. Sheri blogs at www.joyfulwords.org
GO
evangelize
Katie invites others to encounter the faith
YOUR FAITH GO
PRAYER: When I attended the second diocesan assembly, Bishop Earl Boyea pointed out the two postures of prayers of evangelization – the outward posture of St. Ambrose, who taught and instructed, and that of St. Monica, who prayed without ceasing. It took both. And it takes both. Every night, I pray for those close to me, that they will have an evangelist in their life. I also pray in a special way for my three godsons. They are young now, but I pray now that when they are older they have people in their lives who support a relationship with Jesus Christ. WITNESS: My 10-year-old godson’s grandmother died, and I decided I would attend the funeral to support him and his mom, my friend. When I arrived at the church, he was vested as an altar boy, so I approached him, said hello and told him I was proud of him for serving. When he said he didn’t know I’d be there, I explained I wanted to pray for his grandmother and his family. He (flatly) responded, “That sounds like you.” That was a powerful – and hilarious – moment when I realized that my life is witness. I loved that my 10-year-old godson knew who I was! INVITATION: I try to include people in things that are new to them. One summer, I was adjunct faculty for a study abroad program for Michigan State. I taught a seminar course in Paris for the summer. It wasn’t necessarily a platform to evangelize, because it was a structured class. Yet I invited all of the students to attend Mass with me at Notre Dame Cathedral. I told them that this place of worship for Catholics had stood for more than 1,200 years, and – whether they were Catholic or not, or even of faith – the experience of being in a place that has housed people of prayer, people in need, people aching to connect to God, people praying for their children through plague and crisis and war, is powerful. The first week, all but two students joined me for Mass; in following weeks, even more came. One young lady ended up returning to East Lansing and entering the Church within 18 months. Inviting others to stand with you on holy ground is a way we can invite those with a more secular disposition to encounter and honor the Christian faith, even if they aren’t yet interested or exploring. When I invite, I always hope. The first invitation is coming and encouraging and hopefully that leads to the next step of curiosity. The Holy Spirit can do powerful things and bring people across the finish line! ACCOMPANIMENT: A time when students can struggle is after they leave college. This is when they sometimes need their campus minister to be an anchor, because it’s the first time in their life they aren’t surrounded by a peer group who shares their faith. Sometimes, young adults seek community in many wrong places. Sometimes faith feels less relevant at that point. I try to be someone whom alumni can reconnect to and be honest with. For me, a beautiful part of mentoring and accompanying is being a touchpoint for those young adults and reminding them of who they are and how they can be an active and engaged Catholic in a challenging world.
As coordinator of campus ministry for the diocese and director of campus ministry at St. John Student Center in East Lansing, Katie Diller’s ministry provides daily opportunities for her to evangelize. In both her ministry and her personal walk of faith, the Lord has called Katie to pray, witness, invite and accompany the people he brings into her life.
Visit TINYURL.COM/DOLPLAN to develop your personal evangelization plan
BY MARY GATES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING
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WILL WE BECOME ANGELS WHEN WE GO TO HEAVEN?
Q
DEAR FATHER JOE: I’ve heard a lot of things and seen a lot of pictures about heaven and I wonder if that is what it will be like. Will there be mansions and streets of gold, and will we become angels?
A
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into Google, you’ll find numerous helpful articles on this topic. So, with that in mind, let’s dive right in. First things first: Do we become angels when we die? Short answer? No. It’s become popular in our culture to say, “Heaven gained another angel” when someone dies. I imagine this is just an expression we use and, in that regard, it can come across as harmless. However, I do want to point out that, as humans, we most certainly do not become angels when we die. We humans are unique in creation and
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YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE
T. GENNARA
This is such an important issue for all of us – death affects all of us indirectly and will obviously affect all of us personally at some point. We try, as a Church and even in society, to describe the ideas of death, resurrection and heaven because that is important to us. heaven is our goal, but if we forget our goal, we get lost. I’m going to use Scripture and our tradition to answer these questions, with a lot of help from Dr. Peter Kreeft, my favorite philosopher and a guy who has written a lot about heaven. If you type “heaven” and his name
FATHER JOE KRUPP
is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack
have a special dignity. It seems to me that thinking that we have to change from human to something else in order to enter heaven can inadvertently have a lot of negative consequences, philosophically and theologically. I won’t burden us with those issues now, as that would probably take up more room than I have. The key is this: As humans, you and I are totally different creatures than angels. Probably the most distinctive difference between us and angels is that we are body/soul unities, whereas angels are pure spirit. If we make it to heaven, we will join the angels there, but we will join them as humans. So, what kind of humans? If we look at Scripture, we see that what happens after our death is laid out for us. When we die, our souls leave our bodies to face judgment and, at that point, the body begins to decay. This judgment will result in our going to heaven or hell, with the understanding that, technically, purgatory is not separate from heaven. At some point known only to God, Christ will return and, when that happens, our bodies will be raised and restored, and then will rejoin our souls wherever they are. (As an interesting side note, many Catholic cemeteries bury people so that, when their bodies rise up at Christ’s second coming, they will be facing east!) Since we were created as body/ soul unities, we will experience heaven or hell as body/soul unities. So, what will that experience be? What will make heaven heavenly? This is something that, for more than 2,000 years, Christians have tried to describe and, frankly, I don’t feel a lot of hope that I can do that better than most of them. The key is to think of it this way:
All we can do is use imagery we know to express something that cannot be described. My favorite image of heaven comes from St. John in the Book of Revelation. In it, he gives us images of people in heaven waving palm branches. Why is that? Why palm branches? They symbolize the scriptural account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem: In heaven, we are celebrating the King who conquered sin and death. The key is this: The defining characteristic in heaven is ecstasy and the word itself gives us a sense of what heaven will be. When we look at the word “ecstasy,” we learn that it comes to us from the Greek word ekstasis, which means “standing outside oneself.” We have hints and whispers of heaven and hell in our everyday life; the more selfish we are, the more selfish we act, the more
miserable we get. We have seen people who live only for what they want and their ability to make life horrible for themselves and for everyone around them. We have also all seen and experienced the wonder of selflessness. As counterintuitive as it is, when we live for God, when we live for others, we find a deep joy, a sense that goes beyond anything we can account for on our own. I think this is what Jesus means when he tells us that we find our lives when we lose them. Christ, who knows our nature, who knows our hearts, knows that they “never rest until they rest in [God].” In heaven, we will be outside ourselves focused on what and who really matters: God. I want to close with a quote from Peter Kreeft. When he was asked if we will be bored in heaven, his answer blew me away in its beauty and simplicity. He said:
“We won’t be bored because we are with God, and God is infinite. We never come to the end of exploring him. He is new every day. We won’t be bored because we are with God, and God is eternal. Time does not pass (a condition for boredom); it just is. All time is present in eternity, as all the events of the plot are present in an author's mind. There is no waiting. We won’t be bored because we are with God, and God is love. Even on earth, the only people who are never bored are lovers.”
In heaven, we will be outside ourselves focused on what and who really matters: God.”
Brothers and sisters, God has given us the hope of heaven. May we respond to his mercy and his call to holiness, so that we can live that hope with integrity and joy! 11
DISCIPLESHIP 101
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IN 2018,
FAITH offers a new column, Discipleship 101, based on Sherry Weddell’s books, Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus (2012) and Fruitful Discipleship: Living the Mission
of Jesus in the Church and the World (2017). Sherry is a leading voice in the Catholic world in the field of forming missionary disciples – engaged Catholics who strive to grow as disciples of Jesus and go evangelize, sharing the Gospel with others.
Let’s look at these five thresholds briefly:
THE FIVE THRESHOLDS OF CONVERSION
I
N THE MID-1990s, a campus minister named Doug Schaupp was struggling with how to awaken faith in students. He and his ministry team at UCLA realized that “students weren’t responding in the same ways they had before. Sharing the truth of Jesus’ Gospel no longer moved people. Our evangelistic labors resonated less, and had less fruit.” 1 During the 1997-1998 school year, 37 students went through conversion experiences. Schaupp’s team responded by doing something unusual. They asked these students to describe their spiritual journeys:
Conversion didn’t ‘just happen’ for these young adults. It required their everincreasing
At the end of the year, we interviewed most of the 37 students to find out what kind of internal and external dynamics helped them into the Kingdom of God. What we found was that they actually all went through the same phases of growth and transformation, though each student obviously took different amounts of time to grow from one place to the next. 2
What they discovered was commitment remarkable. First, Schaupp and to more his collaborators found that all 37 students passed through a series of and more thresholds or stages of conversion profound – five in all – that culminated in a choices.” commitment to follow Jesus Christ as a disciple. Each transition to a new threshold was a genuine work of grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, but each threshold also required real spiritual energy and real choices on the part of the person making the journey. Conversion didn’t “just happen” for these young adults. It required their ever-increasing commitment to more and more profound choices.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
I NITIAL TRUST: A person is able to trust or has a positive association with Jesus Christ, the Church, a Christian believer, or something identifiably Christian. Trust is not the same as active personal faith. Without some kind of bridge of trust in place, people will not move closer to God. PIRITUAL CURIOSITY: A person finds himself intrigued S by or desiring to know more about Jesus, his life, and his teachings or some aspect of the Christian faith. This curiosity can range from mere awareness of a new possibility to something quite intense. Nevertheless, a person at the threshold of curiosity is not yet open to personal change. Curiosity is still essentially passive, but it is more than mere trust. PIRITUAL OPENNESS: A person acknowledges to S him or herself and to God that he or she is open to the possibility of personal and spiritual change. This is one of the most difficult transitions for a postmodern nonbeliever. Openness is not a commitment to change. People who are open are simply admitting they are open to the possibility of change. PIRITUAL SEEKING: The person moves from being S essentially passive to actively seeking to know the God who is calling him or her. It is, if you will, “dating with a purpose” but not yet marriage. Seekers are asking, “Are you the one to whom I will give myself?” At this stage, the seeker is engaged in an urgent spiritual quest, seeking to know whether he or she can commit to Christ in his Church. I NTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: This is the decision to “drop one’s nets,” to make a conscious commitment to follow Jesus in the midst of his Church as an obedient disciple and to reorder one’s life accordingly.
(Forming Intentional Disciples: the Path to Knowing and Following Jesus, Sherry A. Weddell, Huntington, Indiana: Our Sunday Visitor, 2017, pp. 127-128; 129-130).
SHERRY ANNE WEDDELL created the first charism discernment process specifically designed for Catholics in 1993. In 1997, she co-founded the Catherine of Siena Institute, an affiliated international ministry of the Western Dominican Province, and currently serves as Executive Director. Sherry has developed numerous unique formation resources that are used around the world.
1.
Don Everts and Doug Schaupp, I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2008) p. 12-13.
2.
Doug Schaupp, “Five Thresholds of Post-Modern Conversion.” Available online at http://evangelism.intervarsity.org/resource/5-thresholds-postmodern-conversion-overview.
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In this special issue of FAITH, we celebrate women who have been trailblazers in many different areas of ministry within the Diocese of Lansing, as well as women from the diocese who have gone on to lead national organizations. We recognize their dedication and service to the Diocese of Lansing, and to their various ministries, and thank them for trusting in God’s call to serve and to lead. We asked these women about faith as the foundation of their work, who inspired them along their paths, defining moments in their ministries and what they might say to their younger selves about perseverance and achieving goals.
irsts
PHOTOS BY JIM LUNING AND OTHERS
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Deb Amato FIRST FEMALE CHIEF OF STAFF FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING
Deb uses her gifts to lead and
‘be the person God called me to be’ 16
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Trailblazer wasn’t a heading on any of the tabs in Deb Amato’s files of possible ministerial work. Yet, upon her appointment as the first female chief of staff for the Central Service Offices of the Diocese of Lansing, Trailblazer became the most prominent tab. No one was more surprised than she. “I questioned my qualifications, but I was open and trusted God’s lead.” With a chuckle, she adds, “I really thought I was called to be a theology teacher.’ “As a trailblazer, I feel a huge responsibility to lay ministers. I want this to go well. Bishop Boyea is very supportive of lay ministers embracing their baptismal call. I hope priests will look at the bishop’s example of putting a woman in a key leadership role in the diocesan structure and see that parishes can put women with gifts, passion and motivation in key leadership roles as well. Our Church will not survive unless lay people step up.” Taking the reins from Father Mike Murray, Deb describes her position as twofold: “First, I must understand the bishop’s vision for this building and the diocese at large. Second, I must ensure that everybody working in this building is on board with that vision and moving in the direction of its fulfillment. When I took over, I inherited an awesome staff, a wonderful group of people who are talented, competent and very passionate for the mission – for Jesus. They bring so much joy to my ministry. Father Murray had primed them to work collaboratively and create teams to implement the bishop’s 2012 pastoral letter, and I picked up the baton. We have completed those tasks, so now it’s time to identify new goals. Ultimately, the goal for the diocese is salvation of souls and so our question becomes: ‘How will we work to identify the measurable goals we need to accomplish this task, in Lansing, in 2018?’” Deb brings both business and pastoral acumen to her position. A former owner of a computer business, Deb’s life direction shifted when she attended a Christ Renews His Parish retreat in 2000. “Prior to attending, I was Catholic by convenience. That retreat weekend was pivotal for me. It was personal and intimate, beginning with the women on the team
who embraced every participant like they were the only person there; it was so beautiful and loving. The sacramental presence of Jesus, the music, Mass, reconciliation – all wove together to create an encounter with Jesus I had never experienced before. It was like being wrapped in the loving arms of God. I knew I had to make a decision to either accept Jesus and change, or pretend the encounter never happened.” Deb chose the former and trained to become part of the next parish Christ Renews His Parish team. She sold her computer business and returned to academia to earn her master’s degree in pastoral studies. She volunteered on the RCIA team at her parish, St. Joe’s in Howell, and slowly took on other ministry roles. Volunteerism grew into parttime work, which evolved into full-time ministry. All the while, Deb was raising her four children and whittling away at completing her master’s program at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. On the advice of her former pastor, in 2010, Deb applied for the position of diocesan director of lay ministry. “It was a miracle I got that job,” marvels Deb. “They wanted someone with a master’s, and I had not yet completed mine. I honestly wasn’t seeking a ministry change, but see how the hand of God drew me in this direction, how other things had to happen first. My work at the parish level was a tremendous gift in preparing me for this work. To be part of the diocesan structure, the Curia, with parish experience, means I can empathize with parish personnel. I have walked their walk. I understand.” Deb completed her degree in 2012 and continued working as director of lay ministry. In 2015, Bishop Boyea appointed her to chair the newly formed Department of Evangelization and Lay Formation. “None of this was on my radar. I have been open and often pray, ‘God, what do you want me to do with the gifts you have given me, the blessings I have?’ I see this as God driving my car.” Though happy in her new administrative work at the diocesan level, Deb missed the pastoral interaction she shared with parishioners. Craving connection, Deb became a certified spiritual director and currently meets with a few women. To sate her pastoral yearning, she leads a women’s prayer group at her parish two Saturdays a month, and is involved teaching Called and Gifted workshops. “I also discovered I had to shift my thinking as to who ‘the people’ are. Rather than people in the pew, I need to connect with the people who report to me. Encouragement is one of my gifts, so I look for opportunities to do that. I walk around the diocesan center at least once a day to chat with people. Relationship is so important.” Deb often finds herself on the receiving end of that philosophy, as she regularly receives supportive encouragement from her husband of 28 years. She refers to him as
a saint who is very excited about her vocational trailblazing. Pausing momentarily, she says, “My first vocation is my marriage, whose sacramental grace fuels all the other things I am doing. You can’t starve that first vocation; I have to be really attentive to that.” Deb’s other sources of encouragement come from the sacraments, her spiritual director and unceasing prayer. Each day begins with the Liturgy of the Hours, often a rosary on her almost-hour commute and going through the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. Deb turns to an array of female saints for inspiration: St. Teresa of Avila, St. Catherine, Mother Teresa, and Mary – “all women who followed the hand of God and many times were persecuted yet persevered. They were courageous.’ “Ultimately, everything we do in this life is about calling us to holiness, calling us to be the best version of ourselves, calling us to sainthood. The demands of this role force me to look at the ways I need to grow. I’m talking about virtues like courage and unconditional love. I see this position as what God is doing in my life to help me grow in holiness and be the person God called me to be.’ “This whole experience has been awesome and exciting: awesome in the true sense of awe – larger than life – and exciting because it is trailblazing! I am very humbled and have pinched myself to make sure it is real. I’ve learned it takes baby steps in obedience to the Holy Spirit in order to end up where God intends you to be. You might be surprised if it isn’t what you thought it would be.” Deb recognizes she has been a theology teacher all along. “Honestly, God’s way is way better than I ever imagined!” A lay ecclesial minister serves in pastoral ministry in the areas of religious education/faith formation, liturgical celebration and social ministry. For more information on lay ministry formatrion, contact Roberta (Bert) Schomberger at 517.342.2521.
Ultimately, the goal for the diocese is salvation of souls.
BY ROSE ROBERTSON
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Dr. Mary Healy First female member of Pontifical Biblical Commission from Diocese of Lansing Often in the last half-century, the Bible has been studied apart from a perspective of faith, as if it were merely an ancient document like any other. But thankfully, that is changing. In my work on the Pontifical Biblical Commission, I try to remain conscious that our goal is not just to offer the Church the best possible scholarship, but to interpret Scripture in a way that strengthens faith and draws people into a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Seek God’s plan for your life, and keep surrendering all to him!
During my first semester in Rome studying for a doctorate in biblical theology, I struggled with a medical condition that increasingly hindered my ability to study. This trial brought me to the point of having to completely let go of my dream of being a biblical scholar when I was suddenly able to get an accurate diagnosis that resolved the issue. I knew the Lord had allowed all this to bring me to that point of surrendering my future into his hands, so that it would not be my will or my goal that I was accomplishing, but his. So my advice would be, seek God’s plan for your life, and keep surrendering all to him! The Pontifical Biblical Commission is an advisory body serving the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith. The commission meets once a year for one week to discuss a particular topic, and then produces a document on it. Topics include interpretation of the Bible, and unity and diversity in the Church.
Lisa Kutas First female Director of Human Resources, Diocese of Lansing As the HR director, I get to know a lot about the people I work with. Not just how they perform as employees, but I learn about them personally and the challenges they face in their lives. I pray for my co-workers daily, especially when I know they have a specific hardship in their lives. The one thing we all have in common is that everyone is carrying a cross; some are heavier than others, but each person has one. The crosses we carry influence the way we interact with others and perform in our jobs. The ability to incorporate prayer along with professional development in the workplace strengthens our work in bringing the Gospel to others. The day I decided to pray about leaving a prominent position in the secular world to come serve Bishop Boyea was pivotal. It was the beginning of my understanding of discernment; I began to let go of what I wanted, and ask God what he wanted for me. I started to see how my skills and experiences could be used to further build his kingdom on earth. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be to learn to discern God’s desire for my life earlier than I did. Life is much more fulfilling when I’m doing my best to align my will to his. 18
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Pat O’Hearn First female Director of Development for the Diocese of Lansing My faith helped me understand that fund development is, first and foremost, a ministry. In this role, I was able to offer the people of our diocese the opportunity to participate in the mission and vision of the Diocese of Lansing and the wider Church. I am continually inspired by the people of our diocese. Their faith-filled generosity is incredible. I experienced a great release of joy seeing people invest in something they deeply care about. I always believed I was inviting people to invest their resources in the work of God.
Sister Donna Markham, OP, Ph.D First president of Catholic Charities USA from Diocese of Lansing While I have never aspired to be the “first woman” in any given position, in retrospect, I realize that I often have been. That began early in my religious life when I was invited to teach at St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Mich. Another sister was working as the librarian and another as director of field education, but I was the first woman to actually teach courses at the seminary. Later, after serving on the General Council of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, I was invited to become the executive director of the Southdown Institute in Ontario, Canada. As the first woman to hold that position, I led the treatment teams that were dedicated to assisting priests and religious recover from addictions and mental health problems. Most recently, I was selected as the president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. As the first woman in 105 years to hold that position, I began my tenure in June 2015. Clearly, in each of these positions, my Dominican spirituality and my faith served as bedrock for the challenging decisions that inevitably face any leader. I have been blessed to have many wonderful Adrian Dominicans mentor me along the way, and it is upon their shoulders that I stand. It is important to say that I have been much more responsive to God’s call to serve in various roles than I have ever been intent upon achieving “my” goals. Many times, I have been surprised to be chosen to lead, whether that be an organization or my religious congregation. Similarly, I have never aspired to be the first woman in any given position. I would say that the most important thing in my life as a Dominican is to be a faith-filled preacher of the Gospel of Jesus in my work and through my words. I hope that when all is said and done, I will have come close to achieving that!
the most important thing in my life as a Dominican is to be a
faith-filled
preacher of the Gospel of Jesus in my work and through my words.
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Mother Mary Assumpta Long, OP Co-founder and Mother Superior of a new order in the Diocese of Lansing My parents inspired me in my youth, and continue to inspire me by the beautiful example they gave me. It was my parents who taught my two brothers, three sisters and me the priorities in life of faith and family. The Catholic education they gave us came as a great sacrifice to them but remains one of their greatest gifts to us. Since the Dominican Sisters’ Apostolate is education, and one has to be prepared for this academically, emotionally and spiritually, one remains conscious that the most important ingredient you could possess would be zeal for souls. Obviously, a good education should be given, but to impart to your students the ultimate quest for holiness far surpasses anything else they may learn. Anything worth achieving will take great sacrifice and effort. We find this in every aspect of our lives, whether it be spiritual, mental or physical. Perseverance is the key – to keep striving and never give up!
Judith Stegman
TOM
GEN NARA
First president of the U.S. Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV) From the diocese of lansing
Sister Dorita Wotiska, OP My work with the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins would have no meaning if the work was not founded on faith in Jesus Christ, Bridegroom of the Church. The consecrated virgin is “mystically espoused to Christ, the Son of God,” and her particular role in the Church is to be a sign of the Church’s spousal love for Christ. Each defining moment has involved my saying “yes” to an unexpected call from the Lord to move ahead, without fear, into an unknown. One such time was deciding to sell my accounting business in order to devote more time to the USACV. 20
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First Female Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Lansing In Memoriam 1936-2018 As the magazine was going to press, Sister Dorita died. Sister Dorita held the position of superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Lansing for 23 years, and was in her 63rd year in the Adrian Domincan Congregation at the time of her death.
Trust Jesus with reckless abandonment; nothing is impossible
with him.
Theresa Marshall First Consecrated Virgin in the Diocese of Lansing and Former principal, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School, Ann Arbor Eucharistic adoration, holy Mass and daily rosary were the centers of our family prayer life. We experienced answers to prayer as a family like food and clothing multiplying, and healing occurred with us as we offered petitions for our family. Experiencing the miracles made it hard not to believe and trust God. Attending Catholic schools from second grade through high school, I learned more about the faith and found a more profound love for Jesus after reading the autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, my patron saint. I began to pray and read Scripture daily. A defining moment occurred in my ministry when I was at the end of my first year as a new principal. I was exhausted, having done extra-long work hours that week.
I had several school, family and staff circumstances that caused me anguish, and hours of worrisome prayer. I went out to the office to make a final announcement and prayers for the school day. Before getting to the PA system, a student came up to me and said, “Ms. Marshall, I got this for you.” It was a miraculous medal blessed by the pope. The child hugged me. All the anguish melted away. I would tell my younger self to never stop praying, hoping and loving people. Trust Jesus with reckless abandonment; nothing is impossible with him. Lean into his caress and, if fear knocks, let your faith answer. There is no limit to the mercy, love and miracles he will do with expectant faith. Get lots of sleep and, when you can, play with friends! 21
Vicki Kaufmann First female director of Catholic Charities agency in the Diocese of Lansing To me, Catholic Charities represents an extension of the Catholic community and Catholic beliefs, reaching out to bring to reality the beatitudes. As a director, I was conscious that my staff and I had the duty to faithfully embody the Catholic beliefs on marriage, the family, social justice and other issues. I felt that the agency was an “arm” of the diocese and the local Church, and we were their representatives in the local community we served. I felt that if what I was doing was meant to be, and others believed in my abilities and talents, that God would bless my work. I would tell my younger self, “With God at your side, you can do all things. Do not be afraid!” There are five Catholic Charities agencies in the Diocese of Lansing, and Vicki led the Livingston County agency. Three of the five agencies are led by women.
With God at your side, you can do all things.
Lisa Whiting Dobson First producer of the Televised Outreach Mass for the Diocese of Lansing I have worked very hard to be an excellent television producer/director. The Outreach Mass adds a unique element, because my faith is the foundation of everything I do, and this program touches people in a way that has continued to amaze me throughout the years. I am proud to say that everything I have worked on in my television career has been life-giving, and that is quite a feat in this industry. With the Outreach Mass, I often believe that I am the vehicle, and when I begin directing there is a Spirit much more than me at work. 22
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Sister Marilyn Barnett, OP First female director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Lansing Where I grew up, we had a children’s Mass every Sunday. Every Sunday, the pastor would walk up and down the main aisle and explain the readings and what the priest saying the Mass was doing. I know that made a lasting impression on me; and I slowly began to realize that this Sunday gathering was something that was very important to my faith and life as a Catholic. I believe that this experience at Sunday Mass, week after week, year after year, cemented my love of liturgy to this very day. When I became the director of the Office of Worship in Lansing, I instinctively knew that if the office was going to be successful in assisting the bishop and the parishes, I would need to surround myself with people who would bring their best knowledge and experience to the many goals the office had set.
Sister Monica Kostielney, RSM First female CEO of Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) and First female president of the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors As a baptized Christian and a Religious Sister of Mercy with a vow to serve the poor, sick and uneducated, and blessed with a Catholic education, my faith foundation as a CEO was to serve with justice and compassion, with a compelling belief that each person is an image and likeness of God. There are many tipping points, but one defining moment awakened me to the transcendent nature of life. My introduction to the Michigan Catholic Conference was by a panel for life, explaining a statewide ballot Proposal B. Father Charles Dautremont, addressing a query regarding the likelihood of its passage, responded, “If one life is saved, our work will be worth it.” In a moment of clarity, I recognized these words as a personal call. Our due diligence and public response from the MCC were guided by two rules: 1) Never lie (under any circumstances); and 2) never promise anything you cannot deliver. These precepts were supported by a clear understanding that Church and politics are not generally a satisfactory way to good public policy. Rather, it is an understanding and fidelity to the highest ideals of government and religion that society is served and the energy of love realized is a new creation. The Michigan Catholic Conference serves as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan on matters of public policy. To sign up for the Catholic Advocacy Network, visit micatholic.org/can/.
My faith foundation as a CEO was to serve with justice and compassion. 23
Elizabeth Solsburg First Female editorial director of FAITH magazine and vice president of FAITH Catholic Publishing and Communications So many women have been role models and mentors in my life that I could write pages. But I only have a few words – and when I think about my work here at FAITH Catholic, two women come into focus as influences on my career and ministry. The first is my fifth-grade teacher from St. Francis School in Ann Arbor. Miss Heffern embodied W.H. Auden’s quote, “A poet is, before anything else, a person who is passionately in love with language.” From her, I learned the joy of playing with words, and shaping them into stories and poetry – to, I hope, inspire. The second was the very first youth minister at St. Francis Parish, back in the days when Father Ray Rademacher was the forward-thinking pastor there. Sharon Emmerth came to Ann Arbor from West Virginia, by way of Fordham University. She was a revelation – a lay woman working in active ministry in the Church. I hadn’t even been aware that role was an option without a call to consecrated life, which I knew I didn’t have. Because of Sharon’s example, I went to graduate school to study theology. Because of Sharon, I ended up working as a director of religious education. Because of Miss Heffern, I never stopped writing. Thanks to them – and the wonderful priest whose column is on page two, I found myself at FAITH in 2004 as the assistant editor of this magazine. When I interviewed for the job with our CEO, Patrick O’Brien, he promised me I’d touch more lives and hearts with stories than I’d ever been able to do as a DRE. Thanks to his leadership and his faith in me, I am honored to be the vice president of a company that publishes more than 50 magazines for Catholic dioceses and organizations. I hope I am making Miss Heffern and Sharon proud. FAITH Catholic is the nation's largest publisher of diocesan magazines, and constitutes one-quarter of the U.S. diocesan press.
Mary Jo Gillilland First Female CEO of Liturgical Commission Publishings In so many ways, my faith provided that touchstone – that certainty of God’s presence in this workplace – that led me through the difficult times. Faith and trust were behind every decision that needed to be made when responsible for publishing the words of authors attempting to break open the word of God. I knew that what my authors wrote would touch the hearts of exactly those who needed to hear them because it was God who delivered the message. I would tell my younger self to not sweat the small stuff; that every moment spent stressing and worrying over things out of your control is a massive waste of time and energy. I would tell my younger self that it is OK to change your goals as you mature and your life takes new paths. I would tell my younger self to always look forward for that new challenge and then reach for it. Liturgical Commission Publishings was the first publishing house of the Diocese of Lansing. 24
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FAITH interviewed Bishop Boyea about the success of the Witness to Hope campaign, and what’s next for our diocese FAITH: Reflecting back on 18 months of fundraising in our parishes, has Witness to Hope been a success? Bishop Boyea: Yes! It’s been a groundbreaking success in so many of our parishes, and has shown us how enthusiastically the people of the Diocese of Lansing support the works of Christ through his Church. We’ve just never tried anything like this before: the campaign’s overall goal of $65 million is more than a dozen times the size of our annual Diocesan Services Appeal! By the end of 2017, with active fundraising still going on in several parishes, we had received pledges totaling almost $80 million. Spread among 22,000 givers, we’ve seen an average pledge of almost $4,000! FAITH: In your estimation, what does this mean for our diocese? Bishop Boyea: It’s going to take years to assess and understand the impact of Witness to Hope. Capital improvements – repairing parking lots, expanding gathering spaces, etc. – have been on hold at many parishes for years and years. As a key part of the campaign, each of our parishes proposed, and will now be able to pursue specific projects for their betterment. We were told that Witness to Hope was unusual in focusing so heavily on parish improvements. But I felt this must be a hallmark of the campaign. The parish is where so much of the Church’s evangelizing work occurs! It is where the community of believers gathers to worship, and where our most treasured beliefs and our dearly held values are nurtured and communicated. Yes, the campaign invests in the future of the Church, but recognizing the unique role and the immediate needs of our parishes in the life of the Church is at the heart of the campaign. FAITH: When do you think we’ll start seeing the benefits of Witness to Hope? Bishop Boyea: We already can! For instance, Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson recently dedicated a marvelous renovation made possible by the campaign. Queens turned rather ordinary basement space into a beautiful parish community room. They finished active fundraising over a year ago, and used cash and pledges from Witness to Hope to move that renovation forward. The same has already happened in Flint, where Witness to Hope funds helped Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties to complete the magnificent new Center for Hope. More than $1 million in capital support was provided by Witness to Hope to help finish the Center for Hope, which serves the poor and needy in that part of our diocese.
FAITH: You mentioned that Witness to Hope also looks to the Church’s future. How so? Bishop Boyea: The campaign does begin in a real way to address some of our most pressing needs for the future. For instance, several million dollars will greatly strengthen our Priests’ Pension Fund. As with many pension funds, low interest rates and modest economic growth over time put our plan in a weak position. Campaign funds will significantly help to improve the financial health of that fund, which is so important in caring for our senior priests. The campaign also establishes and begins to fund six endowments, each of which will provide annual payments long into the future. This is an important and great start in addressing our future needs! For instance, the largest of these endowments will provide tuition assistance to needy families of K-12 students in each of our Catholic schools. A second endowment provides a perpetual source of funds for educating seminarians, forming our future priests. Another establishes an ongoing source of support for our five Catholic Charities. FAITH: Do you have any other thoughts to share about the campaign? Bishop Boyea: Yes, I want to thank all those who participated in Witness to Hope – the more than 22,000 who did so with gifts and pledges, our pastors and all the volunteers who worked over the past two years to make this possible, and the many more who prayed for God’s blessings on our efforts. It has been a marvelous experience and I am so grateful for the generous response of our people. FAITH: What’s next? Bishop Boyea: Well, two things come to mind: the third of our diocesan assemblies is taking place this year on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. It will begin with a eucharistic procession from the cathedral, past the State Capitol all the way down Michigan Avenue to Michigan State University’s campus and the Breslin Center. We are hoping to have 10,000 or more people there to reflect on the evangelization of our culture. What an opportunity! So much work will be done in support of this effort in the weeks and months ahead. Finally, our annual Diocesan Services Appeal will occur in April and May this year. 2018 DSA’s theme is “Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Our annual diocesan services appeal supports the Church in its evangelizing mission; it makes our day-to-day work possible. I am grateful beyond words for the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of the people of the Church in the Diocese of Lansing. Thank you so very much! 25
YOUR COMMUNITY THINGS TO DO
Fish Fries are Fridays during Lent from Feb. 16 to March 23, unless otherwise noted:
40 Days for Life: Feb. 14 to March 25, 7 a.m.-7 p.m., take part in a peaceful prayer vigil outside Planned Parenthood, 3100 Professional Dr., Ann Arbor, by signing up to pray in one hour increments for one time or the same time weekly. To sign up or for more information about upcoming pro-life events, visit 40daysforlife.com/annarbor.
•4 -7 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing will have Lenten fish fries in the school gym at 953 Alton Rd. Credit cards are accepted. Drivethru and takeout are available. Stations of the Cross will be at 7 p.m. in the church’s sanctuary. •4 :30-7 p.m., St. Patrick, Ann Arbor will have fish fries in the parish hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., including Alaskan pollock, choice of potato or mac ‘n cheese, salad bar and beverage; dessert is extra. Cost: $9.50 adults, $8 seniors 60+ and $6 children 6-11. •4 :30-7 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville Knights of Columbus Council fish fries will include hand-battered fish, homemade side dishes and dessert in the LPC. Takeout is available. For more information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684. •4 :30-7 p.m., St. Francis Assisi, Ann Arbor, the fish fry in the Parish Activities Center will include fried cod, baked tilapia, roasted redskinned potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, salad bar, coffee or tea and more. Cost: $10 adults, $9 seniors 62+ and $6 children. For more information, call 734.269.2550, ext. 0. •4 :30-7 p.m., St. Peter, Eaton Rapids’ Knights of Columbus will have made-to-order, beer-battered cod with sides and salad bar. Cost is $10 and $9 for seniors. Dessert is available from the youth group for a freewill offering. •4 :30-7 p.m., St. Mary Parish Center, Manchester, 110 E. Madison Street, behind the Marathon gas station on Main Street, will have fish fries that include: fried and baked fish, French fries, baked and spicy potatoes, salad bar and dessert. Not available on Good Friday. Cost is $10 for adults, $9 seniors and takeout, $6 for children 6-10. Drive-thru is available. •5 :45 p.m., St. Pius X, Flint will have soup suppers in the Bishop Povish Community Room, followed by a Lenten reflection by Father Anthony at 6:30 p.m. and the traditional Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. •6 p.m., St. Therese, Lansing will have Stations of the Cross on Fridays during Lent, followed by a Lenten soup supper in Fr. Murray Hall. •F ridays, March 2 to March 23, 4-7 p.m., St. John, Howell will have Lenten fish fries available in Thompson Hall. •F ridays, Feb. 23 and March 9, 4-7 p.m., Most Holy Trinity, Fowler fish dinners will be served in the parish activity center and will include: baked or fried fish, baked or scalloped potatoes, mac ‘n cheese, salads, vegetables, rolls, dessert and beverage. Cost: $10 for age 11 and up, $5 for children 6-10. Takeout is $10. •M arch 16, 2:30-7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Church, Davison will have a fabulous fish fry with the options of dining in or takeout. For more information, please call 810.653.2377. •S t. John, Davison Knights of Columbus Friday Lenten fish fry until March 30 will be available for lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $8 fish ‘n chips, $9 shrimp and $9 fish tacos. Dinner is 2:30-7 p.m. All meals are served with fries or baked potato, bread, coleslaw and beverage. Cost: $9 baked or fried fish and $10 for shrimp or fish tacos. Eat in or takeout, 8428 Davison Rd.; call 810.653.4090. 26
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March 3, 10 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor, will host a Mass on the feast of St. Katharine Drexel, the patroness of racial justice, with time for eucharistic adoration and Benediction. Followed at 11:30 a.m. by a rosary procession that will walk to Planned Parenthood at 3100 Professional Dr. Rides will be available to return to the church parking lot if needed. For information, contact Sandie Weathers at 734.657.1936 or plan2pray@gmail.com or visit 40daysforlife.com/annarbor. March 4-6 p.m., 7-8 p.m., St. Elizabeth, Tecumseh’s pastor Dan Wheeler, has invited Father Dan Crosby, a Capuchin who once lived with Blessed Father Solanus Casey, to present a parish mission with Father Solanus as the focus.
RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 • March 11, 9:30 a.m-4p.m., Marriage: Building Trust, Communication and Intimacy with Each Other and the Lord is $95 per couple and includes Mass, lunch and materials. • March 13, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., a Lenten retreat, “40 Days to a Better You” to open yourself to the grace of God’s love and mercy. The cost is $65 or $55 for seniors 60+ and includes snacks, Mass, lunch and materials • April 10, 9 a.m.-3:30p.m., “St. Therese, the Little Flower, a Saint and a Message Needed for Our Times.” St. John Paul II thought so and made her a doctor of the Church. Come and be transformed in Christ’s love, humility, confidence and love for others. Cost is $65 or $55 for seniors 60+ and includes Mass, lunch and materials. WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE, CENTER, WEBER.ADRIANDOMINICANS.ORG or 517.266,4000 • Lunch and Learn series, 12:15-1 p.m., free and open to the public. Registration is not required; just bring your lunch. Drinks and dessert will be provided. Presenters: March 13, Hellen Miller, owner of Flowers and Such, will present “Secrets to Arranging Flowers”; and April 12, Karin Barbee, associate professor of English at Siena Heights University, will present “Celebrate Poetry.”
Come and learn how to live the new resurrected life of Easter. Following each session, there will be a reception. March 9-10, St. Mark, Goodrich’s Catholic Council of Women will host its annual Spring Scrapbook CROP: Friday, 6 p.m. to midnight, $12; and Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., $35. Snacks will be provided on Friday and breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served on Saturday. Registration includes snacks, vendors and prizes. For information or to register, contact Cindy Bell at 248.660.4931 or cabsandkids@aol.com. March 10, 9 a.m., Immaculate Conception Church, Milan’s Catholic Women’s Circle will host a Lenten retreat. Sheri Wohlfert will speak on “The Joy of Living Lent.” The event is free, but pre-registration is required; call the parish office at 734.439.2030. A light lunch will be served following the program. March 24-25, Women’s Discernment Retreat: Women 16 and older who are open to discerning and exploring religious/consecrated vocations are welcome on this retreat. Religious sisters and consecrated women will be available for talks, one-on-one time, other discernment activities, Mass and adoration both days, fellowship and food. For details and registration, contact Dawn Hausmann at 517.342.2506 or dhausmann@dioceseoflansing.org. March 30, 7:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Choir will present its spring concert “The Crucifixion” at 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. The program
will feature an extended Passion oratorio and several soloists from the MSU College of Music. Free admission. For information, contact the parish office at 517.332.0813. April 5-6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and April 7, 9 a.m.-noon, Holy Spirt, Brighton, 9565 Musch Rd., will have a parish rummage sale. All are welcome. Wheelchair accessible. For information, please call 810.231.9199, ext. 0. April 8, 11 a.m., Divine Mercy Sunday Mass for Persons with Disabilities at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing, celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea and followed by lunch in St. Mary Parish Hall. To attend the luncheon, please RSVP to Margaret Grima by March 30 at 517.342.2555 or mgrima@dioceseoflansing.org, or Cathy Blatnik at 517.381.1410 or Icblatnik@juno.com. April 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Rosary Altar Society’s annual Mom2Mom sale will be in the parish center at 506 N. Union in Tecumseh. Includes infant-teen clothing, toys, furniture, a bake sale and more. Open to the public, admission/donation is $1. For table rental or information, call Nance Schlanderer at 517.423.6003 or 517.281.1051. Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, 955 Alton Rd in East Lansing, invites you to attend its Soup and Substance Program that begins with a soup dinner and is followed by a short presentation. It is food for the body and the soul. For information, visit elcatholics.org.
MARCH CAFÉ EVENTS Every Monday, 5:30-7 p.m., the St. John Contemplative Prayer Group meets in the quiet refuge of Rooms 15-16 in the lower level of St. John Student Church, 327 MAC Ave., East Lansing. All are invited to come and experience their unique blend of centering prayer, Lectio Divina and faith sharing. For more information, contact Vince at vgebes@comcast.net. Thursdays, now until April 19, St. Pius X, Flint will have a Lenten Arise Study "Follow Me" afternoon group from 12:30 to 2 p.m. and an evening group from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Cindee McColley at 810.235.8574 or spxdre@gmail.com. Mercy Fridays during Lent, Feb. 23, March 2, 9 and 16, at St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, following 8:15 a.m. Mass, from 9:20 to 10:30 a.m., join us in the Parish Activities Center for breakfast and a unique opportunity to know and encounter the Lord through the Holy Spirit. For more information, contact Kelly Hernandez at khernandez@stfrancisa2.org.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, 517.879.0599 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG March 15, Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties will be selling box lunches for St. Patrick’s Day at St. Joseph Social Center, 705 N. Waterloo Ave. in Jackson. Lunches include a hearty corned beef and Swiss sandwich, coleslaw, pickle, cookie and chips for just $7 a box. Free delivery with pre-paid orders of 10 or more lunches. To pre-order your lunch, visit our website at CatholicCharitiesJLHC.org or contact Kyle Jansen at 517.262.0466 or kjansen@catholiccharitiesjlhc.org. To volunteer to help prepare and assemble the lunches March 12-14, contact Kyle Jansen. CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 or OWOSSO: 989.723.8239, OR CCSGC.ORG March 15, Catholic Charities will be celebrating in a big way with our St. Patrick’s Day Box Lunch sale. Enjoy a delicious corned beef and Swiss sandwich on rye, pickle, coleslaw, chips and dessert for only $7. The drive-thru will be open March 15 at 901 Chippewa St., Flint. Free delivery provided in Genesee County for lunch orders of 15 or more. Order deadline is March 4. To reserve your box lunch, call 810.232.9950, ext. 708 or visit ccsgc.org. Fridays during Lent, Catholic Charities’ Center for Hope will be selling cheese enchiladas with its own signature sauce, beans and rice as an alternative to fish. All of the proceeds will go to Catholic Charities. The drivethru will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 901 Chippewa St., Flint. Ordering options are: call 810.232.9950, ext. 709; holymoley@gmail.com; or online with PayPal at catholiccharitiesflint.org/holy-moley-lenten-enchiladas. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.327.9717 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG If you or someone you know is dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, Catholic Charities is here to help. Its licensed pregnancy counselors provide: emotional support, parenting education, and also referrals for medical, financial, education, legal and housing resources. Additionally, it facilitates open adoptions when this option is preferred. Learn more about its pregnancy counseling services at www.csswashtenaw.org/pregnancy-adoption/pregnancycounseling/ or call 734.971.9781, ext. 321 or ext. 412. The 2018 Senior Resource Directory now is available for download at www.csswashtenaw.org/seniors. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG or 517.545.5944 March 3, 6:30 p.m. at Crystal Gardens in Howell, Livingston County Catholic Charities will have its 14th annual Salute to the Stars with the Celebrity Dance competition, which includes food stations, cash bar, 50/50 raffle, honoree presentation, exciting dance competition and goodwill offering with an open dance floor after the competition. 27
LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES: CLINTON/EATON/INGHAM VICARIATE • March 18, 2 p.m., St. Gerard, Lansing • March 18, 2 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing • March 21, 7 p.m., St. James, Mason GENESEE/SHIAWASSEE VICARIATE • March 6, 6:30 p.m., St. Paul/St. Joseph at St. Paul, Owosso • March 18, 3 p.m., St. Mark the Evangelist, Grand Blanc • March 20, 3-7 p.m., St. Pius X, Flint JACKSON VICARIATE • March 13, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center • March 15, 7 p.m., St. Catherine Labouré, Concord • March 17, 10 a.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson • March 19, 7 p.m., St. Rita, Clarklake • March 20, 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Jackson • March 27, 7 p.m., Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson LENAWEE/HILLSDALE VICARIATE • March 1, 7 p.m., Light of Christ Parish at Deerfield • March 3, 10 a.m., Sacred Heart, Hudson at St. Mary, Manitou Beach • March 6, 7 p.m., St. Anthony of Padua, Hillsdale • March 8, 6:30 p.m., St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn in the family center • March 11, 7 p.m., St. Elizabeth/St. Dominic Chapel at Tecumseh • March 20, 7 p.m., St. Mary/St. Joseph at St. Mary, Adrian
MARCH FOR LIFE The 2018 March for Life in Washington, D.C., took place on Friday, Jan. 19. The Diocese of Lansing sent 10 buses filled with pilgrims to the event. One student from Lansing Catholic High School reflected on the experience: “I was able to witness the incredible power that God has and the sense of fulfillment you feel when you do his work. The March for Life allowed me to witness joy unlike I had seen it before. It was an incredible experience and I am extremely grateful that I was able to be a part of it.”
LIVINGSTON VICARIATE • March 6, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Pinckney • March 11, 3 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville • March 15, 7 p.m., St. Augustine, Howell • March 15, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell • March 19, 7 p.m., Holy Spirit, Brighton • March 21, 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Howell • March 24, 10 a.m., St. Patrick, Brighton • March 26, 7 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK WASHTENAW VICARIATE • March 12, 7 p.m., St. Andrew, Saline • March 13, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Dexter • March 14, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Chelsea • March 15, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Manchester • March 21, 7 p.m., St. Patrick, Ann Arbor • March 22, 7 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2018 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM
Catholic Schools Week 2018 was observed around the country, and in the Diocese of Lansing, from Jan. 28 through Feb. 3. This year’s theme, “Catholic Schools: Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.”, focused on the important spiritual, academic and societal contributions provided by a Catholic education. Schools around the diocese held special events for the week and welcomed families to join them for various activites and special Masses.
YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS
REQUIESCAT IN PACE Sister Mary Euphrasia, Sophie Owczarzak of Bay City, Mich., completed her life’s journey of 97 years on Jan. 10, 2018 in St. Joseph Convent in Livonia. Sister Euphrasia was 78 years in religious life. On a journey that spanned 41 years in the ministry of education, she taught at St. Joseph School in Jackson, and was a participant in the Presentation Prayer Center, also in Jackson, from 2000-2006.
ST. JOHN VIANNEY CLASS OF 1967 50TH REUNION The Flint St. John Vianney (SJV) Class of 1967 celebrated its 50th class reunion Sept. 29-30, 2017. The SJV Class took time to honor two special groups: deceased members and the veterans. A table was set up to honor the deceased with pictures and the obituaries to update those who may not have known. Later in the program, a tribute was read honoring the soldiers who served during the Vietnam War. Twenty of the 42 boys in this class served in the military. The Class of 1967 presented the school with a check from donations and a raffle.
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ST. LOUIS CENTER PRIESTS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF SERVICE On Dec. 16, 2017, a joyous celebration took place at St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Louis Center in Chelsea as Father Joseph Rinaldo and Father Fortunato Turati each celebrated 50 years of service to the priesthood with the local parish community, their friends, relatives and fellow priests. Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea, Canon William J. Turner, Father Ed Friede, members of the Servants of Charity – and Fathers Rinaldo and Turati. More than 700 parishioners and friends were in attendance. Bishop Boyea offered a special thank you to Fathers Rinaldo and Turati for their many years of service to the Diocese of Lansing, and to the people of the St. Louis Center. 29
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The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing MARCH 2018 VOLUME 18: ISSUE 2
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POPE FRANCIS MARRIES COUPLE DURING FLIGHT ON A FLIGHT BETWEEN CHILEAN CITIES, the pope married flight attendants who had asked for his blessing. Upon hearing the story that they had to cancel their Feb. 2010 wedding after an earthquake devastated their church and they were only civilly married, Pope Francis said to the couple, “Well, do you want to get married?” After blessing the rings the flight attendants have worn since their civil ceremony, the pope gave the groom a black rosary and the bride a white one. A Chilean cardinal wrote up a legal marriage document by hand, and the chairman of the airline served as an official witness. After the ceremony, the pope told the couple, “This is what's missing in the world, the sacrament of marriage. I hope this motivates couples to marry.” REUTERS
Patrick M. O’Brien
WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY
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we inherit. @PONTIFX JAN. 18
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POPE FRANCIS ASKS FORGIVENESS OF CHILEAN PEOPLE
FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHpub.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2017 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.
DURING A VISIT TO CHILE IN JANUARY, Pope Francis asked for the forgiveness of the Chilean people from a priest sex abuse scandal, and expressed “pain and shame at the irreparable damage caused by some ministers of the Church.” In promising his zero tolerance policy on sexual abuse, the pope said, "I am one with my brother bishops, for it is right to ask forgiveness and make every effort to support the victims, even as we commit ourselves to ensuring that such things do not happen again.” After his speech, Pope Francis met privately with a group of Chilean sexual abuse victims, and “listened, prayed and cried with” them.
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Pope Francis receives a bicycle painted in the colors of the Vatican flag from cycling world champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia at the end of the General Audience at the Vatican, Jan. 24, 2018.
FAITH INTERVIEW
A WRINKLE IN TIME M
ADELEINE L’ENGLE’S CLASSIC BOOK, A Wrinkle in Time, and its sequels have inspired young readers since 1962. Its timeless theme is the battle between good and evil, light and darkness. The protagonist, Meg Murry, goes on a quest to save her father from a dark power and bring him home. In addition to her friend Calvin, and her brother, Meg is assisted in her quest by three guides – who come to her in the guise of middle-aged women. On March 9, L’Engle’s story comes to the big screen with a Disney production of A Wrinkle in Time. FAITH talked with Storm Reid, who plays Meg, about her role in the movie. What was the best thing about playing the part of Meg? What part of her character do you relate to personally? The best part of playing Meg was putting myself in Meg’s shoes – she feels worthless at the beginning of the book, but really grows as a person, and learns to fight the darkness and save her father. It reinforced the message that if I stay positive and have faith, I can ultimately change the world. I’m so glad I got the chance to play Meg – I resonate with her. Had you read the book and
how closely does the script follow it? Yes, I read A Wrinkle in Time in sixth grade for a book report and was excited when I got the audition in eighth grade. I loved the story! I feel like the movie sticks to the book a lot, because we didn’t want to change the meaning or background of what A Wrinkle in Time is. There are some changes the director made, but we stuck to what people love about the book. How did you prepare for this role? I basically created my own back story and details about
If I stay positive and have faith, I can ultimately change the world.”
what Meg would be going through. I “became” Meg for the next six months. I had a lot of conversations with myself and with the director – really breaking apart Meg’s character and adding my own creative aspects of who Meg was. What did you learn about the concept of self-sacrificial love from the story? Meg sacrifices herself a lot because of love, particularly for the love she has for her father and her little brother, Charles Wallace. I experienced firsthand that you have to make sacrifices for the people you love – Meg puts her life and her love on the line to get her father back and make her mother happy. It really reinforced for me that if you have faith, you’ll ultimately succeed in love. What do you think people your age will like best about the movie? I think they’ll enjoy that there is a lot of action because it’s a sci-fi movie with some really cool effects. But I think my friends and other people my age also will be inspired by Meg – she inspires me as she finds a way to follow the good and to be a light in the universe. What do you especially want people to know about the movie? A Wrinkle in Time is a wonderful story and is about embracing who you are and finding the strength within yourself. And don’t forget to go see it on March 9! A WRINKLE IN TIME, STARRING STORM REID, OPRAH WINFREY, REESE WITHERSPOON, MINDY KALING, CHRIS PINE AND ZACH GALIFIANAKIS, WILL BE IN THEATERS MARCH 9.
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