For three generations of the Randolph family
FAT H E R S A R E A N ‘IMMEASURABLE GIFT’ n:
l sectio
OOD
RH FATHE specia
FROM THE BISHOP
GROW AS A DISCIPLE
THEOLOGY 101
St. Joseph is a model for parenting
Meet Jesus in the desert this Lent
We are made for communion with God
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Priests and lay ministers who inspire THROUGH THE COURSE OF MY LIFE, I have been blessed to be inspired by a number of holy priests. The first who comes to mind is Father David. He was a kindly Franciscan priest who dedicated a great deal of time to serving the children who were enrolled in the CCD (we now call it “faith formation”) program of the parish in which I grew up. I remember Father David making weekly visits to our classrooms to teach us the music that we would sing on Sundays during Mass. He made his way from class to class with a portable record player in one hand and a stack of records of Church music in the other. The model of his kindness and patience has stuck with me through the years.
Then there were Father Ed and Father Patrick. They were very active with the parish youth ministry program during my high school years. Father Ed inspired by his example of patient discernment. He wanted to make sure that his priesthood was serving the people of God in the most effective way, and he was always very open and honest about his discernment quest. Eventually, God led him to serve the Church as a retreat master and director of a Franciscan retreat center. I always appreciated his openness and honesty. Father Patrick loves to sing – especially in church. His booming and beautiful tenor voice brought such beauty to liturgies. He also loves to laugh, and made sure to know the people of the parish by name. He could be found in the church gathering space before and after Mass, chatting and laughing with so many people – calling each of us by name. Fathers David, Ed, and Patrick join a cadre of priests who have
helped and inspired me along the way. I think of priests of our diocese such as Father Charlie Irvin, Msgr. Bob Lunsford, Father Larry Delaney, Father Ray Rademacher, Msgr. David Stoetenbur, Father Ray Klauke and so many others whose patient priestly examples I appreciate. Would it surprise you to know that there is an equally long line of dedicated lay ministers who have been an equal inspiration of ministerial service? I think of people like Anne and Moe Clevering, who were my youth ministers during high school, or Adele Mount and Bill Flick, who taught me to serve the poor and disabled. In a very special way, I am thankful to Pattie Scherer and Janelle O’Malley for their inspiration and example. I met both of them at St. Francis Parish in Ann Arbor when I returned to the active practice of my faith in September 1987. Pattie was the director of the newly re-established RCIA process, while Janelle served as the director of sacred music. Together they
worked with Father Charlie Irvin, St. Francis’ pastor at the time, to plan and prepare beautiful liturgies. In her love for helping people find their way to a deeper relationship with God, Pattie has taught me to be a life-long learner in faith. The care and attention she shows to catechumens and candidates is an inspiration to me, and a reminder of how the Gospels recount Jesus’ interactions with so many people. Janelle has always been so open about her love for sacred music and her dedication to excellence in forming the musical gifts and skills of others. During her career, she has spent countless hours in helping people to give glory to God through instrumental and sung prayer. The result has been liturgies which still remain vibrant in my memory today. Together, Pattie and Janelle were also about opening doors in a metaphorical sense, as they found ways to invite me into deeper participation in parish life. By the time I was ready to enter seminary, they had helped me to understand a great deal about the “behind the scenes” work and ministry that has to happen daily in our parish communities. I am so grateful for the inspiration and example of the many who have guided me toward priesthood. Each of them is a unique reminder that we each have a responsibility to help guide and form those who will serve our parish communities in priesthood and as professionals in lay ministry. In this way, our parish communities continue to be places where God is praised and the Kingdom grows. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.
T.Gennera
FROM THE EDITOR
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.
Each of them is a unique reminder that we each have a responsibility to help guide and form those who will serve our parish communities.”
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INSIDE MARCH
OD O H R FATHE n: l sectio
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COVER STORY
FROM THE BISHOP
SAINT OF THE MONTH
FOR THREE GENERATIONS OF THE RANDOLPH FAMILY, FATHERS ARE AN ‘IMMEASURABLE GIFT’ P. 14
ST. JOSEPH IS A MODEL FOR PARENTING P. 17
ST. JOSEPH WAS A HOLY MAN – AND A VERY GOOD FATHER P. 18
P. 8
YOUR LIFE
P. 12
P. 24
SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS
5 goodlife Should we commit to marriage?
6 marriage matters SHE SAYS: ‘Jason’s brother doesn’t seem to like me.’ HE SAYS: ‘Can’t she just deal with him?’ WHAT DO THEY DO?
7 parenting What types of questions should I ask my child’s teacher?
work life
Is the customer (guest,
YOUR FAITH
8 grow+go • Meet Jesus in the desert this Lent • Sue brings the Eucharist to hospital patients
10 guest columnist Q and A with Father Gale 12
theology 101 We are made for communion with God
client, patient) always right? 4
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P. 20
YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE
BOY MEETS GIRL. Stars align and all is right with the world; they are in love. What does our faith say regarding how long the dating timeline should be before we commit to marriage? What should be considered before such a commitment? 1. M editate on 1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” Are you seeking marriage because you are afraid of losing something? Are you feeling pressure to check that box? Identify your true intentions and what is driving your desire to marry. Focus on what it means to have a vocation to marriage.
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2. R ead Song of Solomon 2:7 – “Do not awaken, or stir up love until it is ready.” Understand that the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ must be your first priority. Seek his love first. Find it fully within yourself and give your vocation time to arise before getting lost in the love of another.
God is the great author of our lives, and our stories are as unique as our fingerprints. He will speak to your heart and provide you guidance if you remain open to his will.
3. P ray – Pray alone and with the one you’re dating. Commit to saying the rosary daily. Ask our Blessed Mother to guide you to the heart of her son. Marriage may be your vocation – but be open to that vocation being fulfilled with God’s guidance.
BY CYNTHIA KAAN
5
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YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS
SHE SAYS:
HE SAYS:
Jason’s brother doesn’t seem to like me
Can’t she just deal with him?
Jason’s brother doesn’t seem to like me, for no reason that I’m aware of. It’s uncomfortable for me to see him at family get-togethers, so I’d rather not attend if he’s there.
I don’t want Rachel to miss family gatherings, and I’m not going to boycott them. Can’t she just be the bigger person and try to deal with him?
Since Jason doesn’t dispute Rachel’s assessment, let’s assume it’s at least somewhat accurate. So WHAT DO what’s going on with this brother-in-law? Since THEY DO? neither seems to know, the best way, which unfortunately is also the hardest way, is just to ask him. Ideally, Rachel should do it with Jason by her side, at least morally.
STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON
hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento. 6
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Lead with weakness: “I apologize if I’m getting this all wrong, or if I’m being over-sensitive, but it seems like there’s some kind of bad vibe between us. Does it seem that way to you, too? Anyway, if I’ve done something to offend you, please let me know.” Here are three possible outcomes: 1) A happy ending: He denies said feelings, but acknowledges that he doesn’t always send clear social signals. You thank him for telling you this, you empathize with him and you kindly shake hands. 2) A somewhat less happy ending: He says that you did indeed offend him and the two of you talk about it. You may or may not work your way through it, but at least you will have shown him that you want to improve it. At that point it would be your call, Rachel, and yours alone, whether you’re comfortable enough to socialize with him. And, Jason, this is not a matter of her being a “bigger” or a “smaller” person, but a matter of knowing her limitations. 3) An unhappy ending, but still a good one: He denies any such bad feelings, cuts off the conversation and then continues to send the same vibes – or even amps them up as payback for having “antagonized” him. How is this a good ending? Rachel would have shown to all parties of good will that she wants to live by Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” While she should forgive her brother-in-law for his animosity, still, neither she nor Jason should consider her bound to attend any family gatherings where he is present. If she feels called to make a sacrifice by spending time with him, that’s one thing, but no one should expect it of her. Indeed, avoiding this man could be the most loving thing to do for him.
YOUR LIFE PARENTING
Is the customer (guest, client, patient)
ALWAYS RIGHT?
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What types of questions should I ask my child’s teacher?
YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE
PARENTS ARE THEIR CHILD'S PRIMARY EDUCATORS, and teachers are important companions on this journey. As a child progresses through 12th grade, they may have had more than 40 different teachers. Each of these teachers will reach your child in a different way, and each of them will share your same mission: Help that child be the best they can be. Since parents and teachers are meant to be a team, interacting with great questions and conversation along the way will help accomplish that mission. As we work together to help God’s children become what they are meant to be, here are some helpful ideas: • Character trumps academics. Great grades won’t help kids get to heaven, but traits such as honesty, kindness, mercy and compassion will. Make sure to ask about how your child is interacting with others. Ask if they are a good and polite friend to others and SHERI WOHLFERT if they demonstrate respect for authority. Those are is a Catholic things that matter deeply as they navigate their way school teacher, through school and through life. speaker, writer • When discussing academic performance, ask the and founder of teacher if their work matches their ability. Don’t ask Joyful Words if they are the smartest or have the highest scores; the Ministries. Sheri bigger questions are: How are they showing growth blogs at www. and improvement, and are the gains equal to the joyfulwords.org investment and God-given abilities? The goal is to help them achieve THEIR best, not THE best. • Ask what frustrates, encourages, excites and disappoints your child at school. These questions are a great window to their emotional health in the school environment. Good teachers will ask you the same questions about them at home. • Little things can become big things, so ask questions and communicate early. Your child needs to know their education is important and that you and their teacher are working together to help them do their best and be successful and happy at school. • The most important question of all is: “How can I help?” It should come from both the parent and the teacher. Blaming and excuses aren’t helpful. A willingness to find the positive, and work toward solutions, is what our students need most from us.
MOST PEOPLE HAVE HEARD, or perhaps even indignantly said themselves, “The customer is always right!” But is that really the case? Is the customer, guest, client, patient – whoever it may be – granted the right to treat professionals with disrespect under the cover of this belief? In a word – no. Those who work with the public sometimes find themselves dealing with irritated clientele who see them as a punching bag to use as needed. How can a professional deal with this without having a breakdown? 1. Take a deep breath and say a silent prayer. Something like, “Lord, give me the grace I need.” This gives you the chance to gather yourself and realize this person’s actions are not about you. Taking a moment to align yourself with the Holy Spirit will steer you away from reacting in a defensive manner. 2. Lead with kindness and understanding. Try to see the actual issue and not only what’s right in front of you. When someone is worked up and blaming you, there is usually a bigger, underlying issue that is troubling them. Once you determine if that is the case, help them identify it and move forward with a solution. In some cases, especially in health care professions, there is no solution, so an offered listening ear is really what is needed. 3. Don’t be afraid to excuse yourself and walk away. If the situation is escalating or the person is becoming verbally aggressive, tell the individual you need to step out and you will be back shortly. Both inside and outside of work, it is crucial for you to cover your vocation in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to breathe wisdom into your words and peace into your demeanor so you can use that to emulate Jesus. Remember, we may be the only opportunity someone has to experience the love of Christ. BY CYNTHIA KAAN
7
YOUR FAITH
this Lent esert
Meet Jesus in the d
Christ in the Wilderness by Ivan Kramskoy
withdrawals from the distractions and noise of the world, we run the fast, pray, give alms and prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter. Many of us, howrisk of missing the still small voice ever, approach Lent simply as an uncomfortable time of reluctantly “giving up x” or of God and remaining trapped in “doing more y.” We just try to survive Lent until we can satiate our increasing hunger our old habits and desires. Solitude is not necessarily the same for dessert, Instagram, alcohol or the snooze button. Also, for the record, I never want as isolation, but time alone with meat as badly as I do on Fridays in Lent. God, without noise (turn off your phone!), trains us to find ourselves Things changed for me when I started asking Jesus in him. Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest and theologian to transform my understanding of this liturgical season. of the 20th century, once wrote, “Solitude is the furnace Immediately following his baptism, the Spirit led Jesus of transformation ... solitude is not a private therapeuinto the wilderness, where he fasted and prayed for tic place. Rather, it is the place of conversion, the place 40 days and 40 nights. It was a time of preparation where the old self dies and the new self is born, the PETE BURAK and temptation before his earthly ministry began in place where the emergence of the new man and new is the director of earnest. Then, in one of those beautiful moments when woman occurs.” I can think of no better description of i.d.9:16. He has a Scripture both states the obvious and provides hope for Lent; striving to cast off the old self so a new, purified master’s degree all of us, Matthew 4:2 says, “... and afterward he was and resurrected self can emerge. in theology, and hungry.” While it’s consoling to know that Jesus had Ironically, Jesus’ time without food, water and comis a frequent panionship didn’t weaken him, but strengthened him. hunger pangs, I invite you to consider his time in the speaker at events He left the desert more equipped for the mission ahead desert from a different perspective. for youth and because his soul had feasted on undistracted union While fasting is extremely valuable, and intentional young adults. with the Father. Let’s eagerly meet the Lord in the discomfort can discipline us as we grow in holiness, desert this Lent, and remember Easter is not simply the the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness not just to make finish line of Lent but the starting line of our new life in him hungry, but also to demonstrate the power and the resurrected Christ. necessity of solitude and silence. Without intentional T.Gennera
STARTING ASH WEDNESDAY, Catholics enter the season of Lent, where we are called to
8
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
GO
evangelize
SUE BRINGS THE EUCHARIST TO HOSPITAL PATIENTS S
UE DAVIS OF ST. GERARD PARISH in Lansing has been bringing the Eucharist to patients at
local hospitals for 11 years.
PRAYER: As an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, I pray at home before coming to the hospital. I ask God to put his words in my mouth, to help me give the comfort he wants me to give to those who are sick and dying. I pray for the words to encourage them and let them know they are loved. I pray with the patients, too, and I always let them know that I include them in my daily Rosary. I pray for the strength and healing that they need. INVITATION: When giving Communion, there might be other people in the room who haven't been thinking about the Church for a long time, and I invite them to come take another look. ACCOMPANIMENT: Sometimes, there are patients who are worried they may be passing on, and worried about what they've done in their life. They wonder: Does God really love them after all the things they've done? I feel like I am accompanying them because I'm letting them know they are loved and that God loves them unconditionally no matter what has happened in their life. Then there are people who have no visitors and I will visit with them a little bit longer. That's what I'm there for, to offer the Eucharist and to walk with them.
INTERESTED IN THIS MINISTRY AT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL? CONTACT YOUR PARISH.
WITNESS: I have shared with people the struggles I went through when my father was in the hospital and the strain of that. Also, my mother-in-law passed away in hospice, so I'm able to relate to people who are experiencing loss. I talk about going to church with a lot of people, too. I let them know if they get involved in church groups, it is a good way to get to know people and they won’t feel alone. INTERVIEW AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN
9
YOUR FAITH GUEST COLUMNIST Q-&-A WITH FATHER GALE
Dear Father Gale:
GETTY IMAGES/CHAINARONG PRASERTTHAI
I have been Q thinking about deleting my Facebook account. What do you think, Father?
Let us just say this: if Facebook leads you to grow in holiness, then don’t delete it. If it leads you into sin, then yes, get rid of it. Morally speaking, the act of having a Facebook account is neither good nor evil. It is morally neutral. With that said, many of us have encountered people who, through using Facebook, have become both at times virtuous, and at other times, vicious.
A
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
To help you decide whether you personally should have an account, let us ask a few questions: • Does Facebook inspire you to learn more about your faith? • Does it inspire you to pray for those in need? • Does it keep you connected with old friends? • Do you use it as a means of evangelization?
If you answer yes to these previous questions, then your Facebook account is serving its purpose well. On the other hand, let us examine a few points in regard to the negative side of Facebook. • Is Facebook a near occasion of sin for you? • Does it lead you to despair, anger, lust, jealousy? • Does it lead to vanity or too much time spent inwardly focused? • Do you find yourself posting things that you would not say to another in person? • Does it distract you from doing that which is important? If you answer yes to these questions, then I would recommend a change. Ultimately, I am unable to tell you what to do with regard to whether or not you should have an account, but I will offer you a few tips if you do decide to be on Facebook.
• Just because something is on Facebook, this does not mean you must give it your attention. People know which posts will upset them. I would advise avoiding those articles. This also does not mean that you should put yourself in a box and never enter dialogue with those who have differing ideas, but it does mean that it is okay to avoid posts that will prove to be incendiary. • Never post anything if you are not in control of your emotions. Especially if you find yourself angry. • Never post anything if you have had even one glass of alcohol. • Always remember that things you post are permanent. In conclusion, this is your decision, and you know yourself. As for me, Father Gale Hammerschmidt, I do have a Facebook account, and it is my promise that I will strive to use it to grow in holiness, and as a tool for evangelization.
FATHER GALE HAMMERSCHMIDT
is the chaplain of the St. Isidore Student Center at Kansas State University and is co-vocation director. E-mail questions to him at frgale@stisidores.com or write him at 103 North Ninth Street, Salina, KS 67401.
11
YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101
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The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Yet many Catholics do not fully understand the richness of this most important sacrament. Consequently, Theology 101 this year is exploring both what it means to view the world through Catholic eyes, and the different facets of the Eucharist, in the hope of fostering a deeper appreciation of the Eucharist’s place in the lives of Catholics.
We are made for communion with God WHO ARE YOU? Think for a moment about how you would answer this most basic of questions. Perhaps you would begin with what you do for a living, with a list of your academic degrees or with a list of adjectives to describe your personality. Others stand ready to offer you answers to this question. For example, some will say you are nothing but matter, while others will say you are pure spirit. Yet, none of these answers truly captures who you are. Why?
The reality is that each of us is ultimately a mystery. We are not reducible to our epoch, job, social standing, education – or anything else. Who we really are transcends all these categories. What’s more, no one, including ourselves, can truly exhaust the knowledge of our full identity. Sacred Scripture explains that, “We are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed.” (1 Jn 3:2) In another passage we read, “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.” (1 Cor 13:12) These two passages (and there are several others) illustrate that questions of identity lay 12
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
S. OLSON
THE GREATEST OF MYSTERIES
beyond our direct grasp. Our identity rests with God, in God. Now, this has serious implications for the multitude of “isms” that seek to reduce humanity to one thing or another. It also has serious implications for attempts to define Catholic identity. But here’s the thing: Catholicism never seeks to escape from such realities. It lives in the tension and mystery of life with a humility that the grasping ego disdains. Of course, all this means that we must know God if we have any hope of knowing ourselves. So who is this God who holds the key to our own identity?
DOUG CULP
is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
THREE IN ONE St. John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation Ecclesia in America, wrote the following: “Faced with a divided world which is in search of unity, we must proclaim with joy and firm faith that God is communion, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, unity in distinction, and that he calls all people to share in that same Trinitarian communion. We must proclaim that this communion is the magnificent plan of God the Father; that Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Lord, is the heart of this communion, and that the Holy Spirit works ceaselessly to create
communion and to restore it when it is broken. We must proclaim that the Church is the sign and instrument of the communion willed by God, begun in time and destined for completion in the fullness of the Kingdom. The Church is the sign of communion because her members, like branches, share the life of Christ, the true vine (cf. Jn 15:5). Through communion with Christ, Head of the Mystical Body, we enter into living communion with all believers.” This power-packed passage has much to say in terms of what it means to be Catholic. However, for now, the importance of it remains its description of God as communion. Now, if you were asked to describe the meaning of “communion” in one word, what would you say? Perhaps, you would say “one,” “unity” or some other related word – and you would be right. However, the best, most complete definition for communion can be found in St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (2:1-2):
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION Consider the following passage … If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory. (Col 3: 1-4) 1. What does this passage have to say about our deepest identity? What are the implications of this passage for your life? 2. What is the significance of this passage in terms of your understanding of the Eucharist and its place in your life?
“If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.” To be of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing – that is a state of communion. And if we look at the Trinity, that greatest of mysteries, we see one God and three Persons in perfect communion. If this is who our God is, then what does it mean for us and our identity?
‘IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING’ (ACTS 17:28)
The Eucharist is sometimes called holy Communion because it is the sacrament by which we are united to Christ to form his body, the Church. This underscores that communion with God, wherein lies our fullest identity, is inseparable from communion with our neighbors. Here are St. Augustine’s profound thoughts (Sermon 272) on the relationship between the Eucharist and the mystery of our deepest identity: So now, if you want to understand the body of Christ, listen to the Apostle Paul speaking to the faithful: “You are the body of Christ, member for member.” (1 Cor 12.27) If you, therefore, are Christ's body and members, it is your own mystery that is placed on the Lord's table! It is your own mystery that you are receiving! You are saying “Amen” to what you are: your response is a personal signature, affirming your faith. When you hear “The body of Christ,” you reply “Amen.” Be a member of Christ's body, then, so that your “Amen” may ring true!
WIKIPEDIA.COM/USER:LEINAD-Z
Since our identity rests in this God who is communion, then it means that we, too, must be made for communion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states as much in the first paragraph of the prologue when it answers questions as to our source and destiny. It asserts that we were created freely and out of love by God for eternal life in communion with God. God is both our source and destiny. Consequently, any attempt to understand ourselves apart from God will result only in error. Communion is our source; and communion is the destiny planned for humanity. If we are to truly live and be most fully alive, it only makes sense that we need to live in harmony with that for which we are made. Communion with God, i.e., being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing with God, then becomes the goal and foundation of Christian life.
THE EUCHARIST AND THE MYSTERY OF OUR IDENTITY
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For three generations of the Randolph family
FAT HERS A R E ‘ I MM EAS URA B L E 14
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
In the midst of raising a family of seven kids, Jeff Randolph of Christ the King in Ann Arbor realizes the central role that fatherhood plays in his life on every level. With athletic focus and tenacity, Jeff approaches his role as a father with a champion’s sense of determination. He shares a few notes from his playbook to talk about best practices, what he’s learned from his father and why he loves it.
A N GIFT’
“I hesitate to present myself as having it all together as a dad” he says. “My oldest is about to graduate from college, and I still have much to learn. “I love fatherhood. I love being a dad. When I’m not working, I throw myself wholeheartedly into family life. First and foremost is my role as a husband, because, next to God, my relationship with Amy is the most important thing to me; I always remember Bishop emeritus Carl Mengeling saying many times that the best thing you can do for your children is to love your wife, and I know that loving my wife gives security to my kids. “I love to spend time with my kids. I’ve learned a lot about that, too. One of the things I try to remember is another way to spell love is T-I-M-E. I have a pretty demanding schedule, but I find that I’ve got to have my calendar reflect my priorities. We sometimes have the fallacy that we can schedule quality time, and sometimes that works and that’s great, but usually quality time happens in the midst of quantity time doing normal, everyday stuff.” Jeff doesn’t pretend that fatherhood is easy, but doesn’t consider it a chore, even though chores come with the job. “One thing I was thinking about recently is that dads do hard things. You know, all those things that nobody wants to do? It may be
something as silly as going into a dark, damp basement, or cleaning up a dead animal under the deck, or that nasty stuff that no one wants to do, because that’s what dads do. I saw my Dad do that and realized that’s my role. “I’ve been stretched beyond measure as a dad. I tell people often, especially young dads, ‘It’s harder than you’ll ever imagine, but it’s also more rewarding then you ever dreamed.’ It stretches you. It causes you to die to yourself and to do things you wouldn’t otherwise do. It causes you to put other people’s needs before your own on a daily basis. So there’s certainly the sacrifice, but in terms of the reward, not that you count the cost, but seeing your children grow in virtue and overcome obstacles is hugely rewarding.” Jeff has learned the power of affirmation, both as a father and a coach. On the field and off, the focus is personal development. “As a coach, he focused so much on the positive,” Jeff’s son Peter says. “In a lot of ways, he strove to build us up and not tear us down. He was very intense in his coaching and he would really get into it, but he wouldn’t be consumed by the losses. For him, it’s never all about the game; it’s more about the players. He really cares for them and wants to see them grow as people.” “I love coaching,” says Jeff. “When there’s a kid who strikes out all year
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN
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long and gets the one single, I’m happier for him than the kid who hits a home run. I also lift weights with my sons, and I think about how you can always go further with a lifting or running partner. I’ve been blessed with great coaches, including my dad, and when they say, ‘I believe in you, you can do one more,’ you do things that you never thought possible. “In a unique way, I think fathers have an ability to encourage and believe in their children that gives them a level of confidence like no one else. If you believe in them when sometimes they may not believe in themselves, that can give them the confidence to go places they couldn’t on their own.” Jeff has a lot of gratitude for his family legacy and the example his father set for him. “It’s great seeing my own kids grow up into adults,” said Jeff’s dad, Deacon Larry Randolph. “My wife and I talk a lot about how they are raising their kids, and it’s a blessing. In a lot of ways, we even see how they’ve corrected our mistakes. And we see them trying to be really good parents. We see their commitment to being good parents, and it’s great to see how much they care about their kids.” In speaking of what he learned from his father, Jeff says: “Put God first, family second – and everything else after that. His faith and his relationship with God guided everything else. We always knew he loved mom and we were loved. Randolph means Strong Shield, and I always thought my dad has been that for me. And I think that fathers as a whole are called to be a shield between the outside world and the family. To me, it’s really cool that our last name means that, and I experienced that with my own dad. That no matter how tough things were on the outside ... myself, my siblings and my mom felt protected because Dad was there. Looking back, it's an immeasurable gift to me,” he says. 16
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
I’ve been stretched beyond measure as a dad. I tell people often, especially young dads, ‘It’s harder than you’ll ever imagine, but it’s also more rewarding then you ever dreamed.’”
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FROM THE BISHOP
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ST. JOSEPH IS A MODEL FOR PARENTING
Carlson Productions
ST. JOSEPH IS CALLED A “JUST MAN” in St. Matthew’s Gospel. What exactly does this mean? To answer this question, I would like to make a couple of BISHOP
assumptions. First, I presume that Joseph found out
EARL BOYEA
about Mary’s pregnancy because she told him, and
is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea
that she told him the truth – that this was God’s doing, that this was God’s Son. Second, I presume that Joseph’s justice is not a function of his selfishness, but rather of his goodness. Therefore, to call Joseph a just man means that Joseph, knowing that Mary was pregnant and that the child was the Son of the Most High God, also knew that he could not wed Mary and claim that child as his own – for it was God’s child, and he, Joseph, was unworthy to claim to be his father. Joseph’s justice meant he had to drop all claims to Mary and to his future progeny with Mary.
When the angel then speaks to Joseph, the angel tells Joseph that God needs Joseph: God needs Joseph to bring this child into the House of David, and God needs Joseph to name this child “Jesus.” Joseph, then, was given a wife, a child, a family that was not his own, and Joseph was told to be the father of this family. Is this not how it is with all of us? We all like to think that our families are ours, but really they are gifts to us. We were gifts from God to our parents, and any children will also be gifts to us. And as for me, a priest, I, too, have always had a strong desire to be the father of the family. My promise of celibacy does not obviate that desire; rather, the desire is recast in the promise of celibacy with the grace provided by God. This desire to be father has touched my own life. Twenty years ago, I was completely surprised to be asked to be the rector of the Josephinum Seminary. It became clear that this was what God wanted me to do. God had given me a family which was not my own in Columbus, Ohio. And then, in 2008, he brought me to the Diocese of Lansing to help care for this family. Why should I, or any of us, be This is the surprised by this turn of events? Is this not really the nature of all role of every parenting? parent: We First, it is always given: God are to pour gives us our family. We carry out ourselves his Fatherly love in parenting those he provides to our care. In a out to bring sense, my own earthly father was about God’s given a family, a large one of 10 dreams and children. There is no way he could plans, and not have anticipated what that gift would be, or how difficult it would our own. This be. And every one of us is given a is no small family as well – one we know not, thing.” one which is not really ours. How well Joseph felt this can be seen in the Gospel of St. Luke. (2:41-51) When Jesus stayed behind at the Temple, Mary and Joseph searched for him. Mary, upon finding Jesus, told him: “You see that your father and I have been searching for you.” Jesus reminded his parents what they already knew, that Joseph was not his father, for the young boy responded: “Did you not know I had to be in my Father’s house.” The child is not Joseph’s. But then, no one given to us for our care is ever really ours. They all belong to the Father in heaven. Joseph models for us the kind of parents we are all to be. He sacrificed any dreams he may have had, any plans for the kind of family he may have wanted, in order to be the father God wanted him to be. His whole self was sacrificed to Mary and Jesus. This is the role of every parent: We are to pour ourselves 17
out to bring about God’s dreams and plans, and not our own. This is no small thing. God entrusted to Joseph the entire mystery of salvation. Is not that mystery far greater than any of our own human dreams? That mystery penetrates all of us – God’s will and plan are not something any earthly parent can predict or control. Most of the time we can only look on in awe at what God does to those entrusted to us – how God makes them holy, sometimes in spite of ourselves. To be a good parent, all any of us can do is allow God his way and to give ourselves over completely to his will. Joseph also models parenting for us in that he is a man of action, as St. John Paul II said in his March 19, 1980, audience. When Joseph awoke from one of his dreams, we are told “he did as the angel of the Lord had directed him.” He did – Joseph was one who acts. This would have been one of the primary ways Joseph would have taught Jesus, by acting, by doing, especially by acting upon the will of God. So, we teach those in our charge to be persons whose words bear fruit in action, because we are willing to do what is required of us, no matter the cost to ourselves. Finally, Joseph is a model for us of parenting because he does name the lad – he names him, true enough, with the name he received from the angel, but Joseph is needed to do this naming: Jesus. Joseph does not accept the angel’s request to take Mary as his wife and to fulfill his role with a tired resignation or sadness. Rather, he is given this task and he will do it. He will name, he will teach, he will guide, he will protect, always aware that this child and this wife are given him. They are not his. No one of us grudgingly accepts the family given to us; rather, we embrace that family with our all, knowing not how it will turn out, knowing it is not ours but God’s. My brothers and sisters, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph during this month of March, let us imitate what we celebrate.
Bishop Boyea at 1 with his parents, Earl and Helen, and his new brother, David 18
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
SAINT OF THE MONTH
ST. JOSEPH WAS A HOLY MAN – and a very good father Feast Day: March 19 ST. JOSEPH is the patron of all families, especially of fathers, and the patron and protector of our family in faith, the Church. The Scriptures don’t say much about St. Joseph, but we can figure out what kind of man he was just from the little we read. He came from the royal line of King David, but was a man of modest means who could only afford the temple sacrifice of two doves when Jesus was circumcised. He was a man who loved and trusted God, listening to the messages of angels and trusting in their messages. He was a man of courage, following God’s plan for him though it was contrary to societal norms of the time. He was a man of action, doing whatever he needed to do to protect his family from danger. He made sure that Jesus was brought up in the practice of his faith, making the annual trek to Jerusalem for Passover. He was a good and loving father, worried sick about Jesus when he disappeared during one of the Passover trips. St. Joseph is a wonderful model for fathers today. He teaches us to love and trust God, in choosing to follow God’s plan over what might have been his own. He teaches us to love our spouses – one of the most important gifts we can give our children. Joseph put Mary’s needs before his own, sacrificing his reputation to protect hers and supporting her choice to follow God’s plan for her life. He teaches us to love our children, embracing the infant Jesus as his own son, humbly and quietly providing care, guidance and protection for him as he grows. We read nothing more about Joseph after his family is reunited during that frightening visit to Jerusalem. Because Jesus entrusts Mary to one of his disciples at his crucifixion, we can make the assumption that Joseph died before Jesus fulfilled his mission on earth. For generations, Catholics have painted a picture of Joseph breathing his last with Mary and Jesus by his side to comfort him.
CULTURE
’ t r a p r e t t e b e h t t n e g L n i g s n o i o r h u ‘C d MICHELLE DIFRANCO
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FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
T. Gennara
is a designer and the busy mom of three children.
With the season of Lent almost upon us, I’ve thought about what I’m going to either “give up” or “do more of.” Over the
change. If I am to do more of what matters, so I can grow in friendship with Christ, years, this time has brought up feelings of inadequacy, since I usually I need to take on less and reduce the fail at some point during the season. So, recently, I’ve tried taking a busyness that hinders me from what God different approach in the weeks leading up to this holy season. wants for my life. So what is that? So much of what I do is simply necessary, As I’ve reflected on what has kept me from having a “good Lent” in but as I examine, there is so much that is unnecessary. There is a lot the past, I recognize I consistently employ the excuse, “I’m just too I could “give up” for Lent. Must I truly check my phone every time busy.” I measure my self-worth by how much I can get accomplished I see it on the countertop? Do I have to take on every project? Are in one day. I’ll overextend myself and try to do more than what is checking the news headlines (constantly) and getting sucked into humanly possible, which leaves me feeling cranky and less present to the problems of the world really required in my life? And, even for my husband and children. If I’ve cited it once, I’ll cite it again: I fall into those things I must do, can they be done … more simply? that recurring trap of being Martha over Preparing the food we eat is something Mary in this craziness we call life. How that must be done. But if shaving time often I neglect the poignant passage: from that process reduces my stress and keeps the “I’m too busy” excuse “As they continued their journey, he from displacing my Lenten resolution entered a village where a woman whose (especially as someone who is prone name was Martha welcomed him. She had a to spending time experimenting in my sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord kitchen), it is an area of opportunity. at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, I have decided to implement a host of easier and more efficient meal choices burdened with much serving, came to him for the Lenten season, with the intent of and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my better managing my daily agenda. And sister has left me by myself to do the serving? with the one I’m sharing here, it means Tell her to help me.’ The Lord said to her in fewer dishes! reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and Now, I admit it is an ongoing struggle for any of us to be worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.’” (Lk 10:38-42) better stewards of our time and to shed worldly commitments or entertainment to spend more time with God. But if during this I am forced to admit that I do not always “choose the better part,” Lent, and frequently thereafter, we ask ourselves the question, which not only sets me up for failure during Lent, but hinders me “Have I chosen the better part?” we can look back with greater from a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Christ. satisfaction on how we have indeed remained faithful to our But there is hope, because, in recognizing that, there can be Lenten promises and our relationship with Christ.
Mediterranean Sheet Pan Salmon (serves 4) INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 3-4 cloves minced garlic 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon salt 1 whole lemon
4 salmon fillets (about 5 ounces each) 1 red onion cut into small wedges 1 cup grape tomatoes 1 medium zucchini diced into 1 inch cubes 1 cup pitted mixed olives (like Kalamata and Sicilian) 1 can artichoke hearts (drained) 3 tablespoons capers Salt & pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the lemon into 1/8 inch slices, reserving 1/3 of it for the dressing. In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, juice of remaining lemon, minced garlic, salt and Italian seasoning. In a gallon-size plastic bag, combine onion wedges, tomatoes, zucchini, artichoke hearts, olives and half of the
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA
dressing. Shake until coated and set aside. On a parchmentlined baking sheet, place salmon fillets face down in center. Brush or drizzle some of the dressing on the fillets. Flip over and repeat. Arrange vegetables and capers around the salmon fillets. Place sliced lemons over the fillets and bake for 18-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. This is a great dish on its own or served with rice, quinoa or a potato.
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ACCOUNTABILITY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
U NITY/S TEWA R D S H I P/ PA R I S HES To the People of the Diocese of Lansing, With two years of the Witness to Hope Capital Campaign completed, over $47 million has been collected and distributed in support of the campaign’s published goals. Special projects at our parishes and important diocese-wide initiatives and ministries are being funded, including the establishment of endowments to educate our seminarians, to provide Catholic families with financial assistance so their children might attend our Catholic schools, and to support new initiatives at our Catholic Charities agencies. The campaign has also provided $3.5 million dollars for capital projects at our Catholic Charities agencies and $2.5 million to help secure the financial stability of our Priests Pension Fund. Over $30 million in pledges remain to be paid in the final three years of the campaign. As of June 30, 2019, $1.2 million in pledges have been written-off, mostly due to the death of a donor, a move outside of the Diocese, or a change in financial circumstances. The payment of outstanding pledge amounts will be important to the success of Witness to Hope, especially to enable parish projects to proceed to completion. Once again this year, we have reviewed materials provided to us by and have had discussions with staff of the Catholic Foundation and members of the Diocese of Lansing’s Department of Finance. Based upon these materials and our interactions with staff we believe that this Annual Report accurately reflects the results of the Witness to Hope Capital Campaign through June 30, 2019, and that the receipts and disbursements of campaign funds are being administered in a timely and proper fashion, consistent with campaign policies and guidelines.
MIKE FRIESEMAN
Should you have questions or comments about this report or the campaign, please contact John Madigan, president of The Catholic Foundation at 517.253.8738 or at jmadigan@dioceseoflansing.org Sincerely, The Witness to Hope Capital Campaign Accountability Oversight Committee
Left to Right – Father Ryan Riley, Fenton, former auditor; Kathy Grisdela, Business Manager, St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor; William Pressprich, Ann Arbor, retired business executive; Fr. Brendan Walsh, Pastor, St. Joseph, Dexter; John Madigan, President, The Catholic Foundation; George Landolt, Williamston, CFO of the Diocese of Lansing; (not pictured) Richard Hendricks, Saline, retired CPA.
2019 CAMPAIGN UPDATES • 90% increase in scholarship funding to over $500,000
• Priest Pension Fund – now 90%+ funded!
• K-12 students now eligible at all our Catholic schools
• Construction and renovation: 5 groundbreakings
• Dozens of projects now underway at our parishes
• 6 parking lots rebuilt; 4 roofs repaired/replaced
AC COUN TA B IL IT Y OV E R SIG H T C OM M IT T E E 2 0 19 A N N UA L RE PORT
Witness to Hope Capital Campaign
Over $82 MILLION PLEDGED $47.5
All figures in this report are through June 30, 2019, the end of fiscal year 2019
million
million
$47.1
$35.8
To The Wider Church
Gifts Received
Outstanding Pledges
$35.4
million
To Our Parishes
57.3%
56.9%
42.7%
Overall Pledges
million
43.1%
Status of Pledges
Wider Church Case Elements ENDOWMENTS
$ 7,500,000
PAID IN FULL
$ 7,000,000
Gifts Received $26 Million
$ 6,500,000
$21.1 Million
$ 6,000,000 $ 5,500,000 $ 5,000,000
55.3%
44.7 %
TO T H E WIDER CHURCH
TO O U R PA R I S H E S
$ 4,500,000 $ 4,000,000 $ 3,500,000
Outstanding Pledges
$ 3,000,000 $ 2,500,000
$26.4 Million
$ 2,000,000 $ 1,500,000 $ 1,000,000 $500,000
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ACCOUNTABILITY OVERSIGHT CO
Projects Funded b THE DIOCESE
St. Jude, DeWitt – New Parish Offices – Dedication and Blessing, May 17, 2019
St. Michael, Grand Ledge – Accessibility Project May 19, 2019
St. Thomas, Ann Arbor – Installation of Refurbished Windows
MMITTEE 2019 ANNUAL REPORT
y Witness to Hope OF LANSING
Fr. Joe Krupp burying broken sacred items under the future sanctuary and altar of Holy Family Church, Grand Blanc.
St. Thomas Aquinas - First Day in the New Preschool
New Parking Lot, Roof and A/C at Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County!
New School Gym Mid-renovation, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing
St. Mary, Westphalia – School Expansion May 31, 2019
St. Rita, Clarklake – New Baptismal Font
LOCAL NEWS
DIOCE S AN Y O U T H R A L LY FOR LIFE
Youth from several parishes and high schools from the Diocese of Lansing filled six buses and traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2020 March for Life on Friday, Jan. 24, according to Brian Flynn, director of middle and high school ministry for the diocese. In addition to attending the Mass and Rally for Life at the Capital One Arena in Washington, participants also visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for prayer and a tour.
BISHOP BOYEA SPEAKS ON RACISM AT LANSING CITY COUNCIL SHARE YOUR NEWS SEND YOUR LOCAL NEWS STORIES TO EDITORIAL@ FAITHMAG.COM
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Bishop Earl Boyea was invited to address the Lansing City Council on Jan. 17 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He used the occasion to explain the Catholic Church’s teaching on racism. “One of the great principles of Catholic Social Teaching is solidarity, as a manifestation of brotherhood and sisterhood. We are to achieve this solidarity by creating ‘a more just social order where tensions are better able to be reduced and conflicts more readily settled by negotiation.’ (CCC #1940) “I believe the foundation for the common dignity of all human beings rests solidly on the fact of our common origin in God. Our dignity is not something we confer on ourselves or on one another. Rather, we are endowed with that dignity from our wise and loving creator. We are told in the Acts of the Apostles, ‘God shows no partiality.’ (Acts 10:34) St. Paul affirmed this truth to the Galatians, ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’ (Gal 3:28)
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
“Some may wonder why God allowed all these differences. There is no other reason than that they can be the opportunity for the exchange of gifts, something that is made possible when we are kind, generous, and open to one another.” Visit dioceseoflansing.org for the text of the bishop’s full address.
BISHOPS OF MICHIGAN AND OHIO MAKE AD LIMINA VISIT In December, Bishop Earl Boyea joined fellow bishops from Michigan and Ohio for their ad limina visit with Pope Francis in Rome. Ad limina means “to the thresholds,” and, according to canon law, all Catholic bishops of the world must make a pilgrimage to the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul every five years. In addition to their pilgrimage, the bishops report on the state of their diocese to the Holy Father during this visit, acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome over the universal Church. According to Bishop Boyea: “We met for about two hours and throughout that time the Holy Father was very friendly, very forthright, very keen to listen and very fraternal in his approach to us as brother bishops. We discussed a wide range of topics, including the health of our parishes, our evangelization efforts, which he applauded, and again and again he reminded us that bishops and priests have to have a deep intimacy with God in prayer. That’s something he hit on very strongly.”
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IL 1, 2020 DUE: APR
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CATHOLIC CHARITIES
THINGS TO DO
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 OR CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG The senior transportation program provides seniors in our counties with transportation to their doctor or medical treatment appointments through the generosity of our volunteer drivers at no cost, eligibility and scheduling requirements do apply. If you are 55+ and want to be a volunteer driver, contact Marilyn Smith at 517.783.6102 or msmith@catholiccharities. jlhc.org.
group activities. Cash prizes will be awarded. For information, call Liz at our parish office at 517.223.8684.
Feb. 14-15, the Diocese of Lansing’s New Life Center will have a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat, “Healing After Abortion.” For information, contact the center at 517.993.0291, nlcrachelsvineyard@gmail.com or visit rachelsvineyard.org.
Feb. 27-April 3, Fridays, St. Pius X, Flint will have a a soup supper at 5:30 p.m., Lenten reflections at 6:16 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 AND OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 OR CCSGC.ORG North End Soup Kitchen, 735 E. Stewart Ave., Flint, provides hot, balanced meals 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Its hours are Monday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., lunch, and 4-5 p.m., dinner; and Sunday, 1-2 p.m. If you would like to make a difference, visit catholiccharitiesflint.org/mealprograms to donate. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 OR CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Two A Lasting Promise marriage preparation classes for engaged couples: March 6, 6:309 p.m. and March 7, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at St. Joseph, 9425 Whitaker Rd., Ypsilanti; and March 20, 6:30-9 p.m. and March 21, 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. at St. Mary, 14200 E. Old US-12, Chelsea. Register early. Cost is $95/couple. Pre-registration and payment must be made to attend. To register, call 734.971.9781, ext. 421 or visit csswashtenaw.org. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES SAVE THE DATE: March 14, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Livingston County Catholic Charities invites you to join them at their annual fundraiser Salute to the Stars, with dynamic music by Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations, delicious food, raffles and more, as they celebrate 35 years of serving Livingston County. For information or to purchase tickets, visit livingstoncatholiccharities.org or call Julie or Gudrun at 517.545.5944. ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LANSING, 517.323.4734 OR STVCC.ORG A Lasting Promise marriage preparation class for engaged couples: March 14, 9 a.m.3p.m., at Cristo Rey Church, Juan Diego Room, 201, W. Miller Rd., Lansing. Registration is recommended 4 to 6 weeks prior. The cost is $75/couple. Pre-registration and payment must be made to attend. To register, call St. Vincent Catholic Charities at 517.323.4734, ext. 1726. Registration forms are available online at stvcc.org. 28
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m-3 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit: The MarthaMary Balance of Daily Life Retreat: Luke’s Gospel story illustrates the tension often faced between attending to God and to worldly things. Prayer, guided reflection, music and movement will be used to help clarify God’s unique plan for you. To register, call 313.286.2100 or visit stpaulretreat.org Fridays during Lent, 8:30 a.m., Holy Rosary, Flint will be celebrating Mass, followed by exposition and adoration with Benediction and Stations of the Cross at 6 p.m., followed by a Lenten supper in the community room. Feb. 22, St. Martha Catholic Council of Women, Okemos will host a one-day women's retreat, “I am Yours,” in the parish hall at 1100 W. Grand River Ave. Cost is $25 and includes lunch. For information and to register, visit stmatha.org or email stmarthaccw@gmail.com. For questions, contact Anne Readett at 517.749.6655 or areadett@gmail.com. Feb. 22, 6 p.m., a Trivia Night at the Lothamer Parish Center sponsored by the parish youth group. Test your knowledge with the best in the community. Cost is $10 per person. Bring a team of eight or you will be matched with someone. Bring snacks – but no outside beverages. Beverages are available for purchase to support the youth
Beginning Feb. 27, Thursdays during Lent, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing will have a couple prayer series in Fr. Mac Hall. For information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@ elcatholics.org. Feb. 28, 4-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell’s Knights of Columbus Polish feast in Thompson Hall, serving kapusta and kielbasa (sauerkraut and kielbasa), kielbasa (smoked), golabki (stuffed cabbage), pierogi (potato and cheese), paczki (jelly donut), rolls/ butter and beverages. Cost is $11 adult, $10 62+, $7 children 8-12 and $5 7 and younger. Feb. 29, Livingston County Catholic Charities’ Special Ministries Program will host its annual basketball game fundraiser against the Livingston County Sheriff Department. All proceeds support the activities Special Ministries provides for disabled adults. To purchase tickets, visit facebook.com/ SpecialMinisteriesLivingstonCounty. March 1-3, Holy Spirit, Brighton will have a Lenten Mission presented by Tom Peterson, founder of Catholics Come Home and Virtuemedia. org, who will speak about the New Evangelization. For more information, call the parish office at 810.231.9199 or visit hrscc.net. March 4 to April 1, Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing will have
RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 OR STFRANCIS.WS •F eb. 29-March 1, St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt will have a Marriage Encounter Weekend where couples learn new communication skills and work together privately to enrich their relationship. For information, contact Chris and Darla Vinton at 734.531.9191.
a Lenten Soup and Substance Program in Fr. Mac Hall. Soup and rolls at 6 p.m. and presentations 6:30-7:30 p.m. For information, call the parish office at 517.351.7215. March 5 to May 7, Thursdays, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell will have Grief Share – Your Journey from Mourning to Joy: Help and Encouragement After the Loss of a Spouse, Child, Family Member or Friend. All are welcome to attend one or as many sessions as you would like. For information, call the parish office at 517.546.720. March 10, 9 a.m., St. Agnes, 855 E. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville, will host a free breakfast in Lothamer Parish Center prior to our bus trip to Firekeepers Casino. If enough people pre-register, two buses will be chartered. The bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $40 and includes roundtrip transportation, $20 in free slot play and $5 for dining, gift shop or slot play. To pre-register, contact the parish office at 517.223.8684 or Liz Heslip at Lheslip@sbcglobal.net. March 15, 2 p.m., the Diocese of Lansing’s Disabilities Ministry and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are hosting a Special Needs Mass at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel at 703 E. Main St. in DeWitt. Mass is followed by light refreshments. Please RSVP Cathy Blatnik by March 11 at 517.381.1410 or lcblatnik@juno. com. Everyone is welcome. March 19, doors open at 6 p.m., St. Mary, Morrice’s Altar Society is hosting its Third annual Design Bag Bingo. Tickets are $15 or $20 at the door. Only 200 tickets are being sold. Door prizes, 50/50 drawing and concessions are available. For tickets, call the parish office at 517.625.4260 March 20, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels, 4413 Morrish Rd. in Swartz Creek, will host a euchre tournament fundraiser sponsored by its Knights of Columbus Council. For information, call 810.635.3684. March 20, 2:30-7 p.m., the Catholic Community of St. John and Blessed Sacrament, Davison will have its Fabulous Fish Fry. For information, contact the parish office at 810.653.2377.
FISH FRY Jan. 24-April 3, Fridays, St. James, Mason will have a Lenten fish fry that includes fried and baked cod, shrimp, baked and fried potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, dessert and coffee/punch. Cost is $12 adults, $11 seniors, $5 children 5-12, and 4 and under free. Credit cards are accepted. Feb. 21-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center’s Knights of Columbus will host a Lenten fish fry in the parish hall that includes both fried and baked fish, baked potato and fries, green beans, coleslaw, rolls and desserts. Cost is $10 adult, $9 senior 65+, $6 children 6-12, and 5 and under free. Not Good Friday. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus will host in the Lothamer Parish Center an all-you-can-eat Lenten fish fry that includes both baked and hand-battered fried fish, homemade side dishes and dessert. Takeout available. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5-7 p.m., St. Martha, Okemos will host an all-you-can-eat Lenten fish fry with baked or fried fish, fries and baked potatoes, mac and cheese, two types of coleslaw and bakesale desserts. Takeout is available. Cost is $12 adult, $11 senior and $6 children. Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., Old St. Patrick, Ann Arbor will host its 42nd annual Lenten fish fries in the parish hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd. included are fried Alaskan Pollack, choice of potato or mac and cheese, salad bar, beverage and extra dessert. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5:30-6:50 p.m., Holy Spirit, Brighton’s parish ministries will provide a Lenten supper of soup, salad and bread
in the activity center followed at 7 p.m. with the Stations of the Cross. A free-will offering will be accepted. All are welcome. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5-8 p.m., St. Mary, Chelsea’s Knights of Columbus will have Lenten fish fries serving both fried and baked fish. Carry-out is served with a side of coleslaw and a roll for $10. Dining in, all-you-can-eat is $11 adult, $10 senior, $6 for children 11 and under. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., the Owosso Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries at 1259 E. Main St., serving delicious fish, fries, coleslaw and roll/butter. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 5-7 p.m., St. Michael, Grand Ledge’s Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries in the Fellowship Hall. Cost: $10 adults, $8 seniors 65+, $6 children 6-12, and 5 and under free. Family rate is $35. Takeout is available. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4:30-7 p.m., St. Peter, Eaton Rapids’ Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. in the church. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p .m., St. Mary, Pinckney will host Lenten dinners followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Fenton’s Knights of Columbus will host Lenten fish fries in the Father Harvey Activity Center. Feb. 28-April 3, Fridays, 4-7:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell will have Lenten fish fries in Thompson Hall serving homemade fried or baked fish and clam chowder. For takeout orders, call 517.546.9154. Cash, check or credit card accepted. Feb. 28-April 10, Fridays, 4-7 p.m., St. Casimir, Lansing, Holy Family Center, will host a dinner of baked fish, fried perch/smelt, coleslaw, roll and beverage. April 10, Good Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., lunch with no smelt. Cost is $10 adult, $9 senior, $6 children 6-12, and 5 and under free. 29
SPECIAL REPORT The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing For three generations of the Randolph family
MARCH 2020 VOLUME 20: ISSUE 2
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We are made for communion with God
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Pope Francis prays for reduction of tension between U.S. and Iran Pope Francis led pilgrims in a moment of silent prayer “that the Lord may give us the grace” of peace following the praying of the Angelus on Jan. 5 in St. Peter’s Square. His prayer for peace came just two days after a U.S. drone attack killed Iranian Major Gen. Qassem Soleimani and six others on Jan. 3, and a warning of “harsh retaliation” from Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. “War only brings death and destruction. I call on all parties to keep alive the flame of dialogue and self-control and avoid the shadow of enmity,” the pope stated prior to the moment of silence.
FAITH Magazine | MARCH 2020 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace Lord God of peace, hear our prayer! We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced; how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been buried . .. Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say: “Never again war!” . . . Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace. Keep alive within us the flame of hope, so that with patience and perseverance we may opt for dialogue and reconciliation. In this way may peace triumph at last, and may the words “division”, “hatred” and “war” be banished from the heart of every man and woman. . . . Renew our hearts and minds, so that the word which always brings us together will be “brother”, and our way of life will always be that of: Shalom, Peace, Salaam! Amen
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops statement Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, the chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the following statement: “The U.S. bishops’ conference has spoken out regularly to encourage the pursuit of peace in the Middle East. We urge once again that all parties, in these critical days, embrace peace rather than violence. Peace has been all too elusive – in recent memory alone, war has caused hundreds of thousands of lives to be lost, as well as untold suffering and endemic instability. We have particularly witnessed and addressed growing acts of violence in recent weeks, most recently with the attack on the United States Embassy in Iraq, the killing of Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani last Friday, and the missile attacks on Iraqi bases yesterday. We have called for necessary diplomacy, courageous dialogue, and tireless efforts toward peace to resolve such global conflicts. We do so now, and we will do so always.
“May the Lord help all parties in this time of growing belligerence to peer through one another’s transgressions and appreciate the legitimate fears that lie behind them. All must discover islands of trust in a sea of distrust, do the hard work of reasoning together, acknowledge the futility of further violence and military action, and humbly pursue the common good together. Let us reflect on Pope Francis’ World Day of Peace message for 2020 and pray ‘to overcome evil with good and respond to hatred with love.’ “We join in the hope expressed today that the people of Iran share in the promise of a great future, and that the United States is ready to embrace peace with all who seek it. In this spirit, we fervently believe, hope, work for, and indeed anticipate, days of peace ahead. We have just celebrated the birth of our Lord with Christmas. Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, calls us to the renewal of the heavens and earth. Let us bear witness to this truth, beginning with each of us.”
Timeline of escalation of tension between the U.S. and Iran The killing of Iranian Major Gen. Qassem Soleimani on Jan. 3 followed several recent incidents between the U.S. and Iranian-backed forces. DEC. 27: Iraqi Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah fired 31 rockets at a base in Kirkuk, wounding several U.S. and Iraqi servicemen and killing one American contractor. DEC. 29: In retaliation, the U.S. bombed five sites of Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq and Syria, killing 25 fighters and wounding 55 others. DEC. 31: Supporters of proIranian militia attacked and set fire to one wall of the U.S. Embassy in Bagdad.
Reactions from other Christian Leaders Apostolic nuncio to Iran
Archbishop Leo Boccardi, apostolic nuncio to Iran, told the Italian news agency ANSA on Jan. 3: “I think tensions have reached a level never seen before, and this is worrying and further complicates the situation in the region.” In comments to the Vatican News on Jan. 3 the archbishop went on to say, “The appeal is to lower tension, to call everyone to
negotiation and to believe in dialogue knowing that, as history has always shown us, war and weapons aren’t the solution to the problems afflicting the world today.” Iraqi Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Louis Sako
Cardinal Louis Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, invited Christians and Muslims to pray for the decision-makers at the Epiphany Mass celebrated at St. Joseph Cathedral in Baghdad on Jan. 6. “Wisdom is required to avoid the ‘volcanic eruption’ we are about to face.” The
cardinal called on world leaders to avoid further escalation because “innocent people will be the fuel for such fire.” “In the face of this sensitive and dangerous situation, we call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, show wisdom and act rationally, and (to) sit at the table of dialogue and understanding to spare the country the unimaginable consequences … We raise our prayers to God Almighty in order for life to return to its normal course, and (for) Iraq and its people (to) enjoy peace, security and goodness.”
U.S. and Iraqi forces used tear gas and stun grenades to deter the protest. JAN. 1: The protest at the U.S. embassy ends and supporters disperse. JAN. 2: U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper warned that pre-emptive action “to protect American forces to protect lives” would be taken if there were indications that Iran or Iranian-backed groups were planning any attacks on U.S. interests.
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