April 2000

T

otuus Tuus. Perhaps you've noticed that Lltin phrase on Pope john Paul lls insignia of office, his heraldic arms.

Totuus Tuus- Everything is yours- marks Karol Wojtylas inner spirit. It denominates his way of loving.

Jesus loves us with everything that's within Him. His entire life was spent in one act of emptying Himself out for us in His love for us. As He hung on the cross He continued to let everything within Him slowly drain out all over us and into Gods good earth, sanctifying all of creation with His blood. The famous San Damiano Cross, the one that radically changed Francis of Assisis life, depicts the blood of Christ emptying out of His body over the soldiers that crucified Him as well as those standing underneath it.

In his Gospel, St. John does not use the phrase " ••• He died:' Instead, SL John reports that Jesus " ... handed over His SplrtL"

He gave us everything that was within Him. Born by the power of the Holy Spirit, baptized in the Holy Spirit at the River jordan, jesus died handing over His Spirit to us. Bethlehem to Pentecostevel)'thing within jesus Christ was emptied out and poured out into us. On His cross jesus was whispering His words of love to us: Everything is yours.

Skeptics tell us that we should not {and cannot) love like that. It is unhealthy both psychologically and emotionally, the "experts" tell us, to love like that. Its unreasonable and irrational. It doesn't make any sense. No human being can love like that.

Well, of course they are right ... unless God exists!

They are right ... unless jesus Christ is risen from the dead and is living within us. "With men it is impossible," jesus told us. "But with God all things are possible." {Matthew 19:26) The whole life, passion, death, resurrection and giving over of all that was within Him {the Paschal Mystery) is the pattern for loving that jesus gave us. It is the template by which we cut the seamless garment, the whole doth, of our loving lives.

Faith Is an adventure, and so Is love. Faith is the other side of the coin of love. You cannot say to others "I love you" unless you believe in them. And you cannot really believe in them unless and until you can say to them "I love you." Both are component parts of the currency of living, loving and believing.

Which is why your Church is giving you FAITH Magazine. If you peer into it deeply enough, it is an icon that opens your eyes to what jesus' life and living was all about. Will you travel on this adventure with us? Will you, on your own road to Emmaus, walk along with us?

We invite you to do so. And perhaps in the sharing of our stories of faith, you, along with us, will discover and experience the Presence of jesus.

In his own self-emptying love, jesus of Nazareth was raised by the power of the Holy Spirit and transformed into the Risen Christ of glory. That same transforming power can be yours also, if only you find His life in your life, if only you find your life in His. Totus Tuus -Everything is yours. .-:t

Our Own Columbine?

The Kayla Rolland Tragedy AMother's~

Bishop's Statement

_ over Story How Do You Forgive Murder?

Lvdbl •nd v.n

~· Their Story Folgiving and MoYing Forward The Journey FKing Grief What c:.n We Do?

A Passion for Cookies and

A Bashet of Blessings

Recipes tOr an Easter experience

An Old hdltlon A New 'lhldltlon

In The Know With Fr. joe Fr. Joseph Krupp

From The Bishop Bishop C.rl Mengellng

The Last Word ...

Bishop Kenneth •

. • ..

1

community

loall news I the world

Povlsh

faith

The Mop:Jno .r '"'Catholic- ot ~.

Volume 1 : Issue 4 Aprtl2000

Most Reverend Carl F Mengeling PUBUIHI!R

Rev. Fr. Charles Irvin IDITOR IN CHIEP

Patrick M. O'Brien MANAGING IDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kathy Funk ASSISTANT EDITOR STAPF WRITER

jillanejob SUUCRIPTIONSISECRETARY

Mollie Lauffer CREATIVE 6 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Evelyn Barella Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop Theresa Hofer Rev. Fr. joseph Krupp Ronald Landfair Tamara Luchini Dr. Cathleen McGreal Most Rev. Kenneth J. Povish Rev. Fr. Denis Spitzley COrmtlaunNG WRITERS

Christine jones Todd Lancaster james Lumng

(FAITH) is an exceedingly well-done magazine. I am proud 10 have it in my home and recommend it to my friends, family and colleagues. lt is unabashedly Catholic, promoting the faith in all its wonders, witlwut being aggressive or condemning.

Greg Rushlow

This Month in History, Febnwry 2000 issue, on Richard Nixon spossible impeachment was a disappointment to me. Couldn't you keep the magazine on a positive note? ... I hope you plan on balancing this out by giving President Clinton equal time.

Regina Maurer

Than/IS so very much for all your hard work in putting together this wonderful magazine! ... You arc doing so much good - and I /mow that my "thanks~ is echoed over and over again in our diocese.

Sr. Joseph Andrew 5lsten of~. Moeller of the Eucharist

FAITH is an enlightening, outstanding and truly joyful magazine. I liked your Theology of Peanuts. It was quite thought consuming. {FAITH Magazine, February Issue) I am a senior companion at Burcham Hills Retirement Center ... I am

going to put FAITH in our library.

D01"Dihy Graham

l think the editors and the contributors have done an excellent job on the introducto1y issue. The broad topic of FAITH provides an unlimited vista for viewing so many aspects of our Catholicism.

Patrlda O'Neil (Editor's Note: Mns. O'Neil Is a put pre1ldent of lhe lntemaUonal A1Bod1tlon of Bu1lne11

Communicators) Svnd your lellers to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. onawa Lansing. Ml 48933 or via e-m1il frclrvlnG rc.net

CONTRIBunNG PHOTOGRAPHERS

james Luning

random acts of kindness

COVIR I"HHllGGWWHY

Wayne Case Mary Delano David Fenech Patricia Garcia George j:~ksa Rev Fr. j. Thomas Munley Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Michael Rizik Ricardo Rodriguez Rev. Fr. james Swiat ADVISORY BOARD

Rev. Fr. Karl Pung WEll MINISTRY

Elizabeth Hepola WEll liTE DESIGN, MANAGEMI!NT

CPI Graphics, Lansing

you don't have to be a martyr to make a difference Most of us are familiar with this saying: Perform a random act of ldndneu. A simple ges· lure on our part c.n leave a lasting lm.,.....on on others.

Just as St. Therese was known for "her IIHie ways," we, too, c.n become known and set an example by our IIHie ways of expressing love for our family, friends and even complete strangers. The following are suggesUons for enriching the lives of others - simple acts that have great dJvldends.

PAIHTING

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--S2JIG.--_.. _., ramt .............. - . . . -

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------I'NTH

Ron Landfair: Send a card out of the blue

to a friend you haven't spo-

ken to in a long time. Let someone know you treasure their friendship even though you may have fallen out of touch.

Jillane Job:

If you see someone who is having car trouble, offer to lend a helping hand - this could be as simple as offering the use of a cellular phone to call for assistance.

Betty Gauthier: If you know

someone who is elderly or living alone, share home cooked

meals with that person whenever possible. For example, if you're cooking for a family of four it doesn't take much more to expand that meal in order to feed five!

Gerry Rice:

If you know someone uncle going medical treatments,

.......... aoow. '*- ........... 1114HU (St7) a4a·:UIS: lu (St 7) 34:1•21tl ........ IJubllfllll .........

L1burg1C;1l Calendar SL Francis of Paola,:!,,.

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St. Isidore of Seville, !;..,1!''1' ,,,,r 1>,,, 1"' \p• II • 1 SL Vincent Ferrer, I'• .,

Poor SL George gets no respect this year because Easter falls on his Feast Day. So we thought we would give him a plug.

Precious Moment

such as chemotherapy or radtation, offer to drive that person to and from those treatments. Or volunteer to take them to their doctor appointments. Not only will you be providing a valuable service, but also the comfort of friendship.

Msgr. Michael Murphy: Be willing to talk to people and, especially, to listen to them. The experience is like mining for gold. ou will find many a gem and you will be richer for it.

Teresa O'Brien:

A woman I know was waiting at the mechanics shop to have her car repaired. A teenager came in and found out that his car repair bill was more than he could afford. The young man broke down in tears. The woman, who saw how dis¡ traught the young man was, proceeded to pay for the necessary repairs.

in the know with Fr. joe

Dear Stupid, I hate your column. Your trite stories mixed with poor theological statements make me sick to my stomach. Please, for the love of God, stop writing.

Sincerely, Mom

OK, OK, my mom didn't write that leuer.

She would never write anything like that, primarily because that would leave proof lying around. All right, all right, 1 am kidding again!

Thus, we plunge into the world of the unexpected. In our Lenten and Easter celebrations, we revel in God's incredible and unexpected act of suffering and dying for our sins, then rising from the dead.

God did the unexpected He humbled Himself. He took Oesh and walked among us. God the Creator gave His creation power over Himself and we put Him to death. That act was the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and it is one we must imitate. lf we wish to be Christian, we must imitate Christ who sacrificed so much for us.

This imitation of Christ's sacrifice is a challenge to each one of us. It is, at times, a painful and difficult thing.

When we experience that pain, we must always tum again to the example of jesus who wept in the Garden of Olives. (Matthew 26:36-46) Because God became human, He knows our pain.

He knows what it is like to lose a friend to death or fear

or even betrayal. He has been there, done that and offers now to walk with us when our seJf.sacrifice leads to suffering. But we also know it does nm end there. jesus rose from the dead and promises us that "if we die with (Him), we shall rise with (Him)." In the words of

sacrifices of lambs to God for their sins. These lambs would have to be without mark or stain or blemish and they were offered to God as a sacrifice for sins.

Another way to expiate sins before jesus was to bring a goat into the center of the community. People would lay their hands on the goat and whisper their sins.

When all were finished, they Why did Jesus have would send the goat off into to die? the wilderness to die. (Th1s, by the way, is where we get the term 'scapegoat.')

Well, someone had to. jesus came as the spotless Sounds bad? It's true! The price of sin entering the lamb. He never sinned and world is death. Before jesus, he offered Himself up by believers used to offer animal taking upon Himself the sins

one of our deacons at St. Gerard, "Can you imagine how jesus felt when He came out of the tomb?"

No kidding! That is the way we can feel, too. When we sacrifice ourselves (what we want or think we need) and something in us has to die, we can count on the Lord who is faithful and true to restore us to life.

of the whole world through all of time and history. His pure, sinless blood brought forgiveness for all time and all people.

Let's celebrate the mystery of our faith: "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ Wlll come again!"

Enjoy another day in God's presence!

Send In your Questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa Lansing, Ml 48933 or E¡Mall JoelnBiaek@prlest.c:om

Easter is the ultimate celebration of life for us with God and others in time and eternity. In truth, the entire meaning. program and goal of Christianity is LIFE. Christianity celebrates human life as a gift of God to be respected, fostered and fulfilled. jesus' entire teaching centered on life and its restoration. "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."

tragic view is "Hell is other people." Since hell is everywhere, there's no exit. There is only alienation and isolation.

The office of readings for the Easter Vigil has a remarkable ancient homily. Some scholars attribute it to St. Epiphanius (+403). His theme is, "Awake! 0 Sleeper! Arise from the dead and Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14)

Not surprisingly, Pope John Paul II sees the entire reality of Jesus and Christianity In one word: LIFE. For 21 years of

Jesus, the victor over death, proclaims liberation and life to those In the prison of death. He encounters Adam and all

his papacy, he has taught and implemented a central truth highlighted at the Second Vatican Council, "The cause of the Church is the cause of man." At the heart of the cause of man is the gift of life. This truth resonated in all the pope's teaching, ut especially in his encyclical, The Gospel of Ufe. The fullness f life becomes possible for us through the death and resurrection of jesus. Through him our potential and yearning for the fullness of knowing, loving and living is set free from our human limitations and failures. Believing and living in jesus liberates us from our "NO" to God and others that has impris¡ oned us in our own alienation, isolation and hopelessness.

the dead and through them every human person at all times and in a variety of prisons.

Cardinal Ratzinger applies this to the prisons of darkness and alienation of our times, "I did not create you for the dungeon."

Our Easter prayer is for those in the prisons of our world - the prisons that are hushed up by propaganda that knows no truth, by a strategy of misinformation, keeping us in the dark of our prison. Ask jesus to enter the spiritual prisons of this age - into the darkness of our lack of truth, revealing himself as the Victor who tears down the gates and says, "I, your God, have become your Son. Come out! I have not created you to be in prison forever. 1 did not make you for the dungeons."

Let us grasp his hand. In the midst of this cu!LUre of death, Christianity renews its convictions about life in our Easter celebrations. In the darkness of death, we hold up the blazing torch of light - a sign of the Lord of life. As a certain trumpet. we proclaim the Good News of Life for all, now and forever.

Our Easter celebration of life as a gtft of God - lost by man and restored In Christ to life everlasting - sharply contrasts with the obsession of many In our time. Many are

pathetically deluded in their idea that they can only have life by choosing the death of another. Unlimited freedom for others demands the death of one who threatens it.

As we rejoice in the Easter event and its guarantee of life in time and eternity in this Jubilee Year 2000, other demanding and clamorous voices incessantly remind us of death. In this election year, one of the persistent, and perhaps the major, issues of the campaign for the presidency is about death abortion. The issue is about a choice that destroys a human life. Perhaps the unthinkable is upon us- that abortion is the key to the presidency.

Sadly, those who so stridently demand personal freedom contrary to truth, delude, wound and dishonor themselves with false freedom. The French philosopher jean-Paul Sartre's play, No Exit, depicts a person who is hopelessly trapped. His pathetic and

www.FAITHmag.com

April 2000

9

FAITH Maguinc

john was a typical fun-loving boy growtng up. doing what ktds love doing. He enjoyed roller skating, bow hunung, scouung and sports, includmg basketball in JUnior high school And he proved to be a competitive player at btlhards He was espeoally proud of that being the one skill that he could beat his brother in!

Much to my and Van's dismay and disappomtment, john qutt school m his junior year of high school. He had a number of problems creating strife m our lives lasung over a period of several turbulent years of rebellion We tned our best to persuade him to go with us to family counseling but all our efforts were futile. With our patience being tested to the hilt, we despentely hung onto the hope that our son, like the prodlg-' son In the Blblal story, would soon come to his senses.

Eventually. john did consent to go to family counseling.

From the onset, he and his counselor enjoyed a good rapport. She helped him re-establish his self-esteem whtch resulted in hts returning back to school to obtain his dtploma. His eagerness to move on with his life was very encouraging.

He decided to enlist in the Army with the intention of making 1t his career. Shortly thereafter, johns health began to faiL He was diagnosed with ulcerated colitis which impeded hts ability to function satisfactorily m the Army Consequently, he was forced to obtain a medical disabiltty discharge.

After returning home to hve with us, john enrolled in a community college to pursue a career m respiratory therapy m which he dtd qutte well . johns personal pnde in hts work and, at that time, hts sense of responsibility prompted him to supplement his pension wtth a part-ume job at Pennzoil. john decided to live with his girlfriend, Karen. She was dtvorced and 15-year-old jason's unruly behavior was causmg her heartaches. john actually believed he could influence jason into straightenmg out his life Frequent arguments and strife between john andjason resulted with john moving back into our home feehng very deJected. I asked him, '"What Is the one thing In Ufe you most desire?" His reply was prompt and dec:lslve: "Peace."

And with loving c:onvfc:tlon, I responded, "You CM only have that with Jesus:' It was my custom to attend dally Mass and, much to my

surprise, john told me the next morning that he wanted to go to Mass and also once again recetve the sacrament of reconciliauon. After 14 years, this prodigal son was returning to hts Father This time of tears of joy nearly overwhelmed me Immediately, jesus' words flashed before me ~There ts more joy m heaven over one repentant sinner than over 99 who have no need of repentance Every morning for two weeks, john went with me to Mass and Communion. 1 never saw htm so happy and at

such peace with himself.

Unknown to me, God, In His providence, was preparing

John, my husband and me for what lay before -'1 threeofUL

During those two weeks, john received letters and phone calls from Karen, pleadmg wtth htm to return. She assured him that jason was doing much better and promised to behave. john thought it was his duty to return and share his newfound repentance and peace wtth jason.

Van and I could not dissuade htm from returning. We tned to reason with htm to allow hts own sptntuallife to grow stronger first Unfortunately. john was mtent on giving jason the benefit of doubt in order to help him. john would stop by frequently to see us Gradually we sensed that things between htm and jason were not working out as he had hoped.

The mght of Aug. 5, 1994. we recetved a heartrending phone call jason had stabbed john Van and 1 sped to the hospital in silence, afratd to verbahze our thoughts. In the emergency room, we were met by two police officers. 1 kept askmg, kWhere ts my son? I want to see my son." But we were only told that a soctal worker would soon be with us.

It was then that we knew our son was dead.

A doctor amved to confirm our worst fears -john had dted from a stab wound to his heart We called our son, joe, to tell him the shockmg news We couldn't beheve thts was actually happening to us! john was only 30, a VlCllm to the kmfe of hts future stepson whom he destred to help

ract1on to Jason's photog111ph began to ,..urface. I knew what Jesul N ld about forgiveness: ..Forgive and you will be forgiven,'" and, ..Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who lin against us." Nothing coUld be plainer.

So I decided to forgive jason but the feeling was not there.

I felt as though 1 was hanging on tO unforgiveness and deceiving myself imo believing that I had forgiven him since 1 was still experiencing feelings of anger.

This caused me much turmoil. I decided I needed to talk with my confessor. He assured me that forgiveness is not a FEELING but a DECISION - it is a matter of wilt. He said my will to forgive did not necessarily have to coincide with my feelings. He explained that the anger I felt was towards the evil in the act committed, not in my failure to fo rgive. He made the suggestion that I write a short letter to jason saying that I forgave him and would pray for him.

After much prayer, I decided to write that letter to jason. It was Good Friday and this is what 1 wrote: There is a man on the cross.

His name is jesus.

He loves you and forgives you.

And I will forgive you, too.

I will pray for you.

A . After johns funeral, I considered canceling a trip to the 'tfiloly Laud which had been previously planned for September.

I was much too depressed to even consider going. Friends finally convmced me otherwise, assuring me that such a pilgnmage would hold many blessings for me. That it did.

The many blessmgs and graces given to me helped me face what lay ahead.

Upon my return, 1 learned that the preliminary hearing was about to begm. It proved extremely difficult for me to be present in the courtroom with jason. I had nothing in my heart but contempt for him for taking my son's life. 1 also resemed Karen for the part she played in that evening's tragic outcome. It was at the preliminary exam, however, that I finally learned the horrifying details surrounding my sons death. jason was eventually tried as a juvenile and sentenced until the age of 21 Soon after. l received a repentant letter from Karen asking for forgtveness. She invited me to her home to see johns baby, Marie, who had been born two weeks after his death. The likeness to john was striking.

Whtle at Karen's home, my eyes moved to a photograph of jason on the TV I struggled to stifle the anger building up within me . Karen sensed my uneasiness and immediately removed the photo from my sight.

Much to my surpnse, Karen told me she was interested in becommg Catholic and asked me to be her sponsor. The 1 ¡ollowmg Easter she and Marie were baptized.

Despite this good resultJnsl from my ao.s of John, my

Immediately, I felt a heavy burden being lifted from deep within. I experienced a deep inner peace that surpassed all understanding and that only jesus could give Within a few days, l received a response from jason. He told me how my letter opened a floodgate of tears as he read and re-read it. He found it hard to believe that we could forw give him and not forever hate htm for taking john away from us. "The Irony of It an,'" he wrote, "was that I killed the only person who ever rully cared about what happened to mel" As I read his letter over and over to myself, the Lord began to soften my heart Wlth compassion. I began to sense Jason's pain Instead of just my own. The power of forgiveness had begun to overcome the smoldering anger and dislike I had for this boy. 1 started to understand why God, in His infinite wisdom, commands us to forgive one another as He has forgiven us. Hopefully, j ason was beginning to understand God's forgiveness as the Lord chose to revealtt through my own for~ giveness of h1m.

When you become personally involved Wlth someone who is incarcerated, and you are the vtctim, authorities keep you informed of any upcoming hearings. Such a heanng was held for jason, requesting that he be placed in a halfway house due to his progress in rehabilitation. We were informed that he had saved $1,000 towards an education and was ready to be employed and go to school.

When the judge inquired if there were any victims present, and would they approve or disapprove the recommendation, my husband and l stood and aru;wered individually: "'ur approval or diApprovll will not bring our son, John, back to us. As Christians, we have extended our forgiveness to Jason

~

and will approve the recommendation of the court." jason and his dad were waiting for us outside the counroom. jason tearfully repeated how sorry he was and how grateful he was for our forg1veness It was a very emotional moment for us all. 1 saw jason through the eyes of jesus- as someone He d1ed for and forgave.

The only way that we can do anythmg at all is in Chtist who said, ~wtthout me you can do nothmg.• He promised to help us overcome whatever obstacles might come mto our hves Without my faith, I could never have endured the tragedy of my son's senseless death or had the gnc:e to forgive

the J•oumey With Dr. Cathleen McGreal

---------------------

w

hen 1 read Lyd1a's story of the power of forgive-

ness, a sentence that jumped out at me was, · should anything ever happen to john, 1 would never be able to bear ir" How often do these words run through our mmds as we cons1der what life would be like without our loved ones' Yet some of us do have to bear that which cannot be borne . to deal With losses that seem insurmountable. How do we heal the gaping wounds left by tragedy?

ForgiVeness is a process that takes ume. Lydia menuons several emotions that were pan of her JOUrney to forgiveness: depression, resentment, and contempt for Jason. These are normal reactions and they don't disappear all at once.

Throughout the cycle of forgiveness, negative emouons will recur. Think of the scabbed knees of childhood. A knee would be healmg and then we'd fall: fresh blood, new pain, and more ume needed for another scab to form. Healing our hun 1s JUSt the same -we are doing fme, feeling like running again and then BOOM - we are

his perpetrator. 1 thank God for my faith.

To this day, 1 am thankful that God allowed john and me to share that one fleeting moment in from of the Pennzoil station, for it was to be our last. l relive that precious memory every time 1 pass by that station. It will forever hold a bittersweet memory of john. ~ Editor~

Note: This is the first ttme Lydia Moody has committed her story to paper. Sht is grateful to Sr. Marjorie Fuchs, SS], Sr. Dismas Brennan, SS], and Sr. Irene Koszarek, SS], who inspired and encouraged Lydia to share ~!a­ story. The names of some of the people have been changed.

ove rcomt with our loss. Many things can act as triggers. It could be an anmvcrsary or binhday, the scent worn by your loved one suddenly wafting across a restaurant, the sound of a favotite song on the radio. It isn't just a psychological reaction: it's felt in the body as if thert had been a physical blow and suddenly we are reliving the anguish of Good Friday and our initial loss. How do we find the promise of resurrection in the midst of this pain?

The suppon of our Church community helps us make thts intellectual decision to forgive. Lydia spoke to her confessor and was strengthened in her resolve to forgive. As we confront our own issues of pain and healing, resentment and forgiveness during this Easter Season, let us ask for an increase of faith to follow in the path of Divine Love.

See Dr. McGreal:~ full article featuring an incredible forgiveness story on www.FAlTHmag.com

just lose a person, you lose an aspect of your life," observes Trudi Ganh, Bereavement Counselor for Hospice of Lenawee County. "When a son loses his father, maybe he's lost his fishing buddy as well. When a wife loses her husband, she's not only lost the person who fixed the washing machine, she's lost the person who used to sit and watch television with her at night.

"Relationships have many levels, so grief Is complex. Your life has been changed In ways you might never have thought about, so you're really experiencing a lot of losses all at once:路

Time can be an important factor in grieving, as well. Time may heal all wounds, but its passage can bring surprises along the way. "Grieving can actually begin before the death occurs," Trudi says. "In the case or an extended illness, the person who is expecting to be left behind begins the grieving process while they're still caring for the terminal person. That's what's called 'anticipatory grief,' and it can involve a lot of rear about what's coming."

But both Trudi and joyce insist that helping someone cope with grief is not ---~-----------------------------------------------路--------------By William Kolheii!YII 1 Phologrephy by lbdd Lanculer strictly the province or trained specialists. Anybody can- and shouldrief is an individual experience. The ways in which help when the need arises. Trudi believes that the most grief counselors approach bereavement are as varied valuable service you can offer someone who has suffered a as the people who experience the loss or loved ones or the loss is simply to be attentive to them. "People are always many circumstances under which those losses can occur. afraid or saying the wrong thing, of hurting instead or help"It's very difficult to generalize about how people should ing," she says. "But someone who's lost a loved one needs to react to death," explains joyce Grodie, Bereavement talk about what they're feeling. And they need to hear other Coordinator for Hospice of Hillsdale County. "Sometimes people speak that loved one's name, to affirm that the perpeople are confused by the grief experience. They may son existed."

What do you say?

We asked the experts

G

have heard they're supposed to feel angry. And If they don't feel angry, they begin to feel guilty.

"The best thing we can do Is just be there for the bereaved individual," Trudi emphasizes. "It's always better

"They think, 'Maybe I didn't really love that person as much as I should have, and that's why I don't feel what I'm supposed to feel.' But that's wrong. There are no hard and fast rules."

While there are some general stages people go through in the grieving process, what each individual will actually 路xperience depends upon that individual. It also depends on the relationship they had with the one who's gone. "It's important to remember that when someone dies you don't

to say something than nothing. And it's absolutely vital to be willing to listen." 3

For information on grief counseling, contact your local Catholic Social Services agency. For children suffering grief, Ele's Place in Lansing assists youngsters in embracing their loss effectively. Ele~ Place can be reached at (517) 482-1315. For further information about parishes that have bereavement or grief ministries as well as BeFriender路 and Stephen Ministries, please visit our Web site.

www.FAITHmeg.com

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April 1000

15

FAITH Magazine

friendships - not shooting one another A vision of my 4-year-old son laughing and playing at school came into mind.

What had broken down so greatly in our society that would drive a 6year-old to take another child's life?

A couple of hours after the call, l was on my way to Buell Elementary School in Mt. Morris Township to cover the story. l already knew the news reports were accurate in reporting that the victim had d ied. l was mainly going to take a few photos, maybe interview some parents, find an angle for a story. I really didn't know what the experience would hold •.. or the effect H would have on me, personally.

When other school shootings had occurred across the nation, l had the luxury of distancing myself from the sadness and pain. I felt sorrow for the victims FAITH Magazine's and their families, but when it got to be too much, I coul Kathy Funk on turn off the pain with the TV remote control. This time, as I pulled into the parking lot Bv Kathv Funk of the elementary school, came to work on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 29, with there was no remote I could use to turn off the pain. Reality my sights set on wrapping up the April issue of FAITH. doesn't come with an "oil" switch.

The sunshine that filled the skies on my drive from Flushing SatellHe news trucks filled the parking lot Instead of to Lansing helped to bolster my energy as well as my spirit. bright, shiny yellow school buses. I approached the doors By the day's end, however, a dark cloud of tragedy had of the school - the same doors by which the victim and the fallen over not only my spirit but my community and the shooter had begun their day. The doors were much like the nation, as well. ones my son will soon be walking through on his first day It began with a telephone call that left me shaking and sick of kindergarten. It should have been a typical day at school. to my stomach. The call came from a journalism colleague Only this time, a little girl didn't skip or run out of those informing me that news reports were being aired in Flint doors at the end of the school day. Instead, she was carried there was another school shooting. This time, in our area. "lt out on a stretcher, bleeding to death. was a first-grader that shot another first-grader. And they're Yellow police tape billowed in the wind off playground saying that the victim has died," . equipment. It seemed to mock the she told me. My initial thought A Natton Watches Our Local Tragedy childhood innocence of laughter and play. was that it was an accident. A child brought a gun to school and acciA roll of carpeting was carried dently shot one of his or her playfrom the scene. As the truck slowly mates. But her next words shook pulled away, the bright yellows, me to the core- not as a journalreds and greens stood out. It was easy to see the vivid colors of a ist, but as a mother. "They're saying that it was intentional." play city. Unfortunately, this city Intentional? A first-grader? which should have lent itself to First-graders are too busy learning imaginary play had, instead, been to read, playing, coloring, forming the scene of a murder.

~--~~~~~-~~--~~~~ÂŁ~~~~~~-~~~~~~!~~~~-~--------

FAITH Maga:inc

16

April 2000

I

www.FAmtmag.com

The Clean-up: Carpet from the Room.

TI1e Rest Won't Be So Easy ._ ÂŽ 1 couldn't help but notice the \!l:hrong of reporters trying to "get the story:' Few seemed bothered that a little girt had been killed just beyond the doors from where they stood "live" on the nightly news.

Words were spoken by a mother of another first-grader recounting the terror she felt when she thought it might have been her own daughter. My own knees felt weak thinking of what I would have done in the same situation she had faced only hours earlier.

I went home that evening and hugged my son just a little tighter. praying that I would never have to go through what the family of Kayla Rolland - the liule girl whose name I now knew - was enduring.

The next morning brought news of the shooter - a 6-yearold boy who lived in a crack house. A crack house? Little boys don't live In crack houses, do they? Then came the harsh realization that he not only lived in a crack house but it was less than 10 miles from my own home- my own safe, secure, insulated world.

This couldn't be right. While I tucked my son into bed lt.,ach evening, a boy less than 10 miles away didn't have a v.ed to sleep on nor a mother who could tuck him in. He didn't have someone to read him the Berenstain Bears, books that have helped my son get over the ~grouchies" and have taught him how to resolve squabbles. Instead, this childs life was filled with guns and drugs.

There was something else at issue with this case - a case so unlike Uttleton or Paducah or any of the other school shootings. In this case, the system, the school, the commu¡ nity. even l, myself, failed this child.

Someone should have known the conditions he was living in.

Someone should have taken action.

At the time of the shooting, he was scheduled to undergo a psychological evaluation for past behavioral problems. Didn't anyone ever wonder why he was having these problems?

That boy, I thought, is guilty of killing his classmate only because he has never had the luxury of innocence childhood innocence.

Genesee County Prosecutor Arthur Busch summed it up best when he said: "We're a community that's very hurt by this. But we're a strong community, and we'll rebound. We'll put our arms around this liule boy and the family of this little girl and do our best."

Our best, though, has to get better. It includes action on my part and what I can do to make my community - which extends beyond the bounds of Flushing's city limits - a beuer place. Or else there'll be another day like Feb. 29. And I might not be the journalist/mother covering the story this time. God forbid, I might be the mom going through the terror of trying to find out news about my child.

cult re

An Old Tradition

By Kathy Funk Photography by Christine Jones, Ann Arbor

What is ham and kielbasa doing in an Easter basket?

Well, ham and kielbasa, along with other Items such as vinegar, butter and sail and pepper, have been found In Easter baskets long before chocolate bun· nles and cellophane grass became familiar basket fillers. Polish Catholics began the tradition of filling baskets with symbolic foods which are later served as part of the Easter meal.

"Traditions bring religion ~tftome," says Canon Darius ~szynskl, Pastor of SL Stanislaus Kostka Parish In Jackson. "What Is faith all about If It Is not manifested?"

Swlenconka, or the blessing of food baskets, Is held In many Catholic Churches on Holy Saturday.

(See page 23) Blessed foods are then to be the first eaten on Easter morning at breakfast break fast - after the 40 days of Lenten sacrifice.

The first item you will need Is a large wicker basket In which to place the following Items:

ihe paschal lamb, the cen· erpiece of the symbolic foods. It is usually made of

butter and molded into shape of the Jamb, the sacnficial animal which came to symbolize Christ. The lamb ls displayed with a victori· ous banner emblazoned by a cross - Christ victorious through His death.

Eggs, the symbol of life and resurrection. ln fact, tradition calls for eggs to be the first food on Easter morning. Colored eggs, pisanki, represent Christ's tomb.

Originally, eggs were all dyed one color- red. Canon Wyszynski recalls his grandmother boiling beets in order to have a deep, rich red coloring on her eggs.

The red , Canon Wyszynski says, symbolized "by His blood , we are cleansed."

Horseradish, vinegar and salt and pepper.

Horseradish, as well as horseradish blended w~h beets, and pepper symbolize the bitter herbs of Passover and the Exodus, the bitter sufferings of Christ on the cross, and our sufferings found in the crosses that we bear throughout our lives.

Vinegar is a reminder of the

sour wine given to jesus on the cross. Salt is a remembrance that we are all "salt of the earth." (Mamhew 5:13)

Bread, the bread of life.

Bread is broken at the table of Polish families after eggs with salt and pepper and horseradish have been shared. After each person has taken a piece of bread, with a sprinkle of salt, the full Easter meal is shared.

the basket in remembrance of the blood given up by jesus on the cross.

Paska, a traditional Polish Easter sweet bread not only provides dessert for the Easter meal but symbolizes the bread of the Eucharistic.

Ham and kielbasa. You don't need a whole ham.

A few pieces are enough to symbolize that the Lord came to fulfill and exceed the Law. This means, in part, that forbidden dietary items of old, like pork, were made acceptable by Divine permission. Interestingly enough, the pig was an ancient symbol of prosperity.

Items that can also be placed In the basket are: other types of meats; cakes and pastries: and treats for the children. The basket Itself Is decorated with pussy willows, myrtle, greenery and branches all joyful signs of new springtime life - as well as the new and eternal life won by Jesus. When palms were not available, the pussy willow would be used in Palm Sunday cele· bratlons In Poland. Myrtle Is a symbol of purity.

Add a IIHJe tradition to your Easter basket this year. Not only will It nour· ish your soul but It will also please your palate - more than a yellow marshmallow chick can any day.

Wine. A bottle of wine can be added to the contents of

Editors Note: T11an1zs are extended to Canon Darius Wyszynslzi and Wanda Pallwwslzi in gathering items for L11e baslzet; Creative Baslzets, Ann Arbor, styling; and New Palace Balzery in Harntramclz for the paslza.

a

culture

An New Tradition

4 Sprinkle a little salt into each

Most of us have a passion for cookies. jesus~ passion was for us. Here's a recipe to experience both.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are not the only holidays steeped In family traditions. Many parents, and grandparents alike, look forward to dying Easter eggs with the kids.

This year we offer another tradition - one that com· lnes family time while explaining the Easter story to youngsters. Don't be surprised If you learn a thing or two about Jesus' death and resurrection while you stir up these very special cookies!

1 Place pecans in zippered baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.

Explain that after jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1·3.

8 Put the cookie sheet in the

5

2 Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl.

Explain that when jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28·30.

To be made the evening befo,.e Easte,.

You will need:

6

1 c. whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract 3 egg whites A pinch of salt 1 c. sugar Zippered baggie Wooden spoon Tape Bible

Greheat oven to 300° F.

represents the rocky tomb where jesus' body was laid.

Read MaHhew 27:57·60

childs hand. let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that th1s rep· resents the salty tears shed by jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

3

Add egg whites to vinegar.

Eggs represent life. Explain that jesus ga\'e His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10·11.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract.

Explain that the sweetest 9 pan of the story is that jesus died because He loves us.

He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high 10 speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed .

Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes for those whose sins have been cleansed by j esus' death.

Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3 :1·3.

7 Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper covered cookie sheet.

Explain that each mound

oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door. Explain that jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read MaHhew 27:65·66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter morning, jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read MaHhew 28:1·9.

Tl!anlls to jillanc job and her daugl1tcrs, Ondrca and Whitney, for mailing tltc coollics.

•

commun1y Year of jubilee

Sacrament of tltc Eucharist PARISH DAYS OF EUCHARISTIC ADORATION IN APRIL April 4 St. Isidore w ingsbwg April 12 St. Mary \Vcstpha li C~ April 13 Sacred Heart Chapel )C~chso n

SUNDAY READINGS

Aprll2 fourth Sunday of Lent 2 Chronicles 36: 14-1 6, 19·23 Psalm 137:1-6 Ephesians 2:4- 10 John 3:14-21 or Cycle A

Second Scrutiny 1 Samuel16:1b,6·7, 1Q-13a Psalm 23:1-6 Ephesians 5 :8·14 John 9:1-41

Aprll9 Fifth Sunday of Lent Jeremiah 31 :31 · 34 PSalm 51 :3-4, 12· 15 Hebrews 5 :7-9 John 12:2Q-33 or

Cycle A Third ScnJtiny Ezekiel 37:12- 14 Psalm 190:1·8 Romans 8t8· 11 John 11 :1-45

Aprll18

Passion (Palm) Sunday Isaiah 50:4· 7 Paaim 22:8·9, 17· 18a, 19·20, 23-24 Philippians 2:6· 1 1 Mark 14:1- 15:47

Aprtl23 Easter Sunday Acta 10:34, 37-43 Psalm 11 8: 1· 2, 16·1 7, 22·23 Colossians 3 : 1-4, or 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 John 20:1•9

Aprll30 Second Sunday of Easter Aeta 4 :32·35

a

Psalm 11 :2-4, 13·15,2 2-24 t John 5:1-6 John 20: 19·31

APRIL EVENTS The Diocese of Lansing's Family Ministry and the Diocesan Tribunal will sponsor a workshop on annulments Saturday, April 1, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Center, Lansing. The workshop is intended for those who may be thinking about submitting a case to the Tribunal. Eileen Jaramillo, J.C.L, a Tribunal judge, will speak on marriage as a covenant, invalid marriages and misinformation about annulments. A second presentation will focus on the specifics of presenting a case for annulment. A question-and· answer session, lunch and prayer service will complete the day. For information, call Sandra Millar, Director of Family Ministry at (517) 3422471 or Barbara White at (517) 589·8487.

take place April 14-1 5 at St. Pius X Parish Center, Flint.

A team of remarried couples, from a variety of backgrounds and specifically trained for this ministry, will facilitate the weekend. For information, contact the Lansing Diocese's Family Ministry through the office of Catholic Charities at (517) 342-2458.

The annual Chrism Mass will be held Thursday, April 20, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Catl1edral, Lansing.

Representatives from each parish of the Diocese of Lansing will be in attendance as Bishop Carl Mengeling blesses chrism, the holy oil used in baptisms, confirmations and Holy Orders. Chrism is also used to bless tower bells, baptismal waters and for the consecration of churches, altars, chalices and patens.

The Curslllo Weekend for Men is scheduled to take place April 27·30, while the Curslllo Weekend for Women is slated for May 4-7, Singles Saturday Jubilee is both at Camp Dainava, five scheduled for April 8 from miles west of Manchester. The 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at St. Francis focus of the weekends is the of Assisi Church, Ann Arbor.

"New Evangelization.• The event is co-sponsored by Candidates to the Cursillo pro· the Diocese of Lansing, First gram must be practicing Presbyterian Church of Ann Catholics in good standing who Arbor and First United want to enrich and deepen Methodist Church of Ann their understanding of the faith.

Arbor. Keynote speakers For information or registration, include Fr. Gary Mcinnis, call Maria Jaimez in Adrian at Associate Pastor of Holy (517) 265·2720, Gene Redeemer Church, Burton, Myers in Rint at (81 0) 234and Rev. Dianne Smalley, an 3693, Barbara Tucker in ordained Presbyterian minister.

Jackson at (517) 787-4009, For information, call Diocese of or Ray or Grace Pizana in Lansing's Adult Singles Tecumseh at (517) 467Ministry at (517) 342-2494 7621. or the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor at (734) A Worldwide Marriage 662-4466.

Encounter Weekend is planned for April 28-30 in A New Beginnings remarLansing. The encounter is riage seminar is slated to

designed to give married couples the opportunity to examine their lives together. This is accomplished through a series of presentations by a team of Catholic couples as well as a priest. For information, call Chuck or Marilyn Jenkinson at (877) 743-3615.

Catholic Youth Bash 2000 will kick off on Friday, April 28, at the Lansing Center. The bash is a jubilee happening for youths from throughout the state of Michigan.

A rally will be neld Saturday, April 29. Morning activities and speakers will be featured at the Lansing Center. The afternoon will be highlighted by an event on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol Building and will include Cardinal Adam Maida, Gov. John Engler, and Bishop Carl Mengeling who will be joined by bishops from around the state. Following that, the youths will march back to the Lansing Center for Mass to be presided by Cardinal Maida.

The bash will conclude on Sunday with service projects undertaken throughout the Lansing area. For more information, contact Jim Corder, Director of Youth Ministry for the Lansing Diocese, at (51 7) 342 2485.

The Board of Trustees of the Greater Lansing Catholic Education Foundation has announced the appointment of Michael G. Marshall as Executive Director.

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

Lansing Region Easter Schedule Aprll20 Holy Thursday

Aprll21 Good Friday

Holy s.tantar

Aprtl22 wtnVIgfl

Aprfl23

Blessing of Food

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

7:30pm

1:00 prn 7:30pm Tcnebrae

11:30am

8:00pm

9:00am !1 :30am

DeWitt St. jude

7:00pm

7:00pm

8:00pm

8:30& 11

Eut&..nslna St. john Student P41rlsh

7:30pm

8:00pm

St. ThoiiUU Aquinas

7:00pm

8:30 am Prayer 12:15 pm Vcneralfon 2: 15 pm Stalfons 12:30 pm Stalfons 11:00 am 1:15pm

8:00am !O:OOam 12:00 pm 8:00am 9:30am 11:00 am

Eaton R•plds St. Ptttr

7:00pm

1:00 prn 5:30 pm Stations 9:00 pm Tenebrae

7:00pm

1:00pm 7:00 pm Stations

7:00pm

1:00am 7:00pm

7:00pm

L john Catholic Student Parish,

ast Lansing, will hold the followmg Lenten events: • Llibyrlnth Prayer Walks are scheduled for Monday, April 3 , and Monday, April 1 7, from 6:3D-9:30 p.m. The meditative walk leads participants to center inward and back out again with renewed intentione for daily life. A facilitator will be available at 6:30 p.m. for a brief orientation to open the evening and again at 9:30p.m. for closing prayer.

• Stations of the Cross will be held at 5:30 p.m. during the evenings of Lent. All are welcome to attend.

• The Perish Lenten ReconclllaUon Service is planned for Wednesday, April 5, at 7 :30p.m.

Bellevue St. Ann CMrlotte St. Mary

10:()().12:00 pm 8:00pm

8:00am 10:30am

7:00pm

8:30am 10:30am

8 :00pm

8 :30am 10:45 am

8:30am 1:30 pm Uturgy

6:30pm

9:00am

7:00pm

12:00pm

8:00pm

7:00pm

Outdoor Stalfons 1:00 pm Stations

Immaculate Heart of Mary

7:30pm

1:30pm 1:00pm

8 :00pm

Church of the Resurrection

7:00pm

12:10pm

8 :00pm

9 :00am 12:00 prn 8:00am !O:OOam 7:45am 9 :30am 11 :30am 7:30am 9:30am 11 :00 am

Sr. Andrew Dung-lac St. Casimir

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

7:30pm

8:30pm

8:00am 9:30am

Sr. Gerard

7:00pm

12:00 prn Rosary 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Stations 7:00pm 11 :30 am 12:30 pm Passion 2:30 pm Stations

St. Mary Cathedral

10:30 am Chrism 9:00 am Prayer 7:00pm Lord~ Supper 12:05 pm 2:30 pm Stations 8 :00 pm Ttncbrae 7:00pm 12:30 Lord~ Passion 2:30 pm Sta!lons

Fowler

Most Holy Trinity Grand Ledge

St. Michael

The fourth annual Rose Mass for Heafth Care Workers will be held Sunday, April 2, at St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing. The Maaa will begin at 2 p.m. A luncheon will follow. For reserve· tiona, call (734} 93Q-7480.

Scholarship fund established for Diocesan schools It could be considered a gift that will keep on giving.

As pan of Bishop Carl Mengeling's multimillion dollar jubilee gift package announced in December, schools within the lansing Diocesan School System will benefit from a permanent scholarship fund established with a $500,000 grant.

The interest from this fund ·t}}J;!ll be disttibuted equally 1 mong diocesan schools. The disttibution of funds to the schools will begin this fall and each school will allocate the funds to students in need.

!1:00am

Llllngsburg

St. fish Fries, sponsored by Knights of Columbus 4#:7816, are ached· uled for Friday, April 7 and 14, at SL Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing, from 4-7 p.m. in Fr. Mac Hall. Take out dinners will be 41)'aitable. Proceeds will go to the of C . and Catholic Charities.

8:00pm

faster

bldo~

Lansing

CrfstoRey

Holy Cross

St. Therese

10:00 am

11:30am

12:00pm

8:00pm

8 :30pm

7:30am 9 :00am 11 :00am 12:30pm 9 :00am Prayer 8 :00am 7:00 pm VIgil !O:OOam !2:00pm 8:00pm

8:30am 10 :30 am

9:00pm

9 :00am 11:00am

8 :00pm

8:00am !1:00am

Mason

St. James

7:00pm

2:00pm 9:00 pm Tencbrae

7:00pm

12:00 pm Stations 1:00pm

Montee

St. Mary

Adoration until midnight

11:00am

Okemos

St. Martha

7:00pm

1:00pm

7:00pm

8& lOam 12:00 pm

7:30pm

1:00pm

9 :00pm

10:00 am

9:00pm

8:00am ! O:OOam 12:00 pm

Duak

Regular

OVId

Holy Family St. Johns

St. joseph

Westphalia St. Mary

7:30pm Lord~ Supper 1:00 pm 12 pm Midnight Prayer 7:00 pm Stations 7:00pm

4:00pm

!2:00pm

Maaa Schedule

Williamston St. Mary

7:00pm

1:00pm

!1:00am

8:00pm

8:00am !O:OOam 12:00pm

11m

LiHie Girl Lost Faith community mourns first-grader

By Kathy Funk and Evelyn Barella

Next to the lectern where Fr. Eduardo Lorenzo delivered his homily March 5 to parishioners of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, stood a picture of a little girl with a faint smile on her face. In her hands she held a small bouquet of flowers.

She could have been anyone's child or grandchild or sister. But during this Sunday Mass, she was a child whose shocking death had saddened the hearts of members of Our Lady of

Guadalupe. The smiling girl was Kayla Rolland , 6, who was gunned down by a fellow classmate less than two miles from the parish.

"This was just not in our state but in our own backyard," said Fr. Lorenzo during his homily. "My God , where arc we going? One single little girl was killed by a single bullet by a boy the same age. We all ask, 'What in the world?' ~when we take our kids to school or the bus picks

1be C8lhollcs of the Dloc:eH of l.8nllng 8ftCI I .,.. deeply uddellecl by the .,...ac dull of .. ..........

lllleglrl. Kart- Rolland. WHh loving con~F••Ion we olf.- ocr pnyerlul support to her grieving .,.......

8nd f8mlty who know the IMNirtbrMidng lou of • dear child. Oar heerta 110 out to the other vldlln, 1M ..... boy, to hla family, to the Buel ElelnMIIIry School c-unlly Md the people of ... llorrtL .................... the honw of c:blldNn ~ chlldran MYenly .....- .-ch Of us and our let. force .. to~ the c:h8111nge to end the cyde of vlol•ca. n. only ...... dole tor IIIIIIIMt human lfe • respec:l far

............... --•I••• vto•.-

............

,..,. ............... tiH ........... vlollnce

...... ~.......................... ltlalnthellllnd

.... '-" ...... ,........who r..,ec:tl .......... ....... ....., ........ of .... penon. Respeclfw - - . . . . rooled In .... ......,................ .... lind Ia supported by • lOeWy laal ~ • cullln of W..lhllll81one can ................... the~ .. violence ..........

........._... ... oar...._

them up, we don't think that a little girl is going to be shot to death at school."

Kayla was shot to death on Feb. 29 at Buell Elementary School in Mt. Morris Township. The shooter, 6, will not be held responsible for the killing because of h1s age. He lived in a crack house with his uncle and his uncles friend, jamclle James. James has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for pro· viding the boy with the gun - a stolen .32 semiautomatic that was hidden in some bedding. Authorities have also accused the boys mother, Tamarla Owens, of neglect.

While the days JUSt after the shooting at Buell Elementary School were filled with sadness and shock surrounding Kayla's death, Fr. Lorenzo emphasized the need for healing. ~when something like this happens, people remember God ," he said . "They go to churches and pray. But what happened before all of this happened? The churches were open.·· While much has been said in the media about what could have prevented Kayla's death- from gun

control measures to metal detectors in the schoolsFr. lorenzo pointed out what really is needed is change, especially on the part of parents.

"It took something like this happening to remem· ber God. As we go through this difficult time, we have to pray but we also need look at our lives In relation to the Lord:'

"The conditions that boy was living in was not good," said Fr. Lorenzo. ~we need to be setting good examples as parents. Kids are like tape recorders. They arc taping everything and they see things with their eyes.

While this is a time of sad· ness, it is also a time for responsibility.

"We need to remember to pray, remember to make sacrifices, and remember to be a generous person.''

Following his homily, Fr. lorenzo was joined by each child of the parish as they brought an offering of flowers to the altar in remembrance of young Kayla . ~The kids really wanted t be a part of this," said Laur Medina, a parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. "Some of the chit·

tpi

news Christ the King, Ann Encuentro 2000 celebration Arbor breaks ground important to cultural tapestry

By Thereu Hafer

On jan. 22, more than 350 parishioners and • friends of Christ the King Catholic Church in Ann Arbor braved snow and bone-chilling cold to celebrate the groundbreaking and blessing of the land for the parish's new Church in northeast Ann Arbor.

dren S<Jid how S<Jd they were because she was such a linle girl. ~ In addition to the outpounng of sympathy by members of Our Lady of Guadalupe, students at St. Robert Bcllarmme School in Flushing created a large ~ster card following the ~agedy. Every student and staff member signed the card and it was placed next to the Kaylas casket.

According to jill Bellinger, St. Robert School secretary, , an teacher Kathy Liggett designed the oversized card Parishioners and support~ and drew a picture of an ers cheered as Bishop Carl angel on the front with the Mcngeling lifted the first words, "Heaven has a new shovelful of dirt, followed little angel." Inside the card

by Fr. Ed Fride, Pastor of read, "Our thoughts and Christ the King, Deacon prayers arc with your family."

Dan foley, and Fr. Tom For the Hrst two days folFirestone, Washtenaw lowing the shooting, Kayla Regional Vicar. was remembered at Sl. The Bishop commended Robert School with a the parishs openness to the moment of silence during presence and power of the morning prayer and Holy Spirit. announcements.

"After an interminable "The junior high slUdents succession of auditoriums, have said how they just gymnasiums, etc., it will be can't imagine this happena great joy for the parish to i g," Bellinger said. "They finally be able to celebrate e one of our first-graders the Holy Sacrifice of the walking down the hall and Mass in a Church, consethey think about how crated to God and built for young that linle girl was. It's the honor of His Holy had quite an impact" Name," said Fr. Fridc.

found in Catholic Church, says Lansing Diocesan Director

by Ronald Landfair

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) has designated july 8 as a jubilee Day for Ethnic Diversity, to focus on and highlight cultural diversity during this jubilee 2000 Year. In celebration of that, a national gathering of Catholics reOecting the rich cultural tapestry of Church membership is scheduled for july 6-9 in Los Angeles.

The celebration , Encucntro 2000: Many Faces in God's House, marks the first gath~ ering in the Umted States to recogmze the richness of the Church's racial, ethnic and cultural diversity found throughout the nation. ~ Encucntro 2000 is not a program for just the Hispanid Latino community,~ says

Serapio Hernandez, Diocesan Director of Hispanic and Migrant Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing.

Hernandez adds, "Our challenge today is to ask the question: 'How do we see the Church and ourselves Into the next decade, ccntu· ry and mtllennium?'"

For more information on Encucntro 2000, contact Scrapio Hernandez, Director of Hispanic Ministry/Migrant Ministry for the Lansing Diocese at (517) 342-2498 or via e-mail at sherna@dioccscoflansing.org

We Remember ro Ten Messes wiN be offered by • mlutonery from the Dfoc:eH of Lansing for those persons who were burled In our diocesan cemeteries during the month of January.

Missionary of the Month '~. MlchHI Kirwin, M.M., Is e Maryknoll priest from St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson. In 1989, he founded the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies.

To have memorial Messes offered by missionaries for your deceesed loved ones. send stipends to: Office of Mtsslons. P.O. Box 75, Ovid, Ml 48888-0075. If you know of a son or daughter of the Lansing Diocese currently serving In a mission, please forward their names to: Office of Cemeteries, 300 Ottawa, Lansing, M148933.

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www.FAJTHmag.com

Al"H 2000

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fAITii Mag;t:inc

th world Catholic cartoonist pays tribute to 'Peanuts' creator I'HILADELPHIA tCNS) -

The late Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz "really was Charlie Brown," said Philadelphia native and Family Circus creator Bil Keane, 77.

"He worried a lot. If something wasn't going to work out right, he figured it wasn't going to work out for him," Keane smd.

"Right to the end. just as lucy pulled the football and Charlie Brown never got to kick it, Schulz never got to see the final cartoon in the Sunday morning paper.~ he added.

Schulz died Feb. 12, the night before his last original strip - a fond farewell to his fans - was published in newspapers around the world.

If Schulz's death could have been scripted, ~it couldn't have been done any better.~ said Keane. ~A lot of people figure its just coincidence, irony. I figure it was Providence. I think it was Gods hand, really."

Pope asks forgiveness for past and present sins of Christians -:..~;;~.:~~~~-(~~;;_------------v~;i~;~~-o~~;ri~~---------

During a lenten Mass in St. Peter's Basilica rich with symbols of penitence, Pope John Paulll solemnly asked forgiveness for the past and present sins of Christians.

"This first Sunday in Lent seemed to me a favorable occasion for the Church, gathered spiritually around the successor of Peter, to implore divine forgiveness for the sins of all believers.~ said the pope, wearing dark purple vestments embroidered with brilliant silver panels.

Standing before a largerthan-life-sized wooden crucifix erected to one side of the altar, the pope was joined in the apology liturgy by seven top Vatican officials.

Dividing the apology by categories, the pope asked forgiveness for sins: • In general.

• Committed in the service of the truth, introduced

by Cardinal joseph Ratzinger, Prefect of the

Congregation, which was created more than 450 years ago under a different name to run the Inquisition.

• Against Christian unity, introduced by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, President of the Vatican's Jubilee Commission.

Contrary to Christ's wishes, said the pope, Christians ~have opposed one another, becoming divided, and have mutually condemned one another and fought against one another."

He prayed that the recognition of sins against unity would facilitate the reconciliation and reunion of Christians.

• Against the Jewish peepie, introduced by Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, President of the Commission for Religious Relations with Jews.

Committing the Church before God to "genuine brotherhood" with the jews, the pope said that "we are deeply saddened by the behavior of those who in the course of history have caused these children of yours to suffer."

• Against "love, peace, the rights of peoples. and respect for cultures and religions; introduced by Archbishop Stephen Fumio Hamao, President of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers.

The pope said Christians have often yielded "to a mentality of power, they have violated the rights of ethnic groups and peoples and shown contempt for their cultures and religious traditions."

• Against the dignity of women and the unity of the human race. Cardinal Francis Arinze, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, introduced the petition, say· ing women "are all too often humtliated and marginalized.~ In his prayer the pope said that at times "the equality of your sons and daughters has not been acknowl edged, and Christians have bee n guilty of attitudes of rejection and exclusion,

For more Catholic news, 1ubiCI'tbe to The utlto/lc Times, en authorized news weeldy of the Dloce•e of Llnalng (517) 793·7661 or IUblcrtbe bv a-mall ctedltone@aol.c:om

e astWord ...

Etemal Easter VISions MOn a clear day, you can see forever.· Most Rev. Kenneth J. Povlsh

consenting to acts of dis· crimination on the basis of racial and ethnic differences. ~ • Against fundamental human rights, introduced

by Archbishop Francois Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, President of the Pontifical Council for justice and Peace.

The archbishop highlighted sins against the ~most defenseless, the unborn killed in their

mother's womb or even exploited for experimental purposes by those who abuse the promise of biotechnology and distort the aims of science."

The pope prayed for forgiveness "for all those who have committed acts of injustice by trusting in wealth and power and showing contempt for the 'little ones."'

A main purpose in recognizing the faults of past Christians, the pope said in his homily, was "to reawaken our consciences to the (moral) compromises of the present, opening the path of conversion to each" person.

"Faced with atheism, religious indifference, secularism, ethical relativism, violations of the right to life, disinterest toward the poveny of many countries, we cannot but ask ourselves what our own responsibilities are," the pope said.

By john Norton (CNS)

World Catholic Population Up

Alan jay Lerner wrote those lyrics back around 1966, Barbra Streisand sings them best, and every time I hear them I think of Easter. Since Lerner lived in New York City, one has to wonder where he experienced the haze-free, smoke-free, exhaust-free day that so inspired him.

But most people are thrilled by the experience of a clear day, possibly after a thundershower, when all man-made foulness is washed and blown away. V'lSibUity seems limitless. Easter is like that - the clear day on which we can see eternity.

The Incarnation brought God to eanh in jesus Christ, truly the greatest story ever told. jesus himself, the greatest storyteller who ever lived, is the worlds greatest teacher.

What he taught and what he promised his followers in the Gospel was almost too good to be true. Remember how they kept badgering him for proof- "What sign do you give?" "How shall we know?" "By what authority do you do these things?"

So jesus gave them a sign: "just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the hean of the eanh three days and three nights.• To be your follower we have to carry a cross daily? You expect us to be salt and light in our world? We must love one another the way you have loved us? This paschal mystery business - who bears the cross shall wear the crown what sign do you give that we may know we must do as you say?

So jesus gave them another sign~ "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death he will rise."

It is better to give than to receive? love is the fulfillment of the law? We must strive to enter by the narrow gate? Whoever believes in you will never die? How can we be sure that your promises will be fulfilled?

So jesus gave them yet another sign, on the day he drove the merchants and bankers out of the temple: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

He was probably pointing to himself, unnoticed while his hearers were admiring the architecture.

All the signs pointed to that third day, to Easter morning, when they found the tomb empty and saw jesus risen to a new life. Easter morning took away the clouds of doubt, the haze of uncertainty, the smoke of argument.

"On a clear day you can see forever." Easter is that clear day on which we can see it all - true, real, eternal. ..,...,

OPEN THE DOORS ·To CHRiST

faith

--Oft.

U.S.Potlle. .

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l.antln'- ..II

300 W Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933 This publk;~Cion is from your loelll C.:uholic Church

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