May/June 2001

ack when FAITH was conceived, the vision 1 shared was to publish a magazine that presented God's Word made flesh in icons that were incamational. It is God in Jesus Christ who is at work among us. It is God who is present in our ordinary humanity. There He engages us, loves us, acts upon us, and awaits our response to His loving invitation to share His life with us. FAITH's mission never was to simply present information, data, news, doctrinal dissertations or controversial arguments. FAITHs mission was, and still is, to present the story of God's coming to us and our response to His presence in human accounts - through a person's own words or by highlighting the lives of ordinary folks. Recently FAITH Magazine contracted with Publishers Information Center, a national company that evaluates publications with respect to their mission and purpose and their readership's response to their strategies. Their repon informed us that we had achieved great success in our endeavor. With that accomplished, now it is time for me to turn over the ship to a new captain. One such as myself, namely a founding editor, should do the "founding" and then step aside so that another- someone with new energy and purposefulness - can steer the ship out into the high seas. Fr. Dwight Ezop comes with all of the right kind of talent, ability, vision and knowledge. He has his compass, sextant, charts, Nonh Star, global navigation system, and the mission that was first given to me by Bishop Carl F. Mengeling. Bishop Mengeling is a shepherd who has faith-filled courage, steady nerves, enthusiasm, and zeal for the New Evangelization, to which Pope John Paul II has called us in order to influence our worlds "postmodem" culture. There is a formal ceremony in the Navy when an old captain turns over his command to a new captain. All hands are called on deck, music is played, prayers are said, pipes are piped, salutes are exchanged, and the Old Man steps out on the gangplank where he salutes the flag and then gradually disappears as he descends down from his ship deck. So, Fr. Dwight, I salute you. "Shes all yours, now." 1 must now head toward retirement, maybe write a book or an occasional feature anicle, and hopefully do some more traveling. I leave with a hean full of love, gladness, and wonderful memories, along with firm confidence that you will steer FAITH just where God wants it to sail ... with full canvas catching heaven's winds. May God bless you, the wonderful staff we have, Bishop Mengeling, Bishop Kenneth Povish, and all who have devoted themselves to launching this ship, outfitting it, and who then let me "take the con" and sail her out on her maiden voyage. It has been quite a trip! The beginning has now ended. 1have been singularly blessed and privileged. May it now always be for the greater glory of God! J

Fr. Dwight Ezop, Asaodale Editor, will replac:e Fr. Charles Irvin as Editor In Chief of FAITH Magulne July 1.

conte ts Features: Life and Death

Contributors

A Husband~ Grief

In the Know with Fr. joe

• Finding Love Again • Focus; Ele's Place Nancy Sc:hertzlng

Fr. Jonph Knipp 12

• How Emergency Workers Do it Plllrlda MaJher

•The Importance of Mary's Yes 10

Worlt Life Michael Sullivan, SFO

•A Place Where No One Needs to Die Alone 20

Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

Culture

Souvenirs of Sanctity Ewlyn Blnlla

17 Departments

The journey Dr. CathiHn McGrul

•How 4,000 Mexicans Saved the U.S.A. Ronald Landfair

Spiritual Fitness

Mother Teresa House Robin Lynch

Cinco de Mayo I

From the Bishop Bishop Carl Mengellng

Life and Death Every Day

Our Heritage

communnv

local news the world

28 28 30

The Last Wonl ... Bishop Kenneth PoviM

31 Cover: Steve was devastated after his wife died. FJnd out how he found love again with Anita on Page 12.

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Volume 2 : Issue 5 IIIIYIIIIM2001

Most Reverend Carl F. Mengeling PUIUSHUI

Rev. Fr. Charles Irvin Sand your letters to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa Lansing, Ml 48933 or via e·mall frdrvln@rc.nat

aDnOR IN CHII!:I'

Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop AUOCIATE EDnOR IN CHIU

Patrick M. O'Brien MANAGING I!DITORICRUTIVE DIRECIOR

Kathy Funk

Grief over Granholm

AUISTANT I!DITDfl

Mollie Lauffer CRII!ATM 6 I!DITDfiW. ASSISTANT WliiMASTU

]illancjob SUUCRIPIIONIIJSECRI!:TARY

Evelyn Weitzel SUUC:RIPT10NS

Rev. Fr. William Ashbaugh Evelyn Barella Elizabeth johnson Rev. Fr. joseph Krupp Ronald l.andfair Robln Lynch Patricia Majher Dr. Cathleen McGreal Brett McLaughlin jennifer Nlester Most Rev. Kenneth J. Povish Nancy Schertzing Michael Sullivan CONnHunNG WRI'IUS

Margaret Perrone PIIOOfiJti!ADING

Christine jones james Luning Philip Shippen CONTRIBunNQ PHOTOGIW'HEJIS

james Luning, Photography ONnti!:COVU

Wayne Case Mary Delano

David Fenech Panicia Garda Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev. Fr. james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISOR'( IIOARD

Rev. Fr. Karl Pung Will MINISTRY

RC.ll!!t and Parish Systems W!IISITI!:SUPPOAT

CPI Graphics, Lansing PRINTING

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tice toward those already born. Unfortunately this choice is rarely available in the current What a delight it was to read political environment. The about Rep. Paul DeWeese (Aprtl choice of most pro-life activists 2001). However, what a disappointment to read your glowing to accept a broader political agenda that also includes capi, article on jennifer Granholm. tal punishment, increased We understand that part of FAITH's mission is to reach out, defense spending, and severe but to what depths are you will, cuts to social programs, leaves me little choice but to vote for ing to sinh? jennifer Granholm their opponents. is one of the most pro-abortion While your survey is a good politidans in Michigan and start, I would lihe to see your should be exposed as such. We magazine take the discussion almost choked when we read one step further by raising a that her pastor said she is a corresponding question that is 1aithful" Catholic. At best, he too rarely voiced: Can a per, must have been kidding. MActive" maybe, but faithful? ... son be "a good Catholic" and still tolerate the social injustices When we get to heaven, we a~n't going to be asked whether faced daily by the poor? Kevin Deegan KrauM or not we agreed with Church teaching. we·~ going !0 be ... The real issue in the asked whether or not we were Granholm situation is that she obedient. Christ didn't say, is, by choice, a public figure "Follow me and my teachings, with real responsibility to be only if you agree." He said, "If morally inform.ed on the teachyou love me, obey me." If you want to represent all those who ing of the Church. The notion claim to be Catholic, could you that a public official can exempt herself from right please at least be completely thinking and right actions on honest? Christ's faithful followmoral issues is ludicrous. There ers deserve that much. may be gray areas where one John and M•ry Jo Thayer can argue the application of ethics and the rtght use of pru, Thanh you for your balanced dence, but this is not such a article on jennifer Granholm case. For a public official who and your willingness - as exhibited by your (online) sur- is a self-proclaimed practicing vey - to acknowledge the com· Catholic, to be in the position of being able to effect the outcome plexity of abortion as a public on the issue of abortion and policy issue. Abortion is an chooses, publically, to opt out of important issue, but it is not the only one. In an ideal world, the battle on the Mso~called" rtght of a woman to choose, is a concern for the life of the unborn would have as its coun- serious matter. It is one thing to terpart a concern for social jus, accept a person where he or she

is at and then try to brtng them deeper into the truth of the Lord. It is quite another thing to, in effect, approve of the actions or inactions of a public official who clearly advocates, for all practical purposes, abortion. This breeds clear confusion among people who are struggling to know the truth. If the official Church can say great things about a woman, who may be in all other ways a wonderful person, who is on the record on abortion's wrong side, then ltow arc the rest of us going to preach the truth about abortion to men and women who have been involved in abortion in the past or may be in the near future? If Granhol can so easily duck the conse, quences in the eyes of the offi, cia! Church, what rtght do we have to call abortion an objec· live evil in all circumstances? What does this article convey about Church teaching to readers who need to hear the truth? Additionally, do you not confirm her In her march down the path that other politicians have taken from being pro-life to being pro-abortion ... ? The sad truth is that she is not being corrected at her partsh, but is allowed to publically minister and then use it to show "what a good girl I am." The difference between this situation and the examples on which others have attached you, is that they repented and changed. Granholm has not and shows no signs of a shift to my knowledge. Daacan Dan Folav

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Fr. Karl Pung moderates this month's discussion on life and death: 1 What does death mean to

you? 2: Why are many atheists afraid of death? Why are many Christians also afraid? 3 W hat use is the re in allowing terminally ill people to suffer?

Book of tHe Month lbe·Joumey 1b Pellc:e hllectlons on Failla, ErnbrKing SullerfniL inif Finding New LJfa By Joseph Cllrillrial

Bem•nlln joseph Cardinal Bernardin (19281996)touched millions of people through his passionate witness, humble wisdom , and spiritual writings. In the final monthl pf his life he shared his personal reflections in The Gift of'Peace, a modem classic about finding inner peace in the face of life's greatest trials. As part of his rich legacy. The Gift of Reace has become ( ~ international bestseller and brought coumge, healing,

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in the know with Fr. oe I heard a great story recently about two nuns traveling together In a car. As they rode along, they saw off In the distance the devil on a road sign making fun of them. They couldn't believe It! The first nun

sister, and pray!" Thus, they began to pray. Next, the devil tumed Into a bat that was flying around the car. Again, the first nun says, "What do I do now?" The second nun said, "Stay calm, sister, and pray:" As she began her prayers, the bat stuck to their windÂˇ shield! Shocked, the first sister said, "Sisler, what do I do now?" The second nun responded. "Quick, show him your cross!" So the first nun rolled down the window and screamed, "Get off the windshield now, you stupid ball" Sorry about that one.

Fr. Joe. what does the Church teach about cremaUon? What happens to us when we die? Do we believe In relncamatlon?

To the untrained observer, these questions may appear unrelated, but I, the answer man, shall mash them all together to create an answer stew. Brace yourselfl The answer to all of these questions can be found in the idea of the value of the human body in the Catholic faith. First of all, and perhaps

most imponantly, as Catholics, we believe in the resurrection of the body. Thats right, we believe these bodies are going to heaven some day. Where does this come from? If you look in Genesis, you'll see that after God finished with creation, 1\ He said, "It is good." He waâ&#x20AC;˘ talking about us, as well as the rest of creation, and no amount of sin on our pan can change something God declared. Also, we Catholics believe that when jesus took flesh. He made all flesh sacred. With all these things in mind, I like to tell people that if I lose weight, 1 will lose some of my sanctity, but nobody seems to believe me. Anyway. with this understanding, we know now that we reject any theology that teaches that the body is just a shell or a container for our souls. We believe that this body is sacred and is in fact going to spend an eternity with jesus. Incidently. that is why we have so many rules about these bodies of ours, but that is a different ankle ... Where do we get this the-t ology? Well, we're Catholic, so we get it from two places.

tlliS llltllllll i11 iliSlt)r\' MAY/JUNE, GUESS THE YEAR "

George W. Lucas Jr:s epic motion picture, Star Wars, debuted May 26, What Year? The movie became the first film in history to top $200 million at the box office.

•

French saint and national heroine, St. Joan of Arc, was burned at the stake May 30, What Year? for heresy.

The Catholic Pontifical Biblical Commission issued a decree June 30, What Year? which interpreted the first 11 chapters of Genesis as history, not myth.

Actor Jackie Gleason died at the of age 71 on June 24, What Year? in Fort lauderdale, Fl. Gleason was best known for his portrayal of the crotchety, yet lovable, Ralph Kramden on the television show The Honeymooners. L96~ ·~Et>~ '606~ 'LL6~

~mat makes vou feel111ost aive?

------------------------------·----------------------------~----~------------------------------------------

First of all, the Bible. We've already looked at Genesis and jesus taking flesh. but there are other biblical references. In I Corinthians 6: 1315, 19-20, Paul lays down our belief in the resurrection of the body. Read this one; it:S very important. Also in I Corinthians 15:50-56 Paul describes how our "heavenly bodies" will be different (this docs not mean perfect abs, I checked). That covers some of the Sacred Scripture passages, so let's take a look at the Catechism. In your Catechisms, section 90 states, "The resurection of the flesh means not only that

the immortal soul will live on after death, but that even our mortal body will come to life again." Also in CCC, see numbers 686, 999-1000. So, if our bodies are sacred, and in fact destined for heaven, then we have the beginnings of the answers to our questions. Ready? First of all, the Catholic Church rejects the idea of reincarna-

tion. If our bodies are destined for heaven, which one do we get at the resurrection? Our Catechisms say that there is no "pool of souls" for reincarnated beings. For the scripture, please see Hebrews 9:27. Cremation is acceptable in the Catholic Church. The CCC puts it this way: ''The Church permits cremation,

first, the specific judgement at the moment of our death. This is the one you hear all the jokes about "standing before the gates of heaven." This judgment takes place at our deaths and our souls bear this decision out, but not our bodies (yet!). Secondly, at the end of time, when Jesus returns, all of creation wi11 be judged and provided that it does not our souls will join our boddemonstrate a denial ofjaitl1 ies at our final destination. in tl1e resumction of tl1e So, treat those bodies body" (2301, emphasis right, people- you're gonna mine). It is important to note have 'em foreve r! Enjoy that the actual cremation is another day in Gods to be done after the funeral presence! Send your Questions to: Mass. What happens when "In the Know with Fr. Joe" we die? That one is a little FAITH Magazine more involved. Putting it in 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Ml 48933 the briefest possible terms, or E·Mall we will face two judgments; JoelnBiack@prlesLcom

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olidays are the stuff of myth and legend. "But what hap* pens when the myths and legends are wrong? Many people think Cinco de Mayo is a Church holi&y or that it celebrates Mexican independence. But what if' neither statement is really true? "On the surface, for most Mexicans, Cinco de Ml!,yo is a time for celebration," says Serapio Hernandez, Lansing Diocesan director of HisJ?anic and Migrant Ministry. "It is fiesta time - good food, drink, dance, family gatherings and public celebrations, but mostly an excuse to party. The Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on a larger scale here in the United States than it is celebrated in Mexico. Mexicans in the U.S. celebrate this significant day with parades, mariachi music, folklorico dancing and other types of festive activities. But ft>\is aJso much more than that." What Cinco de Mayo really celebrates is the bravery of +,000 Mexican soldiers who, indi:recdy, may have saved the U.S. and preserved its union. It commemorates the defeat of the French army by Mexicans and Mexican-Americans at the Batde of Puebla. fu 1862, the Civil War was underway in earnest, fraoturifig the U.S. Meanwhile, many thousands of ~ away, a large force of 8 ,000 French soldiers under the )Ommandrof the grandson of Napoleon Bonaparte, Napoleon Ill, marched on Mexico City. Napoleon lll directed his ttoops to conquer all of Mexico itself and never believed the ill-equipped and hopelessly outnumbered Mexican forces to be a serious threat to his plans to help fortify the southern states. The French Legion would bring needed artillery and manpower reserves to the slave states in their fight for independence. While French fon:es marched towards Mexico City, the Mexican fon:es met them in the town of Puebla, among the fortified hills of Loreto and Guadalupe. There, a batde decisive for three countries fatefully unforseen at the time, took place. The result was a slaughter unlike any the French had experienced since Waterloo. Cinco de Mayo represents the brave stand by the muhiad~ al peoples of Native American, Native Me:xiam, and Spanish descent:: Had the Mexican forces fallen before the vasdy superior forces of the French army, no one knows if this would have been the entry point for the French into the Civil War, possibly altering its outcome. "This is the fust battle that gave the Mexican people a feeling of independence - that they could take care of themselves," explains Tony Benavides, lansing city councilman and director of 6risto ~ Community Center. "It was the first occasion for the Mexican people to come together and say, 'No more!' ... "This was the fust time that the Mexican (J)overnment took on the OP.pressors and stood up for itself.

The leadership went to the people and asked them to stand up for what they believed. They told them, 'They will take your land, treasures and children. You must fight for your freedom.' "It is the most celebrated holii:lay both in Mexico and the U.S, even more so than Mexican Independence day (Sept 16) and Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec. 12). It is a worldwide celebration for the Mexican people." Uniquely, Cinco de Mayo and St. Patricks Day share a common cultural history as the only two holidays celebrated in the U.S. that have specific roots in other geographic cultures, but which have permeated the American psyche. "It is for those of us who have 'Mestizo blood in our veins,' a sense of pride and dignity that unites us as a people, with our native indigenous ancestors in a struggle for freedom against overwhelming odds," Hernandez comments. wctnco de Mayo serves to remind us that 'si, se puede,' meaning 'yes, you can overcome oppression, when there is a will or a need,' and 'Corazones Unidos,' meaning 'hearts united for a cause.m In Lansing, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in public schools, Cristo Rey Community Center, and at Michigan State University. l!.ansing Community College will host a major celebration of Cinco de Mayo, including Mexican food, clothing and dancing, on Friday, May +, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., outside of the schools amphitheater. For more information, call (517) 4-83-1059 In Flint, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in many public schools. The largest celebration takes place at Washington Elementary School- the bilingual magnet school for the Flint community. ..A majority of the elememary-age Hispanic population attends Washington Elementary, and the events include plays, shon skits, dances, and background history on what Cinco de Mayo is and why we celebrate it," says Principal Unda Thompson. "On May +. two programs are held -one in the morning for the school and another in the afternoon for the parents and general public. A thitd option is available in the form of a family dinner/dance for the parents of students and the community at large that includes prizes and games for those present." For more information, contact Washington Elementary School at (810) 760-1381.

Stained glass windows from St. Mary Slar of the Sea, Jackson Photography by Christine Jones

he familiar adage, ~Love is stronger than death,n strikes a receptive chord in the hearts of most people. We encounter it as a frequent theme in the great classics of literature, art, music and film which powerfully portray the victory of love over death in the many troubles and struggles of human life. It is the way to glory in Mary, the Mother of God. Marys total self-giving love has captured the minds and hearts of more people than any other woman in history. Even in our so-called ~secular age," Mary's prophetic words in her hymn of thanksgiving . and praise, the Magnificat, ( ) continue to be fulfilled: ~Behold, from henceforth all generations will call me blessed.n (Luke 1:48) For two millennia, Mary's blessedness has inspired and energized countless believers in their Christian lives. The triumph or love over death through Mary's ever expanding "yes" to total self-gift is manifest in each event of her life. Countless artists have found inspiration to use their gifts of imagination and creativity to capture Our Lady in a variety of splendid works of an. One of the earliest Madonna and Child images is a fresco in the ancient Roman catacombs. The mosaic in the apse of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome

depicts jesus placing a crown on His mother in glory. This mosaic commemorates the Council of Ephesus ( 431 A.D.) and dates from that century. For two millennia, a host of artists evoked Our Lady in fresco, mosaic, stained glass, stone, wood and paint. Many artists strove to capture in various an forms the depth and breadth of Marys "yes" revealed in each event of her life. The divine and human drama of Marys being and destiny is the reality of the Incarnation and its full realization in eternal glory is characterized by her unconditional "yes." Churches, galeries and private collections Clisplay this precious heritage. A glorious canon of sacred music inspired by Our Lady has survived from the early Middle Ages to the present. Composers wrote musical settings for familiar New Testament Marian texts such as Schuberts Ave Maria, Bach's Magnificat and Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. Many of the awesome cathedrals of the Middle Ages and great churches since bear the name of Mary. Monastic orders established popular Marian pilgrimage shrines, including England's Glastonbury, France's Chartres and Spains Montserrat. Countless parishes have Marian titles. Nations - and even entire continents - have been

placed under the Blessed Mothers patronage. Twentytwo of the 98 parishes of the Diocese of Lansing are under her patronage. As the first believer in jesus, Mary is the pattern for all believers. Her "yes" reveals a love stronger than everything - even death. We increasingly discover a window into her loving heart and the ever-deepening "yes" in the divine-human drama encounters of the pivotal events of her life. The triÂˇ umph of love marches on in the Annunciation, the visitation, the birth of jesus, the Holy Family, the wedding at Cana, the Way of the Cross and the death of jesus, the birth of the Church on Pentecost, and the Assumption with Mary in the glory of the Risen Christ. The zenith of Mary's selfgift is when her loving "yes" definitively triumphs over death in the paschal mystery of the death and resurrection of jesus. In full accord and union with jesus, the New Adams "yes" unto death even death on the cross and Mary's "yes" pave the way for the "yes" of all believers. As the first believer, Mary undoes all our "no's!" She is the beginning and pattern of the Church's "yes" - yours and mine. A great volume of Marian art, in fact, centers on the crucifixion and the Sorrowful Mother. The

superb masterpiece that pierces the heart of the Mater Dolorosa, revealing the depth of her maternal love is the famous Pieta, the marble sculpture by Michelangelo in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. One of the mystics of the early 20th century plumbed the deep reality of Mary's love, and while transfixed in meditation on the Sorrowful Mother, wrote, ~Mary conquers by the sword, not in her hand, but in her heart." Mary spoke her first .. yes" to God's messenger Gabriel in words that opened her totally to Gods will: "I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done as you say." Her unconditional gift was manifested, confirmed and intensified each day. The Gospel writers highlight the decisive events, "She listened to the Word and kept it in her heart." Mary's "yes" comes to its fullness beneath the cross on Calvary. In Mary's "yes" we have a window into her inner life and the life of all who believe and follow jesus. Marys loving "yes" in union with the "yes" of the Son of God is already the love that conquers death. It is a "yes" to God who alone can bestow eternal life. The day after Rose Kennedy's death on jan. 23, 1995, at the age of 104, CBS News reponed, "Rose Kennedy, speaking near the

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end about the tragedies she endured in her long life, said that she constantly found inspiration and consolation above all in the Blessed Mother who had not lost her faith in God, even when her son had been crucified and reviled." An antiphon of morning prayer for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15 links all of Mary's "yeses." It also captures the fifth century mosaic in the apse of St. Mary Major depicting the Risen Christ placing a crown on Mary: Rejoice, 0 Sorrowful

Mother, after your great sufferings, you shine forth as a queen

enthroned beside your Son. For believers, love is stronger than death! 3

tcve Russell stood with his family before the lord's table. Elena Sanchez Russell's black hair and dark eyes glowed with pride as she watched her goddaughter's first Holy Communion. Entering her seventh month of pregnancy, Elena was radiant beside her husband, Steve, and their 2-year-old daughter, Cassandra. Watching his goddaughter take her first taste of the Eucharist, Steve renected on his life. God had answered his prayers so generously: a beautiful wife, daughter and now a son on the way. With his electrical contracting business maturing, he would have more time with Elena and their babies. He said a silent prayer of thanks. just one week later, Steve's prayers - and his life - took a dramatic tum. Elena came to him one morning and said she thought she'd had a stroke. From her years in nursing, Elena recognized the numbing along her right side and her sudden difficulty speaking. Steve called her doctor and they rushed to the hospital. The next day, however, an MRI of her brain revealed a more menacing reality: cancer. Elena had an inoperable brain tumor - a glioblastoma, stage IV. She had about th ree months to live. They immediately began treating her with steroids rather than radiation to try to slow the tumor's growth and protect the baby in her womb. That night Steve lay beside Elena in the hospital room praying as he never had before. Numbing shock gave way to anger, sorrow and fear. Steve's prayers rose from his hospital cot to the God he had known and trusted his entire life. He woke in the morning with a sense of peace and purpose. During the night Steve realized that no doctor could tell him what day would be Elena's last. Until then, he would embrace every moment with her. His business would have to wait. If it were to survive, his staff would take care of it. Everything would have to wait. All that mattered now was making the most of the time they had together. About a week later, Elena's doctor decided the time had come for her to deliver the baby. Her condition was worsening, he explained. It would be better for her and the baby to plan a cesarean delivery now than have to undergo an emergency C-section later. That day Esteban came into the world five weeks early, but healthy and beautiful. Steve and Elena held their newborn son and decided they would fight for as much time as they could. The next five months were a whirlwind of radiation treatments, hospital stays and precious days at home. Elena's lovely hair fell out and her medications made her petite body swell. When she passed a mirror, she hardly recognized the face peering back at her. As her cancer progressed,

Elena lost her ability to walk and to speak. The cancer and medications were stealing her body and her mind. Still, she clung to her husband and children, wanting them near her, worrying about what would happen to them after she was gone. Before she lost her speech, she sat with Steve and talked about her hopes for him and the children. She knew he would need another life's partner- a wife who would love him and Cassie and Esteban. She hoped he would find such a person, she told him, and maybe even have more children one day. Elena had a severe seizure during her last night at home. Steve called 911 for an ambulance. They made a final trip to the hospital. The night Elena died, Steve called her parents and siblings telling them they should come up before 10 p.m. Earlier that day, Elena had smiled and reached om to someone Steve could not see. At 9:55 that evening, surrounded by her loving family, Elena joined that unseen person and left her body behind. She had left Steve alone. Five months after he first spent the night beside her hospital bed, Steve looked out the window of her room and couldn't imagine why the cars moved along the street just as before. Why were people talking and laughing as they always had? He wanted it all to stop, just as he felt his life had stopped. Elena's nurse tried to comfort him. She would help him take care of everything for now, ~ she said. In the following weeks, Steve resumed his life with Cassie\.~ and Esteban. He and Cassie visited a children's grief center for help in dealing with Elena's death. Steve learned how to help Cassie through the grieving process, and how to help himself. He found that talking about the illness and death helped him son out his feelings and relieve some of the pain. Steve had always been aware of God's presence in his life. Offering prayers of thanks and praying for God's will was part of his daily routine. In his grief, Steve asked God to guide him to a new partner if he was meant to be married again. Five weeks after Elena died, the phone rang. It was Anita lovell, the nurse who had cared for Elena in her last days. She was calling to check on them. Some of her fellow nurses who had also worked with Elena were wondering how Steve and the children were doing. Before they hung up, Steve asked if he could call her to talk again. She told him he could. For her part, Anita hardly remembered Steve when her friend and fellow nurse asked her to call. Anita's thoughts were on a new job she had accepted in another town. This call was just a loose end she was wrapping up before she left. When she started talking with Steve, however, there was ~ something comfortable about him. She actually enjoyed their conversation. V.J.

In the following weeks and months, she and Steve devel· oped a friendship, which soon deepened into romance. 'J etermined to protect Cassie and Esteban from losing another mother figure, Steve and Anita made sure their friendship was solid before she even met the children. As she grew to know Cassie and Esteban, however, the love she felt for them and their father grew. Three years after her initial phone call, Anita cemented her bond with Steve and the children by accepting his marriage proposal. They set about making a new life for themselves. Anita had grown up in a loving family that never practiced any organized religion, and she always yearned for a closer relationship with God. As Cassie and Esteban's new mom, she was determined to give them the kind of relationship she had missed. In August of that year Anita entered the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RClA) at their parish, the Catholic

Community of St. Jude in DeWitt. She and Steve were married a month later. Anita settled into life with her new family. incorporating RCIA into her schedule through fall and winter. That spring, she completed her RCIA faith journey. At Easter Vigil, Anita Lovell Russell was baptized into the Catholic faith. Minutes later she and her daughter Cassandra celebrated their first Holy Communion together. Steve stood before the Lord's table watching his wife and daughter take their first taste of the Eucharist. Surrounded by his family - Anita's, Elena's and his own - he thought about how generously God had blessed him with the gift of life. It's a handful of moments, really some full of joy, others sorrow, some for work and others for play. Steve had come to understand, though we don't know how many moments we have, we are called to live fully each one we are given. He said a silent prayer of thanks. 1

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Pat Leutheuser Is 1 nurse/paramedic, Ed Dzlublnsklls â&#x20AC;˘ firefighter end Chris Fltzp_etrlck Is â&#x20AC;˘ pollc:a detective

Facing Life and Death on the Job

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By Patricia Majher Photography by Christine Jones

ing kidneys. He'd missed several dialysis appointments and was looking and feeling terrible. Everybody was trying to get a vein; after three nurses and 15 tries, nobody had gotten in. "I was the fourth nurse to "As l care for and comfort try. So, I said a little prayer my patients today, be there and actually closed my eyes, with me, oh Lnrd, l pray ... ~ Pat is a highly skilled pro- and got the needle in on the first attempt. When I saw fessional. There isn't much the flash of blood, I knew she hasn't seen or done. He was helping." Still, she humbles herself by On another mysterious asking God to give her the occasion, Pat is convinced skills she needs to help others feel better. she was in the presence of an angel. "Last June, I spent "Make my words kind, for two intensive days at a they mean so much; and, in my hands, place Your healing workshop, learning pediatric touch ... ~ advanced life support. The very next afternoon, our She's even willing to serve flight crew was called to as a vessel of His love, that the scene of a terrible car others might be touched by accident. Him through her. "Let Your love shine through "When we arrived, we discovered that a 4-month-o\d all that l do, so that those in baby had been thrown from need may hear and feel You." the vehicle in the impact, With these few words, she prepares herself to face what- and had suffered a severe head injury. It was imperaever the day might bring. tive that somebody open an Pat is a member of an airway to help the child emergency medical team breathe. that flies out of St. Joseph "As I was struggling to Mercy Hospital in remember what I'd learned Washtenaw County. She over the past couple of days, works 12-hour shifts, a a woman came along from month of days alternated out of nowhere. She said, 'I'm with a month of nights. Yet a pediatric anesthesiologist. somehow she manages to Would you like me to try?' stay calm, cool . .. and "I willingly stepped aside Christian. "I don't take credit for the and watched her work. She grabbed a tube, and got the things I do," she says. "I'm baby breathing again. Then just an instrument through which God works." she proceeded to stan an IV Pat explains an example of in a toughest place on an infant - the wrist - and that this from her early days in nursing. "A man came into went right in, too. "When the paramedics the ER where I was working moved in to prepare the ..,. a severe diabetic with fail-

very day as she makes her way to her job as a nurse/paramedic with Midwest Medllight, Pat leutheuser offers up a simple prayer to God.

eath is not the problem - fear of death is. We all experience death on a regular basis in our work and everyday life, but fear can prevent us from letting go and learning to be fully human. Since change involves loss, it also involves death in some way. We do not always recognize these daily deaths for what they are: • We grow older and no longer have as many options in our work. • Friends are.promoted or relocated and are no longer available to us. • Our company downsizes. • We lose a position that gave our Ufe meaning or identity. • Others take credit for our contributions. Christ tells us, "unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit." But, how do we let go? Most of us have heard about the stages of grieving: denial, shock, anger, etc. (see p. 21 for an explanation of the stages). But we sometimes try to move through these steps too quickly or, more importantly, we ignore step one - denial - altogether. How you are doing with these daily deaths at work?lab this test to find out: First, make • list of al the big •nd smellloues end disappointments you have experienced In vour work. Then select nve to 1 o that vou currentlv hllve .trona feelings ebout. For Hch of the luues on vour list, •nswer the following questions 1hle or F8IM: 1 This issue is not a prOblem for me. Denial means, "Yes, I have strong feelings about this loss, but I do not see it as a problem." 2 Yes, it is a problem but it is not significant Denial means, "' see the problem but I rationalize that it is·not important"

3 Yes, it is a significant problem but there is nothing that can be done. Denial means, "I see an important problem but am,unwilling to find a solutiOJL" 4 Yes, it is a significant.problem which others have resolved for themselves, but I am different and it won't work for me. Denial means, "I am unwilling to 6nd a solution that will work for me." In order to live in the present, we must be willing to learn to acknowledge and let go of past loss and hun. Remember that the ultimate denial is to believe that our loss is so great that even Christ cannot forgive and heal our pain. Michael Sullivan can be reached at (734) 769~8000; or,

e-mail: michatlwsullfvan@earthlinh.net

U ,._ www.I"ArTftmiiS,com

Mayi]IUIC 2001

FAITH Mag;Wne

her, ' baby for transport, I turned to thank the woman but she was gone; nobody knew who she was or where she went. I like to think of that as my 'angel story.' How else can you explain it?" Ed Dziubinski has had many instances in which he's felt the hand of God. Ed's a lieutenant with the Ann Arbor Fire Department. A couple of years ago, he and a co-worker were fight· ing a fire in a three-story fraternity house. "We were inside trying to track down the source of the flames, and spraying our hoses up into a void between the walls. "Suddenly, an 8-foot piece of cast-iron pipe came hurtling down at us. Before we could react, it bounced off a small copper pipe we hadn't noticed before and landed at our feet - missing us both. "Another time, in a winter mobile home fire, a buddy and I were caught in a flashover that flattened us to the floor. We tried to crawl out, but couldn't find the way we came in. Finally, at the very last moment, we felt the outline of a side door and fell out imo a snowdrift, making 'snow angels' to pull ourselves out. "It's times like these when !think, 'I could have died there, but I didn't. I must be here for a reason. What does God have in store for me?"' Across the street from the fire station, in Ann Arbor's police department headqunrters, Detective Chris Fitzpatrick has wondered

the same thing. •Early on in my career, I got involved in a car chase with two kids who had stolen a van. The chase crossed the county line and led us all the way up to Saginaw, where we backed up the state police in the pursuit. KThe ktds were so intent upon eluding us that they blew through a stop sign and narrowly avoided being hit by a car that had the right-of-way. We flew through the intersection moments later, and just missed hitting the same vehicle. "I often think that if we or the car we were pursuing were just a split second off, somebody would've gotten killed." Those are the ~Thank God!'" moments of emergency professions. Unfortunately, there are also the "Why, God?" moments. Chris explains: "Several years ago, I had an intense confrontation with a 15yenr-old boy. He hnd commined a string of robberies in the county and several police depnnments were focusing on apprehending him. "One night, he pulled an armed robbery in my sector of patrol and took me on a car chase through town. As we headed out past the city limits, l could see him waving his gun out the window. Then he suddenly stopped the car. "To protect myself, 1 waited for back-up to arrive. Together, we approached the

car and discovered that the boy had used his gun to commit suicide. "Now, that's a situation where faith comes into play, where you wonder: 'Did I do a good job here? Or could l have done some~ thing more?'" To deal with hts emotions, Chris turns to his parish priest - Fr. Roger Prokop of St. Thomas the Apostle - or to the police chaplains, who are on call to help victims and the police deal with the aftermath of crime. "The hardest thing for me is to see what bad things people do to kids: child abuse, molestation, aban· donment," says Chris. the father of a 4-yenr-old. Pat, the mother of four grown children, has also experienced the difficulty of dealing with people who've done heinous things. "Still, l treat all my patients with the same care," she notes. '1esus said, 'Whntsoever you do to the least of My brothers, thnt you do unto Me.'~ Nurses nre expected to appronch their work from a compassionate point of view. But, as Ed explains, firefighters are nlso called upon to care about more than the

mechanics of their jobs. "When you've just put out a fire that's destroyed everything a young couple owns, you've got to say something. You've got to remind them that they've still got each other. ~I do what I can, say what I can, then l go see Fr. jim (McDougall at St. Francis of Assisi Parish). and he cheers me up." Though strong in spirit, Ed has suffered physically for his profession, with recurring knee and back injuries. Chris worked the midnight shift for many years and was an undercover cop trying to infiltrate locnl drug rings. Pat paid her dues in trauma settings and emergency rooms, and has flown numerous mis() 1 sions around the county and P. the state. By most standards, each could be considered heroic. But their faith m God and their belief that He ts the source of their strength and resulting success keep them humble and self-effacing. "You could say He keeps me grounded," says Pat with a smile, "even when I'm in the air."

Emergency workers deal with life and death issues every day. However, most of us do not. When someone we care about dies, we may not realize the tmpact It makes. If you are experiencing a loss, you may want to talk to somebody one on

one. 'Fhe Befrlender and Stephen Mlnlllrlee in the Diocese of Lansmg offer that listening ear in times of stress or loss. For more information, call Barbara Wtiite at (517) 39<f..oK35 or e-mail:

lkolan®dioc:eseoflanstng.cxg

What P-i'aylng for the Dead Does for the Uvlng any years ago, I visited a man in the hospital. He was going through a very difficult time with grief. His wife had recendy died of cancer. He was very londy and espedally troubled. He wondered if his wife was all right. They had Uved good Uves, but they were not perfect. As a part of his working through grteving for his wife and responding to his faith that his prayers could stiU help her if she needed it, the man offered prayers for his wife to God. The idea of praying for the dead goes back even before me time of Ghrist. There was a commander of an army of jews named judas Maccabeus who realized some of his soldiers who died during battle had amulets of other gods on their bodies. This was a sin, and so judas realized that he needed to do someming for them. Scripture says he "men took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this, he acted in a very excellent and noble way. inasmucll as he had the resurrection of me dead in view; for if he were not expectling me fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for mem in death. . .. Thus, he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed or this sin." (2 Maccabees 12:43-46) One or me corporal works of mercy is to bury the dead. For us, that means weeping with those who weep. It means praying for those who have died that they might enjoy me gift of eternal life with Christ. When it is a family member or a frtend, it is especially imponant for us to grieve their loss and remember them to God. God does not forget mem and wills our prayers be effective in helping mem complete meir journey to God. We call the state and process of purification after death purgatory. The catechism teaches us that: All who die in God~ grace and friendship, but stilllmpeifectly purijkd, are indeed assu~d of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. (CCC 1030) From the ~nning the Churth has hono~d the memory of the dead and offmd prayers In suffrage for them, above all the

~J<:. . .: ;fitness Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the ~atific vision of God. (CCC 608)

The Church also commends almsgiving, indulgences, and works of penance undertaken on behalf of the dead: Let us help and commemorate them. lf job~ sons we~ purified by theirfather~ sacrifice, why would we doubt that our offerings for the dead bring them some consolation? Let us not hesitate to help those who have died and to offer our prayers for them. (CCC 609) It is good spiritual fitness to pray and offer sacrifices for the dead, Let me finish by telling you what happened to me man in me hospital. He shared with me that one night, while he was sleeping, he had a dream in which his wife came into the room and waltzed across me room. She had always loved to dance in life. She came to him and gave him a kiss, and said, "I am fine, my darling." The man woke from the dream. It was so powerful he said he could still feel her presence there with him. He was ftlled with great peace of mind after this, and had been given the gift to let go of his worry about her. He beUcved she was with God, and he continued to offer prayers for her and himself that one day he could be worthy to join her. His faith in the mercy oÂŁ God and the power of jesus' resurrection had been restored. Pray for the dead. It not only benefits the dead; it also benefits us. It helps us grieve. Here is a beautiful prayer that is offered as we commend the soul to God after death: May the angels leall you into paradise; May the martyrs come to welcome you and tahe you to the holy dty, the new and eternal jerusalem. May choirs of angels welcome you and lead you to the bosom of Abraham; and whm I.azarus is poor no longer. may you find eternal ~L

V'lsi.t a Catholic cemetery this Memorial i>ay. Catholic cemeteries are different from other cemeteries because the ground

& . .sacre"d -blessed by a bishop. Take some time for reflection and pray for the souls buried there. Our Catholic cemeteries .~..

really very beautiful and peaceful places. You'll be glad you went.

By Robin Lynch Photography by Christine Jones

he crucifix that hangs n the chapel of Mother Teresa House is unique: on one side of Christ, St. Mary is depicted, and on the other, St. john. This crucifix holds a special significance for Karen Bussey, president or Mother Teresa House, because Christ is not alone He is surrounded with love. And thats what Busseys ministry is all about. Mother Teresa House, open since September 1998, provides a home for people with a terminal illness. It provides a warm atmosphere in which no more than two individuals are cared for at a time. They are given safe shelter, meals, personal care, and around-the-dock emotional and spiritual support. Bussey, who comes from a background in medical social work and hospice, saw the need for a place for those who have no family at home, or whose families have limitations in providing care. Also welcome are those who have only one caregiver, or who have no adequate place to stay. ~when the family of a guest is available," says Bussey, "we make them a big part of the process. We don't try to take their place, but work alongside one another." The D1ocese of Lansing donated the roomy, twostory house, and donations ~" from individuals, churches, Vl.d

' I

service groups and businesses cover the operating expenses. ln keeping with he mission of its namesake, Mother Teresa House charges no fees. Guests of all faiths, social, and financial backgrounds are served equally, with priority going to those in greatest need of care. The staff and volunteers collaborate with three area hospices in order to provide attention, but the medical equipment is an understated presence in rooms filled with inviting chairs and polished cabinets. There are homemade quilts on each bed , a gift from Busseys hometown parish. In warmer seasons, the guests may spend time on the front porch overlooking the brightly colored blossoms that grow in a yard tended by a master agardener and landscape ÂĽarchitect.

Approximately 60 volunteers share their time. They are all ages, and from all walks of life. They provide guests with the atmosphere of a loving horne, as opposed to an institution. "The volunteers are really more like disciples," says Bussey. "Their message to guests is: 'We are all your brothers and sisters, and we are going to be here for you.'" There is a space available at the house for a live-in caregiver who wishes to spend three to six months in service to those facing the end of life. Room and meals are provided, as is training. "lt offers an excellent oppor~ tunity for the right person," says Bussey. The ministry has cared for 22 individuals since opening its doors on the first anniversary of Mother Teresas death. Each former guest is remembered by a small memorial plaque on the wall of the chapel across from the cruciftx that reminds visitors this is a place where no one needs to die alone. For information about volunteering, please contact Karen Bussey at (517) 484-5494. Donations may be sent to: Mother Teresa House, P.O. Box 13004, lansing, MI 48901.

Remembef', you belong to something - your local INirlâ&#x20AC;˘h

be loveseat was one of my favorite spots when 1 was a kindergaitiier. But as we cuddled one afternoon, Mommy said that Daddy had died.atwork. Ufe and Death. A paradox at any point in life. Our heads know that death brings new life; our hearts are pierced with grief. The reaction to death depends on many factors, including our age. Preschoolers have difficulty understanding reversibility: wGrandpa went to heaven" may be thought of as similar to, MGrandpa went to Flonda." A preschooler says, "I wish she was never born." and then blames .himself when the baby dies of SIDS. During the school years, children think in literal terms. 1 remember hearing in Mass that if my faith was the size of a mustard seed then 1 would be able to move mountains! 1 was overjoyed because my prayers would bring Daddy back to life just like lazarus! I prayed for two years and then iea1ized that 1had forgotten to ask God to bring him back to life AND to our home. I pictured Daddy wandering around lost in a foreign country. Adolescents are capable of abstract thought!- and understand the permanence of death; they may need to work through their feel~ ings about deaths that have occurred earlier in their lives. Grieving can be comp@Rd to the layers of an onion. We may feel iliat we have resolved our grief Only to find another layer of the onion wllen the scent of a familiar after shave brings a stab of pain. Allow individuals to express grief in their own ways. suppen one another through prayer. In the words of the Psalmist ~May your love comfon me in accord with your promise to your servant. Show me compassion that 1may live ... " (Psalm ll9:76-71) Examples based on Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' 1969 book, On.

Death and Dying. 1 Denial: This can't be happening to me. Are you sure the lab tests weren't mixed up? 2 Anger: How could you let this happen, God? I've always been faithful to you. 3 Bargaining: All I want is to see my children grown. Do this God, and then mdie in joy. 4 Depression: I'll never see another autumn, never maht snow angels with my childrtn again. 5 Acceptance: My journey is over; I don't feel any strong emotions. I feel peaceful and for me, death has no sting. "Where, 0 death, is your sting?wI Corinthians 1:1 55 Recent research has shown that the stages of denial, anger, and depression cycle in a nor-so-orderly progression. lihe bargaining stage is usually momentary. The acceptance stage is often more difficult for loved ones left behind.

Four Programs Supported by the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA) By Jay Johnson, Development Director, Diocese of Lansing

Seminarian Education

When a male high school or college student thinks about his future career, there are many jobs that might cross his mind. But is anyone likely to suggest that the young man consider a career as a priest? If he seems genuinely suited to the priesthood and lives in the Diocese of lansing, the answer is quite probably "yes." And the reason is the diocesan Depanment of Formation's Seminarian Program. Our diocese has a very successful and well-respect· ed program for the recruit· ment and formation of seminarians. The diocese currently has 27 men studying for the priesthood. Of those, six will be ordained as priests for service within our diocese june 9. "Our number one objective is the seminarians own fonnation - to help him understand and embrace the concept of being a priest," says Bishop Carl Mengeling. "This formation encompasses all

•

major components in a persons life - psychological well-being, spirituality, theology, prayer, and profes. sionalism. As a seminarian advances through the process, he gains a deeper understanding of Christs role as priest. Only by understanding and identifying with Christ in this role, will he be effective and happy as a priest." New Covenant Initiative

There are many difficult situations facing Catholic parishes today. Issues such as ensuring that parishioners receive proper health care, providing social services to the poor and vulnerable in our communities, promot· ing vocations and service opponunities, combating loneliness and depression in our older parishioners, and dozens of other problems. It also seems that there is a different ministry, program, or social service agency for each problem. Many times, it's diiTicult to know where to tum for a solution. Two years ago, the

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exciting features:

Diocese of Lansing established the New Covenant Initiative (NCI) to help link parishes with the educational, health care and social service resources. "The mission of NCI is to foster a collaborative effort among Catholic parishes, health care providers, social service agencies and educational resources," says Christopher Root, M.S.W., coordinator of the NCI program. "The initiative strives to create environments that are spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally healthy for the peale and communities that ur church is committed to serve." Newman Centers

"When I mention that we have three of the largest universities in Michigan within our diocese, as well as dozens of other colleges and universities, it really starts people thinking," Bishop Carl Mengeling explains. "The current estimates are that we have over 40,000 Catholic students at institutions of higher learning in the diocese. Ministering to these students is one of the great challenges that we face as a diocese." The Diocese of Lansing has Newman Centers at three of its largest universities: Holy Trinity Student Chapel at Eastern Michigan SJniversity, St. john Student .,arish at Michigan State University, and St. Mary

Student Parish at the University of Michigan. Together, these Newman · Centers are responsible for ministering to 25,000 to 27,000 Catholic students every year. Today's Newman Centers are about teaching young adults to become the leaders of parishes both today and tomorrow. FAITH Magazine

Communication has become more complex with each passing year. Like any other community. the Diocese of Lansing has a strong need to talk with its members - the parishioners. Without an effective way to communicate our message, we become less effective in our mission. It was with this thought in mind that Bishop Carl Mengeling founded FAITH Magazine in january 2000. FAITH Magazine is all about telling the stories of people who put their faith into action. FAITH Magazine reaches more than 80,000 Catholics in our diocese 10 times per year. FAITH is a multimedia effon with a Web site, FAITHmag.com; FAITHhelps, a learning companion to the magazine; and live internet chats, providing forums on various topics ranging from medical ethics to vocations. FAITH is funded by parishes and partially by DSA.

NEW FAITHtodey: This dlllly future Is written by priests of the Diocese of Lansing. NEW DaUy Catholic News: World news briefs are updllted dally- plus local news and events !for the Diocese of Lansing. NEW FAITHmag Poll: Taka a WHkiY pol on a varlety:of faHh questions.

Join Fr. Charlie's Intrepid lntemeters: Sign up on

FAITH1111111.com to receive an upliftIng e-man each Monday momlng from Fr. Ch8rlle.

FAITHhelps: 11tls leamlng companion to FAITH Magazine Is great for any group or family. Discussion Forums: Each month FAITH readers can ...,.... their thoughts and opinions In our clscuulon forums modented by Pr. Karl Pung. E·~lk: Ask our online experts any faith question Yla ..mal. H Is a grut way to get U.t question answered one on one.

Holy Innocents by Diocese of Lansing I'Bident 8111 KuseL Get the online version of this book only on FAITHmeg.c:om. Log on to ftnd out what people like FAITH's Kmhy Funk and BIShop Kenneth Povlsh think of this provGC:IItlve new noveL Dlsc:uu 8111 Kusel's Holy Innocents during a Uve Chat on 11tunday, June 14, from

noon ·1 p.m. and apln from 7-8 p.m. only on

FAITHIInks: FAITH r..tures grut links that relate to our monthly topics. We also have a wide assortment of links from avery parish to the v.tlcan. FAITHbooks: Each month FAITH offers a top 10 list of books available online via

SL Francis Retreat Center. Live Chat: Check out FAITHmag.com regularly for Uve Chat events on an auortment of spiritual toplca.

FAITH11N111.com Remember, you belong to something - your local ,.rtah

AU New www.PAI1'ftmltl,ciM

MQ;yf}aM 2001

FAITH Mllpzlne

From ume to ume everyone thinks of "remembrance~ as a part of life that in some spectal way seems to elude us. Photo albums, videotapes and scrapbooks are ways to keep memones at hand, but a ume capsule is another way to preserve memones for the future A note to a godch1ld on hts or her bapusmal day or a love letter written to a spouse on a weddmg day are ways to remember the spectal sacrament recetved on that occasion Use actd-free paper to record the events of the day or write spectal notes to a child or spouse. Document '

'fe in the Catholic Church (oday and compare it to the future. Those people who grew up through the 1950s and 60s and experienced the changes of Vatican 11 will note extreme changes m the Mass and also in preparauon for certain sacraments. By gathering mementos of each sacrament a family member receives through the years and keeping them together in an exclusive, special place, one not only records the holy event, but protects and preserves information and items for future generations. A special place for these souvenirs of sanctity, or a time capsule of sorts, will allow children and grandchildren a priceless opportunity to view the1r past.

12 Preservation Hints and Tips 1 Do retain a detailed record listing the Items placed In the time capsule. Ust the reason for the Ume capsule, the contributors and who wiA be present at the sealing of the capsule. Describe the color and composHion of each article to help future researcher~ to Identify Items and to also help with further conservatlon. Retain one copy ofthlslnformatlonand Include one copy Inside the Umecapsule. 2 Do use cotton gloves when handling Items prior to Insertion and try to maintain a cl•n. pollutionfree environment for the materlaiL OU from fingers can soli Items and may cause c:orroslon on contact with airborne pollutants. 3 Don't lnc:lude unstable Items which may release gas or deteriorate. Rubber and wool release sulfur gas; wood must be sealed away from metal objects or electronic equipment. Polyethylene can permeate moisture as It ages so It must be encapsulated In a waterproof container. PVC will break down and release adds Into the capsule. 4 Do place any suspect Items In sealed, nonpermeo able, airtight bags. 5 Do use archival Inks, archival stable watercolors and archival quality papers. 6 Don't use unstable medlums to create written, drawn or painted Items.

7 Do deacidify newsprint and other papers. 8 Do Include pholoc:oples produced usJng stable qual· lty processes, preferably black-toned print (not color) produced on archival quailty photocopy paper. 9 Don't Include thermally produced facsimile or scan· ner/ploHer papers. 10 Do Include Information about how various Items were c:reatad, Including software packages and ~ mat of equipment. Include Instruction for playback of any recording equipment. 11 Do use papers with a pH of 6.0 to 8.~ alkaline buffered, lignin- and suHurfree, and use only archival quality adhesives. 12 Do record the location of the Ume capsule and tell others of Its location. BAPTISM • Baptismal certlflc:ate • Baptismal candle • Baptismal garment • Special note to baby from godparents • Family tree genealogy • Parents' thoughts and aspirations for baby's future

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY • Copy of marriage llc:ense • Marriage certlflc:ate

• Engagement

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announcement • Program, guest list • Photos, video • CD of couple's

"wedding song" • Cake ornament • An unopened love letter wrttt.n to spouse • Prediction of couple's future together HOLY EUCHARIST • First Communion certlflc:ate

• Flnt Communion picture • Child's prayer joumal • Rosary • Scapular • Prayer book • Dress, veil, gloves • Tie or tie tack CONFIRMAnON • Confirmation certlftc:ate • Copy of letter written to bishop • List of preparations for sac:ramenft Le. service proJects performed • Spedlll note from sponsor • Note explaining why child selected his or her confirmation name HOLY ORDERS • Cloth that Is used to remove Chrism from hands of newly ordained • Holy cards with date of ordlnatJon and first Mus • Ordination program • First homily • Blessed Items by new priest • Newspaper clippings of

event

May/june 2001

FAITH Maga:lne

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MayS Fourth Sunday of Easter Acta 13:14, 43·52 Psalm 100: 1·3, !5 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30 May 13 Fifth Sunday of Easler Acta 14:21·27 Psalm 14!5:8-13 Revelation 21 : 1·5a John 13:31·33a, 3<4-3!5 Mlly20

Sixth Sunday of Easter Acta 15:1-2, 22-29 Psalm 67:2-3, 5·6, a Revelation 21 : 1 D-1<4, 22·23 John 1<4:23-29 118y27 Solemnlly of the Ascension of the Lonl Acta 1:1-11 Hebntwe 9:2+28, 10: 19·23 Paalm <47:2-3, 6·9 L.uke 2<4:46-53

June a Solemnfly of Pentecost Acta 2:1-11 PuJm 10<4:1ab, 24ac, 2900.30, 311 3<4

Romana 8:8·17 John 14:15·16, 23b-26 or John 20:19-23

June 10 Solemnlly of the Holy Trfnlly Proverbe 8:22·31 Pulm 8:4-9 Romans 5:1·5 John 16:12·15 June17 Solmmfly of the Body and Blood of Cluist Geneaia 14: 18·20 Psalm 110:1-4 1 Corinthiana 11 :23·26 lulce 9:11 b-17

June24

Solemnfly of the Birth of Joltn the Bczptlst leai.t149:1-6 Psalm 139:1·3, 19-15 Acta 13:22-26 Luke 1:57-66, 80

MAY/JUNE EVENTS Beginning Experience of Lensing will offer a spiritual weekend for widowed, divorced and separated per· sons May 4-6 in Jackson at the St. Joseph Center, 1000 E. Porter. The weekend is designed to help those who are wounded by the loss of a spouse through the use of a team of peers. Preregistration is requried. For information, call: Suzi (Lansing area) at (517) 267·9273; John (Jackson area) at (517) 7876560; Fred (Portland area) at (517) 647·2404; or, Pam (Brighton/Ann Arbor areas) at (248) 486-Q924.

and meet with state legislators. All are invited. To register, can Sally Whalen of the Michigan Catholic Conference at (517) 372-9310. Is your marriage tearing you apart? Are you constantly arguing and fighting? Are you thinking of separation or divorce? Are you left feeling as if you have no one to tum to? Perhaps a Retrouvallle Weekend is the answer for you. Lansing will be the site of a Retrouvaille weekend session May 18·20. For confidential information about the program

young . .• • for the..tultll"'nt 2001 .......qrde. The CCHD Youlh GI'Mt sub-

The fourth annual Catholic Legislative Day: Faitliful Citi~ensliip in Action will be held Thursday, May 10, from 9 :30 a.m.-2:30p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral Hall, Lansing. Roberto Javier, executive director of Catholic Charities of Michigan, will be the speak· er. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss issues

FAITH is available on audiotape by request. Call (517) 342-2500.

from 7-9 p.m. No preregistration is necessary. To park free at the Lansing Center or Grand River Parking Ramp,

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tact Richard Strife, director of the Catholic Inquiry for the Blind at (517) 342·2500.

Eucltarist as Model and Source of Family Life Friday evening

DioceSe of LaMing aimounces CCHD Youth and Young Acfult Grant awardees

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the theme: Packing for tl1e journey. For information, con·

The seventh annual It's Great to be Catholic! Family and Horne Education Conference and Book and Curriculum Fair will be held June 15-16 at the Lansing Center. The event fea· tures a special presentation by Fr. John Ricardo on Tile

Youth Grants Awarded

World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be celebrated Sunday, May 6.

Persons who are VIsually Impaired will be held May 810 at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt. Fr. Larry Delaney and staff wiU speak on

or to register, call (BOO) 47D2230 or (517) 669-6631.

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participanta need to tell the attendant they are with the Catholic Family and Home Education conference. The Book and Cuniculum Fair will be open 6-9:30 p.m. Friday evening offering an extensive selection of Catholic reading for adults and children. Twelve seminars will be offered Saturday on family isauea or home eduacation topics. Speakers include: Gerald Keane on The Evolution/

Creation Debate: What Should Parents Teach their Childma7; Laura Berquist on A Classical Education and Tips for Homeschooling Parents; Fr. Lorenzo Gomez, LC. on Preparing Your Children for the New Evangdltatlon; Dr. Anne C. Carroll, A Christ 'Centered View of History; and, Warren Carroll, The Protestant Revolt. The book fair will be open from 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. on Saturday. For a preregistration discount, call (248) 548 6429 or {734) 522-4788. The conference is aponaored by the Michigan Catholic Home Educators: www.rc.net/lansing/mch or mch001 @juno.com

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Cristo Rey Fiesta 2001 will be held May 25-27. The largest Hispanic festival in midMichigan will take place on pariah grounds at 201 W. Miller Road, Lansing. Times for the event are as follows: Friday, May 25, from 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sunday including Mass at 11 a.m. and Fiesta from 1-7 p.m. Fiesta 2001 serves to bring awareneaa to the mid-Michigan community of the Hispanic culture, aria and raditions. Latino, country and ejano music will be featured as well as folkloric performanc-

ea. The best in Mexican food will be on the menu. And the mercado will offer traditional clothing and arts and crafts from various Latin American countries represented in the community. Free shuttle service will be offered to and from Henry North School. For more information, contact Cristo Rey Parish at {517) 394-4639. Interested in a time of service? How about giving more than a year of service to worthwhile organizations throughout the world. If interested, call Sr. Carla Moeggenborg at (51 7) 342-2506 or e-mail cmoegg@dioceseoflansing.org, to request a copy of Response or Connections.

Remember a Beloved Parish Priest If you've lost track of a retired priest, FAITH Magazine wi1 be publishing the names and addresses of the retired priests of the Diocese of Lansing in this issue and upcoming issues, as well. Maybe it's time to get back in touch and the let the priest know how much he meant to your life! Fr. D. Philip Dupuis

13280 North Friendly Drive Wolverine, Ml 49799

By Dean Hedglen lrrtmaCUlate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing

When I was an B~year-old boy, I ran away from home. Because of an alcoholic stepfather, there was blood in the house every Friday night. 1 lived on the street. In those days, they did not lock churches at night so I would go in and sleep on the pews to get out of the cold. This created a real sense in me of home whenever I am in a church. Immaculate Hurt of Mary Parish, Lansing, Is my second home. It has been home to me for more than 30 years.

When I walk into the cafeteria, I remember when I was the athletic director and basketball coach. We provided a pizza party for the players and coaches with the pastor cooking the pizzas. When I go in the underground tunnel that leads from the cafeteria to the church, I remember my daughterS wedding reception. We had too many cords plugged into one outlet in the cafeteria. I had to keep running down the tunnel in my tuxedo to trip the circuit breaker in the electrical panel. I also have memories in the main church where my heart was ripped out and thrown on the floor during funerals. As I walk in the basement of the parish office, I remember the room where the priest and I built shelves for the wine in the wine cellar. Then, after a hard day of work with the tools, we sat on the floor and enjoyed some wine together, talking like a son with his dad. It is not the building or the name of the church. It is the faith and trust I have that if I am in trouble or alone, I can go home to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.

Fr. Donald Eder

6092 Oak Creek Drive Swartz Creek, Ml 48473

Msgr. Sylvester Fedewa 120 N. Wilow Street P.O. Box 412 Westphalia, Ml 48894 Fr. Jake Foglio P.O. Box 4098 East Lansing, Ml 48826

Wliâ&#x20AC;˘t ~kes your parish spec:-.t?

Send your response of 250 to 300 words to: PLAGES TO PRAY, FAITH Magazine, 300 W Ottawa, Lansing, Ml 48933, or e-mail: hfunhÂŽdiDceseojlansing.org. Ifyour ~ponse is chosen for future publication, you will receive a one-year FAITH gift.- subscription for the redpient of your choice.

Catholic Schools Attack Violence at Source U.NSING (Thr Cath<>lic Timc5)-

Until March 7, Catholic schools had steered clear of the recent wave of highly publicized school shootings. But that changed when a 14-year-old girl at Bishop Neumann High School in Williamsport, Pa., opened ftre with a .22 caliber pistol during the schools first lunch hour and wounded one student in the shoulder. The incident, at a small school for seventh- through 12th-graders, occurred just two days after the shooting at a public high school in Santee, Calif., where two students were killed and 13 wounded. Do Catholic schools provide a safer haven from school violence? "Absolutely so," said Charles Sorentino, principal of Nouvel Catholic Central High School in Saginaw. "We believe every student here is genuinely cared for and they know it,M he said. "That makes a big difference." From Traverse City to Lansing, Catholic schools are encouraging proactive approaches to possible school violence. According to Sorentino, the moral foundation incorporated into Nouvels curriculum helps prevent situa-

tions like the Bishop Neumann High School shooting. "We don't add it into our curriculum,M Soremino said. "It is our curriculum. We have a Christian-based school and our students live by that philosophy." The message that comes through in "The Safe School Initiative," issued last fall by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center in collaboration with the U.S. Depanment of justice in Washington and the

National Institute of justice is to take every threat or comment seriously. At St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing, Fr. David

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Speicher extend- Mlolm::;;;:' ed sympathy to those touched by l .....~ii~.the Santee High School shooting in the form of a letter to Bishop Raben H. Brom of San Diego. "These shootings that have numbed our souls over the past few years deserve our fullest attention,M Fr. Speicher wrote. "As a Catholic Christian community, we arc indeed aware of the many tragedies that arc

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reponed to us day in and day out, however, we believe that the acts of children that are on the surface meaningless and cruel, in fact reflect a deeper anxiety within our society." Fr. Speicher concluded, "Our prayer is that our own lives will be teachers to the A') youth of the value of all "l/ human life."

In the News

Handgun petition diive plays to mixed reviews School shooting fuels gun control measures By Brett Mc:lllughlln U.NS!NG (The Catholic nmrs)-

Proponents of a Michigan petition drive to derail the state's new concealed weapons law gained added impetus for their cause as a result of the recent shooting deaths of two high school students in Santee, Calif. The referendum effon was led by a coalition of 30 organizations, inCluding the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC). On March 23, 260,000

signatures were filed with the state Bureau of Elections in an effort to postpone the enaGtment of PA 381 scheduled to take effect in July. 11he law, passed during a lameduck sesston of the state legtslature last year, liberalizes the current procedures for obtammg concealed weapons permits, in effect converting Michigan from a "may issue" to a "shall issue" state.

'I'he new law removes the requirement that applicants demonstrate a need fot a CCW (carrying concealed weapons) permit. Barring criminal convictions, dishonorable military discharges or mental incompetence, applicants shall be granted permits to carry

local news S.A.V.E. Reactivation: Student group raises awareness of violence By Thomas Ford Stuclt>nt Cuunci/ Facultv Advism; St. Rubert Cntlw/il: Schuol. F/us/1ing

Two years ago, in response to the tragedy at Columbine, the St. Robert Catholic School Student Council formed the group, S.A.V:E. (Students Against Violent Entertainment). They wanted to try to do something to stem the tide of violence that is occurring in the nation's schools. S.A.V.E organized a campaign lO raise the awareness of the community concerning the types of violence 1 ildren were being exposed o through their playing of video games. We researched

violent video games and their place in what Pope john Paul calls "the Culture of Death." Now our students are confronted with yet another source of potential violence that may well impact their lives in a personal way the newly passed concealed weapons law. This law will put more guns on the street and, therefore, put more children in harms way. ln response to the petition drive to get the concealed weapons law on the ballot, Bishop Carl Mengeling has

concealed pistols. Of the 260,000 signatures, ~proximately 150,000 need to be certified as accurate and, therefore, be challenge proof- in order for. the issue to appear on the 1ballot Nov. ts, 2002. â&#x20AC;˘All this (petition drlve) really does is give people an opportunity to express their opinion," commented Sr. L.eona Sullivan, director of the Catholic Can\paign for Human Development and point person for the petition drive in the SaginJw Diocese. Msgr. Richard Groshek, pastor of St. Pius X in Plint, .ncurred. wwe are talking

about human life, and gun accessioility is an issue,~ he said. Msgr. Groshek said he received one lengtliy letter from a man who felt the issue should not be raised in church. The pastor said he understands the position of those opposed to the petition drive, but added tliat ne views the effon as part of the Churohs position on life ana respect for life. "Oppcmtion to abortion is accepted as a position of the Church," Msgr. Groshek sald, "but people tend to disassociate guns from the issue of life."

asked parishioners that are registered voters to sean::h their hearts and sign the petition. And in response to this request, S.A.V.E. is mounting a student petition drive. Since students are not allowed to sign the voter

www.FAITHmâ&#x20AC;˘g.com

petition, they need a voice for their concerns. This petition drive will give them that voice. Our goal is to reach as many students as possible through the petition drive. We are attempting to contact as many schools as we can to get their student populations involved. The petitions will then be sent to state legislators and members of the Supreme Court. The St. Robert Student Council could be a potent force in raising the consciousness of students, parents, lawmakers, and state Supreme Court justices. For information concerning the student petition drive, contact Ford at (810) 659-2504.

May/june 2001

FAJrn MQga:lnc

world Priests for Life launching $12 million media campaign

Catholics must fight racism In Church, pope says

WASHINGTON (CNS)-

VATICAN CITY (CNS)-

Priests for Life, with a budget of $4 million last year, plans to spend three times that amount through the end of 2002 on a media campaign reaching out to women who have had or are considering an abortion. Billboards with the slogan ~The Doors of the Church Are Open~ are already going up in the New York, Los Angeles and Chicago metropolitan areas, with San Francisco and Washington to follow. They will be augmented by bus and train advertisements, as well as a series of four television commercials. Fr. Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life, said during a March 29 press conference in Washington that he hoped changing the attitude some hold that the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion is anti-women would be one of the effects of the campaign. ~we are proclaiming that 'the doors of the church are open,' and that the role of the church is not simply to stand up and say, 'Abortion is wrong- don't do it,' but rather to say to the women of our day, 'We are with you; we will help you to do what is right, and to find healing if you have done what is wrong,·~ Fr. Pavone said.

Catholics must work to ensure that no one is excluded from their communities and that people of all races and cultures feel the church is their home. Pope john Paul II satd. "lt is obligatory~ that reli • gious communities join international efforts to fight racism, the pope said. Pope john Paul continued by saying international treaties, conferences and the upcoming U.N. World Conference Against Racism are "important steps on the way toward affirming the fundamental equality and dignity of every person and for peaceful coexistence among all peoples." However, he said, "despite these efforts, millions of human beings are still denied their 'right of citizenship' in the heart of the human family." Pope john Paul said the Catholic Church is committed to working with all who defend human rights, and it offers its solidarity to those "who for racial, ethnic, religious and social motives are victims of discrimination." Churches and religions must join the fight against racism because the spiritual and moral values of religious faith, which promote conversion and renewal of hearts, can make the world a better place, he said.

By Marh PaWson (CNS)

By Cindy Woodm fCNS,

Hispanic Growth Changing Face of U.S. Catholicism WASHINGTON (CNS) -

ln Anchorage, Alaska, Sr. Veronica Rivas started classes in English and Spanish as second languages so her ethnically diverse parishioners could talk to each other. "l got them together in groups of twos and threes and told the English-speakers to teach the Spanishspeakers and yice-versa," said the first-generation MexicanAmerican member of the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence. ln Beaver Dam, Wis., St. Michael Parish turned over an empty four-room schoolhouse to a Head Start program teaching adults English as a second language. And a weekend Mass in Spanish has been added to the parish schedule. These are examples that Hispanic growth is no longer a regional phenomenon but has spread throughout the United States, changing the face of the Catholic Church. According to many people

in Hispanic ministry, the influence goes beyond Masses in Spanish and brings a unique brand of Catholicism to U.S. shores. Its a Catholicism rooted in the culture of its people, where religion and daily life are intertwined and where popular devotions are an integral part of a living faith. According to a report released in 2000 by the U.S. bishops' Committee on Hispanic Affairs: • Hispanics currently form between 30 and 38 percent of U.S. Catholics. • They are the largest ethnic group in the U.S. Church. • Since 1960, they account for 71 percent of Catholic growth in the United States. Hispanics will soon be the . majority in the U.S. Church. Some population projections estimate that, by 2050, they may form up to 85 percent of the Catholic population. The exact number of Hispanic Catholics is not known. Projections based on 70 percent of Hispanics being

For more Catholic news, subscribe to The CarhoiJr: Times, an authorized news weekly of the Diocese of Lansing (517) 793·7661 or subscribe by e-mail cteditone@aol.com

)

' r Somya Santoyo scr t•cs as a

Eucharistic ministt'r at Our Lady of Pcrpt.>tual Help Pari'llt in Hcunnwnd, Ind. According to a U.S. bishops' rcpor t, HispcmiLs mahe up 30 w 38 pmenr of the ll.S.

Ct1tlwlic population.

Catholic would put the number at 25 million, based on 2000 census figures. ~) After decades of being !fuarginalized in the Church, Hispanics are now seeing that they are a majority with Cultuml Cente r Opens

the upower for change and the responsibility to bring it about; said Moises Sandoval, founding editor of Revista Maryknoll magazine. By Agostino Bono (CNS)

ince this issue of FAITH Magazine focuses on Ufe and Death, the editors suggested that I write to you about my experience of cancer from its beginning in 199+ to remission later that year and from its return in 1999 to the present. The people of the diocese have had a big role in this story, and I am glad to oblige. Thus far, for me cancer has been in itself painless. Passing blood in Lent of 199+ and losing 14 pounds in a few weeks in Advent of 1999 were signs of cancer, but there was no pain. The suffering was in the cure - radiation therapy and chemotherapy are accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, and perpetual fatigue. From the beginning there was no questioning, "Why me?" I know that cancer affiicts people everywhere at any time, so the question can also be, "Why not me?" Moreover, as a priest for going on 50 years when I was stricken, I had to be honest and practice what I preached. I can't tell you how many times in parish ministry I counseled or tried to comfon people and families with words like these: "You say the Lord's Prayer every day. You say 'Thy will be done on eanh as it is in heaven.' Most of the time those words are easy to say, but sometimes you really have to mean it. This Is one of those times." So that has been the addendum I put on all my prayers for healing before saying Amen - ~Father, Thy will be done: I put that same addendum on your prayers, when I was getting literally bushels of mall telling me you were praying for me at home and also publicly on Sundays at Mass. 1 prayed every day along these lines; "Father, bless all those who are praying for my recovery. listen to their petitions, but may your will be done.· Your cards and letters kept my spirits up, and I was especially encouraged by some thiny cancer survivors who wrote to me. "Hang in there, Bishop," they typically wrote. "I had what you got eight (or 10, or 12) years ago, and I'm still around. Don't give up. We're pulling for you." A positive attitude, the doctors kept telling me, is all-important in fighting cancer; and in the Communion of Saints you all helped me have it. It is amazing how a deadly disease raises the intensity level of ones prayer life. 1 could write a couple pages on that alone, but 1 will give just two examples from the liturgy of the Mass. In the altar book then: is a prayer for the celebrant to say privately before he takes Holy Communion and another to say quietly while the chalice is being cleansed afterwards. For 50 years I have recited these prayers almost without thinking. They mean much more to me now. Before Communion: "Lord jesus Christ, with faith in your love and mercy I eat your Body and drink your Blood. Let it not bring me condemnation, but rather health in mind and body." After Communion· "Lord may I receive these gifts in purity of hean. May they bring me healing and strength, now and forever.· These two shon prayers seem ready-made for my condition, and they sustain me daily. These are the ways I have been fighting cancer with faith. Maybe, by reading this, others may be able to fight sickness with FAITH (magazine).

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