May/June 2002

s you might suspect, catching spelling errors can be one of the big challenges that our magazine staff faces as we do the final editing of any issue. No matter how advanced our software is, sometimes spelling errors can get past it and even evade the several sets of human eyes that review each issue before we go to press. We try hard, but sometimes we make mistakes. That being said, the following does not contain a typo: this issue of FAITH Magazine focuses on the sacrament of conformation. Yes, that~ right - this issue focuses on conformation. In the end, that is what the sacrament of confirmation is all about - our willingness to devote our lives to be ever more closely conformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to the image and likeness of Christ. •Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit," is the phrase spoken to each person as they are confmned. It is that gift (which is actually a multitude of different gifts) that opens us to live out, each in a unique way, The gift of the Holy Spirit a path that leads us to become more Christ-like as we make our way through life. opens us to live out a unique Dree Daugherty, herself the adopted Claughter of Duffy and Frances Daugheny, saw and path that leads us to become realized the opponunity to put her God-given more Christ-like as we make gifts to use as wife, mother and physician. With three sons already a pan of their family. Dree and her husband Charlie were surprised our way through life by the arrival of their founh son, Mark. They would soon welcome two more children - Kathryn Alinamarie and jason Nico5ur both from Romania - as the newest additions to their family. Each day, Dree and her growing family are more closely conformed to Christ in the love they share for one another. Hillsdale County Circuit Coun Judge Mike Smith allows his faith to inform his life and practice both within and beyond his counroom. judge Smith is always trying to look out for the best interests of children in the many difficult cases with which he deals. His willingness to be a witness to his faith in Christ influences all parts of his life - as husband, father, jurist and religious education teacher. In so doing, Smith is allowing himself to be conformed more closely to Christ. Allowing ourselves to be conformed to Christ also means that we will be conformed to His suffering. Recent events within the Church involving the misconduct of a very small number of priests have brought a very real son of suffering to us, and we suffer with the victims and families caught in awful trauma. Yet, as we are conformed to Christs suffering, so too are we conformed all the more to His resurrection. The work of the Church goes on each and every day - in seeking and offering forgiveness, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, tending to the sick and dying, sheltering the homeless, teaching the young, worshiping a gracious, loving and forgiving God. Good Friday always yields to Easter. And so our journey in FAITH continues. - fr. Dwight Ezop Is Editor in Chic£ or FAinl Magaztnc and pastor of the Catholic Community of SL jude, DeWitt

~,l

Jo·.1 tJh tt ('

w', o ·;~ c r 1,1.J ~· 1 I S t

fl!" J ... J .- lL ...... B1•.'up .md Dndor c..f Hw C.l.t•rr h May '2

~1 S ?tn' n ~· d J JI11t ' ... 1\p o•.t ll"• r.,,,~ )

t ~ 1 ~· ~-..cd

DJ:•1 Pn Joo:f p·· d(' 'w c .•~:e

contents

From the Bishop

Uvlng Out Your Confirmation

The Force Behind Powers

Culture

Bishop Mengeling discusses the vital role of confirmation and shares with us some of the letters he gets from our youth. If baptism is about who we are, confirmation is about what we do.

It's not easy living out your Catholic convictions when you are a county judge. But Hillsdale's Mike Smith is trying by putting the care of families and children frrst with his special mix of tough love.

Joe Forlenza has lead the largest Catholic high school in the diocese - Rint's Powers Catholic - for 28 years. This icon of Catholic education is retiring this spring. Meet the man who has inspired so many.

Confirmation is the sacrament of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's presence is often represented by fire. Consider celebrating this wonderful sacrament with one or all three of our fiery recipes.

Columns

In the Know with Fr. Joe Fr. Joseph Krupp

The Journey Dr. Cathleen McGreal

Fitness vA .piritual ..am Ashbaugh

Work Life Michael Sullivan

Last Word Bishop Kenneth Povlsh 31

Cover MSU's famed football coach, Duffy Daugherty, adopted Dree. Find out how she is following in her father's footstepsgiving back by opening up her heart and home. PLUS: Learn about the need to rebuild the one-time home of orphans like Dree St. Vincent Home.

Most Reverend Carl F. Mengeling

letter~

PUBUSHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING £DROR

Volume 3 : luue 5 Mav/J- 20112

Rev. Dwight Ezop EDROR lA CHIEF

Patrick M. O'Brien

Send your laHars to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300W. OHawa Lansing, Ml 48933

Your Turn - Tell Us What You Think Send us an e--mail at leHers@falthmag.com

MANAGING EDROR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kathy Funk ASSIITAHT EDROR

Alton Pelowski

CREATIVE A £DRORW. ASSISTANT WEBMASTER

jillane job SUBSCRIPnONSISECREI'ARY

Evelyn Weitzel SUUCRIPTIONS

Michael Boyagian IN'IERN

Rev. William Ashbaugh Rev. Thomas Helfrich, OSFS Elizabeth johnson Tina Kirsh Rev. joseph Krupp Kathleen Lavey Ronald Landfair Patricia Majher Dr. Cathleen McGreal Erin Oakley Most Rev. Kenneth j. Povish Lisa Stechschulte Rita Thiron CON1RIBIITING WRITERS

I am really enjoying FAITH Magazine. The articles are so spiritually enriching. FAITH Magazine is helping to re-teach Catholics about the importance of the sacraments and sacramentallife, etc. 1 thought you would be interested to know that Ascension Press sponsored an essay contest last November for B·12th graders on "Why 1 Love being Catholic." They received 2,017 entries nationwide! The winners were select· ed in March ... and of the top 10 fi nalists in the 9-12th grade category, the fifth and sixth place winners were from the Lansing diocese! The fifth place winner was my daughter. Amy. If you would like tofi nd out more, and read the essays of the fi nalists, you may log on to

wwwfriendlydefcnders.comlcon Subscribe to FAITHhelps: tcst.lltm Thank you and God the monthly, fTee, online bless you fo r FAITH Magazine. learning companion to Mrs. Cathy LeBlanc:

As a graphic designer by profes· sion (for 35 years), I am always delighted to receive the new FAITH Magazine each month you and your staff have done an outstanding job of making it not only interesting. but visually "with it~ yet extremely readable. Congratulations on your continued success. FAITHhclps is a wonderful tool - especially for adult education and RCIA for· mation. Keep up the good work, and enter my subscription to FAITHhelps online. You have tapped into the lifeblood of our commumties. Thanks so much. Melinda P. Ziegler

FAITH Magazine Who is il for? Any person or group who wants lO delve deeper into spiritual issues raised in FAITH Magazine. What is in FAITIIhclps? Activities,

~~~:~~~~and ~~discussion ideas - - - - - for individuals or groups. How do I gel FAITIIhelps? Subscribe on FAITHmag.com and FAITHhelps will show u~ each month in your e-mm'• (Don't worry, we don't share e-mail addresses with anyone!)

Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING

Christine jones Philip Shippen james Luning (cover) CON1RIBIITING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wayne Case David Fenech Rev. Matthew Fedewa Patricia Garcia Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Rlcardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev. james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY IIGUO

Rev Cecilia Reyna W£• MINISTR'f

Rogers Priming l>RIN11NG

''W

hos your heror "Who do you admire most?" Questions like these pop up in polls all the time. Heroes are important to us because, most often, they have qualities we would like to emulate. Some arc admired for their competitive spirit, others for their wit or humor. Some are appreciated for their gentle or generous spirit, while others are valued for their skills as peacemakers. Whatever the personal quality may be that we admire, we often look to our heroines and

heroes as models of who we suppon of the Church. The may become. As the ad says, "I saints - those recognized offiwant to be like Mike." cially by the Church, and those So it is in our life of faith, also. treasured as saints known only As we approach to God - offer confirmation, we us models for Heroes are important to are encouraged to our own growth us because, most often, reflect on in faith. When they have qual~ies we we choose the the lives of would like to emulate the many name of a saint for our confir· (\ ~ saints -.J) who throughout the mation name, we are in effect ~ Churchs history have saying, "I want to be like modeled vinue in action. Augustine," ... or Catherine ... or Some appeal to us Paul of the Cross ... or Maria ... because of the struggles or countless others whose lives£ they faced. Others are inspire us to grow steadily clo~ intriguing because of the to God. unique works they began in - Fr. Dwight E:op

aithmag_com.

sainLof the month

Some of What's Online

St. Thomas More

Look for this and more only on FAITHmag.com

A Man for All Seasons

AMANFOR ALL SEASONS

f you'd ever met Thomas More, you probably would have been one of his friends. By all accounts, this 16th cemury Enghsh saint radinted joy. He by Fr. Tom Helfrich, OSFS, loved wordplay and jokes, but never at anyones expense. His home was full of pastor of St. Mary Parish, Adrian pets and rare animals for his enjoyment oes the name Belle Harbor, N.Y., sound at all familiar to you? Way back in june 2001, I knew it only as the site of as well as his children§. And he liked to collect odd and attractive objects because St. francis de Sales Church, somewhere around New York City he delighted in the pleasure others felt and, therefore, in range of my sister and her family. Every year when they saw and enjoyed his treasures. in june about a dozen of us Oblates of St. Francis de Sales meet Mores close friend, Erasmus, once wrote to discuss and make plans for leading parish missions/retreats of him, "If you want a perfect model of around the country to share the optimistic spirit of our patron, friendship, you will ftnd it in no one bet- Paul Scofield starred as Sir ter than in More.~ St. Francis de Sales. Past missions have taken me as far away as More had a happy family life, too. Thomas More in "A Man for Oklahoma and California and as close to home as Toledo, He was an affectionate husband and Michigan's thumb area and even St. Mary Parish in Adrian where father of four children. He was deeply All Seasons." The film was I now serve as pastor. But this year it would be Belle Harbor the involved in his children's religious, first week of Advent. And that was that. moral, and mtellectual education, and the 1966 academy award If the events of Sept. 11, 200 l, changed everything for us he and his family attended daily Mass Americans, those changes together. He enjoyed games and fun, winner for best picture. were all the more profound and encouraged everyone in his family for New Yorkers. And then to play a musical instrument. He had high standards, but he believed came Nov. 12 when a flight that one could aim high and still have a good time More studied law at Oxford, and his successful legal career led from New York bound for him to Parliament. It wasn't long before this intelligent, outgoing, vinuthe Dominican Republic fell ous man caught the attention of King Henry Vlll. The king appointed from the sky soon after takeMore to a number of high posts, ultimately naming him Lord Chancellor off, killing all passengers in 1529. Ufe couldn't have been better for Thomas More and crew, as well as some on But three years later, More resigned as chancellor because he could the ground. Do you rememnot support the kings views on divorce and remarriage and the ber the shock of the news as supremacy of the pope. When More resigned, the king stripped him of we all suspected another act his lands and wealth; many friends desened him. Even so, More contin· of terrorism? Well, if the ued to write in defense of the Church. In 1534, he and his friend, Bishop john Fisher, refused to swear allegiance to the king as the head pieces haven't yet fallen into of the Church of England, and were confined to the Tower of London place for you, that plane crashed in Belle Harbor, literally one More stayed in the tower for 15 months, and his letters to his block from St. Francis de Sales Church where 1 would soon be daughter, Margaret, showed his continued fatthfulness and his unwavisiting. Read lhe whole stDfy and more only on FAITHmag.com vering moral stance. Through it all, he also maintained his good humor Even when john Fisher was executed, More refused to acknowledge the Join in the Discussion - Online king's supremacy over the Church of England. So, he, too, was tried Interested in getting questions answered, and convicted of treason. He told the coun that he could not go against sharing your faith story or discussing issues his conscience. As More went to his death, he told the crowd that he raised in FAITH? It's only a few mouse was dying as "the klng's good servant - but God's flrsL" clicks away. More was beheaded j uly 6, 1635. In 1886, together with 53 other martyrs, including Bishop ' Log onto john Fisher, Thomas More was beatified. Pope Plus XII canFAITHmag.com, click discussion onized him and Bishop Fisher in 1935, 400 years after he was rums and submit your thoughts. For May/June•s Top 10 Books manyred. St. Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers, and in en, keep coming back to see from the SL Francis Retreat October 2000, Pope john Paul II named him patron saint of what our moderator, Fr. Cecilia Center Book Slore, log on to statesmen and politicians. His feast day is june 22 Renya, and others have to say. - Elftabt:thjohnson

Web Exclusive: The Parish Near the Crash Site of Flight 587 finding God Wherever You Are

in the know with Fr.Joe

I was talk· lng to a

parishioner at Sl Thomas the Aquinas the other day who shared a great Insight. She was speaking about her kids and how much she loved them. But, like any other kind of love, It Is challenged someUmes by her kids' _ hmmm - shall we

to all Catholics- priest and laity alike - and because of the greater impact of these sins, the judgment for them, if not repented, is expected to be harsher. For example, a priest in the confessional can tum someone off to the sacrament of reconciliation for the rest of their say "Intense lives A pnest having energy levels?" a bad day and saying Anyway, she something hurtful can be has goHen Into someone's excuse for not the habit of looking going to Church for the rest In on them after they fall of their lives.

Father. The love of the Father and the Son for each other is so intense that it is a person; the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit then ts a Spirit of Love. The Holy Spirit is coequal with the Father and the Son and is their love per:J\ sonified. ~ V Dear Fr. Joe: What exactly The Holy Spirit is also the IS the Holy Spirit? advocate. An advocate is like Did you ever try to a lawyer or a defender who define love? Its speaks for us. This is what tough, isn't it? Its the Holy Spirit does. In often easier to fact, without the Holy describe the effects of Spirit, we would not love than to try to even be able to pray (not nail down the word that we don't try, itself. Well, its the same with though!). Our first step the Holy Spirit. But, being the when we pray should not be "Question and Answer Man," to inundate God with as many I shall attempt to do both. So, words as possible, but instead without further ado, let's to pause, take a deep breath plunge into looking at who and ask the Spirit to pray the Holy Spirit is and what through us. l use a simple the Holy Spirit does. prayer my mother taught me: Lets stan with the ''Holy Spirit, rise up in me Catechism, shall we? The and pray." This will help our Catechism refers to the Holy prayer life tremendously, Spirit as being a few things: because it is not about our First or all, the Holy effort but our openness Spirit is the third perto the Spirit! What a gift God has given us son of the Trinity the love of the in the Spirit - He Father for the Son requires prayer from us, and the Son for the and then gives us the

asleep because they "look so angeliC: Then, one night, this realization hit her: They aren't just sleeping they're recharging!

Dear Fr. Joe: When priests of the nature of the priestsin, are they judged more hood. If a person in the groharshly by God? cery store shares his or her

Yes and no. How is that for a safe answer? But it is true, so lets look at how: The answer no is because of the nature of sin. To put it in a really complicated way: sin is sin. A lay person committing a sin and a priest committing a sin have affected their souls in the same way - in both situations, the soul is separated from God, and you can't put a price tag on how painful that is. Having said that, l will now contradict myself. Yes, a priest is judged more harshly by God. This is not because of the nature of sin; it is because

~I Ct.or:e~

L\'1,1:1'JO

~nd Cornp~n m:~. r.1~1lj10

June 3

opinion on a spiritual matter and is wrong, the effects are not nearly as large as a priest giving a homily based on bad theology before 1,200 people in church. just ask the people who've had to suffer through some of my homilies! Also, it is worse because of the potential scandal that is involved. As we obviously now know, recently reponed sins by priests have caused tremendous pain, embarrassment and suspicion among Catholics everywhere. Obviously, the sins of a few priests have brought suffering

St [lon bu· n.:'IOP

~nd

r.•ort,r June 5

Nurilcrt, BIShop June 6

Till·

r.~oct

S.1crcd

H r·.~rl

J r·~.JC

Jun e 7

1hc

lm:n~wl.1le

Do you remember why you chose your confirmation name? Was it because of a favorite saint or relative that inspired your faith? Take a few minutes lO reOect on why you chose that name. We asked our co-workers at the Diocese of Lansing to do just that. We thought you might like to meet some of the many dedicated workers who support our 97 parishes with more than 85 mtmstries.

"My ministry is multicultural and bilingual; so was his~ SeraploC.

"franccs Xavier" Hernandez Director: Hispanic/ Migrant Ministry

"I liked the Archangel St. Michael and it was my brother's name~ Chrts "MMchhlee" Root Coordinator. New Covenant Initiative

means to pray! Now, we are going to take a different tack. We are going to look at SOME of the ways the Spirit has shown itself in the Scriptures. The first chapters of the first book of the Bible contain this message: uthe Lord God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life" (Genesis 2:7). Those are references to the Holy Spirit and the word used is Ruah which loosely

that raised jesus from the dead, all, this is how the sacrament of gave sight to the blind man, reconciliation works. When and expelled demons. It was you step into the confessional, through the Holy Spirit that that moment is brought to you jesus was able to say what He by the Holy Spirit! 1 know, it sounds like a commercial. In said and do what He did. While that is interesting, here fact, l wanted priests to wear a patch on their clothing that is what is truly awe-inspiring: jesus gave the Holy Spirit to served as an advertisement for us! "And when He said this, He the Holy Spirit, but the bishop breathed on them and said to said "no." All my good ideas get them, 'Receive the holy Spirit. shot down. Whose sins you You need forgive are formore? No probgiven them, When you step into lem! Look at the book of Acts: means "the breath o£ ~ and whoS< the confessional, that jesus is risen God." One of the earli~ r. sins you moment is brought to from the dead, est understandings we ro:: retain are have of the Holy Spirit retained."' you by the Holy Spirit I the disciples is that of Gods breath. Qohn 20: have seen him, jumping to the 22- 23) yet they still hide Gospels, we see some radical jesus gave the disciples the in an upper room. They have iracles on the part of jesus. Holy Spirit so that they could the desire and love to follow ow did He do it? The Holy forgive sins on earth. This has and die for jesus, but they Spirit. lt was the Holy Spirit two direct effects on us. First of don't yet have the courage until

aunt was a nun, and her name was Sr. St.Ama~

L8urll .Anne'" Seymour Payroll AdmirL:

Finance Dept.

the Holy Spirit comes. After the arrival of the Holy Spirit, they are all over the known world preaching the Gospel and handing it down to us. Each one of those disciples died terrible and violent deaths rather than forsake jesus. Their past mistakes show us it wasn't just a matter of their desire; that desire failed them when jesus was led away to be killed. No, it was the Holy Spirit who helped them, gave them the strength to do what jesus called them to do. We can have that Spirit, brothers and sisters, we just gotta ask! .)

"Becaee my great

Send your Questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 w. Ottawa, Lllntlng. Ill 48833

Or: JoelnBiack@prlast.com

I '.'

i L l'>t:' 8

!, t

n J ~ · ~ 1 1 .'~ Apo :=.tl c J ~ ..-·~ .. ~ .

A '1 ! t r.: · .; o f P.Jrh;,) Pr

t' ~ t ~ · . cj

D:K. ta r c( th e C': .rc t1 June , J

~"):

Horn, l d

i\.~· h o t J \$" !.".

s ~ A l o t S U.~ '· ( ~ D 'l :.:vJ l

He:

j10~J J .. UIIC

0))

theology101

Confirmation: what you need to know about th

onfirmation may be the most misunderstood of all our seven sacraments. Perhaps this is because its ritual practices have had such a rich and varied history. Are we made soldiers of Christ? Are we more ..completely" baptized? Is it simply a rite of passage for Catholic teenagers? Even in the early Church, rituals occurred before and after the baptismal bath and

Rita Tltiron, assodate direc-

tor of the Office of Worship

continues with Part 5: Confirmation

before the Eucharistic meal. These included anointing(s), the laying on of hands, and consignation (signing with the cross). Eventually, these actions were reserved to the bishop and, in the West, were separated from baptism and Eucharist. With changes in praxis came changes in theological understanding . For example, a slight slap on the cheek was added to remind the candidate that he/she was to be strong so as to defend and promote the faith. That gesture is no

,.~~

major deve)opmenrsthe bishop laying on hands, anointing and signing on forehead .

alone may "seal" (relied on Acts - Peter and Old Tcsto:Jmc nt john came after a • Ritual anointing of king or (Apostolic Canst., 360 A.D.) baptism); priest prophet (1 Samuel 16: 12-13) • lrenaeus of~ emphasized may anoint with

c.h:.~~c gifts • . • Holy Spirit is present at ._...._.... jesus' baptism (Mt centered more on ~ 3 13-17; jn D3-34) Holy Spirit at . 7 • Jesus prornls· baptism • es Paraclete On • Ambrose of 16: 7-16; Acts 1:5) MHan stressed lay• Descent of ing on of hands Holy Spirit at • Eastern churchPentecost es - baptism, {Acts 2·1-4) chrismation, • Disciples lay hands on Communion new Christians, baptize with • The anointings the Spirit {Acts 10:44-48,John 3, before and after Baptism 2 Cor 3, Eph 1:13, Acts 8:17) took on different meanings :J to !Hh Century exorcistic to prepare for bap• No uniform practice tism vs. sealing or marking • Post-baptismal anointing for Christ by the priest is followed by • 416 Innocent I - bishop

N e w Tcsto:Jmc nt

of the Holy Spirit" appears in reconciliation liturgy for heretics - most notably by

Leo the

oil consecrated by the bishop, but may not sign on forehead • The word "confirmation" is first used at the Council of Orange in 441 . Notes that chrism should be used only once. • The first doctrinal explanation of a separate confirmation ceremony is given by Bishop Faustus of Riez in 458: "In baptism we are regenerated to life; after haptism we are confirmed for battle. In baptism we are washed; after baptism we are strengthened." • Sth century "seal of the gift

• of initiation in West. • Dioceses become larger, bishop visits less frequently, yet infants need to be baptized soon after birth (quamprimum) • Communion becomes separate from confirmation - danger of infants spitting up host· then cup is removed in 12~ • In East, practice of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist continues

r;:

f-' .111 111:1 '

·, D , • t~ 5 1 ' ~ ,: .! U

·c ')'}

'""> ' J c:" Tl I

t· :-

c ·.· L tl .] : 0 r., .. t.,.· J

, i\-f"

:? 2

', ~

1 1-::)

~~l ~ r.~ c r t•

J,J ;,~: . ·r J,l;.l!

22 '

Baptism Part 1

J,- ,,

Baptism Part 2

Rec:onclllaUon

Eucharist

Conlbmatlon

Holy Orders

1·

£1

Marriage

)uly

-\p.,l

I hn1•r.

t ,,. t p r a v r '

I! a t

c I> c 11 (' , . c

often misunderstood sacrament longer used . The laying on of hands and the anoiming with chrism continue to serve as signs of the strengthening of baptismal grace and the conferral of the gifts of the Holy Spint.

~spi ritual mark~ or "character."

4 things

The bishop is the usual minister of confirmation, - - - - - - - - - - - though priests may also con1 increase and deepening of fer the sacrament. For baptismal grace instance, your pastor may 2 unites us more finnly to administer all three sacraThe sacrament of confnmaChrist ments of initiation - baptism , confirmation, and Eucharist tion IS conferred through the 3 increases the gifts of the - to the Elect at the Easte r anointing of the foreh ead with Holy Spirit within us Vigil. just as the Church sacred cluism, which is done 4 gives us special strength to spread and defend the with the laying on of lwnds and did nearly two thousand years ago! ';{) faith by word and action. thmugh the words ~Be sealed

confirmation brings

with the gift of the Holy Spi1it n (Apostolic Constimuon on the Sacrament of Conflnnauon, Pope Paul VI, 1972).

Like baptism. confirmation is given only once, for it imparts a special indelible

For Rita Thlron's full article and more on Confirmation, log on to FAITHmag.com

• 9th century Rabanus Mauros - "presbyteral (priestly) unction gives Holy Spirit for habitation of God; Episcopal unction gives the grace of the sevenfold spirit .. . with all the fullness of sanctity and of knowledge and of power." • Infrequency of sacrament; parents reminded to have child confirmed • Alculn (730-804) notes, one is confirmed "so that the erson may be strengthened to preach to othersn • Confirmation named as one of seven sacraments at

Council or Lyons, 1274 • Aquinas sees analogy with bodily growth and spiritual growth; confirmation seen as sacrament of maturity; the grace of confirmation is an increase of grace already present at baptism, which causes grace initially. "For in baptism power is received for performing those things which pertain to one's own salvation in so far as one lives for oneself. In confirmation a person receives power for engaging in the spiritual battle against the enemies of the faithn (Summa

15th to 17th Century

ol111 tl:e

El~pt1~\

June 24 1 S\ Cyrtl of

• 1439 Council of Florence uses these scholastic ideas of "strengthening" and bishop as ordinary minister; adds imposition of hands • Changes lO Roman Pontificals (books used by b ishops) include chrismation, laying on of hands, kiss of peace, and alapa (slap on cheek) Trent Confirmation defended as sacrament; defends use of chrism; affirms bishop as ordinary minister 18 to 19th Century

at age of reason, Confirmation after • Vatican II Places confirmation again in context of fullness of initiation rather than ritualizing a rite of passage or maturity. • Sacramen ts are a sign of God's grace • Called for reform of rite • Connection to bishop, apostolic origins of Church

Benedict XIV reintroduces

(CCC 1292)

individual imposition of hand(s) with simultaneous signing on forehead; bishop's thumb moistened with chrism

Thtologiat Ill).

A'cx~"drt3 Elt~hop

ond (bttor June 27 ' St

lrc".oc.:~

~l·cp

onl r.t1:t1r June 28

~.s

• 1971 Pope Paul VI promulgates new Rite of Confirmation; writes Apostolic Constitution -

Divinae Consortium Naturae Peter o11d P.1 .. !

Apc~tlc~

June 29

Anointing

ost people regret how often they have missed so much that is good, wonderful and important by never going below the surface. It's like standing at the door but never going inside. We've often heard the cliches "not seeing the forest for the trees" and "mistaking e the cover for the book." One that sticks in my mind is "stop with the peel on the outside but miss the delicious fruit on the inside." Catholics, and others, can choose the peel and mtss the fruit of their religion. Theres always regret when we realize who and what is missing when we only scratch the surface and deprive ourselves and others of the mner riches of our faith. Some say it doesn't make any difference because what you don't know won't hun you. This is wrong, however, when it comes to holiness and happiness, loving God and others, and eternal life. All that can sanctify us and others and energize our partnership in jesus' mission stays hidden and use less for us and others. Does this happen with the sacrament of confirmation? Is our experi-

from the bishop

ence of conHnnation just the peel on the outside and little of the fruit on the inside? Is confinnation on the back burner of Catholic consciousness? Is confinnation the "one-shot" and then forgotten sacrament? Our answers are: "yes" or "no" or "both." They mirror our ideas of "being Catholic." A Catholic needs to see the whole picture. just looking at confinnation by itself won't help much. The vital role of conHnnation in our Christian life is understood ~nly when we see its connecion with baptism and Eucharist. These are the sacraments of initiation that establish our identity and set the direction of our lives. They define who we are and what we do as Catholics. We can think of baptism and confinnation as two lungs that sustain who we are and what we do. Now, think of the Eucharist as the heart that pumps the lifeblood into the lungs. Without the heart, the lungs cannot function. The one lung - baptism is about who we are, our identities as sons and daughters of God. The life-breath of the Holy Spirit and our "yes" are the dynamics that transfonn us steadily from babies of God to the full maturity as men and women of God. The other lung- confiration - completes the picture. lls about what we doour mission. john Paul II recently said, "Baptism is

about being and confinnation is about doing. ~ The Eucharist is like the heart that gives life in Christ. Christ in the Eucharist keeps our identity (who we are} and our mission (what we do) alive. The Eucharist intensifies, expands and ener· gizes our identity to become more and more who we can be in Christ. It does the same with our ongoing partnership in the mission of Christ. Like the heart, the Eucharist is a reminder of "without Me, you can do nothing. D

the youths that the letters help me to stay the course. Their letters reveal a consciousness of the lifelong meaning of confinnation as partners in the mission of Christ. They tell us of good choices, generous self-gifts, service to others, Christ centered lives and more. Letters from Youth Kyle: I request confirms· tion because I want to

belong to God. I want to live my life with God's help in making good choices, teaching me respect for others

Church because I want to be just like a saint for all my life. I'm going to follow the Lord's footsteps as saints did. Alan: Maybe I can be someone who is looked upon by younger kids as a role model whom they can ask for advice. Blake: As the oldest sib· ling in our family, I think confirmation sets a wonderful example for my sister and brother on the importance to have Christ in your everyday

We can think of baptism and confirmation as two lungs that sustain who we are and what we do. The Eucharist is like the heart that gives life in Christ. Many of our youth and their families are committing to the mission of Christ in confinnation. This is good news! As I confinn thousands of youths, I see the transfonn· ing work of the Holy Spirit. It is evident in the enthusiastic acceptance in the call to partnership in jesus' mission in the Church and world. Theres a better understanding of confinnation in parents, sponsors and the parishes. They sense responsibility for the youth who are joining them in the mission of jesus. Its evident, too, in the faith, devotion and witness of catechists who prepare these youths. Some of the youth say it, too. The letters 1 receive from many of our young people before they are confinned are a great joy for a bishop. I tell

Share your memories on FAITHmag.com Click Discussion Forums

and myself, and to have courage to stand up against the things I know aren't right. Amanda: I am old enough to understand the help I will need to live the Christian life. With the help of the Holy Spirit, I am able to overcome temptation as I grow older and I will live as God has instructed me. I know that life cannot be fully complete without help from the Holy Spirit and that I need to trust in God right now while I'm still young. Eric: At the start of the year when people brought up being confinned, I just thought I would do it because I was supposed to. But now I realize what it really means. I want to be confirmed. Brooke: I want to be confirmed in the Catholic

life. This confinnation will be witnessed by them and will reinforce their faith. Peter: I hope to offer my time and help make a differ· ence in the lives of others, as well as my own. I have never seen a real bishop before and I am excited that I will be able to see you and have your blessing. Jeff: My parents have been towing me to church now for the past 14 to 15 years. I thank them for fulfilling their baptismal promise by showing me the way of the Lord. Now, though, I am ready to take the slack and follow the Lord. '9 - Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling is the rourth bishop or Lansing.

/llay/)urac 2002

FAITH M~g~:inc

"l lmow my parents went to a lot of trouble to adopt me, and I've always lmown tl1at l

was luclty anJ)}

spedall've always wanted to give

Dree Elizabeth Daugherty was born on Feb. 7, 1954, to a mother who made the decision to place her child up for adoption through the St. Vincent Home for Children. Hugh "Duffy" Daugherty, who had just been named head football coach at Michigan State University, and Frances, his wife, were attending a celebration in Duffy's

tl1at same gift baclt to someone." the intention of going to medical school, fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. Dreams Take a Detour

In her freshman year, Dree met her future husband, Charlie Hudson. The two made plans for their life together and were married just before their graduation in 1976. Charlie got a job with the Chrysler Corporation, but Dree decided not to pursue medical school. "I had been focused my whole life on becoming a doctor, but I couldn't figure out how l was going to do both motherhood and med school, so I put it off and got a job as a chemist.~ she explains. Charlies job took them back and fonh between California and Michigan. and they eventually settled in Bloomfield Hills, a suburb of Detroit A few years after they were married, the children began to arrive: Ryan in 1980, Paul in 1981, and Michael in 1983. Dree and Charlie were thrilled with their little boys, but they also wanted a girl. "Charlie and I had always talked about adopting a child - it was something I always wanted to do, a gift I wanted to give," says Dree. But when they looked into adopting a little girl from Korea, they discovered that agencies wouldn't place girls with families that already had children. So, just as with medical school, Dree put her dream of adoption onto a back burner.

(:W

hometown of Barnesboro, Pa., when they got the news that the baby they were waiting to adopt had been born. "This was big news - they left Pennsylvania right away so they could get home and meet me," says Dree, remembering an oft-told family story. "I know my parents went to a lot of trouDreams Can Come True ble to adopt me, and I've always known thatl By the time Ryan was in second grade, was lucky and special. I've always wanted to Dree was again feeling the call to go to give that same gift back to someone.~ She just medical school. With Charlie's suppon, she didn't know when or how it would happen. applied to Wayne State University and Dree grew up in East Lansing, where her began the long process of becoming a docfamily belonged to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. tor. Âˇ'It Âˇwas a family project; everyone had to St.Vincent Home continued to be a part of her life. Msgr. john Slowey, head of St. Vincent sacrifice to get me through med school," says Dree. "Charlie had to take care of the while Dree was growing up, was a close kids and the house, the boys had to give family friend and was often at the up their spons activities. Everyone Daugherty home for dinner. Dree remembers taking toys she had outgrown "Charlie and I had always talked focused on helping me get my degree." about adopting a child - it was To celebrate her graduation, the entire to the children at St. Vincents. "We visited there, we took our Halloween candy something I always wanted to do, a family went to Dtsney World. Next came three years of residency and there, we brought Christmas presents. St. gift I wanted to give," says Dree. Vincent$ was a matter-of-fact part of my finally Drees dream was a reality - she was an emergency room physician at life," she recalls. Crittendon Hospital in Rochester Hills. The boys were active in Dree graduated from East Lansing High School in 1972, school and sports, Charlie was busy with his job as a Chrysler the same year her popular father ended his tenure as head marketing executive, and Dree was happily pursuing her caree football coach at MSU. She traveled to California to attend Then, in 1997, the family got a big surprise- Dree was college at Stanford University. She took pre-med courses with

"See this girl - we have to adopt her!" she told him. And thats why, in October 2000, Dree, Charlie, and Mark flew to Romania and brought home not one, but two, new children for their family. Kathryn Alinamarie Hudson and jason Nicosur Hudson, were a dream come true - times two. pregnant at age 43! Little路 Mark was born on his big brother Michaels 14th birthday- a very special gift, indeed. The family couldn't have asked for a more easy-going, sunny-natured child. His parents and big brothers doted on Mark, who quickly became the center of attention in the family. "This was way too easy, raising this little boy who thought the world revolved around him," recalls Dree. "We came to the decision that he needed siblings his own age so he wouldn't tum into a little prince." "The boy had three big brothers who were almost on their own, and two little cats in a happy, loving lwme. But l1e needed someone else to be just his own size; to run and jump and kicll a ball, to Jearn and share his life."

Not Quite Triplets

Only seven months separate Katie, who turned 5 in April, from Mark, who will be 5 in November. Oason will be 5 in August.) With their light brown hair and deep brown eyes, the three youngest Hudsons could be triplets, and Dree often finds herself having to explain the siblings' unique relationship. At first, Dree was reluctant to tell strangers that Katie and jason were adopted. "They're my kids, not my 'Romanian' kids or my 'adopted' kids," she says. "I knew I was adopted from the ume I was 3 years old, and I knew that made me special. I'm comfortable with who I am. But for some reason, l didn't want to put that label on them." Eventually. Dree came to see that she could also be comfort路 able with Katie and jason's status as adopted children. "It's been a real growth process for me,~ she explains. "Their lives before they Another Dream - nmes Two "Not too long ago, in a land across the sea, lived a darling little girl came to us were real, thats a precious pan of who they are. l don't want to wipe away their Romanian heritage, and brushing with twirling. dancingfeet, and a quiet little boy with round, puppyaside their adoption was ignoring that pan of their lives." dog eyes, who were waiting to be loved for all of their short lives." While Drees dad never got to meet his youngest grandchilOnce again, Dree and Charlie looked into international adop路on. This time around, having other children wasn't an issue, dren (he passed away in 1987), Drees mom is thrilled with them. uttheir age was. Now in their mid-40s, Dree and Charhe were "Shes pretty excited about these grand kids- they're a bonus for her," laughs Dree. She noted that her mother has considered too old to be adoptive parents by told her that in addition to remembering the St. most countries. Eastern Europe was about the only place where age wasn't a barrier. Surfing Vincent Home in her will, she has also added the Romanian orphanage where Kntie and jason the Internet, they discovered that the pictures of lived before the Hudsons adopted them. "Shes Romanian children available for adoption tickled to be able to do that. Both of those places looked remarkably like their own children. Soon they found an agency right in Bloomfield are so important in the history of our family. They're pan of our story," says Dree. Hills that specialized in Romanian adoptions. This june, the family of Dree Daugheny and Val and Nancy Cocariu helped the Hudsons through every step of the process. Charlie Hudson will celebrnte a number of family milestones: Katie and jason's baptism, "We took a family vote about adopting," Michael's high school graduation, Ryans college recalls Dree. "The older boys thought that graduation, and Ryans wedding. Mark should have a brother, because they "This is a time of blessings for us," says Dree. loved growing up with brothers, but Charlie "We've had so many gifts. God has and I wanted a girl. Secretly, I asked touched our lives in so many ways. He has Nancy to let me know if any little girls were available." helped us to make our dreams happen." Wrth their light brown hair and deep "Now the quiet little boy with round, Val Cocariu thought that a 3-year-old brown eyes, the three youngest puppy-dog eyes, and tlte darling little girl boy named Nicosur (Romanian for Hudsons could be triplets, and Dree Nicholas) would be a good match for the with her twirling, clancingfeet, have joined often finds herself having to explain their hearts as children in that loving family. Hudsons, and the family began the the siblings' unique relationship. They arc pare of something special. Now the process of adopting him. Then Nancy circle is complete. They have a little brother brought Dree a picture of a little girl who 路ooked enough like Mark to be his sister. With a picture of 3- with a laughing, smiling face. Titey have tltree big brotl1ers to follow and embrace. They lwvc a momma and a daddy to care for ear-old AlinaMarie in hand, Dree drove to find Charlie, who them at last. So now and forevermore, the Hudsons will be blessed." 3} was cheering on Michael at a high school basketball game.

Share your story on FAITHmag.com Click Discussion Forums

Mayl}unt 2001

fAITH M~g:.:in e

Help Give Hope a New Home

JOUrney~

Ministry Focus: St. VIncent Home for Children "We have ro be conccmcd about those wlw arc vulnerable and wea/1 in our community. We have to do some路 thing for them. We must build a new St. Vincent Home We need each person to do his or her fair share - to do somct/1ing to help." - Msgr. Mich:>d Murphy, Honor:>ry

Ways to see the gifts of those you may have

trouble with

S t.Vi~nt

Home for Children has undergone a lot of ch:mgcs since Dr. Drce Daugherty Hudson was a tiny infant waiting to be placed in the loving arms of her adoptive parents, Duffy and Frances Daugherty. The home has expanded through the years from an orphanage to providing in-home family preservation and family reunification services, adoption services, foster care placement, and short- and long-term residential care for local youths as well as children from not just the 10 counties of our diocese but 28 Michigan counties. Yet, the home is still operating from a 1950s style instituuonal building. In order to more fully meet the needs of the 2,000-plus children that pass through the agmg doors of the home each year, the Board of Directors of Cathohc Social Services of Ulnsing!St. Vincent Home has launched a $2 million capual cnmpnign m order to bUJid a new facllny that will include: 1 An mcrease in privnte rooms for the safe and compassionate care of ch1ldren who have experienced sexunl abuse 2 An mcrease in open physical space to supervise 1 ~ children with significnnt mental health needs 3 Expanded classrooms to serve the mcreasing number of children needing on-site educauon 4 Secure areas for improved management of children wtth behavioral problems 5 Decentralized services to create fnm1ly-like units of care 6 Expanded medical fncilities to improve the care of children receiving medication and other medical services 7 An increase in family space to 1mprove the supervision and safety of children visiting with thm families 8 An mcrease in space for interaction With family preservation and family unification space.

Seventeen parishes of the Lansing Diocese have commiHcd more than $137,000 to date for the capital campaign. janet Quiring, vice president of development for St. Vincent Home, openly Invites the community, and in particular children, to help make the dream of rebuilding the home a reality. "We hope that schools, youth groups. service organizations - any group or indtvidual interested m helping the children at St. Vincent Home - will help with their own creative fund raisers," says Quiring. One creative fund-raiser already underway IS a "buy-n-bnck" program that allows groups or individuals to have their names engraved on bricks which will comprise a walkway leadmg to the new home. Additionally, an "Angel Wall" in the lobby area will feature the names of significant supporters. If you would like to "help give hope a new home" by becoming Involved In the St. VIncent Home capital campaign, call Janel Quiring at (517) 887-6076, ext. 109.

isits from my East Coast relatives were eagerly anticipated when I was a child. My first impression of one visit, however, was that New Yorkers were a bit strange. A cousin arrived thrilled because he met Bishop Fulton J. Sheen during the flighll was surprised by my cousin's Tlte deeply-admired individt enthusiasm because the 8th-graders I knew had told me all about bishops! wlto stands by ltis convictiot They were imposing authorities, asking probing questions during confirmation. I seems fniStrating when he i imagined being unable to articulate a as stubbom as an oxl reasonable response. The bishop's finger would point to the vestibule and I would have to sfink out of church in disgrace. Bishop Sheen may have had an audience of 30 million viewers through his radio and TV shows, but I had no desire to meet him! Sunlight and Shadows. According to Bishop Sheen, troubles "constitute as much the essence of life as shadows resulting from sunfight~ When we are attracted to someone, it is the sun路 light that draws our attention: "Wait until you meet her! She's like the spark that starts a fire - her enthusiasm is contagious~ But each belovet quality also casts a shadow. "She's fike a bolt of lightning! Out of the blu she just flares upl" The deeply-admired individual who stands by his cor victions seems fn.lstrating when he is as stubborn as an o1tl The characteristics that draw us to a person are often the same qualities that we ju1 can't stand. Be seated with the gift of the Hoi!( Spirit. Acdpc signaculum dor Spiritus Sancti. At confirmation, we receive (acdpc) the spirit of wis路 dom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence and awe in God's presence. But receiving a gift is a process, not a one路lime event. The recipient of a gift is expected to use it, rather tha tucking it away. The word acc:ipe also means "learn" in latin. Throug the promptings of the Holy Spirit, we learn how to use our gifts. For example, quick-witted individuals learn to use right judgment so that their words heal others with humor instead of inflicting wounds. With the gift of understanding, we team to recognize Christ's presence In the talents of loved ones. Our Catechism states that anointed with chrism oil, confirmands are filled with the Spirit "so that their lives may give off the aroma of Christ" (CCC 1294). Christ's essence is a soothing fragrance, one that brings cleansing and healin joy and consolation. Even when separation occurs, memories of lov& ones comfort us with their lingering aroma of Christ. As the Irish poet, Thomas Moore, wrote: "Long, long be my heart with such memories fill'd, Uke the vase in which roses have once be distill'd. You may break, you may ruin the vase if you will, But the sc of the roses will hang 'round it still." - Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a profcs! of Psychology at Hope College and a certified spiritual director.

n the office of County Circuit judge Mike Smith, drawings from rus younger children taped to the waH behind his desk seem almost out-of-place amid the framed degre~s and dark wood bookshelves filled with law texts. Yet when one hears of his main concern as a judge they seem entirely appropriate. II What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you? Click Discussion fo rums on FAITHmag.com

AIIIJJ}Unc 2001

FAITH Maga:l n~

mith is pro-life and pro-family. Sixty percent of the cases he hears are domestic related divorce, child custody and abuse cases, among others. In a legal system that strongly emphasizes the separation of church and state, it is not always easy to live out his Catholic convictions in the courtroom. But hes trying. While he says he has no conflict with his faith when granting divorces, Smith tries to do what is best for children involved. "It's a legal issue," he says. "I think even the Church realizes theres going to be divorces. That's why it has the annulment process. · "Our main emphasis (in

his court) is on the children: He says being Catholic probably makes him mor~ aware of family-related issues. Smith estimates approxi· mately 90 percent of the felons he sees between the ages of 19 and 24 are from families with divorced par· ents. He often sees the effects of those who come from broken homes played out in alcohol or drug abuse and criminal activity. It is in cases such as these that he wrestles with his decisions in court. ..As a Catholic you don't want to see the disintegration of the family," he says. "I'm seeing the aftermath of what I'm granting as a result in many cases of divorce. That's why we're so strict regarding the support of the children." Smith will not tolerate non-payment of child sup· port or abuse of parenting time (also known as visita-

lion). He tries as much as possible to make sure a fam· ily maintains a relationship outside the confines of divorce, allowing plenty of parenting time to provide continued close contact between parent and child. Smith, 49, is a cradle Catholic. He grew up in Ann Arbor and received his bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Michigaa. He attended the University of Detroit School of Law and came to Hillsdale County fresh out of law school in 1979 to become assistant prosecutor. He held that position umil 1981 when he was elected to serve as prosecutor until1984. He went into private practice from 1984to 1989, when he again ran successfully for prosecutor. He served as prosecutor until 1996, when he ran for circuit court judge. He is just finishing his first six-year term. Smith and his wife, Mary jo, live in jonesville with their six children, who range in age from 4 to 19 years old. They attend St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hillsdale. "It's interesting because you don't find a lot of six-children

famihes: he says. "I think it gives me more experience in dealing with family issues (in the court)." He has four boys and two girls, so he can relate to the challenges parents in his courtroom face when raising boys or girls. When asked if he thinks there is something more the Church could do to support Catholic views in the current legal system, Smith cites the obvious difficulties between the separation of church and state. But he thinks an ecumenical effort for some type of pre-marital counseling requirement for couples before they can obtain a marriage license would be helpful. The effort would not have to be church-related and would t be the responsibility of many different faiths to impress upon a legislature. "Our main emphasis is on the

childrm." He says being CGtholic probabry makes him more aware

offamlly-relGted issues. judge Smith is pictured below with his family.

"I think if we placed more emphasis on the pre-marital (aspect), there would be fewer problems," he says. "There would be less divorce and marital crises.· Ourside his courtroom, Smith IS further challenged to be a witness to his faith - this time by seventh-graders. This year he decided to teach seventh-grade religious education at St. Anthony Parish. ~They're a great group of kids; he says, his face brightening. He finds Jt a challenge to keep the kids interested (especially with one of his sons in the class) while still passing on the tenets of the faith. He breaks the group into smaller ones and even played 'jeopardy~ using Church • achings as the categories. "Its interesting," he says. "You can still tell the kids who come from strong families and the ones who don't." Because of his confirmation, Smith says, he thinks he is stronger in his faith. "The Holy Spirit is working in me more now as I enter my older years," he says. "I realize the necessity to effectuate change. using the gifts of knowledge and wisdom. I can incorporate them through my work, certainly, but also with the students I teach at catechism." ) Ministry Focus: Religious Education Busy people like Judge Smith somehow find the time to give back something they've been given - faith. If you are interested in sharing your wisdom fi:Vtd experience, consider help~g your parish's religious education program. Contact your parish or call Peter Ries at (51 7) 342-2486.

Ways to ••know thyself!' One of the first maxims of spiritual life.

s Chnsttans, we believe that God has recreated regenemted - us in Christ at our baptism. God~ own Spirit came to us and made us a dwelling place of God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (a great book to read for building spiritual muscles) tells us that the grace we receive at baptism empowers us "to live and act under the prompt· ing of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit" (CC.C 1266l.

For our spiritual fitness this Do not allow yourself to thinh month, try practicing this media& you arc too busy. Give God time tion. There are three pomts in the mediation that will hopefully and God will give you eternity. help us to come to a greater awareness of our gifts as children of God To meditate, find a quiet place where you can pray and just be with God You will need at least 15 minutes of quiet, uninterrupted free time. Fight for it. God loves you and you love God.

We are a dwelling place of God. God loves us so much that God wills to come and dwel within us as a temple. Think about the gift of your own being. Think about your senses of sight, touch, hearing, smelling, and tasting. God cnl8led us. Everything we have (or do not have) is a gift. God has created us for Himself and wants us to know His love. God is not just on the outside. God is within usl Read one or more of the folowing Scripture passages: 1 Kings 8:9- 13; Luke 1:35·55; 1 Comhians 3:16; John 14:15·24.

choir. I was fearful, but did it. Later, I had a young mother at a parish tell me that I should ITIIIke a CD of religious songs to help people meditate and be refreshed in ~ it. I said no - I could not possibly do such a thingllt was beyond me. She kept at me though and put my name in a hat as a possible candidate for a financial gift that she wanted to make because she had just won some prize money. She had her little daughter draw names out of the hat. She drew mine. Just as she called to tel me this, I was reading a letter from a friend. In the middle of the letter, out of context, my friend wrote that I should make a CD to help people pray and praise God. I finished reading this sentence when I got the phone cal from the young mother. I could not believe my e&tBI God was caling me to this and letting me know that I needed to use my gifts for Him, and not hide them. To think about your gifts, read 1 Corinthians 1 2.

We have been given gifts from the Holy Spirit who empowers us. h is often easier to know our weaknesses, vices, and foibles than our gifts. During this part of the meditation, list either on paper or mentally the things others have said you do well. To discern the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we need the Body of Christ - we need the commu· nity that God has formed by the Holy Spirit. The gifts we have been given are for the Body, and so it is the Holy Spirit working in the Body that not only gives us gifts, but calls them forttl. An example of this is that I once had a teacher who told me I could sing. I never knew that before. Not only did he tell me I could sing, he pnldicaly made me sing in the

Our weaknesses arc also gifts from God. This may be the hardest part of the media~on. Most people struggle with selfhatred. There is a part of ourselves that we do not lrke maybe it is our looks; maybe it is some inability or ineptitude that we have. We fall down ~me and time

What has prayer taught you about yoursein Discuss your faith, Click Forums on FAITHmag.com

again. We think, "If only I was C) stronger or if I could do this better, {f) I would be more pleasing to God~ • ~ I prayed once about an inability I had. "Dear God, take it H away,• I prayed. Then I heard the (U Lord say, "see how your weakness draws you closer to me~ I ~ realized that my weakness had a (U good effect - it often humiliated me, and so curbed my pride. For this meditation, read St. Paul in his discusaion of his own weakness in 2 Corinthians 11 : 16- 12: 10. Paul says, "I wiK boast gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwel with me. Therefore I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constmints for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong~ (2 Corinthians 12:9·10)

Ftnish the meditation by thanking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Pray that your gifts may increase. Pray for an increase in faith to use the gifts, hope for perseverance, and love. By doing so, our offering of self will imitate the self-offering of Jesus Christ whose greatest gift was given by His absolute poverty and weakness as He suffered and died on the cross for us. - Fr. Bill Ashbaugh Is pastor or St. joseph Parish, Howell. May1unc 2002

FAITH Mag;a:lnc

•

joe Eorl~ insdlls tJie $Jibil at

P.owi!FS Hfgh Sdaoolal(lllfllg a 41-

gseph Forlenza has fostered the spirit at Eowers Catholic High School in Flint, serving as its principal for the past 28 years. For somene who got involved in education to earn some money while pursuing law school, orlenza will complete a 41-year career in <Latholic education when he retires in june. "I fell in love with teaching and coaching. Working with young people has been a tremendously rewarding experience for me," says Forlenza explaining why he chose teaching instead of studying law as he had planned. As his career journey nears its end, Forlenza is proud of the academic, athletic and spiritual environment provided for the 825 students, faculty, and staff at Powers Catholic. "Powers is not just a building or place. Powers is people with a spirit and tradition that will continue to grow," Forlenza says. 'That spirit fosters an environment where students and

staff strive for excellence. lt is a place where faith and knowledge meet. The values learned here are learned for a lifetime." Forlenza has seen a spirit of dedication, commitment and willingness to sacrifice in the students, staff, parents, and alumni of Powers Catholic. He believes they have created a school where young people can learn and grow in a challenging, friendly and supportive faith-based environment. "l feel privileged to have been a pan of this ongoing experience. l only hope that l have given back as much as I have received," he says. As a product of Catholic education, Forlenza made an obvious choice to work back through the Catholic system. He said his faith was evolving in a positive way when he chose to teach. He believes in living the Gospel message by helping others stay in touch with their faith. During his tenure at Powers Catholic, Forlenza has seen two generations of students pass through the hallowed halls. He also has perceived a difference in the beliefs of those generations. The older generation believes because they were told that's the way it was. The younger generation wants to believe, but have to go through the process so they can understand and witness what they believe, according to Forlenza. High school is part of that process of evolving, he added. Confirmation is a faith commitment. The Catholic school experience serves as a M moral compass• and helps to deter· mine how they will live the rest of their lives. "If that occurs, we helped them realize how to use their God-given talents to help others,~ Forlenza says. ~students are willing to get involved and help others if you just ask them. The students have a great vitality and are the most enjoyable part of the job." Forlenza said Powers Catholic has produced so many out· standing students in so many fields including a number of priests and sisters, mayors, heads of medical facilities, professional athletes - even NFL players - leaders in business, education and the military. One alumnus of Powers ts in line to become a general, he added. I The frustrating part of the job is the constant challenge to be everything to everyone, according to Forlenza. "You just

)

worklife Name: Joseph Anthony Forlenza Family Life: Marr:ed to Patric;a for 40 years. Children: Joe, 3 9; Jim , 3 'I; Theresa 35; Robert, 30 and 8 grandchildren Career: 41 years involved in Catholic education, including • Principal. Powers Catholic Higr. School, Fhn! • Pnncipal, O'Sullivan Model Schoo!, Flint • Princ1pai/Administrator, Donovan North Middle School, Rint • Assistant PrinCipal and Coach. Powers Catholic H.S, Fhnt • Teacher. Coach and Athletic D1rector, St. John Vianney H.S., Rint • Teacher/Coach, Mendel Catholic H1gh School, Chicago

can't do enough. You have the vision but can't quite get there. However, we're further ahead than i£ we hadn't tried," he said. Forlenza thinks the biggest challenge £acing Catholic education today is the financial responsibility £or it has £allen solely on the users rather than on the Catholic community as a whole. It is due to a big change in attitude within the Catholic community and has created a greater burden on parents £or the cost o£ education, he said. Other challenges £or Catholic education to remain competitive are curriculum, facilities, staffing and technologies. IT::J. Forlenza said that Powers Catholic has a tremendous repu~tion academically, athletically and spiritually. The fine arts program is widely acclaimed and the athletic teams have been successful evidenced by the girls' basketball and boys' gol£ teams winning state championships last £all. There have been so many rewarding ~'Periences in his career that Forlenza hesitates to identify them. He does recall when students, parents and staff surprised him on both his 50th and 60th birthdays and he didn't know about it beforehand. "It was a tremendous a££irmation £or me," Forlenza said. ~In education, you just hope you've made a difference in somebodys life." "Any teacher will tell you the real appreciation or a££irmation comes £rom out o£ the blue in the form or a simple 'thank you' £rom a student or alum £or what you did," he says. "I have seen so many acts o£ kindness by students, adults and staff over the years." Forlenza believes the spirit at Powers Catholic will continue to thrive without him. In retirement, he plans to relax, renew his interest in golf and fishing, travel to spend more time with his eight grandchildren, and continue to stay involved in the community in some way.- Duane Ramsey I Pltolos Clrrisrinejones Ministry Focus: Catholic Schools The Diocese of Lansing has Four Catholic high schools and 38 . elementary schools. Dedicated priests, religious, teachers and ~lty work to provide a place where knowledge and faith meet. ~or more information Catholic schools, contact the Diocese of Lansing's Department on Education at (517) 342·2482.

Questions to see how you use the gifts youve been given at work

ne of the best known stories about how we .a to use our gifts and Hve as Christians In dally Rfe Is the parable of the talents. (Matthew 25: 14) A certain man leaves on a trip and entrusta his poaaesaions to his servants to be used to do his work. To one, he gives five talents and when that servant returns t 0 to the man, he is praised. To another, two talents are given and four returned. To a third, one talent is given but that servant buries it in the ground, covering it up out of fear, and returns it unused to the man. This servant is criticized and we are left with a disturbing impression of what might be intended by this teaching. Some might conclude from this passage that God favors the rich and powerful or that people with ~ttle possessions have nothing to offer. Another way of seeing the story may be in the disappointment the man feels when his gifts are not appreciated. And, in this case, how little trust the third servant had for the man. We might remember how God is always present in the poor and how important even the least of all is treasured by God. It is not how much we think we have. We aK have the grace and talent needed for the life we are given. It is more about how much we trust that God wil multiply al that we sow in His name. This Is not an easy way of life. But we have a special vocation 88 Catholic Christians given to us when we entered the Church. Our full initiation into the faith included baptism, confinnation and Eucharist. These are the visible signs that we have changed and are now servants of God in the worid. With these sacraments, we took on the work of the Church to live the Gospel and to join with Christ to build the Kingdom. We have been called as faithful Catholics, to engage the world. The workplace should not be where we forget our baptismal promiaea, bury our talents, and play by • dog eat dog" rules. Our work should be the sacred apace where we uncover our talents and let them grow and flourish; where they work to heal and build human community letting God multiply the results over and over. This may seem impossible for some and perhaps orlty applies to religious and full-time ministers. But through our confirmation, each of us is uniquely strengthened and given the grace, talents and gifts we need to be faithful to our baptismal promises and our vocation 88 Catholics. However, we must be careful not to assume "worldly" visible success. Remember: "God does not cal us to be auccessful, He cala us to be faithful~ Many workplace conflicts result from a belief that there are not enough resources/rewards for everyone so we focus on getting our share first. Aa servants, we are called to follow the example of Christ and to love and serve our neighbor. It takes more than just good inten· tiona - we must have the courage to use the grace we have received to act and be visible signs of Christ's presence in the world. 3 Questions to Reflect on: Your Ufe at Work lL is said that "msanily can be defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results " 1 Who benefits from the results you achieve in your work? 2 Who do you serve in your daily life? 3 What special talent have you left burled for too long? - Mlchac:l W. Sullivan, SFO, specializes in serving family business owners and organization lenders and is a parishioner 11t St. Francis of Assist Parish, Ann Arbor. You can contact him at: sullivanmw@aol.com

Hey, Powers Catholic students and alumni, send your thanks to Mr Forlell%3 on FAITHmag.com

A1~>·1Junc 2002

FAI TH Maga:lne

•

or the Diocese of Lansing, the importance of knowing where we're headed and how we're going to get there has prompted us to invest thousands of volunteer and staff hours in the VOICES (Vocalizing Opportunities, Issues, Challenges, Envisioning Strategies) process. During the past two years, more than 8,000 parishioners across our 10 counties shared ideas, concerns, hopes and visions for the diocese during the VOICES listening sessions. These sessions resulled in the seven goals that Bishop Carl Mengeling promulgated during the third diocesan Common Conference, November 2001. These seven goals (see back cover for a list of the seven goals) will shape the future of programs and ministry in the diocese. The planning process did not end when the diocese

established these goals. In fact, estab~ lishing the goals was really just the beginning. The next phase of the . planning process was drafting practi· cal, clear, and specific strategies to attain each of the seven goals. At the Mass of Chrism held on Holy Thursday, Bishop Mengeling promulgated the specific strategies the diocese will use to attain the goals that came out of VOICES (see the insert in the center of the magazine for the diocesan strategies). Given the impact the VOICES process will have on the future programs and ministries of our diocese, Bishop Mengeling felt it was critical that the 2002 Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA) reflect and reinforce the lessons we learned during the past two years. Bishop Mengeling chose "Vision and Mission" as the theme for the 2002 DSA. The "vtSion" the bishop is speakin, about is the ~divine vision that will not disappoint." This vision was articulated by the prophet Habakkuk around 600 B.C. Habakkuk was a Hebrew man, and in 600 B.C. the Hebrews were in desperate straits. Their nation was plagued by political corrupuon, widespread idolatry, and the dire threat of a Chaldean invasion. Habakkuk complained to God that there was no justice and questioned God's love for his people. Habakkuk listed the many evils that affiicted his homeland and the many shameful acts of those who governed but did not keep God's commandments. He says to God: ~I cry out to you, 'Violence!' but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery?" God told Habakkuk that while He intended to chasten Judah, the just Israelite will have nothing to fear. God promisee that "the just man, because of his faith, shall live.~ God remind ed Habakkuk (and all of us) of His promise of everlasting life. In many ways, the events of Habakkuk's day mirror the events of our time. The vision of Habakkuk has as much rei· evance in 2002 A.D. as it did in 600 B.C. just as Habakkuk was tempted to dqubt God's power and His love for humankind, so too might we be tempted to doubt God's lo-. in our troubled times. But God asks us to have faith, and to join together to change the world for the better. The "missiOn" half of the 2002 DSA theme is speaking

our Weese about the various programs, ministries and efforts that our diocese and parishes undertake every day. Being Catholic is about more than just going to Mass on Sunday. Its about putting our faith into action. It's about helping to build a little portion of Gods kingdom here on earth. Some Catholics in our diocese get personally involved through one of the diocesan or parish-run ministries. Others cannot share their time and talents at the current time, but support these programs and ministries with their prayers and monetary gifts. Many Catholics in our diocese do both. Our 2002 DSA poster depicts the Holy Spirit descending on our 10 counties. It is the Holy Spirit who has spoken out through the VOICES process and provided the vision we need to plan our future. The Holy Spirit will also provide us with the love and courage to tum our vision into reality - into ministries and programs that will help tens of thousands of people every year. The DSA is a once-a-year appeal made to every Catholic household in our diocese. The DSA provides two-thirds of the total diocesan central services budget. Last year the DSA raised more than $4.7 million. This money was used by the diocese during fiscal year 2001-2002 to fund its ministry efforts. In fact, more than 120 different ministries and programs are funded by the DSA (see sidebar list). Now it's time to support the diocesan programs for the coming fiscal year, 2002-2003. As members of the Diocese of Lansing, we share the responsibility to ensure that the programs and ministries funded by the DSA continue. These programs and ministries are the tools that we use to help others in jesus' name. Whether it is a social service program, an educational effort, a spiritual formation class, a special ministry or any one of a hundred other services provided by the Diocese of Lansing, these programs reach out and bring people closer to Christ. They nurture and sustain tens of thousands of people every year. More than ever, our diocese will need your generous support of the DSA to transform our Vision into Mission. Your support makes possible the programs and ministries we undertake every year. 250,000 Catholics, united each 1 ar in the DSA, are effective witnesses to the Vision and · ission of our faith and our Church. -Jay Johnson Is development director for dac Diocese of Lansing.

Over 85 ministries are possible because of your support of the DSA our support of the annual DSA enables the following ministries to continue in our diocese: Catholic ChariUes: Aging Ministry, Family Ministry, Peace & Justice, Bishop's Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, Pariah Social Ministry, Family Ministry Mini-Grants, Respect Ufe Ministry, Natural Family Planning, Project Rachel, Diocesan Council on Women's Concema, New Covenant Initiative, BeFriender Ministry, Separated & Divorced Ministry. Catholic Social Service Agencies: Catholic Charities of Jackson, Catholic Charities. of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties, Catholic Social Services of lansing/St. Vincent Home, CSS - Lenawee, CSS • Uvingston, CSS - Waahtenaw, Catholic Outreach, Cristo Rey Community Center. Chancery Services: The Bishop's Office, the Curia, Diocesan Archives, legal advisor, Diocesan Tribunal, Presbyteral Council, Council of Vicars, Vicar for Religious, Scholarahips for Religious. Communications: Media Contact, Outreach Mass, in-house publishing, Dioceseoflanaing.org, video production, Information Newsletter, • Diocesan Ministries: Campus Ministry, Black Catholic Ministry, Hispanic Ministry, Ministry to Persons with Disabilities, Deaf Ministry, Singles Ministry, Migrant Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Restorative Justice Ministry, Office of Worship. Education and Catechesls: Programs that support the 39 Catholic elementary schools, 18 parish-based preschool programs and the 4 Catholic high schools, religious education programs for 24,000 public school students, youth ministry, Catholic Committee on Scoutihg. FAITH Magazine: FAITH Magazine, FAITHhelps, FAITHmag.com: On-line Discussion Forums, FAITH Web Music and Video. Finance: Development, Building Commission, Real Estate, Diocesan Property Management, Environmental Issues, Information Services, Central Service Accounting, Parish Audit Services, Stewardship Initiative, Copy/Mail Services, Parish Capital Campaign Counsel. Formation: The Office of Seminarians, Office of Deacons, Office of Ecclesial lay Ministry, Vocation Services, Continuing Education for Priests, Priestly Ufe & Ministry. Pastoral Planning: Diocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan (inc. VOIC· ES), Diocesan Pastoral Council, Tomorrow's Parish, RCIA, Parieh Pastoral Council formation. other: Building Services, Evangelization, Council of Catholic Women, Support of Infirm & Retired Priests, St. Francis Retreat Center/Bethany House, Priests' Special Ministry Assignments, Support of the USCCB and the Holy See.

f) EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS

E.T. The Extraterrestrial Twenty years ago, an ugly brown creature captured the imaginations of moviegoers across the nation and the words "E.T. phone home" became a catchphrase uttered by nearly everyone. Now in celebration of its 20th anniversary, Universal is re-releasing E. I The Extraterrestrial with some

~th路thg _('Wl e

~amts

Cooking with the Saints The only thing better than planning a meal is cooking it. With the help of Cooking With the Saints by Ernst Schuegraf, a dinner party can be a religious experience. Cooking and commemorating saints is something Europeans have been doing for centuries. Almost any weekend of the year, you will find a saints festival in Italy. In eastern Europe, a

computer-generated enhancements, a digitally remixed soundtrack and a few minutes of extra footage. Director Steven Spielberg has been careful not to toy with an already fine film, so audiences are unlikely to notice the subtle differences that enhance the charming ft.lm. However, a noteworthy change, and possibly even a controversial one, is Spielberg!; decision to digitally erase the guns brandished by the authorities chasing the boys and E.T. in the films climax and replace them with walkie路talkies. The director also has replaced the word "terrorist~ with "hippie," perhaps in an effon to be more

sensitive to the current times. But these changes are almost imperceptible when one is watching the film. What does come through, though, is that the filin is still endearing, and now will have a chance to enchant a whole new generation. Some interesting tidbits: The films original budget was $10.5 million, and it went on to gross $349 million domestically. M&Ms was the candy originally intended for the fllms opening scenes. But after the filmS release, sales of Reese!; Pieces increased by about 65 percent The U.S. Conftrmu ofCalhollc Bishops

name day is more imponant, and more honored, than a binhday. In Poland, for example, the ritual name day party calls for cake, flowers and a raised glass to life life for 100 years. Sto lat! This hefty 300-page volume tells stories of more than 70 saints, and offers recipes that bear the saints name. Named after St. james are the French Coquilles (scallops) San jacques. St. Huben, the patron of hunters, generates several robust dishes that contain game meats like venison, hare and pheasant. Recipes from Catholic France, Italy and Germany predominate, but eastern Europe, Ireland, England, the Caribbean, Canada and the Americas

also are represented. SchuegrafS recipes are straightforward and precise, which is necessary when experimenting with unfamiliar foods. Few of us are at ease preparing a timbale or a charlotte, so each accompanying color photograph whets our appetites and boosts our courage. There are small disappointments in this book. The saints' legends could use more spice, and a noticeable omission is an index by date. Still, while the recipes require a fair degree of experience, every experiment for this review turned out better than expected.

dassljlcatlon Is A-1 - gtntra1 patronage. -AIIIItNII\'iiTI'f)

lgnallw Prw (San Francisco, 2001). J29pp., $29.95; ISBN. 089870779X - Mt~ry .KIIIght Is il MWsplloco cwodlll~ Gt CUitollc News Savla In \\iullln,wn.

Masses for the deaf eom路

munlty wift be celebrated by Fr. Michael Oepcik, OSFS, at St John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton, on the foRewing Sundays at 10 a.m.: May 12, 19, 26, and June 2 (Town Hall). Masses will be celebrated by Fr. Oepcik at St Mary Cathedral, lansing, on the following Sundays at 3 p.m.: May 12, 19, 26, and June 2 (Town Hall). The deaf community of Ann Arbor are invited to Mass at St Francis of Assisi Parish in the Day Chapel at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday May 11 and 25.

A presentation of The Virtuous Caregiver by Fr. Jake Foglio will be held Sunday, May 5, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Michigan Ubrary and Historical Center, 71 7 West Allegan, Lansing. Fr. Foglio is a faculty member in the Department of Family Practice at Michigan State University. The event is a "signature" fund-raiser for the Health and Social Ministries Program of Catholic Social Services of Lansing/Sl Vmcent Home, Inc. A $25 tax deductible donation to support the program is required. For infonnation, call (517) 393-8520.

It's spring cleaning time for youth and young adults at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Ann Arbor. They will be taking donations of any items May 6路9 from 10 (. a.m.-4 p.m. and May 10 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Then

•one man's trash will be turned into another man's treasurew for a garage sale which will be held Saturday, May 11, from 8 a.m.·6 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, from 8 a.m.·2 p.m. For information, call Theresa Chartier at (734) 997·8437 or Doreen Murphy at (734) 761·8606, ext. 209. Talze Prayer will take place on the following Mondays: May 6 and 13 from 7·7:45 p.m. at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing. A labyrinth prayer walk will fol· low from 7 :45·9:00 p.m. All are welcome to either or both prayer experiences. Former Notre Dame basket· ·• ball coach Richard ..Digge(' ' Phelps will be the keynote speaker at the 18th annual Fr. Mac Scholarship Dinner Wednesday, May 8, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing. During his 20-year tenure, Phelps led the Irish basketball team to more wins than any other coach in the university's history. A rece~ tion will kick the evening off at 6 p.m. Dinner wiU follow at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the Fr. Mac Dinner help provide scholarship dollars for st~ dents who might not other· wise be able to attend Lansing Catholic Central High School. lickets and further information can be obtained by calling Lansing Catholic Central's Development Office at (517) 267·21 09.

Elementary School, Ann Arbor, from 5:30·8:30 p.m. For information, call the school at (734) 769·0911. A Day of Reflection for All Black Catholics in preparation for those who will be attending the Ninth National Black Catholic Congress, will be held Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m.·5 p.m. at the diocesan center's Madonna Hall. Mass w~l follow at St. Mary Cathedral at 5 p.m. R.S.V.P. for the Day of Reflection by calling (517) 342·2496. Join p~life youth and young adults from around the dio· cese and their families for a 5K fun Youth for Ufe Run/Walk through DeWitt and a picnic lunch at Bethany House Saturday, June 15. Check·in will begin at 8 a.m., and the cookout win be at 11 a.m. The entry fee of $1 0 per person or $35 per family is due by May 31. To register yourself, friends and family, call (517) 668-3747 or go to www.bethanyhouserc.org Ralph Martin and Bethany House invite all young adults ages 18·30 for a two-day retreat reflecting on the life and Spirituality of Sl Therese of Llsfeux. The retreat will begin at 9 a.m., Monday, June 17, and end at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. To receive a registration packet with pricing informa· tion, call 517·668-3747 or visit www.bethanyhouserc.org

An Ice cream social will be held Friday, May 17, at St. Thomas the Apostle

Michigan Catholic Hom~ Educators will host the eighth annual It's Gntat to Be

FAITH Is available on audiotape by requesL CaU (517) 342·2500.

Cathollcl Family and Home Education Conference and Book Fair June 21·22 at the Lansing Center. The special highlight of the conference will be the midday celebration of Mass by Bishop Cart Mengeling on Saturday, June 22. He will also be joining parents for lunch after Mass. The conference opens Friday evening, June 21, with Dr. Ray Guarendi, a Catholic psychologist who is known for his expertise on parenting as well as his sense of humor. Featured Saturday, June 22, will be 12 seminars on~ life or home education with Or. Ray Guarendi, Dr. Mary Kay Clark, Fr. Shannon Cotfins, CPM, Rosalind Moss, and Beverly Eakman. There will also be a special track of talks for parents who are conside~ ing or just beginning to home school as well as talks on issues of interest to all families. All families are inv~ed to attend the conference, whether home educating or nol No p~registration is necessary to attend the conference on Friday evening. Admission at the door is $1 0 per person, or $15 for married couples, and no charge for teens and grandparents. To park free at the Lansing Center or the Grand Avenue pari<ing ramp, participants should tell the attendant that they are with the Catholic Conference. A~ cial membership discount, a free box lunch, and free pari<· ing are included for those who pre-register before Monday, June 10, for the conference on Saturday. For more info~ mation and pre-registration, call (517) 347-6014 or (734) 522-4788.

www.FAITHmag.com

SUNDAY READINGS M8y5 Sixth S1m!Lzy of Easter

Acta 8:5~8, 14-17 Plalm 66:1·3&, 4-7a 1 Peter3:15-18 John 14:15-21 M8y12

The Ascmslon of the lord Acta 1:1·11 Psalm 47:2-3,6-9 ~1:17-23

Matthew 28:16·20 M8y 19

Pentecost Swtday Acta 2:1-1' Plalm 104:hb, 24ac, 29bc-30, 31,34 1 CoriniMne 12:Sb-7, 12· t 3 John 20: t 9-23 May28

The Most Holy Trinity Exodua 34:4b-6, 8, 9 Daniel 3:52·56 2 Corinthians 13: 11-1 a John 3:16·18 June 2 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Deuteronomy 8:2·8, 14b-16a

Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20 1 Corinthians 10: 16·1 7 John 6:51-58 June 9 Tenth Sunday In OrdlnGry nme

Holea6:3-6 Paalm 50:1, 8, 12·13, 14-15 Romana 4:18·25 Matthew 9:9·13 June18

Eleventh S11nday In Ordinary nme Exodus 19:2-6a PNJm 100:2-3, !5 Romana 5:6-11 Matthew 9:36·1 0:8 June 23 Twelfth Swtday In Ordinary nme Jeremiah 20: HH 3 PAim69:B-10,17,33·S5 Romani 5:12·15 Matthew 10:26-33 June30 TJdrtemtlt Sunday b1 OnlinGry nme 2 Kinge 4:8-11, 14-tea

Psalm 89:2-3, 16·19 Romana 6:3-4, 8-t 1 Matthew 10:37-42

May/june 2002

FAITH Magazine

First Annual Blue Mass celebrates service of Catholic police and firefighters early 50 representatives from local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and emergency medical teams were honored along with the industries and personnel they represent at the first Blue Mass held recently at Resurrection Church. The Mass was the first of its kind held in the state of Michigan and was sponsored by the State Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Ushered in by a Scouish bagpiper and the Fourth Degree Honor Guard, Fr. William Koenigsknecht, pastor of Resurrection Parish, paid tribute to the men and women -both locally and

nationally - who serve their communities. Fr. Koenigsknecht, and Resurrection Grand Knight Herman Van Drie honored police, fire and emergency medical personnel. Also on hand to offer appreciation was Knights of Columbus State Deputy Ken Grembowski. Following the tragedies of Sept. 11, Knights of Columbus Councils around the country were urged to organize Blue Masses. Bishop Carl Mengeling, in tum, invited local departments and agencies to participate. Historical accounts indicate that the first Blue Mass was held during the 1930s at St. Patrick Catholic Church in

Washington, D.C. Founded in 1794, the parish ministered to the Irish immigrants who built the While House and Capitol Building. The first annual Blue Mass attracted more than 1,100 policemen and firefighters The founder of the Catholic Police and Firemen Society began the Blue Mass to honor both the deceased and living members of the society. The Blue Mass now joins the Red Mass (law and legal professions) and the Rose Mass (medical health care workers, professionals, doctors and nurses) as an annual event in the Diocese of umsing and elsewhere around the United States. - Rnn Landfair

Author pays visit to Holy Cross in celebration of Catholic Schools

Cr~ exactly what she did

tudents at Holy School, Lansing, were treated to a visit by a nationally known author during Catholic Schools Week. joan Stromberg, a home schooling mother of seven, writes on the lives of American saints. Her works include: The Orphans Find a Home: A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story, Kat Finds a Friend: A St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Story and J1wmas Finds a Treasure: A St. john Neumann Story. Stromberg has also written interpretive, interactive skits about American saints and performs them for childrens groups - which is

during her Holy Cross visit. After talking with the Holy Cross School Pnncipal Dr. John Fitzpatrick and Fr. Pius Polf, pastor of the parish, Stromberg created a presentation based on Mother Seton for first- through fourth-graders. Fr. Pius helped prepare the students for her visit by preaching on the saint at a school liturgy Stromberg captivated the children with her skit that described Mother Setons life, faith and mission. "My goal is not only to spread devotion and knowledge of the

American saints but also to inspire each and every child to strive to become great American saints themselves," says Stromberg. "I don't think kids realize fully that they really wam to be saints and that they can be." Editor's Note: You can /cam more about Stromberg, her ministry, and Ecce Homo Press by visiting www.eccehomopress.com You can also contact Stromberg by e-mail: EcccHomoPr@aol.com

Ypsilanti 11-year-old the youngest ever on The Weakest Link

illie Beiting has become the youngest comestant ever on the NBC game show The Wcallcst Link with her appearance that was broadcast Sunday, Aprill4. Lillie is the daughter of Christopher and Sarah Beiting of Ypsilanti. Christopher is a history professor at Ave Maria College while Sarah manages the schools library. It was the first time the popular show featured youth and Lillie was the youngest contestant among the competitors. The seventh-grader at Agnus Dei Academy in Whitmore Lake also performed one of the lead roles in Ave Maria College's recent presentation of J11e Potting Shed by Graham Greene. Sarah says Lillie has had a knack for landing roles, even ones that weren't sought after. "Back in Britain when she was 3 or 4 - when my husband was in Oxford getting his doctorate -she was chosen as the model for a campaign to promote the opening of a new library We happened to visit the library and the other model was a no-show, so they drafted Lillie," Sarah explained. Right now, her mother says, Lillie is having fun. "It's pretty exciting for her, going out to California for the ~ (Weakest Link) taping. And V shes excited about being in the college play, too."

priests

T.EC. Relreat Remembers Young Adults and Celebrates the Love of Christ

hat do you get when you have six incredible priests, 19 participants and wonderful volunteers from various cities and villages in Michigan? Well, this is not the beginning of a joke. Rather, this is how we were able to have a T.E.C. (To Encounter Christ) Retreat recently in Westphalia. l had the privilege of being the lay director for this very special retreat. The T.E.C. retreats were started by Fr. Matt Fedewa 35 years ago, and they are flourishing around the world. This T.E.C. in Westphalia was very special as we faced many challenges before and during the weeknd, and God gave us great , • ce and many volunteers to have an incredible retreat for all involved. The communities of Westphalia, Fowler and Pewamo were still grieving the loss of Carli Smith and Chris Spitzley, two young adults who were returning to Ferris State University when they died in a car accident Feb. 4. Carli and Chris were a HUGE part of our retreat, as we dedicated the weekend

to our new heavenly helpers. Every Mass was in remembrance of Chris and Carli and they were never far from our thoughts. Chris had almost finished preparing a talk for the retreat at the time of his death. We were blessed to hear his words of wisdom through the assistance of his cousin, Craig Pohl. ln case you are wondering what T.E.C. is all about - it is about jesus and His love for us. The weekend focuses on the life, death and resurrection of Our Lord. lt is a powerful retreat filled with presentations from various speakers. The T.E.C. Retreat is aimed at 17- to 24-year-olds who arc trying to decide what to do with their futures once they graduate from high school or college. Where does God want them to be? The weekend offers insight to the participants on ways to incorporate God into everyday lives. The next IE. C. cxpe1iencc will take place at Bethany House in Dewitt on Mem01ial Day weekend. For more details, call me at Holy Rosary Parish in Aint at (810) 736-4040. -lisa Srcchschultc

Former Auxiliary Bishop of Lansing Retires

ope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop James Stephen Sullivan, of the Diocese of Fargo. N.D., in keeping with Canon 401, ~ ction 2, of the Code of ' anon U1w. Bishop Sullivan \viii be succeeded by Coadjutor Bishop Samuel].

Aquila. Canon 401 Section 2 re£ers to cases where "a diocesan bishop who, because of illness or some other grave reason, has become unsuited for the fulfillment of his office." -Zcnu

Bishop Carl F. Mengeling, upon recommendation of the Priests' Assignment Commission, announces the following assignments and transfers, effective june 26, 2002: Fr. Philip Gallagher To; Pastor, St. Michael and Sacred Heart Parishes, Flint From. Chaplain, Luke M. Powers Catholic High School. Flint Fr. Gerald Gawronski To: Parochial Vicar, Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton From· Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Cathedral Parish, Lansmg Fr. Louis Madey To: Sacramental Minister. St. Mark Pansh, Goodrich Continues on the faculty of Sacred Hean Major Semmary, Detroit. Fr. George Michalelt To: judge of the Tribunal and ln·Residence and weekend asststance, St. Mary Cathedral, Lansmg Continues as Dioce!>an Archivist Fr. Randall Miller To Parochial Vicar, St. John the Evangelist Parish. Jackson From: Prison Ministry Chaplain Fr. Phillip Schweda To· judge of the Tribunal and In-Residence and weekday and weekend assistance. St. Casimir Parish, Lansmg Fr. Benjamin Werner To: Senior Priest Status From: Chaplain, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor Fr. Innocent Kujur (not pictured)

To· Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Parish, St. johns From: Parochial Vicar, Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton Fr. George Puthenpeedilta (not pictured)

To Parochial Vicar, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Palish, Jackson From: Parochial Vicar, St john the Evangelist Parish, Fenton Fr. Arocltiasamy Sanrhiyagu (not pictured) To: Parochial Vicar, St. Mary Cathedral Palish, Lansmg From: Parochial Vicar, St John the Evangelist Parish, jackson

under construction

St. John the Baptist, Hartland Groundbreaking: Apr 8, 2001, for a 21,000-squarejoot addition.

Fr. Francts George says the $5 million project includes a new church which \vill hold 1,000 worshippers, office space, a parish library, a conference room and gathering space. The former worship center \vill be converted to classrooms.

Dedication: Mid-summer 2002 A rcltifecht: Integrated Design Solutions (frey) Construction: McCarthy and Smith, Inc. (Farmington Hills)

the_world_ Jim Towey and his wife, Mary, meet with Mother Teresa in this 1994 photo. Towey, newly appointed director of the president's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, considered the late founder of the Missionaries of Charity a close friend and mentor. (CNS photo)

Head of White House office says

im Towey, newly appointed director of President Bushs Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, does not want to get so caught up in his work that he forgets why he is there in the first place. Thats why he starts his day by attending daily Mass at 6:30 a.m., before heading to his offiCe across the street from the White House. Towey, a lifelong Catholic, said going to Mass helps him to "keep

M~ther Teresa

things in perspective." When he was appointed to the office Feb. l, succeedingjohn Dilulio, media reports highlighted the fact that Towey had been the legal counsel for Mother Teresa for 12 years and also had lived for one year as a full-time volunteer in her home for people with AIDS in Washington. And during the White House ceremony when he was named to the position,

he credited Mother Teresa for of his four sons and of 40 introducmg him to "this joy Missionaries of Charity posthat comes from befriending ing with him and his wife at those in need ---~---.., their wedding. Mother and discovering Teresa could not their tremenattend, but called him( ) dous dignity.~ that morning. In a recent The two crossed interview, he paths nearly 20 years spoke of ago when Towey, who was working in Mother Teresa as a close friend Washington as legislaand mentor, tive counsel for Sen. pulling out pictures from his Mark Hatfield, R-Ore., visitâ&#x20AC;˘ desk of the nun holding one ed India on a work-related

Catholic lay leader discusses sex abuse scandal - - - - -- -------

illiam A. Donohue, president and CEO of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, minced no words about the scandals involving sexual abuse by priests when he spoke at the national conference of the Institute on Religious Life April 6. "One of the questions I've been asked is, 'Why is it happening now?'n said Donohue. "My answer is that it happened during Lent because Christ gave the Catholic Church a big cross

that we deserved. "The cross represents death, but it also represents resurrection and redemption. I'm telling you that at the end of the day, we're going to come out of this better than if we had never faced up to it. l am confident about the future.~ he said. Donahue told the audience that they need to stand up for the Church, especially in the midst of crisis. ''When they ask you about it, say yes, its a big problem.n he said. M Then go into

changed his life _ __

---

something to defend the Catholic Church. They can't cut you off then." Those who want to blame the media for causing the scandal are as wrong as those who want to blame the pope or celibacy or lawyers or psychologists, for that matter, Donohue said. But the Catholic Church is not alone in the problem, he said, saying all the studies he has seen show that Catholic priests abuse youths at about the same rate as Protestant and jeWish clergy, somewhere

between two percent and five percent. In the general adult population, the proponion of abusers runs somewhere around eight percent. Thats one of the points Catholics should make when they defend their faith in this time of crisis, he satd. Catholics also must continue to spread the churchs message of absolute moral truth. 'Just because a couple of ~- \ our messengers have been U ' fatally flawed doesn't mean the message is fatally flawed." - llfl,htllc Martin (CNS, Munlkltin, IJI.)

Bishop Rededlades

1.\ongllsland Church where Pastor was Klllt!.l Bishop Wtlliam F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., presides at a Mass of reconsecration March 13 at Our Lady of Peace Church in ~nbrooh,

N.Y., where a gunman shot and hilled Fr. l.awrenu Penzes and Eileen Tomer, a lifelong parishioner; the day before.

lastword The Local Effects of Pentecost

or a dozen years, from 1979 to 1990, I celebrated a special Mass at 2 o'clock on Pentecost Sunday afternoon in the cathedral with members of all the charismatic prayer groups in the diocese. These were the most enthusiastic liturgies I ever led, the most enthusiastic - - - - - - - - -- ---1 congregations to which I ever preached. "Enthusiasts" is the name Pope Paul VI and later Pope church historians and theologians John PalJ II had given their give to believers like the modem blessing and encouragement charismatics and Pentecostals who to the charismatic renewal pray to receive the spiritual gifts described in the Book of Acts and in the epistles of the New Testament. Father Ronald Knox, biblical scholar at Oxford, author and convert, published Enthusiasm in 1950. In it he traced the history of the word and of the charismatic movement, noting that "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek en-theos, meaning "in God." The movement comes in waves throughout church history, Knox found, and has at times numbered as many as 10 percent of believers. There must have been such a movement in 16th-century Protestantism, because Martin Luther was critical of them. "They act like they had swallowed the Holy Ghost, feathers and all," Luther said in his table talk. A charismatic wave certainly had washed over the Diocese of Umsing by the mid-1970s. Led by lay leaders, the Word of God community in Ann Arbor and the Work of Christ community in East Lansing had inspired the formation of prayer groups in 25 parishes by the time I came into the diocese at the end of 1975. Bishop Zaleski had guided their beginnings, and Pope Paul VI Oater also Pope john Paul II) had given his blessing and encouragement to the charismatic renewal. 1 did too. Besides the annual Mass on Pentecost Sunday, I visited the larger communities, counseled the leaders, and defended the movement twice in Rome before prefects of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. While the movement has tapered off in recent years, Christ the King parish in Ann Arbor is a strong charismatic community. Though they have no designated parish in greater Lansing, charismatic Catholics are found in most parishes. The Mount Zion Pastoral Center in rural Flushing, St. Mary's parish in Mount Morris, and St. Mary's parish in Adrian are other centers of charismatic spirituality, the latter with a significant number of Hispanic members. The effect of all this on the diocese as a whole is seen in the greater participation in song by our congregations and in the much greater use of spontaneous prayer by Catholic prayer leaders, including the clergy, including the retired bishop.

--- ------ -..-.ot

trip and thought it "would be cool" to meet Mother Teresa. That meeting led Towey to visit Sr. Luke, who was running the home for the dying · Calcutta. The sister, who umed he was there to elp, handed him some cloths and antiseptic and asked him to clean a dying man with scabies. "I was too proud to say I couldn't do it," Towey said, but he acknowledges that "not the tiniest bit of me

wanted to be with the poor." That encounter and subsequent volunteer experiences with these nuns ended up changing his life, making his faith come alive and showing him for the first time that he "had the capacity to love people." "We're a tiny office as far as power goes," he said, but he is confident the office is one "that the president wakes up caring about." - Carol Zlmmrrmann (CNS)

Study finds U.S. women exercising jurisdiction In church

mil the laws of the Catholic Church were revamped in 1983, only clerics could hold "ecclesiastical office" -jobs involving decisions in Church governance. Since all Catholic clerics are men, no women could even apply. A new study says that now, less than 20 years later, hundreds of women in the nited States hold Church · bs in which they share in Church governance. The results of the study, conduct· ed by the Leadership

Conference of Women Religious, have been published in a 152-page repon titled Women and jurisdiction: An Unfolding Reality. Sr. Kathleen Pruitt, a Sister of St. joseph of Peace and LCWR president, called it "a benchmark study, the first one really done" in the field. "It does highlight the fact that women play an important role" in church leadership, she said. Its publication, she added, will "allow the dialogue to take another Step." -}my flllrau (CNS)

- Most Reverend Kenneth Povish was the third bishop o£ Lansing and Is now retired.

See Special Insert and Page 24 for More

7 Goals of the Diocese As a result of our ongoing VOICES process, we, the Church of the Diocese of Lansing, will: 1 Create parish communities of faith that are inclusive and welcoming, and which encourage spiritual and social growth. 2 Evangelize, sharing the joy and promise of the Gospel with inactive and alienated Catholics and the unchurched. 3 Provide vibrant, lifelong faith formation opportunities which enable us to live the

Gospel. 4 Nurture SpiritÂˇfilled ministers and leaders who are commissioned through the sacramenta of initiation to use their gifts and talents to serve the needs and vision of the Church. 5 Respond to the Gospel's call to social justice and outreach through education and by a coordinated assessment and response to the needs of the people in our communities.

"For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint ... " llahakkuk 2 3

6 Foster and enhance spirituality and worship that will deepen people's relationship with God and the Church. 7 Strengthen the ongoing relationship of youth and young adults with the Church.

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF LANSING

A Message from Your Parish:

â&#x20AC;˘ faith the

~b.p:u'IC uf

1ht C.u~tiK" O.t'CtW: ol Unt~n,;

300 W. Ottawa Lansing. Ml .f8933

Online:

www.Dioceseoflanalng.org www.FAtTHmag.com

On TV:

The Outreach Mass, Sundav. 10 a.m. Flint - FOX 66

L8nslng - FOX 47 On Radio: Mess, 11 a.m. an WJIM 1240 AM