May 2016

FROM THE BISHOP:

MARY, OUR MOTHER, IS THE UNTIER OF KNOTS IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE:

HOW CAN I BE A BETTER CATHOLIC? CULTURE:

A MARY GARDEN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SIMPLE AND SYMBOLIC

Dr. Mona, the hero of the Flint water crisis

FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea

MONICA MILLER HAS JUST AUTHORED A BOOK, The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church, in which she devotes a chapter to Mary. In comparing Mary to Eve, she cites this wonderful piece of St. Irenaeus: For, whereas the Lord, when born, was the first-begotten of the dead, and received into His bosom the primitive fathers, He regenerated them unto the Life of God. He Himself becoming the beginning of the living, since Adam became the beginning of the dying … And so the knot of Eve’s disobedience received its unloosing through the obedience of Mary; for what Eve, a virgin, bound by incredulity, that Mary, a virgin, unloosed by faith. Pope Francis’ promotion of Mary, the untier of knots, has fascinated me. This quotation from one of the Fathers of the Church has helped to clarify this devotion for me. We honor Mary during this month of May. As Dr. Miller puts it: “Mary is God’s true partner in redemption, and is so precisely through her femininity. God re-created the world through a woman.” We were bound up under sin, the sin of our first parents. This played out, as we know so well, in the Old Testament accounts of God’s people being rescued, being covenanted to God, falling into sin and experiencing the painful effects of sin, only to plea to God for another rescue. This is a real “Mary is God’s knot, a knot most of us experience in our own spiritual development. It is true partner in so difficult to escape from the knots that bind us up in sin, or in difficult redemption, family situations or even in societal messes. Mary knows how to untie those knots. At Cana in Galilee, she simply and is so asked the servers to do whatever Jesus told them. Mary always points us precisely to Christ. If we watch him and listen to him and do as he urges, then those through her knots will be loosened. The great joy of our lives is that Mary wants to help femininity. us. As she stood at the foot of the cross with St. John, she was given to him and to us by Jesus to be Mother. God reWe must believe that Jesus wanted her to mother us as she had mothered created the him. Dr. Miller recalls my favorite scene from the Passion of the Christ, world through where Jesus falls carrying his cross. After a flashback to the time of Jesus’ a woman.” childhood when Mary helped Jesus who had skinned his knee, we see Mary now run to Jesus to be with him and to urge him to get up and carry his cross. The will of the Father is all that matters. To do God’s will in our lives is the ultimate way to untie the complexities that seem to confound us. My sisters and brothers, the best way to honor Mary is to follow both her words and her example – to watch Jesus and listen to him because he is the perfect sign of fidelity to the Father’s will, and then to seek and follow God’s will for our own lives. We can be assured that Mary is always there to help us get back up, to refocus, and to fulfill our destiny of being God’s sons and daughters. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. 2

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MARY, OUR MOTHER, IS THE UNTIER OF KNOTS

INSIDE MAY P. 18

P. 20

COVER STORY ‘WHEN I CAME TO AMERICA, MY HEART OPENED’ FROM SAIGON TO LANSING’S VIETNAMESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY – A REFUGEE’S STORY P. 14

YOUR LIFE

5 goodlife

Planning your marriage … and the wedding

6 work life

Should I blow the whistle on safety violations?

7 marriage matters

He says: ‘NFP is putting a strain on our marriage.’ She says: ‘I’m terrified of getting pregnant right now.’ What do they do?

parenting journey Is 9 years old too young for summer camp?

YOUR FAITH

8 in the know with Father Joe How can I be a better Catholic?

10 theology 101

Blessed are the merciful

12 spiritual fitness

Comfort the Sorrowful

YOUR STORIES

18 m y story

‘Her brother’s keeper’ Mary Ann became her neighbor’s guardian

FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

20 our story

Natural Family Planning and NaPro saved Adrienne and Marcus’ baby

PLUS

22 FaithFest16

Matt Maher is bringing his passion for music to FaithFest16

FAITH HELPS

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcoming the stranger

T.Gennera

URING MY SECOND YEAR in seminary in Chicago, my class welcomed two new seminarians who joined us shortly after the academic year began. Their names were Peter and Joseph, and they were among the first seminarians from China to be welcomed to study at a seminary in the United States. This is not as simple as it sounds since the reality of the Church in China is challenging. Peter and Joseph came to the United States as part of the Catholic Church that is in union with the Church in Rome, rather than the portion of the Church which is essentially overseen by the Chinese government. The Church that Peter and Joseph belong to (and now serve as priests for) still exists as a largely underground Church, meeting quietly in many places.

FATHER DWIGHT EZOP

is the editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Fenton. Email: editor@ FAITHpub.com.

Refugee Services of St. Vincent Catholic Charities in Lansing operates one of the most successful refugee relocation services in the United States.”

Although they did not speak much English upon their arrival, they did their best to help us to understand the dangerous path they had to follow in order to make their way to the United States. At the time of their departure, their bishop had been imprisoned for many years in China. He eventually was released, and was able to visit Peter and Joseph and the members of our seminary community in 1996. His story was a harrowing one, and it confirmed all that Joseph and Peter had shared with us upon their arrival several years earlier. I have a great deal of admiration for people like Peter and Joseph. At great risk to their own safety and that of their families and friends, they made their way to the United States. In a very gracious way, they lived and learned and prayed in a culture that was completely unfamiliar to them. I was amazed at how quickly they were able to learn English and study theology at the graduate level. For those years, Peter and Joseph lived as refugees, cut off from their families and friends in their homeland. As a community, the seminarians, faculty and staff did all we could to help them feel welcome and to provide them with the tools they would need during their time among us. We all knew they would eventually return to China in order to serve the Church there, but we did all we could to make their time here safe, successful and faith-filled. Most folks in our diocese have no idea that Refugee Services of St. Vincent Catholic Charities in Lansing operates one of the most successful refugee relocation services in the United States. Kinh Nguyen and his family were able to make their way to the Lansing area due to the hard work, dedication and generosity of the Church in our diocese. Kinh and his family came to the United States in 1992 after a harrowing experience in their native Vietnam. They and many others like them have been welcomed into the United States and have been provided with the initial help they would need in order to thrive. Kinh and his family were welcomed with the support and prayers of Refugee Services and the Vietnamese Catholic Community in Lansing. Their experience should remind each of us that there are times in our lives when all of us are refugees of one sort or another. Our pilgrimage of faith will take us to many places during our lives. The same is true for pilgrims who are brought to our parish and civic communities through the course of the years. Let us welcome them as we ourselves would wish to be welcomed. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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DISCIPLESHIP

For personal reflection or small group discussion Cover Story

1. If we view our challenges as blessings, how might that change how we interact with others and participate in our faith? 2. Have personal trials ever strengthened your own faith? 3. Since moving to Lansing, Kinh has been greatly involved with his parish. What are ways you can share your faith in your parish community through service or leadership?

Feature (‘Her Brother’s Keeper’)

1. What are some ways you can serve your neighbors who you may not know well? Read Deut.16:17 and Gal.6:2. 2. Have there been times when you feel as if you were “nudged into action” by the Holy Spirit?

Culture

1. Have you considered maintaining a Mary garden in order to strengthen your devotion to the Blessed Mother? 2. Does your parish maintain a rosary garden or Mary garden? If so, have you ever considered volunteering your time to help maintain it?

FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO FAITHPUB.COM TO FIND ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES

YOUR LIFE

GOODLIFE

PLANNING YOUR MARRIAGE … and the wedding BY MARY GATES

EDDING PLANNING CAN SEEM DAUNTING – keeping things in perspective will help you enjoy the process, the big day and the years that follow.

Recognize the sacrament. The sacraments are distinct and real ways that Jesus enters our lives. The Church seeks to share with you the truth and beauty of what God intends in marriage – enter into your parish’s engagement programs with an open mind and heart. Consider your engagement a time to be students of marriage.

Spend wisely. Keeping a budget may seem stressful, but starting your married life in debt will be a burden. Stay within your means!

Pray. Pray with and for your fiancé/ fiancée. Marriage is a gift from God – thank him for calling you to this vocation, and ask him for the grace to live it well.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/LEONARD_C

Think big picture – plan the marriage, which starts with a wedding. Take a step back from the Pinterest dream wedding suggestions to consider what will matter long-term. What choices reflect your values? What will you tell your future children about the day? A wedding is most beautiful when the bride and groom make clear they are not simply throwing a party, but rather entering into a new life as one.

Involve your families. Much of the wedding planning stress can come as a result of hard feelings in and between families. Your parents are looking forward to the big day as much as you are, and they have the benefit of hindsight and experience to keep things in perspective. Have you asked for their input and shown that you appreciate their involvement?

YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

How can you protect others without jeopardizing your livelihood? This is a classic dilemma, and not easy.” ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/FRANCKREPORTER

SHOULD I BLOW THE WHISTLE ON SAFETY VIOLATIONS? My workplace has several machines where safety guards have been removed, plus a few other things I am pretty sure are OSHA violations. My boss told me to just ignore them and do my work, but I’m afraid someone is going to get hurt. I’m also afraid I’ll be fired if I blow the whistle. What do I do?

For starters, I’m assuming from your question that your company doesn’t have a stated policy or protocols for dealing with safety matters, or recourse to an ombudsman or human resources department. That being said, you have two legitimate fears – one for the common good (safety), and one for your personal good (job preservation). How can you protect others without jeopardizing your livelihood? This is a classic dilemma, and not easy. The relevant principle is as follows: primary responsibility for the common good is vested in the authority. You’ve already done the right and smart thing by talking to your boss. No safety hound, this man. The fact that he neither gave an

T. Gennara

JIM BERLUCCHI

is the executive director of the Spitzer Center.

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explanation about the removal of guards nor any assurance is a real bad sign. But at least you’ve fulfilled your basic duty. Double duty? You could see if a co-worker has the same concern. If so, would he or she be willing to independently (and kind of informally) raise it with the boss? The response probably won’t be different. Plus there’s a hazard. The boss might sniff you out as the source. And speaking of sniffing, aggravating a boss is like picking up a passing dog by the ears. (Prov 26:17) You get the point. You might get bitten. Triple duty? You and your co-worker, and maybe others, could raise the issue to your boss in writing. Don’t copy a third party on this first pass. If nothing else, this might scare him into action. While it probably won’t enhance your job security, it might not directly threaten it. If that doesn’t work, and you want to press on, your last and laudable option is to “blow the whistle.” A whistle has a jarring impact, so try to make it melodic, with tact and respect. For instance, a few of you can write a polite note to the next higher up, not as a demand, but as an inquiry.

YOUR LIFE MARRIAGE MATTERS

SHE SAYS:

NFP is putting a strain on our marriage

I’m terrified of getting pregnant right now

When we went to the training session for natural family planning (NFP), the couple touted how NFP brought couples closer. I feel as if it’s tearing us apart instead. Lisa seems to be interpreting the safe times in such a narrow framework that they’re almost nonexistent.

Mike is right – this is causing tension. But I am terrified of getting pregnant again any time soon; I had complications in my last pregnancy and my doctor told me to wait at least two years to get pregnant. How can I be absolutely certain I won’t get pregnant right now?

WHAT DO THEY DO?

OUR HEARTS ACHE FOR THIS COUPLE, who are struggling to do the right thing. NFP has many terrific benefits, but it can also have a very steep learning curve.

We would encourage them to seek assistance from a qualified NFP in-

structor, preferably one with a medical or nursing background. Some couples don’t need anything more than a cycle tracking app on a smartphone, but it sounds like Mike and Lisa need more. An instructor’s guidance will minimize the chance of error and may also ease Lisa’s anxieties. The instructor will let them know if Lisa is interpreting the safe times too strictly. When the burden of interpreting the charts falls more on the teacher, Mike may feel less like Lisa is the gatekeeper of marital relations. Mike also can take charge of entering the data in the charts. The more Mike becomes involved in charting, the more he will realize “green light days” and “red light days” are dictated by Lisa’s biology, rather than her fears. DR. MANUEL P. SANTOS AND In addition, Mike and Lisa may not have chosen the KAREE SANTOS method of NFP that works best with their lifestyle. are co-authors of For example, some methods involve over-the-counter The Four Keys to ovulation prediction kits, while some don’t. Switching Everlasting Love: to a method that’s better for them can make a dramatic How Your Cathdifference in a short period of time. olic Marriage Finally, we urge Mike and Lisa to enjoy their yearnCan Bring You ing for each other, knowing it will eventually be Joy for a Lifetime satisfied. Adults know how to delay gratification, after (Ave Maria Press, all. In the “Song of Songs,” the lovers clearly savor the 2016). waiting time, as the bride-to-be sighs: “O that his left hand were under my head, and that his right hand embraced me!” (Song 2:6) Expressing that yearning outside the bedroom – through dates, poems, little gifts and enticing looks – is what will give their relationship the renewed romance they desire. Note: Nothing in this column is meant to provide psychological or medical diagnosis, treatment or opinion.

IS 9 YEARS OLD TOO YOUNG FOR SUMMER CAMP?

My daughter really wants to go to summer camp, but she’s only 9. Is she old enough? How do I know she’ll be safe, and that she won’t be homesick?

When I was a child, the Girl Scouts in our parish attended camp in San Bernardino, Calif. Some girls attended as soon as they met the minimum age, while others waited a year or two. I remember those days of hiking and campfires fondly. Several factors impact the timing for a positive experience.

T. Gennara

HE SAYS:

YOUR LIFE PARENTING JOURNEY

DR. CATHLEEN MCGREAL

is a psychology professor and certified spiritual director.

Are the expectations realistic? Talk to your daughter about why she wants to go to camp. Is her perception of camp based on media portrayals? Or is it realistic? Does she actually want to go to an overnight camp or is there one activity that intrigues her? For example, if horseback riding interests her, then lessons might be possible near your home. Does she have camp experience? Attending day camp helps children learn how to negotiate play activities with their peers. Children are introduced to a variety of skills with varying levels of success. “Debrief” with her each day. What did she enjoy? What did she find challenging? Her reactions to day camp provide clues about her readiness for an overnight camp. Coping with homesickness. Throughout our lives we have to deal with feelings of homesickness. It is OK if your daughter experiences moments of homesickness; this is part of adjusting to new contexts. Severe homesickness that prevents active participation in camp would be a concern. A child with day-camp experience who has realistic expectations, and who initiates attending an overnight camp, would be more likely to cope effectively with homesickness. In order to address your concerns about safety, look for American Camp Association accreditation. Pray Joshua 1:9. 7

YOUR FAITH

How can I be a better

DEAR FR. JOE: I came into the Church last year, and I really want to be the best Catholic I can. I read a lot, and visit Catholic websites. But I've noticed that, on the internet and in my own parish, there are so many mixed messages. What's the right way?

Great question – I've been thinking a lot about this lately. Especially in light of the Gospel about St. Thomas and his doubts. When I read this Gospel, I often wonder what those days right after the resurrection were like. Here was St. Thomas the Apostle, the only guy not ruled by fear: His brothers stayed in the upper room, afraid – but not him, he was out and about. Either way, he’s out and Jesus comes. Jesus appears to the 10 remaining disciples who were present and speaks to them. Thomas comes home, perhaps with food, perhaps from talking to people about Jesus – who knows? Either way, he returns to find that his friends have lost their minds. They tell him that Jesus has risen from the dead. Now, during the next six days, there is no doubt that upper room got very small: arguments, recriminations, finger pointing, yelling, questioning. Should Thomas have chosen to believe the ridiculous, he’d have to have wondered why Jesus didn’t appear while he was there. It must have been a nasty six days.

Look around your parish. Look at who is there. What would bring us all together on Sunday mornings other than our firm, heartfelt conviction that he is risen and that he calls to us?”

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T. Gennara

FATHER JOE KRUPP ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/NIKADA

CATHOLIC?

IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack

Whatever the case, somewhere in there, Thomas tells his brothers what it would take for him to believe: if he puts his finger in the nail marks and his hand in Jesus' side, then he’ll believe. Finally, Jesus comes again. He starts off by saying, “Peace be with you” as he has three times before. He then speaks to Thomas and doesn’t chastise him or reprove him; instead, he meets his criterion – sort of a “This is what you need? Oh, then do it.” Thomas probes the nail marks. He physically places his hand inside Jesus’ body, and then proclaims him as God. As you may know, Thomas was faithful, even to the point of death. When you go home today, look at a map. See the distance between Israel and southern India. Tradition tells us that Thomas walked it and brought people there to Jesus. He preached and taught until he was tortured to death with spears. He held that faith so well. Back to that upper room now. Jesus says “Peace be with you” three times. The Greek word Jesus uses for “Peace” refers not to an inner contentment, but a communal relationship. He’s addressing the fights that have occurred among the disciples, and the fights that will come. He’s declaring “Peace” after what must have been six days of war. His very resurrection is such a colossal event that it changes

Fear can never be a part of this process of conversion. We don’t need to be afraid of our doubts or of other people’s doubts. Be confident enough in what we believe to hold it up to our intellect with humility and love. If someone comes to you with their doubts, don’t be angry with them, gently walk with them until they see the beauty and wonder of what Christ teaches. If you struggle with doubts, share them with a knowledgeable, patient and loving person within this community. Ask them to bring you to truth. Here is our chance to understand that God’s mercy is not just about what we’ve done wrong, but in how right God wants us to be in mind, soul and body. We can be confident in what Jesus teaches us: confident enough that we are patient with those who struggle: especially ourselves. Mercy requires that we understand that conversion is a process, a process that begins with our struggles and ends with our crying out to Jesus in wonder and awe, “My Lord and My God!” What better thing can we say than that? Enjoy another day in God’s presence. B. Patten

all the rules: it unifies them in a way not many other things could. Wherever they go from that day forward, they are bound by the wonder and beauty of having seen Jesus risen from the dead. Their fight with each other is over, they are commissioned to go into the world in unity and forgive sins in his name, bringing people to God through their testimony. This unity speaks to us today: we are here because of that moment. Look around your parish. Look at who is there. What would bring us all together on Sunday mornings other than our firm, heartfelt conviction that he is risen and that he calls to us? What a wonderful and amazing thing that is. We believe something unbelievable: God took our sins and guilt upon himself and died, killing those things with him. He rose from that death and calls us to enter into a deep personal relationship with him, lived out in a Catholic community of believers. Within this community, we must be patient and loving with the process of conversion into which each one must enter .

Q: WHAT PET MAKES THE LOUDEST NOISE? A: A TRUM-PET!

Sermon on the Mount, by Henrik Olrik

YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

B L ESSE D A R E THE

MERCIFUL

IN HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT, JESUS TAUGHT US THE BEATITUDES. ONE OF THESE BEATITUDES IS OF SPECIAL INTEREST FOR US DURING THIS JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY: “BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL FOR THEY SHALL RECEIVE MERCY.” (MT 5:7) HERE JESUS SEEMS TO MAKE BEING MERCIFUL THE CONDITION FOR RECEIVING MERCY. WHY MIGHT THIS BE THE CASE? THE CHAIN OF CAUSE AND EFFECT

One of the keys to this beatitude is the principle that like produces like; like demands like. For example, love awakens love; hate produces hate; anger elicits anger; and joy brings forth joy. The Old Testament, in fact, provides us with a clear expression of this principle when it calls for an eye 10

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for an eye; a tooth for a tooth. Of course, this has serious implications. Disorder cannot produce order. Violence cannot produce peace. “Bad” cannot produce “good.” However, if this is true, what are we to do? BREAKING THE CHAIN

For order to be established or restored, the chain of disorder must

be interrupted. One has to create a pause so that something new can break in. This is what Jesus teaches us repeatedly in the Gospels. Jesus asks us to cause a pause when we encounter violence, persecution and other disorders. Here are just a few examples to illustrate the point: when someone strikes you on one cheek, give them the other; when someone takes your coat, give them your shirt; when pressed into service for one mile, go two. In other words, do not respond in kind. Do not contribute to the disorder, but break the chain so that order might be restored. Cause a pause by loving your enemies and praying for those who persecute you. Jesus’ parables functioned in much the same way. He would begin with the familiar. As he weaved his story, the audience surely must

Another key to understanding this beatitude is that we exist in relationship. In short, to “be” is to be related. Nothing exists in isolation. This means, among other things, that every act is an act in relationship. Individual decisions and relationships create the society in which one lives. This society then acts back upon the individual in a like manner. Once we understand that ultimately every action we take also represents a “yes” or “no” to communion with God, neighbor, self and creation, the wisdom of the golden rule comes into fuller relief. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” (Mt 7:12 cf. Lk 6:31) – but we cannot stop here. The Gospels go on to give us pretty clear reasons why this rule is so important: “ … forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors … (Mt 6:12); and “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you … For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out of you.” (Lk 6:37-38) We should do to others what we want them to do to us because what we do to others will be done to us – eternally! In essence, what we do to others we ultimately do to ourselves. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

THEOLOGY 101 QUIZ

In Matthew 25:35-36, we hear Jesus say, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Jesus goes on to say, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (25:40). How can we put these words into action in our own lives?

Test your knowledge of what the Bible has to say about mercy … “The favors of the Lord are not _______, his mercies are not ______; they are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness.” A. spent; exhausted B. repaid; realized C. comparable; comprehensible D. forgotten; withheld

THE NEXT LEVEL

“On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’” (Acts 9:3-4) Notice that Jesus does not ask Saul why he was persecuting the people, or more precisely his followers. Rather, Jesus’ question reveals that the persecution being inflicted upon others was, in fact, being inflicted upon him. So where does this bring us? We should do to others what we want them to do to us, because what we do to others will be done to us (i.e., we do it to ourselves). What’s more, what we do to others, and thereby ourselves, we also do to Jesus Christ. We need only look to Matthew 25:40 and 25:45 for an explicit confirmation of this truth: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me,” and, “Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.”

S. Olson

ON A ‘RELATED’ NOTE

PRACTICAL WORKS OF MERCY

Answer: (A) – spent; exhausted (Lam 3:22-23)

have been confident in terms of where it would end. However, at just the right moment, Jesus would introduce a twist. The result was to cause a pause in the stream of consciousness of the listener. All of this is to say that we must be merciful in order to produce that environment in which we, too, encounter mercy. If we hope to receive mercy, we must first be merciful, as like produces like.

DOUG CULP

is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

• Feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty – So many people in the world go without food and clean water. In a land where food is often wasted and clean water taken for granted, consider donating to a local food bank or volunteering at a soup kitchen. Consider making a double batch of meals that can be easily frozen, and donate a homecooked meal to a shelter. • Clothe the naked and give alms to the poor – Too often we live our lives in comfort and forget the needs of those around us. Consider donating new clothes to charity. Or skip going out to lunch and put that money in the collection basket. • Visit the sick and bury the dead – Do not shy away from those who need comfort because of illness. Consider donating blood or taking time off to visit friends or relatives who are homebound or hospitalized. Pay respect to those who have died by taking time to attend funerals, and praying for the souls of the departed and for their families. 11

Lamentation, by Scipione Pulzone, 1591

Comfort the Sorrowful

DON’T KNOW of any time or any season in the year when it is comfortable to talk about grief – how to personally handle it in our own lives, or how to support others going through the loss of a loved one. But I can say that I have become more aware in our modern society how we tend to keep the death of a loved one very quiet and think: “People are uncomfortable with death; they don’t want to talk about it; they seem very awkward so I will keep quiet.” Such an attitude can contribute to isolation for the one grieving, and can separate a person in their grief at a time when support is very much needed.

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T. Gennara

If at all possible, it is important to take time away from work, or attempt a slightly reduced schedule for a set period of time. If you try to carry on with the same intensity of schedule, your emotions can go dormant, so to speak, which can have repercussions later. If you have to work for financial reasons, then give God time each day, quiet time – even if on the way to work – and ask God to be your help in every way this day. He will!

SISTER ANN SHIELDS

is a renowned author and a member of the Servants of God’s Love. @srannshieldssgl

In terms of notifying people of a loss we have experienced, an impersonal engine is most often the means: phone call, text, Facebook. The impersonal nature of these types of notifications can leave the grieving individual alone at a time when human support is most needed. Pay attention to this for your own life and for those whom you know are grieving. While we all grieve differently – which must be taken into account – everyone needs people on whom we can depend, whether we are suffering the effects of a sudden or tragic death, or a death that comes after months of seeing a loved one suffer. Both can cause a certain kind of trauma. Having made these observations, I would like to offer some recommendations for a situation involving grief.

YOUR FAITH SPIRITUAL FITNESS

FOR THE GRIEVING ONE:

Be free to tell others what would most support you during your time of grief. It may not be what they planned, but you shouldn’t have to worry about how to please someone who is there ostensibly to serve you.

If tears come in any public setting – the funeral home or the Church – don’t try to hide them. They are appropriate. When people ask what they can do to serve you or your family, ask that they have a Mass offered for the one who has just died. As holy as we might think someone is, we all need prayer. Perhaps in the days, weeks, months, after the funeral, invite people to your home to pray the rosary together for your loved one.

If people want to prepare meals for you or clean your house and you would rather be still or quiet, it is fine to say, “What a wonderful idea and I am grateful, but could we wait a little while?” In other words, don’t feel obligated to accept or do what people offer; thank them, but feel free to establish what and when is most helpful.

Take time for extra rest, or time to do something with a friend that would be appropriate and helpful for you.

If possible, depending on age and health, go to Mass at least one extra day during the week, and offer all those prayers for your loved one. There is no greater prayer for someone you love.

Take time to think about heaven. I know it can be difficult when you are grieving, but it is a good and wholesome thing to do. It is not morbid. Think about what your faith tells you. Read about heaven in the catechism; ask God to show you through Scripture what awaits your loved one and what awaits you, if we are faithful to him.

If you are confined to home because of your own health problems, you can invite a priest to come to your home, to go to confession, to pray for your recently deceased relative. In other words, let the Body of Christ, through parishioners and friends, minister to you. We all need to support one another, especially in times like this.

CONSOLING THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING There is an old custom which has long since gone out of date. Family members wore black in some form, usually for a year, to indicate they were in mourning. It was an indication that someone in their family – someone close to them – had died. It reminded others, and made it possible for many to receive support they might not otherwise have received. Although life has a way of “getting away from us,” most likely someone in our neighborhood, workplace or parish is grieving. Since society has given up the custom of wearing black, I have seen people get inventive and wear a small piece of black ribbon on their clothing. When people see it, they are reminded that this person is carrying a sorrow, and needs to be supported. I have seen people stop right when they realize this and say, “Let’s pray together for the repose of your loved one’s soul.” It creates support, and brings the grieving person right into the middle of prayerful encouragement. Think about these points and see if God shows you a way to express your time of mourning, or a way to support another. In this Year of Mercy, we can “invent” new ways to console the sorrowing and pray for those who have died.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO SISTER ANN SHIELDS: RENEWAL MINISTRIES, 230 COLLINGWOOD, SUITE 240, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103.

‘When I came to America,

MY HEART OPENED’ From Saigon to Lansing’s Vietnamese Catholic Community – a refugee’s story

WITH A SMILE AS WIDE as the Upper Peninsula, Kinh Nguyen exclaims, “I love Michigan! My wife and I chose Michigan, specifically Lansing, because of Michigan State University. A former Catholic Vietnamese president lived and worked around there. I was very impressed with the education he witnessed, and wanted

BY ROSE ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

that for my children. We also had a friend, Dr. Trinh Nguyen, living here who could sponsor our family through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB].”

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LEARN MORE ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES IS THE ONLY RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM FOR ADULT INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN THE LANSING AREA. CALL 517.323.4734, EXT. 1424 TO LEARN OF THE MANY WAYS YOU CAN HELP.

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KINH, A CRADLE CATHOLIC, lived in Go Den, Vietnam, until age 5, when he, his parents and sisters moved to a Catholic hamlet, Go-san. “When I was 11, I asked my mom and dad to send me to the Congregation of St. Joseph, a monastery in the city of Nhatrang. I was there for seven years and, just prior to my first vows, I decided I didn’t want a monk’s life. I studied geography and history for four years at the university in Saigon, and then was conscripted into the South Vietnamese Army, where I served as a first lieutenant. “When South Vietnam fell on April 30, 1975, the Communist families. We received such a warm welcome, and they helped us in so Party sent me to their prison, which they called a re-education many ways. I will always remember their kindness to us. camp. After one year, I tried to escape, was captured and held in “In 1998, St. Andrew Dung-Lac Parish began and it was like being solitary for three months. After being released from solitary, they home in Vietnam. The Vietnamese parish is not only a marvelous gift shackled me in a wooden box for another 16 months. When I was from God, but also a place to sustain Vietnamese tradition, culture removed from there, I couldn’t walk, but eventually regained my and the native language for consecutive generations.” Kinh believes strength. While in prison, we were forced to do hard labor, starved, that giving is as important as receiving. “In 2002, I was voted the chair beaten and degraded. We didn’t deserve to be tortured like that. of the [parish] council and served three terms until 2012. For the next “My faith is what kept me alive during those years. The only perthree years, I led the Vietnamese program and now, in addition to sonal possession I was allowed to keep was a rosary my mother had helping with cleaning, I help with first Saturday prayer. Fifteen years given me; I was so surprised they let me keep it. In reciting that rosary ago, when there was a large influx of Vietnamese immigrants, I shared every day, God took away my fear, giving me strength to survive.” my experiences with them to help them in their transition. Kinh remained a political prisoner for five years, seven months “I am closer to God because of my experiences. When I was in and three days. prison, though my faith remained deep in my heart, my expe Released from the re-education camp on Sept. 4, 1980, rience closed me in some ways, and I became a very the communists forced him to join in their cooperastrict man. Sometimes, I even scared my wife and tive agriculture system, where Kinh worked hard children. When I came to America, my heart “My fa in the rice fields. He married the love of his life, opened and I began to change. It became easit what k h is Duoc, whom he met in 1971 and had waitier for me to listen to people and understand ed for him during his imprisonment. Their their feelings then when I was in Vietnam. alive du ept me r i n marriage blessed them with four children: My faith was and is always growing.” g ye a r s . . t . In re c h o s e two sons and two daughters. It was their A gentle, humble man, Kinh retired three iting th ro s a r y children’s future that became the impetus years ago from Quality Dairy, where he had a t eve to immigrate to America. There were no worked since 1995. He spends his days fostook aw ry day, God a opportunities for them if they remained tering his health and inner peace, serving the giving y my fear, m e s t re in Vietnam; they’d been assigned Class D parish and giving gratitude to God for many ngth to surv status in a communist society. In 1990, the blessings. During three daily prayer periods, he i v e .” family applied to the Humanitarian Operation gives thanks that all four of his children earned Program, a program created to aid in the resettlecollege degrees, (two from MSU), have good jobs ment of Vietnamese political prisoners. and have their freedom. He gives thanks for the many “In 1991, we were interviewed by an American delepeople who helped them not only exit Vietnam, but resettle gation and accepted into the program. The USCCB [Migration and to and absorb a new way of life. He gives thanks for his wife and their Refugee Services] arranged both our interview and our evacuation 35-year marriage. “I give thanks that America is a country giving anydate. On Jan. 7, 1992, my wife and I and our four children, ages 10, one many good opportunities and chances to make their lives better. 6, 4 and 3, boarded a plane in Saigon and began the journey to our American people are friendly and so helpful to others,” he explains freedom. Within three days, on Friday, Jan. 10 at 9 p.m., we were in And, as with most lives, there are also some regrets. “My mom Lansing, staying at the home of our sponsor family. One week later, and sisters are still in Vietnam; my dad died in 1979 while I was Refugee Services [of St. Vincent Catholic Charities] rented a house for in prison. I worry about my mom, but she wants to stay there and us in the area. Refugee Services helped us apply for assistance, gave be buried by my dad. All four of our kids work far away – two in us the things necessary to move into our home and helped me find a New Jersey, one in Virginia and one in Texas – so it is just my wife job. It had been our dream to come to Lansing and it came true.” and I in Michigan. I wish I had spent more time with our children All six members of the Nguyen family became American citias teenagers, helping strengthen their faith and showing them just zens in 1997. how much we love them.” “I was 43 years old when I came here, so I knew myself, my lim The paradox is that Kinh sees his regrets, the trials he endured itations and had confidence in my abilities. That, plus the help of our and the hardships life rendered as gifts. “I thank God for my chalsponsor family, Refugee Services and the Vietnamese Catholic Comlenges, and the grace given to me to overcome them,” he says. “Bemunity (VCC) of Lansing, made the transition fairly easy. Our biggest cause of those challenges, I am a kinder person, my faith is deeper. challenge was the English language. At that time, the VCC was part of If we keep the faith in God as Jesus taught us, we will be led in the St. Mary Cathedral Parish. Father Joseph Tran visited our family to see right direction. If everyone did this, we would all be happier and what we needed, helped us join the parish and introduced us to other more peaceful.” ST. ANDREW DUNG-LAC PARISH SERVES THE VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY IN LANSING. CALL 517.580.7557 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

‘HER BROTHER’S KEEPER’ Mary Ann became her neighbor’s guardian

UARDIAN ANGELS don’t always have wings. Sometimes they’re disguised in fleece sweatshirts with jeans, sporting

curly hair and sparkly eyes surrounded by crinkle marks etched from generous smiles. Sometimes their angelic rank isn’t sought; it just happens. Like it did for Mary Ann Finke, a parishioner at St. Joseph Parish in Dexter. BY ROSE ROBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

“Mr. D has been our neighbor for 15 years, but other than being neighborly, we didn’t have a relationship. He’s a loner whose wife and only child died. Christmas Eve 2014, we noticed his side door was ajar. I went up to the house and called his name. There was no response, so I closed the door and went home. That evening, we learned Mr. D had been taken to the hospital. “A couple of days later, I went to see him. The doctors approached me about his medical history and I had no idea, so I asked his permission to find the answers in his house. I was able to locate his meds and the name of his primary physician, which enabled the hospital to

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run tests and diagnose him. “Inside his house, the neglect was apparent, and his bills were piling up. I asked if he had family to help him, and he said he had two estranged sisters who lived in other states. Through an Internet search, I successfully located one and tried to make contact. Her son returned my call, but never asked to speak to his uncle or assume responsibility for him. Shortly after, the sister died. I was unable to connect with the other,” she explains. Mr. D was discharged to a nursing home. Believing him to be indigent, they moved him to a Medicaid facility. Because he had no legal or familial representation, the facility indicated they’d petition the state for custody. That’s when Mary Ann’s angel status began to take flight. “It occurred to me, if they were successful, he’d stay in that depressing place forever. By this time, we were getting to know each other and he’d already asked me to help him pay his bills. Because he couldn’t advocate for himself, the only way to ensure his welfare was to become his guardian. My husband agreed with

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SENIOR PROGRAMS AT CATHOLIC CHARITIES If you need help caring for an elderly relative or neighbor, contact Catholic Charities. See below for a sampling of senior programs and contact information: Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties: 517.782.2551; www.catholiccharitiesjlhc.org/ • Senior transportation program Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County: 734.971.9781; csswashtenaw.org/ • Oaks Adult Day Program • Grandparents as Parents • Neighborhood Senior Services Livingston County Catholic Charities: 517.545.5944; ivingstoncatholiccharities.org/ • Be Our Guest Adult Day Service • Volunteer Caregiver Program St. Vincent Catholic Charities: 517.323.4734; stvcc.org/services/ • Foster grandparent program Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties: 810.232.9950; 989.723.8239; www.catholiccharitiesflint.org/

my decision, and I filed court papers to become his guardian/conservator. As soon as I applied, I sent official notice to the only address on file for the surviving sister, and the court appointed Mr. D an attorney, who began looking into his case. Upon receiving the letter, his sister decided she wanted guardianship, which meant going to court. The judge asked Mr. D his preference, and Mr. D said for my husband and me to be his guardians. The judge stated mediation would determine guardianship. “While we waited for mediation, I requested Mr. D be moved from the Medicaid facility. His attorney said if I could find somewhere nice, he’d help make it happen. My first search located a Christian adult care home with an opening for a private room, which made me feel like it was a good omen. This home is a beautiful old farmhouse with a huge dining room where everyone eats together. We moved Mr. D. He settled in and his sister called. After their conversation, she dropped her claim.” In July 2014, Mary Ann became Mr. D’s legal guardian/conservator.

Doctors have determined Mr. D is unable to live alone. Because Mary Ann knows how much his home means to him, four days a week she drives him there, where he gardens, listens to his music, putters and simply enjoys being home. A few hours later, Mary Ann returns him to the care facility. Though she’s entitled to financial compensation for time and expenses, the only recompense she takes is for gas. Mary Ann estimates she spends 30 or so hours a week tending to Mr. D’s care. Before December 2014, the thought of guardianship of her neighbor was nonexistent. “I hadn’t had a relationship with Mr. D prior to my initial hospital visit, so I guess I was nudged into action by the Holy Spirit. Something certainly directed me! “Mr. D isn’t the only beneficiary of our arrangement. I have gotten so much from this. I’m an only child and feel like I’ve gained a big brother; it amazes me how close we’ve become. He attends our family dinners and my three adult kids have accepted him. “I’ve learned so much, like how you need to advocate for yourself in the legal system; how generously committed people can be to seniors; and how crippling arthritis pain and dementia can be. People’s limitations must be respected, but if you think someone needs help, trust your gut, because more than likely they do. I have also been shocked how estranged families can become,” she says. Throughout this unforeseen legal process, Mary Ann’s comfort came in praying the rosary. As for her new angelic status, she considers it a humbling title. Mary Ann shares, “When Mr. D talks about me to people, he tells them I am his guardian angel.” Mary Ann Finke’s celestial wings may not be visible, but her new legal status as Mr. D’s guardian declares she truly possesses an angel’s heart.

People’s limitations must be respected, but if you think someone needs help, trust your gut, because more than likely they do.”

“I have always felt God would take care of us, but using the Creighton method, I have found a great deal of inner peace. This really illustrates how much of a miracle life is.”

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Natural Family Planning and NaPro saved Adrienne and Marcus’ baby “THIS HAS BROUGHT US SO MUCH CLOSER,” says Marcus Wells. “We might not have seen it right away, but it definitely has.” His wife Adrienne adds, “It has helped us see what God is calling us to, honors the vows of our marriage, and allows us to be open to life.” The “this” to which they are referring is the practice of natural family planning, or NFP.

“We initially learned about NFP through the Couple to Couple League we participated in as part of Catholic Engaged Encounter, and have practiced it since our marriage in October 2009. We knew it was Church teaching, and we were committed to living out our faith within our marriage. At first, because of the discipline required to routinely chart my cycle and abstain during fertile times, we had some difficulty and were frustrated. Over time, the process became easier for us and our frustration abated,” Adrienne explains. NFP can be a valuable tool in helping couples conceive. “In May of 2015, we had an ectopic pregnancy, which had been preceded by three miscarriages in 2014. At the time, we had been using NFP to not conceive and were not being very successful. It turned out that we had been inaccurately reading my signs,” shares Adrienne. “A friend who was studying to become a Creighton practitioner (a recognized program of NFP) knew we were having issues, and invited us to be her students as she trained in the Creighton model. She met with us on a regular basis, and was able to identify some health concerns contributing to our difficulty in reading my signs and the resulting miscarriages. She was loving and gifted in teaching us what was going on, listening to us and helping us. She was able to give us specialized directions. When I became pregnant in August 2015, she referred me to doctors who specialize in NaPro. Based on my charting and biomarkers, I was given appropriate supplements that have allowed this pregnancy to progress further than the last four, and saved our baby.” The Creighton Model Fertility Care System uses the science of Natural Procreative Technology (NaPro), with a series of standardized medical assessments to evaluate and treat infertility, miscarriage and other women’s health conditions. Begun at Creighton University in 1976, it is practiced worldwide by Catholics

BY ROSE and non-Catholics. NaPro doctors have had specialized ROBERTSON training and prescribe the least harmful supplements to address women’s health concerns. Their practice is PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING more holistic. One of the biggest surprises for Marcus and Adrienne was not just the amount of time the NaPro doctor spent with them, but that she asked if she could pray for them. “She was emotionally and spiritually supportive, and her medical knowledge saved our baby.” Both Adrienne and Marcus, devout Catholics and open to the life the Lord blesses them with, are eager to declare what a blessing this process has been. Marcus says, “Learning this process along with our fertility struggles has required us to talk openly with each other and make sure we are on the same page.” He adds, “Because the Creighton method is interactive, it has There are several resources for those seeking taught me more information on Natural Family Planning or more about a NaPro technology. woman’s body and its cycles. In the Lansing area: Rita Johnson | 517.775.7229 It has made me littlekerrysacres@gmail.com appreciate and respect women In the Hillsdale area: Emma King | 540.760.5262 more for what Creighton.practitioner@gmail.com they endure in pregnancy Christine Backlund, and childbirth. NFP coordinator for the Diocese of Lansing: I have always 517.342.2587; nfp@dioceseoflansing.org felt God would take care of Richard Budd, director of the Marriage us, but using and Family Office, 517.342.2471. the Creighton method, I have found a great deal of inner peace. This really illustrates how much of a miracle life is.” Adrienne chimes in on further benefits: “While biblical reasons for natural family planning were important to us, I also wanted to respect my body and not put chemicals in it. In addition, this program is also great to help teenage girls be aware of their body and understand how it works. This kind of awareness give girls control and power over themselves.” Both Marcus and Adrienne highly encourage other couples to follow NFP, and Marcus adds: “In today’s culture, instant gratification is sought, but that isn’t being open to what God wants. Trust that God will provide for you, helping you stay steadfast and on the right path.”

WIKIPEDIA/XOPHERIGGS

BY CARI ANN DELAMIELLEURESCOTT

“I

THINK IT’S REALLY COOL that a diocese wants to have an all-day event to honor families,” says Matt Maher, Canadian-born Christian musician and headline performer at FaithFest16 on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. The singer and songwriter independently recorded his first album 15 years ago and landed a record contract in 2008. He has been nominated for eight Grammy awards. Matt, along with Jason Gray, Modern Day Cure and Melanie Rea, will perform at FaithFest, a family festival sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing that includes

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music, food, fireworks and Mass with Bishop Earl Boyea. Playing publicly since he was in a rock band in high school, Matt has always had a passion for music. And when it comes to saints, Matt feels plagiarism is the highest form of flattery. So he isn’t shy about using the words of the saints as inspiration for his songs. His song

“Everything is Grace,” for example, is based on the words of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. “We need songs that articulate our faith and not just our common humanity. We need those, too … but we do need songs that people can sing together that kind of give voice to the longings we have in our heart … to know (God),” Matt says.

FAITHFEST16

We need songs that articulate our faith and not just our common humanity. We need those, too … but we do need songs that people can sing together that kind of give voice to the longings we have in our heart … to know (God),”

Matt believes the lives of the saints stand as a testimony and living example to how life plays out. Often, it’s the stories of their imperfections or shortcomings that inspire him. “All art is beautiful, and I think beauty is one of the ways in which God reveals himself on earth to people,” Matt says. “More and more, I’m just trying to be who I am, and yet, the mystery of it is God uses that over and over again to intersect with people’s lives to give them voice in their heart.”

What we fill our souls with is important, and each of his songs expresses a different message that Matt hopes will allow people to have an encounter with God. Matt says he didn’t imagine he would be writing Christian music, because his childhood ambition was to be a film scorer. When Matt was younger, he suffered through a period of change and difficulty, and turned to God for help and understanding. After facing the divorce of his

parents and moving to Arizona, Matt says turning to God was the first step to fulfilling God's plan. Matt intended on remaining in Phoenix for only a few short months before traveling to Los Angeles to study film scoring; however, God guided him elsewhere, and he instead studied jazz at Arizona State University. “I’m part of generation X; but growing up, when you were good at something, everyone kind of figured that’s what you’re going to do for a living,” Matt says, adding that his dad was skeptical of a career in music and envisioned Matt would attend law school. But Matt is convinced he would have been a “terrible law student.” “I think there (are) things I can control, and there’s a lot I can’t. That’s what I’ve learned. That’s not just music, that’s life in general. So, I think I’ll keep trying to work on the things I can work on and try to be available to God, and whatever he wants to do, he can do,” Matt says. Matt believes the kind of role faith plays in our society is an important conversation to have. Do we keep our faith private or share it publicly? “If you walk into a church and you kneel down, aren’t you making a public statement? I really think – at the heart of this – it is part of the mandate of being Christian, of being able to have events where you publicly celebrate God and God’s love,” Matt says. Music has a way of bringing people together, and Matt is excited to be a part of this upcoming event in DeWitt.

Matt Maher, along with Jason Gray, Modern Day Cure and Melanie Rea, will perform at FaithFest, a family festival sponsored by the Diocese of Lansing that includes music, food, fireworks and Mass with Bishop Earl Boyea.

FAITHFEST16 GATES FOR FAITHFEST16 OPEN AT 10 A.M ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25. GENERAL ADMISSION COSTS $30, AND VIP TICKETS COST $50. ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER IS LOCATED AT 703 E. MAIN ST. IN DEWITT. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT WWW.FAITHFEST16.COM.

AY IS AN EXCITING TIME of year for my husband and me. Summer is around the corner, and we are in full planning mode for our outdoor space. May also happens to be the month of Our Lady, and, coincidentally, among our favorite of outdoor spaces is our Mary garden. A trellis of roses along the back side of our house partially encloses a statue of our Blessed Mother. And surrounding her, we enjoy the juxtaposition of soft lavender and intensely bright marigold in full bloom by the time summer arrives. But the flowers are chosen for more than just their beautifully contrasting colors. There is meaning and symbolism behind them.

A MARY GARDEN – simple and symbolic

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CONTAINER MARY GARDEN T. Gennara

Mary gardens date back to medieval times, and the many flowers and herbs of Our Lady are symbolic of her virtuous life. The Madonna lily represents her purity, and medieval imagery often depicts her with these in hand. Roses, the queen of flowers, represent Mary, the queen of heaven; and many accounts of Marian apparitions reference the spontaneous scent of roses at the instant of the miracle. Other traditions associate marigolds with Mary’s simplicity, and lavender was a common “keepsake” of the Holy Land by returning crusaders, as it recollects Mary’s flight into Egypt with Joseph. A Mary garden does not necessarily require a great deal of space, either. I was once impressed with one growing in a flower box outside of an apartment window in the city. The beauty of a container garden is that they can be made for exterior windows or for indoor display to brighten even the rainiest of spring days. If you have a green thumb and enjoy the garden like we do, consider adding a container Mary garden to your other horticultural endeavors this spring. The one you see here is for indoor display (near a window). Statues of Our Lady come in small sizes, and there are many flowers and herbs with symbolic ties to her. I have opted to embellish mine with the fleur-de-lis, a symbol of the Trinity, as the band across its base represents Mary, who participated in making the three-in-one present here on earth. I also think three pots carry the Trinity theme nicely, though the art and the expression are entirely open to your design.

MICHELLE DIFRANCO

is a designer and the busy mom of three children.

• Elongated wood box (store-bought or DIY) • Fleur-de-lis (wood embellishment) • Wood glue • 3 terra cotta pots (to fit inside) • 3 miniature rose plants • Potting soil • Hand shovel It is best to purchase the terra cotta pots before buying or building a rectangular wood box. Six-inch pots are best for miniature rose plants. When selecting a box, make sure the three pots fit inside. Drill three small holes on the bottom of the box for water drainage. Paint or stain the fleur-de-lis wood embellishment (or leave unfinished). Adhere to the box. Plant miniature roses and water regularly.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA

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THINGS TO DO May 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Robert School, Flushing’s Fun Fair will have carnival games, light concessions, face painting and raffles. Come celebrate Catholic education and see what St. Robert School has to offer. For information, call 810.659.2845 or visit strobertschool.com. May 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., “Mother May I Bless Your Nest” baby shower to benefit Pregnancy Helpline in the St. Joseph, Howell Rahrig Center Gym. Admission: bring a shower grift valued at $20 or more. Lunch and dessert for all guests; and music by local Christian artist and dance studio. RSVP: www. eventbrite.com/e/mother-mayi-bless-your-nest-baby-showerto-benefit-pregancy-helplinetickets-21461964313. May 10, 6:15 p.m., Joan Strohm will speak on palliative and hospice care; and May 22, noon, a speaker from Region II will address elder abuse at St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn in the family center. For questions, contact Diane Dover at ddover@frontiernet.net. May 14, 8 a.m., registration and 9 a.m., shotgun start, St. Joseph Parish and School golf outing and parish raffle. Cost: $100 per player. Sponsorships and hole sponsors needed. Call Mrs. Susan Doyle, principal, at 517.546.0090, ext. 200. May 15, 1:30-4 p.m., the Council of Catholic Women is hosting a Spring Tea at St. Mark the Evangelist in Grand Blanc. For information/registration, contact Cindy Bell at cabsandkids@aol.com. May 18, 10 a.m., the Rosary Altar Society will have its monthly rosary in the Cana Chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing. Please join them to celebrate Mary’s month. Refreshments will be offered afterward in the Bishop Baraga Room. May 20, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, Swartz Creek will host a Euchre Tournament sponsored by the Knights of 26

ATTEND A BABY SHOWER TO BENEFIT PREGNANCY HELPLINE

JOIN THE ROSARY ALTAR SOCIETY IN CELEBRATING MARY’S MONTH

WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, ADRIAN, 517.266.4000 or WEBERCENTER.ORG •M ay 21, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., “A Day of Contemplative Prayer – Meditation and Mindfulness Practice,” a monthly mindfulness community for contemplative meditation. •J une 4, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., “Sacred senses, Sacred spaces: Nurturing our Sensitivity to Earth,” a day of reflection. •J une 6-11, Monday, 3:30 p.m. to Saturday, 1 p.m., “Holy Land Pilgrimage at Weber Center: An Experiential Journey.” •J une 14-17, Tuesday, 2 p.m. to Friday, 1 p.m., retreat, “A New Way Through: Everything Changes.” ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS •J uly 29-31, “Marriage in the Year of Mercy,” a retreat for married couples. Discover what God is calling you to do as a couple. Columbus. Cost is $5. For more information, call 810.635.3684.

LEARN ABOUT MERCY, TRUST AND LOVE THROUGH THE WISDOM OF ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX

May 21, St. Michael Catholic School, Grand Ledge will hold its 24th annual golf outing at Centennial Acres in Sunfield. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. If interested in sponsoring a hole or playing in a foursome, call the school at 517.627.2167. May 26, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., “Learn about Mercy, Trust and

MAY CAFÉ EVENTS Are you interested in joining the Church? May 10, 7 p.m. and May 15, 2 p.m., a new group of people seeking to learn about the Catholic Church will begin meeting at St. John Church and Student Center in East Lansing. Individuals can select the time that is best for them. For information, contact Pete Ries at 517.351.5460, ext. 1328 or pries@elcatholics.org. June 15-Aug. 17, Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m., “A Biblical Walk with Mary” DVD study series will be led by parishioner Katrina Iamarino in Father Mac Hall at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing. For information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@elcatholics.org May 9-July 18, Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., “Saying Yes – What is God's will for me?” DVD study series will be led by Al Weilbaecher, director of adult faith formation, in the Bishop Baraga Room at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing. For information, contact Al Weilbaecher at 517.351.5460 or al@elcatholics.org.

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Love through the Wisdom of St. Thérèse of Lisieux” directed by Tony Sperendi at St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWitt. Cost of $65, or $55 for seniors 60 and older, includes morning snacks, lunch and materials. To register, contact the retreat center at 517.669.8321 or www.stfrancis.ws. June 11-12, Catholic Engaged Encounter of Mid-Michigan is a marriage preparation ministry based on Catholic teachings and values that will be held in DeWitt. To register, visit www.lansingcee. org or contact Sue and Wayne Fransted at 810.588.4181 or info@ lansingcee.org. June 15-16, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and June 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi Parish’s annual rummage sale will be in the school gym, 2250 E. Stadium, Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734.769.2550 or visit stfrancisa2.com. June 17, 10 a.m., shotgun start, Lansing Catholic High School’s 28th annual Cougar Classic will be at Forest Akers West, East Lansing. Player fee: $135. Register early for a terrific day of golf. For information, contact Colleen at 517.267.2109 or colleen.murray@lansingcatholic.org. Aug. 5-7, St. Mary, Westphalia is hosting Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Come and learn to live the Year of Mercy in your marriage and enrich your faith. For more information about the weekend or to register, visit www.me.org or call Harry and Karen Porter at 888.628.7433.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE, 989.723.8239 AND GENESEE COUNTIES, 810.232.9950 or CCSGC.ORG • Construction is under way at Catholic Charities’ Center for Hope. Thanks to all those who continue to make this possible. For information, please contact us at 810.232.9950, ext. 228 or givehope@ccsgc.org. • Pope Francis has encouraged us during this Jubilee Year of Mercy to incorporate the corporal works of mercy in what we do – please consider volunteering with Catholic Charities this summer. Call 810.232.9950, ext. 143 or visit givehope@ccsgc.org. • Loving foster families are urgently needed. Please consider opening your heart and home to a child in need. For information, call Catholic Charities Children’s Services Department at 810.232.3418. LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG • May 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., join us for an Open House at Be Our Guest Adult Day Service – the only adult day center in Livingston County serving clients who are memory impaired with forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s and Lewy body disease. Meet our caring and knowledgeable staff, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, view our facility and learn more about our program.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LANSING, 517.323.4733 or STVCC.ORG •D uring May, St. Vincent Catholic Charities will be participating in the Capital Area Cares for Kids Inter-Agency Recruitment Fair on the State Capitol front lawn. Stop by our tent and those of other agencies in the area to learn more about foster care and what you can do to help the children in foster care in Michigan. For more information, visit stvcc. org/news-events/events. • We are always looking for activities for the residents of our children’s home, a 24-hour residential facility for children in the foster care system. Donations of tickets and gift cards to local attractions are welcomed for the children in our care. Activities can range from baseball games to tickets to the movie theater to gift cards to local restaurants. For information, contact Josh Lown at 517.323.4734, ext. 1356 or lownj@stvcc.org. • Seasons: Supporting Families Through Serious Illness is our new counseling program that provides weekly support groups for each member of a family experiencing a serious illness. Facilitated by licensed mental health clinicians, Seasons positively affects the entire family, improving the healing process and creating family unity. If you are interested in learning about the program or volunteering, contact Megan Spedoske at 517.323.4734, ext. 1702 or orspedosm@ stvcc.org or visit stvcc.org/seasons.

Learn more at www.dolcatholicschools.com

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YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL NEWS

EASTER EGG HUNT AT BURTON CHURCH More than 100 children took part in the third annual Easter Egg Hunt at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton in March. The Easter eggs were scattered in the hallways and lockers and behind pictures at the former Holy Redeemer Middle School. After the hunt, parents and children enjoyed a delicious pancake breakfast put on by Holy Redeemer Knights of Columbus members in the Family Life Center.

ST. PAUL STUDENT’S ARTWORK WILL BE FEATURED NATIONALLY The artwork of Isabel Megan, a seventh-grader at St. Paul Catholic School in Owosso, was selected in the Cross Catholic Outreach’s World Food Day contest. She submitted her artwork last spring, and received the news of her honor in February 2016. The contest featured original drawings promoting World Food Day, which will be celebrated on Oct. 16, 2016. Megan’s winning artwork will appear on posters in hundreds of schools across the United States, and also on World Day promotional materials. Once the poster is published, it will be available to view on Cross Catholic Outreach’s website at crosscatholic.org. 28

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ST. PATRICK’S DAY MASS IN FLINT Old Newsboys of Flint Executive Director Christopher Hamilton (left) receives the 2016 Ancient Order of Hibernian Community Award from 2016 Grand Marshal, Matthew Bade prior to the annual St. Patrick's Day Mass on March 17 at St. Michael Church in Flint. The Ancient Order of Hibernians is America’s oldest Irish Catholic fraternal organization, founded in 1836. After the Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea, more than 100 families participated in the traditional Irish walk from the church to McFarlan Park.

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CARING FOR OTHERS In February, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders from St. Robert School in Flushing packed care packages containing personal care products to aid the homeless. Students brought in toothbrushes, toothpaste, lip balm, soap, shampoo, deodorant, hand sanitizer, disposable razors and shaving cream. Various dental offices also donated items. The student bagged these items into kits that were then given to Catholic Charities for distribution to the needy in honor of Catholic Schools Week. For more information about St. Robert School, call 810.659.2503 or visit www.strobertschool.com

On Easter Sunday, four girls from one family were baptized at St. Mary’s Parish in Flint. Tanisha Ferguson and her four daughters, Makenzie (2) and Makayla (5) Ferguson, and Zyair (7) and Tania (8) Hall, are shown with their sponsor, Deacon Paul Donnelly and Father Zach Mabee.

NEW PRIEST ASSIGNMENTS Bishop Boyea announces the following pastoral assignments and transfers, effective July 1, 2016:

D. QUILLAN

• Rev. Robert Copeland, from pastor of St. Pius X Parish, Flint to pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton. • Rev. Mr. Paul Donnelly, after his June 10 ordination, is assigned as parochial vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, Flint; St. Matthew Parish, Flint; St. Michael Parish, Flint; and, St. Mary Parish, Flint. • Rev. Dwight Ezop, from pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton to pastor of St. Mary Parish, Charlotte and St. Ann Church, Bellevue. • Rev. Kurian Kollapallil, MSFS, from parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson to administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Adrian.

D. QUILLAN

• Rev. Tim Krzyzaniak, from in-residence at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson to pastor of St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Concord. • Rev. Mr. Peter Lawrence, after his June 10 ordination, is assigned as parochial vicar of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jackson and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Michigan Center. • Rev. Mr. Brian Lenz, after his June 10 ordination, is assigned as parochial vicar of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson.

DIOCESE OF LANSING’S MIDDLE SCHOOL RALLY In March, Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc hosted the diocese’s Middle School Rally, which was attended by more than 400 teens and their leaders. “God pursues sinners because he relentlessly loves us” was its theme. Apex concluded their engaging opening keynote by citing words from St. Augustine and other saints who are their heroes. “We are all called to be heroes. And God will pursue us and help us to be the people he created us to be.” Breakout sessions and Mass with Bishop Earl Boyea followed. The rally included adoration, reconciliation and Funfest with inflatables and music. It ended with Benediction and a closing prayer. It was a great afternoon and evening of being called to holiness.

D. QUILLAN

• Rev. Thomas Murphy, OSFS, from pastor of St. John Neumann Parish, Reston, Virginia to St. Mary Parish, Adrian. • Rev. Mr. Michael Murray, after his June 10 ordination, is assigned as parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish/St. John Church and Student Center, East Lansing. • Rev. Mr. Ryan Riley (after June 10 ordination), parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish/St. John Church and Student Center, East Lansing. • Rev. Denis Spitzley, from pastor of St. Catherine Labouré Parish, Concord to senior priest status. • Rev. Anthony Strouse, from pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Adrian to pastor of St. Pius X Parish, Flint. • Rev. Dan Westermann, from parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish/St. John Church and Student Center, East Lansing to studies in Moral Theology at the Angelicum University, Rome. • Rev. John Whitlock, from parochial vicar of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jackson and Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Michigan Center, to the faculty of St.. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

CREDITS

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing MAY 2016 VOLUME 16: ISSUE 4

www.FAITHpub.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

FROM THE BISHOP:

MARY, OUR MOTHER, IS THE UNTIER OF KNOTS IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE:

HOW CAN I BE A BETTER CATHOLIC? CULTURE:

SYMBOLIC

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EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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POPE WATCH WHAT POPE FRANCIS HAS BEEN SAYING AND DOING RECENTLY

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Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR For advertising information: Call 517.853.7600 For subscription information: Call 1.866.76.FAITH

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2015 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

“I am beginning a new journey, on Instagram, to walk with you along the path of mercy and the tenderness of God.”

POPE FRANCIS: ‘PRAY FOR ME’ The pope has Instagram! The Holy Father created an account on the social media platform on March 19, and by March 29 had 2.1 million followers. He goes by the Instagram name @Franciscus. In his first post, Pope Francis is kneeling in prayer, and he asks his followers simply: “Pray for me.” This was his same request at every city on his U.S. tour in September, adding at his final Mass in Philadelphia: “Don’t forget!” Visit www.FAITHpub.com to read a special report on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love).

– Pope Francis @Pontifex March 19

IN NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK, POPE ANSWERS LETTERS FROM CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD “Dear Pope Francis” … These words begin many letters from children who have questions for the Holy Father. In a new book published by Loyola Press, Pope Francis answers questions from children’s letters – both serious and fun. The book includes the actual hand-drawn letters reprinted, along with the pope’s responses. FAITH Magazine | MAY 2016 | WWW.FAITHPUB.COM

CNS/L’OSSERVATORE ROMANO

WASHING THE FEET OF REFUGEES – At the Reception Center for Asylum Seekers outside Rome on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis washed the feet of refugees, and spoke to nearly 1,000 migrants and volunteers about the importance of living in peace as children of the same God.

A MARY GARDEN –

Dr. Mona, the hero of the Flint water crisis SIMPLE AND

Our mothers – the wellspring of human life W

HAT IS MARRIAGE? What is a fetus? What does it mean to be a woman? These ques-

tions swirl around us in today’s so-called “culture wars.” There is another question to which we mean to be a mother? God could have come to us as a great warrior king, or a renowned philosopher king, or as a social revolutionary, coming down to us from heaven above in awesome splendor. Instead, he came to us as a baby born of a loving mother. In doing so, Jesus gave being a mother an unsurpassed dignity

LAST WORD

T. Gennara

should give our attention, namely: What does it

that we should never overlook. Down through the centuries, artists have showered their beautiful gifts on their depictions of Mary, the Mother of God. In doing so, they have exalted all that it means to be a mother – the wellspring of all human life. This being the Year of Mercy, we cannot fail to note that mercy is surely one of the most important attributes of mothers. Let’s take the time today to thank our mothers for all they do. Let’s also thank God for the mothers he has given to us. Certainly, mothers exemplify God’s mercy as no others do. Our mother Mary’s heart is the refuge of sinners. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death” is a prayer with which we are all familiar. She is the great intercessor for sinners everywhere. May we never tire of seeking out Mary when we are heavily burdened by the weight of our sins.

FATHER CHARLES IRVIN

is the founding editor of FAITH Magazine and is retired.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ABUSED OR VICTIMIZED BY SOMEONE REPRESENTING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing. We encourage you to come forward and speak out. Every diocese in the United States now has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to obtain support for your needs, to help make a formal complaint of abuse to the diocese and to arrange a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative if you desire. The victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Lansing is: Cheryl Williams-Hecksel; 1.888.308.6252; cwilliamshecksel@dioceseoflansing.org

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