June 2003

he words of Psalm 103 remind us, "The Lord is kind and merciful." True enough. The Lord pardons us, comforts us in sorrow, is gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. We encounter that sort of mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation, when we seek, and are given, God's mercy and forgiveness . Webster offers a slightly different understanding of mercy, suggesting this definition: a blessing that is an act of divine favor. I came face-to-face with this kind of divine mercy just a few weeks ago as Bishop Mengeling ordained eight new deacons. I have known several of the newly-ordained for some years. One of them is the business manager of the parish which I pastor. Beyond my joy for the new deacons, their wives and families, the ordination Mass gave me a powerful reminder of God's mercy toward me during my six years of priestly ministry. You see, as I looked out upon the assembly gathered that Saturday morning in the cathedral, I saw a very large number of people whose lives have intersected with mine by the grace and mercy of God. They are young and old; they are ethnically diverse; they are male and female ; they have collars that are blue or white; some speak English, while others speak Spanish; they are all people of great faith. Each of them represents a blessing sent from God. Each of them is a visible reminder to me of God's mercy. I am certain that my life would be much different and less enriched if God's mercy had not allowed our paths to cross. I could not help but be deeply moved and humbled by the incredible mercy shown to me by God in six I looked out upon short years of priesthood. I can only imagine what additional merthe assembly at cies await me in the years ahead. the people I have Doug Simon has struggled with muscular dystrophy from a very come to know. I young age. Together with his parents, Norm and Darlene, and his am certain that brothers and sister, the Simons have made a difficult journey that my life would be few families will ever make. Yet Darlene and Norm, along with their much different other children, readily admit that through Doug they have been and less enriched deeply blessed by God. In tum, Doug knows that he has been if Gods mercy blessed by God, having been given a family that loves and cares for had not allowed him very deeply. our paths to Having experienced God's merciful forgiveness, Carol Cole folcross. I could not lowed a path that changed her life and brought her to the Catholic help but be Church. God's mercy transformed her life, opening for Carol a path deeply moved of service to God's children with special needs. Now, as the adoptive and humbled by mother of DeAndre and Tatiana, Carol works to advocate for indithe incredible viduals and families affected by fetal alcohol syndrome. mercy shown to janet Sinke spent years caring for others as a registered nurse. In me by God in six 1998, janet had the rare opportunity to assist in the creation of short years of Hospice House of Mid-Michigan, a beautiful facility that cares for priesthood. the terminally ill and their families. Then came an unexpected tum of events that turned Janet's life upside down. Suddenly, someone who had spent her life caring for others found herself needing the love, care and support of others. Little did she know the blessings that would result from an unanticipated development. Through it all, Janet's faith has remained un-~Sinke"-able. Unexpected events, unanticipated blessings. The Lord is kind and merciful, indeed. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

.,_.,_ Bishop Mengeling ordains 8 men to the diaconate ...... NBCsDavid Bloom is remembered by his pastor .,_.,_ Pope john Paul II on the greatest gift Christ ~

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June 5

Cover Story

Doug Simon has a fatal disease. His family needs to care for him 24hrs a day. In making Doug's life normal, they've learned about their own lives. Doug may teach you something about life, too. ;,= _ â&#x20AC;˘ .... --.

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Caring for the caregiver: How does janet Sinke deal with caring for the dying? Many people think hospice nursing is the most depressing kind of wotk "It is a very sacred time,"she says. How does she feel about it now that she is sick?

In the know with Fr. Joe: Dear Fr. Joe, why are they changing the Mass? I am hearing about all the new rules and regulations, and some people are genuinely angry about them. Why do we bother with such things? - Fr:.joscph Krupp

Theology 101: What do we believe about Jesus Christ - specifically the part about descending into hell and rising again on the third day? Plus, 3 ways to merge your spiritual path with the road to Emmaus. And, the top 3 resurrection questions.

Life after abortion: When you learn the facts, it is diffirult to believe Carol Cole could

have ended up with two adopted children a job caring for \:abies poisoned by drug;. Today, she is a conven to Catholicism. Find out how.

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- Sr.j:ulCt Sdaaclflcr, OP 1

Exclusive: Natheer Brilkani is many things. He is a Muslim. He is a Kun:l. He is a mem-

ber of Iraq!; profe$ional, educated clas. And he is a refugee living in Lansing. Under penalty of death, he fled Iraq- will he now want to go back? .........~

From the Bishop: Thank goodness my father made a shift from strict justice to justice with mercy by the time the worst disaster happened - I dropped his prized possession, an Evenrude outboard motor into the lake. - Mast Rev. Cart F. Mcngcling

The Journey: Forgiveness is a decision. Yet how can you forgive some things. For example, what would you do if you were falsely accused of a crime? What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to walk humbly with God. One person did. - Dr. Guhlcm McGreal

Work Life: It's tough dealing with those situations at work when you've been treated unfairly. It's easy to become consumed with thinking about how you're going to "get even:â&#x20AC;˘

Find out 4 ways: to get past getting even at work. - TrmRy.m

Spiritual Fitness: What is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy? Why pray it now? St. Faustina's revelation was to pray this chaplet, trust in God and be merciful. We all can become contemplative, prayerful, merciful people. We need this message now. - Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

31 Last Word: Jesus assures us that whatever we do for such

unfortunates we really do for Him, and so the righteous (those on the right) will go off to etemallife. What side of the Lord do you stand on? - !\last Rev. Kenneth fuvish

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faith Most Reverend uri F Mengeling PUB USHER

Rev Charles lrvm FOUNDING EDfTOR Volume 4 : Issue 6 June2003

your thoughts: on depression, KeithMixer and being meek

Rev Dwi_ght Ezop EDITOR IN CHIEF

Patrick M O'Bnen MANAGING EDITOR/CREAtM; DIRECTOR

Alton Pelowski ASSISTANT EDITORIWI!IIMASTER

jillane job SUBSCRIPTIONS/SECRETARY

Evelyn Weitzel SUBfiCRIPTIONS

Patrick Dally GRAPHICIWEBDUlGNER

Rev Wilham Ashbaugh Elizabeth Johnson Rev joseph Krupp Patricia Majher C:athleen McGreal Erin Oakley Ullah Olson Most Rev. Kenneth]. PoVJsh Tim Ryan Duane Ramsey Jan Rynearson Sr. janet Schaeffier, OP Nancy Schertzing CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING

Chnstine jones james Luning (cover) Philip Shippen CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wayne Case David Fenech Rev Matthew Fedewa Patricm Garcia Gregono Lopez Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BoARD

Rev Cecilia Reyna WEB MINisnn'

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg F~

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ty of clinical depression, properly prescribed, taken and managed antidepressant medication can raise energy level, enable restful sleep, improve mental especially liked Bishop and emotional and even spirituMengelings article on meekness al functioning, and restore a and Fr: Ashbaughs article on persons ability to engage in humility. 1especially liked the nomtal social relationships ... part "if we want to grow in Blessings and best wisltes to humility, we can spend time in you, your staff, and your minfront of the Blessed Sacrament istry- keep our FAITH growto learn what true humility is. ing - Sincerely. 1 am going to try the Easter - S.lb•111 M. DeGn1nd breads recipes, too. Please heep up the blending of "Faith and ...... I was deeply touched Love. It works!/!! May you by your cover story about have a Holy and Blessed Easter. Mr. Mixer. 11wve had my Love, in Christ, share of problems and have - Mrs. S.rb•n~ M•nney been guilty offeeling "Why is this happening to me?" Reading .....,. Dear Father - I have about Mr. Mixer put a lot of been very proud to see my things into perspective for me. 1 diocese publish FAITH felt ashamed with the worries I Magazine ... FAITH manages ponder at night when 1 read to reflect the strengtlts, diversi- "Even though his days are filled ties and complexities of tlte with a sense of loss and his Catholic faith while also intenights with foreboding over It is future ... n grating sound, general princi· Thanh you for pies of healthy such an inspirliving ... ing cover story. Titis letter is I'm sure Mr. prompted by Mixer was right my concern when he said over two sltort tlwt God must paragraphs in ltave something one article In mind for him. (April 2003, I know he has cover story), so been a sign to please see it as help guide me in neitlter a major the rigltt direccomplaint on tion Please formy part nor a major flaw on ward my e-mail address to Mr. the magazines part ... Mixer and let him know that if There are many misconcephe ever needs someone to lend tions in our society about an car in one of those nights 1 depression - and by this 1don't would gladly try to help to give mean "having a bad day." I bach what his example has mean serious depression ... For already given me. Thanl1 you those With tlte invisible disabili- all again. - PJ ....... Dear Fr. Ezop - Thank you for the improvements that you are making with FAITH Magazine. Tite April issue is one of my favorites. 1

..f .,... Father Dwight - FAITH Magazine has been arriving at my home for some time now. I would see it on the

table, look at the cover, tell myself it looked li11e there was some good stuff in it, but never sat down with it - until this month. Maybe because l've been at my wits' end at worl1 where it seems l'm trying to change aflat tire while 1 drive the car down the road, or maybe because of tlte war in Iraq, or maybe because I went to my undd funeral tltis week and was reminded of what a beautiful thing a Catholic 1 funeral Mass can be - wha ~ er; 1 sat down and read the articles about meekness. n wse articles were talking to me. They spoke to my anger and frustration . nle stories reminded me tlwt 1don't ltavc to do it all myself; it isn't good for me or for others to try and do it all myself. Gods been reaching me lately - maybe because I'm starting to let Him bad1 in my life. ntanll you for FAITH. Sec you in church tomorrow. - AK

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gilt of faith \Vhat better gift can you give than your faith? 'Make a difference in the life of someone you care about. FAinl subscriP: dons are only $15$10 off the cover price. Call: (517) 342-2595.

Braveheart: in the end teaches us utmercy?

emember Mel Gibson In the violent movie, Braveheart? His Scottish character, William WaUace, is tortured before the English crowd who cheers and hurls insults. He had been an enemy of the state, responsible for the deaths of many English and was "finally getting what he deserves~ While the brutal torture progresses, a transformation slowly creeps over the crowd. As Wallace is being disemboweled, the crowd grows still before the horror of it. Then it happens, a cry rings out from the multitude- "MercyJW Others soon join in and the English crowd begins chanting for mercy. Forgotten are the crimes so worthy of this man's destruction. Why? Perhaps there is something repulsive about the cold and unyielding exercise of power. What begins as a "good" thing bringing this man to "justice"- deteriorates into a senseless app~catlon of force devoid of any "good• in the eyes of the crowd. That question of power lies at the core of the beatitude Blest are they who show mercy - mercy shall be theirs. fliT , 71 ~ d the rest of Doug Culp's arUde only on FAfl'Hmag.com discuss this and other topics by dlddng FAmiforums TEEN Online: Reality Check

whattodo? a friend

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long time has said or done ometHng that hurts you eeply. What do you do?

Cut them off. If you don't protect yourself who will? ~ Confront the person and tell them how you feel. : Hurt the person back. Sometimes someone doesn't know what's up unless they get the same thing. ~Pheck out if what you heard is true. If it is, then M:,e honest to the person about what you feel. tke this month's reality check only on FAITHteen.com 'hlle there, sign up for FAITHteen, e-zlne. It's free!

vii kings torturing and killing the young men of their court for refus· lng to I'WKKIIIce their faith seems like the stuff of ancient history. Yet, just 120 years ago, a group of young men in Africa earned the crown of martyrdom for proclaiming their belief in Jesus Christ. In the late 1800s, the Society of ' Missionaries of Africa, called the WhHe .....~_ __. Fathers, came to Uganda and began teaching people about Christ. The converts began teaching others and soon there was a As Chart L . Ch • • . cs wanga growmg ristian community, many of them and his compan· members of the court of King Mwanga. Mwanga ·tons were dymg, . . distrusted these new Christians, convinced that they called out they were a threat to his rule. Jcsus, name and To teach them a lesson, King Mwanga told those who killed a Protestant missionary and his killed them, "You companions. When Joseph Mkasa, chief stew- can burn our bodard of the court and . a Catholic, spoke out against ,.cs, but you cannot the murder, the king had him beheaded. hann our souIs." That dldn't stop the converts, though. Charles Lwanga, chief of the royal pages, took over the task of instructing the pages in the Christian faith. He also kept the young men, who ranged in age from 13-30, safe from the immoral advances of the king. The king soon noticed that the pages were avoiding him, and asked one of the pages what he had been doing. When the boy replied that he had been receiving religious instruction, the king summoned the catechist, Denis Sebuggwawo, and killed him on the spot. learning of the king's actions, Charles Lwanga baptized four of the pages that nighl The next day, the king had his enUre court brought before him and ordered "those who pray" to stand to one side. Fifteen young men who stood up for their faith were condemned to death and ordered to march 3 7 miles to their place of execution. Those who witnessed the young men's final march were amazed at their faith. One, upon seeing the priest who converted him, said, "Why are you so sad? This is nothing to the joys you have taught us to look forward to~ Another told the executioner, "God witt rescue me. But you will not see how he does it, because he will take my soul and leave you only my body~ Charles l..wanga showed hem eager he was for martyrdom vdlen he asked the executioner to untie him so he could arrange the slicks for his pyre. h he and his companions wete dying, they caled out Jesus' name and told those who kiUed them, "You can bu-n our bodies, but you amot harm our souls:' Despite the ldng's attempt to get rid of the Christians, they continued to meet In secret. After Mwanga's death, the 'Mlite Fathers reb.med to Uganda and discoveled 500 Chrislians and more than I,OCYJ catechumens waiting for them. Today, Uganda is a Christian cxxn.y wilh fTlOI'8 than 2 million Catholics and three major seminaries. We remember Sl Owies lwanga and the martyns of Uganda on June 3 -Elizabeth Johnson

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Dear Fr. joe: Why are they changing the Mass? I am hearing about all the new rules and regulations. Why do we bother with such things?

our question is a good one. A lot of people are trying to figure out precisely what we are doing, why we are doing it and when we will start. Lets see if the following general concepts don't help us clarify a bit. Think of it this way: the Liturgy is who we arc as Catholics. This is our primary expression of our faith. This is where we get together and honor our Savior and our relation to Him. I like something Bishop Carl Mengeling said. When he was talking about the Mass, he said, "Remember, this is not our celebration. This celebration belongs to jesus." I like that. It is good for us to remember that this celebration is bigger than we are. Think of it another way. There are a little over one billion (that is 1,000,000,000) Catholics in the world right now. We are throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Australia (are there any in Antarctica?) We have differ-

. . I was chatting with an absent-minded gentleman during Communion calls. He told me about this great new restaurant in Lansing that he said 1 "had to try." I asked him for the name of the place and he paused. "Can't remember," he mumbled. "Son, what do ya call that thing with a bud on the end of it? It's got thorns and you give it to people you love?" "A Rose?" 1 ventured. "That's it!" he exclaimed. Then, he turned to the kitchen "ROSE! What's the name of that restaurant we went to the other night?" em cultures, languages. ideas and norms. What do we all have in common? One Lord. One Faith. One Baptism. And all of these amazing, unifying gifts converge in the Liturgy. And , central to that is the Eucharist, the sacrament of unity. In my life, I have been blessed to travel all over the world and celebrate with Catholics everywhere. In the celebrations of the Masswhether in Israel or Poland, in Mexico or France, in Ireland or Egypt- I was able to follow and worship together with people I didn't know, but to whom I was intimately bound by the Liturgy. So, what arc we doing? We are trying our best to bring an

appropriate level of uniformity and respect to the Liturgy. Remember, we arc only 40 years out of Vatican 11, and its going to take us awhile to find our legs. We have made mistakes to the right and to the ldt. These rules and regulations are an attempt to bring us back to our universal roots. We are a Church that is bigger than the United States of America. The updates arc in effect now, but each diocesan bishop is allowed a "period of implementation ." Your pastor will be teaching you about the changes in the next few months There may be some criticisms being leveled at the changes. I encourage you to

listen to how some people are reacting; some are saying we have gone too far, others are saying we have not gone far enough. Do you get the idea that I do? Namely, there are some people who will never be happy until they are the ones expressing to us what the Liturgy is. What do we do? 1 say relax. No kidding folks, God is bigger than our fears, worries, biases and agendas. This Church is built on the rock that is jesus and nothing can prevail against it not even our failings and weaknesses. Besides, there are very few noticable changes. How about if we all surrender a little today? How about if we all agree that the Liturgy is bigger than we arc

Most Noticeable Updates: 1 The assembly should stand for the prayer over the gifts 2 The assembly should kneel from after the Sanctus to the Great Amen, unless an exception is made by the bishop. 3 Our posture during the distriÂˇ bution of Communion is standing - an of us. This reflects our unity around the lord's table, sharing in the Body and Blood of our Lord. We stand from the moment the presider consumes â&#x20AC;˘ Body and Blood of our â&#x20AC;˘d until the last person in the assembly consumes.

june queatlon

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• .,., Each Easter we welcome new Catholics into the faith. These new Catholics, called neophytes, can really inspire the rest of us with their enthusiasm and hunger for our faith. This year, roughly 1000 neophytes from parishes in the Diocese of Um.sing were invited to celebrate a special Uturgy at St. Marys Cathedral with Bishop Carl Mengeling. FAITH was there and decided to ask these budding Catholics, "Who do you know that is an example of Gods mercy?"

"My friend Susan, who has inspired me by her gracious and patient suffering~ Cynthia Lalch St. Pau~ Owosso

and accept the goodwill and intentions of those who lead us in the faith? M••• •d•phtlona

4 After the Communion minister says "The Body of Christ" we bow our head as a sign of reverence. Then we say "Amen~ We say and do the same thing when we receive the Blood of Christ. 5 Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion may not pour the Precious Blood into the Communion cups. 6 After we all receive, we may sit or kneel for a .ftiod of silencs or e n of thanksgiving. 22 shall be observed as a special day of prayer in the U.S. for an end to abortion.

Dear Fr. joe: What are the holy days of obligation and what does it mean when we have one?

kay, letS stan righ< off with a list of the days that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have decreed are Holy Days of Obligation:

january 1 the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Seventh Sunday of Easter is now reserved for the solemnity of the Ascension August 15 the solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary November 1 the solemnity of All Saints IJI!>I!J>

December 8 the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception December 25 the solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord jesus Christ. Whenever january 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, or August 15, the solemnity of the Assumption, or November 1, the solemnity of All Saints.falls on a Saturday or on a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is removed.

"My Grandma, who has helped me learn a lot more about being a good Christian ~

Sarah McGraw St. Pau~ Owosso

"My sponsor Den!k, who has been my mentor, friend and brother in Christ" Bob Slecewlc:z St. Mary Magdalene,

Brighton

to Mass. We should never miss these days because of sporting events or a busy social calendar. lf we are sick, we are not obligated. Be sure and check with your local pastor on what his expectations are. Now, if you want a great link to look up how the U.S. Bishops break it down, go to http://www.usccb.orglliturgy/ q&a/generaVobligation.htm on the Internet and poke around. There is some great information there. Hey! Enjoy another day in God's presence. .:3

So, what does this mean? That on the days listed above, Catholics everywhere who are able are obligated by •••••••••••••••••••• their baptism to go to Send your Questions to: Church and celebrate Mass. What does "who are able" "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine mean? It means those who 300 W. Ottewa, Lenalng, Ml 48933 are physically able to attend and have the resources to get Or: JoelnBiack.@prlesLcom

Interested In priesthood? Contact Fr. Karl Pung: Office for Seminarians (517) 342·2507.

Years ago a rather prominent preacher and his wife were discussing the beauty of the Easter season. The wife was moved by the music, the love and joy of the season. As the camera zoomed in on her, she said to her husband, "At this time of year, everything

seems to be coming to life. It feels so wonderful to be a Christian. I'd believe all of this even if it weren't true!" The audience applauded. St. Paul would not have tolerated such thinking. The resurrection of jesus either happened or it didn't. Christianity either stands on reality or it doesn't. descended Into hell But first, as we come to the part of the Creed which proclaims the central mystery of our faith, the Resurrection, we encounter the four words of the Creed which may be hardest to understand, "he descended into hell." Perhaps it is helpful to remember that we have two primary Creeds in the Church. The Nicene Creed, an expanded creed, coming from Church councils- which clearly articulated Church teaching and belief- says that jesus died, was buried, and on the third day rose. The wording of the Apostles' Creed itself throughout the centuries has changed from "descended into hell~ to "descended to the dead." We are told Christ "preached even to the dead" and "Christ went down into the depths of death so that 'the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live."' (I ret 4:6, ccc 6-IS) jesus really died, and therefore was among the dead, the faithful departed, until He was risen.

I 3 ways to merge your spiritual path with the road to Emmaus .... The story of what happened to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus is a beautiful incident. (Luke 2-1 13-35) They are filled with the anxieties and disappointments. "Are you the only one around?" they ask the stranger who joins their company, "that hasn't heard about what's happened in jerusalem in these days?" jesus makes them see the problems of their life and the events of their world in the light of Scripture. He really gives them a vision of life from God's point of view. They become excited about the different view this gtves them of the reality they're experiencing. However, they do not recognize jesus yet.

They offer jesus hospitality. Then they come to recognize jesus in the â&#x20AC;˘breaking of the bread .~ This alludes to both bread of hospitality - being open and receptive to another as well as the Bread of life, the Eucharist. It's very interesting what the two disciples do after they have recognized jesus in the breaking of the bread and He disappears. They return to jerusalem They are converted, literally

we pray what we believe

"turned around " They go back to tell the others of their experience of the risen Lord They join the others who will spend the rest of their lives witnessing to the risen Lord and the Good News - Christ is risen! The Resurrection Is meant to tum us around. When life gets you down, ask yourself: 1 Do you think you must have it all here? At times, do you find it hard to share what you have with those who have nothing, and get by with a little less? 2 Do you take time to offer hospitality, companionship and friendship to those you

encounter - and those you don't see across the globe - on your journey through life? 3 Does the message of the Resurrection cause you to have more awareness of the presence of the risen Lord in all the moments of your day?

jesus' c;hal\enge calls to us to be Hi$ effective witnesses in a world that is huning and in need of peace and healing. The Emmaus incident models the structure and celebration of the Mass. First we have the Uturgy of the Word where an account of Gods relationship with God's people is proclaimed, and the homily applies the Word of God to today:S life. We then celebrate the Uturgy of the Eucharist where we share, j not just the bread of fellowship and hospitality, but the very Bread of Ufe.

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rose on the third dayBack to the Resurrection: The resurrection ofjesus from the dead is the bedrock fact of our faith. It is the heart of the Good News about jesus. The conviction that jesus physiailly rose after death is so central that SL Paul was led to say, "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." n Cor 15:1-1) What was the risen jesus like? Exactly how did the disciples experience Him? What seems certain yet mysterious in the Gospel accounts is that jesus was truly transfonned through the Resurrection. He was experiencing an utterly iflew kind of existence. .,, The resurrection of jesus was not a resuscitation, nor a waking from deep sleep. Resurrected life is not merely a continuation, after death, of the kind of earthly life we experience. ll is, rather, an entirely new way of living, a new relationship in and with God. When Christ appeared to the apostles after the

Resurrection, His body was glorified. It was not confined by space or time. Closed doors did not bar Him. Yet, He was not a ghost. His was a real body, but glorified, not belonging to earth, but to the Fathers realm. The angels' words to the women at the grave speak of an event that has no past or future, only a present This is not true of all other human events; things happen and then pass into history. This is not true of the resurrection of jesus. It is the event that lives forever. And, as always, this mystery of our faith says much about jesus but it doesn't end there. If it is true, if it is important and significant for our faith, it also says something about us. It says that we, too, are ready to be transfonned. Because the new life of jesus rises in us, we rise to new life as well. In the Resurrection, a new message was given to humanity. The human story is no longer birth, life, death and corruption. It now is- and will always remain -birth, life, death and eternal life. The message of the Resurrection is that our entire lives have purpose and fulfillment. We certainly believe that we are invited to share eternal life with God when we die, but this new life also begins right now. The resurrection of jesus calls us to a new life, a new way of living, a new way of seeing things now - a different way than the world sees, believes and acts. The Resurrection is as revolutionary and challenging to us as it was for the apostles. Are we really aware of its meaning and ready to live all of its implications?

- - - -- -- -

God again. He never ceased being God. And He never ceases In the accounts- of the being human. Eating is a simple action. It is Resurrection, what is the signi6cance of eating? very ordinary We who are wit· . . In the shore side meeting m nesses to the risen Lord have to Galilee. Jesus eatS fish with his dis- lbok for his presence in the ordiciples. He also eats in the Emmaus nariness of our own lives. Even episode and at least one other more we have to bring the risen time when He upbraids the disci- Lord to the ordinary parts of the ples for being afraid and thinking life we share with others in a way that Hes a ghost. Jesus tells them that seems natural and nonnalto touch Him, and eats in their like eating. presence Why does the risen Lord still When the \\brd became flesh, bear the marb of the wounds? people couldn't believe He was . . Ufe is a continuum. God. Now that He is risen, it is Resurrected life is not something tremendously important that completely separated from this people remember that He is life, For Cl:ui5t, the wounds human. His eating food is a way caused by the nails and the spear of affinning the Incarnation. The became emblems of victory. Our Resurrection doesn't mean that sufferings will continue to have jesus fmally went Back to being meaning. too, for all eternity.

Why don't more people

encounter the risen Lord? And why don't. we encounter the risen Lord more often? . . lh one of the Gospel episodes, the women come to the tomb and 6nd an angel sitting there who asks them, "Why do ycu seek the living among the deadr The same question might be addressed to us. Perhaps we don't look for the risen Lord in the right places. We think that the less human we become, the more like God we become. That the more ~celestial• we oy to be, the closer to God we will get. We do more looking than doing. Pethaps we don't look with faith. God is in the small moments, the ordinary moments and actions of everyday life - if we but just look with faith and recognize.

Thank goodness my f.tther mellowed by the time the worst disaster happened I dropped his pnzcd possession, an [\Âˇenrudc OUIÂˇ board motor into the L'll<c.

For me, the beatitude about mercy is still the most appealing of the eight because mercy is one of my greatest needs. It became more appealing, but more challenging as I discovered later in life that everyone else needs mercy, too. Of course it's true that the blessedness of mercy is possible only in the company of all the beatitudes. We can't have one without the others - but I still like mercy best. Mercy is the thread that ties the entire Bible together. It is the very heart of God shown to humanity in the plan of salvation. It is fully revealed and active in the heart of jesus. Pope john Paul II in his second encyclical, Rich In Mercy (1980), tells us: 1. "Mercy is loves second name," 2. "merciful love is the message of the Gospel," 3. "God, who 'is love' cannot reveal Himself otherwise than as mercy," and 4. ''justice imbued with love sets mercy in motion." Mercy sums up the entire content of revelation and is the very heart of jesus. jesus is the revelation of divine mercy. This beatitude is a promise and a guarantee for those who are merciful, that they will be shown mercy. Top: Firth in a series or glass mosaic panels by Sr. Mary Ignatius Dcnay, RSM I l'ltotography by Christine jones I Illustration by Bob Patten

My understanding and accepting this beatitude began slowly and is still in process. This was especially true in my early experiences of justice and mercy. These two clicked for me in the seminary with this thought of Aquinas: "mercy is the completion of justice." I also recall St. james' letter: "mercy triumphs over judgment." (las 2 13) These incidents from my early years are probably much like many of yours, as I experi· enced justice and mercy. My f.'""~s method with my siblings \: and me was 'sllict justice.' It was fair because we knew the rules and the punishments. He was the boss and was always right.

he following stories show how, over the years, my father shifted from strict justice to justice with mercy. Dad was a graduate of the strict apprentice system in Germany. He was the number one tool and die man and machinist at American Steel for 35 years. He had a fully equipped workshop in our basement. Every tool had its proper place. We knew that the greatest crime was to take a tool, like scissors, a hammer or one of the Swiss knives from his inner sanctum and not put it back It was the "end of the (df'aworld" when a tool was miss~ng. Mom would warn us and we'd put it back, but it was too

late - strict justice was applied with his leather belt. When 1was fifteen, a humongous disaster happened, but, thank God, he was already mellowing. We were vacationing in the mid fonies at Lake of the Woods in Decatur, Michigan. Dad:S prizewinning possession, that he cared for like a baby, was his Evinrude outboard motor. One day, while the elders were napping, my brother and I were on the lake wildly speeding and turning the boat. My hand held the steering gear. Suddenly it slipped out of my hands and the Evinrude sank. We expected the worst! Our much vexed dad chewed us out but gave us a break. I still suspect that mom helped. Of course, for the rest of our vacation, we used oars. These were graced baby steps in my ongoing grasp of the Gospel message and spirit of justice and mercy Our Holy Father, in Rich In Mercy, teaches, "A fellowship of mercy is more profoundly human than a society of justice.~ The awesome reality and power of mercy is the hean of Gods revelation proclaimed and expounded in the Bible. It is a history of Gods mercy for humanity that reaches its zenith in jesus on the cross that continues for all through jesus' Body, His Church. The chosen people experienced Yahwehs mercy over and

over. The history of their fidelity, the agreed terms of the Covenant is for the most pan a disaster. Even though they turned away, broke the Covenant, spumed the Commandments, chased after false gods and put their trust in princes, God loved them and did not inflict strict justice. Yahweh:S mercy is stronger than their sins of infidelity They get one break after another, to choose life or death. The Old Testament is a great drama of merciful love that is greater than justice alone. jesus reveals mercy. jesus teaches mercy. jesus is mercy! In Jesus' time and in ours, it is tempting to construct a society based only on strict justice. For some, this kind of justice is impersonal and has nothing to do with love, and even less with mercy. It is true that justice is integral to a social order. The higher good, revealed by God in Christ is to link justice with love and mercy. Both differ from justice, but are not opposed to it. justice needs to be completed by mercy. True mercy is the most profound source of justice that restores the value of lost dtgnity Mercy provides the solid foundation of a society which can truly meet human aspirations. jesus teaches about strict justice and mercy in the parable of the father and two sons. {Lu~ 15 t t-l 2) Both sons expected strict justice, but both were

Find Web video ucerpta of Bishop Mengellng's homilies end pntas conferences only on FAITHrn•u·.cam

surprised to see the face of mercy in their father. They had to make a choice. So do we. The wayward son:S tragedy is the sense of squandered sonship and his lost dig· nity. His fathers love and mercy restore and confirm his dignity jesus teaches that the tempering of justice by mercy enables the prodigal son to be confirmed in dignity and return to the truth about himself. Mercy transforms human hearts and situations.The elder son prefers cold, unfee\ingjustice in which each claims rights. He rejects the fathers mercy; he rejects his need to receive and offer mercy. jesus in the Gospels, on the cross and in the life of His Body the Church, is wholly 'mercy.' His mercy is redemptive. jesus welcomes, heals, strengthens and restores. His mercy extends to all without the withering pride of superiority and condescension. The mercy of jesus is not humiliating. Jesus' mercy is like the gentle rain that makes the earth fertile, renews it to bring fonh fruit. jesus' mercy is the tender healing touch that raises up, and restores wholeness and the courage to begin again. jesus' mission of mercy is the mission of jesus' people, the Church. Mercy is loves second name. .J -Most Rev. Carl F. Mcngcling is the founh bishop of Lmsing.

Jr= lOOJ

FAITH M~gazinc

~ His parents encouraged Doug to stay out of a wheelchair;

Nonn and Dartene set about making their home accessible and

When Doug was a baby, Darlene and her husband, Norm, sensed a problem. Doug sometimes gagged while nursing. He crawled later than his siblings, walked on tip-toe most of the time and couldn't negotiate stairs. When he was walking or playing, his legs would sometimes buckle beneath him, dropping him to the ground without warning. On Dougs sixth binhday, their fears were confirmed with a diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MD). The doctors told them this illness would attack their sons muscles, breaking down the individual muscle

January 8, 2002

As I sit at the Simon's kitchen table, I am struck by how uncomfortable I feel. Across from me is a young man, wheelchair bound with an oxygen mask attached lightly to his tracheotomy tube. His face is full and flushed, and his hands and feet are twisted slightly, withered by the muscular dystrophy that has been attacking them for over 20 years. Yet Doug Simon~ blue eyes sparkle and spcal1 volumes as he listens to his mother, Darlene, telling me the st01y of his life. I loolt from her to Doug and bach to her again. Each time, my eyes pass over the bottles of medicines tlwt fill the center of the table. I ask questions and take notes, listen and finish tltoughts left hanging in mid-sentence so I can show them I understand. Always, Doug~ breathing machine hums in the corner. His words require great effort, so they arc precious and rare. I try to listen carefully to picll them out through the trache tube and the background noise. Usually, Darlene must translate and fill in tlte words and thoughts I miss. She gives me the basic bacllground of Doug's illness and childhood.

fibers faster than his body could generate new ones. Eventually the 'broken' fibers would outnumber whole ones and Dougs muscles would become too weak to function. Most people with Duchenne MD live only about 20 years. Darlene and Norm resolved then that their son would live as normal a life as possible for whatever time he had. They encouraged him to play t-ball, softball and go horseback riding. They camped as a family, both locally and in numerous places out west. Delighting in his curiosity, they hiked with Doug along trails and through campgrounds designed only for foot traffic. They covered "a lot of rough terrain for a wheelchair,n but took him to see waterfalls, the Grand Canyon and more. For years, Darlene and Norm sent Doug to MD camp each summer where he relished swimming, arts and crafts and bunking with fnends. He recalls the easy feeling of being with other young people who struggled with the same physical challenges and limitations he faced. And he reveled m the freedom he had from the judgmental eyes of ablebodied people who couldn't understand. His parents encouraged Doug to stay out of a wheelchair, hoping to postpone his reliance as long as possible. But at ten, Dougs walking became too labored, so Norm and Darlene set about making their home accessible and com-

.... Mlnllby wilt! Persont wilt! d liAbihlles: For Information on outreach, resources, advocacy and eclucaUonel opportuniUes call loann Devls at (517) 342Âˇ2500.

oping to postpone his reliance as long as possible. But at ten, Doug's walking became too labored, so ,mfortable for Doug In his wheelchair. Darlene worked to ensure a nonnal life for Doug at home and In society.

1fortable for Doug in his wheelchair. From building a wheelÂˇ chair ramp to the front door to setting wooden blocks under the kitchen table, Nonn devised traditional and creative touches to accommodate Doug's new reality and continue with nonnal family life. Darlene worked to ensure a normal life for Doug at home and in society.

Before I leave, Darlene wants to take my picture with Doug. As we position ourselves for the shot, my mind is racing. Willi hurt him if I touch llis arm? Am 1going to give him my cold? What is he thinking? Can lte sense my disconifort? I sel!le my hand lightly on his shoulÂˇ der and smile for the camera. As I walk down the wheelchair ramp leading from their front door, I feel exhausted. How am 1 going to wnte this story? 1 am healthy and mobile, and so is everyone I love. How can I possibly understand what hc5 going through? I pray silently for continued good health for my family and myself.

strength to pull himself up. He does better going down, but the doctors say going down is harder because it puts more strain on the muscles. If he overtires his muscles, he's more likely to fall down. We do not know when it will happen. He's walking one minute and down the next. "With muscular dystrophy it's the weakenmg of all the muscles in the body. It's a progressive disease and the weakness is gradual every day. His arms are weakening too, but at a slower pace than his legs. Right now he's avoiding the stairs in the morning and when he leaves school. If he has to do a lot of walking at any length of time, he tires out fast. The elevator would make such a difference for him." Despite Darlene's best efforts, however, Doug had to wait nearly two years for elevators at both his school and church. But the struggle didn't end . After the church had installed an elevator, Doug could physically access most places at his parish where fellowship was shared. Yet Darlene feels that emotional access was still largely denied. Often, the1r family was told to move from their chosen pew before Mass started because Doug's wheelchair was â&#x20AC;˘ in the way.~ For this reason, ushers often asked them to sit in the back of church. Fellow parishioners rarely greeted them or even spoke to them. Darlene sometimes felt they had to defend their right even to be at church!

As I pack away my note pad and pen, I'm surprised at the anger 1feel over the stnrgglc these good people endured. I have to wonder; however; lww I would have reacted, since I really had no understanding of the ci!Gllenges they faced. I'm afraid to thinh of all the times I've taken my mobility for granted and assumed others could too. I give Darlene a Illig as I depart.

February 2002

It's been almost a month since my first visit. The last three Wednesdays. I've taken my place in t/1e afternoon sun shining through the Simons' kitchen window. 1can easily understand Doug now when he speahs. I think he and Darlene appreciate the chance to tell tltci r story. Boy, I never realized ltow deeply it can hurt someone to be overlooked or excluded because they can't get into a place. lltave so much to learn! I have pages of notes- mostly of Darlene's stories and thoughts. Site's fought some tough battles trying to keep Doug's life as normal as possible.

For five years, Darlene petitioned the local school district and their home parish to have elevators installed in Dougs elementary school and church. Looking back on that battle, she says that was harder on her than fighting Doug's illness. She remembers thinking then, "If people could look at the person in the chair, instead of just looking at the chair, they would be very enriched." To that end, she wrote to the local . school board pleading their case. ln the letter she wrote of ~her seven year-old son: ucan you imagine the frustration that Doug has climbing the stairs three and maybe four times a day? He does not have the strength in the upper thighs, so he uses his ann FAITHhel~

April2002

Darlene says Doug wants to talk today, so she will sit quietly and let him do the talking. He tells me he thinks his lung infection l1as returned, and l1es not sure if the medicines can clear it up this time. Every time he has tallen an antibiotic, it throws off his metabolism and makes him nauseous and miserable. Still, if there\; a chance it will help him live longer. he'll keep tailing it. We start to tallz about tl1e reality of his condition. MD is fatal and he has already lived four years longer titan average. He, Nonn and Darlene have decided not to talze extraordinary measures to resuscitate Doug if ltis heart stops. Speaking with the help of an amplifier strapped over his trache tube, Doug shares his thoughts as Darlene and 1sit and listen. "Sometimes I think, 'why me?' and I get angry with God. When I was first diagnosed, I remember thinking, this isn't fair. Bm then I realized l had no choice. I had to live through it. I guess 1 fight (this disease) mostly for my friends and family," he says simply. "l think of how they would feel if l just gave up." He credits his illness with helping him feel closer to family and friends than he might if he were healthy. His MD also forces him to work at tasks some might dismiss as too hard. He ....

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jun~ 2003

FAITH Mag~%inc

IIJI-IIJI-..Sometimes I

think, "why me?' and I get angry with God. When I was first diagnosed, I remember thinking, this Isn't

Doug says simply.... think of how they would feel If I just gave up!' He credits his Illness with helping him feel doser to

makes an effort to do as much for himself as possible, though he acknowledges that those tasks are increasingly limited. In june 2001, Doug had the choice of either fighting his disease or giving up. The MD had eroded his lung function to the point that he was no longer getting enough oxygen. He was gradually suffocating, but no one realized it including himself. When he started losing consciousness, Darlene and Norm rushed him to the hospital where his doctors recommended a tracheotomy. Though he understood the trache could mean he would never talk again or breathe normally, he chose to have it done. "1 had a deep sense of peace when I accepted the tracheotomy, though 1 didn't have to," he explains. "I made that choice thinking about my friends and family. I wanted to be around them longer, and I knew if I didn't have the trache, I wouldn't make it." The trache, however, threw off Dougs metabolism and sent his heart racing. His blood pressure plummeted. The doctors rushed him to the Intensive Care Unit where he stayed for two weeks. This, coupled with his previous horrible hospital experiences, has made him cautious about accepting antibiotics or even resuscitation. He hesitates a minute and looks at Darlene. She nods reassuringly. Then he proceeds tentatively. "Sometimes I still feel a sense of peace," he begins. About two months after Doug finished his last round of antibiotics, Darlene had spent an evening reading to him about the life of St. Stephen. After she had finished, Doug lay on his bed, ready for sleep, when suddenly a wave of joy. happiness and peace rushed over him and filled the room. He called to his parents asking them if they could see the being that had brought him such joy. They rushed to his side, but could neither see nor feel anything out of the ordinary. Although his parents couldn't feel the sensation, Doug knew that it carried a powerful message for him. â&#x20AC;˘there's always someone there to watch over and take care of you.~ he explains. "Makes you feel like God is there too. Hes not far away, though He can feel that way sometimes: Doug smiles. "Thats good to know." Our talking has tired Doug. He motions to Darlene that he needs his trache tube suctioned and a glass of water to drink. I

realize I've been touching his hand through much of tlte discussion. I feel such warmth for /tim, facing these difficult issues so young. I'm intrigued, too, by this "sensation." I tell him I want to hear more about it when I return.

july 20, 2002 Doug sits at tlte table, a playfullooll on /tis face. His chediS sport a healthy glow and his spirits seem high. As I sit down, I ask whether hc5 felt the sensation again. His smile broadens and he begins. "Since I got the trache in june last year, I had lots of infections in my lungs. 1 started to wonder if 1 had made the right decision putting it in. 1 was always fighting an infection, and I didn't feel like doing anything for most of a year. "I tried three different antibiotics, but the first two worked only a little bit. I finished the third one in November, and shortly after that I had my first sensation." Doug smiles and continues speaking through his trache. "Each time the presence came, it filled me with a sense of joy and peace. l never saw it, but l could feel it with me, like you can feel a person in the room. It came lots of times, always sneaking up on me. I would just feel it all of a sudden -warmth and joy. Sometimes I would mute the Tv, afraid He'd go away. UJ think it was jesus curing the infection in my lungs.~ Doug says. "God gave me a break from the suffering I've had so much of because I've fought so hard to stay alive. And, I think." Doug pauses, ~to help me not be afraid of dying."

We talk more and catch up ort other things happening in his life. As I prepare to leave Ifeel the urge to give my friend Doug a lziss. I bend down and plant a smooch on his forehead then squeeze his hands. I have come to really enjoy my time with him and his family here at tltcir kitcl1en table. They have opened their home and hearts to me in shwing their story. In the process, they have gently taught me so much. Before I walk out, Doug gives me e-mail messages from ltis brothers Paul and Troy. I tuck them into my file to read lata March 2003 My assignment will be to tdl Dougs story as an example of the beatitude on mercy. I pull out my notes from our visits and discover the CÂˇmail Doug gave me from ltis brothers. In reading them, I'm ., struck by the simple. eloquent ways they express the beauty and gif~ in Doug tltatl might have missed if I hadn't gouen to /mow him.

.... Ministry Focus: The Televised Outr.ech M..s of the DloCHe of Lansing elrs Sundays at 10 e.m. on FOX 86, flint and FOX 47 Lansing. This Mesa Is apedftca

!· But then I realized I had no choice. I had to live through ll I guess I fight (this disease) mosUy for my friends and family," ily and friends than he might if he was healthy. His MD also forces him to work at tasks some might dismiss as too hard.

From: Paul Simon To: Doug "Hey, Doug. I'm not sure how much info. you want, but I will try to give you a little bit right now. "As far as bothering me, I can't think too much on how you bothered me, but maybe inconvenienced me. When we were growing up and I had to help you with things. And, of course, you got out of the chores - jerk. "Growing up is where we really had our good times. Where we would hang out without Mom and Dad around and goof off. Or maybe when we were outside and Mom was inside and we would race and stuff. You on your quad and me on my bike. I would win and you would crashll Riding our bikes in the garage, racing our remote control cars. (Your Bandit was the best. I'll give you that.) I had a good time. And now that I'm writing this, I wonder what I would have done if you weren't around. "But you really have influenced my life more with what you have done than what you couldn't do. Your faith in God and love of life has made you who you are. You have been through a lot more than I think I could ever go through. In my day-to-day life I come across tough times and I think about what you've gone through. And I realize that what I have to face is nothing compared to you."

( (I

From: Troy Simon • To: Doug "I still remember the day when Mom told me about Doug's illness. I remember her telling me that it would result in him being in a wheelchair and that odds were he wouldn't see his 21st birthday. The former prognosis held true. But luckily, the second didn't, as proven by Doug, Dad, Mom, myself and some friends drinking beer at a bar on Doug's 21st (birthday). "I remember being really saddened that Doug would not be able to have the kind of life that the rest of us would. That it would be, as I thought then, a less fulfilling life - not being able to play sports, go to college, have a career and family, etc. Doug smashed that illusion into a thousand pieces. I can honestly say I don't know anyone who is more happy or more at peace with their life than Doug. "Doug loves life. I, as well as many others, am amazed at his will to live. In the midst of all his pain and suffering in the hospital - not being able to speak; tubes down his throat and nasal passages; being told that he may never talk again and may never be able to breathe on his own he made it clear that he still wanted to live. He has found happiness in the basics of life, such as love of family, faith in God and appreciating the little things most of us take for granted. ~ "Thank you, Doug, for making us take a step back to (I r$;onsider what is truly important in life."

In the end, maybe that's wlwt jesus means when he says, "Happy arc the kind and merciful, for they shall be sl1own mercy. Happy arc those whose hearts are pure.for they shall sec God." <Mau5.7-B) Doug's parents, his brothers and sister, and all of us who've come to know him and love him sec God in this precious young man. By seeing past the chair and trache and breathing machine to the young man sitting there, we arc profoundly enriched. Maybe jesus is saying that in extending kindness and mercy we receive mercy bach - not just some day in heaven, but right here and right no1v. A mercy that comes from really seeing and connecting with the presence of God that dwells in each of us even, or perhaps especially, those wlto live and find happiness in the basics of life. .3 ministry focua

a minis~

of healirig love

...... When someone talks about "the Sacrament of the Sick" you might immediately think of what was formerly calted the "Last Rites~ These former names carry with them the misunderstanding that the person being anointed must be near death. While the sacrament certainly can be celebrated then, our renewed understanding of the Anointing of the Sick brings a more balanced and beau· tiful view - that this is a sacrament of God's hearmg love. Who Is the Sacrament of the Sick for? Anyone who Is: • anticipating surgery • iU at home or in the hospital -~~-~--~~~ • weak under the burden of advancing age • in desire of the sacrament for another good reason Where can the anolnUng taka plac:e? It can be celebrated: • within Mass • in a hospital or at home Can the sacrament be received more than once? • The anointing may be repeated if the person's condition worsens or if the sickness returns. What happens during the sacrament?

1 The sick person and gathered family and friends are greet· ed warmly by the priest. Sacred Scripture or a brief instruction based on the Leiter of james Is shared. 2 The priest Jays hands on the sick person, praying for God's Spirit of peace and healing. 3 Using the Oil of the Sick, one of the three oils blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the sick person is anointed on the forehead as the priest prays, "Through this holy anoint· ing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit." 4 Then the palms of the hands are anointed, while the priest prays, "May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up." 5 Together, those who are gathered pray the Lords Prayer. There is a rmat prayer and blessing appropriate for the cin:umstanccs. ~ Anointing of the Sick: Call your parl-'t to ftnd out mON or to achadule a VIalL

1ned for the homebound of our diocese to uparfenee the Mass from home.

June 2003

1..

FAITH Magazine

~~ How can Janet deal with caring for the

"I feel that my fafth has grown and deepened

{i)

Many people believe that hospice nursing must be the most depressing kind of work. Some ask janet Sinke how she can deal with it caring for the dying. "It is a very sacred time in a patients life," she declares. "Its a privilege to be part of that intimate circle that touches someone as they prepare to leave this world. I feel that my faith has grown and deepened as a result of ministering to the needs of the patients and their families. "I have gained so much, personally and professionally. Each life and worthy of love - teaching important lessons about the need for hope, love, reconciliation and forgiveness,"janet says. "Each life has the power to make a difference even in the end. As a result, the dying process can hold some of the most beautiful moments in a persons life," she continues. "It By Duane Ramsey I Pltotograplty by Cltristinc jones IS de.setving of respect

has been a wonderful opponunity to serve others in this way. I have received so much in return." janet Sinke has dedicated her life to helping other people through her career in nursing with a major concentration on hospice care. In recent years, however, health challenges have prevented her from continuing her mission of eating for the sick and dying in the same capacity. 'Working with hospice patients has helped me deal with my own health issues," says janet. "My experiences with the dying and their families have greatly enrtched my life and made me more aware and grateful for all the many blessings given to me and my family." On june 17, janet and her husband Mike will celebrate their 31st wedding anniversary. They are partshioners of St. joseph Parish, in St. johns, and their five children - three boys and two girls- range in age from 29 to 22. Janet ~ her nursing career at Ingham Medical Hospital in Lansing, and she has worked as a registered nurse for 31 years in a variety of diJTerent nursing capacities. In 1988, Janet became involved in home health and hospice care. A rare opponunity became available when janet was encouraged to apply for a position as the first clinical manager of Hospice House of mid-Michi~. She landed the job that would be the pinnacle of her nursing career. "Hospice nursing is the best kind of nursing I've ever done," she asserts. In that position, janet assisted with the development of policies and procedures, hirtng and memortng the staff, and then overseeing the care of patients and their loved ones. After a lot of hard work by a dedicated team, Hospice House opened and received its first patient in November 1998. "The highlight of my career came when the facility was completed," affirms janet "It took much elTon and dedication on the pan of many to achieve that goal." Hospice House has 15 beds, all in private rooms. The facility provides a very home-like environment that includes a chapel, fumily rooms, kitchen and spa. Located at the St. Llwrence campus in Llnsing, it is part of the Sparrow Health System. "It is a very upbeat place, warm and inviting. The one word I heard most often, when families described it, is 'peaceful,'" janet recalls. "One family described Hospice House as Heavens waiting room. That was the highest compliment we could have received." The people on the staff at Hospice House and the home hospice team at Sparrow have provided excellent care for their patients. "They set a high standard of care that has not faltered but only been enhanced. I call them angels," Janet says. Mass is offered in the chapel on a regular basis at Hospice House. As a Eucharistic minister for the facility, janet felt honored to bring Communion to patients at such a sacred time of their lives. At one time, 13 of the 15 patients were Catholic. ln 2000 amidst of aU the work, Janet be~n feeling very tired and became very anemic, experiencing some shortness of breath and chest pains. By summer, her health got worse, with foot tremors and her voice getting weaker. "As a nurse, I had a diagnosis for everything," she says. "I just figured 1was putting in a lot of hours and working too hard."

pg? "It Is a very sacred time In a paUent's life," she declares. a result of ministering to the needs of the patients:'

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janet eventually met with her doctor and severnl specialists. She took a stress tcst and other cardiological LeSts. At first, they couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. "It was getting more difficult to function at work,"Janet explains. "My family was very concerned about me and wanted me to step down from the job at Hospice House. It was a very difficult decision, one 1agonized over for quite a while." By Thanksgiving, she began feeling better and began to reconsider her decision. However, her husband and family objected to her returning to full-time work. janet says her husband had never told her "no" before that occasion. It was time for Janet to receive some of the mercy she had given. She finally relinquished her job at the Hospice House in February 2001. ln August, she was diagnosed with Parkinson!; disease and later with celiac sprue, a condition that had caused her anemia "I turned 50 and thought 1was falling apart," janet says. "The Parkinson!; was getting worse. l started falling and couldn't do as many things. Brushing my teeth and using the curling iron were major chores." In july 2001, her daughter Emily had a baby girl named Ellen -janet and Mikes first grandchild. Janet feels that her granddaughter saved her, making her realize that she had to keep going. She saw a specialist who was involved in research on Parkinson!;. He got her into an e>.-perimental program, testing a new drug that showed promise in slowing the progression of the disease. "Its like a miracle, a gift from God. I'm so much better now," says janet. "I realize now the Parkinson!; was a blessing in disguise because it forced me to slow down. f "Someone asked me how I dealt with my anger with God," janet recalls. "I can honestly say that it has not been an issue for me. When 1think about all my blessings, especially my devoted, loving husband, my five wonderful children and their spouses, and the light of my life, my grandchild Ellen, there can be no anger. It would be a sin to complain. Ufe is good. "My job was very difficult to give up but the good Lord is opening another door for me.~ says janet. ~The Holy Spirit is at work and dtrecting me to try something new~ Since \vinning a contest in the fourth grade for writing about her mother, Janet has always dabbled in writing. She began writing about some of her hospice experiences, and so far, she has written a series of Lessons uarned, renecting on 10 inspirational hospice stories. She also has written stories in verse about grandparents and their relationships with their grandchildren. One of the stories, titled My Grandma Shakes. So What?, is about a child dealing with a grandparent suffering from Parkinson's disease. Janet has spoken to chun:h and social groups. telling stories from her healthcare and hospice experiences. UHospice can be a real gift for those people who can take comfort in knowing there is a place with people and programs to help them. That is very comforting." she says. 2> ministry foc:us .,_. Mother Teresa House is a home for the terminally ~I operated by the Diocese of lansing. Guests who ave little resources or whose families are unable to care for them are given safe shelter, meals, personal care and around-the·clock emotional and spiritual support. Volunteers and donations are needed. If you are interested in more information write to: Mother Teresa House P.O. Box 13004, Lansing, Ml 48901. Or call: (517} 484·5494

n 1984, Jennifer Thompson's wortd tumed upside down when a man broke Into her home and raped her. Shortly afterwards, Ronald Cotton's worfd narrowed to the small size of a prison cell. Jennifer identified Ronald in a police lineup; she was certain that the police had caught her rapist. Ronald had a good alibi; he had been with his family. But Jennifer was certain that she had memorized the face of her assailant and equally certain that the face belonged to Ronald Cotton. There were two trials, and in each, Ronald Cotton was convicted of the rape. "Mercy, peace and love be yours In abundance!' (Jude 1.2). During the years between his two trials, Ronald chose to make constructive use of his life in prison. He grew closer to Jesus, sang in the prison's Gospel choir, and composed a song to pour out his anguish. Ronald was stunned when the second trial ended with a guilty verdict: "It was like I was spaced out in another world. I couldn't believe what was going on. It's like a dream or something ... I'm being put on trial before a judge and jury for something I didn't do. It's like, 'Hey this can't be real~ But it was happening~ "No other God could ever love you, not quite as much as old God." When asked by the judge if he had anything to say, Ronald want· ed to sing. Given permission by lhe court, Ronald sang his song of false imprisonment and God's love. Onlookers said that the courtroom became eerie in an indescribable way. Jennifer seethed in rage that his song gen· erated sympathy. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8) For over ten years Ronald walked beside God through the halls of prison, knowing that he had not raped Jennifer. Eventually DNA testing implicated the actual rapist. Ronald was released and the state of North Carolina offered him five thousand dol· Iars to compensate for his false imprisonment. He refused saying that the amount was inadequate, yet he also showed no bitterness. When asked how he avoided being bitter, Ronald replied that the "Good Lord will handle it. He knows best~

And what does the

Jennifer was ashamed when she learned LORD require of that Ronald was lnnocenl Her testimony had you? To act Justly taken his freedom, ruined his 6fe. Her heart and to love mercy longed for forgiveness. Overcome with remorse, and to walk Jennifer contacted Ronald and he agreed to meet humbly with with her. They met alone in a church with worried your God. loved ones waiting outside. Ronald's heart opened with forgiveness and mercy, and both of them began a process of healing. The Good Lord, indeed, had known how to handle it. ,..... Reflection: When you have been treated unjustly, how have you responded: 1 to others 2 to the perpetrator 3 to God? -Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a professor of psychology at Michigan State University and a certil"icd spiritual director. )unt 2003

FAITH M~g:u!ne

...... I had not acknowledged that abortion was wrong," Caro

_ Without that great grace, I would have been living with th~

mate dissatisfaction, sadness and deep emptiness. Included in her sins during her 'lost' time was an abortion. It was actually that sin that came to mind clearly at the instant that God revealed His love to her. She had gone into her bedroom when Gods presence brought her to her knees. His mercy was all the more clear in the light of her sin. "It was incredible," remembers Carol. "I was a different person from that moment on." "Up until that time, I had not acknowledged that abonion was wrong," Carol explains. "It was a double mercy for God to give me that revelation, which began the road to reconciliation, forgiveness and healing. Without that great grace, I would have been living with the hidden hatred and pain of my abortion and not known why." Carol says she became a bit of a so-called :Jesus freak.' "I kept it to myself. Nobody seemed to understand my new understanding of God. I was reading the Bible and trying to find God." She returned to Michigan and attended Concordia Lutheran College in Ann Arbor. "l lived with a Catholic family and attended Mass with them," says Carol. "I was looking for a church where I felt 'at home'- where I could find Jesus. "I guess I knew that I was not exaclly supposed to receive Communion in the Catholic church unless I had heard and accepted all the teachings," she continues. "But I guess it was the renegade spirit within that caused me to think myself above the law, or perhaps it was the tremendous tugging on my heart, that day at Mass. "I went forward to receive jesus - again my life was changed. I knew that this was God, the God who had touched my life and rescued me from the pit From that moment I was 'Catholic' in my heart." Carol immediately began studying. She was baptized and received into the Church in 1981. "I knew and loved Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, so I joined the Church, in spite of When you learn the facts, it is difficult to 'Mary, the rosary, and all that saint stuff,"' says Carol. believe Carol Cole of Ypsilanti could have Then, she was instantly healed of a throat problem at a Mass ended up with the following lifestyle. Today, commemorating St. Blaise, during which a blessing of the throats took place. This got her attention, so she decided to give St. she is a convert to Catholicism and a single Anthony a try. With his intercession, her neighbors son was able mother of two adopted children -a son, to find his lost contact lens in the snow. Gradually, her underÂˇ DeAndre, 8, and daughter, Tatiana, 3. She also standing of the prayers of the samts mushroomed. "The Catholic works as project coordinator for Fetal Alcohol Church is, for me, a treasure chest that has no bottom," Carol says, reflecting. "Mother Mal)' and the rosa!)' have become a Syndrome Prevention and Intervention of mainstay of my faith." Wayne County (FASAware). On her journey of faith , Carol has made many friends who have helped her along the way. Fr. Peter J. Clark, associate Brought up in Birmingham, she graduated from Seaholm High pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton, School in 1969. "My brother (two years younger) and I were says, HCarol and I became friends among a group of Christian raised by kindly, liberal thinking parents," says Carol. single people involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Her first religious exposure was the Methodist Church, but she and pro-life activism. wasn't baptized. She stopped attending because church did not "Many of us were moved by God to reconsider priorities in seem real to her. ln retrospect Carol thinks she always had been our lives in order to better express the radical nature searching for God. "I really did not believe God existed,.. says or the Lords love for humanity. Carol responded by preparing Carol. "I decided that if this is all there is to life I may as well live herself for ministry to Gods special children. She has shown it all for my pleasure and myself. I traveled to Hawaii and all over much heroic virtue in overcoming the obstacles and difficulties the U. S. living a '60s 'happy hippie' lifestyle, which lead to ultithat arise when one answers such a call of love.~

By jane Rynearson I Pltotograplty by Cltristinc jones

;, "It was a double mercy for God to give me that revelation hatred and pain of my abortion and not known why!'

t Never married, Carol is a single parent. "I used to pray for marriage, but the Lord gave me children instead," says Carol. "Now my children pray for a dad." After teaching preschool for 12 years, she wanted to know more about infant-parent relationships, bonding and attachment. "While l was earning my degree in infant mental health, l was presented with an unexpected opponunity," Carol recalls."The director of Hope Clinic in Ypsilanti was applying for funds to take in drug-affected infants.~ Carol began training and filled out the paperwork necessary to become a foster parent. "Up until then, l didn't know a single person could become a foster parent," she says. "There are many babies and young children here in Michigan who need homes. They are beautiful children who need much love and have much love to give.'' She fell in love with her first foster child immediately. He was only three days old when she picked him up at the hospital. Two and a half years later, he was free for adoption. At this point, Carol and the boy had a strong attachment. There was no way she could give him up. She decided to adopt. Several years later, when another adoption choice presented itself, she jumped at the opponunity. "The single parent road presents many challenges. but I do not regret the choice I made," says Carol. Now, she is learning a new depth of what it means to 'pray constantly' and receive the help and consolation of the Lord. It is principally through the challenges of single parenting that Carols love for Mother Mary, St. joseph and all the saints has grown. This spring. Carol helped her son prepare for first f'mmunion, which he made at Holy Trinity in Ypsilanti. Although DcAndre has special needs, he is an active, happy. industrious guy who likes to know how things work and is adept at working with !..egos and other creative construction. As a ccnificd teacher who specializes in hands-on learning, Carol homeschools him. "He is a 'hands-on' Ieamer, so it is a good match," says mom. Tatiana attends the Catholic Christian Montessori Preschool at Domino Farms in Ann Arbor. The little girl loves school, books, hats, babies and dressing up. Carol works mostly from home pan time for FASAware, but has to attend meetings and offer training. Her job is to coordinate the project, which seeks to bring awareness and suppon to families and individuals affected by fetal alcohol syndrome. The project also does prevention work. "l panicularly enjoy training school personnel, social workers, clients in drug rehabilitation programs and foster/adoptive parents," Carol C>..-plains. "Michigan is one of a handful of states that offers services and infonnation on fetal alcohol syndrome. Wayne County most likely has the largest population of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, yet affected individuals." D ministry focus

~~ Projed Rachel is a ministry of the Diocese of Lansing for both women and men who have experienced an abortion. The Church offers emotional resources and spiritual assistance without judgment in a non-threatening way. Don't let the pain of this experience deny you or someone you know l._rom a happy and peaceful life. No matter what has happened in Uomeone's past, Jesus loves. The Church loves too and wants to extend the hand of compassion to all to bring emotional healing and spiritual growth. Talk with someone today. Contact Wilson Perkowski at Project Rachel: (800) 969·0968

he cover story In this Issue of FAITH caused me to l1lftec:l on my own family's similar experience and how my parents• example of mercy has formed my attitude relative to my rela· tlonshlp with others, particularly In the workplace. As an infant my older brother Tom was brain damaged by what we suspect was an error in one of his vaccinations. For almost three years my parents searched and prayed for a cure, to no avail. Then one day, as my mother describes it, she was standing over his bed and realized that she had to move on. At that moment she felt that the Holy Spirit rifted a huge weight from her shoulders, she accepted the situation, and for the rest of his seventeenyear life my mom and dad (and the rest of us) took care of Tom. He never mentally or physically (other than size)

!11111!1_..._..

advanced beyond the capabilities of an infant My parents showed mercy by not going after the doctor or pharmaceutical company, and by keeping my brother at home instead of sending him away (as some advised). They just lovingly went about God's work I feel that this example has Impacted me slgnlflcanUy, particularly when ~ comes to dealing with those situations at work in which I feel that I have been treated unfairly by peers or superiors. It's eaBf to become consumed with thinking about how we're going to 'get even' mther than focusing on extending God's kingdom.

It's easy to become consumed with thinking about how we're going to 'get even' rather than focusing on extending God's kingdom.

In times of anger and resentment, strive lor these 4 Ideals: 1 Acceptance. At some point we must accept our dependence on the Holy Spirit to get us through a trying situation rather than trying to fix it ourselves. 2 The common good. Through prayer, reflect on what is best for everyone concerned, not just ourselves. 3 Forgiveness. Think about how we can bridge the gap between ourselves and those who hurt us. 4 God•s kingdom. Remember that our purpose for working is not our own glory; rather it is our contribution to extending God's kingdom on earth. Jesus taught us to tum the other cheek when we are hurt by

someone else. (Mall 5:39, W<.e 6:29) But of all the directions that Jesus gave us, this is probably one of the most difficult to follow. For instance, if somebody else got the promotion I thought I should've had, my typical reaction might be resentment and suspicion. Consider, however, that maybe he really is more qualified. It's just hard for my ego to accept that Regardless of why he got the job, instead of trying to undermine his efforts, should I not first give him the benefit of the doubt and 'go the extra mile' as the Gospel instructs? Isn't ~ possible that in helping him or her be successful, I really will help myself in the end? - Tim Ryan is an inrormation technology prorcssionalln Fowlerville and has earned a masters degree In f"'Siornl studies rrom Loyola University, New Orleans. He is a member or St. joseph Parish, Gaines jun~ 2003

FAITHhelps Is a free online leamlng companion to FAITH. Only on FAfTH!II'l!.COm

1.'•

FAITH Magazine I

Natheer Brifkani is many things. He is a Muslim. He is a Kurd. He is a member of Iraqs professional class, educated as a dvil engineer. And he is a refugee. Currently residing in the lansing area, Natheer was forced to flee his homeland six years ago. At that time, Saddam Hussein suddenly decided that anyone employed by an NGO (a non governmental organization, such as a United Nations' agency or the Red Cross) was a spy- and should be put to death. In reality, Natheer posed no threat to the Iraqi government. His work with the Kurdistan Reconstruction Organization (KRO) involved supervising other engineers tasked with designing houses, clinics and schools. Moreover, he'd always made a point of avoiding the prickly political situation m Kurdish Iraq, including an internal war that raged during the By Patricia Majl1er I Plwtograplty by Cltristine ]ones

1990s between the two political panies in the region. Despite his apolitical stance, Natheer found himself in grave danger. And that danger was apparent even outside the country. "Ultimately, the United States stepped in to help us who were targeted," Natheer recounts. In a two•stage operation, Natheer. his sis· ter and brother-in-law, and more than 6,600 other NGO workers and their families were evacuated from Iraq and flown to the island of Guam, a U.S. territory located in the western Pacific. "For four months, we lived in a refugee camp on a Marine base there," says Natheer. Fluent in English, Natheer was elected a community leader and liaison between U.S. immigration officials and the refugees. When it came time to discuss his own resettlement plans, Natheer wasn't sure where he should go. "At first, I thought I would go to Oklahoma, where a friend of my brother lived. But then I decided to move with my sister and her husband to Michigan." Arriving in the spring of 1997, Natheer was met at the airpon by staffers from Refugee Services, a program of Catholic Social Services of Lansing/St. Vincent Home, Inc. Refugee Services made immediate arrangements to feed Natheer, fmd him a place to stay, and arrange for medical and legal aid. Getting him a job like his previous position proved to be more dtfficult, given his lack of work experience in the U.S. Fonunately for Natheer, his facility with English and pro· fessional demeanor was brought to the attention of the director of Refugee Services, and she hired him to become one of the program's six resettlement case managers Though Natheer was happy to be employed - enjoying his interactions with both colleagues and clients - something was still missing in his life. · 1 was so lonely for my family," he admits. "I couldn't stop thinking about my brothers and sisters and my parents that !left behind .~ Desperate for something to take his mind off his problems, he worked a second job - in Meijer's photo depanment, to indulge his interest in photography - and staned taking master's level engineering courses at Michigan State University But it wasn't until he began to see somebody socially that the feelings of isolatiOn began to ease. That somebody was named Meediya ...She is the daughter of a colleague of mine at KRO, so we knew each other a little bit from before," he says. ''When we lived in Guam (where she fled with her family), I would see her, but never had a chance to talk to her." It wasn't until they both came to Mtchigan that they became reacquainted.

Ill+ Natheer Is Impressed by the many freedoms that Americans enjoy. "As an Iraqi Kurd, I was restricted. I couldn't travel - I couldn't even see my uncle who lived just 15 miles away, because he lived In an area controlled by Saddam!'

1 Building a lifelong relationship had been a goal of Natheers for many years. In Iraq, though, he couldn't afford to get married, even on an engineers salary As he explains, "The woman's family asks for gold. You have to have furniture bought. There is the party (reception) to pay for. It is unbelievably expensive." But, in the U.S., his dream of marrying had a much better chance of coming true. In 1999, Meediya and Natheer were joined in matrimony, and life has been measurably better for him ever since. Also in 1999, Natheer took a calculated risk in traveling to the Middle East to see his family. "My parents live just 40 miles from the border with Turkey. I have an uncle who lives in Turkey, so we all met in his village," he explains. The reunion was a happy one. Natheer was satisfied that his decision to leave Iraq not only saved him from certain death but benefitted his family as well. "I know that the money I am able to send them has helped give them a better life." After the trip overseas, Natheer was finally able to reconcile himself to living outside his native land. The most obvious manifestation of that decision was the arrival, in February 2002, of his and Meediyas first child- a daughter named Dinya. "I am so happy now," Natheer exclaims. When asked what makes him happy abom his adopted country, he replies, "It's the sense that everybody here is the same. Their lives have the same value. Nobody with a gun cuts in front of me at the store. In my country, if you have a gun, you go flrst. If you have a bodyguard, , ou go first." Natheer is also impressed by the many freedoms that Americans enjoy. "As an Iraqi Kurd, I was restricted. I couldn't travel to cities like Mosul or Baghdad. I couldn't even see my uncle who lived just 15 miles away, because he lived in ...... How do refugees from an area controlled by Saddam." faraway counlrfes Ike Iraq Another freedom that make their way to midNatheer appreciates is the freeMichigan, anyway? dom of religion. "When 1 tell other Muslims that I work for ccording to Peggy Catholic Social Services, they Roberts. vice preeidel t ask me if I'm being pressured of operalion9 for Calholic Social Services of l.ansingiSt. Vtneent to convert. I tell them I've had no pressure. In fact, I think I've Home, Inc. (QSS-SVH), the become a better Muslim since process is rnultHiered. If a pentOn I've been here. I have a prayer expresses a desire to seek rug at work and I pray five refugee 8lalus, he/she is assigned times a day." k> one of 10 organimlions in "I'm also free to leave work America that are commilled to refugee resetllemeri: in Nalheer's to go to Friday prayers at the mosque," he adds. case, that was the United Slates f During his tenure at Refugee ConfereiiCe d Calholic Bishops Services, Natheer has grown to (USCCB). Under the USCCB love his job and the environumbrella, 106 agencies offer ment in which he works. Only resellfement services at the local one thing could cause him to level; in m~ that agency

â&#x20AC;˘ 1

â&#x20AC;˘

leave. And that one thing may be just around the comer. In mid-March, when U.S. and coalition troops entered Iraq with the intent of toppling Saddam Hussein's regime, Natheer struggled with his feelings. "I feared for the safety of my family there," he explains. "They left their homes to go live in the mountains - 20 of them living in a tent." In early April, though, he got a reassuring phone call from them. "They are back home and out of danger now. I feel relieved." ReOecting on the necessity of the conOict, Natheer now holds this opinion. "Life under Saddam was a nightmare for Iraqis. In a war, you will have victims. You have to sacrifice. luckily, not too many people died." Natheer also thinks that reconstruction will be a long and complicated process, "but people are now free to go anyplace - to travel, to build a better life. I don't know who will lead the country when this is over, but I hope for the best." He is also hoping to return to Iraq in the not-too-distant future. "I dream of going back, to share ideas with my engineering colleagues and to help rebuild the country,'" he notes. But he probably won't make it his pennanent home. In fact, he recently took the first steps required to become a U.S. citizen. "I won't get this kind of freedom in any country in the Middle East," he explains, ''including my own."

ministry toc:us

is C8S-SVH, specifically their office d Refugee Services. Refugee Services has been in exis1ence for more dlan 20 years. During that time, its staff has helped more d1an 13,000 people make the transition k) hir adopted c:oumy, starting the minute they get olf the plane. "We meet them at the airport," ncms Peggy. "and take them directly to a home that's fully furnished and stod<ed with aJitLnltj appropl iate foods!' Mer health screenings are performed, refugee chidren are enrclled in school while staff worb \Wh adulls to assess job

slolls, provide training if needed, and fnd placemenls \Wh area employers. "Our goal is to help clienls get on hir feet wilhin six monlhs," explains Peggj. English as a Second language courses are offered at the Refugee Services office on Michigan Aveooe. So is a women's sewing cide that eerws as rnuc:h a social fuldion as it does a job-tmini1g funclion. "Aclivities like this realo/ help k> ease feerngs of isola6on," says Peggf. Refugees also are suppor1ed by a dedicated corps of interns and vokriteenJ who aerve as fami~ met'1IDn5, tubs for dlildren, tnlnsportalion assistants, interpreter~ and more. You, too, can be a part of this support system that helps neoMy arrived refugees make their WWf

throldl our~. Cal Refugee Services at (517) 484-1010, and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinab:

the legend of St. Anthony's Bread Celebrate this Franciscan's feast day with the food that launched a charity c u] ll tl u r o

ver hear the phrase "St. Anthony:S Bread"? If you have, you probably associate it with a poor box found in the back of a church. But the origin of this Franciscan-run charity program actually has something to do with the staple food for which it was named. One legend dates back to the year 1263, when a child drowned near the Paduan Basilica of St. Anthony during its construction. The childs mother prayed to the saint to bring her boy back to life. In return, she promised to give to the poor an amount of com equal to the childs weight. When the child was miraculously revived, the mother made good on her promise. Centuries later, in 1888, a woman named Louise Bouffier managed a small bakery store in the seaside village or Toulon, France. One morning, she couldn't open the shop's door with her key. Neither could a locksmith, who advised her that he'd have to break the door open. While he went to get his tools, Louise prayed to St. Anthony that she would give some of her bakerys bread to the poor if the door could be opened without force. When the locksmith returned, he tried the lock again and was easily able to let louise in. True to her word, the baker made sure that the poor ofToulon

received their due. 2 Tblsp. butter or margarine It wasn't long before Louises 2 Tblsp. sugar 1 Tsp. garlic salt friends began to follow her example of promising a gift of 1 egg bread or alms to the poor in 3/4 cup grated pannesan return for prayers answered by cheese, divided St. Anthony In the 1890s, they 2 Tblsp. butter or formalized this practice by margarine, melted founding a charity called "St. In a large mixing bowl, Anthony:S Bread." combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, In the spirit of this charity, yeast, Italian seasoning, and parsley flakes. In a saucepan, some parishes bless and disheat and stir the milk, water, tribute small loaves of bread on june 13, his feast day. butter, sugar, and garlic salt just until warm (1 20 130°) Below is a recipe for an Italian bread that may be and butter almost melts. Add shaped into individual loaves milk mixture to flour mixture. for you to pass out at church, Add egg and beat with elec· tric mixer on low or medium among friends and family or speed for 30 seconds, to the disadvantaged in your community. scraping the bowl constantly. Hallan Mlni·Loaves Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden Yield: 16 spoon, stir in 1/2 cup of the 3 cups flour, divided parrnesan cheese and as 2 pacltagcs active dry yeast much of the remaining flour as you can. 1 Tsp. dried 1talian Tum the dough out onto a seasoning 1 Tsp. dried parslightly floured surface. Knead ~~~-...-,._.-.... in enough of the ley jlaltcs remaining flour to 1114 a1ps 1% millt make a moderately soft dough 114 atp water

By Patricia Majlter I Photos by Pltilip Sltippcrt

that is smooth (3-5 minutes total). Shape the dough into a ball. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the top and bottom surfaces. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 45 minutes). Grease baking sheets or a 13" X 9" X 2" baking pan. Punch dough down and tum out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough into 16 portions, shaping each into a round mini·loaf. Place miniloaves on sheet or pan. Brush tops with 2 tablespoons butter and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Cover and let rise in a warm place (about 15 minutes). Bake in a 375° oven for 2Q-25 minutes or until gold· en brown. EU

If Irs 1\aesday, It Must Be Sl Anthony's Day ~~ In his Holyday Boolr, ~ Francis X. Weiser, S.J. notes that Tuesday is devoted in a particular way to the veneration of St. Anthony because that was the day on which the faith-filled Franciscan was buried. In the 1 7th cen· tury, the practice began of holding weekly devotions to St. Anthony; even today, most 'perpetual novenas' to him are held on Tuesdays. Portugal and Italy, where the saint was bom and where he died, honor his feast day with unusual festive splendor and great devotion. In Portugal, the epithet "of Padua" is never used, for to the Portuguese he remains "Anthony of Lisbon" or "of Alfama," the district of Lisbon where he was bam. There, every house on June "'\ 13 displays, among other · 1;,1 decorations, a shrine with a statue of the saint.

why pray the cftaplet

of Divine Mercy now? History:

In the roaring twenties when Europe was experiencing the serious difficulties of rebuilding after the devastation of WWI, a young woman named Helen Kowalska from Poland was called by the Lord to become a religious sister and dedicate her life to jesus in prayer, penance, and above all as a messenger of Gods Divine Mercy to the whole world. World War II was years away, but the roots of violence and war ~re already present. Who but the Lord could prepare the world to face this great evil that stood at the doorsteps of Poland and other nations? esus chose a very humble young woman to become an apostle of mercy at that critical moment She is recognized today as Saint Faustina Kowalska, canonized as the first saint of this new millemium. God's message of mercy that has come to us through her diary has deep significance for us today. Sister Faustina was a mys· tic. Jesus came to her, sometimes in visible form and instructed her to write a diary entitled Divine Mercy in my SouL I would recommend it ;to anyone interested in learn· "log more about the Lord's mercy. In it, the Lord revealed the sentiments of his Divine

Heart toward us sinners. Here is one example: "Be not afraid ofyour savior, 0 sin· Jul soul. 1make thefirst move to

come to you,for I know that by yourself, you are unable to lift yourself to me. Child, do not run away from your Father; be willing to talk openly with your God of mercy who wants to speak words of pardon and lavish his graces on you. How dear your soul is to Me. 1have inscribed your name upon my hand; you are engraved as a deep wound in My Heart." (par 1485 in Diary)

Why pray the chaplet: We all may not be chosen to receive the kind of graces Saint Faustina did, but we all can become

contemplative, prayerfu~ merciful people. We especially need this message at this time in history. What Jesus told her in many and various ways was to pray for mercy, to trust in His mercy and to be merciful to others. To grow in trust in the mercy of Jesus, we first must pray and ask for it. As we receive mercy Oll' trust in the Lord grows. The peace of our soul increases because Oll' soul is not empty, but filled with God. When we allow His mercy to heal our hearts and fill us with new faith and confidence, we are able to be merciful to oth· ers. We become apostles of

mercy, too. For our spiritual llealth we are being called to be merciful as the lord is merciful to us. "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy:' Our world badly needs peace and mercy. How can we obtain mercy and peace for ourselves and the world? Our Lord asked Sr. Faustina to pray what has become known as the "Chaplet of Divine Mercy:' He

said, "Say unceasingly the chaplet that 1have taugl1t you. Whoever will n:dte it will receive great mercy at the hour of death. Even if there was a sinner most hardened, if he wen: to recite this chaplet on{y once, he would receive gracefrom My infinite mercy. I desire that the whole world know of my infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy." (par 687 in Dialy)

share with the whole Church. We are not alone. 2. 1henext prayer Is said on the large central bead that begins the first decade of the rosary. Each decade of 1he rosary is begun by praying the Our Father. In place of the Our Fatltcr, Jesus asked Sr. Faustina to pray 1he folloMng

prayer: "Eternal Fad1er, I offer you the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Your dearly Beloved Son, our l.Drrl]esus Otrist, in atonement for our sins, and those of the whole world." 3. After this prayer the following prayer Is said 1 o times In place of the no~ mal Hail Mary:

"For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." 4 , After redting the above prayer 10 times, the chaplet repeats. You would pray "Eternal Father, I offeryou ... " in place of the

Our Fatltcr followed by the prayer "For d1e sake of his sorrowful passion ... " 10 times. 5. At the end of 5oth bead, the folowing prayer

How to pray the chaplet:

Pray using rosary beads. 1. You begin the chaplet with the sign of the cross followed by praying the

Is said three times:

"Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world." That is itl I would sug-

Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles Creed. These prayers remind us that we are in God's family. We have a merciful Father in heaven who cares for our every need We have Mary as our Heavenly Mother given to us in mercy by our lord Jesus as He <fled on the cross. He said to the beloved disciple in John's Gospel, "Behold your mother.' We have a great family of faith that professes a single faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and we acknowl· edge the communion we

gest that as one prays the words of the chaplet that one also keeps in mind the merciful love of our Lord. Meditate on the Passion of Jesus. Prayerfully read one of the Gospel passages where Jesus reveals the mercy of God by forgiving a sinner. After the reading, spend some time in quiet meditation before reciting the chaplet - Fr. Dill Ashbaugh is pastor of St. joseph Parish, Howell

I..

june 2003

FAITH Maga%1ne

things .. ..to •do •

il1fa 11181ion, CCIIiad the parish office at (51 7) 783-2748.

The ninth annual It's Great to

A Dlscamment Weekend will be held at 8elhany House June 27-28. All single men cOlege age or older who have thought about the priesthood

Be CathoUcl Family and Home Education Conference and Book Fair INiD be held June 2(}21 at the Lansing Center. Sponsored by Michigan Catholic HomeEducators, the oonference begins Friday evening with a talk tilled "For Betler ForeverFour Secrets of Incredible Cluistian Maniages." On Saturday, June 21, parents can choose from among twelve great seminars on topics such as family life and home education. Speakers include Greg and Usa Pcpcak, Dr: Peg Luksik, Fr. Jacques Daley, Alex Jones, Or. Hen.y Russell, John Vleko, and Maureen Willman. On bolh days, the book fair win offer a great selection of CathofiC reading. Whether home educating or not, all parenls, grandparents and teens are invited to attend. No pre-regisbalion is necessary for Friday. Admission is $1 0 per peson, $15 for manied couples, and free for teens and grandparents. A special cfe. count is included for those who pre-register before June 1Olh for the Saturday conference. For more information, call: (517) 347-6014 or (313) 565 61 29 or visit

are invited to attend. Please call Jane Sessions at (517) 3422504 for more information. A Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend 'Mll be held June 27·29 at the MaryviHe Retreat Center, Holly. We invite all married couples to take part in this private time for couples to get EN19:f and energize their marriage. To

register, send a $40 check payable to Worldwide Maniage Encounter, c/o Jer.y and Gail ADen, 91 83 Apple Orchard, Fenton, Ml 48430. For more information, call tollfree (888) 628-7433.

Wortdwfde Maniage Encounter will be having a weekend for manied couples at Bethany House, DeWitt, July 18-20. The weekend is focused on making good marriages even better. To register, contact Bill and Jennifer Walsh toll·free at (877) 7433615 or e-mail

ManiageEncountr@aol.com. The registration clead6ne is June 27.

WWIN.rc.~ngfrnc:h

Bethany House will host a

Oueen of the Mraculous Medal Parish in Jad<son 'hi have a Mass of 'Thanksgiving, a!lebraled by Bishop Cart Mengeling, convnemoraling 10 yews of perpelua1 adomlion. This Mass 'Mll take place on Thursday, June 26, at 6:30pm. in the church. It 'Mll be folbNed by a dnner reception in the Parish Social Center. For more

FootbaU, Faith and Fun Camp June 29-July 3 for young men entering the grades 7·9. Jeny Hanlon, former assistant coach at the University of Michigan, wiN lead the camp. Each day will combine the fundamentals of football along with a faith session. Please call (51 7) 669· 8321 for more infonnation.

sunday readings

Sunday, June 1 Tlre Ascmsion of the Lonl

Hebrev4 9:11-15 Mlllk 14:12-16,22-26

Ada 1:1-11

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9 Ephesiam 1:17-23 or Eph 4: 1-13 or4:1-7, 11-13 Mark 16:15-20 Sundly, June 8 Pentecost Sunday VIgil

Genesis 11 : 1-9 or Ex 19: 3-Sa, 16-20b or Ez37: 1-14 orJoel3:1·5 Psalm 104: 1·2a, 24,27-28, 29bc-30, 35c Romans 8:22·27 John 7:37-39 Mass During the Day Ada 2:1-11 Psalm 104~ tab, 24ac, 29bc- 30, 31, 34 1 Cor12:3~7, 12·13or Galatians 5:1 6-25 John 20:19-23 orJohn 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Sunday, June 15 The Most Holy Trinity

DIMerooomy 4:32-34, 3Q.40 Psalm 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22 Romans 8:14-17 Matthew 28:16-20 Sundly, June 22 The Most Holy Body and Blood ofChrist EJcdus 24; 3-8

lllesday, June 24 Solemnity of the Nativity of]ohn the Bapdsl VIgil Jenmiah 1:4-' 0 Paam 71 :1-4a, 5-6b, 15ab, 17

1 Paler 1:8-12 1:5-17 Mass During the Day Isaiah 49:1-6 Psalm 139:1-3,13-15 Ada 13:22-28 Lulca 1:57-66,80 \..a(e

Frtcley, June 'Z1 Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart ofJesus

Hosea 11: 1, 3-4, Sc-9 Isaiah 12:2-6 Epheeians3:8-12, 14-19 John 19:1-37 Sunday, June 29 Solemnity of Peter and Pau~ Apostles VIgil Ada3:1-10

Psalm 19:2·5 Galatians 1:1 H20 John 21:15-19 ..... During the Day Ada 12:1-t 1 Paalm 34:2·9 2Trnolhy4:6-8, 17-18 ~16: 13-19

f'Bin 116:12·13, 15-18

The Renewal Ministries Summer Institute will take place on the campus of Ave Maria College, Ypsilanti, from July 11-27. This intensive training to equip Catholics with skils to help change the world includes three parts:

• School of Catlwlic Evangelkation, July 11-20 • Sclaool of Catlwlic Bible Study, July 2(}23 • Sclaool of Catlwlic Spirituality: journey Towanl Union witl1 God, July 2+27 Our teachers wiK include Ralph Martin, Sr. Ann Shields, Peter and Debbie Herbeck and others. Last year, laypeople, rertgious and clergy were welcomed from as far rmay as O.ina. Find out more at renewalministries.net, or contact

Jessica at (734) 662-1730 or jsherwood@ renewalministries.net Join Fr. lim MacDonald of Most Holy Trinity Church, Fowler, on a Pilgrimage to Italy Sept 14-23. The cost of this spectacular tour featuring Italy's sacred shrines is $2,499 per person, which includes airfare from Detroit, eight nights in a hotel and 16 meals. Having lived and studied in Italy from 1996·2000, Fr. Tun's knowledge and love of Italy combined with his devout faith makes him an ideal host for this special pilgrimage. Contact Drolett Travel at (517) 627-8350 , or (800) 627 8350 for more infonnation.

local

prlesh on the move

Bishop Carl F. Mengeling, upon recommendation of the Priests' Assignment Commission, announces the following assignments and transfers, effective june 25, 2003 unless otherwise noted. Rev. Patrick Agunwa From: parochial vicar of St. Patrick, Brighton To: parochial vicar of Immaculate Hean of Mary. Lansing Rev. Eugene Belter From: pastor of Ss. Cornelius & Cyprian Parish Leslie To: Senior Pnest Status Rev. francis farad

From: Sacramental Minister of Good Shepherd, Montrose !Con61111111 as paa1or of St. Maty, Front) To: Sacramental Minister of St. Francis, Otisville Rev. Roy T. Homing

From: parochial vicar of Holy Family, Grand Blanc To: parochial vicar of SL Roben, Flushing Rev. james W. Lothamer, 5.5. From: the Vatican II Institute in Menlo Park, CA To: pastor of St Agnes, Fowlerville (Effective Auguat 13, 2003}

Rev. jose Paul Mundadan From: parochial vicar of Immaculate Hean of Mary, Lansing To: parochial vicar of St j ohn, Davison and sacramental minister of St. Mark, Goodrich Rev. Karl L. Pung

Diocese of Lansing Youth are Honored at Scout Recognition Sunday ••••••••••••••••••• ..,.., St. Mary Cathedral was filled to capacity for the annual diocesan Scout Recognition Sunday, April 6. A flag procession and the pledge of allegiance began the ceremony. Then, each group recited their oaths: the Girl Scouts Promise, the Boy Scout oath and the Cub Scout Promise. Bishop Cart F. Mengeling welcomed the youth from around the Diocese of Lansing, saying, •The whole Scout movement, with its high ideals, (inspires) growth toward maturity, gives a vision (and) a determination to succeed." The bishop also praised the grandparents, parents and leaders of Scouts for having the courage to be different, to have values and for standing against today's popular culture. Many requirements must be completed before scouts are eligible for one of the several religious awards. Girl Scouts were honored with awards with titles such as Family of God, I Live My Faith, and Marian. Altogether, Bishop Mengeling presented 41 4 individual awards this year. - llllah Olso11

From: pastor of St. Agnes, Fowlerville and Diocesan Director of Seminarians To: studies at the Gregorian University, Rome

St Thomas, Ann Arbor opens LitUe Saints Preschool

Rev. Gerald L. Vinclte

••••••••••••••••

To:

Diocesan Director of Seminarians

news

...... For the first time in its (continues lUI Director of Bethany HoUM, DeWitt.} 135-year history, St. Rev. Michael Williams Thomas School, Ann Arbor From: pastor of SL joseph, Adrian will offer a full-day preTo: Pastor of St. Therese, Lansing and Director of school program. This is in the Diocesan Missions Office. direct response to the Rev. Chlnnappan Kulandal overwhelming demand of From: parochial vicar of St. Gerard, lmlsing St. Thomas parishioners To: parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas, East during the Parish Umsing and sacramental minister of Good Prioritization Process that Shepherd, Montrose. {EIIec:tiwl August 13, 2003} occurred last year. Rev. Craig G. Carolan (not pictured) Enrollment to Little Saints From: parochial vicar of St. john the Evangelist, Preschool is open for chilDavison dren, 3-to-5 years old, and To: Administrator of St. joseph Parish, Adrian allows for flexible scheduling. The school will offer Cardinal Egan donates rwelaw books to Ave Maria two·, three- or five-day pro•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• grams, and parents have .,..., Cardinal Edward M. Egan of New York has donated a rare col- the option of choosing morning or all day sessions. Childcare lection of 45 canon law books dating back as far as 1645 to Ave is also available before school from 7:0D-to·8: 00 a.m., and aria School of Law in Ann Arbor. The collection includes some of after school from 2:30-to-5:30 p.m. most celebrated canon law books, induding 17th- and 18thFor more information and to register your child, please call (734) 769·0911. century worf<s on matrimony. - CNS

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FAITH Maga=ltlc

Habitat for Humanity

recognizes Michigan volunteers •••••••••••••••••••

~~ For the past seven years. Habitat for Humanity of Michigan has recognized the people and groups that make a difference throughout the year at its annual awards ceremony. More than 500 people attended a banquet held recently at MIChigan State University's Kellogg Center. They celebrated 84 local Habitat for Humanity affifiCI!es in Michigan's 82 counties. Together these affiliates have bui~ an estimated 2,000 homes, providing more than 10,000 people Mh housing. Millard Fuller, co-founder and president of Habitat for Humanity lntemalional, was the keynote speaker. "We're in the dream realization business,M Fuller said. "Habitat for Humanity is a mustan:l seed kind of ministry.' He added, "Our vision is to go to every country and plant the idea that ~family has a place." Bishop Car1 F. Mengeling concluded the evening INith a closing blessing. - Erin O..klcy (T11c Catholic nmcs)

8deacons ordained On May 10, Bishop Carl F. Mengeling ordained 7 men to the pennanent diaconate and one man a transitional deacon in St. Mruy Cathedral, lansing.

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

en. William Sirl serves as director of the diaconate progmm for the Diocese of lansing. The progmm includes three years of pastoral and theological training before a candidate is ordained for sacramental service in our parishes. The men ordained on May 10 were: james Chevalier (Unda) St. Mary Magdalen, Brigl1ton Terrence Fleming (Myra) St. jude, DeWitt james Hashman (Penny) St. Peter, Blissfield frank Papp (Barbara) St. Tl10mas the Apostle, Ann Arbor Matthew Shannon (Carol) St. Mary Star of the Sea,]acllSOn Richard Stanford (Unda) St. john Student Paris/a, East lansing Stephen Thomashefski (lucia) Cl1rist d1e King. Ann Arbor Along with these men, Bishop Mcngeling ordained Steve Anderson a transitional deacon. He will be ordained to the priesthood on June 14 with Deacons jeiT Njus and john Fain.

Lansing Catholic Central Principal Retires ••••••••••••••••••• ~ Principal James B. Olin announced his retirement, effective June 30, to faculty, staff and the Board of Education on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Olin, 55, was principal for six years at Lansing Catholic Central High School. During that time, more than 800 students have graduated; a five-year strategic plan was implemented; budgets were balanced and several new faculty members were hired.

Sl Peter School will open next fall ••••••••••••••••••• ~~ St. Peter, Eaton Rapids, will commence a Catholic elementary school in fall 2003. Originally, the school was intended to begin w~h classes from K4, with the addition of one grade each year. If enrollment is high enough, the 2003~ 2004 school year may include grades 5 and 6 as well. In addition to a recent fundraiser which raised nearly $20,000 for St. Peter School, approximately 200 families at the 11 year-old parish have pledged monthly financial support.

~~ Interested In becoming a deacon? Contact the Diocese of Lansing for Info: Den. William

Slrl (517) 342·2451.

NBC's David Bloom I'?'}Nho cried in Iraq was 1 \j,.baplizad Cathoi"IC as an adult ••••••••••••••••••• .,. David Bloom, the NBC News reporter who died of a pulmonary embolism April 6 while covering the war in Iraq, was baptized a Catholic by a Wichita priest, now deceased, who saw him as "a rising star." Bloom met Father Michael Blackledge, 1 a priest of the Diocese of ..,.iiiiiilo....;:;. Wichita, after joining the staff of KWCH-TV, NBC's affiliate in Wichita, 14 years ago. In addition to baptizing Bloom, Father Blackledge also baptized the twin daughters of Bloom at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Wichita. Bloom and his wife, Melanie, also have another daughter. Writing in Tile Catltolic Advance, Wichita diocesan newspa· per, former KWCH colleague Chuck Weber said Father Blackledge was proud of his young convert. "'He's a rising star, you know,' the priest would say in his thick Irish brogue and a sense of delight usually reserved for one's own son. 'He's going places. He's big,'" Weber wrote.- eNs

Living the Catholic Faith A Return to the Basics

......................... C By Most Rev: Charles]. Chapm, O.EM. Cap.

harles]. Chaput, archbishop of Denver, is a wise and passionate evangelist, who is in love with jesus Christ and His Church. His message is for everyone - those who recognize the relevance of the Church in their lives and those who don't. "Conversion can always go deeper,u the archbishop insists. Renecting upon significant Church documents of the last 4{) years, he demonstrates why the very meaning of life is at the hean or Catholic teaching. Uving the Catholic Faith begins with the centrality of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, in the life of the Church. False ideas about the Church and the world are explained and corrected. For instance, important distinctions are made between secu/ari~ and secularism, while creature is distinguished from Creatnr. Also, discover five practical steps you can take to ~cooperate with Gods grace and grow in Christ" and eight specific ways you can ~move the world." beginning within your own family. Archbishop Chaput considers the complacency, idleness and ll'Ulterialism of our time in light of the mission of the Church and true freedom that comes from obeying the moral law. He presents a challenge to all of the faithful - the challenge of the GospeL In recognizing the reality of sin and the need for repentance, he show.s how we can expose all that leads to sadness and despair. In affirming the dignity of human life, love and labor, he show.s how we can share the hope and joy of God. -Alton Pelowskl

(xrvant Public:uions, Mart:h 2001 ; ISBN.l56955191X)

Today I Made My First Communion By Dianne Ahem tllustrated by Katherine Uirson

•••••••••••••••••••••• oday I Made My First Communion is a

beautifully designed storybook, which proceeds into a reference section and ends as a keepsake memory book. Written, illustrated and published in Ann Arbor, it is presented at a level at which everyone - including those making their First Communion and their parents - can understand. learn and enjoy A delightful, informative children!; story comprises the majority of the book. As readers join members of a First Communion class trying to understand the mystery or the Eucharist, some may recognize St. Thomas the Apostle Church and Fr. Roger Prokop in the wonderful illustrations. A reference section follows, which contains things such as an illustrated ~ map of our church~ and a step-by-step explanation of the order of the Mass. It also features the Commandments and popular prayers, including a guide to praying the rosary. Lastly, a memories section is provided, offering the opponunity for this book to become a personalized First Communion keepsake. This local treasure is a perfect way to create a lasting memory and grow in understanding of this special day. For more information, visit auntdeesatuc.com or call (800) 352-6797, (Aunt

~ Auic,l SBN : ~7943728;

March 2003)

june 2003

FAITH Magazine

I!IJ>I!IJ>

"This Is no metaphorical food," JPII said. As the flesh Is food Indeed:'

cal nature," on the obligation to follow Church rules fo the celebration of Mass and adoration of the Eucharist. A publication date for the second document was not announced. The 82-year-o\d pope also used the encyclical to express how important the Eucharist has been in his life and to offer a reflection on the Blessed Virgin Mary, "woman of the Eucharist." From the day he was ordained in 1946, he said, as a priest, bishop, cardinal and pope, "I have been able to celebrate Holy Mass in chapels built along mountain paths, on lakeshores and seacoasts; I have celebrated it on altars built in stadiums and city squares." Whether in a grand basilica or a small country church, the pope said, "the Eucharist is always in some way celebrated on the altar of the world. It unites heaven and earth. It embraces and permeates all creation." Christ's sacrifice on the crossHis offering of Jove to God the Father- embraces and redeems all creation and offers it back to God, the pope said. "The Church draws her life from Christ in the Eucharist; by Him she is fed and by Him she is enlightened," the pope wrote. ''This is no metaphorical food," he said. As the Gospel of John says, "My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." Pope John Paul said the Second Vatican Council led to a "more conscious, active and fruitful participation" in the Mass, bUl at the same time, "some abuses have occurred, leading to confusion with regard to sound faith and Catholi doctrine concerning this wonderful sacrament." In some places, he said, eucharistic adoration has almost disappeared, and some people focus so much on its character as a "fraternal banquet" that they forget its sacrificial meaning. The Mass, the pope said, "makes Christs one, definitive redemptive sacrifice present in time" and allows people of all times to participate in it as if they had been in jerusalem with Jesus. "The Eucharist is too great a gift to tolerate ambiguity and depreciation," he said. Faithful observance of liturgical norms is "a guarantee of our love for jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament." While the pope said he has seen firsthand how beaUlifully local language, customs and culture can be incorporated into the Mass, creativity has sometimes been overemphasized. "Liturgy is never anyone:S private property, be it of the celebrant or of the community in which the mysteries are celebrated," he said. The Eucharist and the Church are so intimately connected, the pope said, that those who share the Eucharist must share the Churchs faith in the real presence of Christ and acknowledge the unity of faith as passed on and protected by the pope and the bishops in unity with him. Regular Eucharistic sharing with other Christians is a hope to be prayed for and a goal to work toward, but it is not a step on the way toward Christian unity, he said. "If this treas· ure is not to be squandered, we need to respect the demands which derive from its being the sacrament of communion in faith and in apostolic succession," the pope wrote. Pope john Paul reaffirmed Church teaching that those who have committed a serious sin must go to confession 1

"The Church draws her life from Christ in the Eucharist; by Him she is fed and by Him she is enlightened," the pope wrote.

The Eucharist is the greatest gift Christ left His Church, a gift that makes the sacrifice of His life present for all time and gives srrength and hope to the world, Pope john Paul II wrote in a new encyclical letter. The pope said he issued the letter, his 14th encyclical, in the 25th year of his papacy as a sign of his gratitude and with the desire to share his faith in the sacrament. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• The Jeuer, "Ecclesia de Eucharistia," on the Eucharist and its relationship to the Church, was published April 17, Holy Thursday; the pope signed a copy of the encyclical during the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper. In the letter. the pope reaffirmed the traditional teaching of the church on the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, on the need for validly ordained ministers for its celebration, and on the importance of following the Churchs liturgical norms. Pope John Paul said he had asked the Vatican offices responsible for sacraments and for doctrine "to prepare a more specific document, including prescriptions of a juridi-

numbers

As a catholic, how important is the following to you? -u::o;

I U70 58¥ spiritual and

~!Jowth

71°tb ~ Outh irMll-.enent in social justice and

helping the poor

6SOtf> 58¥ spirit of community of Catholics say sacraments, Eucharist and marriage are very imponant

among Calhofics

4SOfc> ofS1!Jthe~authority Vatican

before receiving Communion, but he also said people who are indifferent to the suffering of the poor are not worthy to partake of the sacramem. In a chapter on the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Eucharist, Pope john Paul described jesus' mother as "the first tabernacle in history," the vessel "in which the Son of God, still invisible to our human gaze, allowed himself to be adored by Elizabeth" as the pregnant Mary visited her cousin. Marys "yes" to the Incarnation and believers' "Amen" to receiving Christ in the Eucharist are analogous, he said. The Gospels do not mention Mary as being with the disciples at e Last Supper, he said, but "Mary must have been presem t the eucharistic celebrations of the first generation of Christians." "For Mary, receiving the Eucharist must have somehow meant welcoming once more into her womb that heart which had beat in unison with hers and reliving what she had experienced at the foot of the cross," the pope wrote. • a, Clody W...Jm (CNSl

As 1Ooth foreign trip nears, pope goes where no pope has gone before ••••••••••••••••••••• I!J>I!J> History's most-traveled pontiff will pass yet another milestone this spring when he makes his 1OOth trip outside of Italy and Vatican City. Croatia is hosting Pope John Paul II for No. 100 in early June, and no doubt someone will figure out a way to celebrate the event with an in-flight cake or a special souvenir. The pope has never paid much attention to the numbers on his odometer, but for others at the Vatican it's become something of a science. At Vatican Radio, which helps plan the pope's journeys, the book of papal travel statistics is now 8 7 pages long. Every time the oope gets on a plane these days, he sets a bunch of new cords. He's visited 131 countries, given 2,389 speeches on foreign soil and logged more than 700,000 miles - the equivalent of 29 times around the earth's circumference, or three times the distance between the earth and the moon.

he fifth beatHude occupies a special place In the teaching of the Gospel of SL Matthew. In Chapter 5 he quotes our Lord's promise that those who are merciful shall them· selves be shown mercy. In Chapter 25 he quotes our Lord's warning that the corporal works of mercy are the criteria the Son of Man will use at the Last jesus assures us Judgment when He wseparates the sheep that whatever we from the goats~ The sheep He will place on do for such unforHis right, the goats on His left. tunates we really Those on His right will Inherit the do for Him, and Kingdom because they fed the hungry, so the righteous gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the (those on the stranger, clothed the naked, cared for the right) wiU go off sick, and visited the imprisoned. to eternal life. When we do these merciful acts as the result of our personal observation or experience of the less fortunate, we are doing the corporal works of mercy. When we donate to food banks and clothing drives, when we vol· unteer in soup kitchens, show hospitality to immigrants and migrants, or when we contribute to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, we are doing the works of mercy. Jesus assures us that whatever we do for such unfortunates we really do for Him, and so the righteous (those on the right) will go off to eternal life. At the Judgment those on his left will complain, but the Lord's response to them will be: "What you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me~ And they will go off to eternal punishment. To be sure that we end up with the sheep on the Lord's right, and that we won't stand empty-handed before the Judge on that Great and Final Day, let's never forget the fifth beatitude. - Most Rev. Kcnnc:th Povish wus the lhlrd bishop of Ulnslng ;wl is now rttired.

Vatican official says no one should link violent acts to God's name ••••••••••••••••••••• I!J>~ No matter the outcome, no one who uses violence can claim to be acting in the name of God, said Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, said claiming to act in the name of God when waging war is a violation of the Second Commandment, wThou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain~ Invoking God or Allah in con· nection with the Iraqi war "seems sad to me," he said. wNeither of the two sides can affirm they are doing what they are doing in God's name."

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