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{ ... the divine power on which I can count is surely immeasurable. } – Pope Benedict XVI THE MAGAZINE
June 2005
$2.50
w o r k
l i f e
3 ways to turn coworkers into teammates
OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF
m a r r i a g e LANSING
www.FAITHmag.com www.FAITHteen.com
how to protect your credit report romancing the years: second marriages ask first – speak second 5 steps to a closer relationship
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what will he be like? f r o m
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hat will he be like?” they wonder. It is a natural reaction. His predecessors were well-loved and accepted during their time of service. But change can be difficult, even under the best of circumstances. His immediate predecessor had been welcomed by so many, but had been ill for a while. He had walked with them over the last few months of his life, offering his goodbyes, until finally he returned home. When he died, it was natural for all of them to wonder who would follow in his footsteps.
That was the situation in December 1999, when Fr. Dan Wunderlich, my immediate predecessor as pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude, died of pancreatic cancer that had been diagnosed only a few months earlier. When I arrived at St. Jude at the end of December, I could sense a great deal of anxiety within the parish community. That was only natural after having been served so well for so many years by my predecessors. For a time, the parish experienced “the priest of the week” until my assignment there. That probably contributed to the heightened uncertainty. All in all, it was a situation not unlike that in which we found ourselves following the death of Pope John Paul II. At my first Masses with the parish community on the weekend after Christmas – the Feast of the Holy Family – I tried to be honest with everyone. I could sense what many were feeling. My request in my homily that weekend was simple: let’s give each other the gift of time – let me get to know all of you, while I try my best to let all of you get to know me. It was my firm belief then – as it remains today – that if we could be open-minded toward one another, there would soon no longer be “me” and “them,” but only us. I pray my hope that December day is now the daily reality we live as a parish community. We experienced many of the same thoughts and feelings when Bishop Povish was granted retirement and we waited for our new bishop. Over time, as we allowed ourselves to become acclimated to Bishop Mengeling, we have come to know him as a dedicated pastor, evangelizer and shepherd. Is he exactly like Bishop Povish? No. Is he better than Bishop Povish? No. He is simply different. We gave him time to grow into his role as our bishop. I pray that all of us approach our new Holy Father, Benedict XVI, with the same openminded fairness. If we were in his shoes, wouldn’t we ask the same of those around us? The experiences of my parish community and of our diocese show that resisting the temptation to make quick or rash judgments has permitted all of us to grow together. Pope Benedict, at the age of 78, has accepted a position of leadership within the church. He is in a postiton filled with immense responsibility, which, nearly by design, will make it impossible for him to please everyone all the time. Rather than focusing on differences or potential negatives, let us instead offer him our support as he seeks to grow into and grow through his new ministry to our church community. Let us offer him our prayers, even as we can be sure that he prays for all of us. And so our journey in FAITH continues.
It was my firm belief then – as it remains today – that if we could be open-minded toward one another, there would soon no longer be “me” and “them,” but only us.
Tom Gennara
– Fr. Dwight Ezop is editor of FAITH Magazine and pastor of the Catholic Community of St. Jude.
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f e a t u r e s
c o v e r s t o r y Who is Pope Benedict XVI?
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He is judged with suspicion by some and welcomed enthusiastically by others. FAITH looks at Cardinal Ratzinger’s past to see what we can learn about our future with Pope Bendict XVI. – Elizabeth Solsburg
c o l u m n s
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m y s t o r y Saying goodbye. Tony Randall knows he is dying of stomach cancer. He chose a unique and beautiful way to bid farewell to family and friends. Read more about the celebration of Tony’s life and faith. – Nancy Schertzing
what you’ll get out of this issue • Dear Fr. Joe: Why do we need a pope? 6 in the know with Fr. Joe – Fr. Joseph Krupp
• Ordained to serve – a deacon’s call. Meet Dcn. Dave Barrett. 8 theology 101 • 3 ways to turn coworkers into teammates. 19 work life – Tim Ryan • How to protect your credit report. • Making time to listen. • Romancing the years – part 3: second marriages. • 5 steps to a closer relationship. 20 your marriage matters • My child says ‘no way’ to Mass. What do I do now? 21 the journey – Dr. Cathleen McGreal
• FAITH Exclusive: an interview with Barbara Hall, creator and producer of Joan of Arcadia. 22 exclusive – Elizabeth Solsburg • Priests celebrating anniversaries share their wisdom. 28 what I’ve learned • A Baroque pope? 31 the last word – Fr. Charles Irvin Liturgical Calendar: St. Justin, Martyr June 1 | Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs June 2 | The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus June 3 | The Immaculate Heart of Mary June 4
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tell us what you think: letters to the editor editor@FAITHmag.com
TM
The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing
Most Reverend Carl F. Mengeling PUBLISHER
Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR
300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933
Rev. Dwight Ezop EDITOR IN CHIEF
Patrick M. O’Brien MANAGING EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Martin Solsburg ASSISTANT EDITOR/STAFF WRITER
Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR/WEB DESIGNER
Jillane Job SUBSCRIPTIONS/SECRETARY
Evelyn Weitzel SUBSCRIPTIONS
Keith Anderson GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN
Sara Teller EDITORIAL INTERN
Christi Anderberg Rev. William Ashbaugh Tom and JoAnne Fogle Bob Horning Marybeth Hicks Rev. Joseph Krupp Cathleen McGreal John Morris Pat Nischan Rick and Diane Peiffer Tim Ryan Nancy Schertzing Tony Sperendi CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dear Editor: Just wanted to say kudos to Father Joe and his answer to the question on the resurrection of the body. I can’t tell you how good it was to read this. My family and I were so encouraged. The most hopeful part Fr. Joe taught is, “When Jesus returns, the kingdom of heaven will be restored perfectly on earth.” This is a solid and concrete view of heaven, not “floaty” and abstract. I hope priests will spread this solid message throughout the diocese. If Catholics would be taught this, imagine, as Father Joe said, what the implications of this belief would be on our morality. Our daily lives would be changed forever. Sincerely,
Dear Dr. Cathleen McGreal:When did the church change its stance on suicide? You quoted “our” catechism as saying that, “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.” That’s not what my catechism said, and that’s not what I was taught by our priests and sisters. It/they said suicide is a mortal sin, as well as a sin of despair, and forgiveness is not possible… Thank you, – Mary Abbey
– Patty Cican
Please see Editor’s Note above.
J. Lunning
June 2005 • Volume 6 : Issue 5
Editor’s Note: In addition to Dr. McGreal’s quotation of section 2283, the Catechism of the Catholic Church also states, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.” (CCC 2282)
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(At the next storm Peter was prepared.)
Correction In the March issue of FAITH magazine, the article, What happens when a pope dies? contained an error regarding the number of ballots required before the election can be by simple majority. After three days with no election, there is a break of no more than one day, followed by seven votes. This sequence is repeated twice. After that time, the cardinals may choose to elect the pope by simple majority. FAITH regrets the error.
St. Norbert, Bishop June 6 | St. Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor June 9 | St. Barnabas, Apostle June 11 | St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor June 13 | St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Relig
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a front-row seat for the papal conclave o n l i n e
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Christi Anderberg is an Ann Arbor resident who is studying in Rome. She shares her reflections on the papal conclave with FAITH.
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eing in St. Peter’s square during the conclave was, without doubt, the most incredible and exhilarating experience of my life. When we arrived in the piazza on Monday night before the first vote, the atmosphere was relaxed and quiet, all faces turned toward the chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, but without much sense of anticipation. No one really thought that the new pope could be elected on the first ballot. However, the atmosphere in the square was different the next day. All faces were still turned toward the chimney, but now there was a definite charge in the air. It could be tonight – it could be right now! At 5:50 there was a sudden stir and all eyes immediately snapped to the chimney or to the big TV screens set up around the piazza. At first it was hard to tell – then it was clearly smoking – and then it seemed to be white smoke. The hopeful anticipation mounted as we waited to hear the bells ring. The tension was palpable as we kept saying, “It HAS to be white smoke!” and then, “But where are the bells?” And so we waited. I saw the sign before I heard it – the cameras, trained like hawks on the facade of St. Peter’s, showed us the bells of St. Peter’s starting to swing. The piazza erupted in jubilation. There was cheering, clapping, jumping, hugging – and since I was in a pack of Americans – whooping and high-fiving. It was beautiful pandemonium. Without hearing a word, we knew what it meant: We have a pope! And, in that moment, it was enough to know that. The cheering was joy and gratitude and hope and relief. I could feel the difference in the air – we have a pope! Nearly an hour later, the door opened and then closed again. The drama was incredible, impeccably timed and drawing out our breathless anticipation. Cardinal Medina finally spoke the words we all were waiting for, “Habemus papam!” And the square erupted again, “WHO?” He said, “Iosephum,” paused one last time and then, “Cardinale Ratzinger.” The greatest jubilation yet broke out. We have a pope – and one who has already been leading us. We’ve heard his voice, we’ve seen his heart over the last two weeks of mourning Pope John Paul II, and now here he is to continue to lead us.
St. Germaine after mocking her – people became inspired by her s a i n t
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St. Germaine Cousin Born: 1579 Died: 1601 Feast: June 5 Claim to Fame: Germaine was marked with suffering from the time of her birth. She had a deformed hand and scrofula. Her mother died when she was an infant and her stepmother abused her. She died young, after a hard life.
The villagers mocked her piety and made fun of her deformities. Then they saw signs of God’s favor on her and changed their minds.
Lowest Moment: Germaine’s stepmother scorned her. Under his wife’s influence, Germaine’s father banished Germaine from the house to avoid the contagion of scrofula. From childhood, she worked as a shepherdess, returning at night to a bed of vine branches in the stable or garret. Why she is a saint: Germaine practiced many austerities and devotions. She went to Mass every day; when the bell rang to call worshippers, she stuck her staff in the ground and left her flocks in God’s care. Even though the pasture was next to the wolf-infested forest, she never lost a single lamb. The villagers mocked her piety and made fun of her deformities. Then they saw signs of God’s favor on her and changed their minds. In order to go to the church from her pasture, she had to cross a stream. After a heavy rain, the stream would become impassable. When Germaine needed to go to church, the waters parted for her to walk through and her ragged garments never even got wet. Also, although she was extremely poor, she shared her meager rations with anyone who was hungry. How she died: Germaine’s father finally realized how badly he was treating his daughter and asked her to come home and live with the family. She begged to stay in her humble position, however, and died in her sleep on her bed of vines at age 22. Germaine’s grave was opened in 1644 and her body had not decomposed at all. It was removed from the grave and displayed in the parish church. Many miracles were attributed to her intercession, and she was beatified in 1850. – Elizabeth Solsburg
Prayer: Lord, St. Germaine was one of the gentlest and kindest of your lambs. Give us the grace to be as generous and open-hearted as she. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
a, Religious June 21 | St. Paulinus of Nola, Bishop June 22 | St. John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr June 22 | St. Thomas More, Martyr June 22 | The Nativity of John the Baptist June 24
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Why do we need a pope anyway? Can’t the bishops just run the church themselves? t h e
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This column is dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul II – truly one of the greatest gifts God gave us in our lifetime. His teachings inspired me, and Jesus changed my life as a result of them. I don’t know that I can articulate at this point the influence this blessed man of God had on me, but I know it has been great. I was blessed enough to have met him twice; I found myself unable to speak both times. For those of you who know me, that’s about the only time that has happened. I’d call that a miracle.
Dear Fr. Joe: Why is there a need for the papacy?
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et’s start at the beginning. If we look at Matthew 16:17-19, Jesus says, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give to you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind of earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This is the basis for having a pope. Let’s take it piece by piece. At the beginning of this passage, we see Jesus giving a specific blessing and power to Simon Peter. That blessing is rooted in the gift
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God gave Peter – a knowledge about Jesus that the others did not have yet. Jesus then says that Simon is now to be called Peter (the word for Peter and rock are the same in Aramaic), and that God will build his church on Peter, the rock. So, we use this passage to re-affirm our belief that God desires his people to be led by Peter and Peter’s successors. This is the beginning of our teaching on the papacy. As Catholics, this is essential to our identity: We are led by a man who is appointed by God, in love with Jesus and led by the Holy Spirit. The pope uses his authority to hold us together in unity and define Catholic theology. Please check the end of this column for Web sites that help answer this question in more detail.
Dear Fr. Joe: What is papal infallibility and when is it invoked? What are ex cathedra teachings?
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ow, these two questions are related to each other (second cousins, I think, on their mothers’ sides), so I am going to address them together. They both are related to the authority of the pope, or papal authority, as we shall call it from now on. When we begin with papal authority, I find that we can-
Photo by Tom Gennara
i n
A friend of mine recently pointed out to me the dramatic proof that there were cars in Biblical times. It's true! Enjoy these examples: In Genesis, we learn that God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden in a Fury. In Kings and Chronicles, we find that David’s Triumph was heard throughout the land. Even the New Testament offers us some proofs – look at the book of Acts; it tells us that the apostles were all in one Accord. Finally, in 2 Corinthians, verse 48 describes traveling in a Volkswagen Beetle – “We are pressed in every way, but not cramped beyond movement.” I think you all burned off minutes in purgatory just by reading that … not do much better than the Catholic Encyclopedia, so I am going to paraphrase it. The Catholic Encyclopedia uses the four points of the church to justify papal authority: • Jesus founded his church as a visible and perfect society. • He intended everybody be a part of this church as much as possible. • He desired that the “church be one, with a visible corporate unity of faith, government and worship.” • In order to make these things a reality, Jesus gave the Apostles and their suc-
St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor June 27 | The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church June 30
cessors the authority to govern the people and lead them toward unity. So, the church teaches us that Jesus intended a system of authority for his people so that we could be one, and in our unity we would show the world a positive example. Within this concept of papal authority is a teaching that we call ex cathedra, a phrase we use to describe a practice. The phrase literally means “from the chair.” Whenever the pope speaks ex cathedra, he is without error in what he says. Now, this doesn’t really Find daily changing Catholic news, W
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what year were electric lights first used during a professional baseball game? h i s t o r y
q u i z
– Gallup 04/04/05
p o l l
Edison’s electric lights were put to good use when the first night baseball game featuring a professional team was played under the lights in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on June 2, WHAT YEAR? The Quincy Professionals beat a local amateur Fort Wayne team 19-11. Walter P. Chrysler made his mark in automotive history when he founded the Chrysler Corporation on June 6, WHAT YEAR? Chrysler came from Kansas to Michigan, where he first worked for Buick. He later worked for the Maxwell Motor Corporation, which he absorbed when he founded Chrysler. In the first steps toward formal organization of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, Father John Carroll was appointed superior of the American missions by Pope Pius VI on June 9, WHAT YEAR? Click it or ticket! The first automobile seat belt legislation was enacted in Illinois on June 27, WHAT YEAR? Answers: 1883, 1925, 1784, 1955
have anything to do with the pope sitting in his chair and saying things; he can speak ex cathedra while standing, and just because he says something while he’s sitting in his chair, that doesn’t make it an ex cathedra teaching. The pope has to declare himself to be speaking ex cathedra, and what he teaches has to be in union with sacred Scripture and tradition. Examples are the doctrines regarding the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption. As a final note, the church is clear that it is only to use its infallible teaching authority in matters of faith and morals. So, the pope cannot and will not speak infallibly about matters that are not issues of faith and morals.
71%
of American Catholics believe the church will make Pope John Paul II a saint.
There is so much to be said on this topic, but I find myself running out of room. For some more great discussion on this issue, be sure to visit the following Web site: www.catholic.com and click on Papal Issues. Also, take a look at the discussion on Infallibity and Papal Authority in the Catholic Encyclopedia at www.newadvent.org. Enjoy another day in God’s presence! – Fr. Joseph Krupp
Send your questions to: “In the Know with Fr. Joe” FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933 Or: JoeInBlack@priest.com
ws, Web-exclusive essays and much more on FAITHmag.com
we asked priests of the Diocese of Lansing what qualities do you hope to see in our new pope?
Fr. Mark Inglot, St. John Student Parish, Lansing “The word ‘pontiff’ comes from the Latin, pontifex maximus, or ‘chief bridge builder.’ We need someone who can live up to that name and be a bridge builder between churches, cultures and countries.”
Fr. Brendan Walsh, St. Joseph Parish, Dexter “The qualities I would like to see in a new pope are an ability to listen to the voice of the Spirit; a person at ease with the faithful; and a person who will pray for and advocate for peace, justice and equality in the world.”
Fr. Jeffrey Njus, St. Patrick Parish, Brighton “I am hoping for a pope who has a heart for prayer and a heart for people like Pope John Paul.”
Fr. Gerald Ploof, Sts. Charles and Helena Parish, Clio “A holy man who is pastoral in dealing with church and world issues, especially concerning the poor.”
Online Discussion Forums: This month’s topics on FAITHmag.com • What do you think of Pope Benedict XVI? • What do you hope the new pope will be like? • What is the most important issue you think the new pope will have to address? Visit FAITHmag.com, then click FAITH forums to discuss these and other interesting topics with Fr. Jeffrey Njus.
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ordained to serve – a deacon’s call meet Dcn. Dave Barrett Celebrating in 2005:
Call of the baptized Jan. 9
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Consecrated Life Feb. 6
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Ordained Priesthood April 17
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Permanent Diaconate A
discernment a story of a call answered Mark’s college major was restaurant management. Anxious to use his knowledge, he opened a restaurant. The enterprise failed. An aunt, who was a real-estate agent living in another city, invited him to join her in the real estate business. Mark knew he was a good salesperson, so he accepted his aunt’s invitation and moved. He began selling real estate. But when the pastor at his new parish asked for more choir members, Mark joined the choir. Later, when the pastor asked for help with the youth ministry, Mark volunteered. So it went until one day his aunt said, “Mark, either you sell real estate or you work for the church; it seems you can’t do both.” It was then he became aware once again of something he had experienced before in his life – a sense that he was called to be a priest.
There are three distinct aspects to a church vocation:
T. Gennara
CNS
• who the Lord calls us to be • how the Lord calls us to become ourselves in God (spirituality) • what the Lord calls us to do for God and for others (ministry)
Deacon Dave Barrett listens in order to serve.
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hat a wonderful ride it’s been, these 24 years! What a fulfilling and joyful time for this convert to the faith who had the audacity, three decades ago, to believe that God was calling him to holy orders – to the diaconate. Now, at age 75, from the vantage point of “senior” status, I look back with an overwhelming gratitude for the priceless gift God has given me.
In the late 1970s, surely at the nagging of the Holy Spirit, I became convinced that a more serious commitment to my church and my God was called for. My wife, Jan, and I June 2005
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FAITH Magazine
had been active in parish affairs in a number of roles, but it just was not enough. With her enthusiastic support, and the approval of our four teenaged children, I applied for the dio-
(Vocations Anonymous, Sister Kathleen Bryant, RSC) – Fr. Matt Fedewa
cese’s new formation program for permanent deacons. The sacrament of holy orders for our class of 11 was conferred in June 1981. Until Jan and I decided to take an early retirement five years later, I was employed in public school administration. Diaconal service had been limited to evenings and weekends – teaching our parish inquiry class, serving at Sunday Mass, and officiating at baptisms and an
occasional wedding. Retirement at 57 opened the way to something closer to full-time diaconal service. The inquiry classes evolved into the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, a yearround process of catechesis and Scripture sharing after the dismissal from Sunday Mass. Jan and I both had parents living in nursing homes. That led to service as an ombudsman for residents in long-term care
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ate April 24
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Marriage and Family Life May 22
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Dedicated Single Life July 10
bible quiz who’s related? Ruth
Aaron
Ecclesial Lay Ministry Oct. 9
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Missionaries Oct. 23
permanent diaconate
a father of Jacob and Esau b brother of Moses c mother of John the Baptist d husband of Ruth e great-grandmother of King David Answers to April’s quiz: 1-c, 2-e, 3-b, 4-f, 5-d, 6-g, 7-a.
Isaac
Elizabeth
In the early church, the apostles realized there was too much work for 12. In order for them to continue their charism of preaching the Gospel, they needed help caring for the poor and widows, and distributing food. They needed deacons. Deacons, from the Greek word diakonia, or “to be of service,” were called to do the practical work of the church. They assisted the bishop and elders. Until the fourth century, the office of deacon was a vibrant part of church ministry. Ignatius of Antioch wrote, “Take care to do all things in harmony with God, with the bishop presiding in the place of God and with the presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles, and with the deacons, who are most dear to me, entrusted with the business of Jesus Christ, who was with the Father from the beginning and is at last made manifest.” CNS
Boaz
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Congratulations to Elizabeth Chandler of Ovid, winner of our March quiz. For a chance to win a copy of Elizabeth Johnson's new book, A Catholic Kid's Guide to Stewardship, send your answers to esolsburg@dioceseoflansing.org or mail to 300 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933. facilities, a ministry I still cherish. Of course, presiding at the weddings of our four children and baptizing eight grandchildren were extra-special moments. It’s hard to say whether my years as a deacon are typical. The word “deacon” has it roots in diakonia, the Greek word for service. We are to minister especially to the poorest and least powerful among us. We are called, not to the priesthood, but to service. So, in addition to those liturgical responsibilities all deacons have in common, you’ll find us in prisons and jails; shelters for the homeless and abused; soup kitchens; migrant camps; as advocates for justice, adequate housing and health care; and engaged in the protection of human dignity. The deacon’s mission can be summarized in the words of the Second Vatican Council, “God destined the earth and all it conwww.FAITHmag.com
tains for ... all peoples so that all created things would be shared fairly by all ... under the guidance of justice tempered by charity.” (Gaudium et Spes, 69)
Yes, it’s been a wonderful ride. And while it’s true that God will never be outdone in generosity, in some small way I hope to have honored the Lord Jesus’ admonition to his disciples, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Matt.10:8b) – Dave Barrett
(Letter to the Magnesians, 2)
As the church grew rapidly, the office of deacon became a transition on the way to the priesthood. At Vatican II, however, the office of the permanent deacon was restored. Deacons receive holy orders and fulfill a variety of liturgical roles, but are not “substitute priests.” They are ordained for a different kind of ministry, that of service to those in need. A deacon is called, in his ministry and in his life, to be a sacramental sign of Christ the servant. The permanent diaconate is open to married men with families, and the church recognizes that the married deacon’s primary responsibility is to his family. In fact, married candidates to the diaconate require the written consent of their wives. However, once ordained, an unmarried deacon may not marry and a widowed deacon may not remarry without episcopal dispensation. Deacons fulfill a special niche in the ministry of the church: They work collaboratively with bishops, priests, lay ministers and those in consecrated life to build the kingdom of God. – Elizabeth Solsburg
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Joseph Ratzinger was briefly forced to join the Nazi Party’s youth organization as a seminarian during World War II, but says his parents were firm anti-Nazis.
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The house where Pope Benedict XVI Joseph Ratzinger on May 28, 1977, the was born in Marktl am Inn, east of day of his ordination as archbishop Munich, Germany. of Munich and Freising.
Se in J Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, dean of the College of Cardinals, presides over Yo the opening Mass of the conclave on April 18 in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Cardinal Ratzinger processes up Cardinals attend the opening Mass of the aisle of St. Peter’s Basilica during the conclave in St. Peter's Basilica. the opening Mass of the conclave.
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Joseph Ratzinger was a scholar in his youth.
Father Joseph Ratzinger with French Dominican Father Yves Congar during the Second Vatican Council in1962.
Pope John Paul II and Cardinal Ratzinger ride in the popemobile during a visit to Germany in 1980.
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger speaks at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, in January 1990.
Cardinals chant the litany of the saints as they process into the Sistine Chapel for the conclave.
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Seven cardinals who lead U.S. archdioceses gather at the North American College in Rome on April 17, the day before the conclave began. From left are Cardinals Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, Adam J. Maida of Detroit, Edward M. Egan of New er York, Roger M. Mahony of Los Angeles, Francis E. George of Chicago, William H. Keeler of Baltimore and Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington.
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Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI is introduced to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square on April 19.
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White smoke pours from the chimney of Pope Benedict XVI leaves the Sistine the Sistine Chapel on April 19, signifying Chapel with Archbishop Marini on his the election of Pope Benedict XVI. way to be introduced to the crowd.
of .
Cardinals process into the Sistine Cardinals take the oath of the conChapel for the conclave which would clave as people watch on a large TV elect Cardinal Ratzinger pope. monitor in St. Peter's Square.
A nun smiles in St. Peter’s Square after seeing white smoke announce a papal election.
Archbishop Marini closes the doors to the Sistine Chapel as cardinals begin the conclave to elect a new pope.
Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI offers a blessing after his introduction.
Students from the North American Pope Benedict XVI departs the balcony. College cheer as bells ring to “I especially entrust myself to your announce the election of a new pope. prayers,” the 78-year-old pontiff said.
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Newly elected Pope Benedict XVI and the cardinals pose for a group photo.
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Pope Benedict XVI wears gold vestments for his inaugural Mass.
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The pope leaves his apartment after preparing his belongings for his move into the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
Pope Benedict makes his first appointments to the Roman Curia.
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd after leaving his residence in Rome.
Pope Benedict XVI presides at a Mass with cardinals in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on April 20.
Pope visits the office of the Cardinals applaud Pope Benedict XVI Congregation for the Doctrine of the in Clementine Hall at the Vatican Faith in one of the first acts of his papacy. on April 22.
Pope Benedict XVI visited the tomb Detroit Cardinal Adam J. Maida It of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica stands at the altar during the April 24 t to pay tribute to St. Peter. inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI.
The new pontiff’s brother, Father Georg Ratzinger, looks on from behind the altar.
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his inaugural Mass, which was attended by about 350,000 people.
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About 150 cardinals join Pope Benedict XVI in the opening procession for the pope’s inaugural Mass on April 24.
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Italian Cardinal Angelo Sodano kisses the ring of Pope Benedict XVI during the pope’s inaugural Mass.
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Italian Archbishop Marini helps the pope with his zuchetto.
U.S. Archbishop John P. Foley greets Pope Benedict XVI after introducing the pontiff to international media gathered for a special audience.
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Archbishop Marini helps Pope Benedict XVI adjust the pallium.
Gov. Jeb Bush, Fla., greets Pope Benedict XVI on behalf of the United States.
Pope Benedict XVI meets Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Kirill in Clementine Hall at the Vatican.
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The miter is placed on Pope Benedict XVI during his inaugural Mass.
Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd at the end of his inaugural Mass.
Pope Benedict XVI meets Rowan Williams, the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury.
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He is well-known as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, an office that was formerly called the Inquisition. He is also, according to those who know him best, a humble and gentle man, an accomplished pianist who loves Mozart, and a pastor whose greatest gift is his ability to listen. Joseph Ratzinger was born in Marktl am Inn, Germany in 1927. He celebrated his 78th birthday on April 16, two days before he was elected to the papacy. The son of a cook and a policeman, he has always felt his life was immersed in the paschal mystery from his birth on Holy Saturday and his baptism the next day in the newly blessed Easter waters. During the turbulent years of World War II, the Ratzinger family moved into successively smaller communities in an attempt to avoid involvement with the Nazi Party. They were not completely successful; young Joseph was drafted into the German army for a while, but deserted near the war’s end and spent time in an American prisoner-of-war camp. He studied philosophy and theology; was ordained, along with his brother Georg, in 1951; and earned a doctorate in theology in 1953. For years, he was a professor of theology at various universities in Germany. He quickly became renowned for the depth and breadth of his intellect and, in 1962, was selected by Cardinal Joseph Frings of Cologne to be his consultor during the Second Vatican Council. He published numerous essays, sermons and reflections over the years, cementing his scholarly reputation. In March 1977, Pope Paul VI named him the archbishop of Munich and Freising; he was elevated to the College of Cardinals in June of the same year. Perhaps his most prominent position has been that of prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It is in this role that Cardinal Ratzinger was responsible for defending the orthodoxy of church teachings. His congregation generated headlines when it silenced theologians, withdrew approval of books, rewrote liturgical translations, set boundaries on ecumenical dialogues, took over the handling of cases of clergy sex abuse against minors, curbed the role of bishops’ conferences and pressured religious orders to suspend wayward members. He was most clearly in the spotlight during the 2004 U.S. election campaign, when the congregation issued a document stating that Catholic politicians must not ignore essential church teachings, particularly those related to human By Elizabeth Solsburg
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life. The congregation also asked Catholic lawmakers to fight the legalization of same-sex marriages. These statements all flow from Pope Benedict’s deep concern over the dangers of relativism in global societies. He has criticized modern theologians who mistakenly applied relativistic concepts to religion and ethics, especially the concept that Jesus is “one religious leader among others.” The pope’s concerns extend beyond theologians and teachers. He has also said there can be no compromise on dissent by the lay faithful. He helped prepare a papal instruction from Pope John Paul II in 1998 and included his own commentary warning Catholics they would put themselves outside the communion of the church if they reject its teachings on eight specific issues. In the same year, he also issued a document on papal primacy which stated that as a matter of faith, only the pope has the authority to make changes in his universal ministry. Despite his difficult role as the enforcer of church doctrine, Pope Benedict XVI is known to colleagues, neighbors and friends as a gentle, pastoral man with a dry sense of humor. As Cardinal Ratzinger, he lived quietly in an apartment in Rome, walking to work every day and chatting with those he passed in the streets. He is respected for his ability to listen intently and thoughtfully, even to those with whom he disagrees. During the conclave, many cardinals said they came to see a new side of Cardinal Ratzinger. Cardinal Wilfrid F. Napier of Durban, S. Africa, said Cardinal Ratzinger may have built a reputation for severity as head of the doctrinal congregation, but “that is certainly not the Cardinal Ratzinger we’ve come to know in the last two weeks.” “He was very caring, gentle, humble and approachable,” Cardinal Napier said. “You could see this in the way he interacted with the crowd at Pope John Paul’s funeral – for example, when he patiently allowed the crowd to keep chanting during the Mass instead of cutting it off. We could see that this was the kind of person who was able to read situations and respond to them.” His leadership inside the conclave was noted for its humility and gentleness. Cardinal Maida of Detroit called the new pope “a humble man, a holy man.” Many church officials and bishops dispute Pope Benedict’s negative public image. They regard him warmly and said he has always behaved in a manner consistent with his first description of himself after his election, “a simple and humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.” Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, Pa., remembers a visit to Cardinal Ratzinger in 1994: “My briefcase opened and the documents [inside] fell on the floor. He came from behind his desk and kneeled on the floor and helped me pick up the documents.
This is a humble man. This is the sign of a great man.” Archbishop Daniel Buechlein of Indianapolis says that those who have criticized him as being harsh do not really know him. “He is a humble man – very gentle, very patient. He’ll talk with anyone who stops him on the street.” Bishop Carl Mengeling remembers meeting with Cardinal Ratzinger during an ad limina visit: “During that entire meeting, he was so meek and mild. I don’t think he raised his voice in his life. He is kind, loving and generous.” In his first message, Pope Benedict spoke about his humility and about the responsibility that now rests with him: “If the weight of the responsibility that now lies on my poor shoulders is enormous, the divine power on which I can count is surely immeasurable. ‘You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church.’ Electing me as the bishop of Rome, the Lord wanted me as his vicar, he wished me to be the ‘rock’ upon which everyone may rest with confidence.” In addition to his reliance on God’s strength, the new pope also talked about leaning on the spirit of Pope John Paul II, “It seems I can feel his strong hand squeezing mine; I seem to see his smiling eyes and listen to his words, addressed to me especially at this moment – ‘Do not be afraid!’” He spoke about John Paul’s legacy: “Before my eyes is, in particular, the witness of Pope John Paul II. He leaves us a church that is more courageous, freer, younger. A church that, according to his teaching and example, looks with serenity to the past and is not afraid of the future.” Pope Benedict’s prayer for his papacy is: “Mane nobiscum, Domine! Stay with us, Lord! This invocation, which forms the dominant theme of John Paul II’s Apostolic Letter for the Year of the Eucharist, is the prayer that comes spontaneously from my heart as I turn to begin the ministry to which Christ has called me. Like Peter, I too renew to him my unconditional promise of faithfulness. He alone I intend to serve as I dedicate myself totally to the service of his church.” As the 265th leader of the Catholic Church, Joseph Ratzinger took the name Benedict. It is the name of the founder of the Benedictine Order, a saint known for his intellectual prowess and for saving Western civilization. St. Benedict is the patron of Europe, a continent Pope Benedict broods over as its adherence to Christianity shrinks. He may have chosen this name as a sign of his desire to strengthen and save the church in Europe. The last pope who took the name Benedict was a bridgebuilder, a man of peace who decried the carnage of World War I. It may be that Pope Benedict XVI sees himself in this light as well. And the name Benedict means, “blessing.” Above all, Catholics hope Pope Benedict XVI will be blessed with the wisdom of leadership and that his papacy will be a blessing for the church. – CNS contributed to this story. June 2005
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saying goodbye Tony Randall knows he is dying and chose a unique way to bid farewell
Tony says, “Things may not be perfect, but trust in God.”
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he fading rays of the afternoon sun slant across my friend. In his baseball cap and winter coat, he casts a shadow that pads the stark figure seated across the table. Tony’s stomach cancer has moved into his intestines now, choking off his digestive tract. Though his shadow appears robust, the gaunt face and hands before me belong to a starving man. He spies my fruit bowl and asks for a plate and knife to test an apple. “I can’t eat much any more. The doctors operated about a month ago to clear my intestine, but the tumor is back. Maybe I’ll be able to eat a bit for another week, two at most.” We talk about the path his illness took and all the factors leading up to his delayed diagnosis. He urges everyone to share their family health history and understand the June 2005
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link between early H. pylori bacteria ulcers and this cancer. He wants me to write about his profound gratitude for his wife Ellen and her unfailing support. “Having the love and commitment of a loving spouse has meant the world to me. About 15 years into our marriage, I was thinking, ‘This is a pretty rotten arrangement. I don’t want to live like this for a lifetime.’ Later, I learned that Ellen felt
much the same. But there was this Catholic thing inside that kept me holding on. Something that said you don’t just end a marriage. You work it out. “The next 10 years Ellen and I worked together to understand each other and find the accountability and balance we needed. Finally, we came to a point where we said, ‘This marriage is very important to us. This is who we are.’ I’m so grateful
we worked through it and I’m not facing this illness alone. Commitment and perseverance pay off and produce rewards. You have to be able to cling to hope and trust in God’s word, whether in marital difficulty, illness or tragedy.” He shifts and sighs. “This apple isn’t really working for me. But I am thinking that orange looks good.” At my urging, he reaches back into the fruit bowl and pulls out an orange. As he slices into its center, the sweet citrus smell fills the room. He cuts one half into thirds and pulls the flesh from its skin, slurping the juice before it runs down his chin. “Some people don’t get the chance to know they’re going to die. I have the gift and the curse. God has given me the opportunity to be an instrument of grace and love, by saying there are things more important than life. One is having courage and trying to face situations with integrity. I want to live so that people look back on this time and say, ‘He was dying, but he wasn’t hopeless about it.’ “Another is living in a Christ-like way. Marx accused Christians of using their faith as a crutch. If so, it’s a darned good one! Even if religion is just something someone dreamed up, Christ is still a good example for liv-
By Nancy Schertzing | Photography by Tom Gennara
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coworker conflict 3 ways to build a team m i n i s t r y
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ing your life, whether there’s a pastor, Fr. Mark Inglot, said, heaven or not. ‘Why don’t we have a Mass?’ It “But then I see these signs was an opportunity to gather and promises, like the sun us together and share my valcoming through the window, or ues with them and my friends. God moving in people’s lives. I wanted to give them hope. It’s so beautiful. Christ is not a Things may not be perfect, but fable, but a reality. trust in God. Pay attention to “My faith has continued to Christ’s teachings about how grow as I have strengthened my we treat each other – especially commitment to Christ. Now I the least of us. more clearly see how death is a “I am child number seven, part of the process. And I know right in the middle of both God has worked an incredible sets of six children, so I’ve miracle by making me a witalways been the peacemaker. ness, sharing the message that This Mass was my way of sayGod loves us. ing goodbye and “One thing has “I am child number sharing my faith brought tears to my seven, right in the with my brothers eyes. My brother middle of both sets and sisters – my Joe – I love him so of six children, so whole family. I much – he told his I’ve always been the hope my faith will daughter that, if peacemaker. This cause them to live God cures my can- Mass was my way in a way that honcer, he’ll go back to of saying goodbye ors God in everychurch.” Tony’s and sharing my faith thing they do. throat swells with What peace of with my brothers tears and he pauses. and sisters – my mind that “I’m sorry,” he would whole family.” chokes, looks up at bring! I the ceiling and takes a deep am feeling that breath. peace now.” “I want him to go back to The sun is fading church regardless of whether I in the afternoon sky live or not. I want him to know as Tony rises from his that God is real. God is love. seat to leave. After we God loves him. And when he hug, he walks out my can see that, he’ll want that for door, and I sit back himself and for his family.” down at the table. The Tony raises another third of sliced orange and the orange to his lips and bites apple sit, half-eaten, on into the flesh to suck only the the plate. Juicy and juice this time. “It’s not fun not vibrant, their scent and being able to eat,” he sighs. “But color seem more beauit’s OK. It’s all going to be OK. tiful somehow than “I have 12 brothers and sisI’ve ever noticed ters and I wanted to make sure before. I can’t bring I communicated to them my myself to clear them belief in Christ. When I was in away from the last rays the hospital this last time, my of sun. www.FAITHmag.com
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few years ago, I was on a work team that caused me a lot of stress. There were personality conflicts and contradicting priorities. On the plus side, everyone on the team acknowledged the problems and agreed to work together to fix them. We tried a variety of team-building exercises to improve communication and develop shared priorities. Unfortunately, as time passed, nothing improved. I spoke with team members individually and discovered that some of them believed they were OK; everyone else needed to change. They thought the purpose of the exercises was to bring the rest of the team around to their way of thinking. In order for any group to succeed, its members need to aspire to a common good rather than individual objectives. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes three elements that are essential to achieving the common good in society. (CCC 1907-1909) These elements translate very well into developing teams that work together toward a common good: Respect for the person. Some people have unique talents and ideas that are often overlooked because they don’t seem to “fit” into the standard way of thinking. Often, great ideas are lost because we didn’t take the time to explore someone’s bizarre suggestion. The well-being and development of the group itself. It’s difficult for many individuals to recognize that the only way they are going to succeed is if the team succeeds. Therefore, it may require you to set your personal motives aside in the interest of the team. The common good requires peace. Strive for peace among team members and peace within yourself. Only if you are at peace yourself – not harboring anger or resentment – will you be a positive force within your team. We often blame others when things aren’t going right; it soothes our ego to think, “I’m OK, the rest of the world is crazy.” So, we desperately try to change people to conform to “our” way of thinking, but seldom does that happen. The secret to drawing the best out of teammates is to first examine and adjust our own attitudes. Once we do that, we become a positive force in guiding behaviors at work and in society toward the common good. -Tim Ryan
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your marriage matters Digital Vision
a continuing series to help you strengthen your marriage
how to protect your credit score m o n e y
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Everyone has a credit report – a documented history of your borrowing, available credit, and how you handle every monthly payment. Your credit score is the most vital statistic lenders use to determine whether you’ll get that loan for your home, car or other purpose. Protect your credit score! It’s the key – not only to your borrowing ability, but also to the rate of interest at which you borrow. Remember interest, the eighth wonder of the world? Virtually everyone can get a loan, but risk means rates to a lender. Everyone does not get the lowest rate advertised. On a shortterm loan, it may not mean much. But on a mortgage, it can mean affordability. The monthly payment on a 30-year, $150,000 mortgage for someone with good credit is $899 per month at 6% interest. For someone with poor credit, at 9.5% interest, the payment jumps to $1,261. Ouch! Pay your bills on time, don’t borrow too much, don’t max out credit cards. Protect your family’s ability to borrow by watching your credit score. – John Morris
make time to listen – your spouse will thank you t i m e
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Ask first – speak second. When arriving home or coming together after work, don’t begin with a litany of daily woes from your workplace. Instead, ask your spouse about his or her day, and be truly and genuinely interested in how the day went. If your spouse’s day was upsetting, honoring her by allowing her to talk first will deepen your marriage relationship. When your spouse is allowed to talk first, and you learn what happened in his day, you may find that your own problems pale in comparison. Asking first and speaking second will garner you a more attentive audience. – Tom and Jo Anne Fogle
5 steps to a closer relationship – how do we talk when we feel like we’re growing apart? c o n n e c t i n g
Remember that you’re not alone. Many couples experience loneliness even though they’re together. My marriage of 32 years has gone through these phases. I know national speakers on marriage enrichment who have shared the same experiences. Here are some ways to help: Tell your spouse you need to talk, and plan an hour together where you can be uninterrupted. Be honest and tell your spouse how you feel about your marriage. Agree to refrain from judging each other. Paraphrase what your spouse is saying so you know you have heard correctly. You’re going to uncover things that irritate you, but you’re also going to uncover feelings of hurt or anger. Own up to your failings and ask for forgiveness. Come up with two concrete things to help you grow closer again.
Time Tip: To keep from derailing your concentration, and free up more time to spend with your family, read and respond to e-mail only at specific times. If you don’t have the willpower to ignore the “new mail” signal, then turn off the sound or leave your e-mail program closed.
Repeat these steps for four weeks in a row. Be responsible to your marriage and be patient with your spouse. Remember, winter precedes spring – but springtime will come. If you’re spinning your wheels and not making progress, don’t give up. Go see a marriage counselor. Marriage counseling can give you a fresh perspective. I know from experience!
From Time Tips for Catholics by Dave Durand
– Tony Sperendi
June 2005
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is your marriage in trouble? Retrouvaille, a lifeline for troubled marriages, is holding a weekend experience June 3-5 at the St. Francis Retreat Center. Call 517.669.6631 for more information. p r a y e r
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bring your peace and love. Help us grow in love of one another, as you love us. He: Just as a tapestry is woven of many threads into a beauteous whole, we ask you to weave us together that our family may be whole and beautiful. She: We know we are all your children in your Son, Jesus Christ and, as such, owe you our loyalty and respect. Together: May we show each family member the same loyalty and respect. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blended Family’s Prayer She: God of all people, we find ourselves together as a family. You chose each of us to live and move and have our being in you. He: You foreknew that we would be living together, a blended family. As this family, make of us something new that has not been before. She: When we are tempted to take sides, smooth rough edges and ruffled feathers;
– Pat Nischan
romancing the years part 3 – love can be lovelier the second time around r o m a n c e
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Second-marriage couples bring a lot of history to the marriage relationship. Sometimes a second marriage was occasioned by the death of a previous spouse, sometimes by a divorce and annulment. These couples may find themselves revisiting any of the other four stages, and often more than one at a time. They may also be thrown into any one stage for the very first time. Some may have never had a truly romantic partner before, or they must face becoming an instant stepparent. Unlike newlyweds in first marriages, second-marriage couples may have very little time alone together, since they often have blended families. They need to receive a lot of encouragement and family support. They use what they’ve learned in the past, but avoid living in the past. They learn to adjust on many different levels. Finally, they get excited and express gratitude about being given a second chance to explore intimacy with someone special. Now that we’ve explored the various romantic stages of marriage, consider these questions for discussion: • How successful are we at adapting romantically to different stages of marriage? • What can I do to bring more romance and intimacy into our marriage today? – Rick and Diane Peiffer
what to do when your kids say ‘no’ to Mass t h e
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unday mornings have become a battleground. The kids don’t want to go to church and we argue in the car the whole way there. When it comes time to exchange a sign of peace, they put their hands in their pockets and glare at us. We don’t know what to do when they don’t want to come with us to Mass. Children resist many activities that we know are in their best interests. Haven’t we heard, “Why spend time flossing; isn’t brushing my teeth good enough? How would making flash cards help me learn this?” Parents have to make and enforce rules to help children stay physically healthy and succeed academically. Parents also have to consider ways to nurture spiritual development, such as the following: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (Ps 126:3) Examine your own motivation for going to Mass. Your children look to you as a model. Is attending Mass an obligation? Or do you attend every Sunday because of the relationship you have with God and with your community of faith? If your children see that the eucharistic celebration brings joy to your life, then this childhood memory will linger into their teen years. Establish peaceful Sabbath routines. Were there family traditions that brought joy to your family when you were growing up? Re-establish some aspects of those traditions! Get up earlier for an old-fashioned pancake breakfast if this activity would bring your family closer. Listen to your children’s favorite CD (if you can tolerate it) for a peaceful car ride to church. Don’t be drawn into discussions about attending Mass. Keep communication open but make it clear that some rules aren’t negotiable. Listen to your children and find out why they don’t want to attend Mass. Look for ways to help the eucharistic celebration become more meaningful to them. As children grow older, they learn that some rules aren’t negotiable. As much as they might like to drive a car at 13, they have to wait until the state says they are old enough. Families have rules that are firm, too, and children must wait until they are old enough to make their own decisions. Parents must decide what aspects are flexible. Is it enough that teens arrive with the parents? Or do they need to sit with the parents, too? When a teen gets a driver’s license, is it OK to choose a different Mass altogether? What consequences occur when teens don’t follow through? The church is the “family of God.” (CCC #1655) With Christ as the head of our family, we pray for divine guidance when making decisions about our children. – Dr. Cathleen McGreal T. Gennara
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eucharistic spirituality Pope John Paul II showed how sacrifice and thanksgiving can transform us s p i r i t u a l
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y heart was pounding with excitement and exhaustion. A group of us priests had traveled to Rome with other pilgrims from all over the world to be with the pope. We had little sleep in the 95-degree heat. I stayed the night on a hard cement floor with no pillow or blankets in the dorm where we lodged. The only consolation was that it was cooler than the bed. But none of that mattered now! I was moments away from seeing Pope John Paul II and celebrating the Eucharist with him. I was standing inside St. Peter’s Basilica with thousands of other people and a few hundred priests who had been given special tickets to be there. It was an incredible moment. Thousands of beautiful red roses surrounded the altar that was prepared for the Mass celebrating the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
And then the procession began: servers, readers, bishops, and finally Pope John Paul II. I was overwhelmed – not by the beauty of the basilica, or the procession of so June 2005
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many bishops, or the singing – all of which was stupendous – but by the pope. He could barely walk. He was thin and walked as though the weight of the world were on his back. Yet he walked without
assistance, save for his pastoral staff with a crucifix attached to it. He made slow progress to the altar, blessing people all the way. He then bent a little bit more and kissed the altar as though it were Christ. As Mass began, his voice was strong and his words deliberate. We experienced a living witness to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As the pope prayed the words Jesus used at the Last Supper, he was one with the Lord’s sacrifice. It was evident that he loved the Lord and was at the altar with him. He was dying with Jesus. His progressive Parkinson’s disease was slowly taking away his motor abilities. It was taking away his physique, his ability to speak clearly, his ability to walk. In 1981, he had survived a near-fatal assassination attempt. His first words as the pope had been, “Be not afraid.” He did not let that assassination attempt stop him from traveling the world and shepherding his huge flock, nor was he letting his illness stop him. What wonder! As George Weigel put it in his papal biography, “The sheer drama www.FAITHmag.com
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of Karol Wojtyla’s life would defy the imagination of the most fanciful screenwriter.” For our spiritual fitness this month, we focus on sacrifice and the Eucharist. The two concepts are truly married in the Mass. I could think of no better example of eucharistic spirituality than what the world has seen in Pope John Paul II. Eucharistic spirituality centers on Jesus and his self-oblation to God his Father. This is what we celebrate at every Mass with thankful hearts. The word “Eucharist” means “to give thanks!” When we look at the life of John Paul II, we see how a life of sacrifice and thanksgiving unfolded. All of our lives are filled with opportunities for union with Jesus. For John Paul II, sacrifice was first seen in his parents’ lives. His mother died before he turned 10. His loving and religious father wanted to give him the best. Young Karol was very bright – also an athlete and actor. He attended university to pursue a possible theatrical career. But everything changed with the beginning of World War II. Acting was put on hold. During Germany’s occupation of Poland, Karol
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served as a quarryman, blaster and manual laborer. Suffering and sacrifice were all around him. He joined an underground cultural resistance movement and helped create a covert theater. One day, he was struck by a German military car and left for dead. He knew God had protected him. At this point, and after the local parish priests had been shipped off to Dachau, he grew in prayer, and in love of the church and Mass. He saw the sacrificial love of Christ in the lives around him. He began to imitate more and more of what he saw and experienced. God was tugging at his heart. Would he give his life as a priest? Would he join Jesus to feed his flock and tend his lambs? When his father died, Karol’s vocational struggle intensified. “He eventually enrolled in the clandestine seminary run by the heroic archbishop of Krakow – as a seminarian, he lived from day to day in a world where yesterday’s classmate ... becomes tomorrow’s martyr ...” (From Witness to Hope by George Weigel) Karol Wojytla did not let fear or threat stop him. He listened to St. Paul’s exhortation to the Romans to “... offer your
spiritual exercise – eucharistic spirituality This is the Year of the Eucharist. For this month, our spiritual exercises will focus on sacrifice and the Eucharist. Sacrifice time to spend first with God, then with family, and with those who may be lonely. Here are some ways to do that: • Spend an hour with Jesus in any church. Some churches have hours of special adoration. • Spend time each day, and especially on Sundays, with your family. • Visit a local nursing home or homeless shelter. See how you can give of yourself to charitable outreach. • How has God called you to sacrifice by doing your daily duty? Thank God for each way you can offer sacrifice. We become “living sacrifices of praise!” Reflect on how your sacrifice feeds and gives life to others. • Prayerfully read Exod. 12; Exod. 24; John 1:29; John 19; Matt. 26:26-30. • Pray the Litany of the Eucharist (if possible, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament).
bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will; what is good, pleasing and perfect.” (cf.Rom 12:1) Karol Wojtyla eventually became a priest, university faculty member, bishop, archbishop of Krakow and cardinal. On Oct. 16, 1978, at the age of 58, he was elected the first non-Italian pope in 455 years and the first Slavic pope ever. His motto was totus tuus – totally yours. That says it all. He lived that motto from day one. It is hard to imagine all that he did as pope – the travel, the general audiences and televsion appearances are truly amazing. How did he do it? With Jesus! Jesus gives himself to us fully, truly, and substantially in holy Communion, and he empowers us to do the same. When we receive Jesus in the form of bread and wine, we become united to his very being. His body is a visible symbol of merciful sacrifice. His blood is a visible symbol of love. “No greater love is there than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The gift of Christ in the Eucharist transforms us into “living bread.” We become Christ’s body and blood. We become what we eat. This is eucharistic spirituality. – Fr. Bill Ashbaugh
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FAITH exclusive: Barabara Hall’s faith illuminates her television series, Joan of Arcadia F A I T H
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discussions about God and I have theological discussions. Since this life experience of converting, if I don’t see the spiritual value in a relationship, I don’t have it. I’m not talking about religion, but about spirituality. One of the things that’s different between Protestantism and Catholicism is the idea of community. I wasn’t raised with that; it’s something that we had to be taught and I’m still getting it. And so, that’s something I’ve learned since converting. FAITH: I’ve noticed God is always a surprise to Joan in the series. Where in your life has God surprised you?
Barbara Hall created and produces Joan of Arcadia.
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hen Joan Girardi meets someone new, she never knows whether it’s God or not. That’s the premise of Joan of Arcadia, the CBS series Barbara Hall created and produces. Joan is a teenager who finds God in all kinds of people – the lunch lady at the school cafeteria, a cute guy in the hallway. In an early show, Joan asks God, “Why are you appearing to me?” And God answers, “I’m not appearing to you – you’re seeing me.”
FAITH talked to Barbara Hall to find out more about her vision of the world, as expressed by Joan; and her vision of God, as expressed through her conversion to Catholicism. FAITH: Tell us about your conversion to Catholicism. I was born and raised Methodist. I went through the RCIA process – I was taught by an ex-nun. She was much like the exnun who appears on Joan of Arcadia, but June 2005
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wasn’t into surfing and smoking like that character is. She taught me in a Catholic bookstore after hours. FAITH: It’s interesting that Joan sees God in a variety of people and relationships, not as an otherworldly experience. Are there people in your life who are a reflection of God for you? In a weird way, I’d have to say everybody. I have people with whom I have
I’ve just found that God is always surprising; there is always some sort of cooperation and participation on my part. When I’m not having any guidance or finding only silence from God, it has a lot to do with my unwillingness to look. And so that’s what the relationship is supposed to be saying, in a way. You’re supposed to understand that when she [Joan] doesn’t see him, it’s because she isn’t looking. It’s much more about being aware, being conscious; looking for God everywhere. FAITH: I’m a little envious that Joan gets specific instructions from God – along the lines of “I’m God and this is what you’re supposed to do.” Although he doesn’t always tell her ‘why.’ And that’s up to her to see. And to me, that’s very much our relationship with God. It’s up to us to look back and see why. And I think often our frustration is not knowing why. And I very much am a big believer that if you have an instinct to do something that feels guided, you should do it. And you should not ask why. FAITH: That was my next question: How do you have that experience in your own life of God telling you what he wants you to do and how can you tell it’s God? Interview by Elizabeth Solsburg
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I always trust my feelings – how I instinctively feel about something. If I’m about to embark on something and I feel any sort of dread or discomfort or just being offcentered about it, even if it seems to make sense, I will pay attention to that. And then if I approach something that seems to make no sense but it feels right, then I’ll do that. Developing Joan is a classic example of that. I had the idea, I developed it, I started writing it. Then halfway through, I didn’t want to do it because I didn’t know what it was going to be, week to week. I picked up the phone to call the network and say, ‘I don’t want to do this,’ and I had a really strong sense that it wasn’t any of my business what happened to it after I wrote it. It was my business to write it and that’s what I did. This sense is not an intellectual thing and it’s hard to get people to understand. FAITH: For Joan, one premise is that everybody has a choice and that everybody can say ‘no’ to God, which is a great model of Mary’s choice. Is Joan afraid of repercussions or punishment if she says ‘no’ to God? Or are you? What I finally understood, and I’m trying to get Joan to understand, is that you can say ‘no.’ It’s going to be harder if you do. And what God is always trying to get Joan to believe on the show is that it’s also for her own good. And that it won’t necessarily feel good or look good, but that ultimately, it benefits her. I think that’s the struggle we all have with God, too; the failure to believe that it’s for our own good. It’s like when I’m fasting during Lent and people will say, ‘God doesn’t care if you have chocolate or whatever you give up.’ But it’s not for him, it’s for me. Because he’s set, I figure. Master of the universe – he doesn’t need me to give up chocolate. FAITH: I notice that your daughter’s name is Faith. We really like that here – is there any special significance or was it just a name you liked?
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Not significant at all and in fact rather embarrassing now that I’ve converted to Catholicism. Her father and I were not practicing any religion and he picked her name. It’s just a name we both liked and now it seems significant. And of course, there’s a little bit of a story in that. I was told by three different doctors that I wasn’t pregnant. I didn’t believe them; I don’t know why in the world I didn’t believe them and yet – I do [know]. FAITH: On a more serious note, rape is a recurring theme in much of your work, including Joan and Judging Amy. I know you were raped in 1997; how has your faith played a role in recovering from that experience and the subsequent legal experience of the rapist’s trials? My journey, or spiritual curiosity, had begun before that. And what it really did was escalate it. Because I suddenly realized I needed bigger tools and I needed them fast. Really, what it was for me was that it made me understand the metaphor of death and resurrection. It doesn’t just happen once; it happens over and over. Because I was a different person. Your immediate instinct is to go back to who you were, because it’s comforting. But that person is gone, and it’s the most startling thing to realize that that person has effectively died. So now you’re going to have to find someone to be. And that’s a really scary proposition. My choice after that was that I realized I could be diminished by the experience or I could grow from it. Those were my only two choices. So, I chose growth. FAITH: Do you think your relationship with God helped redeem that experience in some way for you?
Joan meets God in a variety of guises.
Actually, it was the opposite. That experience helped me understand my relationship with God. In a weird way, it created so much self-examination and introspection and the whole notion of ‘to know yourself is to know God’ – it was that experience in a way. FAITH: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about Joan ? I’d just like everybody to watch it. I want it to come back for a third season. We think a lot about the theology in the show and we don’t take it lightly. We try to make it as complicated as it really is. Joan was sort of isolated at the beginning of the show, but you’ll see in the season finale, that God is showing Joan that she’s been building her own community the entire time. Joan has figured out that you have these people in your life for a reason and they’re there to teach you and help you and it’s up to you to return the favor. That’s part of having a relationship with God. It’s not just a one-on-one thing.
For more: Read an expanded version of Barbara Hall’s interview only on www.FAITHmag.com
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Sacred Heart Parish remembers one of its own
St. Gerard’s new space St. Gerard Parish, Lansing is wrapping up its Respecting Our Past ... Building Our Future construction project, which was implemented in February 2004 as a result of steady annual growth in the parish and a limited capacity to serve parishioners’ needs. The $7.5-million project included an expansion of the church; a new wing to the school; a parish hall and office complex, with specific additions such as a youth room; a kitchen for funeral luncheons and overflow seating for 150 Mass attendees. Bishop Mengeling will preside at a dedication on June 12. – Sara Teller
Math counts at St. Martha School St. Martha School in Okemos sent three teams of seventh- and eighth-graders to the 2005 Math Counts Competition at Michigan State University. The teams did extremely well and were selected to attend the state-level competition in Warren, Mich. Robert Harrison won the overall competition, receiving a college scholarship bond and a trophy. He and fellow student Kelsey Behan received first- and second-place trophies in the countdown round of the competition. The students are pictured wearing their “Problem Child” T-shirts, specially designed for the competition.
Siena Heights University honors alumni Siena Heights University honored six former students, including a couple from Adrian, during its alumni Mary and Mark Murray awards day on March 15. The honorees were recognized for their work on behalf of peace, justice and betterment of various communities. Mary and Mark Murray of Adrian are small-business owners and community counselors. They serve as mentors and counselors at St. Mary Parish, Adrian and are active volunteers in the community and church. June 2005
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When Donald Montcalm, a long-time parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish in Flint, died in February, nobody came forward to claim his body or plan his funeral. Donald, 77, was a mentally disabled resident of a nearby adult foster care home. He was a fixture at Sacred Heart, walking over for Mass in all but the coldest weather. Ethel Hooker, pastoral manager, remembers, “He was an usher for us. He always arrived earlier than anyone else and was very dependable.” Donald told everyone at Sacred Heart that his entire family was dead and that he had no one. After Donald’s death, parishioner Rudy Verdun was determined to locate a relative, no matter how distant, so that Donald’s body could be released from the morgue and given a proper burial. After an exhaustive Internet search, relatives were found in the Detroit area. Although his siblings were dead, Donald had several nieces and nephews. They had lost track of Donald over the years, and had not known how to reach him. A number of them came to the funeral the parish arranged. Ethel Hooker says Donald’s final gift was that “he united his biological and spiritual families.”
A new residence for Catholic women in Ann Arbor St. Thomas Parish, Ann Arbor, announced that its former parish office building will now become a residence for single Catholic women who are discerning their vocations. St. Catherine House – A Generation Christ Residence is accepting applications for the 2005 fall semester. Fundraising for initial renovation of the house has begun. Interested applicants for the house, those wishing to learn more, as well as people interested in making a donation to the project, can contact Karmen Saran at ksaran@rc.net or call 734.761.8606 x2903.
No Question Left Behind, a book for teens by teens A group of Catholic teens and young adults authored a Q-and-A book for teenagers, which is being published by the Midwest Theological Forum. Eight of the 10 writers are from the Diocese of Lansing. The book has a tentative Advent publication date and is edited by Maureen Wittmann. www.FAITHmag.com
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July 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topics include Mystery of the Triune God; Mary, the Saints and Eternal Life; Church; Moral Development; Social Justice. For more information, contact Diane Dover at 517.467.2106.
june café events St. Therese Parish, Lansing will host a Lansing region mystagogy program on the last Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m., beginning in June. A different theme will be discussed each month. Refreshments will be served. The sessions are open to those who have recently entered the church, those who entered through RCIA in the past and those who are thinking about becoming Catholic in the future. Come to any or all of the sessions. Call Tony Sperendi at 517.487.2650 for more information. St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish, Adrian is presenting Opportunities in the Sun, a three-day catechist formation experience. All 22 of the diocesan catechist topics will be offered Tues.Thurs., July 26-28, from 4-6 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Topics of interest to everyone will be offered and the sessions are open to all. Child care and dinner are offered every evening; the cost is $7 per class. Call Mary Quick at 517.265.4160 for more information. Catechist formation and Vacation Bible School will be offered at St. Joseph Shrine, Brooklyn for five consecutive Thursdays, June 23-
Summer Evenings at the Lake, catechist formation and adult faith formation, will be offered July 11-15 at St. Mary on the Lake Church, Manitou Beach. Sessions are scheduled from 6-8 p.m., with an optional potluck at 5:30 p.m. Topics include Overview of the Bible, Old Testament Themes, Key People of the Old Testament, New Testament Gospels and New Testament Acts and Letters. Call 517.547.7496 for more information. Nuts and Bolts is a training conference for those who work with youth or young adults, or who would like to. This year’s theme is “Let Jesus Grab You” and will feature speakers Mike Patin and Joan Weber. The conference will be held at Weber’s Inn, Ann Arbor, Aug 26-28. Call Kimmel at 517.342.2484 for more information. Summer Scripture Days is a chance for adults to increase their Scripture-based knowledge, reflect on their faith, and be empowered to pass on their faith to families and others. This year’s topic is Luke and Acts, People Sharing God’s Love and will be held June 28-30 at Bethany House, DeWitt and Aug. 9-11 at Weber Center, Adrian. Call 517.342.2458 or e-mail lrogge@dioceseoflansing.org for more information.
things to do The diocesan Department of Formation is hosting meetings for persons discerning church vocations. If you feel called to priesthood, the permanent diaconate, lay ecclesial ministry, consecrated life, foreign or home missions, or theological studies, you are invited to attend a session at St. Mary Church, Chelsea, Thurs., June 2 at 7 p.m.; the Diocesan Center, Lansing, Sun. June 5 at 2 p.m. or Wed., June 8 at 7 p.m.; St. Pius Church, Flint, Tues., June 7 at 7 p.m. Call 517.342.2504 or e-mail mfedewa@dioceseoflansing.org for more information. The Office of Black Catholic Ministry invites everyone to attend the fourth annual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Sept. 1-4. Cost for the trip is $180 and space is limited. Registration deadline is Aug.1. For more information, call 517.342.2496. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Flint, will celebrate its 48th annual Fiesta Mexicana, June 17-19. Live entertainment, Mexican food, carnival rides and games will be available. A raffle with a top prize of $5,000 is scheduled. Visit www.fiestamexicana.org for more information. A Young Adult Picnic, Youth Mass and Summer Concert is coming to Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton on July 10. the picnic will be held from noon to 5:00 p.m., followed by an outdoor Mass. A concert will follow. Contact 810.743.4381 for more information.
june readings
Sunday, June 5 Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Hos 6:3-6 Ps 50:1,8,12-13,14-15 Rom 4:18-25 Matt 9:9-13 Sunday, June 12 Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Exod 19:2-6a Ps 100:1-3,5 Rom 5:6-11 Matt 9:36-10:8 Sunday, June 19 Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time Jer 20:10-13 Ps 69:8-10,14,17,33-35 Rom 5:12-15 Matt 10:26-33 Sunday, June 26 Thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time 2 Kgs 4:8-11,14-16a Ps 89:2-3,16-19 Rom 6:3-4,8-11 Matt 10:37-42
Ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for Sat., June 11 at 10:30 a.m. The location for ordination has been changed; it will take place at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing. Rachel Lampa, a Catholic musical artist, will be in concert Sat., June 4 at 6:30 p.m. for Swartz Creek Hometown Days. The musical evening will be held at Swartz Creek High School. For more information, visit www.smile.fm. Protecting God’s Children, a program to prevent child sexual abuse, has sessions scheduled in late summer and early fall: Aug. 18, 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary, Williamston; Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. at St. John, Jackson; Aug. 27, 1 p.m. at St. Joseph Academy, Adrian; Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m. at St. Pius X School, Flint.
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what I’ve learned priests celebrating anniversaries share their wisdom p r i e s t
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his year, several priests of our diocese will celebrate the 25th and 50th anniversaries of their ordinations to the priesthood. FAITH asked them what they have learned in their years of ministry. “Right now I am in a time of Fr. Brendan K. Ledwidge transition,” says Fr. Ordained June 4, Brendan K. 1955 Ledwidge, looking back over his 50 years in the priesthood. If he could talk with young Brendan Ledwidge, he would offer the same advice he follows himself today. “Pray, listen, think and then act without delay when a “I think God has decision is reached. called me to go “I think God has called me to go through through a certain amount of suffering a certain amount of suffering along with joy. along with joy. By By trying to follow the example of Christ, I trying to follow the feel I can shine God’s light into the world. “After I retired, I started a mission for example of Christ, migrant workers near my hometown I feel I can shine God’s light into the [Pinckney, Michigan]. They weren’t being served, so they didn’t have access to the world.” sacraments. I volunteered at that mission from 1990 to 2002. I learned quite a lot from those people and their devotion to our Lady of Guadalupe. They taught me how to slow down and put more in the hands of Our Lord and his Blessed Mother. “When I would give Communion to people, I would feel blessed to be an instrument of God’s grace. I have been most aware of God’s presence when making visits to the Blessed Sacrament. I just feel Our Lord’s presence and it gives me such a sense of peace. “Heaven is the place I want to be. There we will have everlasting happiness with God, the saints and angels. It will be a joyful reunion with our loved ones.”
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“I believe God calls me to Fr. Michael Kuchar continually be Ordained Sept. 20, open to the cre1980 ative and diverse ways to use my gift of faith and my call to holy orders to proclaim and build the reign of God,” says Fr. Michael Kuchar. Celebrating his 25th year in the priest“I believe my hood, Fr. Mike was serving as a missionunique call is to ary in San Salvador, El Salvador, at the minister to people time of his interview. of diverse cultures “I believe my unique call is to minisand experiences.” ter to people of diverse cultures and experiences. As a youth and young adult, I spent my vacations with people of diverse cultures. From
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those experiences, I felt a call to give some years of my life enabling people of diverse cultures and experiences. “I especially shine God’s light into the world when I extend hospitality and reach out to those abandoned by society. Hope and happiness shine on their faces as they are welcomed, encouraged and valued.” Thinking back to his younger self, growing up at St. Joseph Parish in Owosso, Fr. Mike reflects on the way faith and the word helped shape his mission-driven family. He also remembers how prayer, community service and interaction with others shaped his vocation decision. His advice to that young man would be: “Search and reach for what brings passion to your heart. Be open. Be surprised by God in ways yet to be imagined. Choose and have a passion for life. “Like St. Paul, I believe that eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor has it even entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love God. While I don’t think of heaven often, I believe I’ve seen glimpses of it as I experience peace, harmony, faithful love and God’s beauty in creation. ” “As I get older, the Fr. Paul Cummings whole economy Ordained June 4, of salvation 1955 gets simpler and simpler,” says Fr. Paul Cummings. At 79, he delights in sharing the lessons he’s learned in his 50 years of priesthood. “Because it’s simple, I find “God is not a prob- that I keep repeating myself.” He laughs, “I have to move around!” lem to be solved, He first retired in 1996. Since then, but a mystery to be Fr. Paul has taken three parishes and lived. Like fish in the ocean, we’re all has filled in for various parish priests immersed in God.” when illness or sabbaticals have taken them from their churches. At interview time, he was serving the people of St. John, Jackson, which is his home parish. “Jesus is the word that God spoke. In life, it’s what you do that matters, not what you say. Jesus could have walked through life with masking tape on his mouth and still told us how to be alive. When he spoke, he was just explaining how it works. “Put yourself in God’s shoes. God enjoys friends, so he created us with the capacity to become one. The choice is ours. You can love a person, but you can’t make them love you. God has made us needy and needed. He has shown us how to give away our lives in order to find life. God needs us to get the kingdom he wants. We need others to get the life we want. This is the kingdom we keep asking God to make happen. “God is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived. Like fish in the ocean, we’re all immersed in God. We get up in the morning and spend each day exploring the waters, but we never solve the mystery. We just become more a part of it.”
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As he celebrates his 25th anniversary Fr. Phillip Sessions of ordination to the Ordained Sept. 20, priesthood, Fr. 1980 Phillip Sessions reflects on his youth, growing up at St. Casimir Parish in Lansing. If he could go back in time and speak to his younger self, Fr. Phil would say: “Relax! It’s not about you! It’s not about “It is about being your agenda, your control of things, or faithful to a deep even your vision of how things ought to be. conviction, a deep desire, a deep voice It’s not about systems or politics or getting that is not your own. ahead in the world, or even the church for that matter. It is about being faithful to a It is about being faithful to the Gospel deep conviction, a deep desire, a deep voice that is not your own. It is about being faithof Jesus Christ.” ful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “What I am about is not me. Hopefully I reflect Christ in the way I speak and act and respond – in and through my gifts and talents, my spirit, my mind and my body. When Jesus said he came to do the will of the one who sent him and that he and the Father are one, I believe he was saying he came to reflect the one who shone from and through him, in spirit, mind and body. I try to imitate Christ as best I can. “In my position as San Diego Hospice chaplain, I would say God’s presence is always with the dying. Sometimes it’s like lifting the veil to see God’s presence, both for the patient and the grieving families. “As a weekend presider, I have been most aware of God’s presence at the Eucharist. Vatican II stated the Eucharist is the summit toward which all of life is directed and the fount from which everything flows. The Eucharist is the great uploading of our lives to God and the downloading of God’s immeasurable grace to us.”
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“One of my favorite Scripture verses is Matthew 10:8. When Jesus was sending his apostles out on their first mission, he told them, ‘The gift you have received, give as a gift.’ I believe my priesthood is God’s gift to me, and I have tried to share that gift to the best “I believe my of my ability.” priesthood is God’s For the past 50 years, Monsignor gift to me, and I Sylvester Fedewa has been sharing that gift have tried to share with the people of the Diocese of Lansing. that gift to the best Having served 10 parishes and at various of my ability.” diocesan assignments during his career, Monsignor Sy has brought his gift to thousands of lives. Now in retirement, he resides at his home parish, St. Mary, Westphalia. He continues to minister as needed there and in
50 Monsignor Sylvester Fedewa Ordained Dec. 8, 1954 (in Rome)
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other parishes around the diocese. “I entered the seminary at age 14 and decided to become a diocesan priest to work in parish ministry. I believe this is where I can do the most good. I never felt called to any other form of ministry. “I have been most aware of God’s presence in my life in celebrating the sacraments. When I see how the sacraments influence people’s lives, and how people change, then I see the power of God at work. “When I think of how I bring light into the world, I think especially of the ministry of presence. As a priest, I have tried to be available to people when they needed someone – making hospital visits or being with someone in time of crisis. I am amazed at how often people recall what I did many years ago when they needed a priest. Although what I did might have been something simple, my presence meant so much to them at that time. For me, this ministry of presence means bringing the light of Christ into the world.” “A few years after ordiFr. Fred Thelen nation, I worked Ordained Sept. 20, as a Maryknoll 1980 missionary in the mountains of southern Peru. I served in a number of ways, including seminarian formation,” explains Fr. Fred Thelen. This native son of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Fowler looks back over his 25 years of “My call to priestpriesthood, remembering the moment he hood has always was most aware of God’s presence. been tied to work“One day I was teaching pre-seminary ing for peace and social justice, realiz- students on spirituality and prayer, dising that this is at the cussing the connections between the Bible and their ancient Quechuan and heart of living our Aymaran cultures. The core of their tradiCatholic faith.” tions holds that all life comes forth from Pachamama – Mother Earth. One young man questioned whether this included human life. “I felt led by the Spirit to read them the second story of creation, about how God formed us ‘out of the clay of the ground.’ In a profound dialogue, we realized how their cultural tradition was affirmed by the biblical story. I saw the worlds of the Bible and their culture connecting for them. “As I drove away that day, looking across the rugged landscape of mountains, fields and lake, I felt myself taken up on a mystical experience of God present in and through all of creation – their world of Pachamama breaking into mine. I am not sure how I kept the vehicle on the road! It was a moment of grace that affirmed the call that led me to Peru. “My call to priesthood has always been tied to working for peace and social justice, realizing that this is at the heart of living our Catholic faith. That call led me to Peru, where God shaped me in ways I never expected – and to Cristo Rey Church, where now I am blessed to serve as pastor. I am also coordinator of Pax Christi Michigan, part of the international Catholic peace movement.”
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Bishop Carl F. Mengeling announces the following assignments and transfers, effective June 29, 2005 unless otherwise noted. Rev. Peter Clark from: parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton. to: pastor of St. Mary Parish, Williamston. Rev. Terrance Dumas from: pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Ann Arbor. to: senior priest status. Rev. Thomas M. Firestone, CSSR from: sabbatical/pastor of St. Mary Student Parish, Ann Arbor. to: pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, Flint. Rev. Gerald L. Gawronski from: parochial vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing. to: pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Ann Arbor. Rev. Thomas J. Helfrich, OSFS from: pastor of St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish, Adrian. to: other ministry within the Oblate Community of St. Francis de Sales.
Rev. Roger L. Prokop from: pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor. to: senior priest status. Rev. Karl Pung from: advanced studies at the North American College, Casa Santa Maria, Rome. to: chairman of the diocesan Department of Formation. Rev. Msgr. Steven J. Raica from: superior of Casa Santa Maria, North American College, Rome. to: chancellor of the Diocese of Lansing. Rev. Robert Roggenbuck from: parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Ann Arbor. to: chaplain at Luke M. Powers High School, Flint. Rev. Thomas W. Thompson from: pastor of St. Mary Parish, Williamston. to: senior priest status.
Rev. Msgr. Robert Lunsford from: diocesan chancellor. to: senior priest status.
Rev. Dennis Howard (photo not available) from: assisting at Mt. Zion Pastoral Center, Flushing. to: also assisting with weekend ministry at St. Pius X Parish, Flint.
Rev. Jeffrey O. Njus from: parochial vicar at St. Patrick Parish, Brighton. to: pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Ann Arbor.
Rev. John Bosco Padamattamal (photo not available) from: parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing. to: parochial vicar at St. John the Evangelist, Fenton.
Rev. Douglas Osborn from: pastor of St. John Vianney, Flint. to: senior priest status.
Rev. Robert Schramm, OSFS (photo not available) from: the Diocese of Saginaw. to: pastor of St. Mary of Good Counsel Parish, Adrian.
Additionally, the following men will be ordained on June 11 and will begin their assignments after ordination.
Bishop Albers Trust Fund helps seminarians fund their educations
Rev. Mr. Charles Canoy to: parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Ann Arbor.
Bishops Zaleski and Sullivan established the Joseph H. Albers Trust Fund in 1972, in order to assist diocesan seminarians financially. The fund provides a substantial source of revenue for seminary education and formation at the university level. It enables young men, who might not be able to afford seminary tuition, to discern their vocations to the priesthood. The fund is administered by a committee comprising eight lay people, three priests and a permanent secretary. Fr. Jerry Vincke, the director of seminarians for the diocese, chairs the committee. The trust is a self-supporting endowment and distributions are made only from its interest and dividends. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact the trust’s secretary, Jane Sessions, at 517.342.2504.
Rev. Mr. Steve Mattson to: parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing. Rev. Mr. Michael O’Brien to: parochial vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Lansing. Rev. Mr. Jeffrey Allen Poll to: parochial vicar at St. Patrick Parish, Brighton. June 2005
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Rev. Mr. Gordon Reigle to: parochial vicar at St. Andrew Parish, Saline.
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Bishop Mengeling: diocesan Mass gives thanks for Pope Benedict XVI
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n Sunday, April 24, at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing, Bishop Mengeling presided over a Mass of thanksgiving for the election of Pope Benedict XVI.
During his homily, Bishop Mengeling spoke warmly about the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. He said the new pope has, for 78 years, “centered his life on Christ and his church. He and John Paul II were [very close] … and the two of them were of one mind. “We are blessed in this succession. Cardinal Ratzinger was the defender of the faith. Some people don’t like that. It means that he’s conservative! He must be conservative; I must be conservative. We’re not talking Democrat and Republican … conservative of the truths of the faith. That’s essential. That can never change. It’s Christ yesterday, today and forever. The truths of the faith must remain intact. … That continuity in truth is essential. … We need truth. “I want to share with you a wonderful visit I had with [Cardinal Ratzinger] about a year ago. … he is so meek and mild. I don’t think he’s ever raised his voice in his life. I cannot imagine him losing his temper or becoming angry. He’s a beautiful person in every way: kind, generous. After the meeting I stayed and had a private meeting for quite a while. … We went outdoors together … and he and I shook hands … and he called my name from about 20 feet away and he said, to emphasize again what he’d said in the meeting, ‘Teach, teach, teach! That’s the way you make a difference.’ “When you and I think of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, he’s aware of that too. He said over and over that it makes you fearful. Yet he repeated a number of times the words we heard in the Gospel today, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.’ Then he said so beautifully that ‘yes, I’m aware of who I am. I’m aware I’m Joseph. But the Lord is going to take care of the Benedict part.’ “[Pope Benedict spoke about his predecessor, saying] ‘I can feel his strong hand squeezing mine. I seem to see his smiling eyes.’ That’s true. I had an audience with John Paul II last May 9 … he had brilliant blue eyes, brilliant light blue … and he had that focus on you the whole time, that smiling eye. “[Pope Benedict invoked John Paul’s words,] ‘Do not be afraid.’ That’s the new pope speaking. That is a humble man of God. And aren’t we blessed; we’re blessed like we always have been. … he is a believer and a deeply spiritual man who loves the Lord.”
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fter the death of Pope John Paul II, and before the conclave to elect his successor, the College of Cardinals participated in a General Congregation, a series of daily meetings in which they discussed matters needing immediate attention as well as the general state of the church. It was a setting in which the cardinals shared their positions on where the church should be heading in the light of where it had been in the recent past. During one of those sessions a number of cardinals based their thinking on the church’s canon law. This prompted Cardinal Ratzinger to remark, “We know what canon law says, but what should our pastoral response be?” This must have caused some of the cardinals to sit up and take notice. Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, hails from Bavaria, a land steeped in Baroque art, music and architecture. Baroque was a style adopted by the church in her counter-reformation movement. Its form celebrates the glory of God through an exaltation of all that is human – taking what is dissonant, complex and convoluted in our human nature and shaping it into an overall balanced beauty. It is the chief artistic expression of Christian humanism. It nurtured young Joseph Ratzinger during his formative years. The church has a rich tradition in the use of symbols, something Pope John Paul II employed to great effect. Clearly, Pope Benedict XVI is following in that path, using symbols to express his vision of where he hopes to lead the church during his pontificate. Pope Benedict’s relationship with the media is noteworthy. Following his meeting with governmental representatives to the Vatican, his second group meeting was with more than 1,000 media representatives. He openly and gratefully thanked them for their efforts during the final days of Pope John Paul’s life and the days after his death. He also acknowledged their coverage of the activities of the church surrounding his own election as bishop of Rome. I am hopeful that local bishops and pastors will follow his example and work more closely and openly with media representatives. Can we truthfully say the media are hostile to the church? Pope Benedict has a faith that dares to walk nakedly before doubt and disbelief in order to discover the truth of what it means to be a Christian. His words and actions are not fear-based. He is not taking the church into isolation; he is not insulating himself, or the church he guides, by the use of condemnations and harsh legalities. Evidently, he truly believes that “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17) Do we? – Fr. Charlie Irvin
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300 W. Ottawa Lansing, MI 48933 Online:
www.DioceseofLansing.org www.FAITHmag.com
The Outreach Mass: Sundays On TV:
Flint: Lansing:
FOX 66 10 a.m. WHTV, UPN 18 10 a.m. WLAJ, ABC 53 at 6 a.m.
On Radio: Mass, 11 a.m. on WJIM 1240 AM
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