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omehow I always knew that Sundays were special. From the earliest 1 can remember, my parents made that very clear to me and my brother, Mark. Of course, it's a little hard to see that when, as a young person, you're startled out of a sound sleep in order to get ready for 7 a.m. Sunday Mass. We went as a family and we always went to the first Sunday morning Mass. The special nature of Sunday didn't stop with Mass. Like clockwork, my grandfathers immen~e Buick LeSabre would pull mto my parents' driveway at precisely 1 p.m . I always looked forward to Grandpa's arrival because it signaled the next part of our Sunday would soon be underway.. With my dad at the helm of the giant Buick, we would all venture to a nursery to pick up plants for the garden, take a trip out to an apple orchard for cider and donuts, or just drive into the Lil1e cloc/n"orll, my country to see the sights. There was no pattern but it was grandfather~ immense completely predictable. Buicll LeSabre wou/cl Dinner followed the Sunday drive. Afterwards, it was time to pack up leftovers for Grandpa so he could make his pre~ pull into my parc111s' cisely scheduled departure at 4 p.m. The rest of the day was driveway at precisely taken up with homework and neighborhood friends . That I p.m. l always lool1ed was Sunday. I think I can count on one hand the number of times it wasn't hke that until my grandfathers death in 1995. fon\lard to Grandpa~ Sunday was, and still is, reserved for God and family - not anival because it sig¡ working, but accomplishing a great deal. nalcd tl1e next part of In a culture that seems to be ever more consumed with "what do you do?'' it seems to me we could learn a lesson our Sunday ... from Sunday and our need to balance work with healthy and relaxing leisure. I think the lesson that Sunday teaches is this: we are not what we do. Instead, our value is measured more by how we are m the world. The Sundays of my childhood taught me what it means to be a child of God in all its richness. We offer worship to God because that'S what we need to do as pan of our very bemg. Sunday is about being in God's presence in church and about taking time to rest in that. Our leisure can open us to the divine If we allow it to do so. This issue of FAITH Magazine focuses on the interplay between work and leisure. Jonathan Bower, his parents, and the Giving Tree Farm show that our true worth is not so much measured by what we're able to produce, as by how we love and how we reflect God's love to one another. This issue also features the oldest employee of the diocese. What keeps this 93-year-old going? And, our The Sundays of My columnists talk about how our work can offer us a Childhood Taught Me tremendous sense of accomplishment and a means Something - How to of putting to use the gifts and skills that God has so Be a Child of God richly bestowed upon each of us. All this and more awaits you on another journey in FAITH. G E-mail Fr. Dwight a letter to the editor at: le!ters@jaithmag.com Fr. Dwight Ezop is pastor of the Carltolic Community of St. jude, DeWitt
New Editor New E·Mall Same Postal Address
Most Reverend Carl F. Mengeling PU8UIHER
etter
Rev Charles Irvin POUHOING £DITOit
Volume 2 : luue 8 Send your leiters to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ollawa Lansing, Ml48933 or via e-mall lettert' f•llhmag.com
Jllly/Auaul 2001
Rev Dwight Ezop EDI10it IN CHIEP
Patrick M OlBrien MANAGING IIDITOR/CRUn¥£ DIRECTOR
Kathy Funk AAIITANT EIHTOR
Mollie Lauffer CREATIVE a EDnORW. AUIITANT WEIIMASTEJI
jillanejob IUIISCIItPnONS/HCRETAIIY
Evelyn Weitzel IUBSCIIIPTIONI
Rev. William Ashbaugh janet Cassidy joanne Fredal Elizabeth johnson Chrisuna Kirsh Rev joseph Krupp Ronald umdfair Theresa Landfair Patricia Majher Sonia Makled Dr. Cathleen McGreal jennifer Niester Erin Oakley Most Rev. Kenneth j. Povish Rev. Wayne Prist Michael Sulhvan
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Christine jones james Luning CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
james Lumng, Photography OH1HI!C:OVO
Wayne Case David Fenech Rev. Matthew Fedewa Patricia Garcia
Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev.james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD
Rev Karl Pung WI!B MINIITR'Y
Rogers Printing PRINTING
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I was really starting to enjoy FAITH Magazine ... until I read the May/june (2001) issue and your article on school shootings and tlte new concealed weapons bill O.Ocal News). 1 had no idea my Catholic Church tooh such a stance on this issue. How can the editors of this magazine put the atrocities of school shootings and the passage of the new concealed weapons bill on the same page and then condemn the new law by St4ggesting that it may cause more school violence?
Kirk Yaros
Dixie M. Cocagne
Gus Laroy
Easter Wednesday?
nlty gallaen:d on Sunday to eel· ebrate tl1e brealling of the bread (Acts 20:7). 3 Easter is always celebrated on Sunday. 4 Sunday is tiie first day a11d recalls tlae first day of creation. 5 Sunday is also die "ciglllll day" (tile cigl1tl1 day following tire sabbath) and sym· boli~es tlae beautiful perfection found in creation tlarougla CIIrbt's
Why Is Sunday the day for worship and rest? Why not Wednesday? by Fr. Dwigltt Ezop
Margaret Perrone
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Fr: Charles Irvin: What a mis· sionary you have been as founding editor of FAITH Magazine! I have enjoyed most of its content smce the beginmng and was pleased the Diocese of Lansing funded its publication. Your salute to the new editor can be read as poet'Y (May/june 2001). Thanh you for your good work and for being so gracious about the ensuing changes. 1 looh forward to seeing more of your w1itings in the magazine or in separate publications. Best wtshes for a fulfilling future!
()
Cotmti8UTING WRrT!RS
-
I wanted to write and send my appreciation for the efforts every· one puts fOJtlt to malw FAITH Magazine possible. ... One day I sta~tecl getting FAITH ... 1actually took it for a rdigious maga. zjne from some other doctrine but was VERY HAPPY AND SUR· PRISED to sec it was a publication fmm our own Catholic faith!!! What a refreshing change! It lias not been my experience to see our Catholic faith be more open and expressive hhe this. 1 was so pleased by this past issue (May/june) that I read it cover to cover one moming.
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On some level. we're just used to the pattern: Sunday is the lords day, the day we set aside for worship. On that day, we also should set aside the regular routine of life shopping, unnecessary work and other activities that can safely wait in favor of our life of prayer. But why on Sunday? Couldn't it be Wednesday or Friday? As Christians, we have set aside Sunday as our principal day for worship for several reasons. 1 jesus rose from tlac dead on a Sunday (Matthew 28:1). 2 Tlae early Christian commu·
res11rrection.
Sunday brings together Gods command and our humiln desire to offer public, heartfelt worship to God . Sunday is also a ume to free ourselves from our regular daily burdens and routines - while not ignonng our responsibilities - in order to focus more mtently on rest and relaxation. Sunday is a reminder that our very being flows from God.
FAITH Honored FAITH Magazine won six national awards from the Catholic Press Association
Out of hundreds of Catholic publications, FAITH Magazine was honored for the following: • Teen Issue: September 2000 • FAITHmag.com • Circulauon Promotions • jtm luning, Photography • Kathy Funk won second place for individual excellence as a
won first place for individual_..]~~~~:; excellence as a photographer/artist. W.'vemadeMme Improvements lo PAJTH, Including new, ....... ID r.d
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Saints foli Work and Play ank you Fr. Charlie magazine can only have one foundmg edit01: FAITH's was Fr: Charlie Irvin Without him, FAITH would only be an idea. We will all miss his insights and enthusiasm. But,fear not, FAITH readers. Tiu: staff hasn't let him Jade into retirement altogether: You can looh for him to show up from time to time: Web Exclusive F1: Charlie Interviews: John McHale, President and CEO of tire Detroit Tigers and St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, pmishione1: john McHale discusses his work and faith. It takes a lot of faith these days to run a baseball team. Find out more only on FAITHmag.com
5 Books of the Month
veers..._
ChiCken Soup for the Soul
at Work: 1 01 By jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen
OiHheiob
The Business Bible By Rabbi Wayne Dosfck
Inviting us to pause,
reflect, and act with the God who is already present, G~gory Pierce boldly confronts and honestly evaluates our struggle to.find meaning in the workplace. Unlike books that try to impose religion on the world of work, Spitituality@Work promotes an authentic spirituality that is rooted in the mtty-gritty of the workplace Pierce updates and expands the traditional categories of spirituality and work. He shows how each of us can . \tccessfully balanae our work ~th other aspects of life.
After three ,......, word of Benedfct"s holln•lblldwd • group of IIIOIIbt who Mkecl l*n to become ............... wamed them ...... war of . . would be too slrlct far them; but tiler Insisted. It w.M't too long, though, ...,... the monks BenecHct wn right. 1hey lltlemplo eel to poleoillilm ......... than lve under his mon•tlc rule&. 111* plot cldn't WOI'tt llenedlat blllled the pllaher of poisoned wine, which .... ........ Benecllc:t wrola what Is now caled -rhe Rule of SL llenecllct," which still ..,._ aommuMIIWflillou. Bfe1,100 The rule clvlded the monks' day lrilo periods of work punc:lu&led by fii'IIWW at spealftc tllnM of the d8y. This prayw- .... Divine Olllaa - also work: the work of God; Even • monk ,.,. from ... lilonuterJ'• c:h..,.t wu supposed to stop wh8tww labor ... wu dOing, filii to his ten-. and pray In communion with his r.uow moniCa. study of SarfPbn through up to four or ~ hours • clay- w.s .-. .-rt of the monks' wortc.
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sptrltUIIItyGWork 10 w.ys to biiiMc:e your lh By Gregory f. A. Pierce
Milny people Mek • bliiMce of work 8ncl play In their llwL Bul for St. llenedlctt whose r..t d8y Is JUfr 11, the .._. blil8nc:e wn towark 8ncl pray!' Benedict, the • ., of Western monallclsm anCI ~n of !urape, ..._.lila ride of communa, .....loas • on the principle of . . . et labora,........ pravw . . . wortc. Benedlalav.d 1.SOO ~ ... (480 A.D.-147 A.Do) Iii Nursla, a,..._ In the mountaiM north of Rome. As·a young man. he went to Rome to study, but WIIS IIIPft.d by the wild 0V. t.d by his fellow students. He tied SChool and ltv.c:l ~ a hermit In the mountalnaiOUih ol Rome, ...... Subiaco.
With AJilhllt We
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Have, Why
Pllrent•Chlld Retr.ets ~I Experiences
tor Children ~ a~ end lhefr PMents By Maggie Pike. Lynne
Knicllerbocker, Eleanor Sheehan, CS}, and Mary Ann Flglino, CS}
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gi'Widcllllitrwt . . your,._ time?.., • . , . . . thank vou to . . Anne lind St. Joachim, pidron Slilnts of gnndperwll8. CheCk out the 1st below for men .....,. time sa1nts. H you Wllnt to know how th~ got to .. the ....... of thllt edlvftV, trel to your ...... . . . , and aheak Uvea of .... Saliits." or vWt the Slllnls .-a- on the Wlb at www.alhollc.org.
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One day, as I walked toward the reconciliation chapel to hear confessions, a young boy came up to me. He was really excited about next year being his year to celebrate first recon· clllatlon, and he wanted to practice his Act of Contrition on me. I smiled and said, "Sure, let's hear it!' He took on a look of total concentration and began, flying through the
prayer without one mistake. He got to the end and said, " - I promise to sin no more and avoid - "Then he paused, looked at me and said, "Is that right? Sin no more?'' I smiled and nodded, so he seid, "Then why do I have to memorize the prayer?" No kidding, folks, that Is a totally true story! Doln' what we have to do, that's kind of the theme of this Issue of FAITH. Read on.
Fr. Joe: I have to work on Sunday. Am I sinning H I am supposed to keep the Sabbath day holy? It~ like my dad used to say, "Son, some tltings are lilte a ltorse in a teleplwnc bootlt -you just can't get
around it." Okay, Dad never said that ... but, if you can't get around it, then you can't. So, what do you do? First of all, make sure that whatever work you do, whenever you do it, you do it for the Lord, conscious of the gifts He gave you to make it possible. Second, make sure you get to church each weekend, and dedicate one day to God in a special way- paying special anention to family and friends, spending some extra time in prayer and just plain relaxing. God doesn't demand the impossible of us. God asks that we follow Him in the best way we can. Whenever we find ourselves m a situation where we aren't able to follow the leuer of the law, then we should be sure that we follow the heart of i -
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Fr. Joe: At work, they are replacing people with machines. Is that moral?
That is a tough one. Try this one on for a safe answer: sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. Let me explain. When is it moral? When it is necessary. When it does not violate the dignity of the human person or undermine the contributions of a safe working environment. In 1891 Pope Leo XHI wrote an encyclical entitled Rcnrm vanrm. In it, he said that it s the obligation of the worker to show up, work hard and honestly and provide for h1s or her family in an honorable fash1on. That lies into when it is not moral; the same document gives a much longer list of responsibilities for those who employ workers. Among those obligations are to proVIde dignified labor, a just wage. safe working condiuons, freedom to attend Mass (or other Christian services) on holy days of obligation, placing the d1gnity of the person above the value of money. Tl1at is wl1en replacing people with macl1ines can be wrong. It is a serious matter if people arc being replaced simply so a few individuals at tl1e top can malle more oney. Echomg Pope leo
He t•ches people Our lAdy of FI!Uma School, Mlchlg8n Center.
Xlll and the Churchs social teachings, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, · Those responsible for business enterprises are responsible to society for the ceonomic and ecological effects of their operations They have an obligation to consider the good of persons and not only the increase in profits. Profits are necessary, however. They make possible the investments that ensure the future of a business and
about Jesus.
He .... to go visit His dad .nd His mom.
they guarantee employment." (CCC #2432) The responsibility of employers is a serious matter. jesus refers to this, saying, "To whom much is given, much will be expected." On a personal level, I'd thank all of those who work so hard to provide for their families. If you are one of the people who benefit from someones hard labor and commitment, please be sure to thank them with all
When we work, we praise God. We use the bodies and minds that God gave us and we provide for ourselves and our families. We make available to the world products that are needed. There is no way to overstate the value of hard work. Whatever we do, lets dedicate the fruits of our labor to God. Don't forget that one of the ways we can thank God for making our work possible is by being sure we tithe to our local church. Enjoy another day in God's presence! ) Send your Questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa, unslng, Ml 48933
or E·Mall
JoelnBiack@prteslcam
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dvenising works like magic, using catchy slogans and snappy tunes, bombarding us almost everywhere. Very quickly they are stamped on our brains. Its just like the staying power of hit songs that we hear over and over. My brain lS cluttered with trivia and tunes from the 1940s. One of these slogans connects with this reflection on our need for leisure, rest and recreation that we seek on vacations. weekends, getaways , free days and trips. I recall a clever soft drink com· pany slogan that was heard and seen everywhere. It's a perfect theme for this reOec· tion - the pause that refreshes. Our pursuit of frequent pauses for refreshment reflects a yearning and restlessness for more in life. We seek a greater freedom for our wondrous capacity for deep spiritual awareness and inner peace in life-giving union with our Creator, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and with the marvels of creation in all their splendor. During my youth in the 1930s and 40s, the pause was limited because of the Depression and Vvbrld War II - but it was treasured. It was a pause that truly refreshed and made a spiritual difference for all who observed it. The pause was Sunday, a day of rest in the deepest sense. Of course it
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followed wonderful Saturday. Those were great weekends! But it was, and still is, Sunday that gives the entire week a positive meaning. Three vital realities merge on Sundays. Sunday is the Lords Day, Mans Day and Creations Day. When these three realities are connected, humanity and creation are saved. Our pauses range from the usual weekend (sometimes with massive traffic jams coming from our metro areas) to vacations that include such things as cruises, world tours, wilderness camping, safaris, resons, time at a cottage and more. We have a deep need o get away to open spaces, to ' ·w places or to familiar quiet and pleasant places. Our drive for relaxation, breaking away from the routine or, sadly, the rat race of our lives dominated by technology and man-made things, is a fully human need. Our escape cannot be a getaway from self in its graced capacity for greater life and happiness in union with our CreaLor, one another and the miracle of creation in which we live. A change of scenery is not enough. We need a real pause! We need to be overwhelmed and captured by the mystery and beauty of God's creation and our pan in it and for it. We pause and catch our breath
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as we rediscover our spiritual power for wonder, surprise, reverence and fascination as we behold the universe of Gods creation and the intriguing mystery of life in all creation - even the smallest. It is lifesaving for us (and for all the world) to pause in quiet reflection and medita· tion and thus encounter our world of nature. Our need for the pause that refreshes and opens us to awe, wonder and appreciation of our Creator and creation and our vital saving role for our world and for human life is more necessary than ever as all life, including ours, is in danger because of man. The urgent concern for our environment and all forms of life and the timely emergence of the science of ecology is an added and vital pressure on humanity to know and assume our God-given responsibility for creation which God has placed in our hands to treasure, nounsh and develop as a gift. Creation is not a gift for our mindless domination. Rather, it is intended for a stewardship of service that conforms to the laws of nature to which we are also subject. Believers have always learned of the vital link between the Creator and all creation and our pannership with God for creation.
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Science now is sure that it is we humans who are the threat to all of nature. Where does the pollution of our environment come from? It comes from a spirimal pollution in our minds and hearts. A destructive notion of our freedom tells us that we have the right to do anything we desire. We have the freedom and nght to destroy our world and ourselves. Even now science is warning us that there are limits to our unlimited, arbitrary and irresponsible notion of freedom to do whatever we are capable of. All our efforts in natural ecology are dependent on a spilitual ecology l believe that all our pauses that refresh are urgent, vital and blessed opponunnies for spiritual ecology. I am convinced that all the special and longer pauses are linked for their spiritual renewal to the weekly pause - Sunday! This IS nm nostalgia for the "good ol' days." The necessity of Sunday for spiritual ecology is rooted in the Sabbath of the Old Testament and in two millenma of the Christian Sunday. When and where Sunday is cherished, so IS creation. Sunday links us with God and creation. How significant the Sanctus we stng at Mass- Heaven and earth arc full of Your gloty! Sunday is not an escape from people
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and from creation. It is a more profound way to know and encounter them. Sunday is a majestic synthesis of all creation with the Creator. One of the ordinary time prefaces to the Eucharistic prayer teaches us about spiritual ecology: Alltllings alt ofYaur making, All limes and scCJSOns obey Your laws. But You chose to create man in Your own image, setting him over tile whole world in all its wonder, You made man tl1c 5tcward of all creatwn to praise You day by day, for the marvels of Your w1sdom and powc1; lhrough]csus Christ, our l..ord.
Spiritual ecology IS a graced adventure into the wonder of God, humanity and all creation. Each experience of wonder leads to another and on and on - to even greater wonders. Spiritual ecology flows from our Sunday Eucharist. J
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"To us, jonathan looked angelic, normal and fresh
Condolences flooded in from the hospital staff on
om God," says Carolyn Bower, speaking of her
the 21st of April in 1988 followingjonathans birth,
now 13-year-old son born with Down syndrome.
leaving Carolyn and her husband, Bob, wondering,
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hy should everyone going to do about it. be so sorry? Why is ¡we never watch Tv. but this such a terrible we happened to tum on a thing? jonathan's Down synshow about a doctor from drome has never been an issue the rain forest who uses since those Hrst four hours on medicinal healing plants. 1 "God always gets first credit. We also needed tlte doctors." wish we could take Jon the night he was born," explains Carolyn. "In the In tlte midst of dealing witlt tlteir sons condition, there," Carolyn remembers wee hours of the early the Bowers were also trying to discem Gods will thinking. for their 37 acres of fannland. Compelled to write the morning, the nurse came in --------------------------------------------------- rain forest doctor, Carolyn with Jonathan to tell us he had a bowel obstruction and kidney blockage which would 1 "argued with the Holy Spirit'" asking, "Why should she come require immediate surgery." to us? ~ Divine intervention prevailed, eventually creating a Jonathan was baptized in the hospital before his first sur~ lasting friendship between the Bowers and the rain forest gery. And the years following have been filled with multiple doctor. Two months following Carolyn's initial letter, there was a surgeries and blood transfusions - heart-wrenching times, as well as times of triumph. Through it all, jonathan has lived surprise package from Central America filled with bark. The up to the meaning of his name - God's precious gift -by introduction of these healing plants to their son didn't come easy for the Bowers. They waited and prayed for two weeks, allowing his family, including sister, Carrie, and brother, afraid to give it to him. Their conHdence was uplifted by a Grant, to see with eyes of faith. "After we passed the first major milestone, we came to the spiritual calendar devotion~for-the-day which read, "You are not guided by fate or wind, but by Almighty God . ~ threshold of another level of difficulty - Jonathan became anemic and his blood count continued to drop," Carolyn When they began the new regimen, 'jonathan's transfurecalls. "He needed a scope which could be fatal. We didn't sions stopped for 13 months because his bleeding had really want him to have it, but, we didn't have anywhere else stopped," says a grateful Carolyn. "Later, the rain forest do~ to go. After signing the papers for surgery, we took jonathan tor flew in to see us .... She taught me everything she could into the chapel at the hospital and put him on the altar." about health." "Only one other time in my life have I done this," Carolyn "God always gets first credit. (However), we also needed says, speaking of her prayer in the little chapel. "At the end the medical doctors to do what they did over the years." of the prayer, I asked for a sign that Jon should not have the In the midst of dealing with their son's condition, the surgery." Bowers were also trying to discern God's will for their 37 "Give us a discernable sign. You know how weary we are .~ acres of farmland. "As jonathan's parents, we wanted to do she prayed. something for his future, so Bob asked God what He wanted us to do with this property.a Carolyn says. The Bowers received their sign. "We've got bad news," doctors said to Carolyn and Bob. Inspired by another farm they had seen, the Bowers decid"We can't perform the surgery. The instrument broke in our ed they wanted to build a place with "a natural setting hands as we were preparing. We can't get another one for which would provide a Christian, loving, peaceful, atmostwo days, but he should stay." phere.n explains Carolyn. "We wanted a place that wasn't "We knew we were supposed to leave," Carolyn says now. commercial. We wanted a community place." "What would have happened if I "We began with a meeting at St. had not asked and listened?" Mary Cathedral in Lansing. We They informed the doctors of started setting additional meeting their decision and had Jonathan's dates and met with architects to LV. removed. "When we went make site plans. The Knights of back for jon's coat which had Columbus helped, building a picbeen forgotten, Jon barred himnic pavilion and greenhouses, the latter being dedicated to Mother self in the doorway, not allowing us to go back in," Carolyn Teresa." reflected. uEvery time we wanted to quit, The Bowers took Jonathan a check would come in the mail home. He was still bleeding, and and God would help us keep going," Carolyn says. they didn't know what they were
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Bob ltoldsjonatltan as Carolyn loolls on inside tlte greenlwuse at tlte Giving Tree Fann
~At least two or three times, When you know that, and do it, you have peace. That when we fell like giving up on a project because we were peace is leisure." physically exhausted," Bob Jonathan, who inspired adds, "oUl of the blue a his parents to reach out to phone call would come or others and build a loving maybe the Knights would be legacy through the Giving able to help." Today, tlte Giving Tree Fann, located in DeWitt, has an Tree, has made his First Today, the Giving Tree Employment Training Program for adults witlt disabilities, Communion and a leisure garden, and a developing Community Confirmation. And, with Farm, a non-profit organization located in DeWitt, -----------!~Tl'.?~~':,~~~~c_u!~~~-~C:~~~[~~~:.___________ special permission, he has become a daily communicant in his home. "It is interesting has an Employment Training Program for adults with disto note that the only solid food Jonathan will eat is the conabilities, a leisure garden, and a developing Com-munity secrated host: says Carolyn. "Everything else is pureed. He Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm. Each provides opportunities for disabled persons and community volunteers to refuses lO go to sleep without having received the Blessed work side by side, learning much about each other. Sacrament His hfe is a living prayer." ~This isn't a place where the disabled are cloistered.~ says The Bowers' faith, service, discipleship and peace are Bob. "It's a place for self-actualization, where people can good fruits coming from a little boy's cooperation with God. come to be productive and add meaning to their hfe. People Through his special mission, Jonathan Bower continues to look forward to coming here and are loved. Isn't that what enrich the lives of others. As Carolyn and Bob once asked, we all want for our children?'' "Why should anyone be sorry?" You may visit the Giving Tree Farm at 15433 Turner Road, wOur mission,Kaccording to Barb Doyle, the farm's development director, "is to ennch and advance the lives of perDeWitt. For further information on the farm and its programs, sons with disabilities, as well as the community-at-large, call (517) 482-8885. ~rough various organic ~rming and horticultural programs. Supporting the FaHh of People lilke 'This place is a bridge. ~~ loici::l n..:z:. athan What This Ministry Is All About ll:S a gift. Here you learn what it means to come By Janet <Iusldy together to be brothers and lstries, Strife says, "provides :the IKWPC!.M of our riiln· lstry Is to .cldreu the needs me an opportunity to be an sisters in the Lord." of·penons wl@l disabilities so instrument of God's peace and "Giving Tree is a tliilt they I'MY be fLilly ·ffileo to be nurtured in return, by Michigan certified organic tlie people 1 serve." ar.tedliito the ~ comfarm ." Barb continues. "The 'Ibeir efforts are w reachmuriftv," says Rk:h•rd Strife, people who work here are PfiJ)., director of the DIOceH ing and extend outside diocecommitted to justice issues. san programs. "Sr. Marlene of Lllnsln~• MinistrY with The reason they take jobs Taylor also continues to be a P.enons with ~ here is because of the misreligious education ptogt'@IDS He, along With Sr. Marlene Uaison between the ministry sion and the ministry of the for persons with special Taylor, AD, serves as a and Rainbow Homes, farm. They believe in it. Ghristian supported living for resource fo~ p~hes, fafnilies needs, make referrals, organThey want to serve somei%e retreats, counsel and netpersons with developmental and individuals witli disabilities such as men~ visual and worlt," adds Strife. "We are disabilities," Strife concluded. thing with a nobler purfunded through the Diocesan Anyone desiring more physical iin~ents and pose. They are people of those who have mental illness. Services Appeal·and receive information or assistance faith and great trust. They additional contributions from "We respond by helping may contact the Deaf are wonderful examples of parishes become accessible. the Knights of Golumbus fo~ Ministry/MiniStry disciples." the program for persons with An accessible parish commuwitli Persons with "Our question is always, mental bitpairments." nity Is one where all persons DisabiUties/Catholic 'How can I serve?'" says are truly welcome into the lngufry for the Blind at In addition to tlie Ministry rolyn. "When you know social, educational and liturgi- with Persons with Disabilities, (517) 341-2500, T'tY (517) ho you are in Christ, you cal Ufe of the community of Strife also directs the Deaf 342-2.532 or e-inail: know that life is for service. rstriJYiJdioceseoDansing.org faith. We are a resource for all Ministry. Each of the min-
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By Patricia Majher Ph otography by Christine Jon~
r. Brendan Walsh, pastor or St. joseph Church in Dexter, thinks his parish's groundskeeper is the oldest employee in the diocese.
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And, even if he isn't, Fr. Brendan ranks him among the finest. "Cliff Boyer, who is 93 years young, is the kindest, gentlest, most unassuming man you could ever meet," explains Fr. Brendan. "Hes always willing to help and glad he has the health to do it" Cliff, who grew up on a farm in Archibold, Ohio, tried the factory life as a teenager. "But, 1 didn't like it," he says. Instead, he took the knowledge he gained at home and carved out a life for himself as a handyman in rural Washtenaw County. ~) Chff spent 25 years on a dairy farm - ~eight hours of work before dinner and eight hours after," is how he described the experience. Then he moved on to a crop farm for 15 years He came to work at St. joseph Parish in 1974 at an age when most people would think about retiring 66. ~r like to keep busy," is Cliff~ simple explanation for why he continued his career. Cliffs position at the church was a new one. "It used to be the grounds were kept up by members," he noted, ~who turned out to work whenever they had ume." After Cliff came on board, all that changed. He became the person the parish depended upon to mow the lawn, rake the leaves, shovel& snow, and repair the count~ ~
Are Seniors T'ken For Granted For Their Contribution to Parish Life? less items that break down in a busy parish. "I've always been one that ir I see things that need doing, I do them," ClifT says. A selr-described "outdoors man," ClifT loves to work in the open air. Anxious to get in the nrst mowing or each season, "he'll also ride that tractor 'til the snow !lies," says Fr. Brendan. ClifT is rightrully proud or an auachmem he designed and built ror the lawnmower that enables him to 'vacuum' the lawn clean or leaves in record time. "Fewer trips to the lear pile ror me, too," says ClifT. Though he started as a rull-time employee, ClifT has cut back his hours in recent years, leaving him time to enjoy other diversions. His ~ekly schedule or 10 to I 5 \~urs includes emptying the trash on Mondays and tending to the lawn on Fridays (weather permitting), so that - in his words - "the place looks good ror the churchgoers on Sunday." That still gives him plenty or time during the week to Bsh and hunt: "Except now, when I hum ror squirrels, I have to take a chair along ror resting." cmr also indulges in euchre games at Dexter:S senior citizens center, and looks rorward every year to the St. joseph Summer Fun Festival. An accomplished bingo player, he modestly notes, "I've been lucky a time or two." During the winter months, Fr. Brendan asks Cliff to ply his considerable " oodworking skills to vari-
ous parish projects - building planter boxes, ror example, or repairing and rermishing rolding tables. "You tell him what you want," explains the pastor, ·and he can make most anything." Recently, he constructed a sturdy stand ror the cross that parish children use m their Passion Play. Cliffs handiwork and desire to help out wherever he:S needed have been appreciated over the years by eight pastors and their staffs. But ClifT was also rormally recognized ror his comribuuons to parish lire in 1999, on the 25th anniversary or his hiring year. A special ceremony was conducted in the church one Sunday, and many kind words were spoken on his bchaiL "One parishtoner noted that ClifT docs more work by accident than most people do on purpose," Fr. Brendan said with a smile. At the conclusion or the recognition ceremony, "they called me up to the rront or the church," Cli rr noted, ~but, thankrully, they didn't ask me to speak." Instead, they presented him wllh a much-deserved commemorative plaque and a gold pocket watch. Two years later, this unassuming man is still helping to ~keep the place up" at St. joseph, and has no plans to leave. "I've had plenty or jobs in my lire, but I've never worked ror a group that was so reasonable," he explained. "They're always telling me, 'mce job, ClifT. "'3
By Pat Majher ost parishes have programs for young children, teens, singles, and families. But do we do enough to reach out and connect with the more mature members of our communities of faith? The Diocese of Lansings Aging Ministry was formed to address that quesuon. Among the mmistry's many programs and activities is Semor Parishioners Appreciation Week, an annual event that has occurred smce 1975. Accordmg to Ministry Director Ellen McKay, ASCW, the purpose of the week is to urecogmze elders for their past and current comnbutions and remmd them of thetr conunumg value m d iocesan life .~ This years appreciation week ts scheduled ror Sept 17-21 Dunng that time, seven celebrations wtll be conducted at the followmg host locations· Senior Parishioners Appreciation Week Sept. 17-21 Event Locations Monday, Sept. 17 St. Mary, Morrice 1\lesday, Sept. 18 St. John the Evangelist, Jackson 1\lesday, Sept. 18 St. Mary of Good Counsel, Adrian Wednesday, Sept. 19 St. John the Evangelist, Davison Thursday, Sept. 20 St. Patrick, Ann Arbor Thursday, Sept. 20 St. Mary, Pinckney Friday, Sept. 21 SL Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing Area seniors are mvited to gather at the closest host parish for a spectal Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Carl Mengeling or his representative ~Following that, a rree luncheon will be served and entertainment provided," noted Connie Hoffman, coordinator of the Washtenaw Area Catholic Council on Aging and a planner ror the St. Patrick event. "We really work hard to show our appreciation." At the close of the celebrauon, elders are asked to accept prayer mtentions - which have been collected from throughout the diocese - and to pray for those intentions in the commg yea~ Senior parishioners take this very seriously and are dedtcated to the task," said Hoffman. Details about each areas celebration will be included in parish bullenns as Appreciation Week approaches. You may also contact Ellen McKay of the Aging Ministry offtc:e·at (517) 342 2487 or via e-mail: emckay@cnoceseot.nslng.org
31 percent of Catholics over age 60 38 percent of Catholics between age 40 and 60 s-.. ~s..• &. r - G.....'" Ow ~ ""'-
By Joanne Freda~ Coordinator Washtenaw Region Migrant MJnlstry, Diocese of Lansing
n 1988, I read about Catholic Relief Services giving a donation to Sr. jean O'Connor, IHM, of Cristo Rey Community Center to assist migrant workers in the Lansing Diocese. Because of a drought and lower yield of crops, the workers had a much lower income. I called Sr. Jean to tell her that there were more than 40 migrant families in Washtenaw County at DuRussel Fanns that could use some assistance as well. She was unaware there were any migrant families in our area. It was then that I became coordinator of the
Washtenaw Region for Migrant Ministry for the Lansing Diocese through Cristo Rey under Sr. Jeans leadership. Migrant Ministry for the Lansing Diocese is now under the direction of Serapio Hernandez. The program of Church outreach to migrant families through St. Mary of Manchester has developed to providing Spanish Masses, sacramental preparation for Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, catechesis for adults and teens, and weddings. St. Mary Migrant Ministry promotes volunteer visiting teams to become acquainted
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Are You Uvlng to Work? Or Working to Live? ey, Fr. Bill, come to the baseball game with us!" "Sorry, I got to work and finish writing this anicle. The Lugnuts will have to wait." Some of us have a hard time breaking away from work. Work plays a serious and ttntral role in the Examination of lives or most Americans. Thank God, most -worl(l' Conscience Americans are able to work. On the practical side, work allows us to feed our families and buy things. jesus said, "Man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man." The same could be said of work. Man was not made for work, but work is a gift from God to man. A danger of work is when we become so united to work that our identity is completely caught up in it. If we lose our work, then, we lose ourselves.
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number of hours the average American works
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of Americans get the recommended eight hours of sleep
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S Since work takes up a maJor ponton of my integrate my fanh wuh my work? 4 What lS God asking of me in my work? The~ is no question that work is an imponant pan of God's plan for us. The book of Genesis ~minds us that even God worked! What was the point of God's work? Love. In a wonderful way, God's work in creation has brought the many forces and c:reatu~ toaether in a system where one depends on the other. Our work can do this, tool It can become the means for us to offer ourselves and our love to the world. Our work can help us pow in self¡ knowledge as the demands of our work stretch us beyond ourselves. Our work moves us to consider in humility the imponance of onr roles in the larger picture of things. Our work can help order this world's resources for the good of all creatu~. Our work can ultimately prepare us and others for meeting God. In this sense it is sacramental. Here is the essence of the spirituality of the workplace: integration of faith and work. That is difficult! But cntrttaaâ&#x20AC;˘r - .
Migr<Jnt Ministry
ou dally with the migrant families. We have bilingual volunteers from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor who have developed the adult catechesis program. The ministry gets underway in mid-May with the blessing of migrant houses and the fields. This is followed by an outdoor Mass and potluck supper. Fr. Matt Weber and Fr. Cecilio Silguero of St. louis Center in Chelsea are major participants in the ministry. In August, Bishop Carl Mengeling celebrates Mass for the migrant families. The ministry program doses
with a Farewell Fiesta Mass at St. Mary. Those interested in becoming volunteer visitors to the migrant families do not have to be bilingual. The primary objective of Migrant Ministry is to let the migrant families who work from May to October each year know that the Church welcomes them as parishioners and is present to help meet their material needs as well as spiritual needs. lnterest.S? Contad St. Mary Parish Office at (734) 428·8811.
Or, Serapfo Hemandez, director of Migrant Ministry at (517) 342-4498.
l"C~JI'CS US not lO IJi.sc:hizopllrenic In terms of OUr Wt do not just piiac:ticc our faitli on the.. wttliinds! The pope: enc:ourqes us by haYing us recall thatjC$11$ worked and prayed in anonymity for 30 years. He was in the world working I~ everyone else. Our faith tells us to make ourselves a sac:rlru:e of praise to God. By offerina ourselves well at work, embracins the vinues of honesty, integrity, generosity, and respect, we are uniting ourselves to ChrisL These sacrifices are brousht to the Lord's table each week (or even daily for some!) at Mass. llhis is where integration occurs, when people recognize that their work is related to the Eucharist we celebrate. 3 Ways to tnt..,... Wort wfth SpNHinathe GHpel I started out by talkins about baseball, and the Lord gave me an idea. If you cannot go to the baseball game because of work. play baseball while you work by making RBls for God's Kingdom. • Remember the value of the work you do. Its value ts related to the inestimable value of your own being! • Balance work with prayer, leisure, recreation, and relauonships. • Integrate your faith with your work through VIrtuous • behaVIor and recognize the self-offering of work ts united to the self-offering of Chnst in the Eucharist.
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rin dipped her brush into the bucket of soapy water and scrubbed the kitchen floor. Gazing at me with 3-yearold eyes she begged, ~Please, please can I stop now?" ~or course, you may, Cutie-Pie!· I responded "No, Mommy' You have to say, 'No, Cinderella, you must keep working!'" I repeated the words wtth a stem tone and an imposing Leisure Time physical stance. With a smile of satisfaction, my little Cinderella happily splashed more suds onto the floor. It ended up spotless, but Erin hadn't ~worked" at all. just how should we approach work and leisure in family hfe? Should Leisure be "Leftover" Time? If leisure means work lS finished, then family life has lutle tlme for leisure. Even if the house lS as neat as a pin, isn't it a good idea to finish those outdoor projects? Perhaps the kitchen needs paiming and those boxes in the basemem could use some sorting Dr Gaylene Carpenter of the University of Oregon conducted a 10-year study of leisure. Men, on the average, had 18 to 32 hours of free time per week whereas women average 16 to 21 hours per week. The majority of both sexes, however, longed for more discretionary time. How to make Leisure a "Chosen" Activity
leisure includes freedom, bemg able to choose to engage m a particular activity Are there certain activities that we could label as "leisure" activities? For some, ftshing is a leisure activity - a time to relax, to appreciate water and sky. For others, fishing ts a hvehhood In Lukes Gospel, jesus tells Simon to lower the ftShmg nets and Simon replies, "Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at Your command I will lower the nets." Stmons work wasn't successful- an entire night of ftShing and nothing to show for it. But Simon chose to follow Gods will, despite his discouragement. Leisure u '"Being" In the flow of eternal love, is there "leftover" time? Our deepest longing is for union with God, to rest in the arms of the Beloved. Caring for family and friends, putting food on the table and shelter over our heads is hard work. But every task offers a choice. to work and to play, to love and to learn, in the presence of God. In the 1800s, john Sullivan Dwight wrote, ~Is not true leisure, one with true toil? ... Rest is not quitting the busy career, rest is the fitting of self to ones sphere. .. loving and serving the Htghest and Best! 'Tts onwards! Unswerving, and that is true rest."
------•tm·m+·----------------------------------18 to 32 average hours of free time IIIDl have per week 16 to 21 average hours of free time WOIIIal have per week
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leisurelife n a world of constant busyness, long working hours, and hectic amusements, it is of critical importance to recover a true sense of leisure. In distinguishing work from leisure we begin to see how essential leisure is for culture and sacred worship. Leisure is not simply time we l1ave apart from work It is an altitude of mind, a conclition of tl•e soul that fosters the
By Fr. Wayne Prist
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capacity to perceive tl1e reality of the world. The restlessness in our culture is often rooted in the spiritual problem of sloth. To us it may seem strange that the restlessness at the bottom of a fanatical and suicidal activity could come from a lack of will to action. Sloth in its classic meaning as a capital sin is not laziness but the lack of enough spiritual strength to consider the deeper realities of who we are and what we arc to do with our lives. It is a renunciation of our human dignity, a refusal to be what we fundamentally arc, a not wanting to be what God wants us to be. It is a despair from weakness, a despairing refusal to be oneself. Leisure is a mental and Sf'ilitual attitude. It 1s not the result of spare time, a holiday, a weekend, or a vacation. It is a condition of the soul contrary to how we overemphasize work in its three essential aspects: as activity, as toil, and as a useful, social function. In a world that looks at being busy as a virtue , leisure is an attitude of inactivity, of inner calm, of silence. It means not being busy but letting things happen. leisure is a receptive attitude of mmd, a simple looking with awe, an openness to the whole of creation. Tl1e attifllclc of leisure is OlJposccl to worlr as toil. The harder something is, the more we consider it virtuous. We say that there is no gain without pain. leisure draws its vHality from surrendering oneself to our true nature and to our union wtth all creation. The highest form of this affirmation of the meaning of the universe is in a festive attitude that is a union of tranquility, contemplation and intensity of life. To enter into this kind of celebration is to affirm the basic meaningfulness of the universe and a sense of our oneness with it and of our inclusion within it. This is the direct opposite of toil and effort. An attttude of leisure is opposed to the exclusive ideal of work as a social and useful function. leisure is related to the ability to grasp the whole of the world and realize our full potentiality to reach wholeness. The power to know leisure is the power to go outside the workaday boundaries of our busy hves and reach out to the superhuman life-giving existential forces that refresh and recreate and renew us before we have to go back to the burdens of our daily work. J
any of us have a habtt of Steing work and leisure as two activities in nme and space. We look upon work as necessary. lf we are to have any letsure, we must work more and make more money We pnde ourselves on being productive and efficient, but too often at the expense of our humanness. We work ourselves to a frazzle and then do hectic thmgs to try to forget about our work life. Thts 1s not the way it is supposed to be "The Lord God put man and
leisure. F•llh Ia faith.
Integrating faith Into work helps •II three.
woman in the garden of Eden - to cultivate the garden and to care for it." (Genesis 2:15) When we allow work and leisure to be separated, we cannot help but become fragmented and unconnected from our envtronment, others and, most tmportantly, from ourselves. All this m spite of a growing interest in the spiritualuy of our work and datly hvmg. Yet, we continue to wtthdraw and separate ourselves from our work and isolate ourselves into neat "'"\"l Jude discreet categories that we never allow to overlap or mix~..JJ Work is work! But, our daily work gives us opportunities to live out our faith m the normal rouune situations of our datly world Ours 1s not a private faith. We are called as a Church, a community, to hve our faith wherever we go and m all situations This requires courage and a radical willingness to follow in the footsteps of Christ, the son of a carpenter lets take back our workplace and become signs for others that our work can be a source of growtng more fully human and not just a place where we compete and exhaust ourselves. Here are three steps that each of us can take to get started: 1 Simplify Life:
Slow down! Stop defining yourself by how many possessions you have. Purchase less and you will soon be less driven to exhaust yourself to acquire more things. 2 Listen More: Take time every day to reflect and just listen to where God is leading you Listen to what energtzes you at all times of the day When you are always active and diStracted, you tend to not hear what God is trymg to get through to you. 3 Serve and Love Others First: When you put yourself first , you tend to see others as adversaries and competitors, not fellow humans and fnends If you are to find a whole life that uses your talents and gifts, you need to find ways lO love and serve ( others. Then you wtll be able to ~esteem work both as a ......t gift and as a sharing in the creation, redempuon, and service of the human community."
By Christina Kirsh
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Photography by Christine Jones
uring the past year, Bishop Carl Mengeling told parishioners throughout the Diocese of Lansing to "dive in." His challenge is for Catholics to seck God, find out where He is calling them in life and then to "dive in" to that vocation with all thetr heart, mind and strength. This june Bishop Mcngcling ordained six new pncsts into the Diocese of lansing. What follows arc their
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stories - stones of their journeys, struggles, discernment and Bnally, how they're following the bishop's call by "diving in.~ While this is the largest ordination class in recent memory, ts it enough7 Over the next five years, the ranks these priests join will shrink while the Catholic population is on the rise. Hopefully, their stories will insptrc more Catholics to follow their lead.
Fr. Roy Homing Bom: Dec. 1, 1963, in Flint; raised in Fenton Home Parish: St. john the Evangelist, Fenton Assigned Parish: Holy Family, Grand Blanc Favorite activity: Hiking, camping, backpacking, anything outdoors Favorite Book: To Kill A Modtiugbird by Harper lee Favorite Food: Anything- pastas, meat; "I love food." When asking a priest his favorite movie, one of the last you'd expect him to respond with is last years Academy Award-winning American Beauty. Although the film earned the award for Best Picture, many criticized the film for, among other things. its portrayal of a middle-aged father who lusts after his teenage daughters best friend. But Fr. Roy Homing still mentioned it as a favorite - not necessarily his aU-time favorite, but at least as one of his current favorites. And heres why: Fr. Roy sees the film and the world in general through the eyes of a pnest. "Everyone's life in that movie is screwed up." he said. "But the message at the end is that life is so beautiful. This is how jesus looks at the world. He sees past all the imperfection and looks at what could be." But Fr. Roy didn't always see the world as jesus sees it. Before entering seminary, he was a successful sales representative in the water treatment industry, his territory covering Michigan. Indiana and Ohio. He was a "fallen-away" Catholic, having been away from the Church for 16 years, when he started reading the Bible again at around age 30. "I guess I figured if 1 was going to be a Christian, I should start going to church again," he said. So he went back to the parish he grew up in, St. john the Evangelist in Fenton. Approximately a year later. he began to sense God calling him into the priesthood. "I thought possibly I was losing my mind," he said about those stirrings in his heart. But the Holy Spirit was moving powerfully in his life, and Fr. Roy decided to enter the seminary. In his first year, Fr. Roy discerned that priesthood was definitely his vocation. One of the questions asked was, "What kind of priest do you want to be?" Fr. Roy's answer: To be the kind of priest who is always available to people. "I want to say 'yes' if at all possible." In his third year of seminary, he interned at St. john the Evangelist in Davison. His expe¡ riences with the parish in working with troubled teenagers, doing home visits and dealing with the death and dying of everyday life cemented his decision. "It was just affirmation
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number of active priests in the Diocese of lansing
93 number of parishes in the Diocese of lansing ,.__,_
after affirmation," he said. Family and friends were all supportive of his decision, he said, and any initial shock already has worn off. Was there anyone who thought he was the last person who would ever become a priest? "Oh yeah, probably every woman lever dated," he said, laughing. His decision has really all been a matter of trust. If he really believes in God, that He knows what is going to make him happy and has faith that He is going to do what is best for his spiritual growth, then he has to trust that God has placed him in his vocation. "The whole thing is to let the Spirit guide me," he said. The lessons he's learned are ones he hopes to bring to the people in his parish. "I really enjoy being with people," he satd.
Fr. John Rocus Born: May 17, 1949, in Detroit Home Parish: Sacred Heart of Dearborn/St. Thomas in Ann Arbor Assigned Parish: St. joseph, Howell Favorite Movie: "For many years it was 2001: A Space Odyssey, which is appropriate since that's the year I was ordained. Now it's Babe. I guess I'm an animal lover." As a seminarian at the second-vocation seminary m Hale's Corners, Wise., one thing Fr. john Rocus learned is that life is mysterious. Sometimes, God calls unusual people to unusual things. And it's not that Fr. johns life has necessarily been unusual, but it has taken many twists and turns, all of which have lead him to where he is today. After high school, Fr. John enrolled at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit with the intention of becommg an automotive designer. But in his last year of college, he was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors told him he wasn't supposed to live more than two years. But now, 30 years later. his cancer is still in remission. ~obviously God had other plans for me," he said. As he recuperated from cancer, for the first time in his life Fr. john had a chance to "take stock" of his life without any pressure. "It was dunng this time. as I pondered my brush with death, that I began to grow in spirituality,'' he said. He began to date, but his relationships always fell just shon of marriage. He began taking an even closer look at his relationship with God. "It was a time of confusion, frustration and a lot of
13 number of new priests expected over the next 5 years :a4 number of priests eligible to retire over that time
soul-searching, which eventually led me to a clearer understanding of jesus and his expectations of me," he said . He received his teacher certification and taught high ~hool industrial education classes. He has also worked as a ~If-employed woodworker since 1978, and he has been a Salvation Army staff worker. But in 1990, he received his first call to the priesthood. It was just a simple question from a friend who wondered if he had ever thought of becoming a priest. "It seemed harmless enough a question but it had a staggering effect on me," Fr. john said. "l immediately put the idea out of my mind." A few days later, the question was asked again. Then again. It was asked in so many different ways by so many different people that Fr. John knew something was going on. "It was still not news that 1 wanted to hear and I did everything I could to convince myself that this was not really what !thought it was," he said. So he asked God for another sign, and he got one immediately. After a few more years of discerning, God reminded him again. Finally, in 1997, Fr. john entered the seminary. One of the things Fr. john plans to focus on in his ministry is the role of marriage and family in peoples lives. "I think my specially has been engaged couples," he smd. ''I'm concerned about the (50 percent) divorce rate and about cohabitants. I think it's important for people to consider Church teachings." Above all, Fr. john aims to help people along in their tiN'alk with God. "I would like to reassure people that God is 'I:.Jlerc for them."
Remember, you belong to aomethlng - your loc:al partah
Fr. Gerald Gawronski Bom: 1962 in Michigan Home Parish: St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor Assigned Parish: St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing , Favorite sport to play:
"Something fast like soccer or football or running. I tried skydiving once and I would like to go again. Skydiving isn't really a sport; it's advanced falling.'" Favorite food: "Anything from Zingennan's in Ann Arbor.~ As Fr. Gerry Gawronski entered seminary. by his estimauon, a lot of his friends were more certain than he was that he would finish. But sometimes, apparently, others know you better than you know yourself. When they learned of his intentions. many of his friends told him, ''Finally you arc doing what God wants!" However, during his childhood he was nm a believer, Fr. Gerry said. "I grew up in a time when Catholic catechetics were in flux," he said. "One teacher said that teaching catechetics at that time was like trying to nail jell-0 to the wall." In his senior year of high school, he remembered, he was sitting at the dinner table and could hear his grandmother's television blaring from her room. A sitcom was mocking fundamentalist Christians, with one character asking another in a shrill and overbearing voice, "Do you have a personal relationship with jesus?" "I remember wondering with a mixture of teenage intrigue and indifference, 'ls that possible?"' Fr. Gerry said.
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FAITH Magazine
The next year at the University of Michigan he became involved with a Christian student organtzation and learned the answer to h1s question was "yes." "I reahzed that Christians really are supposed to be different from how the rest of the world lives," he said. "It was at that time l learned how to really talk to God." Wh1le he was in college, Fr. Gerry sensed God calling him to be a priest. However, after visiting a couple seminaries at that time, he wasn't comfortable with seminary life. Some years later, as he was reevaluating how he was living his life for God, Fr. Roger Prokop at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor told him he should become a priest. "The deepest reason I felt God calling me to this vocation was the powerful attraction l felt toward Christ's presence in the Eucharist," Fr. Gerry said. "To be honest, I had some prejudices against the priesthood that I had to overcome. The Lord guided me through an obstacle course." In seminary, he learned the importance of the relationship between theological truths, philosophy and faith. However, he teamed that:S not everything. "All the systematic kind of knowing in the world is useless without the more personal ongoing conversion I experienced at the seminary," he said. "As Paul says, 'without love, I am a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal."' Fr. Gerry sees Holy Orders as a unique sacrament. It means being a part of the "ministerial priesthood" of jesus Christ ministering on jesus' behalf. For example, offering sacraments to others is a participation in this special role of a priest. "The priest IS, therefore, in a particular way, a servant to others," he said . "I aspire to this ministry of serv1ce in Christs love." At his assigned parish, Fr Gerry realizes he will be there to help out the pastor with the particular needs of the parish, which vary from church to church. "l hope to further (the pastors) goal as the shepherd of the parish," he said. Fr. Patrick lkechukwu (Ike) Agunwa Born: Awgbu, Anambra State, Nigeria Home Parish: St. Theresa Catholic Church, Awgbu; St. Agnes Parish, Flint Assigned Parish: St. Patrick, Brighton Favorite food: "Other than my cultural food, meat lasagna. Why do I like it? Well, that part is going to be for God to answer. I just do." If God is everywhere, is he on the Internet? Apparently he is, and he sends e-mail, too Just ask Fr. Ike Agunwa. During h1s discernment process, he was cenam of two
4 number of priests retiring in 2001 13 number or priests eligible to retire in 2001 s.-.---.J'-"- ~., r.........
things: God loved him, and he was attracted to the manner in which the priesthood could enable him to help others know Gods love for them. "l will say that I received e-mail from God," he said. "That e-ma1l was the support of my family, friends, the role model of my former pastor. Through those messages, I was convinced that this is where God is calling." Fr. Ike was born and ra1sed m Awgbu, Anambra State, Nigeria. His first inclinations toward the priesthood came as a youth in his home parish of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Awgbu, where he wanted to be just like his parish pastor. "(He) was, and still (is), though he has been called to the eternal kingdom o[ God, my role model." As he grew older, his reasons for wanting to be a priest went through what he called a "metamorphosis." He attended semmary high school in Nigeria and received his bachelor's in philosophy [rom Bigard Memorial Seminary there as well. In 1996 he began graduate studies in theology at St. johns Umversit}' School of Theology in Collegeville, Minn. "In a sense I consider myself an 'antique' when it comes to discernment of vocation to the priesthood," Fr. lke said. He uses the word ¡'antique," he smd, since not many people start their discernment process as early as high school. If" But nowadays his discernment process is complete. "The'l episode in the Gospel of Matthew ( ¡+:18), where jesus says m clear terms that He is anointed to bring good news to the amicted, proclaim liberty to the captives, Sight tO the blind, freedom to the oppressed, holds an unmitigated attraction to me on why I want to g1ve my whole and entire life to the love and service o[ people through the priesthood " As a priest, Fr. Ike hopes to be an instrument of God, helping others sec the deeper love of God in themselves and in the lives of others. Docs he hke the state o[ Michigan, despite its cold winters and much different climate than Nigeria? "Yes," he said, addmg that it's the hospitality of the people hes met here that makes him feel most at home.
Fr. David Hudgins Bom: St. Louis, Mo. Home Parish: St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor Assigned Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing Favorite outdoor activity:
"I grew up in Montana, so I enjoy the outdoors, particularly spending time in the mountains." For a long time, Fr. Dav1d Hudgins had the hottest ques-
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number of parishes without a full-time priest in 2001
40 number of priests in full-time ministry over age 60
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~on burning in his heart. That question was, "How can I ~ow others the incomparable beamy of the Gospel of jesus
Christ?" Through much discernment, Fr. Dave eventually found the answer to his question- by becoming a priest . Since his childhood, Fr. Dave has been drawn to daily Mass, even during high school, college and graduate school, he said. It was through the Eucharist and the Word of God that he sensed God calling him to the priesthood. As an undergraduate at the College of William and Mary in Virgmia, the college's chaplain, Fr. Charles Kelly, helped Fr. Dave through his discernment. Also, while a graduate student at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Fr. Roger Prokop also greatly influenced his discernment process. Fr. Roger invited him to be the first resident of Chi Rho House in Ann Arbor. "That was a great blessing," Fr. Dave said. He took some time away from the seminary to further discern his call as well as the sacrament of matrimony. "After much prayer and spiritual direction, it became clear that God was calling me to the cehbate way of loving as a priest." His family and friends have been completely supportive of his decision. "I take consolation in their faith ," he said. "I give God thanks for this great grace." 1t was the work he did in the parishes, as well as prayer, that led Fr. Dave to realize the deepest JOY and sense of fulfillment of who he was lay in the priesthood. "The most important thing I have learned in the seminary ~ .the importance of prayer. Without ongoing communion ~th God I'll be in trouble." Fr. Dave has found the people of
Remember, you belong to something - your loc:al parish
the Diocese of Lansing to be "the best," he said. ''I'm am sure they will be patient with me as I learn to serve."
Fr. Eric Weber Bom: St. Johns; raised in Fowler Home Parish: Most Holy Trinity Parish, Fowler Assigned Parish: St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor Favorite food: Just about any type of Italian, Mexican and Chinese food. "I have really grown to love the pasta, pizza and bread in Italy." In junior high, Fr. Eric Weber hated going to Mass. Now he's a priest. Until sixth grade, Fr. Eric, now 26, enjoyed his faith, even praying the rosary, reading Scripture and often attending daily Mass. But as he entered seventh and eighth grade, none of his friends seemed enthusiastic about the faith and he became less interested, too. "l developed a deep dislike for attending Mass," he smd. "I would often complain to my parents when they made me go to Mass." H1s parents took note. One day his father gave him an article from a Catholic periodical written for teenagers in question-and-answer format. One of the questions asked, "What if I do not enjoy going to Mass?" The question suited Fr. Eric's Situation perfectly. The answer was short and simContinued on page 26
Ask anyone who lives here and t hey'll tell you that Mtchip n 15 still the motor capttJ.l of the world. And, that means getting out on the open road on the weekends. Thts Sunday constder gomg on a famtly a picnic. But, alter you load up, prepare to open up. A long dnve can really bnng a famtly together. It gives you the opportunity to connect - wh1ch can be as hard to do on bus.1 weekends ~ dunng the w~k. Choose a location that ~rou w never been to . (.on!>ider gomg to Mas.o:; m anmht!r town. Chan~s are ood !hat. .1 pari~h 1..., nearby. A w parish expenence can op~n up your spintual honz.ons. Fresh fares, music and ho milies Cdn renew your expen ence of church. You r.;an fmd out the Mas.c; umes and some di~nons by loggmg on to FAITHmag.~:om. After Ma:.s. you'll be ready to find that mce meadow or park .m d dtg mto that bJ!lket. from simphctt} to opuLtnt elegance, from plam burgers and 'dogs to cavtar and foie gras, ptcmcs. and our choices of food and dnnk run the gamut to meet e:\o·eryone.s tasles. There ts ~methmg about c.umg ou tdoors thJt take~ }ou b.lck to your anceslral prim.ll roots. The fir..t meals were commonly held outdoors while ~tttmg huddled m cm:ks under the lUn or
RemM~ber,
moon. In both Nebrew and Chnstian Scriptures, meals were commonly consumed outdoors. The wondrous miraclt of the loaves and fiSh es took place on a moumamside by the sea - a perfect p1cnic spot! Real family is bnngin g your favonte dtsh to pass, a portton shared With all, not unlike our common shared meal of the Eucharist. The meat ts a given for thos.e o f us who are true carnivores, rangmg from beef to chtcken or fish. Flow about trymg one of the~e as an addition to your ptcnit. b asket which are sure to please the palates of outdoor epicureans. (Wtth many of thts months rectpes, remember to keep Hems th3t con tam datry products chtlled unul consumed.) Deviled Eggs
b hard boiled ew
1/4 cup Miracle Whtp• salad dre.ssmg Oow rat works JUS[ as well) l T prepared horsernd1sh l/2 tsp. dry mu~ard Papnka Peel .md cut eggs m half, lengthwtse. Remove yolk and set remaining cooked egg white h alves aside. Mash the yolks in a small mixing bowl and then mlX very well with the R mainder of the mgredie ms. excludmg the
you belong ta 110m.thlng - your local p1u1lh
paprika. Fill each egg whtte half with the yolk miXture. Sprinkle with paprika, tf desired. Simple Baked BM ns
1/2 cup tomato ketchup 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 cup chopped omon 1/2 tsp. hot sauce 2 large cans Bush's Baked Beans• Mix all ingredients to~ether in large casserole or pyrex bowl. Heat m 300' oven for 30 minutes, until heated thoroughly. Aunt Rolly's Pot•to Salad
3 lbs. botled red skin potatoes. quartered 4 hard boiled eggs l large cucumber, peeled, seeded and d1ced m large pieces 2 bunches green omons, sh<:ed l /2 green pepper, ch opped mto medtum pteces 5 or 6 rndishes, shced 3/4 cu p Mirncle Whip'lo salad d ressmg 1 tsp. dry mustard Sall and pepper, to taste Mix all the vegetables m a large salad bowl wuh the .!>.1 lad dressmg and dry m gredtems. Refngerate for 2 hours. Keep cold.
San Fern1ndo Fruit
After attcndmg '>undo~} mommg MrtSs at the Cathedral o f San Fem:mdo in the D•at·ec,c of San Antonio, thts u nusual yt t dehghtlul, crcJ.tion ~as ~mg sold by members o f their p:lnsh council outsid~ on the stn~et. 1/2 lb. cubed lrcsh \\.ltermelon l/2 lb. cubed ft4'sh pm~apple 112 lb. cubed freih co~ntal.,upe
11.2 lb. cubed fres h honeydt:\•. melon 1/2 lb. sliced b:man h l/2 lb. sh~ed ~trlw~mes 1 sliced ktwt frun 2 tsp. cayenne pcpp:·r Mix hu tt t,,.,:rtdi•.•nto; tnto J Llrgc bowl. Driz!lr top wnh Layennt: pepper, ml'>;mg carefully unttl peppr ~ h wdl mtxed Into frutt. '-~!rYe immedJJteh, or chill s dc:.m:d.
Continued from page 23
pic: If you do not like going to Mass, then you need to reflect more on what happens at Mass. "At this point in my life, I already knew the Church places an incredible amount of emphasis upon the Mass," Fr. Enc said. He also knew the Catholic belief in the Eucharist that during Mass it actually becomes the Body and Blood of jesus Christ and that this belief separated Cathohcs from other Christian denominations. "I knew that I believed in Holy Communion when l was in grade school, but I was not sure if l believed in it any· more," he said. So Fr. Eric decided he would have to pray and study about this belief. "If l came to believe that Holy Communion is not jesus' Body but merely a piece of bread, I would have to leave the Church," he said . ~Obviously l could not be part of a
religion that l did not believe in.~ Out of respect to his par· ems, he decided he would wall at least until after he gradu· ated high school before abandoning the faith. After much prayer and study, Fr. Eric came to beheve the Eucharist is truly jesus' Body and Blood. He knew then that he had to take his faith more seriously. "I began to thmk about the past few years when I had hated going to Mass," he said. "While I, through my sins and my coldness toward him, had been nailing hts body to the cross, he was desinng to feed me with that same body. l then began to grasp how fully God loves me." It was at this point that he reahzed his call to the priesthood. "I decided that nothing could make me happier than to spend my life helping others to better know this God who so loves each of us. ~ N
Fr. I. Munley leaves a legacy after serving as 1he following priest assignments and tr.nsfets ent effectJve July 1.
Chalnnan ollhe Department of Formation and DiRidor ol Semlnarfans
Fr. J. Munley received a big thank you from Btshop Carl F. Mengeling as he oversaw his last ordination as director of semmarians in june. Priests mcharge of formation can have a major impact on a diocese. Fr. Munley is no exception. He brought creativity and energy
to his mmistry and that crc· ative vision spread to other areas as welL Fr. Munley worked behind the scenes to bring about FAITH Magazine and countless other initiatives. For all thiS, we arc grateful. Fr. Munley has been appomted pastor of Holy Trinity Student Chapel, Ypsilanti.
FAITH MIIUIM s.t..._ 2001 Prleelhood AM~ Congratulations • l"Mnft you • God hlus you 50 years
Pr. Robert Copelalid To: Parochial Var, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Flushing From: Parochial Var; Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jackaon
Fr. Plilllp Glll1ltgher To: Sacramental Minister, St. Mark the Evangelist Parish. Goodrich Fr. Gallagher continues as Chaplain, Luke M. Powera Catholic High Scllool
Fr. Louis Madey To: Faculty, Sacred Heart Major Semenary, Detroit, and weekend Pastoral Ministry, St John the Evangelist Parish, Davison From: Pastor, Holy Trinity Student Chapel Pr. RMdall Miller To: Chaplain, Regional Prison Facilities, Jackeon From: Parochial Var, Holy Family Parish, Grand Blanc
Fr. Mlcheel Petroski
Fr. Francia Murray Fr. James Schmitt Fr. Amoa WIIChrneyer Fr. Philip Dupuit
Pr. Robert Pienta
25 years
To: Pastor, Immaculate Conception, Milan From: Parochial V1C8r, St. Patrick, Brighton Pr. George ~peedlka (not pictured) To: Parochial V1C8r, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton From: Parochial VICIII', St. John the Evangelist Parish, Jackson
Fr. Robert McGraw • Fr. David Franco, OSFS • Fr. Edmond Ertzbilc:hoff FAITH M~gazinc
26 j ulyiAugust :ZOOI
To: Parochial Vtear, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Jadcson From: Parochial Vtear, St. Mary Cathedral, Lanaing
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community
July a Fo11rt~u1h
.S..,_,
ration or divorce? Are you left feel· ing as if you have no one to tum to? Perhaps a Relrouvallle Weekend is the answer for you. Lansing will be the aile of a Retro~r vaille weekend session Aug. 24·26. For confidential information about the program or to register, call (BOO) 470·2230 or (517) 669·6631.
in
Onlinary ThRc laliah 66:10.14c
Psalm 86:1-7, 18, 20
Galatilna 8:14-18
Pellm 3S· 1, 12, 18-22 11 : 1·2, 8-19 or 11 :1·2, 8-12 Luke 12:32-48 or 12:36-40
H._.
Luke 10:1·12, 17·20 or 10:1-9 Auguet 15, Holy Dey of
July 1S
Oblllllon
f i/rtenth Sullday In Ordinary Timt DNeronomy 30: 10.14 Paalm 89:14, 17, 30.31. 33-34, 36-37 Cololliana 1: 15-20 Luke 10 •215·37
of the 'VirJill Mary Revelltion 11 : 19a; 12: 1·61, 1Cab Psalm 45:10bc. 11· 121b, t 6 1 Corinlhiane 15:2().27 Luke 1:39·58
July 22
Auga.a 18
Sixteenth Sunday In Onlinary Timt 81ia18: 1-1 0.
Twmti~da Sunday in Onfin, . Timr Jeremiah 3 8 :4·6, 8· 10 PNim 40 :2-4, 18 Hebrwwl 12: 1-4 Luke 12:49·53
'V.ol'f'NIIm 15:2-5 Coloeeierw 1:24-28 Luke 10 :38-42 July 28 Seventeenth SMrul«y In
Ordinary TI111~ Genelia 18:2().32 Psalm 138: 1-3, 8-8
Sol~lty of tit~ Assu..,lon B kss~d
AufUSIH Twenty-f irst Sundlly In Ordinary Time leaiah 66:18-21
PAm 11 7: 1·2
Coloeaianl 2: 12-14 Luke 11:1-13
lllelnwe 12:5·7, 11 · 13 Luke 13:22·30
JULY/ AUGUST
The SL Agnes Fun Fest 2001 will be held Aug. 10-1 2 in Fowlerville. For information, call the parish at (517) 223-8684.
EVENTS Theology on Tap is on tap during the month of July at Tripper's Restaurant, East Lansing. Young adults, ages 18-35, are invited to take part in this speaker series held on the following Thuradays at 7 p.m.: July 5, 12, 19 and 26. Each week a different speaker will address issues of fa:th specific to young adults. There will be oppormunitles for informal discussions ~nd meeting new people. For information, caUthe Diocese of Lansing's Young Adult Ministry Program at (51 7) 342·2494.
The NaUonal Association of catholic Family Ministries will hold their 2001 conference Aug. 15-18 in Arlington, Va. A symposium, entitled Marriage and Family Life, sponsored by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops will be held in conjunction with the conference. For additional information on the conference or symposium, simply visit the following Web sites: www.nacflm.org or www.nccbuacc.org Is your marriage tearing you apart? Are you conatantly arguing and fighting? Are you thinking of sepa·
FAITH is available on audiotape by requesL
The Office of Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing is hosting Nallonal Shrine Pilgrimage Ill Aug. 30-Sept. 2 to Washington, D.C. The pilgrimage includes tours of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center. Other points of interest include a guided White House tour and visits to various memorials and museums. The cost of the trip is $1 68 and includes round trip accommo· dations via deluxe motor coach, meals and housing at Trinity College located across the street from the National Shrine. Seating is limited to 55 persons. The regis· trstion deadline is Monday, Aug. 20. For information or to register, contact the Black Catholic Ministry Office at (51 7) 342·2496 or e· mail: rlandf@dioceseoflansing.org Bishop Baraga Days will be held Sept. 22·23 in the Lansing area. Immaculate Heart of Mary will host Bishop Baraga Day on Saturday, Sept. 22, and St. Mary Cathedral will follow on Sunday, Sept. 23. Bishop Frederic Baraga, known as the "Snowshoe Priest," was the first bishop of the Upper Peninsula and is now a candidate for saint· hood in the Roman Catholic Church. For more information on Bishop Baraga Days, call (5 17) 482·2996. Parish Social Ministry Training wiU be held Oct. 12· 14 at the DeSales Center of Brooklyn. The training provides opportunities to develop specific skills in effective parish social ministry. The cost of this event is $130 for two nights lodging, meals and materials. Partial scholarships ore available. For more information, contact Michael Uberato, Ph.D., diocesan director of Parish Social Ministry, at (51 7) 342·2466 or e-mail: mliber@dioceseoflansing erg
can (517) 342·2500.
Christ the King Parish, Aint, is planning to publish a book/video on the life of Fr. Norman DuKette and the history of the church. Anyone who has information about Fr. DuKette or the parish, or has any memorabilia that might be of use, is asked to send it to: Christ the King Parish, 183 2 Seymour Ave, Aint, Ml 48503. For further information on this project, call (8 10) 233·0402. First Friday Young Adult Mass is held monthly at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing. Adults are invited to the 8 p m. Mass and Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus A social follows Mass in Fr. Mac Hall. For information, call Nicole Sheehy at (517) 351 ·5460. catholic Presence at Uvlngston County fair For the second year, parishes in Uvingston County are sponsoring a booth at the Uvingston County Fair in Fowlerville July 13·22. Stop by and say hellol For more information or to volunteer, please call Michael Rzeppa at (734) 878· 2877 or email: michaelr@rc.net
Remember a Beloved Parish Priest Have you ever wondered what happened to the priest who might have officiated at your wedding or baptized your children? FAITH Magazine will be publishing the names and addresses of the retired priests of the Diocese of Lansing in this issue and upcoming issues, as well. Maybe it's time to get back in touch and the let the priest know how much he meant to your life I • Msgr. VIncent Howard 1849 Pierce Road Waterford, Ml 48118 • Fr. Joseph Immel 1971 Watkins Lake Road Waterford, Ml 48328 • Fr. William Koenlgsknecht Independence Village 11525 Hartel Rood Grand Ledge, Ml 48837 • Fr. Louts Komorowski, OSFS St Mary of Good Counsel Church 305 Division Street Adrian, Ml 49221
Healthy Kids enta Program Leaves DuKeHe Students Smiling By Kathy Funk
II.IJII.Itl'-'"-"•••111111••••1 "Thts is great for working parents who can't take the day off for dental appointments kids can go to the dentist during school.'' Lynch is spear-
Walk into a school library and one might expect to see books, posters, magazines, a dental chair, an X-ray machine ... A dental chair? An X-ray machine? That was the case April 26 at Flint's DuKette Catholic School. The Healthy Kids Dental Program set up shop in the school library and provided cleaning, fluoride preventatives, sealants and X-ray services - all accomplished with equipment contained within suitcases. Dr. Earl MacArthur, along with dental hygienist Kris Bresnahan and X-ray tech Ray Bresnahan, treated 20 patients during their day at DuKeue. If students were found to have problems that necessitate follow-up care - such as a cavity- Healthy Kids will return to take care of those needs. "(The program) ensures that every child has an opponuntty to get state-ofthe-art dental care," said Deacon Michael Lynch.
to get thethe Healthy heading effort Kids Dental Program into all the parochial schools within the Diocese of lansing, Mich. His familiarity wnh the service stems from his career spent working with children through Teen Ranch, a child placement agency that provides foster care and adoption services to abused and neglected children and resident care for delinquent boys and girls. "The program provided care to our foster kids. They set up an office right in our offices.'' Any student enrolled in a school serviced by Healthy Kids is eligible for dental care. Traditional insurances are accepted as well as Medicaid. However, if a student is without dental coverage, the program covers 70 percent of the costs. Additionally, parents as well as siblings of students can partake in the services. This is made possible by the programs facilitator, On Stte Dental, the nation's largest provider of "on site dental care.w
MacAnhur has been working with On Site Dental for about four years, he says. just like lynch, he too is remed - but hasn't stopped working. "We cover quite a range," he said while listing the various places he and his dental team visit, including numerous childrens programs, a boot camp and medium security detention center for juveniles and nursing homes. The students benefit in ways that go beyond dental care, a free toothbrush and a
trip to the "treasure chest" for a toy - the Healthy Kids team makes it fun so the children won't end up with a fear many adults suffer. "We want the visit to be a positive experience so the kids don't have a fear of the dentist for the rest of their lives,~ said Lynch. DuKette Princtpal Gail Negrinelli echoed lynch's sentiments. "The kids aren't scared because they get to be here wtth their friends. And where else can you get a hug from the doctor?"
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Thomas Ford teaches hiS students that makmg a difference is a simple task and can be easy as a stgnature. Members of the St. Roben Bellannine School student council know first hand the beginning of how an individuals voice can be heard at the state capitol. Since March the student council, consisting of students in grades five through eight, have collected signatures signifying their opposition to guns. Their multimonth project resulted in nearly 1,700 signatures rrom fellow students in Flushing and across the state. The project ended when students presented the signatures, neatly bound with personalized letters Lo their State Represenative Rose Bogardus CO-Davison), State Senator john Cherry COClio) and the Michigan State Supreme Coun, during the fourth Catholic Legislative
Day, May 10. "Thts lets the people at the capitol know that kids should have a say tn things as well," said student Stephen Zintsmaster. "When we present these signatures they will know that kids have come to town meaning business." Ford said he is proud of his students' accomphshments and hopes this teaches other students their voices can and should be heard.
For more catholic news, subscribe to The Carhollc Times, an authorized news weekly of the Diocese of Lansing (517) 793·7661 or subscrl
ocalnews Diocese of Lansing Launches One of the Most Extentlve Web Site Programs In the Nation
St. John the Baptist Parish Celebrates Groundbreaklng By Sonia Makled On Sunday, April 8, the "Uttle Church" of SL John the Baptist Parish, Howell, once again wit· nessed new life and growth when ground· breaking ceremonies lnl· tlated the active con· stntdlon of additional facUlties. The 21,000· square-foot addition will Include a new church designed to seat 1,000 worshipers. In addition to the new church, the scope of work will add needed space to ouse other facets of · arlsh life Including 12 classrooms for religious education and office space
for pastoral and admlnlstra· tlve staff. The estimated cost of the new facilities Is slightly under $5 mlllon and the building Is scheduled for completion by Easter 2002.
Catholic Legislative Day opens communication on crucial Issues By Erin Oakley LANSING - (7),( Catholic Times)
For members of the Michigan Catholic Conference the agenda of the state legtslature is very tmportant. Since 1963 MCC has outlined legislative priorities for seven Catholic Dtoceses across the state. For four years Catholic voters have presented several legislative initiatives and views during Catholic legislauve Day, May 10. According to Catholic LegtSlative Day facilitator M1chael Uberto, Ph.D., director of the Peace and justice Ministry, the day is designed to tell legislators what specific 1ssues are most cructal. Several focus groups of Catholic presented their optruons to state representatives and senators during the day-long event. "I think the day is very important,~ said Ubeno ~we need to continue this effort throughout the year not just ne day a year. We need to remain on top of the issues. lt is ur responsibility as voters and Catholics."
all ctedllone@aol.com
Bishop Carl Mcngeling gathered stafT from nearly every parish in the diocese on May 16 and june 5. He challeged them to reach out to where the people are. ~ If our people are on the Internet, we should be, too; he proclaimed. With that, he announced a new tmtiative that gives evc1y parish in the Diocese of Lansmg a Web presence. The Web sites are provid· ed by CatholicWeb for free The system is easy to usc
and maintain from any computer with Internet access. Vtcki Bedard of CatholicWeb was on hand for the launch to explain the system. She put parish staff at ease by assuring them, · tr I can build a Web site, so can you." Check out your parish's Web site, by logging on to CathohcWcb.com or Dioceseoflansing.org.
We Remember
Mlulonary of the Month Sr. RDMin8ry Balog.,..... hw mlulonMY Aner In NMA, ......,, In November of 1871. She ... •pent the put 30 yeen worklnlln NMCa and ha• atw.ys felt at home wartdng with ,......,. end tarm work.., Sr. RoMmary recently moved to Ume, Peru, and conUnu• hw ministry wHh the workers. She 18 originally from SL M......... Mary Pllrl8h In MerceUus, which WM format"' ly a part of the Diocese of LaMing. 1Wenty M..... will be oftered In the mlulon communi· ty of Sr. RoseiMry Balog, • mlulonary from the Dloc.e of Lansing, for thOH persons who were burled In our diocesan cemeteries during May 11nd June. 2001. H you would like to heve memorial M••... offered by mlulonarles for your deceesecl loved ones, send .Upends to: Diocese of Lansing, 300 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, Ml 48933. Pl.... make the check payable to
r.rm
"Miulonary of the Month." H you know a son or deughter of the Lansing Dloc... currently Hf'VIng In a minion, pleue forward their names to: Mlulonary of the Month Program, 300 w..t Ottawa Street, Lansing, Ml 48933. The Tithing Committee of SL Joseph Part.h, Dexter, wUI be gifting • portion of their envelope proceeds each month to the "Miulonary of the Month."
www.FAITHmeg.com
Juh·/August 2001
29
fAITH Magazine
the world Headhunting for a pope? Not at this con· sistory, cardinals say VATICAN CITY (CNS)-
To some outside observers, the May 21-24 consistory looked like a rare chance to watch a parade of "papabi\i" - potential papal candidates -in the twilight of Pope john Paul ll's pontificate. Surely the cardinals would do some schmoozing and jockeying for position, the thinking went. Surely the men in red would size up each other. Surely a few leaders would emerge, ready to take the papal baton when it is passed. As often is the case in Vatican affairs, that scenario was exaggerated. From all reports, the cardinals spent almost a11 their time and energy trying to get through a heavy agenda of speechmaking and consensusbuilding. "It was a busy schedule. We had half-hour coffee breaks, but that was mainly smal1 talk and JUSt getting to know who people were," smd one cardinal. There wasn't a whole lot of opportunity for papal
politicking, or even networking. At the end of the session, many of the 155 cardinals still were depending on name tags to identify their confreres. "Some say its a preparation for a new conclave no. In the sense that we got to know them it's a preparation, but we dtdn't do any headhuntmg for a new pope," Cardmal Godfncd Dannee\s of MechelenBrusscls, Belgium, told reporters. With the pope presiding over the consistory sess1ons, no one was proposing new directions or policies for a post-john Paul II era. Campaigning for pope, even subtly, is considered taboo in Rome and a surefire way to remove onesclf from eventual consideration. Privately, many cardinals said they recognized that the next time they all come together might be in a conclave. Some even speculated that the pope convened the wide-ranging discussion of the Church's future because he wanted to provide a getto-know-you forum for the group that will someday elect his successor.
....._--·-----·------·----.-.-·----------
Pope John Pllulll opens the consistory In Synod Hall .a the Vatk:lln Mlly 21. Men than 150 of the workl's 183 cardinals were mftllng for UlrH dltVS of cloHd-door HSalons.
Pope]olrn Paul II embraces a girl d11ring Mass in Valletta, Mtllla, May 9. The l'ope beall·
In Three·Nation Trip, Pope Reaches Out to Orthodox, Muslims VALLETIA, ~13lt3 (CNS)-
On a pilgrimage highlighted by bold ecumenical and interreligious gestures, Pope john Paul II reached across centuries of division to Orthodox Christians in Greece and Muslims in Syria. In Greece May 4-5, the pope issued a dramauc apology for past treatment of the Orthodox and said it was time to ~heal the wounds" that have divided Eastern and Western Churches for nearly 1,000 years. Vatican and Orthodox officials ca11ed the visit an ecumenical breakthrough. In Syria May 6, he became the first pope in history to enter a mosque, where he
fled drree Maltese Carlrolics cl11 ring the service attended by
nearly ltalf of lite islandnation~
population.
was warmly greeted by his Muslim hosts. He said Christianity and Islam should forever put aside conflict and ask forgiveness for past offenses. In Malta, an almost entirely Catholic country, Pope John Paul beatified three Maltese and called them guides for the Church's future . The pope was tracing the footsteps of St. Paul, and he encouraged the minority Catholic communities in Greece and Syria to follow the apostles example in combining evangelization and dialogue. He said St. Paul had approached the ancient peoples of the region on their
Top: Pope ]oltn Paulll waters
an olive tree - a symbol of l'eace - outside tire destroyed Grecll Ortl10dox clwrclt at El Qtmcitm in the Golan Heights May 7. Bottom: Pope]olm Paulll bows Iris lteatl at tlte
memorial slui nc to St. ]olm tlte Baptist inside Omayyad
Mosque in Damascus, Syria, May 6.
own cultural terms 2,000 years ago, launching the Churchs universal mission. The pope, who turned 81 May 18, appeared tired as labored through receplons and liturgies during his May 4-9 pilgrimage. But the pontiff was clearly buoyed by the apparent success of his stops and the welcome he received -cordial in Greece, enthusiastic
in Syria and rousing in Malta. "I don't want to overuse the term historic too much, but it really was histone," said Vatican spokesman joaquin Navarro-Valls. "These arc successes of such historic importance that they will remain in the future, for future popes, as part of the heritage of the Church,'' he said.
------------¡---------¡ ot a week passes
ord
without several people asking me quesv uons like, "Hows the retirement going? .. Is retirement all you hoped it would be? ... Are you enjoying your retirement? .. " So the theme of this issue of FAITH, "Work and Leisure," is ready-made for going? FrMdom frOm this Last Word. When you have received the laying on of hands in Holy Orders, you are ordamed a priest forever; and tt would be the height of ingratitude to retire totally from priestly work as long as one is able to perform it. This applies m spades to bishops, who are said to possess "the fullness of the priesthood." llhe great thing about priestly retirement is that it frees us from the administrative work of the ministry and enables us to devote more time to things pastoral. 1 call this freedom from "paperwork" that makes more "peo¡ plework" possible. "P.aper-work," at the desk, in the office, in countless meetmgs; concerning finances, personnel, planning; overseeing education, charities, ministries - all of this is important and necessary, pastoral in its own way. 1 do not disparage it, but 1 do not miss it. ~Peoplework," in the liturgy, in preaching, in teaching through the Catholic press, has been the great joy for me since my retirement in 1995. This is the pastoral work l would realv ly miss if deprived of it. Uke all retired priests, I celebrate weekend and weekday Masses in parishes when called upon. In that capacity I have been in 39 of our 95 diocesan parishes. I have conducted days of recollection 10 times for parishes or for diocesan organizations, led four-day parish missions 17 times in six different dioceses, and given diocesan priests' retreats in eight different dioceses. 11he leisure that retirement affords has enabled me to spend more quality ume for study, writing, reading and, above all for prayer. In the years when paperwork and peoplework were colliding all the time, personal and private prayer often got rhe short end of the day - a few hurried minutes the first thing in the morning or the last thing at night. Most active priests will attest to this. 1 entered retirement in 1995 in the state of remission from cancer. After four years the cancer returned, and jubilee Year 2000 saw a halt to most of my activities. But God puts his grace to work on us in time of illness, and I now feel poised for whatever further peoplework the lord has in store for me. All praise and glory to Father, Son and Spirit!
faith 300 W Ottawa Lansing, Ml -18933
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