July/August 2003

~.....hi....

for

G;;:;k:e?

you can find

It in simplicity

met Richard over ten years ago. He lives in a county nursing home. Richard has spent most of his adult life there, passing his days from bed to wheelchair. Most afternoons he can be found in his wheelchair near a big window in the hall near his room. Richard loves to spend the day looking out at the beautiful grounds of the home in which he lives and is cared for. He admires the trees and flowers, the beautiful sunshine, the birds and animals that can often be found flying or scurrying about outdoors. just ask him and he'll tell you all that and much more- in a way that is uniquely his own. Richard has a very severe form of cerebral palsy. He has never been able to walk and most spoken language is beyond his ability. Even so, Richard has a great deal to say. Somewhere along the way, someone devised an ingenious means of communication for Richard that relies on simple pictures and words arranged on a small board to which Richard can point Pointing out words or pictures in succession, Richard crafts beautiful sentences. Having a conversation with him is a litde frustrating at first because he has so much to say in so few words. Yet with time, patience and practice, it becomes quite easy and enjoyable to sit and chat with Richard. He has friends, foods he likes and dislikes, things that he'd like to do and one guiding truth in his life. This month we As we visited one afternoon, our conversation took a tum toward ponder the sixth topics of faith and belief. Before I could even ask what Richard had on beatitude: Blessed his mind, he carefully pointed out the pictures for 'God,' 'loves,' are the pure in 'Richard.' He paused for a moment, looking at me to make sure I heart for they will understood what he had said, and then continued, pointing out see God. While 'Richard,' 'loves,' 'God.' There it was- the most fundamental truth of his some of us can life: God loves Richard and Richard loves God. malu: the search In a life with few of the advantages that we can so easily take for for assurances of granted, Richard is thoroughly convinced of Gods love and care for him, Gods love dizzyand it is clear that Richard has a deep and abiding love for God. ingly complex, its Richards hean, simple and pure, is open to Gods pure love for him. I best to remember have no doubt that when his time comes, Richard will indeed see God three simple face to face. words: God loves This month we ponder the sixth beatitude: Blessed are the pure in us. hean for they will see God. While many of us sometimes tend to make the search for assurance of Gods love for us into a dizzyingly complex quest, someone like Richard can peel away all the layers of theological complexity and get to the hean of the matter- in Richards case, with three simple words. Gods love for us can be reflected in the very simple things of life A dedicated teacher, like Miss Margaret Muir, whose life spans three centuries, and whose teaching career extended from 1914 to 1966, can often be a reminder of Gods constant love and care for us. A child is a flesh-and-blood reminder of a couples love for one another A child IS also an embodiment of Gods love for mother and father, for us all Natural fatruly planning has been used by many couples to bring wanted and loved ch1ldren into the world. Being hom with Down Syndrome hasn't deterred Ronnie Knapp from a fulfilling and active life. From working at McDonald!;, to competing in Special Olympics and runmng his own successful deejay business, Ronnie never forgets the source of the many blessings in his life. He is also a blessing in the lives of many. To paraphrase Richard: God loves us. We love God. And so our journey in FAITH continues.

,f.

..,.. Bishop Wilton Gregory, president of the U.S. Bishops, encourages us to focus on the Churchs mission despite scandal. ..... Pope jolm Paul II meets with Colin Powell to discuss peace in the Middle East. lli>IJI> A new church,

new new locati or St. Mary, Pinckney

- Fr. Dwight Emp Is Editor ln Chld or FAint l\.tag;ulne and p:!Sior of the Catholic Community or St. jude, DeWitt

ltturQt c~ l

CalcncJ.Jr P.!coscd Ju111pcro

Sc rr~

Pncst July 1

St !horny; Apo,,tlc July 3

St Eltl~bcth of

Portuu ~ l

July 4

St Anthony I.IJry

l~cc~ n~. Pr~cs\

July 5

Au~ust1â&#x20AC;˘w

Zhao Flo

I n s I d e

Cover Story

Oh, what Margaret Muir has seen in her 107 years! On the surface, her life appears simple - one of teaching. But her life has bridged three centuries and touched coundess students. What will she teach you? columns

features

Ronnie conquered It: Ronnie Knapp of

In the know with Fr. Joe: Dear Fr. Joe, what does it mean to be pure of heart, and what can I do to keep my child pure?

lansing hasnt just dealt with his handicap, heS conquered it. Much of the credit for that goes to his parents and siblings. He5 now living out his dream of being a deejay. Just try to keep up with him!

- Fr. joseph Krupp

Theology 101 : What do we believe about the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and His judging the living and the dead? Plus a look at different accounts of the Ascension in the New Testament. And a prayer in the spirit of the Ascension.

Planning a family: Migel and Kathy Gatica

- Sr. Janel SdJ:ICfllcr, OP

of AU'ihing have successfully planned a !amiusing natuml family pinning. Kathy ~ys, People are amazed when they're told about.. how il works." And, itS proven lo strengthen marriage.

From the Bishop: VVhen the beatitudes was decided as the theme for this year's issues of FArTH, I never dreamed of the blessed payoff I WO!Jd gain from learning new things about the beatitudes. They really do reveal the very heart of Jesus. The purity of heart that merits the vision of God indudes chastity, but is far more. It is the graced disposition of the human heart that enlivens and unifies every attitude and direction of the Christian's journey to the vision of God.

3 new pries1s- one is manted: Bishop

- Mosl Rc\: Gut E Mcngcling

Mengeling ordained three priesiS in june. Meet Frs.john Fain,jeff Njus and Steve Ande&>n. Fr. Steve is the first married man lD be ordained a Catholic priest for llmsing. Find out more on rage 26.

Spiritual Fitness: Are you or someone you know on the path to sexual addiction? You can find joy and fulfillment in purity. Also, understand the basic stages of addiction to pornography as ouUined by Dr. Victor Cline. 7 spiritual steps to clean up your soul

- fr. llill AshOOugh news

b r i e fs

The Journey: How do we follow the beatitudes and be pure in heart when we think about someone who rubs us the wrong way? 4 ways to deal with someone you just don't like. - Dr. C:llhla:n McGmd

Work Life: Have you ever found yourself doing something you didn't believe in just to get ahead in your career? Do you feel like you are focusing on the wrong things at work and in life? 3 signs you are on the wrong path at work I - TunRyan

Last Word: Jesus makes the promise to the pure and clean of heart that they will see God. The criterion for purity of heart is keeping all Ten Commandments with the help of grace. - Most Rc\~ Kenneth l'ovisl1

t oo:d MortyÂˇ, nâ&#x20AC;˘:c1 Compon ans l.lortyrs July 9

St Bcncd:c!, Anhut July 1 1

B'cs~cd

Kotc11 Tckokw:!ho. \f;r(;:n July 14

St flcco.cn!tuc. n:~hop o~~ Doctor of the Churrh July 15

your thoughts: Most Reverend Carl F Mcngelmg PUB USHER

Rev Charles lrvm FOUNDING EDITOR

Volume 4 : laaue 7 July/Autu.. 2003

onRa~ond,

naval disasters and right to life letters

the

[-Mail: letters@faithmag.com Or Mail: Lcucr to the Editor, fAITH Magazine 300 W Onawa, Lansing. l\H 4B933

-f

editor

Rev Dwight Ezop mrTOR IH CHin

Patnck M 0 Brien MANAGING EDilOR/CRE.AnYE DIRECTOR

Ahon Pelowsk1 ASSISTANT EDilORIWEIIMASTER

]11lanejob SUBSCRIPTIONS/SECRETARY

Evelyn Wenzel SUaScRIPTlONS

Patrick Dally GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGNER

Rev W1lham Ashbaugh jan DeRosseu Bob Horning Elizabeth johnson Rev joseph Krupp Ronald L.andfa1r Patnua MaJhcr Cathleen McGreal Most Rev Kenneth J Pov1sh Tim Ryan jan Rynearson ~r. janet Schaeffier, OP CONT1IIBUTING WRinAS

Margaret Perrone PROOFREAOING

Christine jones james Luning (cover) CONT1IIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wayne Case V1Lki Bedarrl DaVId Fenech PatnLIOl Garua Dmne Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhad1gan RlLJrdo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev. james ~\VIat Peter Wagner Sharon W1mple ADVISORY BOARD

Rev CcLiho Reyna WEB MINISTRY

Elizabeth Martm Solsburg FAJTHhelpa

Rogers Pnntmg PRINTING fAITH (USPS 0181131 Ia o _ . , . , . . . - , altho ~ Dloc:eao al Wnolfto, 300 W.- _

.......... ... '1133.- ~ ..oopi"*-J """"""'~~~.~-.

... ,,5...,,..,.

lndMduoii-- S1.5o.Sondoi ......... -

-----·300 W. o.-LMW~g.

111 4111133; (517) 3 42·2515;fu. (517) 342·2~7 "' ... .,...l~«gcrrr~ ,_...PDIUgePIId

"Wnolfto, lll • - - POST11ASnR: Sond --ID:f&mi,

300W.a.-L-., ..

41t33. CCIIIWIIc Dloc:eao ala........ · - . . . -.. . . . . . . . ....... .. I'IUTH, ........ (S111342·2SIIS.

Give the gift of FAITH: Order a subscription today (517) 342·2595

II+ Dear Friends - FAITH Magazine, Today is the Feast or St. Bernardine, the Patron of Advertisers. St. Bcrnardine worked humbly and

patiently to spread tlte good news ofjesus. I'm sure for the most part people expecl articles from FAITH Magazine to bring God to mind. Please cllecl1 "TVs Raymond" story on page 16 (May 2003). Your story is good and would stand alone - even if tiJCrc was no picturr depicting his wife with an inappropriate low neddine. Sinwrly, in Our Holy Family, Sr. Mau'"" M..tln, CSJ et. el SL ..ma,Ma-.

Catlwlic sclwol tltat may go through tl1c 12th grade. Holy Rosary had shared time with Kearsley, wluclt allowed for a less expensive option to Powers. Every college prep course I tooh at Kearsley was filled with Holy Rosary students. Holy Rosary made a difference. - Robert Vito, Otisville

.... As a parishioner of St. Mary, Mt. Morris, and a vet· eran, l came across a very interesting story relating to events of my era of WWII the sinl1ing of the U.S.S. Indianapolis (April 2003). Fr.

Conways courage and inspiration were ,...._., Dear Fr. Dan tn•ly demonstrated in McKean and /tis numerous rescue FAITH Mag, l attempts of survivors. lrrad this story by would like to say how wonderful William Millwmme your article was and was somt•wlwt familiar with it Jmm on "Everybody Loves Raymond" on the sub- prt'Vious rrporls, but Jailed 10 note ject of allending du..-ch (May the statement about "the grratest 2003). It is a perfect example naval disaster" of wl1y Christians neglect to go I wonder if Mr. M1lltommc to church, and also tltattl1crc isn't awmr of a German glide still is decency in tlte entertain- bomb sin/ling of a British troop ment industry. Thanl1 you very slup, the HMT Rolma on Nov. muc/t! - Johnalhon Rulz 26, 1943 off tllC coast of North Africa - with a loss of 1015 .... lam a class of 1983 troops, not counting the cre1v. So graduate or Flint Holy tragk was this loss tltat all surRosary High school. I am vivors were orderrcl not to ever currently rcvrewmg schools to tall: about it so that the Germans send my children. I do not would not /cam of their success. understand wlty tltc high school I was injor111ed of my missing was closed in 1992_ This school "tile grratcst naval disaster" by Henry). Kubershi of tile Flint was a special place. llmow economics plays a part in these wra, wllo lives nearby and is a decisions, but the youth of our survivor who was SL'Vert:ly country need guidance in these bumed. 11tcn: wcrr four casualtimes. ... My children would tics fmm tlte Flint an.:a. We meet definitely be gomg to Holy often and comparr memories of his experience since on 'that' day, Rosary if it had a lliglt school. Now, instead, I have to malic a I was ahead of ll11n in anolltcr very difftwlt choice of deciding com·~. but ltL'aded for Italy. ... on this school or another non- PauiBums

IIJ+ Hello- l read the latest issue of FAITH and was so pleased to sec the article on Kristen Hemker and her involvement with Right to life (May 2003). llltougltll

would tahe this opportunity to let you !mow that therr is yet another Right to Ufc or~anization in our dwccse. 11tis organization, Ufcspan, Itas been in operation for 33 years and has nmv expanded into Uvingston County Fr: William 11wmas of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Otturlr was cxtn:me!Y instnnnenlal in helping to establish tltis ntwcst chapter of Lifespan. Ufcspans focus is to educate on a community level aroul all life issues - which includes everytlt from abor1ion to eutlranasia. For example, Holy Spiritllas Ufcspon's 2000 while Clusscs on tllcirftunt lawn rrpresenting a half days worl1 clone in tire a0011ion mills amund tlte country. Titis made fmnt page of their local paper in Brigltton ycstertlay as someone lrad called in a tlurat to destmy the cmsscs. We clv otlrcr things as wdl: student essay contests, student rallic.~. student car washes for life, educational booths at county/slate fairs, pastors lunchCOlts and many otltcr activities. Ufcspan of Uvingston County will be pw1icipating in many of tlrese activities, and has lite suppor1 of Holy Spirit, St. joe's in Hmvc/1 wul, hopefully very soon, St. Ma1ys in Pincl1ru.y. We'rr anticipating grrat success in educating our county on all life issues as well as changing lrcar1S and minds of those that oppose us. We've only been operational for just over a mond1, arul have bern 1rccivcd very well our community soJar ... God you and your efforts, Judy Zablk,

Director, Ufespen -

Livingston County

what does the movie

Mabix'

say about us?

f thel'e were a poster child for the power of prayer, H would be Sl Monica, whose feast day we celebrate on August 27. Through her unceasing prayers and unfailing example of how to live a Christ·like life, Sl Monica brought about the conversion of both her husband; Patricius, and her son, Augustine, one of the greatest Doctors of the Church. Monica was born in 332 AD. in Tagaste. North Africa Her parents were Christians and she grew up in an atmosphere of devolion and Christian prac- Monica grew up in tice. However, her life became much harder when an annosphere of she was married to a man who was a pagan and devotion and made no seaet of his dislike for Christian~ Christian practice. Pabicius had a violent temper and often harassed However, her life Monica about her faith. He refused to allow her to became much hard· have their three children baptized. She was able to er when she was teach them about Christianity and showed them married to a man how to live a Christian life, in direct contrast to her who was a pagan husband's behavior; which included unfaithfulness to his maniage vows. Rather than nag her husband, though, Monica was an attentive and devoted wife, obeying Patrtcius In everything except In matters of faith, where God won out Her meek behavior and her steadfastness in her faith began to have an effect on her husband. And in time, Patridus' temper cooled and he became more accepting of his wife's Christianity.

ovies like 1be Matrix

teD us, wilh pictures, what the human being is. This, according to Juan Jose Munoz Garcia, author of Cinema and Human Mystery. "However, the audiovisual wcxfd is not enough to know in-depth the mystery of the human person. It needs to be completed with the thought of philosophen3 and theologians," says Munoz. The Matrix is particularly interesting because it addresses the very concept of what is real. In the movie, the real 'NOiid is a post nuclear wasleland where robots remain in control by inserting an artificial ideal world into the minds of most humans. .,.,. Q: Why do you think that we arc like Cipher, the character

in "The Matrix," who despite his lmowledgc (of the real world), prefers to remain anchored in appearances and to abandon the struggle for truth? Munoz: To discover truth and allow it to possess us is a journey that ot made only with the support of the intelligence. ... to anive at th requires effort and ethical habits. Unfortunately, there arc many in our postmodem era who arc satisfied with weak thought: mere opinions or simple facts. Uke Cipher in "The Matrix," they say that ignorance is bliss. And immediately, they make dee~stons that attack human dignity, such as killing the unborn or terminal patients, or give their consent to the freezing and manipulation of human embryos. !think that the main character (Neo) in W The Matrix" lets us observe how truth and eth1cs go hand in hand. By denying the first, to stay with appearances, Cipher denies the second, and immediately betrays his companions. This is why it is so dangerous to say that there arc no certamties, only subjective opmions, as in this way we open the doors to the arbitrary will of the strongest - be he a scientist, a communicator, or a politician. )IJ. 0: So, then, one can come out of "The Matrix" (the unreal world)? Is it possible to escape from the cavern (of illusion)? Muiioz: Of course ... it is a basic idea of all religions, which is effectively realized in Chnstianity: The things we apprehend at first sight arc not the sole or fundamental reality; there is something beyond. We must transcend the immediate, without denying Its relative value, and not be slaves to sensations and instincts ... We feel, like Neo in "The Matrix," an anxiety that drives us to seek genuine reality. Hence, the fact that a life given to the purely external gives way to the most absolute emptiness, unhappiness and depression. Only the ness of truth, goodness and beauty can satisfy our infinite longing 0 desire. - Zcnh

Monica prayed continuously for her husband's conversion, and finally, after 16 long years, Patridus was baptized In 370. One year later, he died, but Monica was content that she had done her job by mak-

ing sure her husband was ready to go home to God. But she still had her son, Augustine, to worry aboul Her other children, Navigus and Perpetua, had embraced Christianity, become baptized, and entered religious life. But Augustine had taken after his father

two

and decided that a life of "wine, women and song" was more to his liking. Monica shed many tears over Augustine and pleaded with him to tum away from sin. But he ignored her tears, preferring his VMf to hers and even turning to heretical philosophies. Monica didn't give up on him. She prayed even more than before. Finally, after 14 years, Augustine converted and turned to Christ. His moth· er was with him when he was baptized during the Easter celebration in the year 387 in M~an, Italy. Having achieved her goal of bringing her son to God, Monica felt that her life's work was over. Returning home to Africa, she told Augustine, "Son, for mine own part I have no further delight in anything in this life. What I do here any longer, and to what end I am here, I know not, now that my hopes in this world are accomplished~ Soon after, she died, and was buried in the port city of Ostia. St Monica is the patron saint of manied women and mothers (particularly mothers of wayward children), and also of victims of domestic abuse.

,.._ What do you think? Read the rest of this Interview on FAJTHmag.com then discuss in FAITHforums. J U1 r

.._ .~

s•• ['• i .,~.-~· ; :.J.... ,,.· ·"\Cd<'' • •.

l'c'····~·-\ • J •· • j

Ju' 1 "3 .,

S' "·k • • l.:il-,·tcl • • ~· ' • ' '' l•l

,~r C!.~ Ju'.• 2·1

- Elizab«:thjohnson s:

J::::i.':e~ Apc:,'!e

!u··· 2!J

s~ Ar IH! ~.H!

JoJch m ~\~rent-::; cf HlC~!;C(, v.:J n r.t:Hf J.J'y 26

Sl M.1rli1"

Jul~

Sl Peter Cluysolo!JU5, B1shop Qnd Dm lor of the Church

Jul~

lgn~lHl~

lo~ol~.

Priest

Jul~

Sl Alphonsus llgllotl. BIShop Qlld Oodor of the

Cht~rch

August

what

canldo

tok~mv

child pure?

Dear Fr. joe: What does it mean to be pure in heart?

television sends your kids a message that is radically contrary to the Gospel. Don't be your childs friend . ..,_. I was discussing the They have enough of those. Be Ten Commandments ccording to the their parent. Do not hesitate to with some or the 5th philosopher S0ren tell them what is right and Kierkegaard, 'To be pure in and 6th graders. Arter wrong and enforce discipline. heart means to will one Young people know when explaining the thing. ~ I like that. their authority is ~au talk" commandment to "Honor We do not want to limit Now, let~ cover the dos: your rather and mother, purity to sexuality, though Take your child to church. I asked "Is there a that is definitely an impor路 Early on, young people need commandment that teaches us to see the value of faithful路 tant element of it. We should how to treat our brothers and ness. Faithfulness to God is think of punty of heart as sisters?" Without missing a pertaining to everything we essential to their spiritual do and all that we are. beat one little boy answered, and emotional development What arc you all about? They should know that no "Thou shall not kill." What do you will? What do I couldn't really tell him he matter whm happens, they you des1re? What do you are going to church. Even if was wrong ... want more than anything? they fight you, give them The answers to these questhat one thing they can tions will tell us if we arc count on always happening. over and the young people I relax and have a good time. pure in heart. Pray with your child. Not Going on trips with their Our hearts need to be pure. have the honor and privilege just before meals, but everygnlfriends or boyfriends is When our hearts are pure, we of speaking to everyday. day as a family. My folks will to be who we were creatSo, what can we do? 1 not a good way to monitor never let social, athlcllc or think it important that we ed to be. We desire nothing their behavior. Its pulling extra-curricular activities tell them early on that our them into a situation that is more than to be holy, rightinterfere with the daily ritual intention is to help them stay way too tempting for them to of sitting down together after eous people who love jesus generally handle_They need above everything else. pure. Let your child know dinner to take time to pray. that you want this for them. to learn that dating is not a Show your child love and Early on, they need to recreational activity. There arc aiTcction. Let them know Dear Fr. joe: learn that your family is dif- peoples hearts involved, and they are Gods gift to you and What can I do to ferent than most families out we don't recreate with those. more important than any路 Letting your child ''get it out thing else. Don't assume they keep my child pure? there. They should know that there will be things that of his/her systemn is not a rec- know you love them. ow- great question! their friends do that you wtll ommended excuse for sinful Teenagers in particular tend not allow them to do. In a world that behavior. I fall back on one of to struggle with feeling loved. First, lets hit the don'IS: my old redneck sayings here: doesn't even mention purity ~If you want a \vild dog oiT except when mocking it, it is Don't drink with your your porch, don't feed it,. Sin essential thm we be concerned child. I think drinking with Send your Questions to: works the same way. We don't with the purity of our children. your child isn't "taking the "In the Know with Fr. Joe~ mystery out of it.'' I think it's feed it to get nd of IL 1 am drawing my answer FAITH Magazine to this question from young teaching them a horrible lesMonitor the T.V. This one 300 W. Ottawa, Lanslng, Ml 48933 people who write me from all son; that they need alcohol to is huge. As a general rule, Or: JoelnBiack@priesLcom

Tron"r.guro!:on cf the Lord August 6

Sl S:xtu5 II. Pope m1d

r.hrt~r.

end

Comp~n.ons.

MJrt)路rs August 7

CJJCl~n. Pr~cst

August 7

Sl Dom.n:c. Pncsl August 8

Sl Tcrcso E

where is one place you have seen God? • ~~ At the end of the 19th century, Pope St. Pius X fought tirelessly against modem philosophies that attacked the Church. Among other things, he promoted the reading of Scripture and the renewal of the Liturgy, so as to help the faithful to grow in purity of hean and see God more clearly. His will read: "I was born poor, !lived poor; I wish to die poor. In our spiritual lives. we must be on guard against that which prevents us from seeing God. We celebrate St. Pius' feast day Aug. 21. In 1955, St. Plus X Parish, Flint, was founded under his patronage. We asked parishioners there: "Where is one place you have seen God?" D

"In church. We see God every place~ joAnn Frecltetle

What the catechism says about being "pure In heart"

••••••••••••••••••• The sixth beatitude proclaims, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God~ "Pure in heart" refers to those who have attuned their intellects and wills to the demands of God's holiness, chiefly in three areas: charity; chastity or sexual rectitude; love of truth and orthodoxy of faith. There is a connection between purity of heart, of body, and of faith: The faithful must believe the articles of the Creed "so that by believing they may obey ~od, by obeying may live ell, by living well may purify their hearts, and with pure hearts may understand what they believe." (ccc 2518) ~ of

some Diocese of lansing

Web sites ••••••••••••••••••• Diocese of Lansing dloceseoflanslng.o rg This site contains information about news and events, as well as links to the Web sites of many diocesan ministries. FAITH Magazine FAITHmag.com On our Web site, you'll find the latest Catholic news, Web exclusive artides, online video and more. FAITHmag.com was voted 1st place amongst Catholic magazine Web

the Cr o~~ (ft~•th Stem!. Vorgul and F.l ~ rtyr August 9

St. Cl ~rc, Vorgm August IT

"In my children~ Theresa Resta

"In the convalescence home." David Scltlosser

sites by the Catholic Press Association.

tion about retreats and counseling.

Just for teens from FAITH FAITHtt"en.com This monthly e-zine features fun, faith-filled artides for teens. Check out past issues and sign-up free today.

Project Rachel abortlonhealing.com Find out more about this ministry, which works with women and men who have had a traumatic experience because of abortion.

Interested in priesthood? 2 bea Priest4 Christ.com This site features informalion about discerning a vocation to the priesthood and applying to be a seminiarian for the Diocese of lansing.

Bethany House bethanyhouser<:.org Get information about events and retreats at this spiritual life center for the youth of the Diocese of lansing.

St. Francis Retreat Center Marriage enrichment www.slfrancts.ws yourmarriagematters.corr The adult retreat center for Here you'll find marriage the Diocese of lansing, enrichment resources and located in DeWitt, sponsors activities from around the many special events and diocese, including informa- programs to grow in faith. St Pon!Jon. Po pe ~n d Martyr August 13

St H.p polytu ~. Pr.c~t ond Martyr August 13

He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. "He ascended Into heaven - " Years ago I asked a friend why he thought we didn't celebrate the Ascension more enthusiastically. His reply was because it didn't fall on a Sunday. (Now, years later, some dioceses celebrate the Ascension on Sunday.) It sounded funny at the time, but recently, reflecting on the meaning of the Ascension, I have realized it's a "more-than-worth-celebrating" feast of our faith. The Ascension is all about the presence, not the absence of jesus. The apostles did not understand the Ascension to mean that jesus was no longer with them. They expressed no grief or disappointment. Instead they "returned to jerusalem with great joy." (Lk 2452) That's not how you feel when you lose your best friend. The Ascension did not mean they lost something. They gained something. jesus' ascension brought Him closer to them and to us than He was \Y before. He left us on that mountain so that He might be with us in Lansing and Washington and Iraq. He was taken from our physical sight so that He might come to us -everyone wherever we are. The Ascension is not about absence. It's about presence. jesus told us, "1 will be with you all days even to the end of

fh.

Bible 1hldy

Different Accounts of the Ascension ••••••••••••••••••••

Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand Gospel of Malthew: No of God." (Mk 16:19) account of a visible ascension ~ The Gospel of luke: A visi._..,. The Gospel of Mark: On ble ascension takes place. On Easter Sunday Jesus appeared Easter Sunday. the disciples first to Mary Magdalene, then to were gathered together talking two disciples on a country road about appearances that had already taken place that day. In - these appearances are not the midst of this, the Lord described. Then jesus appears appeared, spoke and ate with to the eleven at table and comthem The visible ascension folmissions them to go into the whole world and proclaim the lows: "Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised His hands, Gospel. Then, there is a visible ascension: MSo then the Lord and blessed them. As He

._._The

blessed them He paned from them and was taken up to heaven." tlk 2.4.~-s n Gospel of John: No account of a visible ascenston

._._The

The Acts of the Apostles:

Here, Luke gtves another account of the Ascenston which indicates that jesus appeared to the disciples "during 40 days • {Acl5 I 9- 11)

Christ's death, resurrection, ascension and sending of the Spirit were really all pans of a single event, each one flowmg out of the other. Our liturgical

celebrauon of this mystery cor responds to Luke's account in Acts. After Easter Sunday, jesus appears at different times over forty days, then visibly ascends to heaven Then, ten days later, there is the dramatic outpounng of the Spirit at Pentecost. Thts hturgtcal celebration is great for the Church Because it is many weeks long, we have more ume to take it all in. The mystery is so great that we need time to digest it all - we need the fifty days of the Easter season. 9

-Sr. jnntt Schatffitr, OP, an Adrian Dominican sister, Is Associate Director or the Office ror Catcchctlcs/Rcliglous Education or the Archdiocese or Dttrolt

!.,:

r.bx n:

[,J:I !(u 1 ~l'

Pr <·:..t .::HJ r, H1r r August 14

A~~l:;~,pt•o'!

c:! the H:cs!:.Cd

vfJ

))

r.~.)'y'

August 15

5: Stc ~ ~H.:

d H:.;• J .l ~ Y A L. fU"' 16

',t ...l r:t• r rJ. : :-e~ rlc c t,:'l

·!~

':cl C]IO. '

11 1 11

c - I' r1 r t s c r i c s

n r lt

I I

graph lO the album of who Christ is and what he does. He is the world." The words of the third Eucharistic Prayer for Masses with Children - spoken to God the Father - proclaim ascended - once more with the Father, Lord of heaven and thi5 clearly: ':Jesus now lives with you in glory, but He is also eanh, ruler of life and conqueror of death, the ruler of all here on eanh, among us." human history. jesus ls alive and well and is still doing lots .,.,.., This mystery of the Ascension makes a difference to of things everyday. Its a lot more imponant that we see what us now. jesus told His disciples that in order for the Holy jesus is doing, than worrying about what He "would" do. ... And third, the Ascension gives us something to do. Spirit to come, He had to return to the Father. The rather limited physical presence of Jesus- which could only be jesus commanded the apostles - and us- to make disciples shared by a few disciples - had to be withdrawn so that the of all nations, teaching them to obey His commandments. universal presence of jesus might become available forever With one stroke jesus removed any and all ethnic and racial barner5. All people of all to everyone all over the world. • • Secondly, the Ascension tells us finally and complete- nanons are to be invited to ly who Jesus really Is. The picture of jesus returning to God share in the communion of the Father enables us to let go of previous and incomplete the Church. pictures of Him. Certainly. jesus is the baby at Bethlehem, but that's not who He is now. He is the teacher of the " - from thence he Sermon on the Mount, but we know much more than just a shall come to judge the living and the dead!' record of His words. He died on the cross, but that's not judgment has always where He is today. Ascension adds a final and critical photO· been a core belief of our faith . We believe that Christ will come to us Gospel. For this, let us pray when we die and we will Prayer In the Spirit be judged at that moment. to the Lord. of the Ascension The full meaning of our . . Let us pray for all lives, however, will not be These prayers - in the Church leaders, who complete until the world spirit of the message of the encourage and lead us in ends. For example, as a Ascension - may be prayed the work of evangelization, for ____. parent, a teacher, a social at home by worker, etc., we may have a significant impact on one - or families or For them, let manylives. Those people, in tum, may help others, resultin parish us pray to the ing in much good through the ages. At the same time, an evil gatherings, Lord. life can have repercussions that last through many centuries. as we recall . . Let us So, at the end of time, jesus will bring human history to a the chalpray for those close in a final judgment, which will not change the results lenge of who preach of the particular judgment, but will bring the consequences Jesus' call the Gospel of to light. of our deeds to us to love by work· Often, judgment strikes fear in our hearts. For the people preach and ing for justice who shaped our faith centuries ago, the jewish people saw live the and peace. law as a blessing and never thought of judgment as con· Good News. For them, let demnation. Thus, the segment of our Creed about judg· Response us pray to the ment Is not a call to fear, but a call to growth, to faithful· to intentions: Lord. ness to Jesus. We have been created not only to go to Gradous God, set us on fire . . Let us pray that all heaven on judgment Day but to bring with us what we with your Good News. Christians may be enflamed have done to build the Reign of God. The judgment of with courage and creativity has something to do with having left the world humanity {£~ Let us pray for all to preach the Good News of we first received it. God waits for us to better than when Christians everywhere who salvation. For this, let us finish His work. ) are called to preach the pray to the Lord.

''You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is probably nue for dogs- but itS definitely not true for this senior citizen! VJhen the Eight Beatitudes was decided as the theme for this years issues of FAITH, I had a hunch that preparing and writing eight articles would be a challenge. I never dreamed of the blessed payoff this senior would gain from learning new things about the beatitudes- and this is only the sixth, with two more ahead. Top: Si"th in a series of glass mosaic panels on display at the new Michigan Catholic Conference: headquarters, lansing I Photo Illustration by Patrick O'Brien S t Rase o f l1mJ., V1n) n August 23

~;t

lows a f

Fr~ncc

Au gust 2 5

Jo~cph c~ Âˇ.J~~n:,

Pncsl August 25

r, !

:.' cÂˇ

A ..-9ur;! 27

~j t Auq.J ~t ~ :~c .

B sl :c

from

(

bishop

)

This exercise has been a veritable roller coaster ride. At first, my staid and stale grasp of the beatitudes was thoroughly shaken and exposed as wanting. 1soon realized that my understanding of the beatitudes was minimal and limited, and had grown old and feeble . This has been a graced eyeopener. 1 have come to a deeper sense of how the beatitudes ( -xre the very mind and heart of { ~esus, revealed in His life. They are truly a self-portrait of jesus. They are also the portrait of all who bear the name Ouistian. For us, they are invitations to discipleship and to a communion of life with jesus. jesus offers us two gifts in the beatitudes. He gives a simple plan for Christian perfection that reveals true happiness. He also offers the kingdom of heaven to those who have these eight dispositions of His own heart. I realized too that the eight form a unity. They arc vitally linked to each other and depend on each other. They are the dynamism of the Christian life. The beatitudes are the height to which we can soar and the wings of the Spirit of love and truth. They are already a foretaste of the eter~1 happiness of heaven. The roller coaster was extra busy and did me blessed

tho

't:·

· !h(• (

•

AU!f-i~l 26

favors as it shook and uncovercd my narrow ideas about this sixth beatitude. Suddenly, the promise made by jesus to the 'clean of heart' captured me. 1 hadn't noticed it much before. The promise of the vision of God to the 'clean of heart' brings the beatitudes to the highest level of fulfillment. I also noticed how the sixth and seventh are similar. jesus promises peacemakers to be "sons and daughters of God." This and the vision of God are the ultimate and eternal happiness for the Beatitude People. This means that the first five beatiLUdes merit these final blessings. Without the five, these two arc impossible. Only the poor in spirit, the humble, those who mourn over evil, seekers of righteousness and the merciful become the dean of heart who sec God. They also become the children of the Father at peace with their neighbors. Yes, the vision of God and Divine Sonship arc promised to the dean of heart and peacemakers who arc like their Father. The first five beatitudes get us ready for full happiness. Being sons and daughters of God and the vision of God arc happiness itself. My ideas about "clean of heart" thankfully have progressed. At first they were

•.tHtyrdom c' St !oh·1 the H.J~t:~! August 29

mostly associated with chastity in thought, word and deed. 1 appreciate the lire-giving role of chastity as an integral part of the full happiness promised to the Beatitude People. Yet, the recurring theme of 'heart' in the Bible, which represents the whole person, together with jesus' promise of the vision of God to the clean of heart, opens broad horizons. The purity of heart that merits the vision of God includes chastity, but is far more. It is the graced disposition of the human heart that enlivens and unifies every attitude and direction of the Christians journey to the vision of God. "Clean of heart" relates not only to sell:uality, but to everyone and everything. Two connected qualities or virtues make us dean of heart and capable of love and the vision of God. They arc temperance and reverence. Sadly, temperateness has lost its positive meaning and is for most, just a constant "no" to alcohol, smoking, eating, etc. It is first a grand "yes" - a reverence for people and creaturcs. When it is a "no," its for "yes." Reverence enables us to love instead of merely use, devour or destroy. A person should never be treated as an object of use and a means to an end. The rest of Gods

.......

- ~

creation also posesses certain value and purpose. We arc to love without greed and treat all things with reverence. Reverence requires the second aspeel of temperance. The "no" to appetites and passions frees us for the "yes" to love. This does not kill desire, but brings our passions into the service of love. We love who and what we reverence. We destroy all we grab, maul and fatten on for self. A person who lacks reverence is locked in a one-sided prison and is incapable of love. The refusal to reverence is the refusal to see others as loving in return. The intemperate damage the self, which is created to love. They damage others and crcatures worthy of love and reverence. The temperate person does not love less, but more, because reverence is the "yes" to a deep personal union of self with others. His temperance frees the body from the isolation of greed. His body is a partner of the soul in wholeness and harmony, wide-open to the vision of God. How blessed are the "clean of heart." They have learned to reverence all things in and for God. Their hearts are not led away, but always drawn to God. ,;) - Most Rev. Carl F. Mcngcling is the founh bishop of Llnsing.

1 1

•

·'

...

--------------...~~~ . -·:...:. ~-

"Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ Margaret Muir must have a very pure heart, for she has seen the face of God manifested in His people longer than just about anyone - 107 years this july. From the countless children she's taught to family and friends who have passed away to the caregivers who now look after her, Margaret's life has touched many people. And, although her life has spanned three centuries, she still has the heart of a child.

._,._, ''Let the litlle d1ildren come to me, and do rd hilder

Miss Muir cidn~ aHow artf of her students- her children - to

The Mackinac Bridge spans from one peninsula of Michigan to the other. Miss Margaret Muir's life has spanned the centuries - from the 19th to the 21st, with the turbulent straits of the 20th century streaming underneath.

timeline

Margaret Muir's 107 years

Margaret Muir, age 107 on july 23, is healthy and feeling good. Memories are alive in Margarets eyes, which are alight and happy with so much more than she can share in mere words. Clockwise While her long life has been filled with starting at top: countless personal experiences she Margaret as a could share, Margaret is a humble, priyoung woman, vate person. Nonetheless, when visitMargaret with ing someone who has seen three cenpamtts at school, turics, one can't help but be still and Malgarct at the watchful, and just wam to listen. dedication of Muir Pictures from throughout the 20th Middle School, century decorate Margarets home, and 1\-furgaret (center) a formal ponrait hangs in the library of with her sister, the school that is named for her. Her May Ocft), and stalwan appearance and character are Aunt Katie with renccted in a newspaper photograph students (top archived at her school, from when she right) inspired retired as an elementary teacher in ~t to teach. 1966. ln the picture, her hair is in an elegant French twist, with abundant curls on top. She wears button earrings and her features are dignified and ageless. And she ts surrounded by little people - her first and second grade students whom she would teach many things, including how to read. How is it that she is still remembered and beloved by her students, even when she retired 37 years ago? What was it about this woman that enabled her to reach out to these young children so readily? It is dear that Miss Muir made a constant efTon to meet her students' needs in the midst of their young struggles. jesus asks, "Is a lamp brought in to be

n d God. Amen I &af to you. vh:leYer does not accept the kingdom d God as a tittle child Will not enter into it." (Mk 10:14-15) I wilh palienal and love. The simplicity of her ire relleds what ~ means to receive the kingdom of God as a dmcf.

I. or under a bed, and not on a stand?" (Mk a\ was to help the light of her children shine -stands that teachers can have a profound lives. As she was growing up at the tum of 1e had a particular admiration for her Aunt trgaret:S aunt was a very proper lady who ing a high stand-up collar, as was the fash!S- not baring more than a wrist, even if •t. "We went to the school and Aunt Katie te remembers, smiling. "She had a dress that on on the back, just a little tail hanging o tell her we would hang on it when the vas young, her mother, who was a convert

her Aunt Katie would lead them in the 5· During that time, Margaret:S older sister, J for her disability. Mary Lucille, known as with clubfoot. Although there are successis condition today, this wasn't the case l time in which physical labor was both n economic necessity, Margarets sister was I horses on their homestead farm, which ·rom place to place. Margaret would walk with her crippled feet, rode a horse," she got off the horse, the horse would go :15 young Margaret walked to school, she •teet her from snakes along the way. She :nt Roosevehs advice, which was to •Walk ~stick."

•wing up, Margarets family lived in later moved to the Brighton area, and l be delivered by railroad. Her father was a lret says, "He got the news for the newspahe second oldest child, and May was the . two younger sisters, and two younger brothers,

Margaret shares a story about a dog that would evemually become a beloved family pet. "When 1\ived in Lennon, 1 had a little dog that was son of a nuisance," she explains. Her parems decided to give the dog away to someone in Saginaw. After some time, the dog returned on its own, and no longer misbehaved. As Margaret recalls, "One morning, I got up to find the dog had come home on the porch." She kept the dog, and its loyalty has left an enduring impression on her. As a little girl, Margaret says she "grew up on the dictionary.~ This is because when she was small, she used to sit on a dictionary so that she could eat at the table. "I was a rather tough little girl according to my sister (May)," says Margaret. "My sister was always upset if I went someplace and she didn't go." Their uncle, Andrew, would often take Margaret places in a wagon which she remembers had a springy seat. "I sat heavy on the seat to keep it jiggly," Margaret reminisces. By tradition, May was to marry first, since she was the eldest. Yet because of her disability, there were not many prospective suitors. "1 was right on the edge of marrying," says Margaret, "but my sister was a cripple, so I did what my sister wanted." She couldn't bring herself to hun May by leaving her, and instead stood by her side. Indeed, Margarets friendship with her sister proved to be the longest lasting and most important relationship of her life. One day many years ago, Mays prayers were answered. A chance meeting allowed her to have an operation for her dis· abihty, and May prayed the rosary every day for the rest of her hfe in thanksgiving. She eventually married as well. May hved until 1991, and dted at age 98. Margaret was close with her sister her entire hfe, and accepted her passing with her usual grace. Margarets decision not to marry was perhaps also inspired by her vocation. She knew that being a \vife and mother might not allow her the opportumty for a teaching career, which she was inspired to pursue by her Aunt Knties example. "She thought that somebody ought to be a teacher sometime," Miss ...

Muir declares, simply In the end, Miss Muir was not content to give up teaching until age 70. Later, a new school was built and dedicated in her honor. Much had changed since she had started teaching in 1914, m the same one-room schoolhouse she attended as a child. Arter graduating from Brighton High School, both Margaret and her sister May enrolled for a six-week teachers training course at what is now Eastern Michigan University. Margaret!; nephew, joe, explains that the other girls at the school made fun of their dresses. They had only two dresses each - one for warm weather, and one for cold. As a result, the two sisters decided to complete the remainder of their extension courses by mail. Miss Muir then began teaching grades one through eight in the schoolhouse. Each morning, she would come early to start a fire and warm up the room. She claims she hired someone to help her with all the work, but according to her nephew, "She did it all.~ Miss Muir would even bring in food for the poor farmer kids, and cooked potatoes for lunch whtle they studied each morning. "'I remember one boy who I would keep after school to teach,~ she says. ~Then, I'd let him go, and I'd watch him run all the way home. I remember distinctly watching him run down that lane." Even though he didn't want to be there, Miss Muir knew it was important that the boy pass the approaching exams. "He did very well, and after the examinations, he came and thanked me for keeping him," she says. This is one reason why Miss Muir was such a special teacher. She didn't allow any of her students - her children - to fall behind. "My students teamed to read very well," she recalls. Years later, those little students who gathered around Miss Muir and learned from her would often come back to visit her. They would expect her to remember them - and she would. She treated all of her students with patience and love, and they would come back to thank her. Such is the kingdom of God. "jesus said to his disciples, 'lÂŁt the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And He took them m His arms and blessed them, laying his hands

upon them .~ 1t.tl< to-H 16) Peggy McDonald met Margaret and her sister at a "Renew" meeting in the 1980s. Peggy remembers how Margaret had described the people in her life during the meeting. "All the people I ever knew loved me the best that they could," Margaret said. For Peggy, this was very profound statement. It seemed to strip away false e"-pectations, and revealed a humble way of approachmg the world. Margaret!; simplicity seems to reflect what it means to be pure of heart and to receive the kmgdom of God like a child. For much of her life, Margaret lived in a house that she describes is ~at the gravel pit." An aggregate company had received the short end of a deal when they gave her a lifetime lease on her house. She proudly points out her house in various news articles published throughout the years. Many of us m the Diocese of Lansing have surely dnven on roads made from her family farm, and the gravel pit has also been used in the building of many houses, work places and churches in the area. MISS Mutr no longer lives in her house. Instead, she lives m a nursing home, and her friend Peggy McDonald is among those who vistt. Peggy, a Eucharistic minister for the homebound, now brings her Holy Commumon. They sit down close together, so they may talk and pray together. On thiS particular day, after completing the Rite of Communion for the Sick, Peggy gives Margaret some chocolate chip cookies she brought. Miss Muir doesn't have to watch her diet, and relishes the treat. Meanwhile, a photo-copied picture of the Mackmac Bridge hangs on a corkboard nearby. In pink letters across the top, it reads, "Do not remove.'' Miss Muir doesn't know why it is there. Yet it remains, as a sign of her life, which has spanned the centuries and has resulted in many, many blessings.

~ Imagine the wisdom there is

waiting to be discovered in senior citizens in your area Become a part of your parish's outreach to our eldenJ by calling your parish today or 81en McKay at the diocesan aging ministry office: (517) 34~2467.

â&#x20AC;˘

ot so long ago I heard a song lhat was popular over 25 years ego by Billy Joel. The title of the song was Only dtc Good Die Young. For those of you who are not familiar with the song, here are a few fines: "Come out Virginia don't let me wail You Catholic gins start much too late. But sooner or later it comes da.vn to fate; I might as well be the one, you know that only the good die young~ 1he song is about a young man trying to get a Catholic girl to ; lose her virginity to him. I remember how many of usjust young teenagers then - would sing the song without much thought. T Wrthout spiritual awareness, we can T iet brainwashed. In many cases we ~ brainwashed with mud. 1he lyrics of this song may have captured a T popular attitude in society, but that T altitude is opposed to good spiritual fitness. h denies the truth about the blessedness of purity, chastity, and reallolle. h lies about the truth given y to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. • Today, Billy Joel's lyrics are mild compared to the lyrics that saturate our young people ears. Recently, I opened up the newspaper- and one of the major head· T fines was an ad for Playboy magazine to attract college models from MSU. The ad showed a young guy with his head dug into the magazine. What passes in through the eyes takes up harbor in the soul. It is difficult to get such images into the memory trash bin. A person's mem· ory and imagination become sabotaged. The illicit images take over. Wrthin a short time, a person can become addicted to them. That is f:>ne reason pornographic use has inaeased dramatically and is a multibilftOn dollar business. Because this is such a growing problem, I would like to help you understand

the basic stages of addiction to pornography as outlined by Dr. VICtor Cline. This infonnation carne from an article published by Focus on the Family and other sources:

are you on the path to sexual addiction? ••••••••••••••••••••• 1 Earty Exposure: Most porn addicts were exposed to some pornographic images when they were just kids. 2 Addiction: The person keeps coming back to porn. It becomes a regular part of their lives. They arc hooked and feel they otnnot quit. 3 Escalation: After a while, the person looks for more and more graphic porn. They start using porn that would have disgusted them when they started. 4 DesensftlzaUon: Eventually, the person becomes numb to porn. Even the most graphic, degrading porn doesn't c."cite them anymore. They become desperate to feel the same thrill again, but otn't ftnd it. 5 Acting Out Sexually: At this point, the addict makes a dangerous jump and starts to act out sexually. Their addiction gets an even stronger hold on them. "The stages of addiction show that it is a progressive addiction, much like an itch. It starts small, but over time the itch needs more and more scratching for it to be satisfied. Those who struggle with an addiclion come from all types of homes and backgrounds - even those that look totally healthy on the outside~ This kind of addiction can be broken. The pattern can be stopped. If you have a problem, you need to admit it and surrender yourself to

~scare. Uke~olic

Anonymous, there are 12-step programs for those who have a sexual addiction. For those who are struggling with sexual addiction, it is important not to despair. God will not spurn a contrite, humble heart. For good spiritual fitness we do need to avoid at all costs the following sins against chastity - pornography, masturbation, fornication and homosexual practices. None of these actions lead us to God, and all will muddy our minds and hearts and render them impure.

Jesus says,"Biessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God~ Spiritual fitness is doing what is necessary to respond to God in our lives. How can we be pure and chaste in an unchaste environment? Chastity is a virtue - a habitual way of thinking and acting - that allows our sexual desires to be ordered in a holy and good way. If a person has this virtue, they will not see others as objects for their own pleasure or sexual desire, but wm see others as brothers and sisters in Christ

.,. Ronnie has deaH wHh his handicap, accepted H and siblings. His mother, Frieda, says that when Ronnie was

I) Olympics Golf Classic. However, that's only a small part of his business. He has also done the Ingham County Sheriff Department's mounted division dance the past five years. He deejays for the Lansing and Kalamazoo Knights of Columbus, Lansing Parks and Recreation, nursing homes, graduations and weddings, parish festivals, and more traveling as far away as Toledo, Ohio. As his brother, Phillip, says, "When he sets his mind to something, he does it. When he is judged as a deejay, it is against normal people that he is compared, not against handicapped; and he compares well. That is why people respect him. Ronnie describes his work this way: "It keeps me busy, and happy, all the time. I never get tired of it. I keep my people dancing all night long on that dance floor. I love the crowd and the crowd loves me." Ronnie says his favorite part is when he leads everyone in dancing the 'chicken dance' and the 'hokey-pokey.' "He knows how to work a crowd," Phillip says. "He quickly figures out what the people like from the response to the variety of music he plays - slow, fast, rock, oldies - and gives them what they want, not what he likes himself." Ronnie prays right before he starts a gig. "I will go in the comer and pray for five minutes and ask God to help me not to stutter." he says. His mother, Frieda, who is his business manager, handles his phone calls and his bookings, and drives him to and from his jobs. She also helps him with his finances. "I don't know much about math," he says, "except that with a $20 bill I can buy a CD, or if I find a sale, I can get two.'' Ronnie brings his own equipment and COs to the functions. Ronnie has dealt with his handicap, accepted it and conquered it. Much of the credit for that goes to his parents and siblings. His mother said that she has always taken the view that if you treat people with development disabilities as individuals, exposing them to reality, they will grow. Phillip recalls that Ronnie was super as a kid. "He never cried, always had a smile on his face and was a joy to be around. He was a regular pan of the family, doing chores, going with us everywhere. It would have been a disservice to him if we had treated him differently." Ronnie is the last of eight children, being born when Frieda was 42. Giving birth past age 40 raises the odds of having a child with Down Syndrome from one in 800 to about one in 100. Down Syndrome is caused from chromosome 21 not being a normal pair, but a triplet, and the most common characteristics are upward slanting eyes, broad face, flattened skull, short hands, feet and trunk, and a small nose, along with limited intellectual development. Frieda's husband, Chuck, died of a heart atlack when Ronnie was 18. Frieda says that when Ronnie was born, their prayer was, "God, you gave him to us. Make him the best." She adds, H

Ronnie Knapp is 3 7 years old. He is a member of St. Casimirs Church in Lansing, and of the Knights of Columbus Council 788. Ronnie has been featured in newspapers and on television, and likes to hang out with celebrities. He even has a video clip of himself meeting and talking with former President Bill Clinton. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Ronnie works part-time at a McDonald's restaurant, likes doing artwork, and started his own disc jockey business, for which he is most well-known, at age 19. None of this is extraordinary until you Jearn one more fact. He was born with Down Syndrome. That's a handicap to Ronnie, of course, but one that he has also used to his advantage in pursuing his life's dream being a deejay. Ronnie has a comer on the market for deejaying at handicapped functions, such as the George Perles (former Michigan State University football coach) Area 8 Special

By Patricia Majfler I Photography by Cltristine]ones

nquered it. Much of the credH for that goes to hls parents and

m, their prayer was, ''God, you gave him to us. Make hlm the best!'

•

u1t was challenging, of course, and I realized in raising him, that without God I am nothing.~ But their prayer was answered, as is evidenced in Ronnies ability to function highly. He does have some regrets about his condition and sometimes will say, u1 wish 1 was normal like you, but I can't change that." Or, "1 dream of being six feet tall, but God made me this way (4'10")." Still, he is neither ashamed nor angry about having Down Syndrome. The only thing he says he doesn't like is when young people stare at him. flf they say l am retarded, l tell them, 'No. I am handicapped .'~

Though his aeejay business is central in his life, Ronnie has other interests. Fr. Bill Lugger of St. Casimir says. "Ronnie is at church every Sunday. He is there for all of the Easter and Christmas events, too. He is well-known around the parish and is a witness to the Catholic life as it should be lived. He is omgoing. He likes to bring the medals he wins at Special Olympics to church to show to the parish - and they applaud him." At the McDonald's where he works nine hours per week, Ronnie is a lobby !llanager. He keeps the area I .:lean, opens the door and greets customers as they come in. He generally acts as the host, according to his

boss, Kelly Smith. She says that he is always on time and never calls in sick. "He j okes with the crew when he comes in. He knows a lot of the customers (he has worked there over 14 years) and talks wilh them. He ts a good employee." He is also a huge Michigan State fan. "My bedroom is green and white all the way.n he says, which is no exaggeration. It's like walkmg into a Spartan gift shop. There are socks, hats, a clock, posters, pillows, a blanket, rugs, balls, mugs, chair, lamp. stuffed bears, Sparty Soda all with the MSU colors o r logo, and several pictures of himself with coaches and players. Ronnie Knapp has accomplished a lot and he is proud of it. He points o ut the single deep crease along the center of his palm, which is indicative of those with Down Syndrome. It isn't uncommon for those who have come to know Ron nie to check their own palm, looking, maybe hoping, fo r a crease a liule like his. e mlnlatry focua

•

lil>lil> Parish festivals and social activities are in full swing this summer. Find out how you can be a part of it all by calling your parish office today. For a list of parish activities in your area, log onto FAITHmag.com and click News and Events.

s friends coma back from summer vacations, we hear stories of the places they've seen and the people they've encountered. The themes of these stories vary. Some are about "clicking with" others and the fun adventures that were shared. But other narratives focus on someone that they didn't like: "He just latched onto us at the beginning of the tour and we couldn't shake himl~ All of us have had people in our lives that we dislike. How do we follow the call of the beatitudes to be pure in heart when we think about someone that rubs us the wrong way? Shine like stars In the universe as you hold onto the word of IHe. (Phil 2:15) In the book Wlty You Say It, the author points out that during the cleaning of floors in Elizabethan England it was important to make those floors shine I In order to do that, one had to rub with the grain of the wood to bring out its luster. If one rubbed the wrong way then there would be less shine, less beauty. Scripture calls us to shine like the stars. Starlight doesn't· make distinctions, it shines on all those who walk through the night.

To be pure In heart: ....... Ad in a way consistent with your faith, rather Through grace we than reacting to the other person.

arc able to perse-

........ Pray for insight in regard to this relationship. vere in our efforts, ....... 'ny not to work against the grain of the person. developing ........ Keep your heart and your intentions pure.

fortitude to uvcr-

Let God Help: Create In me 8 pure heart, come ohst:1clcs in 0 God. (Psalm 51 :10) The psalmist implores God our relationships to "create" the purity that for which he longs. with others. Without God's help we might be content to gloat over the misfortunes of someone we dislike. Through grace we are able to persevere in our efforts, developing fortitude to overcome obstacles in our relationships with others. According to the Catecllism of the Cad10lic Clturch, "Human virtues acquired by education, by deliberate acta and by a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts are purified and elevated by divine grace. With God's help, they forge character and give facility in the practice of good~ {1810) To look at those whom we dislike without resentment and to approach them with pure intentions and a pure spirit is a process of deliberate acta and repeated efforts. We will stumble throughout the process but will be able to persist through God's grace. In the early 1700s, Jesuit Jean·Pierre de Caussade wrote that the will of God is our sanity in times of vexation. United with divine will, we experience the enjoyment of God that comes with pure intentions toward oth· ers. It isn't an easy process, but with divine grace we can number among those who are pure in heart. - Dr. Cathleen McGreal Is a professor of psychology at Michigan Stall: University and a certified spiritual director. j uly/August 200J

FAITH Magazine

...... ''The aspect of planning fonns a good relationship between

•

and have to practice abstinence and discipline," Kathy says.

Nowadays people may not know about natural, healthy ways to plan for a family. Migel and Kathy Gatica of Flushing do and are big believers in natural family planning (NFP). According to this couple, NFP is not only effective, but it has strengthened both their marriage and their faith. When the Gaticas became engaged, Kathys mother, Virginia Therrien, suggested they might want to pursue NFP classes. They decided to take them at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Burton and have been using NFP for their family planning during 14 years of mamage. "We were taught that this is what the Church expects, natural plan· ning," says Kathy. "It is much healthier than a lot of thmgs people can use." Although people are aware of NFP, the Gaticas say most don't talk about it. Yet, gradually, they're fmding more couples who arc using natural family planning. Kathy's brother and his fiancee are currently taking the classes so By ]an Rynearson

Plrotograplry by Clrristinc jones

they can practice NFP following their marriage this summer. Migcl and Kathy also say that in some parishes, NFP is not stressed and classes arc not readily available in every parish. "Most people today are not being taught that NFP is an option," says Kathy. "To me its obedience to what the Church teaches." Kathy says NFP seems impossible for some people because they aren't used to saying "no." They want "what they want, when they want it." "NFP is nothing like the rhythm method," she points out. "The woman learns her menstrual cycle and when safe period exists. You always ovulate (a number oO days before you start your period. There is a two to three week safe period." Through NFP, Kathy learned all about her cycle and zeroed in on her ovulation time. YA womans cycle can be different, but she can learn everything about it through practicing the program.~ she explains. Kathy has encountered women who have had difficulty getting pregnant, but have been successful m conceiving with the use of NFP. "The aspect of planning forms a good relationship between the couple, because you're not able to have relations all the time and have to practice abstinence and discipline," she says. MPeople arc amazed when they're

told about the program and how it works." "You don't take her (your wife) for granted," adds Migel. "When you're able to be together, its more special. It's like old fashioned courting or dating where people learn to know each other. 1 think of it as a mini-lent. You give up something you really want. Then at Easter you can have it." Kathy says with NFP you learn to appreciate and anticipate your time with each other. "It keeps the relationship exciting," she says. Migcl agrees. "Periodically, I will pick up a card or nowers or take Kathy out to dinner for no particular reason other than to just let her know how special she is to me,'" he shares. "You learn to better appreciate the many quahties that your spouse has." Some of the women at Migels place of work note what a special relationship he and Kathy have. They were curious about NFP. so Migel took them some pam· phlets. The couple is always willing to share the success of the program in their lire with others. M Evcry child that 1s brought into this world is another soul that can bring glory and honor to God.~ says Kathy QNFP made me look at it a little dtfferently rather than in a selfish way." "Really, to me, NFP makes the relationship stronger," adds Migel. "For us, it works out well, but like everything else, sometimes it's not easy ~ The Gaucas, both in their

• • NFPAwareness Week Is July 20·27

couple, because you're not able to have relations all the time 1ple are amazed when they're told about "" how it works!'

late 30s, arc the parents of five children, all of them wanted and planned with Gods cooperation. Brianna is 13, Leah, 11, Michael, 8, Maria, 6, and Matthew is 22 months old. Brianna auended kindcrganen and, leah, preschool, but since then, their mother has been busy homeschooling her children. In 1993, after a 7-momh pregnancy, Kathy gave birth to a stillborn son, named Migel, after his father. After suffering this loss, they were anxious to try again. A year later, Michael was born, and two years after that, Maria arrived. The couple still wanted another boy. Matthew came along to fill this void. They say he is probably their biggest challenge and greatest joy- a toddler who keeps the entire family busy. The Gaticas have their minds set open to God's will. Its whatever He wants, they say When they first married, Migel wanted two or three children and Kathy, four or f1ve. Along the way Migel had

a change of heart and wanted more. Together, they say, "God had the whole thing planned." According to Rita M. Michaels, R.N., "NFP helps couples understand how this gift of fertility works from a factual, scientific standpoint so that both husband and wife realize the purposeful workings of the human body united with God, to bring new life into the world." The Catholic Church has consistently taught "the sacredness of every human life from the moment of conception until death." Michaels is coordinator of the Natural Family Planning Program for the Diocese of Lansing. She explains, "NFP uses a natural pauem to help couples conceive who are having difficulties and to teach couples who have serious reasons not to conceive to use the natu· raJ pauem to postpone pregnancy. It does not divide the unitive and procreative meaning of the conjugal act."

3 facts about Natural Family Planning

•••• •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• • ••••• Natural family planning (NFP) Includes several

sclenttflc methods of charting a woman's natural signs of fertility and Infertility.

1 Totaly natural: No chemicals are used to interfere with nonnal bodily function. 2 NFP Is 99 percent effective to postpone pregnancy

when used as taughl 3 Couples using NFP have a less than 5% divorce rate

compared to the general population. Marriages are strength· ened by mutual commitment and increased communication required by using NFP. Rita Michaels, RN, a Billings Ovulation Method teacher, is coordinator for the N FP Program for the Diocese of '.ansing. The NFP Program recently achieved endorse· ment from the Diocesan Development Program for NFP under the USCCB Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. You can learn more about NFP during NFP Awareness Week, July 20·27, and by checking the NFP.Program Web site at nfplanslng.cathollcweb.com

number of years ago I pursued a Job that I really wanted - primarily because I viewed It as great career move. It was an opportunity to get noticed, and to help me "climb the ladder~ I also wanted to be considered an authority in the technology we were exploring. Once I was in the position, however, I realized that maybe I was in a bit over my head; I really wasn't prepared. I was dealing with people who intimidated me, I was being blamed for things that weren't my fault, I was becoming very stressed and defensive, and I didn't like the person I was turning into. Then, one day in a meeting, I was presenting a solution to a problem when my manager asked me how passionate I felt

about this solution. At that moment, it was like -~-...someone flipped a light switch on. I wasn't passionate! I wasn't doing this because it was some· thing I believed in. I was just trying to get ahead in my career. I suddenly realized that perhaps I was focused on the wrong things. I decided that I needed to retreat and regroup from a career standpoint. I needed to let go of my ego, let someone else who may be better qualified take over, and seek out a position in which I could better utilize my skills to serve the organization and the people around me. The Catcd 1ism ofd1c Cad1olic Cl1un:l1states that we are invited to purify our hearts of bad instincts and seek the love of God above all else. (1723)

3 signs you are on the wrong path at work: 1 Do you focusing primarily on getting more living the belid that God is the money and more power? 2 Do you do something at work just to get recog- source of hap pi~

nized and honored?. 3 Do you idolize or trust more in the science, technology or art in which you work rather than the love of God.

ness is a tall order because each or our bad instincts arc typically considered

Here's how to get on the right path: We must desirable trailS in remember that happiness and contentment a competitive In our work do not come from money, posl· workplace. tlon, fame or technology. Rather, "God alone is the source of every good and of all love~ (CCC I 723) uving this belief is a tall order, however, because each of the bad instincts noted above are typically considered desirable traits in a competitive workplace. Therefore, it's tough to let go of them in lieu of God's wisdom, which asserts that if you focus first on extending His kingdom in the workplace - for example, in serving one another - He will take care of the rest of your needs. We know this because Jesus tells us: "Instead, seek His kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides ~ (Luke 12:3 1) If we earnestly undertake this challenge, we - and others - will begin to see the light of God in our WOrk. - Tim Ryan Is an lnformallon lcchnology professional In Fowlerville and has earned a tnilSier·s degree In pas1oral sludlcs from Loyola Unlvcrslly New Orleans. lie Is a member uf Sl . j oseph Parish, Gaines J uly/Augldl 2003

FAITH M~pztnc

•

They come with dreams and expectations - taught of the past but prepared for the future. Theirs is a voluntary road, absent of nuclear family - save one, uniquely - but saturated with people along the way. Two of them emerge from non-Catholic families; one is a life-long Catholic. Their lives are pledged to God as servant leaders. As shepherds and stewards, they learn to follow as well as lead. •••••••••••••••••••••••• ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Priests do not spring from nothingness. They have personal histories as well as unlived futures. What will they take with them on their career Emmaus walks? What "less-traveled roads" have they chosen to take? Meet Fr. john Fain, Fr. jeffrey Njus and Fr. Steven Anderson. Ordained priests on june 14, 2003, Fr. jeff and john concluded their studies at Mundelein Seminary, near Chicago, and Fr. Steve at Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit. Fr. john (the son of j ames and Mary Fain) hails from St. Michael Parish. Flint, and is the oldest of six children. Fr. jeff (the son of Richard and Gayle Njus) was born in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, in the Caribbean, and is the younger of two boys. His home parish is St. Martha, Okemos. Fr. Steve is the sixth of seven children (the son of Nelson and Marion Anderson). and is a native of Pontiac, Mich. He is the first married man to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing. See page 26 to find out more. These three men have now entered the phase of priestly young adulthood. At this pivotal moment in their personal histories, take a moment to brieOy to get to know them -their pasts, their presents and possibly their futures.

Interviewed by Ronald Landfair

I Photography by Cltristine]ones

â&#x20AC;˘

m e n I s

\\' i ( h

Fr. john Fain

On the inspiration to become a priest: There really is no single reason. Fundamentally every vocation - including my own - is a personal response to the call of jesus Christ. For that reason, it is somewhat hard to articulate because it is so personal, so interior. A vocation develops and grows over time. I can say that I felt a calling to the priesthood from an early age. Growing up I was blessed to know priests who were excellent role models, particularly at my home parish, St. Michael, and at the Catholic elementary school I attended, St. john Vianney. I was an altar server at both parishes and developed a love for the Mass. I certainly benefitted from participating in parish life at St. Michael, which is a very close community and has always been supportive of vocations. Parishioners and teachers at the Catholic schools I attended encouraged me to think about the priesthood.

The best part of my preparation for priesthood: I've enjoyed a number of things. Two years ago, I had an internship at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing. I really enjoyed working with the priests and staff there. I have no doubt that the rest of our lives will be devoted to restoring trust in the priesthood and in the Church itself. ... The world is going to change radically and rapidly over the next SO years. I think that il would be much better if we, as a Church, anticipated and planned for these changes rather than reacted to them after they have occurred. The seminary that 1 attend(ed) strongly encourages proficiency in Spanish, so after my internship I studied Spanish for five weeks in Guadalajara. Mexico has a culture which is strongly Catholic and very family-oriented. It was a very eye-opening experience for me. This past summer I spent 10 weeks working as a chaplain at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw. I was assigned to the ICU units and worked frequently in the ER. 1 f,as called in to deal with a number of tragic situations; yet, I also witnessed the tremendous power that prayer and faith provide in the midst of suffering. My best example of a "good" priest: I have been inspired in many ways by the parish priests, formation directors, and seminary professors I have known. I have known a number of dedicated religious women and men as well. A priest who has been a mentor to me over the past number of years is Fr. jim Eisele, with whom I worked at St. Alphonsus, Deerfield, and is currently the pastor of St. Agnes, Flint.

The best advice I've gotten: Read the Bible every day. Be nexible. Don't keep grudges. Think before you speak. Don't forget where you come from.

rr. John fain, 29, from St. Michael Pamh, flint, and "ill sen c in S1. C.t:r.trd Parish, Lansing. "Growing up I \\iiS blessed to know priests \\ho were cxcellclll role models , s:1ys I r. John, \\ ho developed a lo\c for the Mass h) being an ah.1r server. IS

The advice I would give to someone considering priesthood: At times, I meet people considering vocations who expect to receive a dramatic sign from God confirming their call. That probably won't happen. If a person feels a sense of peace after praying about a vocation, that is the best sign. I would strongly encourage a person considering a religious vocation to fmd a good spiritual director who can assist in discerning Gods will for his or her life. It is also very helpful to meet people in a seminary or religious community. The challenges I see In my future as a priest: I think we need to do a much better job of catechesis and evangelization. Of the people with whom I grew up, I am one of a few who has remained a practicing Catholic. The conventional wisdom is that young adults return to the Church when they want to marry or have their own children baptized. I am not convinced that this is necessarily true of my generation or the generation following mine. I think that the Church in the United States needs to undertake a serious study of which catechetical and evangelical approaches are the most effective. We should also be less hesitant to â&#x20AC;˘ mploy the methodologies of other Christian denominations which are successful at evangelization.

Interested in priesthood: contact Fr. Vincke at the Diocese of Lansing (517) 342-2507

july/August 2003

FAITli M~g~:lnt

fe w

moments

w ith

Fr. Jeffrey Nj d

My Inspiration to become a priest: On a trip during college I went to Mass at the Church of the Holy

Sepulchre in jerusalem at Christmas time. The beauty of the liturgy and the mix of people - both pilgrims and Palestinian school kids - drew me in. I wanted to be a part of that. Fr. jeff's parents (Richard & Gayle Njtts) observe, "Apparently on this t1ip to study the worlds major religions, ]elf studied and worshiped with Catholic scholars ... and in Rome had a physical touc/1 from tl1e Holy Fatl1er. I11ese events caused jeffrey toquestion It is future path and to sec/1 guidance from his professors and the local parish priest in Minnesota. Imagine our surp1ise when Ote) teleplwned (us) his Protestant pcrrents, and told us of his plans to convert to Catlwlicism! Our first question was lww this would impact his plans to become a minister. There was silence on the other end of tl1e line and jeffrey replied, "I haven't c/wnged my plans; 1 intend to become a p1iest."

~--------~----~~

The best part of my prepartlon for priesthood: I especially enjoyed one

summer in New York City learning about hospital ministry with Jewish and Protestant seminarians. The saint who most Inspires me: St. Francis, because he loved God and other people in such a lively and beautiful way. The best example I've seen of a "good" priest: I have to say the Holy

Father. Pope John Paul is a great inspiration to me. My best talent or gift: 1 love to tell the stories of our faith. The person I most Identify with in religious history Is: David in the

Old Testament - because whatever mischief he got himself into he always remembered that God loved him and he tried to love God back. I like to relax by: Watching a good movie. My favorite secular film: Life is Beautiful, by Roberto Benigni. My favorite religious or spiritual film: Alfred Hitchcock's l Confess.

I r.Jcffrer Njus, 29, is from St. Martha Parish, Okemos, ami \\ill serve :tl St. Patrick Parish, Brightnn. My biggest strugÂˇ gle was the joyful adventure of conwning to the Catholic faith while 1 was in college,'' says Fr. Jeff who has since fallen Âˇ in lo\'e with the Church."

My biggest struggle in my personal faith journey: My biggest struggle was the joyful adventure of converting to the Catholic faith while I was in college. The journey challenged me deeply but it was Cilled with the joy of falling in love with the Church. The advice could you give to someone considering priesthood: l would encourage that person to

spend time with God in prayer everyday, with their ears open to hearing what mission He has for him. The challenges I see in my future as a priest: Priests that I know have told me that I will learn more

in my first year of priesthood than in all of the years of seminary combined. I realize I have a lot to learn and that it will be challenging, but I am excited about jumping into parish ministry with both feet and learning more.

â&#x20AC;˘

f e w

m o m ents

w i t ll

Fr. Steven Anderson

My Inspiration to become a priest: As a teen I had a religious experience that resulted in a closer rela-

tionship with God in a dynamic way. I became mterested in reading the Bible all the time. This developed over time and in college l felt a call to be a pastor in a church. I prepared for this call in seminary. All this was in various Protestant denominations. l became Catholic by reading early Church writers, especially St. lrenaeus. He was my most significant influence. The best part of my prepartion for priesthood: Spirituality. Taken together with theology and moral

theology, my courses in spirituality have helped me integrate a realistic and dynamic Christian life." The saint who most Inspires me: The simple ones like St. Bernadette and

the mystics who love God with all their heart like Stjohn of the Cross and Theresa. St. john Vianney was humble, prayerful and given to serve his people. I am of the opinion that a shepherd ought to smell like sheep. My best talent or gift: (By offering) counseling l have learned to listen and

be empathetic. I like to preach. I like to pray. l hope to be able to help reconcile people to God in the sacrament of Penance, too. The person I most Identify with in religious history: I have only been Cathohc for four years and (l) am still amazed at the depth of history and

saints. The richness is what I enjoy most now. One saint for humility and another for joviality, etc. Historically, I suppose St lrenaeus has had the most influence on me .

â&#x20AC;˘

I like to relax by: l like to relax with my little ones on my lap telling me about life as a five- or eight-year-old. or to sit in my chair and listen to my oldest son play the piano. A small glass of wine with a friend was my favorite at seminary. The best advice I've gotten: Perseverance is success. And pray faithfully. My biggest struggle In my personal faith journey: Finding a healthy way

to live in the tension of being a Christian. We have been filled with the Spirit, but still live this life in the flesh. We are citizens of heaven, but live on earth. We are pilgrims. l have found that developing the vinues and becoming a virtuous man has been a good approach to a healthy spirituality. The advice could you give to someone considering priesthood: Be courageous and bold, and be

full of faith and the Holy Spirit. In your discernment of a vocation or anything in life, never make a decision when you are down. Always make your decisions from consolation and faith. My favorite religious or spiritual film: The Song of Bcrnadcltc. The challenges I see In my future as a priest: Staying focused on the task of reconciling people to

their heavenly Father and to one another in a way that helps establish the kingdom of God among us.

)ul_1hl ugust 200J

Fr. Steven Anderson, 46, is the first

manicd n1:u1 tu be ordained a prit:St for the Diocese of lansing. He \\115 a l'rutt:Stant minister who COI1\'Cr1cd lU Catholicism. Under special pcnnissiun from the V.uican, Bishop Mmgcling ordained him a Catholic prit:St. He will serve at Holr r;unily Parish, Grand nlanc.

fA IT II t.b g3:inc

Fr. Steve Anderson is the first married man to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Lansing. How can this be? Is the celibacy rule changing? No, rules are not being broken. Find out all about this rare exception below. How can a married man be ordained a Catholic priest?

If a married minister of cenain denominations convens to Catholicism, what is he to do tf he wishes to minister as a Catholic priest? He may approach the bishop who can petition the Vatican to consider his possible ordination. It ts at the discretion of the btshop to make the petition - he is not required to do so. Neither is the Vatican required to approve the bishops request. Such requests arc handled case by case by the Vatican and the bishop, based on criteria m Church law. Have married men been ordained elsewhere?

According to CARA (Center for Applied Research m the Apostolate), there are around 200 married Roman Catholic pnests in the United States. Other rites than the Latin rite wtthin the Catholic Church allow men to enter the priesthood if already married. One rule predommates- no mamage after ordination. After all, celibacy is not simply a "no sexft rule. Its a richer discipline to agree not to marry for the sake of the kmgdom of God. Isn't this unfair to other priests?

Men ordained to the Catholic priesthood m the Latin rite have freely accepted the call to celibacy Remember, cehbacy is more than the dtscipline not to many. It is a gtft of self for the kingdom of God. In the case of a married minister who convens to Catholicism, a bishop can make the dectsion to seek ordmation for pastoral reasons. Why ts this pastoral? Because a mmister who has already exercised a ministerial vocation should be able to petition the Vatican for ordination after he becomes Catholic. And obviously, he can't be expected to withdraw from his marital or family obligations. Our priests have freely chosen celibacy and understand that this exception ts a caring, pastoral soluuon within Church law Does this mean the celibacy rule is changing?

Since Vatican II, the Church has found a way to accept the conversion of non-Catholic marned dergy and to accept their mimsterial vocation as well. Thts pastoral exception has been m effect many years. It does not mean the discipltne for celibacy is changing or being relaxed.

Do married clergy converts have to study In a seminary?

The need for additional formation in Catholic priesthood is always reqmred. These men attend major seminary with other seminanans studying for the priesthood. Will a married priest minister differently than a celibate priest?

The marned priest will serve no differently than a celibate priest. just like any priest, he will have the same faculties to administer the sacraments. What will be the role of the priest's wife in the parish?

There is no official role for the priests wife. Think of her as you would a deacon's wife. If the married priest's wife dies will he be allowed to remarry?

No. Similar to a deacon , Canon Law (Church law) prohibits remarriage if the spouse of the deacon dies first. Do married priest's children get special status or privileges?

Other priests, who are not married, may have children from a previous marriage or adoption. Married priests' children are treated no differently than these - no special status. Where does the married priest and his family live?

A married priest would have an office at the parish but would live with his family It is natural and expected that the married priest would live in a separate residence - not in a traditional rectory with other priests. Many parishes already provide their priests with a separate residence apart from the parish office. Does the married priest receive a salary from the parish?

All priests receive a salary from the parish or institution of the Church to which they are assigned. Married pricsls, like all d10ccsan priests, arc nol under lhe vow of poverty.

j July/a~

things to do Bethany House is hosting a Christian Imagination retreat from July 13-1 5. Students entering 7th-9th grades who are interested in learning more about Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and other brilliant minds are invited to attend. Fr. Robert Copeland, associate pastor of St Robert's Parish, Aushing, wiU lead the fascinating study of these authors. Please call (517) 669-8321 for more infonnation. The Brake the Cycle of Poverty tour is coming to the Diocese of Lansing. As 26 Catholic bicyclists peddle their way from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about poverty in America, they will stop at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ann Arbor, July 18. Beginning at 7 p.m. there will be a onehour presentation and reception. The event is sponsored by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development Call (517) 342-2463 for more infonnation, or visit brakethecycle.org. A dedicatory recital of a new organ at St. John the Evangelist Church, Fenton, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 2 7. Dr. David Wagner, concert organist, will give the recital on the

St. Joseph Parish, Dexter Summer Fun Festival. Jut( 19-20

(734) 426-8483

Most Hoty 1Hnlty, Fowler Parish Festlva~ July 26-27 (989} 593·2162

new Karl Wilhelm, threemanual 60 rank tracker pipe organ. For further infonnation, call (810) 629-2251. The Diocese of Lansing Restorative Justice Ministry and Prison Fellowship are participating in Operation Starting Line, a national evangelization effort to preach the Gospel in more than 45 prisons Aug. 15-25. Please support this effort financially, by volunteering for a one-day event or through prayer. Call (517) 3422494 for more infonnation. The Diocese of Lansing Department of Fonnation is offering a Conversation In Ministry Saturday, Aug. 16.

Magistclium and Tlrcologians will be presented by Msgr. Robert Lunsford, chancellor, and Bishop Carl Mengeling. Priests, deacons, ecclesiallay

Sunday, July 8

founccnlll Sunday in Onlbuuy Time EzeKiel 2:2·5 Psalm 123:1-4 2Cor12;7-10 Mark 6~ 1-6

Psahl34:2·9 Ephesians 4:30.5:2 John 6:41·51

Friday, August 15 The Assumption of llle Blessed Virgin Mary Vigi

Sunday, July 13

Fi{lcrntl1 Sunday in Onllnary Time Amr:s 7: 12-15 Psalm 85: g.. 14 Ephesians 1: 3· 14 or 1:3· 10 Mark6:7·13 Sunday, July 20

Sixteenth Sunday in Onlinary Time .lenlmiah 23:1·6 Paalm 23:1-6 Ephesians 2:13·18 Mark 6:30.34 Sunday, July Z1 Scvrnreentl• Sunday In Onlinary Time 2 Kings 4:42-44 Fa 145:10.11, 15·16, 17·18 Ephesians 4:1·6 John 6:1·15 Sunday, August 3

EigllltCJIIIJ Sumlay i11 Onlinary Time Exodus 16:2-4, 12· 15 Psalm 78·3-4, 23·25, 54 Ephesians 4:17, 20.24 John 6:24-35

1 Chr 15:3-4, 15·16; 16:1:1-2 Psalm 132:6-7,9-10, 13·14 1 Corinthians 15:54b-57 Luke 11 :27-28 During the Day Rev 11:19a;12:1·6a, 10ab PBalm45:10bc,1 H2ab,16 1 Corinthians 15 :2<>-27 l.uke 1:39-56 Sunday, August17

TwaJtittll Sunday In Onllnary Time Provelbs 9: H3 Psalm 34:2·7 Ephesians 5: 15-20 John 6:51-58 SUnday, August 24

Twcnly-First Sunday In Onlinary Time Joshua24: 1·2a, 15-17, 18b Psalm 34: 2·3, 16-21 Eph 5;21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32 John 6:60.69 Sunday, August 31

ministers as well as anyone who has concems about "Church teaching" as presented in our diocese are invited to attend. The program beings at 8:30 am., includes lunch and ends at2:45 p.m. Participants are encouraged to study Tcaclring Witl1 Autl1o1ity by Richard R Gaillardetz and to present concerns in advance. Registration is due Aug. 7. For information, cal (51 7) 342-2504.

blood drive Sunday, Aug. 10, from 8:3Q-2:30. Walkins will be accepted, but appointments will be honored first. Contact Jo Wright at (734) 762-8606 x208 to schedule an appointment.

St Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor, will be hosting a parish

Alternative housing is available for Catholic women attending

Christ the King. Flint

Blessed Sacrament, Burton 27th Annual HungarianAmerican Festiva~ Aug. 1-3 (810) 659·6984

st. Patrick. Ann Arbor

St. Agnes, fowlentllle

st. Michael, G111nd l.edge

Fun Fest. Aug. 9-1 0 (517) 223·8684

Parish Festiva~ Aug. 23 {517} 627-8493

African American Festiva~ July 26-27 (810) 233{)402 St. Casimir, Lansing Com Roast Festival Aug. 1-3

(517) 482·1346

Sunday, August 10

Nincruntl1 Sunday in Orrllnnry Time 1 Kings 19;4-8

Twenty-Second Sunday In O~tlinary Time Deta4:1·2,6-8 Paalm 15:2·5 James 1;17· 18,211>-22, 27 Mark 7:1·8, 14-15, 21·23

college. Located in downtown Ann Arbor, Ave Maria House is open to students of all colleges in the Washtenaw area For more infonnation on this unique opportunity for Catholic women, contact. Mary Dalton at (734) 2228327 ore-mail mdalton@ avemariafoundation.org

l.abor Day Festiva~ Aug. 3Q.Sept. 1 (734) 662-8141

..,,._ This project was unique and daunting because It meant moving the entire parish school and church - to a completely new local.

would be needed to meet the needs of the thriving Catholic community. Parking lots were crowded, there was often standing room only during Mass and meeting places were scarce. Aware of these pressing issues, Fr. Kenneth Coughlin and his staff began a process that would take five years to bring to frunion and required thousands of donated hours from parish stewards. This project, which became known as FaithScapc, was unique and daunting because it meant moving the entire parish- school and church to a completely new location. For six months in 1999, the renovation team prayed and visited more than 40 other Catholic parishes, considering every available option to expand on the present site. They came to the conclusion that a new parish campus would be necessary to serve the growing faith community. ":-- - - -Throughout the entire process, the teams of dedicated stewards reminded themselves, ~This is about the people and spiritual programs at St. Mary not about brick and mortar.Âˇ The goal of FaithScape was to build a suitable environment for practicmg our faith, relying on the Holy Spirit and responding faithfully. Thus, the FaithScape slo gan became "Gods promise ... Our Response." With a generous heart, St. Mary Parish family responded \vith over $3 6 million pledged to the project. In the summer of 2001, the pansh secured 30 beautiful, wooded acres of land for its new campus. Finding property ncar the village of Pinckney that fit the proJect requirements was a miracle in itself. Construction of the new campus began in early 2002 and continued into the spring of 2003. A number of oak trees needed to be removed to make room for the new facility. The lumber was used to construct the new altar, ambo and presiders chair. The wood was also used to restze the cross of the churchs eruct fix. The Stauons of the Cross from the original church were retained, as well as statues of the Blessed Mother and St. joseph. An exquisite 100-yearold tabernacle was found to grace the new sanctuary. As St. Mary Parish family begins their latest and most exciting chapter in their history. Fr. Kenneth Coughlin reflects, "We could not possibly get to where we arc today if tt wasn't for our radical trust m our God . We have placed our lives. and will continue to do so, in the hands of our loving Triune God. For more information, visit the St. Mary Parish Web site at faithscape.org. 6

More than 1000 people were in attendance for the dedication of the new church for St. Mary Parish, Pinckney. The dedication took place May 10, the eve of Mother's Day. The St. Mary community had humble beginnings as a parish mission in 1867. St. Mary school was built in 1955. On April23, 1962, a tornado severely damaged the church and rectory. Two years later, a new church was built. Due to reduced enrollment and financial complications, the school facihty was closed in 1970. It reopened in 1983. and in 1986, St. Mary Activity Center was constructed to enhance and increase education and social activities of the parish Families then began moving to Pinckney for a simpler, rural lifestyle, and it soon became apparent that more space

Aliocese of Lansing ltosts statewide youth rally ••••••••••••••••••• . . Approximately 400 youth from the seven dio· ccscs of Michigan gathered at the Lansing Center Saturday, April 26. This year's youth bash was titled "FAITH Explosion: Let the L1ght of Christ Burst Forth." Talks and testimonies rellected the importance of the beatitudes, authentic conversion and living out the Gospel. Welcoming everyone to Lansing, Bishop Menge ling shared Pope John Paul lis message to youth: "Do not be afraid to be saints of the new millenmum ... Miguel, a young man who suffered a ncar fatal motorcycle accident, testified, '1esus gave me the grace to hope, and to celebrate life again." At lunch time. the youth marched down Michigan Ave. to the Capitol, where a local praise band, Apostolic, performed a concert. Who Do You Say That I Am, Chris Padgett and Youth to Youth Catholic Evangelization also performed throughout the day. Bishop Murray, from the Diocese of Kalamazoo, spoke to the youth about what it means to be pure of heart "When God gives good gifts, He expects good results. To be pure of heart means to respect and maintain the two great gifts: the gift of .od and the gift of life." q

St. Joseph Guild celebrates 25 years of handyman good works •••••••••••••••••••••• ...... On Thursday, May l, members of the ten Genesee County chapters of the St. joseph Guild celebrated the Feast of St. joseph the Worker. This year's celebration, which began with a Mass at St. Agnes Parish, Flint, commemorated the 25th anniversary of the St. Joseph Guild. The group began at St. Agnes Parish in 1978 in response to the need for repairs and the lack of parish resources. The idea eventually spread to other parishes in Genesee County and throughout the country. Meeting every Wednesday morning, the work of St. Agnes' St. joseph Guild has ranged from simple repairs to larger projects, such as roofing parish buildings. The purpose of the guild, whose motto is "To work is to pray," is service to God, country and fellow man through the maintaining, development and beautification of parish grounds. he founder of the St. joseph Guild, Ed Stypulkowski, once Jd a local newspaper, ··we pray with our hammers.'' The Mass was followed by a reception, at which Fr. jim Eisele, pastor of St. Agnes, presented a plaque to Mr. Stypulkowsk1 in honor of the guild~ Silver jubilee.

he Catholic Church has often been criticized for its teachings regarding sexuality - especially its standards of marital chastity and clerical celibacy. So why would a writer who isn't Catholic want to try to popularize a work written by Pope john Paulll about love and maniage? "Its an astoundingly beautiful message," said Sam To rode, editor of the new series entitled Pope john Paul m Theology of the Body in Simple Language. "I think anyone who is intro· duced to the popes vision - whether Catholic, Protestant, or otherWJSC - will be surprised at how positive and profound his thinking about sexuality really is." Torode first read about john Paul lis "theology of the body~ when he was engaged and searching for wisdom on marriage. That discovery eventually inspired him and his wife, Bethany, to write the provocatively titled book Open Embrace: A Protestant Couple Rethinhs Contraception (Eerdmans, 2002). The theology of the body is comprised of a series of 129 talks that Pope john Paulll bcy;m in September of 1979, about a year after becoming pope. With the Bible as his guide, john Paulll set out to answer some of the most important questions of our time. The result was a compelling response to the sexual revolution, pointing the way towards a revolution of love. (Phi~ok:Jiia Books;June 2003; ISBN: 0972535810; Hardcover; 64 ~) Read two chapters online, at FARHmag.c:om.

Ughten Up By Marie Bellet

f you are ovetwhelmed with the busyness of life or are fed up with the selfimportance of the modem culture, then you need lighten Up - the new CD by Catholic singer/songwriter Marie Bellet. This, her third album, is a playful call to rediscover the joy of a family life marked by forgiveness and love. Marie Bellet writes her storytelling lyrics from her wealth of experience as a Catholic mother of eight. The song "Mother, You are \\brried about Many, Many Things" is a reminder from the kids to keep things simple. "He is a Daddy" describes the strength of the man transformed into a loving father. Her music is primarily acoustic and blue~ grass, but she embraces a variety of other musical styles as well. The songs on lighten Up range from "Round and Round," a lightheaned waltz about the everyday drama resulting when opposites attract, to the jazzy "Let~]ust Play it by Ear," which revels in the chemistry of liv~ ing an unpredictable, faith-filled family life. Ultimately, all of the songs in this collection are a down to eanh reminder that in the midst of it all, God loves us. For more information or to order, call (800) 611-7180 or visit mariebelletcom. (Elm Street Records, june 2003)

local

news

Concert raises funds for St. Luke Street Ministry • • • • • • • • ••• • • ••• • • • •

Ave Maria School of Law reaches milestone ••••••••••••••••••

...... More than 300 people drew together May 15 to support St. Lukes Street Ministry program in Flint, by sharing in a night or music, prayer and rellowship. The rundraising event reatured Fr. Gary Mcinnis perrorming songs rrom his newlyreleased CD debut, "journey to Hope." Fr. Mcinnis, sacramental minister at St. Luke, Flint, and Good Shepherd, Montrose, opened the night with a message about how he shares the gift or music to help reach out to the Flint community. "It's no secret that Flint has gone through some hard times. If we can use our resources or time, talent and treasure to help others, that's how we make a dirrerence," he said. The CD includes original music, several run, hopeful songs, traditional tunes in the public domain, and spiritual songs with messages of mercy. forgiveness and love. To order a copy or the ·~oumcy to Hope" CD, mml $16.50 to St. luke Catholic Church, 3202 Forest Hill Ave., Aint, Ml 48504. -Usa Briggs (The C:uholic Times)

...... Ave Maria School or law, Ann Arbor. conrcrred degrees on 67 graduates of its inaugural class May 18. when it held its nrst commencement ceremony. In the school's three-year existence, 17 students have been admitted to the prestigious Blackstone Fellowship program. which trains future leaders in law and public policy.

Bishop Carl F. Mcngeling, upon recommendation of the Priests' Assignment Commission, announces the rollowing assignments and transfers, effective june 25, 2003 unless otherwise noted. Rev. Louis Madey To: pastor of SL joseph Church, jackson (Effediva .k.tne 9, 2003)

Rev. Robert Copeland From: parochial vicar of St. Robert Bcllarmme, Flushing To: pastor of St. Mary Church, Flint Rev. Midtael Pctroslli From: parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing To: pastor 55 Cornelius & Cypnan, Leslie

Detroit cathedral rededicated after $15million renovation ••••••••••••••• .,.... The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit has been restored to its original Gothic splendor. The cathedral was rededicated on the feast of the Annunciation, March 25, by Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit, following a $15 million renovation that took 19 months to complete. An overflow crowd of invitation-only guests, including 165 priests, packed the 865-seat cathedral for the event. Dignitaries included Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, Detroit's auxiliary bishops and several bishops of Michigan. uEven as our worid is overshadowed by the darkness and tragedy of war, we, the church of Detroit, gather with hope and gratitude here in our newly restored mother church to celebrate God's abiding presence and love," Cardinal Maida said in his homily on April 9. - CNS

Rev. Midracl Kucl1ar From: pastor St Therese, Lansmg To: Maryknoll Missions for an overseas assign· ment in the scrvtcc of Mission ad gentes Rev. joseph Krupp To: \l:cckend ministry at St. jolm Student Pansh while remaining chaplrun at. Umsing Catholic Ccntml Htgh School

Congratulations and thank you for your 25 yaans of service in the Catholic priesthood. These priests ware ordained in 1978:

Fr. Tom Firestone.

Fr. Philip Gallagher

Fr. George Michalc.h

Msgr. Steven Fr. William F.r.]OMilum Rafca

Fr. Thomas Fr. David Hegiich, OSfS Howell

Thomas

Wehrle

Fr. john Klein

Pope, Vatican officials meet with Powell, discuss Mideast peace •••• ••••• ••• •••• ••• •••• •••• •••• •••• •••• ••• • .... As a U.S.-backed peace plan began taking shape in the

Middle East, Pope john Paulll and top Vatican officials met U.S. cretary of State Colin Powell for talks on ending the lsraelialestinian conflict. In another meeting the same morning, june 2, the pope detailed the Vatican$ vision of lasting regional peace - including independent and sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states- to lsraels new ambassador to the Vatican. The 83-yearold pontiff, looking in good form, chatted easily with Powell before and after their 30-minute meeting and stood unassisted to bid him goodbye. The pontiff sent his regards to U.S. President George \V. Bush and said "God bless America" after the meeting. Powell then met for an hour with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, the Vatican$ equivalent P.'!!~-~~=--~-!"'!1"""'111"'!!!"1 of foreign minister.

Cardinal praises House vote on partial· birth abortion ban •••••••••••••••••••• ..,..,.. The Houses 282-139 vote june 4 in favor of a ban on partial-binh abonions moves the nation one step closer to achieving a goal sought by most Americans, Cardinal Anthony]. Bevilacqua of Philadelphia said in a statement. "In voting to ban this procedure, one of the most heinous acts ever perpetrated upon an unborn child, Congress is in harmony \vith the vast ajority of Americans who find this violem act intolerable and nt it stopped," said the cardinal, who chairs the US. bishops' Committee on Pro-Ufe Activities. The Senate voted 64-33 in favor of the ban March l3. President Bush has promised to sign the legislation, which was t\vice vetoed by President Clinton.

hen I studied the beatHudes In catechism class in parochial school, Sister always related the sixth beatitude to the Sixth Commandment. Purity of heart meant bodily purity and avoiding sins of the flesh. When I studied the beatitudes in Scripture class in the seminary, the professor widened the vision by relating the sixth beatitude to Psalm 24. The psalmist asks, "Who may go up the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place?" He jesus makes the answered the question with these words: promise to the pure "The clean of hand and pure of heart, who and dean of heart are not devoted to idols, who have not that they will see sworn falsely ... Such are the people that God. The criterion love the Lord, that seek the face of the God for purity of heart of Jacob." is keeping all Ten Psalm 24 taught that only one whose Commandments heart is clean can take part in temple worship with the help of in Jerusalem. To be with God in the temple is described in Psalm 42 as "beholding His grace. face~ But in this sixth beatitude Jesus makes the promise to the pure and clean of heart that they will see God not in the man-made temple in Palesline but in the coming Kingdom. We should note, however, that the criterion of purity or cleanliness of heart is the same for the psalmist and for Jesus; and we should note it well. The criterion for purity of heart is keeping all Ten Commandments with the help of grace, not just the sixth. - Most Rev. Kenneth Povish was the third bishop or l.mtsing and is now n:tlrcd.

Bishop Gregory says Church must not be silenced by sex abuse crisis •••••••••••••••••••••••• ..,.,.. Uke parents who do not stop being parents because they have made mistakes \vith their children, the U.S. bishops cannot allow their moral voice to be silenced by the clergy se>.:ual abuse scandal, said Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He made the comments in an interview marking the first anniversary of the bishops' formal response to the crisis. "There are clearly people, groups that would like to say this moment should stlcnce the Catholic Church," he said. "It cannot and will not. There are concerns that belong to the demands and dictates of the Gospel and the Churchs faith that we must speak to irrespective of the mistakes that have been made."

Best color cover: 1st place Individual Excellence: 1st place Best b&w photo: 2nd place Best feature article: 3rd place Best illustration: 3rd place Best color photo: Hon. mention Best ad.: Hon. mention

t faith

lhr t.bp::tru: ollhc Cathoh' 010ÂŤ'11f tlf Larwnl

300 W. Ouawa l.ansmg. Ml 48933

Online: On TV:

Dioceseofl.ai'\S.lng.org www.I'AITHmag.com The Outreach Milas, Sunday, 10 a.m. Flint - FOX 88 Lansing - FOX 47

On Radio: Mall, 11 a.m. on WJIM 1240 AM