fro1n tl1e editors Being a Teen The Beginning of et's go for a run! I promise I won't go Independence too fast because some of you probably haven't done this since running to catch the You Are the Future phone last night. But seriously, life is just like And The Present running. Think about when you begin at the starting line. None of us even remember our first steps, but that was when it all started. After that, there wasn't any turning back! Soon those first few steps developed into walking and then Increased to running. Maybe you dashed towards the street or ran from older brothers and ur children and teens arc s1sters. Someone always seemed to catch up, the Church of the future." though. Parents just had that way of watching How many times ha,·e you heard that? On out for you and then catching you. After one b •cl, its true. Children and teens arc the being picked up or led by the hand, it future inasmuch as we hope and pray they will wasn't long until we ran the other way. be an acuvc and \itaI pan of the Church when they Talk about starting earlyl reach adulthood. On another lc,·cl. we do young But now we're all looking at the people a dJsscnicc 1f we only look at them as faithful race from a completely different members of the Body of Chnst who will some day take perspective. We're not so little their rightful place \Vlthin the Church. The reality is young anymore. Sometimes it's just people arc an acti\'e and \i tal pan of the Church f(l(f<tv! easier to shrug off the people Teens arc filled with boundless energy that gi\'l:s them a trying to watch over us and wilhngness to work hard, pray hard. and share their low for run in the other direction God Teens arc keenly aware of injustice and have a deep desire fast. Being a teenager to offer their lives in chantablc seT\icc to a greater good. Rather means the beginning of than creating an alternate worship setting for teens. an emironmdependence, right? The ment th:~t sometimes insulates them from the very people they race gets harder, though, want to sec, hear and learn from. how often do \\'C seek them out the farther along we go. and 1mite them to be a pan of the entire Church. the whole After becoming tired, the parish. of \\hlch they arc nghtful members? last thing anybody wants is I fmd our teens to be mcrcd1bly inspiring- "illing to takes risks to be alone. that we adults might sh) <\\\ay from. Young people like Kevin So maybe a little guidBorzcnski. the members of Saint Johns B:~nd. the late Rachel ance isn't the worst thing in Scott, and teens just hkc them in our parishes arc \\Wking hard the world. Not only can we and fanhfull)' to m:~kc a difference in the midst of the turbulence get it from adults but from of gro\Vlng from child to adolescent to adult. Joumcr with us in each other, too. We have a FAITHs annual teen 1ssuc and sec how teens me a \ital and lot of influence over each f:~ith-f1lled pan of the Church - today and in the future• other, so we might as well use 11 as encouragement. God's Fr. 0\\ight E:::op is Editor in Chicr ur FAITH waiting at the finish line, cheering Maga:inc and Pastnr or the Catholic Community or St. Jude, DeWin us along the entire way. All we have to do is finish ... together.
'
Brenda Chadwick, 17, of St. Michael Parish, Flint Is TEEN Editor of FAITH Magazine
faith Most Reverend Carl F Mengeling PIIIIUSHEA
Rev Charles Irvin fOUNDING EDfTOA
Volume 2 : laaua 7 Sepl•mlMr 2001 TEEN IN.,.
Send your letters lo: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. ottawa Lensing, Ml 48933 or vie e·mall lettan§ felthmeg.com
Rev Dwight Ezop I!DITOR IN CHIEF
Patnck M. O'Brien MANAGING EDITOA/CREAnYE DIRECTOR
Kathr Funk ASSISTANT EDITOR
Mollie Lauffer CREAnYE. A EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WE8MASTER
jtll::me job SU8SCAIPTIONS/SI!CRf:tARY
Evelyn Weitzel SUBSCRIPnOHS
Brenda Chadwick TEEN I!DITOR
Rev William Ashbaugh janet Cassidy Ben Chanier Sarah Childress Elizabeth johnson Ron and Lisa Kenney Rev joseph Krupp Ronald Landfnir Patricia Majhcr Dr Cathleen McGreal jennifer Niester Erin Oakley Most Rev Kenneth J. Povish Michael Sullivan Rev Gerald Vinckc CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING
Christine jones james Luning (cover) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wayne Case David Fenech Rev Matthew Fedewa Patricia Garcia Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev James S\viat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY BOARD
Rev. Karl Pung WEB MINISTRY
Rogers Printing PRIHnNG
cc- IJ;oceM o1 l.onolng. fNTH Magam.ls t1oo otftdal.,.bllca1Jon ollllo IJ;oceM oi1Molng. - 10 IJmet • ye•. SubKripUon. ratet . . $1 S per ye1r. lndMdUIIIaauH ore $2.50. PlooiO oond ..
.....__....,_.,_to: FNTH~300 W.o.s- ~MI
48833 (5171342·25e5; ... (517) 3 42·2518
..........JobO-olnv.OOO FAITH Is ll'lllil8ble on audiotape by r.quesl CeU (517) 342·2500
Fr: Dwight· Congratulations on bemg named editor of FAITH Magazine. ... ll1ave a comment
Excellent issue (July/August 2001). I particularly enjoyed t/te short biographies on all our on your ! olunm (Fmm the new priests. FAITH deserves all Editor). I wonder how your tltc awards its been winning. mother feel~ about your childOne small quibble: What haphood mcmo1y of Sunday being pence/ to St. Martha, whose a day of leisure. After all, she feast day is july 29? 1thinlz this most lihcly was the one who harcl-worhingfriencl of Christ coo/led, served, cleaned up, anti belongs in the list of Saints for Worh and Play. Of course, I pacheclup the lefwvers (for admit to some personal bias. Grandpa) after each Sunday dinner 1found tit at there IS no Marthe Darting such thing as a Sunday of comF1: joe: 1read your answer to plete leisure for a motltcr raismg a family. Keep up tlte good lite cremation question in the Mayl]unc (2001) issue. You wor/1 ancl God bless. Kathy Smith state, "It is important to note
that the actual cremation is to be clone after the funeral Mass. " Being that 1want to be cremated, I called Holy Cross cemctc1y to see if tltis is tnte. They said no. ... I called my pastor; tlte answer is no. ... So who is right? Mildred Oudak
Ediwrs note: Fr. joe was articulating the ideal that the body be cremated after the funeral liturgy. However, the funeral rite does allow for the liturgy to be performed in the presence of a cremated body according to Rita Thiron, associate director of worship, Diocese of Lansing.
Why tellllly sins to a priest. Doesn't God forgive if I ask? You've messed up. You did or said something to a friend or family member and you need their forgiveness. Trusting in your relationship with the person you have hun, you go to them, talk about what happened, ask their forgiveness, and hear the words you need to hear: "I forgive you." You feel a sense of relief and freedom from your burden. You make a new start; your friendship can grow and strengthen. Sometimes we find ourselves needing to ask for
Gods forgiveness. Thats what the sacrament of reconciliation (or confession) is all about. Its one of the most important ministries a priest offers. Yet many wonder, "Why go to confession to a priest? Can't I just go to a quiet place, like the woods or my room, and talk to God and ask for forgiveness? I know God understands and will forgive me." That quiet, prayerful discussion with God is a good starting place. You needed to hear your friend forgive you. We need to hear that God forgives us.
Reconciliation, celebrated with a priest, is our way of hearing those words we need to hear. The priest isn't there to judge those who come to confession. Instead, he represents the person of Christ, to be eyes, ears, and voice for our loving and forgiving God. Actually hearing the words, "Your sins are forgiven," touches us deeply and frees us like nothing else can. The sacrament of reconciliation, celebrated with a priest, lets us ask for God's forgiveness and allows us to hear that we are forgiven so our friendship with God can continue to grow and strengthen. - Fr. Dwight Ezap -
-~,J
n ·, rrll'
,,,,C1r.t..: . 1 r..-, Scpt20
r.;~ OJ.J .. ICnunqr;,:~ .. nq !'.JCO'l,J~"'"'
· ,•-
, ·· S~pt
:!0
r;~
t,,1lf•·p;,
~~!o-.tt·J·~:!
..1 1 '"--~
4
S <• ;;t21
';~ Cos·1~.J ...
...: ·.tO,l'T".:" •.1'\n !) I
•
L1it.l1mag. co111
sa1n
Bummed About Napster?
St. Michael Defend Us
Try These Links on FAITHmag.com
The Real Deal on the Archangel
If you think angels are chubby cheeked, barebottomed tots with wings, or maybe goldenhaired ladies in white nightgowns playing harps, it's time to take a look at St. Michael the Archangel, commander of the heavenly army.
Do you spend hours online talking in chat rooms and downloading music and videos? Have you ever thought about what any of this has to do with your faith - that is, being Catholic? The answer is everything if you go to the right Web sites. www.rosarytapes.com Now that Napster has been shut down, where can a music-hungry individual go to get new music for free? Visit the site dedicated to the Rosary Tapes. The tapes contain the music of Family of the Father, a contemporary Christian band, along with preyer and meditation.
www.dlsc:lplesnow..c:om is site calls itself the "place for Catholic ens on the Web~ They host a live chat room and support dialogue on current events and issues of interest. The site works both as a Web-based ministry with Biblical passages and as a recreational site that contains interective games and trivia.
leader of Heavenly Forces: Michael, who shares his Sept. 29 feast day with fellow archangels Gabriel and Raphael, is the leader of the heavenly forces in the eternal fight against Satan and the other fallen angels. If you've ever seen a picture of an intense looking angel armed with a helmet, sword, and shield, piercing a dregon with a lance, that's Michael. Forget John Trevolta's portntyal of a sloppy, overweight, smoking, drinking archangel Michael in the movie of the same name. That image really gives angels a bad namel Angels are mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments, but Michael is the one most frequently called by name. In the book of Daniel, Michael is called "the great prince~ The book of Revelation describes the great battle in heaven when Michael and his angels fought with the dregon. The Epistle of St. Jude describes Michael guarding the body of Moses from the devil. In fact, the name Michael means "Who is like God?" - the rallying cry of the angelic army.
SL Michael and His 2 Co·Workers: Michael's importance ss the leader of the heavenly army has given him a special place in the treditions of Roman Catholics, Orthodox Christians, Jews, and Muslims. For Catholics, he is the protector of the Church, champion in the fight against Satan, and escort of souls from earthly life to heavenly judgment. He is also the patron of the sick. Many Eastern churches and shrines to St. Michael are found near healing springs. Egyptian Christians place the Nae Book of the Month under St. Michael's protection and celebrete a feast commemorating the My Dear Young Friends archangel on the 12th day of every month. Po11c jolm Paul Spealls to Teens on Life, Love, and Courage. September 29 is also the feast day of the archangels Gabriel and Raphael. Edited by john Vitcll, Available October 200 l Each used to have his own feast day (Gabriel on March 24 and Raphael on Young people around the world adore Pope John Paul II. He Oct. 24), but they now celebrate with Michael. Gabriel, whose name means has won their hearts and minds because he genuinely believes in "power of God," is the patron of communications workers- with good reatheir ability to change the world for the better. He cares about son. He is the angel who announced to Mary that she would bear the Son of them. He respects them. Most important, he challenges them to a God, and who appeared to Zachariah to foretell the birth of John the Baptist. deep and profound love for Christ through his Raphael, whose name means "God hss healed," appears in the Book of Church. In a rapidly Tobit, where he identified himself as one of the seven angels who changing world, the stand before God. He restored Tobit's sight and helped Tobiah safely pope's unwavering wed his beloved, Sarah (whose previous bridegrooms have been message of life, love, killed by a demon). He is the patron of the blind, happy meetings, and courage inspires pharmacists, doctors, and trevelers. and enlivens in their The archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are a trio of heavenly from the SL Francis Ralreat hearts a burning fire heroes who deliver God's power, good news, and healing touch to CeiMr Book Store, log on to for the Good News humanity.- Elizabeth johnson of Jesus Christl
alfaithtv.com A beautifully designed Web site, Realfaith TV contains videos or shows that can be downloaded. Past episodes include Sex and Peer Pressure, When a Friend Betreys You, Defending Your Catholic Faith, and more. - Jennifer Nicstcr WWYU"
-
::t \/•· r-r•nt ''l:
P;;.~
j)· PSt St~p t ')7
~,·
v.r·~~ l '':. .. u ~.
r, "!··~· Sept 28
(i• . :.-
T"(.;l' q~ :
.!id C::>·rp .. rl'C"'<;
•.t: :, ...... Sl.';>: 2A
S'-, i." l· h ,•l'l G ·b··{' 1 ;m.!
R.lo"l '0
'l
('1 .. '!Jt• l ·~
Gf"()t '1.'9
in the know
with Fr. joe A really nice family from the parish invited me over to dinner. As I entered the house, the couple's young son grabbed my hand and Jed me to the table. He was very excited. As we sat down, the boy's father said, "Who would like to lead the prayer before dinner?"
The youngster's hand shot up and his dad said, "OK, son, but remember, pray like you have heard Mom or Dad pray:• The son nodded solemnly and bowed "Oh Lord, why
over tonight?" If it Is any con· solation, the
Are you a push over with low self-esteem or are you a confident person with good morals? Not sure? Take this quiz - You may surprise yourseffi
•
By Ron and Usa Kamev
You're at a party where a lot of kids are drinking. A really cute senior offers you a beer. You:
I
A Would never have gone to a party where there is drinking. Why take the risk? B Take the beer and drink a few sips, f~guring you will look better not making a big deal. C Drink the beer and join in the fun. No one will ever know. You really want to be friends with these guys. D Say "no thanks• and then leave the party.
If you answered: A: You're on tltc 1ighttrack You arc a confident person with good '""' als and ra!ucs. B: Sounds lilze low self-esteem. Learn to stand up for what you bcliC\'e m. C: You sound hhc afollowe•: Il1is bdwvio1 could lead to disaster! D: You made tl1c ngltt choice in a sticky situation Maybe next time you will pass and sccl~ out another group to partv v.ith
order to be Christ-like, I need to humble myself and not seck my own power. Why am I saying this tf the question is about witchcraft? Because the issue of humihty and submission arc two of What do I thmk? What I the places where witchcraft think isn't really worth is an offense against God. much. I mean, come on, I'm Let's take it apart. 31 years old, right? First of all, let's define Whenever someone asks me witchcraft. When I say what I think about somewitchcraft, I am talking thing, thts is what comes to about the practice of mind. If I gi\·e you my opin- Wiccans and other things ion formed from my experi- like using Ouija boards, conences, you have gained little, sulting horoscopes, going to if anythmg at all. Why am I fortunetellers, etc., OK? The saymg all this? Because this Church, without exceptton, ~...... attitude goes right to the condemns all of these pracheart of the answer to your tices. Look at your catequestion. Here is what I chism, sections 2115-211 7. mean. Sec. the problem is, in The Catholic Church is a these practices, we take 2,000-ycar-old insmution God's job away from Him. that is blessed by God in a We try to claim God's power special way to lead people to over the future. For example , and in Christ. In those 2,000 in trying to predict our years, we ha\'C engaged C\'ery future or have someone preculture that has existed dur- dict it for us. we arc trying to ing thts time . \Ve have done take control over something that is not ours beautiful things, Sabnoa mrght be made terrible to control! You mistakes and we entertaining but don't arc God's own forget who really has precious poshave learned the. power session and all much. Because you and I need of this, I submll myself to the to know about wisdom of the the future is Catholic that God is Church. I there The understand that future is not I am not tn ours to know charge . I underor control. It i. stand that m God's.
Fr. Joe: My friend believes In Wlcca because It honors nature. I think I can believe In Wlcca, too, and still be Catholic. My mom says "no!' What do you think?
Whether fleeung and forgotten or enduring and ecstatic, relationships arc an importam- and challenging- part of life. Teenage relationshtps are crucial because they help us figure out what we're really looking for So, we asked students from lansing CathoUc Ce.ntnll H1gh School JUSt that question: What are you looking for in a relationship' Someone you can have fun with
without being nervous or shy 8J"'LLld. MaH Stoker I Oth grade Someone who brings out the beat in you. Carty Ehrenberger 11th grade
To learn about the person who they are and what they like. Patrick Defors 11th grade
In casting spells, we run into the problem of trying to manipulate the spirit world. You cast spells and do different things to get what you want. This is not how we deal with God. God is in charge. He is not manipulated and we can't "force H1s hand." As Christians, we should not seck to be in charge, we should try to humble ourselves and be under God's authority Now, let's talk turkc}'. Witchcraft exposes us to a dangerous clement of the spirit world. For some rcason, all kinds of TV shows and movies have popped up which try to make witchcraft look fun, acceptable, hnrm·ss or even good. This is not e case.
urge you to step away from Witchcraft is a practice may appear to be good, or which IS dangerous and even do nice things, but the them and pray for help. Sec alienates us from God. We problem is they only want your priest and ask him for hnvc to understand someour dc:llhs. That is why I am guidance. thing very Important and being more senous in this God lO\•cs us. We can trust basic to our faith. ns article than usual. I don't Him to give us what we need Catholics, heck, even as want anyone reading this to and help us discover what we want. God is in charge of Christians, we believe that get mtxed up in it. the future and. by humbly there arc two bcmgs out Please understand witchplacing ourscl\'cS in H1s there that want What is s n..bad craft is not ~conhands, we don't need special us with them. about Wicca and tacting God In a One of them is wizards? Isn't it different way.'' God powers from Wiccan pracGod who loves has strictly forb1dr tices and we don't need to harmless fun? know the future All we need us and desires den the practice. great things for us Uohn Witchcraft 1s not h;umlcss or to know is this: God who good, It is using C\'il spirits IO\'es us is in control. 10:10). The other is the devil and he wants us who appear to Enjoy another day in God's dead (I Peter 5:8). be good to presence! Whether we get what we Send your Questions to: believe it or want, and not, witchthat is not " In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine craft brings hol y If you arc 300 W Ottawa, lansing, Ml 48933 contact with engaging in practices of witchcraft, I Or· JoelnBiack@prlest.com e\'il spirits. They
Remembet, you belong to something - your local parish
www.FAITHmag.c:om
-=~====~=====-----------------------------
I
Sq•lrmlor~ 2001
7
fAITH ~laga:mc
P.Tsonality Q You and your date are alone In the car. Your date offers you drugs. You: A Break up because you would never dale 8lÂĽlOO who does drugs! B Take the drugs figuring that it's just one time. What's the big deal? You want to be cool. C TeU ycu data "no" and then try to get him or her to stop doing
drugs. You loYe the person and want to help him or her change. D Break up and call the parents
I
and tell them what their son or daughter is doing.
If you answered: A: You are a strong person with convictions. Good for you. 8: Sounds like you arc a followcr. You arc heading down a path of sclf¡dcstnlction. C: m good you told your date no, but you should sec the red flags going up hcrcl This person is not exactly marriage material yet/ D: You might want to encourage him or her to tell them first.
frt)lll
0 orne memories stick like glue. They can be good or bad or a mix of both, but they seem like yesterday. For teens, "growing up" often seems like "mission impossible." Its tough, like the British say, ''to son things out." We all need reliable guides who care and whom we can trust. I can vividly recall something that happened to me when I was 10. I overheard someone I loved and trusted speak badly about me. It was devastating- especially for a young, impressionable child. It could have easily destroyed my confidence and, ultimately, ruined my life. But I had learned early on that grown路a ups can say and do things in a ghb and careless way. The incident, however, caused me to learn firsthand how deeply you can be hun With words. It happened in 1940 when most of my relatives were eelebratmg a holiday at our home. The grown-ups were sull at the table talking with abandon as the beer took charge. In that prc-lV era, we cluldren were nearby playing checkers or Authors. Since none of us knew our grand路 parents who remained in Europe, a special aunt or uncle took their place. My favonte aunt was Caroline, my dad's SISter who was called "Tante Lena.'" Of course. like most kids, we were tuned in on everything the grown-ups were saying. Suddenly, I heard my name - my favorite Tame
Lena was saying, "That boy will never amount to anything." Then came the awful reasons why I would be a failure - her words were a cruel blow to a 10-year-old boy, especially coming from dear Tame Lena. What a hopeless case I was to her! The next day, my mom said, "She had too much to drink and didn't really mean it." Dad said, "You and I know thats not true. Now you prove its not true by making something of yourself." Dads advice lit a fire in me. Thank God I listened! But, still, I
tening and sharing with teens. You are filled with awesome enthusiasm and optimism when asked about God, the meaning of life, love and the way to live. Many of you are realizing that much in our culture is phony, shallow and empty. lt:S just like the line of Qoheleth in the Bible "a chase after wind." Your search for truth and love is becoming intense and urgent. To find our way through this maze of countless voices with a bewildering mix of messages and images, everyone needs strong and wise
insights by our Holy Father show us how to "get a real life" through jesus: "Sadly, too many people today arc living apart from the light - in a world of illusions, a world of fleeting shadows and promises unfulfilled. If you look to jesus. if you Jive the truth that is jesus. you will have in you the light that reveals the truths and values on which to build your own happiness, while building a world of justice, peace and solidarity. ... "You are children of the
I overheard someone I loved and trusted speak badly about me. It was devastating. Thanks to God's grace at work, her words became a motivator for good instead of bad. never forgot what she said. Sadly, I was never able to prove to her that she was wrong She died suddenly in 1944 when I was 14. I recall saying over and over at her funeral, "She didn't mean it." Looking back, I realize her words made a deep cut within me. The words could have been a negative turning point in my life. Thanks to Gods grace at work in my parents' guidance, her words became a motivator for good instead of bad. My story may seem trivial but not if you're a teen. You know what an uncertain and vulnerable time you are going through right now. As a priest and bishop I have experienced many blessed and happy encounters \vith people but the best is lis-
guides to assist in making the right choices. Like so many of you, I was blessed with gUides who strove to speak and live truth and love. Through my parents, family. priests, teach路 ers and parishioners and friends I experienced people of faith with human warmth and a willingness to be part of my JOUrney. All of them were guided by the Lord jesus. As the Light of the World, He lit my path with truth, goodness and Jove. During his visit to St. Louis m 1999, Pope john Paul II encouraged youths to be guided by Jesus, the Light of the World. He told them and you, too- ~only if you are one with Jesus can you share His light and be a light to the world." The following
light. You belong to Christ, and He has called you by name. Your first responsibility is to get to know as much as you can about Him in your parish, in religious mstruction m your high schools and colleges, in your youth groups and Newman Centers. ~But you will get to know Him truly and personally only through prayer. What is need路 ed is that you talk to Him, and listen to Him." Though I didn't know how blessed I was to have guides in the Lord when I was 10, I think the greatest moment is when you truly know that jesus is the friend who will not disappoint you and on whom you can count. + Bishop Carl F. Menglelng
t<.)
on the Whatis importaolto you: That after school job or your garage band? WhaLyou have to do or what you_waot to do.? For Kevio, the decis1on is between tennis or coJiege. But, no matteLwh_at he decides, Keyin alway.s keeps his eye on the ball. How? He knows wbat is most important - his faith. By Ronald Landfair Photography by James Luning
~==h=m=~=b=~~.y=w=b~~=n=at:o=R=~=~=~~g--y-o-~-~-a-lp_~_~_ _ _ _ _ __ __w_~_ ~~~~~~ ~~~ 11 ~1~~M
ney. I'm not abandoning my academic career. I just imend to try to do both. I love learning so I love the opportunity to take interesting and challenging course work, and talk n the surface, Kevin Borzenski, 17, has to imeresting and challenging professors and other students. My favorite subject has been philosophy. It has everything goingJor him - looks, athletic helped me become aware of other concepts hke friendtalent that earned him the title this year of Division ship. At what point do you stop a friendship or other rclationshtp because of a difference in values and Ill Boys State Singles Tennis Champion, and virtues? And at what pomt do you give a person brains (he graduated with a 3.9 grade point aver- another chance? When do you cut off a friendship? age). But Kevin struggles -just like you or any of I like questions and issues that deal with the ethical part of life.
your friends. He struggles with his parents over his decision to play professional tennis- as an Kevin on his family: Its always been a blessing ... my family has always gone amateur - _while attending the University of to and been around Church. taken me and given me the Central Florida; he_struggles with himself and opportunity to seck a better sptrituallife. When you force spintuality. it doesn't happen. You go to God or God comes his_confidence level, and he struggles with to you and hits }'OU in the back of the head. You usually what the future holds for him. But one don't have any choice about that. But, my parents didn't force sptrituality, they just gave me the opportunity to grow thing he doesn't struggle with - the spiritually. Going to events hke a Kairos retreat was a great one thing he draws his strength My faith opportunity to sec the sptritual growth of other people as life and athfrom - is his faith. well as myself.
lctics intersect My parents have been great role models on how to live a because I think that all moral life, especially my dad who docs so much for the of life has to do with God in Church and for the poor. He just never quits and never some way. For me, at the end of the day and before a new stops. I just read about people like Dorothy Day who were \ day, I have to know that there is some meaning to what I'm such strong advocates for the poor and disenfranchised and doing or else I don't feel that there is any point in doing it. I can't help but think of my dad when I hear the stories of In prayer and in me talking with God, I get the understandothers like that- my dad docs so much on that issue. tog that I'm supposed to play tennis, and seck avenues that come from a tennis career. To me that is where God comes Kevin on his options: mto play- in the calling and in the meaning of what you If 1 had a choice of something to give up between tennis, are doing. school and my faith, it would be school. My faith and tennis I'm afraid of not succeeding, but I think I'll get over that arc both terribly imponam to me. It would be impossible fe~r because succeeding is really not fearing think the challen e for me to give up either of them. 1 fatlure. Throughout the past couple of . . g 1 think I have the responsibility of months, I've been trying to convince a few IS not to convmce other showing my youngest sister (Mcghan, age people that my decision to seck the pro people ~ut more SO to 10) what is possible ... giving her another route is the best thing for me. I think the canvmce myself perspective on what she can do later on challenge is not to convince other people in life ... it will be her option to chose .. but more so to convince myself. I think what she wants to do with her life. the core issue is believing in myself. and once I do that and get out of my own way Kevin on this year's Division Ill Boys and stop beating up on myself, then I'll be Singles Tennis Semifinals (last year, able to seek my highest potential. I always Kevin faced the same player in the same know later when I've gotten in my own situation and lost 6-2, 6-4, ending his way. but when I'm in a tough situation, it's quest for a state title) : like I can't do anything else. It's like the I know I had to do something differonly thing I can do is be mad at myself. It's ent than last year when I was here in the something I'm learning to grow with, same position, with the same opponent learning to like myself, and be more and I lost to him. Whether it be tactical patient and confident with myself. or mental, I had to change something. I I made the decision to go on this jourhad to go into the match much more
I
Special thanks to the Michigan Athletic Club of Eest Lans
outgoing and be ready to take h1s best punches ' those. there's just no need for them and they because I knew he was a good player. L1st year can't do any good at all. I wasn't as ready to handle his big punches and I have thought about whether I should his attacking style. This year I knew I would break off a friendship with someone because lose some points here and there, but that d1dn't of drinkmg or smoking. It's something I mean I would have to lose the match. Last year struggle with - can I break off a friendship I was upset when he would hit a few big shots because of a difference in vmues and values? for winners because I hadn't seen that for a .. I can't sec myself as better than others, long time. So I didn't know what to do. This they are on their own journey ... I can't be year I had good preparation and training arrogant and point out the naws in their hves before the tournament, so I knew I could hang if I'm not willing to allow them to point out With him for three sets, which I was prepared mine. to do. . .. . It was the ninth game He had JUSt come back I tbtok the l::to~ S~1r1t guides Kev10 on his coaches, including God: from being down 4-2 to even it at 4 games each. everybody. I thmk that If I were going to describe my coaches in He had a great return and serve game to get everyone is on their own three words, they would be: believing, wise even. I knew I had to hit good serves, hold him spiritual journey_. and eccentric. They have tried to guide me in off and JUSt concentrate on my own game and helping me in my experiences, and to underthat is what I did. I hit some pretty unbelievable serves that stand who I am, both athletically and spiritually. They have service game, mcluding two second serve aces. When I hit them. helped me believe in myself, even when I doubted. I was just thinking: 'Go for it, don't worry if it goes in or out I like to think that its been me and God on this journey. I just go for it and cut loose.' thmk that the Holy Spirit has been guiding me. I think the Holy It was a huge energy boost for me to win that game to push Spirit guides everybody I think that everyone is on his or her the score to S-4. I knew that I would win the match after that own spiritual journey. Those people who are within my life arc particular game. That was probably the most important game of also on their own journey. Their JOurneys have crossed with the match. I knew I would have a really good chance to break mine, m}' coaches, my family, my teammates and especially my his serve because I was coming out wuh a lot of energy. I felt parents . ... I think to a certain extent, every single person I meet that he would have to do something really spectacular to hold is on the journey With me, whether I realize it or not. ... I have to serve. No matter what he was going to do, I was gomg to give keep remembering how imponam the details arc in everything; him my best. the little things really do matter. .) I didn't necessarily know I was going to wm the title the next day but I felt confident - not cocky I thought, 'Maybe I will lose, but I will do m)' best and give the crowd a good show.' The next day, Kevin played in the final match of his high school tennis career in the Division Ill Singles Final. Kevin before the last serve of his high school tennis career:
This is big. People arc going to be excucd about my win - my fam1ly:S going to be excited, and I'm excited for them and for myself. I'm happy that my family could be here, even my brother who drove in from Chicago. He wanted this wm as much as I did.
I did a ralreat &eNice at my chun:h. I loved being an elCIIrT1ple and ahowing people new things ~their faith along with learning things about my OM1 faith. Robert Bell RHey, 17 Rcsurnctlon Parish, lansing
Kevin after the last serve of his high school tennis career:
I really didn't think it was that big of a deal after I won it. Its the journey It's the tournament. It's the getting to the end of it :md bcmg the last man standmg but knowing that I did u the right way - that I didn't compromise what I behevcd in. I JUSt wanted to get my hugs from my friends and family who came out and supported me throughout my h1gh school career. Kevin on peer pressure and friendship:
I've never had an alcoholic beverage, smoked cigarettes or got路 ten high in my hfe and never w1ll. just as you can be destructive to >'ourself through anger, when you bnng in other things like
I f
I' ~
. -
. . .M .....
Our youth group organized bookbags for Washington Elementary in Flint. People in our parish donated books and we put them in the bags for the students Amber Zellay, 17 Holy family Parish, Grand Blanc I volunteer with a youth violence praven路 tion group and I picked up litter in my neighborhood. For me this experience waa the start of a lifetime of service. Brooke Davy, 17 St . joseph Parish, St. johns
~==R=e=m=e=m=~=~=y=o=u~~=~=n~g=~=~=m~~=~=~=-~~-u~r~~~"-l_~-~-h--------~--路-路-~-~ ~-~ ---~ ~~~ 13 M~ ~~
Sy Sarah Chlldrass Photography by Christine Jones
t;;\
VJ
They attack people at night, and if you run out, they might shoot people. I went out with my dad, but then they killed my dad ... and then I ran away. And so, Abraham jongror, 18, became one of the 20,000 to 30,000 "lost boys" who was forced to make the trek from his home in Sudan through the harsh wilderness to an unknown land - and, he hoped, to safety Sudan is an African nation torn apart by war. The north ts inhabited by Arabs, most of whom arc Muslim. The south ( ¡ ts mainly black Christians. Although the conOict is much more complex than a black-
Imagine being a teenager Imagine your comttty at war Imagine lite war in your town Imagine your fatiiCr hilleel lmcrglne that you were lost Now, imagine being Jouncl
I
and-white religious or racial struggle, in many ways the war has come down to what Abraham has learned: "We arc Christian and they arc Muslim and they don't want us. They want us to be Muslim. They want us to pray how they pray, they want us to change our ways. Also our color, because we arc black." To Abraham, the Sudanese Muslims arc the enemy- the ones who killed his father, who broke up his family and brought chaos to the lives of thousands of black Sudanese boys forced to flee their country. After the death of his father, 6Abraham embarked on a journey with his cousin and two other bo}'S from the tallgrassed homeland into unfamiliar territorr "1 was afraid because the>' were the enemy, and 1didn't know what hap· pencd. And they killed my father also. 1was wanting to go back, but people didn't allow me to go back." Abraham and the other boys faced many dangers as they walked through the bush to Ethiopia, where they hoped to find safety. "We just ran .... There were a lot of bad things. There was no water and we were hungry. Arabs shoot people a lot they kill a lot. We were tired because we walked a lot. People were so thirst>' And there was no food. There arc more bad things, but 1 don't remember." He spent three years in
Ethiopia and returned to Sudan, hoping the fighting had ceased. It hadn't. "They would bomb people by air· plane and usc chemical warfare." So Abraham set off _ Here.,AbrahamJs.even free to worship. He.prays.often, crediting again - this time bound for God_with_his.deliverance toJhe_United_States. The Kenneys.are Kakuma, a refugee camp in active.members of.St..John_Catholic Church in.Fenton_ Kenya. After walking more Kakuma found it difficult to than 1,000 miles, he arnved of the ch1ldren were afra1d during the holidays, because fmd thc1r niche. at the 15-mile-long refugee camp in 1992. The destinathey knew the Turkanan were Sudanese place great value aware of the extra rations and on traditional rites of pastion of so many Africans would auack more frequently sage for adolescent boys. To seeking a haven from their war-torn nations, Kakuma is The Kcn>·an pohcc had marry, young men- or their home to 65,000 people from agreed to protect the camp, families - must present a number of cattle, which seven different nations. but thq'. too, suffered from symbolize wealth and Abraham stayed there, in the famine and blamed the the dry, malaria-ridden refugees for their lack of food . power, to the bride's fam1ly, depending on their wealth camp in more than 100The>' often looked the other way when the Turkanan raid- and socml status. If the man dcgrec heat, for nine years He lived in makeshift huts ed the camp. lacks a dowry, apology Abraham said his ration money must be offered in ns with a group of 100 boys place. Even in the refugee who had also fled Sudan. was often stolen by the tribe. But even when he But even the U.N. camp camp. before a couple can wed, cattle must be could not shield them from managed to save his food , it was barely enough. Every 15 exchanged among relatives violence. Kakuma is in a in Sudan, or apology money famine-ridden land, home to da}S, the}' were giVen a cup of rice. a cup of beans, a must be JHO\'ided. Without the Turkanan, :1 rough tribe th1mble of salt and a little a dowry. apology money or of people who live ncar the oil, which they were to mix even the marks of manhood, camp. They live primitively, wearing animal skins and into porridge. Even 1f ther Abraham was unable to marry and was of lillie interusing spears. Angry with the only ate a few bites each est to the other Sudanese refugees, who cat what little day, they usually hnished food is left in their land, the the porridge days before a families. In essence, all the ··tost boys" had to rely on Turkanan often attacked new ration was provided. Their experience contrast- was themselves them in the camp. Finally, the U.S. State "Kakuma is also bad. They ed sharply with refugees (Turkanan) don't like people such as the Etluop1ans, who Department launched its Lost had connections in their - they like to steal things. Bors program to bring Sudanese refugees to the country and even had They took food rations when the U.N. g::~ve food . restaurants m the camp that United States. Abraham qualThey took the food by force served soft drinks and beer. ified, and was brought to the and killed people." But even among their own United States in December. He said the raids were people, who suffered as they Because the Sudanese do not especially bad at Christmas, dtd, the approximately keep track of age, when they when the camp received more 4,500 "lost boys" who sur· entered the camp they were donations than usual. Many vived the journey to assigned an age, wllh a birth •
Remember, you belong to something - your local p8t'lah
www.FAITHmag.com
I
Sq>trmiiC'r 2001
15
fAITII Ma~;a:inc
Lost Bov Found Continued
Things that make
I ~.. , ;1
date of january 1. Abraham arrived just before he turned 18 so he would be able to enter a foster home and attend high school. "They asked, 'Would you like to go to America?' I said, 'Yeah.' I was excited," he relates now. Abraham adjusted to the snow in Michigan something he had never seen before -as well as the food: "ll was not good. If I was not hungry I did not eat it," he said with a laugh. And he has settled into his new life with Ron and Lisa Kenney of Fenton and David Deng, 13, another Sudanese boy. Abraham acts like an ordinary teenager - he plays soccer, which he loved in Sudan, and, being tall, the high-school junior has started playing basketball. He plays video games, watches movies, and checked out the roller coasters this summer when the Kenneys took a trip to Cedar Point. Here, Abraham is even free to worship. He prays often, crediting God with his deliverance to the United States. The Kenneys are active members of St. john Catholic Church in Fenton - in fact. Ron is the coordinator of Youth Ministry at the parish - and Abraham hopes to experience all the sacraments. But his biological family - his mother, two sisters and a brother, now all living in the camp - have no tmmediate opportunity to come to the United States. He writes them letters often, and keeps in mind his goal to become a U.S. citizen and make enough money to bring them here - to a place not torn apart by strife. ~I didn't know (what to expect), but the word 'United States' - thats why I came here. The word 'united' is good." ~
breaking up with someone. 4 Things that make breaking up much more difficult: Sex Having sex before marriage makes breaking up very painful( God designed sexual relations to join husband and wife who have made a lifelong commitment to each other through the sacrament of marriage. Only in the context of marriage can sexual relations aay what God designed it to say - that husband and wife are one flesh, one body. Sex places a major ( obstacle in the wey of looking at the real issues involved in a dating relationship. It is also a sin and destroys our relationship with the lord Jesus.
Selfishness We know when we shot.lld end a relationship, but because we get something out of it, we keep it going until we find something or someone else to fulfill that need. In the meantime, the one we are dating is being used. This is selfish on our part and can deeply hurt another person.
"I don't want to hurt their feeflngs"
after ..ung. You:
I
remember the few weeks after my senior prom when I was getting ready for the summer and coHege. l had been dating a girl for a few months and had gone to the prom with her. We had a great time together, but in my heart of hearts l knew the relationship was not meant to go further. I had to "break up" with her. This experience taught me an important Iasson about dating. As one Catholic speaker, Mary Beth Bonacci, put its, "Dating ia for dumping!" We date to mate. And by mating, I mean marriage( We have to choose our future spouse very carefully because God teaches us that marriage is so holy that it requires a lifelong commitment. Since it is such a big decision, we need to learn to enter relationships with respect and care, knowing that respect and care can often mean
Insecurity Sometimes we feel insecure and so we have a boyfriend or girlfriend to make us feel secure, or loved, but that is not being honest with that person. Just like the above, it is selfish and we are doing no more than using another person.
Your girlfriend Is very thin. You noUce that she Is making herself vomit
A Say nothing because you think she loob great thin. B Break up with her. You think that ahe ia really groaa. C Tell her you want to get her help and that if ahe doeen't talk to her parents, you will. D Tefl aR her friends at achool what you found out.
breaking up hard to do
If you answered: A: That soun4s pretty self-centered.
Maybe you should rethmh 8: You need to be comp<Wionate even if you c:hoose to break up. She needs help. "What would jesus do?" C: Good answer. You took tJu: sltuabon seriously and acted appropriately. D: This Is a very bad dedslon. How would you feel if you 'rc gfrlftiend told something private about you?
Rejection ia painful at first, but if it is done with respect and care, the wound will heal quickly and both you and your former girlfriend or boyfriend can get on with your lives. Respect protects a person's dignity. If we avoid hurting their feelings by keeping the relationship going, it will only cause more pain and hurt down the road. So if you are in a dating relationship beware of the above for your own good and the good of the one you are dating. If you know you need to break up, pray for guidance and entrust your girlfriend or boyfriend to God. Then communicate honestly with her or him. It won't be as hard as you think. Fr. Bill Ashbaugh is p:IStor St. Joseph Parish. Howe: II
"My Ethics, My Codes of Life" by Racl1cl Scott, periot/ 5
Racl•cl Scott was tragically e
lle/1 from
flliS WO,.,cl
by
Dyla11 Klcbolcl ancl Eric Hanis at Columbi11e High 1....-..- - -
School April 20, 1999. Her life may IICive emlccltllat
clay but, thanlls to Iter lm•i11g clacl, Raclrcl's clrcam of a wmlcl fi ll eel wit/1 l1onCSI)', COIIIJ1ClSSion
a11c/
ll'liSI
lwsn't cliecl along will• l1c1:
I have been told repeatedly that I trust people too easily, but I find that when I put my faith and trust in people when others would not dare to, they almost never betray me. I would hope that people would put the same faith in me. Trust and honesty is an investment you put in people; if you build enough trust in them and show yourself to be honest, they will do the same in you. I value honesty so much, and it is an expectation I have of myself. I will put honesty before the risk of humiliation, before selfishness, and before anything less worthy of the Gospel truth. Even in being honest and trustworthy, I do not want to come off cold and heartless. Compassion and honesty go hand in hand, if enough of each is put into every situation. I admire those who trust and are trustworthy. Compassion is the greatest form of love that humans have to offer. According to Webster's Dictionary, compassion means a feeling of sympathy for another person's misfortune. My definition of compassion is forgiving, loving, helping, leading, and showing mercy for others. I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go. It wasn't until recently that !learned that the first and the second and the third impressions can be deceitful of what kind of person someone is. For example, imagine you had just met someone, and you speak with them three times in brief, everyday conversations. They come off as a harsh, cruel, stubborn, and ignorant person. You reach your judgment based on just these three encounters. Let me ask you something: Did you ever ask them what their goal in life is, what kind of past they came from, did they experience love, did they experience hurt, did you look into their soul and not just at their appearance? Until you know them and not just their "type,• you have no right to shun them. You have not looked for their beauty, their good. You have not seen the light in their eyes. Look hard enough and you will always find a light, and you can even help it grow, if you don't walk away from those three impressions first. I am sure that my codes of life may be very different from yours, but how do you know that trust, compassion, and beauty will not make this world a better place to be in and this life a better one to live? My codes may seem like a fantasy that can never be reached, but test them for yourself, and see the kind of effect they have in the lives of people around you. You just might start a chain reaction. (Rrlll·hucd, 1\'it/1 11crmissim•,fnrm Chain Rcauion. A Call to Compassionate Rcvoluthm)
Remember, you belong to something - your local parish www.FAITHmag.com
I
!>rt•rrmltrr 2001
17
PAI TU M3 g3 =mc
By Kathy Funk
••••••••••• To: Teens From: A Columnbine Victim's Dad
ou get up every day. You have lots of things to do ) school, part-time job, sports, hang out \'lith friends, shop, cybersurf. Some things you do because you want to; some because you have to. But when you wake up each morning and take a moment or two to go over the days agenda, docs the idea of making a di!Tcrence in someone clses life cross your mind? Sort of a random act of kindness? Well, Rachel Scott planned her days that way - to simply make a positive di!Terence in someone clse:S life. According to her dad, Darrell Scott, Rachel sought out the handicapped, ktds picked on by school bullies or someone new to her school. ~she would walk mto the cafeteria and look for a new face.~ Darrell says. One day that new face happened to belong to a girl whose moth· er had died and who had to relocate to a di!Tercnt high school. "The next thing she knew, there was Rachel standing there wuh a big smile on her face," Darrell continued. "What would have been (the girls) worst day at school became her best." Rachel, however, was tragically taken from this world by Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris at Columbine High School April 20, 1999. Her life may have ended that day but, thanks to her loving dad. Rachels dream of a world filled wuh honesty, compassion and trust hasn't dted along \'lith her. An essay she wrote for a class assignment one month before her death has become the basis of a book penned by Darrell along \'lith Steve Rabey entitled Chain Reaction, A Call to Compassionate Rc\'olution. And Darrell is spreading Rachels message across the world by speaking to milhons - yes, millions - on how simple it can be to show a httle kindness to others. Recently, Darrell sat down \'lith FAITH Magazine to share that message through the pages of our teen issue. What is a compassionate revolution? A revolution is defined as a ~drastic and far-reaching change m ways of thinking and behaving." But a compassionate revolution doesn't need to be drastic - it sim· ply im·olves doing something nice for someone who. in tum, Will do something nice for someone else - a chain react1on. In h1s book, Darrcll1llustrates the concept through the example of a pebble being dropped into a pond. Ripples spread across the water from the pebbles point of entryno matter the size of the pebble or if it is dropped or thrown into the pond. What does thts mean? Your act of kindness. no matter how large or small, \viii make a di!Tercncc nonetheless. ~
~
Sa. EH!w did lbl dA liZ How was Rachel able to step outside of her comfort zone and seek out those in need? Maybe you're saying to yourself, "Well, 1just can't be that way. I'm too shy." Or, "I can't do THAT! What would my fnends say if I went up and talked to HIM? I mean, they think he's a loser and if I talk to him. they'll think I'm a loser. too You might be the loser in the end if you don't try step· ping out of your comfort zone. You never know what a person is like unul you sit down and talk to them really talk to them. And stop worrying about what others think about you but concentratc on how someone more important sees you -Jesus. 'Truthful fulfillment comes from serving," says Darrell. "Most of us who serve try to get security and significance from our actions. Rachel served from her security and signi fica nee." n
<f'
:i UJ[OD~ ltSIY SilO B Evef}•body can benefit from the kind actions of another. And all you have to do, says Darrell, is "open your eyes to the needs of those around you." Some examples of how you can start a chain rcacLion of compassion include: t You sec someone with a heavy load of books, offer a helping hand or just simply hold a door open for them. 2 You're behind someone in line at the store who is having trouble coming up with enough change. Instead of growing impatient, offer to
lend them some spare change if you have ll. 3 You see an elderly person or maybe a mom with a lot of kids tr}•ing to JUggle bags of groceries, help them out by loading the groceries into their car. 4 You notice someone who looks lonely at school, go up lO them and offer your friendship. Rachel's hnc that helped break the ice was, "You look new at school. ~ Even 1f they aren't new at school, it will get the con· vcrsation going. 5 If there is someone new in one of }'OUr classes, ask if they need help findmg any other rooms on their schcd·
kindness. "Austm vowed at Rachels funeral never lO pass up someone in need," Darrell says.
Sallilullbt •wake? Rachel had an idea that one day she was going to be famous and her life would have an impact on the world. And she had an idea that she was going to d1e young. ~we were in m}' truck one day.~ Darrell relates, uand she smd, 'Dad, I don't know what it feels like to be old.' I said, 'Honey, you'll be beautiful even when you're 80 years old · She sa1d, 'Dad, that's not what I mean ·~
Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. If you put others down, that's because of your own insecurity and insignificance. So much picking on comes out of feelings of insignificance and insecurity. Instead of finding God, we put others down to raise ourselves. ule. If you ha\'C time, walk with them to the1r next class. You may never know just how far a little compassion can go - or grow. Darrell related a story about Rachel lending a flashlight and umbrella to Denver disc jockey Ausun Wiggins who had a flat tire one afternoon during rush hour traffic. Darrell didn't know about this until he ran into Austin one day at Rachel's grave site a couple of months after her funeral. Austin was there watering her grave - something he did every day because the ccmctcf}· hadn't installed a sprinkler system yet. Why? S1mply because Rachel had shown him
Just how did she know this? Her spirituality, her dad believes. "At 12 years old. Rachel had a spiritual breakthrough at a church meeting.~ Darrell says. "God became true to her - it was a spiritual awakening." In fact, Rachel based her life on a passage of Scripture that you m1ght want to take some ume to reflect on : "The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weaf}' a word that w1ll rouse them Morning after morning He opens my car that I may hear ... " ""'~, ·~ ~~ (If you want to learn more about Rachel's spiritual journe)', check out her dad's first book wntten with her moth·
cr, Beth N1mmo, and Steve Rabey, enmled Rachel's Tears, The Spiritual journey of Columbine Martyr Rachel Scou.) Darrell's advice to teens (and, hey, It works for
ldults.liRU Darrell Scott's advice lO you "Seck after God,'' he says, ~like Joan of Arc, St. FranciS of Assis1 and Thomas Merton Seck through prayer, the word of God and acuons It just takes a spark that catches c\'eryday commonness bcrond comprehension. That's how a young girl named Agnes became Mother Teresa - by seeking and pursuing God "Treat everyone the way you want to be treated . If you put others down. that's because of your own insecurity and insigmf1cance. So much picking on comes out of feelings of insignificance and insecurity Instead of finding God. we put others down to raise ourselves. "The choice is there serve to find our true purpose or we can JUdge and criucize which always ends up with us feeling bitter and unfulfilled." Get golngl It's time to start tbe [!V21Hll2D ua
Now it's time to get up, get out there and show someone a little bit of compassion All you have to do is speak a kmd word or do a good deed. And make It pan of your daily routine. You ne\'Cr know - "you JUSt might start a cham reaction " -~
- ::1: •
-swne
4:45 a.m. Coffee machine clicks on. And, so it begins. 4:55 Alarm goes off, push snooze, pour coffee. 5:05 Drink coffee, pray the breviary (prayers of the Church) take a shower. 5:45 let Baily out, leave for St. Gerard. 6:06 Arrive at St. Gerard, visit with Fr. John Klein, and go through some mail. "Junk, junk, junk, bills, junk..~ 6:25 Prepare for Mass. 6:30 Celebrate morning Mass. 6:50 Mass is over, visit with parishionera. 7:10 Let Baily out again, more coffee, leave for school. By 7 a.m., Fr.
Joe has had 15 cups of coffee. OK. maybe thafs an exaggeration. Say 14.
school has had a group of )'Wl9
7:25 Arrive at
Lansing catholic Central for a "Karios" gathering where teens share their deepest struggles with each other. "I'm so stressed out~ "I'm so angry~ Another says, "I feel great~ No matter what - they are there for each other and Fr. Joe is there for them.
believes in God and in Jesus. The difference is it's supposed to change us.• 9:06 First period is over. fr. Joe passes by a custodian and they both quip: "It's just another day in heaven~ Back in the office, 3 students were waiting to talk, 3 phone messages, return calls. 9:55 "Celibacy - - - ..... you should be concerned about that. ~-,.....a......,......,~-. But, you come to
7:55 a.m. Go to the office, check mail. "Junk, junk, junk~ 8:00 Class begins, Fr. Joe warns a stu· dent: "Stop, I have chalk!" 8:13 In today's senior philosophy class, Fr. Joe explains: "The devil's theolo·
peace and see it as an ally. What it is really about is the Eucharist. ·-· The three most important things about the priesthood? Eucharist, Eucharist, Eucharist," says Fr. Joe to a group of teens that are consider· ing priesthood. This is Fr. Joe's first year at the school and the first year in a long time the
men considering priesthood. 11:01 Celebrate Mass during lunch for students. 11:25 Three more messages, return calls.
11 :40 Fr. Joe's lunch quite a pretty picture, isn't it? Having some laughs with other teachers, the principal and, of course, the students. '
12:11 pm After working with his student assistant Moura, Fr. Joe is off to teach another class. 12:59 Celebrating the grossest thing he said all day, Fr. Joe enjoys the praise and rebuke of his students. The remark? It's too disgusting to print. 1:55 A cell phone rings right in the middle of Fr. Joe's Faith and Spirituality class. Fr. Joe would love to bust a student with a cell phone, but this time it was his own that went off. ~ops. A student takes a jab. \\,.rWas that your girtfriend calling, Fr. Joe?" Not missing a bea~ Fr. Joe plays along, "No, my wife would kill me~ The students laugh and the lecture continues.
2:40 A bell rings that signifies prayer which begins and ends each day at Lansing Catholic Central. 2:45 School is out. A collection of students are athered.
around his office. One really needs to talk to him. On his way out he discusses some items with the school sacristan (the person who prepares items for Mass). 3:21 Arrive at St. Thomas Aquinas, where Fr. Joe lives, checks more mes· sages and more mail "Junk, junk, junk." 3:49 Feed Baily. "Oh Baily, Baily, Baily~' Then, change clothes and get ready to head out. 4:29 Leave St. Thomas and head over to the computer store and pick up a few things for school. OK, maybe a computer game or two. 5:13 Leave the store because it is crucial that Fr. Joe be back for his 5 :30 appoint· ment. He absolutely can't miss it - Seinfeld re-runs. Plus, a quick stop at the McDonald's drive-thru for dinner - a double cheeseburg. er and a Coke.
Remember, you belong to something - your local p•rlth
other stuff
5 :30 Watch Seinfeld while checking e-mail and working on the computer. And, checking
more messages. 6 :01 Leave to go see Fr. Mark lnglot at neighboring Sl John Student Parish. Fr. Joe has a habit of calling Fr. Mark, "Marcus Aurelius lnglotus." Fr. Mark seems to put up with it pretty well as they shoot the breeze and chat a while. 7 :14 Leave Fr. Mark's and return to St. Thomas for an evening appointment. 7:30 Fr. Joe meets with people who are getting married, considering priesthood, having family trouble, looking for spiritual advice or who just want to talk. He often goes to the hospital or to his parents' in Montrose or functions at his home faith community of Mt. Zion.
Fr. Joe's favorite part about being a priest: Eucharist Eucharist Eucharist
Fr. Joe is just one of many priests of the Diocese of Lansing dedicated to ministering to teens full-time:
full-ti.Ine for teens Fr. Jerry Vlncke Director of Bethany House, DeWitt Fr. Phil Gallagher Powers Catholic High School, Aint
Fr. Richerd Lobert
.
Fr. Gabriel Richard Catholic High School, Ann Arbor
----- .-- - - -
evemn·g=-
Fr. Thomas Rleden, OSFS Fr. Richard McLeman, OSFS Fr. Paul Grehl, OSFS Fr. James Bracley, OSFS
8:30 Wind down time, grading papers, and prayer. 11 :13 Fr. Joe prays his evening prayer. He counts on Mary's intercession and often falls asleep with his grandmother's rosary beads wrapped around his fingers. w
www.FAITHm•g.com
--~~~~~--~~--~------------
Lumen Christi Catholic High School, Jackson
Working for Teens & Youth Diocese of Lansing Parishes:
85 Number of parish coordinators of youth ministry 2,700 Number of religious education teachers
I
!>cpfi'IIIIO<'t 2001
21
rAITII Maga:inc
Bctlwny House, sltown under construction, will
be~
tltc Sl'hitual youtlt center for tlte Diocese of Lansing.
My ltope is tlwt all of you
always gave the same response when I had to go on either a junior high confirmation or high school retreat. uoh, Mom, do I have to go?" "I have bcuer things to do,'' I remember thinking. But, as they 5a}'. Mom knew best. Every ume I went on a retreat, it was a hfe-changing experience because I had the opportunity to encounter jesus who IS the source of our hfe and our joy. As the new director of Bethany House- the spiritual youth center for the Diocese of Lansing on the grounds of the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt- my hope is that all of you who attend a retreat will have a similar life-changing experience. l know through talking to many junior high and high school students around the diocese that they -and you, hopefully, as well- are extremely excited about Bethany House. It will be a place where you can get away from ordinary routines and reflect on your life while experiencing
• You and your boyfriend/girl· friend have been daUng for a month. You think you are ready for sex. You:
A Make sure you use protection! You don't want to gel pregnant! B Pray for self·control and agree to wait. God wants it this way. C Avoid any situations where you are alone together. That way you won't be tempted. D Make sure that it is really special so you won't feel bad about it. Hey, everyone does 11, so it can't be that bad.
A: You arc not loolnng 'H the big J'icturc There IS o lot more 10 so. than ai'Oidmg p•cgrrancy 8: Ve•y good ciJoicc Shows good chamcta and h1gh mowls. C: Good idm HOI\'CI'CI; there will ahmys be timeS you'• c alone. You need more COIII'ictiarr and st rongCI 1rillpowcr D: Sounds I'CI)' imnwturc. Tlnnh again bcjo1c you nun your life!
Christ in a special way lls interesting that when jesus approached His disciples for the first time, He asked them, "What are you looking for?" Its a great question we can ask ourselves. What arc we loollingjor? Aren't we all looking for happiness7 Peace? Freedom? Thats what I hope all of you will experience while atLending ti retreat at Bethany House- happiness, peace and true freedom as we focus on the total person - mind, body and spirit. Through retreats, spiritual fonnation programs and special events, Bethany House will be a place where our spirits will be renewed, our minds refreshed and, located on 95 acres, a place where our bodies will be exerted (volleyball and basketball courts arc in the worksl) The name "Bcthnny House" is perfect for the retreat center. In Scripture, we find Bethany is the place where Jesus visited his good friends, Martha and Mary. ll's the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. It's the place where jesus ascended into heaven. And its a place where we will encounter jesus! Whnt docs all this mean for me and you? Bethany House is the place where we can have that same type of encounter with jesus in which our lives will be changed. ll will be a place of love and hospitality (think of Martha and Mary serving Jesus); it will be a place of contemplation (picture Mary listening intently to the words of jesus); and it will be a place of freedom (remember jesus raising Lazarus from the dead). l hope all these things make you want to come to Bcthan}' House. I look forward to meeting all of you in the coming years' Fr. Jerry Vincke is din:clor of Dcth;my House
Betlaaray Hoaase Open House Sept. 9, 2001 I- 4 p.m. For more infomtation, call (517) 669·8321
)
Are guys really
:=o11finnation: Hol)CSptrit Sacrament o, )'OU're standing in line with the rest of your confirmation class waiting to march into church to be confirmed by Bishop Mengeling. After months of hard work, maybe some gentle "persuasion" from your parents, and some sacrifice on your pan, you're ready (you hope) to experience confirmation, the sacrament that continues your journey of initiation into the Church. But wait! "I've heard the bishop is going to slap us after he confirms us," one of your classmates whispers. Then someone pipes up, "Yeah - after he asks us a whole bunch of questions about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and other stuff we were supposed to learn!" Could this be true? Did someone forget to mention something? Questions and a slap on the face as part of confirmation? Not to worry' Here's the low-down on what happens when people just like you are confirmed. 1 After the Gospel, candidates for confirmation are to the btshop. Often candidates are called ~)'name and asked to stand with their sponsors. Not too bad, so far! 2 Following the presentation of the candidates, the bishop gives a brief homily, offering the whole assembly a deeper understanding of what confirmation is all about. Tal<e mental notes here - but don't worry, the bishop won't quiz you l 3 Because confirmation "confirms" the choice of faith made at bapusm, the candidates renew their baptismal promises at the conclusion of the homil}~ The answer is a simple, yet firm, "I do." And there's safety in numbers since everyone answers at the same time. 4 Next follows the laying on of hands. This ancient gesture and prayer asks God to send the Holy Spirit upon the candtdates. No questions here. 5 Finally, each candidate, accompanied by her or his sponsor, is anomted with the fragrant oil of chrism. As he traces the sign of the cross with the chrism on the candidate's forehead, the bishop calls out the candidate's confirmation name and says, ''Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The newly confirmed answers, "Amen," and exchanges the sign of peace with the bishop. The bishop won't slap you (and It probably wouldn't be a good idea to slap him, ~ither!) He may chat wilh you briel1y before you \\.)!turn to your seat. ·Fr. o,~;ght Ezop ~resented
Rememb8r, you belong to something - your local peltsh
from Mars and girts from Venus? re guys from Mars and girls from Venus? Are gender differ· ences really a matter of either/or as this question suggests? The complexity of teen relationships is captured by a different metaphor: figure·ground patterns! M . C . Escher's art is riveting because of his skillful manipulation of figure and ground. In Moebius with Birds, whtte birds capture one's attention and the background is black. Then, perception shifts and black birds become f.gure. The basic needs and longings of guys and girls are the same, but they do tend to organize figure and ground differently at timesl What aspects of expenence draw the eyes of adolescents? Rapport or Report? You discuss the same incidents. but f.gure for girls is often ground for boysl Girls tend to use rapport talk, connecting with others through conversations, emphasizing relationships. Boys. on the other hand, report information, jokes, or stories. Recognizing these tendencies makes it eaSier for you (and adults!) to avoid misunderstandings. Body Image. One's own body is figure (I) to both sexes. Teens know the importance of physical attractiveness in contemporary society and express concerns about appearance. Girls compare themselves to lean, angular stars such as Calista Aockhart and worry about their curves. Boys of today are less satisfied with their bodies than boys of the past; anabolic steroids are sometimes seen 88 the way to "get buff." Dolls reflect these unhealthy societal images. Barbie's unrealistically proportioned f.gure is well-known, but male body images are becoming equally absurd. The early 1980s G.l. Joe has been replaced by one who would have a chest measuring over 50 inches and 20-inch biceps if he were life-size I
Life on the Bridge: Condoms don't prevent heartbreak. "Safe sex• emphasizes preventing pregnancy or AIDS, but httle mention IS made of the impact on the heart. Girls often see the relationship as "figure· and intercourse 88 "ground," whereas many boys show the opposite pattern. Girls expect romance because sex is a sign of love; boys expect sexual pleasure. Years ago, Queen Elizabeth commissioned a potter to create a reversible figure-ground vase. The potter shaped it so the stark white edges formed the profiles of Queen Ekzabeth and Prince Philip gazing at one another. The profiles draw the eye and then disappear as the vase itself captures attention. Yet, the prophet Isaiah's words draw our attention from the shifting perceptions of our world, profiles or vase. Instead, the hands of the potter shape our lives: "0 LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands~ (Isaiah 64 7) - Dr. C:uhlccn McGreal is a Professor of Psycology at Hope College and a (ertificd spiritual director.
www.FAITHmeg.com
--------------~----==
I
Stj'l<'mb.-r 200J
23
I \ITJI Mogo:inc
Diocese of Lansing Common Conference 2001
conunun
3 Powerful Days: 1 Powerful Mission Everyone welcome on Nov. 17 at the Lansing Center (Nov. 15-17 for ministers and volunteers) Call Virgtnta Guarnacda (517) 342-2501 for more mformation
SUNDAY READINGS September2 Twcnty· Secmtd Sunday in Ordiltary Time
Psalm51 :3 ·4 , 12· 13, 17,19 1 Timothy 1:12· 17 Luke 15: 1·32 or 15:1-10
Sirach 3 : 17- 18, 20, 28-29 Psalm 68:4· 7, 10-1 1 Hebrews 12: 18·19, 22·24a Luke 14! 1, 7· 14
September 23 Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Tintc Amos 6:4 ·7 Psalm 1 13:1· 2,4· 8 1 Timothy 2:1·8 Luke 16: 1- 13 or 16: 10.13
September9 Twenty· Tlllrd Sunday bt Ordinary Time Wisdom 9: 13· 18b Psalm 90:3-6, 12- 17 Philemon 9· 10, 12·17 Luke 14:25· 33
September 30 1ivcllly·Slxtlt Sunday in Ordinary Tirne Amos 6:1a, 4-7
September 16 Twenty-Fourth Sunday in OnJinary Tirnc
Psalm 146:7- 10 1 Timothy 6:1 H6 Luke 16:19·31
Exodus 32:7· 1 1, 13·14
SEPTEMBER EVENTS Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist will host the second annual Benefit Dinner Religious Vomtions: Hope for rite fururc Thursday, Sept. 6, at the Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center, Sterhng
Heights. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., with dinner following at 7 p.m. The evening is spon· sored by the Holy Trinity Apostolate and features Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR, Mother Assumpta Long and Fr. James Bilot. Teresa Tomeo will serve as master of ceremonies. For information or reservations, call (81 0) 781 ·6050, (81 0) 677·1802 or (313) 277-8905.
After hanging out with friends at the mall, you discover your best friend stole a CD from one of the stores. You:
A Say nothing. He didn't get caught so it doesn't matter. B Telf your friend either he returns it to the store or you will tum him in! C Tell your friend that you are really disappointed in him and that you will have to go to the store and pay for it if he doesn't return it. D Do nothing. And you vow never to hang out with him again.
If you answered:
A: Sounds lil~e you are a follower and just as guilty as he! B: You are a strong pc1wn. Good job! C: Good choice. You were strong and you challenged him on his bchavio1: Maybe he w!H lcarnj1om your example. D: Good choice not to hang out with hrm again. But what about standing up for what you believe and calling him out on the stolen goods?
An Ice cream social will be held Sunday, Sept. 9, following the 7 p.m. Mass at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing, to welcome all new and returning Michigan State University students. A Lansing area Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held Sept. 14· 16 at the Jackson St. Joseph Retreat Center. Married couples are urged to do themselves a favor by sign· ing up. The event offers time for husbands and wives to fine tune their marriages. To regis· ter, contact Bill or Jennifer Walsh at (517) 750·3038 or marriageencounter@aol.com. The Lansing Diocesan Cursillo Secretariat has scheduled two Curslllo weekends during the month of September. The Men's Weekend will take place Sept. 20·23 while the Women's Weekend will be held Sept. 27·30. Both will take place at Camp Daivana, five miles west of Manchester. The primary focus of the Cursillo movement is c:mngclt::atron. Candidates must be practicing Catholics who are eligible to receive the sacraments of rec· onciliation and Eucharist while seeking to enrich their understanding of the faith. For appli· cations or information, contact Maria Jaimez in Adrian at (517) 265-2720, or Gene Myers in Aint at (81 0) 2343693, or Cathy Cummings of Jackson at (517) 784-6957. Or, log on to www.natl·cursillo.org and then dick on Affiliated Sites > lansing.
Seasons Young Adult Conference (20s and 30s, single and married) A Time for Decision will be held Saturday,
Sept. 22, from noon-11 :30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, East Lansing. Sr. Joseph Andrew and Bishop Allen Vigneron will speak on decisions young adults face. The day includes two plenary sessions, Mass, dinner, dancing and music. To register, call Young Adult Ministry at (517) 342·2494 by Sept. 17. Food, games and fun - as well as a time to worship - is in store Sunday, Sept. 26 from 2·5 p.m. at the Rock (and the surround· ing grassy area) on the campus of Michigan State University. Hosted by St. John Student Parish, the event begins at 2 p.m. with Mass celebrated at 4 p.m. All are welcome - and be sure to bring a blanket! In case of inclement weather, the event ....... I will take place at the parish. The Catholic Community of St. Jude, DeWitt, will host Parish Mission 2001: Joyful Reflections of Faith, Hope and Love Oct. 14·1 7. Retired Bishop Kenneth J. Povish will serve as mission preacher. Activities for the entire family have been scheduled for the event. For information, contact the parish at (517) 669·8335. Hey, teen singers and musi· ciansl St. Francis of Assisi Parish is looking for members for a new contemporary Christian group that will provide music at 5 p.m. Sunday Masses. Musicians who play electric guitar, the piano and synthesizer, drums and bass are asked to call the parish office at (734) 769·2550 or e·mail Glenn Bugala: gbugala@umich.edu Cristo Rey Church will be sponsoring their Second Annual
FAITH is available on audiotape by request. Call (517) 342·2500.
Gallup Poll: Bad Habits I don't get enough sleep ~don't watch my diet "-l)weigh more than I should I drink alcohol I smoke cigarettes Histmnic
Hcaltl1 Fair on
Saturday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m.·2 p.m. at the parish. Participants will receive choles· terol, blood pressure, bone den· sity, vision, hearing, and blood glucose screenings. Dr. Carmen Solo wat discuss diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. Activities include resistance band training, walking fitness test, head and neck message, low back pain exercises and gentle exer· cise. Special children's activities are also planned. The fair is free and open to the public.
The Womb: A Very Dangerous Place by Val Nebbeling
Lrulc clultlwr tu~
th· in,~.
t"
GtJ<I ltl<~t' tlmlll and liL s mg. Tlrcsc Iiiii~ d1ildn:n 1\ Ill ht: m • ,~t·d ·an't 1\'t: Sllrt: them jnm1 thing lihc thi s~ Tlrn irVn.t tht· snlirrt: and Ire hurm Tire littk duld wsses and turn.~ Hes locllcd inside Iris htttud u/1 Aml11011' llc /JitL~ tlrt· lwrld{mrll'dl Erl'lt bt:{nrr ltc Wile.~ lm frrst lllcatlr, Tltis lilt It: bally hers met Ius tlnrtiJ. Tlte rrwtltcr /m:mltcs a siglr of rdir{. flut 0 /IC tim• slrr'// htli'C /0 face Ita grit:{. (Editor's Note: Val is a 1Oth· grader at Waverly High School and is a member of St. Gerard Parish.) II is often said that the use of com· polers does not prevent mistakes. rather it allows people to make them faster and larger Th•s is a truth when it comes to the two Diocesan Service Appeal maihngs in July Due to some ' recent software modifications, the foles that were used to print thank you cards lor current donors and fo ow up let· lers for those who have yet to give omit1ed the mailing titles. We reahze the omission of the mail· ing titles greatly offends aome 1ndividu· als and we apologize for any offense that was taken. This error in the soft· are system was an unintended con· sequence of a system improvement and has since been rectified.
Thomas Pastula, Diocesan Finance Olflc:er
•
Teens VS. Adults Teens Teens Teens Teens Teens
48% 33% 21% 13% 11%
Adults Adults Adults Adults Adults
42% 37o/o 54% 38% 23%
St. Martha Students Recognized St. Martha School is pleased to announce that seven stu· dents have been named 200 1 Great lakes Scholars. The stu· dents receiving such designa· tion are: Anthony Szedlak, Chelsea Fogwell, Steven Stoker, Kelsey Behan, Edward Brennan, Robert Harrison and Brandon Jankowskl The noted students join more than 4,300 fourth· through 8th-graders from across the state of Michigan that received such acclaim for not only excelling academically but also showing that they are well· rounded individuals. "I extend hearty congratula· lions to our students on their outstanding accomplishments, said Helen Hillman, principal of St. Martha Cathoflc School. "It speaks highly of their academic aptitude and achievement along with their commitment of serv· ice to others. We are very proud of them!"
Remember a Beloved Parish Priest If you've lost track of a retired priest, FAITH Magazine is pub· fishing the names and addresses of the retired priests of the Diocese of Lansing. Maybe it's time to get back in touch and to let the priest know how much he meant to your life! Fr. Richard Kropf Star Route # 1 Box 629 Johannesburg, Ml49751 Fr. Brendan Ledwidge 432 Pearl Street Pinckney, Ml48169· 91 01 Fr. Francis Martin 4437 West Willow Lansing, Ml48917 Fr. Kenneth McDonald 41 0 D East Madison DeWitt, Ml 48820
From Our Readers By Amber Zelley
Holy Family Catholic Church In Grand Blanc. ( t
famt!) and tradrtron makes m) pansh my home l\lany families, mcluding mine, look forward to e,·ents such as Vacation B1blc School ._11!11!1!11!' .mcl the pansh ptcntc ever) year. [ach week families can get together after 1\·lass to share doughnuts or pi::a. There ;~rc m;~n) groups to be m\•olvcd wHh at our pMrsh and I person:~ll) would be lost every Sunda) night tf I dtdn't hme youth group. No m.ntcr what I need I can ahV:I) S fmcl 11 ;~t Hoi> r arm!) \ ·I ) f.lmii) has been attending Holy ram!l) <;JnCe before I w,ts born. Smce I can remember, we've been smmg m the same pew e\·er) Sunda) at l\bss. 1\ly mom and clad along t • "nh their brothers :~nd SISters, went to Hoi) r:ttml) School and h:we rece1ved ;~!most ;~1\ of the1r sacrament5 :11 Holy family. I ,lltendecl Hoi) r:~mll) School a<; well and nO\\ m) brother and cou<;inc; me there I have more Lhildhood memories at Holy Famd) than an) other pbce in the world. Now that l am a teenager I fmd th:~t m)' best friends :~re the ones who hm e gro\\ n up wn h me both ph)·sically :~nd spiritual!) at Hoi) F:~md) Recent!), I recetved one of the greatest opportunities of m) hfe through the Church, a chance to take ;1 ptlgrimoge to Rome. Without the support :~nd pra)•ers of C\er>•one at m> pansh, I would never h;~ve been ;~ble to have tillS experience The people that I h:~ve known :~t Hoi)' Fmnily have mode me the person I :~m. No maner where I go in the future or ho\\ man) pbces I ln·e. Holy Family will :.!ways be nl) foundauon and my home. -
~
:; ~
...~IIIJ
What makes your parish special? Send your rcspomc of 250 ro 300 words 10: PLACES TO PRAl~ FAITH Maga~mc, 300 \V Orta11a, Ltmsing, l\1/ -18933, or t:-nwil lltunh@droccscojlansrng.vrg. lj \Our rcspart\c ~~chosen for fuwrc publicalion, you will rccci\'c a ont-\'Car FAITH 1~ift ~ubsoiprwnfor rhc rccipicnr t~{your choice.
Boys find new life in Church By Sarah Childress
Soft blue light slants through the stained-glass windows in the small chapel over the 21 teenage boys in brightly colored shirts, heads bent in prayer. A few adults in casual clothes and walkie-talkies sit cautiously among them, a striking reminder that this is not an ordinary church service. These are the boys of WJ. Maxey Training School - the last stop in the state juvenile JUStice system. Yet in the chapel beside a glistening lake, it would be hard to tell they were anything but ordinary. They sit reverently during the Mass, one boy turning around to help his friend follow the readings, another sharing a songbook. On june 17, these boys offtcially took on an identity contrary to the one
assigned them by the state and much of the press, On Father's Day, they were welcomed as adults by the most powerful Father into the Catholic Church. Nine of them were also baptized. One by one, the boys stepped up to Fr. Bill Thomas, backed by sponsors from nearby Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Each one turned away beaming, proud of hts new name and his new role. "You arc a great gift to me . Thank you for being who you arc.~ Fr.
Bill told the boys. He has been working with the boys at Maxcy for three years, breaking down the stigmn that they arc nothing but criminals. He tries to serve as a positive father figure and teach them that they arc worthy and deserving of love, something which many have never fell. After the confirmation, Fr. Bill handed out crosses on a black string to wear around their necks. "Let us pray that we will be a blessing to all whose lives we touch," he said. The members of the congregation bent their heads and prayed.
National Program that lansing Priest Started Still Gives Hope to Teen OMAHA. Neb (CNS) -
For believers in God, life doesn't really end. It merely changes. That fundamental message of the Teens Encounter Christ movement, known as TEC. drew 42 of the programs spiritual directors to Omaha this summer for a national conference. Fr. Matt Fedewa, chairman of the Depanment of Formation for the Diocese of Lansing and TEC founder, spoke at the conference. TEC draws its message from the mystery of Christ's death and resurrection. According to its leaders, its focus is for young adults who arc leaving their childhood behind, moving from what they know to the unknown.
Mexico Journal: Lansing Catholic Central Teens Work
to Make the World a Better Plae4 What did you do on your summer vacation? Sarah Gosline and some of her fellow classmates at Lansing Catholic Central High School teamed up with a student from Jackson's lumen Christi High School. Under the The big test Is
guidance of LCC theology instructor, Paul Dull, the students worked to make the world
today and you haven't studied.
You: A Make a cheat sheet. Hey, it doesn't matter much - you just need the grade. B Take the test and accept the
consequences. C Ask your friend to help you with some of the answens because you know she was up
all night studying. D Skip school and hope you get
another chance.
a better place for some resi-
If you answered:
A: Wow! You an: headed down a path of lies and deceit What would j esus Lhmk? B: It might not get you the grade you want, but it will get you what you deserve and help you in the long run. C: Don't do it Why put your friend on the spot and have the possibility of getting her caught as well as you? D: Look at 'A.' It is no different. Taking the easy way out will catch up with you.
dents in Cuemavaca, Mexico. Sarah, a senior at LCC, shares her experience through excerpts from the pages of her
journal. Saturday, June 16
l'm afraid thar we wtll get to Me~1co and not be able to help the people. Scared something really bad will happen to one of us. I suppose dt:ep dol\ n I lmow everytl11ng wtll be just fine. Only two clays unulwe leave God, please guide us. Monday, June 18
My mind still hasn't accepted the fact that we are in Mexico. Earlier today we heard of a girl who died just before we arrived as a victim of tl1e floods that attach Mexico during the spnng. I
f.
Teens Spread
~ o-life Message By Erin Oakley PINCKNEY- (The C:nhohc Times)
At 15, Alex Hastings is leuing his strong beliefs guide him. Hastings, Director of Youth at Pinckney Pro-Life, said he believes spreading the Catholic Churchs beliefs has to begin with his peers, the youth of the Church. In doing so, Hastings has spearheaded Project Lifeboards in an attempt to spread the antiAabortion message throughout the lansing Diocese. The project, currently involving youth groups from St. Joseph, Dexter, St. Mary, Pinckney and Holy Spirit ,
Hamburg, raises money lO place billboards carrying a pro-life message. "It is refreshing to sec this project that is youth-driven," St. Mary Religious Education D1recwr, Linda Tedrick. "I think 1t is targeted at the youth because we need to educate more and make peoA pie, especially the youth, more aware of the issues. The students who are involved arc so excited about the project. It does make them more aware."
Ditru·sc af Lansing JOUIII ( ~IHJI\n left 111 riglu ): Dm11in k Rca, J\Jidwt•l Slw). Ale" llct~lings, Stcplumie lie/slings wr£11\mhlccll Reel swncl in fwlll af ow billbtwrlb cra1cd cr~
The program has been made possible through a partnership between Pinckney Pro-life and Adams Outdoor Advertising, "With this project you can
a pm1 af P1 ojecl Lifcbcwrds.
tell that the Holy Spirit is truly involved," said Hastings. "This summer we are sending out information to every youth group askmg for involvement. We are hoping to have many more youth groups involved in the fall.n Cltecks can be mailed to Pindmey Pro-Life, Youth Division, P.O. Box 131, Pinclmey, Ml48169.
wonder how much six people can do in two weclls. Tuesday, June 19
Today many things happened all at once. We worhecl hard physically, and took a blow emotionally as we saw tl1e reality of these people's poverty. We were assigned to build three different houses. juan's house had been destroyed by a stone wall which lwd fallen over during the floods. It fell onto his house at five in tl1e moming, just missing his wife, baby boy, anclltimself. juan pushed his family to the other side of the house, but water still rrached micl-tltiglt. In the moming all that was left ofjuan's house was some brolwl wood, broken glass, and a couple pieces of fumiture. Thursday, June 21
Today was very emotional. Not only did we build a large pm t of the wall, but aftenvard we went to the orphanage. The llicls wr rather teens our age) were incredibly responsive to us. It was inspiring and disheartening at tile same time; also was a diS!ussion we had recently with juan. He was so discow aged wlten we arrived. He told us he was about ready to give up. He said he was so thankful that we came. He loolled rrs straight in our eyes with tears in his and told us that because we were doing this work together side by side our hearts were forever bonded. No matter what, I will never forget juan or his family. unday, June 24
On Saturday we toured Mexico City and it was really cool. We learned a lot. Today we went to Tcpoztlan whrch was wol. We shopped for souvenirs ancl had a good time.
Sr. Margaret Mary Birchmeier began her mls· sfonary career In Chlmbote, Peru In September, 1959. She has spent the past 42 years working there, In the area of maternal and child care as a registered nurse and certified nurse-midwife. Sr. Margaret Mary was raised In New Lothrop and her home parish Is St. Michael, Maple Grove. Ten MaBSes will be offered in the Mission community of Sr. Margaret Mary Birchmeier, a missionary from the Diocese of Lansing, for those persons who were buried in our diocesan cemeteries during July 200 1. If you would like to have -w.FAITHmag.cam
memorial Masses offered by missionaries for your deceased loved ones, send stipends to: Diocese of Lansing, 300 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, Ml 48933. Please make the check payable to "MiBBionary of the Month~ If you know a eon or daughter of the Lansing Diocese currently serving in a miBBion, please forward their names to the MiBBionary of the Month Program, 300 West Ottawa Street, Lansing, M148933. The Tithing Committee of Sl Joseph's Parish, Dexter will be gifting a portion of their envelope proceeds each month to the "Missionary of the Month."
Stpcember 2001
29
FAITH Magazine
I j 'l'WOrld Bush 'trade·off on stem-cell research
111rong \\ \~111'\;l~TO:-J IL:"S\-
The ''trade-off' on embryonic stem-cell research announced Aug. 9 br President Bush is "morallr unacceptable'' and mar be unworkable, according to the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop3. Bishop joseph A. Ftorenza of Galveston-Houston s;ud he
Stem-Cell Research Opinions e Aiolulll •PraCitlfll(odloNJ
... ...... ~
""""'
...---~··
~tf(IIIIII WWIJWII.I ...
hoped Bush would "return to a principled stand against treating some human li1·es as nothing more than o~jccts lO be manipulated and destrored for research purposes ... In a nationallr tclevtsed address from hts l'acation home in Crawford, Texas,
Bush sa1d he would authort:e feder.1l funds for embr}onic stem-cell research imoll'ing only the 60 or so extsting stem-cell hnes alrcad} developed by sctcnl ists, because 111 1hose cases 'the life-and-death dcciston has already been made. "This allows us to explore the promtsc and potenll.ll of stem-cell research wnhout crossmg a fundamental morn! lme by prO\idmg taxparcr funding that would sancuon or encourage further destruction of human embryos that hal'e at least the potenllal for hfe," the president added Bush also announced his strong opposnion to human cloning, his support for "aggressi1 e federal funding of research on umbtlical cMd, placenta, adult and ammal stem cells· and his plans to establish a prestdems cotll1ctl on stem-cell research headed by Leon Kass, a biomedical ethicist from the Uni\'crstt} of Ch1cago.
• Your parents are away on Sunday and ask that you please make H to Mass. You:
A Plan a fun·filled day with your friends and don't even worry about going to church. Your par· ents will never know. B Go to church and honor your parents' wishes C Show up at the beginning and grab a bulletin and give it to your parents so they will think you attended. D Don't go but say you went. Again, who's going to know the difference?
If you answered: A: Gn allcatl- "'" l fun' Bul rcnun/Jtr God 1~ lltHdting! B: )orr tUC nwlw1~ lilrrr pmcrlls tillcl God prollcl Bts~tb, yorr 11111 .~d ~·"ndhi n,t; oUl o/ gorng lhtll you II 1 rfd hl!I'C Olhtlll i.lc llliSSCtl. C: Grt~clll 1' Bill guess ll'luu? God 1~ ll•ltdung aga111' D: A Ire II tl Ire dtid l'l'\, ·'Oillc'!lll~ 11 ill lmolt Sec \ 1111tl C.
priest who_help_ed hlln IIOSTO~ (L~Sl -
When the hit mo\·ie Plcrncl of the Apes premiered in Boston, star ~·lark Wahlberg inl'ited his former parish priest, who helped steer the .1ctor from the streets. Fr james Fbv111 left the premtere \\ ith a stx-figure pledge from Wahlberg to help rebuild the g}'mnasium at St. Edward Pansh in Brockton, where fr Flavin serves as pastor The relationship between the movie star .md the priest dates back to when \Vahlberg was a troubled youth . rr Fla\'ln befriended Wahlberg \\'hile sen·ing as pastor at St William m Bostons Dorchester section "lie was kind of a street thug and he got himself together He w.1s al\\'ays gening m fights at e\·er} basketball game,· Fr. Flal'in s.1id of Wahlberg But it was Wahlberg's parllctpauon 111 a Catholic Youth Orgam:auon basket·
ball league that helped steer the routh 111 the nght direcllon , Fr Flavm sai<l. Wahl bergs story is of a ktd with troubles who made good, the priest told Tilt: Pilot, newspaper of the Boston Archdiocese. He recalled how Wahlberg as a you th would regularly dm·e past St. Wtlliam. always in a different car, wal'ing and beeping. Its been a while since Fr. Fla\in \isned Wahlberg in j::ul. Through the years, the two continued their friend<>htp. Fr. Flavm described WJhlberg as being a very mature adult who attends Mass every Sunday. "Hcs \cry proud of being Catholic.~ Fr. flavin satd . 'The Church really helped htm to set a foundation . For the july 26 premiere. W.1hlberg arranged for mem bers of community organiza uons from the Boston area to allen d.
Mar/1 \VaiJibe
ciS Leo lcculs
aero.- is l•cll'ing a priest rebuild a gym at Sr. Parisi• in Bmclllon, Mass.
In an upstairs theater, young moviegoers awaited Wahlberg, who greeted the audience w choruses of ~we lo\'e rou, ~lark_ ' Fr. Fla,·in said Wahlberg s expected to be on hand for the ribbon-cutting cere-
mony for the new gymnasium m the faiL 'Tm as a proud of him as the kids from SL \Vilham's who became bricklarers.~ Fr Flavin said. "Mark now has the means to help a lot people __,
A Boost Needed for Teen Girls' Self·lmage ~lll\\AL
M-l L '\~l-
Sexualized and supcrricial media images of girls and women can damage the selfImage of adolescents, said two writers who specialize in nurturing spirituality among girls and young women at a presentation for Catholic educawrs recent!)'. As examples of harmful media images, !vlarilyn Kielbasa and janet Claussen, editors and authors at St. ~-larrs Press in Winona, Minn., cited photos of waiflike fashion models, ads featuring provocatively posed shots of teens, and even isney mo\'ies with subtle cxual messages. Kielbasa is also co-director of the Voices Project, a
St. Marrs Press initiative begun in 1998 that helps girls ages 11-19 deYelop personally and spiritually. She said that both blatant and subtle messages b)' the media and society can foster a variety of problems among adolescent girls. from eating disorders to increased scxuaI activity. She and Claussen pointed out that C\'Cn the Disney mO\;c Tile Lillie Mermaid portrays a young wom::m who willingly gh·es up everything from family to her voice to have a relationship with a }'oung man she barely knows. "Girls today arc buying into that message and losing their own voices," said Claussen.
Tapping Into a yearning and fulfilling it Thafs youth ministry. he last 25 years SJ\\ stgmficam development in mmtstry to }Outh m our dtoccse: and, with the pbns for Beth.m) House. gn::~tcr thmgs nrc }Ctto come. The annu<tl teen 1ssuc of rAITH 5eems the 1dealume to rc\ 1ew all this for our readers C1ght) -two of our 95 parishes ha\ e a coordinator of }'Outh mtmstr} on the st;~ff. " full -ume poslllon m some parishes ;~nd a p:trt Um!. position m others Thetr work has been promoted ;~nd :tsststed b) the Office for Youth Mmtstry 111 the d1ocesan Department of Educ.nlon nnd Cateches1s Th1s offtce \\;tS headed by George Rand from 1976 to 1982, by Brother Thomns G1umcnta, C.S.C, from 1982 10 1985. by Brian Smgcr-To\\ ns from 1985 to 1997, and since 1997 b) James Corder. An annual Youth Com ocation (shortened to Youth Como' after a couple of years) w<ts mmated under Rands leadership 111 1978. Teens by the hundreds were attracted to 10-hour d:t)S of faith and fun at one or the other of the Catholic high schools m Fhnt, J<~ckson or Lansmg Se\en Comos were held unulthe h1gh schools could no longer <tccommodate the crowds. It w;~s my pleasure to address e\cry one of these enthusiastic meetings and, m my cassock. one time cYen to jo111" group of girls as they· danced the cancan. Thts annual C\'ent gave way in 1986 to the scnes of 'Iouth Jamborees begun b) Bnan Singer-Towns. He .Ja:zed up both the name and the program He mO\ed the C\'Cnt to the fall on the c;~l endar and mo\·cd the sHe to the Lansing Center. close to the cathedral and large enough to handle the crowds of upwards of 800 teens who regubrly auend At the s:~me time the series of Youth Leadership Camps w;~s begun These are held in early summer on one of the Cathohc college campuses nearby•. Pansh }OUth mmtstr} coordm<ttors send select boys or girls from thetr loc<tl y·outh group for spettaltrammg tn org;~ni:ation and promouon of y·outh acuvH1es Some 200 leader types ;ltlcnd each }-e;~r. h1dencc of ns \ alue to the pan shes can be g:tuged by the response of pastors. A penance scn·1ce IS held dunng each leadershtp You yearn for the camp, and Jim Corder 01nnuall} spiritual even though looks for 10 priests to volunteer to hear the confessions. For tins you may not realize it years camp at S1ena Hetghts Umverslly mAd nan he got 32 \ olunteers. The \\'orld Youth O;t} m Dcmer \\ ith Pope John P.1ulll in 1993 was a h1ghhght for} outh mm1stry 111 this country and m this diocese 0\er 600 teens from the Lansmg diocese attended. along with Ia} chaperones, some sisters and se\·eral priests. The Pope is re;~ll}' at home wnh young people. and some of them who went to World Youth Day wah us stillmenuon Dcm·cr to me when I meet them. The \\ orldwide response of youth to Pope John P;~ul shows that the young ha\·e a yearning for the Splrltua], e\·cn though m:~ny· of them don t reah:c IL The purpose of }OUth ministry is to tap that ye;~rn mg and fulfill it. The openmg of Bethany House 111 De\Viu this fall holds great promise for our }OUth and for their future. Most Rc\'crcnd Kenneth Po\'ish was 1hc Diocese or Lansing's third bishop and is now retired .
Are you looking for a more rewarding, more fulfilling life? Consider a new vension of yourself. Join Joe Lussier and more than 20 other men who are currently punsuing priesthood for the Diocese of Lansing.
Consider Priesthood Contact Fr. Karl Pung (517) 342·2507 or log onto
www.2beaprlest4chrlslcom
t Priesthood It's a good Hfe
A Message from Your Parish
N....Pn>nc o,.
u.s. Poat•e•
·t
@iJtL--~·
Online:
www.Dioceseoflanslng.org www.FAITHmag.com
300 W Ouawa Lansing, Ml 48933
The Oufraac:fl Mass, Sunday, 1 0 Lm.
on TV:
flint - Channel 88 Lllnalng - Channel 47
On Radio:
Man, 11 a.m. on WJIM 1240
AM
Paid t.,..
"'\II
Pcnnn•782