September 2019

6

s a crament of marriage’ ‘ You need

parenting

Raising kids who are great and great to others

God to live the

Aaron R Deena’s real-life romance

year of prayer

Jill prays for others

special report

Michigan Catholic Conference supports petition to end dismemberment abortion

FROM THE BISHOP

A PETITION TO SUPPORT LIFE YOU WILL BE SEEING some of your fellow parishioners gathering signatures for a petition these days. It is meant to put an end to a particular practice used by abortion providers. It is called “dismemberment abortion,” though the providers will never use that term. At a certain stage of the development of the baby in the womb, the provider will use various instruments to cut up the baby and remove the child piece by piece. It is not a pretty picture – not that any abortion procedure is.

But this procedure seems particularly brutal.

READ MORE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PETITION TO SUPPORT LIFE, SEE THE SPECIAL REPORT ON P. 22.

The Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) and the bishops of Michigan have strongly endorsed this petition process, which is being directed by Michigan Right to Life. Another petition drive is also in the works, one which would ban abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected. The MCC and Michigan Right to Life obviously are sympathetic to the aim of this drive, but we find that it is unnecessary in our state. Currently, on the Michigan Law Books, is a 1931 law which bans all abortions. Should Roe v. Wade be overturned in the U.S. Supreme Court, then Michigan practice would revert to that 1931 law. There is disagreement as to whether the passage of a fetal heartbeat law would interfere with that.

So, instead of supporting that petition initiative, the MCC and Right to Life of Michigan have focused on one particularly egregious act, the dismemberment of a child in the womb, which stands a good chance of remaining an active and enforceable law even if the Supreme Court does not act any time soon.

This entire process of signature gathering can also be an occasion for all of us to examine our hearts and help our families and neighbors to do the same. In the end, abortions will only cease when all of us have a change of heart. We need a change of heart to recognize the human dignity of each and every human being from the moment of conception to natural death. We need a change of heart to provide assistance to any woman who finds herself in a situation in which abortion seems to be the only alternative. We need a change of heart to encourage men to be fully supportive of women and the children they help to conceive. We need a change of heart to believe that we can be better citizens if we do not take life but rather support life. I encourage all of you to sign a petition when it appears in your parish.

In the end, abortions will only cease when all of us have a change of heart. We need a change of heart to recognize the human dignity of each and every human being from the moment of conception to natural death.”

BISHOP EARL BOYEA Carlson Productions

is the fifth bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing @BishopBoyea

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FROM THE EDITOR

‘BE A LIFE-LONG LEARNER ABOUT YOUR FAITH’ I

N THE SPRING OF 1995, while a seminarian intern at St. Joseph parish in St. Johns, I attended a regional meeting of priests and parish staff members at St. Jude in

DeWitt. During the course of that meeting, the late Bishop Kenneth Povish introduced a new partnership between the Diocese of Lansing and Siena Heights University in Adrian.

That program, now known as the Theological Studies Program, was developed to provide good theological formation for those serving in a variety of professional ministerial positions within parishes of the diocese. Those ministering in religious education, youth ministry, music ministry, adult faith formation, RCIA directors, parish school principals and parish school faculty members, and many others were encouraged to attend. The program has also become the means for providing good theological formation for those who are discerning a call to the permanent diaconate.

T.Gennera

In the year ahead, we will mark the 25th anniversary of this unique partnership. In my own life, I have made a commitment to support this program to the best of my ability. Since 2001 I have served as an adjunct faculty member and have taught nearly every fall or winter semester since that time. On a personal level, I have made this commitment beFATHER cause of the commitment and sacrifice that the people of the Diocese DWIGHT EZOP of Lansing made for me. Providing me the opportunity for five years of is the editor of theological study and formation during my years in seminary was a huge FAITH Magazine financial commitment on the part of the people of our diocese through and pastor of your support of the annual DSA. In turn, I have always felt it was up to St. Mary Parish, me to put that gift of formation and study to good use, not only in my Charlotte and daily parish ministry, but also in other ways to help support the larger St. Ann Church, diocesan Church that made my education possible. My commitment to Bellevue teaching in the Theological Studies Program is one way I seek to do that.

Email: editor@ In turn, my participation in the program has given me an opportunity to FAITHpub.com. meet, pray with, teach and learn from an amazing assortment of folks from all around our diocese. I have taught at parish sites in Flint, Jackson, Ann Arbor and Lansing, giving me the chance to see parts of our diocese that I might not otherwise have seen. Most importantly, I have been inspired by the women and men who take part in the program. Each time I teach, I tell students that I will inevitably learn more from them than they will learn from me. I treasure the sharing of faith, parish experience and knowledge that has happened each time I have taught. I am a better priest, pastor and person of faith because of my own experience with the people who take part in the Theological Studies Program, and I look forward to many more such opportunities.

The program was developed for and continues to serve the people of our diocese. It exists as a unique partnership between our diocese, its people, and Siena Heights University.

As we prepare to mark the program’s 25th year, we are also at a critical time when good faith formation is becoming ever more important for the people of our diocese. As each of us is called to evangelize those around us, we are also called to know better the riches of the faith we seek to share. The Theological Studies Program is one critical means to do so. Leisa Fredericks, a current student in the program, shares her experience in this issue of FAITH. If you’d like to learn more about the program, speak with your pastor, a member of your parish staff, or get in touch with Roberta Schomberger who coordinates the lay ecclesial ministry program for the Diocese of Lansing.

I recall Bishop Povish’s words at that 1995 regional meeting: “Be a life-long learner about your faith.” They were true then, and they are true now. And so, our journey in FAITH continues.

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FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

YE A R OF

PR AY E R Forming Missionary Disciples Prayer of St. Gregory the Great FEAST DAY SEPT. 3 As we approach the beginning of a new school year, we turn to St. Gregory the Great, patron saint of teachers and students.

When we are linked by the power of prayer, we, as it were, hold each other’s hand as we walk side by side along a slippery path; and thus by the bounteous disposition of charity, it comes about that the harder each one leans on the other, the more firmly we are riveted together in brotherly love.

– St. Gregory the Great

READ MORE LEARN ABOUT HOW JILL PRAYS FOR OTHERS ON P. 11

INSIDE September

COVER STORY

YOUR LIFE

6 marriage matters

He says: ‘Our friends are all parents of our kids’ friends.’

She says: ‘We need to branch out’ What do they do?

7 parenting Raising kids who are great and great to others

work life ow do I handle a H disagreement with a co-worker?

8 culture Symbolism and soup go hand in hand

‘YOU NEED GOD TO LIVE THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE’ – AARON AND DEENA’S REAL-LIFE ROMANCE P. 16

YOUR FAITH

10 grow+go Rejoice always

11 year of prayer ill prays for others – J ‘We all serve a unique purpose within the Church’

12 in the know with Father Joe Is Christ really and truly present in the Eucharist?

14 theology 101 Encountering Jesus in the sacrament of marriage

YOUR STORIES

20 my story Studying theology is not just for priests – Leisa found a ‘hidden gem’ at Siena Heights

FOLLOW FAITHMAG SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

27 FAITH interview eet Father John Whitlock, M new director of vocations for the Diocese of Lansing

PLUS

P. 26

22 special report Michigan Catholic Conference supports petition to end dismemberment abortion 5

YOUR LIFE

GETTY IMAGES/RAWPIXEL

MARRIAGE MATTERS

HE SAYS:

Our friends are all parents of our kids’ friends Most of our friends were parents of our kids’ friends. The only way we can have a social life is if we go to the high school football games.

SHE SAYS:

We need to branch out It’s time for us to move on - we need to get friends with adult shared interests.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON for parent friendships to spin off from the friendships of their respective children. But if you’re in a situation where all the children have moved on – and maybe they’re not even friends with each other anymore – and you don’t particularly like going to high school football games, then, yes, it’s probably time to re-evaluate these friendships.

STEVE AND BRIDGET PATTON

hold master’s degrees in theology and counseling and serve as family life ministers for the Diocese of Sacramento.

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For starters, ask yourselves this big question: Why even have friendships? The answer is equally big: We humans are social beings, made in the image and likeness of a social being – the trinity.

Having friendships and a social life are essential to our fulfillment as individuals, couples, families and communities.

But this means more than just avoiding or getting out of shallow or toxic friendships. It also means choosing and keeping friendships for the right reasons. Friendships should primarily be about inspiring, strengthening and supporting one another in a shared effort to grow as children of God. And in this regard, sometimes even a satisfying friendship can be a problem.

For instance, if a friendship is built mostly upon a shared interest – like enjoying high-school football games and their side show of giant pretzels and marching bands – but it really has no other redeeming or higher purpose, then maybe it’s time to quit that scene.

But maybe not. Let’s say you’re sensing that one of your shallow friendship couples is actually hurting and needs to be listened to and cared for. Keep in mind that the purpose of a friendship is not just to get your needs met.

To help re-evaluate your friendships, try reading the Book of Proverbs together. It’s loaded with pearls like this one about true versus false friendships: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but many are the kisses of an enemy.” (Prv 27:6) Also, if you’re not already doing it, get more involved, as a couple, with activities at your parish.

Many parishes offer Bible studies, adult faith formation courses or marriage enrichment programs. In addition to the enrichment you’ll receive from them, you’ll meet other couples who want to live their faith as the foundation of our lives. Good friendships will naturally follow.

YOUR LIFE PARENTING

The sky is not the limit. Our kids need to understand the concept of enough instead of every-thing.

Special is great. Our kids need to know they are special

GETTY IMAGES/PAHIS

because they were perfectly created in the image and likeness of God – and so are the rest of God’s children.

Sometimes, we compare our kids to others and we use words like exceptional, outstanding and prodigy. The greatest measure of “specialness” is when we humbly use the gifts God gave us to serve him.

Obedience is a requirement for heaven. We learn obedience by

WHO ARE GREAT GREAT TO OTHERS

RAISING KIDS AND

I

following rules, not bending them.

Pope St. John XXIII taught that without obedience, there is no peace. In this crazy world, peace is a great gift to give our children, and obedience begins with doing chores and turning in homework without excuses and exemptions.

SHERI WOHLFERT

is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries. Sheri blogs at www. joyfulwords.org

REMEMBER THAT MOMENT when the doctor laid my firstborn son in

Earned trumps given. We appre-

my arms, and through my tears of joy (and gratitude for epidurals),

ciate the things we work for and earn. My grandpa owned a tiny grocery store and the counter was lined with glass jars of candy. He loved to give each of us a piece of candy when we came to visit him at the store, but he always had a small task for us to do first, like straightening all the bills in the cash register so they faced the same direction, before we climbed up on the counter to make our choice. Earning something builds a sense of true pride and accomplishment.

I whispered, “Lord, he’s perfect, please don’t let me mess this up!”

For the last couple of decades, I’ve been whispering that same prayer every single day. Parenting can be tricky work, and we may do things differently, but we really all have the same goal: to raise kids who are great humans and faithful disciples of Jesus. The culture we’re parenting in often works against that goal, so here are some ideas for raising kids who are both great and great to others.

How do I handle a disagreement with a co-worker?

“MOM! DANNY’S NOT PLAYING FAIR!” This approach may work for arguing siblings – not so much between co-workers. So how do you address an issue while remaining professional?

YOUR LIFE WORK LIFE

BY CYNTHIA KAAN

1. G ive yourself and the issue time to breathe. Reflect on what the disagreement is really about. Is it truly the issue you first thought it was – or is it a personality conflict? Those are obviously two separate issues and warrant different action.

2. Pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Reflect on how your co-worker typically handles disagreements: Open to direct communication? Or would it be best to have another individual present? If at all possible, go the direct route. It may be a simple misunderstanding and you don’t want to escalate unnecessarily.

3. C onnect with your co-worker, privately or with a third party.

Be pleasant, polite, professional, and do not use attacking words. Remember – a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of vinegar.

4. Humility first. Make it your goal to remain genuinely humble throughout the conversation.

Be willing to accept your part in the issue and be open to honest feedback.

5. Call on the fruits of the Holy Spirit to navigate the conversation. Gentleness in tone. Patience in attitude. Kindness toward your co-worker. Love overall.

At the end of the day, we are called to love our neighbor, which includes pesky co-workers. Be sure to keep Christ in your workplace, and he will be your guide.

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YOUR LIFE CULTURE

Symbolism soup AND

GO HAND IN HAND

I

N OUR DINING ROOM hangs a framed print of Caravaggio’s “The Calling of St. Matthew,” which is a reliable conversation starter when

we have guests over for dinner. Like clockwork, right about the time we are serving the soup course, my husband starts explaining the layers of symbolism in the painting: “... the source of the light does not come through the window, because the light in the painting symbolizes God’s presence, not the sunlight.” “... the subjects are vested in Renaissance garments of Caravaggio’s time, except Jesus and Peter 8

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Once he gets going, my husband kind of loses himself in the clever messaging embedded in the artwork.

The painting illustrates the passage from the Gospel of Matthew (9:9-13): As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

1 pound diced pancetta (or cooked chopped bacon) 1 14-ounce can cannellini beans (drained/rinsed) 1 14-ounce can kidney beans (drained/rinsed) 1 14-ounce can garbanzo beans (drained/rinsed) 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 large onion (chopped) 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped carrots 2 cups chopped green kale (stalks removed) 3-4 cloves minced garlic ¼ cup white wine 2 quarts chicken broth 2 sprigs rosemary 1-2 sprigs thyme 1 sprig oregano 1 loaf rustic Italian bread (cut into cubes) Grated parmesan cheese (for serving) DIRECTIONS Bundle the herbs in cooking string and set aside. In a large stock pot, cook pancetta in olive oil until slightly crispy (3-4 minutes).

Add the onions, celery, carrots and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes. (Alternatively, cooked/ MICHELLE chopped bacon can be substituted after DIFRANCO vegetables are sautéed.) Add the white wine. is a designer and Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add all the busy mom of drained beans, diced tomatoes and the chickthree children. en broth. Add bundled herbs and additional salt and pepper to taste (if needed). Cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the kale and continue to cook on a gentle simmer until vegetables are tender (about 30-40 minutes). Remove bundled herbs.

T. Gennara

Caravaggio was much more comfortable depicting the sinful man and even used peasants and prostitutes for his models. Perhaps that is because the artist himself could identify with the brokenness of his subjects. Caravaggio had a dark and violent nature that on at least one occasion brought him to murder and, in the end, resulted in his own violent death as well. Yet from this flawed and troubled soul comes some of the most magnificent and beautiful religious art of the 1600s, replete with Christian symbolism and a profound understanding of the faith. Caravaggio captures our admiration as a shining example of how God can work through our gifts, despite our flaws, to produce things of great beauty.

As we approach the feast day of St. Matthew on Sept. 21, one wonders if Caravaggio pondered this concept. Did he relate to Matthew, himself a sinner who was ultimately used by Christ to create something good? We can only conjecture. I’m sure when we next entertain, my husband will wax on about symbolism in the art that hangs in our dining room to the guests we will be hosting. Right about then, I will again serve the soup. As a nod to Caravaggio’s origins, perhaps I’ll prepare some Tuscan bean soup (Ribollita). It dates back to the Middle Ages and, like the models he was fond of using, it has peasant origins. I wonder if Caravaggio himself ate this soup or some version of it. I’ll suggest that to the guests … once my husband is done with his art lesson!

TUSCAN BEAN SOUP

T. Gennara

who are dressed in the garb of first century Judea, symbolic that Christ’s message is always relevant despite the year we live in.” ... etc., etc.

Throw bread cubes in a sauté pan. Drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. Toast over medium heat until light golden brown on outside (7-10 minutes), tossing occasionally.

Serve soup topped off with toasted bread and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE FOLKERTSMA

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YOUR FAITH

GETTY IMAGES/MARTIN-DM

GROW

Rejoicealways “REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS, again

I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your

anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4-7) When I stumbled across this section in Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, I stopped reading, and said, “That’s ridiculous.” My intention was not to offend St. Paul, rather the high degree of difficulty of this passage struck me. Rejoice always? In the eyes of the world and often in my own life, I find this to be unattainable. Paul, however, believed it so completely that he felt compelled to repeat himself: “Again I will say, Rejoice”! I look at my life, and the state of our country and world, and think of all the reasons not to have joy. It would be easy to question whether Paul was living in the same world as us.

This would be a reasonable concern until you read his Second Letter to the Corinthians. In Chapter 11:23-28, Paul lists his difficulties and sufferings while being a disciple of Christ. It’s impressive, in a terrifying sort of way. Here are the highlights: eight separate 10

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

PRAY WITH THANKSGIVING As a result of this reality, Paul’s external circumstances could never affect the internal joy he experienced by living each day with the Lord. Paul gives us another clue to rejecting the temptation to worry or despair when he tells us, “... but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God.” It seems relatively obvious that we should pray and supplicate to the Lord. What is more striking is Paul’s encouragement to pray with thanksgiving. I think there’s a saying that goes: “a thankful heart is a joyful heart,” or at least my mom used to say that to me. It’s actually true; PETE BURAK when we pray with gratitude, we are able is the director of to see the tremendous gifts in our lives and i.d.9:16. He has a focus on the ways that God has blessed us. master’s degree While he already knows the desires of our in theology, and hearts, God wants us to tell him what we is a frequent need and want. He wants us to approach speaker at events him with humility and gratitude. When we for youth and recognize and embrace God’s constant young adults. presence in our life and choose to focus on his providence, our inner joy cannot be robbed by the circumstances of the world. I realize that it is a lofty goal to always rejoice, and it will be a lifetime of praying and perseverance. Paul never gave up, and he remains a witness to what a joyful life in Christ can accomplish. This section from Philippians leaves us with an equally ridiculous promise, and yet one that we all want to attain: “... and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

T.Gennera

forbearance. The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about

beatings, three shipwrecks, in danger everywhere he went, imprisonments, and the constant pressure of feeling spiritually responsible for all of the new churches. Arguably, the greatest evangelist suffered an incredible amount, and yet he teaches us to always rejoice, which makes him either a hypocrite or truly the saint that he is.

The rest of the passage deals with Paul’s reasoning for constant rejoicing. He teaches that we must have forbearance. Being an expert at pushing through pain and suffering, Paul says that it is possible to overcome these obstacles because, quite simply, “The Lord is at hand.” Paul was acutely aware of Christ’s presence with him, and the power of the Holy Spirit operating in his life.

Jill PRAYS for others

YE AR OF

PR AY E R Forming Missionary Disciples

‘We all serve a unique purpose within the Church’

Jill Martin of St. Mary Parish in Westphalia has been responding to God’s call to participate in her parish’s intercessory prayer group since attending a discernment workshop a little over two years ago. In discovering her own call and vocation, she prays for others to realize their own.

CALLED TO PRAY “They had it advertised in the bulletin that they had an intercessory prayer group, and that’s something I’ve always been drawn to is praying for others. I didn’t join right away. I joined after I went to a ‘Called and Gifted’ workshop. It helps you to identify what your charisms might be, and intercessory prayer is something that came up for me.

“We get an email every month with the intentions of the parish. It has been really nice to pray with a group of people who are all praying for the same thing, vocations being one of them. It’s really important to discern where God is calling you.

“My whole life I thought I was called to religious life,

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN

and now I’m married with kids, so it just took a lot of discernment – and I want to encourage other people on that same path.

DISCERNING ONE’S VOCATION “I look at all vocations (priesthood, religious life, consecrated life, married life, single life) as being dependent upon each other. We all serve a unique purpose within the Church, and committed men and women are needed in each vocation.

“Every month when I get that prayer list in my email, vocations is on there, and it's very important so we can have the right people in the right vocation serving God and his people the way he has gifted them to.”

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YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

T. Gennara

FATHER JOE KRUPP

GETTY IMAGES/PAOLOGAETANO

is a former comedy writer who is now a Catholic priest. @Joeinblack

Now, take that 69 percent who stated they believe the bread and wine are only symbols, and you find that 43 percent of them believe that this is what the Church teaches.

What does this tell us? In my opinion, it reveals not so much a willful disagreement with the Church on a core doctrine as a misunderstanding of what the Church teaches.

So let’s look at a quick summary of transubstantiation, the Church’s explanation for the bread and wine actually becoming the reality of the body and blood of Christ. I’m going to try to explain simply some fairly complex theological and philosophical truths using an analogy, so stick with me on this.

We start with the idea of you, DEAR FATHER JOE: I’ve read a lot of talk online that, according to a a human. Every human being – recent study, most Catholics don’t understand Church teaching about every person – has elements to the Eucharist or don’t believe in it. People seem very sad and angry about him or her that are visible and some that are invisible. The visible this and as I read all the comments, I wondered if I believe the right thing. part of you, and me, is an external Please help, I want to be a good Catholic. reality we share with everyone we meet. Most humans follow the basic human form: we physically look like humans God bless you! Your email was like many I and share more visible traits than we don’t. have received in the past few days and, this The invisible parts are more of an “internal reality.” concern is so common that we decided to jump a We commonly describe this as our soul, or spirit, or few topics and get after this as soon as we could. nature, or heart. (Just to name a few, and these are So, we’ll start right off by looking at the poll, what not theological terms!) This is a way of saying that it revealed, and then what we, as Catholics, believe we are completely unique in many ways. We all have about the Eucharist. strengths and weaknesses, we are varying levels of First, what did the poll reveal? patient or happy or smart – all these sort of “internal” Thirty-one percent of Catholics interviewed traits that make us unique are from the invisible part stated that they believe the Church’s teaching about of us. They are what we might call our substance. transubstantiation, 69 percent stated that they What is true of you, is also true of other things: “believe the bread and wine are only symbols.”

Is Christ really and truly present in

the Eucharist?

Q:

A:

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there is an element that is visible to the world and a core element of it that is not visible.

Now, let’s go back to the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. What we believe is that, at the sacred moment, Jesus took the bread and changed its substance. The outside of it (form) stayed the same, but the wheat and water that made it bread (substance) was changed into Christ’s very body.

This is what transubstantiation is: “transforming the substance.” Jesus did the same thing with the wine, too, as it became his blood. We believe that, at every Mass we pray, we join in Christ's eternal sacrifice. And as we re-present the sacrifice, the priest becomes in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), and the substance of the bread and wine is transformed from bread into the very flesh and blood of Christ. And not just his body and blood, but every aspect of who Christ is: his body, blood, soul and divinity are fully present in each element of the Eucharist.

Why did he do this? For a lot of reasons, but as he showed us in the Incarnation, it is all part of the way his love works – he enters every element of our experience and transforms it. Christ took something our bodies need (food) and transformed it into something our souls need – him!

In this, Christ literally enters us in a way that feeds both parts of the human experience – the body and the soul.

This is a miracle of love, and I think that part of the reason some Catholics say they don’t believe it is not because they were never taught it, but because it is so unbelievably miraculous and shocking that they just assume they were taught wrong.

I did a very small, unscientific poll with random parishioners throughout the week. I asked them about transubstantiation and it was definitely a word they struggled with. However, as the conversation continued, I asked them what happens to the bread and wine we offer at Mass and every person I asked but one said that it becomes the body and blood of Christ.

I share this to help us put things in context. I think at least some of the confusion is that our Church language is confusing in today’s world. We use different words differently in the Roman Catholic Church and, frankly, it’s often that misunderstanding that is reflected in such polls.

The key is this: the Eucharist should transform us, and it takes more than proper theology for that transformation to occur in us. Our pride, anger, stubbornness can work against the miracle that Jesus gives us. We need to approach the Eucharist with great reverence, devotion and love and let that change how we see and treat everyone we encounter.

Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

The key is this: the Eucharist should transform us, and it takes more than proper theology for that transformation to occur in us.”

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YOUR FAITH THEOLOGY 101

USCCB RESOURCES FOR STRENGTHENING MARRIAGE Check out a special website set up by the USCCB specifically for married couples called “For Your Marriage” at WWW.FORYOURMARRIAGE.ORG.

ENCOUNTERING JESUS IN THE

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE Pope Benedict XVI once said, “... the faith is not a theory, a philosophy, or idea; it is an encounter. An encounter with Jesus.” It is this encounter with Jesus in

perfection of all love, he reveals the deepest meaning of all marital love: self-giving love modeled on God’s inner life and love.

the sacraments that is the focus of this year’s Theology 101.

IN THE BEGINNING …

Marriage is more than just a natural institution – God is its author and it has been elevated by Christ to the level of sacrament.

Marriage is a gift that we receive rather than something we construct or change to fit our purposes.

In the 2009 pastoral letter, “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) wrote, “Through baptism, men and women are 14

transformed, by the power of the Holy Spirit, into a new creation in Christ. This new life in the Holy Spirit heals men and women from sin and elevates them to share in God’s very own divine life. It is within this new Christian context that Jesus has raised marriage between the baptized to the dignity of a sacrament. He heals marriage and restores it to its original purity of permanent selfgiving in one flesh (see Mt 19:6).”

By revealing his own love as the

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

The profound way the sacrament of marriage allows us to share in God’s own life is vividly illustrated in the Book of Genesis. We are taught that at each phase of creation God issues a command to "Let there be …" and it comes to pass. Something new comes into being that did not exist a moment before. This command is, in a sense, the verbal manifestation of God's free consent to create.

The spouses participate in this

A prayer to the patron St. Valentine is the patron of love, happy marriages, engaged couples and young people. While there are actually three different Valentines (a priest in Rome, a bishop of present day Terni, Italy, and a martyr in the Roman province of Africa) associated with Feb. 14, they are united in their martyrdom for Christ.

Consider praying a novena to St. Valentine as a couple, invoking his intercession to help strengthen the marriage, especially in times of trial, over a period of nine days.

O glorious advocate and protector, St. Valentine, look with pity upon our wants, hear our requests, attend to our prayers, relieve by your intercession the miseries under which we labor, and obtain for us the divine blessing, that we may be found worthy to join you in praising the Almighty for all eternity: through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Did you know?

In the Roman Catholic tradition, the spouses are the ministers of Christ’s grace. They mutually confer upon each other the sacrament by expressing their consent before the Church.

At the same time, it is the priest (or deacon) who receives the consent of the spouses in the name of the Church and gives the blessing of the Church. This is critical because the sacrament is an ecclesial reality, a liturgical act.

This is why a sacramental marriage should be celebrated in the public liturgy of the Church.

S. OLSON

same act of creation during the in Chicago, was teaching a marriage ceremony where the two workshop on the topic of celibacy are required to consent before to a group of seminarians. He the community to the creation of declared that “celibacy is a choice the union. The catechism (1626… and one has to choose it every 27) teaches that the day.” The same is true exchange of consent of marriage. Marriage between the spouses, is a choice … and the The their mutual “Let there be spouses have to choose …”, is the indispensable sacrament of it every day! A marriage element that “makes the has to be continuously matrimony marriage” and brings the affirmed. provides the marriage into being as a It is the continual spouses with new creation. affirmation of the However, Genesis also spouses that what came the grace to teaches that this initial into existence on the ‘love each consent is not sufficient wedding day is good other with for the maintenance of that holds the marriage the love with creation. "Then God said, in existence – that 'Let there be light,' and sustains the marriage. which Christ there was light. God saw When either or both of has loved his how good the light was." the spouses take away Church.’”

(Gn 1: 3-4) Here we have this affirmation, when the consent followed one or both no longer by the affirmation that it is good see that the marriage is good, the for the light to exist. This formula marriage begins to pass out of is repeated with each step of existence. What a wondrous gift creation. There is the consent and and tremendous responsibility! then the affirmation, which signals that what has been created THE GRACE should continue in existence. It OF THE SACRAMENT is this affirmation that creation is good that is the foundation of our The good news is that we are very being. not on our own. According to the So at each moment, God catechism (1661), the sacrament of holds creation in existence matrimony provides the spouses through affirmation. Without with the grace to “love each this continuous commitment to other with the love with which affirmation, creation would simply Christ has loved his Church.” This pass away. The story of Noah's grace “perfects the human love ark and other biblical accounts of the spouses, strengthens their illustrate the destruction that indissoluble unity, and sanctifies results when this affirmation is them on the way to eternal life.” taken away.

Its effects include the arising of a In the same way, marriage bond between the spouses which is an invitation into this same is perpetual and exclusive, as the loving commitment and powerful covenant between the spouses participation in the life of God. But is integrated into God’s covenant the demands that go with such with humanity (1638-39) and participation are no less applicable. the receiving of Christ’s grace by the spouses to assist them A CHOICE in helping each other “to attain holiness in their married life and Years ago, Father Lawrence in welcoming and educating their Hennessey, a seminary professor children.” (1641)

DOUG CULP

is the CAO and secretary for pastoral life for the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. He holds an MA in theology from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Source: Catechism (1623, 1630-31)

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YOUR STORIES

6

s a crament of marriage’ ‘ You need

God to live the

Aaron R Deena’s real-life romance

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

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Aaron R Deena Decker’s story feels like a movie.

Boy meets girl, they become friends. A few years later, boy asks girl for a date. Before you know it, they fall in love. Cue the church wedding, the romantic honeymoon and, within a week, a baby on the way. You’ve probably seen some version of this a hundred times if you watch the Hallmark Channel.

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What you may not have seen, however, is what happens between the lines of our most beloved romantic comedies. That’s where God’s love sustains their journey and molds individuals into couples.

Deena begins, “You have this expectation of a honeymoon phase. We didn’t have that at all.

“Our first year of marriage was really tough – especially learning to live together as a couple.

Since college, I have always lived with others, so I was used to having someone to hang out with. I expected to be with Aaron all the time.”

Aaron’s eyes widen. “I was a bachelor, used to living alone and having my own time. All of a sudden, I had to share everything! That was a big adjustment for me. We bickered constantly.”

Deena continues, “On top of that, I was really sick during my first trimester. Morning sickness made it tough to do things I wanted for him and for our marriage. Then I had a difficult recovery and sleep deprivation once Evelyn was born.

“On top of this, we moved from an apartment into our house in Fenton. We had made a mutual decision that I would stay at home with our children.

I was trying to learn how to be a parent and manage a new home without knowing anyone in our new community. Being a stay-at-home-mom was an adjustment for me.”

Aaron agrees. “While she was going through this, I was driving 40 minutes morning and evening to

Marriage resources For resources to strengthen your marriage, visit DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG/VOCATIONS/MARRIAGE-AND-FAMILY-RESOURCES or contact your local parish.

my sales job, then trying to navigate fatherhood and homeownership at night.” He sighs, “Marriage was really hard.

“We started attending Mass at St. John the Evangelist, and I read in the bulletin they were hosting something called Covenant of Love for married and engaged couples. I asked Deena if she’d like to go.”

“Our first time, we took Evelyn downstairs to the gym, where they were providing free child care,” Deena recalls. “Then we went upstairs, got name tags and walked into the room full of new faces. I remember popcorn and candy on the tables, drinks during the social hour and feeling nervous. I … I’m not really comfortable meeting people for the first time.

“We got our plates and sat down to eat with other couples. Then after dinner the leaders introduced a topic that brought marriage into the discussion around the tables. Before long, I was really enjoying myself. We’ve gone back many times.

“That first gathering opened the gate to helping us form friendships. The repetition of seeing the same people month after month made it easier for me to talk and get to know others.”

Aaron agrees. “That was how we started to get involved in the parish. We have helped other couples with baptism preparation. I coach our parish softball team, and Deena played until she got pregnant with Cassian.

Deena, cradling baby Cassian on her chest, quips, “Now I’m scorekeeper!”

Aaron continues. “We are active participants in our faith now. It’s who we are. It embodies our life.

“A few years ago, we attended a Marriage Encounter weekend here at St. John, and it was really powerful! They threw a bunch of stuff on the table for us to each write about and then discuss. We kept saying, ‘Oh yeah, that’s something we need to talk about!’

“Marriage really is hard. You need God to live the sacrament and to be at the center every day. Like, it’s really hard when Deena’s mad at me! She isn’t a yeller, so if she’s angry she’ll say, ‘You know what? I need a minute. I’m not going to be mad for a long time, but I need a minute now.’ That’s when I try to apologize and be quick to recognize the hurt she’s feeling.

“Without God and the grace of the sacrament, struggles can seem insurmountable. But with God at the center, marriage is wonderful and joyful, even in the struggles.”

Deena agrees. “After Evelyn, we lost two pregnancies – one at six weeks and one at eight weeks.

Which was a surprise because we had her so quickly! We found a doctor who specializes in NaPro (Natural Procreative Technology), and she figured out that I have low progesterone. She helped us chart my cycle so we were able to conceive Cassian. Then she prescribed 36 weeks of progesterone shots to help the baby develop. Now Cassian is here, and Evelyn knows we have two little saints in heaven.”

Aaron gazes at Cassian sleeping to the beat of Deena’s heart. “God has been so good to us! He has swept us up and held us in a hug. I want Deena to see how much I love her and our children to know how much I love their mother.”

“I love our journey, seeing how God has taken us and changed our hearts! I genuinely enjoy being around you,” he tells Deena, “and I’m glad we have our faith to share – someone who knows our job is to help each other get to heaven.”

Deena looks over Cassian’s tiny head and says simply, “Right back at you, Babe.”

“We are active participants in our faith now. It’s who we are. It embodies our life."

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YOUR STORIES MY STORY

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Studying theology S T S E I R P R O F Leisa found a IS NOT JUST ‘hidden gem’ at Siena Heights

“THIS IS A HIDDEN GEM!” declares Leisa Fredericks. “I had to do a little digging to find it, and I’m so happy I did.” Leisa, who is a pastoral assistant at St. Mary’s Cathedral, is referring to the theological studies program offered through Siena Heights University in Adrian. She began the program for a simple reason: She wanted to learn more about her faith and her Church. A devoted, cradle Catholic already working in parish ministry, Leisa was confident she already had a firm grasp on the ins and outs of her religion, but she quickly found out otherwise: “Oh no I didn’t! There are so many things we should know, but you can’t know what you don’t know. This opened up a whole new world.”

The theological studies program at Siena Heights University includes coursework in theological ethics, Church history, ecclesiology, sacramental theology and more. Leisa says she can’t name a favorite class because they have all been so different and bursting with information. Class size is kept small enough to allow for dialogue, and includes students who are eager to know more about Catholicism, diaconal candidates and their wives and those preparing for parish ministry. The variety of class participants came as a surprise to Leisa, who assumed the program was intended mainly for those preparing for the diaconate. Theological studies are open to everyone.

One of the biggest enticements for Leisa was the flexibility in terms of class location. Many of the classes have been held at St. Patrick Parish in Brighton, which was her home parish when she began her studies.

Courses are also held at the diocesan center in Lansing as well as online, with many classes blending an onsite location with online learning.

Leisa has been impressed with the quality of the instruction. She says, “They have such awesome teachers

BY ROSE ROBERTSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

who are not just eager to teach you, but want you to learn. They want to share their knowledge with you and the students seem to be hungry to get it.”

The education gained in the Siena Heights program provided another surprise for Leisa – she found she was stretched in her previously held perspective on certain areas of the Church. It helped her understand other people better.

“As one who thought her stance of belief was the correct one, I can put myself into others’ shoes. I realize I don’t know anyone’s history, or how they have come to believe what they do, so who am I to judge? When someone is questioning faith, I am definitely gentler than I used to be. Being in this program has certainly made me more pastoral. It has also been very humbling because I thought I knew a lot more than I did,” she says.

For Leisa, the Holy Spirit has led her on what she refers to as a “discovery journey.” It began with teaching catechism at St. Patrick’s when her three children were younger. That led to an invitation to be on the parish council, followed by a part-time position as the coordinator for small groups and family life. The family life position segued into an assistant for evangelization.

Despite these ministry positions, Leisa had a nagging feeling that she was not using her spiritual gifts as Jesus intended. That is when she began to search for other opportunities and came upon an opening for a pastoral assistant at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing. “When I saw this opening, I saw it as a huge opportunity for growth. It all just kind of flowed and happened.

Because I knew this was Holy Spirit-led, everything felt right and I followed,” she says.

With two classes left, Leisa finds she is sad her academics will be ending. “I have met so many great people through Siena and formed new friendships. I have gotten to know parishioners better who also participate in the classes. I have learned so much about Catholicism, and it has made me hungry to keep learning. Our instructors told us these courses are considered a broad overview, merely touching the surface of each area. I have gained so much I can’t help but wonder about those who aren’t on a faith quest; they should have this opportunity and we should find a way to put this in their laps.”

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican sisters. It is headquartered in Adrian, with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson and online. For more information, visit sienaheights.edu or call 517.263.0731.

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How can my parish participate in the petition drive to end dismemberment abortion?

Parishes are able to participate in the petition drive in several ways:

GETTY IMAGES/EBSTOCK

SPECIAL REPORT

Michigan Catholic Conference supports petition to end dismemberment abortion

•C ollect signatures before/after Mass, setting aside a couple of weekends to have petition gatherers present before/after each Mass.

• Set up tables to gather signatures at special events.

• Include announcements about the Michigan Values Life initiative and/or insert Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) position statement or factsheets in the bulletin.

• Share information on the parish’s social media about the Michigan Values Life initiative.

A CITIZEN’S INITIATIVE PETITION DRIVE to prohibit the dismemberment abortion procedure in Michigan began in July. Dismemberment abortion is a particularly gruesome procedure that deserves no place in civilized society. It involves tearing a live baby apart limb by limb inside the womb and individually removing each of its body parts. This petition drive, operating under a committee named Michigan Values Life, is organized by Right to Life of Michigan and is supported by the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC). We are presenting this information about the petition drive to encourage parishioners to coordinate petition drives, and to ask everyone to sign a petition.

In order to propose a ban on dismemberment abortion to the Michigan Legislature, the signatures of approximately 340,047 registered voters must be gathered within 180 days of July 26. The goal is to gather 400,000 signatures throughout the summer and early fall.

Michigan has a long-standing ban on abortion, which is not fully enforced as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v.

Wade. Because of that, any pro-life legislation must be carefully evaluated to ensure that it will not weaken or repeal the state’s existing ban on abortion. Michigan has the longest existing and, some say, the strongest pro-life law in the country. Since 1846, Michigan law has banned all abortions. The state’s current abortion ban went into effect in 1931, providing an exception only to save the life of the mother. Following the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, the 1931 ban was upheld by the 22

Michigan Supreme Court, within the parameters of Roe, and continues to ban abortions post-viability.

Therefore, Michigan’s complete ban on abortion will go back into effect if Roe is overturned.

The Michigan Values Life initiative must not be confused with a second petition drive also taking place – Michigan Heartbeat Coalition – which would ban abortion after cardiac activity is detectable. The MCC has serious concerns with this proposal. The measure could liberalize Michigan’s existing abortion laws and weaken the complete ban on abortion that remains in Michigan law (and which would become fully enforceable if Roe v. Wade is overturned). Michigan Heartbeat Coalition is not supported by MCC or Right to Life of Michigan.

Where can I order End Dismemberment Abortion petition forms?

Petitions and other materials can be requested directly through MichiganValuesLife.org or by calling Right to Life at 616.532.2300.

Petitions must not be photocopied, downloaded or printed. All petitions must be original documents obtained from Michigan Values Life.

Where can I find more resources?

Additional, MCC-specific information on the End Dismemberment Abortion ban is available here: micatholic.org/michiganvalueslife. The website also includes explanation of the concerns with the Michigan Heartbeat Coalition’s petition initiative.

I want to circulate End Dismemberment Abortion petitions and gather signatures.

What should I be aware of?

•C omplete petition instructions are available at the Michigan Values Life website: michiganvalueslife.org/petition-instructions.

• Remember that registered voters may sign the petition only once.

In order to propose a ban on dismemberment abortion to the Michigan Legislature, the signatures of approximately 340,047 registered voters must be gathered within 180 days of July 26.

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

YOUR COMMUNITY

DIOCESAN NEWS

Realigning Resources for Mission

As a result, Bishop Boyea has formed a committee and asked that it seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the presbyterate, the parish and school staff and the faithful men and women of this diocese to determine how best to realign our resources (personnel, property, financial, material) to further the mission of forming communities of missionary disciples who go announce the Gospel of the Lord.

GETTY IMAGES/JARINO47

Prompted by the continuing changing Catholic demographics within the 10 counties of our diocese, Bishop Boyea engaged our diocesan staff and priests in a strategic planning process during 2018. One of three important priorities discerned by these groups was a realignment of resources to better position us to engage in the mission of Jesus to build up the kingdom in the Diocese of Lansing.

This committee will begin its important work on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019. This will begin a three-year process of consultation, discovery, assessment and recommendation.

The 12-member committee includes priests, deacons, and lay men and women from across the diocese who were nominated by the presbyterate and diocesan staff. More information will be shared with the faithful of our diocese in upcoming FAITH magazine articles and through other media options.

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MILK, WATER AND FOOD GIVEAWAY AT CATHOLIC CHARITIES IN FLINT The spirit of giving was alive and well in June at the Center for Hope in Flint when, for the sixth time, the members of two national Greek organizations – the AHEPA District #10, with the assistance of the Daughters of Penelope – brought a semi-truck filled with gallons of milk from a local Kroger store. A semi-truck of water and hundreds of bags of food were also given away. While the weather was less than perfect, the volunteers from

AHEPA, the Daughters of Penelope, St. John the Baptist in Howell and the staff at the Center for Hope welcomed 470 cars (as well as people on foot, on bikes and with grocery carts). The milk, water and food reached households that included 495 men, 586 women and 857 children.

“The smiles and gratitude of those we serve was better than sunshine,” said Vicky Schultz, CEO of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties. “We look forward to this event. These groups give from the heart.”

THE QUILT LADIES OF DAVISON At Catholic Charities in Flint, they are fondly known as “The Quilt Ladies.” Putting their faith in action through the Quilt Ministry, these women of St. John & Blessed Sacrament Parish in Davison spend their spare time and considerable talents in creating brightly colored, beautifully made quilts that are works of art on the beds of foster children and Warming Center guests each winter.

“Having their own, unique quilt is especially important to our children in foster care,” said Vicky Schultz, CEO of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties. “Often these children travel with little or no personal items, and having a special quilt and pillow gives them a sense of ownership and a feeling that someone cared enough to make a quilt just for them.”

The ministry, led by Nancy Kramer, is made up of 19 women. They will hold an open house on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at St. John Family Center, 404 N. Dayton in Davison. Quilts will be on display and for sale.

Donations are used to provide much-needed supplies.

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Sister Rachel with a family from the neighborhood helping to set up for a mission day.

YOUTH GROUP HOSTS KIDS’ SUMMER MISSION Sister Rachel, a member of the Servants of God's Love, and John Hoving, director of youth discipleship at Christ the King in Ann Arbor, brought the Christ the King youth group to St. Mary Parish on Flint's eastside several Mondays in the summer to host a kids’ summer mission. They led the children of the neighborhood in different activities that included spiritual formation, games, music and a meal. Other youth groups in the diocese also participated, along with University of Michigan-Flint campus ministry students and the Church of the Nazarene located across the street from St. Mary’s.

LOCAL NEWS

THE FEDERATION OF DIOCESAN LITURGICAL COMMISSIONS CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

DON QUILLAN

In October, the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC), one of the oldest active bodies of diocesan and academic liturgists in the United States, will gather to celebrate its 50th anniversary in Chicago, the place of their founding. One of the notable presenters will be Bishop emeritus Carl Mengeling of the Diocese of Lansing.

Rita Thiron, executive director of the FDLC and a former diocesan director of worship for Lansing, said, “It’s been a tremendously exciting period of growth in the Church, and the work undertaken by the FDLC has been a true labor of love by countless people. It is those people and their work that we celebrate.”

DEMOCRATS FOR LIFE NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN EAST LANSING Bishop Boyea celebrated Mass on July 28 for Catholics attending the national conference of “Democrats for Life of America” in East Lansing. The theme of the three-day event was “Pro-Life for the Whole Life,” and more than 20 speakers addressed life issues across the entire life cycle. In addition to a strong emphasis on reasons for protecting human life in the womb, speakers addressed dehumanization of immigrants and refugees, insufficient regard for human life in environmental policy, the importance of health care in protecting life and unintended threats to life and freedom through physician-assisted suicide.

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TRACKING MARY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT ST. MARY PARISH IN JACKSON 40TH SPECIAL NEEDS MASS

ERIN MAHNKE

On July 21, the Special Needs Ministry of the Diocese of Lansing and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities celebrated the 40th Special Needs Mass. The Mass took place at St. Francis Retreat Center’s chapel in DeWitt with Father Bernard Reilly as celebrant. After Mass, refreshments and fellowship were enjoyed in the dining hall. At the monthly Special Needs Masses, those with special needs and/or their caregivers are invited to fully participate as readers, gift bearers, ushers, musicians and altar servers.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Jackson ushered in a new Vacation Bible School this summer called Tracking Mary, from growingwiththesaints. com. Kids "traveled" each day to a different place around the world where our Blessed Mother has appeared, then learned about her messages. They learned about Our Lady of Guadalupe the same day that they did a beautiful stained-glass-style keepsake craft of her image. And they took home rosaries to remember Our Lady of Fatima, and follow her encouragement to pray for the world.

VOCATIONS NIGHT AT LUGNUTS STADIUM

DON QUILLAN

DON QUILLAN

On Aug. 9, seminarians and others from around the diocese gathered with the Knights of Columbus to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Vocations Night at Cooley Law School Stadium in Lansing, home of the Lugnuts baseball team.

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LOCAL NEWS

JOSHUA HAMILTON

JOSHUA HAMILTON

RACHEL HAUGHT

FaithFest 2019 draws record crowd

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FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

RACHEL HAUGHT

More than 9,400 people gathered under the warm sun at the St. Francis Retreat Center to enjoy an event that has become a staple in the community. FaithFest 2019 brought together Catholics and other Christians to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the retreat center, while listening to artists such as Matt Maher and Jason Gray.

In addition to enjoying the musical performances, families explored booths with art, merchandise, prayer ministries and a “Coffee-House Stage” featuring local artists. A highlight of the festival was a series of vocations testimonies. Families also attended an outdoor Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea. The day concluded with a fireworks display sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

FAITH INTERVIEW

Paul, which is the college seminary that our diocese uses. The young men in the seminary today have grown up in a very difficult time, not only in the world, but in the Church, too. And yet each of them have been moved by God to go completely against the world and to pursue his call in their lives in the seminary, often at great personal cost. I never ceased to be deeply edified and inspired by their faith, earnestness and generosity, especially at such a young age (most of them are between the ages of 18 and 22). I have often wished that more people could come and see what the seminary is like today.

If they did, I think they would have a lot of hope.

Q: A:

TOM GENNARA

What are your biggest challenges as the director of vocations?

As I noted before, this is not an easy time in the Church. There is, understandably, a lot of hurt and confusion that is likely discouraging young people from making a radical commitment to the Lord in his Church. Being an all-in Catholic has never been popular, but I think it takes an especially heroic faith today for people to consider living celibacy for the kingdom, or to live as faithful husbands and wives who are open to life.

MEET FATHER JOHN WHITLOCK,

new director of vocations for the Diocese of Lansing ATHER JOHN WHITLOCK grew up in St. Johns, and is a graduate of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, and Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. Before entering seminary, he worked as a certified public accountant and as a corporate internal auditor. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Earl Boyea in 2013. He has served as parochial vicar at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish in Jackson and Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Michigan Center, and as a formation adviser and spiritual director at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Minn.

F

Q: A:

What is the most encouraging or hopeful thing about vocations today?

Two reasons for hope come to mind. Above all, my hope is in Jesus Christ. I know he will not abandon his Church.

We are in a time of painful purification, but he is and will always be with us. In the end, that is all the hope we need.

In a similar way, I know God has not stopped calling new disciples. I was honored to spend the last three years serving on the faculty at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St.

Q: A:

What is your primary goal?

My primary goal is to be faithful to what God is asking me to do in this role. And I believe he is asking me to do all I can to ensure that the faithful in the diocese have good shepherds with the heart of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. I really believe that the more people come to know and love Jesus, the more they will want to follow him in whatever vocation he is calling them. And so I also hope to help people to grow in this relationship with the Lord in any way I can.

Q: A:

What about those called to lay ministry, the diaconate or religious life?

Jesus himself said that he came "not to be served but to serve," and that is the call of every baptized Christian, no matter what their vocation is. There is no doubt that our Church needs the witness of all different forms of total dedication to Christ today. We have to always remember that vocations are not ends in themselves; the end of every vocation is to make God and his love known in the world. But we also cannot forget that without priests, we would not have his real presence in the Eucharist, nor would we know his mercy in the sacrament of penance. And so all the faithful must heed Jesus' instruction to "pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest."

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THINGS TO DO

RETREATS

Beginning Aug. 29, St. John the Baptist, Howell will have the same Grief Share program offered at two different times, 10 a.m. or 7 p.m.

Classes are on Thursdays through Nov. 21. For information, contact the parish office at 517.546.7200.

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, 866.669.8321, 517.669.8321 or STFRANCIS.WS Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Hope in the Lord: There are many ways that we can recognize God’s presence and working in our lives and receive the hope that comes from it. Join us as we explore the Source of our hope and the Anchor of our soul, using movement, music, Scripture, guided reflection, and journaling. Cost: $55, includes lunch and program materials.

Sept. 6, 5-11 p.m., Sept. 7, noon-11 p.m. and Sept. 8, noon-5 p.m., the Church of the Resurrection will have its 85th annual Ox Roast Festival at 1505 E. Michigan in Lansing.

It includes its original ox roast sandwich and delicious homemade soup, children's games, baked goods, pub, hourly 50/50 drawings, raffles, DJ and live entertainment.

For more information, call 517.482.4749.

Sept. 6-8, St. Mary, Morrice will

SEPTEMBER CAFÉ EVENTS • Sept. 8, after the 9:30 a.m. Mass, St. Pius X, Flint will have a meeting in the parish center to welcome anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic faith or in becoming Catholic.

For more information, call the parish office at 810.235.8574.

• Sept. 9, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Old St. Patrick Church, Ann Arbor will have a new RCIA group that will meet in the parish hall. It will use the Credo program by the Dominican Friars. For information or to register, call Tom Merlo, DRE/youth minister, at 734.662.8141, ext. 30.

• Sept. 4 through Nov. 20, 6 p.m., (not Sept.

25), St. Michael, Grand Ledge will start a new Wednesday Alpha series for those who haven’t attended before. For those who have attended Alpha, “The Wild Goose” program will be at the same time. Both programs include dinner at no cost. Registration is not required. For those who want to register, visit stmichaelgl.ort/adult-faith.

For information, contact the parish office at 517.627.8493.

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have its annual fall festival: Sept.

6, spaghetti dinner and euchre tournament; Sept. 7, 5K run/walk race, farmers’ market, concessions, arts and crafts, parade, children’s games and feather bingo; and Sept.

8, farmers’ market, concessions, arts and crafts, children’s games, chicken dinner, regular bingo, and at 2 p.m. the silent auction closes. For more information, call the parish office 517.625.4260.

Sept. 10, 9 a.m., St. Agnes, 855 E. Grand River Ave. in Fowlerville will host a free breakfast in Lothamer Parish Center prior to the bus trip to Firekeepers Casino: Bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $40 and includes roundtrip transportation, $20 in free slot play and $5 for dining, gift shop or slot play. For information and preregistration, call the parish office at 517.223.8684 or Liz Heslip at Lheslip@sbcglobal.net.

Sept. 15, after 8:30 a.m. Mass until noon, St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Knights of Columbus will host an autumn breakfast feast in the Lothamer Parish Center – come and enjoy the best breakfast in town.

For information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684.

Sept. 20-22, the Department of Consecrated Vocations’ Nun Run is for single women ages 16-40.

Five different convents in or near Chicago will be visited. Trip includes roundtrip transportation from Emmaus House (320 M.A.C., East Lansing), meals, two nights’ accommodation, prayer time, daily Mass and entrance fees.

Departure is Sept. 20 at 4 p.m. and returning Sept. 22 at 5 p.m. For

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

information or to register, contact Dawn Hausmann at dhausmann@ dioceseoflansing.org.

Sept. 21, Shared Pregnancy Women’s Center is hosting its annual golf scramble at College Fields Golf Club, 3800 Hagadorn Rd. in Okemos. Cost is $75 per player or $300 per four-person team and includes 18 holes with cart, continental breakfast, lunch at turn, prizes and tax-deductible donation of $36. Register online at sharedpregnancy.org/events.

For questions, call Aimee at 517.803.0919 or development@ sharedpregnancy.org.

Sept. 22-24, 7-8:30 p.m., St. Michael, Grand Ledge will have a parish mission, “Is the Lord in Our Midst or Not?”, tied to the Year of Prayer with Father Tom Helfrich, OSFS, pastor of St. Rita, Clarklake. All are welcome to attend one evening or all three. For information, contact the parish office at 517.627.8493.

Sept. 22, 2 p.m., the Diocese of Lansing Special Needs Ministry and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are hosting a Special Needs Mass at the St. Francis Retreat Center chapel at 703 E. Main St. in DeWitt followed by light refreshments. Please RSVP to Cathy Blatnik by Sept. 17 at 517.381.1410 or blatsie63@yahoo. com. Everyone is welcome.

Oct. 6, 2:30-3:30 p.m., Lansing's 28th annual Life Chain is a peaceful prayer event witnessing to the sanctity of human life. It will be along Grand River Avenue from East Lansing to Williamston – beginning at Abbot Road in downtown East Lansing; Brookfield Plaza in East

Lansing; St. Martha Church in Okemos or Main St. in Williamston near St. Mary Church. Please join us or start a life chain in your local community. For information, Contact Ann Zygmontowicz at annzyg@gmail.com.

Oct. 8, Father Tad Pacholczyk, director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in East Lansing for two presentations: • 1 -3 p.m., “End of Life Decisionmaking: physician assisted suicide, euthanasia, pain management and hospice” •7 -9 p.m., “Beginning of Life Issues: in vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive technologies and human embryos.”

If you have a question, contact Maureen Dillon at momdillon@ hotmail.com.

Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Elizabeth Parish Center, 512 N. Union St. in Tecumseh, will have its 65th annual Roast Beef Dinner with Amish-style roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, corn, coleslaw, rolls and dessert.

Cost is adults $12, children 6-12 $7 and children under six are free. Credit cards are accepted and takeout is available. All are welcome. For information, call the parish office at 517.423.2447.

Oct. 13, 12-4 p.m., St. Luke NEW Life Center Octoberfest grilled dinner and fundraiser at Luke M. Powers High School, 1505 W. Court St. in Flint. Dinner 12:30-1:30 p.m., silent and live auctions as well as other games/prizes. Tickets are $35/person at the door or online at stlukenewlife. com. All proceeds benefit St. Luke’s job training, literacy, social enterprise and community support programs for the underserved men, women and children of Flint.

Oct. 15, 5:15 p.m., St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing will have a Red Mass celebrated by Bishop Boyea.

After Mass there will be remarks by retired Chief Justice Maura Corrigan on the canonization of Father Solanus Casey, dinner and

a presentation of the St. Thomas More Award to recipient Carl W. Herstein. For information or to RSVP online, visit lclguild.com or contact lclguild@gmail.com.

Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., the annual salad luncheon will be held in St. Joseph School’s gym, 915 E. Oliver St. in Owosso, and includes pulled pork sandwiches, a large variety of homemade salads, desserts and beverage for only $8. Takeout is available. For information, call St. Paul Parish Office at 989.723.4277

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, JACKSON: 517.782.2551 and ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG The senior transportation program provides seniors in our counties with transportation to their doctor or medical treatment appointments through the generosity of our volunteer drivers at no cost, though eligibility and scheduling requirements do apply. If you are 55+ and want to be a volunteer driver, contact Marilyn Smith at 517.783.6102 or msmith@catholiccharities.jlhc.org.

Oct. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Lansing Catholic High School (LCHS) is hosting its fall prospective family night for parents and students to learn what LCHS has to offer. Families will first be taken on a school tour, then attend breakout sessions; the evening concludes with a Q&A session. Registration is not required but is appreciated. To register, call 517.267.2102, email admissions@ lansingcatholic.org or register on the website.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 and OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 or CCSGC.ORG Save the date: The Chair-ity Fundraiser: Nov. 9, 6 p.m., cocktails, 6:30 p.m., dinner and program, and 7 p.m., live auction at Genesys Banquet Center, 805 Health Park Blvd., Grand Blanc. It will showcase uniquely designed chairs by local artists – come and enjoy a fabulous meal, live auction with dueling auctioneers and listen to inspiring stories of hope, joy and healing. Cost is $100 per person or $1,000 for a table of 10. Every ticket purchased will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win up to $5,000. To become a sponsor, contact Kellie Pardi at 810.232.9950, ext.

709 or kpardi@ccsgc.org.

Oct. 19, St. Mary, Chelsea is hosting an ENCOUNTER Ministries Healing School/Healing Service. The Healing School is by registration only at encounterministries.us/.

The evening Healing Service is after the 4:30 p.m. Mass and is open to all. For information, call the parish office at 734.475.7561.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG Sept. 22, 4-7 p.m., Cooking for a Cause will be at the Valley at Frutig Farms, 7650 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor: Enjoy local chef entrees, beer and wine, signature cocktails, raffle and a live auction benefiting Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County’s continued mission of compassionate services for more than 60 years. For information, call 734.971.9781, ext. 313 or development@csswashtenaw.org.

Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., St. Elizabeth in Tecumseh will have its church bazaar with more than 40 vendors selling arts, crafts, baked goods and specialty products. Tickets for its Amish quilt will be available to purchase for the raffle at 4 p.m. For information or to rent a space/table, call Tina at 517.260.3484.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG A new second Caregiver Support Group – Dementia Specific: It will meet the first Tuesday of the month from 4:30-6 p.m. at Be Our Guest Adult Day, 2020 E. Grand River, Ste. 103 in Howell. This is in addition to the current monthly Caregiver Support Group - Dementia Specific that meets the third Wednesday of each month at the same time and location. Attend one or both each month.

Free respite care is available with prior reservation. To make a reservation for a loved one, call 517.546.9910.

Nov. 22-24, Ann Arbor Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat: The pain of abortion runs deep and long, but the unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and healing of our Lord is available to all who seek him. Anyone who has been impacted by abortion is invited to attend the weekend retreat. For information or to register, contact Beth at 734.879.0427 or toheal4give@outlook.com.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG Sept. 26, beginning with registration at 7:30 a.m., you are invited to attend the Guardian Society fundraising breakfast at Eagle Eye Banquet Center, 15500 Chandler Rd., Bath. Join us and hear inspirational life stories of hope and courage from the clients Catholic Charities serve. No cost to attend. To R.S.V.P., email the development team at donate@stvcc.org.

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CHURCH IN THE WORLD The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing

6

acrament of smarr iage’ ‘ You need

SEPTEMBER 2019 VOLUME 19: ISSUE 7

God to live the

Aaron R Deena’s real-life romance

parenting

Raising kids who are great and great to others

year of prayer

Jill prays for others

special report

Michigan Catholic Conference supports petition to end dismemberment abortion

FIND US ONLINE AT

David Kerr

FAITHMAG.COM

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Rev. Dwight Ezop EDITOR

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Cynthia Vandecar ADVERTISING SALES

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Sharon Byers

One of Pope Francis’ top aides met with Syrian President Bashar Assad in late July to deliver a letter from the Holy Father urging Assad to end the conflict in Syria.

According to a Vatican spokesperson: "The pope follows with apprehension and great sorrow the tragic fate of the civilian population, children in particular, caught up in the bloody fighting.

Unfortunately, the war grinds on – it has not ended. The bombings continue, various health facilities

A woman is assisted at the site of a car bomb blast outside the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Qamishli, Syria, July 11, 2019.

have been destroyed in that area, while many others have had to suspend their activities.”

The United Nations estimates that nearly 12 million people are in need of humanitarian aid in Syria.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlson Productions | Shane Folkertsma | Mike Frieseman | Tom Gennara | Sarah Moore Kuschell | James Luning | Don Quillan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS For advertising information, contact Cynthia Vandecar Call 517.853.7690 or email cvandecar@faithcatholic.com For subscription information: Call 1.866.76.FAITH or visit FAITHmag.com

Virginia parish powered by the sun for free In Hampton, Va., 440 solar panels provide 100% of the power used

by Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In mid-June, the parish switched to solar power, which is projected to reduce energy costs for the parish by $125,000 over the next 15 years. The change is expected to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released each year by 230 tons.

Immaculate Conception is the first parish to implement a solar project with Catholic Energies, a program designed to help church organizations develop energy efficiency at no cost to the institution.

AMERICA’S LARGEST PUBLISHER OF CATHOLIC MAGAZINES WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Most Rev. Earl Boyea, Member | Rev. Dwight Ezop, Chair | Rev. Msgr. George Michalek, Vice Chair | Rev. Timothy MacDonald | Anne-Marie Welsh | Deborah Amato, Ex Officio | George Landolt, Ex Officio FAITH CATHOLIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHmag.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2019 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

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Pope’s prayer intentions for September THE PROTECTION OF THE

DIGITAL MANAGER

Pete Burak | Doug Culp | Michelle DiFranco | Mike Frieseman | Cynthia Kaan | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Steve and Bridget Patton | Rose Robertson | Nancy Rosebush Schertzing | Sheri Wohlfert

CNS PHOTO/RODI SAID, REUTERS

PUBLISHER

Most Rev. Earl Boyea

Pope Francis calls for end to Syria’s conflict

FAITH Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

OCEANS That politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world's seas and oceans.

Y E AR OF

PR AY E R Forming Missionary Disciples Father, You invite each of us to share in the life and ministry of your Son, Jesus. Send your Holy Spirit to form our parish as a community of missionary disciples.

Teach us how to hear Jesus, to love Jesus, and to share your gift of salvation with everyone we meet.

Through the witness and intercession of Mary, guide me to deepen my commitment as a disciple of Jesus.

Lead our parish to grow as an intentional community, committed to go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

We ask these blessings in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

www.dioceseoflansing.org

Tuesday, October 15th, 2019

Announcing the 34th Annual

Red Mass of the

St. Mary Cathedral, Lansing Red Mass, Bishop Earl Boyea Presiding, 5:15 p.m.

Catholic Lawyers Guild, Diocese of Lansing

of

Dinner, featuring presentation St. Thomas More Award, 6:15 p.m.

Invoking God’s blessing on the courts of our state and honoring

CARL W. HERSTEIN, o

President of the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society and former chairman of Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County

For more information or to RSVP, send an email to lclguild@gmail.com | Visit: lclguild.com

Membership Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906 Want to receive FAITH Magazine? Visit FAITHPUB.COM Follow FAITH Pub The Way to Happiness Is Jesus Find out more at DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG Find a Catholic Church at MASSTIMES.ORG Serving Ann Arbor, Flint, Jackson, Lansing And Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties

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