November 2001

from. the editor

n the wake of the events of Sept. 11, we wonder how this situation wiU resolve i1self. Wrth the media's global reach, we hear and see so much so quickly that we could be easily overcome by a mix of feelings, from anger to confusion, from despair to suspicion. In times such as these, it's good to hear from the voice of experience. One of the best books I've read recently is Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation. Several years ago I picked up a copy of it because I thought it would help me better understand my grandparents' generation and the way they viewed some of the most formative times in our nation's history - the Great Depression, the Second World War, and the economic boom that foUowed. Using their own words, Brokaw's book shares stories, wisdom, and understanding from some very ordi· nary men and women who experienced very extraordinary and trying times. What I had not anticipated were the insights into my own life I would discover within their stories. As I read (and have re-read) Brokaw's book, I am struck by how directly these Tl1e importance of tl1e chosen representatives of a graying generation speak so clearly to the challenges of our contem· relationsllip between porary times. It was as though their practical and helpful wisdom was placed before me, offered as young and olcl is seen ancl a gift to enrich my life and assist me with chat· lenges new to me but which have been faced, in felt most especially in slightly different form, many times before. I see and appreciate their wisdom in new ways in our trying times. Tl1e voice of post-Sept. 11 world. Isn't that usually what we do when we're faced expe1icnce and iusiglJt with the new, the uncertain, or the challenging? We seek out the voice of wisdom in our lives. We tempe1·s tl1e energy and tum to those whose experience, while it may not be the same as our own, have proven time and passion of youtl1. again that chaftenges can be faced and overcome. We also tum to God. The faith we share, especially in trying times, reassures us that each of us rests in God's provident care. The importance of the relationship between young and old is seen and feh most especially in trying times. People of all ages need to hear the faith·filled voice of age and wisdom now more than ever. In this issue of FAITH we explore this mysterious interplay between young and old. Relying on her life experience and her faith, Dorothy Edwards has been able to bring renewed stabaity and love to the lives of her grandchildren. Mary Korch finds herself parenting her aging mother, Fnmces, and does so relying on the example Frances set in caring for her own mother at home many years ago. In a special supplement regarding the events of Sept. 11, David WiDiams of lansing shares a first·hand account of the tragic events. We examine the "Just War" theory that is part of our Christian tradition. Bishop Mengeling and Bishop Povish share their wisdom and pastoral insights as they reflect on these events, and, with the help of Fr. Bill Wegher and Imam Soubani, we explore more closely some of the basic beliefs of the Islamic faith. AU this and more awaits you on another journey in FAITH. - Fr. o,\iglu Ezop is

I Saw the War Begin David Williams' first-hand account of Sept. 11 ..A Ronald Landfair

"''

War& Peace A special interview with Bishop Mcngcling Fr. Charles Irvin 26

Holy War - Jihad A look m Islam and the understanding or Jihad Patrick M. O'Brien AJton Pelowskl

A Just War1 A look at the moral JUSllfication for war Jerry FUteau

£di1or in Chief of FAITH Magazine and l'as1or of 1hc Ca1holic Community uf S1.judc, Dc\Vin.

lilurg•cal Calendar :> • •,,,

. . '.

~·. No'

lhc

Ccmmcmora~on

of A,; the

~alnful

DcpartC<J I All So":sl No• 2

Sl Pl.ar: .~de

Por~s

Rcl·g•ous Nov J

Pa:rcna!

Fc~s:

of H•s

~io.•~css

Fopc Jo''n

P3~!

II l>'o•

contents Our Heritage

From the Bishop

Features

Culture

Vietnam

World War II

Parenting Parents

Old vs. New

How Trang Le found freedom after war m his homeland. Sr. Carla Moegganborg

What I remember about being a German-American boy during the war Bishop Carl F. Mengellng

Like many of her generation, Mary has 10 take care of her mother - she is glad to give buck. Robin Lyndl

Columns

In the Know with Fr. Joe Fr. Joseph Krupp

The Journey Dr. Cathleen McGreal

Work Life Michael Sullivan

Spiritual Fitness Fr. Larry Delaney Fr. Bill Ashbaugh

20 22

Last Word Bishop Kenneth Povlsh 31

New pie recipes from Patricia Majher and old ones from her fam1l>â&#x20AC;˘ Which is bener? You decide. Patricia Majher

Cover

Grandmother's Battle Dorothy's banle 10 rewver her grandchildren from foster care has scm her on a journey of faith and hope. --dwoll

faith Mm t Reverend Carl F Mcngchng

letters

PUBLISHER

Rc\ Charles lr.•m fOUNDING EDITOR

Volume 2 : luue 9 NDVember 2001

Re\ Dw1ght Ezop EDITOR IN CHIEF

Patrkk M O'Bncn

Send your letters to: Edllor, FAITH Magazine 3 00 W. OlliiWII Lansing, Ml48933

or via e•mall

Your Turn - Tell Us What You Think

letters~ fallhmag.com

MANAGING EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECfOR

Kathy Funk ASSISTANT EDITOR

Alton Pelowski CREATIVE 4 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WEBMASTER

j11lanejob SUIISCRI PTIONS/SECRETARY

Evelyn Weitzel SUBSCRIPTIONS

Rev \V!lliam Ashbaugh Rev Lawrence Deloney Elizabeth johnson Rev joseph Krupp Ronald Landfair Robin Lynlh Patncm Majhcr Dr Cathleen t-kGreal ~r Carla Moeggcnborg, OP jenmfcr N1estcr Most Re\ Kenneth j Povish MKhacl Sulhvan Matt Treadwell

F1 joe: 1would lihc to tlwnlz you for your inspiring answer to the question conccming Wiccan belief~ (September 2001). My friend, who is also Catl10lic, ancll arc concenml about a girl we lmow who practices this witchcraft. However; liD' friend had questions about it. W11cn I came acrvss this ar1iclc, 11mcw that 1 lwei found the answer to her ques· lions about \\Iicea. Youllavc made us both aware of the dangers ~f this practice. I appreciate your tlzomugh explanation, seeing ct5 how we weren't swr what Wiccans bclie\'e. l'rn also glad llurt you made it clew· that for·· llmctcllcrs, lwrvscopcs and Ouya boards (especially) arr practices of

the devil. 1hope that other teens have tahen tile time to look over yow· m1iclcs and to talw them seriously. TI1anlz you for your clarity conccming this matter. Ka11y Boyle

1 read Most Reverend Bishop Mcngc/ings column out of a sense of duty and loyalty (FAITH Magazine, October 2001 ). 1also wct5 bam, raised anclparocllial school educated in the Calumet region- an experience of cultural diversity I value more with each passing year. I 1cacl Most Reverend Bisl10p Povishs column out of a sense of love - love of tile written word. He hct5 the rare ability to inform

and educate in a manner that is always appropriate, timely and even entertaining. May these two leaders of our Church enjoy long fruitful lives so that they can serve ct5 models of Ch tistian leadership for years to come. Joe ldzlcowskl

Special Thanks Rosary Book and Gift of Lansing

for tlteir generous donation of boohs, gifts and CDs for FAITH Magazine prizes during this fall's Youth]amoboree, Sect5ons and Common Conference 2001 . Rosary Book and Gift (800) 505-5847

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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What do you niean_-we_don't .,. . .,_._.,-. . . . . · ts? The Church sets aside ion of saints, it may sound as We don't pray to Nov. 1 as All Saints' Day, a we recognize saints. We pray with though we pray the need to ti me to remember and celethem. Their prayer to a saint in the b rate the lives of countless pray for one same way we for us js a great gift another, and people who lived holy and pray to God. Sometimes, when we feel a one of the major gifts the good lives and who now share in God's hre and happi- saints offer us is their conparticular need, we may ask ness. The month of stant prayer and their our nesh-and-blood friends November is an especialspecial ability to lift to pray with us. Recognizing ly good time to rememthm one of the saints' powerber what we pray in ful gifts is their constant the Creed: that we we may even prayer offered on behalf of believe we belong to a say that we our many needs, we ask community of samts that pray to a these holy friends to lift our encompasses heaven, particupetitions to God and to earth and purgatory - the lar saint. inspire us by their holy lives. communion of That way, we're praying with That Catholics don't saints kind of lanthe saints, who are already worship saints. Because of guage can be (and always) praying for us But, we sure like troublesome, our belief in and for our cares and statues to remind us because to some concerns. - Fr. Dwight E:op the commun-

of what's possible

Sl Margaret of Scotland, Marncd Woman Nov 1 6

Sl Gertrude the Greal Virg 1n and Rcllgtous Nov 16

Sl Ehz.1belh of Hungary, Rclrg•ou

faitb mag . om

saint of the 1nontl1

The Web Really is for All Ages

The First Saint of the United States

Unks on FAITHmag.com

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrlnl

Kids need a place where Christianity is easily explained. Seniors need to be able to connect to others going through similar feelings and issues. The following sites are designed with this in mind.

Sl Frances was bom In Lombardi, Italy In 1850. She was sickly and frail as a child, and her poor health kepi her from being admitted to the fi~ two religious order.~ she tried

to join. She studied to be a teacher, and when the local priest asked her to teach in a girls' school, she agreed but secretly yeamed to be a missionary. Her bishop eent her to run a www.KidExplorers.com poorly-managed orphanage where she was unable to fix the problems caused by the former superior.~. After six ye&r.~, the This site is a family-friendly entertainbishop decided to close the orphanage. However, the bishop ment and educational site designed to told St Frances, "You want to be a missionary. I know of no teach kids about the "Creator by explorinstitute of miss1onary sister.~, so found one yourself.' ing His marvelous creation." And so she did. Together with six girls from the orphan路 www.wlredsenlors.com age, she founded the M1ssionary Sisters of the Sacred This is a portal Web site designed to Heart in 1880. She took the name Frances Xavier in serve the needs of the over~ SO age honor of the great missionary to the Far East, where she longed to serve. But a more pressing cry for help came group. Its a great starting place for a from the United States, where millions of Italian immi路 senior citizen who is just getting accusgrants had flocked in the 1BOOs. tomed to searching on the Web. Pope Leo XIII told Mother Cabrlnl www.daughtersofstpaul.com/myfrlend/ that she was needed In America, and During l~er lifetime, This site, My Friend, is a Catholic magazine for kids or, as the she obeyed. She expected to find an site defines them, ~jesus' favorite friends." Kids can post Modter Cctbrini founclecl orphanage, school, and convent waiting uestions and receive answers, whether the subject matter ts for her and her sisters, but arrived - like 67 institutions - one for many Italians before her- to find nothing. aving to wear glasses or school violence. From this site you In fact, New York's Archbishop Michael J. can Join the WWjD Club, print out games and learn more every year of Iter life. Corrigan told her and her sisters to go about the saints. - Jcnni(cr Nicstcr home to Italy. But he had not reckoned with the strength of Mother Frances' missionary zeal - or her obedience Web Exclusives only on FAITHmag.com to the pope. With or without the archbishop's help, she was going to do Favorite Memories: Hey Grandma: the work she had been sent to do. Within a few months, she had secured You've Got Mall My Grandparents the land and buildings for an orphanage and school. When he saw what by Bishop Kenneth Povish by Eli~abe rhjohnson she could do, the archbishop became a strong supporter. A special column Two grandmothers - - - . . . , Mother Cabrlnl traveled throughout the United States, founding from our retired have found a new schools, hospitals, and orphanages in New York, Chicago, Denver, and bishop that you way to connect Seattle. Although she had no means of support, she knew that God would won't want to miss. wtth grandchildren provide her with whatever she needed to do His work. through E-maiL For instance, she once dreamed of a great house on a hill that would be perfect for an orphanage in Seattle. The next day, as she and her sister.~ were walking, she flagged down a passing limousine and asked for a ride. Book of the Month The wealthy woman in the car agreed and, as they drove, Mother Cabrini Making Sense Out of Suffering by Peter Krccft told the woman of her dream. When they arrived at the convent, the "Wisdom and speakers of wisdom are in rather woman said, "Sister, that house you dreamed of is my house. I had not ~~l short supply in our civilization. What we have thought of selling it but if you allow me to come into your convent for a OUT OF'I> instead are the experts ... Peter Kreeft is a wise drink of water in Jesus' name, I will gladly give it to you for your orphans~ 1 man. I say it; he would never say so... Here he Mother Cabrini and her sisters also opened houses in Central America, tackles the hardest subject in the world, the tears Argentina, Brazil, France, Spain, England, and, of cour.~e, Italy. Mother - - and groans of mankind ... He is all that a guide Cabrini traveled across the ocean from Europe to America several times. should be, asking us to use our own eyes, our However, she always considered the United States her home. And so, in 1909, she became a U.S. citizen. She continued her work until own discernment the day of her death Dec. 22, 1917, in Chicago. During her lifetime, '-:-=:-..::iiRiiiiiii!JI. in short, to be wise Mother Cabrini founded 67 institutions - one for every year of her urselves... (f rom 路~ foreword by hcldon V:tnaukcn. Author of A Scvrrl' Mtrty) life. Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was canonized in t 946 and Sci"\'Olnt Pub!ic:nions, Ann Arbor (May 1986); became the fir.~t U.S. citizen to be proclaimed a saint. Her feast day ISBN 08928n193 fram the St. frMcls Retreat is Nov. 13.- Eli:abclh]ohnson

Sl:.C D

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Greetings, brothers and sisters. It Is customary for me to begin my article with a story or a joke - something to bring a smile to your faces and (to be honest!) to hook you so that you'll read it. There Is no story this time, no joke or humorous Insight. This article Is about the tragedies that unfolded SepL 11 at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and In Pennsylvania. Many questions followed the terrorist attacks and I want to address them In a serious, respectful manner.

Gallup Poll: Sept.11 The aftermath of Sept.111s still fresh In the hearts and minds of most of us:

g(}J~ support the general idea of military retaliation against groups or nations responsible for the attacks

21% believe terrorism will be of Americans knew someone who was missing, hurt or killed In the aHacks.

completely defeated and only 32% that the government will be able to prevent more attacks.

~ of women are worried about future terrorist attacks while just 35% of men worry.

6+~ of Americans now say religion is very very important in their lives.

Dear Fr. Joe: I have read about and witnessed personally priests and people who work In the Church saying that we shouldn't go to war over the terrorist aHacks. Instead, we need to forgive and search for an answer without killing. This makes me angry. Are we supposed to just let people do this to us? Does the Church really say that we can never go to war? If so, how do we protect ourselves from this happening again?

George Bush, GalvestonHouston Bishop joseph A Fiorenza, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed support for efforts "to seck out and hold accountable" those responsible for the Sept. 11 This is a difficult issue to terrorist attacks on the face. Our feelings of anger arc Umted States. Bishop ( "'') Fiorenza also stated that the a normal part of the human bishops were praying for experience. We need to face these raw emotions in a real- President Bush to ~ fmd JUSt, wtse and effective ways to istic way and not sugarcoat respond with resolve and what we feel. The challenge restraint to the for us is not to long-term task let these feelings Some will tell you of ending tercontrol us or push us into act· that we should never rorism." In the lcncr ing in a way that go to war; some isn't holy. seem to want it. Both dated Sept. 19, the bishop conSome will tell justify their opinions tinued by sayyou that we with the Catholic ing members of should never go faith. Who is right? the U.S.C.C.B to war; some ''stand in sohseem to want IL clarity wnh you and the Both justify their opimons American people in prayer with the Catholic faith . So, for our beloved nation at this to avoid confusion, let's go time of terrible loss and right to the source - the momentous decisions.,. United States Conference of Referring to the nations Catholic Bishops. You can ··moral right~ and ·'grave fmd a statement at: obligation to defend the http://wm\~llccbuscc.Oig/ commla rchh•cs/200 1/01 -166. htm common good·· against such attacks, Bishop Fiorenza sai In a lener to President

Galo.op Pol Sop. 2,, 2001

St. Cccolta. V,g,n nnd Martyr Nov 22

St Clement I. Pope and Martvr Nov 2:J

5! Cn

In the face of tragedy. we seem to regain focus on what is truly important in life - mcludmg life itself. We are reminded that we are to ~Give thanks in all circumstances; for this ts the will of God in Chnstjesus for you." \ 1 Thess. 5 18l For this month of Thanksgivmg, we asked members of the Bible Study at St. j Parish, HoweU· What are thankful for1

I'm thankful for my

faith, which keeps me centered. In

times of joy, sad· ness and fear it has sustained me. Barb Romanowski

the bishops "support efforts by our nation and the global community to seck out and hold accountable, in accord with national and interna· llonallaw, those individuals. groups and governments which are responsible." "While we must take into account the unique nature of this new kind of terrorist threat, any military response must be in accord with sound moral pnnc1plcs, notably the norms of the just war tradition such as probabilit}' of success, civilian immunity, and proportionah· ty," Bishop Fiorenza wrote. "Our nation must ensure th;u the grave obhgauon to proteet innocent human life ovems our nation's political d military decisions."

ot Nov 23

were killed while many Wr pmy that you will find and effective ways to thousands of children lost a mother or father or were respond with resolve and restraint to the long-term task orphaned . Lives were ruined of ending terrorism, confident, and an entire nation was left m the words of Pope john Paul fearing another attack. Those II, th.1t Americans will not 'give responsible must be punished in a fashion that recogm to the temptation of hatred 'lnd violence, but (will) comnizes the extreme loss of mit themselves innocent life. Sometimes the to serving justice Justice does not :md prace,"' conpursuit of jusentail vengeance. eluded Bishop tice may entail violenceF1orenz.1. So having read that state- especially since the kind of ment , what may help us is to people who did this may not differentiate between justice surrender to the proper and \'fn,t:rcmce, forgh•eness authorities. What justice docs not 'lncl victimization. Justice in this case is a entail is vengeance. Vengeance proporuonal response to the is a desire - a craving - to inflict harm on someone who cnme (Sec Catechism of the C llhohc Church 2408has harmed us. Tragically. in 2412) Thousands of people this enterprise, we often ]US!, \\iSC

B:essed M•gucl Pro, Pncst and Martyr Nov 23

St Andrew Dung·Lac and Compan1ons, Pncsts and Martyrs Nov 24

I'm thankful for the many gifts God has given to me loving parents, good friends, and wonderful children. Richard Malkowski

I am thankful for my Savior, my family and my rich Catholic faith! Michelle Mullett

liROURWEEIQYi .

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IWDtmep cgm

become just like the enemy we hate (CCC 1933). What abom forgiveness? Forgiveness is something our faith literally demands we do. Let's also take a look at what that means. Forgiveness does not mean we remove the consequences of a person's actions. Is docs not mean that we pretend nothing happened . Forgiveness means we no longer give the person who hun us power over us. We don't allow our anger or hurt to dictate our actions or our future. It's a process where, day by day, we pray that God will help us seck not hatred but justice for ourselves and those whom we call enemies (CCC 2840, 2845). If bringing those responsi-

Chnst the K1ng Nov 2 5

St Andrew. Apostle Nov 3 0

ble for the terrorist attacks mvolvcs warfare, the U.S. bishops remind us that there arc "sound moral principles, notably the norms of the JUSt war tradition such as probability of success, civilian immunity, and proportionality" that we must consider in this effort (CCC 2309, 2312, 2313). Finally, we have to remember that there is another way to protect ourselves from this happening again and that is to evaluate our place in the world as Americans. How can we act in a fashion that promotes justice and peace throughout the world? Where we have failed in the past, lets move beyond recriminations and seck to do better. Where we have succeeded, lets continue to do those things that help (CCC 2304). Victimization is what happens to us when we don't deal properly with our feelings of hurt and anger as a result of the attacks. Instead, we go mto a downward emotional spiral, letting out anger or fear consume us. We bcgm to sec even the smallest thing that happens as somehow destroying us. We look for pain and try to make tt ours, even when it's not appropriate. This is a

thing we need to avoid at all costs. Its JUSt not healthy. What do we do? I have found great comfort in the story of jesus going to Martha and Mary's house. In the story, Martha was busy with the affairs of the home and getting everything ready for jesus' visit. Mary, it says, sat at jesus feet and listened to Him. Later (after some sisterly discussion), jesus indicates that Mary "chose the better part" because she paused, sat at jesus' feet and listened to Him. In the situation facing us in light of Sept 11 , where we are all asking what we should do, let's recall that taking time to pause and pray should always be the first and best step. These are my thoughts on the matter. May we - as a nation and as individuals seek to be guided by our faith and love of God. And if you only read one section of the Catechism as a result of this article, please read 2307-2314. Enjoy another day in Gods presence! Send your Questions lo:

"In the Know wllh Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. OHawa, Lansing, Ml 48933

Or: JoalnBiack@prlest.com Questions Answered: For a one-on-one answer to your question via e-mail, log on lo the e-talk page on FAITHmag.com

f Is it moral for the U.S. to go to war over terrorism?

Modcmtor: Fr. Cccilio Rcnya,

Web minister of FAITHmag.com and pastor of St. Mmy Parisl1,

WCSIJJhalia

2 What should be done with the people who committed the Sept. 11 attacks?

3 What role do you think raligion has played in the Sept. 11 attacks?

FAITH Magazine would like to thank Fr. Karl Pung who oservod aa Wob minister for FAITHmag.com since tho site started in January 2000. Fr. Kart Is now direclor of aeminariana for the Oioce!le of Lanlling as well as paator of St. Agnes Pariah, Fowlerville.

'lo.ll,lo;;;!,l,,,j,;,a,a,y - a

word

that conjures up many emotions; a word of mixed feelings. We know Vietnam from television - witnessing the mass destruction of life and land. We know it from movies that portray a conflict we

neverundenrtood. VVe also know Vietnam from the loss of mothers and

fathers, sons and daugh~.husbands

and wives, sisters and brothers, friends and relatives. While many know Vtelnam as a cftStant land, athens know it as "home" - a home they left beoauee they, too, could not undenstand the destruction of life

Trang Le Is now a member of St. Andrew DungLac, Lansing

Vietnam

8nd land. They left seeking a better quaity rA life. They believed in a better life so deeply that they willingly risked death to embark on the traacheroue journey through 8dlemenls and refugee camps in various relocation centers to reach our COI.I1try - the United Stales of America - a land they now cal home. Trang Le waa a refugee. He arrived in the U.S. June 27, 1993, along with hia wife and son. A younger son died at the age of 3 1/2 while Trang waa being detained in a communist camp. left behind in V~etnam are Trang's mother, who is now 90, along with his younger brother and family who serve as her care givers. Trang's younger sister, a member of the religious community of St. Paul, died in 1998. Worshiping and practicing raligion in V~W~am was poaaible for Trang and his family. HOM'Jer, it was under the wald1li.ll trje rA the government. "During my years in the army, my years in the delanlion camp and hard years following. I tried to be a witness of faith to my comrades, my enemy and my family," says Trang. His wife, at one time a Buddhist, converted to Oathokism after they were married. Like all people, nations, and families, the Vietnamese have strong traditions they practice. In the midst of changing living conditions, it is a challenge to keep them alive. Yet they cherish these values and traditions and strive to keep them part of their ~vea. A very important tradition for the Vtetnameae is the veneration of their ancestors. Parents are very self-sacrificing for their childran. This is especially true of mothers who make many sacrifices for their family honor. Children are expected to show reapect 80 the parents are not accused of lack of respect. "Children also nor their parents by their social conduct and their success in ,• Trang adds.

The Catholic Church of Lansing has been supportive to Trang, his family and many other V181namesa families throughout the 1(). county region rA the cioceae. Catholic Charities' Refugee Services has worked hard to provide for them following their arrival to Michigan. Parish aponaons have provided Vietnamese fami~es. like Trang's, with the basic needs rA food and shelter. Most importantly, they are free to gather for worship as a community of faith. Joining them are priesta who left their homeland and now serve as spiritual leaders in our dioc:eaa And now the Vietnamese community in the Lansing area have its own parish, St. Andrew Dung-Lac Catholic Church. Trang has served as the dlf'8dor of religious education end is now the chairperson of the pariah council. His wife is active in the fund·reising efforts of the community. "Ninety percent of the {pansh) families are present at Sunday liturgy, adults as well as children,• says Trang. "It is a time for them to gather, to pray and to aocialize.• As we shant neighborhoods and work apace, faith and traditions, we are seeing and learning the human face of this far away country called VIetnam. The people of this land also lost moth818 end fathers, sons and daus#ltera, husbands and wives, aist818 end brothers, friends and relatives in the conflict. They also lost their homeland. The beauty of the countryside end the gathering of their families are now just memoria for them. And 80 as we hear their stories of struggle and aui'VMll and their dreams for the futtn, we embrace them as broth818 and sisters - together on our journey of faith. - Sr. Carla Moeggcnborg 1s Dlrec1or of Vocation Senices

st. Andrew Dung-Lac Parish Is located lll5430 s. Weshinglon Ave.. a....lng, Ml 48911 Conblc:t (517) 882-8205.

from the bishop

was born in the United States. My parents, however, came over from Germany in 1923 after WWI. They had heavy accents accents they retained until they died. In the 1920s and 30s many ethnic people formed social societies composed of the folks who came from various European backgrounds. The most famous for us was the GermanAmerican Bund. But there were others, too. Quite a few Anglo-Americans, Irish Americans, and Americans of other ethnic origins were also embers of the bund, espeially those who were against entering into World War ll, which actually began in Europe in 1939. I was 11 years old when the japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. It didn't impact me as much as it did the adults around me. Of course I remember everything we were doing and everything that happened that day. just after Pearl Harbor, Adolph Hitler declared war on the U.S. Once we were engaged in war with the Nazis, it affected all of us of German origin. There was a very strong grouping of Germans in and around the south side of Chicago that was headquartered in Calumet City. There were bund meetings, dances, etc.

That all stopped very quickly when Hitler declared war and it was prudent on their pan to cease the bund meetings. Of course, back then there were some Germans over here in the U.S. who were, in fact, Nazis. They were deponed, and rightly so. The climate we lived in was one totally immersed in the war. We used to go to the movies every Saturday afternoon, just as kids did all over the U.S. I saw all of those

work he was called a Nazi and that son of thing. But as a child in public schools, I never experienced prejudice and name-calling because of my German heritage. In the area we lived, the population was 80 to 90 percent German or Hollander in composition. There was a solidarity that was quite strong. I was 15 years old when the war ended in 1945. It was then l learned that during the war my family was

ended up in Mexico, many of them dying there. In the present situation in which we find ourselves attacked by terrorists, we will find that the ethnic climate has improved to the point that innocent people of Middle Eastern descent will not be discriminated against and will be treated fairly by everyone. We have a culture composed of people from all over the world. ''Diversity" is

I was 11 years old when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Once we were engaged in war with the Nazis, it affected all of us of Gennan origin. In the present situation, I pray that ethnic discrimination does not occur. war movies, especially the ones about the war in the Pacific. I realize now how much they were propaganda movies. In those movies we were conditioned to call the japanese "japs." No one who was japanese was any good they were all evil. So out in California, people of japanese descent were rounded up and shipped off to "detention camps," whether they were U.S. citizens or not. Their only offense was being japanese. My dad was a tool and die maker, an important profes~ sion in those days. He worked the steel mills in and around Chicago, Gary and Calumet City. Frequently at

Remem!Mr, .you belong to something - your loc.f parish

being "watched" by the FBI. For a while, 1 very much resented that. But, of course, I have long since rid myself of those resentments. It also came to light that our next door neighbors were recruited by the FBI to inform the bureau of any "unusual" activities or attitudes they detected in us. They were to report anything suspicious to the FBI. These neighbors were not German in origin, but they were Europeans of another descent. I know for a fact that distam relatives of ours mysteriously "disappeared." Some ended up going to Mexico and elsewhere. Other people of German descent likewise

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not merely a slogan - it is a reality. l am sure that the vast majority of Americans arc able to distinguish between certain clements of any ethnic group or nationality and recognize extremists for what they arc. These fanatics violate the religion and beliefs of their own people. Take Islam, for instance. We have no war against Islam. We are not at war against people from the Middle East. It is the extremist terrorists we want to find and bring lO justice. ln God we trust. May He so help us . .9 - Mosc Rev. uri F. Mcngcling is nishop or lansing.

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his old gal doesn't remember much at her age but I remember that day," says the now 60-year-old woman. "It was a dreary day, the day my parents split up. There was a thick fog outside~ Âˇ I don't know what month it was, but it must have been warm I out, because I remember my dress didn't have sleeves." Dorothy Edwards lived with her grandmother for eight years after her Âˇ1 parents divorced. Now. more than four decades later, she has found herself in somewhat of a role-reversal - raising three of her 17 grandchildren at her home in Flint. "lls funny how God prepares you for things in life," Dorothy says while reflecting on her youth in Mississippi. "I didn't see how He was working in my life then, but I sure see what He has done for me now. He prepared me. He knew my grandbabies would need me someday just like my brothers and I needed Mama." The memory of her parents' divorce is not the easiest for Dorothy to dredge up, as evidenced by tears that fill her eyes as she tells the story. However, the tears are not all ones caused by pain. The big drops that run down her checks arc a mixture of hurt and joy - a JOY formed in the hindsight of the memory of her grandmother's love and also the love God has given her, then and now. "I've known the lord my whole hfe," Dorothy says. "My grandmother raised me with the Church and I raised my own kids up with it. But I've never known Him like I do now. Now, I am doing what I was meant to do. Getting my grandbabics helped show me that. "I've always had faith in my God, but now 1 get to make this faith work." It was more than two years ago when Dorothy launched her crusade to gain custody of her two daughters' children. The daughters had been sentenced to time in Illinois prisons for drug-related crimes while their children were placed in foster homes in the Chicago area. Antoinette, who admits her definition of hip greatly diiTers Since then, Dorothy has been able to retrieve two of her from her grandmother's, appreciates their relationship and ~ grandsons- Antwon, 12, and Derrick, 10. Her 17-ycar-old Dorothy's willingness to hear her out. "We don't get each ~ granddaughter, Antoinette, also resides with Dorothy other sometimes, but we work it out," Antoinette adds. And, ~ because she was able to seck residence on her own accord. if emotional and cultural troubles aren't enough, throw a few "Oh, yes, the Lord has blessed me with my grandbabics," financial hardships on top. "It's hard on a fixed income," says Dorothy, who prayed for countless hours in the hopes explains Dorothy. "I can't give them everything a kid their of getting them. "He blessed me to bring them up in jesus' age wants. When things go wrong, like when the dryer broke down, you have to prioritize some needs. We get by name. That's my promise to Him." And she tries the best she can. "We read the Bible together together though. We do it together. and we go to Church together," adds Dorothy, a parishioner "There are good times and there arc bad times. And at Holy Family, Grand Blanc. "And we do other stuff, too. just as you get through the good times together, you get We talk a lot. They arc hurting because they can't have their through the bad ones together, too." mothers. I let them know it's OK to hurt, but there is no If all that isn't enough to wear on her mind, Dorothy has need to worry because they arc safe here with granny." to cope with the trials that come with fighting government Both Antwon and Dcnick arc short-spoken about their feelsystems to retrieve the rest of her grandchildren out of foster ings- understandable for boys with their experiences. But, even care who are still in Chicago because of legalities. behind the hurt, their quiet faces glow when "It's hard to get them out once they've their grandmother is ncar. "[ love her a lot," gone in, but I'm not going to stop fight1 didn't see how God was Derrick says. "She's nice to us." ing," Dorothy emphasizes. "Oh, yes, God But emotional hardships aren't the only working in my life then, but I answered my prayers with Derrick and diiTiculties faced when a grandmother and sure see what He has done for Antwon -the Lord blessed me with them her grandchildren arc living in the same me now. He prepared me. -and I know He will answer our prayers house -especially teenagers. "Oh, my, we for the others. It just takes a lot of time and hard work on His end and mine." sure don't speak the same language sometimes- heck most It is Dorothys hope that she will be able to reunite the sibtimes," Dorothy says about her granddaughter. "I don't understand why she is always wanting to go out with her lings and cousins while their mothers serve out their senfriends at night. But I try to understand and be reasonable. tences. And, if it is not too much to ask, she also prays her l i') And as long as she is going to school and holding a job I daughters will be able to tum their lives around after prison so~ don't have much reason not to trust her." the whole family- all three generations- may be one again.

"Their parents aren't bad people, they've just made bad choicThe change of scenery worked. Dorothy moved in with her s," Dorothy says of her two daughters. "If I can raise my grand- niece until she was able to afford an apartment on the other side of town. She's been clean every day since. . ids up here with me then, at least, I can keep them together as a family. Then, at least, we can pray together. And, one day, ~ He helped me. He sure did . And I've been tempted since maybe, we can all be a family again- mamas, daughters, granny, then. Sure, I've been tempted. Once, after I moved, 1 saw a man grand babies - all of us." I used to buy from and he asked me what 1 was doing with my "God is able," Dorothy proclaims in the same words she life. I told him , 'I live for jesus.' He couldn't say anything to that uses to begin her daily diary entries. "Oh, yes, He is able. and went along on his way. The lord will give you anything you want. All you have to ''I've lived for jesus everyday since 1stopped using. That was do is mean it." my promise to the Lord if He helped me.'' Dorothy admits it's hard not to blame herself for her daughDorothy jokes about her plans for her golden years not ters' positions. As parents often do, she tried to give them every- working out as she'd expected. She didn't foresee anything too thing she didn't have as a child -things like lavish after raising her own four children the opponunity of a good public education just spending her days on a secluded It is Dorothy's hope that she Caribbean beach where a giant umbrella and a bike to learn how to ride. And she also will be able to reunite the gave them what she had. The thing her grandcould shade her from the sun and a tropical sibhngs and cousins. mother showed her- the Church. beverage would rest at her side complete "I've asked the lord many a night where l with a miniature umbrella or its own. UBut. i[ failed them as a mother. But, all my children, my two sons and heaven can wait for me, I can wait for it,fl Dorothy says. "1 still two daughters, tell me that I did nothing wrong and they each have work to do here." know I dtd my besl. In the end, though its hard, I believe them. Kidding aside, Dorothy relishes in the trUlh behind the cliche l know my daughters made their own choices." that warns · a mother's work is never done." She has no qualms And while it's sometimes hard to accept, perhaps its easy for about staying put in the Midwestern city she calls home, with Dorothy to understand how her daughters could make choices her grandchildren by her side- her own gift from God. ' that she would have warned them against because she, too, made choices her parents would have warned her against. She Ministry Focus , Catholic Charities had her own encounter with drugs, though her addiction never ent far enough to land her to prison. •If you catch a fish, you can feed people; but if you teach them to "I don't know why I started. I always knew the way of the lord, fish, they can feed themselves~ Dorothy Edwards has found great yet I still went astray all because someone said 'taste this' I guess," inspiration in those words - so much so that she is reaching out in an Dorothy recalls. "ll was after my children were all moved away effort to help make her community a better place to live and work. from home and my hu~band died of cancer and after my gtrls start- After receiving a grant award from the lansing Diocese's Catholic Campaign for Human Development ed getting into trouble. 1 used to get (CCHD), Dorothy has set up an ecothese terrible migraine headaches. nomic development project in a (The drugs) sure kill the pain for the depressed area of Rint called Chicago moment, but there is another kind of Urban Wear. located at 601 Martin pain that comes later." Luther King Drive, the shop offers stylFor Dorothy, the pain branched ish yet reasonably priced clothing, out from her head into her pocketaccording to Barb Pott, Diocesan book as she scrounged to live from Director for CCHD. paycheck to paycheck and into her And Dorothy is not stopping there; family as she pushed members away she has plans for three other projects in order to hide her problem. "1 including a barber shop, music store and car wash where she will be able to hire never robbed anybody or stole anyand train unemployed residents so they thing, but 1 fell hard. I hit my botcan receive job skills and employment. tom," she says. And when Dorothy Dorothy's good works - raising her realized she couldn't pick herself up grandchildren and improving her comalone, she asked God to be her munity - are not going unnoticed. She sponsor. is the recipient of this year's CCHD "Thats when I started to pray. 'lord Seeker of Justice Award and will be please take this taste away from me.' honored as such by Bishop Carl But, it wasn't just the taste that was Mengeling at a ceremony Nov. 8 (~he problem. So I Started to add, And St. Michael Parish, Aint. ~d. plccL~ ltclp me move Jmm this For more Information, contact Barb PoH at (517) 342·2470.

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Remember,· you belong to something - your loQII parish

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Wl1en Marys motl1er; Frances, needed care, Mary joined the ranlts of l 23 million otl1er Americans

wl1o care for an aging l'arent. Mary is glad to lwve a clwnce to give bacll

ive years ago, 79-year-old Frances Patton left for a dental appointment in Howell. Several frightening hours later, police called her daughter to say that Frances had driven herself to South Bend, Ind. and would need assistance to return home. "I knew then that what was going on with my mother was more than simple forgetfulness," says Mary Korch. "The doctors told us it was very likely that she had Alzheimers disease." B)

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JOUrney What Should You Expect? Middle-aged Children Parenting Parents

Mary sold Frances' car and One of the resources Mary brought her into her own and Frances have enjoyed is home to live. Mary had offithe Golden Opportunity cially joined nearly 23 million Program offered at Brighton other Americans providing Senior Center. The program, care to a relative or friend sponsored by McPherson aged 50 or older. In fact, Hospital, provides adult day according to Aging Parents care, during which participants take part in scheduled and Adult Children Together (APACT), Baby Boomer activities and projects. They adults born between 1946 are able to spend time with others their age, enjoying and 1965 will most likely spend more years caring for a snacks and companionship. parent than for their children. It's one of the bright spots in "The only problem was. she Frances' life. "She really looks didn't need round-the-dock forward to going," says Mary. attention from me, and there Its offered three days a week, was a little tension," Mary but at a cost of $26 per day, admits. Frances was used to her Frances attends only one. own home, and wanted to be as Frances depends on Social independent as possible. Yet as Security for her income, and \ oncemed as Mary is , ry was for cautious Mary attended a meeting about how her mothers of Caregivers at her parish, comfon, she she spends St Mary Magdalen in Brighton. her mothwas more "They provide so many concerned er's money. resources," she said. "They about her Although can tell you how to get help~ safety. Mary takes Then Mary Frances to attended a meeting of Mass with her, and spends as Caregivers at her parish, St. much time as possible with Mary Magdalen in Brighton. her mother, she is concerned about Frances becoming lone"They provide so many resources," she said. "They can ly. She has arranged for home health care workers to be tell you how to get help, whether the person cared for is with her three days a week. living with you or on her own." The workers perform many With the help of community functions, from taking resources, the two women came Frances grocery shopping to to a compromise thats being helping her bathe and setting reached by many adult careher hair. givers of aging parents: Frances Meals on Wheels provides one meal each weekday, and is now able to live in a condo with the help of health care twice a week a Eucharistic Minister brings Frances workers, supervised by Mary

Âˇ( t Remember, you belong to something - your local parish

home without a grandmother is like an egg without salt. We could ... save the 'traditional family' that everybody is so worried about if more couples took their aging parants to live with them~ If social critic Aorence King is accurate, then my childhood was a salty one! Grandma McGreal lived with us and I just had to slip through the back fence to reach Grandma Esta. It was a lively combination, especially when I was sick. Grandma Esta's opinion on "spiritsw leaned towards Proverbs 23:3 t, "it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder~ But Grandma McGreal treated my coughs with a wee bit of Irish whiskey in hot lemonÂˇ ade with honeyllt was a childhood filled with loving laps and listening ears, but as an adult I realize that there were many behind-the-scenes negotiations. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with sail - - - - - - - - - - - - " (Colosaiana 4 :6) In the United States, most older adults have living children, and two-thirds have a child living within 30 minutes. Gracious communication regarding the future relieves guilt and worry down the road. 'Mlat expectations do the elderly parents have? What obligations are perceived by middle-aged children? Institutionalized programs, such as Social Security, have changed traditional patterns of elder care. Stress is reduced when family members discuss various options before any need arises. Emotional support from one's children is a stronger need for many older adults than is a specific living arrangement Abimelech destroyed the city and scattered salt over il (Judges 9 :45) Too much salt leads to barren fields and, for some families, too much togetherness detracts from relationships. Ways of interacting can be remarkably stable and these patterns need to be considered when an older parent is unable to maintain a separate residence. Also, physical limitations innuence decisions. A 62-year-old may long to care for his 85-year-old mother, but his own health may prevent him from doing so. Elisha went out to the spring and threw the salt Into It, sayÂˇ ing, "This Is what the Lord says: 'I have healed this water:" (2

God calls some families to form healing households that are life-giving to all generations. Daughters and daughters-in-law usually provide the physical care for infirm older parents, and it is Important that middle-aged spouses are in agreement regarding this arrangement Has the couple been eagerly awaiting time just for one another as the last child departs? Or would another adult provide stability in the midst of dual careers and busy adolescent children? Salt is good, but If it loses Its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other. (Marlt 9 :50) Through prayer, frequent communication and emotional support, family members can remain peaceful in the decisions they make for the latter part of life. - Dr. C:uhlc:cn McGn:al is a KlllQS 2 20.21)

Professor of Psychology at Hope: College and a certified spiritual direcror.

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Communion. Monthly, Mary's two brothers from out~i!de the area spend time with Frances and see to needs she

Mary and her husband are like many people who are part of the "sandwich generation": caring for aging parents, as well as for children or grandchildren.

might have, such as extra groceries, or repairs around the house. "I'm very grateful for all the visitors she has," says Mary, who like many women, is pan of the "sandwich generation": caring for aging parents, as well as for children or grandchildren. Mary tends her two granddaughters, ages two and four, all day on Mondays

and Wednesdays. Her husband retired recently, and lends a helping hand. Still, somehow Mary finds time to do it all, and also manages to help out at her parish. She has become a BeFricnder. "We meet with a person going through trauma, whether it be divorce, a

death in the family, or perhaps a serious illness. We only listen, but do not offer advice. We arc a canng presence." Mary says training is ongoing. and she has accepted a position as a BcFriendcrs coordinator. Mary believes keeping one's perspective is impera-

Live. "It's important that caregivers find time for them· selves, and a place to go to get out," she says. Besides her hobbies and Church work, Mary has recently begun to take golf lessons. She advises new caregivers of adult parents to first contact their parish priest "He can give you direction as to where to go in the community for assistance. For instance, the county office on aging. Every county has one, and they are very helpful." Mary praises Catholic Social Services, as well. They have provided her with many contacts and ideas that keep Frances happy and safe in her own home. "There arc so many resources out there," says Mary. "You only have to ask. With the multitude of • help, it is less likely that aging parents need to go imo

forA auiCCaregivers of Aging.P-arents Aging Ministry Diocese of Lansing Contact: Ellen McKay, Director 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Ml 48933 (517) 342· 2467

Consumer Response Center Federal Trade Commission Washington, DC 20580 (877) FTC-HELP (382·4357)

Catholic Social Services of Livingston County Contact: Darlene Fraley 2020 East Grand River Ave., Ste. 103, Howell, Ml 48843 (51 7) 545·5944 e-mail: LCIVCP@hotmail.com

Capital Area Interfaith Respite (C.A.I.R.) Contact: Shela Dubenion·Smith 6545 Mercantile Way, Ste. tA Lansing, Ml 48910 (51 7) 393·8520 e·mail: shelakay@yahoo.com

Federal Trade Commission in partnership with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Produces: APACT: Aging Parcnfs and

Catholic Social Services of Jackson Contact: Mary Ellen Underwood 407 South Mechanic Jackson, Ml 49201

••

Adult Cl1ildrcn Togctl1cr, a series of 10 articles. To order, Contact:

(517) 782·3878 e·mail: Rcjc@core.com Alyson Burwell, Director Senior Programs Catholic Social Services 6545 Men:anble Way, Ste. 28-1 Lansing, Ml 48911 (517) 272·9119 Respite Volunteers of $hiawassee Contact: Helen Howard 1480 North M·52 Owosso, Ml 48867 (517) 725· 1127 e-ma~ : respitevolunteer@aol.com TriCounty Office on Aging

Contact: Connie Hoffman, Program Coordinator;

Deb Arendeson,Thelma Davis 5303 South Cedar Street Lansing, Ml 48911 (800) 405·9141 Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program Senior Health Building 5361 McAuley Drive, P.O. Box 995 Ann Arbor, Ml 481 06 (734) 712·7765 e-mail: choffman@csswashtenaw.org LifeSpan Program and lntergeneratlonal Community Center Contact: Steve Holmes 13060 u.s. 27 DeWitt, Ml 48820 (517) 669· 1551

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a nursing home. I believe that they are Ministry Focus Television happiest in their own home." Ughts, camera, action! Every She also advises prayer. week there is a television pro"Answers do come." duction at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, East Lansing called the ll is Frances herself who Outreach has given Mary the most Mass. Usa direction on how to proceed Whitingwith her care. "My mother Dobson has cared for her own mOLher in been directing ...-., her home, and set me a very the television good example. 1 saw firstMass since its hand what to expect, and start in 1984. how to be a caregiver. My She is the r·:·~.F mother has always been very driving force positive and upbeat, and she behind the program, marremains so." shalling a talented team of camMary and Frances can be era operators and video producfound on Tuesday mornings tion personnel to tape, edit and aLLending Mass together at deliver the Mass for broadcast St. Mary Magdalen. each Sunday Morning. The "Watching her age," says Diocese of Lansing began the Mary, "she has become the Outreach Mass while Auxiliary child and I have become the Bishop James Sullivan was (,j nother. Now I am able to pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas. ~ ·give back to her all that she Bishop Sullivan has since gave to me." moved on to the Diocese of

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Fargo, but his legacy lives on. He knew that there was a great need for persons who are homebound in our diocese to experience the Mass. For many the Outreach Mass has been that weekly connection to a faith community. After viewing the Mass, homebound Catholics often receive the Eucharist from a minister from their local parish.

If you or someone you love Is homebound and wants to experience the Mass: 1 Watch Outreach Mass Sunday 10 a.m. Flint - Channel FOX 66 Lanting - C!lannel FOX 47

2 Contad your parish and ask for a Eucharistic minister to bring Communion.

Remember, you belong to something - your loc:al partsh

Is Your Workplace Divided and Stressful? 4 Ways to End the War onflict and stress are not problems. It's the way we cope and respond to them that can be problematic. We know that conflict and stress in the workplace can lead to creative ideas and innovative products and services. But left unchecked, conflict and stress will more lrkely result in frustration, tension, reduced commu· nication, reduced sense of community and poor performance. Groups within organizations often develop a "we·they" mentality which only serves to further polarize issues. We label and attach stereotypes that widen the growing gaps between people. These stereotypes can be based on function ("those sales types," "those engineering types," etc.), position (management, union) ethnicity, race, gender, age, religion or many others. Each of us has unique talents and gifts that if used and celebrated, are intended to bring out the goodness we all share and desire. We have a daily opportunity in our work to fight against injustice and potential violence by building bridges and finding ways to use our differences for creative and innovative results. Our first responsibility is to serve others and promote their dignity. After all, work is God's gift and invitation for us to participate in building His kingdom here on earth. We must possess the willingness to be vulnerable and lower our defenses so we can really hear the position - or standing - of others. Understanding and empathy are the first steps we can take to reducing tension and building connections with those we work with.

Here are some questions you might want to use to reflect on your own workplace and how you might be more of a peacemaker: 1 Fads: Do conflicts exist in my workplace due to incomplete or

different data and facts? How can I help clarify or verify what the real facts arc for those involved? 2 Values: What values seem to be operating in this situation? What issues arc most important to all the panics? Is there any common ground? It doesn't help to try to change a person's values, but it docs help to clarify and understand them. 3 Goals: How much control do I have over the focus and direction of my work? How much power do I have over the work of others? Arc we all able to usc and develop our gifts and capabilities in service of each other? 4 Membership: Who arc the "haves and havc-nots?" Arc there groups that do not have a voice, who arc marginal and, therefore, overlooked in the workplace? How docs our organization systematically create and treat these "poor among us?M Mother Teresa is credited with say~ng "we are not called to be successful, we are called to be faithfur Many in our country are ask· ing how they can work for peace. Our datly work is the golden opportunity for each of us to be faithful and to serve our neighbor. Our work can lead us to becoming the truly and fully human persons we are intended to become. Where in your workplace might God be calhng you to be a faithful peacemaker? - Michael Suthvan, SFO. is president of Sulli\•an 6r Sulli\·an, Inc. , spcdalizing in helping family businesses resolve conflicts and develop faith-filled urgantzatinns. He can he reached at (73-.) 769·8000 or sullivanmw@aul.corn

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By Patrtcle Ma,lher Photography by Philip ShltnrwM'Lo, co..

like to describe spirituality as how we relate to God, to others, to ourselves and to Gods creation. All generations arc in need of strong. meaningful relationships in their lives, which lead beautifully into spirituality. In essence, spirituality is all about relationships. It is clear that how we relate with each other will differ according to our age and our responsibilities or position m life. I would like to share a "prayer meditation" that all ages can usc to find a greater relationship with God. For tlus meditation, you will either need to scmi-memori::e It or have a companion or a group lead you. Reali!( Take Some Quiet Time for This Powerful Meditation

1 Close your eyes ... notice your breathing - every breath you take is God's life coming into you. Think of your most favorite place in the whole world ... Mentally go there and relax - enjoy it. While there, Jesus approaches you .. . 2 What does He look like? What does he sound like? What is He wearing? After He greets you, offer your own greeting and tell Jesus what you believe about Him. Do you think of Him as a friend, Savior, teacher, God, guide, etc.? 3 Then Jesus asks you: "How are things going?" You tell Him you have a few fears. He asks for those fears. After thinking about it, you hand Him your greatest fear in life followed by your second greatest fear. You feel Him accept those fears. All of a sudden it feels like a breath of fresh air is blowing through your being. You feel lighter and more peaceful. 4 Now hand Jesus the thing you feel most guilty about in your life. He accepts this guilt and assures you of His love and forgiveness. 5 Next, hand Him the person who has most hurt you in life or the person at whom you are the most angry. You literally see yourself handing that person to Jesus and you see Him accept that person. Your hurt is lifted and your anger is lifted because Jesus is now handling the situation. G Hand Jesus the person you love the most and place that person in His protective custody. He tells you that to worry about this person is not helpful - just give them all the love that you have. 7 And, finally, hand Jesus the friend or family member or person you know who is most in need of healing. Jesus accepts this person and you feel so good giving them to the only one who can "fix" Spirituality is all what we cannot "fiX~ Your faith and your peace about relationships. grow each time you tum these matters over to Jesus. Jesus looks at you and tells you He loves you and He thanks you for trusting and believing in His ways. He says to you, "I want to remind you of two things: First, I promised to be with you until the end of time and I have kept that promise. Secondly, I promised to send the Paraclete - the Holy Spirit - to strengthen and guide you during your journey on this earth. The Spirit has done this and will continue to do so." 8 Jesus tells you that it is now time to leave. But before you depart, He tells you that He loves you and gives you a hug. You thank Him and tell Him how much you love and appreciate all that He does for you. You promise to see Him again in this prayer and meditation. Jesus leaves. 9 You are sitting in your favorite place on earth enjoying the contact you have had with Jesus. After awhile, come back to your daily life. You have just been spiritual - you have strengthened your relationship with God. No matter what your age - young, middle-aged or old - you need a strengthening of your relationship with God, others, self and creation. Amen.

P.S. This prayer meditation needs to be done slowly, with much visualization and in a peaceful, quiet place. - for. Larry Delancy is Director of St. Francis Retreat Center, DeWin. Call (517) 669·8321 for retreat information.

uring the 191 Oa, a young wife in South Dakota thought she'd save money on the coat of a fancy, printed cookbook by making up a volume of har own. Using an old, hardcover macf'ICal book as a base, she pasnatakingly glued to its pages her favorite ntcipes, housekeeping tipa - •how to

c1oee cracks in iron stoves.• read one - and medical advice - "remedy for ivy poisoning" clipped from the newspapens and magazine8 of the day. The woman, Mary Bogardus Chartier, was my husband's grandmother. And her homemade cookbool< - pages yellowed and curled and smelling a bit moldy - has been paued down from genenttion to generation to treasure. Grandma Mary has long since putled, but we sometimes thumb through her book at the holidays to help us remember a •

woman of modaet means who

was abundantly rich in the spirit of the Lord. Among the interesting and odd dishes described in Mary's book are prairie chicken and cucumber catsup, Indian pudding and frizzled beef. Alongside them, though, are tried·and·true recipes that are still favorites today, like Iamon and cranbeny pies. At our house, Thanksgiving pies are served in the evening, weU after the main meal. But Grandpa Chartier makes us "say grace" again "because we should always thank God for the food, our family, and the faith that keeps us strong.• It's fascinating and sometimes funny to see how much the preparation of pies has changed from yesterday to today. For instance, h8f8 is Mary's recipe for lemon pie (the parenthetical comments are mine):

Old-Fashioned Lemon Pte For three pies, separate seven eggs; put the yolks in the dish you wish to mix your pies in, add one and one-half cups of pulveri~ed (granulated) sugar, one-third cup of butter, three heaping tablespoonfuls offlour, and the juice and grated rind of three lemons. Mix smoodt, then add four cups of (whole) milk; fine tins (pie pans) with a ~ood paste (pastry). fill, and Ire. Cover with frosting (meringue) made from the whites of the eggs, and brown on the grate (broiler). Here's an updated version that is similar in ingredients, but a little more exacting in its instnJctions: Modem Lemon Pie 1 112 cupa sugar 3 T cornstarch 3 T flour 1 1/2 cups water 3 eggs 2 T butter or margarine 1/2 Tsp finely shredded lemon peel 113 cup lemon juice 1 9" baked pastry shell In a medium saucepan, com· bine sugar, cornstarch, flour, and a dash of salt. Gradually stir in water. Cook and stir over medium-high heat till thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat: cook stir two minutes more.

Remove from heal Sepande egg yolk from whites; set whites aside for meringue. Slightly beat egg yolks. Stir about one cup of the hot mixture into the beaten yolks. Return mtxture to saucepan; bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir two minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter or margarine and lemon peel. Gradually stir in lemon Juice, mix1ng well. Pour hot fill ing into baked pastry shell. Spread meringue over hot fill ing; seal to edge Bake m a 350" oven for 12 to 15 mtn· utes or till menngue is golden. Cool on a wire rack. Cover; chin to store. Serves eight Meringue: 3 egg whites 1/2 Tsp van~la 1/4 Tsp cream of tartar 6 T of sugar In a small m1xing bowl. beat the egg whites, vanilla, and cream of tartar at medium speed about one minute or till soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, beating at high speed about four minutes more or till mixture forms stiff glossy peaks and sugar is dissolved. Immediately spread over pie.

Give Thanks for Pie

Sometimes, a simple pastry can bting generations together Another holiday favorite, cranberry pie, also vanes from the old to the new version. First, here's Mary's recipe;

Modem Cranberry Pie 2 cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 Tsp baking powder 1 cup cold whole milk

Old.fuhloned Cranbeny Pie Take tl deer' J1ie tin (pan), line it with ordina1y pie crust, anti fill with raw cranbenics, being hbcral with them. Add sugar with a generous hand, and when you think you have put in enough. put in more (1). Add frOin three to Jour tablespoonfuls of water; according to the size of the pie; sift a little flour cl\ler the. top, dot with slivers of butter; and cover with puff rmstc. (past•y). Have the oven " good heat at first. then let bahc slowly from 30 "' 35 minutes. When done, sift confectioners' (powdered) sugar ovL't. the top.

1 T melted btAer or margarine 2 1/2a.prawv.tdea•te•ies 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking pow· der. Stir in the milk, melted butter or margarine, cranberries, and walnuts Mix well and transfer to two ungreased 9" pie pans Bake at 3500 for 30 minutes.

And now for the 21 at-century version of thiS Thanksgiving treat, courtesy of my husband's mother:

www.FAITH.....-n

Sauce: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter or margarine 3/4 cup evaporated milk 1 Tap vanilla In a amaU saucepan, combine the sugar, butter or margarine, and evaporated m1lk. Bring to a boil and simmer for about three 1111nutes, ootil sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla Pour the sauce over the two pies. Serve hot.

Nownbt-r 2001

FAITH Moga:int

a::

NOVEMBER

EVENTS Masses for the deaf community will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Depcik, OSFS, at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Fenton, on the follow· ing Sundays: Nov. 1 (Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m.), 11 and 25. The Masses Nov. 11 and 25 will be held at 10 a.m. Fr. Depcik, who is the sixth deaf man to be ordained to the priesthood in the United States, serves as chaplain for the Diocese of Lansing's deaf community. Craft Shows: Holiday shop· ping? It's time to start thinking about parish craft shows! • The Council of Catholic Women at Old St Patrick Church, Ann Arbor, will present their 17th annual Holiday Craft Slrow, Saturday, Nov. 3, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • St Joseph Church, Owosso, will host the Fall Craft Fest and Dal1e Sale Saturday, Nov. 10, at the parish school. • The Council of Catholic Women at Holy Redeemer Parish, Burton, will host a craft show Saturday, Nov. 1 7. ~i.IJ~l•YN.:l:t!,•li~Cri---

November4 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time WISdom 11:22·12:2 PaaJm 145:1-2, 8-11 , 13-14 2 Theasalonians 1: t 1·2:2 Luke 19:1-10 November 11 Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Maccabees 7:1·2, 9· 14 Psalm 17. 1, 5·6, a. 15 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 3:5 Luke 20:27· 38 November 18 Thirty -Third Sunday In

Ordinary Time Malachi 3:19·20a Psalm 98:5·9 2 Thessalonians 3 :7-12 Luke 21 ;5·19 November25 Solemnity of Christ the King

2 Samuel 5:1·3 Psalm 122: 1·5 Coloasi8118 t :12·20 Luke 23:35-43

A prayer service celebrating diversity will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing. The service will begin at 7 p.m. Reminder: Common Conference 2001 will be held Nov. 15· 17 at the Lansing Center. See the October issue of FAITH for more details. A prayer service, Remembering Our Deatl, will be held Monday, Nov. 19, at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing, beginning at 7 p.m. The North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics presents From Wonder to Water: Come Rest Awhile, Nov. 24, at the Gull Lake Bible and Missionary Conference Center. The event is open to all faiths and is an opportunity for persons who are separated, divorced or widowed to take time for themselves for nourishment and renewal. For infor· mation, call Barbara White at (517) 589~8487, or Unda Kolanowski, (517) 342·2465. A Health Fair, sponsored by Parish Health Ministry of St. Michael Church, Grand Ledge, will be held Sunday, Nov. 1 t, from 9 a.m.· 1 p m. For info., call the parish at (517) 627-8493. A Fall Festival of Choirs will be held Sunday, Nov. 4, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Burton, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The choirs of Resurrection Refonned Church of Aint Township, Grand Blanc United Methodist Church, St. Christopher Episcopal Church of Grand Blanc and Holy Redeemer wUI join the New Century Chorale of Grand Blanc to offer great hymns and anthems of the Christian community. For information, contact Richard Newman, Director of Holy Redeemer's Music Ministries, at (81 0) 743·3050. Passed Into Eternal Life Fr. AtUitony BraJwm April 24,1908 . Sept.13, 2001 Fr. Brakora was the oldest living priest in the Diocese of Lansing. He retired in 1979.

FAITH Is available on audiotape by request. Call (517) 342·2500.

fitness Sepl11 is a reminder

::==::::::= that "lou will not know !==== the day nor the hour' n the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Sept. 15, I was awakened in the night by a phone call. It was the police, and an accident had just occurred. A man had been killed in our church parking lot. When I went out to the accident scene, I was deeply shocked by the tragedy. I had a small glimpse of what so many people must have experienced who were close to the tragic events of the terrorist attack Sept. 11. I knelt down and prayed. The reality of death and the words of Jesus, "You will not know the day nor the hour," echoed through my mffid in a new way. We often forget about death. Young people tend to think of themselves as invincible. Even as one gets older, we can often deny the signs that death is approaching. Someone once asked me if I was going to use Rogaine to combat my hair loss as I approach middle age. I answered, "Absolutely noll" My baldness will help remind me that death is coming closer every day. Why do we often live in denial of death? Fear. In the letter to the Hebrews, we read that through fear of death, the devil has held us in slavery. (Hebrews 2 15). Fear causes us to avoid the issues surrounding death - especially our own preparation - but when death visits unexpectedly and suddenly, our weak illusions and denials crumble. We tum to God. Church services were packed the week after the terrorist attack. Thank God. Many people returned to Church but have struggled with fear ever since that day. Spiritual fitness requires • us to "be not afraid," and be ready for death whenever it may come. For faithful Christians, death is the door to Christ and our eternal home. (cf. Phill 211 To be free of the fear of death, we are to keep our eyes on Jesus whose love for us will cast out all fear. He is our refuge and rock. He is Emmanuel - God with us. When He died on the cross, He took death captive and rose to destroy death's power and hold on us. • ... 'Death is swaHowed up in victory. Where, 0 death, is your victory? Where, 0 death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinth1ans 15·54 57)

Spiritual Fitness Exercises 1 Spend 10 minutes each day before the Cross of Christ this month, and before Christ in the manger. jesus was born into this world to die for us. Refleu on our Lord's own preparation for His death and how we can imitate Him. He spoke openly about His death and He continued to serve others even with His last breath. ~ If we die with Christ, we shall also rise wllh Him." 2 Involve yourself in the work of Christ. Don't procrastinate from doing all the good things God has called you to do for we "do not know the day nor the hour." We saw much heroism during and after the terrorist attacks. People thought of how they could help. They gave blood, money. and lime to help rebuild and educate. It's a great response and we need to keep such a response going from day to day. jesus told us to keep busy doing work for God's Kingdom for "it will go well with the servant whom the Master finds busy on His return." (Matthew ( H 46 1 - Fr. Dill Ashbaugh is Pastor of St. joseph Parish, Howell

vividly recall

one man who looked backward at the flames, then seemingly upward to the heavens before crossing himself and leaping outward from the flaming building. It seemed that he had decided his salvation lay in a leap of faith, rather than in the certain death if he stayed where he was.

By Ronald Landfair

Photography by Christine Jones

David Williams is a sales mandrove the new release. ager for Will1ams Auto World of Following the demonstra路 Lansing. It was his work that tion, we did a bit of sight路 brought him to New Yorlz Sept. seemg by going to Uberty Island where the Statue of 11 when horror unfolded before Liberty is located. I looked !tis very eyes. He was standing ncar the nations beacon offree- at the majesty of our nation's symbol of freedom and felt dom - the Statue of Uberty when terrorists attached the dwarfed by it. twin towers of the World Trade ll was while we were Center. David shares his per路 there that the first plane spective- visually, emotionally struck the World Trade and spiritually - with FAITH Center. As people began to comprehend what was hapMagazines Ronald Landfair. It was an absolutely gorpening, some of them geous morning Sept. 11. dropped to their knees in Along with other sales man路 disbelief. At the time I didn't agers from around the coun- believe the first crash was an try, I was in the New jersey accident. Something about it and New York areas to prewas just not right. view a new vehicle release. We watched as the second And even though 1 have plane hit the building and traveled around the world to slammed out the other side. different locations, I've The entire section seemed to ignite like a fireball traveling always seemed to avoid this downward as gallons of liquid area. I've never really wanted to go to New York, prejet fuel emptied out catching floor after floor on fire. ferring Chicago as my idea of the big city. But finally At the time on liberty there I was, in the city nick- Island, there were all kinds named "Gotham " of people - some professionEarlier in the morning I als, some blue collar workwas taken lO a car track and ers, women and children watched as professionals literally all kinds of people

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from all walks of life. When the second plane hit, many of them stared in disbelief and said, "Oh my God!'' Many simply fell to the ground in shock and horror as the unfathomable was . -) occurring right before our ' eyes. Some of the people had cameras or binoculars and we watched as people leapt to their deaths. At this point, the buildmg became more and more engulfed in Oames and I began w sec the building slowly, but surely, start to move, shifting to one side threatening its stability. The guys I was with didn't think so because it had withstood the earlier basement bombing by terrorists. Within five minutes of making that comment, the building literally dissolved. I mean we've all seen it on TY, but it doesn't do justice 10 what it looked like from across the river. You could look at it and sec this dust and debris work itself down ~ and then rise and channel ll itself down the street almost

ike a living thing. h just ingu\fed Manhattan- you could not see a structure. When that first building was falling, everyone around me was shouting, "It's falling! Its falling!" It was as if there was some way you could desperately shout out to everyone who was near to get away or to hold the building up or reverse the whole tragic scene. After the building went down, there were people who literally collapsed in tears, shaking their heads, unable to grasp what had just happened. We had the car radio on and a repon was broadcast saying the Pentagon had been hit by a large commercial airliner. Immediately following that repon came another which said that in the New York area " ... anyone who is 1ear a federal building, a ..â&#x20AC;˘ational monument or anything of significance needs to move away from that area tmmediately!" As soon as these broadcasts came out, there was a panic. And 1 realized that here I am at the Statue of Libeny and I'm stuck. Pandemonium was all over the place and there were several accidents from people trying to cut in front of others until the police opened up the gates and allowed people to e21.'it more quickly. There were lots of people stuck, lots of cars trying to leave, all with the same goal - to get away as far and as fast as we all could from this fearful, tragic scene. 1 was terrified and in fear for my own life when my cell phone rang. It was my vife, and she had been atching the events on the news and was horrified she

My wife was standing there with open arms and tears running down her face, kind of in a state of disbelief that I was back. But! knew there was nOlhing that was going to prevent me from getting home to them. 1 needed to be home with my soul mate and my children. I needed to be home with them - I needed their suppon, their reassurance and their love. That was the reason I drove nearly 17 hours nonstop - to get home to them. I think God gives us these challenges and opportunities for a reason. This was a horrific thing that happened - a huge tragedy. However, it's also an opportunity. Its an opportunity for us as human beings, as flesh and blood from one to the next, to come together, rejoice, celebrate and enjoy the things that we do have and be appreciative, instead of taking everything and each other for granted. I think some people have even taken America and freedom for granted. I think people have started to gain a greater respect for what God has given us. 1 believe God wants us to be good to one another. I don't think the Lord wants us to harm each other. This has been a spiritual awakening - a wake-up call - for me. I'm more appreciative for what 1 have and I'm thankful. Not too long ago I was asked what it is I ask God for when 1 pray. This bothered me, like God was Santa Claus and you could ask Him for presents. I'm living my answer: "1 don't ask God for anything. I thank God for what Hes given me."

was going to lose me. 1 told knees and to physical sickher, "Don't worry about me. ness. It was a situation that 1 promise you I'll find a way was so powerful - yet we home and see you and the were so powerless - and kids. I'll find a way and get that was the part that was so back in touch. " overwhelming. I still don't know how she 1 later found a way back was able to contact me. to Rochester, N.Y., with There were so many phone some friends who were calls going in and out of the attending the conference city at that time and it was with me. Once we got there, nearly impossible to make a we tried desperately to find call. ll was truly a miracle a rental car- none were available. I ended up literalthat she reached me. After I had gotten off the ly buying a used car from phone with my wife, the sec- my friend's dealership and ond building went down. driving back through Buffalo, The people around me through Everyone around me who had Canada on was shouting, "It's falling! routes 401 gotten back up, went and 402 to It's falling I" It was as if down again Samia, and there was some way you then through in concert could desperately shout Port Huron. with the falling struc- out to everyone who was The first ture. It was time I saw near to get away or to like a prize my family, I hold the building up or thanked God fighter who for the had gotten reverse the whole knocked opportunity tragic scene. down, who to hold my stood back wife and my up again, only to take anoth- children again - to kiss er shot and go down again. them, to see the expression I think that second falling on their faces as I walked building was a shot to peothrough the door at 4:30 a.m. It was the best sight to ples pride in America - in sec my children sleeping their pride of humanity and the people who were suffersoundly. That was when I ing down there. I think that felt safe with some sense of is what drove people to their peace of mind.

Remember, you belong to something - your local palish

www.FAITHmag.com

Nowml>er 2001

I'AITH M~g:t:lnc

FAITH

Magaz ine~

F1: CIICl rles Irvin sat clown

witl1 Bishol' Mcngcling to discuss war and peace,

faitl• allCI l10pc, justice and frccclom.

FAITH: Jesus speaks of peace, yet Americans are at war and hungry for justice. How should our nation respond? Bishop Mengelfng: What the terrorists did on Sept. 11 was a criminal act. Everybody understands that. It was not some righteous blow struck by manyrs for the sake of God's glory! No military target was involved. It was a criminal act directed at innocent civilians. justice muSl be done! Criminals must be brought to justice. Without that, there is no peace. We have no war with Islam or people from the Middle East. Yet there is the problem of peace and justice in dealing with the extremist terrorists who have attacked innocent Americans- as well as foreign nationals - in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. In reconciling justice and peace, we need to under· stand that you cannot have one without the other. Where there is no justice, peace is impossible. St.

Augustine, who based a lot of his thinking on Plato and Aristotle, taught that the primary duty of the govern· ment is the protection and the safety of its citizens. This concept is extremely important now as we deal with these terrorist attacks against our ordinary citizens. We have simply taken that for granted- until Sept. 11. We neglected bothering with that fundamental and primary responsibility of our government. We took our safety too much for granted, believing that nothing would ever happen here on our own soil. Too many of us assumed that we were protected by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. lf we want to have peace, we have to set up the structurcs and the processes whereby the events of Sept. ll will not happen again. It is a mallcr of justice. It is the duty of government to proteet its citizens, to provide them with peace and security and justice. We have a right to live in peace and

security Personal rights, personal liberties and personal freedoms absolutely must be balanced with our rights as a community and nauon. We have to live in vigilance in order to live in peace and in justice. We can only give our government what we ourselves have to give. We need to personally live in peace, justice and security in order to give our government the wherewithal to put these into practice on a national scale. This is why we must not sec enforcemcnt of laws and security measures as threats to us. The FBI, the police, and other governmental agencies, as well as our intelligence agencies, arc duty bound to protect and safeguard us. They are not our enemies; they arc not out to take away our freedoms. There is going to be a real struggle on this point. Already we're seeing various protest groups surfacing who do not want any infringemcms whatsoever on their personal liberties and free-

SI!ECIALa.ui!PLEMENT

doms. These terrorists have used our openness and our liberties as weapons against us. What irony! We cannot, therefore, engage in selfdefcaung activities that take away our government's responsibility to provide us with peace, security and justice.

FAITH: What do you have to say to people who lose faith in a loving God after times like these? Bishop Mengellng: Faith is surfacing throughout our whole country. Trust in God and a return to spirituality and worship of God arc all pan of it. We are recognizing that we have to have faith in ourselves, individually and as a nation of people. We have to have faith in our government. And all of that has to be based in our faith in God as we said in our own Declaration of Independence. Faith in God is fundamental, otherwise why should we believe in " anyone or anything? We have to have faith in

America and in our tdeals. This has been submerged for long t1mc. We haven't been conscious of it for a while. In fact, we may have violatcd it in a lot of ways. But it's U surfacing again in this I \tmc of cris1s. People arc recapturing a sense of dircction toward our ideals. These ideals are now seen as necessary in the light of the horrible tragedy that has befallen us. The Declaration of Independence isn't just a political document - it's a statement of faith. And fmth is a risk ... it always is. It requires hope. As the founders of our country said, we must all hang together or surely we will all hang separately! Those founders risked everything they had to establish us as a nation. And it worked - it paid off. We have to do the same . The)' gave their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for something they believed ~- Faith in God takes tt all d makes it a pan of our eternal lives.

FAITH: Why does God

allow such tenible things to happen? Bishop Mengellng: The answer to that question is cl!oicc and Its con~cqucnccs which arc both terrible and wonderful. We arc free to choose becauo;c God wants genuine love .. and the only love worthy of the name is love freely g1ven and freely chosen. Choice is the greatest gift God gave us. Without ch01ce, love is impossible. lucifer had choice because God wanted hts love. God allowed Jesus to be crucified because God wanted to receive the total gift of self from Jesus. Total gift of oneS self tO another, and to God, can only be made if it ts freely chosen. God's greatest attribute is His freedom and we arc most God-like when we freely choose. It is then that we arc open to knowing Him and loving Him. Without freedom of chotec, we would be dctcnnincd b) nature and by instmct~ We would choose nothing. We would be incapablc of love.

For more from Bishop Carl Mengeling on this crisis, log on to FAITHmag.com

Chotec and the effects of our choic~s consmutc our lives. "No man is an island:· sa1d John Donne, and how true that is! We rise and fall together. We have three weapons against those who would auack us. We have fanh. We have hope. And the main thing that makes those two work IS love. You and I, now more than ever, need to be out in the forefront wielding those powerful weapons agamst all that is evil. With them powcrfully at work through us, no evil can ever conquer us. What do you have to say to the young adults who may go to war? Bishop Mengellng: As young adults, you have btg dcctsions to make. We arc not talking about short term consequences, nor are we talking about personal comfort and case. You must now consider the rest of your lh·cs. What kind of a world do you want to live in along with ) our peers' A world of freedom is now at risk. Our FAITH:

www.FATTHmag.c:om

civil rights have just been auackcd and violated. This is a umc when people, espccially young people, arc going to have to take a stand. There 1s a great cause to which you can devote yourselves. If you think you arc going to be married in a few years, have children and live in peace and security as a family, that kind of world must be made secure. It won't just happen all by itself. It happens because we individually make it happen and share that force with others around us. This is a big responsibility. You arc going to become a mature adult in a big hurry. The war we're entering will not look like any war we've had in the past. As we have so painfully learned, the price of liberty is eternal vigilancc. In the ordinary ways we live, we're going to have to root out hidden forms of terrorism working right here amongst us on the home front -in our homeland for your future. }

Nm·nnl,n .2001

FAITII M~g;~:inc

FAITH MagazineS Patricll

O'Brien talllccl to F1: Bill

"Titc Taliban arc not following tlte teacltings of Islam"

Wegher, Ecumenical Officer

f or dre Diocese of Lansing, in ortler to ltelp us better understand the religion of Islam, Clrristian lrist01y

widr Islam and dre people who call Gotl "AIIalt."

FAITH: What has been the reaction of the Muslim leaders you know to the attacks? The Koran does not teach violence, correct? Fr. Bill: Like Christianity, Judaism and so many other religions, Islam is not monolithic. It is made up of a variety of "sects" or "movements," each with its own unique spirituality, history and ideologies, while at the same time falling under the larger umbrella of Islam and following the same holy book - the Koran. This would be similar to our understanding of various Christian denominations. As a result of the diversity, differences of opinion are bound to occur. Among Muslim leaders and Islamic people living in this country and in the majority or the world, the response has been one equally of horror and

those outside such fanatisympathy for our country and all those who died in the cism, Islam is a religion of terrorist attacks. peace which denounces the Much is said of the word slaughter of innocents. '1ihad" or "Holy War" menFAITH: What is the history tioncd by extreme fundaof relations between Muslims mentalist Muslims. and Christians? Has it Traditionally, this word has always been so violent? been interpreted as first and Fr. Bill: Unfortunately, the history between these two foremost an inner personal struggle to live the Islamic religions has not been good. faith in the face of personal Islam arose about 600 years difficulties and struggles. In after the foundation of times of feared Christianity. oppression and While it recogin times of con- Extremists now see the nizcs both jews U.S. as the new quest, the tenn and Christians as colonial power and has been used "People of the for the larger they equate the U.S. Book," the war-like struggle Islamic interprewith Christianity to spread Islam. tation of both of More recently, these religions this term has been exploited and their theology would not - improperly according to be accepted by either. As mainline Islamic scholars Islam began to spread to justify terrorist attacks, throughout the Near, Middle suicide bombings, and other and Far East, as well as in fundamentalist causes. For northern Africa, more SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

ancient Christian civilizatio fell in war to its advance. During the Middle Ages, Christianity launched crusades against this advance, and retaliated as it attempted to regain the Holy Land. Countless unholy acts were perpetrated by both sides. The struggle continued through the 15th century when Muslim Turks overthrew the ancient seat of the Eastern Christian Empire and Church - Constantinople. Ironically. Islam was on a decline after that for nearly 200 years. It was only during the colonial expansion and repression into the Islamic countries in the mid- to late 1800s by western European nations that Islam re-awoke to this threat to its personal identity and ideologies. This legacy of colonialism - whi led to this resurgence of Islam - is still very much

what does the Koran say

about holy war -jihad?

Islam behind the violence one sees can be reached on many subjects simply by searching taking place today. Unfortunately, however, the minds and hearts of peoextremists now see the U.S. ple of good will to find soluas the new colonial power tions that arc JUSt and ethithreatening their culture and cal, regardless of one's faith. way of life through means of Most recently. john Paulll occupation, cultural imperihas made great strides in our alism and oppression. Some relations \vith our Muslim • though not all - extremists brothers and sisters, even Will equate the U.S. with visiting a mosque in Syria Christiamty and, thus, go to and being welcomed by war over it. Islamic people there. FAITH: What is the status of FAITH: What should people the current relations between know about the Muslim the Catholic Church and community during this time Muslims? Who does the of crisis and uncertainty? Church dialogue with? What Fr. Bill: First and foremost, are the stumbling blocks? people should know that Fr. 8111: Since the Second Muslims arc children of Vatican Council (1962God, created in the image 1965), the Catholic Church and likeness of God, just has entered into greater dialike every other human logue with Islam. We have being. We must love them 1ovcd beyond the guise of and respect them. We must .oere tolerance to the point remember that Islam is not of mutual sharing and a true made up of just Arabic peoples, but many nationalities. attempt at understanding one another. We rejoice and We must remember that the share a common heritage vast majority of Muslims arc with roots in Abrahamic linpeace-loving, kind, caring, eage and the joint monothegenerous mothers and istic tradition. fathers, grandparents, sib· Islam, unlike Catholicism, lings and children - just docs not have one leader. like the rest of us. They, too, There is no equivalent of a are afraid of terrorists, of "pope" in Islam, and their death, of war. Most Muslims clerics- imams who live in our and shaykscountry do so Islam, unlike do not hold the because they Catholicism, does not Ocd similar same religious status as priests have one leader. There violence and is no equivalent of a or bishops in terrorism in the Catholic their home"pope" in Islam Church. This lands. They makes bilateral will stand with dialogue very difficult, if not us, arm in arm, to denounce evil and to work for good. impossible. Thus, dialogue takes place among various They, along with us, conroups, most often at local demn the few who are d national levels, rather guilty, without demonizing than worldwide. Agreement the many.

For full interviews with these religlous leader~ and more, log on to FAITHmag.com

AITH Magazine's Alton Pelowski asked Imam Soubani of the lslan1ic Center of East Lansing about the meaning of Holy War and what he thinks the solution is to the current conflict. Imam Soubanl: This is an example of a misconception and misinterpretation of Islam. What jihad means is to do your best to correct evil in yourself, m your family, in the street, with others. by means whtch arc appropnate- and hopdully by word of mouth, by ~howing the nght way and pointing to what should be done, and if not, by dtsassocmung yourself from wrong. That is called jihad. Here they translate n wrongly, 'Holy War.' I've read the Koran, I've read liS teachings. I've never found 'holy war'. We find 'unfortunate war or 'dt ~hked war'- you may hate war, but sometimes it is imposed on you. jihad is a war that has ways. When you struggle to correct yourself, this is exactly the Islamic word jihad, also called the "Big jihad." The war agamstthc eVIl power is also jihad, but that is called' Small jihad." The biggest jihad IS when you make an effort to wrrect thmgs m yourself or around you - in a peaceful way If it takes military and war to defend, that IS justified in Islam. It i;; a just war when there IS no aggression against innocent people. Th1s is not open for suggestion It has to have ethtcs. The Taliban are not enhghtened persons, I should confess. The laliban are not followmg c.martl)' the teaching of Islam. They arc really close-minded people coming from mountains with little Islamic understanding. just like (what happened) in Waco, Texas, Imam Omar Soubani you cannot call them Christians, really Christians - because Chri<.tianity calls for love. You cannot call this person and whoever IS behind him a good Christian, because hes ill-adVIsed, and doesn't understand what Christianity is about. That's why they have thts problem. Thats why we can't blame Christianity for h1m, and so we should not bbme Islam for the wrong action of the few: Now, why is there turmoil in the world? Why arc people really unhappy? If you want to trace it, and if you want to be reali~ tic, find the reasons in places other than rehgwn. Fmd what's wrong happening \VIth them, from them, or agamst them. Look for the reasons. Those people are not justified to do those terrible actc; but the)' have a statement they want to convey. When the statement is not heard, they always go for a btgger statement. Education, communication, listenini; and hearing will be acti\e in rorrecting the wrong That i;; what it 1s about. In the lack of this, I tell you, we have suffering bin Laden was able to collect supporters. Do you know why? Because of the inju<>ttce In all these countnes, all these place-;, injustice is inflicted. You need to educate yourself and find why. What is their i~sue1 And then know why some of those people would go to bm Laden and join him. We'd hke to get rid of bin Laden Wed hkc to get rid of terronc.m. We suffer from terrori-.m in our countnes. But we have to cut the avenues of terrorism. We ha\·c to s,~e what cause!> terrori<>m -and finish with it. That is the mystery to o:.olve.

Is the military muscle moral? A look at the \\A.~I !INGT0:-.1

Priest and Workers Bless Franciscan Father Brian Jordan, standing with laborers and emergency workers Oct. 4, blesses a 20-foot tall cross of steel beams that had been recovered from the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York. The

Cross Near Ground Zero cross, erected as a memorial ncar ground zero, was found two days after the towers fell Sept. 11. · Th1s IS our sym· bol of hope, our symbol of faith, our symbol of healing," said Fr. jordan at the blcssmg. (CNS photo from llcutcrs)

CN ) -

The war has provoked a wide new debate as to how the principles of just war apply when the adversary is not a nation but a secretive, mtcrnmionally dispersed network of terrorists. Commonweal, a national lay Catholic review of public affairs, religion and culture, summarized the core of the debate succinct!} "The moral lcgiumacy of mmg military force is not in question; its cffccuve and proporuonal usc IS." Even Vatican press officer joaquin Navarro-Valls weighed in on the question. On Sept. 24, he said, "Either people who have carried out a horrendous crime arc put m a position where they can do no further harm, by being handed over and put into custody, or the principle of self-defense applies with all its consequences." The Catholic just-war tradition focuses on two main areas of moral judgment: "ius ad bellum," or the right to go to war, and "ius in bello," or right conduct in war.

For ~ius ad bellum.~ a war must be focused on repelhng InJUry or aggression, entered into as a last resort, and carried out by a legitimate authority. It must have a reasonable chance of success. For ''ius in bello,'' a nation at war must respect noncombatant immunity and be limited in scope. The means used must be proportional to the purpose intended. Mainstream Catholic commentators agreed that the Sept. 11 auacks were acts of aggression of a kind that jus· tif1es usc of military force 1f necessary to defend the country against an Imminent threat of further aggression 13ut they raised serious que tions whether U.S. operations will meet the h1gh moral standard required for just conduct in war AmcJica magazine editorialized that, if terrorists still threatening the nauon cannot be brought to jusucc peacefully, "they arc lcgnimate tar· gets of military acuon.~

.2ope_urges_people to_pray..msary _ _ __ Jo~protecUhe_w.orld_from terrorism,_ _ _ __ VATIG\N Cln' (CN5) -

Government and Religious Leaders Turned to Prayer

The Cathedral of St. Mary, lansing, could not hold all who came. Governmental leaders mcluding Gov. John Engler joined religious leaders like B1shop Mengcling for the local observance of the National Day of Prayer

and Remembrance in the wake of Sept. 11. After moving prayers and remarks, the asscmbl}• ended on a hopeful note smgmg God Bless Amcnca. VIew video of the service

on FAITHmag.com

In the wake of deadly auacks in the United States, Pope john Paul II said the Church wants to make a prophetic call for world peace - a peace that involves JUStice but that is motivated by moderation and love. ''I ask everyone - individuals, famihes, communttiesto recite the rosary, if poss1b every day, for the cause of peace, so that the world will

word Looking for Something Good in September Eleventh

Fr. j . Bryan Hehir of Harvard Divinity School, an internationally renowned Catholic thinker on justice and peace issues, wrote in the magazine that the rssue of a just-war response "is a crucial but very narrow question." "Containing and capturing terrorists is by definition a function of police and legal etworks,~ he wrote. ··war is an indiscriminate tool for this highly discriminating task. Beyond the legal lie the economic and political· drying of sources of funding and civil space where transnational networks hve .~ New Yorll Times "Beliefs" columnist Peter Stemfels wrote In Commonweal: "I have no problem calhng the Sept. 11

attacks 'acts of war.' But when we are said to be at war - but a new, different kind of war - 1 want to know what that means. Is it lil<e the Cold War? The war on drugs? ... How will we know when we have won? And weren't we already fighting a war against terrorism? What will be done differently? Why will it succeed? Who v.ill be the victims?" Navarro-Valls also warned, however, that "eventual action must be directed against terrorism and not against Islam~ - a theme repeated in various ways by virtually every commentator addressing just-war issues. "We must not become what we hate," said Amclica magazine. - ]cny Filtmu.

be preserved from the evil scourge of terrorism," he said. Repeating a phrase he has used in recent weeks, the pope said the suicide hijackings Sept. 11 marked a "dark day in the history of humanity." "In response , the Church intends to be faithful to its prophetic charism and mind everyone of the duty build a future of peace for the human family. Certainly peace is not unconnected to

justice, but it must always be nourished by mercy and love," he said. "May God grant that the Churchs faithful be in the front lines in searching for justice, in banishing violence and in working for peace," he said. -John Thavis

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"How tC!_.Pra..r_!he Rosa~ from FAITHmllll.CO.!!!...._.

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Remember,-you belong to something -your loc:al parish

mong the back pages of the Sacramentary arc texts for "Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occaswns." It was to this section that I turned on Tuesday, September 11, after I had watched in shock at the devastation in New York and at the Pentagon. Among the Masses for Civil Needs is one ·'In Time of War or Civil Dtsturbance.H It was this formulary that I used at noon in the chapel when I offered Mass for our country on thi ~ new "date that will hve in infamy.H The Opening Prayer has these words: "God, our Father .. all our fatth is in your savmg help; protect us from men of violence and keep us safe from weapons of hate.H The Prayer 0\·er the Gtfts asks the Lord to "banish the vwlence and evil withm us, and by thts offering restore tranquility and peace." We are bemg 10ld that mtemational terrorism with high-tech weaponry ts the new form of warfare, and that armies and navies are becommg obsolete. Whole populations will be vulnerable. and our poluical and mthtary leaders must weigh this m all thm policies and plans. Our fatth must be m the Our country, so blessed and saving help of God our Father. We should alm heed the beloved to us, is admired petition in the second prayer and envied around the world; quoted: "Banish the violence but it is not much loved. and evil within us." Our coun· try, so blessed and beloved to us, is admired and envted around the world; but it is not mul h loved. The term "ugly AmericanH is aptly applied by foreigners to us from their experience of us. A European celebrity widely recognized as a friend of our country was asked on TV for a one-word characteristic that would describe America. She needed only two seconds to reply sadly, "Arrogant .. What is there about us as a peo· pie that makes foreigners hate us enough to sutcidc-bomb our two most important cities? Some good may come from September Eleventh. Flags everywhere as if it were the Fourth of july, expressive of our solidarity People formed long lines to donate blood at colleuion centers. In my town, when I went walking for exercise in the evenings, I saw five eightday vigil lights burning on porches on Main Street. When the President proclaimed Friday a nauonal day of prayer, from all reports mid-Michigan churches had btggerthan-Sunday crowds. We must continue to pray for the victims of this dtsaster and for the families who mourn them. Maybe the Hollywood producers wtll now wise up to the fact that violent e on ft!m, even the spectaleffects kind, is not entertainment. But the greatest good Will come from a national examinatton of conscience, an admission of our national failings, and a firm resolution of amendment We say "In God we trust." And, like the tranquility and peace we pray for, it begins with me and you. - Most Reverend Kenneth Povish was the Diocese of lansing's third bishop and is now retired. www.FAITHm•g.com

Novrmbrr 2001

FAtTII Magazine_ _ _ _ _ _.__.

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where lives are commemorated, deaths recorded, families reunited, memories made tangible and

love expressed. Catholic cemeteries

n a history of people, a perpetual record af yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today.

A Message from Your Parish:

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