THEMAG~INE
)f THE CATHOLIC
DIOCESE OF L:ANSING
S
orne years ago, 1 heard a beautirul legend rrom Arrica that has stuck with me. The story is about the struggle between truth and falsehood. Many years ago, Truth, Falsehood, Water and Fire were traveling through the lush countryside. As they journeyed, they came upon a herd of cattle with no one to care for iL Discussing the situation among themselves, they decided that the most logical thing to do would be to divide the herd into four equal pans, one each for Truth, Falsehood, Fire and Water. In the back of his mind however, Falsehood decided on a plan that would gain the entire herd for himself. Calling Water aside, Falsehood said, ~Beware! fire is planning to bum the grass along the riverbanks in order to drive the cattle away from you and into his pasture.~ "Is that so?" fretted Water. "Whatever shall l do?~ Falsehood suggested, "Extinguish Fire! That way we can have his share of the cattle for ourselves.~ Gullibly listening to Falsehood, Water rushed fonh, flooding Fire, extinguishing him. Falsehoods plan seemed to be working. Taking Truth aside next, Falsehood whispered, "See this! Water has destroyed Fire and taken his share of the cattle. Surely we do not want to keep company with such a one as this!" "What shall we do?'' queried Truth. "Let us climb the mountain, taking all the cattle with us," said Falsehood. And so they drove the cattle up the mountainside, climbing high above the plain. "Wait! Come back!" cried Water, who could not flow uphill to follow Truth, Falsehood and the cattle. Once they reached the top of the mountain with the cattle, Falsehood turned on Truth, sneering, "See! l have fooled you all! l shall throw you from the mountaintop! You will never survive the great fall and so all the cattle will be mine. I shall win!" Truth answered, "I see that you have deceived us all, but I shall never be your slave. Let us battle here and now. May the stronger of us win!~ And so Truth and Falsehood battled, day and night. As they clashed, great cracks of thunder rang across the valley below. They struggled mightily for many hours. Sometimes it seemed as though Falsehood would prevail, but at other moments, Truth would drive Falsehood back. They still struggle against one another. At times, it seems as though Falsehood is the stronger of the two. Yet when all seems hopeless, Truth manages to prevail, never resting or surrendering. So it is in our own lives. We know the power of truth. We know that it can set us free. Yet we also know that we can be easily deceived by falsehood, those crafty words that tickle our ears and obscure our ability to see and understand things as they truly are. So it seemed on hill in a land far from our own, when the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life was hung on a tree to die our death. Yet we know that He rose from the grave just three short days later as He promised. We know that Truth lives so that we might live His life forever. And so our journey in FAITH continues. - Fr. Dwight E:op Is tdhor of FAITH Maga%ine and pastor of lhc C!>lhollc Communhy of Sc. Jude.
We know the power of truth. We know that it can set us free. Yet we also know that we can be easily deceived by falsehood, those crafty words that tickle our ears and obscure our ability to see and understand things as they truly are.
16 profiles:
What I did on spring break - why I chose service Instead of sun and
sand. While her classmates were tanning on the beach, Lauren WISniewski spent her spring break helping refugees resettle. And she's spent other vacations working in soup kitchens. Meet this college student who has a passion for service - and a passion for life.
Dear Fr. joe: When does sharing information ~meg~p?
~~
6 In the know with fi: Joe_Fr.Juo;rph Krupp
What is the meaning of Ufe? Where does the Church fit in? 8 1hedogy 101 - Dominicm Si.las or~lal}; Mo!IICI' of the Eudtlrl.t
• Patricia Majhrr
1 8 mystory: I survived my alcoholic: husband why I remember hbn wilh love. Cathy lost her husband to aloohoism. Ncm she serves on 1he Bishop's Counol for Alcohol and Other Drugs, helping bring healing to those affeded by !his deadly dsease. Rnd out more about substance abls! and hem to get help.
what you'll get out of this issue What happened when I rut class in high 9:hool-the imponance of truth. ...~
10 F1om the Bishop - Bishop Carl F. Mrngding
Would you lie to keep your job? Take this quiz and find out. 17 Workife - Tim R)":Ul
How to build a team marriage. Ways to tame the debt monster. How to tum ''your" stuff into "our" stuff. Romance stale? How to take a fresh look at your spouse. 1111-111120 Your Maniage Matters
cover story:
Bill Hanis: the faith behind FlintS famous face Bill Harris has been the Channell2 news anchor in Flint for 27 years. He has covered stories from papal visits to local , tragedies. Find out how faith is his anC hOr. " - Bob Horning l<
How can you tell someone you love a difficult truth without any hard feelings? llll-lill21 1he Joumey - Dr. Ca1hlrcn McGm~l
Hello, God -is that you? How to discern what God is telling you. 22 Spiritual Flbless- Fr. Dill Ashbaugh
5 questions to ask yourself. 27 Voting Guide 2004
~ culture:
l 8'l Pumpkin Faith: Carving ~pumpkin can be a spiritual experience. Rnd out hem with this simple prayer.
Does nuth exist, or is it all relative? 30 1he Last Word -
Fr. Charles ll'\in
We remember those who have gone before us ... 31 A Special Memorial from the Readers of FAITH
Rev. Dwight Ezop EDITOR ITt CHIU
Patrick M. O'Brien MANAGING EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Manin Solsburg ASSISTANT EDITOR/STAFF WAntA
jillanejob SUBSCRIPTIONS/SECRETARY
Evelyn Weitzel SUBSCRIPTIONS
Patrick Dally GRAPHIC/WEB DUIGNf:R
Rev. William Ashbaugh Sr. john Mary Corbett, O.P Marybeth Hicks Bob Horning Rev. joseph Krupp Ronald Landfair Patricia Majher Sr. Mana Gemma Martek, O.P. Cathleen McGreal Sr. Elizabeth Ann O'Reilly, O.P Tim Ryan Sr. Maria Faustina Showalter, O.P. Nancy Schertzing CONTRIBunNG WRITERS
Margaret Perrone PROOFREADING
Tom Gennara Christine j ones James Luning (cover) CONTRIBunNG PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wayne Case Vicki Bedard David Fenech Patricia Garcia Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone James Rhadigan Ricardo Rodriguez David Rosenberg Rev james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple
your thoughts: onjFK, FAITHteen and mirncles l)l>IJll>
Our patislt s Booh Club had just spent an inspi1ing two hours reflecting upon and dis· cussing Story of a Soul, tlte Autobiograplty of St. Titi rese of Lisicux. ... Miracles and favors granted through the intercession of St. Therese (part of the basis for her canonization) have often been associated with rose petals or tl1c scent of 1oses. Titus, it was mucl1 to our delight tltat as the bool1 club members left the Activity Center, there on the sidewall! were st rcwn rose petals. Tltese precious pinh favors from IJeavcn now serve as mementoes of Gods grace to us in Cluisl.
l just wanted to e-mail and say I love your online newsletter: I am f rom a small rural parish in Bremond, Texas. Our church is St. Ma1ys. l was browsing tltc Web for Catltolic youth Websitcs and found yours. 1 will be passing this linh along to the youth in our pa•ish. Since I teach ninth- and tenthgrade religious education, the aJticles arc very helpfu l and apply to and bach up what we arc teaclting in class. Tltanhs.
- Fr. Peter J. Clark
- Nancy Gadbois
In a recent letter to the editor, one of your readers suggested tl1at Catltolics should eschew t/1cir connections with john F. Kennedy and turn to Hany S 1htman as a model president of unquestionable moral fiber. Focusing only on)FKs well-publicized infidelity, the reader completely ignores the Kennedy administrations most importa accomplishments. Must we for get that )FK introduced the first comprehensive Civil Rights Act, created the Peace Corps, united our allies in defending West Berlin, ancl averted nuclear war du ri ng tl1e Cuban Missile Crisis ... and while Truman certainly ltad many admirable qualities, ncitltcr should we forget that it was (he) who made the decision to drop two nuclear bombs on the dying japanese empire in August 1945. ...Politicians arc not saints; they arc complex indrviduals who share all the flaws that we do. But they arc individuals wl10 wield a tremendous amount of powc1; and we sl10uld j udge them on how they exert that power in the world.
l)l>IJll>
IJll>IJll>
in the beginning by Otrls sushynsld
ADVISORY BOARD
Rose Robertson FAITHhei.-
Tim Ryan FATTH l'llbllshlng Service
lnnerWorkings PAINT MANAGEMliNT FAint (USPS Oltltltl3) 1o
o.-...., ..-...,.
..... c - - oi~Mt~o8, 300W. oa-
Uonolng, ......33. ,_...,""""' ~ ond Auguol. Subocriptlan- . . $15 por - · -
--$2.50.Sondol ............ - o n d _ . . _ .. 300 w. a.- L.ww..o. •••,133. (517) 3·2·2.5t5;1o. (517) 3·2·2537 .. . . - ........... - . . . . . . . . . . . - - . . . -oiL.onolng, Mlar
-Mark Pecot, Dept. Of History Chair, SL Ed-nf
--POSlMASttR:Softd---111: r.vnt. 300 w. ca-. L.ww..o. Ml.-133. cCOiholc
High School, Lakewood, Ohio
-oiUnolng.
Thank you DSA donors: fer suppor1ing minislries d 1he Diocese of l.snsiYJ --
Sl M~rgorct ol ScoU~nd '~" ' : fi
St Gertrude Vtrg>n Nm 1h
St EJ=bcth o' Hungary Nm 1 1 1 Dedic.al>on of tl1c BaS>iiC<>s of S!s Pclcr and Paul1n Rom e~~" ' 10
-
Sl Rose Ph·l•pp.nc Ducllc sn
1
why does dad get fhe job of being 'more finmier' than mom?
Sl ~
1769 in Grenoble, France ....-t November 18, 1852 in St.
Charles, M~uri November 18
IA
ccording to our six-year-old, the biggest difference between Mom and Dad is, "Dad is more funnier." So true. Dad is the parent who composes raps about doing dishes, teaches the "I've Got Too Much Homework" blues, and cheerfully chats it up before school in the morning while all around him, mayhem erupts.
Some would call this oblivious. In fact, l would call this oblivious. But others - our children, for example - would call this "more funnier. " I used to ram about the injustice of his place as the "more funnier" parent. Why did he get to be "more funnier?" Or why couldn't we take turns being "more funnier?" 1l seemed unfair that his role in our children$ lives will forever conjure memories of midnight basketball and Monty Python, while thoughts of me will recall complex schedules executed I with military precision - not to mention an unkind depiction of my need to put clean laundry in its place. But to be fair, I never invested myself in a "more funnier" 1 capacity. As soon as the kids were old enough, he launched Saturday morning games, an activity in which l have never par1 ticipated. Clad in pajamas and surrounded by anyone small enough to play, he prompts shrieking through the house in an elaborate hide-and-seek ritual known as "Heffalumps And Woozlcs." The theme requires players to claim a Winnie the Pooh character as his or her identity, and then hide somewhere in the "Hundred Acre Wood" (our house). My husband, singing the "Heffalumps" theme song (there is one) conducts an exaggerated search to "find" Pooh or Piglet, some of whom play this game in plain f{jew. He pretends not to notice. __ Read the rest of Marybeth Hicks' article, along with other exclusive essays, features and news briefs only on FAITH com
... Rose wanted to be a missionary and martyr since she was eight, when she heard a Jesuit missionary from Louisiana speak at her parish in Grenoble. She never became a martyr, but she did become a missionary - to America. A lif ..;a. lng mOMent ... Rose's family objected to her vocation, but she was persistent. Finany, her father relented and allowed her to join the Convent of the Visitation. But then came the French Revolution and all convents were disbanded. Rose had to hide with her family during the Reign of Terror. In 1801, Rose gathered together dispersed nuns. Her small group was never able to coalesce as a community until Rose met Madame Barat, the founder of the Sacred Heart Society. Rose and her little band of nuns joined the Sacred Heart Sisters in 1805.
... Rose's prayers to be a missionary were answered in 181 7 when the Bishop of New Orleans came to France. He wanted Sisters to teach on the American frontier. Rose immediately volunteered, and set sail for the New World the following year. She was seasick on the voyage, and didn't get a chance to study English as she'd planned; she never did master it. Rose and her sisters began a foundation in Aorisant, near St. Louis. They opened a day school, a boarding school and a free school. ,~ or"' -.. Envious outsiders spread nmors about the nuns and parents removed their children from the gossip-beset school. Rose: "People say everything bad they can about us, except that we poison the children~ Eventually, the student population was reduced to five. The establishment of a Jesuit novitiate nearby helped stabilize the reputation of the school and foundation, and it became a great support for the Sacred Heart Foundation. Rose herself headed to the Sugar Creek Reservation to teach, and died there at age 83.
T e E hth CommanCl .. t. ~~ The good VJOr'k of St. Rose was nearly undone by the vicious gossip of those bearing false witness. Truth prevailed, however, largely due to Rose's steadfast faith. - Ellzalxth Solsbur&
-
Nov 1fl
Chnst the King ~.O'J 21 : Sl Cccoloa. Virgm and Martyr Nov~:!
St Clement I. Pope and M~rtyr Nov ~.l
Sl Columb.m, Abbot No':.;) 1 Bl M1gucl Agustm Pro. Pncst ~ nd M~rtyr No':! I
1
I
Fr. Joe: when does sharing infonnation become gossip? Dear Fr. Joe: I keep quiet about things going on in my life because everything I say gets spread around. What should I do?
T I
I
his is a tough one. As a general rule, we seem to be losing our sense of honor as a society. We are way too quick to spread what we hear. One of the worst things we have stum· bled upon in this society is what we call "just venting, n which is usually our excuse to break a confidence. What should you do? Well, your options are limit· ed here because we cannot control other people. The only thing you can control in your life is what you share, not what people do with it, so let's take a look at what you share. Think of it like this everything about you is a treasure. God made you in His own image and like· ness. The thoughts of your mind and the feelings of your heart - all of these things are precious treas· ures that are God's gift to you and your gift to God. Be careful with these treas· ures. Treat them gently. Don't share them with peo· pie who are not trustworthy. Try to remember that
great bit of secular advice "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." Now, on the other side of the coin, remember that a treasure locked up in a clos· et is no good to anyone this is why we display art· work in museums. When you or I share some of the treasure that is ourselves with other people, they are elevated. They are made more whole, because you have shared God's gift with them. So what do you do? Share your heart and mind only with people who are trustworthy. The right people will come along soon ; just hang in there.
Dear Fr. Joe: When should you confront someone with the truth? Tough one here, that is for sure. Let's begin with the prem· ise that we often hesitate to speak the truth for two rea· sons. One, because we are afraid of hurting someone and two, because we are afraid of being hypocritical. Let's look at the idea that we are afraid of hurting someone. Look at this quote from Cardinal Ralzinger, "Ultimately, the truth is pastoral~ What does that mean?
IJI>IJI> A surgery proressor died and went to heaven. At the pearly gates he was asked by the gatekeeper, "Have you ever committed a sin you truly regret?" "Yes," the prorcssor answered. "When I was an intern at Saint Lucas Hospital, we played soccer against the Community Hospital team, and I scored the winning goal. The rcrcrce didn't sec that it was oiT-side and I didn't tell him. I regret that now." "Well," said the gatekeeper. "That is a very minor sin. Come in." "Thank you, Saint Peter," the proressor answered. "Oh, I'm not Saint Peter," said the gatekeeper. "He's at lunch. I'm Saint Lucas."
Look at John t 4 :6. In it, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." Remember, truth is a per· son, Jesus Christ, so we treat the truth with rever· ence and respect. When we slander someone, or use the truth to gain power for ourselves, we have violated the commandment against taking God's name in vain.
So, when you and I speak the truth in love, we are invoking Jesus. We always want to make sure that we speak the truth in a way that honors God. What about being hypocritical? Remember this, if we were allowed only to speak on what we "have down," then we would never speak. We are hypocrites,
--
S l Andrew Dung Lac and Compantons Pticst and Martyrs No'
~4
Sl Cathcnnc of Alcxandna Vir;1tn No; ::>5
Sl Andrew Apostle
!"01
:JO
what do you do when someone gossips? ~IIJio The Catechism remmds us that It 1s wrong to "disclose another's faults and failings to persons who did nm know them.~ The Church calls this the sin of detraction; we may also hear it called gossip. Another sin is assuming, without sufficient foundation, that the gossip we hear is true. 1CCC: 2-1m
We asked students in Mrs. Krygloskl's fifth grade at Dukette School, Flint: What do you do when someone gossips?
Teria: The per-
johnathan: I 'd
Victoria: When
son they gossip about- ltry to cheer them up.
ask i f they could stop.
I try to stop it, and
somebody gossips,
if I can't, I j ust leave and mind my business.
I
not when we speak against behavior that we engage in and don't like, but when we speak as if we don't have the same problems. A hypocrite is someone who pretends he or she has it "together" and speaks in order to further that myth. Let's not wait until people's pattern of behavior is so destructive that they are at death's door or at the bottom of the barrel. Let's speak the truth in love when it will help them and elevate them. Let's purify our hearts and motives and always be ready to live in the truth.
r.r Pear Fr. Joe:
\~hen does sharing infor-
mation become gossip? Such a great, practical
question! I think there is a fine line here and crossing it is easier than we think. Let me give you two basic rules and let's see if that helps. Rule number one: If some· one approaches you with some information, or if you are ready to share some, ask yourself the question, "Why am I sharing this?" Or ask the person talking, "Why are you telling me this?" If the answer is anything other than life-giving and helpful, then you are engaging in gossip. That ques• tion is so powerful that it knocks the darkness into the light and anything that should· n't be there is exposed for the sin it is. Try this one - it can really hurt. The good kind of hurt, that is. Rule number two: "Venting" is a term we have come up
with to justify gossip. If our answer to the question, "Why are you telling me this?mis "venting," then we probably have gossiped. I would like to see us adopt the mind-set that we would rather suffer from holding something in than risk gossiping and hurting another. Obviously, spouses are excluded from this rule. So, we have come to the
end of another great journey into the land of questions and answers! Enjoy another day in God's presence! EB - l'r. j oseph Krup p
Send your questions to: "In the Know with Fr. Joe" FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa Lansing, M I 48933 Or; JoelnBiack@prlesLcom
H
ave you ever stopped to consider questions such as, Who are we? Why were we created? What is the meaning of suffering and death? How is the Church, a seemingly ancient institution, relevant to modem history? Many things in the world clamor for our attention. But sometimes, perhaps while walking in the woods or standing on a mountain peak, gazing in awe at the tiny fingers of a newborn baby or comforting a loved one, these questions may surface from the depths of the soul.
-------
I
The fourth pillar document of Vatican turies, it is a particularly appropriate II, Gaudiwn ct Spes, seeks to answer the reminder of who we are in the light of fundamental questions which occupy eternity, and a beautiful statement of the human heart. Lumen the Churchs relevance in Gentium proclaimed to the God has inscribed modem society. The fundamental message world who the Church is; His law on our Gaudium et Spes goes further hearts, and has of the first part of Gaudium et Spes is that our dignity is by declaring how she inter- given us the prerooted in our creation in the acts with the world and cious gift of free humanity. This beautiful, will, for ~ is only in image and likeness of God. td. Gn 1 26) We were created rich document is both doc- freedom that we for God, to live in commutrinal and pastoral, as it can tum toward nity with other human restates fundamentals and what is good. beings, to be a steward of seeks to emphasize them in created things, and ultimately to come todays context. In light of the confusion wrought over the last several cento eternal life in the loving union of the Nnvcmbcr 2004
8
FAITH Magazine
Holy Trinity. We are both material and immortal soul, and thus find the source of our being and our ultimate end in God, although we dwell on earth in the material plane. God has inscribed His law on our hearts, and has given us the precious g1ft of free will, for it is only in freedom that we can tum toward what is. good. No matter how advanced technology becomes, we can put off death, but can never fully avoid it. This knowledge haunts us, and we run from it. For this reason, atheism is an insidious injustice, robbing us of our desire for eternity by convincing us. that this life and world are all there is, squelching the hope for eternal union with God. Only by being baptized into Christ jesus, who frees us from death and wins eternal life for us by His passion, death and resurrection, can we find our eternal dwelling place. jesus is the fulfillment of Gods loving promise to send us a Savior, made when Adam and Eve's sin brought death and destruction to the human race - it is Christ who fully reveals us to ourselves and brings to light our most high call-
Prayer of Saint Augustine
Let's talk about•• .ATHEISM Ill+ Gaudiwn et Spes seeks to engage us in dialogue about alheiam. Alheism simply means the denial of God. H Gaudium et Spes poiniB out, alheism can take ITl8f'o/ forma, from the auburbanile YAlo is focused only on l'118lerial aucceas and YAlo ivee as if Goa del not acitt. to f1e ayatemalic expreeaione ofalheirn pro~ by acme totillitarlan forms of gowmmert 'M1i1e atheism can be a wilful decisiOn, it can alaobecausedbythe bad example of believers whb give a false image of God and religion, or by ignorance, or as a ~ to the presence ' evil in the world. Atheistic aystemS Of government seek to make this world an end in itself, and maintain that belief in God is a limit to human freedom and dignity. Still olher8 argue that belief in a
future life C8U888 people to neglect tile concerns of this wOOd. 'M18l is the Church's answer 1o these claims put forth by the world? The Church pfo(eeeee that beW in God is in no WflJ hoetie 1o human dignity, since that~ lies ~in the fact that we have been made by God to share in lis aMI dMne lire of selfgi\1lg low. Beief in heaven does not dab1ld us from our duties on earth; in fact, cunent
ing. This is the basis for the majority of Pope john Paulll's writings- the ~wheels of the pope-mobile," so to speak. Chnst's self-emptying. by becoming human and dying for us on the cross, purchases for us eternal life and reconciles us to our loving and merciful Father. By being conformed to the image of the Son who is the firstborn of many brothers {d . Rom 8 291, a Christian receives the "first fruits of the Spirit" <d Rom s·23) by which he or she may fulfill the new law of love. (d . Rom a t-Ill The meaning of our reclaimed dignity in jesus Christ is that we can live in commumty with others, as we were designed to do from the very beginning. embodying the fulfillment of the law by loving our neighbors as ourselves. (cf. 1Jn -1 2ol ((CJaptized into the mystical body of Christ, the Church, we enjoy the communion and solidarity of all the faithful. Because of our dignity in being created for God, we can discover our true selves only in a
sincere giving of self. Jesus is the perfect model of the total gift of self, in that He became a man and offered Himself as the innocent victim for our redemption. We are by nature social creatures, and were not made to be solitary entities unto ourselves. We work out our salvation as baptized members of the mystical body of Christ in unity with others one sin affects the whole mystical body, as one virtuous act builds up the Church. Because of the sublime digni· ty of each human person, we must build a society in which human life is protected and cherished, where neighbors render mutual assistance, love and pray for one another including enemies, and work to achieve a just and equitable social order. This solidarity of humanity must be increased
<i"
Ill+ You are great, 0 Lord, and greatly to be praised: great is your power and to your wisdom there is no limit. And man, who is a part of your creation, wishes to praise you, man who bears within himself his mortality, who bears within himself testimony to his sin and testimony that you resist the ewnla 8!,lggest the~ proud. Yet eat abuaea to human dig- man, this nity arise when there is no part of your hope for an afteriife. creation, Without God, the human wishes to peraon and human &fa remain an praise you. You arouse him to take joy "unsolved puzzJe!' (c-hnt tl Spes. n.21) It is in praising you for you have made us only in Jesus Christ, ligf't of the worfd, that for yourself, and our heart is restless the meaning of cxr livee and cxr a6lg to until it rests in you. - cf. Conf cuwns, Book I, I (CCC 30) ahant in the divine lie is mace dear.
--=s;.,Maria Fa115tlna Showalter, 0.1'!, Sr. john Mary Corbett, O.P., Sr. Maria Gemm:1 Mancl<, 0.-r., - - l and Sr. Eli:abe1h Ann O'Reilly, O.r, arc Domlnlan Slslers or Mary, Molhcr or lhe Eucharisl, Ann Arbor
constantly unul it is brought to fulfillment; on that day, saved by grace, we shall offer perfect glory to God as the family beloved of God and of Christ our brother. .)
W
hen many of us grew up in the 30s, 40s and 50s, telling the truth was a serious matter of honor for just about everybody. For Catholics and other Christians, it was more. It was the Eighth Commandment. Telling lies was always bad and shameful. To be branded a liar was far worse. It was humiliation and disgrace. Many times, we and other children on the playground yelled at braggarts, boasters and liars - "liar, liar, your pants are on fire." At home, the liar's mouth was washed out with soap. Being true, thinking true, acting true and speaking true were never taken lightly. It was serious business. It still is! To this day the vast majority have disgust and contempt for deceivers, cheaters, hypocrites and phonies. People want the "real McCoy."
1\vo and a half millennia ago, an Old Testament wise man named Sirach wrote, "Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not as many as by the tongue." (cf. Sir 2B:IB) He understood that our power of speech, the tongue, was a powerful tool for immense good or N"vtmbtr 20M
1Q
FAITH Magazine
immense evil. He called it a weapon, a sharp blade that slashes, cuts open and destroys. Of course he meant the tongue that weakens and destroys another!; good name. My influential teacher, Sister Clarilla, said, "The Eighth Commandment protects reputation." www.FAITHmag.com
1
to take it back." How quick is a slip of the tongue! Sirach Among all that we owe one another, truth holds the first writes, "A fall to the ground is less sudden than a slip of the place. Community life of any kind is impossible without a communion of minds and hearts which truthfulness secures. tongue." (cf Sir 20 1BJ Once the gossip mill gets going, it's hard Without truth, social life would be impossible, because socito get back the juicy news or lies we told and do damage ety is based on mutual trust. There is no trust if we must control. The gossip and tale-bearer are like the woman doubt and always prove every word and promise. whose feather pillow is tom open and the feathers are spread by the wind. Retrieving them is a hopeless task. As a senior in 1948, I learned the hard way about being The great destroyers of reputations are detraction and true. Throughout my high-school years, I worked after slander. The first is the result of gossip and tale-bearing school and during the summer at jansen's Open Air Market. Horrocks Market in Lansing reminds me of those days. In that reveals unfavorable things; the other is the spread of the second semester of my senior year, for three days of the lies. We are obligated to expose falsehoods and restore the good name of someone whose reputation has week, the last class was gym. I thought the class was dumb and a real loser and I could easily skip Thank the Lord for been destroyed. it and go to Jansen's earlier. Besides, I noticed the taking us off the A common cause of immense damage to others teacher rarely took roll. So I slipped away and and the community nowadays is judgmentalism. hook. We don't took the shoreline bus five miles to jansen's. lt have to judge oth- It comes from that capital disease of the spirit called pride. The judgmental person claims supe· worked for several months. About a month ers. After all, we riority for assessing the failures of others and r7/}..efore graduation, I was summoned. The princi· aren't able to. constantly finds fault with what others say and W al asked if I had skipped class. I said "yes." The Jesus is going to gym teacher said his record showed nine handle the judging do. judgmental people arc mean-spirited in their harsh and petty fault-finding and dest ructive critabsences. Since it was my first serious offense, - because only icism. judging others is the height of arrogance. the principal didn't expel me, but ordered me to He can. None of us knows ourselves perfectly. How can stay after school for nme days. we dare to know the mystery of others? I learned about acting true. We fail against truth in many ways - by our thoughts, words and actions. Through our Thank the Lord for taking us off the actions, we express ourselves and relate to others. They withook. We don't have to judge others. ness to the truth in us. My actions were a deception. SelfAfter all, we aren't able to. jesus is going to handle the judging - because deception can turn our lives into lies when we fml to face only He can. Thanks to the Lord for the truth. False humility is a cowardly way to belittle ourselves and avoid responsibility. Vanity makes us exaggerate, His prohibition , · oo not judge!" fabricate and boast, in order to 1mpress others. The best agenda for life Nothing in our words should contradict our thoughts. But comes from the Sermon on the we are not required to speak - as Qoheleth says, in the Mount, "If you want to avoid famous passage, ''There is a time to speak and a time to be judgment, stop passing j udgsilent." (d . Ee<l 3:1-Bl love for others, and fidelity to them and ment. Your verdict on others the community, calls for discretion. will be the verdict passed on Revealing secrets that would seriously harm the good name you. The measure with of another is a senous infraction. Truth is central to the Bible. which you measure will be Pauls hymn to love says. ~love rejoices in the truth." (cf. !Cor used to measure you." Why 13 6) The book of Proverbs states that, ~Lying lips are an abomilook at the splinter in your nation to the lord, but the truthful are the Lords delight." ccr. brothers eye when you miss I'm\· 12.22) Sirach warns, "Cursed be gossips and the double· the wooden beam in your tongued, for they destroy the peace of many ... The blow from own? Remove the beam £ (Jr,.he whip raises a welt, but a blow from the tongue smashes and you will see clearly to ~~bones. "<cf. Sir 2B:13l His advice is, ''As you hedge around your remove the splinter from your vineyard; set barred doors over your mouth." {d Sir 28.2-IJ brothers eye. ccr. Luke 6 37-·12) ~ How often have we berated ourselves and lamented, "If only I had kept quiet. Why did I say that? I'd give anything llt~p Mcngcling is the founh bishop of l:lnsing
I I
Bill Harris is the anchor at six and eleven o'Glock for Channel 12 News (WJRT, Flintot). He has received an Emmy award for special coverage of President Bush's 1992 area visit, twelve more Emmy nominations, and t!he National Academy of Television Arts and SGienGes Silver Circle Award for 25 years of distinguished service as a television anchor. He and his wife, jane, and their two children, Nicole and Christopher, are members of Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc. FAITH: You have been an anchor at the same $latlon for 27 years. You must like your work. Harris: 1 not only like my job, I love it! 1 am blessed to have had so many
good experiences at Channel 12. In a profession known for its laok of stability, I'm very lucky. Not only do I have a great job and a great place to work, I also have a great family, friends, and co-workers; 1 live in a wonderful community and belong to a great parish. FAITH: Before we hear about your experiences, tell us about your growlng¡up days. Hams: I was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts. My father was Irish and a
shop worker in a gun factory. My mother was Polish and a clerical worker. Holyoke was very much a Catholic community, with a Catholic Church on almost every comer it seemed. 1 can remember Good Friday services at the Polish church when we would go on our knees all the way down the aisle to reverence the cross.
FAITH: Were family devotions part
of your life? Harris: No. Strangely enough, there weren't many outward signs in our home, but we were still very much a Catholic family. Seven o'clock Mass every Sunday. Thercs a story I like to share about the faith of my parents. My father retired in his early fifties after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He was an Irish tenor with a wonderful voice, before the cancer. One Christmas Eve we asked a dose friend, Fr. Roy Duqueue, to celebrate Mass in our home. just prior to the final blessing, my mother asked my dad to sing Adcstc Fidclis. Thinking this was an impossible and ridiculous request, I looked at my mother, wondering if she had lost her mind. But to everyones amazement, my dad somehow was able to sing loud, clear, and in U!tin, no less. He practically blew out the windows. It was beautiful. miraculous. That was the last time he spoke clearly. That showed the faith of my parents- my mom had the faith to request the song, and my dad had the faith to attempt it. No1rmbrr 2004
14
FAITH 1.bga:inc
FAITH: What got you Interested In broadcasting? Harris: Other kids my age wanted to be policemen. firemen and cowboys. I wanted to be a radio D.j. My first break came when I was in grammar school. The Boy Scouts and the City of Holyoke sponsored a program called Good Government Day. Selected scouts would choose lots for different roles in city government. Everyone wanted to be mayor or rire chief. Since I already had a makeshift radio station in the
basement of our home, I wanted the job of news director at the local radio station. When it came time to pull a position out of the hat, my prayers were answered. When the Good Government program concluded and the other kids went home, I asked if I could spend the rest of the day at the station. They said "yes," and from then on, I spent countless hours there learning the business. On my sixteenth birthday, stauon management hired me as a staff announcer. Catholic journalism and communication are;important ministries in the Diocese of Lansing. Here are two offices that work to get the word out about Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church:
FAI1H ~ne: (517) 342-2595 Depubiwwd al Commlric:alioii {517) 342¡2475.1his officE operidesthe OUtreach Mas&: Sundays on WHT'J, l!J PN 18 at 10 am., WIAJ, ABC 53 at 6 am., and WSMH, FOX 66, at 10 am. These ministries are supported by DSA and the American Evangelization Appeal
~AITH: And H took off from there? '-.Wianis: Yes. While still in high school, I actually worked at two radio stations. I was a staff announcer for WCRX in Springfield. 1 hosted a classical music show there on Saturday mornings; in the afternoons, I did rock n' roll on the Holyoke station. As a result, I now love all kinds of music, but am panialto clas路 sica! and oldies. By the time I went to college, l had shifted careers from radio to television.
FAITH: Was your Catholicism keepIng up with your career? Harris: During my freshman year at Boston University, I went on a Cursillo weekend retreat. It was a tremendous experience. Prior to that, my faith, while certainly an importam part of my life, was often kept at anns length.The Cursillo experience helped me re-examine my life, relationships, priorities, goals, and values; ultimately, it helped put my Catholic faith on par with everything else important to me. (JFAITH: When did you get Into the news? Hanis: l wem back to Springfield after college and thought my professional life would be that of a 1V director. But 1soon found myself gravitating toward the newsroom. Eventually, I was offered and accepted -a full-time position in the newsroom, as a reporter and anchor. FAITH: How did you like that? Harris: I found that I am a reporter at hean. When a big story breaks, I am ready to run out the door. My boss some路 times has to tell me, "Stay here, Bill. We need you on the anchor desk." Because most anchors also have reponing ex-perience, their job in the studio is like that of a quarterback. Todays news anchors are more than just news readers. We are often referred to as the gate-keepers. FAITH: Tell us some of the favorite stories you have covered. tlf}t&rris: !love police reponing. l did a ~special on the Michigan State Police Emergency Services team. I followed them for several days, trained with them and even rappelled down a building. Another
time I Oew with the Thunderbirds, the precision air team. dunng a show at Wunsmith Air Force Base. It was more fun than the tides at Cedar Point. On the religious side, I have been able to cover two papal \isits, one in St. louiS in 1999, and Toromos World Youth Day in July of 2002. FAITH: How did you feel about seeIng the pope? Hanis: You can feel his charisma. You have to be in his presence to realize how closely the youth are tied to him. You can see the love for young people in his eyes and his connection with them.
During the priest scandal, I was able to follow Fr. Joe Krupp for 24 hours with the hope of givmg our viewers a better feel of who priests are and what they do They were able to sec that a priest's day is more than nine-to-five, sec what'S involved m seminary preparation, and what the Church is doing to prevent abuse from happening again. FAITH: What Is the hardest part of your job? Harris: Tragedy Its tough to report a kid路 naping, a death. We have to make ourselves handle it for the momem, and then deal with our emotions later, usually by talking it out with others. I still remember the first fatal accident I covered.
I
FAITH: When you aren't working, what do you do? Hanis: I like to do family things. In addition to our family time, jane and I jog together Its a health kick. She has run her whole life, and we enter the ten-mile Bobby Crim (a race begun by the former Michigan Speaker of the House to raise money to support Special Olympics) every year. It was at the five-mile marker years ago that she announced to me that she was pregnant \vith Chris. FAITH: Can she beat you? Harris: (laughing) Always!
FAITH: How does being a Catholic influence your work as a reporter/anchor? Harris: The ideals, goals, beliefs I have as a Catholic make me who I am, and come with the package. I don't leave that at home Does that mean I wear my Catholicism on my sleeve? No. But I believe it makes me a better person, and therefore a better reporter. FAITH: What if someone complains that for a Catholic to cover a papal visH or the sex abuse scandal, there Is a loss of objectivity? Hanis: We do get that occasionally, but to me it makes sense to have someone covering Catholic issues who is knowledgeable about the Church. My news director has both an ex-pectation and a demand that stories be balanced.
FAITH: Back to the original question. Harris: I'm also involved in the Childrens Miracle Network, American Red Cross, Buick Club of America and the Flint Symphony Orchestra. I was instrumental in bringing a televised Christmas pops concert, modeled on the Boston Pops, to this area It is now broadcast state\vide. FAITH: What does your faith mean to you? Harris: I can't imagine our li\路es without Catholicism. There would be a void. My wife, daughter, son and I are extraordinary ministers of Communion. The defining moment of everything we have talked about in this interview occurs every time my family and I are allowed to actively panicipatc in the liturgy and distribute Communion. ~
W
hile many of her classmates were soaking up the sun in exotic places, Lauren Wisniewski spent her 2004 spring break in Nashville, inside a Catholic Social Services office, helping refugees resettle in their new land. And she loved every minute of it.
Lauren, a recent University of Michigan graduate, was a coordinator and active participant in a national student service program called Alternative Spring Break, or ASB. Started in 1991 on the campus of Vanderbilt University, ASB encourages college students to spend their spring vacations in
16
FAITH Mngnzinc
active service to others. Sound like work? It is. But, according to Lauren, it's also spiritually enriching and incredibly enjoyable. "It's an awesome experience," she affirms. Lauren first became involved in ASB during her freshman year- "l read about it in my church bulletin."
church - even harder, Lauren vowed to do more to help. The next year, she signed up with the Alternative Spring Break group going to Baltimore, Md. There, in a soup kitchen, she got to see how a nonprofit organization works behind the scenes. And she was impressed - uso much planning goes into feeding lunch to 250 people each day." Lauren had the opportunity to interact with many of the guests on a one·to·one basis -"I saw people in the most difficult circumstances who still managed to hold on to their faith. That taught me there was no reason 1 shouldn't, too." After two years of observing how ASB worked in her parish, Lauren decided to take an active role in planning the 2004 trips. So she accepted the role of coordinator. "1 appreciated what had been done for me (by previous coordinators)," she says, "l just felt it was time to step up and give something back."
That year, the ASB group from St. Mary Student Parish in Ann Arbor was planning a trip to Augusta, Ga. to work for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. On the long car ride down to Augusta, everyone wondered how a group of northem college students would be received. In fact, their welcome couldn't have been warmer. As Lauren reports, 'The mayor came out to greet us and even declared a special day in the city to honor us." The St. Mary's group immediately pitched in to help the community's own residents build affordable housing for deserving families. "It amazed me that so many people got together to do something lll>lll> For more mformat1on about good for others," Alternative Spnng Breaks. contact the she says. "1 reals~ udent panshes of our d1ocese: ized from watching them that St. Mary Student Parish, service is not just 331 Thompson St. Ann Arbor. a commitment of (734) 663-0557 one week a year." St. John Student Parish, Though the M.A C. Avenue, East Lans:'" =-J. ( __ ·~ .\ 3 27 work was hard (51 7) 337-9778 -~ and the sleeping Holy Trinity Student Parish, arrangements 5 1 1 W Forest Ypsilanti. on the floor of a (734: 482-1400 local Methodist By Nancy Schertziug I Pl1olograpl1y by Cl1ristine jones
St. Marys parishioners Ash Wednesday." unfailingly supported all the Lauren and others took picASB fundraisers, including tures of the weeks activities and pancake breakfastS, bake sales, turned them into a slide show, boule and can drives, and Twhich they shared with parishshirt printing. ioners upon their return. "That The coordinator position real- was our way of saying thanks to ly kicked into high gear in St. Marys," she ell.plains. january of this year. "I had to Looking back on the 2004 organize four groups of 12 and ASB trips, Lauren seems amazed train eight site leaders," Lauren at how much she gained from notes. She decided her group the experience of being coordiwould visit the Baltimore soup nator. For one thing, speaking kitchen, a Habitat site in before the congregation and Meridian, Miss., a making countless social service agency "It was cool to see arrangements on in Cranks Creek, the phone helped how passionate Ky., and the her overcome her everybody was Nashville refugee about practicing natural shyness. resettlement assign- their faith in this Laurens leadership \nent mentioned way," remembers abilities were also earlier. Lauren. "It made enhanced by the After making sure me proud to be a e>.perience, everyone arrived Catholic~ enabling her to safely at the four supervise the site destinations, Lauren attached leaders with ease. herself to the Nashville group More importantly, her and got to work. dedication to service "Our main job was to welwas significantly come refugees from Sudan and deepened by her Bosnia to America," Lauren association with ASB. says. Some of the groups duties "Now, I love to give were lighthearted in nature, my time to others," such as taking refugee children she says simply. "I to a hands-on science museum. can't imagine not But mostly it was hard workdoing something." from staffing a distribution cenWhen asked if she ter that gave out bedding and ever regrets her decifurniture to actually helping sion to give up the families move into their first opportunity to relax in apartmentS. "Professional the sun and the sand mo,·ers don't get nearly enough on a traditional spring credit," she humorously relates. break, she rephes with Nights were again spent on an immediate, "No!" a church floor- this time, "It meant more to me ,Baptist- but spirits were to be involved with the high. "Our faith reflections communities I visited," she explains. ~ , wouldreally sustained us. One of the things we did was go as n't have done it any a group to see Tl1c Passion on other way - tan or no tan!" .J
I
I
I
'd like you to recall a time when you've lied, partiadarty
as a child. I'm sure you can remember some real whoppers. Wny did you lie? I'll bet it was done out of fear. Fear of getting in trouble, fear of not fitting in with friends or fear of not being as good as you thought you were. Fear is an insidious emotion that may cause us to justify questionable ads we probably wouldn't consider otherwise. Wnat do you fear as an adult? If you're like me, 111 predict that one of the top two is job security. In fear of job loss, many of us will do what's necessary to look out for "number one~ We don't consider ourselves bad people, but what's frightening is that often we bend the truth without even thinking about il We really believe our lies are morally justified as protecting the livelihood of our families. There are ways we distort the truth that we may not even realize. In reflecting on the Eighth Commandmen~ the Catechism of the Catholic Church lists "Offenses Against Truth" (CCC 247!t-24B7); they provide a good test to assess how truthful you are at work: • Have I conbibuted to condemning an innocent person, or failed to dear the guilty? That's false witness. • Have I jumped to a conclusion about someone? That's rash judgment. • Have I revealed someone's faults to others to make myself look better; maybe for a promotion? Thafs delradlon. • In conflicts, have I said things about a co-worker that caused others to fonn false judgments against him or her, so that more people would support me? 11lal's calumny. • Have I gone along with a boss' malicious acts, such as sexual harassment or racial slurs, just to fit in? That's flattery or adulation. • Have I flaunted a success in someone's face? That's boasting. • Have I tried to bring someone down by making fun of some aspect of his or her behavior'? That's Irony. • Have I purposely misrepresented the truth in any way, for any reason? Thafs lying.
Fear Is a lack of faHh and demonstrates a separation
from God; "Wny are you terrified, 0 you of little faith?" {Malt a 26) Wnen fear causes us to misrepresent the truth, we push God away even more; remember that, "The truth will set you free~ <.Joi'IIB-32) - nmRf'.ln
F
ive years ago, Cathy lost her husband to alcoholism. By the time he "hit bottom" and was willing to enter rehabilitation, it was too late to save him from the toll addiction had taken on his body. Cathy turned her suffering into action by becoming her parishs representative to the Bishops Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Now, she helps families at Sacred Heart Parish in Hudson by serving as a resource for those who seek help and hope. Here, Cathy reveals in her own words what it was like living with an alcoholic spouse.
1--
The hardest part was knowing he was huning himself and
being helpless to do anything about it. Recovery has to come from the addict. No mauer how much you tell them they have a problem, you can't do anything unless lt comes from them. So you feel powerless . .. helpless. My husband was a very highr functioning alcoholic. He was in constant denial that his drinking was a problem. His co-workers thought he was outgoing and funny, but I knew him to be quiet and shy. Everyone around him realized he had a problem except my husband. I knew he was slowly killing himself ... you can't Nrm :ml>er¡ 200~
18
I'AIHI Magazine
drink the way he was drinking and live for very long. But even I never realized how much he drank. I knew he drank every single day, but it turned out he had his public botr tic and, like most addicts, he had a ~ private stash . ~ 1 found lots of boules hidden around the house after his death. I was fortunate because I didn't discover a newfound faith during my husbands struggle with alcohohsm; 1 had grown up m the faith. My inner strength comes from my faith. The thing about having faith in God is that Hes there for you 24n. Hes the constant in my life, in happy times and in the worst times. Ufe is nothing but change, but the one constant is Gods love for us. Both (my husband) and I were raised as Catholics, and he was also faithful. Our prayer together was that God would give us the strength to accept His will. My advice is go get help for yourself. Go to Al-Anon. I never did this and thats a mistake 1made because I didn't take advantage of the suppon they could have given me. When you live with an alcoholic, you need to take care of you. You can't take ~ care of someone else if you don't take care of yourself. Try to get V your spouse into counseling or M , but even if you can't, go to Al-Anon and take your children, too. Get everyone around the addict on board.
By Mmybcth Hiclls I PlwtograJJlty by Tom Gcnnara
Your DSA stewardship at work Catholic Charities
I
..,_..,_ For more information on dealing with substance abuse for yourself or a loved one, contact your local AI-Anon/AA, your parish representative to the Bishop's Council on Alcohol and other Drugs, or call:
Catholic Social Services of Lenawee County,
' (517) 263-2191
I Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County, (734) 971 -9781 Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, (81 0) 232-9950 Catholic Social Services of Uvlngston County, (51 7) 545-5944 Catholic Charities of Jackson, (517) 782-2551 Catholic Social Services of Lansing, (51 7) 272路1524
~l lhe biggest mistake we made was not having an inLervenLion. If we had known what LO do and how to do it, we might have made a dilference. You need to be loving and supportive but you have to tell the addict how his or her drinking is alfecting others. lhe first year after (my husband) died was the worst year. 1 was in a deep depression. I went to work but other than that, I never left my bedroom. Slowly, I started coming out of it. Eventually, I got more involved in my parish. l started by working on the parish festival and this helped me meet more people. Then l began helping with the children$ Mass program. When 1 saw the posting for the parish rep position for I heard God callBCOAOD, I heard God calling me to take a positive step and save someone else. ing me to take a Now, I'm involved in V15ions and thats takpositive step and ing it one step funher. save someone
else. Now, I'm involved in Visions If you really love the person and and that's taking it you're willing to support them, it doesn't have to be all bad. My life with (him) one step further. had a lot of joy. But if he had been an abusive alcoholic, I would not have stayed. I wouldn't have put myself in danger even though I loved him.
~ 'God has His reasons for everything; they're not always clear to
us . .. when I fell for (my husband) I didn't know I could love someone again because I had been hun before. God put me in his life for a reason just as he was in my life to show me 1 could love again. _
A vision of sobriety . . The angry shouts coming from the library in the Diocesan Center at St. Mary's Cathedral escalate as the conflict between a father and son moves toward potential violence. It sounds like someone has a gun. A woman the wife and mother - screams to stop above: actors in what is clearly the latest battle in a long, the play, Visons ugly war. And then, "CUT\" This is Visions, a theatrical production about addiction and hope, in rehearsal for its Michigan debut at the Diocese of Lansing's Common Conference. Its stars are not thespians, but ordinary folks from across the diocese parish representatives to the Bishops Office on Alcohol and Other Drugs. The purpose of Visions is simply to share that message of hope with addicts, including the estimated 94 percent of alec路 hoi- or drug-dependent users who deceive themselves into believing they have no addiction problems. Bringing Visions to Lansing is part of the work of the Bishop's Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Director Bob LaPrad first saw the production last year in Washington, D.C. and knew it would be a blessing to audiences in the Diocese of Lansing. "The goal is to show this play at the Common Conference and then out of that, to take it to parishes and facili路 ties throughout the diocese to spread the message of God's healing grace. Our parish reps to BCOAOD serve as wonderful resources to families throughout our diocese. Performing in Visions is another way they will carry the message of hope and healing into the community. We view ourselves as 'wounded healers' because we all are recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction and we understand what the characters in the play are going through." Bob says the actors, in their role as advocates and representatives, will talk with audience members not only about when and where to perform the play in the future, but also about questions and concerns related to addiction. The "vision" is the moment when the addict turns to God and realizes the "pain and suffering were a gift that brought us to our knees~ In this moment, God is present and healing begins. It's a moment, and a vision, the Lansing troupe will portray real路 istically and respectfully, because it brought each one to God.
an ongoing series to help you !!lrengthen your marnage
how to tame the debt monster Debt is almost up there with death and taxes. We have so much because it's everywhere. and easy to obtain. Personal debt is now an integral pan of our economy and culture. Oh boy! Getting out -and staying out - of hock is an imponant function of managing. controlling and following your family financial plan. This is why knowing your family's financial anitudes, philosophies and goals - coupled with a strong budget and vision - is so vital. Most of us can't live without mongages or car loans, but we can choose the cost of our home, the age and style of our vehicles, as well as the frequency of our purchases. Credit cards are useful and convenient, but revolving debt should nOL be a gateway to overspending. If you make only minimum payments, carry large balances, or regularly use other credit cards to make payments, get help! You can get sucked into the credit card trap and find yourself seeking a bankruptcy attorney. If debt stans overwhelming you, sit down with your spouse and revisit your plan -and staning \vith a prayer might be a good ideal - John Morris
how to tum ''your'' stuff into "our" stuff
. 0
time
matters
In today's modern world, she has "her stufr• and he has "his stuff." Hers may . look like scrap-booking, flower gardening, sewing or going to an exercise class. His may look like fishing. hunting, woodworking or golf. But do the two of you have a sport, hobby or interest you share? Take time to \cam or experience something new together; maybe a craft neither of you has pursued before. A shared interest can teach you more about each other as you work LOgethe r. and the process will enhance your relationship. A shared interest is a great bonding experience. -Tom and JoAnne Fogle
Time tip: Finish those projects you have begun but haven't completed. Completing tasks reduces stress and frees up more time for the two of you\ Nm·cml>cr 200~
20
FAITH Mag;Wne
how to build a
team·maniage: 6 ways to work together and connnunicate better connecting
Being in a team-marriage presumes you arc deeply committed to each other and to your marriage. Notwithstanding your other commitments to work, raising children. caring for aging parents, keeping in shape, etc., your marriage is a foundation for life. Its your vocation, your calling from God. If your marital relationship isn't firm guess what happens? Everything else suffers. I'm not saying you shouldn't do the things you have to do. Buttry putting your marriage at the center of your life together and working everything else around it. It will bring you peace in the long run. The follO\ving arc some thoughts and questions to consider: 1 Do your Jives feel out of control? Are you doing too many things? 2 Are you communicating on a regular basis? 3 Set aside 20 minutes every day for sharing and a one-hour block every week for more in-depth conversations. 4 Make room for God. Pray together. He's the source of your unily. 5 Share decision-making. If you're over-burdened, tell your ( • partner. He or she can't read your mind. Don't blame, just share. 6 Accept that you're each unique and different Therefore, use each other's strengths to build a great marriage. -Tony Spcrcndt
how can you tell · someone the bulh without any hard feelings? hen Grams spotted a needlepoint pattern showing geese flying across the waters at sunset, she knew it was meant for my husband. Failing ey~ight and hands that were no longer steady, however, kept the fimshed product from meeting her expectations. Her presentation of the gift was hesitant, but with much persuasion we convinced Grams that it was beautiful. Was that the truth? As I look at it now, I'm surprised by the number of flaws it has. Our Catechism says, ". .. truth carries with it the joy and splendor of spiritual beauty: tccc t2SOO) Inspired by her love for her grandson the inner riches of her heart are a part of the design. Lookin~ at her handiwork evokes a memory of her laugh, a quiet joy. Her desire
r--------------------_..1 toof create a visible expression of her love was an imperfect mirror the overwhelming love of God for creation.
romance stale? how to take a fresh look your spouse Have you ever been on a walk with a twoyear-old child? Well, if you think you're going to bum off the calories from that chocolate chip cookie you ate a little while ago, forget it! If you want to rid yourself of anxious energy- that go, go, go, hurry up stuff- take notes from a toddler or try to mimic your own child - when it comes to your relation· ship, that is. Notice how children will pick up anything on their journeys: a stone, a pine cone. a twig. Handling it with exceptional care, they study it with such wonder, as if it were a rare and precious jewel. They are completely oblivious to the existence of time, never in a rush to go on to the next thing. Romance can be as simple as looking at your spouse with that same innocent wonder. It begins with a first step toward re-prioritizing. Let go of some other obligations. Then, just take your time and marvel at your hus· band or wife. When we take on the imagi· nation of a , child, its · easy to see our spouse as Gods own miracle. -Rick and ..__ _ _ _ _ _ __... Dl:tne l'clffcr
But sometimes words misrepresent the truth and undermine relationships with othet'S. How do we respond when this occurs? ,..._ Delennlne a suitable way to correc:t the person. When I first began teaching, a young woman came in during my office hours and pointed out a calculation error. I told her I would correct the mistake and said that I had not intended to "gyp" her out of the points. Her face drained of color and she quietly explained that the ~ was a derogalory one that related to her family ancesby. It meant that gypsies were liars and thieves who could not be expected to trade fairly with others. I was impressed by the way she corrected me in a straightfor. ward but caring ~· .... Encourage respect for the reputations of others. All of us have a "shadow" side, those parl'3 that, fike Peter, deny Christ A person's reputation may be threatened when others begin to pass along information about these sins or failings, sometines real, sometimes embellished as the tale gets passed along. Keeping the Eighth Commandment means we avoid judging people rashly and that we use discretion when talking about othet'S. "He who betrays a secret cannot be trusted; he will never find an intimate friend~ tsr 27:18) Even when we have not been asked to keep information confidential, ~ is impo~ tant to respect an individual's privacy when there is no valid reason to reveal a person's faub.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge 'M"Oie that, "The heart should have fed upon the 11\Jth, as inseds oo a leaf, til ~ be tinged v.ith the color, and show ils food nfNerY ... minutest fiber.' Feecing upon the truth is a ifeloog pocess, nurtured within the ~ ~of believers, begiR ling with the saaament of baplism and maturing throughout the spiritual journey.
arlier in my life, before I seriously thought about being a priest, I was trying to discern whether or not the 1 Catholic Church was the true Church. Should I stay in it? It is a good question to wrestle with, because if we want to be true to God, we should seek what is right and true. To be more united to truth is to be more united to God! One weekend I was on a camping trip with some wonderful Christians. Some of them were trying to convince me to leave the Catholic Church because they did not believe it was true to Scripture. I didn't know my faith very well and that was my first problem! If we do not know our fmth, it is easy to be misled by someone who can quote Scripture well. That Sunday, they had a Bible study of john, chapter six. In it, jesus said, "I am the bread oflife ... " I asked them what they thought that meant. No one men¡ tioned holy Communion. At the time, thank God I did believe thal]esus meant it when He said, "This is my body given for you, take and eat." When jesus said He was the bread of life, He meant it. Jesus doesn't lie! The truth was becoming clearer for me. But I had a problem. Sure, we'd read sacred Scripture and prayed, but in my hean I felt there was something missing. I had missed Mass. Here I was sitting in the forest on Sunday when I knew the lord had invited me not only to read the menu, but to share in the meal itsetn I had to get up. I really wanted to go somewhere alone nnd pray. l wanted to go to Mass, but it was too late in the afternoon. I was out in the woods miles from everywhere. I didn't know where I was nor did l have a map.
I
Novcmbcr2004
22
FAITH Magazine
But l knew jesus had pointed jesus in the Eucharist. me to the truth, and I wanted The Church was I cannot describe my joy to go and pray. I got in the car His bnde and or excitement thnt day. l and staned to drive, "Do I stay body. It was the knew jesus had seen the in the Church or continue condition l was in and means for all wanted me to see the looking elsewhere? I believe in people on the the Eucharist, but what about face of the earth truth. It was right in front all the other things thnt were to come to know of my face all the time. He being said? Which way do I wanted me to remain H1m, love H1m go, dear God?" strong in faith to His and serve Him. As I came to a fork in the teachings revealed through road, I felt a little nudge to tum, so I did. the Catholic Church. The Church was I saw something bright shining in the dis- His bride and body. It was the means tance. As I got closer, I realized it was the for all people on the fnce of the eanh to reflection of the sun ofT n metallic cross! A come to know Him, love Him and church! Maybe l could go in and pray serve Him. He told His apostles at the ~¡ there. When I stepped through the door, Last Supper to "Do this in memory of I realized a Spanish Mass had just begun. me," and that is exactly what has hapI was totally astounded. I hnd not missed pened ever since, during every Mass for Mass after all and l was able to receive nearly 2000 years!
Romans. For an exercise, read Romans: chapters 7 and 8. Make a list of the various desires and appetites that pull you to action each day. What are the little pulls of the flesh that influence your behavior and thinking? Practice dying to the flesh by denying yourself in those areas.
2. The evil spirit also is at work on us. When our minds are directed toward God, the evil spirit tries to move us the other way. For an exercise, examine the times where you have been tempted to leave the Church, to skip Mass, to stop praying, to put something other than God as first in your life, to lie to yourself and others. Jesus said the devil is the "father of lies," whereas "the household of God is the Church, which is the pillar and foundation of truth." (1 Timothy 3:1 5) If you want truth, then stay in the Church's heart. Go to the sacrament of reconciliation, which is an expression of humble trust in God. The evil spirit flees from trust, truth and humility. 3. God the Father sends us the Holy Spirit, the spirit of If you want truth, truth, to be our advocate then stay in the and guide. That is the third Church's heart. influence that acts on us. Go to the sacra- The Holy Spirit inspires us ment of reconcili- to love. The Holy Spirit ation, which is an inspires us to live virtuous expression of lives - lives that reflect humble trust in Jesus. The Holy Spirit 1. The spirit of our God. The evil inspires us to die to self, to flesh and its appetites seek spirit flees from mortify ourselves through selfish fulfillment. Mmm trust, truth and self-denial. Jesus said you look at all that food - I want humility. will know a tree by its fruit. morel Look at that beautiful The Holy Spirit will probody -I want ill Moneyduce fruit in our lives of Mlove, joy, t've got to have more, more, morel I peace, patience, goodness, generosiwant the best job, the best house, the ty, faithfulness, gentleness, self-conbest ... you name it. trol." (Gal 5:22> The Holy Spirit is like St. Paul has a great discussion of gentle rain on our souls that refreshes the spirit of the flesh in his letter to the us. If we are going the wrong way, the
For our Spiritual Fitness this month, we look at the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, and examine the â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘spirits" that influence us:
Holy Spirit will convict us - sometimes strongly - for God chastises those He loves. But love will be there alwaysl That is how you know it is God, for God is love. The evil spirit makes us feel judged, forsaken and unwanted in an attempt to bring us to despair. For an exercise, list some of the good intentions and inspirations that have been placed in your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to come and help you accept as first importance the commitments you have made to God; as second, your daily duty in whatever state of life you are in; and as third, the inspirations or good intentions in your heart that will help you love God and neighbor more. The Holy Spirit moves us to be like Jesus. Ask for the Holy Spirit. ~ Holy Spirit of truth, come to be with me. In my search for what is true, enlighten me. In my Lime of
confusion, bring me
clarity of mind. In my doubt, fill me with faith. In my despair, let me hope. In my dryness, enable me to love. Come,
Holy Spirit, come. - Fr. Bill Ashb~ugh
blac:k
catholic:
have blacks sacrificed (\~eir "blackness" for "Catholic-ness?"
I
n 1987, near the end of her system based upon wealth or fatal ~lness, the brilliant black privilege. Calholic theologian Sr. Thea From the time of slavery's Bcmman ~ the bishbeginning until its legal demise ops of the United States about during the Civil War, most black the beauty and the challenges of people experienced a general being Blaclt and Catholiccommonality; AfricanCatholic ancf Black She spoke Americans rrving in southern eloquently from her Vv'heelchair slave-states of the United about the inseparable qualities States went through essentially of religion and ethnicity that the same things - substandard made up her identity - she education, limited economic could not speak of one without opportunities, and the dehuthe other; the essence of the manization of mind, spirit and black Calholic experience in the body. United Stales. "Being black" has Today, however, there is a dif¡ ~ been about being ferent character and experience Cathor1e, and "being Calholic" of being black in America, has~ been about being which is no longer homage1 ~ black: A different challenge now neous. Black persons' lives run ~ us. In our desire for the gamut of the American - universality, have we somehow experience. What is bue is that beoome less at some level there "black?'' still exists a connecBeing black in tion among most America has pemons of African always been faithful anceslry. N. its root to the essential is the understanddynamic of being ing of oppression. Catholic. Uke the The experiences Church in its uniof being black and versality, blacks We who are black Catholic are not welcomed each and Catholic can¡ polar opposites. other on the basis not reside outside We who are black of their commonal'1- the larger black and Cathoi'JC canty. All that was community, and not reside outside needed was a just "settle" for the larger black mindset consistent being black. community, and with the notion of Neither can any of just "settle" for eventual victory us just "settle" for being black. over oppression, being Catholic. Neither can atrf of easily recognizable us just "setlle" for to any people whose identities, being Catholic. Issues such as existence and histories were health care and its access, edushaped by othem. A people cation and its availabirlty, jobs (~ historical memory was and their worthiness cannot_\faken away through the experiand should not - be removed ence of slavery was in no posifrom discussion in the Catholic tion, initially, to denigrate its own community. The new question population by way of any caste is this, "Have black Catholics
I
l
I
sacrificed their 'blackness' in return for 'Cathorte-ness?'" Currently, there is a form of Catholicism that comprises an upwardly middle-class ethos, a way of being in the world that is based mostly on surface sentiments of rituals and behaviors, which may skip entirely the essential notion of being Catholic. However, an experience with our faith should change us somehow, re-form and re-image us. What we do becomes the by-product of who we are. If our "blackness" has not encountered this notion of conversion, then we too have become lost amidst a sea of nouveau privilege. Clearly, a disconnection exists beMreen the vision of the Gospel mandate for the poor and the "acquirement menta&ty" of the American Dream. Previously, when one was black and Catholic in America, the
divisions were not so sharp. Now, the issues of lilerac.y, health care, economic opportunities, housing and others must be prominent on our radar, lest the seamless gannent of identity about which Sr. Thea spoke be ripped away, and what was once a coat of matrt colors becomes tattered rags, in need of repair and refiUing. In The Invisible Man, author Ralph Blison wrote about being invisible and over1ooked as a black man in the United States. Today, black Catholics, &ke all Catholics, face the same slruggle - can our experiences and activities make a difference in the world? Can we remind ourselves, our country, our Church and our children of the importance of being both Bladz ancl Cadtolic? -Ron Landfair is dircc1or of 1he DiOCC!il' of Ulnsing Offitt of Bbck Gnhulic Minisuy
community
things to do Protecting God's Children Program awareness sessions
are being held at 6:30p.m.Nov. 3 at Sl Joseph Parish, Howell; Nov. 4 at Sl John Parish, Davison and Sl Joseph Parish, Adrian; Nov. 8 at Sl Casinir, Lansing; Nov. 10 at Lumen Christi High School, Jackson and Sl John the Baptist Parish, Ypsilanti. Bishop Mengeling will celebrate Mass at the Annual Family Day for Persons with disAbilities on Sunday, Nov. 7 at St. Mary Cathedral. Families are invited to the noon Mass, followed by a luncheon in Madonna Hall in the Diocesan Center. To make reservations, contact Joann Davis at (517) 342-2497 or at jdavis@dioceseoflansing.org. VIctorious Missionaries Day of Renewal for persons with
chronic illness and disAbilities win be held Saturday, Dec. 18 at St. Pius X Parish Center in Flint The day of renE!'Nal and Christmas party begins at 2:00 p.m. For more infonnation, call Jean Haines at (81 0) 7321068 or the Ministry with Persons with disAbilities office at (51 7) 342-2500. caught between culture and my faith: what do I do now? is a regional forum for
pastoral leadership being held Jan. 3-5, 2005 at Weber's Inn, Ann Arbor. The conference includes workshops led by Fr. Matt Fedewa of the Diocese of Lansing and by Fr. Anthony Gittins, Sr. Donna Markham, Fr. Kenneth Schmidt, Ms. Sharon Froom and Fr. Stephen Dudek. The registration fee of $260 includes the workshops, daily continental breakfast and lunch, and dinner on Monday and Wednesday. Contact the Office of Continuing Education and Formation, 28 700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, Ohio 44092·2584 for more information. The Eastem Michigan UniversHy Alumni
CmholicAdult Formabon &: Educalion
November Cafe events
Association has authorized the formation of the first-ever chapter for a faith-based organization. Holy lHnHy catholic Student Parish
invites all Catholic alumni of During the 2004-2005 EMU to become charter school year; the Theology of members of this chapter. the Body Seminar wil be Contact Gloria at (734) 482held at St. John Student Parish, 1400 or gloria@htspemu.org. Lansing. Player and discussion will begin Sundays at 3 p.m., fol- Christ the KJng Parish, lowed by Mass at 5 p.m. Bring Flint, celebrates its 75th snacks EV1d a beverage. For ftr- anniversary with a dinnerther information, contact facilla- dance on Saturday, Nov. 20 tors Fr: Matt Fedewa at . . I and an anniversary Mass on mfedewa@dioceseoftansing.org Sunday, Nov. 21 . For more 1 or Fr: Jerry Vincke at jvirde@ 1 info1T11ation, contact the parish dioceseoflansinorg. at (81 0) 233-0402. Nm·cmber 2004
26
rAlTH Magazine
The catholic Lawyers Guild of the Diocese of
Lansing is holding its fifteenth annual retreat, Cursillo, A
Sl1ort Course on Running dte Good Race on Saturday, Nov. 1 3 at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. The day begins at 9 a.m. and ends after dinner at 6 p.m. Call Paul Brandenburg at (51 7) 377-1568. SS. Charles & Helena Parish, Clio, will hold a
parish mission Nov.28Dec. 1. Speakers are Fathers Dennis Koopman, OFM and Donald Blaeser, OFM. The mission theme is Awal:ening Our Faitl1 in Cl1allenging Times. For more information, call the parish at (81 0) 686-9861. The 2oth Annual Holiday Craft Show is taking place on
Saturday, Nov. 6 at Sl Patrick Churt:h, Ann Arbor. uold St. Pat's" will host over 30 differ· ent cmfters, and there will be a continuous raffle of handiwork The cafe will serve a light breakfast and lunch buffet For more infolll1ation, contact Arlene Klecker at (734) 6639272. A Healing Mass and Healing Service wil be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Westphalia on Nov. 7, 2004, at 7:30p.m. Fr. J.R. Nadnagy, O.F.M., will be the celebrant All are invited. Please call the parish office at (989) 587-4201 for more information. The two Ann Arbor locations of Borders Books are hosting SL Frands Benefit Days Nov. 5-7. Tell the cashier you want your receipt to go toward the Sl Francis of Assisi School fund-raiser,
november ra•dlngs Monday, Nov. 1 Feast of All Saints Rev 7:2-4,9-14 Ps 24: 1-4ab,5-6 1 John 3:1-3 Matt 5:1-12a TUesday, Nov. 2 Tire Connncrnoralion of All tire faltliful Dq'llrlcd (All Souls) Wis 3:1·9 Ps 23:1-6 Rom 5:5-11 John 11:17-27 or 1011-1016 Sunday, Nov. 7 Tllirty-Sccond Sunday In Ordinary Tirnc 2 Mace 7:1-2,9·14 Ps 17:1 ,5·6,8, 15 2 Thess 2:16-3:5 Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27,34-38 Sunday, Nov. 14 Tlrlrty-Titlrd Sunday In Ordinary Tirnc Mal3:19·21a Ps 98:5-9 2 Thess 3:7·1 2 Luke 21:5-19 Sunday, Nov. 21 Fcusl of Our Lord jesus Christ !lac King 2 Sam 5 :1·3 Pa 122:1·5 Co11 : 12-20 Luke 23:35·43 Thursday, Nov. 25 Catherine of Alcxm1drla, V/rgl11 a ~~cf Tlaa11hsgiving Day Dbscrvccl (US) Sir 50:22·24 Ps 138:1·5 1 Cor 1:3·9 Luke 17:1 H9 Sunday, November 28 f irst Sunday of Ac/vc/11 lsa2:1·5 Ps 122:1· 2,4·9 Rom 13:1 H4a Matt 24.37-44
and Borders will donate a percentage of your total purchase to the school. Correction: In Octobers pror.Je of Sr. Marlene Taylor, the Servants of the Lamb of God were incorrectly credited with 'ifounding the rArche Communities. LArche was instituted by jean Vanier. FAITH regrets the error.
questions o ask yourself before you vote
E
lection day is November 2 and Catholics everywhere have a moral obligation to participate actively by working to advance the moral fiber and common good. The Michigan Catholic Conference has prepared guidelines to facilitate good decision-making at the polls and promote thoughtful, prepared voting:
How do I vote on the Issue of human life?
II+- The Catholic Church is steadfast in her belief that all human beings are sacred and ust be respected and protected - from the time of conception to the time of natural death. Considering this, it is dishonest to claim opposition to abonion and yet suppan the procedure as public policy. Catholic social teaching also opposes capir tal punishment, seeking instead a consequence for criminals that is linked to the doctrine of mercy while protecting society. Euthanasia, while motivated by a desire to eliminate suffering, is still the killing of an innocent human being, and must be rejected. Human stem cell research has shown great promise in alleviating illness, but only adult stem cell research is acceptable, and is the only research shown to be wonhwhile. Adult stem cells are retrieved \vith no harm to the donor, but embryonic stem cell harvesting requires the destruction of the embryo. This process lacks any respect for basic human dignity, and should be abhorred. Before voting, ask yourself: • Where does the candidate stand on abortion? Where does the candidate stand on capital punishment? • Where does the candidate stand on euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research?
What about education and health care? ....... A fundamental right of human decency
Where does the candidate stand on religious freedom?
and dignity is the right to an education. True reform removes barriers that prevent the state from living up to its moral obligation to ensure all children receive a quality education, and all families have the ability to make the choice they feel provides the best opportunity for their children. • Where does the candidate stand on the rights of parents to choose the educalional setting for their children and the stale's obligation to provide the means to exercise that right? Equitable, accessible and ethical health care is an essential safeguard of human life. Health care is a human right, and must be promoted and supponed by the cooperative effons of the public and private sectors. • Where does the candidate stand on extending quality heahh-care benefits as a right to all people?
....., Freedom of religion is a primary and inalienable right of the human person, and it is guaranteed in the Constitution. Health-care providers can and should be allowed to provide health care without being forced to compromise their consciences and the practice of their religion. They should not be coerced into providing services that undermine the dignity of the human person. • Where does the candidate stand on defending religious freedom by protecting a right of conscience for institutional and individual health care providers?
Economic justice and fiscal issues?
11+- An mdicator of the moral strength of a community is the assistance it provides its citizens who are the most needy. Economic justice, social responsibility, human dignity and concern for the common good must be considered when policy-makers come to the table. • Does the candidate support preserving and promoting programs that lend the most support to the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society? • How does the candidate address issues of globalization and solidarity with those who are left behind?
Will my vote protect children and families?
....... Children are among the most vulnerable members of the human family. As society enacts policies to help children, it should ensure those policies support the family structure which nurtures children. • Does the candidate support marriage as being between one man and one woman? • Where does the candidate stand on creating incentives for adoption? All of these are major moral issues about which voters need to reflect carefully and thoughtfully, discerning who will best promote policies for the common good. For the full text of the Michigan Catholic Conference guidelines, visit the Web at www.micatholicconference.org
or call (517) 372·931 0.
who do ~ou know who's left the Church? Welcome Home Sunday is Dec. S
W
e all know someone who has left the Church - it may be a child, a brother, a sister, a parent or a friend. Isn't there something we can do - aren't we supposed to evangelize? But what does evangelization mean? A lot of Catholics aren't used to hearing about 1t, and may be less accustomed to doing it. However, it was one of the principal results of the VOICES process in our diocese, and is so important that Bishop Mengeling created a new Office of Evangelization, headed by Peter Ries, the former director of catechesis and adult education. The new office also encompasses the RCJA (the process by which adults are welcomed into the Catholic Church) and adult faith formation. According to Pete, "evangelization is the most fundamental activity of the Church." It is rooted in the famous mandate at the end of Matthews Gospel, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Meet Pete Rles ... Pete Ries' hobby is fishIng. His job Is being a "fisher of people." Pete is the director of the Diocese of Lansing's new Office of Evangelization, established by the bishop this summer. To anyone who has clone catechesis in the diocese, Pete's face is familiar (and his office "organiza-
1 lion" is legendary). He has been ' the director of the catechetical formation and adult education for the past 16 years, and was employed as a supervisor of forN<wrml•rr 200~
28
mation for nine years prior to that in the Archdiocese of Detroit Pete has an MAin Religious Education from the University of Detroit-Mercy and studied graduate-level theology for two yeBffi at St Anthony Seminary in Marathon, Wis. He has three children, six grandchildren and says that since he's had gmndchildren, his greatest joy is
FAITH Magazine
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." fd . Man 2!1: 19·20) We are all committed to this - to sharing the Good News with those we meet. Pete$ job is to help parish leaders equip parishioners to do so through education, information and access to resources. Although evangelization does imply reaching out to those who have never heard the Gospel, or who heard it as children but were never catechized, there are people closer to home who are also yearning to hear Gods word in their lives. They are inactive Catholics, members of the body of Christ who have drifted away, or left for a specific reason. Pete emphasizes that those reasons are as varied as people themselves. Some may have made a deliberate decision, while others suddenly realize they've gotten out of the habit of attending Mass, and months or years have passed. One of Pete$ first acts in his new job was to work with FAITH magazine to find a way to invite our brothers and sisters home. Welcome Home Sunday ts being held December 5 in the churches of the Diocese of Lansing. Parishioners will be asked to invite someone they know, who is no longer active in the Church, to come to Mass with them that day. There will be hospitahty and information provided for those who visit, and follow-up opportunities for reconnecting to the Church. Pete says it is important that parishes not see this as a one-time-only event; we should always be ready to take the opportunity to respond when returning Catholics arc ready, and should host an event like Welcome Home Sunday at least once a year. The day after the election, there will be billboards, radio and television spots, and newspaper ads inviting lapsed Catholics to come to Mass. Parishioners are asked to accompany those they invite and to make all visitors welcome. "We arc not sending people back to church," Pete notes, "we arc bringing them." watching little children change and grow. He delights in seeing them foon· ing relation-
ships with other people and the world around them. His stint as a part-time parish director of ROIA transfonned Pete's understanding of catech-
esis in a dynamic 'Wf!o/· Journeying those who were entering the Church helped him see faith for-
~
malion as a lived process, rather than a program. This model has influenced Pete's approach to religious education here in the diocese. He was instrumental in developing a well-respected catechist fonnation progmm, which prepares those who share the faith ~ the chtldren of our parishes. Pete Ries says he cannot remember a boring day in ministry - "~ has a tremendous amount of variely and is incredi· bly life-giving~ For the Diocese of Lansing, the same can be said of Pete himself.
emembering the 'great hunger'' in Ireland
Sacred Heart School celebrates
75yearsof education
,..,.. The An Gorta Mor Memorial, a tribute to those who perished in Ireland's potato famine, was dedicated at St Joseph Shrine in the Irish Hills on Sunday, Sept 19. Following the annual Mass commemorating the famine that drove many people from Ireland, Bishop James Munay of Kalamazoo blessed the ten-foot tall monument For the past nine years, Patrick Maguire, the president of the Michigan Ancient Order of Hibernians, worked with his wife to get this memorial buil They had seen similar structures in Buffalo and Olean, NY, and wanted to facilitate something similar in the area of southeastern Michigan named for its resemblance to Irish immigranls' homeland. The "great hunger," or an gorta mor, occurred in the 1800s when a blight rotted virtually all the potatoes in Ireland. Without their staple crop, an estimated one million people died, and another two million fled the country.
SL Thomas Parish, Ann Arbor dedicates its renovated building ,. Bishop Mengeling celebrated Mass and blessed the newly-renovated offices and educational facilities at St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct 2. An open house, reception and building tours followed. The building, which formerly housed Fr. Gabriel Richard High School, and was Sl Thomas High School until1977, now comprises the parish offices, meeting rooms, and updated facilities for the elementary school and the Little Saints pre-school program. Parishioners pledged nearly $5 million to pay for the extensive renovations through the Growing Together...Building in Faith campaign.
A Fishing Ministry ,..,. Summer, 2004 was a fun time for families who might not otherwise be able to take vacations, thanks to Holy Family Ministries, Ann Arbor. At-risk families, primarily from New York City, enjoyed a week camping and participating in activities, including the campers' favorite the fishing ministry. The fishing ministry is run by Fr. Tom elfrich, one of the program founders, and Karen Stein. ere were a record number of catches this year, according to Stein, "both fish from the lake and souls longing for the Word~ Interested volunteers can visit the organization's website at www.stfraneis2.comlholyfamilyeampl.
,..,. On October 1 5, 1929, Sacred Heart School opened in Hudson, Mich., as a "place where faith and knowledge meet." For 75 years, the school has lived up to its motto, and celebrated its anniversary on Sept. 1 1 and 1 2. On Saturday evening, parishioners attended a performance of Late Nite Catecllism, a popular comedy, and on Sunday, Bishop Mengeling concelebrated Mass with Fr. Paul Ruddy and Fr. Richard Eberle. A school tour and slide show followed. A number of alumni attended the festivities, including Agnes Gutting Boies, a member of the first graduating class of 1 933.
Former Miss America brings "pure style" to Brighton .,..,.. Kaye Lani Rae Rafko, the former Miss America, was the celebrity host of the fashion show, Pure Style, held Sept. 25 at the Crystal Gardens in Brighton. The show was presented by the On Fl RE abstinence team at Pregnancy Helpline and was partially funded by St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Brighton. The 600 available tickets were sold out, and over 400 people had to be tumed away. The day included a fashion show; Kaye Lani Rae Rafko speaking on modesty, purity and faith; brunch and a performance by girl band Divine 1 :3. Kaye Lani urged girls to think before they buy clothes. She wants them to think, "If I meet Jesus Christ face to face, is this what I want Him to be looking at?."
Genesee/Owosso Mission "Continues the Journey" ,... The Genesee/Owosso region held its mission, Continuing the Joumey, Sept. 20-22 at the Whiting Auditorium in Flint. Guest speakers included FAITH Magazine's Fr. Joe Krupp, Fr. Dan Trapp from the Archdiocese of Detroit, and Bud Welch, who spoke movingly about the loss of his daughter in the Oklahoma City bombing. On Thursday evening, Bishop Mengeling cancel¡ ebrated Mass with priests from the region.
Pope donates $100,000 toward
does truth exist, or is it all relative?
relief efforts in
last
word
I flOod-stricken Haiti
!;"~ Through the Vatican's charity ann, Cor Unum, the pope eannarked $1 00,000 to help Caritas Haiti purchase drinking water, food and medicine after the string of powerful tropical storms and hurricanes that recently hit the Caribbean. The pope's gift was announced by the Vatican Sept. 2 7 after Cmitas lntemationalis launched a major appeal for funding relief efforts in Haiti. -carol Gla1:, CNS
7th Heaven star calls divorce the ''heartbreak of the nation"
r
..,. It's good that Americans can see a solid, functioning family on the WB series 7dt Heaven, said Catherine Hicks, the Catholic actress who plays Annie Camden, the mother of seven on the series. It plays in sharp contrast to the prevalence of divorce in the Un~ed States. "It's breaking the heart of the nation," said Hicks. 7tlt Heaven doesn't exactly mirror present-day family life, according to Hicks. "I think married couples argue more than the Camdens," she said. On a personal level, she added, "I'm a working mom and I love my one child," as opposed to stay-at-home Annie, who's raised seven kids. - Mark l'anlson, CNS
Forget cooking; priest uses vegetable oil as car fuel â&#x20AC;˘~ What's silver, goes 70 mph and smells like a Fry Daddy in Lent? It could be Father Tom Alber's car. Just as gas prices started going through the roof, Father Alber accepted a new assignment requiring extensive travel. Covering for sick or vacationing priests and celebrating Spanish-language Masses in far-flung parishes meant he was driving, on average, about 200 miles each weekend. The cost and his own curiosity led him to investigate affordable alternative fuels. Before long, he was looking into the renewable resource technology offered by the diesel engine, reconfigured to run on vegetable oil. For fuel, he was given 2 50 gallons of vegetable oil from Father Joe Hoi after a parish fish fry. With the additional tanks in the trunk, he still would have had enough fuel left to fry some chicken and hush puppies. - Mark Saucier, CNS f'il<n'('ll'l!ft¡lOM
[
30
FAITH Maga:inc
S
tanding before Ponlius Alate during his "trial," Jesus declared, "... I came into lhe worid for this -to bear witness to the truth; and all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice!' "Truth?" retorted Alate, "what is b\rth?" Thereupon he handed Jesus over to be aucified. Pontius Pilate was going to do what he had already decided and wouldn't allow something as bothersome as truth to inconvenience him. Having cfiSillissed truth, ~was ea&J for him to dismiss and execute Jesus. This queslion of truth is as fresh and relevant today as ~was back then. Is ~ not evident that truth, in our day, continues to be aucified.? We rid ourselves of tndh's Inconvenience by relativizlng il We say, "It all depends," but don~ ask, "Depends on ...mat?" It's like the declaration, "The truth is that buth does not exist" If you think this is absurd, you are rigl't If there is no truth, vktj should we accept this statement as true? Yet some professors in our country's universities teach that sentiment, calling ~ "post1110demism~ No 'Mlnder we're all in such a muddlel We find the same idea expressed more simply in Mark Twain's The Adventures ofHucldebeny Finn. Huck says,~ ... (lhe WdON Douglas) got out her book and leamed me about Moses and lhe Bult~ ... but 1:7:1 and 1:7:1 she let~ out that Moses had been considerable long time; so then I ddn't care no more about him, because I don~ take no stock in dead people~ Wrrj then, we might ask, do we study history? Evidently few of us do -look at the mess we're inl Most of us go through a stage in our lives, usually when we're young, in which we tell ourselves that nothing is real, and nothing is bue, unless we experience it Who among us has not lesled a "wet paint" sign 1:7:1 touching the recently painted surface? We all, at one time or another, hold to the sentimental delusion that we determine reaity, which causes us to &ve isolated existences, so that we are lonely in a cro'tNded world. Do two apples plus two apples equal four apples, or do they not? Is there an external ~ ity to which my mind must subm~ and accept, or is there nothing out there lJlless I experience ~ ? If truth exists, then I must live and ad and speak accordingly. If I do not, then vktf should anyone be my friend or kMI me? It's time for us to crawl out of our own self-constructed isolation booths and get into contact with nDty and lhe real persons who &ve in it - Fr. Cl1llltes 1M!
We remember those who have gone before us, marked with the sign of faith:
\
(f
jtm Abel joseph Carl Alvarado Atmee Antes Hedy Sarost-Arnett Marcus Neil Bartlett Robert H. Bengal Davtd Benzie Rreda Best .even Bterstetel AI Btlhngs Gary L Blanchard Sara jane Blanchard Mr. j erry Boes Mr. &: Mrs. Leo Boes Delbert Bohr jane Bradford james Michael Bremer Vtrgmia Marie Karle Blumke Breshn john Buckley, jr. Leo M. Burkel, Sr. Louise Rose Burkel Anna Burleson Charles Burleson Thelma Bryan Burton Vtctor Herron Burton Nancy &: Tom Cannon Dr. W W Capron Mr. &: Mrs. Rex CarlelU Donald F. Carney Maureen Carson Corinne Ruth Chapman Wm. Hugh Chapman leo (Wtlderl Cheek Juan Cisneros Sefenno Ctsneros Thomas A. Coens Herman Couvier
julie Bryant Coy Charles Edward Cranson Charles Stanley Cranson Culkm &: Manm Famthes Clarence D'Hondt Margaret Mary Daly Lawrence j. Daily j ohn A. Darling Peter Decker Doris &: Charles Dtehl Dtck Donohue Alvm L. Drake joyce Ann Drouillard Stephen Dunjak Carolme E. Dunmng joseph F. Dunsh Todd Duve Enn Ecklund Bill H Edmonds Robert Emerson Sharon Emmerth Neomta Enghsh Mr. &:. Mrs. Anthony Fiordahst jack Gallagher john Gafner Roman Garbek Matthew joseph Gardner jim Garvey Merwin &: Ehzabeth Geraghty Henry A. Goodman Robert M. Grider Becky Grimes Ben Grimes Mtchael &: Pauhne Groshek Ruth Stmms Hamtlton Marcus A. Hanlon james H. Harahan Denms Harrell jim Hock Jeffery A. Hoffman Thomas M. Horsch Pat Howland Agnes & Neil lmus james Keith jackson
joseph E. Jaster Sophie Jaster Rosejoo Sarah Michelle jones jane Kane Robert Kane William Kane Florence Keppel john Kertesz john Keyes Carl Koenigsknecht Kenneth Koenigsknecht Laura Koenigsknecht Raymond Konrad Frances KreJctk Ehzabeth T. KnstoiT Waltor Lance Dale E. Lewts Sheryl D1anne Lewts G1lbeno P. Lopez Rtchard Lopez 11 jack Lothamer john Lothamer Mana V. Lozano jesse J. lozano Peter lukeuch Deacon Mtchael lynch Myna MacDonald Thomas H. McCann james P. McGutre john Uack) McKenna Raymond H. Mapes Stanley Mendygral Brownlee Miracle Rosemane Mtsiewtcz Edith M. Moqum Alice Ntese Ted Ntese Donald O'Bnen Vtrgmta O'Connor Thomas O'Toole Deborah (Miracle) Ohs Eileen V. ONetl john L Parks
Vaughn G. Peakt! Patricia Peterson Bradley V Pohl Gordon Poupore jim Pung Pedro Qmtantlla james Francts Qumn june E. Re\¡iue john Rmenour Nancy Rmenour Da\'ld E. Rivett Andrew C. Roberts Rachel M. Scott Raymond j. Setdel Leon Wtlham Shelskt Mary Stmko Charles (Ed) Stmpson Rebecca C. Sinclatr Rose Spadafore james L. Sponsler Harold D. Stiles, jr. Vema Stocker Re\'. Msgr. Davtd Stotenbur Thomas j oseph Sulhvan Marvm E. Taylor William C. Taylor Dewmn j oseph Vallte, Sr. Elton Van Wasshnova jerry Vatter Francis Vatter Dorothy Varterasian Frances Weadley Dr. Earl B. Weeks Crystal Weber Howard E. Whtsler Sylvester A. Wtdeman j ames Dean Willts Anna Wtrkus jack D. Wmman Robert Wood j oan Ztpple Please remeber these souls in your prayers.
See page 28 for more information on how you can be a part of this effort to welcome back those who are no longer regularly attending Mass. Parish participation may vary,
• .faitti 300W
Ott~w~
l.:lnsing. Ml 48933 Online:
On TV:
- .OioceseofLanslng.org - .FAITHmag.com The Outreach Mass: Sundays flint: FOX 66 10 Lm. Lan1lng: WHTV, UPN 18 10 a.m. WLAJ, ABC 53 at 6 a.m.
On Radio: M..1,11 • .m. on WJIM 1240 AM