World
War II
Veteran
Dick Thelen
counting our blessings in
from the ed"dor
the face of
difficulty
J
ust a few days ago our nation took an entire day to pause and count its blessings. At least, thats what I hope we did. 1 hope there were moments of thankfulness mixed in among the turkt:Yt dressing, mashed potatoes, family and football. As we make our way from the rain and winds of autumn toward the dark and cold of winter, this time of year urges us to pause and reflect on the year of grace drawing to its dose, in order to search out the many blessings that were present each day. llmow in my own life I am deeply grateful to God for the gift of my family and friends. I oy to be thankful for the gift of health, but 1can and should try harder in that area. As a priest and pastor, 1am grateful beyond words for the mystery of the sacramental priesthood in which 1 share. 1can say that- and mean it- even in the midst of a year tainted by scandal, sadness and disappointtnent in an institution that I am still growing to understand and live. like all pastors, I hope, l am profoundly grateful for the blessings that are made visible in the people of the parish community I have the privilege of shepherding. Although we do not live perfectly the reality of parish •••• ••••• ••••• ••••• • life, we try each day to use the many gifts given to us by Perhaps one way to God in ways that, hopefully, please God. Each day is dif- respond to the challenges ferent from the one which preceded, and those yet to of an unknown 2003 is to come hold blessings unlmown and unimagined. And, of dedicate ourselves more course, I am blessed and thankful to be a pan of the lit- deeply to a growing awaretie enterprise you are currently reading. ness of God's blessings in As we look forward to the Year of Our Lord, our everyday lives. 2003, it is with some uncertainty. On fronts politi• ••••••••••••••• cal, economic, and ecclesiastical, there are many unanswered questions. Yet the blessings of the year that is passing into history should remind us that there will be untold blessings yet to be revealed. In the face of uncenainty, God is cenainly at work. Perhaps one way to respond to the challenges of an unlmown 2003 is to dedicate ourselves more deeply to a growing awareness of Gods blessings in our everyday lives. Lansing's Dick Thelen has many reasons to be thankful. A sailor during World War 11, Dick found himself aboard the USS Indianapolis in july of 1945. The sinking of the Indianapolis by a japanese submarine would be one of the worst naval disasters in United States history. As a survivor of tremendous tragedy, Dick has become keenly aware of the blessings that have been pan of his life in the ensuing years and has dedicated himself to being a blessing for others because of his experience. Susan Cununins and the small community of conseaated viigins who call our diocese home each seek to live out the blessin~ of their daily lives as women who are mystically espoused to Ouist. Theirs is a beautiful but little-known state in life that seeks to offer quiet service in the name of their beloved, Ouist. Their growing conununity is a source of blessing for all A place like Boysville (now lmown as Holy Cross Childrens Services) is a constant fount of blessings for the large number of young people and their families who benefit from Boysvilles untiring efforts to meet the needs of troubled kids. Bro. Francis Boylan, CSC, and his co-workers labor unceasingly to brtng blessings out of some of the most difficult situations imaginable. December is here. Once again we make our journey through the quiet of Advent toward the glory of Christmas. Thankfully, our journey in FAITii continues. - Fr. Dwight &op 1s Editor In Chic£ or FAITH Mapzlnc and pastor or the: Catholic Community or S1. jude, DeWitt
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ADV£t1T
•
CIIIIISTMAS
•
2002
contents
From the Bishop: Why is Advent so important? Bishop Mengeling says that to prepare for the coming of Jesus is a happy choice. It's a choice of life over death, optimism over pessimism, victory over defeat and light over darkness. 1 0
Susan's Unique Marriage: Susan to Jesus in a unique way consecrated life. 18 The Brothers of Boysville: Since 1948, the Holy Cross Brothers have housed and educated troubled youth. 20
In the know with Fr. Joe Fr. Joe: Why do Catholics have so many devotions and prayers? My Protestant friends say faith should be more simple. Fr. Joe Knipp 6
-'{ ~ £ .. -~ ~ ~ (.', ·~·1\ •: .""
chose to dedicate herself totally
.
~ 1' \
.,
The Journey ent resources are abundant; ch devotion can be adapted to suit your family's needs. Dr. Cathleen McGreal 16 Work Life Can prayer really make your life at work better? Find out four ways to reduce stress and conflict at work with prayer.
llm Ryan
19
Spiritual Fitness This Advent, discover how you can be open and prepared for Jesus' birth by the example of His mother - the Virgin Mary. Fr. Bfll Ashbaugh 22
Cover
WWII Veteran Dick Thelen remembers the four days he was stranded at sea after nhe sinking of the
U!SS Indianapolis.
.,.
.
A Guide: Learn how to pray the new "mysteries of light" and find out about the history and symbolism of the rosary. 23 Culture: Find out how to make a truly special Christmas gift - a rosary made from the scent of
heaven - roses.
>
24
faith Most Reverend Carl F Mengeling PUaiiiHER
Rev Charles lrvm POUNDING EDITOR
VcMume 3 : lnue 1 0 o.a.ller2002
Rev Dwight Ezop EDITOR lA CHIP'
tell us what you think
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E·mall us at leHers@faHhmag.com Or, send your leHers to: Editor, FAITH Magazine 300 W. Ottawa, Lansing, Ml48933
Patrick M O'Brien MANAGING EDITOII/CRUnvE DIAitCTOR
Kathy Funk ASSISTANr EDITOR
Alton Pelowski
CREATME a EDITOIIIAL ASSISTANT
Wli:BMMMR
jillanejob SUBSCRIPT10NS/SECRQARY
Evelyn Weitzel SUaScRIPnONS
Tara Shively GRAPHIC DUIGN INTERN
Rev William Ashbaugh Elizabeth johnson Rev. joseph Krupp Patricia Majher Cathleen McGreal Erin Oakley Most Rev Kenneth J Povish Tim Ryan Carolyn Smith Rita Thiron CONrAIBunHG WRITERS
Margaret Perrone PROOf'lti!ADING
Christine jones james Luning (cover) Philip Shippen
• ln the midst of what seems to be constant turmoil and violence in our global world, a great story of family, love and faith is delivered to the front door of our home. We read and reflect in awe and admiration of the Malwneys of East Lansing (FAITH Magazine, October 2002) and their courage, love, and ethics (both work and moral). TI1anh you for a great story that truly slwres the meaning to life, commitment, love, and dedication and reminds us that we do not have to go very far to meet heroes like the Mahoneys.
Dear Bishop Carl, Bravo and ' ongratula· lions to you, the editor and talented staff of FAITHI Heartfelt thanhs for sendmg tl1e copy of your FAITH diocesan magazine. From cover to cover it was news): mspirational and well paced. Ifyou have about 180 copies left please send them ... so that 1can share them with our priests and seminarians. Fraternally yours in Chnst, Most Rev. Norbert
Dorsey,C.P.
Erich and Ann M•rt• Jensen wHh
Bishop of
Aaron, Ruth, Abby, Kevin and Kurt
Orlando
why do webave eucharistic adoration?
strance upon the altar - is meant to draw us more closely into the mystery of the Eucharist, to enhance our participation in the Mass, and to make more meaning· ful our frequent reception of Communion. Eucharistic adoration may take place in the context of a
... I would lihe you to stop sendmg the FAITH Magazine to my l1ome. It is heartbn~ahing to receive such a lullewann in faith , wishy-washy periodical tlwt bears the name of our Catholic Diocese of l..nnsing. We wlw strive to remain true to our Roman Catholic faith are g1ieved that FAITH Magazine has given no stmng moral direction for Catholic voters in regards to voting only for those candidates who would support stmngly only those laws upholding tlte sanctity of a tiny llllman unbom baby. Your November issue was a travesty in regards to you being a strong ~ sourre of guidance as how we must vote in good Omstian conscience. ...
t.
Chrlstlne"-lMtr
CONrAIBunNG PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wayne Case David Fenech Rev Matthew Fedewa Patricia Garcia Diane Nowak Margaret Perrone james Rhadigan Ricardo Rodrigue:z David Rosenberg Rev. james Swiat Peter Wagner Sharon Wimple ADVISORY MaUD
Rev. Cecilio Reyna WEBMINisnn'
Paulette Burgess ,~
Rogers Printing PRINTING
teacher in seminary used to say, "Spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament - you looking at the Lord, and the Lord looking at you~ Adoration of the Eucharist outside the celebration of
briefse~
over an extended period of time. Adoration may also be a quiet "visit" to the place where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, whether inside tabernacle, invites us into reflective prayer. We canre~inthe
ice outside :~~~~~~lll:lllli••'F~ presence of the of Mass (someLord and reflect times referred to as on the Lord's presence wit "Benediction," which really in us and in the Eucharist we means the blessing which prepare to receive at Mass. concludes such a service) or - Fr. Dwight Ezop
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ind daily changing features, Catholic news briefs and exclusive Web video of Diocese of Lansing events on FAITHmag.com. Stay in touch with what's happening in our Church and the world. Make FAITHmag.com your homepage. Explore your faith on FAJTHmag.com
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ey Teens: Answer this month's quiz only on FAJTHteen.com: You and your best friend and haven't tal<ed in a whie and you're wondering ~sup so you: A Avoid your friend because you don,knowwhattosay B Talk to mutual friends to see whafswnmg c Write a letter to your friend D Call or stop by just to let your friend know you sliD care Find the results of this personality quiz plus Scripture reflections, cumnt teen issues, teen events and, of course, something from Fr. Joe. Subscribe to FAlTHteen, the monthly e-mail magazine for teens from FAITH - itS fun, free and faith-filled. Sec current and past issues only on FAITHteen.com
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FAITHhelps is an online learning companion to each issue or FAITH filled with discussion questions, a lesson and an activity for your family, Bible study group or classroom. Its free and arrives ach month via e-mml. Coming soon will be our special series on e sacraments. Don't miss out - sign up today. Call (517) 3422595 or log onto FAlTHmag.com to sign up and get past issues. Or, sign up by e-mail at.ijob@dioceseoflansing.org
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ow cld a fourth-centwy Sicilian martyr become the centerpiece of a Scandinavian holiday tradition? St. Lucy, who is often associated with pretty Swedish girls wearing candle-Iii wreaths on their heads, never set foot in Sweden, but her name means "light," and her Dec. 13 feast comes at a time of year when the short, dark days of winter begin to gain more light St. Lucy fived in Syracuse, Sicily, Because pictures of St. lucy during the reign of the emperor often show her holding a Diocletian, who was known for his persecution of Christians. Lucy was a dish with two eyes on it, young virgin who had dedicated her she became the patron saint life to Chrisl When her mother arranged for her to marry a pagan or the blind and those with man, Lucy protested that she belonged only to Christ. To help win vision problems. her mother to her side, Lucy prayed CDCDII:XX:x::JtJCJ at the tomb of St. Agatha (another Christian virgin) that her mother be cured of an illness she had suffered for a long time. Her mother was miraculously healed, and agreed not to marry off her daughter. Unfortunately, tile rejected suitor took revenge by tellng 8Uiborttles that Lucy was a Christian. The governor of Syracuse sent guards to capture Lucy and further instructed them to send her to a house of prostitu~ lion. However, God made Lucy's body as heavy as a rock and the guards were unable to move her. Next, she was sentenced to be burned, bul the flames did not harm her. Then, her eyes were put out but God restored them. Finally, Lucy died when a sword was put tlvough her throat Stortes of Lucy's courage under persecution wete very popular In
the ..tv Chun:h, and references to her are found in Roman sacra· mentaries as early as 400 A.D. Even as far away as Great Britain, two churchas were named in her honor before the eighth century. Because pictures of St. Lucy often show her holding a dish with two eyes on it, she became the patron saint of the blind and those with vision problems. The meaning of her name also relates to her inter· cession for those who cannot see, taking them from darkness to light. As Lucy's story traveled northward, Christian people may have decided to adopt her in place of a pagan light goddess. In Sweden and Norway, St. Lucy is honored as the •queen of light" who leads the way for the sun to bring back longer days. The evergreen wreath set with four white candles worn by the oldest daughter in Swedish fami· lies on her feast day may have bean the precursor to the Advent wreath, which had its origins in northern Europe. A thousand yeara ago, King Canute of Sweden declared that the Christmas season ahould last from the feast of St Lucy on Dec. 13 until the feast of St. Canute on Jan. 13. In some Scandinavian countries, as well as in parts of Sicily, Venice, and southern Croatia, it is even St. Lucy who brings holiday presents to children, rather than St. Nicholas or Father Christmas. - Elizabeth Johnson
The Holy Innocents MJrtyos Dec 28
h:ost of :he Holy
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ly of Jesus Joscp" ond '!Jry Dec 29
SL Sylvester I Pope Dec 31
because of all our devotions, some say our faith is too complicated? Dear Fr. joe: Why do we pray to saints and have devotions? My non-Catholic friends say faith shouldn't be so complicated.
P
.............. .
raying to saints is an important pan of our Catholic tradition. A lot of people misunderstand why we pray to saints and it actually is not that hard to explain. l will take it step by step with Scripture references attached to explain why we pray to saints. Now, the Scripture reference may be for a quote, or for an idea. Check it out for yourselves and see if this helps: First, we believe that some of those who die arc in heaven (I john 3 2. I Conmhi~ns 13 I 2
)
in the know with Fr. Joe
WELL ... Merry Christmas to all! God is good. So, there 1 was sitting in the confessional when a man came running in. He said: "Forgive me, Father, for~ I have sinned. I stole . , r this turkey to feed my family. Would you take it and settle my guilt?" "No, that's not the answer," I replied. "Why don't you return it to the one you stole it from?" "I tried," he said, "but he refused. Oh, Father, what should I do?" "Well, if you arc telling the truth, then it is all right for you to keep it for your family." The man thanked me and left. When confession was over, I went back into the rectory. Walking into the kitchen, I found that someone had stolen our turkey. Yikcs. That one had to hurt a little. For your Christmas present, I won't send in a joke like that again. Well, maybe I will ... In this issue, we arc looking in a special way at saints and devotions.
some are in purgatory (II M~c~~bc:cs 12 46, 1 Corinthians 3 15. ll'ttcr I 7), and some arc in hell o John 3·14-15). Of those, there are some whom we are SURE are in heaven. We look at their lives, their love for God and neigh- ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• bor, and the fact that praying who are dead in Christ are puts it, we are "taken up into Ma=lxcs 12 45. Ephcst3ns 4 1-6) to them results in what jesus It is proper for us to ask really alive. ll'hiltppt~ns 3 21. 1 His body." (I Connthians 6 13-15, 19-20, Colosst~ns 2.12, 3·1) calls "good fruit." (M~tthcw 25:31 , Connthbns ~ ~ HI They are in those who have been raised I Connthio.ns 15.26-27 Ep~ 4 16) Since we are united with heaven praising and worand are united with Jesus to If someone is in heaven , shiping God. ~ Christ through our baptism, pray for us. We who are alive and they are perfectly united we are also united with those Literally, for those who ~ with jesus. Like the apostle believe in the resurrection of worship Jesus are also united who have died and are in Paul, we believe that those heaven with the Lord. <II the dead, asking someone with Him, or as Scripture
!l(:vclations 22 4),
I what is your favorite prayer? The tradition of prayer throughout our Churchs history has been instrumental in helping us grow closer to jesus and in helping our faith to take shape. Is there a prayer that you find panicularly helpful or beautiful? How does it focus your attention on or help you to understand the mysteries of God? Here is what novices from the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor had to say:
"Memonra - 'Do whatever He tela
you: Her powerful intercession is no doubt atal~ Sr.lncamata
who has died to pray for us is like asking our neighbor to pray for us - but even better. Why? Because people in heaven understand God and H1s plan for us in a way we will not until we are raised up with Christ jesus. They can take our prayers and refine them and make them more in accord with what jesus wants. In terms of devotions then, we have stylized ways of praying to the saints. A format is always helpful in that regard, isn't it? So, the next time you are needing God's guidance on something or in need of lp, ask your friends to 1 ray for you. The friends you can see and the friends you cannot.
"Hands down: the Rosery! Not always exciting bul it stands up over time. I just love spending time with Mary and her Son~ Sr. Maria frassati
"The '0 Sacred Banquet' prayer by St. Thomas Aquinas. This prayer focuses us on the Eucharist
and prepares us for the Divine Office~ Sr. Mary ]acintiJ
Catholics to express our faith ardy of hell. That is devotion~ in jesus. However, like all alism and it is a bad thing. However, completely good things, it sometimes gets neglecting devotions is bad taken to an extreme. It's like country music in that regard. also, right? We need the ••••••••••••••••• intercessions of I guess a Like the aposde Paul, the saints or couple songs a year on the we believe that those God would not radio can be who are dead in Christ have offered them to us. acceptable, but are really alive. They entire radio So, let's make stations dediare in heaven praising sure we find n ylSm" is a tricky cated to it? and worshiping God. the meeting concept. For some That is a sin of ••••••••••••••••• place in the people, praying to saints is SOME kind, I'm sure. middle and pray as we their definition of "devotionSeriously, though, some· should. alism.MAnd, for others, not Enjoy another day in Gods times, there are people who praying 15 different kinds of take their devotions too far presence! ±' devotions a day is negligence. and neglect all other areas of •••••••••••••••••••• So, where is the answer? Send your Questions to: spirituality and prayer. Folks St. Thomas Aquinas would may get to the point where. "In the Know with Fr. Joe" say that it is m the middle. they teach that if you don't FAITH Magazine Devotions are a perfectly 300 W. Oltaw., Lansing, Ml 48933 pray their specific kinds of valid and powerful way for devotions, you are in jeop· Or: JoelnBiack@prtest.com
Dear Fr. joe: What is devotionalism? My priest said it is a bad thing, but some of my fellow parishioners disagree. What's the truth here?
A ..............
FAillftaq 11 1 frea and fun monthly e-mail magazine from FAITH for l11n1. Sign up on FAITHIMn.com
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FAITH
Maga:in~
what is the difference between liturgy and devotions?
why-do we need both? ---"PVENT
~·----•
CHRISTMAS
•
2002
all Her power flows~ (G.mtltulk>n
in secret." 1SC •12. cf Mt 6.6). em the Samd Utu~gY. #10). Sometimes, together or alone, we may engage in devotions. The Mass Is our best· united with Christ its Head Devotions are external pracknown liturgy. There are also as it praises and worships the liturgical rites for sacraments, tices that are attached to parFather, under the guidance of funerals, blessings, and ticular titles for jesus or Mary, the Holy Spirit. Together, we saints, times, pilgrimage sites, Communion outside Mass. places, insignia, medals or celebrate the paschal mystery The Uturgy of the Hours is of Christs passion, death, res- the Churchs official prayer of CUStoms (Diltctmy "" P;>pular Piety dllll urrection, and glorious ascen- praise and petition whereby rM Utu~gY, zoo1J. They, too, help sion and our panicipation m we consecrate the day to God. us enrich our relationship it. This is so imponant that we with the Trinity, Mary, or need a whole liturgical year to ray to our Father In the saints. explore this in all its facets. secret: Our spiritual Many devotions grew out of The Second Vatican Council life is not limited to panicipa· the time when the Mass was in reminded us that the liturgy is tiOn in the liturgy. We arc latin, Communion was infrethe ~summit toward which the called to pray with one quent, and architecture kept activity of the church is direct- another, but we arc also the people far removed from ed and the fount from which called to "pray to our Father the altar. The faithful (often Rurgy Is the offidal, public prayer of the Church - the Body of Christ
uneducated) invented simple prayers and practices to occupy themselves during liturgy Other devotions developed m panicular regions, first servmg as powerful tools in evangelization, then lingering to sustain the faith of the people. Our most famous devotions include the rosary (sec page 23) , Stations of the Cross, and prayers m honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St. joseph. Novenas are prayers that arc recited nine times or over nine days. This practice mimics the disciples' nine days of prayer between the Ascension and ( :
thneline: the history of devotions I ed ("Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me ;~ "jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom~). Early Churdi • Not all prayer was public worshtp. I • 60 Didache directs people to pray the Lord's Prayer three times per day. • 215 Apostolic Tradition I records a variety of devotional praatices including prayers at the various hours of the day and the sign of the cr--. New Cult of manyrs develops, • Synagogue and home mod- veniratlon of Mary. els of prayer are adapted; other cultural praatices Chrtstianized. • "All things should begin I and end with a thanksgiving." n Cor 10131) • liWoc:atlonll of Jesus repeat-
-....rnem
I
I
•
4th~
Psalter. (stc: page: 23)
• Emergence of religious orders; they compile prayers and devotions for their members. • Eucharistic adoration to compensate for less frequent tlon of the cross. • Ulurgk:alfamlles develop; reception of Communion. norms estabhshed for worship • Devotions to Mary and the 5th-8th c:enturles saints; pilgrimages to the Holy Land and tombs of • Monutlc communities arise; develop various penimartyrs; veneration of relics tential practices for personal, • Prayers for octaves (eight), novenas (nine), months (30) spintual growth. • Gregory VII (590-604) develop which are marginal establishes unity of Christian to the liturgical year. • Popular piety integrated worship firmly rooted in into the liturgy. Easter, other elements of paschal mystery commemo- 13th-15th centuries • "Book of Hours" rated; memorials of saints pnnted in Latin and expanded. 7th-12th centuries the vernacular; used • Development of the by the wealthy and rosery as a substitute for the well-educated.
• Greater sense of sacred ume and places. • Pilgrimages mcrease histonciz.atton of the passton and death of Christ; venera•
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Pentecost. There arc novenas to the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Hean, Divine Mercy, Our Uldy or Guadalupe, and others.
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the night with a sick relative. 2 They develop a lively sense of the communion of the saints. Often litanies use per· sonal titles to help the person associate with the saint, e.g., "Mary, model of Mothers~ 3 They establish a strong Catholic identity and allow a local church to express itself within its surrounding culture. From scholar Carl Dehne. SJ: 4 Since they have few rubrics, they help cultivate 1 Devotions are characterthe emotions and deep spiriized by their simplicity. They tuality of the believer. are often easily memorized 5 They have a definite and repeated. This can be rhythm of prayer and conespecially helpful when one is versation, often with small lone or up in the middle of stops and starts.
6 Wrth movement, singing, incense and other elements, they often (like the Liturgy) involve the whole body in prayer. When used properly, devotions can be a great complement to the Churchs liturgy, though they should never be merged with it nor substituted ror it. They "should be so fashioned that they hannonize with the liturgical season, accord with the sacred liturgy. are in some way derived from it and lead the people to lt, since, in fact, the liturgy by its very nature rar surpasses any of them" (CSL D).
• •Repelllon of ~lm verses several times a day 2,606 verses "' 150 psalms; alternative to a fast. day. • 1342 - Franciscans take
use of pious exercises; prayer manuals. • Pious exercises imposed within the liturgy; often characterized by a detachment from saared Sctipture or from the centrality of paschal mystery of Otrisl. • Single aspeot of the paschal myster.y or sacred time emphasized (e.g. devotion to the Sacred Heart. of jesus or ~First Friday"). • 1800s saw a ......, to
top6 reasons for devotions
over crustody of Holy Land shrines; encourage
devotions to these places; series of shrines become commonplace in Europe, "Stations
Protestantism, liturglaal and sacramental questions were answered from a doctrinal perspective. • Reforms of the nturglcal
books (1568-1614.) impose strict unifonnity and a return to "the ancient norms .,...._Milli8i of the Fathers."
of the Cross"
develop. • DevoUo modem• - medita-
tive and affective pious exercises, such as ~rtie Imitation
of Christ," become popular; ~ess attention given to the P.dlommunitarlan, ecclesial, and litu!_'gical aspects of prayer. Council of :n.nt • ln reaction to the spread of
18th-20th oenturtea
• Uturgy enters a static period, while popular piety enters a period of developmen~ • Rise of c:onfrllternltles -
devoted to the mysteries of the Passion or the life of Mary; usually focused on penance, formation of laity, and works of charity • "Popular missions" spread
Rita Thiron, associate director of the Office of Worship, completes her series on the sacraments with this special look at devotions and liturgy.
e
of devotional booklets. • Miracles and apparitions;
devotions at Marian sanctuaries and centers of pilgrimage; some eventually assumed into the liturgy. • Plus·X emphasius the su~· of liturgy over popular devotions; strives to make liturgy more accessible ~II
• Restored the liturgy to the ideals of the early Fathers and a renewed appreciation of and removed many Mpopular all the baptized as·the people exercises" from the liturgy. of God. The aim of the renew- • Restored the emPhasis on al and refonn o~ the liturgy the WOI'Cij the sac:raments, and the puc:hal mystery was pastoral in nature. • lnc:raaed production of of Christ. I~ song as well as pop- • Recognized the validity of ular. hymns; bilingual missals popular exercises, but su15orcoind de with a proliferation dinated them to the liturgy.
BlbQCil inCI·palrlstlc studies
.....
I
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from the bishop
ADVENT
isten to the late Peggy lees velvet voice singing somberly over and over: ~Is that aU there is?" Advent is an emphatic "no" to such pessimism. Advent is a joyful "yes" to the human person who is "one vast need" seeking the fu1lness promised by jesus: "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." A 605 hit puts us into dreamy nostalgia: ~Those were the days. my friend! We thought they'd never end!" dvem saves us from living n the past. Our past becomes part of the present looking to the future. Advent reveals the whole panorama or our lives - past, present and future. Another song hit gives a vital clue: "The partys over." Advent proclaims to believers just the opposite - it's not over, ended or kaput. No, the unceasing advent of God's love in jesus tenderly invites us never to lose heart, throw in the towel or quit. Our great teacher, St. Paul, is a target for the Church at Philippi and us as he tells how he ran the race: "lt is not that I have reached it yet, or have finished my course; but I am racing to grasp the prize since I have been grasped by Christ jesus. I do not think of myself as having cached the finish line. I give o thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. My entire attention
•
C:HRISTMAI
is on the Hnish line as I run toward the prize to which God ca11s me - life on high in Jesus Christ. All who are spiritually mature must have this attitude." <rnilippians 3:12· 15) Two millennia later, the Vicar of Christ guided us into the third millennium with a message of hope in the future. He concluded his letter by centering our hope in the Risen Christ: Let us go forward in ltopel A new millennium is opening before tlte Churclt like a vast ocean upon wlliclt we sltall venture, relying on the ltelp
•
2002
of tlu: same Spirit who was poured out at Pentecost and who impels us still today to start out anew, sustained by dte ltope 'whiclt does not
were the most exciting time. Our parents instilled in us an association of aU the anticipation of Christmas with aU that is GOOD. It was disappoint.' (Romans S:S) easy to shift from "goodies" To enter Advent and to GOODNESS. We could prepare for the coming of hardly wait for St. Nicholas on Dec. 5, a preview of jesus, the light of the world in our lives, is a happy Christmas. Before bedtime choice. Its a choice for life on that day we put our shoes and death, optimism over on the rear steps. The next pessimism, victory over morning they were fi1led death and light over darkwith treats - we knew ness. For believers, the dark- Santa Claus was a saint! est days of the year during Our "counting the days" Advent and the coming win- became more excited ter solstice relate us to jesus as we heard about the of Cltrist. The Son of God, who triumphs over darkness. "Weihnachtsman," the wlto became incarnate two The birth of Jesus is celebrat· man of the Holy Night. He thousand years ago out of ed at the solstice when light brought gifts in the name of love for humanity, is at worll and darkness are split even the Christ-child. The amici· even today: we need discern· and light begins its triumph pation continued to the day ing eyes to see dlis and, over darkness. before Christmas when we above all, a generous heart Advent begins another year went to bed on Christmas to become the instruments of of grace in which the Church Eve. There were no signs of His work. Did we not cclefollows again in the steps of Christmas. During that night, brate the jubilee Year in Mom and Dad decorated the Christ and each of us enters order to refresh our contact more into the life of sons and tree. At the crack of dawn, with dtis living source of our daughters of God. The past, we rushed to the living room hope? Now, tlte Cltrist whom present and future come and were greeted by the tree together in the three advents in aU its glory. we ltavc contemplated and loved bids us to set out once or comings of Christ. The Advent is, of course, much more on our journey: 'Go Church remembers and ccle- more - especially as we enter therefore and make disciples bratcs the first coming and into the daily rhythm of the of all nations, baptizing the entire life of jesus which Advent liturgies. How beautidtem in tl1e name of tltc continues for us in the ongo- ful and lasting our human Fatl1er, and of the Son and of ing second coming of jesus gifts become as we are transtlte Holy Spirit.' (Maul1cw 28:19) in the sacraments, word and formed by the divine gift or Tl1e missionary mandate the life of the family of God. jesus. Advent is a blessed accompanies us into tlte Both prepare us for His third beginning, drawing us from the "already~ to the "not yet." Third Millennium and urges and final coming in glory to us to share dte cntftUsiasm claim His Kingdom forever. It is a season of HOPE. jJ of the very first Christians: When I was a child in the - lllosl Rev. C~rl F. Mcngdlng Is 1hc we can count on the power 1930s, Advent and Christmas fourth bishop of l:lnslng.
Find W.b video excerpta of Bishop Mengellng's homilies end pn111 conferences only on FAITHm.g.CDm
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"1 prayed to
God every day, asking Him to help us get out of this. I was despondent because other men were dying."
On july 30, 1945, star:titlg at 12:14 a.m., a japanese.. submarine twice torped&a=the Indianapolis in the Philippine Sea, midway between Guam and Leyte Gulf. The ship sank in less than 12 minutes. Of the 1,196 men aboard, some 300 died instandy. About 900 men were left floating in sharkinfested waters with no lifeboats, food or water. Some didn't even have life jackets. They were able to retrieve those from a canvas bag tied to a turret floating at sea. Dick Thelen is among the survivors.
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As a kid attending Holy Cross School in Lansing, Dick loved being around water. He had a passion for swimming, and in his teens he became a member of the swim team at Lansing Technical High School. That school no longer exists, but Dick still has fond memories of childhood aquatic work· outs. So it's not surprising that he enlisted in the Navy at 17. rather than wait for the Army to draft him. He just ltad to be ncar the water. While his love of water left him with fond childhood memories., thoughts of the ordeal he faced following the sinking of USS Indianapolis haunted him for years.
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"I spent Sunday night to Friday morning in a kapok life jacket That's roughly 104 hours (4.25 days). 1 had lost consciousness and had salt·water ulcers on my legs and the back of my neck," says Dick. During those days, Dick recalls thinking about his family and trying to keep himself and other men alive. "I prayed to God every day, asking Him to help us get out of this. 1 was despondent because other men were dying. With the heat and the lack of food and water, I was becoming less coherent But I didn't forget to pray to God," Dick says. Finally, a bomber pilot on routine antisubmarine patrol discovered the men in the water and radioed his base at Pcleiu, a small island in the Philippines. Later, a seaplane and a ship, the USS Cecil Doyle, rescued the survivors. Only 317 men were ,J,J still alive. At first Dick was taken to Peleiu. Later ht: lYaSlrllf.ferred to the USS ~rmnqtrilfty;irtroSpital ship in Guam wn ended to the sick and ~~J He didn't return home to until October, several weeks after the war ended on Aug. 15. Once home, Dick would think about the horrors following the destruction of the Indianapolis. His were private thoughts, never shared with family, friends or anyone else. In fact, he wouldn't articulate what happened after the ship sank for 13 long yearsnot even to his wife, JoAnn, whom he married in 1951. Dtck would ponder the gruesome shark attacks, which today he says were the worst part of his days in the water. He would mull over the hunger, the thirst, the hallucinations, the sheer agony of his desperate shipmates. There were the ones who swallowed ( salt water because they were thirsty. Dick says, "If you gulp salt water on an
a
empty stomach, you have only three or four hours to live." There were the ones who became delirious. "Thinking the ship was still there, some of them removed their life jackets and said they were going below deck to get a drink of water," Dick recalls. There was the Roman Catholic priest, a chaplain aboard ship, who swam from one man to another, asking if they were Catholic, and administering Last Rites to those requesting them. According to Dick, Fr. Thomas Conway died of exhaustion. In his quiet agony, Dick would wonder why no one missed his ship after it went down. And how many lives could have been saved by a quicker rescue? "If we had been picked up on Tuesday - as we should have - a lot of men would not have died. The remaining three days took a lot of them from • "''"'a,:.uulL, sharks, overexposure, and "he says. How long could Dick maintain his silence before these horrible events broke his spirit? In a b:Jay..2.QQQ..acco.unt by the Lansing State ]etrmal, hiS"Wifl joAnn explained: "He got j3 letrer·in 1956 from a man who was "''J\tigg_a book on the Indianapolis, askirlg-for information. He threw it away, but I fished it out of the wastebasket. When the book (Abandon Ship) came out in 1958, I was reading it and would ask him if certain things were true. He would usually answer, 'Yes' or 'As far as I know."' In time, Dick started to open up about the incident. In 1960 he and joAnn became involved in a reunion committee for survivors. The first meeting included the ships captain, Charles Butler McVay, Ill, who was court-martialed the same year the ship went down. According to Dick, ''McVay was not guilty. It was a railroad deal from Day One. The ship - nk july 30 and the trial was Dec. 3, 945. Lawyers told me there was no way they could put the case together in
The captain of the Indianapolis, Charles Butler McVay lll, was court-martialed the same year the ship went down. According to Dick, "McVay was not guilty."
that brief period of time. (Cmdr. Mochitsura Hashimoto), who ordered the attacks on our ship, even testified on McVays behalf to help him out." According to published reports, McVays defense counsel was given notice of the charges against him only a few days before the trial. These included failure to issue timely orders to abandon ship (though the Navy knew the torpedo attacks knocked out the ship's electrical system), and failure to zigzag m good visibility, thereby haphazarding the ship. Hashimoto testified that he would have been able to sink the ship, whether it had been zigzag-
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ging-0'1'"1Wt. mattered. McVay was·found uilty of haphazarding. lt~s one issue to neglect the survivors•tor so long before they were rescued; it was still another to convict the ship's captain. All survivors united behind the captain to get him exonerated. Along with others, Dick and his wife went to Washington, D.C. twice to speak before the U.S. Congress. "1 was there when they put the bill (to exonerate McVay) in the hopper," Dick says. On Nov. 24, 1999, Mochitsura Hashimoto, the submarine commander who ordered the destruction of the Indianapolis, wrote a letter to Sen. john W Warner, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The letter said, in pan: "Our peoples have forgiven each other for that terrible war and its consequences. Perhaps it is time your peoples (sic) forgave Captain McVay for the humiliation of his unjust conviction."
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Dtarnbtr 2002
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FAITH M~gozine
3 tips fora ..tual
In October 2000, Presidem Bill Clinton signed the legislation that cleared McVay. Sadly, tl was 32 years too late. McVay committed suicide in 1968. Survivors have met in Indianapolis every five years since 1960. After McVay took his own life, his son addressed the reunion of the survivors. According to Dick, ~His son said that every Christmas - and often throughout the rest of the year- McVay would get 300 to 400 letters from relatives of deceased sailors that said, in effect, 'If it were not for you, my husband or my son would be alive today.' His son said that really got to him. His father told him, 'I should have gone down with the ship."' Since the stan of his personal narration of events in 1958, life became easier for Dick Thelen. He and JoAnn became the proud parents of six children. "For years, we took the kids to the lake every weekend and I taught them how to swim," Dick recalls. They are Mike, Larry, David, Barbara, Cathy, and Karen, ranging in age from 31 to 50. Sadly, Dick lost JoAnn to cancer on Jan. 27, 2002, after 50 years of marliage. But Dick has kept busy. He enjoys fishing. traveling, playing cards, and doing charitable work. He is active in Holy Cross Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He - delivers new cars for a Lansing auto dealer on a parttime basis. A retired truck driver after 44 years, he has never lost his love for driving. And, of course, Dick tells his World War 11 story to kids in schools, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, even the Michigan Senate. ''I'm not doing it to brag about what I went through. I'm doing it so kids and others today will know what war is all about. I tell kids that I was 14 when World War 11 started, about the same age you arc. Since 9- 11, we've been in a different war, and you could be in it. "You know, I always promised God that if I get out of this situation in the water, I \viii never stop helping people. I know I've kept that promise." ~)
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the largest lay organization in the Catholic Church. It has been praised by popes and presidents for support of the Church, evangelize· tion, education, civic involvement and aid to those in need. To find out more, contact your local parish or log onto the Knights of Columbus Web site: www.kofe.org
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t Francis de Sales compared love to a spiritual fire, a fire that bursts into flames becoming devotion. The imagery of fire and flame seems especially powerful as we make the transition from fall to winter, as the winter solstice brings the longest night of the year. Advent devotions can warm a family as long as we take care when we build the firel 1 " - Be sure you need a campfire!' When writer David Geer writes a step-by-step guide for campers, he begins at the begin· ninglls a campfire what you are looking for? Maybe your family just needs to cuddle under a wann quiltl We can't practice every Advent devotion that sounds appealing; we must make a choice. Think of your time as a precious commodity and ask God to help you decide how to use this treasure I 2 Use dead wood, not llv· lng branches. Make sure to respect the time your famUy spends on the ordinary - the day·to·day activities that bring quiet contentment. These are the evergreen parts of your family life. Trying to start a spiritual fire with green wood just leads to Advent resources are abundant; a lot of smoke, choking, and each devotion can be adapted unhappy family to suit your familys needs. members I 3 Choose the amount of wood thoughtfully. Camping at Sleeping Bear Dunes on the shore of lake Michigan is one of my family's favorite activities. As we sit around the fire pit, watching the flames flicker, there is a decision point - should we throw on another log? Advent activities need the same kind of conscious thought Are children a part of this devotion? How old are they? What family traditions are we greeted with joy? It may be that your family wants to allow time to Msit by the embers" together instead of fueling flames in their wild dance. Certain resources are needed for a good campfire experience: kindling, matches, marshmallows and chocolate for S'moresl Advent resources are abundant as wetl; each devotion can be adapted to suit your family's needs. Anthony de Mello, a Jesuit priest from India, told the story of a seeker coming before a wise elder. The seeker, after years of prayer and meditation, longed to do more. The wise elder stretched hands toward the sky and , from each finger came a torch of flame, M Why not be turned in{ fire?" This Advent, may your family's love for God burst into flamesl - Dr. Cathleen McGreal is a proressor or psychology at Michigan State University and a ccnlficd spiritual director.
Consecrated Virgin: You've probably never heard of this special vocation. What does it mean? For Susan Cummins and several other women in the Diocese of Lansing it means a joyful life of service and chastity.
A simple gold band - inscribed "beloved" is the only outward sign of Susan Cummins' special calling. Is she a married woman? Yes, but not in the sense you'd think. This petite brunette with a warm, wide smile is mystically espoused to Christ. Susan Cummins of Ann Arbor is one of several women in the Diocese of Lansing who have forsaken family life to become a Consecrated Virgin Living in the World. Never heard of this vocation? You're not
By Patricia Majher I Photograpl1y by Christine jones
alone. Though the practice of consecrating virgins has its roots in the early Church predating the monastic movement and the Profession of Vows of Religious - it fell out of favor during the Middle Ages. It took a monumental gathering like Vatican II to suggest the rite be restored, and another 30 years after that before it was fully integrated into diocesan life. Many cradle Catholics still aren't familiar with the calling. â&#x20AC;˘
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finally, on June 24, 2002, all the years of praying for guidance and contemplating her true calling came to an
Like nuns, consecrated virgins dedicate themselves to a life of service and chastity. They must also profess that they've lived a chaste life before their consecration, and intend to maintain that commitment throughout their lives. And they choose to live at-large in the communities they serve, with no affiliation to any religious order. Sound like a hard and lonely life? Not at all, says Susan, her eyes shining: "I love my life, and want people to know how much joy I find in it every day." Interestingly, Susan wasn't even raised a Catholic. But her strong religious beliefs led her, at the age of 21, to join a charis· matic renewal group. "That's when l met other single men and women who'd dedicated their lives to Christ," she explains. Though ecumenical in nature, the group was inspired by Catholic teachings and gave the young woman her first exposure to the Churchs 'states of life': laypersons, consecrated persons such as brothers and sisters, and the clergy. ~~ was also drawn to the Eucharist, and Gods presence there," she added Within a year, Susan had convened to Cathohcism and made a conscious decision, in her words, "to Jive single for the lord." During the 1970s, Susan earned a bachelor's degree in
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Spanish and anthropology and, later, a master's in Spanish. {)); With her diplomas in hand, she spent the next two decades living and working in charismatic covenant commumties throughout the world, especially in latm America. "l served in Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala," she noted, "facilitating retreats and training youth workers." Her spare ume was spent deepening her faith and developing her devotion to the only man m her life: Jesus Christ. In the early 1990s, she returned to the U.S. and made a private vow of lifelong celibacy at the suggestion of her spiritual director. "He was the first person to talk to me about the vocauon of consecrated virginity," she said. During this penod of her life, Susan also considered taking vows to become a nun. "Every time I'd visit a monastery, I'd feel drawn to it." But those who knew her best advised her otherwise. ~Every priest I talked to said l had a calling to be a contemplative 'in the world,"' she says, And, while many religious orders are actively involved in outreach through teaching, nursing, social work, and the like, she felt that none would permit her the freedom she desired. •the life of a Consecrated Virgin Living in the World appealed to me most," Susan said, "because I could continue to interact with my charismatic community, while serving the Church and Her people in a way that was most comfonable for me." In 1995, a friend from her community encouraged Susan to accompany several of Lansing's consecrated virgins as they traveled to a conference in Rome celebrating the 25t ' anniversary of the restoration of the rite. That gathenng drew women from around the world and marked a turning point for Susan: "I knew then what God wanted me to do." ln the years that followed, she actively prepared for her vocation by participating in the dioceses growing group of consecrated virgins and by witnessing the founding of the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV), an organization for women who either have received or are considering consecration. "What an exciting time that was," she remembers. ~we sponsored the first nauonal retreat of the USACV in lansing." Susan also petitioned Bishop Carl Mengehng to be considered for the rite. Finally, on June 24, 2002, all the years of praying for guidance and contemplating her true calling came to an end Susan was formally consecrated to Christ, joined with Him in a spiritual marriage at St. Mary Cathedral in lansing. During the rite, the bishop presented Susan with the outward sign of this blessed union: "Receive the ring that marks you as a bride of Christ. Keep unstained your fidelity to your Bridegroom, that you may one day be admitted to the wedding feast of everlasting joy: ~ Then, a second gift passed from his hands to hers: uReceive the book of the liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the Church; may the praise of our heavenly Father be always on your lips; pray ~'\ without ceasing for the salvation of the whole world." U Her response, in song, was pure poetry: "I am espoused to Him whom the angels serve; sun and moon stand in
CHR I STMAS
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end - Susan was fonnally consecrated to Christ. joined with Him In a spiritual marriage at St. Mary CaUtedralln Lansing.
~onder at His glory." (To read the complete Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in the World, sec Faith's Web site at www.faithmag.com.) Because she lived a kind of consecrated life even before her consecration, you might wonder what has changed for Susan since that momentous summer day. Her simple answer? «I feel blessed ... fulfilled ... privileged." Thats not to say she doesn't also feel the challenges of her calling. "Theres beauty and wonder in this life,~ explained Susan, "but also a personal responsibility to support yourself financially, to make your own way." Additionally, consecrated virgins must find their own ways to serve. Susan naturally gravitated toward working \vtth youth. Bes1des her experience in latin America, she spent several years teaching at St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn. With that background, she recently accepted a senior staff position with University Christian Outreach at the University of Michigan. On a palish level, she volunteers as a lector and Eucharistic minister at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. And, privately, she engages in a rigorous prayer life that includes daily Mass, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, and participating in Eucharistic adoration. Shes also working on a second masters degree - in theology, with an emphasis on spirituality - at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. For support, Susan draws on a number of sources, including her spiritual director and Bishop Mengeling. "We are so blessed f(liR have him in Lansing," she explains. «He really understands \V'\e vocation and appreciates it." Then theres the dioceses other consecrated virgins. "We get together regularly," Susan smd, ~ for food , fellowship, and prayer." But nothing compares to the comfort she draws from her Bndegroom. She shares everything with Him - her joys and sorrows, her pain and pleasure - and believes in Him with all her heart. "I am my beloveds," she says simply, quoting from the Song of Songs, "and my beloved is mine." .:.l}
Consecrated Life:
"It is a source of joy and hope to witness in our time a new flowering of the ancient Order of Virgins, known in Christian communities ever since apostolic times. Consecrated by the diocesan bishop, these women acquire a particular link with the Church, which they are committed to serve while remaining in the world. Either alone or in association with others, they constitute a special eschatological image of the Heavenly Bride and of the life to come, when the Church will at last fully live Her love for Christ the Bridegroom~ - Pope: john Paul II From Vila Consccrara ... If you're interested in more information about the vocation of Consecrated Virgins Uving in the World, please contact Sr. Carla Moeggenborg, OP, of the diocese's Office of cation Services at (51 7) 342-2506 or oegg@dioceseoflansing.org. Or visit the Web site of the ited States Association of Consecrated Virgins located at www.catholic-forum.com/usacv
4war.s
to make prayer nnpact your work
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hat is the cause of stress in our jobs? For me, as I think back over my work life, it was things like conflicts with coworkers, unreasonable deadlines, fear of being laid off, or just plain dislike for what I was doing. On the surface, all of these appear to be fairly unique situations. One common element, however, was the feeling I wasn't in control. It seemed the harder I tried to control these situations, the more stressful they became. Then, one moming before I left for work, I flipped the page on my daily inspirational calendar and a simple phrase hit me like a brick: "Our goal is not to try harder, but to trust more~ It occurred to me that much of the stress in my daily work life was caused by my own arrogant ••••••••••••••••••••• attempt to control rather than invit- Has it occurred to you that much ing God in to guide me. Now, when 1am worried, 1 say a quick of the stress in your daily work prayer asking God to help me do life is caused by your own attempt to control rather than what's right for everyone con· earned. Generally, I try to be con- inviting God in to guide you? scious of the guidance of the Holy • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Spirit in whatever I do. In those rare instances when I am truly able to trust this guidance, all the pieces seem to fall into place when necessary. This awareness of the Holy Spirit working in my life is also a fonn of prayer because it draws me closer to God and His mission for me.
4 ways to make prayer impad your work: 1 On your drive into work in the morning, tum your radio off and jtJst spend some time in God's presence. 2 When you become 1mtated With a co worker, ask God for the help to JOyfully serve this person 3 At a break or lunch, take some time to sit quietly or go for a walk to re·center yourself. 4 Keep a favonte prayer easily vistble on your computer or desk, or in your toolbox or planner. Our goal is for prayer to become as natural to us as bresthing. The Catechism of the Cathofic Church teaches us that there are three major expressions of prayer~ vocal, meditation, and contemplative (:H1117-2724l. Probably the most common expression is vocal: this is when we pray with words either verbally or mentally (examples 2 and 4 above). Meditation is a spiritual journey and probably the most difficult to practice at work because it requires considerable mental focus. Contemplative prayer is simply taking the opportunity to be in God's presence experiencing His love (examples 1 and 3 above). Ultimately, our ability to pray in a variety of situations enables us to seek out greater fulfiHment and peace in our work life. - Tim Ryan is an inronnatlon technology prorcssioMI in Fowlerville and has earned 11 master's dc:grc:c: In pastoral studies rrom Loyola University Nc:w Orleans. He: is 11 member or St. joseph Parish, Gaines
For more Info on mlnlslftas of the Dloc••• of Lansing log on to www.Diocnseoflo"'lnu.o111 or www.FA~mag.c:om
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Dtctm~r 2002
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FAITH
M~ine
Still known as ''Boysville": Holy Cross Children's Services still treats and educates boys ages 12 to 18, _
_!>u..!_ times and situations have changed. The diverse needs of Michigan's adolescents have grown.
"A judge sent us this kid who murdered his father. His dad was physically abusive to the boy, his siblings, and his mother. The boy and his brother conspired to kill the father, if he ever did it again. He did. The boy shot and killed him. His mother had to deal with the conflict over her husband's death and the son who pulled the trigger." • •
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Those are the words of Dr. Eugene Hausmann, a deacon in the lansing Diocese and the director of pastoral services for Boysville. Deacon Gene, as he is known, related the example as just one of many success stories that have come from Boysville's 54-year history as a refuge for homeless youth and helping troubled kids lead more stable and disciplined lives. It might be hard to believe that such a story would have a successful ending, but it did thanks to the spiritual care the
By Carolyn Smidt I Pltotography by Cltristine jones
boy received. According to Deacon Gene, the boy showed no progress for many months, despite efforts to communicate with him. Then, one day his chaplain and spiritual advisor got him to agree to make amends with his father. The chaplain and the boy worked on a letter to his father. The boy explained why he killed him and expressed sorrow for having done so. The boy read the letter at his dads grave site with his mother present. "That was the turning point. He staned working in a program and was released a few months later. He and his mother reconciled, and she took him back," said Deacon Gene. Founded as an orphanage in 1948, the Brothers or the Holy Cross have made Boysville a major rocal point [or housing and educating male youth. But times and situations have changed, along with the diverse needs of Michigan adolescents. So the directors of Boysville have changed its name to Holy Cross Childrens Services. Its mai~ campus on 360 acres in Clinton is still hnown as Boysville and still treats and educates boys 12 to 18 years. But all 20 of its schools and housing centers carry the new name.
Brother Francis: Our biggest task is to find suitable housing for the child ... and to help the family get back together.... jesus was big on widows and orphans. Today, we have single moms replacing the widows and homeless kids replacing the orphans.
ln part, the renamed institution embraces the many services Boysville has offered to girls since 1984. Also, the dramatic increase in services needed by both boys and girls has enlarged the number of facilities. Administrative and program locations across Michigan include Alpena, Buckley, Cadillac, Clinton, Detroit, Ecorse, Frankenmuth, Grand Rapids, Grayling, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Lewiston, Manistee, Onaway, Owosso, Rapid City, Redford, Saginaw, Traverse City, Wellston and Ypsilanti. ro. Francis Boylan, CSC, executive director of Holy Cross Children's Services (HCCS), explains the organization's mission: "We are here to serve legally homeless kids who don't have proper adult supervision. About a third have nobody to care for them. A few have dads. Some have a mom who may be sick or may have a home but has lost her job. Our biggest task is to find suitable housing for the child, even if · 5 temporary, and to help the family get back together." HCCS supports the needs of pregnant girl.s, children who ave been sexually abused or are chemically dependent, teen sex offenders, the developmentally disabled, and the families of all at-risk children. According to Bro. Francis, the Samaritan Center, on Detroits east side, is the );'lrgest faithbased social service center in the country. It, too, is part of HCCS, which is owned by the Catholic Church of Michigan. Bro. Francis cites the wide variety of services the instilUtion offers to boys, girls, and their parents at Samaritan: "If mom needs transportation to work, health care because she has no insurance, a place to stay, job training, counseling or day care, its all at Samaritan. The center has everything you can imagine that's needed for a parent to raise a child." Meanwhile, HCCS also educates the children, who are tested for competency and placed at the appropriate grade level. Often, says Bro. Francis, they arc at a second grade reading level. Building on the child's skills, the organization stresses reading, writing, and mathematics. A large percentage of kids, he adds, may never graduate from high school. However, in a 10-week pre-vocational program, kids are introduced to electricity, wood shop, food service, landscaping and computers. Funding for programs, facilities and personnel comes from public sources (federal, state and counties) and rivate ones, including corporations, foundations and organlions like the 70,000 Michigan members of the Knights of 1 olumbus, each of whom contributes to help support the children and their families. Only about 10 percent of the more than 3,000 children
helped on an annual basis are Catholic. Those who live on HCCS premises are required to attend Sunday Mass. Each child is assigned a spiritual advisor and may take Bible classes or make annual retreats. They also work in communities whose people are even less fortunate than they are. Deacon Gene wrote his doctoral dissertation on the correlation between the children's contact with chaplains and their status after leaving their individual programs. He received his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit two years ago. "In a nutshell, the more frequent the contacts, the better the results for 825 youngsters, 80 percent male and 20 percent female. After three months and 12 months following their release from Holy Cross programs, they were still living at home or in their home-like setungs," Deacon Gene explained. He added that the one-onone contacts were very important to the childrens spiritual development . "Many of these kids are ignorant of religion, but they are curious, he said. "I had a kid in one group who was never raised religiously at all. A foster home introduced him to the Bible. He started reading it on his own and became a Bible scholar. In our Bible study groups, he could answer phenomenal questions." In further explaining the role of HCCS, Bro. Francis said, ujesus was big on widows and orphans. Today, we have single moms replacing the widows and homeless kids replacing the orphans. In the name of jesus, we must carry out the mission of supporting those kids and their parents." And so they do. :)
Your Help is needed Your generous support is needed to help children in our own backyard. Please consider supporting Holy Cross Children's Services (Boysville of Michigan) 8744 ClintonMacon Rd, Clinton, Ml 49236 (51 7) 423-7451
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Dtwnhcr 2002
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FAITH Magazine
spiritual • exerCISe
•• hrlstmas Is almost here. Most of us are very tempted to get caught up In the rush of It an.
We are very blessed that Mother Church gives us Mary in the season of Advent as a model to help us be open and prepared for Jesus' birth. Mary, in luke's Gospel, experienced the powerful presence of the angel Gabriel that announced her own motherhood of the Messiah, God's Son. She experi· anced the overshadowing of the Holy Spirt And, following the birth of Jesus, Scripture says that Mary and her child were visited by shepherds who told her about the wonderful vision of angels and the words that were spoken about her new born Son. For our spiritual fitness in preparing for Christmas, what Mary did next is very important. Scripture says that she kept these things and pondered them in her heart (Lu~a 2:19).
This month let us walk with Mary and pray as she did. When we ponder God's word, meditating on it slowly with thought and prayer in our hearts, we are practicing the spiritual exercise known as lectio Divina (pronounced lexee-oc div-ee-nah). l.ectio Divina literaRy means "Sacred Reading~ Christians and our Hebrew ancestors have been practicing this kind of prayer for thousands of years. To practice this, we read sacred Scripture, either the Old or New Testaments, in a slow, prayerful way. We read it slowly with self awareness. What words, phrases, or images touch our hearts as we read? We think about how the sacred text connects to what is going on in our life. The important part of this exercise is not in how much we read, but in how we savor the word we are reading. This exercise is not about gaining infor-
For this exercise, let's begin by asking for Mary's Intercession:
touching your heart. You may need to read the passage a number of times. We are
Dear Mary. my mother and Mother of Jesus, your Divine ';on, help me now to meditate and ponder on God's word with a loving heart. May I take in God's word so much that I, too, like you may give Jesus birth in our world. May I be transformed by God's word into the image of the Eternal Word through whom 1 have been created
trained at reading the text to gain infonnation, but the goal in this exercise is to meet God in faith in the depths of our heart and soul. How am I encountering God now? What is God saying to me? "Speak lord, for your servant is listening~
1 SUggested Readings: Genesis 1 (created by God's Word in God's image and likeness) John 1:1-18 Isaiah 11: 1-9 Isaiah 12 Isaiah 7:10.16 Luke 1:26-38 luke 1 :46-56 luke 1:68.SO Luke 2:1-14 luke 2:15-20
You may have other favorite Scriptures. "Taste and see the goodness of the Lordi" 2 As you read whatever passage you have chosen, reflect on how the words of sacred Scripture are
mation about the text, but about meeting God. "It is undertaken not with the intention of gaining infonnation, but of using the texts as an aide to contact the living God. Basic to this practice is the eventual union with God in faith which, in tum, finds con-
(1 s.muel3· 10)
3 Keep whatever word God hils spoken to you In your heart. Let yourself ponder it ...~1 treasure it like Mary. God has 'I' spoken to you. Believe itl Savor itllet it linger like honey on your ~ps.
"When I found your words,
I devoured them; they became my joy and the happiness of my heart, because I bore your name, 0 lord, God of hosts~ (Je,.mi.h 15 16)
4 Live the word that Is within you. When we eat food, we digest and assimilate it, and it literdy becomes a part of our
body. When we eat God's word, we also must savor it, digest it, and assimilate it into our lives. To do so, we must ~ve it. Then we, too, like Mary wiH be giving birth to Jesus. His living word win have become flesh in us. tinued nourishment and development in further reading~ (Taken from the Lectio Divina Web site at: www.sp.uconn.edu/-salomonll lcctio.html) - Fr. Bill Ashbaugh is pi!Stor o£ St. j ose: ph Partsh, Howell
'
things to do Searth ai1il Resale How to Bring Your Family and Friends into - or Back into - the Catholic Church By Patrick Madrid oes someone close to you have a prejudice against - or misconceptions about - the Catholic Church? Perhaps a loved one who has been hurt by the Church or struggles with Her moral teachings? Search and Rescue, by Patrick Madrid, will equip and encourage you to talk with them about your Catholic faith. Madtids yeaTS of experience as a Catholic evangelist are evident as he uses stories of saints and personal anecdotes to illustrate how to evangelize effectively and avoid common mistakes. He begins with the basics, encouraging readers to examine their own hearts and motives and to grow in humility and charity. To prompt readers to action, he concludes each chapter with questions for meditation, resolutions and a prayer. . Search and Rescue is filled with common sense and Godly wisdom. The advice it provides is both simple and practical. Most importantly, it will teach you how to rely completely on God when sharing your faith and His love with your family and friends. - Al1011 Pdowsld (Sophia lnat Pr; ISBN: 19288S227X; June 2001)
Aacipas fD Remember By St. Culmlr Guild; Lllnslng, Mich. 2002 ooking for a last minute Christmas gift? Well, the St. Casimir Guild of St. Casimir Parish, Wmsing, has just the answer for you in the form of a delightful little cookbook entitled Redpes to Remember. The nice thing about this compilation of recipes from the ladies of the parish is that they are, for the most part, simple. Thats a key factor when ~bake" and ~cook" are seen as nothing more than four-letter words. However, recipes such as Party Rye Snacks, Oriental Pea Pod Toss, Upside Down Pie {surprisingly enough, a main dish!) and Stir-Me Nots (surprisingly enough, a dessert!), can even make a non-cook such as myself venture into unchartered territory with their ease of preparatton. And seasoned cooks - no pun intended - will find a wide variety of good, wholesome recipes to share with family and friends. As implied in the title, these are recipes meant to be remembered and passed from one generation to the next. The cookbook is available from the parish at a cost of $7. A postage and handling fee of $2 will be added for each cookbook that is shipped. For information, call St. Casimir Parish at (517) 482-1346. -
Kathy Funk
Masses for the deaf community will be celebrated by Fr. Mike Depcik, OSFS, at the following parishes during December: • St. John the Evangelist, Fenton, at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 (with Bishop Carl Mengeling), 15, 22 and 29. Masses will be celebrated in the Chapel. • A Christmas Party will be hosted by the diocese's Catholic Deaf Ministry following Mass Dec. 2 2. For information, contact Rose Smith at (517) 342-2500 or TIY (517) 342·2532. • St. Francis of Assisi, Ann Arbor, at 6:30p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 . Mass will be celebrated in the Day Chapel on the lower level. • St Mary Cathedral, Lansing, at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. All are welcome to attend. Fr. Depcik is chaplain for the Catholic Deaf Community of the Diocese of Lansing. A Rosary for Peace In the Wortd will be sponsored by the Social Ministry Commission of St. Casimir Church, Lansing, on the four Sundays of Advent - Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. The prayers will be at 10:45 am. each Sunday following the 9:30 Mass. St. Casimir Church is located at 800 Sparrow Ave. The parking lot entrance is at 800 W. Barnes. All are welcome to join us as we pray for peace in the world, await· ing the anival of the Prince of Peace. For more information call (51 7) 482-1346. Tum to the Bible Study Hour will be held on Mondays throughout the
year at Holy Spirit Parish, Hamburg. The instructor for the series is Bob Christian. Participants are asked to bring a Bible, notepad and The Catechism of the Catholic Church. The teach· ings will be held from 78:30 p.m. in the parish's Annex 4. For information, call Holy Spirit Parish at (81 0) 231-9199. Being Catholic, a Monday evening speaker series, continues at St. Gerard Parish, Lansing. Participants will explore issues relating to traditional and contemporary spiritualities, methods of prayer and people of prayer. Fred Partlow will speak on "Meeting God in tfte Quier(?) of Advent" Dec. 2 in St. Gerard's school centerfrom 6:45-8 p.m. All are welcome to attend. For information, call Jan Haselschwerdt at (51 7) 323-2379.
Talze prayer will take place at St. John Student Parish, East Lansing, Monday, Dec. 2 from 7-7 :45 p.m. This will be followed by a labyrinth prayer until 9 p.m. All are welcome to attend. For information, call the parish at (517) 337·9778. Well-known throughout the Genesee County area for their fish fries, the Knights of Columbus of Holy Redeemer Parish will host dine-In or take-out fish dinners Friday, Dec. 6, from 4-7 p.m. , in the school cafeteria The peace and justice ministry of St. Mary Student
community
Parish, Ann Arbor, will pres· ent "EaUng Is a Moral Act:
Youth to Youth Catholic Evangelization will present
December 1 First Sunday of Advent
December24 Vigil of Christmas
How our food choices affect the world around
The Story of Salvation
Isaiah 63: 16b-17, 19b; 64:2b-7 Psalm 80:2·3, 15-16, 18-19
us" Monday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. Paul Stankewitz, director of the Michigan Catholic Rural Ufe Coalition, will be the featured speaker. Topics of discussion will include: Where does our food come from? Who grows it? What's really in it? How are migrant workers and food processing plant workers treated? Do condi· tions "down on the farm" even concern me? What role do I play as a member of our economy? For information on the event, call the parish at (734) 663.0557.
Catholic Pastoral Center beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. The story is a drama from creation to Pentecost and the life of Jesus will unfold before audience mem· bers' eyes. For information, call (810) 639-7175 or visit www.youthtoyouthcatholic.com Groups may cd ahead to reserve seating.
1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:33-37
Jaaiah 62:1·5, Psalm 89:4-5, 16·17, 27, 29 Ar:b 13:16·17, 22·25 Matthew 1:1·25 or 1:18-25
December 8 Second Sunday of Advent
December25 The Nativity of I he Lord
Gooking for an introduction to Catholic theology? Holy Spirit Parish, Hamburg, is hosting Theology for Beginners.
Utilizing a book apdy titled Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed, the topic during the month of December is: • "Tfu! Redeemer and the
Redemption" presented by Jon Sussman Thursday, Dec. 12 and 19. The series continues through March. Participants are invit· ed to all the sessions or to topics of their interest. The teachings will be held from 7· 8 p.m. in the parish's Annex 3. For information, contact the Holy Spirit Parish at (810) 231-9199. All are invited to St. John Student Parish, East li.i Lansing, for an Advent
~)venlng of Prayer
Thursday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. For information, call the parish at (517) 337·9778.
Dec. 13 and 14 at Ml Zion
The Catholic Deaf Ministry of the Diocese of Lansing will host a Day of Advent Recollection Saturday, Dec. 14, at the De Sales Center of Brooklyn. For information, contact Rose Smith at (517) 342·2500 or TTY (517) 342·2532; or Fr. Mike Depcik, OSFS, at depcik5@aol.com
Isaiah 40: 1·5, 9·1 1 Psalm 85:9·14 2 Peter 3:8·14 Mark 1:1-8
Midnight Isaiah 9: 1·6 Psalm 96: 1·3, 1 1-13 1imothy 2:11 ·14 Luke 2:1·14
DecemberS The Immaculate Conception of the Bltucd Virgin Mary
DIIWTI
Genaaia 3 :9·15, 20
Isaiah 62:11-12 Psalm 97:1,6, 11-12 1imothy 3 :4-7 luke 2:15·20
Psalm 98:1-4 Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-1 2 Luka 1:26·38
December 15 Third Sunday of Advent
Day Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98: 1·6 Hebrawa 1: 1·6 John 1:HS or 1:1·5, 9·14
Isaiah 61 :1·2a, 1Q-11 (Psalm) Luke 1:46-50, 53-54 1 Thessalonians 5:16·24 John 1:6-8, 19·28
December29 Holy Family of]csus, Mary and joseph Sirach: 3:2-7, 12·14
December22 Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Samuel 7: 1·5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Paalm 89:2·5, 27, 29 Romans 16:25·27 luke 1:26·38
Psalm 128: 1·5 Coloaaians 3:12·21 or 3:12·17 luke 2:22·40 or 2:22, 39-40
St. Joseph Parish, Dexter, will host a New Year's Eve Dinner Dance Tuesday, Dec. 31. The evening of dining and dancing will be held at the Dexter Knights of Columbus Hall. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 7 p.m., dinner at 8 p.m., and dancing from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Reserved tables of eight are available on a limited basis. For ticket information, call the parish office at (734) 426-8483, or the K of Cat (734) 475·3502. Reservations are now being taken for a Pilgrimage to Italy: Rome, Asslsl and Orvleto wHh Msgr. Raymond Goehring. The
trip is slated for June 13·23, 2003. "As a priest of the
FAITH Is available on audiotape by request. Call (517) 342·2500.
Diocese of Lansing since 1964, I look forward to sharing with you in this time of refreshment and cultural enrichment and in experiencing our faith," says Msgr. Goehring. "We'll celebrate Mass in the catacombs, at the tombs of St. Peter and St. Francis of Assisi, and in the magnificent medieval cathedral of Orvieto where Corpus Christi began and where the procession still uses customs and costumes unchanged for centuries. We'll visit many of the historical and religious sites of Rome with local guides, see the Vatican museums, attend the papal audience, and still have time for our own touring and shopping~ www.FAITHmaa.com
Reservations are limited. The cost of the trip is $2,682
per person, double occupan· cy. Breakfast and dinner included daily. A $500 deposit is required for each traveler. For information, call EducationaVChristian Tours at (800) 654-4560 or (517) 699-6900, or click on www.tours.eti.com Families and friends of those affected with some form of mental illness are invited to attend support meetings held the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Lansing Diocesan Center. The meet· ings get underway at noon. For information, call (51 7) 342-2500, or e-mail: jdavis@dioceseoflansing.org
Datmbu 2002
27
FAITH Maga:lnc
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After four years of planning and patience the smiles on the faces of St. john the Baptist, Howell, parishioners said it all.
ty and simplicity and truthfulness," said Donald Root, project administrator with Integrated Design Solutions. MThrough the very hard work and dedication of Fr. Francis and your building committee, your 'guiding concepts,' stated at the advisory committee •••••••••••••••••••• meetings held in October of 1999, have been realized." After being Jed into their The parish itself had new sanctuary by Bishop Carl humble beginnings. Irish Mengeling, parishioners sat immigrants founded the for the first time in pews. Catholic mission nestled in Parishioners have worshiped over the years in plas- livingston County in 1843. The following year, two tic chairs placed in rows in acres of land were pl,lrchased the old sanctuary. and a log structure was erect"The design of your wored for worship services. ship space, from the very ,1 (n 1868, the log portion beginning, emulates the was removed and the comerBenedictine principles of stone was consecrated at that beauty, stability, symmetry, time for a frame structure. harmony with nature, frugali-
In 1873 the frame segment was detached, moved across the road and used for services. St. john the Baptist was officially declared a parish in 1974. Originally known as St. james, the St. john the Baptist congregation is the oldest Catholic congregation in Livingston County. "This church is a testimony to your faith," said Bishop Mengeling. "A living faith received from parents and grandparents, a faith you are determined to hand on to your children. Here you will celebrate the sacraments, from baptism to the anointing of the sick. You will worship, praising God as you attend Mass and receive jesus m Holy Communion. Here you will experience forgiveness of
your sins in the sacrament of Penance. In celebrating these sacraments you become living stones building up the household of God which you are." Fr. Francis George, pastor, said the work of many people made the palish's dream a reality. "We have gratitude in our hearts for those who have worked diligently to make this beautiful new church a reality," he said. "We appreciate the guidance that we have received from the Diocese of Lansing: The committee for liturgical design, the diocesan building committee and the diocesan finance committee. We appreciate the fellowship that we share in Christ as we gather with Bishop Carl E Mengeling who leads us in the sacred celebration." Not only was the help of the Diocese and outside organizations appreciated but also those who attend St. john each weekend. "Every member who has joined the journey of St. john Catholic Church along the years has contributed as 'living stones' to the parish that exists today," said Fr. George. "In truth, those who started the parish, those who nurtured its growth, and those who keep it alive today are actually no different. The challenges may have differed and the persons involved in leadership may have varied, but a similar quality and spirit in response has prevailed. We arc 'living stones' - yesterday, today and the many tomorrows that will follow." - Erin Oakley (The Catholic Times)
r
Grand Blanc .man hopes ·to put popes througttout the diOcese
national chastity speakers visit Lansing parishes
............. . E
arl Hagen of Grand Blanc has a splendid goal: "If I can put a Pope Chart in the vestibule of every Catholic Church in the lansing Diocese, I would consider my work a complete success." What is a Pope Chan? It is a 40 inch by 28 inch poster-sized, full-color illustration of all 263 popes who succeeded St. Peter. Each medallionsized papal image was reproduced from mosaics in the Basilica of St. Paul ip Rome and developed y Memmo Caporilli there. Separate information on the dates, reign and significant deeds of each pontiff comes with each chart Earl Hagen, 73, and his wife, Margo, 64, are members of Church of the Holy Family in Grand Blanc, where both arc eucharistic ministers. A little more than a year ago, Earl saw an ad for the Pope Chart in the National Catholic Register He ordered three copies on the Internet at www.popecharlcom. One went to Fr. Roy Homing, parochial vicar at Holy Family; another went in the vestibule of the church; the third one went to the local Knights of Columbus. "It was a great way to show ~·i\.hurch unity.~ says Earl, :tho has since made sure his parish's elementary school and religious education stu-
• ••••••••••••••••
• • • ••
dents have copies displayed prominently. A few months ago, when Bishop Carl Mengeling addressed parishioners at Holy Redeemer Parish in Burton, Earl made sure he saw the Pope Chart. "He was highly impressed by it," stresses Earl. The chart comes on what
Earl describes as heavy waxed paper whose creases must be ironed out on medium heat Earl adds foam core backing and lamination. Adding six inches to the top of the chart, Earl has placed Matthews Scripture: "Thou an Peter and upon this rock I will build My Church." Beneath the chan, is a picture of "The Last Supper.~ Earl welcomes orders. Send your request to: Earl Hagen, 9191 Ann Maria, Grand Blanc, Ml 48439. Call: (810) 694-0909. E-mail: www.earlhagen@aol.com - Carolyn Smith
n mid-November, jason Evert and his fiancee, Crystalina Padilla, spoke to youth and young adults at several events in the Diocese of Lansing. Working with Catholic Answers in California, jason and Crystalina travel around the country, speaking about the truth and beauty of Catholic teachings on sexuality and the virtue of chastity. Their seminar, entitled "What if we really love each other?", has been described as "challenging, entertaining, encouraging, and healing."
•••••••••••••••••••• Exclusive Web VIdeo
The Faithful Citizenship Conference was held Sunday, Oct. 27, at the lansing Center. View the keynote speech by Fr. Edmund F. McAffrey, D.O., Ph.D., reflecting on the U.S. Catholic Bishops' document
Falll•ful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a new Millennium, only on FAITHmag.com
Livingfar the Lora Catechetical Saturc4tr celebrates those who spread the Catholic faith ore than BOO parish and school religious education catechists, directors of religious education, coordinators of youth ministry, principals, RCIA directors, parish adult education leaders, deacons and priests came together for Uvingfor the Lord; Catechetical Saturday 2002.
The theme, Uvingfor the Lord, was carried throughout the day including a keynote presentation by author, Catechetical consultant and catechist Kate Ristow. ~we are called to 'live for the lord' in ways that strengthen and encourage faith in others,~ Ristow said. " ... We take the word of God into www.FAITHmBg.com
every comer of the world: In addition to Ristows presentation, Catechetical Saturday featured skill-building workshops on topics such as creative teaching methods for various age levels, RCIA, evangelization, adult education and innovative ideas for teen programs. ~
Erin
O~kley
Dcwnbcr 2002
(The Catholic Times)
29
FAITH Maga%1nc
the world last word
remembering a forgotten devotion: shaiing the Christmas wafer ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
scholars express interest in studying ancient ossuary iblical scholars said they were interested in the ossuary linked to the brother of jesus, but cautioned against the possibility of fraud. The limestone ossuary, a container for the bones of the dead, surfaced in the collection of an antiquities owner, with little known about the items history. It is inscribed with 'jacob (Ya'akov) son of joseph (YoseO, brother ofjesus (Yeshua).~ jacob is the Hebrew version of james. Dominican Father jerome Murphy-O'Connor, a Biblical archeologist at
...
Ecole Biblique in jerusalem, said that, while the researcher who studied the ossuary was a respected expen, up to 60 percent of the ani facts found in the illegal antiquities market are fake. "Every bit of evidence is exciting. ... If it is authentic, the only significance is that it is the earliest dated reference to Joseph, James and jesus that we have,~ said Fr. MurphyO'Connor. ~The only imponam thing is that date - the Inscription doesn't tell us anything we don't already know." -judith Sudllovsky (CNS)
U.S. bishops ok revised abuse policy he U.S. bishops approved revisions to their sex-abuse policy that aim to honor Vatican concerns about the rights of accused priests while keeping molesters away from children, the Associated Press reponed. The bishops voted 246-7 on Nov. 13 to OK the new plan, which stipulates that priests should
...
be removed from public ministry after ~even one act of sexual abuse of a minor,~ AP said. The policy would become Church law for all U.S. bishops after a final Vatican review. Vatican officials feared the original plans adopt· ed last june did not ensure due process for priests. - Zcnlt.org
hen you think in December about Catholic devotions and practices that have £allen into disuse, the one that comes to my mind at once is the custom that prevailed in Polish-American homes in my boyhood and well into my adult years. It was the Sharing o£ the Wa£er on Christmas Eve, or in Polish, the Sharing or the Oplatek. In Europe the w.~fers (in the plural, oplatki) were baked and sold by the wives of parish organists. In America it was the sisters of the local convent who saw to it that every home in the parish was supplied. The Oplatek is a thin sheet of uncut altar bread with symbols of the Nativity impressed in it. "Oplatek" is derived from the Latin word "oblatum," meaning gift or obla· lion, and has a Eucharistic connotation. Before the Christmas Eve supper, a meatless meal in former days, the head of the family would take his Oplatek in hand and speak of Christmas to all who were present. There followed the exchange of individual greetings, as fir!t the head of the family shared his w:~fer with all the others while expressing devout good wishes, and then all others did likewise In tum. The Sharing of the Oplatek was sometimes the occasion of forgiveness and reconciliation of family members. It was alw.~ys a w.~nn, moving. sin· cere family event. During World War II, families sent Christmas w.~fers by mail to sons and daughters who could not be home for the Christmas Eve supper (called •the Vigilia~ in Polish, "the vigil supper" in English). In the years I was growing up we always shared the Oplatek at my maternal grandmothers on Christmas Eve. Only later, when I was more mature in the faith, did I understand why there were always tears in my grandmother's eyes when we broke the wafer with one another • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • in her dining room. &rare the Chrisunas Eve When I moved to Lansing in supper, the head of the family 1975, I began to eat the Vigilia would take his Oplatek in supper and share the Oplatek reg- hand and speak of Christmas ularly again, after five years with· to all who were present. out it while ! lived in Minnesota. • •••••••••••••••••••• The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a religious community with its roots in Poland, were ministering at St. Casimir's parish on Lansing's south side. They prepared supper and provided Oplatki for the entire parish staff; and, until the shonage of voca· tions made them withdraw to Pennsylvania, they invited me to join them early every Christmas Eve. There were alw.~ys some at their big table whose origins were not Polish. but they all caught on right aw.~y to the idea of the Oplatek: it is a symbol of the love Jesus brought to eanh and bids us to share with one another. Because of the intermarriage of third- and founh-generation people of Polish origin with other ethnics, the custom is dying out. It is heanily observed by the more recent Polish rerugees and immigrants. The Holy Saturday custom of the Blessing of Easter Food Baskets has spread from the old ethnic parishes to the territorial parishes all over the diocese, according to published Holy Week schedules we see every year. That is a custom easier to understand than the Sharing of the Wafer, a ceremony that takes some geuing used to. - Most Rcvem!d Kenneth Povlsh was the third bishop of Lansing and is now retired.
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d"').c,.neone you care about ID attend Christmas Mass at your parish. What gruter gift
can you give than your faith?
Do you know someone who may be open to com· lng to Mass at your parish?
Consider lnvHing at least one person to Christmas Mass thls year. Reach out
Have you noticed someone alone in your neighborhood or someone new to the area? Has a friend at work asked you about your faith? What about a family member who may be in town?
during Advent. Talk to that per· son. Use this back page as an invitation, or better yet, extend it in person. Simply tear out this back page, fold and mall or hand
It to someone you think would be open to coming to Mass on Christmas. The back of this page has your parish Christmas Mass schedule. It forms the inside of your personal invita, tion. Consider inviting some· one today. After all, you would be sharing the greatest gift the gift of jesus and your faith.
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celebrate the greatest gift ever given
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Online: On TV:
www.DiocesoorLanslng.org www.FAITHmeg.com lbe Outreach Mesa, Sunday,10 a.m. Flint - FOX 66 Lensing - FOX 47
On Radio: Masa, 11 a.m. on WJIM 1240 AM
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