December 2018

special report:

V National Encuentro of Hispanic/ Latino Ministry grow+go:

What are we preparing for THIS ADVENT? Create persistent relationships ROOTED IN FAITH

After coming to the United States, Say Meh and family

‘ Can celebrate our faith the way we want’

feature:

How prayer saved Mario’s family from drowning and:

Olivia runs toward God and learns to accept his help

FROM THE BISHOP

BISHOP EARL BOYEA

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

MY FAVORITE BIBLICAL IMAGE is from Revelation 5:6: “I saw a lamb standing, as though it had been slain.” In the verse just prior to that, we read that the heavenly court wanted someone to come forward to open the seven seals of the scroll and it was announced that “the lion of the tribe of Judah … has conquered” and he would open them. Then the lamb, not a lion, shows up. And what is more, it is a lamb that has been slain.

Jesus’ wounds were a means of his gaining salvation for us and for his bride, the Church.”

22

And in John’s Gospel, there is the account of the appearance of Jesus to the Apostles where Jesus invites Thomas to probe his wounds. The wounded and risen Lord is the key.

Jesus is risen, but his wounds are always present.

This seems to me to be a perfect image for anyone who has suffered in any way, especially those who have suffered abuse from a cleric. The wounds do not go away.

Even if those who have suffered have come to a sense of forgiving and some kind of reconciliation, the wounds remain. We cannot pretend that they will ever go away.

Jesus models this reality for them and for us.

Now we know that Jesus’ wounds were a means of his gaining salvation for us and for his bride, the Church. Ideally, the wounds that all of us have from our own sinfulness, a sinfulness which we have repented, would serve to remind us of Christ’s deep love for us.

He was without sin and yet wounded for us out of pure love. When our wounds are due to others’ sins, it is not so easy to place our suffering within Jesus’ wounds, even though he lovingly invites that.

This brings me to another reflection from this text. The Church too, the Bride of Christ, is to manifest the very wounds of Jesus as well. In doing so, she demonstrates Christ’s ongoing love for all humanity. The Church, however, also bears the wounds caused by all of us sinners, especially when any of us cause scandal. For 2000 years, this Church has borne these scars and will do so until the end of time. It is as though, even though she is Jesus’ Bride, she limps along through history because of us and yet is held up by Christ’s love and the grace of the Holy Spirit.

It is to be noted that the Lamb who was slain also appears standing, that is, resurrected.

Jesus has shown his victory in rising from the dead. We must never lose sight of the great power of that victory and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to heal our wounds and those of the Church, even if the scars remain. The Book of Revelation is a constant reminder that Jesus has already overcome the world and evil. This gives us hope that we, too, will rise victorious over the pain and suffering endured in this life. His victory will not necessarily rid us of our wounds and scars in this life. But his redemption of us guarantees true freedom in the next.

It has always struck me that Advent and Christmas are not so much a birthday celebration of the Lord as the beginning of his ministry to us, a commitment that led to the cross. It is a feast of love. Thus, the ongoing sign of that love is the Lamb who was slain. In that spirit of love, I wish you all “A Blessed Advent and Christmas.”

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Carlson Productions

THE WOUNDED AND RISEN LORD IS THE KEY

UPDATE:

U.S. BISHOPS MEET ON CLERGY SEXUAL ABUSE SCANDAL AT FALL GENERAL ASSEMBLY

CLERGY SEX ABUSE SCANDAL

The abuse crisis was set to be a major focus on the agenda at the U.S. bishops’ fall meeting Nov. 12-14 in Baltimore. The assembly planned to begin with an address by Cardinal DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB, and also an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. The bishops then planned to retreat to a chapel for a day of prayer and reflection.

The assembly planned to vote on measures to respond to the crisis, such as a third-party reporting mechanism, standards of conduct for bishops, and protocols for bishops resigned or removed because of abuse. Bishops also planned to hear a report on the recently concluded youth synod in Rome, and vote on a pastoral letter on racism.

News updates, vote totals, texts of addresses and presentations and other materials were planned to be posted to this page: WWW.USCCB.ORG/MEETINGS.

FEDERAL INVESTIGATION It was announced at the end of October that federal prosecutors have launched an investigation of clergy sexual abuse in all of Pennsylvania’s dioceses.

All eight of the dioceses are cooperating with the probe. The subpoenas ask for years of internal church records. Prosecutors are also seeking evidence that Catholic leaders covered up priests’ crimes by shuffling them to new parishes and instructing victims and their families not to tell police. All dioceses in the United States have been told not to destroy documents related to the investigation.

NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS

1,600

ALLEGED OFFENSES REPORTED SINCE 2004 “OCCURRING OR BEGINNING” DURING EACH 5-YEAR PERIOD 1,367

1,400

1,202

1,200

1,343

1,025

1,002

1,000 800 600

510

591

518

400

A recent CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate) report, “Trend Data on Clergy Sexual Abuse of Minors,” looked at the pattern of when alleged offenses occurred since 1950. More than two-thirds of reported alleged offenses either occurred or began in the mid-1980s or earlier. (CARA Vol. 24 No. 2 Fall 2018).

217

200

129

80

99

101

19951999

20002004

20052009

20102014

0 1954 or earlier

19551959

19601964

19651969

19701974

19751979

19801984

19851989

19901994

22 20152017

3

YE A R OF

PR AY E R Forming Missionary Disciples

SYNOD ON YOUNG PEOPLE CONCLUDES IN ROME Bishops and youth delegates leave a session of the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment at the Vatican Oct 5.

T

HE OCTOBER ISSUE of FAITH presented a section titled “Young People and the Church” in anticipation of the Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment, which took place in Rome during the month of October. Young people throughout the world responded to a survey from the Vatican in advance of the gathering. Thirty-six young people (ages of 18-29) were chosen to join the bishops for the synod.

After three weeks of listening to speakers and discussing topics agreed upon beforehand, the synod fathers debated upon and then drafted a message to be included in the final document. This document, which will be published in English in a few weeks, touches on: the work of the Spirit in the life of the Church; the role of young people in renewing the parish community; the need for the Church to find new ways to present its teaching on sexuality; the importance of preventing abuse by clergy; the Church’s commitment against every discrimination; the role of women in Church leadership; the art of discerning and vocation; formation of the conscience; and the centrality of the liturgy in the life of the Church.

In his homily at the closing Mass of the Synod on Oct. 28, Pope Francis challenged participants to embrace “the three fundamental steps on the journey of faith”: Listen. Be a Neighbor. Bear Witness.

The Synod Fathers concluded the gathering with a letter to young people. Here are some excerpts: Our weaknesses should not deter you; our frailties and sins must not be an obstacle for your trust.

The Church is your mother; she does not abandon you; she is ready to accompany you on new roads, on higher paths where the winds of the Spirit blow stronger – sweeping away the mists of indifference, superficiality and discouragement.

For a month, we have walked together with some of you and with many others who have been united to us through prayer and affection. We wish to continue the journey now in every part of the earth where the Lord Jesus sends us as missionary disciples.

The Church and the world urgently need your enthusiasm. Be sure to make the most fragile people, the poor and those wounded by life your traveling companions.

To view the preparatory document, visit: WWW.SYNOD2018.VA/CONTENT/SYNOD2018.

4

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

HOW TO PRAY THE ROSARY • Make the sign of the cross and pray the Apostles’ Creed while holding the crucifix • Say the Our Father on the first large bead • Say the Hail Mary three times, once on each small bead • Say the Glory Be • Say the first mystery aloud, then pray the Our Father on the second large bead • Say the Hail Mary 10 times, once on each small bead, while meditating on the mystery • Say the Glory Be • Say the second mystery aloud, then pray the Our Father on the next large bead At the end of the Rosary, say the Hail, Holy Queen and: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Conclude the Rosary with the sign of the cross.

FIND MORE ONLINE GO TO DIOCESEOFLANSING.ORG TO FIND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THE YEAR OF PRAYER

INSIDE December

YOUR LIFE

6 goodlife I want to help my friend who’s being bullied

YOUR FAITH

8 grow+go •W hat are we preparing for this Advent?

• Create persistent relationships rooted in faith

10 in the know with Father Joe With all the scandalous things being reported about the Church, how can I explain why I’m still Catholic?

YOUR STORIES

12 Father Charles Irvin essay contest winner A faithful impact

18 feature story How prayer saved Mario’s family from drowning

19 my story Olivia runs toward God and learns to accept his help

20 my story Each day Emilie decides ‘Am I going to love today as the Lord loves me?’

22 feature story Father Dave invites the Holy Spirit into our lives with The Wild Goose

COVER STORY AFTER COMING TO THE UNITED STATES, SAY MEH AND FAMILY ‘CAN CELEBRATE OUR FAITH THE WAY WE WANT’ P. 14

12

18

FOLLOW FAITH PUB SHARE YOUR FAITH WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FOLLOWERS

PLUS

7 youth ministry DYLC and March For Life 28 special report

V National Encuentro 5

YOUR LIFE GOODLIFE

I WANT TO HELP MY FRIEND WHO’S

BEING BULLIED

A

lthough bullying takes various forms, whether online, physical or verbal/ emotional, its goal is always the same: to assert the bully’s dominance by demeaning his or her victim. It’s a terrible place to see your friend – what can you do to help?

1. Be his ally. Peer intervention can make a quick, drastic difference in bullying. Make it clear that your friend isn’t alone: offer to walk with him at school, or defend him on social media if the bullying is happening online.

Be a steady, physical presence of support.

2. Four simple words: “It’s not your fault.”

Be an antidote to bullying and lavish your friend with the respect and dignity she deserves. Remind her that she’s done nothing to justify the bully’s actions.

3. Listen. Your friend likely feels horribly alone – help cure that by listening with empathy.

Let her unload without offering a quick solution or suggestion of how she should feel. On a practical note, this can help her document instances of bullying.

4. Connect him with help. At the same time, remind your friend that it’s not his burden to bear this alone. Be willing to help report the bullying to proper officials, whether school or police.

5. Pray. Don’t forget to back up your actions with prayer, both for your friend and the bully.

Seek the intercession of St. Dominic Savio, the teen saint known as a peacemaker and bold witness for Christ among his peers.

6

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

BY ELIZABETH HANSEN

C L Y D : t h g i l h g i h y r t s Youth Mini “DYLC can be summed up with Jesus’ words to St. Teresa of Calcutta, ‘I thirst.’ This shows now how I feel about my relationship with God. I thirst for more, and I thirst to show others who Jesus Christ is. I now cannot wait to spread the Gospel and the truth to others, now that I have gone to DYLC.”

DIOCESAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP

Perhaps you have heard of our diocesan, teen leadership camp called DYLC? Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp, known as DYLC, has been running for more than 30 years. Recently, we committed our efforts to re-orient the focus of DYLC to making missionary disciples. In light of trends in youth culture and the rise of the “nones” and those either unaffiliated or disaffiliated with the Church, especially our youth, the need was pressing to do whatever we could to emphasize the need for missionary disciples – those who will go out and announce the Gospel of the Lord wherever they are. DYLC has been, and continues to be, an experience where our young people can become equipped to do just that, not only in their teen years but as they grow into adulthood as well. Take a look at some testimonies from a few teens and a couple of adult volunteers from this past summer’s DYLC and see for yourself.

“DYLC has brought me into a new dimension of my relationship with God. It has helped me to want and understand how I can be a missionary disciple through small things every day, and on a larger scale to serve God and others. DYLC has prepared me for missionary discipleship extremely well by providing me with a plan and the tools to spread God’s love! I would honestly say, without a doubt, that DYLC was the best week of my life!”

“DYLC has been a major component in shaping who I am as a missionary disciple. My relationship with God had grown so much stronger after such an impactful experience. DYLC exceeded my expectations about how incredible it is becoming a missionary disciple of Jesus Christ.”

“The camp proved to me again that missionary discipleship is born quite readily within human hearts in an environment where people who share the same values are loved and welcomed and make the communal decision to trust each other.”

“DYLC offers me a chance to step outside my parish bubble and experience ministry in a fresh way. My job for the week is to help all the campers, but I get to focus on seeing God in my small group, and affirming who God has created and called them to be. It's a beautiful thing to have others by my side in ministry as we work toward the goal of building up missionary disciples in the week we are at camp.”

If these testimonies have inspired you, mark your calendar for DYLC 2019 on June 16-21. If you are the parent of a teen or a youth leader, consider sending those teens in your life to DYLC to help them become missionary disciples! Registration will be available in early 2019.

Please keep our efforts, as well as all of our young people, in your prayers!

BY BRIAN FLYNN, DIRECTOR OF HIGH-SCHOOL AND MIDDLESCHOOL MINISTRY FOR THE DIOCESE OF LANSING.

THE MARCH FOR LIFE

The Diocese of Lansing will be chartering buses for the pilgrimage to the March for Life on Jan. 18, 2019. This will be an opportunity for teens to put their discipleship into action, marching for the dignity of human life, especially the unborn. The March for Life is a great opportunity for our youth to go out and announce the Good News of the Gospel of Life to the world. We will leave on Thursday, Jan. 17, stay the night at Catholic University of America and return following the march, arriving back in Michigan very early in the morning on Jan. 19. Contact mgrima@dioceseoflansing.org for more information or to register.

7

YOUR FAITH

GROW

as a disciple of Jesus

What are we preparing for

the opposite of action-packed frenzy. The preparation needed this Advent is stillness, quietness and a sincere invitation. God is sending his Son to do all the work; our task is to simply pause and await the arrival of the infant King who will come into our life and do all the things Isaiah promised he would do. Our job is to be still and stop making mountains out of mole hills and accept the gift of the level, steady, straight and abounding love of the Father.

THIS ADVENT? “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Lk 3:5-6)

M

Y MOM WAS THE QUEEN of the one-liner! She could always wrap up a situation in one sentence that left you with no ammunition to

argue. Whenever I would get all wound up about something, she would put her hands on my shoulders, look into my eyes and say, “Sheri, don’t make a mountain out of a mole hill; trust in God, he can do anything!”

That always helped me put things in perspective.

Sheri, a teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Westphalia, was the recipient of the 2018 Faith-based Educator Award from the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools.

8

The upcoming season of Advent is all about perspective and preparation, and this line from Luke’s Gospel inspires me to ask myself two questions. The first, what am I preparing for this Advent? Am I more concerned with preparing for a holiday or the birth of a King? If I don’t have my focus right, my December mole hills can feel like mountains. The second question is: What does “prepare” really look like?

It’s an action-packed verb, isn’t it?

The prophet Isaiah’s words from Luke’s Gospel really answered those two questions for me. We are preparing for the one who will level out the peaks and valleys of our days. We’re preparing for the one who will straighten out all the winding messes our sinfulness gets us into. We’re preparing for the one who will smooth out all of our bumps and bruises with his amazing mercy and grace. We aren’t preparing for a party or a feast; we’re preparing for our salvation.

The great news is that this preparation requires

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

PRAY: Pray this little prayer each morning as you begin your Advent days: God of love, show me how to be still and await patiently the coming of your Son. God of time, I ask you to manage my schedule so I can answer your invitation to spend peaceful time preparing and thanking you for the gift of your Son and the salvation he offers me. God, make my path lead straight to you.

STUDY: Study the characters in the Nativity story.

Each week of Advent, choose a different character and read about them. Learn something new about the angels. December is rich with feasts that celebrate Mary, the Mother of God or – perhaps study St. Joseph and his humble, peaceful obedience.

ENGAGE: Gather a few friends and make a commitment to pray together during Advent.

Attend a parish Advent event together, gather in each other’s homes, meet 15 minutes before Mass or work or during your lunch hour; don't make it a mountain … just gather and pray together.

SERVE: Prayer is often the greatest gift or service we can offer, so during Advent choose five people who are struggling. Commit to praying for those people by name each day during Advent. Then, as Christmas draws near, send each of them a card telling them of your prayers for them

SHERI WOHLFERT

is a Catholic school teacher, speaker, writer and founder of Joyful Words Ministries.

Sheri blogs at www.joyfulwords.org

GO

evangelize

Create persistent relationships ROOTED IN FAITH

Ryan Armbrustmacher is a student at the University of Michigan and a parishioner at St. Mary Parish in Ann Arbor.

PRAYER: Every decision and act I make in my life, I try to make centered in prayer. At the beginning and end of each day, before every meal and every exam, I make a prayer to incorporate God into everything I do.

Having a relationship with God through prayer allows me to evangelize in a confident, personal manner.

INVITATION: Being a part of such an incredibly active student parish at the University of Michigan gives me so many wonderful opportunities to invite others into my faith. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple invitation to a game night where someone can experience the community of welcoming, genuine people that the Catholic Church harvests.

Once in that community, the Holy Spirit takes over and discipleship occurs.

WITNESS: Over this past year, I have been incredibly blessed to have journeyed with and witness a group of students take their faith to a new level. At first, I found being around individuals exceptionally strong in their faith intimidating. After reflecting on this in prayer, I felt God remind me not to be intimidated, but to be inspired to learn and grow alongside them.

ACCOMPANIMENT: As a person’s faith journey is never completed, I remind myself that we should never cease to help others grow in faith.

Creating persistent relationships rooted in faith is key to this constant growth. Including God in everyday conversation allows me to be accountable and present in my peers’ faith lives.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS SHANNON

9

With all the scandalous things being reported about the Church,

HOW CAN I EXPLAIN WHY I’M STILL CATHOLIC? D

EAR FATHER JOE: With all the scandals, my friends ask me how I can stay Catholic? How do I defend the faith in this terrible time?

YOUR FAITH IN THE KNOW WITH FATHER JOE

10

It is a very, very difficult time to be Catholic in many ways. I am sorry that God‘s people are bearing so much of the burden right now. The fact is, in many ways the Church has failed in its mission to be holy and righteous; to listen to the voice of Jesus and follow it above all others.

This is the burden we carry right now.

As a priest, I understand the struggle, I really do.

In many ways, it is a very painful time to be a priest; trust has been lost and I don’t know that we can get it back in my lifetime. What do we do with all of this?

Despite the dark tone of my column, I wish to be clear that I have hope. I believe that God is going to use this time to do something that has needed doing for a long, long time: purify our Church.

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

For too long, we have tolerated unholy behavior in our clergy. As a priest, I have experience with the wickedness that clergy are capable of and I am seeing in my day things I never thought I would: evil exposed and evil dealt with. This is extraordinary and a cause for rejoicing.

Beyond that, I want to share with you some of the things I have learned in this process; ways God has challenged me to stand strong with his ailing and broken bride.

It all starts with a simple question that I wrote about a couple articles ago. Over and over I have felt the Lord asking me the question, “Do you believe what the Church teaches?”

In times when our leaders have completely disillusioned us, this, it seems to me, is the only question that really matters: is the Catholic faith true? If so, then the failings of the Church are viewed in a different context.

I am not Catholic because of bishops or priests. I am Catholic because it is true.

In my heart of hearts, I believe what the Church teaches. In my heart of hearts, I know that Jesus Christ is the son of God, born of the Virgin Mary. I believe that Jesus walked among us, fully God and fully man, and that he created from the community of the disciples the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church. I believe that he sent the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen that Church and I believe that I am a member of this body of Christ. I believe that he gives himself to me in the form of bread and wine and that this gift offers me radical transformation every day.

As a Catholic, I believe it is my calling to know, love and serve God in this life so that I can be happy with him in the next and I believe these things with all my heart.

If I believe these things, then the failings of the leadership, the abominable sins and crimes of my brother priests, the infighting and posturing – all of it simply must come from hell, from the evil one himself.

I will, by the grace of God, hold to what is true.

So, what do we do? How do we deal with such a beautiful reality being so utterly corrupted? I believe that the answer is for you and me to transform the Church in Jesus' name. Not by raging on blogs, not by trying to fix “those people” or changing “them,” but by a radical commitment to personal holiness.

By committing ourselves to nothing less than absolute purity, we will fight and slay this dragon. By worshiping God and answering his call to holiness, to care for the broken and the downtrodden, to be his voice and presence in the world, we can be the answer God gives.

All this begins and ends with prayer. I know I say this all the time, but I can’t say it enough. The Church is filled with too many people working

HOLIDAY GIVING 2018 THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING St. Vincent Catholic Charities during the most wonderful time of the year! You are making it possible for a family to experience joy and love during the holidays.

St. Vincent Catholic Charities is most in need of the following: • Target, Meijer, Walmart, McDonald’s gift cards • New, unwrapped toys for all ages • New, unwrapped household items (linens, towels, cookware) Please drop off items Dec. 10-14 at 2800 W. Willow St., Lansing

DON’T HAVE TIME TO SHOP?

Your financial gift will go where it is needed the most.

Donate at STVCC.ORG

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR MISSION. Merry Christmas from St. Vincent Catholic Charities!

T. Gennara

without praying, generating their efforts out of who aren’t trying on some level to do the right thing. anger instead of love. You simply cannot be a saint if Sometimes, evil flourishes because good men and/or you do not pray. We. Must. Pray. women make mistakes in judgement or make a quick It seems to me that this prayer needs in part to decision based on bad information. It happens. Not take a particular sacramental form: I would suggest everyone who fails is evil and, if you need proof of that we visit the sacrament of reconciliation a that, I recommend a good look in the mirror. minimum of once a month. We must be relentless Every day, as a priest, I am aware that my sin injures and untiring in our efforts to shine people. I know that I have failed the light of God‘s love and mercy and I will probably continue to fail on the dark sins that hide in our more than I don’t. God’s people By worshiping God and hearts. have shown and (I hope!) will answering his call to holiness, I am a very big believer in the continue to show great mercy for next step as well: as a Church, to care for the broken and the this broken vessel. I am filled with we need to re-focus our efforts gratitude for that. One of the best downtrodden, to be his voice on caring for the poor. I think it ways that I can show gratitude for and presence in the world, we that kind of mercy is to offer it to would shock most people how can be the answer God gives.” others as well. much our Church does for the poor. Call around to the parish As Catholics, we are Christ’s near you and ask what opportunities it supports to bride and, because of that, we are also his body. He assist the poor and I can almost guarantee you will will not abandon us, he will not betray us, he will not be amazed. Find out how to help and be sure and fail us. We, by his grace, will stand close to him and volunteer and help in those efforts. stand up to the evil that has infected us for too long.

I also ask us to embrace mercy. I speak this from Lest we forget the blessed words of St. Paul: more than a few personal experiences of being failed “Love bears all things. Love believes all things. Love

by Church leadership: we must be merciful. There endures all things. Love never ends.” are very few people we will encounter in our lives Enjoy another day in God’s presence.

FATHER JOE KRUPP

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

11

YOUR STORIES

G

A FAITHFUL IMPACT ROWING UP WITH A TREMENDOUS PASSION and love for sports, I idolized many of the college and professional athletes that I watched playing in football or basketball games on TV. It was my dream to be that great of an athlete to someday play on the big stage. Going into my freshman year of high school,

I heard a lot about a cool science teacher, Mr. Mark Moundros, from my three older siblings. They often talked about how he was not only a great person and teacher, but also a former captain of the University of Michigan Football team. I couldn’t believe it! This was a guy, a former walk-on, who had not only worked his way onto the team but become a captain, and whose name I had heard countless times from announcers as he was making play after play on the field – and he was a teacher at my school! I had all sorts of daydreams about getting to know this teacher and maybe one day following in his footsteps. Little did I know that this man would have

such a tremendous impact on my life in ways far beyond the realm of sports.

12

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

BY PATRICK BERTONI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

ESSAY WINNER

Mr. Moundros uses his skill and knowledge of sports to coach high school football and basketball. I first got to know him as the coach of my freshman basketball team, and I came to really respect him as a man of great character. However, I feel that I began to benefit most from my relationship with Mr. Moundros when I joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) group that he leads at Chelsea High School. I soon began to realize that Mr. Moundros is an extremely faith-filled man of God who uses his faith to govern and direct all aspects of his life, and through our weekly FCA meetings he has set a remarkable example of this for myself and many other student athletes.

I was blessed to grow up in a family where my parents fostered a love for God and our Catholic faith. However, I never fully formed a strong relationship with Christ in my life until I began sharing my faith with Mr. Moundros and my peers through FCA. I began to realize that my faith is a daily journey, and not just something that I reserve for Sundays. I began to share openly about my faith, and to be able to pray in front of other people, including God does not leading the pre-game prayer before our weekly varsity football meals as a only want senior. I would never have imagined us to go to that to be possible before I joined church every FCA. I have found the fellowship week or pray through this group to be one of the highlights of my high school each night experience. However, it has been before we go the dedication and mentorship of to bed. God Mr. Moundros that has made the wants us to difference. Each week, he shares a reflection on a topic that is relevant to realize that the challenges and issues of our daily he is a part of lives, and how we can draw upon our everything and faith to find counsel and support for responsible the struggles we face. He puts a very personal, practical, and faith-filled for everything perspective into Scripture and prayer, we have in our and helps us find ways that we can lives.” strengthen our commitment to Christ.

Since my freshman basketball experience, I have been very fortunate to play on multiple basketball and football teams that Mr. Moundros has coached. He has shown me and many athletes the love that God has for us by granting wonderful and unique gifts to every individual. I remember at one of our FCA discussions Mr. Moundros commented that God probably doesn’t love any sport, but since he loves us so much, he is happy that we are able to show and use the abilities that he has given us in ways that we love, while praising him for our gifts and opportunities. This really opened my eyes to something I had never seen before: God does not only want us to go to church every week or pray each night before we go to bed.

God wants us to realize that he is a part of everything and

responsible for everything we have in our lives. In addition, Mr. Moundros has taught me that God wants us to be good stewards of our time and talents, to be thankful for our blessings, and to give back whenever possible. For the past two years, he has provided our basketball team with the opportunity to help with a Thanksgiving Day meal for the homeless in Ann Arbor, and he has led by example.

Having gotten quite close to Mr. Moundros over these past few years, I have come to realize that the love and grace of God take many forms. For Mr. Moundros, his love of Christ is exemplified through his care and compassion for every student who crosses his path. I have had many great teachers throughout my years in school, but none are so welcoming to so many students. Most teachers probably look forward to a planning period or lunch break to decompress from the noise and chaos of so many teens around them all day. In contrast, Mr. Moundros invites and welcomes students to come sit in his classroom for lunch, and I have been one of them on many occasions. There have been times, when having a stressful or rough day, that I receive a greeting from him in the hallway or eat lunch in his classroom and feel so much better as a result. Being in a secular school setting, Mr. Moundros is not able to openly share his faith with students in the classroom, but everyone knows that THE QUESTION FOR THE he is a man of God and has a deep 2018 ESSAY: Tell us about abiding love for others. He is truly an the person who has been example of St. Francis’ instruction: the biggest influence on Teach the Gospel at all times, and use your faith. What have been words when necessary. the results of their influence As I look back on my faith journey in your life? over the past few years, I am amazed at the ways in which God works. Just four years ago, I was excited about THE 2018 FATHER the prospect of meeting and learning CHARLES IRVIN from a former standout athlete from ESSAY CONTEST WINNER Michigan’s football program. Since Every year, that time, to be honest, I have hardly FAITH awards ever heard Mr. Moundros speak a $1,000 about his college football experience, scholarship to and he has never mentioned the a high school fact that he was a senior captain of senior in our the team. But that is Mr. Moundros. diocese, based He is the most humble man that I on an essay on a topic related to have ever met ... just another one of life in the Church. Our goal is to the many examples of how he puts promote insightful thought and on Christ in all that he does. He excellent writing, and to encourage has been a tremendous influence in careers in Catholic journalism. my faith life, and I am so thankful There are many ways to spread the that God has blessed me with his Good News of Jesus Christ, and friendship and mentorship, and even good writing is one of them. We though my initial daydreams about hope you enjoy this year’s essay by sports were idealistic and naïve, I still Patrick Bertoni, a parishioner at St. want to follow in his footsteps – but Mary, Chelsea. this time as a man of God. 13

YOUR STORIES COVER STORY

To the casual observer, Say Meh (pronounced Say M’EH)

looks like an average, shy 15-year-old. Her soft voice and gentle manner might make her seem reserved. If you ask, she will tell you there is nothing extraordinary about her. But take a minute to visit with Say, and you will discover her story is anything but average.

On a Sunday afternoon, she is sitting in her family’s living room in a quiet Lansing neighborhood. Say’s mother, Preh Mor, leans back on the couch next to her youngest child. Dressed in a T-shirt and batik wrap skirt, Preh looks to her daughter to translate between their native Kayah language and English.

“We came to the U.S. on March 22, 2009. My mother, father, three brothers, sister and I had been living in a refugee camp in Thailand. My youngest brother and I were born there.

Everyone else was born in the Karenni (pronounced kah-REN-nee) state of Burma.

“We are Karenni, a Catholic minority who have lived in Burma since before World War II. Our people helped the British free Burma from the

One day, my parents got a letter from the Burmese military saying they had 15 days to get out of their house or be removed. Knowing how my father had been treated by the soldiers, they decided to escape to a refugee camp just over the border in Thailand.”

14

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER MONTH 20182018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Japanese and were promised independence. But when Britain withdrew, they left the Karenni under the control of the Burmese majority.

Soon civil war broke out between the Burmese military, who ruled the country, and Karenni armed fighters.

“I don’t really know why we lived in a refugee camp.” Say turns to her mother and asks for the story of how they earned refugee status. As Preh recounts their family’s experience, her face betrays little emotion – almost trance-like. Yet as the music of her mother’s story flows into the living room, various emotions wash over Say’s face. After a few minutes of intense listening, the daughter turns to share the extraordinary details.

“Burmese soldiers regularly came into Karenni villages to take what they wanted and keep our people in fear. Just after my parents got married, soldiers came to their house and grabbed my father along with other young men from the village.

They forced the Karenni men to move their war

15

machines and supplies through the jungle without any payment and only a handful of food. Many died of illness or starvation. One night, when they were camped along a river, my father made a raft of bamboo and escaped. He made his way back to our village and my mom. No soldiers came after him because they didn’t really keep track of their prisoners. If they lived or died, it didn’t matter.”

Say pauses. “This is the first time I’m hearing this story,” she explains. “I feel so bad for my parents.”

She continues, “Over the next five years, they built a house on a hill and farmed the land around it. They had my two oldest brothers and my sister and created a good life with other Karenni families in their village. In 1995, there was a cease-fire agreement, but it only lasted a couple months. In June 1996, Burmese soldiers started attacking the 16

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Karenni again, burning down houses, taking away properties and killing civilians.

“One day, my parents got a letter from the Burmese military saying they had 15 days to get out of their house or be removed. Knowing how my father had been treated by the soldiers, they decided to escape to a refugee camp just over the border in Thailand. They had three children under the age of 5 and my mom was pregnant, but they left immediately. Later, they learned the military burned and destroyed everything.

“Weeks after they arrived in the camp, my brother was born. I came along a couple years later. I don’t remember much about that time, except bamboo houses – larger bamboo stalks for the floor and ceiling and woven mats for the walls. The bathroom was a ditch running through the camp, and we went

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES REFUGEE SERVICES St. Vincent Catholic Charities (STVCC) is the designated refugee resettlement agency for adults and families in mid-Michigan. STVCC Refugee Services assists with the basic essentials to welcome refugees to the Lansing community and help them reach self-sufficiency.

To learn more, or to volunteer, visit STVCC.ORG or call 323.4734, ext. 1424.

to the communal showers at the center of the camp for our water.

“I remember going to a different school than my brothers and sister. I learned my ABCs in English.

We all learned English, and my brothers and sister also learned Burmese and Kayah along with other subjects.”

“I remember something like a store.” She asks her mother about that memory and listens intently as Preh replies. Then Say shares: “My mother says the U.N. rice rations weren’t enough for everyone because wealthy nations cut back funding to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). But it wasn’t legal for refugees to farm in Thailand. So, to get more food and earn some money, she and my father snuck back into Burma to visit Karennis who still farmed along the border. They brought fresh produce back into the camp to sell.

“One day, some people from the UNHCR-U.S. resettlement program came to our camp and offered everyone a chance to come to America. Mom and Dad talked it over. My uncle, who also lived in the camp, chose to return to Burma because he didn’t speak English. But my parents decided America would be our best option, even though they didn’t speak English either.”

“We came to Lansing in the spring.

I remember a couple greeting us at the airport and giving us pots and pans. St. Vincent Catholic Charities helped my parents find a house we could afford, and they provided furniture – including couches and beds. They also helped us enroll in school, and helped my parents find jobs where

language wouldn’t be a barrier.

“My mom works at Sohn Linen, and my older brothers and sister work there now that they have graduated from high school. My dad works at Peckham Industries. My next oldest brother is enrolled in a mechanics program at Lansing Community College.

“Mom says she likes living here because you don’t hear any shots or fighting, and she can work inside instead of being outside all the time. But she and my father still sell some crops from their garden and we eat the rest. She is grateful she can pay the monthly light, water and mortgage bills with what they earn and with some help from my brothers’ and sister’s paychecks.

“And we can celebrate our faith the way we want.

We attend Mass every Sunday at St. Mary Cathedral with about 30 to 35 other Karenni families. There is a Karenni priest who comes up from Indiana about once a month to hear confessions and say Mass. Our faith is an important part of everyday life. Faith sets ground rules for day-to-day-life.”

Say was confirmed this past spring at St. Mary Cathedral. “I was at Resurrection School for three years, and now I’m a sophomore at Lansing Catholic.

I played soccer last year, and I’m part of a dance troupe that performs at special Karenni gatherings like the National Conference of Burmese-American Catholics (NCBAC). I think dancing helps keep our culture alive, and it brings together people from all kinds of Karenni and Burmese dialects and traditions.

“I can’t think of anything interesting about myself. I guess I’d like readers to know more about the Karenni people’s history and traditions. There are obviously things I didn’t know.” Say looks admiringly at her mother sitting serenely on the couch. She smiles, “But now I do know I have a lot to be proud of!”

17

YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY

their teens. Mom took a picture of us from shore because she wasn’t canoeing.

“We were having fun floating along in the sunshine. Then I remember a dark cloud swept overhead and a cold wind blasted our canoe. All of a sudden, the boat capsized, and we were all in the water trying to get a good grip on whatever parts we could. It was hard because the bottom was smooth, but we held on by our fingertips because the current rushed us along from below and rain pelted us from above.

Mario comforts his “My mom ran along the shore mother as she recalls through numbing weeds and sharp the story of watching sticks, praying to the Blessed Mother her entire family fight for their lives to keep her family safe. Other people heard us yelling for help and tried to reach out to us from shore. Some policemen even tried, but nothing was long enough or fast enough to catch us going past.

“In the water, my dad and sisters fought the current to keep the upturned canoe and all of us afloat.

Dulce was holding me up on the canoe as much as she could. Since we were barely holding on, Dad couldn’t risk jerking or sharply turning the canoe out of our grasp.

Instead, he kept us steady by kicking and reaching down hoping to feel anything solid below.

“Mom was like a desperate child, and she called out to the Virgin Mary, ‘Mama! Help us, please!’ Finally, my dad’s foot hit something solid. He hooked it around a submerged tree branch and he and my sisters walked along the trunk to get us closer to shore. That got us out of the fastest part of the current so my dad and sisters could finally push the canoe toward the shore and my mom.

“No one remembers how we made it to solid ground. The girls and my mother say they heard a splash as if someone jumped into the water as soon as we climbed ashore. I don’t know about that, but I can still see the sun breaking through the dark clouds as we were laying on the river bank, exhausted but finally safe.”

As Mario’s mother relives the story, the terror of watching her entire family fight for their lives overwhelms her, and she begins to softly weep. Wordlessly, her son rises from his chair and moves to her side. He holds her hand and gently rubs her back as tears stream down her face. For a moment, they comfort each other in silence.

“My mom says, 100 percent, we were touched by God that day.

I don’t know. I’ve been on retreat when people were touched by the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. That was beautiful. Others who were touched had been singing when all of a sudden something hit them, and they couldn’t stop crying. My story wasn’t like that.

“But what faith means to me is praying the Rosary, or just praying a lot. My mom says ‘Rezar, mucho, mucho, mucho.’ I would say have faith and your prayers will be answered.”

How prayer saved Mario’s family from drowning M ARIO CHAVEZ-TELLO sits in the rectory of his home parish, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Flint. A high school junior, he talks about being an altar server since age 6.

“Eleven years is a long time. I’m thinking about retiring,” he smiles. “I serve almost every Sunday because Father Paul [Donnelly] asks me to fill in when other boys can’t make it. But I’d like to try being in the pews, where I can tell God everything I’ve done and listen to the Gospel.

“We have the Spanish Mass on Sundays that’s really beautiful.

When all the voices come together, they sound so great. After Mass, we like to hang out together and eat breakfast and laugh. The grownups talk to me kind of like family. I’d like to be with them instead of on the altar during Mass.

“If I don’t serve, my mom wants me to do something like usher or lector. She is president of the Legion of Mary at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Every Friday morning, she gets together with other members to pray for the world and everybody – especially people who are sick. They read from a book, too. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I remember it has a picture of Mary stepping on a snake.

When I look at that picture, it feels like I’m looking right at her.

“My mom says the Blessed Mother protected our family. Nine years ago on July 3, we decided to canoe down the Saginaw River. My father was steering with all of us kids – my sister Dulce sat next to me, and my sister Kenia was with my brother, Reynaldo. I was 8 and Reynaldo was 6 and my sisters were in 18

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE FRIESEMAN

YOUR STORIES MY STORY

OLIVIA RUNS TOWARD GOD And learns to accept his help Not gonna lie. I did not prepare well for my interview with Olivia Theis. Meeting her for the first time in the offices of FAITH, I saw a beautiful, earnest, cautious young woman who shared her faith with me, but always seemed to be leaving out something important. Olivia barely mentioned running, but said she planned to run for the University of Michigan in the fall. I thought “Wow, could she be good enough to walk on at U of M?” A quick Google search after our interview answered my question. Definitively. This woman can run a mile in under five minutes! She holds the state records in girls’ cross country and the 3,200-meter run. She was named the Detroit Athletic Club Female Athlete of the Year. Good enough to walk on at U of M?!? They recruited her!

So, you probably knew more about Olivia Theis (pronounced Tice) than I did when I sat down for her interview. But maybe you only know the athlete. Let me introduce you to Olivia Theis – Lansing Catholic graduate, sister to Sydney and Jaden, daughter of Luann and Dennis, child of God.

“My mom says my kindergarten teacher started writing the day’s schedule on the board because of me. Even then, I struggled with control and not knowing what to expect.”

Olivia is comfortable with routines and schedules. This past spring, however, something unexpected happened.

“I went on a mission trip to Alabama, where we worked on houses. The homeowner told us every day, ‘You are such a blessing in my life!’ Her knees are bad, so she can’t get around very well. We all prayed with her every day, and she recently wrote to me and said her knees were much better.

“Seeing how our work changed her life makes me happy. I like volunteering. I feel like I can see God in others who are dedicated to him. They seem happier. Even if they don’t have a lot materially, they have everything. No matter what challenges God puts in their path, they trust that there’s a reason.

BY NANCY ROSEBUSH SCHERTZING | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM LUNING

“[This experience] taught me God is always there, even when we don’t know what to expect.

I think when you’re struggling with something, it’s hard to accept God’s help. But I know the obstacles God put in my life have made me stronger.” For example, when I started running, I wanted to get better, and thought if I ate healthier I would run faster. I started winning races and getting better times. I remember stepping on the scale and thinking, ‘OK, I lost a little weight. Now I’ll get faster.’

“Until, eventually, I didn’t.

“I didn’t think anything was wrong, but I had developed a condition called orthorexia – categorizing food as either good or bad. Then about five years ago, I was diagnosed with anorexia. I went to a ranch in Arizona, and, with a ton of support from cool people from all over the country, I got better. Even now, food takes up a lot of my thoughts, but not as much as it once did. I think I’m getting a little bit better every day.

“Obviously I wish it hadn’t happened, but I learned a lot more about how to take care of my body.

I used to be afraid of everything, and this experience helped me get over my fears. It also helped me get better at accepting God’s help even though it’s hard to admit sometimes that I need it.

“Everything happens for a reason. If someone reads this and feels like they’re struggling with an obstacle in their lives, maybe my story can give them hope and the courage to accept God’s help too.

“To be honest, I need to do more to grow in my faith. I know a lot of people fall away when they don’t have their parents reminding them to pray. I want to join a church in Ann Arbor, maybe continue to do mission trips.

Mostly, I will continue to work on accepting God’s help with whatever obstacles he puts in my path.”

19

YOUR STORIES MY STORY

Each day Emilie decides

t

'Am I going to love today as the Lord loves me?'

20

A

T 17, EMILIE STEVENSON’S whole life has been immersed in a family and parish environment rich in faith, love and community.

Still, it took the slow, revealing work of authentic relationships with other Catholic women to give Emilie the courage today to shed insecurities, embrace her identity as a beloved daughter of God and carry that love to others.

The youngest of four, Emilie was always the one looking ahead to the next, faith-related activity enjoyed by her older siblings, especially the annual Pine Hills Camp, an interdenominational, middle school camp in Grass Lake. Now a fullfledged Pine Hills alumna, Emilie served on the support staff this past August, and she relishes the week of freedom from cell phones and the chance to encourage younger girls to be “fearlessly themselves”

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

while discovering God’s love for them. The girls’ camp, which attracts nearly 200 girls from across the state, is directed by Debbie Herbeck, a parishioner at Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor and a part of Emilie’s life “since I was very, very little,” Emilie remembers.

When Debbie began Be Love Revolution, a ministry for high school girls, Emilie was in eighth grade, though she confesses to sneaking into some of those early events.

BY ELIZABETH HANSEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GENNARA

BeLoved:

Emilie credits the threefold

A community of young women growing together in the faith

proclamation of the Be Love Revolution – Be His. Be free. Be love. – for teaching her to let go of her anxieties and live in a greater freedom that radiates the same joy she was attracted to in Debbie and others.”

anxieties and live in a greater freedom that radiates the same joy she was attracted to in Debbie and others.

People notice that freedom, she says, which she hopes becomes a spark to introduce them, in turn, to Jesus.

Though her understanding of it has grown, Emilie’s had a profound awareness of God’s healing love even as a young child. She survived bone cancer, and attributes that to the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

As a senior at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, Emilie now takes on more leadership roles in BeLoved, helping with retreats for younger girls. The experience has made her realize that “helping someone discover their identity rooted in the Lord is beautiful,” and opened her to the possibility of doing full-time ministry in the future. If she could impress upon the younger girls one message that’s saved her in her own teen years, it’s “that they’re enough.”

With that foundation, she says, “Everything will be OK.” Despite her passion for ministry, Emilie is a firm believer that the message of love that’s changed her life can’t be relegated to one or two evening events a month.

“It’s a movement, a way of life,” she says. “When you wake up in the morning, you have to decide: Am I going to love today as the Lord loves me?”

That answer, she believes, will start a revolution.

KATIE BURNS

“I think what drew me in was how real everyone is,” Emilie says. The women who serve as leaders set the tone of each BeLoved event, making it an inviting, safe place for the girls to experience what Emilie describes as a fiercely strong sisterhood.

“No one’s competing against each other,” she says, and Debbie’s gift of making each girl feel like a priority and listened to was a stark contrast to what Emilie sees as “the world’s lack of authenticity.”

She laughs when describing the stereotype that Catholics aren’t allowed to have fun: “Debbie’s one of the most fun people I know.”

A typical night at BeLoved begins with a talk, followed by small groups, praise and worship, then time for fellowship. It’s that time to shore up friendships with other young women earnestly seeking to follow Jesus and willing to pray with each other that’s made all the difference for Emilie, especially when she faces the typical pressures and drama of high school life.

“I was very insecure,” Emilie says.

“I focused a lot on what people thought of me, how I looked.” But the constant reminders by Debbie and the sisterhood she discovered at BeLoved that “God created me and is bigger than all of this” have transformed her faith more than she thought possible over the past couple years. Emilie credits the threefold proclamation of the Be Love Revolution – Be His. Be free. Be love. – for teaching her to let go of her

On Aug. 1, dozens of teen girls gathered at Christ the King Parish Center in Ann Arbor for a night of community, support and faith. It was a BeLoved event – a weekly summer gathering (held biweekly during the school year) put on by Be Love Revolution, a ministry for teen girls run by Debbie Herbeck. The ministry is a way to reach out to young women and inspire them to live lives wholly in and for the Lord.

On this night, there was a clear sense of welcome and community from the start as young women arrived from the Ann Arbor area and beyond. It began by recapping the previous week’s BeLoved event through a slideshow of photos. Then Debbie welcomed everyone, especially the newcomers who had never been to a BeLoved night before.

The speaker for the evening, Dee Gross, expounded on the theme of, “FearLESS.” She began by challenging the young women to see fear as sometimes being a loss of perspective.

While at times, she said, fear can help keep us safe from danger, it can also be a hindrance to a life of freedom and trust in God. She told the girls, “As Christians, we believe our fears are less than our Lord. Which means that we can fear things less.” Dee ended her talk by sharing some ways to combat fear.

Her list included stating truth in prayer, practicing gratitude and trust and living in the present moment.

After the talk, the young women broke off into small groups, where they shared their own experiences with fear in their lives.

The evening ended with praise and worship, where the young women offered their fears to the Lord.

“It’s really beautiful to see all the girls come together in praise,” Debbie says.

If you have any teen girls in your life, this is an excellent opportunity for them to grow closer to Christ while being part of a beautiful community of young women. – KATIE BURNS

21

YOUR STORIES FEATURE STORY

22

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

Father Dave invites the Holy Spirit into our lives with COME, HOLY SPIRIT – these words have launched countless journeys both into our deepest selves and out to the wider world. They help us enter into relationship with a Being at once loving and wild, whom we can never control – the very spirit of God. Its Gaelic image, the Wild Goose, inspired Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, to adopt it for his ministry.

“I am called to preach, to help people recognize that the Holy Spirit wants to be in relationship with us in every aspect of our lives.

But sometimes that can frighten us, right? Look at the Acts of the Apostles, Chapters 1-3. The men and women who entered the Upper Room were very different from the people who came out.

“Pope Francis states that the Holy Spirit wants to facilitate ‘an encounter with the love of God that brings about change.’ He says the greatest gift of the Holy Spirit is the Spirit itself. And that gift comes in an infinite variety of forms filling us with love, mercy, conviction, encouragement, power and profound joy.

“In Hebrew, the Holy Spirit is called ruach – the breath of God. It brings life itself, as we see in Genesis (2:7) and John’s Gospel (20:22). We often try to control the wildness of the Holy Spirit, but it must remain untamed.

“Sometimes this makes people afraid to truly invite the Holy Spirit to pour into the vessels of our lives and fill us. I created the Ministry of the Wild Goose to help make that experience less frightening and to show how the Holy Spirit manifests in our lives and in the world. My

THE WILD GOOSE VIDEO SERIES

friends at 4PM Media collaborated with me to develop a video series available at thewildgooseisloose. com com to reveal that reality.

The videos pair with reflection sheets that invite thought and discussion about each message or lesson. We’ve received some lovely feedback about the videos’ artistry and lessons.

“In the fall of 2015, I released my fourth book, titled Breath of God – Living a Life Led by the Holy Spirit.

It complements the lessons of the Holy Spirit the videos explore.

“The Wild Goose Ministry in an evangelistic outreach of Franciscan Pathways, a ministry of my Franciscan Community.

I am a Franciscan of the Sacred Heart Province of the Third Order Regular (TOR). My TOR Community also runs Franciscan University of Steubenville, where I worked for many years.

“The last seven years, while writing and filming, I have been traveling full time, preaching about a relationship with Christ animated by the Holy Spirit. I lead parish missions, retreats, conferences and pilgrimages to holy sites. My most recent project is a documentary on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. It is titled Sign of Contradiction, and it highlights the

extraordinary journey of this saint’s life and legacy. St. Francis was so much more than the birdbath statue we’ve all seen in gardens! I encourage people to watch the trailer at signofcontradiction.com and consider showing it at a public event.

“There is a tremendous need for beautiful and inspiring media. It’s my desire to make the Wild Goose videos free to those who need them, and we will ask very little for sharing Sign of Contradiction. I certainly appreciate those who can support this ministry through freewill offerings on our website.

“God has called me to help stir and awaken in people’s hearts the power of the Holy Spirit, who is always waiting for those open to receiving. There is no sacrament where the Holy Spirit is not present, and the Lord desires us to be filled with the Holy Spirit when we participate in the sacraments.

When we pray and surrender to the Holy Spirit, we are continually filled with the Spirit of God. “But we are not supposed to merely be containers of the Holy Spirit, rather if we desire to live a life in the Holy Spirit, we must allow the Spirit to flow through us. It is much like the Sea of Galilee, lush and brimming with life because the Jordan flows into and out of the sea. Contrast this to the Dead Sea, where the water only flows in – you can see the importance of sharing the Spirit’s gifts with others.

“I continue to pray that the Holy Spirit fills me for evangelization and works of mercy. The Spirit compels me to live the Gospel as I proclaim it in the tradition and legacy of St. Francis and our Lord.

The Spirit also desires to fill you; all you need to do is begin by saying ‘Come, Holy Spirt.’

As we continue on our journey from the Diocesan Assembly, Made for Happiness, the Diocese of Lansing invites everyone to participate in the Wild Goose series.

The Wild Goose is a 14-part online video series on discovering a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, narrated by Father Dave Pivonka, TOR. The segments, filmed on location in diverse locales throughout the United States and Canada, are available for free download at THEWILDGOOSEISLOOSE.COM. 23

YOUR COMMUNITY

ADVENT REGIONAL PENANCE SERVICES

As dates/times might change, please contact the parish to confirm.

CLINTON/EATON/INGHAM VICARIATE • • • •

ec. 16, 2 p.m., St. Thomas Aquinas, East Lansing D Dec. 19, 2 p.m., St. Peter, Eaton Rapids Dec. 20, 4:15 p.m., St. Peter, Eaton Rapids Dec. 20, 7 p.m., St. James, Mason (combined Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian, Leslie) • Dec. 21, 10 a.m., St. Peter, Eaton Rapids

GENESEE/SHIAWASSEE VICARIATE

• Dec. 16, 3 p.m., St. Mark the Evangelist, Goodrich/Grand Blanc • Dec. 16, 6:30 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Davison • Dec. 18, 3 p.m., St. Pius X, Flint • Dec. 18, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Morrice • Dec. 19, 10:45 a.m., St. John the Evangelist, Davison • Dec., every Saturday, Blessed Sacrament, Burton

JACKSON VICARIATE

•D ec. 10, 7 p.m., St. Rita, Clarklake • Dec. 11, 7 p.m., Queen of the Miraculous Medal, Jackson • Dec. 13, 7 p.m., St. Catherine Labouré, Concord • Dec. 15, 10 a.m., St. Mary Star of the Sea, Jackson • Dec. 18, 7 p.m., St. John the Evangelist, Jackson • Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Our Lady of Fatima, Michigan Center

LENAWEE/HILLSDALE VICARIATE

•D ec. 12, 7 p.m., Sacred Heart, Hudson (combined St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach)

LIVINGSTON VICARIATE • • • • • • •

ec.

D Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

6, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Pinckney 10, 7 p.m., Holy Spirit, Brighton 11, 7 p.m., St. Augustine, Deerfield 12, 7 p.m., St. John the Baptist, Howell 13, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Howell 15, 10 a.m., St. Patrick, Brighton 17, 7 p.m., St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton

WASHTENAW VICARIATE • • • • •

ec.

D Dec. Dec. Dec. Dec.

10, 7 p.m., St. Andrew the Apostle, Saline 11, 7 p.m., St. Joseph, Dexter 12, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Chelsea 13, 7 p.m., St. Mary, Manchester 19, 7 p.m., Old St. Patrick, Ann Arbor

THINGS TO DO Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Michael Parish, Grand Ledge will hold its annual Christmas Bazaar and Craft Show in the St. Michael Fellowship Hall and School. For information, contact the parish office at 517.627.8493.

Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m., Holy Spirit Parish, Brighton will host Advent by Candlelight. Begin the Advent season enjoying fellowship, food, inspiration from Deacon Jerry Brennan and music performed by the "Two Tenors." No charge, a freewill donation for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. For reservations, contact the parish office at 810.231.9199, ext. 200.

Dec. 1, noon to 7 p.m., and Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the St. Paul, Owosso Altar Society will host its annual homemade cookie sale at the church, located at 111 N. Howell St. All trays are $4 per pound and specialty plates, wrapped and ready for giving, will be $8. All proceeds assist St. Paul Altar Society purchase hosts, candles and other altar care items. Everyone is invited. For information, contact the parish office at 989.723.4277.

Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m., the Council of Catholic Women at St. Mark the Evangelist in Grand Blanc/Goodrich is hosting an Advent Tea. Join us for an afternoon of fellowship, food and preparation for Our Lord's coming.

For information, contact the parish office at 810.636.2216.

Dec. 2, 9:30 a.m., Owosso’s religious education program at St. Joseph Oratory, 915 E. Oliver St., invites families to its Advent activity,

beginning with Mass then a visit to the school for an interactive journey through Bethlehem "One Starry Night." For information, call St. Paul’s at 989.723.4277, ext. 1101.

Dec. 7, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John Student Center will have their annual fundraiser, Auction with a Twist. Come and enjoy an evening of fun and excitement with twist tables and a live auction at the downtown Radisson Hotel. Tickets are on sale at elcatholics.org/ordertickets. For information, call Denise at 517.337.9778.

Dec. 10, 3 p.m., St. Agnes, Fowlerville’s Music Ministry invites everyone to attend their Festival of Carols – A Christmas Contata. The program will feature the adult and children’s choir, the handbell choir and youth ensemble. Afterward, there will be a reception in Higgins Hall. For information, call the parish office at 517.223.8684.

Dec. 14-16, a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for post-abortion healing in the Ann Arbor area.

For information and registration, contact Beth Bauer at 734.879.0427, toheal4give@outlook.com, or visit RachelsVineyard.org.

Dec. 15-16, Holy Spirit, Brighton Women’s Guild will have a craft and bake sale after all Masses at 9565 Musch Road. For information, contact the parish at 810.231.9199, ext. 200.

Dec. 15-16, St. John the Evangelist in Davison and Blessed Sacrament in Burton will host a Baby Shower for baby Jesus during all Masses at both campuses. Bring an unwrapped gift to benefit Heartbeat of Flint and join in

DECEMBER CAFE EVENTS Dec. 13, Livingston Vicariate monthly men's night begins at 5:45 p.m. with prayer and confession; 6:15 p.m., Mass; 7 p.m., speaker is Father Dan Kogut, pastor of St. Mary, Pinckney and former chaplain and spiritual director of Powers High School in Flint; and 8 p.m., fellowship and refreshments. For information, visit livingstoncatholic.com.

In January, St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Brighton will begin both day and evening courses for Alpha: An Introduction to the Christian Faith. Each of the weekly sessions begins with a simple dinner, followed by a short talk looking at a different aspect of the Christian faith and includes time for discussion in friendly small groups. For information or to register, call the parish office at 810.229.8624.

24

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

RETREAT CENTERS ST. FRANCIS RETREAT CENTER, DEWITT, STFRANCIS.WS or 866.669.8321 • Dec. 7-9, Married couples retreat: From Chaos to Order. This weekend is based on the movement from chaos to order, with Christ as the stabilizing force in our lives. A total of five talks will be presented during the three days, including these topics: Finding time for God in our lives; Finding time for each other; Reclaiming order in a chaotic world; and more. The cost for couples is $300. Register online.

WEBER RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, ADRIAN, 517.266.4000 or WEBERCENTER.ORG • Sunday, Dec. 2. 6:30 p.m.–Friday, Dec 7, noon, Advent retreat: Prayers of Desire and Promise. The O Antiphons are prayer phrases used at vespers of the last week of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The title of each O Antiphon begins with a name for Christ: O Wisdom, O Key of David, etc. Presenter: Martin Iott, OP, will guide participants in exploring and embracing the spirituality expressed in the seven O Antiphons, proclaimed along with Mary’s Canticle during Advent. The cost is: commuter - $220; single - $420 and double: $320 DOMINICAN CENTER AT MARYWOOD, GRAND RAPIDS, 616.514.3325 or DOMINICANCENTER.COM •M onday, Dec. 3–Friday, Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Advent icon retreat: The Nativity. The Nativity image will guide participants during the sacred writing practice of painting an icon. Through prayer, contemplative creativity and gentle instruction, participants will paint an icon. Beginner and experienced artists welcome.

No previous painting experience required. Cost is $350, includes materials, breakfasts and lunches; overnight rooms are available for $45/night. Space is limited.

• Dec. 8, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Be Still in Sacred Spaces retreat: The best gift you can give the world is a “you” that is fully present. Come, retreat to a place focused on quieting the environment around and all that is within you. Learn to respond to your need and longing for time and space to renew body, mind and spirit. Come on your own, invite a friend or gather with a special group. Cost: $25, includes continental breakfast. the gift-giving procession. They also invite you to come to the Bambinelli services on these same days and bring baby Jesus from your Nativity to be blessed at whichever Sunday Mass you will be attending. For information, please visit st.johndavison.org.

Dec. 16, 2 p.m., the Diocese of Lansing’s Special Needs Ministry and All Faith Ministry for Disabilities are sponsoring a Special Needs Mass/ Holiday Party at the St. Francis Retreat Center Chapel, 703 E. Main St., DeWitt. Begins with Mass and is followed with a holiday party that includes a meal, gifts and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Please RSVP to Cathy Blatnik by Dec. 10 at 517.381.1410 or lcblatnik@juno.com.

Everyone is welcome.

Dec. 21, 7 p.m., St. Mary Queen of Angels Parish, 4413 Morrish Rd., Swartz Creek will host a euchre

tournament fundraiser sponsored by its Knights of Columbus Council. For more information, call 810.635.3684.

St. Mary Magdalen, Brighton will host 8 Great Dates for Couples on Friday nights from January through March. Event includes catered dinners for two with conversation and video. Childcare is provided.

Registration is required, call the parish at 810.229.8624 by Jan. 3.

Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 23333 Schoolcraft, Detroit, will host Spiritual Health for the New Year.

Participate in a variety of prayer experiences designed to refresh your spirit and provide tools to enrich your spiritual journey throughout the coming year. For information, contact Janene Ternes of Prayer in Motion, LLC at 734.347.2422 or visit www. prayer-in-motion.com.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF JACKSON, LENAWEE AND HILLSDALE COUNTIES, JACKSON: 517.782.2551 AND ADRIAN: 517.263.2191 or CATHOLICCHARITIESJLHC.ORG • Did you know? Counseling now is available in Hillsdale.

The new space is located inside St. Anthony of Padua Church. It includes a play therapy room, a foster care visit room and the counseling office. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 517.263.2191.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SHIAWASSEE AND GENESEE COUNTIES, FLINT: 810.232.9950 AND OWOSSO: 989.723.7239 or CCSGC.ORG • Dec. 7, 11 a.m., clergy from across the community will gather in the Center for Hope to bless Catholic Charities’ Warming Center and its guests for the upcoming season. All are welcome to attend. For information, call 810.265.7025.

• Help us put Hope in a Box for those in need this Christmas, items needed are: new towels and socks for adults, and unwrapped toys for children. Also needed items used every day: toiletries and cleaning items that are not covered with Bridge Cards. If your group, business or family would like to donate these items for the Community Closet or volunteer, please call 810.265.7025.

• Be an Angel for a Child this Christmas: Last year, nearly 2,000 children received Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree Program. If you would like to help provide Christmas for a child in need, call John at the North End Soup Kitchen at 810.785.6911.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES OF WASHTENAW COUNTY, 734.971.9781 or CSSWASHTENAW.ORG • Our Offender Success Program seeks to significantly reduce crime and enhance public safety by implementing a seamless system of services for returning citizens, during and after incarceration. Help us give these individuals a second chance with your donations for: kitchen supplies, bedding, toiletries, winter outerwear and clothes suitable for job interviews. The need is dire – your support can change lives. To donate, contact Devin Dailey at 734.327.9717 or ddailey@csswashtenaw.org.

LIVINGSTON COUNTY CATHOLIC CHARITIES, 517.545.5944 or LIVINGSTONCATHOLICCHARITIES.ORG •N ov. 10 to Dec. 7, its Christmas Blessing Project is collecting donations for the low-income and homebound seniors it serves. For information or to donate, call Suzi at 517.546.9910 or visit their website for a list of desired items and to learn how you can help.

ST. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHARITIES, LANSING, 517.323.4734 or STVCC.ORG • Dec. 11, 6-8:30 p.m., Foster and Adoptive Parent Orientation. Have you ever considered helping a child in need by becoming a foster or adoptive parent? Please join us for a cost-free/commitment-free orientation to learn how you can help change the life of a child in need.

Registration is required. Contact Stephanie Stanley at 517.323.4734, ext. 1601 or stanles@stvcc.org.

25

LOCAL NEWS

SUE LEWIS OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES IN JACKSON RECEIVES AWARD Sue Lewis, executive director of Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale Counties, was honored in the September issue as one of Jackson Magazine’s 2018 Health Care Angels. The magazine considers those selected for the award to be the most dedicated individuals in the Jackson health care community.

Sue was recognized “because of her extraordinary compassion and drive.”

Sue commented that her greatest reward is the chance to start new programs and offer needed services. One such service is adding a grief and support program to Catholic Charities. Another is establishing child advocacy centers in her agency’s three counties that help victims of abuse and their families.

Visit jacksonmagazine.com to read the digital edition of the September issue.

SACRED HEART PARISHIONER DOROTHY MEREDITH CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY On Oct. 2, Dorothy Meredith of Sacred Heart Parish in Hudson celebrated her 100th birthday. Born in Hudson in 1918, Dorothy Durling was raised a Baptist. In 1939, age 21, Dorothy converted and became Roman Catholic. She and her husband Leo were married in 1941 at Sacred Heart, and were blessed with seven children and numerous grand and great grandchildren. Leo died in 1991.

Dorothy is still very active at Sacred Heart and in the Hudson Community. She has been a member of the church choir for more than 75 years. Jennifer Ball, who has played the church organ since 1959, says, "Dorothy was our Altar Rosary Society president when she was 27 and for many years was a guild leader where she served our parish in numerous ways. She attends Mass every Sunday with her sons. We are blessed to know her and still hear her beautiful voice."

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ABUSED OR VICTIMIZED

BY SOMEONE REPRESENTING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH Please believe in the possibility for hope and help and healing.

We encourage you to come forward and speak out.

If I have been the victim of child sexual abuse by someone representing the Catholic Church, whom should I contact?

Contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Lansing, Cheryl Williams-Hecksel, LMSW, 888.308.6252 or cwilliamshecksel@dioceseoflansing.org.

What if I am an adult victim of sexual harassment, abuse, or other types of harassment by someone who works for the Catholic Church?

Contact the Lighthouse Incident Reporting service, 844.446.0009, or Lisa Kutas, Human Resources Director, 517.342.2511 or lkutas@dioceseoflansing.org.

Auxiliary Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of St. Paul and Minneapolis poses for a photo Sept. 20 with delegates prior to the start of the Fifth National Encuentro, or V Encuentro, in Grapevine, Texas.

SPECIAL REPORT

M

ORE THAN 3,000 Hispanic delegates from Catholic dioceses around the United States returned from the National V Encuentro in Grapevine, Texas, energized by their participation and ready to share their experiences with those they represented.

Amidst this darkness, the Encuentro is a light that shines and illuminates the way forward.

28

Inspired by the call to become "Missionary Disciples, Witnesses of God's Love," the delegates gathered Sept. 20-23 to discern ways in which the U.S. Church can help Hispanic Catholics strengthen their Christian identity and their response as missionary discipleship for the entire Church.

Representing 163 dioceses, the delegates presented the concerns and suggestions voiced by more than 250,000 Catholic Hispanics who participated in parish, diocesan and regional sessions in the two years leading up to the national conference.

ADDRESSING NEEDS OF HISPANIC YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS In four breakout sessions, delegates discussed and prioritized the ways the U.S. Church can strengthen its pastoral response to Hispanic Catholics. In the final session, delegates identified best practices in 28 ministerial areas. The goals discerned through the V Encuentro process reveal the importance placed on addressing the needs of Hispanic youths and young adults, who now make up 60 percent of Catholics in their age group. In the final session, delegates identified Leadership Development, Family Ministry and Youth and Young Adult Ministry as the highest priorities.

A key experience for many participants was the

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

CNS PHOTO/TYLER ORSBURN

V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry

dinner for young adults with the more than 100 bishops who attended V Encuentro. The 700 young adults participating had an opportunity to converse directly with the bishops and express their interest in being involved and included in leadership in the Church. The bishops, in the words of Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antonio, are encouraged by “the enthusiasm and courage, witness of faith and commitment to the Church” expressed by the young delegates during this session.

Delegates are charged with returning to their parishes and dioceses and inviting their communities to discern ways the goals can be achieved locally and preparing pastoral plans guided by the concluding document from the conference.

EFFECTS ALREADY BEING FELT The effects of V Encuentro are already rippling through the U.S. Church. According to Bishop Nelson Perez, bishop of Cleveland and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on Hispanic Affairs, 288 parishes have started Hispanic ministry as a direct result of the local preparation for the national event. He reported that more than 50 dioceses have added staff dedicated to Hispanic ministry, including 35 that have added additional pastoral staff.

Following the close of the conference, Archbishop Garcia-Siller stated, “The V Encuentro process, and [e]specially the national gathering, will go down in history as a special moment of grace for the Church in the United States in these turbulent and difficult times. As Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, aptly put it in his welcoming remarks: ‘Amidst this darkness, the Encuentro is a light that shines and illuminates the way forward.

The enthusiasm, the passion, the love and the joy of the Encuentro process are a means of grace, a gift to us as we rebuild the Church.’”

Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry attends national Encuentro

La coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano asiste el V Encuentro nacional

Susana Chapa Vargas, the new coordinator of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Lansing, can hardly contain her enthusiasm as she describes the experience of participating in V Encuentro. She repeatedly uses the word “hope” to emphasize the atmosphere created by the gathering of more than 3,000 Hispanic Catholics in September.

“It was unbelievable – the Mass with 170 bishops! There was no room for the priests to fit on the altar platform! There was so much joy during the 4 days, with 3,000 of us singing, analyzing the needs and how’s for the Hispanic community and praying together!”

Susana is committed to providing a ministry to our diocese guided by the goals of the conference. To begin, she is taking time to get to know and listen to those who serve in ministry to Hispanics and visiting Hispanic parishioners in their parishes and in some cases in their places of work.

“There are some very strong ministries in the diocese where Hispanic Catholics are very involved in parish leadership. In other places, there are many Hispanics who are very devoted Catholics, but they are not connected to a parish. It is important to listen to the specific needs of each community and to provide the support that best meets their needs.”

Susana weaves the words of Pope Francis into her vision of ministry in our diocese. “Pope Francis calls us to be ‘missionary disciples’; to go to ‘the peripheries’ to share the joy of the Gospel.”

For Hispanics ready to embrace the call to become missionary disciples, Susana lists providing leadership training in parish ministry among her goals and has already tapped Hispanic ministry leaders to help train others. To serve those on the peripheries, Susana seeks to train more Spanish-speaking or bilingual catechists, and provide more bilingual catechetical materials.

Providing guidance to migrants and immigrants is another goal she has for reaching out to those on the peripheries.

Susana says the experience of V Encuentro has empowered Hispanics to see that they, in the words of Carl A. Anderson, the head of the Knights of Columbus “have many gifts to give the nation, and to not be afraid to share our traditions.” She seems poised to inspire and welcome Hispanics in our diocese to share and celebrate those gifts.

Susana Chapa Vargas, la nueva coordinadora del Ministerio Hispano para la Diócesis de Lansing, casi no puede contener su entusiasmo mientras ella describe la experiencia de haber participado en el V Encuentro.

Ella usa, repetidamente la palabra “esperanza” para enfatizar la atmósfera creada por la reunión de más de 3,000 Hispanos Católicos en Septiembre.

“Fué increíble, -la misa con 170 Obispos! ¡No había espacio para que los sacerdotes cupieran en la plataforma del altar!, Hubo mucha alegría durante los cuatro días, con 3,000 de nosotros cantando, analizando las necesidades y los comos de la comunidad hispana y orando juntos!”

Susana está comprometida para proporcionar un ministerio para nuestra diócesis guiado por los objetivos de la conferencia. Para empezar, ella está tomando el tiempo para conocer y escuchar a aquéllos que sirven en el ministerio a los Hispanos, y está visitando a los feligreses Hispanos en sus parroquias y en algunos casos en sitios de trabajo.

“En la diócesis, hay algunos ministerios muy fuertes en dónde los Hispanos Católicos están muy comprometidos en el liderazgo en las parroquias.

En otros lugares, hay muchos Hispanos que son Católicos devotos, pero no están conectados a la vida parroquial. Es importante escuchar las necesidades específicas de cada comunidad y proporcionar el apoyo que satisfaga de mejor manera sus necesidades.

Susana teje las palabras del Papa Francisco en su visión del ministerio en la diócesis: “El Papa Francisco, nos llama a ser discípulos misioneros” e ir a las “periferias”, a compartir “la alegría del Evangelio”.

Para los hispanos que estén listos para abrazar el llamado a ser discípulos misioneros, Susana menciona el proporcionar entrenamiento a los líderes de las parroquias entre sus objetivos y ya ha contagiado a algunos líderes del ministerio Hispano para ayudar a entrenar a otros. Para servir a aquéllos que están en las periferias, Susana busca formar a más catequistas que hablen español o sean bilingües, y proporcionar más materiales catequéticos bilingües.

Otro objetivo que ella tiene es proporcionar dirección a los migrantes e inmigrantes para llegar a los que están en las periferias.

Susana dice que la experiencia del V Encuentro ha empoderado a los Hispanos para ver que ellos, en las palabras de Carl A. Anderson, director ejecutivo de los Caballeros de Colón, “tienen muchos dones que dar a la nación, y que no deben tener miedo de compartir sus tradiciones” Ella se ve lista para inspirar y dar la bienvenida a los Hispanos en nuestra diócesis para compartir y celebrar sus dones.

Pope Francis calls us to be ‘missionary disciples’; to go to ‘the peripheries’ to share the ‘joy of the Gospel.’”

29

SAINT OF THE MONTH

special report

V National Encuentro of Hispanic/ Latino Ministry feature

grow+ go

The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 18: ISSUE 10

www.FAITHmag.com Most Rev. Earl Boyea PUBLISHER

Rev. Dwight Ezop

What are we preparing for THIS ADVENT? Create persistent relationships ROOTED IN FAITH

How prayer saved Mario’s family from drowning and

Olivia runs toward God and learns to accept his help

After coming to the United States, Say Meh and family

‘Can celebrate our faith the way we want’

FIND US ONLINE AT FAITHMAG.COM

EDITOR AND CHAIRMAN

ST. AMBROSE Feast Day: Dec. 7

T

HE LIFE OF ST. AMBROSE (b. 337 AD) may be one of

the best examples of how God’s plans can be completely different from our own. And St. Ambrose’s response provides a wonderful

CONNECTING PEOPLE WITH JESUS AND HIS CHURCH WWW.FAITHCATHOLIC.COM

Patrick M. O’Brien PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Elizabeth Martin Solsburg VICE PRESIDENT/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Kayla Simon CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ann Jacob MANAGING EDITOR

Cynthia Vandecar DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

Marybeth Hicks MARKETING DIRECTOR

Patrick Dally ART DIRECTOR

Matt Watters ILLUSTRATOR

Mike Jones DIRECTOR OF TECH AND DIGITAL MEDIA

Michelle Hildebrandt CREATIVE DIRECTOR WEB

Jillane Job EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Elizabeth Hansen | Rev. Joseph Krupp | Dr. Cathleen McGreal | Nancy Rosebush Schertzing | Sheri Wohlfert CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Carlson Productions | Shane Folkertsma | Mike Frieseman | Tom Gennara | Sarah Moore Kuschell | James Luning | Gretchen Mathos | Don Quillan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Most Rev. Carl F. Mengeling FOUNDING PUBLISHER

Rev. Charles Irvin FOUNDING EDITOR For advertising information, contact Tom Gaskin Call 517.853.7648 or email tgaskin@faithcatholic.com For subscription information: Call 1.866.76.FAITH

FAITHTM (USPS 019993) is a publication of FAITH Catholic, Diocese of Lansing, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing, MI 48906-5550. FAITHTM is a membership publication of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing and is published monthly except for February and August. To purchase a subscription, log on to FAITHpub.com. If you have a change of address, please contact your parish. Periodicals postage paid in Lansing, MI and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FAITHTM, 1500 E. Saginaw St., Lansing MI 48906-5550. ©2017 FAITH Catholic. FAITH is a trademark of FAITH Catholic.

30

message for how saying “yes” to God and striving for holiness in our own lives can be an important witness to others.

As governor of two Roman St. Ambrose absolving Theodosius provinces headquartered in Milan, Ambrose attended the election of a new bishop to simply help keep the peace between the Nicene Church and the Arians. Wellloved for his fairness and charity, the assembled crowd called for his appointment to the see and he suddenly found himself the new bishop of Milan. Not yet baptized a Christian or versed in Christian theology, he refused and went into hiding. But, with the Emperor Gratian’s approval, Ambrose finally accepted. He was baptized, ordained and consecrated the bishop of Milan within the week. Popular, persuasive and a fierce Popular, defender of the truth, Ambrose became one of the most influential figures of the fourth century and of Church history. persuasive Known primarily for his defense of Church teaching against the and a fierce growing Arian heresy in his time, Ambrose repeatedly found himself defender of tangling with emperors, but his humility and generosity fueled his the truth, popularity and increased his political power.

Ambrose is one of the four original Latin doctors of the Church, Ambrose along with Augustine, Jerome and Gregory the Great. His extensive became one writings include treatises on ethics, the priesthood, sacraments, the of the most role of Mary and the liturgy. A late student to Scripture, Ambrose used influential his background in Greek philosophy to share the lessons of the Old Testament through the lens of its heroes. Ambrose is credited with figures of composing hymns that are the foundation for hymns used to this day. the fourth His influence as an orator may be best demonstrated by the impact century and his influence had on St. Augustine. Tradition teaches that Augustine of Church was unimpressed with Christian theology, but was forever changed by meeting Ambrose. Augustine’s mother, St. Monica, credits Ambrose with history.”

Augustine’s conversion, calling him, “An angel of God who uprooted her son from his former ways and led him to his convictions of Christ."

Ambrose is the patron of Milan, beekeepers, beggars and learning.

His feast day is Dec. 7, the date he was consecrated bishop. His zealous embrace of God’s plan for him can be an inspiration for all who say “yes” to God’s unexpected plans for them.

FAITH Magazine | DECEMBER 2018 | WWW.FAITHMAG.COM

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

Save the Date for Catholic Schools Week 2019: January 27-February 2, 2019! #CSW2019